Perry Hagopian
If you have a hectic schedule, you know that time is of the essence when it comes to exercise. That's why fitness expert Jenna Wolfe, author of Thinner in 30, put together this short routine that matches two different moves for five express workouts—or one total body tone-up. You'll get more out of your exercise—faster—with this smart plan.
How it works: Do move #1 continuously for 40 seconds and rest for 20 seconds. Then do move #2 for 40 seconds and rest for 20 seconds. Complete each pair twice before going on to the next group. Short on time? Fit in one pair now, then try to squeeze in a few more during the day.
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Move #1: Toy-soldier lunges
Stand tall, step your right leg back, and lower into a lunge. Push up to the starting position, then kick your right leg up and touch your left hand with your right foot. Return your leg to start; do the move with your left leg. Alternate.
Move #2: Leg-swing bridges
Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your butt off the ground. Raise your right leg, then lower it until it almost touches the ground and continue raising and lowering. Switch legs after 20 seconds.
Move #1: Sea turtles
Lie on your stomach, keeping your head raised off the floor and your arms out in front on the ground. Squeeze your shoulder blades as you bring your arms and legs up and out wide at the same time. Then bring arms and legs back together and repeat.
Move #2: Good mornings
Stand up straight with your hands on your hips and your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly bend forward at the waist, making sure you don't round your back. Continue forward until you are about parallel to the floor, then bring yourself back up and repeat.
Move #1: All-fours elbow taps
Get on all fours with wrists under shoulders, knees under hips. Reach your left arm forward and lift your right leg behind you. Next, bring your left elbow and right knee in until they touch. Return to start and alternate.
Move #2: Slow climbers
Stand, bend your knees, then place your hands on the ground and walk them out into a push-up position. Bring right knee to right elbow and back, then left knee to left elbow. Keep alternating, then stand back up at the end.
Move #1: Long jump
Start standing, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Squat, then jump forward as far as you can. (If it's hard on your knees, take a large step forward.) With quick little steps backward, return to your starting point and repeat.
Move #2: Plank hop-outs
Come into a straight-arm push-up position with your feet together. Jump your feet out a foot or two and then back together; repeat. (If jumping is too difficult, take a step out with each foot, then step in and repeat.)
Move #1: T-stands
Start in a straight-arm push-up position with feet shoulder-width apart. Rotate to the right while bringing right arm up to form a T. Hold for a breath, then bring it back down and repeat the T on your left side. Alternate.
Move #2: Tabletop touches
Sit with your feet flat on the ground and your hands behind you. Lift your hips and come into a tabletop. Bring your right foot up to touch your left hand, then put both back down. Do the same with your left foot and right hand and repeat.
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