5-minute Routine For Exercising

If your day is so full that you can't include a full-out program of cardio and strength training, consider performing five-minute routines for exercising. Do a series of these throughout the day and before you know it you will have performed the 30 minutes a day recommended by doctors. Short bursts of physical activity also will improve your mood and give you a quick shot of energy if you're feeling fatigued. Practice five-minute routines for exercising every day for your well-being.

Body Balancer

If you have only five minutes before you race off to your next important thing, spend that time performing an exercise derived from Kundalini yoga. This moving pose is meant to balance both sides of your body and brain while giving you an energy boost. Stand with your hands on your hips. Lift your left leg off the ground and swing it up to the right. Kick as high as you can and then return to your starting position. Kick your right leg up and to the left. Continue in this manner for five minutes, making sure to keep your hips square and facing forward while you kick.

Forward Bends

Stand with your feet about two feet apart. Bend your left elbow and bring your left hand in front of your chest. Bend your right elbow and place your right hand on top of your left. On an exhale, bend forward from your waist, making sure to keep your back flat. Keeping your hands in the same position, try to touch the floor. Inhale and rise to standing with a flat back. Continue in this fashion, either slowing down or speeding up for variety. Toward the end of your five minutes, on your last forward bend, let your body hang loose and bend your knees. Let your fingertips lightly brush the floor as you sway gently from side to side.

Energy Series

The thing to remember during this five-minute routine for exercising is to keep your knees springy. Stand with your feet about six inches apart. Inhale and fling your arms up over your head and then exhale and let them drop down. As your arms drop, let your knees bend so that on the next upswing you have momentum. You're not looking for form here, so let your arms fly akimbo as you continue for a minute. During the second minute you'll be jumping in place. Let your arms hang naturally by your sides and take a small jump -- barely enough for your feet to leave the ground. Alternate between these two maneuvers every minute until your five minutes are up.

Swimming in Place

Although it won't be as refreshing as a dip in the pool, this routine will work your abs, glutes, thigh and back muscles. Lie on your stomach on a rug or exercise mat. Extend your arms along the floor in front of you. You can either look down at the floor during this exercise or raise your head. Inhale and raise your left leg and right arm at the same time. Exhale and lower both back to the floor. Inhale and repeat on the other side. Keep the motion going for up to five minutes as quickly or as slowly as you like.