"Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way."
-- Abraham Lincoln
A lot of people think they need to work out two hours per day to get lean and healthy. We put so much pressure on ourselves that failure is inevitable.
I have always contended that a workout should fit into your lifestyle and that the number of days and time spent working out should be realistic.
Consistency and shorter duration workouts is the key to this game.
That being said, I've constructed some helpful tips to make your workouts shorter, but just as effective as one longer bout. Your goal is to create a minimal fitness plan for success. All you need is a few days per week and sessions lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Short duration workouts not only are time effective, but also produce a positive hormonal state. Many studies conclude that long workouts produce a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that strips muscle and places high levels of stress on the body, thereby creating an unhealthy state.
Here are some tips to get you started:
Perform circuit training -- Circuit training is simply performing one exercise for each muscle group without rest. For example, one would do a chest exercise for 12 reps, followed by back, shoulders, biceps, triceps, legs, calves and abs. Rest for 60 seconds and repeat for two to three more cycles or until you reach the 20-30 minute time limit. It's a great way to burn fat and limit workout time.
