It’s no secret that exercise is important for our overall health and wellbeing. However, when life gets busy, it can be difficult to find the time to squeeze in a workout. Fortunately, you don’t need hours on end to get a good sweat in.

In fact, there are plenty of quick exercises that can be done in just a few minutes, allowing you to get your heart rate up, burn some calories, and feel refreshed and energized.

1. Jumping Jacks

Jumping jacks are a classic exercise that require no equipment and can be done virtually anywhere. To perform a jumping jack, start with your feet together and your arms at your sides.

Simultaneously jump your feet out while raising your arms over your head. Jump back to the starting position and repeat for a set amount of time, such as 30 seconds or a minute. This exercise gets your heart pumping and works your legs, core, and arms.

2. Squats

Squats are another simple exercise that can be done quickly and anywhere. Start with your feet hip-width apart and your toes facing forward.

Bend your knees and lower your hips down towards the ground, keeping your back straight and your weight in your heels. Return to the starting position and repeat. Squats work your glutes, quads, and hamstrings, making them a great exercise for toning your lower body.

3. Push-ups

Push-ups are a classic exercise that work your chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. Begin in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your body in a straight line.

Lower your body down towards the ground by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides. Push back up to the starting position and repeat. If traditional push-ups are too difficult, you can modify the exercise by dropping to your knees.

4. Lunges

Lunges are another great exercise for toning your lower body, particularly your glutes and thighs. Start with your feet hip-width apart and take a large step forward with one foot, bending the knee of your front leg while keeping your back leg straight.

Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side. You can vary the exercise by taking smaller or larger steps, or by stepping back instead of forward.

5. Plank

The plank is a great exercise for strengthening your core and improving your posture. Begin by placing your forearms on the ground with your elbows directly below your shoulders and your hands facing forward.

Extend your legs out behind you, balancing on your toes and forearms. Keep your body in a straight line from your head to your heels, engaging your core muscles. Hold for as long as you can, aiming for at least 30 seconds.

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6. Burpees

Burpees are a full-body exercise that get your heart rate up and work your muscles. Begin in a standing position, then squat down and place your hands on the ground. Jump your feet back into a plank position, then jump them back up to your hands.

From there, jump up towards the ceiling with your arms above your head. Repeat for a set amount of time or repetitions.

7. High Knees

High knees are a cardio exercise that gets your heart pumping. Begin in a standing position and start jogging in place, raising your knees up towards your chest as high as you can. Pump your arms to get your heart rate up.

You can vary the exercise by jogging in place for a set period of time, such as 30 seconds or a minute, or by doing high knees in place while moving forward or backwards.

8. Mountain Climbers

Mountain climbers are a great exercise for working your abs, shoulders, and legs. Begin in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your body in a straight line. Bring one knee in towards your chest, then quickly switch to the other knee.

Continue alternating legs as quickly as you can for a set amount of time or repetitions. To make the exercise harder, you can move your hands closer together or bring your knees in further towards your chest.

9. Side Plank

The side plank is a variation of the plank that focuses on your side abs, or obliques. Begin in a side plank position with your forearm on the ground and your elbow directly below your shoulder.

Stack your feet on top of each other and lift your hips off the ground, balancing on your forearm and your feet. Hold for as long as you can, aiming for at least 30 seconds, then switch sides.

10. Jump Rope

Jumping rope is a fun and effective cardio exercise that can be done virtually anywhere. All you need is a jump rope and a little bit of space.

Jump rope at a moderate to high intensity for a set period of time, such as 30 seconds or a minute, then rest for a short period before jumping again. This exercise gets your heart rate up and burns a ton of calories.