We all have those weeks…
… when your schedule is packed solid, that you’re out of your usual environment or when you’re lacking inspiration, (or maybe all three at once) – and these factors interfere with your exercise and workout self care. 

With today’s tip we’re tackling the lacking inspiration part, because if you’re being reaaally honest with yourself, the chances are high that even in the busiest of weeks, you still can find 20 minutes every other day – so it’s likely that you still have time.


The solution?…
Make the stairs your friend. 

Why? Well, climbing them puts your biggest muscles to work (your legs). Using the stairs doesn’t require a trip to the gym, or any special workout gear, and is a simple enough activity that you don’t need to allocate any mental energy into planning your workout (after all, this week your focus is already spread thinly across your packed schedule).


Try this:
Using the stairs in your home, apartment block, hotel, or even a bench or step outside, climb up and down (2 at a time on the stairs, or alternating steps on a bench) for 1 minute. Set a strict timer for 1 minutes rest, and immediately repeat another stair climb. Continue this until you get to 10 climbing intervals.

Be sure to hold your spine straight and march through the movement with your arms.

For added intensity, wear a backpack full of books or bottles of water.

This simple workout routine combines a strength and muscular endurance element through volume training (lots of reps and sets) with a form or interval training for cardio-aerobic conditioning.


Does this workout replace a well rounded fitness program?
No, not at all. But when life commitments threaten to disrupt your routine, choose a simple training method like this to see you through and maintain your positive health promoting habits until you’re back into your normal schedule.