Ten-Minute Body Miracles

We’ve all heard that 'health is wealth,' but let’s be real, what we’re really short on is time.

Maybe your Peloton is gathering dust, your yoga mat is now a cat bed, and your Apple Watch thinks you’ve disappeared. The good news is you don’t need a whole hour to get in shape. You don’t even need thirty minutes. Just ten will do. That’s about the time it takes to scroll through TikTok a couple of times.

Here are some quick moves and simple habits that can help you feel refreshed, even if you’re not journaling every day or getting a full night’s sleep.

1. Jump Around (literally)
   Let’s start with some movement. Play your favourite upbeat song - maybe House of Pain or Olivia Rodrigo -and jump around for ten minutes. Try jump squats, star jumps, or skipping rope to quickly increase your heart rate. You’ll get a rush of endorphins, no celery juice needed.
   
2. Plank it like Beckham
   Get on the floor and hold a plank. It’s simple, but it can feel tough. Take short breaks as needed. You can add side planks or shoulder taps to mix it up. After ten minutes, your upper body will thank you.
   
3. The Beyoncé Lunge Matrix
   Keep moving with lunges. Lunge forward, backward, and sideways to your favorite song. If that’s too challenging, try squats with your heels on books. After ten minutes, your legs will feel the effort, but you’ll be glad you did it.
   
4. The Hot-Girl Walk…But Indoors
   If lunges aren’t for you, try walking instead. You don’t need to go outside, just walk up and down your hallway for ten minutes. Add a weighted vest for an extra challenge. It’s simple and effective.
   
5. Breathwork = Brainwork
   After moving, take a few minutes for breathwork to help you refocus. Try taking deep breaths in and out, holding each time briefly. In ten minutes, you’ll feel calmer and clearer-headed.
   
6. Tabata, Baby
   Try this high-intensity interval training format: work hard for 20 seconds (choose burpees, running in place, or shadow boxing), then rest for 10 seconds. Repeat for 4 minutes (8 rounds). If you have less than ten minutes, do two rounds separated by a short break.
   
7. Desk Yoga, or Pretend You’re Madonna
   If you need a stretch, move your chair aside and find a short yoga video online. Try some neck rolls, cat-cow, or downward dog poses. There are even apps that can create custom yoga classes for you. It’s easy to get started.
   
8. Kettlebell Speed Dating
   For strength training, grab a kettlebell. Do swings, squats, and presses, moving quickly but safely. In just ten minutes, you’ll feel stronger and more energized.
   
9. The Taylor Swift Eras Tour Sprint
   Let’s make cardio fun again. Put on one song. Run, or dance-run, around your block. By the end, you’ll be euphoric or need paramedics, but it’s effective either way. “Shake It Off” has the perfect BPM for a sweaty 3 minutes. Repeat three times. Voilà -that’s ten minutes.
   
10. Meditate Like a Tech Bro
    If you’re not inclined towards physical activity, consider meditation as an alternative. Even a short session can help you reset and feel more focused. Just ten minutes of meditation can lower stress and improve your mood. You don’t need expensive equipment or lots of free time -just a few minutes each day can make a difference. When you have ten minutes, use it to do something good for your mind or body. You’ll be glad you did.