By Tess Rose Lampert, Cheapism
TIME TO GET IN SHAPE
As warm weather arrives, most of us start wearing lighter clothes that leave our bodies exposed in all their lumpy, wintery glory. Gym workouts and personal trainers are great for getting back into shape, but they can put a strain on your budget. Fortunately, you don't need to hit the gym to tone your body. Using a few simple techniques, you can sculpt your muscles for free, leaving you chiseled and ready for the beach.
As warm weather arrives, most of us start wearing lighter clothes that leave our bodies exposed in all their lumpy, wintery glory. Gym workouts and personal trainers are great for getting back into shape, but they can put a strain on your budget. Fortunately, you don't need to hit the gym to tone your body. Using a few simple techniques, you can sculpt your muscles for free, leaving you chiseled and ready for the beach.
SIDE PLANK
[post_ads]This move targets those pudgy love handles. A side plank may look easy, but it really gets your abdominal muscles working. The idea is to get your body perfectly in line horizontally while using the side of one foot and one forearm for support. Once in position, hold it for 30 seconds, then rest for 30 seconds and repeat. For an extra challenge, try straightening the arm that is not supporting the body. Do 10 reps at least three times a week.
[post_ads]This move targets those pudgy love handles. A side plank may look easy, but it really gets your abdominal muscles working. The idea is to get your body perfectly in line horizontally while using the side of one foot and one forearm for support. Once in position, hold it for 30 seconds, then rest for 30 seconds and repeat. For an extra challenge, try straightening the arm that is not supporting the body. Do 10 reps at least three times a week.
PUSH-UPS
This classic exercise is hard but produces good results. Even with access to state-of-the-art equipment, many personal trainers recommend simple push-ups. If you want to tone arms, shoulders, and back, all while engaging the abs, add this is move to your routine. Try three sets of 12 reps, five times a week.
This classic exercise is hard but produces good results. Even with access to state-of-the-art equipment, many personal trainers recommend simple push-ups. If you want to tone arms, shoulders, and back, all while engaging the abs, add this is move to your routine. Try three sets of 12 reps, five times a week.
RUNNING
Running is an excellent cardio workout that targets the buttocks and legs. Running outside provides a better view than running in a gym, and some people find that setting their own pace encourages greater speed and distance. If you have creaky knees or ankles, try running on grass or on a track that has some cushioning.
Running is an excellent cardio workout that targets the buttocks and legs. Running outside provides a better view than running in a gym, and some people find that setting their own pace encourages greater speed and distance. If you have creaky knees or ankles, try running on grass or on a track that has some cushioning.
SQUATS
Squats will make you sore, but the pain of toning your thighs and buttocks is worth the gain. To do a proper squat, stand with your feet slightly wider than your hips and bend at the waist as if you are about to sit in a chair.
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Try to get low enough to form a 90-degree angle while keeping your knees in line with your ankles. Bring your hands up to shoulder level with arms pointing forward. Try three sets of 12 reps at least three times a week. Add hand weights for extra strength training.
STAIR CARDIO
Take the stairs whenever you have the choice. It's often the faster option, anyway, especially if you keep up a good pace. A regular burst of cardio exercise will release endorphins and boost your metabolism all day long, and help keep your legs toned and lean.
Take the stairs whenever you have the choice. It's often the faster option, anyway, especially if you keep up a good pace. A regular burst of cardio exercise will release endorphins and boost your metabolism all day long, and help keep your legs toned and lean.
SUN SALUTATIONS
This popular yoga sequence combines strength training and controlled breathing for a slow but intense workout. There are many variations on this basic set of movements and plenty of good guides online. To get your blood pumping and your whole body engaged, incorporate six sun salutations into your daily exercise routine. And remember, yoga is not about achieving the perfect pose. Simply use your breath to stretch as deeply as you can.
This popular yoga sequence combines strength training and controlled breathing for a slow but intense workout. There are many variations on this basic set of movements and plenty of good guides online. To get your blood pumping and your whole body engaged, incorporate six sun salutations into your daily exercise routine. And remember, yoga is not about achieving the perfect pose. Simply use your breath to stretch as deeply as you can.
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