Quick! Get out your light hand weights and exercise mat, for some last-minute swim suit toning exercises. You may be going away to the beach soon, and there is still time to pump up your exercise regimen, and get toned.
Even if you don’t see immediate results, you will see results with continued exercise and toning. Plus, simply doing these exercises will boost your confidence this summer when you wear your favorite swim suit or sundress.
Summer Arms
You can tone your arms without gym equipment or you can use small hand weights firm up your arms.
Small hand weights from one to five pounds are ideal for arm toning. If you do not normally use gym equipment, or weights, try a set of two-pound weights to get started. You will feel the change, and your increased strength. You will also notice some toning in your forearms, biceps and triceps, without looking bulky.
When you tone your arms for swim suit season this summer, use heavy repetition with your light weights. Do three sets of 30, give or take ten repetitions. These arm toning exercises can be done in the morning or before bed, in the bedroom, or in front of the TV. Where and when doesn’t matter, as long as you do them.
1. Chest and Tricep Pushback
Squat slightly, keeping your legs about shoulder-width apart (check that they are not too far apart). Bend knees slightly, and holding one weight in each hand, rest your hands by your buttocks. Slowly bring both arms away from the body. You will feel the movement in you chest and your triceps.
2. Triceps
Or, for a more focused tricep move, in the same position, bend arms so elbows meet the the sides of your torso, near the rib cage. Bring arms down until they are straight, then bring hands back to the sides.
Summer is for Backs
Don’t forget to tone the back this summer. It may be seeing some sun, or some moonlight.
1. Jabbing Movements
Use light weights to practice boxing type moves. Bring one weight straight out in front of you in a steady jabbing motion then alternate with the other arm.
2. Or Cross Jab
Using the same technique, instead cross your arm in front of you body. With weights you will feel this toning move fairly quickly.
Summer Legs
What is more cooling in the summer than wearing a flattering mini skirt or flirty dress? Try some of these inner thigh toning exercises that you can do at home.
1. Walk, Walk, Walk
The absolute best way to firm up your legs, diminish cellulite and slim down is to walk. Walking can be done anywhere, at any time, can greatly improve your summer body. Walk as much and as often as you can. Walk up and own hills or go hiking, to further slim down thighs and hips.
2. Pilates
Pilates is known for slimming down the core region of the body, but Pilates can also do wonders for your inner thighs, outer thighs, and hips.
3. Standing Exercises
Don’t forget the benefits of standing exercises this summer.
Run in place, skip, jump, add movement to whatever you are doing this summer.
Summer is for Abs
Toning your abs and trimming down your mid-section is a good health move. Plus, it can help you fit into all those fun summer fashions you crave. Find an abdomen work out that you don’t hate. You may never love doing abs (until you see results), but you don;t have to hate them either. There are plenty of yoga abdomen work outs, Pilates tapes, and other media that focus on toning and strengthening abdomens.
The best way to tone abs for summer is to just get down on the floor and do some crunches. Do some every day. Stick with it.
