TONE IN 10

Kickstart your day and your metabolism with this quick 10-minute workout

- Lucy Miller

There really is nothing like a good morning workout to set you up for the day - your post-workout high not only leaves you ready to take on the day ahead but it will also wake up your metabolism. That's because when you exercise, you subsequently build muscle that aids in speeding up your basal metabolic rate (BMR), or how much energy you expend while resting. And the faster your BMR, the more energy you'll burn.

TO DO THIS WORKOUT...

This no-gym, no-equipment sequence will only take 10 minutes, yet help you thrive day-to-day. Start with a quick warm-up of some jumping jacks and high-knees then repeat this sequence four times, taking as little rest as possible after each round.

TRICEPS PUSH-UP

Benefits: This move will work your triceps, chest, shoulder and core muscles - plus, your shoulder, elbow and wrist joints, which all need to work together to lower your body to the floor and lift it back up in a controlled manner.

• Start in a high plank position on the floor with hands directly underneath your shoulders and your legs extended, feet hip-width apart.

• Engage your core by tucking your tailbone and lower your knees so your body forms a straight line (alternatively balance on knees and hands, A).

• Keeping your biceps close to your sides, slowly lower your body, to about 3 inches above the floor (B).

• Push away from the floor to return to the starting position (with knees raised or resting on floor).

• Continue for 20 seconds.

STRAIGHT-ARM PLANK WITH SHOULDER TOUCH

Benefits: This variation of the plank will not only work your core and shoulder muscles but also enhance your co-ordination and develop your shoulder and core stability.