Too Busy To Exercise? Here’s 2 Exercises You Need To Do
sxc.hu: jmolsen
I know I’ve harped on about this before, and you already know the importance of a regular exercise program, don’t you (I’m asking my ambivalent self that very question, too!)?
Perhaps you’re like me, and you have the best intentions in the world to exercise regularly, but then life happens!
Most of us don’t have much time left for exercise — or, perhaps I’d be more truthful if I said, we don’t make the time.
Fortunately, you don’t need to slog for hours at the gym. The key to getting in a good workout, in a short amount of time, is to work out shorter, but ramp up the intensity of those workouts.
Don’t sweat… I’m not taking about a form of medieval torture, which leaves you feeling like your next breath may be your last!
No, you should always feel in control of your workout, and finish feeling like you could do a little more, if necessary.
Two of the best types of exercise you can do are interval training and circuit training. Here’s what you need to know…
1. Interval Training
Interval training is a form of exercise involving short, intense bursts of activity, followed by brief rest periods.
You can do interval training while walking, running, cycling, swimming, or while doing any other form of cardiovascular exercise. For example, if you’re riding a stationary bike, an interval workout might be 10 repetitions of one minute at a fast pace, followed by a one minute rest.
Why is interval training so effective?
The brief rest gives you just enough of a break to keep the intensity up, while being short enough that your heart rate stays fairly high throughout the workout.
This combination of intensity, along with the short rest periods, allows you get in an effective workout, in a short period of time… sounds like a great combo to me.
Elite runners, swimmers and cyclists include interval training in their program a couple of times a week, to supplement their longer and more leisurely continuous workouts.
If you get bored easily when working out, intervals are a good idea for you too, because it’s not necessary to do the same thing every time. You can vary the exercise and rest periods to suit your fitness goals, and the time you have available.
As your fitness levels progress, you should lengthen the work periods and/or shorten the rest periods to make the workout tougher. You might also keep the workout the same and progress by running, cycling or swimming faster as time goes on.
The variations and possibilities are endless.
Since interval training is an intense form of training, it’s very important that you take a few minutes to warm up properly before starting each training session. You should also end with a few minutes cool down afterward, too.
Here’s my previous article on interval training workouts, in case you missed it.
2. Circuit Training
Circuit training involves performing a series of exercises in a sequence, with no rest between exercises.
For example, you might do 10 squats, then immediately perform 10 situps, followed by 10 pushups, etc. Moving from one exercise to the next, with no rest in between.
Why is circuit training so effective?
The trick with this type of training is, to switch to different muscle groups with each exercise.
For example, after you do the squats, your leg muscles can rest while you work your abs with the situps. Your abs then rest while you’re doing pushups, and so on.
This is an excellent type of workout for busy people, since you don’t waste 2-3 minutes catching your breath between exercises, which allows you to get a lot of work done, in a relatively short period of time.
The lack of rest between also keeps your heart rate high, and provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, as well as the strength benefit you get from the individual exercises themselves.
As with interval training, circuit training allows for lots of variety in your training.
You could choose as many, or as few exercises as you want to. Or, do them in any sequence, as long as you remember not to work the same muscle groups consecutively.
As your fitness improves, you can add exercises to your program, or repeat the series of exercises one or more times.
Exercises That Give You Choices!
The great thing about these two workouts is that you can use many different forms of exercise within each format.
If you’re not a runner, you can still do interval training in the pool, or on a bike, etc. If you have a particular set of exercises you enjoy, you can add them to your circuit training routine, or use different exercises each day.
And most importantly for busy people, thanks to the short rest period and high intensity, they give you a great workout in a short period of time.
That way you can get your exercise done, and get on with the rest of your day.
Can you share any tips for exercising when you’ve got a busy schedule?
Need help starting your home exercise plan?
I’ve included the free Home Exercise Handbook with my Healthy Eating Handbook, as an extra bonus to help you on your road to a healthier lifestyle.
This handbook contains everything you need to know to get started working out at home, as well as how to progress your fitness. You can get your copy right away by clicking on the link.
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8 Comments
Fioricet pain medication
10.30.2010
Searching good blog is not an easy task because number of blogs with exaggeration is available but the information on this blog is completely based on research. It will help you in getting information and gaining knowledge.
Darren
11.06.2010
Great article Melanie. Interval and circuit training are some great fat burning workouts that don’t take much time. I’m alway doing circuit training to save time on my workouts.
.-= Darren´s last blog ..12 Minute Best Fat Burning Workout 9 =-.
Melanie
11.10.2010
Hi Darren,
I agree… it makes exercise so much more do-able for us when we’re busy, but we still get a good workout.
ff
12.17.2010
I am 28 and I haven’t been exercising for 10 years. I have tried starting a routine myself but always gave up soon after. Because I never make time for it and I don’t like it, even I understand the importance. As a result I have start thinking now that something bad will happen to me in the years to come. And still I am not doing something about it.
Melanie
12.18.2010
Hi ff,
I hope you can find something you enjoy.
Have you tried different options? What about a workout class? Sometimes joining in with others can be really motivating. Or, can you think of any active hobbies you could take up? Perhaps a workout DVD in your own home would be good — I find that works for me, as I don’t have time to go to the gym, but I find working out on my own a bit boring. I’ve recently been using a jillian Michaels DVD, which is great because she is so tough,
The other thing is perhaps you need to change the time of day when you try to exercise — first thing in the morning works really well for some people.
Comment Maigrir
02.11.2011
I’ve always thought that the best approach to loose weight swiftly is to just simply reprogram your way of life. What I really mean is, in the event you truly would like or have to drop several lbs, then you’ve got to make that essential decision – am I going to do this or aren’t I? And as soon as you have made your mind up, and you’re devoted to your success, then not a thing can stop you.
Albert
03.21.2011
Hi, Melanie. I believe that many people start working out with great gusto, but soon start skipping the sessions because they feel demotivated and bored.Opt for exercises that you love and you will actually look forward to your workout sessions.
Armen
03.26.2011
Totally agree, Albert, thanks
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Information About Stretching Exercises…
Interesting article! I’ve added a trackback to it on my site
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