Is it just me, or is this week crazy? Oh, just me? Awkward. Well, as college students, it’s inevitable that we’ll all have some weeks where everything is just a bit too much. Maybe it’s because you have three midterms and a paper due, or maybe it’s because you had a few too many margaritas…every night last weekend. (Who, me? No!)

So here’s your workout for the week when you have way too much work to get done and can’t even think about going to the gym. Try out this quick cardio blast to get in a good workout and relieve some stress.

1. High Knees

Run in place, but bring your knees as high up toward your chest as possible with every step. Continue for one minute.

2. Mountain Climbers

Drop down to a plank position on the floor, then jump your right foot in toward your hands, and switch feet. Continue for one minute.

Repeat this sequence, alternating one minute of high knees with one minute of mountain climbers, at least three times. You can do it!

Garnet is a student at Columbia University in New York City. She is “that person” who starts dancing at a party when everyone else is standing around, and if there were a Facebook stalking Olympics, she would be a gold medalist. She also has a love for cheesy 90s music, and almost died of happiness when Vanilla Ice retweeted her. Once. Follow her on Twitter @garnethenderson.

I often incorporate different types of planks into my dorm room workouts, because they’re great for small spaces. So far, I’ve shown you planks mixed in with lots of other moves. But when I went to the gym the other day, I was reminded of what a great workout planks are all by themselves. I was holding in a plank position for a quick warmup, and realized that planks are hard. I mean, I knew that already, but wow.

Planks are a great way to energize and tone your entire body. Here’s a quick plank series that’s perfect for those days when you just don’t have time to make it to the gym. You’ll feel it, I promise!

1. Forearm plank

Start by holding in a forearm plank for one minute. Remember to really engage your abs to keep your butt from sinking toward the floor or poking up toward the ceiling.

2. Side forearm plank

You want your body to be in a straight line from your head to your feet here. Make sure not to hold tension in your shoulders – think of your shoulder blades gliding down your back. Hold on each side for 30 seconds.

3. Straight arm plank

Next, hold in a straight arm plank for one minute. Same rules apply as in the forearm plank. Also focus and keeping your arms straight without hyper-extending them.

4. Straight arm side plank

The home stretch! Hold on each side for 30 seconds.

Want more? Once is enough for a quick workout, but you can repeat this series as many times as you want!

Garnet is a student at Columbia University in New York City. When she’s not dancing or writing, she can be found exploring the city, and let’s be honest, spending way too much time on the internet. Follow her @garnethenderson.

Last week, I learned that the rest of the world loves Pilates just as much as I do! (At least that’s what I’m telling myself.) But really, the Pilates Dorm Room Workout was one of the most popular yet. And I love that you love Pilates. So this week, I thought it would be fun to introduce you to two new exercise methods you may not have tried yet. Disclaimer: both of these videos are totally cheesy. But I see that as a good thing. Laughing is a great workout, too! You can thank me later for your incredible abs.

1. The Bar Method

Based on the challenging movements of ballet, this exercise method is all the rage right now. And for good reason. It’s killer. In a good way. The Bar Method focuses on toning and sculpting the entire body, and a full class incorporates stretching as well. In class, you stand at a ballet bar to do the exercises, but you can do them at home using the back of a chair.

 2. Zumba

You’ve probably heard of Zumba, because it’s insanely popular. That’s because it’s one of the most fun workouts ever. Zumba is designed to make your workout feel like a party. Plus, you can pretend you’re in Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights.

You guys, I have a confession to make: I’m obsessed with Pilates. It’s my absolute favorite workout. I feel great after Pilates class, and when I go often, I see definite results. There are lots of gorgeous Hollywood ladies who credit their toned physiques to Pilates – Kate Winslet, Sandra Bullock, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, Chelsea Handler, Liv Tyler, and True Blood stars Anna Paquin and Rutina Wesley. (When people who have to take their clothes off for their job love a workout, you know it has to be good!)

Pilates is most famous for its focus on core strength, but a full class works the entire body. Pilates moves are also great for small spaces. Since I’m not a certified Pilates instructor (yet!), I thought I’d let you learn about Pilates from the experts. This video, led by an instructor with many years of experience, will take you through a basic Pilates ab series. The video covers a lot of important alignment information, so make sure to watch it all the way through! The moves are simple, but trust me, you’ll feel it.

Yes, I know it’s the middle of winter. But that doesn’t mean you can’t dream of summer days, bikinis and short shorts! Better yet, you can skip the dangerous spring crash diets and desperate workouts by staying in shape and healthy during the cold winter months. These moves will help tone and sculpt your thighs, so you can show off those gorgeous legs with pride at the first opportunity.

1. Squats

I’ll be honest. Squats aren’t much fun. But they’re one of the best moves for toning your butt, upper thighs and abs. Start standing with your feet wider apart than your hips. Your toes should point straight forward. Engage your abs to support your lower back and keep it from arching. Bend your knees and squat down as low as you can go, then straighten up. Try to keep the motion smooth and fluid, and keep your weight back in your heels to really engage your butt and hamstrings. Do 30 squats, then lower down and hold at the bottom of your squat for 30 seconds.

2. Inner Thigh Lifts

Lie on your right side, supporting your head with your right hand. Cross your left leg over your right, placing your left foot on the floor in front of your right leg. Use your left hand to hold on to your left leg and keep it in place. Now lift your right leg a few inches off the ground and lower it again. Repeat 15 times. Now lift your right leg off the floor, and try to pulse it even higher 15 times, never lowering your leg all the way to the floor until you are finished. Repeat on the other side.

 3. Hip Abduction

Lie on your right side again, this time with both legs extended. Use your right hand to support your head and place your left hand on the ground in front of you for stabilization. Lift your left leg up into the air, then lower it again to meet your right leg. Lift your leg only as high as you can without allowing it to rotate outward – the inside of your left foot and leg should always remain facing the inside of your right foot and leg. Repeat 30 times on the first side, then repeat on the other side.

4. Single Leg Kicks

Lie on your stomach, placing your forearms on the ground. Engage your abs to lift your stomach off the floor and bring your back into alignment. You want to maintain this position the entire time – this is a workout in itself! Now bend your right knee, lifting your right foot off the ground and pulsing it toward your butt twice. Lower your right foot, and repeat the same motion with your left foot. Repeat this exercise (right and left) 30 times.

Did you know that stretching your muscles is just as important as strengthening them? All of the muscles in your body have an optimum length. If all you ever do is work on strengthening, your muscles will actually shorten and become less efficient because they’re not working from this optimum length. So every time you exercise, you want to make sure to stretch out the muscles you have worked. Stretching is also a great way to relieve tension in the body, which is perfect after long hours sitting at a desk. So here are a few quick stretching tips, and ideas for stretches that are great after a workout or just a long day.

Quick tips:

- Hold stretches for at least 30 seconds to increase flexibility

- Don’t “bounce” or “bob” in stretches (instead of reaching for your toes, pulling back, and reaching again, over and over, reach as far toward your toes as you can and hold it)

- Remember to breathe!

- Don’t over stretch – you should stretch as far as you can without feeling pain. If you are really stretching, you’ll feel tension in the muscle, but it shouldn’t hurt badly.

1. Touch your toes

Easy, you know this one. Try to relax your head and neck for a better stretch.

2. One leg toe touch

Bend one knee, straighten your other leg, and reach for your toes. Even if you don’t feel it intensely, this is a great stretch for your back as well as your hamstring.

3. Neck curl

Begin sitting up as straight as possible, with your legs extended out in front of you. Place your hands behind your head (like when you do crunches). Slowly curl your head down toward your legs, rolling through your neck and back one vertebra at a time. This is an intense stretch for your legs, back, and neck. It’s great after a day of too much sitting, but don’t overdo it.

 4. Runner’s lunge

Also a familiar stretch. Make sure to keep the bent knee directly over your heel – your bent knee should make a 90 degree angle. Keep your extended leg as straight as possible.

 5. Standing quad stretch

Stand on one leg, and bend your other leg and grab on to your foot. You can make this into a balance exercise by trying to hold on to your foot with both hands, or hold on with one hand and stabilize yourself by holding on to the wall with the other hand.

Garnet is a student at Columbia University in New York City. When she’s not dancing or writing, she can be found exploring the city, and let’s be honest, spending way too much time on the internet. Follow her @garnethenderson.

Cleavage is the go-to tool for most ladies when it comes to adding a little oomph to an outfit. But after a while, that can get boring. I mean seriously, how many boobs do we all see on a daily basis? A dramatic, back-baring top or dress can be a sexy alternative, and it’s a hot trend on the red carpet. Read on for some exercises that will tone and sculpt your back so you can rock this look on your next night out.

1. Plank Walk-Outs

Begin standing, and then bend down to place your hands on the floor, right in front of your feet. Then, walk your hands out until you’re in a plank position. Hold for 5 seconds, then walk your hands back in toward your feet and stand up. Try to keep your legs as straight as possible the entire time, but if you have to bend your knees a bit to get your hands on the floor that’s ok. Remember to keep your abs engaged to support your back – you should really feel your abs working, too. Repeat 10 times.

2. Forearm Plank Walk-Ins

This exercise is similar to the first, but you will probably feel it even more in your abs and shoulders. Begin in a plank position on your forearms. Slowly begin to walk your feet in toward your hands, keeping your legs straight. Stop when you can’t take another step without bending your knees. The way to accomplish this is to really use your abs, imagining that you’re pulling your bellybutton toward your spine. Then walk your feet back out to plank. Repeat 10 times.

3. Side Plank

Balance in a side plank, either with your weight on your forearm, or on your hand. Balancing on your hand is a bit more challenging. Hold on each side for 30 seconds.

Ah, home for the holidays. An escape from school. Your soft, cushiony bed instead of your cardboard-like dorm room bed. Food, family, and friends. Long, lazy hours on the couch. Am I right?

As Thanksgiving and winter breaks draw near, I think it’s safe to say that everyone is looking forward to a little time off. But wait… you didn’t think I was going to let you off the hook, did you? Just because you’ll be visiting home over the next few months doesn’t mean you can’t use some workout tips. You’ll most likely have a bit more space at home to work out, so take advantage of it! I’ve got some tips to get you moving around a bit more than you could in your dorm room, but don’t get too crazy – we wouldn’t want to destroy any family heirlooms.

1. Dance

No, I’m not telling you that you have to do the polka with that random second cousin you don’t recognize. I’m telling you to have an all-out, crazy dance party in the comfort of your own room. After just a few minutes of this, you’ll see that it’s great cardio. There’s no one watching, so don’t worry about how you look. If you don’t want to wake up grandma with your music, you can put on your headphones and pretend you’re in one of those old iPod ads.

2. Stair Lunges

Do you have stairs in your house? Ugh, you are so lucky. I used to want to live in a two-story house so desperately when I was growing up. Extra luckily for you, stairs are great workout tools. Since you probably don’t have more than one flight of stairs in your house, running up and down them over and over again may not be the most practical workout. So try stair lunges! All you have to do is take the stairs two, three, or four at a time, depending on the length of your legs. You’ll feel the burn in your butt and thighs.

3. Work Out in Bed

I’d be willing to bet that your bed at home is much more comfortable than your bed at school. So why rush to get out of bed in the morning? Check out this great video featuring an arm workout you can do without even leaving your bed. That’s right. You can work out and be lazy at the same time. Who could ask for more?

Don’t you wish there was an exercise that would help you build strength and flexibility, all while relaxing and warming your body up from the inside out? Oh wait, there is – yoga.

Yoga is a great total body workout, and because of its focus on breath, it has the added bonus of helping you feel calm and centered. Plus, it happens to be a great exercise for small spaces. But I’m no yoga expert, and there’s a yoga instructor certification process for a reason, so I’ve compiled a list of some great yoga videos made by real instructors, to help you bring a little zen into your dorm room, and look great while doing it.

1. Chair Yoga

Yes, this is a yoga video for senior citizens. But just think – you have more in common with a senior citizen than you might realize! As college students, we spend a lot of time sitting, which can be really hard on our backs. This seated twist series will help you release some of your tension from sitting all day, and these moves will make for a great study break.

2. Simple Yoga Poses

This short video will take you through a basic series of yoga poses. Most of these moves are done sitting or kneeling, so you’ll have plenty of space to do them right in your room. This is a great video, especially if you don’t have much experience with yoga. Learning how to do basic poses correctly is important, so that you won’t hurt yourself and you’ll be able to move on to the more difficult stuff.

3. Vinyasa Flow

This clip will show you how to move through a basic Vinyasa yoga flow series. There are many different types of yoga, and in Vinyasa, you are almost constantly moving. Some styles of yoga involve holding poses for extended periods of time, but Vinyasa is faster paced. This series is great for building upper body strength, and warming your whole body up on cold winter mornings.

Midterms got you down? Feeling like the gym is miles away today? CC has got just the thing for you!

Welcome to our brand new Dorm Room Workout series, a column that will show you fun, simple exercises that you can do without even leaving your dorm. I have a teeny tiny dorm room and even I have space to do all these exercises. But my room is so small that there’s not enough space for a friend to take pictures of me while I demonstrate, so you’ll be seeing a lot of my hallway.

Today, I’ll show you three simple exercises that only require one piece of equipment – your wall. You’ll only need a little bit of wall space, but if your walls are covered with decorations, it might be a good idea to venture out into the hallway. And invite your floormates to join while you’re at it!

1. Wall Sits

You might recognize these from high school P.E. – but give them another chance! They’re great for toning your butt and thighs. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, about one to two feet away from the wall, depending on your height. Lean so that your back is in contact with the wall. Bend your knees, sliding down the wall, until your thighs are almost parallel to the floor. Push your arms into the wall behind you to engage your triceps and shoulders, too. Hold here for 30 seconds, and then repeat three more times.

For an extra challenge, lift one foot off the floor for 10 seconds, then switch feet.

2. Wall Push-Aways

A somewhat less intense version of the push-up, this move is great for toning your arms, back and core muscles. Stand facing the wall, anywhere from two to four feet away. The farther away from the wall you stand, the more difficult the exercise will be. Tip forward, falling toward the wall. Catch yourself with your hands, landing in a vertical push-up position. Press away, return to standing, and repeat. Remember to keep your abdominals engaged to keep your body in one straight line the entire time. Try not to stick your butt out or let it fall in toward the wall. Try 10 of these with your elbows in, grazing the sides of your body, to work the triceps. Then try 10 with the elbows out wide, to work your chest and shoulders. Then repeat the whole sequence.

3. Wall Walk-Ups

This exercise is great for full body toning, but it can be tricky at first. Be patient and take care of your body. Start with your knees bent and hands flat on the floor, three to four feet away from the wall. It’s ok to start small – if you’re having trouble, move a bit farther away from the wall. Shift your weight into your hands and walk your feet up the wall. Remember to keep your abdominals engaged to support your back. Hold at the top for 10 seconds, then walk your feet back down slowly and with control. Repeat three more times.