If your friend asked you to hang out, but you already had plans to go to the gym to workout, which would you choose?

Ha! We all know the answer to that one.

Any excuse to get out of going to the gym is good enough for us. But it's summer, which means shorts and bikinis...no more excuses!

You don't necessarily have to choose between hanging with your friends and hitting the gym. Personal trainer Cathy Chesney helped us put together a fun, quick beach-body workout that you can do with your bestie. Put on an upbeat workout playlist and get to it. Some of our favorite workout jams are "7/11," by Beyonce and Justin Timberlake's new song, "CAN'T STOP THE FEELING."

 Best part? You don't even have to leave the house. Grab a yoga mat and let's started. 

1. Tug of War 

Works back, core, arms and shoulders. This exercise will have you lookin' great in a crop top. Sit facing each other with your knees bent and feet touching. Roll up a towel tightly and each grab an end. One person reclines to lie face up on the floor and places their right hand above the left, then left above right to pull themselves up until they have reached a seated position (shown in picture). Return to starting position and repeat for 30 seconds. Switch position so your bestie knows why you're huffing and puffing. Cathy reminded us to keep our abs pulled in tight the whole time. 

Preform these next exercises for one minute each. Then preform the whole set again. 

2. Nice to meet ya 

Works chest, shoulders, and core. This one had our arms a little wobbly. Get in plank position, either on toes or knees, facing each other at about an arm's length apart. Bend elbows and lower your chest to the floor. Abs in tight! As you push up lift your right arm to shake your partner's hand, then lower arm and repeat. Switch the arm you shake with on each push up. 

3. Pop a squat 

 Works legs and butt. You'll be rockin' your cut-offs. Stand facing each other about a foot apart with feet a little wider than your shoulders. Grab each others hands and squat until thighs are parallel to the floor. Return to starting position. Cathy reminded us to keep our backs straight the whole time. No hunching over! 

At this point we needed a little motivation. We had to know what we were working for!  So we took a breather and got a milkshake to share (because we're being healthy). 

4. Reaching crunch 

Works core. Have one person get in the crunch position, legs raised, knees bent forming a 90 degree angle. Pull your abs in tight. Crunch up and have your partner hold the milkshake (or medicine ball, whatever floats your boat) at the very top of your reach. Continue crunching and reaching for that shake. 

5. Twist it 

Works core, legs and butt. Hold a milkshake (or medicine ball, towel, etc.) in front of your tummy and stand back to back with your partner with feet shoulder-width apart and knees bent. Twist to the left as your partner twists to the right to hand off the milkshake. Then rotate in the other direction and grab the milkshake. Continue twisting and feel the burn...or freeze in your hands. 

6. Have a seat 

Works thighs, butt and arms. We're talking buns and guns here! Sit in a chair and have your partner put their hands on your knees, elbows slightly bent and just outside of their hips. Have them squeeze their knees and butt together as they lower themselves down then push up with their hands until their elbows are fully extended. Sit back and wait for your turn! 

One of you has got to be tired by now. While someone takes a breather, one of you try this much more rewarding form of a pushup. 

7. Treat yo' self 

 Works shoulders, arms, core and thighs. There should be a reward at the end of every push up. Get in the plank position on your toes or knees. Keep your abs in tight and don't let your butt sink towards the floor. Bend your elbows and lower yourself towards the floor for a sweet sip then push back up. Push ups have never been so satisfying. 

We found ourselves giggling through every exercise. Working out with a friend beats working out alone any day. But we are going to feel it tomorrow for sure. When you're done with your workout, take a second to relax. You did it! 

Or just use this as an opportunity to sneak a sip or two. She will never know.

Thank you so much to Cathy for the work-out routine! You'll have us looking great on the beach. 

P.S. Check out all our awesome new activewear. If you're gonna work out, do it in style. 

Keep dreaming. 

-xo

The Rodéo Girls