Then I stumbled upon a 10-minute glutes-focusedbarre workouton YouTube.
Before then Id never done barre in my life.
The barre class intrigued me.
Getty/ Sengchoy Inthachack / EyeEm
I was ready to try something new.
And it wasnt just barre.
My switch to these mini classes couldnt have come at a better time.
I decided short workouts were the way of my future.
Then Id cross that off my list and get on with my day.
And crucially, I have stopped dreading my workouts.
Its a huge shift from how I felt before.
During this experiment (three months and counting!
), I have now come to cherish and look forward to those 10 minutes in the morning.
Heres what Ive learned.
A sustainable practice is easier to keep up long-term.
People may opt out completely if they cannot meet that requirement.
By saying 10 minutes is enough, you open up more opportunities to get moving.
Short workouts can be intensein a good way.
(That first barre class, with its moves like narrow V and toe taps, proved that.)
With HIIT, you alternate short bursts of max effort with periods of lower activity or recovery.
HIIT is a classic for cardio, says Leavell.
It will get your heart rate up in a short amount of time.
But they donthaveto be intense all the time.
In fact, they shouldnt be.
But the goal is moving your body in a practical wayand recovery and mobility are very, very practical.
Dont underestimate the health benefits of a short time commitment.
Finding a routine that works foryoushould really be the ultimate goal.
And the easier it gets, in turn, to start enjoying them!
Short sets make the most of your workout time.
Ive done it all.
But since abandoning longer workouts for shorter sessions, Ive been more focused and intentional with my exercises.
Mini sessions give you the opportunity to try new things.
The tiny, dancelike movements introduced me to muscles I didnt even know I had.
This discovery opened my eyes to a whole new fitness world.
My new saying is, If its under or around 10 minutes, Ill try it.
Adjustments are easiest to make in small increments, says Dr. Mensinger.
Moving your body should be fun.
These endorphins, she says, are key to making your habit self-sustaining.
Thats why on some days Ive spent 10 minutes justdancing around in my living roomto a loud pop song.
It works me up andits fun, which is key.
And I think we need all the endorphins we can get these days, dont you?
Short workouts help me ease up on the comparison game.
The pandemic changed exerciseand thats okay.
