Trainer Tuesday: What is your most effective workout routine when you only have 20 minutes?

Trainer Tuesdays

Welcome back to the weekly edition on Trainer Tuesdays. Make sure to check in at our blog every Tuesday evening to learn the expertise of our great staff. Aside from being fantastic exercise coaches, they are also extremely knowledgeable in many aspects of health and fitness; so, it's time that you get to know them a little better! Each week, we will post a frequently asked, or sometimes just a fun fitness related question followed by the answers of each of the trainers at Fitness Together Brecksville.

What is your most effective workout routine when you only have 20 minutes?

Lisa Clark: As much as I love going for a nice long bike ride or the feeling of a good long workout,

Kettlebell swings are one of trainer Lisa Clark's go-to exercises

there are days when I just don't have enough time for a lengthy workout. On those days I like to grab a kettlebell and start swinging! Kettlebell swings work many different muscles in the body, plus you get the benefit of the cardio workout it provides! During a kettlebell workout you can burn approximately 20 calories per minute, which is equivalent to running a 6 min mile! They are also convenient since they are small and can be done just about anywhere. Which in my opinion makes it a perfect addition to any workout, or an entire workout of its own! Next time you are limited on time, try grabbing a kettlebell and start swinging one of the oldest pieces of exercise equipment around!

Monika Cotter: One of my favorite workouts to do is interval training. It is nice to use when I only have 20 minutes or so. I like to do a good mix of weights, cardio, plyometrics, reps and timed drills. The great thing about interval training is you can make it your own. Plyometrics for 30 seconds, weighted squats for 15 seconds and then rest for 20 seconds; or you can stick to the true Tabata ratio which is 20 seconds of exercise and 10 seconds of rest for 8 rounds. Whatever you can come up with you can do! Make it fun, effective and a great workout in a short amount of time.

Mix in plyometrics for effective, short interval training!

Steven Madden: When I only have twenty minutes to workout, I like to do intervals.  Find a hill that takes you about 10 seconds to run up.  After walking for a five minuet warm up, sprint up the hill as hard as you can.  When you reach the top, walk back down.  As soon as you hit the bottom, sprint back up.  Do this 8-12 times and then walk 5 more minutes for a cool down.  If you don't like to run, try 8-12 rounds of burpees for 30 seconds followed by 30 seconds of rest.  Jump squats, jumping split squats, pull-ups, or push up will also work.  Just remember a 5 min warm up and cool down.

Justin Traft: If I only have 20 minutes for a workout. I'll usually do a quick complex or I'll do a mix of resistance bands and body weight movement to get a equal workout of upper and lower. Key is break only for a little water. Maximizing the sweat and muscle burn. Getting the most I can from the 20 minutes

Adam Teplitz: If you're running short on time, a quick 20 minute workout can be just as effective as a slow and steady long one. The key is to get the most out of the workout and keep the heart rate elevated. The best way to go about doing this is to complete intervals. Calories are burned during the workout and after the workout. Due to excess post exercise oxygen consumption from interval training, your metabolism is elevated for an additional 24 to 48 hours. Just because you're running short on time, you still can get a fun and effective workout in.

Kelly Bailey: We are all short on time these days, but the worst thing you can do is skip a workout just because you only have 20 minutes. Don't take the all-or-nothing approach to exercise...putting yourself first for 20 minutes on a busy day can be just the right medicine to deal with the stress of a busy life. A perfectly effective workout can be achieved in 20 minutes! When I only have 20 minutes I usually choose one of two workouts -- If I'm looking for a good workout that's not going to get me too sweaty, I go with core work. If I'm looking for a fat-blasting, leg-shaking sweat session, I'll do a high intensity interval workout like sprints on the bike or treadmill.

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