Exercise When Nobody’s Looking

Add a challenge to your plank by lifting your opposite arm and leg

It’s time to exercise….That means you need to make sure you’re wearing your special exercise clothes, you know, those spandex pants with the matching form-fitting t-shirt and socks….make sure you go to your special exercise location, your gym that’s 20 minutes away…and make sure you have time to do at least 60 minutes of cardio, 45 minutes of strength training, and save at least 20 minutes to make small talk with your friends at the gym.

I don’t know about you….but my typical client doesn’t have that kind of time on their hands!
You kidding!….As soon as their kids, spouse, or boss get the first hint that they are awake…exercise time is officially over!

That’s why I say “exercise when nobody’s looking!”

I know…we should be proud of our exercising…we should get the whole family to exercise together…our friends and family should support us in our fitness goals.

But let’s be realistic…if you can organize one family fitness activity a week, you’ve hit the jackpot!
As for Monday through Friday, you have to take what you can get!

If you have the time to get to the gym, or participate in a group exercise group 2 or 3 times a week, great!…Do it!

For those other days, try my “exercise when nobody’s looking” plan.
First thing in the morning, before you jump in the shower, squeeze in a 15-20 minute workout…warm up and stretching included. Here’s the plan:

1) Start with 6 minutes of core exercises or low-impact cardio
2) Move to 9 minutes of higher-impact exercises
3) Finish with 3 minutes of static stretching

I like to vary these “secret workouts.” If I focus on arms, legs, and core one day, I’ll focus on legs, shoulders, and cardio the next day. Or…I’ll just do a little of everything. Here’s an example of a “secret workout” I’ll do if I’m pressed for time:

1) Planks, cobra, high knees, and body weight squat presses. 30 seconds each set (I’ll set my stopwatch). I’ll repeat this 3 times for a total of 6 minutes.
2) T-Pushups, V (or “Jackknife”) Sit-ups, and Burpees. 1 minute for each set, repeat 3 times.
3) Stretch hamstrings/calves, hip flexors, and chest…holding each stretch for 30 seconds.

I’ll be done with this routine in 18 minutes…before anybody even realizes that I started exercising in the first place! Give it a try!

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