Let's face it; some days it's really hard to pull back the covers, trek through the cold and go gangbusters at the gym.  And some days you might be traveling, short on time or can't make it to your local studio.  While a simple at-home body weight set is great idea, you'd be wise to work in a little cardio as well.  That's where this uber efficient workout comes in.  Several of my clients travel weekly for work and this has become their go-to so they never miss a sweat sesh.  

All you need is a jump rope and yourself.  A good jump rope is key otherwise you'll get a little frustrated if you're getting tripped up too much.  I recommend this one as it's lightweight, comes in an easy-to-transport pouch and is good for beginners as well as more experienced jumpers.  Plus, it comes with a workout ebook. #Score

A few tips before getting started:

• Find a clear space if your home, apartment or outside.  You want to make sure you have enough height and depth around you to jump rope without hitting anyone or anything.  Make sure you start with the right length.  When the rope is doubled up, it should start at your feet and bisect your sternum.  Too high or too low will impact your rhythm.  
• Start by lightly jumping rope to get the feel of the rope if it's your first time.  When you jump, make sure you're doing so on the balls of your feet.  It makes you more nimble but also helps to absorb the impact.  
• Keep your elbows close to you body slightly above your waistline and your arms at nearly ninety degrees.  It's all in the wrists.
• Don't worry about jumping too high.  Relax and ease into a nice pace and height that you can be consistent with.  

The workout:

• Start with 100  jumps in rapid succession.  Then hit the floor for some core work and do 25 crunches 
• Done with the crunches?  Back to another 100  jumps and then hit the floor for 25 mountain climbers 
• Another 100 jumps and then onto your forearms for a 60 second forearm plank
• You're probably seeing the pattern now.  Another 100 jumps and then onto the floor again for 30 second side planks on each side
• 100  jumps and then hit the floor for 50 Russian twists
• Repeat 

Resolving to sweat, stretch, swim, and spin more in 2017? Good for you! But if you’re like us, you won’t just need a pair of new sneakers to get you geared up – you’ll need some serious exercise motivation, too. Luckily, the world of Instagram is a treasure trove of fitness-focused women whose accounts can help you to get inspired. From yogis to weight lifters, we’re sharing some of our favorites ahead.

If you love doing a different workout every day… @hannahbronfman

A photo posted by Hannah Bronfman (@hannahbronfman) on Dec 26, 2016 at 6:36am PST

The ultimate Renaissance woman, Hannah Bronfman seemingly does it all: She’s a hardcore fashion plate, jet-setting DJ, serious wellness entrepreneur, and overall girl boss. Fittingly, her feed showcases her ever-changing workouts, which include everything from Beyoncé dance classes to reformer Pilates. Follow her if you’re the type of person who gets restless doing the same exercises day-in and day-out – or if you want to achieve a killer booty.

If you dream in “befores” and “afters”… @kayla_itsines

A photo posted by Kayla Itsines (@kayla_itsines) on Dec 19, 2016 at 3:49am PST

Arguably the “OG” fitspo account, Kayla Itsines is the founder of the #BBG – aka beach body goals – workout plans. Kayla’s workouts can be conducted anywhere, thus emphasizing an inclusive, “anyone can do it” attitude. The proof? The jaw-dropping transformations she shares of the thousands of women who have participated in her program. We dare you to not dream of your “after” pic.

If you want to exercise with someone who feels like your BFF… @toneitup

A video posted by Tone It Up (@toneitup) on Dec 29, 2016 at 5:19pm PST

Trainers Karena Dawn and Katrina Scott are the sunny forces behind Tone it Up, a fitness lifestyle brand that emphasizes a strong sense of community as much strong glutes. On their feed, they share serious training tips and techniques… along with plenty of not-so-serious LOL content. (They also support “Wine Wednesdays,” thus fully cementing their status as BFF-worthy.)

If you picture yourself starring in Swan Lake… @balletbeautiful

A video posted by Mary Helen Bowers (@balletbeautiful) on Nov 22, 2016 at 12:01pm PST

Mary Helen Bowers of Ballet Beautiful (which is also a New York City-based dance studio) is arguably the poster child for the “ballet body”: She’s long, lean, and lithe. Her feed showcases her enviably toned form, plus features an array of ballet-inspired workouts. At best, she’ll get you to start sweating at the barre; at worst, she’ll inspire you to improve that posture!

If you’re all about weight training… @kaisafit

A video posted by Kaisa Keranen (@kaisafit) on Dec 30, 2016 at 6:44am PST

While the gazelle-like physiques of ballerinas are absolutely inspiring, we also respect a woman who isn’t afraid to pack on the muscle. For those of you who find inspiration in cut triceps and chiseled abs, look no further than Kaisa Keranen’s account. While she tends to switch things up a bit, her feed is filled with some serious Cross Fit-esque weight lifting. Get ready to get your bench press on.

If you love all things Gwynnie and goop… @tracyandersonmethod

A video posted by Tracy Anderson (@tracyandersonmethod) on Dec 6, 2016 at 6:46am PST

Ain’t no shame in being a Gwyneth Paltrow fan – after all, the woman runs a veritable wellness empire, is BFFs with Mario Batali, and is proof that even after two kids you can have a totally rockin’ body. That’s largely due to her trainer, the now-famous Tracy Anderson. Tracy’s feed features snippets of her slightly grueling (but totally transformative) mat-based workouts, plus some pretty amazing before-and-after photos.

If you’re looking to down dog all month long… @yoga_girl

A photo posted by Rachel Brathen (@yoga_girl) on Nov 26, 2016 at 12:53pm PST

With two million followers and counting, Rachel Brathen of Yoga Girl has earned her status as a go-to Instagram yogi – and rightfully so. Her feed blends thoughtful pieces of wisdom, perfectly executed (but not intimidating) poses, and inspiring time-lapsed yoga sequences. She also happens to be pregnant right now – mamas-to-be, take note!

As much as we love feeling good in our own skin (and let's be real, looking good in our fave swim suit) sometimes, working out is the pits. And no matter how much you amp yourself up, you'd rather just nextflix and chill. Sometimes we need a fitness miracle to snap us out our funk. But if working out felt like going out, we be racing to the treadmill like it was a sale at Lululemon. Here are a few of my fave coaching tips to get you from coach-surfing to curls in no time at all.

Make a killer playlist

We all have that one awesome playlist on our phone, usually saved under GNO. Well, dust it off and put it on full blast! Music has the power to alter our moods. In fact, new research suggests that even sad music can lift our moods and get us motivated. So crank up the tunes!  P.S A great set of headphones, like these uber cool ones above, doesn't hurt either)

Workout with a friend

We've heard this before, but it really works.  Those who start a new workout routine with a partner, are 40% more likely to stick to the routine than those who go it alone.  Friends don't let friends lose muscle mass.

Find a workout you love

It's true of jobs and workouts, find something you love and it will never be work.  If you hate running, don't do it.  If you're flexible and love yoga, you can find a balanced routine within that.  If strength training gives you a rise, find a local facility that specializes in that.  The best way to find one or two or even three workouts you love, is to try a variety first.  Getting a free pass to a local gym to try classes or even using ClassPass is a great way to test out a variety before committing.