It’s that time again ladies; time to start watching what we eat and eating healthier. Time to buckle down and work out on a daily basis and time to start losing our winter weight and slimming down for those sexy beach bodies. That’s right ladies, SPRING BREAK is fast approaching us and it’s time to start kicking it into gear. There are only 20ish more days until you will be laying on the beach somewhere in a tropical paradise. I know, it’s a little scary…I am sure you’re asking yourself how am I going to lose this weight and tighten and tone my body in so little time or how can I feel more confident in my bikini on the beach? Well don’t fret any longer; all you have to do is dedicate yourself to working out on a daily basis. Here are the top five spring break work outs that will make you look and feel great! Try these fun work out’s and in no time you will be ready to flaunt your stuff and have fun in the sun!
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Kickboxing: this is a high impact work out class that really gets your heart beating fast. It works every muscle in your body and contains interval training which is key when trying to lose weight. You will burn hundreds of calories in just one session! Kickboxing is offered at the Hamel Recreation Center on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, it’s incorporated into a class called Cardio Boxing.
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Zumba: This is a work out class that is so much FUN! Who doesn’t love to dance? Zumba is a cardio fitness dance class that is Latin inspired but also incorporates dance types such as hip hop, reggae ton, salsa, the cha-cha, and modern dance. Basically, you spend an hour dancing to the latest and greatest hits and getting an awesome cardio work out filled with lots of calorie burning. Zumba is offered at the Hamel Recreation Center on Monday’s, Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s, and Thursday’s. It is also offered at the AG Fitness Program at the Rockingham Ballroom in New Market, NH for a simple drop in fee of $6.00 (check out the website for more information www.zumbawithangela.com )
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Bikram Yoga: Also known as hot yoga is a therapeutic and relaxing yoga class that takes place in a room that is 105 degrees. It is suitable for all ages and levels of ability (aka beginners are welcome). When you go to the class you should wear light weight, fitted clothing, and bring a yoga mat. Remember to pace yourself and take breaks when needed. The heat can be exhaustive but it‘s helpful in removing harmful toxins from your body. WARNING: make sure you drink lots and lots of water before and after class to keep hydrated! You can take classes at Bikram Yoga Portsmouth. If you’re a new student there is a great deal available; ten classes for $10.00
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Running: This may not be a favorite work out for many but it is a great way to keep you active. Whether it is just for 20 minutes or an hour running is a great cardio work out that continually burns calories and works out your legs and buns; two assets you definitely want to look great as you walk up and down the beach of your spring break get-a-way. Run at the gym or bundle up and run outside, whichever way you prefer you will definitely get your sweat on.
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Build and maintain muscle at home: Work out in your dorm room or in the living room of your apartment. All you need is three items: a yoga mat, an exercise ball, and set of free weights (5-10 pounds). These items are a cheap purchase that will be beneficial to your health for a lifetime. Use these exercise tools to build and maintain muscle and bring out some definition in your biceps, triceps, shoulders, and abs. When you are using the free weights you should do supersets or in other works 12 reps of one particular exercise that focuses on one muscle group such as a shoulders and then immediately following that with no rest in between do another type of exercise the focus on the same muscle group, the shoulders for 12 reps. So, in total you would be doing 24 reps. You should do 3 sets of 24 reps. Below are different exercises that target particular muscle groups.
Biceps:traditional bicep curl, leaning over the ball do preacher curls, hammers curls
Triceps: using a chair tricep dips, over head tricep extensions also known as skull crushers, regular tricep extension
Shoulders:front shoulder raises, Arnolds (lifting the arms over head with a twist as you go), arm circles
Abs:ball roll in, plank with oblique twist, regular crunches, leg lifts, lay on the ball and crunch up-the spinal flection causes your core to work harder.
These are easy do it yourself work outs that you can do according to your body. You can find examples of each one of these exercises online! Remember to stick with it and you will start to see some real definition in no time!
So those are 5 great work outs that will get you into shape and ready for spring break! Remember to pair these work outs with a healthy diet and you’ll have a new, tighter, and sexier figure! Also, don’t forget to refuel after your work outs; have a glass of low fat chocolate milk, a banana, Greek yogurt, or a fruit smoothie… pretty much any type of protein to help rebuild your muscles! Good luck, bon voyage, and have an AMAZING spring break!