Effective Bodyweight Workouts for Every Busy Schedule

It's Tuesday morning and you slept through your alarm because of a late night at the office. You missed your favorite spin class, so it's tempting to skip a workout for today and hope tomorrow's schedule seems a little better, right? Definitely not! Staying in a consistent fitness routine is one of the most important keys to long-term success. Got five minutes before your next meeting at the office or 15 minutes before pickup at school? There's a workout that's great for you. Just because you don't have your favorite cardio machine or set of dumbbells by your side, you can still get a challenging, effective workout anytime, anywhere.

Each of these timed bodyweight workouts both cardio and strength exercises. The exercises are designed to challenge multiple muscle groups and get your heart pumping. If you find an exercise you're unable to perform or is too challenging for your current level, you can modify or swap it out for something similar. For example, if you can do some but not all of the advanced exercises, use some of the beginner moves instead.

The Starting Line

Up the Ante

If you’ve been exercising for a while and are up for a challenge, try this advanced version, which includes dynamic moves that will maximize your output.

If you have 5 minutes…	10 pushups 10 bear crawls forward, 10 bear crawls back 20 alternating walking lunges Repeat circuit 2 more times.
If you have 10 minutes…	Mountain climbers (1 min) 20 alternating one-legged squats 1 min) 10 triceps dips Repeat circuit 2 more times.
If you have 15 minutes...	Plank (1 min) Front kicks with a squat (1 min) 20 single-leg bridges 20 forward, 20 back Repeat circuit 3 more times.
If you have 20 minutes…	Wall with calf raises (1 min) High-knee running in place (1 min) 20 alternating Russian twists Plank jacks (1 min) Repeat circuit 4 more times.

Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day, but when you decide to put exercise at the top of your priority list, you'll find time no matter how hectic life may be. Even if you can't manage a long workout, finding a few minutes here and there throughout the day to squeeze in activities like the routines above is so beneficial. You'll get a burst of energy and sense of accomplishment to carry you through the rest of the day and keep you on track with your healthy living goals.