Some of you are reading the subject line and thinking, “You can’t get a good workout in 15 minutes!” However, some of my clients already know that you can because they are doing it now.
This is what is key in a good workout:
- You warm up the muscles
- You work all muscle groups
- You get some cardio vascular exercise
- You target and work the core specifically (okay, this is my preference!)
- You stretch the muscles that you worked after the workout
The way you work all of these components into your workout is by doing functional exercises that work several muscles at the same time. For example, an exercise called the “Wood Chop”, has the exerciser holding one weight in both hands, lifting the weight up over the shoulder on one side and then bringing the weight down and across the body, squatting down and lowering it towards the floor on the opposite side. If you do 15 repetitions on each side you will see that not only are you working your shoulders, chest, legs, and obliques, but you are getting a bit of a cardio workout as well.
When you string several of these types of exercises together with some abdominal specific exercises, they will make up the majority of the workout. Then you need to make sure to stretch the muscles that you use.
You can make it even more challenging by adding a timing component. For example, do as many of this exercise as you can in 30 seconds. You still need to make sure that your form is correct, so that you don’t risk injury when working a timed workout.
Knowing the right exercises to do, especially if you have any physical issues you need to work around, requires a trained professional. It is important to work with a personal trainer or physical therapist to learn the exercises that are right for you and your body.
Can you get a decent workout in 15 minutes?
Absolutely!
If you want me to show you how, contact me at Holly@FittingFitnessIn.com.
Holly Kouvo is a certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Specialist, Functional Aging Specialist, speaker and writer.