Weekend Workout

Some weekends are so jam-packed with plans that running from brunch to the mall and then to your friend's birthday party is about all the running you have time for. If a full workout isn't in the cards, then here's a quick three-move routine (followed by a stretch) you can do to tone your thighs in just a few minutes.

Wide Squat With Side Arm Raises

• Stand with legs wide and toes pointed outward slightly. Hold a pair of dumbbells in your hands with your arms straight and your palms facing down.
• Bend your knees until your knees are over your ankles while raising your arms to just below shoulder height. Arms should be in line with your legs — you should see the weights in your peripheral vision.
• Straighten your legs and lower your arms simultaneously.
• Complete three sets of 15 reps.

Elevated Lunge

• Stand about three feet in front of a BOSU ball (if you don't have one, then use a step). Step your right foot back, balancing your toes on the ball or step.
• Bend both knees, lowering your hips until your left thigh is parallel to the floor. Your front knee should be directly over your ankle, so adjust the position of your left foot if you need to. Then straighten both legs.
• Complete three sets of 15 reps on each side.

Elbow Plank With Donkey Kick

• Come Into Elbow Plank position.
• Bend your right knee, flex your heel, and press your foot up toward the ceiling without moving your pelvis. Lower the bent leg slightly, and repeat for a total of 15 to 20 repetitions. Then switch sides.
• Do three sets on each leg.

Bent Standing Split

• Now it's time to stretch the thighs. Stand with both feet together.
• Bend your left knee and reach for your foot with your left hand, coming into Standing Quad Stretch.
• If this is enough, then stay here. If not, fold forward coming into Bent Standing Split, pulling the heel into your tush to lift the knee up and increase the stretch.
• Wherever you are, hold for 30 seconds or more, release, and then repeat on the right side.

Source: Megan Wolfe Photography

Weekends are often jam-packed with traveling, errands, socializing, and chores — gardening anyone? All these activities can push your workout off the to-do list, but here are three time-saving moves, and with no equipment necessary you can do them anywhere. All three exercises will work your core. Plus the first move will also tone your glutes and hamstrings, the second targets your upper body, and the third move is great for your thighs and abs. Do the exercises in the order shown, and complete the circuit three times.

Reverse Elbow Plank With Leg Lifts Eight reps each leg

One-Legged Dolphin Dive Five reps each side

Side Plank Star Hold each side for 30 seconds

Still itching for more? Check out these Weekend Workouts to learn how to tone other areas of your body.

It's true that using a fitness ball can make any exercises more challenging. But the more challenging the exercise the stronger you will become, making your workout more efficient. Working on an unstable surface, like a ball that can roll, means you must stabilize your core, so it doesn't take many reps before you begin feeling the work. Grab an exercise ball and a set of dumbbells (five to 10 pounds) and try these three moves. Repeat all three exercises for a total of three sets. Trust me, you'll have a ball with this workout.

Single Leg Squats 10 reps, each leg

Chest Press 15 reps

Plank to Pike 10 reps

Looking for more workouts? Try these Weekend Workouts.

You may not be able to see it, but that doesn't mean you should neglect it. I'm talking about your back. A strong back is an essential part of a strong core, and it can help you maintain proper posture and prevent pain. Grab a mat and give these three moves a try that will strengthen and increase flexibility in your back. Repeat all three exercises for a total of three rounds.

Cat Cow

Superman Booty Lifts

Camel Against the Wall

Still itching for more mini-workouts? Check out these Weekend Workouts to learn how to tone other areas of your body.

Who doesn't want sexy, sculpted arms, shoulders, and an upper back they're proud to bare? Push-ups are one exercise sure to give you the results you're after. Although basic push-ups are effective, there's no need to keep it simple. Try these three variations to work your upper body in new and challenging ways. If these push-ups are too difficult to do with your legs straight, rest your knees on the floor. Each of these exercises works one side at a time. Complete 10 reps of each variation (five on each side) for a total of 30 push-ups.

Elevated Push-Up

One Elbow In, One Elbow Out

Spider-Man Push-Up

Itching for more short workouts? Check out these Weekend Workouts to learn how to tone other areas of your body.

If you're pressed for time and can't fit in a long workout, you can still effectively tone your upper body, core, and tush. Grab an exercise ball and do 20 reps of each exercise, and cycle through the routine three times.

Push-Ups With Tuck Crunch

Crunches on an Exercise Ball

Plank Booty Leg Lifts

Itching for more short workouts? Check out these Weekend Workouts to learn how to tone other areas of your body.

Having a firm and toned backside makes you feel confident when wearing skirts, skinny jeans, or baring all in a bikini (for those of you vacationing somewhere warm this Winter). Here are three exercises that will target your booty. Repeat all three exercises for a total of three rounds.

Get on the Ball: Saddlebag Busting

Get on the Ball: Plank Booty Leg Lifts

No Equipment Necessary: Wide Squat Steppers

Still itching to do more miniworkouts? Check out these Weekend Workouts to learn how to tone other areas of your body.

The cooling temperatures might mean the end of tank top season, but don't give up your arm work. Give this strength-training routine a whirl to work your biceps, triceps, and deltoids. You'll need a resistance band, a set of dumbbells, and a mat. I recommend doing two to three sets of 10 to 15 reps of all three exercises.

Resistance Band Hammer Curls

Balancing Tricep Kickback

Bent Over Lateral Raises

If you're looking to work another area of your body, check out these Weekend Workouts for additional targeted workouts.

A resistance band is an inexpensive and lightweight piece of equipment you can bring anywhere. Whether you're going to the gym or visiting your family for the weekend, you can bring a band along and tone your muscles. Try these three effective exercises to work your upper and lower body and core. Repeat all three exercises for a total of three rounds.

Bicep Curls With Forward Lunges

Half Boat With Wings

Upright Rows

Still itching to do more short workouts? Check out these Weekend Workouts to learn how to tone other areas of your body.