Instead of claiming there isn't time to work out, keep in mind that even ten minutes can make a big difference in how you look and feel. Try one of these quick 10-minute workouts today.
- Jumping jacks/Jumping rope. These are high intensity and really get your heart pumping. Try this: 50 jumping jacks/jumping rope followed by 10-20 push-ups (or as many as you can do). Repeat this cycle five times.
- Stair steps. The NewYorkTimes.com says that a stair workout “returns maximum value in minimum time, with low impact.” Try this: on the stair stepper - do intervals of one hard minute followed by one easy minute, for a total of ten minutes. Or, if a long set of stairs is available, go up as fast as you can and take it easy as you go back down. If you can take them two at a time you’ll get an even bigger burn.
- Push ups, squats and lunges. Don’t neglect to keep building up your muscles. Webmd.com, where there are also photos showing proper technique for these exercises, says that these are some of the best exercises you can do because they each work several muscle groups at once. Work these into your day at least twice a week. Try this: 25 lunges, 15 squats and 10-20 push-ups, with 30 seconds rest after each cycle. Do as many cycles as you can in 10 minutes.
- Yoga. The stretching and whole body workout of yoga will relieve stress and hit all your major muscle groups. Try this: look up ten-minute yoga on youtube.com, where there are a lot of great beginner tutorials.
- Brisk walking/running. This is one of the best quick workouts, because it can be done anywhere, anytime. Try this: like stairs, do intervals of one fast minute followed by one slower minute to burn the most calories.
- Dancing. For this to be most effective, play high-energy songs that have beats per minute of 110 or higher. Try this: log onto Pandora.com and tune it to the dance station. Also try Just Dance on the Wii for a great solo workout or grab the kids and make it family fitness time.
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