5 Minute Workout

The top reason why most people don’t exercise is the lack of time. Everyone is busy and we all want ways to squeeze our workouts into an already full day. This reason won’t work anymore. Here are 5 exercises that you can do that will only take you 5 minutes!

Lat Pulldown

What it works: The major muscles of your back which helps you burn calories and strengthen your back.

Instructions: Sit on the lat pull-down machine and hold the bar with palms out and wider than shoulders. Pull your abs in and lean back slightly. Bend your elbows and pull the bar down towards your chin, contracting the outer muscles of your back. Do this exercise 2-3 times a week using enough weight to complete 12-16 repetitions.

Push Ups.

What it works: Chest, shoulders, triceps, back and abs.

Instructions: Position yourself face down on the floor, balancing on your toes/knees and hands. Your hands should be wider than shoulders, body in a straight line from head to toe. Don’t sag in the middle and don’t stick your butt up in the air. Slowly bend your arms and lower your body to the floor, stopping when your elbows are at 90 degrees. Exhale and push back up. Variations include incline, decline, wall pushups or, for masochists, one-armed pushups. Do this move 2-3 non-consecutive days a week and add a rep each time you do the exercise.

The Plank.

What it works: The abs, back, arms and legs. The plank also targets your internal abdominal muscles.

Instructions: Lie face down on mat with elbows resting on floor next to chest. Push your body off the floor in a pushup position with body resting on elbows or hands. Contract the abs and keep the body in a straight line from head to toes. Hold for 30-60 seconds and repeat as many times as you can. For beginners, do this move on your knees and gradually work your way up to balancing on your toes.

Squats.

What it works: Glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves all at once.

Instructions: Stand with feet hip-width apart, toes facing straight ahead or angled slightly outward. Slowly bend the knees and lower hips towards the floor, keeping your torso straight and abs pulled in tight. Keep your knees behind your toes; make sure everything’s pointing in the same direction. Do not go lower than 90 degrees. Do this move 2-3 non-consecutive days a week for 12-16 reps.

Lunges.

What it works: Most muscles of the legs including quads, hamstrings, glutes and calves.

Instructions: Stand in a split-stance (one leg forward, one leg back). Bend knees and lower body into a lunge position, keeping the front knee and back knee at 90 degree angles. Keeping the weight in your heels, push back up (slowly!) to starting position. Never lock your knees at the top and don’t let your knee bend past your toes. Variations: front lunges, back lunges and side lunges. Do this exercise 2-3 times per week for 12 to 16 reps.