Lately my days can get crazy to the point where every few minutes (literally) I’m working on a different project with hardly any time in between to even stop and take a breath. Over the last few months, I’ve learned to take small breaks throughout the day or night to clear my mind and/or physically get my blood moving.
Today I’m sharing some tips on how to fill the small space between activities in our busy days whether that is 1 minute or 30 minutes.
My friend, Alex, has been my virtual personal trainer for the last few months and she’s helped me realize that you don’t have to make a whole production out of working out. Some days, it can be 8 minutes of arms or 10 minutes of abs which is way better than nothing and can actually add up when done on a regular basis!
1 minute
Only one free minute? Work those hamstrings and do a 60-second wall sit! See how to do that here.
2 minutes
Turn off all electronics. Close your eyes. Take 6-10 calming breaths. Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold it for 7 seconds, breathe out for 8 seconds. It’s hard to do but with some practice, this technique can calm you down in the most stressful of situations. Trust me, I use it a lot. 2 full minutes of this breathing can reshape your entire day.
5 minutes
Complete 10 sun salutations. This always makes me fell 100% better physically and emotionally.
8 minutes
Alex created this arm work out for me that takes 8 minutes but actually works. If you do it regularly you will for sure see results.
Complete 3 sets of 10 reps of each with 10 second rest in between each set and exercise:
– Triceps Kickbacks
– Bicep Curls
– Triceps Extension
– Push-ups (complete on knees if you cannot keep good form on your toes)
– Two Arm Dumbbell Row
– Bicep Curl and Press
Alex is offering you guys all 15% off of any of her online training plans at Just a Dash of Ginger with the code LEMONSTRIPES through March 1st. If you’re not a runner, she can customize anything for you.
10 minutes
Try Alex’s awesome ab work out with absolutely no props needed! It’s only 10 minutes but makes your abs sore the next day which I always think is a good sign.
Complete 3 sets of 15 for each of the following exercises:
– Bicycle Crunch
– Leg Lifts (try to keep your legs straight)
– Russian Twists (crunch position, legs lifted, twist your upper body slowly from side to side no additional weights)
Then complete 1 set of 45 seconds for each of the following exercises:
– Plank
– Side Plank (45 seconds per side)
20 minutes
Power clean your space! If you’re at home, wipe down all surfaces, clean mirrors, sinks, and kitchen utilities, make beds, fluff throw pillows, and vacuum. If you’re at work, de-clutter your desk, file any loose papers, clean out your drawers, wipe down your desk, and clean your computer screen with a cloth.
30 minutes
Go for a walk, jog, or run. Get outside (Or a treadmill if it’s snowing/raining hard. That’s the only excuse) and just pound the pavement, get your body moving, and breathe in fresh air.
Love it…mostly the 1 minute option. 🙂
I like the sun salutation idea! Seems very relaxing!
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