Horton's 10 Minute Exercises

Tony Horton, of Beachbody's P90X extreme workout program, has designed a series of 10-minute workouts to fit busy schedules. The "10-Minute Trainer" consists of five 10-minute workouts, each with a different focus. Horton recommends a brief cool-down at the end of each workout. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider before beginning this or any fitness program.

  1. Total Body Workout

    • The first video in the series is called the "Total Body Workout." It has a little bit of everything: calisthenics, plyometrics, yoga, even a little kickboxing. You will need a medicine ball as well as an exercise mat. A good portion of this workout is performed on the floor. Be prepared to combine traditional moves such as push-ups, squats and crunches with yoga moves like the downward-facing dog and upward-facing dog poses. Horton uses this stacking method, a technique that combines several exercises at once, throughout his series.

    Lower Body Workout

    • The second video in the program is called the "Lower Body Workout." For this routine you'll need an exercise mat, along with an exercise band appropriate for your level. The workout is primarily lunges, kicks, squats and jumps at varying speeds. You will need plenty of space as this workout includes lots of high kicks, side kicks and side lunges so you will definitely feel this in your quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles. The floor exercises use the exercise band, so your arms will get a workout as well.

    Cardio Workout

    • Video three involves a lot of running in place.

      The third video in the program gives you a quick, but intense cardiovascular workout. It is aptly named "Cardio Workout." The only equipment you need for this workout is a pair of running shoes. A good portion of this workout involves running in place, or variations of running. Lunges and kicks are thrown in to keep things interesting. As with the second video, you will need plenty of room to move around as you exercise.

    Yoga Flex

    • The fourth video is a ten minute yoga routine called "Yoga Flex". It helps improve flexibility and stretch the muscles. While it is a complete total-body workout in and of itself, it also could be used as either a cool-down or warm-up stretching program. The video includes many traditional yoga poses such as triangle pose, warrior pose, forward lunge, crescent warrior, wide-leg forward bend and seated forward bend. It concludes with a lying spinal twist and child's pose to release tension.

    Abs

    • A good exercise program should include ab work, and the 10-Minute Trainer is no exception. Horton's "Abs" video is a challenging program that works the entire core. It includes more than just crunches. You will spend most of the time on the floor, so have a good floor mat handy. This workout includes variations of plank pose, bicycle crunches, Pilates-style leg work, side raises and other challenging moves.