Busy people who must maintain work schedules and manage home and personal responsibilities often find it challenging to make it to the gym at the end of a long day. Here, Winnipeg fitness and nutrition expert Gabriel Patterson discusses 6 ways to work out on your lunch hour.
1. Get a Run In
A mid-day run is a fantastic way to get in some valuable cardio while taking in fresh air and sunshine. Plan out different routes around your workplace for variety during the week. When planning your lunchtime run, be sure to include enough time to stretch before and after. Depending on how far you prefer to run, you may also have time for a quick snack to keep your energy rolling through the afternoon.
2. Make a Quick Trip To a Yoga Class
If you have a yoga studio available close to work, you may be surprised at the lunchtime options available. Many studios offer shorter classes around the noon hour for those who have to get back to work after class. Even a quick yoga class can do wonders for relieving stress while building strength and flexibility. Shorter classes can also provide a good workout without requiring the time for a full shower before heading back to the office.
3. Do Some Bodyweight Exercises
If you don’t have a gym or equipment handy but have just a little bit of space, you can design an uninterrupted lunch break workout involving bodyweight exercises. In under 30 minutes, you can get in some quality high-intensity interval training work with split jumps, frog hops, burpees, ordinary push-ups, squats, and lunges. If you push the intensity of the short sets, you’ll have more than enough action in that half-hour.
4. Take a Spin Class
Many gyms also offer short and high-intensity spin classes for working folks around the lunch hour. Many people enjoy the challenge of an intense workout with a group and a leader pressing everyone’s performance to the limit. For competitive people, an intense ride in the middle of the day is just what is needed to get in some solid cardio and blow off steam.
5. Power Walk For Exercise and to Destroy Stress
If you don’t have a change of clothes handy or a way to get in a shower at work, a lunchtime walk can be a good, quick workout. A brisk walk is a fantastic way to release stress and to get close to nature for a few minutes. If you have a work buddy who wants to tag along, you can take the opportunity to visit and catch up.
6. Develop a Circuit Training Routine
For those who want to use break time for a high-intensity interval workout, a good circuit training routine provides a combination of cardio and strength training. You can combine sprints and push-ups with short, intense sets of lunges, squats, and other bodyweight exercises. The point of this kind of circuit training is to get your body revved up and working at its peak, so be sure to leave yourself enough time to cool down and get back to work.
About Gabriel Patterson
Gabriel Patterson, originally from Winnipeg, Canada is a certified personal trainer and advocate for a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Gabriel supports his clients as they revamp their health and fitness routines. Mr. Patterson focuses his efforts on helping his clients rebound from sports-related injuries, build a solid foundation in fitness, and reach new heights.
His passion for living a productive and active lifestyle has led Mr. Patterson to educate his clients about the importance of regular exercise and incorporating a nutrient-dense diet. When he is not supporting his clients to become their best selves, Gabriel Patterson can be found spending time with his friends and family in Winnipeg.
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