I am linking up with Kookyrunner and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics and today we’re talking about our favorite quick workouts. As you know, I am currently attempting a 365 workout streak and that is a bit of a feat, as you don’t really know what your week, month, or year will look like. Some days will be busy and there will only be time for a quick workout to keep the streak going. But the good news is, there are plenty of effective, short workouts that you can choose from on a busy day.
HIIT/Cardio/Strength
If you’re looking for a short, but effective workout, a quick HIIT Cardio workout will give you the “most bang for your buck time”. HIIT, high-intensity interval training, can also be applied to many different forms of exercise. There are HIIT workouts for running, cycling, strength training, and cardio.
Yoga
When I am really pressed for time or on days when I just physically don’t feel that great, I usually opt for a 10-15 minute yoga practice. It’s mostly low impact (or it can be, depending on the poses you choose, ha) and it still gets your blood flowing and your body moving for a bit.
Core Workout
I often like to throw a 10-minute core workout into my day. You don’t need any equipment, you can do it almost anywhere, and your abs will be burning from working on that six-pack. Maybe 10 minutes doesn’t seem like a lot, but if you do it regularly, you’ll see the changes. Promise!
Walk
And then, of course, there’s also the option of just taking a walk. Don’t underestimate the benefits of just going for a walk around the block. It gets you off the couch and out of your head, so it’s a great short exercise in my book.
I have a repertoire of body exercises that I can draw from anytime, but of course, having jumped on the Peloton bandwagon, I have to mention that the Peloton app offers a ton of short, (10-15-20 minute) workouts that get your heart rate up and your pores sweating, if you need a bit of guidance.
The Peloton App requires a subscription, but there is also the Adidas Training app by Runtastic, which was the first app that I’ve used when I started running (before I got a GPS watch) and which has a ton of free short workout resources.
I’ve also used the Nike Training Club app quite a bit. They also offer free workout sessions and exercise resources.
And, maybe lesser known, but the JeFit app is also a great resource if you’re looking for a quick list of exercises for specific muscle groups.
Even if on some days, I only do a quick workout for 10-20 minutes, I feel like I did something worthwhile for my body.
What kind of workout do you do when you’re pressed for time?
Kim G
August 10, 2021 at 6:39 pmTotally agree with all the options you have shared. It’s amazing how much you can set during a core workout!
Thanks for linking up with us this week!
Tanja
August 10, 2021 at 9:33 pmGreat resources you are sharing – thank you !!
Catrina
August 10, 2021 at 9:56 pmI like that you added walking, San. It’s a highly underestimated workout.
The calves are often described as the “second heart” – with every step we take, they push deoxygenated blood back up to the heart and lungs. Walking is so important!
KimberlY HAtting
August 11, 2021 at 6:44 amI’m with you…I try to do something everyday, even if it’s just a 1-mile walk. Aren’t HIIT workouts just a great quick fix! They have really changed my fitness life :-) I need to try to sneak in some short ab/core workouts…I forget to do those LOL
Jenny
August 11, 2021 at 11:05 amMy norm is to take Monday completely off from exercise, but lately I’ve been throwing something short in there on that day, and it feels so much better. If I don’t exercise I feel like a slug all day. This Monday I did a Peloton yoga class and it was great! Thanks for all the other suggestions.
Chocolaterunsjudy
August 11, 2021 at 12:11 pmI tend to do short workouts (as in 25 minutes) for strength. Yoga can be short or long, sometimes several times a day. Hey, it’s part of why I became a Yoga teacher!
There are SO many free resources now — it’s wonderful!
Kristen Woolsey
August 11, 2021 at 4:31 pmSo helpful! I hadn’t heard of some of these apps.
Lisa of Lisa's Yarns
August 17, 2021 at 7:22 amFor me it’s definitely a walk since it requires no equipment and is so good for my mental health! I also have some quick equipment-free workouts that other bloggers have posted. I have them in a binder organized by type (HIIT, upper body, lower body, core, cardio, etc). So it’s easy to pull out a workout for what I’m looking to accomplish!
Tobia | craftaliciousme
August 22, 2021 at 12:07 amI have to check out the nike app. I think it does come with my Apple Watch but I never used it yet. And I agree with the walking part. It is often my go to if I need some movement but feel too tired or exhausted.