When your schedule's packed and you have limited time to exercise, you must make the most of it. Exercises that work your entire body strengthen multiple muscle groups at the same time. If you can feel your legs, arms, back and abdominal muscles working, you're doing an effective routine. It's easy to push yourself too hard when you're doing these routines, so stop immediately if you feel any pain or weakness.
Walking
Taking an evening stroll around your neighborhood will help you stay fit, but walking on its own isn't enough to exercise your entire body. Adding walking poles to the routine can help you work all your muscle groups during your evening walk. Use these poles like you would ski poles, placing them on the ground and pushing off from them with every step. You'll work your arms, shoulders and back muscles while your legs are strengthened by walking. These poles are available in sporting goods stores and through online businesses.
Yoga
Nearly anyone at any fitness level can practice yoga, and with the wide variety of yoga DVDs available, you don't even need to leave home or buy special equipment to do yoga exercises. Common yoga poses target a variety of muscles, though many of them specifically target the abdominal and core muscles. Choose a DVD that's aimed at weight-loss or strengthening, since these will be more targeted to working muscles than calming the mind like some yoga routines.
Weights
Working out with free weights won't burn as many calories as some types of exercises, but it will strengthen and tone your muscles. If you're just beginning a new routine, pick up 5-lb. weights from the sporting goods store or online. Adjust the weight upward depending on how strong and physically fit you are. Hold the weights while you do bicep curls and squats. Stand up straight and lift the weights from your sides straight up into the air. Lie on your back with your arms straight out to your sides, lift the weights straight up above you and slowly lower them back to the ground. Do six to 12 repetitions of each exercise, resting for a minute in between.
Swimming
Whether you live in a tropical climate or a snowy area, you can swim all year round as long as you have access to an indoor pool. Swimming laps works your entire body, especially if you use a variety of strokes. Alternate between the breast stroke, the front crawl, the back stroke and the butterfly stroke, or do five laps using each stroke. You'll work your arms, shoulders and legs to move yourself forward, and you'll engage your abdominals every time you lift yourself out of the water.
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