We all want that beach body, but how much effort are we willing to put in is dependable. I prefer the intense and fast approach; cramming in toning exercises the week before I go on holiday. As I head to Italy next week (shameless gloat) I’ve been stalking the internet to find the best exercise circuit routine and now am sharing it with all you. The lifestyle team are getting in beach shape, will you join us?
Just follow this fool-proof program and you’ll be leaping onto the beach in that bikini or pair of trunks!
Y’S
Great for strengthening your upper back muscles.
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, chest up, shoulders back, and spine straight. Bend your knees slightly and sit your hips back slightly. Keep your arms straight and your thumbs up towards the ceiling. Draw your shoulder blades in towards your spine, extend your arms to 11 o’clock and 1 o’clock. Create a Y shape with your arms and torso. Repeat this 15 times.
Bodyism Mini Band Single leg Rotation.
WARNING– This exercise requires an elastic stretch band.
Slip the band over both legs, slightly above your knees. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and bend your knees slightly so that your butt sticks out. Keep both feet on the floor and then twist your right leg and knee inwards (as if you were doing some funky jazz dance move.) Return your right leg and knee to the start position, do 15 repetitions and then repeat on the other side.
Supermans
Start on all fours, with your back straight and your toes dug into the floor. Lift your right hand and your left knee off the floor keeping your back flat. Bring your right elbow towards your stomach and your left knee towards your chest so they both touch. Extend your right arm out in front of you at a 45 degree angle and push your leg straight back. Repeat 10 times from the start. Then switch sides.
Flowing push up
This is a great exercise to work your shoulders, abdominals and your arms.
Start in the traditional push up position. Move your feet hip-width apart and forward, and raise your hips so your body forms an upside-down V (downward dog). Bend your elbows and lower the front of your body until your chin nears the floor. Then lower your hips and straighten your arms as you raise your head and shoulders toward the ceiling. Then raise your knees off the floor, sending your hips and bum towards the ceiling, to return to the start position. Repeat 5 – 10 times.
The Drop Lunge
This works your legs and your glutes. Stand tall with your hands in a praying position by your chest. Then step diagonally back with your right leg, and sit back and down into a squat. Return to the start position and repeat 10 times, then do the same on the alternative leg.
Finish off with a set of Mountain climbers.
They are hard core but brilliant for toning and fat burning. Begin in the plank position, then drive your right knee up towards your chest, then switch onto your left leg. Keep this switching routine going for 30 seconds.
Perform each exercise once as a circuit, making sure you rest for 15 seconds between each exercise. Repeat the circuit 2 times for maximum results.
Do you even lift?