I'm Fixin' To: Three 5 Minute Workouts

When I was contacted by O'Dark 30 Fitness, a fitness group for women in Raleigh, I was ecstatic. My work outs have been essentially non-existent for a good portion of a year. Recently, I realized one of my major causes for stress and agitation is that I simply haven't had time to work out. In the spirit of trying to rejuvenate myself and get me back on track, I was thrilled to have three quick work outs for my busy days.

5 Minute Arm Work Out

50 seconds of forward arm cricles, 10 second rest

arms straight out to sides, shoulder level, small circles forward for 50 seconds, rest 10 seconds

50 seconds of backward arm cirlces, 10 second rest

arms straight out to sides, shoulder level, small circles backwards for 50 seconds, rest 10 seconds

50 seconds of chair dips, 10 second rest, repeat

Find a bench or chair. put hands on edge with fingers facing you, and dip down so your arms are at a 90 degree angle

20 seconds of push ups, 10 second rest, repeat 6 times

Use knees if needed to complete

6 Minute Thigh Work Out

50 seconds of mountain climbers, 10 second rest, repeat

make sure your knee reaches your elbow for your most effective workout

50 seconds of squats, 10 second rest

Imitate sitting down in a chair and try to sit as far down as you can, keep arms out in front of you or to the side

50 seconds of plier squats, 10 second rest

have feet facing outward, knees below shoulder, and squat down

50 seconds of plier squat with left heel raised, 10 second rest

in plier position, raise left heel and squat, maintain raise for either 50 seconds

50 seconds of plier squat with right heel raised, 10 second rest

same as with left heel, now just with right

5 Minute Ab Work Out

50 seconds of V-ups, 10 second rest, repeat

Lie down on your back, bring legs straight up and arms over your head towards your feet simultaneously, trying to form a V shape with your body. Be sure to contract your abdominals. Bring hands and legs back down without touching the floor.

50 seconds of hand and forearm planks, 10 second rest, repeat

Plant hands directly under shoulders like you are about to do a push-up with ground toes on floor. Make sure your neck and spine are aligned by checking that your head is in line with your back. Drop down onto elbows and revert back to hands. Repeat switch for 50 seconds.

50 seconds reverse crunch, 10 second rest

Lie on your back and bring legs up at a 90-degree angle and push heels towards ceiling repeatedly, contracting your abdominals.

Thanks Lisa & Caroline of O'Dark 30 Fitness for providing me with such awesome work outs to provide to you!

P.S. Shop my work out look here: