Whether you’re running around doing last-minute shopping or tied up waiting for those gingerbread cookies to finish baking, it’s easy to put exercise on the back burner during the holidays.
But just because you don’t have time to make it to the gym doesn’t mean you can’t sneak in a heart-pumping workout from the comfort of your own home. After just eight rounds of this circuit, your arms, abs, and glutes will be screaming for a rest (and probably some eggnog too).
15 Squats
Stand with feet just wider than hip width, hips stacked over knees, knees over ankles. Hinge at hips then send hips back and bend knees to lower body. Keep chest lifted and lower to at least 90 degrees. Rise and repeat.
10 Bicycle Crunches (per side)
Lie faceup on mat with core engaged so that lower back presses into mat. Lift legs to a tabletop position and lightly touch fingertips to back of ears (this will help you avoid pulling on your neck). Use core to rotate at waist, bringing right elbow to left knee as right leg straightens. Then twist to bring left elbow to right knee as left leg straightens, and continue to alternate.
5 Triceps Dips
Sit on edge of chair and place hands on edge just outside of hips. Walk feet out a few steps, slide butt off chair, and straighten arms. Bend elbows and lower body until arms are bent at about 90 degrees. Press down into chair to return to starting position.
