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The “Time Crunch” Workout

Use this plan to get firm and tone your abs.

“I'm a working mom, so I know that getting the job done, feeding the kids, and putting the finishing touches on sixth-grade projects all take precedence over exercise,” says fitness expert Denise Austin. “That's why I developed this workout. It takes advantage of a woman's unique ability to do several things at once to get you in great shape in record time.” Before you begin any new exercise plan, check with your doctor to make sure the plan is right for you.

The program: Do two sets of 10 to 12 reps of each exercise, on three nonconsecutive days a week.
The payoff: These blended exercises save you time as you tone your tummy.
Bonus benefit: A stronger body means it may be easier to do everyday tasks, and this multitasking plan means you’ll get your workout done quickly, so it’s easy to squeeze into a busy schedule.

Lunge, Raise, and Lift
Firms quads, hamstrings, glutes, inner and outer thighs, and shoulders



Stand with feet together and hold a 3- to 5-pound dumbbell in your right hand with arm at your side, left hand on hip. Step left foot to the side 2 to 3 feet and bend your left knee, lowering into a side lunge. Keep left knee behind toes. Press into left foot and stand back up as you raise your right arm out to side to shoulder height and lift left leg to side, as high as is comfortable. Return to left side lunge and repeat. Complete one set, then repeat, lunging to the right.

Lunge, Curl, and Press
Firms quads, glutes, biceps, shoulders, and triceps



Stand with your left foot 3 to 4 feet in front of right foot. Hold a 5- to 8-pound dumbbell in each hand, arms at sides, palms facing forward. Lower into a lunge while curling dumbbells toward shoulders. Keep the left knee directly above your ankle. Straighten left leg and bring right leg forward, raising knee to hip height as you turn palms forward and press dumbbells overhead. Step your right foot behind you as you lower weights to shoulders. Turn palms in, extend arms to starting position, and repeat. Complete one set, switch feet, then repeat with the left knee.

Press and Bridge
Firms triceps, back, abs, glutes, and hamstrings



Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat, and heels about 6 inches from butt. Hold a 3- to 5-pound dumbbell in each hand, palms facing in, arms bent, dumbbells by your ears, and elbows pointing up (not pictured). Contract back, abs, butt, and legs, lifting hips off the floor and raising dumbbells over your chest. You body should form a straight line from knees to shoulders. Hold, then lower your hips and dumbbells, then repeat. Keep upper arms still throughout the exercise.