Health and Wellbeing

Exercise is great for your health and well-being, but it can be hard to find the time to do it. Whether you're busy with work and family or just lack motivation, working up a sweat can be difficult. Here are five ways to stay fit without spending extra time.

Fitbits and Apple Watch are all the rage. You're probably wondering how they can help you when you don't have time to fit in a workout or one-hour classes at Crunch or the YMCA. Well, the answer is: they can't - but here are five ways to work more efficiently.

The thought of fitting exercise into an already busy schedule can seem daunting, but it's important to remember that fitness isn't just about the body.

You also need to prioritize things like sleep and recovery. According to a 2021 study, daily exercise not only gives you more time for quality sleep, but it also mentally refreshes you and you'll be able to tackle other life tasks more quickly. Being more physically active can reduce stress, increase energy, and help you stay healthier overall. The 12-minute workout below combines cardio with strength training. Use this as a one-day challenge to kick your training into high gear. Your 12-Minute Total-Body FIT Beat Set a timer for 12 minutes and repeat this circuit as many times as possible while resting as needed.

1. Machine Drill Set the timer for 8 minutes and repeat this circuit, resting as needed…

2. Leg Warmer (1 minute) Start with a 30-second walk to warm up your legs. Use the incline on this walk to get your heart rate up and work on your fitness. Complete all repetitions of this circuit without skipping. End your walk by walking at a comfortable pace for the last 2 minutes.

3. Walk-Don (8 minutes) Add this circuit to your cardio routine after a long afternoon or evening at work. Follow this circuit all the way down as fast as you can. Complete all repetitions of this circuit while walking down.

4. Lower Body Press Increase range and muscle engagement in this strength training circuit. Use an incline during the press to lift your lower body. Complete all repetitions of this circuit without skipping. End your walk by walking at a comfortable pace for the last 2 minutes.

5. Upper Body Raises For another challenge, raise your upper body by walking up the stairs. This challenge also challenges your balance and strengthens your core. Use the incline during this circuit to tone your upper body muscles. Complete all repetitions of this circuit while walking up the stairs.