Everyone is busy, but no one is quite as busy as a working mom. How do you fit exercise into your busy schedule?

Start Early

The best way to ensure that exercise makes it into your day is to exercise early - first thing in the morning. If you can get into a routine of exercising when you get up, it will become a habit that is just a part of your day. You will have more energy throughout the day, and you will avoid that nagging "I need to exercise" feeling.

Make Lunchtime Count

If the thought of early morning exercise seems impossible to you, schedule a lunchtime workout. Try working out before eating; often exercise will suppress your appetite.

Multitask

Multitasking can cause stress in an already busy schedule, but it's a wonderful idea when you are trying to fit exercise into your life. A reading stand on a stationary bike gives you a perfect way to combine exercise with reading. A treadmill in front of the television gives you a way to combine your favorite show with fitness.

An additional benefit to multitasking during exercise is that it tends to make exercise more enjoyable. What activity could you combine with fitness?

Get the Family Involved

Don't go at it alone when you're trying to get fit: make it a family affair. Could you incorporate a weekly family trip to a local pool where everyone could swim for an hour? How about a weekend hike or jog? You will improve your fitness level, and at the same time you're providing an excellent example of healthy behavior for your kids.

Make Every Minute Count

Don't fall into the trap of thinking that just because you're busy, you have no time to exercise. Spend time on the phone doing squats or "chair sits" against the wall. Turn on some peppy music while you're cleaning, and turn dull housework into a workout.

When you run errands, park far away instead of trying to find the closest spot. Not only will you spend less time looking for the perfect spot - you'll be more fit as well. Take the stairs instead of using the elevator. Every little big adds up when it comes to fitness.

Take 5 minutes to jog up and down the stairs. Pop in a "10 Minute Solution" DVD and get moving - surely you can spare 10 minutes! You will feel better once you start.

You're Hired - for a Fitness Job

As a mental exercise, pretend that you have been hired at a new job - one that requires 30 minutes of daily exercise. When you are tempted to skip a daily workout, remind yourself that it's your "job." Often this mindset can make it easier to fit exercise into your routine. After all, would you skip a day of work just because you didn't feel like going? Make fitness a job, as well. Your health is worth it!

Try a few of these tips and before you know it, daily fitness will be a habit - one you won't want to break.

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Susan Braun is a freelance writer living with her husband, three daughters, 2 rabbits, 2 gerbils and hedgehog in Indiana.  She writes at girlsinwhitedresses.wordpress.com and Associated Content.