Every week you swear you’re going to exercise, but your busy schedule crowds out the possibility? If you let go of the expectation that “working out” means spending all your evenings at the fitness center, you’ll find inventive ways to get in all the exercise you need.

Make the most of your lunch hours. Set yourself up such that you have to eat far from where you work. Force yourself to walk both ways, taking the stairs whenever possible and bringing coworkers or your laptop with you if you need to work over lunch.

Commit yourself to at least ten minutes a day exercising. Make ten minutes of exercise–sit ups, planks, push ups, squats–a part of your bedtime routine.

Devote two mornings (or late nights) a week to your fitness program. Exercise will give you more energy, so it’ll actually counter the fact that you’re losing out on sleep on those two incredibly valuable days a week. Just as some people consider going to religious services as non-negotiable, treat these two days as such and carve out some precious time that cannot be touched by anyone. Treat those mornings like special dates, making those the best workouts of the week.

Think of ways to make chores and errands more physically challenging. When running errands, really “run” them by walking swiftly, parking far from your destination, and making the most of carrying heavy bags. Do something similar when performing chores. Use your whole body as you vacuum, push your arm muscles as your scrub, and do squats while folding laundry.

Make sure your relaxation times are also active. Don’t watch TV; walk with a friend instead. Instead of surfing the web, do something outside. Choose to do something athletic instead of something sedentary.

If you look for alternatives, you’ll find it’s possible to cram exercise into even the most overflowing schedule.