Lunch-Hour…Exercise Power

Your lunch hour is the perfect time to cram in a quickie workout, according to fitness expert Tamilee Webb, the original “Buns of Steel” trainer. When you wake up your body in the midst of a busy day, you avoid crack-of-dawn wake-ups and escape the office for fresh air. Research even shows that an afternoon fitness routine may improve time-management skills and significantly increase productivity. Veteran instructor Tamilee Webb, creator of the DVD series “Tight on Time” designs lunchtime routines. “If you work in an office during lunch, take advantage of on-site health clubs, a nearby park, a Pilates studio in the area, or maybe just take a yoga mat onto the roof or close the door to your office, and stretch for 10 minutes,” says Webb. “Even if you have to eat at your desk afterwards.” www.tamileewebb.com

Prepare and Plan!

Bring your lunch on days you plan to exercise, and make sure you’ve packed your gym bag properly. Nibble a healthy snack, like a banana and a handful of nuts or a smoothie, about 60 minutes before your lunch training session, and eat a meal right after the workout, advises Webb.

All You Need is Sneakers

Don’t forget that lunch-hour workouts don’t have to occur at a gym or fitness studio. Bike riding, in-line skating, hiking a batch of stairs in the building, even walking to and from a restaurant can count as a lunch-hour routine.

Tote Your Weights

Some gyms offer noontime classes that are ideal for a lunch break. Weight lifters might work a different body part at each lunchtime session, or alternate strength-training days with cardio days. Some excellent in-office strength moves using dumbbells or even a lightweight resistance band include: Squats, lunges, push-ups, sit-ups, and ab crunches.