We all know that we should be exercising more. Activity is good for our heart health and supports a weight loss plan. But finding the time to drive to the gym, change clothes, work out, clean up, and then drive home can pose a challenge for many of us. With busy schedules taking up most of our time, fitting a workout regimen into your day can feel like a major challenge.
What if we told you that you don’t need to set aside that much time for exercise? In fact, shorter bursts of exercise (rather than one long gym workout) might even be better for you!
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, adults should aim for 150 minutes of exercise spread throughout the week. For many of us, a 30-minute workout, five days per week, can adequately meet that goal.
But that’s not the only way to meet your exercise quota. In fact, just a 10-minute burst of activity will elevate your heart rate and lower blood sugar. A short exercise session can also boost your mood and mental abilities like creativity and concentration. A short lunchtime workout could be an ideal choice for those hoping to boost work performance.
Do this three times per day, and you’ll meet your 30-minute daily total. Even better, there are plenty of ways to accomplish a 10-minute workout without all the fuss of driving to and from the gym! Just try these easy exercises:
- A quick walk around the block, the parking lot at work, or up and down the stairs in your building
- Squat jumps
- Bear crawls
- Walking lunges
- Pushups
- “Mountain climbers”
- Burpees
- Upright rows
- Jumping rope
- Bouncing on a mini trampoline
- Cycling on a stationary bike
These short bursts of exercise, sprinkled throughout the day, can boost your metabolism and support your weight loss plan. For more nutrition and exercise tips to fit your lifestyle and schedule, call our office to make an appointment. We can help you come up with a strategy that works for your unique situation.
