“I want to work out, but I just don’t have the time!” If you’ve ever thought this, you’re not alone. In fact, research has shown an astonishing 80% of Americans don’t get enough exercise, and one of the main reasons for many people’s lack of activity is simply being too busy or not having enough time.

And yet, despite the fact that so few of us manage to meet the exercise guidelines, we all know how important keeping fit and staying active is, both for our physical health and our emotional wellbeing. Staying fit and healthy can even add years to our life expectancy. Here we look at 4 creative ways busy people can fit exercise and activity into their day, providing an opportunity to take time out from a stressful life and staying healthy, fit and trim at the same time.

  1. High Intensity Interval Training

If you’re looking for a workout that packs the most power into every minute, high intensity interval training (HIIT) could be the workout for you. There are many different types of HIIT training, and you can go to a class, work with a personal trainer or even develop your own program to train.

Because HIIT training is high intensity, you work a lot harder in a shorter period of time. The ‘interval’ part of the training refers to the structure of a HIIT workout, which is generally made up of alternating intervals of the high intensity ‘activity’ phases, dispersed with periods of rest. This methodology has been scientifically shown to activate the fat burning systems in our body more quickly and effectively than other forms of exercise. This makes HIIT perfect for weight loss programs and ideal for those who want a powerful workout in less time.

  1. CrossFit

Crossfit is a type of high intensity interval training formed into a structured and supervised class that you can undertake in a gym or local fitness center and provides a fantastic targeted and effective training mode that’s ideal for people with all different lifestyles, backgrounds and schedules.

Crossfit is fast and effective, and because classes and preplanned and run in the gym, you don’t have to worry about organizing or developing your own workout and you are always under the watchful eye of your qualified trainer. As a type of HIIT training, CrossFit delivers maximum effectiveness and benefit in the least amount of time.

  1. Personal Training

If you’re short on time and have a busy schedule, you need fast, effective and targeted workouts tailored to your specific needs. A certified personal trainer can provide you a very specific and efficient workout that works with your schedule, rather than you having to struggle to fit exercise in your schedule.

Choosing to work with a trainer that offers certified personal training can also help you to achieve your goals more directly and efficiently than any other way.

  1. Lunch Break Exercise

Simply can’t even think of 5 minutes you have each day to do exercise? Using your lunch break to get your daily exercise can be a refreshing and energizing way to get through your work day and fulfil your exercise goals.

Whether it’s attending a workout class, a visit to the gym, or just a walk around the block, getting your exercise in your lunch break can help busy people fit in exercise and feel great through the long work day.

With these creative ways to stay fit when you have less time, even those with the busiest of schedules can fit in a workout for better health and wellbeing.