Today's Tip: Workout Wednesday!

Have you had your workout today?  Do you have one planned?  Or are you just "too busy" to exercise?  There are a couple of things in our lives that should be in cement in our schedule...quiet time with the Lord, taking care of your family and exercise (which is essentially taking care of yourself). 

So there is a gal I have seen at the gym who is on the treadmill or elliptical when I get there, and she's still there when I leave.  Now if you want to spend that kind of time every day exercising, then go for it.  But you might have a tighter schedule and need "smarter" - not "harder" - workouts.  So here's a short, 12-minute workout that even the busiest person can fit into their day.  And if you end up with a little extra time, you can always repeat it again later in the day :).

THE WORKOUT - do each exercise for 45 seconds, rest for 15 seconds then go to the next exercise

Jog in Place

Jumping Jacks

Quick feet Push-ups: Run in place as fast as you can for 5 seconds then drop to the floor and complete one full push-up; repeat.

Jump rope

Skater Lunge: Standing with feet together, jump out to the right and bend left knee 90 degrees behind your right foot.  Then jump back to the left and bend right knee 90 degrees behind your left foot.  Repeat.

Jump Rope

Reverse Crunch:
Lie on back with knees bent, feet lifted and arms at sides. Using your abs, lift your hips off floor; lower and repeat.

Jump Rope

Mountain Climber: Get into a full push-up position and bring one knee toward chest.  Switch feet back and forth as quickly as you can, keeping palms on floor.

Jump Rope

Squat Jump: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms at sides. Squat down, then jump up explosively.  Land softly into squat position; repeat.

Stretch

Need less cardio?  Here's another one to try:

Quick Workout

Squat (15 to 20 reps)

Lunge (15 reps per side)

Push-Ups (10-15 reps)

Bridge (15-20 reps)

Plank pose (hold 30-60 seconds)

 

One last idea:

Lunge day and night.
First thing in the morning and last thing before bedtime, do five rear lunges (step back and lower until front thigh is parallel to floor) on each leg and then do five squats. You'll definitely notice the difference in your rear view...this one-minute addition to your day adds up to 300 lunges and 150 squats per month. That's a lot of leg and butt toning!