The Ultimate Lunch-Hour Workout

Lose the Excuses

Fit in a quality workout every day -- no matter what -- with these tricks:

• Schedule exercise into your e-mail calendar and set an hourly reminder.
• Tote a 10-ounce gym outfit: Trinergy Double Layer tank-and-sports-bra set ($45, reebok.com) and Sleek Woven shorts with built-in undies ($35, newbalance.com for info).
• Fuel up with 100 to 150 calories of healthy carbs an hour before working out: a banana, an apple, or a Kashi TLC bar.
• Bring or buy lunch with the ideal 400-calorie mix of one-quarter lean protein, one-quarter whole grains, and one-half fruits or vegetables. Try greens with 3 ounces of chicken breast in a whole-grain pita; a Lean Cuisine with an orange; or a Veggie Burrito Bowl (rice, black beans, fajita veggies, lettuce, salsa, cheese) from Chipotle.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, March 2009.

See our post-workout beauty guide for the perfect products to pack in your gym bag