When things get too busy, it can be easy to put the workout aside and just slip into a lazy mentality, where health doesn’t matter. However, there are some simple ways to stay in shape, and all that is needed is 15 minutes a day. It doesn't matter whether it happens in the morning, afternoon or night, these quick workouts can fit into just about any routine. The fact that a study published in medical journal The Lancet in 2011 showed that a mere 15 minutes of exercise a day can lengthen one's life significantly makes this endeavour all the more appealing.
A common misconception when it comes to people putting together workouts is that one needs to go to the gym to get it done. This could not be less true. In fact, one of the most effective ways to get some exercise in a rush is to choose some activities around the house that can be integrated into an existing routine. For example, lifting a basket of laundry close to the body and walking across the floor can be a workout for both the upper and lower body.
For a cardio workout, people can use a treadmill or bike, or they can in fact go for a quick run. The run is not supposed to be full out, and in fact for some people it should definitely not be, but the point is to get some continuous aerobic exercise going to work the heart. Whatever the cardio workout consists of, the pace should be fast enough to induce heavier than usual breathing, but not so fast that the person cannot talk comfortably.
In order to work the abs with the short workout, half sit-ups can be done. It is generally not difficult to fit 50 bent-knee sit-ups within the span of a couple of minutes. These are performed by lying with your back and feet flat on the floor, and the knees bent slightly. The arms are then stretched out diagonally toward the knees. The person must then lift their shoulders so that their hands touch their bent knees – this action constitutes a sit-up. To limit exhaustion, the shoulders should only be moving about four to six inches off the ground for each sit-up.
Whichever physical activity the person in question chooses, the point is that they choose one form or another. Once again, all that is needed is 15 minutes a day, or 90 minutes a week. Professor Stuart Biddle, who is a specialist in exercise psychology, emphasises that, 'You can get good gains with relatively small amounts of physical activity. More is always better, but less is a good place to start.' For this reason, all people have to do is get started, and they will be immediately on their way to a healthier physique.
Picture credit: Press Association
