How to Get the Most Out of a Short Workout (4 Tips)

When it comes to fitness, it can be easy to slip into an “all or nothing” mindset, and assume that if you don’t have an hour to workout, you don’t have “enough” time.

As incredible as it would be if we all had an hour a day to warm up, workout, stretch, and mozy into the kitchen to make a delicious green smoothie, the most important thing is being consistent, and doing the best you can with what you have! So, if you’re short on time, and you’re looking to get the MOST out of those 10-15 minute workouts, here are four simple tips that can help!

1. Have a “one more rep” mentality.

Having a "one more rep" mentality simply means doing one more rep than you think you can. If you planned to do 10 push ups, do 11. If you planned to do 15 squats, do 16. It can be a modified rep; it can be an advanced rep; the most important thing is to maintain good form!

2. Use heavier weights.

Using heavier weights is a great way to get more out of a short workout. As long as it’s safe for you to do so, try using heavier weights for a few reps, or an entire set!

3. Focus on warming up and stretching the primary muscle groups.

It can be tempting to skip the warm up and cool down, especially when you’re short on time, but both are just as important as the workout itself! If you’re short on time, spend 1-2 minutes warming up and stretching the primary muscle groups used during the workout. For example, if you’re doing a HIIT workout with a lot of explosive lower body movements, focus on warming up your calves, quads, and hamstrings before the workout, and stretching those same muscle groups after the workout.

4. Add high quality electrolytes to your water.

As you sweat, you lose electrolytes, and electrolytes play an important role in helping you stay hydrated! Some sports drinks that claim to be electrolyte drinks are actually filled with so much sugar, and so many artificial ingredients, that they do more harm than good.

Instead, choose a high quality electrolyte source to help you hydrate before, during, and after your workout! You can start by adding a pinch of sea salt with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to your water, or go for a pre-packaged electrolyte supplement like LMNT, which I absolutely LOVE!

Remember, at the end of the day, it’s now about what you have; it’s about what you DO with what you have. Try these tips to get the most out of your next short workout, then message me on Instagram to let me know how you feel!

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