How to train hard when you’re short on time, according to a DPT

Dr. Daniel Giordano doesn’t have hours to spend in the gym. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, founder of Bespoke Physical Therapy with locations across NYC, NJ, CA, and WA, and a new dad, his training windows are tight — usually 20 to 45 minutes.

Dr. Daniel Giordano.

His advice? Make it count.

“I’m limited on time, so when I train, I make every minute count,” he says. “My sessions are usually anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, but I go as hard as I can during that window after a quick mobility or cardio warmup of about 5 minutes. That way, even if I can’t train for long, I still leave feeling accomplished.”

Mobility work is foundational to his approach. “I’m a big fan of mobility work for improving range of motion and flexibility,” he says. “It keeps your body moving well and helps decrease the risk of injury.” When he travels, Pilates is his go-to because it builds core strength and control that translates to everything else.

On low-energy days, his mindset shifts. He reminds himself that something is always better than nothing — even a short walk or mobility session keeps the habit alive. The key is focusing on how good he’ll feel after moving rather than how tired he feels before.

For anyone feeling guilty about not going all-in, Dr. Giordano’s message is clear: “Consistency is key. You don’t need to crush every workout. Showing up regularly adds up over time. Progress isn’t about perfection, it’s about commitment.”

Training hard in short bursts requires serious recovery. Here’s Dr. Giordano’s current wellness stack:

Rally Orbital Massager

“Rally’s gentle orbital massage is perfect for days when my muscles are too sore for deep percussion.”

Therabody ProPlus Boots

“I use them every single evening while watching TV because it gives my legs a full reset after the stress of the day.”

Matter by Elysium Health

“Juggling life as an entrepreneur and a dad, I need to make sure my memory is on point. I can’t afford to forget things, even if I forget to put them in my calendar.”

BUBS Naturals Butter MCT Oil Creamer

“I take this every day with my cold brew because it gives me clean, fast-acting energy and keeps me sharp without the crash.”

Therabody Sleep Mask

“Since having a baby, I’ve been keeping night lights on in the bedroom. This mask completely blocks out light and the gentle vibrations help me fall asleep so much faster — a total game changer for tired parents.”

The Absorption Company Sleep

“I take this every night alongside the Therabody Sleep Mask. The combination helps me drift into deep, restful sleep and ensures I wake up refreshed, not groggy.”