10-Minute Tuneups: Power Workout Video

Source: Best Health Magazine, September 2012; Photo by Roger Kao

The key to this 10-Minute Tuneup is power! Incorporating as much power as possible into your workouts is an effective way for you to get the most out of your cardio workout in a shorter amount of time. Many of the exercises here are based on plyometrics’the use of high-energy movements. Power workouts are challenging, and they will definitely make you sweat, but they are worth it.

After you warm up, do the five exercises demonstrated in the video. Do as many of each one as you can, as fast as you can. As you get fitter, try to build the intensity by doing more repetitions in the time allowed for each move. If you’re just getting into fitness, be cautious, and go with the easier options; they are less demanding. And be sure to speak with your doctor before you begin any new fitness program. Let’s get started!

How it works:

Warm up: The first one-minute exercise segment will provide a brief warm-up to get your major muscles moving.
Gauge the intensity: Use a stopwatch, the timer on your phone or a clock with a second hand to keep track of the time for each exercise. Your working muscles should definitely feel ready to change to the next step by the time you reach the end of each segment.
Customize moves to your needs: Some of the exercises have easier options.
Cool down and stretch: Be sure to do the cool-down at the end to lower your heart rate. And for that final minute, stretch the major muscle groups you’ve just worked.

Erin Phelan is a fitness trainer and mom of two. She’s a regular contributor to Best Health.

About our 10-minute Tuneups

Ideally, we should be getting 30 minutes of fitness a day. But when time is tight, doing 10-Minute Tuneups whenever you can fit them in still makes a difference. Have fun!

This article was originally titled "10-Minute Tuneups: Power workout" in the September 2012 issue of Best Health. Subscribe today to get the full Best Health experience’and never miss an issue!