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5 Quick Workouts for Busy Women: Get Fit in Under 15 Minutes a Day!

September 3, 2024

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I'm Mickie. Co-founder and CEO of One Strong Southern Girl. Our team is here for you. We want you to remember us because we helped changed your life. 

Hello!

Are you a busy woman struggling to find time for fitness? Whether you’re balancing work, family, or personal commitments, it can feel impossible to squeeze in a workout. The good news is that you don’t need hours at the gym to get fit! Here are five quick workouts that can help you stay in shape, all in under 15 minutes a day, and right in the comfort of your home. No fancy equipment needed—just your determination, a small space, and, for one of these workouts, an aerobic step!

1. The 15-Minute Full-Body Circuit

Why It Works: This workout combines cardio and strength training for a full-body burn in just 15 minutes. It’s great for building lean muscle and boosting metabolism.

How to Do It:

  • Jumping Jacks: 1 minute (warm-up and get your heart rate up)
  • Bodyweight Squats: 1 minute (tone legs and glutes)
  • Push-Ups: 1 minute (strengthen chest, shoulders, and triceps)
  • Mountain Climbers: 1 minute (burn calories and work your core)
  • Plank: 1 minute (build core strength)

Repeat the circuit 2-3 times with a 30-second rest between each set. Aim to complete as many reps as possible during each minute to maximize results.

 

2. 10-Minute HIIT Workout for Fat Loss

woman doing a low plank

Why It Works: HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) is proven to burn fat fast by combining short bursts of intense exercise with brief recovery periods.

How to Do It:

  • Burpees: 30 seconds (full-body exercise that torches calories)
  • Rest: 15 seconds
  • High Knees: 30 seconds (boosts cardio and leg strength)
  • Rest: 15 seconds
  • Squat Jumps: 30 seconds (targets lower body while elevating the heart rate)
  • Rest: 15 seconds
  • Plank to Push-Up: 30 seconds (works core and upper body)
  • Rest: 15 seconds

Repeat the cycle 2 times. Push yourself during each exercise for maximum impact.

 

3. 7-Minute Core Blaster

Why It Works: A strong core is essential for overall fitness and daily activities. This 7-minute routine targets your abs and lower back to help you build a solid core foundation.

How to Do It:

  • Crunches: 1 minute (classic ab exercise for upper abs)
  • Bicycle Crunches: 1 minute (targets obliques)
  • Leg Raises: 1 minute (works the lower abs)
  • Russian Twists: 1 minute (sculpts the obliques and deep core muscles)
  • Plank: 2 minutes (full core engagement)
  • Side Plank (Right): 1 minute (focuses on side core muscles)
  • Side Plank (Left): 1 minute

Perform these exercises back-to-back with no rest for a true core burner! 

woman doing a crunch

4. 12-Minute Step Up and Sculpt with an Aerobic Step*

Why It Works: Incorporating an aerobic step adds intensity and variety to your workout, targeting the lower body and elevating your heart rate for effective cardio and strength benefits.

Recommended Full Size Aerobic Step*

pink full size aerobic step from the Aerobic Step Shop dot com

How to Do It:

  • Basic Step-Up: 1 minute (step up onto the aerobic step with alternating legs to warm up)
  • Rest: 15 seconds
  • Step-Up with Knee Raise: 1 minute (step up, drive the opposite knee up for a balance challenge and core activation)
  • Rest: 15 seconds
  • Alternating Side Lunges onto Step: 1 minute each side (target glutes, quads, and inner thighs)
  • Rest: 15 seconds
  • Box Jumps: 1 minute (jump onto the aerobic step and step back down, great for cardio and lower body)
  • Rest: 15 seconds
  • Tricep Dips on Step: 1 minute (place hands on the step, lower your body to work the triceps)
  • Rest: 15 seconds

Repeat the sequence twice to maximize the workout. This workout effectively uses the aerobic step to add variety and intensity to your home exercise routine.

5. 15-Minute Yoga Flow for Flexibility and Relaxation

Why It Works: If you need a low-impact workout to improve flexibility, balance, and relaxation, this yoga flow is perfect for winding down or starting your day.

How to Do It:

  • Cat-Cow Pose: 1 minute (warms up the spine)
  • Downward Dog: 2 minutes (stretches hamstrings, calves, and shoulders)
  • Warrior II: 2 minutes each side (builds strength and flexibility in legs)
  • Child’s Pose: 1 minute (restorative pose for relaxation)
  • Seated Forward Fold: 2 minutes (deep hamstring and lower back stretch)
  • Pigeon Pose: 1 minute each side (opens up hips and glutes)
  • Corpse Pose (Savasana): 3 minutes (relaxes the body and mind)

Hold each pose and focus on deep breathing to maximize the benefits.

Conclusion: Make Fitness a Part of Your Busy Day

Finding time for fitness doesn’t have to be a challenge. With these quick, effective workouts, you can stay active and healthy even on your busiest days. Choose a workout that fits your schedule, mix and match them throughout the week, and watch your fitness level improve—all without stepping foot in a gym!

Don’t Forget: Consistency is key. Aim to do these workouts 3-5 times a week to see the best results. Your body (and mind) will thank you!

 

 

 

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