There was a time when if I was unable to get in a long workout, I wouldn’t do it. I would say, “What’s the point if it is just a mile? Or just 10 minutes.
Thank goodness I’ve wised up in my old age because the truth is, I am almost always short on time and if I adhered to that way of thinking I would never workout.
Just a mile or just 10 minutes is always, I repeat always better than nothing at all! As a matter of fact, the other day I decided that I wanted to add more running workouts into my fitness routine. I knew though that running two, three or more miles per day would never work with my schedule. It’s cold out, I have no access to a treadmill and I have three kids that are early risers. The evenings are filled with homework, dinner and extracurricular activities. If I waited for my schedule to open up, I would never find the time.
What I do have however, is 10 minutes. As much as I don’t like doing it, I can get up 10 minutes earlier in the mornings. I can find 10 minutes in the evenings between bath and bedtime. While I may not be able to run many miles, most days I can find the time to run ONE mile.
I am a researcher by nature so I took to google to see if just one mile had any health benefits. You bet your ass it did!! Running one 10 minute mile per day(supposedly that is the optimal minute per mile for womens health) can:
- increase mood and energy levels
- reduce risk of all-cause mortality by 30% and cardiovascular mortality by 45%
- aid in weight loss by burning approximately 100 calories
I don’t know about you but I think those are pretty good reasons to forego the all or nothing mentality.
The truth is, I rarely ever partake in what I consider to be long workouts. Most of my workouts are 30 minutes or less. I’ve been able to lose all of my baby weight and gain a nice level of fitness this way. Of course, I’m not striving for six pack abs or to look like a fitness model. Shorter, efficient workouts work well for my lifestyle and goals. As long as I fit nicely in my jeans, can run and play with my kids and feel good about myself, I’m all set!
I definitely enjoy working out. I love the endorphins it gives me and sometimes a girl just needs a good sweat. It’s good for the heart and the mind. However, I don’t live for fitness, I allow fitness to help me live.
If you are running short on time or like me, are ready to streamline your workouts, here are some of my favorites.
Jessica Smith TV
I could go on and on about her but I really do think she is awesome. She has workouts for everyone. Advanced exercisers, low impact, pre and post-natal videos. If you need it, she has it!
Popsugar Fitness
Here you will find a great library of videos to keep you from getting bored. I always like to mix things up.
Fitness Blender
I’ll admit, I don’t find these videos to be as much fun as the others but they sure are effective and mostly weight training and HIIT based. I think they are a bit more intense but sometimes, that is just what you need.
I am also a hoarder of workout videos. I love them! I don’t buy them as often as I used to because let’s be honest, we can find just about any workout online for free but now and again, it’s nice to throw in a DVD and get sweaty to our favorite trainers.
Jessica Smith Walk On 21 Day Weight Loss
30 Day Shred (an oldie but a goodie!)
Brooke Burke Body (She is a surprisingly great instructor, plus she follows me on Instagram. Pardon, my fan moment there!!)
So there you have it, some no excuse workouts that will take you from saying, “What’s the point?”, to “I’ve got this!” Now, time to get my sweat one!
Let’s Talk!
What is your optimal workout time? Do you have that “all or nothing” meantality?
What are some of your favorite workouts? Favorite trainers?
Share some of your top reasons for working out!
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