9 Five-Minute Workouts to Try This Month

It’s no secret that resolutions are rampant as January dawns, with hopes of eating less and working out more. While we love the promise of investing in ourselves, often as we slide into the coldest winter days, it can be challenging to stick with our ambitious new year goals. That’s why we love the recent trend of squeezing in short, effective workouts on a daily basis. We asked our editors across the country to share their favorite five minute workouts that not only net results, but keep them coming back for more. So whether you’re a longtime workout devotee, or new to the body sculpting game, click these links for efficient workouts that are sure to get your blood pumping.

Photography by Sarah Bell of Ssélavie Photography.

THE WORKOUT: 5 Minute Core Workout from Jenna Goode, owner of Core Collective Broad in Memphis, Tennessee.
ABOUT THE WORKOUT:  This core-based workout is quick, but you feel the burn. All you need is a mat—no other equipment is needed, so you can do it anywhere.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Core Collective Broad is what has kept me sane during the pandemic. Their On-Demand Mat Video Library helped me keep moving from my living room, and each instructor knows how to give you a workout that makes your body feel the burn all while uplifting your spirit,” says Stephanie Stephens, editor of The Scout Guide Memphis & Oxford.

Photography by Jane Tucker Photography.

THE WORKOUT: Basic Mobility from “KJ The Coach” of Boom Performance in Fairhope, Alabama
ABOUT THE WORKOUT: These basic mobility exercises can work wonders for joint health and comfort and can be added to any regimen or routine. Say goodbye to nagging back/knee/hip/shoulder/everything pains as you flow through each movement for a period of no less than 30 seconds.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “My co-editor and I have been trying to get in shape with Kyndal and as you know, weight training can cause you to be very sore,” shared Katie McNeil, co-editor of The Scout Guide Mobile Bay. “These mobility exercises help us warm up before a workout and decrease any joint pain by doing them on days off.”

Photography by Sara Ford Photography.

THE WORKOUT: Whole Body 5-Minute Circuit Workout from Mahri Relin, owner of Body Conceptions in Denver, Colorado.
ABOUT THE WORKOUT: We can have the best of intentions, and suddenly realize the day has ended, we are tired, and we have lost the motivation. This workout comes to the rescue with four intense exercises that will deliver a great workout.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Mahri really knows the female body in all stages of life and really know what to focus on in each stage,” says Leigh Gordon, editor of The Scout Guide Denver. “The BoCo workouts, like this one gives you a taste of, really do transform your figure!”

Photography by Liz Grogan Photography.

THE WORKOUT:  5-Minute Cardio/Yoga Workout from Libby Ramsey at  Dancing Dogs Yoga in Greensboro, North Carolina.
ABOUT THE WORKOUT: It can sometimes be hard to find time for yourself and your wellness. Libby Ramsey from Dancing Dogs Yoga GSO makes it easy to focus on moving your body through her simple five-minute combination cardio/yoga class. Perfect for any level, this class will warm you up on even the coldest of winter nights.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “This workout is great because it is a fast-paced yoga and cardio combination that really got my blood pumping,” says Ashley Powell of The Scout Guide Triad–Greensboro, Winston-Salem & High Point. “It’s not often that a 5-minute workout is this invigorating and fun!”

Photography by Meredith Mashburn.

THE WORKOUT: Backbend in 5 Easy Steps from ĒLXR Yoga Lounge in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
ABOUT THE WORKOUT: Ready to tackle the wheel? Nicole breaks it down into five easy steps, plus pro tips for getting it right.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “We love this step-by-step breakdown of a backbend because it allows us to work up to the wheel pose,” says Jennifer Esty, associate editor of The Scout Guide Northwest Arkansas. “It’s a great way to stretch in the middle of your day and something that can be done in as little as five minutes.”

Photography by Anastasiia Photography.

THE WORKOUT: 5 Minute Yoga Sequence from Further Wellness in Asheville, North Carolina.
ABOUT THE WORKOUT: This 5-minute yoga sequence from Further Wellness is the perfect way to jump-start your day. It’s also a great way to get out from behind that computer monitor we all find ourselves in front of so much these days.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “This 5-minute yoga sequence focusing on arms and core will get your heart rate up and leave you feeling energized and strong,” says Meagan Harris, editor of The Scout Guide Asheville. 

Photography by Megan Kerns Photography.

THE WORKOUT: Arm Track with Maxine Clifford, of Purvelo, with studios in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Charlottesville, Virginia, and Athens, Georgia
ABOUT THE WORKOUT: The arm track of the day is the perfect addition to your at-home workout routine. Grab a set of light hand weights or household items (bottles of wine work just fine!) and tune in on IGTV for your quick and dirty daily arm workout timed to the beat of the music.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Five minutes for fab arms?! I am in,” says Hopie Avery, editor of The Scout Guide Chapel Hill, Raleigh & Durham. “I have loved all the mini-workout tracks that Purvelo has available, especially during stay-at-home!”

Photography by Traci Ling Photography.

THE WORKOUT: 5 At-Home Sculpt Moves from Southern Flow Yoga, in Houston, Texas.
ABOUT THE WORKOUT: Easy sculpting moves with light weights can really make a difference. Grab your mat and weights and try these five simple moves at home. You’ll feel the results in no time.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “I’m resolving to move more in 2021,” says Patti Mackey, editor of The Scout Guide Houston. “There’s no excuses with easy sculpting moves to do at home. I love that it also motivates me to join online classes.”

Photography by Ross Van Pelt.

The Workout: 5-Minute Old-School Dancer Arms from Jess Evans, founder of Dance Factory Fitness in Cincinnati, Ohio.
ABOUT THE WORKOUT: This quick workout engages old-school dancer methods, requires no equipment, and delivers a serious burn. It can be done alone or added onto an impromptu at-home dance session.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “This workout—and all of them from Dance Factory— is so much fun and a great way to get your heart rate up,” reports McKenna Brooks, editor of The Scout Guide Cincinnati. “Plus, the owner Jess’s energy is so magnetic.”