Introducing six multitasking moves that tones, reshape and firm up your muscles and spark your mind!
Each move in this workout incorporates the trifecta of brain-bettering elements-complex motor skills, balance and a new set of data. It helps you tone from head to toe.
As you move through the routine, it makes your heart pump more thus a great cardio workout, increasing calorie burn and blood flow to your brain and the rest of your body.
Your trainer
Jack Mantione is an integrative certified strength and conditioning specialist and a physical therapist in New York City. He works with athletes and runners to heal and prevent injuries while improving their balance and agility.
What to do
Complete the indicated reps; try not to rest between moves to maximize its cardio benefit. Repeat the circuit training.
What you’ll need
A pair of 2- to 5-pound dumbbells
Armed and dangerously bright
Balance on left leg, knee soft, and bend right knee until shin is parallel to floor. Contract abs and squeeze glutes. Hold weights, palms facing in, elbows bent 90 degrees (as shown). Pull shoulder blades toward each other and hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Return to start. Switch legs; repeat. • works shoulders, arms, back, abs, butt, legs
X marks the smart
Stand with feet hip-width apart, a weight in each hand, palms facing forward. Rest weight in right hand on side of butt for added resistance, then raise left arm to side until parallel to floor as you lift right leg out to side (as shown). Return to standing; repeat on opposite side for one rep. Do 12 reps. • works shoulders, arms, abs, butt
Quick-wit kick
Stand facing a step or bench, holding weights at sides. Step up with left foot and extend right leg in front of you, as you curl weight in left hand toward shoulder and extend right arm back (as shown). Step right foot back to floor, switching arm positions so you curl right hand toward shoulder and extend left arm back. Do 12 reps. Switch legs; repeat. • works arms, abs, butt, legs
Butt and brain teaser
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, a weight in each hand, to start. Rest weight in right hand on butt to add resistance; raise left arm in front of you to shoulder height and extend right leg out behind you (as shown). Return to start; repeat on opposite side. Do 12 reps.
• works butt, shoulders, arms, abs
Genius shaper
Lie face up with knees bent, feet flat, arms at sides with a weight in each hand and elbows bent 90 degrees, to start. Lift pelvis as you extend and lift left leg and press weight in right hand upward, palm facing in (as shown). Stay in a bridge and lower right arm and left leg. Repeat on opposite side. Do 12 reps. • works abs, shoulders, chest, butt, legs
Mind crunch
Lie face up with knees bent, feet flat, arms extended along floor above head with a weight in each hand, palms facing each other, to start. Reach arms up overhead, then crunch, twisting and reaching arms across torso to left side as you straighten and lift left leg (as shown). Return to start; repeat on opposite side. Do 12 reps. • works abs, obliques, chest, back
Be firm all over with one quick workout. Singer Michelle Williams shares her all-time quick slim plan: circuit training.
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
These multitasking moves will create sleek, sexy curves at the same time increase your metabolism.
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
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
The appearance of toned thighs make you look good in a pair tight of jeans. Let’s workout with Bonnie as she guides us how to firm up and tone our thighs.
The role of moms out there can be time-consuming that leaves little or no room for work out. It can be a challenging commitment to make on top of the minimal personal time, sleep deprivation, and priority changes that babies and little children requires. Are there any options for mothers to pursue fitness? The truth of the matter is that the more you take care of yourself then the better you feel. Our body naturally releases a “feel-good” hormone called endorphins that lifts your mood. Exercise also make you stronger both physically and emotionally to face a day as a mom.
Here are few exercises perfect to fit in your busy schedule at home.
Mini circuit training routine
This routine is good as a perfect daily work out to burn off few extra calories and tone up common problem areas (i.e. hips, buns, thighs, abdomen, and upper body). The key to maximize work out is to keep your heart rate elevated thus burning more calories and tones the whole body.
Routine for busy moms comprises of four exercises.
The goal
Perform one set of 10 to 15 repetitions before proceeding to the next exercise. After completing all four exercises once, repeat the circuit again two more times for a total of three circuits. This work out should approximately take no more than 10 minutes to complete.
Warm up
March in place or go for a small walk with your little one around the park to warm prepare your body for the workout.
1. Curtsy lunge with lateral lift stabilizes your standing posture
a. Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees relaxed, and hands on the hips. Pull abs in, spine in a neutral position with the shoulders pulled down and chest lifted. Extending right leg out to the side, supporting leg is slightly bent with foot pointing forward.
b. Step right leg diagonally behind the body, hips and torso stay facing forward, right heel is lifted. Both knees are bent in a lunge position; weight is centered over the supporting thigh.
c. Extend both legs and swing right leg out to the side, balancing on the left leg. The moving leg should be slightly internally rotated at the hip causing you to lead the motion with the heel.
Repeat this motion up to 15 times then proceed to the next leg.
Reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each leg Muscle Focus: targets glutes, quads, hamstrings, and abs for standing stabilization
2. Single leg lunge swings
A. Feet together, knees relaxed, abs pulled in with shoulders relaxed and chest lifted.
B. Take a large step forward with the right leg. Bend both knees, keep right knee inline with ankle and left knee pointing down to the floor. Hold the lunge, contracting the abs for balance, maintaining a neutral spine and push the swing forward with your arms and chest. Push off right front foot and thigh and bring feet back together, repeat alternating legs.
Reps: 3 sets of 10- 15 reps on each leg Muscle focus: Targets glutes, quads, hamstrings, chest, arms, shoulders and abs
3. Flamingo pick ups
A. Stand tall with your right leg extended behind the body, arms on hips.
B. Exhale as you contract your abs and hinge forward from the hips, maintaining pelvis square to the front. Simultaneously lift the back leg to a T-position body parallel to the floor. Hold this position for a count of 5, to make this exercise more challenging reach your left hand forward pretending to pick up something off the ground. Return back to T-position with both hands on hips. Contract the glutes and hamstrings; hinge the body back to start position.
Reps: 3 sets of 10-15 reps on each leg Muscle Focus: Targets glutes, hamstrings and abs
Tip: Mentally focus on the core. Without this mind-body connection you will not be able to balance. Also, by contracting all the muscles in the supporting leg, you will create a more stable support to work from.
Modifications: Hold a chair or the wall for support if you have poor balance.
4. Ab planks work the whole body
A. Place your hands on top of a step or climbing frame, placing you on an incline. Your hands should be directly underneath the shoulders. Move feet back and extend the body into a plank position, abs are contracted to keep torso supported.
B. Exhale; draw your right knee to chest without moving the upper body. Inhale swing the leg back maintaining the pelvis square to the floor, contracting the glutes and hamstrings.
Reps:3 sets of 10-15 reps on each leg. Muscle focus: Works the whole body all at the same time! Targets chest, shoulders, arms, abs, glutes and hamstrings
Tip: While performing this exercise imagine you’re pushing away from the floor contacting your lats and upper back muscles which stabilize your shoulder girdle. Your core is tight without any movement as you move the leg.
Modifications: Lower supporting knee to the ground and gradually lift the knee off the floor as you get stronger. Eventually you can extend the body out in to full plank.
Any kind of physical activity greatly benefits women. Your goal could either be to improve your looks or your general health. Thigh workout can help you reach your fitness goals.
The human body is designed to walk and move. Unfortunately, the advent of modern technology and convenience allows more sitting than walking. The lack of physical exercise leads to health problems thus negatively affecting your appearance. Before it dramatically changes your health, why not incorporate thigh toning exercises as part of your daily activities.
What you can do
Walking or jogging on a regular basis is a good start. Take “long cuts” when walking around the city. Aim to do activities that encourage you to walk more. It can be as simple as parking further away from your building and taking stairs instead of the elevator.
How often
You can spare a short time to do thigh toning workout in as little as three times a week. If your thighs are a major problem area for you then thrice a week is highly recommended. See written description of a thigh toning exercise.
Hip Abduction Thigh exercise
Lie on your side (preferably on an exercise mat), with your head resting on the top of your arm, which should be flat on the floor. Assuming you are lying on your right side, your right leg should be straight and flat on the floor. Bring your left leg up/forward and place your ankle on the floor in front of your right leg. Once you have that position, hold your left ankle or shin with your left hand and slowly raise your right leg off of the floor.
The bottom line is that specific thigh toning and thigh slimming exercises can be extremely effective, but you need to follow a well rounded routine composed of several critical exercises. The right combination and sequence of lower body exercises can transform your butt, hip and thigh trouble spots into a beautiful work of art.
Try out other cool thigh and leg workouts by simply watching the video below.
Muscle building has turn into a complex subject that often comes with “myths” on how to go about it. Many people desire to build more muscle but do not have any clue on how to do it right, especially women. The most common issue of muscle building that concerns women is trying to tone their bodies rather than bulking up. Women, in general, desire to maintain that feminine shape but at the same time build a little strength.
Men want to bulk their muscles to achieve that masculine look. Women on the other hand want to reshape their bodies in a curvy yet stronger form. How can men and women achieve desired results from muscle building? Here are tips that women should know about muscle building.
Repetition means everything
Men who want to build muscles should focus on heavier weights and low repetitions. Heavier or high weights are designed to bulk muscles fast compared to lightweights. Aim to push yourself harder so your muscle gets a maximum workout. When you lift weights or do any kind of exercise you want to make sure to know the number of reps you need to do. It can be one set of ten reps or ten sets of ten reps, whichever you are capable of doing in a safe way. You don’t want to end up injuring yourself.
How heavy is too heavy for women?
The best way to determine how much weight you should use to lift is to make your best cautious estimate. Once you’re done with warm up, start lifting a light for 12 or 20 reps. Select a weight for the next set that will challenge you for your goal number of reps.
It is important that the weight you are using for each set of exercises will challenge you. Keep an exercise journal to record all the weights you use on each exercise of your fitness program. Your exercise journal will be a very important tool to know what weight to use after your muscles become use to the usual weight.
Low weight for women
Majority of women do not yearn to end up looking like men when it comes to muscle shape. Women want to build muscle to look lean and trim. How can women build muscle without losing their feminine features? The answer is quite simple. The key lies in low weight repetition combined with fat burning exercises. Women get into aerobics than men. Thus, women usually get the best of both worlds. The powerful combination of cardio exercises (or fat burning exercises) and low weight with high repetitions not only burns fat but also shape muscles. Men are more drawn to muscle building or lifting weights than aerobics.
Lifting speed is critical
A fast lifting speed or tempo will produce momentum but does not encourage blood flow to the muscle you are using. It is recommended to do a slow lifting speed or tempo to create less momentum that will force your muscles to do the work. A slow tempo requires a concentration of muscle power throughout the entire range of motion.
Resistance training in relation to repetition quantity
A fitness plan has a good chance to succeed if you understand the relationship between resistance exercises and the number of repetitions you perform in every exercise.
Weight lifting as a part of an over-all woman’s fitness program should be done to the point of muscle fatigue. Most women can finish 8 repetitions with 85 percent of the maximum weight lifted in one time, with the use of proper lifting technique.
Start with 12 to 15 repetition of each move. As you get better at it, work up to two sets of 15 to 20 reps. Do the routine three times a week on nonconsecutive days for results in one month.
