One of the main problems we all have with exercise is finding the time for it! And even if we find time in our schedules, don’t we need to drive to a gym and use fancy equipment to burn fat?
Actually, no. Try these five exercises at home, in your office, or even while you’re stuck at your kid’s soccer practice at the park. If you have five or ten minutes to spare, you can fit in a micro-workout. Cram a few micro-workouts into your schedule every day, and you’ll barely notice the time you’ve spent exercising – but you will notice a difference when you look in the mirror or step on a scale!
Jumping jacks. This elementary school basic is a great way to warm up your muscles and get your heart pumping. Do jumping jacks until you’re breathing heavily and your heart rate has increased, but not until you’re exhausted. Then move on to the next exercises.
Jumping rope. Jumping rope is a great alternative to jumping jacks. Keep a jump rope in your office or car, and take five or ten minutes to enjoy this fun activity as a warm-up, or an entire aerobic activity if you prefer.
Squats. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, then lower your body by pushing your hips back and bending your knees. Aim to get your thighs parallel to the floor. Hold for a couple of seconds, then stand back up. Squats work some big muscle groups in your thighs and bottom, meaning you’ll burn a lot of calories and tone up, too.
Push-ups. These are actually the best exercises you can do for your upper body, and they don’t require any special equipment. Just remember to keep your head, neck, torso, and hips in a straight line, and keep your elbows close to your body. If doing push-ups on the floor is too difficult, do them on your desk until you build up enough strength to perform the full version of the exercise.
Burpees. Burpees combine the benefits of aerobic exercise with intense muscle-toning movements. Get into a squat position, then place your hands on the floor in front of you. Kick your feet back into a push-up position, then jump them back into the squat position. Immediately jump into the air as high as you can, then return to the squat position and repeat the exercise. This one will really wear you out!
If you decide to do several of these exercises together, move from one to the next in quick succession. Keeping your heart rate up will burn more calories, and regular ten-minute workouts will make a big difference in your overall fitness.
