The desire for instant gratification is probably one of the biggest reasons why people get impatient and sabotage diet and weight loss efforts. However, one way to easily get on the right track is to do ten-minute workouts. Without taking up too much of your time, fat loss can soon follow.
Stretching
Even when doing a short workout, it's important to stretch. If you skip stretching, you may later cramp up. The blood supply to the muscle is increased during stretching, and it's the best way to avoid injury during a workout. Since your ten-minute workout will likely be focused and specific to one area of the body, that should be the part that you stretch.
As important as it is to stretch under most circumstances before beginning any workout, you shouldn't stretch if you've recently had a muscle strain or any sprains. If you've had a fracture that isn't completely healed, avoid stretching. You should also skip stretching (and exercise) if you feel pain in your joints or muscles.
Sprinting
If you've only got ten minutes--yet are aiming to exercise for fat loss--you want to go with the most effective calorie burner. Running is probably your best bet. You can simply run instead of sprint, but you should go for a faster pace than on a longer run. The less time you have to do an activity, the harder you have to work at it if you want to burn a sufficient enough number of calories. Workouts that are done harder can be done in a shorter amount of time.
Speed Walking
Not everybody is up to running. Not everyone wants to be. Fast-paced walking is often a better choice. It's good for the heart and cardiovascular system in the same way that running is, but it's less taxing. It requires less effort and it burns fewer calories than running. However, it's often the preferred method of working out. Walking, even at a faster pace, can make you feel at peace and as though you are letting go of stress. For extra motivation, try to plan your longer walks in a pretty setting. When you've only got ten minutes, however, speed walking around a mall once in ten minutes can really get your heart rate up and set those calories to burning.
Ten-Minute Workouts In the Office
Yes, some people do not even have the luxury of leaving their offices for exercise breaks. If you're stuck indoors for whatever reason, you can still get a great work out in.
Consider speed walking in place. There are even workout videos and DVDs released that feature the lead instructor simply walking several miles in place. This can be done with an instructional video or by yourself. Turn on music for extra inspiration and motivation.
Do jumping jacks repeatedly. Doing these for ten minutes can be truly tiring, but it's a great cardiovascular workout that can be done in ten minutes. It's also a good calorie burner.
Try simply dancing and singing along to your favorite music videos when you're at home. Madonna's video collections can really have you working out. Pick three songs, and the ten-minute workout will simply fly on by. For extra motivation, put Olivia Newton-John's "Physical" on repeat. Try these desk exercises while you're at work.