Exercise videos for those with very limited time

[purplerain44]

hi there, I've found some 10/ 15 minute exercise videos on YouTube so I can try to fit them between my full-time job, two kids etc etc. possibly to do first thing in the morning or before bed (I know not ideal, but that might be the only time I have).

I fear that 10 minutes just isn't enough to make a difference though - I'm sure the recommended time would say I would need to do more than that in one go. Should I be looking for 20-30 mins to really make it worth my while (I find it really hard to get motivated to do, so want to make sure it's doing something!!!)

What do you think the minimum length of exercise would be? I want to lose a bit of weight and tone up, but also just as much do it for well-being and general health.

Thanks!

[catlady3]

Any amount of exercise will be better than none, so I wouldn't let perfect be the enemy of the good! Just do what you can, maybe find some form of movement you can do with the kids? Doesn't have to be formal exercise to keep you fit.

[JennyK76]

I think you should be aiming for 20-30 mins a couple of times a week. But anything is better than nothing.

I started about 4 years ago with some DVDs by Jillian Michaels (www.<a class="break-all" href="//amazon.co.uk/Jillian-Michaels-Day-Shred-DVD/dp/B002RNOS2Y).?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">https://amazon.co.uk/Jillian-Michaels-Day-Shred-DVD/dp/B002RNOS2Y)?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21. I was completely unfit and just a blob of fat. I found even basic exercises almost impossible. I have now have triceps of steel and I have progressed to doing 45 mins of really hard exercise 5 to 6 times a week.

The 30 day shred DVDs are now dirt cheap and there are actually 3 different 20-minute routines - you only need a mat and some basic hand weights. They work every muscle group, they have a high-calorie burn rate and some intense 2-minute cardio sections. You start with one and then when you are fitter move on to two and finally three. It will take longer than 30 days to be able to do level three 5 times a week.

Once you can do level three you can add in or move onto some of her other DVDs. There are some that target specific areas like your bum and thighs or your abs again in the 20-30 min range. She then has some 40-45min ones that target all your 'trouble zones' or are a 'cardio burn'.

She provides clear instruction and has a simple - yes its hard but you need to push yourself message which I found motivating. The workouts are hard but that's because there is no time wasted resting or only working one muscle group so if you are busy these tapes make sure you get the maximum benefit from your workout time.