1. Hop on a treadmill:
Aim to burn about 300 calories in only 30 minutes with this plan. It helps beat back boredom by alternating between running and walking.
Minutes 0 to 3: Warm up, 2.5 to 3.5 speed, 0 to 2 incline
Minutes 3 to 5: Break into a speed walk or easy jog, 3.5 to 6.5 speed, 2 to 4 incline.
Minutes 5 to 11: Alternate between a one-minute sprint and a one-minute easy run/walk for three sets, 4.5 to 8.5 speed, 2 to 4 incline.
Minutes 11 to 16: Keep pushing yourself as you maintain a speed between 2.5 and 6.5, and increase the incline to between 4 and 8. Whew!
Minutes 16 to 22: Alternate between a one-minute sprint and a one-minute easy run/walk for three sets, 4.5 to 8.5 speed, 2 to 4 incline.
Minutes 22 to 26: Run, jog, or walk at an easy-to-moderate pace, 3.5 to 6.5 speed, 2 to 4 incline.
Minutes 26 to 30: Cool down, 2.5 to 3.5 speed, 0 to 2 incline.
2. Get sweaty in the living room:
This 20-minute circuit requires zero equipment and relies on surefire gym-class classics.
- 3 minutes march in place
- 60 jumping jacks
- 1-minute march in place
- 60 jumping jacks
- 1-minute march in place
- 20 squat-thrusts
- 1-minute march in place
- 20 squat-thrusts
- 1-minute march in place
- 20 squat-thrusts
- 1-minute march in place
- 20 squat-thrusts
- 1-minute march in place
- 60 jumping jacks
- 1-minute march in place
- 60 jumping jacks
- 2 minutes march in place
3. Pop in a DVD:
Make your get-lean goals happen with these top picks.
Finish fast!
Physique 57 Express 30 Minute Full Body Workout, $25; Physique57.com
Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30, $15; JillianMichaels.com
Tone your butt!
Tonique Mat Workout, $19; Amazon.com
Barre3 Total Body Lift Workout, $20; Barre3.com
Melt fat!
Billy Blanks TaeBo Classic, $15; Amazon.com
Sara Haley Sweat Unlimited, $25; SaraHaley.com
Flatten that belly!
Bob Harper Totally Ripped Core, $20; MyTrainerBob.com
Exhale: Core Fusion Pure Abs & Arms, $18; AcaciaLifestyle.com
4. Turn a stroller into a workout:
Throw on sneakers and hit the pavement for 30 minutes after breakfast, before Baby's nap, or during the fussy hour.
Originally published in the March 2013 issue of American Baby magazine.
All content on this Web site, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.