13 Energizing Workouts To Try Today
Reading time: 8 minutes
Published: February 28, 2026
Feeling drained by midday? In 2026, with busy dad lives and endless to-do lists, it's easy to hit an energy slump. But the right workout can rev you up like a strong cup of coffee — without the crash. Energizing exercises boost blood flow, release endorphins, and sharpen focus, leaving you ready to tackle the day.
Here are 13 quick, effective workouts to try today. No fancy gym needed — most can be done at home in 10–30 minutes. Pick one, get moving, and feel the difference.
1. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT alternates short bursts of intense activity with rest, spiking your heart rate for quick energy. A 20-minute session can burn calories and boost metabolism for hours.
How to do it: 30 seconds burpees, 30 seconds rest; repeat with push-ups, squats. Do 4 rounds. Energy boost: Immediate from adrenaline rush.
2. Jumping Jacks Circuit
This classic cardio move gets blood pumping fast, improving circulation and oxygen flow to your brain for mental clarity.
How to do it: 1 minute jumping jacks, 30 seconds mountain climbers, 30 seconds high knees. Repeat 5 times. Total: 10 minutes. Great for a quick office break.
3. Power Yoga Flow
Yoga isn't just relaxing — dynamic flows like sun salutations energize by combining movement with breathwork, reducing stress while invigorating.
How to do it: 10 sun salutations (down dog, plank, up dog). Add warrior poses for strength. 15 minutes. Bonus: Improves posture for all-day energy.
4. Bodyweight Squat Jumps
Explosive movements like squat jumps activate fast-twitch muscles, giving an instant power surge and endorphin release.
How to do it: 3 sets of 10 squat jumps, rest 1 minute between. Add arm swings for full-body. 10 minutes. Perfect pre-meeting pick-me-up.
5. Brisk Walking with Intervals
A simple walk turns energizing with speed bursts. Outdoor air adds vitamin D for mood lift.
How to do it: Walk briskly 20 minutes; alternate 1 minute fast pace, 2 minutes normal. Aim for hills. Energy from fresh air and steady cardio.
6. Kettlebell Swings
This full-body move builds power and endurance, releasing hormones that combat fatigue.
How to do it: 3 sets of 15 swings (use dumbbell if no kettlebell). Focus on hip thrust. 10 minutes. Great for core and posterior chain activation.
7. Dance Cardio
Fun and freeing, dancing to upbeat music elevates heart rate and mood through rhythmic movement.
How to do it: Put on a playlist; freestyle or follow a 15-minute YouTube video. No rules — just move. Instant joy and energy.
8. Plank Variations
Core-focused planks build stability and strength, improving posture to reduce energy-draining slouching.
How to do it: Hold plank 30 seconds, then side plank each side. Repeat 3 times with twists. 10 minutes. Strengthens without exhaustion.
9. Cycling Sprints
Whether on a bike or stationary, sprints mimic HIIT for quick cardiovascular boost.
How to do it: 20 seconds sprint, 40 seconds easy pedal; 10 rounds. 15 minutes. Pedal out stress for renewed vigor.
10. Shadow Boxing
This no-equipment cardio mimics fighting, sharpening focus while burning energy blocks.
How to do it: 3 rounds of 3 minutes: jabs, hooks, footwork. Rest 1 minute. 12 minutes. Feels empowering and alert.
11. Stair Climbing
Simple yet effective — stairs engage legs and heart for a natural high.
How to do it: Climb up/down 10 flights (or stairs at home). Add skips for intensity. 10 minutes. Everyday energy hack.
12. Resistance Band Pulls
Bands provide variable resistance for upper body activation, improving circulation.
How to do it: 3 sets of 12 rows, overhead pulls. 10 minutes. Portable for home or travel.
13. Breathwork with Movement
Combine deep breathing with gentle moves for oxygen boost and calm energy.
How to do it: 5 minutes: Inhale arms up, exhale fold forward. Repeat with twists. Grounds and energizes.
Get Energized Now
These 13 workouts prove you don't need hours to feel alive. Pick one based on your mood or time — mix them up for best results. Consistency turns energy into habit.
Start today, feel the spark tomorrow.
Energize your day, one workout at a time.
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Official DadBod40 Blog
Real advice for real dads who want to get fit without the fluff. Follow us on Instagram: @dadbod40















