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Training Center — Shape Up for Summer!


trainingSummer can be tons of fun, but summer clothing often makes us more self-conscious about our legs, tummy or arms. Here are some exercises for each of these areas that may help you feel and look better in your summer clothes.

Legs
Skipping. Remember when you were a little girl, and you skipped everywhere you went? Step. Hop. Step. Hop. Skipping is great exercise for both your calves and your thighs. Skipping for 20 minutes can also be a good cardiovascular exercise.

High skipping is done with your arms and legs to help you hop as high as you can while you skip. High skipping will not only strengthen your legs but will also shape and define them.

legStraight leg lifts are great for your thighs. Lie on your back on the floor, and before you lift one leg at a time, be sure to lock your knee. This will tighten your thigh before you lift your leg about eight inches from the floor. You can lie on your side and lift your leg sideways, and this will tone your hips. Do three sets of 10.

Tummy
Body curls are great exercises to firm your lower abdomen. Lie on your back with both hands above your head holding a table leg or something that won’t move. Bend the knees and curl your body up until the knees touch your chest. This exercise can be made more difficult by lying on a slant board so that you curl uphill.

Curls or sit-ups can be done to tighten the upper abdomen. Be sure to lock your hands behind your head and roll your shoulders off the floor as you touch your elbows to your bent knees. Do 30 of each the body curls and sit-ups.

arm1Arms
Bicep curls develop the front of your upper arm. Using cans from the kitchen, stand with your arms hanging and your palms facing forward. Bend your elbows, and curl the cans up to the top of your shoulder. Do three sets of 10.

arm2Triceps Extensions tighten the back of your upper arm. Stand with one can in your hand and with your elbow upward beside your head. The can in your hand should be behind your shoulder. Then straighten your elbow and reach as high as you possible with the can. Do three sets of 10.


This article appeared in Brio magazine in April 2008. Copyright © 2008 Sylvia Goodman. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.

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