I know, I know -- it's hard to juggle your home life with your career and still fit in time to exercise. But many women don't work out at all when they're strapped for time because they assume that little efforts don't count. Don't be fooled: Short bouts of exercise can bring big results, and you can even accumulate enough activity during the day to help meet your weight loss, muscle growth and overall health goals. Here are eight surefire ways to get toned and stay slim when you're pressed for time.

Seated quad shaper

Sitting at your desk, lift one foot off the floor about 8 to 10 inches. Hold your bent leg up for a slow count of 20, and then pulse your knee upward 20 times. Be careful not to lock your knee out while doing this. When you finish the set, perform the same exercise with the opposite leg. Repeat this move several times daily.

Impact: Works your quads to help you achieve leaner, slimmer thighs

Wait-in-line toner

While you're on the phone or waiting in line, wrap your right foot around your left ankle and balance on one leg for 30 to 60 seconds. Pulse upward on the ball of your left foot for 20 counts. Now switch and work the other leg.

Impact: Strengthens your calves and makes your stumps look sexy in stilettos

Upper-body blast

Keep a set of free weights (three, five and eight pounds) near your desk. You can perform a series of biceps curls, shoulder presses, front raises and side raises in just five minutes. You can also do "push-offs" from the edge of your desk (they mimic chest presses) to complete a great upper-body-toning workout in no time.