There are ways that we can cut the amount of time in our routine by working smarter, not harder. Using free weights to get more bang for your movements is the key to reducing the time spent on strength training. Tweak your routine, and get in and out in no time at all.

Use Your Body – I know that I am guilty of choosing light weights that I thought would get the job done. It seems women are often guilty of this. Men, on the other hand, go straight for the heavier weights. Women are also guilty of using a machine, when we can do squats with heavier free weights and be done while working more muscles.

Know When to Add More Weight – You should be able to do 10 reps with your weights. If you are able to do 12, it is time to add 5 more pounds. Adding the weight instead of adding repetitions keeps your routine at the same amount of time, instead of increasing your workout period.

Don’t Waste Time – Stay off of machines that isolate certain areas of the body that are small, like the calves or triceps. Remember that all of your muscles are connected, so concentrate on the larger muscles, and the smaller muscles will get a workout. Opt for rows, pull downs, and presses to get a lot of muscles worked at once. Remember that it is a myth that you will get bulky by lifting weights. Unless you spend your whole day working out and go to extreme measures to bulk up, it is not going to happen!

Incorporating these changes into your routine are huge time savers, and they will give you a leaner body. Not only that, but you can get your workout over in a 15 minute range. Do the workout 3 days a week, and allow a day in between for your muscles to recover.