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Are you pressed for time? This five-minute workout will change your morning routine by increasing your core strength and burning fat.
Your journey to a healthy you and a stronger core can begin with just five minutes each morning.
Reducing belly fat is a goal for many, and incorporating a quick morning workout can be a great step toward achieving it. While exercise alone isn’t the magic solution—diet, sleep, and lifestyle also play a crucial role—a targeted five-minute routine can still make a noticeable difference over time.
Why a 5-minute workout?
Short, high-intensity sessions are perfect for those just starting out or anyone with a packed schedule. These workouts are designed to maximize effort in a short time, making it easier to stay consistent. A daily five-minute morning routine not only jumpstarts your metabolism but also sets a positive tone for your fitness journey. Progress might take time, but with patience and commitment, these small efforts can lead to significant and lasting results.
Here are a few exercises which can be done in just 5 minutes:
- Plank (1 minute): Begin in a high plank position with your hands placed directly under your shoulders and your feet aligned at hip-width. Ensure your body forms a straight line from your head down to your heels. From here, lift your left hand to tap your right shoulder, then return it to the floor and repeat with the opposite hand. This exercise targets your core, particularly the obliques, and strengthens the shoulders. It engages your abdominal muscles, which helps burn fat while improving overall core stability. Make sure to avoid twisting your hips during the movement, and focus on maintaining smooth, controlled motions to maximize effectiveness.
- Bicycle crunches (1 minute): Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands lightly behind your head to support your neck, ensuring your elbows remain wide. Begin by lifting your upper body off the ground, engaging your core. As you lift your shoulders, twist your torso to bring your right elbow toward your left knee while simultaneously extending your right leg out straight. After this, switch sides, bringing your left elbow toward your right knee as you extend your left leg. Continue alternating in a controlled, pedalling motion, focusing on squeezing your abs to engage your core and promote fat burning. This exercise is excellent for toning your abdominal muscles and improving coordination.
- Burpees (1 minute): Begin by standing with your feet set about shoulder-width apart, ensuring your weight is evenly distributed. Lower your body into a squat position, bending your knees and pushing your hips back as you reach your hands down to the floor. From here, jump your feet back behind you, landing in a plank position with your body in a straight line from head to heels. Quickly reverse the movement by jumping your feet back toward your hands, returning to the squat stance. Finally, explode upwards, jumping as high as you can while reaching your hands overhead for a full extension. This dynamic exercise engages multiple muscle groups, including your core, legs, and arms, while helping to build strength and improve cardiovascular fitness.
- Mountain climbers (1 minute): Begin in a strong plank position, ensuring your hands are directly beneath your shoulders and your body is in a straight line from head to heels. Engage your core and maintain stability throughout the movement. From this position, quickly drive your right knee towards your chest, followed by your left knee, alternating between legs in a rapid, controlled manner. As you pull each knee in, focus on maintaining a steady rhythm while keeping your hips level and your torso steady. This exercise effectively targets the core, especially the lower abs, while also engaging the shoulders and legs, offering a great way to build strength, endurance and coordination.
- Russian twists (1 minute): Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet hovering just above the ground, maintaining a slight lean back while keeping your back straight and your core engaged. Hold your hands together in front of you, ensuring your posture remains steady. Begin twisting your upper body from side to side, aiming to tap the floor beside your hip with your hands after each rotation. This dynamic movement works your core muscles, especially the obliques, while also improving your balance and spinal mobility. By maintaining control throughout the motion, you’ll target your abdominal area effectively, enhancing both strength and endurance in your torso.
A mix of strength training and cardiovascular exercises boosts calorie burn quickly and efficiently. Focused core exercises activate abdominal muscles, enhancing tone and stamina. HIIT-style workouts increase your body’s calorie burn even after finishing, thanks to elevated post-exercise oxygen consumption. Starting your day with exercise also helps control blood sugar, preventing excess fat accumulation.
