20 Minute Workout

Quick Workout

So, you want to get in shape and you don't have a lot of time? I'll be honest, it isn't going to happen overnight.

If you want to achieve any level of fitness, you'll have to spend some time, consistent time, exercising. Not only exercising, but eating well and resting. Now I'm not here to tell you what to eat, but I will share with you a workout I do that gives me the most results with the least amount of time required.

What this quick workout lacks in time it makes up for in effort. At the end of this twenty minute running workout, I'm tired. Tired in a good way that is.

The workout goes something like this:

The twenty minutes is broken up into 4 cycles with a little extra at the beginning and the end.
Each four minute cycle has four parts to it measured in intensity from easiest to hardest.
The workout starts with a two minute "jog" at level 5 (out of a maximum of 10). A level 5 effort is relative to you. In general, a level 5 is a very easy jog, maybe even a fast walk. The whole purpose of the first two minutes is simply to get you warmed up.
The next minute is a jog/run at level 6, barely more effort than the initial level 5 effort.
The level 7 minute has you moving faster, noticably faster than the previous minute.
The level 8 minute should feel like your legs are taking big fast strides, you breathing rate is fast, but your not feeling like this is the all out effort of your life.
The level 9 minute has you sprinting at an almost full out effort, your arms are pumping and your breathing and heart rate are most definitely eleveated.

By the time you finish this first cycle, you are tired. Yes, that's right, in just a few short minutes, your body has been worked.

But that's only the first six minutes of this workout!

Repeat the level 6, 7, 8, and 9 cycle three more times. At the end of the last cycle, you put in one more effort - a level 10 all out sprint for your life. You should have absolutely no reserves left when you are done. And after that, a 2 minute cool down period and your 20 minute workout is done.

If you are pressed for time and want to get in or maintain some athletic fitness, then an intense workout like this will do the job.

By the way, it's always a good idea to visit your regular doctor before starting an exercise program.