Get fit with GBN: Doctor shares the three best exercises to burn fat if you only have 15 minutes

High-intensity workouts are best if short on time

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Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 17/07/2024

- 08:00

Updated: 25/09/2024

- 10:50

GB News is giving you the best workout plans and diet advice to help burn fat and transform your body. This week, we look at the best workout to do if you only have 15 minutes

Regular exercise should be part of everyone's routine, but life can often get in the way.

GB News shares three workouts to opt for that will give you the best results if you are short on time.


While no exercise can burn fat in 15 minutes, those that get the heart rate up quickly will burn the most calories in the time slot and ultimately aid weight loss efforts.

The best 15-minute workouts to do are running, HIIT (high-intensity interval training) and swimming, according to Dr Danielle Kelvas.

People swimming

Swimming is a good full body workout

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She told GB News: "If you've only got 15 minutes, here's what I recommend: running, a quick HIIT workout or swimming. All of these engage your muscles and the cardiovascular system."

Swimming

The doctor continued: "Swimming is one of the best ways to work everything because it activates nearly every muscle while working on your breathing and heart rate.

"If you can swim freestyle for 15 straight minutes, then you're a true athlete. Work up to this by adding a lap a day."

Swimming can burn up to 800 calories an hour, depending on the intensity, so a 15-minute dip could be enough to torch 200 calories.

It is also gentle on the body while working a host of muscles, from your shoulders and abs to glutes and thighs.

HIIT workout

Dr Kelvas added: "There are so many great quick HIIT videos on YouTube. Do these movements continuously for 15 minutes without taking a break and I guarantee you'll be breathless and sweating."

HIIT workouts are great for a quick sweat as they are not designed to be done for extended periods of time. The workouts typically involve intense full-body moves that really get the heart rate up. These should be done for short snaps.

Common HIIT moves include burpees, jumping squats, lunges, mountain climbers and push-ups.

Depending on the workout, a 15-minute session could burn 150 to 400 calories. Shorter breaks will lead to more dramatic results.

Running

The expert added: "Most people opt for walking, but the truth is, unless you're walking briskly uphill, walking isn't enough to get your heart rate up."

Walking and running are both cheap ways to exercise and burn calories, but running is more beneficial if trying to get rid of fat while short on time.

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Woman burpee

HIIT workouts burn calories quickly

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A 15-minute run can torch nearly 200 calories, compared to around 70 calories burned in a 15-minute walk. However, if you do have more time on your hands, walking can sometimes be the better option for weight loss.

This is because it is a low-intensity workout that is easier to sustain for a longer period of time. This means slimmers may actually be able to clock more miles walking than they would be able to by running.

If looking for a weighted full-body workout to do in 15 minutes, an expert shared six moves they should consider.

Certified personal trainer Kim Perry shared a quick resistance plan with GB News.

Weighted 15-minute workout

Shoulder raises

Bicep curl

Lunge to deadlift

Side plank with leg lift

Kickbacks

Curtsy lunge with around the world raises

The expert advised: "Grab a set of dumbbells and set a timer for 40 seconds. Repeat each move for 40 seconds and rest for 20 seconds. Repeat one to three times. Each round is eight minutes."

Looking for more fitness tips? See GB News' guide with the five moves to do at home to improve strength and flexibility over 50. Or find out more about the best exercise to do during menopause to burn fat and reduce symptoms.

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