A big challenge around fitness is TIME. You’re likely busy, as we all are. It’s funny – we all have 24 hours in a day, and we fill them ALL with SOMETHING. With all of your other obligations and commitments, how can you fit in exercise when you’re making it a priority in your life?
First, I want you to think optimistically and solution-oriented.
Then, may I turn your attention to the concept of high-intensity interval training (a.k.a. HIIT). You’ve probably heard of this as it’s a buzzword in the exercise world right now. One of its downfalls, in my opinion, is that word: “high-intensity” is generally translated into “too much or too hard for me,” particularly if you haven’t been exercising regularly to begin with.
How can we overcome the time hurdle, all the while making it not only safe, but enjoyable for you to exercise?
Everyone has their own current fitness level. We all vary in that level. What is intense for you, may not be as intense for the next person because they’ve been training their fitness, and vice-versa.
You don’t need to be anything or anywhere other than right where you are to start.
High-intensity interval training is exercise that alternates between episodes of intense exercise and periods of less intensive physical activity, or recovery.
Intervals. Doing something difficult for a defined amount of time (anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes) followed by doing something not-so-difficult for a defined amount of time (anywhere from 15 seconds to 2 minutes).
What this might look like:
- 30 seconds of squats followed by 1 minute of walking
- 30 seconds of plank followed by 30 seconds of rest
- 1 minute of dancing followed by 1 minute of rest
- 1 minute of jogging followed by 2 minutes of walking
- 1 minute of burpees followed by 30 seconds of rest
Do, rest, and repeat. You can do a number of these within 10 minutes. You can group pairings of these exercises (and many more, of course) to make a 30-minute workout.
Did you know that 30 minutes twice a week can yield great results?
Exercise doesn’t have to look like anything other than moving your body in an active way. The other variables are discretionary. You don’t have to follow a trend, you can find things that you enjoy doing. That is a huge key to sustainability and long term success.
If you’d like to further explore putting together a specific plan based on your goals and where you are right now, reach out to me! Let’s have a conversation about it.