Holiday Hacks: Exercise

Photo credit: Shawn Stevenson

What happens when we get busy? We cut things (even important things) from our schedule. What’s the thing that most often gets cut? Well, it’s probably one of two. (a) Meditation/Prayer (b) Exercise. And usually it’s both.

So what are we to do during these busy times? HACK THEM!!

Let’s get to hacking exercise.

Hack 1 — Short & Intense

This hack works for everyone — and it’s even great on off or busy days. The key is that you’ll work all the big muscle groups — with intensity(!) — but only for a short time.

Holiday Hack Workout

20 Seconds Hands Up Pushups
10 Seconds Hold at Bottom (with hands up!)
Repeat 2x for 3 rounds

20 Seconds Split Squats (left)
10 Seconds Hold at Bottom (think of it a little like a crescent pose but without your hands up)

20 Seconds Split Squats (right)
10 Seconds Hold at Bottom

Repeat right/left 1x for 2 rounds

20 Seconds Table Top Reach
10 Seconds Hold (at top)
Repeat 2x for 3 rounds

Hack 2 — Multiples

Don’t have 30 minutes to escape? Try walking 10 minutes at a brisk pace (20 minutes or less per mile). Do that three times and you’ve got a good thirty minutes of walking. Do it 4–5 times and you’ll have several miles in for the day (and it’s GREAT for your digestion).

Walking not enough? Add some squats at the end of the 10 minutes, or if you want to work your upper body a bit (without getting all sweaty) add wall pushups.

Hack 3 — Workout Before Your Meals!

I know — you think I’m delusional now — but it works. I’m not talking about a full on killer workout, I’m talking about depleting the muscle glycogen before you hit those holiday meals and parties.

30 seconds wall pushups
30 seconds squats (or wall sits)
Repeat 1x-3x times

Seriously — you can do this in the guest bathroom of someone’s house, in the garage — heck even in the a bathroom stall at the restaurant.

There you have it!

Wrap Up

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Thanks for reading!