Finding the time and motivation to exercise in December can feel nigh-on impossible. That’s where ‘fitness snacking’ comes in, ie pockets of movement that can last anywhere from 60 seconds to 10 minutes. Studies have shown that even a few one-minute bouts of vigorous activity throughout the day can improve cardiovascular and metabolic health.

If you have slightly longer, 10-minute workouts are a great way to fit in some decent exercise while also saving time. According to procrastination experts, telling yourself you’re going to do something for 10 minutes usually helps to break down motivation barriers, leading us to do more than the initial time we agreed to. But even if 10 minutes is all the time you’ve got, you can still squeeze in some serious strength and cardio work.

So, to help you get started, we’ve put together this guide to all the simple and effective 10-minute workouts we’ve got across the Strong Women site. And who knows, after you’ve completed your first 10 minutes, you might just be tempted to keep going or fit in another session later in the day.

Equipment needed: a set of dumbbells

This simple full-body routine from Strong Women’s Emma Obayuvana involves just three moves, so you won’t need to think too hard to keep up. Make sure to pay attention to form to reap the full benefits. 

Equipment needed: none

Shake off desk-induced back pain with this six-part routine from a movement therapist who specialises in lower back pain management. Pelvic rolls, supine hip rotations, bridges and more work together to improve back mobility and ease tension.

Equipment needed: none

You don’t need a ring or a pair of gloves to get familiar with the boxing basics, as this workout from the boxer Miranda Fox shows. Get ready for some serious sweat.

Equipment needed: kettlebell and a pair of dumbbells

This three-move workout from Alice-Rose Miller will get every muscle in your legs working in no time at all. You’ll be doing goblet squats, Romanian deadlifts and curtsy lunges to build lower-body strength.

Equipment needed: none

In the mood for a challenge? Follow along with Emma Obayuvana as she guides you through three challenging press-up variations in this arm-focused workout.

Equipment needed: none

Coming in under 10 minutes, this quick and easy endorphin-boosting routine is the ideal pick-me-up for when you’re feeling low on energy. The mix of simple bodyweight moves makes following along a breeze.

Equipment needed: none

This low-impact, high-intensity workout is ideal for anyone looking to stay fit while minimising the load on their joints. It’s also designed to build knee strength: perfect if you’ve struggling with any little niggles. 

Images: Getty