The best 10 minute workout for lazy days [Beuzz]

Let’s be honest: some days are just plain old lazy. You may feel a little lazy about hitting the gym for a full workout, but you don’t want your progress to suffer either. That’s where this 10-minute workout for lazy days comes in. Even when you don’t feel like you’re 100% through your fitness time, this routine keeps you moving productively.

We spoke with Kelly Turner500-RYT and Director of Training and Experience for YogaSix, which breaks down the best 10-minute workout for lazy days. “Everytime [you] go to the gym, [you] won’t be motivated to lift really heavy weights or run many miles,” she says. “Days when you’re feeling a little less energetic are the perfect opportunity to incorporate yoga into your fitness routine.”

Stretching with yoga is a relaxed, low-impact way to stay active while reaping the benefits of exercise. Yoga can increase your heart rate, warm up your muscles, provide your body with deep stretches, and strengthen your mind-body connection. “All of these benefits set you up for a more productive day,” adds Turner.

Just roll out your yoga mat, set your timer for 10 minutes, and you’re ready to go. The best part is that you don’t even have to be at the gym to perform this 10 minute workout! Complete it from the comfort of your own home or wherever you are, and you’ll be so glad you got some exercise.

Keep reading to learn more, and then don’t miss The Best 10 Minute Workout for Men to Build Muscle.

1. Child’s posture

“When I have some time to practice on my laziest days, I roll out my yoga mat and sink into a beautiful child’s pose. I’ll give myself about a minute to take some time , slow, deep abdominal breaths,” says Turner.

This movement stretches the hip and back muscles, the Mayo Clinic said. To settle in, you kneel on the yoga mat and sit down. Your arm should be stretched out in front of you and your forehead should rest on the mat or as close to it as possible. Inhale and exhale.

2. Cat/cow

After you complete Child’s pose, you’ll move into a tabletop position to do some cat/cow tricks. This exercise will help relax your spine, Turner says.

To make sure you are in the correct position on the table, your hands should be placed shoulder distance apart and your knees should be in line with your hips, Mayo Clinic explain. Inhale deeply as you arch your lower back and raise your head. Your pelvis should tilt upward for the “cow” part of this move. Then, exhale as you curl your abs inward, lower your head, and arch your back for the “cat” part.

RELATED: 5 Simple Exercises You Can Do At Home To Keep Your Weight Off For Good

3. Down dog

From cat/cow, you’ll transition to a downward-facing dog. This exercise will give your posterior chain (hamstrings, calves, glutes, and back) a solid stretch. “I’ll step up to the mat and swing for a minute in a gentle forward bend – it has a great calming effect on the body. Then I rise to stand,” Turner explains.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

4. Conclude with half-sun salutations

Once you’re back on your feet, Turner suggests increasing your heart rate without breaking a sweat. You can do this by performing a few half-sun salutes, chair push-ups, and a standing balance posture such as “focus” tree pose.

If you are doing Half Sun Salutations, you will begin in mountain pose, bringing your hands to your heart center and placing your feet a few inches apart, The basics of yoga explain. Your palms should lightly touch each other. Next, inhale as you extend your arms above your head. Exhale as you come into a forward fold, bringing your palms down to the floor. Feel free to bend your knees a little if needed. Next, inhale as you press halfway up into an upward forward fold. Exhale again in a forward fold. Next, inhale and raise your arms overhead before exhaling and returning to a mountain position with your palms on your chest.

Alexa Mellardo