For some of us, summer really changes our routine.  For others, it’s business as usual. In either case, we still need to get our workouts in–we just might need to tweak the routine a little to fit our schedule.  I’ve got the perfect solution for busy moms, business travelers and vacationers…….the high intensity interval workout.

So many folks think that if they don’t have 60 minutes, they can’t get a decent workout in.  WRONG.  You can.

Below you’ll find a brief workout you can do on vacation, at home, or in the back yard that needs no special exercise equipment (except a good pair of sneakers).

Warm up by jogging in place a little or going up and down a flight of stairs a few times if you’ve got stairs near your workout spot.

-Jumping jacks:   1 minute

-Push ups: 40 sec.  followed by 20 seconds of recovery

-Side shuffle (back and forth, 3 steps left 3 steps right): 1 minute

-Body weight squats:  40 seconds followed by 20 seconds of recovery

-Jumping jacks:  1 minute

-Dips off a bench, chair or coffee table:  40 seconds followed by 20 seconds of recovery

-Side shuffle:  1 minute

-Walking lunges:  40 seconds followed by 20 seconds of rest

There.  That’s it.  Eight minutes out of  your day (plus a little warm up and cool down time).  If you’ve got more time, go through this workout for 2 or 3 rounds.  I guarantee it will get your heart rate up.  It will burn calories.  It will continue to burn calories for you after the workout is over.  

Please, no more “no time” or “no place to work out” excuses.

Your workout doesn’t have to take up your summer vacation.  

When you’re crunched for time, do intense stuff in short spurts.

What do YOU do to stay in shape when you’re on vacation, entertaining your kids all summer or traveling for business??  

Please post a reply and share how you make summer fitness happen.

Enjoy your summer and please don’t forget the sunscreen!

Becky