This quickie routine will forever erase any thoughts of “I don’t have time to exercise”. Most of these exercises are Pilates-based, but I just had to throw in a couple of planks! They are the BEST for all-over conditioning. In 5 minutes you will have hit all of your abdominal muscles- rectus abdominis (the “6 pack” upper abs), transverse abdominals (deep lower abs), and obliques (side abs).
1. Single Leg Stretch 10 reps
Lift head and shoulders into an abdominal crunch. Hug your left knee into your chest, hovering your right leg straight above the floor. Switch legs, exhaling each time you switch.
2. Criss Cross 10 reps
Add a twist to Single Leg Stretch, exhaling every time you twist.
3. Scissors 10 reps
In an abdominal crunch, pull your right leg towards you as you hover your left leg straight above the floor. Switch legs, exhaling each time you switch.
4. Toe Dips 10 reps
Lie on your back, legs in tabletop, spine pressed into the floor, stomach pulled in. Inhale, dip your right foot down toward the floor, feeling your knee draw away from your body. Exhale, return to tabletop. Switch legs.
5. Reverse Crunch 10 reps
Same as toe dips, dipping both feet at the same time. Inhale as you lower your feet, exhale to return to tabletop.
6. Straight Arm Plank with leg pulses
Hold push-up position for a count of 10. Then lift the right foot a few inches off the floor and pulse the leg up 5-10 times. Repeat with left foot.
7. Forearm Plank
Hold 30 seconds- 1 minute
