It’s Summer, a time to show off all the great dresses that have been hanging in your closet all Winter long!  For those of us who haven’t kept up with an exercise routine, ahem…yeah, I know the colder months are all about comfort food, can you say, “mac-n-cheese?”

Don’t give up on having that dream Summer physique.  Yes, it's hard to find time to squeeze in that work out,  but that excuse no longer cuts it. You may think you don't have time to workout at work, but there are opportunities everywhere.  All it takes is a little planning and some inspiration to fit in the exercise all day long.  Many retailers feel that their work schedules don’t allow them the time to become more physically fit. But activity can be fit into many retailing situations.

For example:

·          Use your morning commute to get in some extra walking. Park several blocks away from your store or get off the bus a few stops earlier.

·          Use a pedometer and keep track of how many steps you take. Shoot for 6,000 to 10,000 steps daily.

·          Get a "squeeze ball" to tone those hands and arms.   Bonus: It helps release tension from stress!

·          Stand and do simple stretches while making phone calls to your customers and vendors. (A headset may help).

·          If it’s time to stock your shelves, get out on the floor and do it!  Helping your staff in this effort is a great way to lead by example.

·          Use your lunch hour for a workout: Go to the gym or take a brisk walk, take a jog, or get on that bike and ride. Don't skip lunch. Eat it at your desk while checking your mail or listening to phone messages.

·          Hold your staff meetings with colleagues during a walk inside or outside the store.  Bonus: Boost that team spirit!

Be creative. You don’t have to do sprints all day long, any movement is better than none at all!  Adding short bouts of exercise throughout the day will help you burn more calories, while also reducing stress so you can easily smile at all those customers that walk through your store’s front door.