Strength Training with Little Time?

by Paige
(Seattle)

I'm a student and don't have a whole lot of time for going to the gym and things, but I do try to stay in shape. I walk everywhere in order to maintain aerobic fitness, but I would like try and become stronger as well, in order to be healthier.

All the people I know who are into strength training or work out at all devote at least a couple of hours a week to it. I really don't have that kind of time.

I've done okay by working the walking into my daily life, and I would like to do something similar with strength exercises.

Can you recommend a simple routine that I could do?

My main problem really is just that I have very little time. I guess the best way to phrase exactly what I'm asking for is:

If I have half an hour a couple of times a week to go to the gym, what should I do to maximize the benefits? How much time is really required to stay in shape?

P.S. I really like your site!