10-Minute Workouts for Busy People

10-Minute Workouts for Busy People

These 10-Minute Routines Will Get Your Heart Pumping and Burn Calories in No Time

1. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a powerhouse workout method that packs a punch in a short amount of time. By alternating between bursts of high-intensity exercise and brief rest periods, HIIT workouts can significantly improve your cardiovascular health, boost your metabolism, and enhance muscle strength and endurance. This makes HIIT an ideal choice for those with a busy schedule who still want to achieve their fitness goals.

2. Body-Weight Squats

Strength training exercises like body-weight squats are excellent for building strength in your legs, as well as improving balance and coordination.

To perform this exercise, stand with your feet flat on the floor and your arms relaxed at the sides. Bend your knees until they touch the floor (or come close), then return to starting position by straightening your legs. Repeat 10 times before switching sides and repeating again for a total of 20 repetitions per side (10 right leg/10 left leg).

3. Chair Dips

Sit on the edge of a chair with your feet flat on the floor and hands shoulder-width apart. Chair dips are an excellent exercise for targeting major muscle groups in the upper body. Lift yourself up from the seat and lower back down again, keeping your back straight and abs tight. You can modify this exercise by doing it with knees instead of feet (or both).

4. Wall Sit with Chest Press

Full body workouts like the wall sit with chest press are a great way to work your lower body and upper body at the same time. It’s also good for people who don’t have much space in their homes or offices, since you can do it right there against a wall.

  • Stand facing away from the wall with your feet shoulder-width apart and hands on your hips. Bend down until your knees are bent at right angles (like sitting in an imaginary chair). Make sure that both knees are touching the ground; if they aren’t yet, keep going until they do! This position is called “the bottom of the squat”. Hold this position for 30 seconds or as long as possible without letting go or leaning on anything else besides yourself–and don’t forget that we’re trying not to use our hands here either! If it helps keep track of time while doing this move: count out loud each time someone walks by outside so that when they get back into earshot again (about every 5 seconds), then take another breath before starting again…and repeat until you’ve reached 30 seconds total time spent holding this position without allowing yourself any breaks whatsoever; then release slowly back up into standing position again.”

5. Pushups or Handstand Pushups

If you’re not quite ready to do a full push-up, start by practicing on your knees. Once you can do 10 reps with good form, move up to standing and work toward the full range of motion until it feels easy enough for you to be able to say that you can do a proper push-up.

Handstand pushups are also an option if they’re available in your gym or area where there is no equipment needed! Handstands can help strengthen your core muscles which will help improve balance and posture throughout everyday life! You’ll also build upper body strength because it requires more effort than doing standard floor-based versions of this exercise; however, this isn’t always ideal since most people don’t have access (or know how) how properly perform them safely without injuring themselves–so stick with regular old floor ones instead :)

6. Plank with Leg Lifts

The plank is one of the best exercises you can do to strengthen your core and improve posture. It’s also a great way to build strength in your shoulders, arms, and back muscles.

To perform a basic plank:

  • Get into a push-up position with your hands directly under your shoulders and toes on the ground (or rest on your forearms if you have trouble balancing). Don’t let any part of your body sag; keep it straight from head to toe throughout this exercise! If needed, place one foot behind you for support.

  • Hold this position for 30 seconds or longer–the longer the better! Then rest before repeating 3 more times total (for a total time commitment of 10 minutes). Performing this exercise with minimal rest between sets can help keep the intensity high and maximize the benefits.

7. Jumping Jacks or Burpees for High Intensity Interval Training

Jumping jacks are more effective than burpees for burning calories.

If you’re looking to get in a quick workout and don’t have time for anything else, jumping jacks are the way to go. They target the upper body and core while also improving cardiovascular endurance, which means they’ll help you burn calories faster than burpees do. However, if you’re trying to lose weight or build muscle mass (or both), then burpees may be more beneficial because they work out multiple muscle groups at once–especially legs and glutes–which can help increase metabolism by up to 20%.

8. Mountain Climbers

Mountain climbers are a great way to get your heart pumping and build some muscle. They’re also a convenient exercise for people on the go, as they can be done anywhere with little or no equipment. This makes them an excellent option for a quick workout during a lunch break. To do mountain climbers:

  • Start in plank position (on hands and toes), with one foot placed behind you on the floor, knee bent 90 degrees

  • Lift your opposite arm and leg at the same time while keeping your body straight from head to toe

  • Repeat this movement rapidly for 30 seconds

Adapting Workouts for Different Environments

Life can be hectic, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip your workouts. Adapting your exercise routine to different environments ensures you stay consistent and on track with your fitness journey, no matter where you are. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go, these tips and routines will help you make the most of your time.

Tips for Staying Consistent

  • Schedule Your Workouts: Treat your workouts as non-negotiable appointments and add them to your calendar.

  • Find a Workout Buddy: Having an accountability partner can keep you motivated and committed.

  • Track Your Progress: Set realistic goals and monitor your progress to stay motivated.

  • Incorporate Variety: Mix up your workout routine to avoid boredom and prevent plateaus.

  • Reward Yourself: Celebrate milestones and challenging workouts with small rewards.

This workout will get your heart pumping, burn calories, and it’s only 10 minutes!

Doing this workout on a regular basis is a great way to start or end your day. It can also be used as an alternative to other forms of exercise if you don’t have time for them. If you like this routine, try mixing in yoga or martial arts into your week too! A brisk walk during your lunch break can also be a quick and beneficial way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.

Conclusion

I hope these 10-minute workouts have inspired you to get up and start moving! Whether you choose to do all or just one of them, they're sure to give your body a quick boost of energy. You can also try mixing up the exercises so that they become more challenging with time; as they say: "Variety is the spice of life."

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