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Do you ever have an awkward amount of time when you can get in a short workout, but you think to yourself “Is it really worth it?”
Trust me, it’s always worth it. I love a long workout just as much as anyone else, but sometimes there just isn’t enough time. If only there were more hours in the day!
When I don’t have a lot of time, I turn to interval training. I can get plenty of work done in a short amount of time, as long as I push myself. Interval training is a way to maximize your cardiovascular system by incorporating short bursts of high intensity training.
It’s fairly simply. Interval training combines short, high intensity bursts of speed, with slower recovery segments to help you improve your fitness level.
Always start with a warm up of easy running for 5-10 minutes.
Workout One
- Run hard for 3 minutes. This should be close to a sprint, but not quite (80-85%).
- 2 minute recovery jog (~60%)
- Repeat 4 times for a total of 20 minutes
Workout Two
Time to go a little bit faster!
- Run hard for 1 minute (90%)
- 1 minute recovery jog (~60%)
- Repeat 10 times for a total of 20 minutes
Workout Three
Time to go all out!
- All out sprint for 30 seconds
- 1 minute recovery jog (~60%)
- Repeat until you hit 20 minutes (which might be tough…)
One of these workouts always gives me a jolt in the morning! Remember that interval training doesn’t have to be running. You can modify this to a fast walk or even pop in a work out DVD.
The key is that you can get in a good workout. Even if it’s only 20 minutes.
What kind of workout do you do turn to when you’re short on time?
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
story of my life. and these are good! so hard!
lindsay recently posted..Don’t Stretch it & Recipe
I love interval workouts when I’m short on time – gets my heart rate up!!
YES I love intervals and circuits! Videos I turn to are Gillian Michaels 30 day shred workouts and 10 minute arm workouts on youtube. We’ve been sprinkling in 25 minute circuit workouts at the track too… you’re right some days you just don’t have the time, and it’s good to be realistic!
Kristina @ Love and Zest recently posted..Nutrition for your Eyes
I remember one time, that was the first time I did a real workout in a gym,
it was really bad because I failed to do warm up, so I was knocked down after that. lol!
Shane Curtis recently posted..Discover Why Timber Joinery Is The Perfect Addition To Your Property!
I definitely do speed workouts when I am short on time. I sometimes go to the gym at lunch and if I need to shower after, I can only really do a 25 minute workout.
Lee recently posted..Sunday at Stone Mountain
I always ask myself that some mornings – but it is always better to get something in if we can. Great ideas, Matt!
Kailey recently posted..Simply the Best
Definitely do speed workouts when I’m short on time. Just tried Workout 1 today. Awesome workout! By the fourth interval, I was so ready to turn down the speed, but I stuck it out.
I love it! Speed workouts really are the hardest. I could run for hours….but getting out of that comfort zone and pushing your muscles and lungs to the max! Such an awesome, accomplished feeling.
Honestly, I almost ALWAYS prefer interval workouts for my cardio. I get a bit bored doing longer sessions and I love that HIIT burns so much fat/calories long after you are finished. I think I may give workout #2 a try in the morning!!
Suzanne @ Fit Minded Mom recently posted..Frozen Food Fail