The Workout:
Complete the five moves below in order with 30 seconds rest in between each exercise. Do one set of each move for the first week, two sets of each move the second week, and three sets of each move the third week and beyond. Complete 15 to 20 reps for each move. After week three, you can add additional weight (three- to five-pound dumbbells) if the moves start to feel easy. (Get tons of routines that’ll help you squeeze in quickie workouts with Women’s Health 20-Minute Workouts DVD!)
How to: Begin with your feet together and arms at your sides (A). Jump upward just a few inches and reach your arms overhead. Simultaneously hop your feet open until they are wider than your shoulders (B). That’s one rep; jump back to the starting position and continue.
How to: Start with your right knee lifted and your left arm forward. Rise up onto the ball of your left foot (A). From there, switch legs, landing on the ball of your right foot (B). That’s one rep. Quickly switch knees and continue through all reps. Use your arms to power you and keep your knees and hips slightly bent. Focus on rising up onto the ball of each foot so that the heels lifted as much as possible.
How to: Stand with your feet two inches apart and your hands in front of your chest. Bend your knees and lower down into a quarter squat (A). From there, press your arms down to propel your body upward, rising onto the balls of your feet. Squeeze your calf muscles and lift your heels up as high as possible. Lengthen your spine up toward the sky to fully extend your legs and knees. Pause at the top for a brief second to fully contract the calves (B). That’s one rep; release back to the starting position and repeat for all reps.
How to: Stand with your heels separated about six inches apart, toes opened to about 45 degrees. Bend your knees and lower your hips into a partial plié squat (A). Press into the balls of your feet and rise up, straightening both legs and squeezing your calf muscles. Lengthen upward as much as possible and pause at the top for a thorough contraction (B). That’s one rep; lower down and repeat for all reps.
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