Saying that you ‘just don’t have time’ is a common excuse for those who are avoiding working out and getting in shape. As a general policy, I would say that it’s almost never true that a person has no time ever to exercise. People who make statements like that are almost certainly wrong.

But what about on a particular day? Even for the most scheduled of us, there are some days in which our obligations run away with us. It is in these instances that we should take care of our higher obligations first and exercise later and fit in exercise when we can. Here are some ways to still treat your body well on days when you are running from sun up to sun down — and then some.

Do Something!

Something is better than nothing. Something is ALWAYS better than nothing. This is especially important to remember when you are pressed for time and can’t seem to fit a workout in that day. Having a lot on your plate is not an excuse to forego all activity together. This is especially true if you work at a desk job. Do something. Do anything. Even if it means going for a walk on your lunch break. Even if it means dropping for 10 push ups in the restroom. Remember: this is your body we’re talking about. Letting other obligations get in the way of its health is a mistreatment of it.

Don’t let the gym contain you

Gyms are great tools, but they are inherently limiting. Ideally, your fitness should not be confined to a set time or space. This is especially true when you dedicate time in your day to getting to a gym. On jam-packed days when you just can’t get there, don’t use that as an excuse not to exercise! If you lift weights, find something around your house you can pick up. If you are a runner/cardio person, jog in place or do jumping jacks. My personal favorite are push ups. You can do push ups any time, any place. Same with squats, sit-ups. Even though it may not be as intense as your usual workout, you’re doing something, and that’s good for your body.

Integrate exercise into what you’re doing

Most of the above exercises mentioned can be done in a small amount of time. If you’re telling me that you do not have 30 seconds of down time in anything that you’re doing today, I’ll call you a liar. Sometimes you have to look for that opportunity, but it’s there, I swear. Do as many push ups as you can before you have to stir the stir-fry. Walk to the grocery store instead of drive. Instead of hopping on Facebook when you need a mental break, get down for some curl-ups. I guarantee you you have at least thirty seconds of down time in your tasks to get some blood flowing into your muscles.

Prioritize!

You may not have time in your day to do squats, push ups, lifting, and your 5 mile run, BUT you might have time to do one or two of these things. If that is the case, then pick the one that you most want to improve and dedicate a smaller amount of time to working on that skill. For me, it’s my upper body strength. So when I am feeling pressed for time, I will minimize or reschedule the rest of my workout and take what little time I have to drop and give myself 10.

If all else fails, reschedule

Whether its later that night or the next day, your last course of action should be to reschedule. Don’t call the workout a lost cause because your day is busy. Find another time in your day — even if it’s right before you go to sleep — to commit to your body. If you’re about to pass out from exhaustion when it’s bedtime, then find time in the next day. Don’t sacrifice the time you’ve committed to your body!