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.

Just like everyone else, this year I pledged to finally start working out and eating better. Part of it is vanity — who doesn’t want to look good in a bikini at the beach this summer? — but the other part is knowing that, as I get older, I have to start taking care of myself if I want to live a long, healthy life.

The problem is, I’ve always had a hard time getting (and staying) motivated — but not anymore! I recently signed up for an online fitness tool, MyFitnessPal, which helps me eat better and lose weight by keeping me accountable for what I’m eating.

When you’re creating your free account, MyFitnessPal will have you input your current weight and then enter your weight loss and fitness goals to come up with your calorie goal for the day. Note that this is only a suggestion and you should find what works best for you based on your lifestyle — I actually raised my calorie goal a little bit because I felt mine was too low and I was starving, and now I’m having no trouble staying within my allotted calories (and I’m still losing weight).

Then, just log all the foods you eat into your food diary (there are thousands of foods in their database, and you can even add your own if it’s not listed). My favorite thing is logging the calories I burn after doing cardio exercise — I love that it gives me a little extra wiggle room if I feel like having dessert (or an extra glass of wine)!

MyFitnessPal is more than just an online food journal. Additionally, it’s also a great web community where you can connect with other like-minded individuals that are trying to get healthy. Read blogs and tips from other MyFitnessPal users and connect with friends to motivate one another. A few of my work friends are on MyFitnessPal, and we’re always talking about our own progress and goals, and it’s nice to see each other’s progress. Plus, losing weight and/or trying to get in shape is so much easier with friends, because you have a support system that keeps you motivated!

This is the longest I’ve ever stuck with any weight-loss regimen — I’ve been sticking with MyFitnessPal fairly religiously for almost a month now, and I’m loving my results!

Laura is a St. John’s University grad who spends way too much time watching TV and imagining the characters are her best friends. She’s addicted to online shopping, dessert, and Pinterest. Follow her life at @lkdondero.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.