Which Exercises Deliver Big Results In A Small Amount of Time?

We all know that regular exercise significantly improves health, reduces fatigue, and keeps you looking and feeling great. But, who really feels like working out on a regular basis? Perhaps the reason we slack off on the exercise programs after just two weeks into the New Year, the beginning of summer or right after summer is because we’re simply not interested in the workout. Based on the areas of your body you want to work on and the amount of time you have to spend in the gym (or at home) every day, you can find a workout that you won’t dread when you think about it.

Limited time to workout

One of the keys to achieving your fitness goals is to maintain a positive attitude. Don’t feel guilty that you don’t have an hour or more each day to work out. Just make the most of the time you do have to work out, and plan your time wisely. For instance, if you can walk to work in mild weather, take advantage of this daily opportunity. Of course, you can always take the stairs instead of the elevator while at the office. Taking a little walk after dinner is also a great way to keep off extra pounds, and it could even help you sleep better.

If you don’t have time to go to the gym or don’t own weights and want to do some toning, you can use your own body weight to shape up your thighs, abs, and arms. Twenty to fifty push-ups a day can help to tone the arms and back, leg lunges can help to firm the thighs, and about fifty sit-ups a day can keep the stomach and lower back in shape. You’ll want to increase the number of sets for these exercises as you become more comfortable with them, and you could see results much sooner than you think if you’re willing to be consistent.

Windsor Pilates is definitely effective in delivering wonderful results in limited time (right at home). While many health clubs offer Pilates classes, if going to the gym is a not an option then do Pilates right at home. The Windsor Pilates videos typically run about 20 minutes. You will love the results with consistent use of at least 3 times per week (combined with a sensible diet.)

Choose environment that is best for you

Another reason why workout time seems to fizzle out of our schedule has a lot to do with the places we choose to work out. If the gym doesn’t exactly motivate you, don’t worry; you may just need to change your setting. Most people don’t feel especially motivated to work out in their homes either, because it’s much too tempting to relax on the couch or slip back into bed. For a change of scenery, try working out outdoors. Nature walks are a great way to work out amongst trees and flowers, and running outside early in the morning can be very refreshing. You can also work out at a friend’s home or at a neighborhood park or fitness center. Pay attention to how you feel when you’re working out at each place, and stick with the environment you feel most comfortable. You’ll be more likely to work out more often, and for longer periods.

If you prefer to exercise at home and remain motivated, a great video series to own is called The Firm. They have a series of videos that can help you target certain areas or even give you a full body workout. The instructors are great. You’ll have fun and get wonderful results. Pick out a few videos to get started.

Try non-traditional exercises

It’s perfectly all right to base your exercise routine on things you actually like to do. For instance, if you love dancing, enroll in a local ballroom dancing or salsa class, and count the classes as part of your workout. If you love jogging, visit the track as often as you can. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, plan to go bike riding or hiking whenever you get a chance. Even though these aren’t your traditional ways of exercising, you’ll still receive the cardiovascular and muscle-toning benefits. The trick is to make sure that you’re participating in these activities as often as you would be going to the gym in order to have really worked out for the week. You may still want to add a couple of weight training sessions or a mile walk one day a week to these activities, but you’ll be much more motivated to do so when you can spend other days doing the things you like to do. This way, you won’t have to make another New Year’s resolution to work out every day; you can just resolve to plan your days better and do more of the things you love to do.

See previous post on Hot Yoga. This is very popular form of non-traditional exercise. It will deliver many wonderful benefits as well.

I hope you gained some ideas on how to turn a small amount of time into big results in the area of exercise. Wishing you the best in finding the workout(s) that you enjoy and pursue consistently. It is also useful to indulge in a variety of workouts to keep it fun and interesting.

Enjoy!