Lose weight in your lunch hour

Ever felt that you want to shape up, but don't have the time? Personal trainer Katie Gormley helps you to fit in fitness and lose those extra pounds

If your daily routine barely leaves time for you to see friends and family, where can exercise fit in? If you're up at 6am to get to work in time and home after 9pm, how on earth can you find time to pump treadmills for hours on end? The answer is, you can't (and it's not something I'd recommend anyway).

For us 'time poor' people it's all about using time wisely. So, if mornings and evenings are out, the smart move is to reclaim your lunch break. If you normally don't take one then this plan is even more beneficial.

Getting out and about and doing some exercise in the middle of the day will increase productivity, improve concentration and, of course, get you in shape for whatever your busy life has in store. Time is of the essence my friends! Here are my top five inspirational ideas for getting in shape during your lunch break.

1. I am a massive fan of Tabata sets. This intensive form of workout increases metabolism and causes you to work both your anaerobic and aerobic systems, which, translated into normal lingo, means you are working really hard and effectively. If you can find a class in your area, great; if not, you can perform the same kind of workout on your own at the gym.

The principle is 20 seconds of hard work followed by ten seconds of rest. Repeat for four minutes. It sounds really easy doesn't it? Give it a try. Great combinations include lower body exercises (like squats) followed by upper body (such as dumbbell presses).