With the new year upon us, many of us have made resolutions to exercise more and perhaps lose a few pounds. But it's hard to fit exercise into a busy schedule of work, running errands, and spending time with family and friends. However, one way to fit exercise into your schedule is exercising while working. Here are a few ideas for how you can exercise at work.

1. Change your commute. If you live close to your workplace, why not try walking or biking to and from work? It's much less stressful than sitting in traffic and will energize you for your day. If you commute on public transport, you could try getting off a few stops early and walking the rest of the way. If you do have to drive, parking further away is another way to add exercise to your commute.

2. Work standing up. Studies have shown that our bodies burn more calories when we're standing up. Instead of sitting at a desk all day, try standing up and walking around when you're on the phone or brainstorming. If you need to talk to a co-worker, take the time to walk to their desk rather than sending an email or text – they'll probably appreciate the personal contact as well.

3. Take activity breaks.Instead of standing around the water cooler, get your blood flowing during break time. Take a walk around the office or outside. It also helps to relax your muscles by stretching your arms and legs, as well as your neck and shoulders, especially if you sit at a desk all day.

4. Sit on an exercise ball. If you slouch in your office chair all day, you might consider trading it for an inflated exercise ball. Sitting on an exercise ball at work will improve your posture, balance, and abdominal muscles. It's also a great tool for stretching during breaks.

5. Kill time by lifting weights. We all have short periods when we don't have anything to do while waiting for a meeting to start, thinking, or taking a break. Fill up this time by strengthening your muscles with light weights or resistance bands. They should fit easily under your desk or in a drawer.

6. Start an exercise group. If you have other co-workers who want to get fit, organise an exercise group. You can all meet during your lunch hour or before/after work to walk or jog together near your workplace. Having a group will help members stay committed and encourage each other.

7. Add activity to meetings. Informal meetings with one or two colleagues don't always have to take place in an office. Try walking and talking around the building or at a nearby park. This will likely help you and your colleagues relax during the meeting as well.

8. Go faster.If you have a job that already includes walking, such as visiting different clients or delivering packages, try adding a little speed to your step. You'll burn more calories and feel more energized throughout the day. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes though!

9. Exercise on-the-go. If your job requires you to travel frequently, plan ways you can exercise on the go. Certain types of exercise equipment like resistance bands, jump ropes, and tennis shoes are easy to pack. One of the easiest ways to work out while travelling is to do it at the hotel – plan to use the fitness room or bring a workout DVD to do in your hotel room.

10. Multitask. One of the most efficient ways of exercising at work has been developed by Dr. James Levine of the Mayo Clinic who turned a treadmill into a desk. This allows a user to walk slowly and work at a desk simultaneously. Even walking under one mile per hour can help you burn an extra 100 calories every hour. Read more about it here.