5 tricks for squeezing in a lunchtime workout

With the weather hotting up, it’s time to take advantage of those midday rays and get outside to work up a sweat – so here are 5 tricks for squeezing in a lunchtime workout.

Admittedly, it can sometimes be more tempting to spend your lunch hour lounging in a coffee shop or hunched over your desk fitting in some last-minute prep for that afternoon presentation. But lunchtime is a great opportunity to squeeze in a workout as it can break up the day and give your brain a boost of energy for the afternoon. Here are some clever tricks to make it work for you – you’ll feel so much better for it, we promise!

1.     Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
Pack your gym bag the night before with all the essentials – clothes, a good pair of trainers, towel, etc. If you don’t have easy access to a shower, remember a good deodorant and dry shampoo can work wonders – greasy hair is no excuse to skip a workout! If you’re extra organised, packing your bag in the order in which you will use each item can spare precious minutes, as there’ll be no fumbling around for that left sock…

2.     Plan, plan, plan
Take 10 minutes out from your Sunday afternoon siesta to plan the week’s workouts. By planning ahead, you don’t have to waste half your lunch break weighing up whether to go for a run or do yoga. It means you can use your time more efficiently, and is also a great way of clearing your head before the working week.

3.     Pick your workouts wisely
There’s no point in planning a 10K run if you know you’ll never fit complete it in time. Instead, pick efficient workouts that pack a punch in a short amount of time, like HIIT or even boxing. Some gyms also offer special shorter classes for people to go to in their lunch breaks, which have the added bonus of meaning you won’t lose track of the time.

4.     Eat smart
If you know you’re going to be working out on your break, make sure you pack your lunch accordingly. For instance, a bowl of porridge with a banana at 11am will give you energy and ward off muscle cramps, and make sure you pack something protein-rich like a shake or chicken salad for after you get back to your desk.

5.     If all else fails…
So you had your heart set on that midday run or yoga in the park…but typical Britain, it’s raining again. Don’t let the weather ruin your workout – if you’re strapped for time and simply can’t get to the gym, lace up and get running up those office stairs!