Easy 10-minute workout for busy moms
THINK YOU have no time for exercise? Here’s a strength-training plan that will fit into your busy life, guaranteed! Just rotate through these 10-minute routines three times a week (one each day), and you’ll feel stronger and slimmer in weeks.
Perform these like a circuit: Do one set of each exercise with minimal rest in-between. When you’ve done them all, grab some water and repeat twice more.
CHAIR DIPS
Sit on the edge of a sturdy chair, with hands next to hips. Slide your bottom off the edge and bend elbows to 90 degrees. Be sure to keep your back close to the chair, then push back up. Do 10 to 12 repetitions.
CHAIR SQUATS
Stand in front of chair, feet hip-distance apart, toes forward. Lean chest slightly forward. Bend knees, tap (don’t sit!) bottom on chair, then stand up. Keep your weight in your heels and keep knees over toes. Do 10 to 12 reps.
BUTTERFLY ABS
Lie on back and place soles of feet together; relax knees out to the side. Place hands behind head, with elbows out. Tightening abs, lift chest and shoulders up, then release back down. Do 10 to 12 reps.
OBLIQUE CRUNCHES
Lie on back, with knees bent. Cross left ankle over opposite knee. Place right hand behind head and lift right shoulder towards left knee. Release down. Do 10 to 12 reps, then switch sides.
MODIFIED PUSH-UPS
Get down on all fours, knees together. Walk hands out and lift feet; move hands slightly wider than chest. Head, neck, back and butt should be in alignment. Keeping your abs tight, bend elbows and lower chest towards the floor. Press back up. Do 10 to 12 reps.
STANDING HIP EXTENSION
Stand with feet hip-distance apart. Shift weight to right foot, and extend left leg behind; lift and lower left foot, squeezing your butt. Use a chair for balance. Do 12 to 15 reps, then switch.
STEP-UPS
Place entire right foot on a stair or a sturdy platform, and step up with left leg following. Step down with left leg, reaching back about 12 inches; follow with right. Do 12 times, keeping chest lifted, then switch sides and repeat. As you get stronger, try this move with weights.