Try this five move workout with five easier modifications to suit all comers

There are many things we like about exercise. We like the challenge, we like to feel our heart pumping and we like the resulting health benefits.

But we also like exercise to be accessible and enjoyable, just like this featured five-move circuit workout from The London Fitness Guy (real name James Stirling) and Maddy Jupp. It’s a great example of an accessible session with something to offer everyone, regardless of their fitness level. 

It only takes 15 minutes and doesn't need any equipment, so you can try it at home. Using a yoga mat can be handy for providing extra grip on slippery floors, but it's not a necessity. 

There are also two options for each of the exercises programmed—one slightly more challenging option and one low-impact alternative—so you can pick the best one for you. 

Watch Stirling's video below to see the exercise options. Choose the ones that suit your fitness level, then you're ready to launch into the workout. 

Watch Maddy Jupp and The London Fitness Guy's five-move bodyweight workout

To try the session, perform each exercise for 40 seconds, rest for 20 seconds, then move on to the next exercise. Complete three rounds in total of the five-move circuit to finish the workout in 15 minutes. 

The workout includes old favourites such as burpees and high knees, but there are also some fun movements like jump lunges and gorilla burpees to provide a new challenge when working out at home. 

These new exercises don't just keep things interesting either; by challenging your body to learn new movements, you can improve your coordination. Gorilla burpees also require core strength to keep your spine straight throughout, while jumping lunges are an example of a plyometric exercise capable of boosting leg power.

Lastly, the short rest times and testing exercises in this workout are sure to raise your heart rate and boost your metabolism. 

If you want to add this workout into your weekly routine, you can use it as a quick way to get moving. Or, if you want a longer session, you could try pairing its metabolism-boosting benefits with a strength session like this six-move muscle-building workout.

Alternatively, if your body is in need of something less intense to allow it to recover from other workouts, our Pilates plan for beginners or these two flexibility-bolstering stretches are top options.