For many of us, finding time to incorporate fitness into our daily schedules can be challenging. There are those who have made a daily trip to the gym an integral part of their lives, one that is planned for and considered an investment in the sanctity of their physical and mental health. These people rarely miss a workout, truly enjoy the experience and appreciate the rewards that come as a result of their efforts. But what of you and me, those of us who for whatever reason, just cannot make the gym commitment their daily mission? Well, with just a little innovation, we can create time for fitness that really doesn't require a major sacrifice at all.

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Fitness experts recommend we devote 30 to 45 minutes a day to exercise on at least five days of the week. This sounds overwhelming to those who think they just aren't able to work a 30-minute block of time into their busy work day, but a few changes to your daily routine can set you up for increased levels of fitness and feelings of well being.

First, investing in an inexpensive pedometer will give you an idea of how many steps you take each day. Wearing one of these devices also puts you into a mindset that encourages more movement, more often. Now, if the 30 minutes a day you cannot set aside for exercise were to be broken up into three 10-minute sets, wouldn't your wish for fitness be more easily accomplished?
For instance, while at work, the time usually spent on a morning break with the usual temptations could be used to walk around the building, up and down the stairs or up and down the halls. When your 10 minutes is up, look at your pedometer and notice how many steps you've taken. At the next session, try to make a conscious effort to walk just a little faster. Don't forget to bring a bottle of water with you and by the time you have incorporated these small changes into your everyday life, you will find the benefits of moving for only 10 minutes at a time are not only invigorating, but motivating as well.

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You've taken care of the first 10 minutes -- now suppose you take a shorter lunch and grab another 10 minutes to do the same sort of workout. You still have at least 20 minutes for lunch and once into it, you may even find you prefer walking to hanging around the office. The last 10 minutes can be completed on an afternoon break or might consist of a short, brisk walk taken by parking farther away from the grocery store than usual and walking 5 minutes each way. After incorporating these walking breaks, you'll find it isn't difficult to sneak in your 30-minute total for the day.

Once you find yourself moving more often and with a little more intensity, you'll also see the number of steps you take increase each day, which will increase your motivation. It won't take long before you see how much you have really accomplished by simply breaking up a 30-minute routine in to three 10-minute bursts of activity.