I love to exercise. If I don’t get sweaty at least four times a week, I’m cranky and restless. But this wasn’t always the case…a few years ago, I thought I was ‘too busy’ to exercise…if I wasn’t too busy, then I was too tired. Little did I know that devoting regular time to your fitness actually helps with energy levels, motivation and productivity.

Latoya Maddigan, director of Eccentric Health and Fitness, says regular exercise has huge benefits. Here are her top five:

1. The more muscle you have the more calories you burn

2. Exercise releases endorphins (a positive chemical in your brain that keeps you thinking positive)

3. You will look better in your clothes (and naked)!

4. Regular exercise will improve your energy levels

5. Your quality of sleep will improve.

But it’s not always easy getting to the gym or finding time for a group fitness session. Latoya shares some simple ideas for home workouts.

ROUTINE 1
Do as many rounds as you can fit in 15mins of:
Push ups
Body weight squats (see picture at top right); and
Full crunches.

ROUTINE 2
Do five rounds of the following and time yourself – try and better your last time each session.
5 Burpees
15 chair dips
20 walking lunges

And if you need more inspiration, here are five tips for fitting exercise into a busy life. What’s your favourite ‘exercise anywhere’ routine?