Squats or coffee – what do you do during the charging break?

Fast charging the electric car on a long trip gives you a short break on the road. Perhaps you usually spend the time buying yourself a coffee or maybe you are on your phone? Why not use the time actively and get your heart rate up with 20 minutes of exercise!

It is not always easy to squeeze a training session into a busy day, but if you have to stop anyway to charge the electric car, this can be a golden opportunity to burn off some calories.

We have set up two 20 minutes sessions for you to try; one for those who just want to move their legs a little, and one for those who really want to get their heart rate up. Both programmes consist of five exercises, and require no equipment other than your own body.

Programme #1

Complete as many sets as you can before the car finishes charging.

15 x squats

Place your feet slightly more than shoulder-width apart with your toes pointing out to the side. Bend at the knees and hips until you are in a 90 degree position. Straighten your knees and hips again, and stand up.

20 x lunges

Stand with your legs hip-width apart, and place one leg well in front of the other. Keep your upper body straight as you take a big step forward, putting your weight on the front leg. Bend down so your back knee is held just above the ground and the knee joint forms a 90 degree angle. Push off and bring your body back into a standing position, before switching legs and repeating the exercise.

5 x squat jumps

Stand with your feet hip-width apart, and pull in your stomach. Bend your knees and hips, and push your arms back. Wind up and jump as high (not as far) as you can, and pull your knees up to your chest. Cushion your landing, and get back up to the starting position.

10 x push-ups (can be done on your knees if necessary)

Go down into the standing plank position (straight body with toes and palms shoulder-width apart on the floor). Tighten your glutes and stomach, and bring your body down towards the floor in a controlled manner. Then push yourself back to the starting position.

1 minute plank

Lie on your stomach with your elbows and palms on the floor directly in front of you, push up on your toes and lift your body up to make a space between you and the ground. Keep your body straight and hold the position for 1 minute.

Programme #2 – for those who want to get their heart rate up

Complete as many sets as you can in 20 minutes. You could try to beat your old record each time. PS: it could be a good idea to run through the programme on grass.

12 x squats

Place your feet slightly more than shoulder-width apart with your toes pointing out to the side. Bend at the knees and hips until you are in a 90 degree position. Straighten your knees and hips again, and stand up.

12 x burpees

Stand up straight before bending forward and placing your hands on the ground. Kick your legs back until you are in a standing plank. Do a push-up, then pull your legs in towards your hands. Do a squat jump and stretch your arms above your head.

12 x mountain climbers

Starting position: standing plank. Tighten your stomach and pull your right knee up to your right elbow, then repeat with your left leg.

12 x push-ups

Go down into the standing plank position (straight body with toes and palms shoulder-width apart on the ground). Tighten your glutes and stomach, and bring your body down towards the ground in a controlled manner. Then push yourself back to the starting position.

12 x squat jumps

Stand with your feet hip-width apart, and pull in your stomach. Bend your knees and hips, and push your arms back. Wind up and jump as high (not as far) as you can, and pull your knees up to your chest. Cushion your landing, and get back up to the starting position.

Good luck with the exercises, and enjoy your charging breaks in the future!