Don't let the dreary days of winter keep you from your workouts! You don't even have the leave the house to get fit and toned this season. Don't believe me? We asked our friend and fitness guru Denise Austin to create a short and effective workout that our readers could do indoor—without any equipment. The result? Denise Austin's 5-minute workout routine, which features just four simple exercises that you can squeeze into even the busiest of days. Target your abs, lower body, and arms with this effective routine.  Stand tall, zip up your abs, and extend your arms are in front of you as if you’re holding onto a ballet barre (not pictured). Slide your right leg behind you, keeping it straight, while leaning forward, bending the left leg to 45 degrees and raising your arms next to your ears (pictured). You want to make one long, strong diagonal line from your back foot to your hands. Then press into the standing leg and squeeze the extended leg to return to the starting position (legs together, arms in front). Repeat 8-10 times on the same leg, then switch legs. (This is Denise's "favorite arm and chest move!")  Begin on hands and knees, with your arms straight, your hands under your shoulders, your back long, and your knees bent, placed directly under the hips (not pictured). Lift your right knee from the floor and shooting straight out from your back in one long line. Holding your leg up, bend your elbows while keeping them close to your body and lower your chest toward the ground (pictured), then push the floor away to come back up to the starting position. Keep your leg extended and repeat the pushup 4-5 times, then switch legs for another 4-5 reps.  Begin in a kneeling position holding a rolled bath towel or yoga strap overhead, and extend your left leg straight out to the side, resting the sole of your foot on the floor (not pictured). Pulling slightly on the towel for tension, lift up through the waist and bend your spine laterally towards your left leg (pictured). Then lift up to the starting position. Keep leg extended and lean to the same side 8-10 times, then switch sides.  Sit on the floor with knees bent , back straight, shoulders down, placing a rolled up bath towel or yoga strap under your thighs holding one end in each hand (not pictured). Slowly draw your navel in, scoop and hollow the abs. Round your back, and lean back until you feel the tension in your abdominals (pictured). Hold for a second then, leading with your chest, lift back up to the starting position. Repeat 8-10 times. If you liked these moves, check out the Denise Austin DVD Shrink Your Fat Zones Pilates ($11.99 at amazon.com). What did you think of Denise's 5-minute workout? Do you think you can fit in a good workout in just five minutes?  You will earn 5 SparkPoints
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Comments
Denise went to the U. of Arizona as a Gymnast and ranked 9th in the nation on Balance Beam. She majored in Exercise Physiology and when she graduated she decided to make it her full time career. I love that she is so dedicated to fitness. Lots of people have made "videos" but really were actresses or models and NOT an expert like Denise. Report
Five minutes? I think it can help, but it's wishful thinking to imagine that it really gets the job done. Report
I don't believe the results would be effective if this is the only routine done every day, but 5 minutes is better than 0 minutes. On those busy days, sure it would be a great routine, but not great for a long-term plan. Report