Exercise is a necessary part of living a healthy life. Both cardio and strength training increases one's life expectancy. In this article I will be discussing some of the best body toning exercises.

Weight bearing exercises are important for increasing muscle mass and the density of your bones, which is especially important as you age.

When it comes to being healthy most people have knowledge of some of the benefits of exercise. The problem is where and when we have the time to do so. With a busy lifestyle, making time for exercise can be a challenge.

When you age, especially around the age of forty, you begin to lose muscle mass. Especially for women, bone loss becomes an issue. When the body is in need of calcium it can take it from your bones. Strength training not only increases your muscle bulk but also your strength.

Here are five total toning body exercises that can be done whenever you have time.

The Bridge Butt Lift – is an easy way to tone your buttocks. Lay down on the floor with feet flat, legs aligned with the shoulders. Put your hands, palms down on the floor. Pushing with your feet, just squeeze your gluteal muscles and raise your butt off the floor. Remain in this position for a count from five to ten and release back to the floor.

Squats –Squats work the butt, the hamstring muscles and the quadriceps. If you aren’t sure of how flexible you are, you can use a chair. Stand with your feet, shoulder width apart and feet flat on the floor/ground.

Move your butt back as though you were going to sit in a chair. Keep your abs firm and your upper body straight. Once you've reached the level of the chair, stop and hold the position for a count of two to five and release. When your at the lowest point, make sure all of your weight is placed on your heels for balance and maximum toning.

Reverse Lunges – These work the quadriceps muscles. Whilst, these can be hard for people with knee issues, a reverse lunge still tones the right muscle groups with less pressure, however, on the knee.

Stand up straight with feet together and arms by your sides. Take one leg and move it backwards extended until you are on the ball of your foot, then lower yourself until the back knee almost touches the floor. Hold for two counts and return to the starting position.

Push ups – This is a good toning exercise that works all areas of the arms plus the chest muscles. If you don't feel comfortable or strong enough to do push ups on your toes, just use your knees. Be sure your arms are alongside your body and your back is straight whilst lowering and raising your body.

Crunches – You can work your abdominal muscles every day to build muscle tone and strength. Sit on the floor with your back naturally straight (don't force it), put your hands just behind your head. Squeeze your abs, raise the upper part of your body until your lower back is about to lift off the floor. Hold this position for two to five counts and return to starting position.

These exercises can be done whenever you have the time. The best thing when it comes exercise, is that its effects add up over time. Even five or ten minutes at a time will work to your benefit. These exercises are best done in addition to a healthy diet.