We get it. On a scale of zero to 10, your motivation to work out over the holidays ranks a negative two. Plus, who has to time to squeeze in exercise during family time? The answer: you. Here's when high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is super helpful.

HIIT consists of short, intense bursts of exercise with either active recovery (like less intense exercise) or complete rest in between. Cardio workouts and strength routines both qualify—they can both get your heart pumping AND fire up your metabolism thanks to the phenomenon known as after burn. You can get a super effective workout in 20 minutes or less—even in as few as 4 minutes if you do Tabata-style training (20 seconds hard, 10 seconds easy).

Since HIIT is one of the hottest fitness trends for 2014, why not get a jumpstart on a fitter you for the new year! Try one of these high-intensity workouts while the family's opening presents, as you wait for the turkey to cook, or right before A Christmas Story begins—seriously, you can do them almost anywhere, anytime.