So now you’re an entrepreneur and you get to make your own schedule. Which means you get to hit up a yoga class at noon, go to the gym first thing in the morning, or even go for a run after lunch if you want to.

The problem is that the only exercise you’re getting now are steps you take to from your home office to the kitchen for a refill on coffee.

Now that you’re an entrepreneur you’re finding it even harder to do everything you thought you would be doing, right?

And you’re not alone.

A large majority of entrepreneurs unconsciously neglect their health when they start a business because of the challenges that come with entrepreneurship. But I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t need to be that way.

If you continue to neglect your health, guess what? There will be no successful business and you won’t be able to show up for your team or customers as your best self.

But don’t worry, you don’t need to spend hours at the gym or run 5 miles a day in order to simply get your body moving to benefit your overall health. 

Here are seven simple ways you can add more movement to your day without going to the gym or even leaving your house.

1. Get up and ‘kiss’ your chair.

Using an online timer like Timer-tab.com with three-in-one-settings (a countdown, alarm clock, and stop watch) set it every hour. Get up from your chair and “kiss” the chair with your buttocks 10 times (i.e., also known as squats).

2. Park far away.

Always park further away from your destination when you leave your office to go the grocery store, mall, post office, restaurant, etc. Not only will you get more steps, but you’ll also find that there are usually a lot more parking spots available and you actually spend less time looking for a spot that’s closer.

3. Make the most of your next call.

Do simple leg lifts while you brush your teeth in the morning or while you are on a call or attending a webinar.

4. Stretch for 15 minutes.

Stretch first thing in the morning and before you go to bed or even throughout the day. A “15-minute full-body stretching routine can improve your range of motion, increase circulation, and calm your mind.”

5. Do arm circles.

Set a timer for 2 minutes. “Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and lift both arms straight out to your sides at shoulder height. Move your arms in a circular pattern, 4-6 inches in diameter with your palms facing down, drawing a small circle with your fingertips.” Notice how you feel afterwards. Feel the burn?

6. Take a dance break.

Turn up the music and have a dance party. Whether it’s by yourself or with your kids. Get crazy and dance like no one’s watching.

7. Walk the block.

If you work from home, this is a really helpful tip. The next time you go out to get the mail, walk to the end of your block and back. “You do not need to run marathons or triathlons to get a significant health improvement. Instead you get a lot of fitness and emotional gains from a small amount of daily walking.”

Healthy living has many surprising benefits. Honestly, you don’t have to go to the gym to get your “exercise” in. And I don’t even see it as exercise. I see it as movement and that is how I’m able to get my movement in everyday. Just remember, every minute counts. 

What will you do today to get moving?

This article has been edited and condensed.

Brenda Sillas is a high impact Weight Loss Strategist and Nutrition Coach for busy, driven female entrepreneurs and professionals. She helps busy women lose weight, be over-filled with natural energy, and change their relationship with food once and for all. Among other things, she is also a former bikini competitor and corporate wellness consultant. Get her free 7 Day Weight Loss Meal Plan here. Connect with @brendasillas
 on Twitter.

© YFS Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Copying prohibited. All material is protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this material is prohibited. Sharing of this material under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International terms, listed here, is permitted.