Short on time? This 10-minute HIIT workout will make you stronger, fitter

It can be hard to maintain your lockdown exercise routine between work, social events, and catching up with friends after pandemic-enforced time apart. Fortunately, you don't need to spend hours at the gym each day to get the benefits of a regular workout. 

If you're looking for an efficient way to stay active on a busy day, then grab a set of the best workout earbuds, open YouTube, and check out Heather Robertson's 10-minute, equipment-free Express HIIT Workout. 

This short routine features ten moves, performed for 40 seconds with 20 seconds of rest between each exercise. Many HIIT sessions last around 30 minutes, so you can repeat this workout two or three times if time allows. 

Watch Heather Robertson's Express HIIT Workout

If you've not encountered it before, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is designed to increase your heart rate, working you as hard as possible for a short period before a brief rest and starting the next move. 

These workouts often feature a variety of exercises, shifting between strength-based and cardio-focused moves throughout. You can also modify the activities to suit your experience level. The important thing is to maintain the intensity throughout the 40 seconds. 

Some HIIT sessions incorporate weights, but the Express HIIT Workout doesn't require any equipment, so you can do it just as quickly at home, at the gym, or while traveling. 

As we head into the winter months, it's also an ideal way to start your morning, even if you have a busy day ahead. If you find waking up in the dark a challenge, add one of the best SAD lamps to your bedroom. These mimic natural light to help you start the day off alert and energized. 

Express HIIT Workout moves

• Side to side hops
• Walking plank jacks
• High knees and butt kicks
• Cross over and hop
• Plank tap and reach
• Lunge and twist (Right)
• Lunge and twist (Left)
• Spot sprint
• Squat toe taps
• Bear tuck

Whether this is your first HIIT class or you're a seasoned pro, it's worth investing in a set of the best cross training shoes. This footwear style offers support across a range of exercises and sports, making them ideal for the varied activities included in most HIIT sessions.