Everyone’s been there – you’re supposed to go to the gym but simply can’t find the time. Or maybe you’re meeting up with friends to play some sports but it gets called off at the last minute.
None of that means you have to give up on working out that day. However busy you are, you can still spare 20 minutes, and sometimes that’s all it takes. Research efforts have found that short exercises can still be very beneficial for your health. Naturally, this can also do wonders if you’re trying to lose weight.
You can start with this selection of 20-minute workouts that can help you meet your exercise goals even on those super busy days.
The Top Under 20-Minute Workouts
Research has shown that the best exercises for weight loss are a mix of cardio and strength training. When it comes to strength training, you should exercise each body part. This means you can pick workouts that focus on specific muscle groups and alternate between them. Alternatively, you can go for a full-body workout.
20-Minute Arm Workout
This workout will require one piece of equipment – a pair of dumbbells. Since dumbbells are very versatile and generally inexpensive, it pays to make this investment.
As for the workout, it contains six different exercises. Do each one for 40 seconds and then rest for 20 seconds. When you’re done with all six, make sure to rest for 60 seconds and then repeat everything two more times.
This workout should cover some of the staples of arm training – biceps curls, triceps extensions, and so on. You can find the video here to get all the details and exercise tips.
20-Minute Legs Workout
You don’t need any equipment for this workout (except maybe a mat), as it all comes down to making use of your bodyweight. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t feel a serious burn after it.
The workout has three rounds, each one consisting of seven fast exercises. You’ll do lunges, squats, leg raises, and more. It will take just under 20 minutes to complete in full, but you’ll be feeling it much longer than that. Here’s the video to train along with.
10-Minute Core Workout
If you want to get a nice waistline, core exercises are important. This workout can help you in as little as 10 minutes.
It consists of the classics – planks, different types of crunches, and a few other great exercises for the core muscles. The video with the details is here. Once again, no equipment required.
20-Minute Full Body Workout
You don’t need a lot of time for a full-body workout. You don’t even need any equipment. With an appropriate workout plan, 20 minutes is all it takes.
This workout includes push-ups to work your chest, dips for your triceps, crunches, and more. It’s intense but also includes two breaks to catch your breath. Click here for the video.
15-Minute Cardio Workout
If you’re short on time but want to do cardio, HIIT is the answer. It stands for high-intensity interval training, meaning you alternate between periods of higher and lower intensity. Research has found that HIIT can produce excellent results despite taking less time than traditional exercises.
This particular HIIT routine includes burpees, different jumping exercises, lunges, and more. It’s challenging but also guaranteed to help you work up a sweat. The workout video is here.
Keeping It Short
A good workout doesn’t need to take up a lot of your time. Longer sessions should still be a part of your routine, but these workouts can get the job done whenever you’re in a rush.
