If you only have 40 minutes during lunch to squeeze in a quick workout... that is actual workout time... what would be best? Should I concentrate on the weights and strength training...or, should I hit the machines for the cardio? I have been trying to hit the gym during lunch since I can't seem to find the time in the evenings to workout.

What would you do?

Oh - and to all of you who remember me - yep... I'm back and getting it going again. picking up pretty much where I left off. I'll weigh in on Thursday for probably the first time on about 3 months. So we'll see just how far I fell off the wagon. But, I'm doing much better now mentally and I'm finally in the mode of getting back to it. So.... here we go.

Thanks!

40 mins ... is that everyday of the week?

Do you have a goal? Or are you just trying to up your fitness levels?

I'm no trainer, but perhaps strength training 3 days (M, W, F) lunch times - and then cardio on Tues and Thurs?

40 mins isn't going to be enough to do both. Once you're comfortably doing your 40 mins cardio, perhaps interval training to get the most out of your time?

HTH,

Lucy

Yes, I agree with Lucy, that whenever you are able to fit in cardio, perhaps like the same schedule she suggested MWF strength and cardio T TH, that interval training or, HIIT, would be great if you are only allotted 40 minutes for your workouts.

Welcome back!

Yip - the HIIT is the best way to go for a short time alottment. The benefits just keep going long after the workout is over. The calories keep rolling out after you're back at your desk. Do you have a HRM? I find mine a real blessing when doing the HIIT. And you can keep it on and just watch the cals keep rolling off after.

Welcome back to traineo, and we'll be looking for your posts again!

If it's every day, I'd alternate it, weights and cardio every other day.

For cardio, I'd go for a 10 minute warmup and cool down with 20 minutes of Zones 3 or 4.

For weights, I'd see if the gym has a circuit set up anywhere so you could do several exercises in rapid succession without messing around with plates and collars.

HIIT (high intensity interval training)- such as CrossFit.

HIIT (high intensity interval training)- such as CrossFit.

I agree with Vera-most of our workouts are under 30min with a good sweat!

I used to do a 25 minute workout a few years back when I was in a time crunch. It was a full body workout and you only did 1 set of each exercise. The key was the intensity and making sure that one set totally burned out your muscle. I think I did something like chin ups, bench, squats, shoulder press and crunches. I would also do a 5 minute warm-up before hand. Let's take bench for example, every workout I would do 10 reps. I would try to push the weight away from my body as fast as possible and then lower it in 4 seconds. Every week I tried to increase the weight to make sure that it was very difficult to finish those 10 reps. I would go from exercise to exercise with very short breaks to catch my breath.

I wouldn't say it was the best workout I ever did but I did make progress over the months. I guess my point is, you can fit a workout in almost anywhere if needed. Hope you find something fun.

HIIT (high intensity interval training)- such as CrossFit.

I heard about that. I should give it a try one of these days.

3, 2, 1 GO!

Yeah Apollo, let me know how you like it! You might get a little sweaty though.

The best exercise for you will depend more on your aims that anything else. What are you trying to achieve?

40 minutes should be plenty though and you certainly have options. Maybe this article on choice of exercise would help?

Regards, Marek
Basingstoke Nutritionist / Personal Trainer

40 minutes is plenty of time to get a lot of work done. I have been using a program that is available online at http://www.getLEANin15.com Every week I get 5 new workouts for the week that are designed to workout your full body in the week. They are always different and in different orders so I'm not doing the same thing all the time. AND the best part is that the workouts are 15-20 minutes. It is a High Intensity Strength training Circuit. So you don't stop moving for the whole workout and burn a lot of calories while doing it. That also leaves me with 15-25 minutes to do a "cardio" interval on the treadmill or elliptical. But no matter what you choose I assure you, if you are working more efficiently you can get a phenominal workout in 40 minutes. It is a misconception that you need to spend long hours at the gym.