As a busy mom, I just don’t have time to go to the gym for exercise. I don’t have easy access to gym equipment, but I know I need to exercise. During the warmer months, I get my exercise out in the fresh air, but how about getting exercise when you’re stuck inside? During the winter, this is especially important as people tend to get even less exercise.

That’s been a quandary for me since I know that the Centers for Disease Control recommends adults should get moderate to vigorous exercise for at least 150 minutes per week. They go on to advise that exercise can easily be broken down into 10 minute sessions at a time.

To be frank, exercises are not my cup of tea as I don’t have the patience to wait for months altogether in order to achieve the desired results nor do I have the time to focus on one particular thing as my family is my first priority at the moment. Also, I am wary of protein supplements or legal steroid alternatives and don’t consider them reliable at all given the artificial chemicals and adulterated content in such items. 

I found a few simple ways to get my heart pumping, my blood flowing and my muscles tightening during those days and weeks when I’m stuck inside, and reach that 10 minutes at a time.

Walk around

If you have a table, island or other large piece of furniture in your home, you can walk laps around it every day. Start slow and with just a few laps and work your way up.

While you’re walking the laps, pump your arms to help increase blood flow and tone muscles.

Leg lifts at your desk

I spend a lot of time at my desk in front of the computer, so I started doing leg lifts while I’m sitting in my chair.

Start by extending one leg out in front of you then raise and lower your leg several times. You’ll get the maximum benefit from this exercise if you raise your leg so that it is even with the chair seat.

Alternate sets of repetitions – once with your foot extended, once with your foot flexed. You can do this inside exercise with both legs at the same time or alternating one then the other.

This exercise can also be done while sitting on your couch or favorite chair.

Stomach crunches

I like to lie back on my bed, put my hands behind my head with elbows bent and do stomach crunches to both tighten muscles and increase blood flow.

Arm lifts

I use small, three- to five-pound hand weights for this exercise, but if you don’t have those, just grab a couple of canned goods. Doing arm lifts with a can of creamed corn or baked beans is the ultimate in making use of what you’ve got!

Hold the can or weight between both hands then raise your arms over your head. Bend your elbows and lower the can behind your head. Repeat as many times as you are able.

Lie on your back (preferably on your bed – it’s more comfortable than the floor!), then while holding the can or cans in your hands, extend your arms to lie above your head. Raise and lower the cans. You can use both hands holding one can or each hand holding a can for more resistance. Do as many repetitions as you are able to do.

Push ups

Do a few push ups every day to improve your muscle tone. If you have bad knees or can’t do push ups on the floor, take them to your bed! Simply do your pushups on your bed for a softer, more comfortable surface. You will still benefit from the exercise.

Whatever you choose to do, even small amounts of minimal exercise is better than no exercise at all. Give it a try and see how much better you’ll feel!