It can be difficult to make time for exercise during the holiday season. Whether you are spending your time gift shopping, taking the kids to holiday pageant practices, or getting stuff done for work before the year’s over, there never seems to be enough time in the day. Even though your days can be busy, we believe that there is always a little slice of the day that can be dedicated to exercise. This is a short workout that you can do to kick your mornings into gear.
The coolest part about this workout is that it only takes 6 minutes. After you wake up and have your wits about you, start this routine. Do this workout before you eat breakfast because it boosts your endorphins and burns 20% more body fat than walking around the neighborhood, for instance. This is because it is a high-intensity workout, which involves strength training, balance, and cardiovascular exercises. The workout consists of squats, push-ups, planks, and crunches, and you’re going to cycle through this routine two times with minimal to no rest between sets. After the completion of one cycle, you can rest for one to two minutes.
This workout aims to target the entire body so that you engage all your muscle groups. It’s a good idea to do a few stretches or foam roll for a few minutes prior to the workout.
Exercise #1: 15 Squats
Standing with your feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart, bend your knees and keep your back straight. Try not to let your knees go past your toes. You want to sit back until your thighs parallel the floor. Then push up, engaging your gluteus muscles, and drive through your heels to return to the starting position. This exercise increases strength, balance, works your lower body, and tones your legs.
Exercise #2: 15 Push-Ups
Many people do push-ups without the correct form. Get on all fours and place your hands on the floor directly underneath your shoulders. Extend your feet back, lower yourself keeping your elbows next to your sides until your chest nearly touches the floor, and then push up using your pectoral muscles. You’ll strengthen your core, chest, and arms. If you need to place your knees on the ground or stand up and push-up from the edge of your desk, it’s completely ok.
Exercise #3: Plank for 30 Seconds
You don’t have to move from the push-up position. Lower yourself onto your elbows and keep your back straight. The only body parts that should touch the ground are your two forearms, hands, and toes. Engage your core muscles and hold the position for 30 seconds.
Exercise: #4: 12 Bicycle Crunches
Lie down on your back, extend your legs all the way out, and place your hands behind your ears. Lift one knee towards your chest and crunch forward to touch it with the opposite elbow. This creates a twist that tones your entire core. Repeat for each side until you are finished.
Now repeat the whole routine and you’ll be done in about 6 minutes. This will help you stay tone and give you an energy boost to start your day.
