Even if you don't have time to hit the gym today, you don't have to miss a workout. Grab your gym towel and do strength-training exercises that will tone and tighten your muscles with no equipment whatsoever. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you have injuries or health conditions.
Starfish Crunch
Tone your abs with the starfish crunch exercise. Sit down on the ground with your knees bent and tucked into your chest and your feet flat on the floor. Wrap your arms around your legs to hug them, then tilt backward on your tailbone as you lift your feet off the ground. Crisscross your ankles and keep your shoulders relaxed. Extend your arms and legs as you lower your upper body to the ground. Keep your shoulders, neck and head up off the ground as you open your arms and legs as wide as possible -- do not let your arms and legs touch the ground. As you tighten your abdominal muscles, hold the position for one breath, then return to the balanced position while you hug your legs. Repeat the exercise for one minute total.
Abdominal Twist
Lie down on a hard surface on your back with your legs straight out in front of you and your heels resting on a small towel. Place your arms out to each side at about the level of your shoulders with your palms pressing against the ground. Engage your abdominal muscles while you slide your feet all the way to the left, moving the towel. Slide your feet all the way to the right, as if you are wiping the floor. Repeat for a total of 12 times.
Side Kick
Stand up straight with a sturdy wall about three feet from your right side. Open your legs so they are at approximately the width of your shoulders. Bend your knees and make two fists -- bend your elbows and place your fists in front of your chest. Lift your right leg to the side at the height of your hip. Touch the wall with your toe, then lower it back to the ground. Repeat, lifting your leg and tapping the wall as fast as possible for 30 seconds, then repeat the exercise with the other leg.
Slide Run
Stand up straight with your feet at the width of your shoulders and a small towel under the bottom of each of your feet. Stand on a hard, smooth surface so the towels slide easily. Bend your elbows to make 90-degree angles and hold them at your sides. Engage your abdominal muscles as you slide your right foot in front of you, then bend your knee so it makes a 90-degree angle. Slide your left foot back at the same time and move your arms as if you are running in slow motion. Switch legs, so your left leg is in front and your right leg is in back. Continue the exercise for one minute total.
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