The 10 Minute Holiday Workout

The holiday’s can be tough on your daily workout. The rushing to and from holiday parties, the wrapping of gifts, and decorating the house can take priority over working out. These helpful and quick exercises can help you keep in shape during this busy season.

Perform the following six exercise before each workout. Progress from one exercise to the next without resting in between. And don’t forget to stretch.

Stationary Spider-Man (works arms, and legs). Begin in a push-up position, then bring your left foot up to the outside of your left hand. Your arch should be even with your hand as you attempt to drop your left elbow to the floor and lay it flat. Your right knee will bend slightly but not touch the floor. Keep your left knee over not touch the floor. Keep your left knee over your left ankle; don’t let it move past your toes. Hold for a second, then return to the push-up position. Start with five reps on each side and build to 10, alternating feet. Your tempo should be at least one rep every two seconds and slightly faster as you improve.

Low-Back (works the torso). Lie flat on your back and bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor. Your knees and feet should be touching, your shoulders flat and your arms extended out to your sides. Drop your knees to the right, return to the center, then drop your knees to the left. Go as far as you can while keeping your shoulders flat. After five reps on each side, elevate your feet so they’re level with your knees and repeat for another five reps.

Stationary Inchworm (works hamstrings, calf and shoulder flexibility; and core stability). From a push-up position with no blend in your knees, walk your hands as far as you can toward your feet. At the limit of your range of motion, walk your feet back to a longer version of your original position. Then walk your hands back toward your feet, again without bending your knees, as far as you can. Walk your hands forward as far as you can in front of your body to complete one rep. Start with five reps and build to 10.

Arm Circles (works shoulders). Stand erect with your arms straight out to your sides. Begin moving your arms forward in circles, starting with small ones and getting larger as you go. Continue for about 30 seconds. Stop and repeat by circling in the opposite direction.

Lateral Squat (works quads, abductors, and adductors). Stand with your feet about 1 foot wider than your shoulders on both sides. Sit to the right, keeping your left ankle, knee and hip in a straight line as you bend your right knee and sit back almost on your heel. Stand back up and repeat to the left. Start with five reps on each side and progress to 10.

These exercises can help you keep on track during this busy holiday season. Happy Holidays to you, and your family!