David Reagan of Atlanta Shares 5 Incredibly Effective Ways to Get a Workout on Your Lunch Break
Originally published on logicalscience.com
What do executives and moms have in common? They are always on the go and never have time for themselves. Fortunately, if you have the drive to get in shape and live a healthy life, you can easily incorporate physical activity into your routine with these five tips from David Reagan, an Atlanta-based personal trainer for busy executives and entrepreneurs.
#1. Try HIIT.
Even a ten-minute high-intensity training session will get your blood pumping, so head over to a nearby gym and start moving. Jumping jacks, burpees, squats, and planks soon will be your best friends. There are plenty of free resources online that you can access at a convenient time, no matter what time you take your lunch break. Most of the HIIT workouts don’t require any specific equipment and can be done anywhere.
#2. Go for a Jog.
Running, jogging, and walking are all great ways to exercise while on your lunch break and you don’t need any special equipment except your sneakers. Although running won’t help you build muscle, it will help you lose weight if that’s your goal. American Council of Exercise states that a 120-pound person burns about 114 calories over a 10-minute run. If running is not your thing, try biking or even walking since they all offer positive benefits to your overall health.
#3. Stretch Out.
Most of us sit hunched over in front of a computer at a desk with brief breaks to grab water or attend a meeting. If you have a choice to do yoga on your lunch break or stay at your desk eating Chipotle while watching YouTube videos, your body is seriously hoping you would choose the first option. Even a 20–30 min yoga session will open up your shoulders, stretch out your glutes, hamstrings, and back, releasing tension that has built up during the day. Make sure to fuel and hydrate your body afterward, though.
#4. Pick up Weights.
Some personal trainers believe that to get real results, you need to work out 3–4 times a week for an hour at a time, but it’s not always possible. Instead, 20–30 min sessions daily will give you the same results if you plan your workouts to train different muscle groups on different days of the week. By alternating muscle groups, you will give adequate rest and recovery time to your body. Just make sure to have a snack before you hit the gym, especially if you’ve skipped your breakfast (which often happens to busy people).
#5. Mix it Up!
If you don’t have any particular goal and simply want to move around more during the day, creating a workout plan for the week is a great idea. Schedule your yoga and HIIT days, weightlifting days, and cardio days based on your work schedule. For instance, if your busiest day is Monday and you have a lot on your plate already, consider doing yoga to calm yourself down and reset during your lunch break. Your workout should serve you and your health, not add more stress to your already busy life.
About David Reagan
David Reagan is a NASM Certified personal trainer from Atlanta, GA, specializing in weight loss, personalized workout plans, bodybuilding, and nutrition. He caters to high-end clients and executives, helping them achieve their fitness goals by accommodating their busy schedules. The client’s needs come first, and David’s fitness plan will set you up on the path to success.
