Gimme 10! Minutes, that is
By Gregory Joujon-Roche
Summer vacation is over and it’s back to serious business for many of us. Even with our hectic schedules, though, we still need to make time for fitness. OK, OK … you know you need to do it. But with so much already on your plate, HOW?
Just gimme 10!
I’m talking about 10 minutes. You don’t always have to carve out a solid half hour or longer for exercise in order for it to “count.” Squeezing in 10 minutes of physical activity a few times a day will allow you to get the exercise you need to stay healthy. And surely you can spare a few 10-minute breaks to get moving, right? As an added incentive, bear in mind that the breaks will also help you boost your energy and ease stress.
Start off by scheduling those 10-minute exercise breaks so that you get in the habit of incorporating them into your day. In time, you may even look forward to them!
Here are some ideas for 10-minute activities that you can do virtually anywhere:
*Kick in the cardio: Jump rope, shadow box, climb stairs, take a brisk walk.
*Tighten and tone: Do a round of calisthenics, such as lunges, squats, sit-ups and push-ups.
*Loosen up: Boost your flexibility with a series of stretches for the whole body. Hold each stretch for two minutes as you focus on your breathing.
Longer, sustained workouts may help you reach your fitness goals faster. But shorter workouts can help you stay healthy, too. Remember, all activity is good and it all adds up. So get moving – even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
