It's been a long and stressful day at the office, or you've been blessed with looking after a gaggle of young kids over the Spring Break holiday. Whatever the case may be, hitting the gym for a workout or even your new exercise regimen suddenly disappeared into the abyss of the priority list. Working out regularly promises dozens of health benefits, including lower blood pressure, decreased stress levels and even a better sense of well being. Unfortunately, most of us don't make enough time to meet our weekly minimum requirements; when health and fitness take a backseat, we also put ourselves at risk for fatigue and stress.

Fear not! There are some ways to schedule a workout into even the busiest schedule. If your calendar is packed to the brim with to-do items, here are some ways to sneak in a workout or two in your busy day:

Spend Mondays with a Personal Trainer
If you can invest in a personal trainer, get your week off on the right start with a one-on-one session first thing on Monday morning. If you can't spare the cash for a trainer, enlist a buddy instead; make a commitment to hit the gym together first thing on Monday to kick those post-weekend blues together and get a positive start on fitness for the week ahead.

Become an Early Riser
If you're already getting up early to head to the office or wake up the kids for school, set your alarm for 45 minutes earlier than usual to get a head start on your day. Just 30 minutes of vigorous activity - jump roping, speed walking or a quick jog - is enough to get your metabolism in gear and burn fat all day long. Keep those running shoes by your bedside and throw on your workout gear before the household begins their day.

Make the Most of Lunch Hour
Have 15 minutes to spare during lunch hour? Change into some walking shoes and hit the streets for a power walking session. If you live in the city, this is a great way to window shop and explore new neighborhoods. If you're in the country, enjoy the fresh air and great outdoors while burning a few extra calories!

It's about that time of year again, a time when holiday revelries and post-holiday resolutions are at the top of the agenda. If getting in shape or losing weight is on the New Year's resolutions list - for yet another year - make sure your plan of action has enough stick-with-it power so you can actually reach your goals. Here are some tips to get 2009 started off on the right track:

Skip the gym
Even the most committed fitness enthusiast can get bored of the gym routine, so avoid reaching a rut by trying something new and exciting. Hit the hiking trails with a backpackand boots for the afternoon and give those legs a workout they'll never forget. Or dust off that mountain bike and trek across your town or city for the weekend to take in some new scenes and benefit from the total body workout. Working out will feel less like a chore when you have some new activities to look forward to.

Hit the Ground Running with a Personal Trainer
Even if you're a pro with the weight machines and the treadmill at the local gym, working out with a personal trainer can give you some tips and guidance to perfect your technique. Make a commitment to work out with a personal trainer at least once per week or twice per month. They can support you in your efforts and introduce you to some new equipment and fitness activities.

Join a Sports Team
An easy way to stay active and skip the excuse-making for getting in shape this year is to join a local sports team. Whether you enjoy indoor soccer or a game of baseball, sign up to become a team player so you always have a few intensive workouts penciled into your weekly calendar. Playing sports is also much more fun than clocking in hours on an elliptical trainer or treadmill; pack up a duffel bag, get outside, socialize with friends and show off your skills with a fun and competitive activity!

Train for a Race
If you're a fan of running, speed walking or biking, make a commitment with a local charity or organization to raise money through a sponsored race. Races take place throughout the year, so you'll always have something to work toward. The event can become your New Year's resolution and will keep you motivated to get in shape.