While I was leading this morning’s Fort Tryon Park Fitness Walk, one of the participants said she had to leave before we did our closing stretches because she had to jump in the shower and get to work.  I reminded her as she took off,  “No problem, just remember to do your stretches tonight before going to bed.”

One of the other participants said to me, “That’s a little late, isn’t it?”
I looked at him and said, "Yes, but think about it: Is she going to do her stretches when she gets home now? No, she’s got to shower and get to work.  Is she going to do them at work? No, she’s an overworked editor with shared, minimal office space. Is she going to do them when she gets home after work and she’s starving? No, all she can think about is getting dinner ready. So, the only time she’ll be able to do them is after dinner and before bed."  Even though it's ideal to stretch after your muscles are warmed and elastic from pulse-increasing activity, this was not an option for her.

My point is: there are all kinds of theories and studies that hope to tell us the best time to exercise.  The truth is, the best time to exercise is when you have the time.  I wouldn’t recommend an energetic aerobics class or a jog just before bedtime—most people are too tired and might injure themselves, and late night exercise tends to be too stimulating. But ten minutes of relaxing stretches can actually prime you for a good night’s sleep, especially if you have a tight back that might bother you during sleep.

So, even if you only have five minutes—grab it.  Walk up and down the stairs.  Pace while talking on the phone. Grab those hand weights while you watch your favorite TV show.  Park your car or get off the bus or train a quarter mile from your true destination and walk the rest of the way (briskly, now!)  Stand up and move away from your computer right now and take a break to do some lunges. These little things all add up.  Keep track, and you’ll see how easy it is to get your recommended 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day.

Nancy Bruning, best-selling author and renowned wellness expert reveals how you can quickly and easily take control of your health and body and re-capture your self-confidence through fun and simple lifestyle changes. To get a free newsletter and more visit http://www.nancercize.com/Test/gen-step1.html