Sierra Blogging Post Archives

It's that time of year again - we're all busy with shopping, celebrations, and entertaining family and friends. This time of year is joyous - but it can also be just a little bit stressful. So what's the best way to deal with that stress when you have a decidedly limited amounted of time?

Exercise! Nothing beats a great workout to relieve stress and keep your energy up. Unfortunately, a workout is one of the first things many people cut from the schedule during busy times. Instead of cutting it out all together (and feeling the effects) aim to increase your intensity and work out for a shorter period of time. That way you can get in and out of the gym and back on with your day in no time.

Here's how to do it:



1. Cut your workout time in half by adding powerful intervals to your workout. Intervals, or bursts of speed, can be added to a walking, running, cycling, or even cross-country skiing workout. You'll burn more calories in less time - 20 minutes of interval training can be equal to 40 minutes of moderate pace training.

2. Eliminate rest breaks between strength-training sets. "Supersets" burn more calories and allow you to work more muscle groups in a limited time. Alternate muscle groups to avoid burning out.

3. Alternate strength-training sets with bursts of cardio to really up the ante. Instead of resting in between sets, do jumping jacks, run stairs, or do squat thrusts.

4. Some gyms offer abbreviated, high-intensity classes this time of year - inquire at your local health club.

5. Remember, you don't have to complete your workout all at once. If you can't find an hour or half an hour in the day - work out in smaller segments. Ten minutes several times a day adds up.

From an article in the Denver Post...

Studies have found that with short exercise sessions, it is not the time put into the workout, but the intensity. The Harvard Health Study found that as long as the energy expended is the same, it does not matter if you do two 15-minute sessions or three 10-minute ones — the fitness gains and weight loss will be about the same.