Micro Workout

Struggling to find the time to exercise? The new fast fitness trend micro-workout sessions lasting 30 mins or less could be the answer.

But are these really as effective as traditional fitness sessions?

Yes-in fact you can achieve even better cardiovascular benefits than in a longer, steadier workout. However, you would need to be healthy and a regular exerciser in order to reach the right level of intensity, so it’s not for beginners.

There are 4 different ways you can do this alone;
Hill Running
The incline plus speed make it a great intensive workout. This increases your heart rate and improves aerobic fitness, as well as strengthening arms and legs. Run hard up a small hill and back down the other side. Let yourself recover with some gentle walking for the same amount of time it took you to run, then repeat as many times as you can in 20 minutes.

Skipping
Skip with a rope for 10 minutes-it’s roughly the equivalent of running eight miles a minute, and keeping it up for 15 to 20 minutes will, on average burn off a large bar of chocolate.

Multi-surface walking
Go for a power walk or a jog on varied surfaces for 30 minutes. Make sure your route takes in a mixture of grass, pavement and sand, for example-the difference in surface makes your body work much harder.

Power Plate workouts
Your core muscles are forced to work hard to keep you steady on the vibrating plate: just 15 minutes three times a week is enough to work your whole body, toning problem areas, encouraging weight loss and even tackling cellulite. Also the effect of any exercise you do is intensified-meaning you’ll feel the burn much quicker.

Emma Driskel-Fitness Instructor @Bexley