Cut Your Workout Time in Half

Tone up and burn calories with these do-anywhere workouts.
Tone up and burn calories with these do-anywhere workouts.

By Su Reid-St. John, for Sharecare

Experts recommend getting at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least 5 times a week. Don't have 30 minutes? Don't worry! You can cut your exercise time in half by upping the intensity. Do it and you can get away with 20 minutes three times a week, says Mike Clark, Sharecare's chief science officer and CEO of the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

Ready to kick it up a notch? Instead of trying to go all-out on the treadmill for 20 minutes straight, try this high-intensity cardio routine you can do at home (or anywhere) without any equipment.

Calorie-Burning 20 Minute Workout

There is one caveat: You don't want to try this straight off the couch. "The 20 minutes at a higher intensity is for more advanced exercisers," says NASM Elite Trainer Joan Roth. Here's an easier routine for newbies:

At-Home Beginner Cardio Routine

To make your 20-minute workout count, you really have to push it. Here's how to tell if you're working hard enough: On a scale of 1 to 10, you should be at about an 8 or higher. So if you're able to chat up your friend while you sweat, it's time to step it up.

9 summer workouts anyone can do

Su Reid-St. John is Sharecare's Senior Fitness Editor. She lives in Birmingham, AL with her husband, daughter, and cat, and can be found inline skating, Nordic walking, cycling, doing yoga, and strength training (TRX is her new obsession) whenever time allows.


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