10 Minute Workouts for the "Time Starved”

We live in a culture where time is increasingly our most valuable commodity. Jobs, over programmed kid's events, and multiple priorities put ever increasing demands on our time at a time when we are becoming ever more sedentary as a country. While this is not great news there is help for anyone juggling this myriad of balls.

Increasingly research shows that by combining 10 minute workout segments over a single day can be as beneficial as performing the standard 30-60 minute exercise routine. This research shows that by using the proper frequency, and intensity, you can gain tremendous benefit in muscular strength, tone, even caloric expenditure. The secret lies in having the proper equipment and program that fits your lifestyle. This starts with portable exercise equipment that can accompany you wherever you might have 10 minute breaks in order to accomplish some basic exercises. You must start by examining your lifestyle and planning accordingly. For instance if you work for a living you must be willing to schedule and protect 10 minute breaks at least 3-4 times per week in order to accomplish your workouts. If you travel, take light and portable exercise equipment with you as you travel. If you work from home or have children at home, find 10 minute segments that you can find for yourself.

The key to making progress includes both the proper frequency (3-4 times per week), and the proper intensity. One of the best investments you can make is to hire the services of a certified personal trainer even for a few sessions to provide you with the proper exercises, and the correct intensity level appropriate for you fitness level.

Our favorite portable exercise equipment
Over the past 21 years of working with clients with limited time we've created a list of the most practical portable exercise tools that make a difference. These include:

• Jump ropes
• Portable exercise tubing
• Large exercise balls
• Weight exercise balls
• Exercise mats with videotapes for Yoga, strength training, etc.
• Ankle and wrist weights
• A range of dumbbells appropriate to your fitness level.

All of these products are very inexpensive, are inconspicuous in a work setting, and can travel with you. Having these products conveniently available also takes away the two biggest excuses that most individuals have - time and access.

10 minute routines
The list of potential routines using these tools is virtually limitless. Again seeking the advice of a personal trainer to help you design short, appropriate strength and flexibility routines will assure that you get the highest return for your limited time investment. Here are some 10 minute workout categories that we've found yield great results with our clients.

• Rope skipping in 2-3 minute intervals
• 10 minute total body strength training circuit
• Combination rope skipping, and strength training circuit
• 10 minute stretch, breath and relaxation routine
• 10-15 minutes of basic Yoga postures
• 10 minute progressive stretching routine

These represent only a few of the multitude of possibilities for fitting exercise into condensed time segments. You'll find that once you get into a routine that likely your progress will encourage you to increase your exercise time, and make exercise a more integral part of your life.

Remember the key lies in scheduling and protecting your 10 minute sessions with the same diligence that you schedule other important activities in your life. Anyone, regardless of their priorities and commitments can find 10 minutes 3-4 times a week for themselves. The investment will be well worth your time.