Getting strong and fit doesn't require a gym membership or fancy equipment. In fact, if you have motivation and a safe curbside sidewalk, you have everything you need for this head-to-toe toning routine. In just 10 minutes, you'll raise your heart rate and reap all the benefits of a cardio workout!
Exercise 1: Walking Lunges to Warrior C
This combo move works wonders for the entire lower body. Lunges tone the thighs and firm the behind, while balancing pose Warrior C strengthens the lower back, hamstrings and glutes. (Does yoga qualify as cardio? Read this.)
How-to:
- Step one foot forward and sink both knees down—your front knee should be directly over your ankle at the bottom of the lunge.
- Pushing through the front leg, lift your back leg and arms so your arms, torso, and back leg are parallel to the ground. Hold momentarily, then step the back leg forward and repeat on the other side.
- Continue alternating legs for one minute out and then one minute back to your starting spot.
Exercise 2: Travelling Toe Taps
Quick, high bursts of energy rev your metabolism and condition your heart and lungs. Enter this move (the first of three cardio bursts)...
How-to:
- Place one foot on the ground and lift the other to tap the top of a sidewalk curb.
- Swiftly switch feet while moving to the right down the curb for one minute.
- Continue tapping and switching your feet, but now move to the left down the curb back to your starting spot. Make sure you move in each direction for a full minute so both hips are worked evenly.
Rest for 30 seconds before moving to Exercise 3.
Exercise 3: Plank Walks
Planks already challenge your core in a big way, but adding movement by travelling down a curb while holding one works your shoulders even more than a stationary plank! These plank walks strengthen your arms and shoulders in a big way.
How-to:
- Assume plank position with your hands on the curb and feet on the ground. Make sure your body is aligned from shoulder to hip to ankle.
- Move the arm and leg on one side down the curb a bit, then bring the other arm and leg in to your perfect plank position. Repeat to that same side, travelling farther, for one minute out.
- Now move in the opposite direction for one minute to return to your starting spot. It's important to travel equally on both sides so that both shoulders are worked evenly.
Exercise 4: Butt Kickers
Time for another cardio burst! This classic move will strengthen your hamstrings and get your heart pumping at the same time.
How-to:
- Jog forward, kicking one heel and then the other toward your buttocks. Keep your torso tall and engage your core as you move.
- Continue for one minute.
Rest for 30 seconds before moving to Exercise 5.
Exercise 5: Double Crunches
A basic crunch challenges your upper abs, but by adding equal and opposite movement with your legs in this movement, you challenge all of your abs—even the deepest abdominal muscles.
How-to:
- Sitting on the curb, reach your legs out and lean your torso back. Engage your core to stabilise.
- Bring your knees in and torso forward, nearly touching your knees and chest.
- Repeat for one minute.
Exercise 6: High Knee Skips
Ready for more cardio? Wrap up your workout with one final round of heart-pounding goodness. Bonus: You'll work your core with this exercise too.
How-to:
- Step one foot forward and hop the other knee up to your waist, then switch as you travel forward.
- Continue for one minute.
If you have more time and want to keep moving, try this crunch-less abs workout that sculpts your stomach in all the right places.
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