Try these shortened routines for running, HIIT, and more.
The healthiest choice isn’t always an option. In Best Worst Choice, experts explain what you can do to make the most of those less-than-ideal situations.
The gist:
Ideally you'd never skip your warm-up if you're training first thing in the morning, since your body needs to ease into movement after being still overnight.
At any other time of day, abbreviated routines will do when you're short on time.
Expert insight:
It’s safe to skip stretches before a run as long as you start with 5 minutes of walking and 10 walking lunges per side, says Kevon Daley, master instructor and personal training manager at Equinox Brickell Heights in Miami.
Before heavy lifting and HIIT, though, mobility exercises are essential for activating your muscles and aligning your joints to avoid damage. Daley recommends you at least move through the World’s Greatest Stretch and Cat/Cow for 20 seconds each. Both drills target the hips and spine, which are often tight from sitting but highly engaged during plyometrics and lifts.
The bottom line:
Before early morning workouts, always prep with at least two dynamic drills pre-run and two workout-specific exercises pre-HIIT and lifting.