Summer Workout from Fitness First: Discover your bikini body with this confidence boosting workout from the experts at Fitness First
With only weeks to go until bikini season, we have spoken to Fitness First Health & Fitness Expert Paul Cheeseman who has come up with a set of simple but effective tips to help you step onto the beach with confidence.
This 30 minute circuit workout is a great way to combine cardio and weight training together so you can burn fat and tone up at the same time as well as increase endurance and stamina. Combine this with a positive mindset, and you’ll see a real difference on those legs, bums and tums!
Squat Jump
The squat jump will give your leg muscles a workout and get your heart pumping. Stand with your feet roughly shoulder-width apart, then slowly bend your legs and arms to about 90 degrees at the same time. Once your thighs are parallel to the floor, explode into the air as high as you can go. Land softly and repeat the motion again. Perform eight to 10 repetitions, or 20 to 25 seconds for a timed circuit. Modify the reps or time to suit your fitness level if the workout seems too difficult or not difficult enough.
Push-Ups
The basic push-up is an exercise that will strengthen your triceps, shoulders and chest. Including push-ups in your circuit training routine will help to give a complete body workout. Do eight to ten push-ups to start, then increase as your level of fitness increases. Perform push-ups for 10 to 20 seconds as part of a timed routine.
Lunges
Lunges will strengthen and tone your thighs and buttocks. You can either step out into a lunge position then return to the start and repeat, or alternate legs in a continuous walking motion across the floor. Lunges can be performed with no added weight or with a dumbbell in each hand for more of a challenge. Start with eight to 10 reps or 20 to 25 seconds and modify the resistance or reps according to your fitness level.
V-Ups
The V-up can be a challenging exercise for people with weaker abdominal muscles. Lie on your back and extend your arms up over your head. Raise your upper and lower body at the same time, keeping your arms and legs straight to form a “V.” Lower yourself slowly and repeat. Aim for eight to 10 repetitions or 20 seconds, but don’t push yourself too hard because the V-up is a difficult exercise.