The entire idea of an eight-minute workout goes against conventional wisdom. And that's true—unless you're following the 8-Hour Diet (read about it in our January/February 2013 issue), in which case eight minutes, first thing in the morning, is all you need to rev your metabolism and torch calories.
Here's why: Unlike the average American who's feasting 24-7, you've started a diet program in which you're eating whatever you want, but in a strict, eight-hour window each day. Much of the caloric value of the food you eat is stored in the liver as glycogen. By following the 8-Hour Diet and not running your liver the way Howard Stern runs his mouth (i.e., constantly), you give your body the chance to burn off that glycogen and start burning fat. And that happens regardless of whether you exercise or not.
When you jump-start your day with a tiny bit of exercise, you tap into your fat stores earlier and more effectively. By exercising before your first meal, you'll boost your metabolism and maximize the amount of time your body is burning fat.
Combined with the 8-Hour Diet, these three simple exercise routines will help you shed fat faster. Up the intensity by combining them into 16-, 24- or 32-minute routines. But aim for consistency: It's better to do eight minutes every day than 32 minutes once or twice a week.
WORKOUT 1: Two-Exercise Routine (Move 1 and Move 2)
These two exercises use your own body weight to target hard-to-tone areas like the butt, thighs, arms, and shoulders. Do eight reps of exercise 1A, followed by eight reps of 1B. Repeat as many rounds as you can in eight minutes, resting when needed. You'll burn about 16 calories per set.
Zap body fat with these two combo routines. Do the first exercise for 60 seconds, then immediately perform the second exercise for 60 seconds. Rest one minute. Do a second round of the same exercises, then rest for another minute. Do your third round, and you're done—eight minutes of intense calorie burn.
WORKOUT 3: Up and At 'Em Blood Pumpers (Move 7 and Move 8)
These fast-moving exercises get your blood flowing and your heart rate up. Do one exercise for 20 seconds, then rest for 20 seconds. Do the second exercise for 20 seconds, then rest for another 20 seconds. That's one rep. Do six reps.
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