Health Matters To Workout or Not to Workout By Ashonda Bethea-Ruth It's been heard before. I want to work out but I just don't have the time. After about nine hours of work or school, two hours eating, an hour commuting, respectively 7 to 8 hours of sleep, and two hours to prepare for the next day, leaves you roughly three hours to relax, spend time with family, have a social life, let alone have a workout schedule. Today's society is so fast-paced that finding the time to do what's best for you and your body may be harder than finding the time to stuff a donut into your mouth. But I'm here to tell you the simple ways you can burn calories during your everyday activities, so finding the time to work out is not an option, because you already have the time. Try taking the stairs. It may seem like a daunting task, especially if you are on a floor higher than the fifth. But taking the time to climb steps, rather than taking your time to press a button and wait for the 2,000 pound maximum weight lifter, helps you to burn calories, and increase your heart rate, helping to increase your blood circulation. You don't have to sprint up the steps, just as long as you get to your destination without passing out. Do this every day so it becomes habitual, and taking the elevator seems remedial. Stand instead of sit the next time you take your coffee break. Though standing may not seem like a vigorous activity, standing for about 20 minutes can burn up to roughly about 25 to 30 calories. So, say you stand while you're having your midday snack. You'd already be on your way to burning off those calories you just consumed. Tighten your tummy at the office desk. While sitting, lift your feet off the ground, bringing your knees as close to your chest as possible. By sitting you are causing resistance against your muscles, thus burning calories while tightening your tummy. Remember walking is very important. Try to park farther away from your office or classes. When you return to them, you'll burn extra calories in the process. Use a pedometer to keep track of how many steps you've taken. Aim for five thousand to ten thousand steps a day. Though it may seem like a hard reach, each day will get easier. Don't forget to stretch. Though stretching may seem like a small task, it actually helps you to become more active, while burning calories in the process. Taking the time out to do these simple tasks may benefit you to be coming more health conscious. Making time to exercise is maybe hard, so take these few steps and add them to your daily schedule, and start from there. | 
