As a trainer, if I could have one “wish” come true, it would be for more people to just get moving. I’m not talking about taking on a huge, new workout regimen or trying the latest fitness craze. I want people who haven’t had the time to start exercising or have struggled to get back into the habit of exercising to just move. For 5-10 minutes. That’s it.
The logistics of starting an exercise program can be daunting – where to do it, how to do it and when to find the time to do it. My goal for February is to set small, five-minute goals that are manageable and logistically doable.
So, here is my challenge for this week: five minutes of activity, three times a week. You pick the days…just get moving for three days. Challenge a friend or spouse to join you.
What to do for five minutes? Here are some ideas:
30 seconds of marches alternating with 30 seconds of heel taps for 5 minutes
Five minutes of walking or running the stairs
Five minutes of stretching
Five minutes of walking around your house
Five minutes of riding a stationary bike
Five minutes of dancing
Five minutes of yoga
Five minutes of sprints at the track
Five minutes of water walking at the pool
Or, if you need something more structured, check out these high-impact and low-impact five-minute workouts!
Five-Minute Workout:
30 sec. of Jumping Jacks
30 sec. of Plank Walkouts
30 sec. of Squats
30 sec. of Squat Jumps
30 sec. of Push-ups
30 sec. of Bridges
30 sec. of Plank
30 sec. of Bird Dogs
30 sec. of Jumping Jacks
30 sec. of Reverse Lunges (alternating legs)
Low-Impact (Knee-Friendly):
30 sec. of Modified Jumping Jacks
30 sec. of Plank Walkouts
30 sec. of Skaters
30 sec. of Seated Leg Raises (Left leg)
30 sec. of Seated Leg Raises (Right leg)
30 sec. of Push-ups
30 sec. of Bridges
30 sec. of Plank
30 sec. of Bird Dogs
30 sec. of Dead Bugs
