Ask 100 people why they don’t work out regularly, and you will receive a variety of answers. However, one reason will probably be more common than all the rest: many people will tell you that they simply don’t have time for exercise.
When we think of “exercise” most of us picture long jogs, a minimum of an hour spent in the gym, or fitness classes that don’t always (or ever) work with our schedules. The truth is that you can actually cram a workout into just 15 minutes!
No, it won’t be as completely effective as an hour-long exercise routine. But it’s better than skipping exercise entirely, and there might even be some benefits to a 15-minute workout. Short periods of exercise can boost your metabolism and improve heart health. So, cramming a short workout into your schedule is definitely better than nothing.
Here’s the key: That workout needs to be as intense as possible, if you want to reap the most benefit (including calorie burning). Of course, “intense” is relative to your fitness status, and what one person considers intense might be another person’s “easy”. But in general, remember these rules to crafting an effective 15-minute workout:
- Target large muscle groups (such as your legs and butt)
- Get your heart rate up to your calorie-burning zone
- Combine moves, like jump squats, plank variations, lunges, push-ups, jumping jacks, and bear crawls
- Use what is available: Climb the stairs at a fast pace, or keep a jump rope stashed nearby
On the other hand, there are certainly a few things you should avoid during your 15-minute workout. Because 15 minutes is not enough time to warm up and cool down correctly, don’t attempt heavy weightlifting during this time. Also avoid quick workouts when you’re truly exhausted (take a nap instead). And, if you’re very sore from the previous day’s workout, keep in mind that you won’t have time to warm up properly and you could be risking injury.
Before beginning any workout routine, come see us so that we can help you identify which types of exercise are safe for you. Together we will determine your fitness level, target heart rate, and more. Plus, we can offer nutritional guidance if your goal is to lose weight.
