5 Minute Fitness with Dr. Lisa

A new DVD from Dr. Lisa, women’s health champion and co-host of the award-winning talk show The Doctors, orders up funky dance moves, strength exercises, and power stretches. “Yoga Blast is a fun blend of my favorite exercises. These workouts fit into any busy lifestyle, and can help people feel more flexible, empowered, and energized,” she says. Here’s a sampling:

Target: Cardio
Exercise: Push-Turns with Side-Steps Combo

Push-Turns

1. To pivot body counter-clockwise, stand with feet hip-width apart. Step left foot to front, swinging weight to left hip and then back to center.
2. Continue by stepping left foot to left, back, and right, swinging weight to left hip with each step.
3. To pivot body clockwise, stand with feet hip-width apart. Step right foot to front, right, back, and left, swinging weight to right hip with each step.

Side-Steps

1. Take large step to left side. Bring right foot to left foot.
2. Take large step to right side, bringing left foot to right foot.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2.

Target: Strength
Exercise: Lateral Stretch

1. Stand with feet turned out and knees bent, then raise arms until palms are parallel to the ground.
2. Keeping lower body steady, shift torso from side to side.
3. Keep tail bone lengthening down and focus on drawing the belly button toward spine for support.
4. Do for 30 seconds side-to-side, pulse in the middle, then repeat 30 seconds for a total of 2 minutes.

Target: Stretch
Exercise: Funky Chair

1. Stand with feet together, knees bent, and hips dropped low as if sitting into a chair behind you. (Beginners can use wall for balance.)
2. Bend right leg and rest on left knee. Legs will create a figure-4 pattern.
3. Raise and rotate arm(s) inward and alongside ears.
4. Fold forward at waist, sweeping arm(s) toward floor and then up to frame head. Balance checks: keep abdominals pulled toward spine, and pulse gently in position.
5. Build up to holding position for 30 seconds. Repeat on other leg.

Photo courtesy Lisa Masterson.