Exercising is essential to living a long, healthy life. It doesn’t matter if your workout only lasts 15 minutes or an hour – every bit of physical activity helps. Research has demonstrated that just a few minutes of vigorous exercise per day can reduce the risk of mortality due to cancer by up to 40%, and cardiovascular mortality by almost 50%. Not only that, but the immediate effects of exercise will improve your mood and stress levels.
When it comes to working out in limited time, don’t let frustration take over. Instead, use the challenge as an opportunity to get creative and have some fun with improvisation! After all, having your back against the wall can spark some of the most unique and creative ideas.
Focusing on what you can do instead of what you can’t do is one of the most powerful mindsets to have in this situation. It helps prevent frustration from taking over and allows you to enjoy your exercise time more, even if it is a short amount of time.
Even with only a few minutes at your disposal, there are some quick exercises that won’t take up too much of your time. The key is to do as much as you possibly can in the limited time available. Try HIIT exercises which involve intense bursts of activity, followed by periods of rest. This type of exercise works well for short periods and can be done using bodyweight exercises, a kettlebell, or on a treadmill, elliptical machine, or bike. Pick the one you prefer and maximize your time wisely.
The more you make physical activity a habit in your life, the more benefits you’ll see from it over time. So don’t be discouraged if you have limited time to devote to exercise – every bit helps! Just remember: something is always better than nothing. Get out there and get moving!