BEDROOM BALLET

A 10-minute barre workout you can do at home

- 

PLANKS Purpose: This exercise engages your entire body and starts to work several key muscle groups — your core, shoulders, legs and spine stabilisers.

Lie face down, then lift up into a forearm plank position, with your legs straight and hip-distance apart. Engage your core and slightly tuck your tailbone. Hold for at least 20 seconds.

Now move on to side planks, supporting yourself with your forearm. Hold each side for at least 20 seconds. For an extra challenge: Reach your top arm up then wrap it around your waist, repeating four times, or lift your hips while holding your arm straight up, repeating four times.

If planks feel too difficult, you can do these exercises with your knees touching the mat, or do a straight-arm plank against a sturdy chair or countertop, or the wall.

UPPER BODY WORK

Purpose: This series of movements strengthens your back, shoulders, chest and biceps, and helps to improve your balance.