Keeping fit and healthy is undeniably important, but it’s very easy to let exercise fall to the wayside during our daily lives. Sometimes you may only have a few minutes to spare in your schedule! That’s why we’ve developed this simple 5 minute Pilates workout that you can do wherever you are. The specific exercises included target large and small muscle groups while aligning and stretching your body, helping you to stay toned and healthy.

This workout is designed to allow for one minute per exercise, however make sure you take each one slowly! Focus on your breathing and form – it’s better to do 8 good repetitions in a minute than 20 sloppy ones!

1. Single leg stretch: Start on your back, relax your spine and move your legs into a tabletop position. Extend your right leg while exhaling – try to reach 45 degrees. Draw the leg back up while inhaling (into tabletop position again). Repeat with the left leg.

2. Articulated bridge: While still on your back, lay your arms by your side and keep your feet flat on the floor. While exhaling, lift your bellybutton up to the ceiling, rolling each vertebrae up one at a time. Your whole body should be in a bridge shape. While inhaling, slowly roll your bellybutton back to the floor.

3. Flight: Roll over, so that you are lying face down with your arms by your sides. While arching your upper back, reach your arms back behind you. Hold for a few seconds, then lower yourself slowly back to the floor.

4. Front support: Start in a plank position then raise your right leg a few centimetres off the ground and point your foot. Flex your foot, then lower. Repeat with left leg.

5. Kneeling side leg lift: Kneel on your right leg then extend your left leg out to the side, then lower it half way down. Repeat. Make sure you support yourself with your arm on the floor. Repeat on the left leg.