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Workouts for YOUR Body Type

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Hawaii chapter.

Spring Break is right around the corner, collegiettes, and while we should be worrying about midterms, we’re more concerned with getting ourselves bikini ready. Although you shouldn’t mentally check out of school yet, you should still focus on small workouts to prepare for the week of sun, sand, and fun. Below are ways to maximize a workout for your body type – this way, you can whip yourself into shape quickly for break, while focusing on school. 

Straight body types are women with little to no curves, think Cameron Diaz. If this sounds like you, then you should know that most of your fat is stored in your chest, stomach, and face. To shed the problems areas, focus on core-strengthening exercises, like sit-ups to tighten your mid-section and add a little curvature. Add squats and back exercises to broaden your bottom and top areas, also allowing more curve in your look. 

Athletic body types have broad shoulders and narrow hips, which means most of the fat is going to be stored in the middle of the body, similar to an apple shape. If you can identify with this body type, then focus on exercises that work the lower body, especially abdominal tightening exercises. This will shrink your mid-section and give you an hourglass shape!

Curvy women tend to be more hourglass shaped than the other body types with wider hips, a full chest, and a smaller waist. Fat is distributed evenly throughout the entire body, yet gaining muscle is harder for these body types. In order to gain muscle, but keep your curves, focus on full-body exercises like the side-plank with a moving knee. 

Pear shapes, like Alicia Keys, have wide hips and a small upper body. Most of the fat is in the bottom, and legs, yet is easily toned. Unfortunatley, pear shapes may have difficulty toning their arms and chest. If this sounds like you, focus on your upper body with pushups and lateral raises instead of trying to shrink your lower half. You’ll even out much quicker. 

All pictures and workout tips brought to you by O2 Max Fitness

Sammi Baum is a 21 year old journalist working to inspire the masses with her words. Baum is Taiwanese-German, a journalism major with an emphasis in English and Italian, a curvy women advocate, a gamer girl, and a low-key fashionista. Currently, she is a junior at the University of Hawaii.