Wouldn’t it be great if we had so much extra time in the day that we could take a stroll to the gym, work out for a couple hours, then take our time getting ready after a good minute or 15 in the steam room? Yes. Yes, it would. That’s not quite realistic with our hectic schedules though. You can still get in a solid workout even if you don’t have time to make it to the gym. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite 20-minute workouts that will have you torching calories in a short amount of time.
1. Pop Sugar: Turn Fat Into Lean Muscle With This Trainer’s 20-Minute, 5-Move Upper-Body Workout
This one from Pop Sugar seems so simple, but it will have you breathing hard! The best thing about it is that you can do it absolutely anywhere, as all it requires is for you to push yourself without the use of any equipment. Want to take it up a notch? Add some weight to the single leg deadlifts, tricep dips and supermans! Even a small amount of weight will boost you to the next level.
2. Men’s Journal: The Best 20-Minute Bodyweight Back Workout for Busy Guys
Do you have a desk job or do you spend a lot of time sitting on a plane or in a car traveling for work? If you’re shaking your head yes, this is a workout you should incorporate into your training plan. It’s not only a solid workout, but it’s also specifically designed to counteract all the effects of sitting at a desk all day. Ahem, we’re talking to you, hunched shoulders, tight hips and lower back pain.
3. Buzzfeed: This 20-Minute Workout Will Burn A Ridiculous Amount Of Fat
This one is a great short, but intense total body workout. Squat Jumps work your body and legs, Elevated Pushups work your arms and upper back and Planks go to work on your abs. Make sure you get in a quick warm-up before getting started. Some simple active stretching will get your body ready to do some business.
4. Muscle & Fitness: The Best 20-Minute Total Body Workout
This one may look long, but we swear it will only take you 20 minutes. It does require a little more equipment but it’s totally worth it because it’s totally a burner. It has a strong emphasis on strength and you’ll be moving the entire time which will keep your heart rate pumping.
5. Shape: The 20-Minute Pilates Workout for Hardcore Abs
Looking for a low-impact workout that still will still make you shred? Look no further. Allow Lottie Murphy, a level 3 Pilates instructor, to walk you through a workout that will eventually earn you rock hard abs, longer and leaner muscles and improved posture.
6. Self: A 20-Minute HIIT Workout You Can Do Anywhere
No gym? No problem. There’s no excuse to not fit in a workout, even if you’re on the road. You can do this solid workout at home before or after work, or in your hotel room while traveling. The best part? The article includes GIFs that walk you through how to do each workout.
7. Ace Fitness: EMOM Express Workout
EMOM stands for Every Minute on the Minute. With EMOMs, you perform a set number of reps of a movement within a minute, then move on to the next minute and movement. Rest times are super short so your heart will be beating at full speed. Keep this EMOM workout in your pocket for next time you’re short on time.
8. Fitness Magazine: The 20-Minute Strength Training Workout That Will Turn Your Body to Jell-O
This awesome yet challenging 20-minute workout from Courtney Paul and Fitness Magazine will surely have you on the floor contemplating why you put yourself through it. But it’s worth the work! Courtney walks you through proper form while also walking you through exercises like Hand Walks, Push-ups, Tricep Dips and Chest Presses.
9. Daily Burn: Your 20-Minute Dumbbell Workout to Build Muscle All Over
This total body dumbbell workout is definitely one of our favorites. Dumbbells are some of the best pieces of equipment you can use because they allow freedom of movement, and when used properly, can recruit more muscle… like those smaller stabilizer muscles that machines simply won’t be able to develop.
10. Coach: Crush This 20-Minute Home Workout To Strengthen Your Upper Body
This crushing upper body workout can be done with a kettlebell and a few dumbbells. It has just the right amount of rising heartbeat movement and muscle tearing work to make you feel like you’ve done some real work by the end. If it starts to get easier, consider upping the weight as long as form doesn’t take a back seat.
Looking for more workouts? Check out 5 of the Best Bodyweight Exercises.
