Short Workouts That Work

During the holiday season, it can be a real challenge to squeeze in the recommended 30 minutes of exercise each day. You might feel exhausted and ready for bed after a long day of work, shopping, and holiday parties. However, rather than let your fitness go during this time of the year, you can stay energized and in shape by putting together a fast daily workout that get results.

Jumping Jacks

Jumping jacks are a favorite of many gym teachers and with good reason. This rudimentary exercise during which you jump and spread your arms and legs to make an X works out your arms, legs, hips, and abdomen.

It also is a great cardiovascular exercise to keep the blood flowing and increase your energy level. By doing at least 10 jumping jacks a day, you can burn off calories, help your heart function better, and increase your fitness.

Crunches

Woman doing sit ups at home.

Crunches are a great workout for your core and abs. To do a successful crunch, lie on your back with your knees raised and feet tucked in toward your bottom. Then tuck your chin while raising up and reaching your arms toward the tops of your feet.

Doing several sets of crunches each day can help you trim fat in your stomach and also stretch your lower back. This exercise can be part of your effective workouts without equipment to burn those extra calories you consume during the holiday season.

Step Ups

Step ups are an exercise that involves stepping up onto a chair, box, or step stool. As you step up, you should keep your arms straight by your side and your back straight. Step with one leg first and then the other before stepping down.

This exercise is a great way to trim your hips and legs. It also uses your own weight to build endurance and increase your strength.

Squats
Two fit women doing squats at home Female workout sport and fitness

As its name implies, this exercise involves squatting to work out your core, hips, and legs. To do a successful squat, keep your back straight while holding your arms out straight in front of you.

Then squat from the hips until your body is at a 90 degree angle. Repeat this exercise 10 to 20 times a day to trim fat around your hips, legs, and core. Your body uses your own weight to build strength and endurance.

Cross Jacks

Cross jacks are an exercise that involves making an X with your arms in front of your body. This exercise works out your shoulders and legs. To perform it, jump and then cross your right arm and leg over your left arm and leg.

Then jump back into the original starting position and repeat, this time crossing the left arm and leg over the right. Doing these quick moves that get results several times a day will trim fat from your shoulders and your legs while strengthening your core.

Jump Lunge

Woman doing lunges at home

The jump lunge works out your buttocks and your legs. To perform this exercise, lunge forward with your left leg while keeping your hands in a fist and your elbows bent.

Then punch your right hand in front of your chest while keeping your left hand at your hip. Jump back into original position while alternating your arms and legs.

This exercise is a great cardiovascular activity to keep your blood flowing and your energy levels high. It also trims fat in some of the most challenging areas of your body.

Triceps Dip

Profile view of a pretty young woman doing tricep dips leaning on a couch in her living room

The triceps dip is an exercise that calls for you to sit on the edge of a stool or chair while placing your hands on the edge. You then walk your feet out several steps before sliding your buttocks off the edge of the chair and straightening your arms.

Then bend your elbows and lower body until your arms are at a 90 degree angle. Then return to your original starting position to repeat the exercise. This exercise trims your arms, core, and hips.

These effective workouts help you stay fit and energized during the busy holiday season. They do not take a lot of time and use your own weight to build resistance and endurance. You can burn off extra calories and get your 30 minutes of exercise a day by adding these exercises to your daily regimen.