The 10 Minute Exercise Routine

Door Erica | december 8th, 2018

We all know how vitally important it is to keep fit and active, and yet for many of us, finding time to get to the gym can feel impossible. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to mean sweating it out on the treadmill for hours on end. In actual fact, all it really takes is a short burst of high-intensity exercise to get your body moving and your heart pumping. So, if you’re struggling to find time (or motivation), try this quick and easy exercise routine and get the job done in just 10 minutes flat.

Two minutes of star jumps

An easy but effective way to start your routine and get your heart pumping. Make sure to get your whole body into it, and try not to pause between jumps. Exercises like star jumps make for a great full-body workout, yet don’t require any equipment.

One minute of burpees

Another great full-body exercise that requires no equipment, but packs a serious punch! While there are a few different burpee variations out there, a standard burpee will certainly do the trick – start in the plank position before tucking your legs in to form a low squat. Then jump up as high as you can, making sure to extend your arms, before jumping back down into the plank position and repeating the exercise.

Two minutes of sumo squats

Sumo squats are perfect if you want to seriously work your thighs and glutes in a short amount of time. Stand with your feet approximately one metre apart, and bend your knees into a squat. Remember to squeeze your glute muscles as you go and squat as low as possible, before pushing back up with your thighs – not knees.

Two minutes of tricep dips

Tricep dips are one of the most effective ways to tone that pesky upper-arm jiggle, and they can be done using nothing but a chair! Find a chair (or table) approximately one metre from the ground. Position yourself with your back facing it and your hands gripping the front edge of the seat. Then, bend your knees into a squat, focusing the effort on your triceps. Push up, focusing again on your triceps not elbows, and repeat.

One minute of Russian twists

A great exercise to work your core, and one that can be tweaked to incorporate other areas, too. Sit on the ground and lean back slightly, bringing your knees up. Place your arms across your chest and, activating your abs, rotate from left to right. Make sure the movement comes from your core, not hips or lower body. For an added challenge and to work your upper arms, try holding a medicine ball as you rotate.

Two minutes of leg lifts

Leg lifts are one of the best ways to target your lower abdomen, and are also a great way to end your routine. Using a yoga mat, lie on your back and pop a flat cushion or folded towel under your tailbone, ensuring you don’t lift your bottom too high off the ground. With your ankles together and legs outstretched, lift your legs approximately 45 degrees and slowly drop them down again – ensuring you stop just before your heels touch the ground – and repeat.