How to Get a Workout in Eight Minutes

Several books and instructional videos show us how to get a fabulous workout at home. Here’s one way to fit in a quality workout fast, adapted from "Eight Minutes in the Morning" by Jorge Cruise.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin with a brief warm-up. Do 12 repetitions of the first exercise, then 12 of the second one. Repeat, for a total of four sets of each exercise. End with a brief cool-down.

2. Do a Knee Pushup. Kneel on a mat on all fours with your knees hip-width apart, your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and your fingers pointing forward. Bring your pelvis forward so your body creates a straight line from your knees to your head. Inhale and lower your chest toward the floor--keeping your back straight and your abs tight--until your elbows are even with your shoulders. Exhale and push back up to the starting position, keeping your elbows slightly bent.

3. Complete a Bird Dog. Kneel on a mat on all fours with your knees hip-width apart, your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and your fingers pointing forward. Keeping your head up, exhale and simultaneously lift and extend your left arm and your right leg. Keep your back straight and abs tight. When your arm and thigh are parallel to the floor, hold for a count of three. Inhale as you lower them back to the starting position. Repeat with the opposite arm and leg. Continue to switch sides until you've done 12 reps on each side.

Tips & Warnings

• Keeping those abs tight is crucial to both exercises, as it prevents lower back strain and strengthens your core.
• Don’t arch your back.
• Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.