It can be hard to find motivation when you first start out exercising, and excuses always seem to appear in abundance - you're too poor, too tired or too busy to find time for exercise.

We knock these excuses on the head, and offer some simple solutions to make sure you get in enough exercise each week - trust us, you'll feel great for it! We cover:

1. Fitting exercise into the busiest of days
2. Exercising on a budget

3. Maintaining your exercise motivation

Time-saving exercise strategies

First thing's first, modern-day living seems to offer no spare time - we're always on the run doing something. A problem with this is that exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your short and long term health, yet it always seems to get pushed to the side. With that in mind, here are some suggestions as to how you can better fit exercise into your daily life:

1. Superset

Supersetting has the potential to cut time by as much as 50 per cent while still giving you the same results. It works on the principle that instead of resting between two sets of exercises, you rest the muscles you just worked by straight away starting with an alternative exercise that works other muscles. You give your muscles a break, but still keep up the pace! For example, if you've just done crunches, instead of doing another core exercise straight after, instead move to tricep dips.

2. Exercise during your commute

We all know that traffic congestion is an issue during peak hour, so save yourself making an outing after work, and instead combine your exercise regime with your daily commute. For example, you could try walking or even cycling/jogging to work if there are showering and changing facilities available at your workplace.

3. Kick-start your day with exercise

It doesn't have to be every day of the week, but try and set a day aside where you set your alarm clock a little earlier, and you can fit in the time to arrive at the gym or swimming pool (or even a walk outside) a little earlier. It may seem like you just want "5 more minutes" to sleep in, but once you get moving, you'll feel invigorated for hours after.

4. Miss the TV shows for exercise

Despite saying we don't have time to workout, many of us still find time to sit down in front of the television to watch the big shows. Feel assured that missing a couple of episodes won't mean you'll miss the whole storyline, but instead, you'll be getting in a worthy workout session.

Working out on a budget

A gym membership paired with an array of fitness gadgets may sound appealing, but it's not necessarily essential to keeping fit - some of the best forms of exercise are even free!

Check out this gallery for some fun ways that you can save your money and get your body moving.

GALLERY:

Maintaining motivation for exercise

While we may start off an exercise routine for a week so, many of us then complain that we get bored and fed up. It mightn't be easy, but keeping focused will ensure you keep going, and ultimately, that's what's going to improve your entire lifestyle.

Here are the top three strategies for keeping your eye on the ball.

1. Having an exercise goal

To stay committed, you need something you're committed to. Have a goal in mind, and by having a target in mind to aim for, your exercise sessions will have purpose, meaning you'll also be more likely to factor in your workouts. The goal could be from weight loss to being able to complete an event like a Fun Run - just keep it personal to you and you'll find it easier to stick to.

2. New routines

If you're complaining you're bored with your routine, you may very well be. Don't get stuck in a rut. If you want results and you want to enjoy what you're doing, spice up your routine and try a new activity - this could be joining a dance class or going rock climbing. It will reinvigorate your routine and encourage you to try new things that'll keep you going.

3. Make a date

If you've made the commitment to meet up with someone for an exercise session, you'll be more likely not to duck out of it. You'll also find you keep pushing yourself throughout your exercise, and having a partner there can open up a lot more opportunities - boxercise anyone?