Easy, Sneaky Exercise Tricks

It's tough to find time for exercise, especially during the holiday season. But small changes in your daily activities can burn calories. Here are three easy ways to slip working out into your schedule.

1. Ditch the mixer. Stir your favorite cake batter by hand for an upper-body workout.

2. Be a squatter. Work your body's largest muscles--your thighs and buttocks--by squatting, rather than bending, when, say, pulling the roaster from the bottom cabinet or picking up your nephew. Another bonus: It protects your lower back from strain.

3. Use a hand basket to shop for groceries. You'll increase the strength in your biceps, shoulders, and back.