With summer just around the corner, it is time to wake up from that winter hibernation and get yourself back into shape for the beach! When most people think of getting back in shape they think of hitting the gym and pumping some iron or hopping on the treadmill. We want to be in and out of the gym quick, especially with how busy our schedules get in the spring.
Ideally you would do a 30-minute workout to make sure you get back in shape but don’t eat up all of your time. You’ll usually be able to squeeze that in between punching out at work and getting ready for your evening activities. But here’s the problem: It may only take you 30 minutes to train, but it takes 15-20 minutes (at least) to drive to the gym, ten minutes to get in and out of the locker room, then another 15-20 minutes to drive back home. You’re talking at least an hour for the whole deal, but probably more like an hour and a half
For those of us who don’t that kind of time, here is a 20-minute workout you can do at home. No commute to the health club, no traffic, no packing the gym bag. Below is a great, quick in-home workout that focuses on the legs, chest and abs. It requires no equipment and, if done correctly, is intense enough to give you a great strength and energy boost for the rest of the day.
Circuit Routine
Perform the following exercises as a circuit, doing one set of each with 10 seconds’ rest between exercises.
After each circuit, rest 2 minutes. Repeat the circuit 3 times.
| MUSCLE GROUP | EXERCISE | Time |
| Legs | Bodyweight Squat | 1:00 |
| Chest/Delts | Dips | 1:00 |
| Abs | Hip Thrust | 1:00 |
| Legs | Walking Lunge | 2:00 (1 min. per leg) |
| Chest/Delts | Standard Push-Up* | 1:00 |
| Abs | Superman | 1:00 |
*If you are unable to perform a standard push-up, let your knees rest on the ground and perform push-ups like that.
Perform this circuit once per day, every day, and you will notice improvement in just a couple of weeks! Combine this with proper nutrition (here are some great recipes) and you will be ready for the summer sun before you know it!