Last week on Twitter, I mentioned that an easy way to get moving was to do a small circuit. Basically, circuit training is a combination of exercises that includes aerobic and resistance training. Circuits are generally easy to follow and created to give you a great workout.

The Circuit:

The circuit I suggested was jumping jacks, jump rope, push ups, and then lunges – repeat. Here’s what to do:

Jumping Jacks – 10 to 12
Jump rope – 1 minute (no rope? You can fake it – just do the motion – same benefits).

Pushups – 5 to 10 (depending on what you can do… don’t cheat ;) ).
Lunges – 5 to 10 on each side (depending on what you can do – again – don’t cheat ;) ).

If you want, you can ad some abs in there. Add:

Crunches – 10 to 15
Reverse Crunches – 10 to 15 (feet up toward the ceiling and pretend your stomping your feet on the ceiling)
Oblique crunches – 10 to 15

Repeat the small circuits until you’ve done 10 to 20 minutes of exercise – depending on what you have time for.

Other Small Circuit Ideas:

March in place – 30 to 45 seconds
Step tap or step touch – 30 to 45 seconds

Plie slides – 10 to 12
Squats – 10 to 15

Bicep Curls – 12 to 15
Triceps Kickbacks – 12 to 15
Overhead shoulder press – 12 to 15
*No weights? Try soup cans or water bottles.

Bicycles – 15 – 20

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If you’re into kickboxing…

Bob and weave – 30 seconds
Bob and weave w/jab – 30 seconds

Front kicks – 15 to 20 (alternating legs)
Side kicks – 10 to 15 each leg

Push ups – 12 to 15
Seated dips – 12 to 15

Crunches – 15 – 20
Reverse crunches – 15 to 20

Other Tips:

– Try these circuits while you’re watching TV.

– Try adding them to your lunch break. Why not do 20 minutes of movement, and then mindfully eat your lunch.

– Why not do a circuit before you get in the shower? Nothing like a little movement to start your day invigorated!

– Remember – you’ve got to get your heart rate up, or the movement doesn’t count as “exercise.”