Full Body Time Saver

Here is a good full body exercise that a trainer once showed me that I still use because it is so effective.

Lie with a stability ball supporting your upper back and neck, creating a straight line from your head to your knees. Keep your knees at a 90 degree angle, and squeeze your glutes and abs to keep your body stable. The only movement should come from the arm, so if your chest or glutes are moving around, choose a lighter weight.

Take a 5-10 pound weight in right hand and hold directly above shoulder. Left hand should rest on your left hip and help to keep body straight, in line and immobile. With a straight arm, bring weight slightly to the left so that it is above your left shoulder. Then slowly lower straight arm to the right so that arm is parallel with the floor. This is one rep. Repeat 8-12 times, making sure arm stays straight but elbow not locked and hips remain motionless and raised. Switch arms and repeat.

This move is full body because it works so many different muscle groups at once. Keeping your hips raised and tightened for the full 16-24 reps will tighten the glutes, legs, and abs. While the weight is extended to parallel your chest muscles are engaged, when the weight is over the chest your shoulder muscles are engaged, and the lifting motion works the biceps and chest as well. The only caution is to pick a weight that doesn't put too much stress on the chest muscles, so start with a lighter weight and work your way up to heavier.