Does it seem like climbing walls and running in circles is the only exercise you get these days—and you’re not talking
about a rock climbing gym or a track? With busy, 21st Century lives, fitting in time and finding energy for exercise can
seem impossible. But is it?

Our panel of experts take on the question: How can I fit exercise into an overcrowded life?

Mei Barker, Bookkeeper, looks for opportunities to exercise wherever she can find them:

• Find a good buddy with similar interests and make a pact to exercise together every day. My friend and colleague Kathy and I go for a walk every day at lunchtime. We’ve been doing this for fifteen years! And on really rainy days, we walk up and down the staircase, ten laps. We encourage each other: when one of us doesn’t want to walk, the other says, “Come on, let’s go!”
  
• I take the stairs at work instead of the elevator. It keeps my body moving!
  
• When I have to drive, I park my car a little distance away from where I’m going. That small amount of exercise and fresh air makes me feel better, and I’m less stressed when I get where I’m going. If I’m traveling by bus, I get off a stop early and walk the extra distance.
• Sometimes I get “accidental exercise” when I have to chase my grandchildren or catch my bus or train!

Kathy Levesque, Human Resources and Payroll Specialist, had this to add:

• Exercise with a partner: If you commit to a partner, I think you’re more likely to follow through so you don’t let them down. I’ll do almost anything to avoid feeling guilty.
• Keep your walking shoes handy: If you truly think about it, you can always find 10-15 minutes to go for a walk. You can make it a little longer each day. You just need to slip your shoes on.
  
• Have a back-up plan for bad weather: Mei and I almost always walk at lunchtime, no matter what the weather is like. But if it ’s really bad, then we go up and down the stairs since they’re in a covered area.
  
• Take a break: Getting away from work to exercise is good for your employer as well as yourself. You’ll come back refreshed and with a clearer mind just by forgetting about your job for a short time.
  
• Bring a good lunch or snack: If I know there’s good food at the end of my walk, I’m motivated to walk faster.