Are you one of the many people who just can’t find enough time in your day to get in a workout? Tired of feeling guilty at the end of the day cause you simply ran out of hours in the day? Getting in several mini-workouts throughout the day is better than no workout at all. Finding small ways to raise your heart rate and to tone and have fewer aches and pains is essential throughout the day. Here are 5 get-fit tricks to keep your body moving during the course of those nonstop days:

#1 Wake up like the cats and dogs: Learn the downward dog yoga posture. It rests the heart. This is a great way to start your day, it helps get the blood flowing throughout the body and that will provide an energy burst. Why do you think our cats and dogs do this every time they get up from a nap…? Example: Begin on all fours keeping the feet about 1 ft. apart and the hands right under your shoulders; tuck your toes under, raise the head and trunk; bend the legs to raise the hips to the sky straitening the legs until body forms a right angle; pressing the heels and hands down keeping arms straight.

#2 Power it out while the water is getting hot in the shower. Power it out with 12-15 push-ups on the edge of the tub. Doing pushups will improve your range of motion and overall upper body strength. Pushups can also contribute to better posture and help strengthen your core, which will protect you from back injuries and stiffness. Example: Placing your hands shoulder width apart onto the edge of the tub with arms fully extended, align your chest up to the edge of the tub; keeping a flat back; support the lower body with legs straight while on your toes. Lower your chest to the tubs edge by flexing your elbows. Push your body back to starting position and repeat. Keep your head inline with your spine. Alternately, this exercise can be performed with knees bent- supporting the lower body on the knees until you’ve built up the strength to do them full out.

#3 Build stronger legs while brushing your teeth. Do lunges or calf raises while you brush. Example: (Lunges) Stand with one-foot forward and the other back, feet approximately hip-width apart. Keep your front knee over the top of your ankle and back knee underneath or slightly behind your hip. Slowly descend straight down, with your back knee approaching the floor but never touching, never letting the front knee pass the front toe. Lower only as far as you feel comfortable. Keep your bodyweight positioned over your working (forward) leg. Remember to keep good posture and abdominals tight. Do all 10 reps on one leg before switching legs.

Example: (Calf Raises) Start from standing position, rise up on your toes and then return to starting position. Do them slowly, 20 all on one side before switching sides.

#4 Climb the stairs while at work every chance you get instead of using the elevator. Your legs will get stronger and shapelier and you’ll get your heart rate up several times a day. Example:

Stand in front of the stairs, keeping your head up as you step onto the step with one foot; pressing though the heal and skipping the next step with the opposite foot; pressing through the heal and keeping the body straight with abdominals held tight. Alternate your leading foot when going up and down. Control your breathing so that you sustain a slow, rhythmic pattern.

#5 Take a 20-minute walk after lunch/dinner to unwind and decompress at days end. This can be done with a co-worker, your partner, the kids or your dog. Walking is a great way to meditate, take in nature, boost your energy, and strengthen your heart and burning a few calories. Example: Don’t let it be a stroll in the park, walk briskly as comfortably as you can, allow your arms to swing naturally, keep shoulders and neck relaxed. Maintain constant contraction in your abdominals and lower body muscles; keep your head up and your eyes forward.

Hopefully you’ll see how these 5 get-fit tricks are taking place during the course of regular daily events in your life. Things you are going to do anyway, like getting out of bed, taking a shower, brushing your teeth, going to work and taking time out with family. We can continue to complain that we just don’t have the time to live a healthier lifestyle or we can “just do it”. Remember no more excuses, if you don’t use it you loose it.

Monique K. Chambers is the founder of Mind Body Spirit Fitness in Los Angeles. Holistic Health Practitioner/ Lifestyle Coach can be reached at monique_chambers@yahoo.com. For services and more info, check her out at www.mindbodyspiritfitness.com