Always wanted toned legs? Find out the secret from none other than Yasmin Karachiwala

Home workouts have become pretty common post the pandemic, but again what works and what doesn’t is the question? There are so many videos available online that you end up getting confused! But guess what? There are some like celebrity fitness instructor Yasmin Karachiwala, who always share the best hacks to stay healthy. Once again, her recent Instagram post has us all motivated. Do you know why? Because she has given us a sneak peek into her 5-minute leg burn routine. If you’re someone who has dreamt of having toned legs, look no further. 

Also, read: Satisfy your sugar cravings with Yasmin Karachiwala’s watermelon banana sorbet recipe

Here’s what her caption reads, “No gym? No time? NO PROBLEM! I know how frustrating it can be when you only have a short period of time to workout. This month, I’m sharing with you my secret of a high intensity targeted workout that is not only fast but burns and provides results.”

Check out the post for yourself:

Excited much? So are we! 

Here’s what the routine looks like:

Before you begin the workout, Yasmin has some guidelines for you, “Do each exercise for a full minute and voilà you’ll feel a burn in your legs in one round. If you have more time, repeat it for 2 or 3 rounds.” For those who find the original version difficult, there’s also a modified version to begin with! 

1. Reverse lunge + arabesque

M: Alt reverse lunge

Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by standing straight and bracing your core muscles.
2. Hold dumbbells in both hands.
3. Take a giant step backwards with your left foot.
4. Bend your right knee until it’s at 90 degrees, and lower your left knee until it is also bent.
5. Push back up and return to the starting position.
6. 5. Switch sides.

2. Side lunge with figure 8

M: Side to side squat

Here’s how to do it:

1. Hold a dumbbell in your left hand, plant both feet on the floor, and keep them shoulder-width apart. 
2. Inhale and take a step forward. As you do that, bend both knees at 90 degrees, ensuring that your weight is evenly distributed. 
3. As you switch sides and transfer your weight completely on either foot, keep passing the dumbbell from under each leg, from one hand to the other. 
4. Continue alternating to feel the burn. 

3. Squat + ankle tap in standing

M: Ankle taps

Here’s how to do it:

1. Begin by standing with both feet on the floor, shoulder-width apart, and your hand placed behind your head. 
2. Draw your ribs towards your hips, in order to engage with your core. 
3. Bend at both the hips and knees, until your upper legs are parallel to the floor. 
4. Extend your right knee and transfer your weight onto your right foot. 
5. Lift your left foot up and while using your right hand, reach across and touch your left ankle. 
6. Next, lower your left foot and return to the starting position. 
7. Switch sides. 

4. Figure 4 bridge (30 secs each side)

M: Bridge

Here’s how to do it:

1. Just like the bridge pose, this one also stretches your back, chest and thighs.
2. Lie on your back with knees bent towards the ceiling. Make sure your feet are hip-width apart. Hold a dumbbell with both your hands. 
3. Bring heels close to your hips.
4. Cross the ankle over the opposite knee, and create a figure four shape with the legs.
5. Press into the grounded foot and lift your hips towards the ceiling. 
6. Hold and breathe. 

Also, watch:

5. Decline knee drive (30 secs each side)

M: All 4’s knee drive

Here’s how to do it:

1. Start in an elevated high plank position, keeping your wrists under your shoulders. 
2. Drive your right knee towards the outside of your right elbow.
3. Bring it back to the centre, driving it between both your arms.
4. Next, bring it back to the centre and drive it across your left elbow.
5. Follow the same sequence again.

The last word

Yasmin believes that five minutes a day is definitely better than not moving at all! We couldn’t agree more – after all, working out is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle!