If you're feeling tense or even a little sluggish, a good workout can help to clear your mind and give you the boost you need. 

Pilates rings are a great exercise tool because they're portable and give you a simple, balanced, and symmetrical workout. The toning ring helps to create a strong and toned body, and adds the benefit of resistance to a basic mat workout.

Inner-Thigh Press
Lying down, place the Pilates ring between your legs, just above the knee, and press using the resistance to increase your workout. Repeat several times.

Chest Press
Lying down, place Pilates ring in both hands and hold at chest height, elbows out to the sides, hands open. Squeeze ring in toward the heart center. Squeeze and pulse.

Full Arm Press
While standing, bring the toning ring to the top of your left shoulder. Hold the ring at the top with an open hand so your arm creates a 45-degree angle. Press the ring with your left hand, squeezing, and use the resistance to work your whole arm. Switch sides and repeat.

Side Arm Press
Standing, bring the toning ring to the side of your left leg, at the thigh. With an open hand, take your left arm and press toward your thigh. Hold and press.

Walking
One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to lose weight is to walk. The longer you walk, the better. Plus, walking doesn't cost anything -- no gym membership or exercise equipment required. Walking decreases your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and high blood pressure. 

People walk for different reasons, such as getting fit, improving and maintaining posture, or raising overall vitality. A valuable exercise, walking helps increase energy and stamina -- a lack of energy often results from inactivity, not age. If you want to make your walk a little more challenging, try holding light dumbbells, putting on a backpack, or walking uphill.

Resources
To learn more about Mary Tedesco or to purchase her "Power Core Workout" on DVD, visit marytedescofitness.com. Special thanks to Gaiam for providing Mary and Martha with the Pilates toning ring. Everyone in our studio audience received a Life Fitness Premium Digital Pedometer, sold exclusively at CVS Pharmacy; for more information, visit cvs.com.