Introduction to a 10-Minute Workout
Build that beach body — even when you only have 10 minutes.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Katie Austin — who’s also a fitness trainer and the daughter of legendary aerobics instructor Denise Austin — is on deck and dumbbell with her recommendations for maximizing your workout minutes.
Employing a Mind Trick for Motivation
On days when she’s struggling to motivate herself to move, Katie Austin employs a mind trick.
“I tell myself I’m only going to do five to ten minutes, and then I’ll feel so much better and I’ll want to keep going,” said the star.
“If I tell myself beforehand, ‘I’m going to do a 30- to 45-minute workout,’ I probably won’t accomplish it because that sounds intimidating.”
A 10-Minute Workout Plan
But when she actually only has ten minutes, she has a plan for that too. Her app features a “Quickies by Time” category, where users can access 10-minute workouts for when they’re in a rut or need a fast fitness fix.
Austin launched her app more than seven years ago, and it has been a hit ever since, offering a library of over 400 home workout videos, as well as nutritional tips and recipes, all tailored for folks with busy lifestyles and limited time to devote to fitness.
Strength Training Over Cardio
If she only has that small window to feel the burn, Austin opts for strength training over cardio.
“Strength would definitely make me feel more productive and just get me moving. I probably wouldn’t do a cardio workout just because I’d need my heart rate to be up for longer, and also, if I only have 10 minutes, I probably don’t want to get too sweaty,” she said.
Benefits of Strength Training
Experts routinely recommend that adults aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of muscle strengthening a week.
While muscle-building may be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about strength training, research shows it can do more than tone your body.
The force placed on bones during strength training, especially with weight-bearing exercises, triggers the formation of bone-forming cells, making bones stronger and denser, according to Harvard Health.
Walking as a Go-To Exercise
A brief burst of strength notwithstanding, Katie said her go-to for when she’s feeling uninspired to exercise is to take a walk.
“Walking is not only amazing for your physical health, but also for your mental health. Even if you just walk for 15 to 20 minutes.
What I love to do from there is use it as a way to start my workout if I’m feeling unmotivated. You’ll get motivation, brain power and energy from your walk, and then you can start your workout.”
Health Benefits of Walking
The health benefits of a daily walk are well-established. From aiding digestion to boosting mood, getting your steps in is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.
A low-impact alternative to running or other high-intensity workouts, walking is effective, accessible, and may help you live a longer, richer life. Recent research suggests that walking 5,000 steps three times a week for two years could add three years to a person’s life expectancy and reduce their healthcare costs by up to 13%.
Following in Her Mother’s Footsteps
Austin previously shared with The Post that she’s “loving” following in her mom’s footsteps in the fitness world — and she even recreated some of Denise’s old workout videos on a recent trip to the Bahamas.
“She had her own TV show, but that doesn’t really exist nowadays, so I’m kind of just doing it myself on my app. It’s really cool to see how fitness has evolved so much from the ’80s,” she said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Katie Austin’s 10-minute workout plan is a great way to stay fit and healthy, even on busy days. By incorporating strength training and walking into your daily routine, you can improve your physical and mental health, and increase your life expectancy.
FAQs
Q: What is Katie Austin’s go-to exercise when she’s feeling uninspired?
A: Katie’s go-to exercise is walking, which she finds beneficial for both physical and mental health.
Q: How many minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity do experts recommend per week?
A: Experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.
Q: What are the benefits of strength training?
A: Strength training can help tone the body, make bones stronger and denser, and improve overall health.
Q: How many steps per week can add years to a person’s life expectancy?
A: Walking 5,000 steps three times a week for two years could add three years to a person’s life expectancy.
