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Mini Workouts. Maximum Impact

MV Fit with Lisa Briggs

January was nothing short of incredible.

Being featured on the New Year, New You cover and hearing the feedback that followed has truly been an honor. The messages, the conversations, and the stories of people recommitting to themselves reminded me why movement matters so much. To be able to inspire and motivate others, especially right here in the Mohawk Valley, is something I will always be grateful for.

As we roll into February, real life tends to settle in. Snow days happen. Travel happens. Schedules fill up. Motivation can dip. That does not mean your progress disappears. It simply means your routine needs to adjust — without losing momentum.

Let’s be clear: getting to the gym is always the goal.
The structure, coaching, accountability, and energy you get from a gym environment cannot be fully replicated at home. When you can get there, that is where the biggest results happen.

But in the Mohawk Valley, winter is real — and some days, the snow truly wins.

That is where mini workouts come in. These are not replacements for the gym. They are tools to keep you moving, consistent, and mentally engaged until you can get back in.

One of the biggest myths in fitness is that workouts have to be long or complicated to count. They do not. Short, intentional bursts of movement keep the habit alive and prevent the all-or-nothing mindset that derails progress.

Snow Day Living Room Workout

No equipment needed. Perfect for when roads aren’t safe.

Set a timer for 15 minutes and move continuously at a steady pace.

  • 15 bodyweight squats
    • 10 pushups or wall pushups
    • 20 alternating lunges
    • 30 seconds of jumping jacks or marching in place
    • 30-second plank

Repeat the circuit as many times as possible within the time frame. Focus on good form, controlled breathing, and steady movement.

Hotel Room or Travel Workout

Great for trips, not excuses.

  • 20 glute bridges
    • 15 reverse lunges
    • 20 mountain climbers
    • 15 chair or bed tricep dips
    • 30 seconds of bicycle crunches

Complete three rounds. This routine targets glutes, legs, core, and arms while elevating your heart rate — no gym required, but no excuses either.

Five-Minute Power Reset

When time is tight, movement still matters.

  • 30 seconds high knees or fast march
    • 30 seconds squats
    • 30 seconds pushups
    • 30 seconds plank

Rest for 30 seconds and repeat once more. Five focused minutes can completely shift your energy and mindset.

Low-Impact Option

Ideal for beginners, recovery days, or easing back in.

  • Sit-to-stand from a chair – 15 reps
    • Wall pushups – 12 to 15 reps
    • Standing knee lifts – 20 total
    • Standing side leg raises – 15 each side
    • Gentle core twists or stretches

The most important thing to remember is that consistency beats perfection. Mini workouts remove excuses on days you truly cannot get to the gym — but they should never replace your commitment to showing up when you can.

February is about flexibility, not settling. It’s about adapting without quitting, and choosing progress even when conditions are not ideal.

And if you are ready to move beyond home workouts and want real structure, accountability, and community, that next step is always there. You are invited to three free sessions at Fit Body Boot Camp in Clinton or Whitesboro, where guided workouts, expert coaching, and an energized environment help you push further — safely and effectively.

Whether it is five minutes at home on a snow day or a full session in the gym, the goal stays the same: keep moving, keep choosing yourself, and keep building momentum.

One mini workout at a time — until you’re back in the gym where you belong.



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