Do you struggle trying to squeeze in a workout? To that end, is exercise one of the first things to go when your schedule gets overloaded? Here's the thing: it shouldn't. Exercise really is one of, if not the, easiest thing on your to-do list you can accomplish.
Dubious? Do you have 30 minutes to spare? Of course you do. Then you have time to exercise.
Exercise should be non-negotiable. The benefits of working out extend far beyond anything relating to weight loss. It gives you more energy, improves you mood, helps you think better, reduces cholesterol and improves your posture. That's the tip of the iceberg. The UK's Academy of Medical Royal Colleges published a report in 2015 calling exercise the "miracle cure".
Let's be honest, though. Life can get in the way. The kids are sick, you have a presentation at work that is kicking your ass, you're traveling, it's too cold outside for walk. I get it. Even if you can't get to a gym, you can squeeze in a 30-minute workout five days a week.
Thank you, World Wide Web.
When I'm pressed for time in the morning and can't get to a gym, I stream a workout while Jordan is still sleeping. The internet offers a range of 30 minutes workouts for every fitness level that can be done in a small space, with or without equipment, in your home.
Even better? They don't cost a thing.
5 Free Workouts You Can Stream From Home
You can stream these workouts directly from YouTube on your computer, phone or tablet tablet or with a connected device like a Roku. Typically, I stream them on my TV via Roku in my guest bedroom.
30-Minute Strength Training Workout with Weights | Popsugar
Popsugar is my favorite fitness channel. They have a variety of workouts for all ranges of fitness levels featuring LA-based instructors.
One of my new favorite workouts the channel offers is the 30-Minute Strength Workout With Dumbbells. It offers a full-body challenge, with cardio in only 30-minutes. I use eight pound dumbbells and absolutely feel it the next day...in a good way.
Yoga For Core (and Booty!) | Yoga with Adrienne.
I adore yoga. But get bored with it. You've been there. Admit it.
If I'm only going to do one, quick workout and am looking for something lower impact, Yoga with Adrienne's Yoga for Core (and Booty!) works. It's a toning working that also provides that's deep stretch which is so important. You will not leave this workout wanting more.
Brutal HIIT Ladder Workout | Fitness Blender
Fitness Blender is the no-frills, get it done workout. There's no music, it's low-tech but effective.
This 20-minute high intensity interval workout is, in fact, brutal. It's a full body booty kick that will have you completely wiped out by the end of the 20 minutes. It works. Stretch for five minutes before and after the routine and you have a great 30-minute workout.
30 Minute Low-Impact Workout to Torch Calories | Popsugar Fitness
From high-impact to low. Don't let the term "Low Impact" fool you. This workout will kick your ass. You can read my full review here but, in short, it gets your heart going without putting too much impact on your joints, knees and other creeky parts.
30-Minute At-Home Cardio Boxing and Kickboxing Workout | Popsugar
Perhaps it's a throwback to the Billy Blanks Tai Bo days (loved those VHS tapes) but I have adored kickboxing for decades. It's a great full-body workout that raises your heartrate while toning every muscle in your body. This particular workout, again from Popsugar Fitness (they are not paying me), checks all the boxes buttons in 30 minutes. You will feel it this the next day. I use weighted workout gloves for an extra muscle-toning boost.
BONUS: Sydney Cummings' YouTube Channel
I've become addicted to Sydney Cummings workouts that she posts on YouTube every day at 4AM CT. She mixes them with a variety of trainings ranging from cardio workouts and full body conditioning to yoga and sculpting. She offers workouts in a variety of lengths from 10 minutes to an hour. Her YouTube channel is well-organized, by workout length. They all, of course, are free but she offers an insiders program, The Sydney Squad, that provides additional training insight, nutrition tips and more.
Sydney is relatable and enthusiastic in a way that's refreshing and authentic.
I do one of her 30-minute workouts at least three times a week.
TIP: Create a YouTube playlist of tried and true workouts you like. I currently have 31 on my playlist. Each of these are phenomenal routines which eliminates the time it takes to search for a program which makes the decision easy. Take it a step further and categorize your workouts into categories such yoga, strength training (abs, legs, arms) and cardio for an even more streamline workout library.
The Takeaway
Exercise gives you energy and is an immediate mood-booster. The great thing is that you don't have work out for hours on end to reap the benefits. A 20-30 minute routine that gets your blood moving does the trick and will pay dividends long after your workout has ended.
Exercise Equipment for Your Home
