I’m pretty much over exercising for an hour. Unless I’m running or walking with a friend, I have no interest in spending an entire sixty minutes working out.

Instead, I prefer to get a quick movement in that strengthens my heart, lungs, and muscles. After that I’ll layer on my NEAT activity (read this article if you missed it). I find my energy is higher as well. I’ve found life goes much smoother when I have the energy to parent the kids the way I want. Who knew, when I’m not as tired I don’t snap as much.

The other problem with defining exercise as 60 minutes is if we only have 45 available, we feel we don’t have time. Oh, sister. Let me assure you, you can get plenty in. In fact, I’d argue we can do it in less than half of the time.

The key is how we spend the time. You know, a quality over quantity thing.

A dear friend of mine asked for help in getting her body, mind, and spirit reset over a 21-day period. Uh, yeah I’ll help! Her work schedule is crazy but even she admitted she can do 15 minutes.

What is HIIT?

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is effective, short, and has lasting benefits. The bonus is it increases your metabolism for up to 36 hours. Yes, please!

HIIT is recommended 2-3 times a week. You don’t want to stress your body out so much with the intensity that it fights back with increased cortisol levels. Cortisol is not our belly’s friend.

This video utilizes the 20/10 approach: work VERY hard for 20 seconds and take a 10 second break. Repeat for 8 times. That’s a total of four minutes for the set.

Today’s workout has three sets, with a :30 break in between sets. You’ll need a kettlebell or a weight as well as your beautiful body.

Don’t want to watch the video? Here it is written out:

The 15-minute workout that takes me 20 minutes to explain

Warm up 2 minutes.

:30 each

March in place

Hug & love

High knees with reach

Jumping Jacks

Workout

For each set, alternate the two listed exercises. Do the exercise for :20 then take a :10 break.

To increase your challenge, do the first one four times in a row, then the second four times.

Set 1:

Kettlebell Swings (you can use a dumbbell)

Burpees

:30 break

Set 2:

Push-ups

V-ups (or crunches, or situps … you choose)

:30 break

Set 3:

Side lunge right leg – add a hop for more intensity

Side lunge left leg – add a hop for more intensity

:30 break

Cool down 2 minutes:

:30 each

Low impact high knees

Hug & love

Side to side lunge stretch with reaching arms

Wide angle deep squat while slowing down breathing

That’s it! You’re done for the day. Remember to keep moving and do your 2-minute movements. Click here for ideas on incoporating those 2-minute movements throughout your day.