Working out at home has many benefits. You can work at your own pace, try out new routines at any given time, and of course have quick access to a shower. Ten minute cardio workouts are perfect way to get the heart pumping, and in doing so you can start to burin some calories, all of which will help with weight loss.
General fitness increases too, which means you can try out more complex routines in no time especially if you are a beginner, or just unsure of what will work well for you. Every workout should begin with a warm up, and followed by a cool down stretch.
Rocket Jumps
Begin with your feet apart and legs bent, with hands resting on the thighs. Then jump, straightening your hands above your head while extending the rest of your body. Once you land, re-position the feet to ensure that they are standing apart. You can even increase the difficulty by lowering you starting position to be in a squat.
Aim for 2 sets of 15 to 24 reps.
Star Jumps
It’s time to channel the inner child with the use of some star jumps. These are easy to do, start with arms by your side and the knees bent ever so slightly, maintaining posture at the same time. Then jump, while extending your arms and legs out straight, giving you a star shape. Make a soft landing with your hands back at the sides – make sure you keep your abs tight during this routine!
Aim for 3 sets of 15 to 24 reps
Squats
This can be used as an alternative for the start jump; it uses less energy as you won’t be jumping. Feet should be apart (shoulder width) with your hands at your sides or extending out in front of you. Then simply lower yourself down towards the ground by bending the knees, stop once they are almost at a right angle, and that the thighs run parallel with the ground.
Make sure your back is straight, and never extend your knees beyond your toes. This should be done in 2 sets of 15-24 reps. You won’t need to do this and the star jumps to complete the ten minute workout, just the one will suffice.
Tap Back
Begin this routine by stepping your right leg back while simultaneously extending both of your arms forward in a swinging motion. Repeat this with the opposite leg, bringing the arms forward each time the leg goes back. You should be trying to do this in a rhythm, and always maintain a forward stare, and don’t over bend the knee when stepping back – never have it going farther than your toes.
To increase the challenge for this one, you can switch your legs by jumping, be more careful doing this, ensuring that your knees are soft as you land, otherwise you could injure yourself. Look for 2 sets of 15-24 reps.
Burpees
Being in the standing position, then drop into the squat with your hands touching the ground. Kick the legs backwards to go into the push up position, before kicking them back so you are squatting again. Then finish by doing a jump from the squat position, reaching your arms out above your head as you do so.
Go for the standard 2 sets of 15-24 reps.
Combining these routines creates an easy yet very effective cardio workout. It can be done anywhere, and requires no equipment. After each routine, make sure you have a cool down period of around 15-45 seconds by either jogging or walking on the spot.
