5-Minute Pilates Workout: Firm Up Fast

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This high-powered routine works every major muscle group in no time.

By Betsy Stephens; Photographs by Chris Fanning

The Pilates Promise

Tone your entire body, stand taller, and relieve lower back pain with this quickie workout from Alycea Ungaro, author of The Pilates Promise. Doing these four moves not only strengthens your abs and core but also prepares your body for the daily grind, notes Ungaro. "Each exercise puts you in tune with your proper form," she says. When your body is in alignment, you look and feel better.

1. Pilates Push-Ups

Targets: Biceps, Triceps, Chest, Upper Back, and Core

Minutes 0:00-0:30

Begin in the up phase of a push-up.
Hug your elbows to your sides and bend them straight back, lowering your body until you're about 5 inches from the floor, keeping abs firm, neck long and hips lifted.
Hold for a count of 3, then straighten your arms to return to starting position. Repeat

Next: 2. Wall Slides

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