Fitness

Slim down this weekend

Missed a workout (or five) this week? Our fast, two-day tone-up puts you back on track.

By Stacy Baker

From the November 2008 Issue

Squeeze a week's worth of exercise into a weekend? It is possible! Simply do 150 minutes of activity on your days off to meet the recommended weekly total. (Chores and walking to brunch with your pals count.) Maximize your minutes—firm all over faster—with this cardio-strength cram session:

Cardio To shed pounds, devote the largest chunk of time to heart-pumping activities. Take a 45-minute Spinning class after work on Friday; walk/run for 30 minutes on Saturday; hike 30 minutes on Sunday. "Cross-training is crucial to avoid injury and beat boredom," says Heather Gillespie, M.D., a sports medicine physician at the University of California at Los Angeles.

Strength Tone different muscles each day with the two 15-minute workouts designed by Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., fitness research director of the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Massachusetts. You'll look amazing by Monday!

Sculpt on Saturday

Wave hello to sexy arms with this quick circuit. You'll need a resistance band (of any tension, handles optional). Do two sets of 12 reps.

Tone up on Sunday

A leaner lower half is in sight! This mini-routine is a first-rate firmer. You'll need a 3- to 5-pound medicine ball (or weight). Do two sets of 12 reps.

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Super flye

Anchor center of band at shoulder level; grip ends with left hand. Turn so left side faces anchor. Stand with feet hip-width apart; extend left arm to front at shoulder level. Pull band across body (as shown). Release. Do reps. Switch sides; repeat.