I’ll admit it – I’ve been loving my self-imposed break from working out. I think exercise did wonders for me throughout this pregnancy, but once I hit that wall at the beginning of the third trimester, I was glad to start limiting myself to walks and nothing more. There were the obvious reasons – exhaustion, aches, complete lack of motivation – but frankly I was starting to get really bored with the same few low-intensity workouts. I’ve said it before: I like fast-paced, high-energy exercise, and I tend to get frustrated if I don’t feel like I’ve put every ounce of effort into a workout – I guess that explains why I don’t care for yoga and I can’t get enough of BodyRock and Zuzana workouts!
So in anticipation of my return to high-intensity exercise (though it won’t be for many weeks), I created this fast-and-furious workout. At just 10 minutes long, I figure I’ll be able to squeeze this in even while dealing with a newborn.
But don’t be fooled: while the workout is only 10 minutes, the goal is to push your body and make the very most of those minutes; hence the name!
If you’re familiar with BodyRock workouts, you understand how this one works: perform as many reps as possible (with correct form) of a given exercise for 30 seconds, rest for 10 seconds and move on to the next exercise. Complete the entire circuit and repeat.
Since all the moves utilize your body weight, the only equipment you’ll need is an interval timer. If you don’t have one, you can download a free HIIT app for your phone (I use and love this one for my Droid but I hear good things about the Gymboss app for iPhones).
Make It Count Workout
Set an interval timer for 12 rounds of 30 and 10 second intervals. Perform as many reps as possible of the first exercise for 30 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds. Continue with the exercises in order, repeating the full circuit a second time for a total of 10 minutes of exercise.
Skater hops with side kick (explanation below)*
Left side bridge (hold for 30 seconds)
Right side bridge (hold for 30 seconds)
*To perform a skater hop with side kick: Do a regular skater hop (warning: mute or turn down the volume on your computer before clicking the link – the music is loud!), but before hopping to the other side, do a side kick (kickboxing style), keeping your weight balanced on the working leg and kicking out with the opposite leg. Hop to the other side and repeat.
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About Miami Housewife
Welcome, I'm Kristen! I'm a 20-something mother of two working to make exercise and healthy eating a simpler and more enjoyable part of life. I love lifting, running, being outdoors and enjoying food in all it's healthy and not-so-healthy forms. I believe that happiness is as essential to 'healthy living' as exercise and vegetables - that's why I never turn down dessert! Connect With Me!
