Want to sculpt instant sleek curves? Learn how Destiny’s Child Michelle Williams used to score a fit physique. It’s all about a mix of strength moves with speedy bursts of high-intensity cardio. To have a better body, this muscle-defining, fat-burning strategy is a huge hit.

Here’s the plan: Warm up for five minutes by walking or jogging every other day. Do 12 repetitions of each moves, with two minutes of fast-paced cardio (sprinting or jumping rope) after each exercise.

Be sure to have one medium-level resistance band (with or without handles) and a set of 5- to 8-pound dumbbells.

Butt burner

Lie faceup with knees bent, feet flat, arms straight overhead on floor, a weight in both hands, palms up. Lift hips, forming an incline from shoulders to knees, as you raise weight to ceiling (as shown), then lower to thighs. Return to start. Do 12 reps.
• Works shoulders, triceps, upper back, butt, thighs

Power pull

Secure band at chest level in front of you; grip an end in each hand, arms extended at shoulder level. Stand with feet staggered, left foot in front of right, right heel lifted. Lower into a lunge, bend elbows (keeping them close to body) and draw hands toward chest (as shown). Return to start. Do 12 reps. Switch legs; repeat.
• Works shoulders, biceps, back, butt, thighs

Dancer’s reach

Stand with feet wider than hip-width apart, toes out; hold band taut across chest, hands at shoulders, elbows bent. Bend left knee, shifting weight to left leg, and straighten left arm to left side (as shown). Return to start; repeat on right for one rep. Do 12 reps.
• Works triceps, upper back, butt, thighs

Tricycle push-up

Start in push-up position on hands and toes. Bend elbows and lower body toward floor as you bend left knee, bringing heel toward butt (as shown). Return to start; repeat on right for one rep. Do 12 reps.
• Works shoulders, triceps, chest, abs, hamstrings

Rah-rah raise

Stand on one end of band with feet together, band secured by left foot; grip opposite end with right hand at shoulder, elbow bent. Step right foot to right about 12 inches as you extend right arm overhead, palm facing in (as shown). Step back to start. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
• Works shoulders, abs, thighs

Twist away

Stand with feet wider than hip-width apart, toes out, a weight in both hands at hip level. Squat and raise arms to shoulder height. Twist torso to left (as shown), then center. Return to start; repeat on right for one rep. Do 12 reps.
• Works shoulders, abs, obliques, butt, thighs

Kick it up

Start on hands and knees, one end of band around left foot, other end under palms. Straighten legs, coming into a raised push-up position. Hold pose as you bring left knee toward chest, then extend left leg behind you about 12 inches off floor (as shown) for one rep. Do 12 reps. Switch legs; repeat.
• Works back, abs, hips, butt

Superstar

Stand with feet together, a weight in each hand. Lunge forward with right foot so right thigh is almost parallel to floor, knee over ankle. Bend left knee to lower body toward floor; raise arms straight up, palms facing in (as shown). Return to start; repeat on left for one rep. Do 12 reps.
• Works shoulders, back, butt, thighs

Sitting tight

Squat with back against wall, feet hip-width apart, thighs almost parallel to floor, a weight in each hand. Maintain contact with wall as you curl weight up, right hand toward shoulder, palm facing in (as shown). Lower arm; repeat curl on left for one rep. Do 12 reps.
• Works shoulders, biceps, butt, thighs

Scissors crunch

Lie faceup with center of band beneath lower back, legs together at a 90-degree angle with end of band secured around each foot; hold weight at chest with one hand on each end, elbows bent. Contract abs as you raise shoulder blades off floor, reaching weight toward feet and spreading legs in a wide V (as shown). Return to start. Do 12 reps.
• Works triceps, chest, abs, thighs

Flamingo firmer

Stand with feet hip-width apart, a weight in both hands at chest, elbows bent. Extend arms overhead, raising bent right leg as high as you can without wobbling. Pause; lean torso to left (as shown), then to center. Return to start; repeat on left for one rep. Do 12 reps.
• Works shoulders, abs, butt, thighs

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Reach your favorite destination in health which is your dream size, with the best healthy-eating tricks.

Eat more

Depriving your body with food restriction will definitely backfire. Most people think that by drastically lowering the number of calories will result to faster weight loss.  When you don’t consume enough calories, your metabolism slows as well as the rate at which you burn calories. Aim for at least 1,500 calories per day (up to 200 more if you exercise regularly). Concentrate on getting a combination of good carbohydrates such as produce and whole grains, lean protein, such as chicken and fish, and healthy fats, like olive oil or avocado, with each meal.

Go for foods you like

You don’t need to eat unsavory and bland food just to lose weight. It will not yield any good results. There is a chance that you will rebel against this type of diet since you will not enjoy following it. Instead, make your favorite whole grains, fruit and vegetables as the focus of your diet. Forget about healthy foods you’re not crazy about in other dishes. Why not toss spinach into soup or add broccoli into pasta with marinara sauce?  It sure does look delicious but also low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals.

Make meals tastier

To satisfy our need for gastronomic pleasure, our taste buds need to experience all six tastes - sweet, salty, sour, bitter, pungent and astringent - in a meal. Pungent foods or the spicy ones, and an astringent taste (from foods like cabbage) cause a puckering in your mouth. Dieters may overeat after meals because they’ve missed one of these flavors.

Eat for the next few hours

Think about your day’s activities before eating. Think about how active you’re going to be for the next three hours. Your meals should consist primarily of good carbohydrates with a serving of protein and a little bit of healthy fat. Hitting the gym soon? Slightly increase your carbs so you’ll have energy to burn. Protein actually helps you feel full for a little longer than carbohydrates.

Focus on your health

Women who successfully lose weight think of diet and exercise as a means to be healthy rather than ways to be slim. If you want to eat to reduce your heart disease risk, for example, you’ll want to include foods like low-calorie fruit and veggies. A result that you will rave is that you’ll lose weight nearly effortlessly.

Enjoy chocolate

Do not deprive yourself with foods you like to eat. It will likely make you binge on your list of “forbidden” foods. Indulge your sweet tooth, but with limits. You can enjoy eating these foods to about 160 calories a day.

Keep a future-food journal

The traditional food diary where you log what you eat after you bite will give you lesser control than planning meals that you are going to eat ahead of time. In your journal, use one side to schedule meals for two days. On the other, note whenever you eat outside of your planned meals. Once you figure out your trigger points, you can schedule activities, such as walks or exercise, around those times.

Be a food snob

Women throw half a paycheck on a pair of heels, but when it comes to food, we all want a bargain. You’d be better off if you spent a little more. The higher the quality of food you eat, the more satisfied you’d be. Plus, fresh, top-notch foods often have more nutritional value for the buck. Consider it a worthy and healthy indulgence!

Redefine yourself

Picture yourself at a healthier weight. Do you enjoy shopping for new clothes? Would you hit the gym before work every day? Once you have an image of your dream self, choose habits that will help you become that slimmer and healthier person. Eating breakfast will power you through workouts during the day. Give up late night munching to drop a size. These small adjustments can add up and become permanent habits. You are sure to attain the goal of healthier and toner new you.

Relax, and then eat

Have you ever gorged food then suddenly felt so full that you wished you had stopped eating few bites ago? You can avoid overeating by pacing yourself. All it takes is a soothing breathing trick. Inhale deeply through your nose, and then exhale slowly. Repeat several times. This slowdown could help you slim down.  Researchers from the University of Rhode Island at Kingston found that people who ate more slowly consumed 70 fewer calories per meal than speed-eaters.

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How can multitasking moves increase your metabolism? It is very simple. Just by building lean muscle, it burns about three times as many calories as fat. With as little as twice-a-week strength sessions can speed up your engine so dramatically that your body will automatically burn up to 150 extra calories every day. It continues to churn like a hot engine even when you’re sitting on the couch.

Prepare a pair of 5- to 8-pound dumbbells, a resistance band or piece of tubing tied into a loop and a stability ball.

The plan is for you to do two sets of 15 reps of each toner twice a week, giving your body a day to recover between strength sessions.

Aim to do 40 minutes of heart-pumping activity three days a week. It’s the ideal length of exercise to deliver a metabolism boost even after you stopped moving. Your body’s calorie-burning furnace will remain fired up for 24 to 48 hours after you swap your sneakers for house sandals. You can burn 150 bonus calories a day.

The proven cardio plan
You can do your favorite form of cardio (bike, swim, jog, you name it), as long as you (a) stick with it for 40 minutes and (b) maintain a high intensity. On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is sipping a piña colada and 10 is climbing a coconut tree, aim to work at a level 8 for the bulk of the get-lean routine.

How to do it

Warm up for 2 minutes at level 5. For the next 15 minutes, work your way up to level 8 by varying your resistance or speed every 1 to 2 minutes. Now switch it up: Jump rope for 1 minute (if you don’t have one, just pretend), then do jumping jacks for 30 seconds, then do high knee kicks for 30 seconds. Repeat this sequence three times. Next, it’s back to your original form of cardio for 5 minutes. This time, add resistance every 30 seconds. At the halfway point, subtract resistance every 30 seconds. Now alternate 30-second sprints with 30-second recoveries for 5 minutes. Finally do the sequence three times: jump rope, jumping jacks, high knees. Recover at level 7 for 1 minute. Cool down.

Trimming tap

Stand with feet hip-width apart, a resistance band around ankles. Squat with hands clasped at chest (as shown). With right heel, tap in front, return to center; tap to right, return to center; tap behind, tap right, return to center for one rep. Do 15 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
• Works butt, thighs

Super squat

Stand with feet wide, toes turned out 45 degrees, a weight in each hand with arms down. Squat, then bend at hips until back is flat; return to squat. Stand as you curl weights to shoulders (as shown). Keeping weights near shoulders, point elbows toward ceiling, then straighten arms to bring weights directly overhead. Reverse arm sequence to return to start. Do 15 reps.
• Works arms, butt, thighs

Waist whittler

Start in a side plank with left wrist under shoulder, right hand behind head, elbow out; stack legs, left foot in front of right. Keeping abs tight, bend left knee toward chest as you draw right elbow toward knee (as shown). Return to start. Do 15 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
• Works shoulders, abs, obliques

Get-lean lunge

Stand with a stability ball pressed between your lower back and wall. Hold a weight in right hand, arm extended overhead, left hand on hip. Step forward with left foot and place sole of right foot flat against wall. Lunge until right knee hovers above floor as you bend right elbow, bringing weight toward shoulder (as shown). Return to start. Do 15 reps. Switch sides and repeat.
• Works shoulders, arms, butt, thighs

Saturday night slimmer

Stand with right foot about 2 feet in front of left, left heel lifted. Hold a weight in left hand, right hand on hip. Bend knees and lower torso to right thigh, reaching left hand to right foot. Stand as you pivot feet and torso forward, raising weight overhead on a diagonal (as shown). Reverse sequence to return to low lunge. Do 15 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
• Works shoulders, abs, obliques, butt, legs

Crunch and punch

Lie back on a stability ball, feet flat, holding a weight in each hand, elbows bent. Pull abs in and slowly crunch up several inches as you punch right, then left, rotating torso in direction of punch (as shown). Lower to start. Repeat. Do three sets of 15 reps.
• Works arms, shoulders, abs, obliques

Toning twist

Start in a deep squat, holding one weight in both hands outside of right hip (as shown). Stand as you sweep weight across body to left and overhead to right while extending right leg to right side. Reverse sequence to return to start. Complete 15 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
• Works arms, abs, obliques, butt, thighs

Wall walker

Lie faceup in front of a wall with a weight in each hand, arms straight up, palms facing in. Place toes on wall, with knees bent and directly above hips, and raise butt off floor. Maintain hip lift as you draw left knee toward chest and open right arm to side (as shown). Return to start and repeat on opposite side for one rep. Do 15 reps.
• Works chest, abs, butt, thighs, calves

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Exercise can make you look younger than your real age. Try this customized “look-younger” work out just for you!

Not only will this workout give you a sleek physique, it can actually help you look forever young. Researchers studied the lifestyle habits and DNA of 2,400 twins. They found that regular exercisers had longer telomeres. Telomeres are the tags at the end of our chromosomes that shorten with age. Couch potatoes are sure to have shorter telomeres. You don’t need to workout for several hours to achieve that result. As few as 30 minutes of activity daily will result in telomeres that scraps out 10 years off your age

Prepare for a set of 3 to 10 pound weights. Complete two sets of each move two times a week on nonconsecutive days. Boost the younger-looking you result by adding 30 to 60 minutes of brisk cardio on most days.

Hurry! Try the workout below that will make you look slimmer on the outside but younger on the inside.

Sumo squat

Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width apart. Hold one weight in both hands directly overhead. Squat low and swing weight between legs (as shown) and then forward, lifting it overhead, as you return to standing. Do 12 reps.
• Works shoulders, butt, legs

Dragonfly

Start on all fours, a weight in each hand. Extend left leg behind you in line with body; extend right arm out to side at shoulder level. Keeping left leg lifted, curl weight toward chest (as shown). Straighten arm for one rep. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
• Works shoulders, chest, back, abs

Gorgeous get-up

Kneel with a weight in each hand, arms overhead, palms in. Bring left leg forward, knee bent, thigh parallel to ground (as shown). Push off ball of foot to stand. Return to kneeling. Switch legs; repeat for one rep. Do 12 reps.
• Works shoulders, back, butt, thighs, hamstrings

Sidestepper

Stand with feet hip-width apart, toes out, a weight in each hand in front of thighs. Lunge to left side as you draw arms toward chest, elbows bent (as shown). Push off left foot and lower weights to return to start. Repeat on right for one rep. Do 12 reps.
• Works shoulders, back, butt, thighs

Back attack

Lie facedown with legs pressed together; reach behind back, interlace fingers and draw shoulder blades together. Lift chest off ground as you kick heels toward butt with control (as shown) three times for one rep. Return to start. Do 10 reps.
• Works back, butt, hamstrings

Do-si-do

Stand with feet hip-width apart, a weight in each hand. Balance on left leg, knees soft (as shown), then lunge forward with right leg as you curl weights toward chest. Push off right foot to return to one-leg balance. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
• Works biceps, abs, butt, thighs, hamstrings

Terrific toner

Stand with feet hip-width apart, a weight in each hand, arms extended at shoulder level. Lift right leg back and lower torso forward until body forms a T, arms straight toward ground, palms in (as shown). Return to start. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
• Works abs, hips, thighs

Bridge buffer

Lie faceup with knees bent, feet flat, and a weight in each hand, elbows bent. Lift hips as high as possible; raise left leg off group in line with hips as you extend weights in line with shoulders (as shown). Keeping hips raised, lower left foot and arms. Switch legs for one rep. Do 12 reps.
• Works shoulders, arms, chest, abs, hips, butt, hamstrings

Turbo twist

Sit with legs out in front, knees bent. Hold one weight in both hands at chest level; lean back at a 45-degree angle. Maintain position as you contract abs and twist torso to right (as shown), then left for one rep. Do 12 reps.
• Works arms, back, abs, obliques

Technorati Tags: exercise, female workout plan, fitness, health, video, younger looking

Take a breath

The key to a flat abs thanks to Pilates is to engage the deepest abdominal layer called the transverse abdominis. Breathing into your belly and chest will create slack in your stomach thus the deep muscles are not activated. You should inhale during a Pilates move by sending air into your sides as if you are growing wings.

Back into action

Your abs and back depend on each other to make your tummy tight or not so tight. When you do any Pilates exercises that requires you to lie down on the floor, keep a small space between your lower back and the mat. Don’t arch your back or press into floor during movements. Keep your spine in line so your abs is in the right position to properly engage. This smart move will make you less prone to injury.

Get down

Always engage your pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is the sling of genital muscles found in the area underneath the pelvis. By doing so, it automatically activate the transverse abdominis. The pelvic floor makes up the base of the core so you should tighten it to work your abs from all angles. As you lie on the mat during Pilates class, think of pulling your inner-thigh muscles up behind your belly button. Think of doing a Kegel exercise before each move.

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Here is a sexy routine with classic fitness moves to create an effective and fun workout that puts will prepare you to look hot in shorts.

Equipment:
A 2- to 6-pound medicine ball or dumbbell

Directions:
Perform two or three sets of 12 reps of each move three times a week. The plan counts as strength training so it’s better to rest a day in between workouts to let your muscles rest. Add 30 minutes of your favorite cardio on most days to slim down as you tone up.

Joelhada

(Knee strike)

Start in a deep lunge with left thigh parallel to ground, knee over ankle, right leg back. Bring bent right arm in front of face and left arm out to side, parallel to ground. Drive right knee up as you stand and lean back, reversing arms so bent left arm is in front (as shown). Return to starting position. Do 12 reps. Switch legs; repeat.
• Works butt, abs, thighs, hamstrings

Pisão kick

(Big-stomp kick)

Stand with feet hip-width apart, left foot staggered slightly ahead of right, holding medicine ball at chest, elbows bent. Keeping right leg in place, bend left knee and pull it toward chest, foot flexed, as you draw arms to left side (as shown). Lean torso to right as you reach ball to right and extend left leg to side. Bring left knee back to chest. Return to start. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
• Works butt, shoulders, abs, obliques

Esquiva paralela

(Dodge a kick with feet parallel)

From standing, step right foot back into a lunge, swinging bent right elbow forward and left arm to side (as shown). Step right foot to right into a deep squat, while leaning right side of torso to right thigh, and reverse arm movement. Return to lunge, reversing arms. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
• Works butt, back, abs, thighs

Balança

(Sway)

Squat with feet wider than hip-width apart, holding medicine ball at chest, elbows bent. Maintain squat as you lean forward and sway upper body left (as shown), then right, while moving ball in a figure eight motion, leading with elbows, for one rep. Do 12 reps.
• Works butt, shoulders, arms, back, abs, thighs

Meia lua de frente

(Half-moon kick)

Lie faceup with knees bent, feet flat, hands near face, elbows bent. Lift torso off ground as you extend left leg to side, foot flexed. Sweep left leg to meet right leg, swinging bent right arm forward and straightening left arm out to side (as shown). Return to start. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
• Works butt, abs, legs

Rasteira

(Sweep)

From standing, step right foot back into a lunge, swinging right elbow forward and left elbow back slightly. Keeping left foot planted, step right foot to side into a deep side lunge, right toes and knee rotated out, right hand flat on ground behind right thigh, left arm reaching overhead (as shown). Return to start. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
• Works butt, abs, inner thighs, hamstrings

Scorpion plank

Start in push-up position. Bend right knee and lift leg to left, pushing through heel with foot flexed; look over left shoulder toward right heel (as shown). Return to start. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
• Works butt, shoulders, abs

Benção kick

(Blessing kick)

Sit with knees bent, feet flat, left hand on ground behind you, bent right elbow in front of face. Press right foot into ground, lift hips and extend left leg slightly higher than right thigh, foot flexed (as shown). Return to start. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.
• Works butt, triceps, abs, hamstrings

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The American Council on Exercise and the University of Wisconsin published a study that proves these kettle bells earn their buzz. The only other activity the researchers could find that burns as many calories per minute is “cross country up hill at a fast pace.”

Give this Kettle bell a try as an exciting new way to incorporate in your fitness regimen.

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Reducing Muscle Pain With Pilates — powered by eHow.com

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