Denise Sanger

How crazy is it that we celebrated Easter this past weekend? Almost one-third of 2017 is behind us as we head into May. That means the next holiday is Memorial Day which is the official kick-off weekend of summer. Are you ready? Not sure I am.

There are two issues people seem to struggle with when it comes to their health and fitness. The first is knowing what and when to eat and the second is finding time to exercise. We are a very busy society and many times if something does not HAVE to be done, it won’t get done and that includes exercise.

Let me ask you this question — can you find 10 minutes to exercise? Sure you can. Everyone can squeeze 10 minutes in somewhere during a crazy busy day. The next question would be is 10 minutes of exercise daily enough to move you forward in your fitness journey? The answer to that question is 10 minutes is definitely better than zero minutes.

As always, please be sure to check with your doctor to make sure it’s okay to add exercise into your daily schedule. When you get the yes answer, below is an easy-10 minute cardio workout to help you get started. If you feel good after one round, add a second round and build from there. Once you have built up your endurance for marching, switch it up and add in walking, jogging, skipping, dancing — whatever makes you smile.

• March for 30 seconds, rest for 30 seconds

• March for 30 seconds, rest for 30 seconds

• March for 30 seconds, rest for 30 seconds

• March for 30 seconds, rest for 30 seconds

• March for 60 seconds, rest for 60 seconds

• March for 60 seconds, rest for 60 seconds

• March for 30 seconds, rest for 30 seconds

• March for 30 seconds, rest for 30 seconds

Next is a 10-minute strength training workout. Again start with one complete round and if you feel good after round one, add a second round.

• 20 squats

• 1 minute wall sit

• 20 push-ups

• 1 minute wall or floor plank

• 10 jumping jacks (modified alternating leg jacks)

• 1 minute wall sit

• 20 wide leg sumo squats

• 1 minute wall or floor plank

• 20 alternating back lunges

• 1 minute wall sit

Begin by alternating the workouts each day — one day complete the cardio workout and the next day complete the strength workout. As your strength and endurance increases, you might try combining the workouts for two per day which would be 20 minutes or shoot for three 10-minute workouts per day for a total of 30 minutes.

You have probably heard the saying how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Take the same approach for your health by exercising 10 minutes at a time. Remember you CAN do it!

To your health,

Denise

Denise Sanger is a certified fitness instructor, FXP Hoop instructor, licensed Zumba, STRONG by Zumba instructor, teaches morning classes at and co-founder of Family Fitness Outreach Center.. Her goal is a healthier Suwannee County. Denise may be reached at DeniseSanger.com, 386/292-6105 or denisesanger@gmail.com