AAHG.  The Monday morning workout.  I think it is probably the hardest one to do.  Not only is it Monday, but if you are like me you eat less healthy on the weekend and just feel a little more sluggish Monday morning.  If so, doing a strength training work out that doesn't feel so strenuous can be just the ticket not to hit the snooze button.  It doesn't have to be long.  25 minutes is enough to see results if you truly push yourself.  I do strength training while I watch my favorite shows I have DVR'd.  I do each exercise for one minute instead of counting reps.  I rest for a minute, then repeat two more times.  I switch up the toning I do often to keep it interesting, but these are a few of my "go to" favorites.  You can use any size dumbbell you like.  Even 5 pounds will show results with consistency.   Start with a five minute warm up.  You could run in place or do jumping jacks.  Sometimes I get on my treadmill for a few minutes.  Just be sure you move to loosen up your muscles. 

The first one is done in four steps.  Start with the weights at your thighs.  Bending your legs in a slight squat will also work your legs at the same time.....bonus!  Lift into a curl, then a shoulder press, and finally up, back to shoulder press, and back to thighs. 

This exercise also works your arms.  It is best to do it slow and hold each rep for a few seconds.  Basically, you just swing your arms like you are running, then switch which arm is in front.  Again, do a slight squat at the same time for an added bonus.  Remember to breath through this one.  It gets tough at the end of the minute!

Give your arms a little break by doing a balancing exercise next.  Balancing exercises are nice because they work your whole core, a must for a strong body.  Simply balance on one leg, then the other for a minute each using the weights as anchors. 

To continue working the core, the next arm move is done on an ab ball.  Start with your weights by your ears, then push them slightly forward as you extend your arms.  Again, do for a minute if you can.  Work your way up if this is too hard. 

Finish up the arms by doing a pushup on the ball.  Be sure to keep your body straight when you do this.  Don't let your legs flop down.  One minute, you CAN do it!!!

One more core move while you have the ball.  This is my FAVORITE ab move.  It is easy and super effective.  Use the wall as a balance and lay on the ball.  Make sure you wrap your back around the ball so you have to bend all the way up.  Do a crunch squeezing at the top of the move.  One minute, rest, three reps. 

You are done!  25 minutes is all you need to get a good workout in.  You will never regret a workout you did, but you may regret one you skipped!   HAPPY MONDAY!