A Quick Workout Routine

In the busy world we live in, it can be difficult to find time to do anything but eat, sleep and work. This is one of the reason that most of us do not get the exercise we need to stay healthy. But did you know that squeezing in a 15-minute workout as little as three times a week can have a positive impact on your health?

People tend to assume that they must spend hours at the gym each week if they want to see noticeable results. But that's simply not true. Short but regular workouts can help us maintain a healthy weight and feel more energetic. In the time you spend taking a coffee break, you could be getting enough exercise to make a difference.

If you want to keep your workout short, simple exercises are the key. It's best not to include ones that require special equipment or prolonged holding of positions. Easy exercises that can be done repetitively are key. Here's a sample routine that requires no equipment except a clock or timer and a jump rope:

1. Go for a brisk 3-minute walk or jog. If possible, walk or jog up and down some stairs. This will get your heart pumping while providing an easy warm-up.

2. Do as many push-ups as you can do in 3 minutes.

3. Do as many sit-ups as you can in 3 minutes.

4. Do as many squats as you can in 3 minutes.

5. Jump rope for 3 minutes.

Feel free to take breaks when you need to, but try to keep moving as much as possible. This will help you pack as much punch into your short workout as possible.

Accomplishing Your Goals with a 15-Minute Workout

The above routine is a general workout that should work nicely for most people who are trying to stay fit. But short workouts can also produce results if you have specific goals in mind. Whether you're looking to lose weight, build core strength or tone certain muscle groups, you can benefit from a 15-minute workout.

If you're trying to lose weight, you'll need to fill your workout with cardio exercises. You could start out with a jog up and down steps, then do some jumping jacks. Then do some squats or lunges (or both), and finish up by jumping rope.

You can also do strength training with a short workout and minimal equipment. For overall strength, you could include exercises that target different parts of the body such as push-ups, squats, sit-ups and calf raises. If you want to target specific muscle groups, include only exercises that work those groups.

It's a myth that if you can't work out for several hours each week, there's no point in even trying. Getting in a quick workout as often as possible might not pump you up beyond recognition, but it will help you lose weight and build strength, and it will improve your health. Anyone can make time for a 15-minute workout a few times a week, no matter how busy his schedule.
 

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