Now that spring break has come and gone, only five weeks remain until summer vacation. Yes, ladies, this means only five weeks for us to head to the gym or go for a run to prepare for the fast-approaching “Swimsuit Season.” So to help us all get ready for good times in the sun and feel good about the skin we’re in, here’s a few workouts to do on your own or with a group of friends to FEEL THE BURN and get ready for summer.
***Remember to always stretch before a workout***
The Good Old Plank
Most everyone knows what a plank is and how to do it, but just in case you’re not quite sure, look at the picture above, make sure your shoulders are directly above your elbows, and your back is straight (not arched or sagging)! You should be on your toes with your feet about shoulder width apart. But if you need more balance, move your feet farther apart.
Once you’ve got that down, try a side plank. Like the picture above, place one foot over the other (unless you need more balance, in that case place your feet heel to toe flat on the ground) and try to keep your body in line. Although the girl in the photo has her hands on her hips, it’s harder when you have extra weight on your abdomen, so place your hands on your head—or wherever is most comfortable.
The Workout:
1. Hold normal position for 15 seconds
2. Hold left side position for 15 seconds
3. Hold right side position for 15 seconds
Don’t rest in between sides! If this is too easy for you, change the intervals to 30 seconds each, or repeat the set for as many times as you like.
Hard-Core Pushups
Now that you’ve done the plank, the next step would be pushups! Keep that plank position in mind when you do this exercise. It is better to do one complete, good-form pushup than ten ugly pushups. Start in that extended plank possiton—shoulders over hands, tight, straight core, and keep your head in line with your spine, don’t let it drop!
When you go down for the pushup, keep your core tight and your head up. Try to get your arms to a 90 degree angle and then push yourself back up.
The Workout:
3 sets of 10 pushups; rest between sets
Weighted Walking Lunges
For these, we’re going to do an average lung with a little bit of a kick. Grab a dumbbell for each hand like the picture above. Step forward with one leg making sure to keep your shoulders back, your back straight, and your head in line with your spine. Lunge down until your knee nearly touches the ground, and push back up to bring your feet together. Continue, alternating legs.
The Workout:
1. 25 lunges
2. Rest 45 seconds
3. 20 lunges
4. Rest 45 seconds
5. 15 lunges
Coupled with cardio and a balanced diet, these simple exercises will definitely help tone your body and prepare for a wonderful summer vacation. Just remember that no matter your shape or size, you.are.beautiful. These exercises are only meant to give you a little confidence boost some guidance the next time you go to the gym.