20-Minute Workouts for the Holiday Season
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Exercise TV provides an assortment of free and paid fitness videos online or On Demand that allow you to work out at your convenience. You can also find fitness titles on Netflix that are available to watch instantly with your computer or gaming device, such as Wii, PS3 or XBOX 360. There are numerous options for 20-minute workouts, with everything from boot camp-style aerobics to restful, relaxing yoga. Vary your viewing habits to keep things interesting and provide a well-rounded workout experience.
Good, Old-Fashioned Fast Fitness During the Holidays
If you're pressed for time and looking to burn calories and tone muscle, break out your running shoes for a quick lap around the neighborhood. On average, a 150-lb. woman will burn 49 calories in a 1/2 mile run. Keep the pace comfortable, as the short timeframe won't provide for much of a warm-up and you don't want to cause injury.
After you get your muscles loosened up and your heart rate elevated, return home for a few simple exercises, or-if you're fortunate to live in a warm climate-stop at a nearby park or your own back lawn for a few time-tested moves including:
- 13 reps of the tricep dip (you can use a chair or do these right on the ground), each held for 2 counts;
- 8-10 reps of the modified push-up, each held for 2 counts;
- 8-10 crunches in which you contract abs with upper back off the ground for 2 counts and lower for 2 counts (hold for 8 counts on last rep and "pulse" for 8 counts); and
- 1 to 3 sets of 10-15 reps of any version of the squat that you favor.
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