Best exercises: 7 short but effective routines to reach your fitness goals even with a busy schedule
Exercise tips: Even with a busy schedule, finding time for short and efficient workouts is important. Remember, even a little exercise can greatly benefit your health, suggests expert. So, put on your sneakers and get moving.
You might argue that your life is too hectic to fit in exercise, but remember, excuses will not get you far. Prioritising your health is essential, as they say, “health is wealth” for a reason. Spoorthi S, Fitness Expert at Cult shares some quick workouts that are designed especially for you if you are juggling the rigors of a busy lifestyle. “These exercises provide doable ways to maintain an active and motivated lifestyle even in the middle of the workday,” says the expert.
Walking: Probably the easiest yet least appreciated type of exercise, the best thing about walking is that it does not take a lot of time, only requires minimal equipment, and can be done almost anywhere. Moreover, walking can be a great way to improve your cardiovascular health and reduce stress. Take a brisk walk during your lunch break or a stroll around the neighborhood after dinner.
HIIT (High-intensity interval training): Perfect for busy schedules, it involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief rest periods. These workouts are super effective and keep burning calories even after you are done, thanks to the “afterburn” effect.
Stretching: The simple act of stretching often gets overlooked. However, it is really important for staying flexible and avoiding injuries, especially if you tend to sit a lot. You can stretch almost anywhere – on the couch, at your desk, or while waiting for the kettle to boil. Even just a little bit of stretching each day can help reduce stress, fix your posture, and make you feel better.
Tabata: In just four minutes, Tabata delivers maximum results with 20 seconds of intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for eight rounds. It torches calories, boosts metabolism, and improves cardiovascular fitness, making it perfect for your busy days.
Mobility workouts: Your body can suffer from spending a lot of time standing or stooping over a desk. A quick mobility exercise session, lasting 15 to 20 minutes, can significantly reduce the aches and pains that come with leading a busy lifestyle. To increase the range of motion and lessen pain, concentrate on exercises that target the hips, shoulders, and spine; areas that are prone to stiffness.
Running: Put on your shoes and head outside, or onto the treadmill if you have to. Running is a great way to fit in a cardio exercise, even if you only have 20 or 60 minutes to spare. It not only increases heart rate and blood flow, but it also releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that can improve mood and reduce stress.
Full body: A full-body bodyweight workout is your best bet when you are pressed for time. These exercises use only your body weight as resistance to work all of the major muscle groups. Consider exercises like planks, lunges, squats, and push-ups that are all done in a circuit to increase efficiency. They not only increase strength and burn calories, but they also enhance functional fitness, which makes completing daily tasks simpler.