Summer has arrived, which means you are bound to find yourself in a swim suit at some point. Instead of hiding inside, under a coverup, or loathing your appearance, you can do a few quick and easy moves that will make you feel sleek, light and beautiful. These simple moves target your most troublesome areas while toning from head to toe.
Core: Leg Lowers
The tummy and back are often the parts that get hidden under layers, fabrics and prints to camouflage any imperfections. Instead, let your midsection loose with a simple move that tightens the entire core. Lie on your back with your legs straight up toward the ceiling. Bring your hands behind your head with your elbows wide. Bring your chin to your chest and lift your head. Engage your core by drawing your belly button into your spine and press your lower back into the mat. As you inhale, flex your right foot and lower it halfway. Exhale to engage your core, point your toe, and lift your leg back up. Switch sides and repeat, alternating back and forth for two minutes.
Thighs: Plie Squats
To tone up your lower half before you slip into those teeny bottoms, try some squats to tone all around the thighs. As you lower, you’ll engage the tops and outer edge of your thighs. As you push up, you’ll squeeze along the back of your legs, into your glutes and through the inner thighs. Stand with your feet wider than your hips and your toes turned out. Engage your core by drawing your belly button into your spine. Bring your hands to your hips. Bend your knees over your ankles. Push into your heels and squeeze your glutes to lift back up. Repeat for one minute.
Chest and Shoulders: Wall Push-Ups
Make your chest and shoulders pop in your tank tops and swimsuits with a twist on a classic move that works straight into your upper body. Push-ups take you from a plank position down towards the ground as you squeeze your arms, chest and even upper back to lift back up. When you do them against a wall, you have more support and can do more reps than on the ground. Stand arms-length away from a wall. Bring your hands to the wall at shoulder height. Take your arms wider than shoulder-distance apart. Engage your core as you bend your elbows to the sides and press toward the wall. Push into your arms and chest as you press back up. Repeat for one minute.
Legs and Buns: Standing Leg Lifts
There is no need to hide yourself under a large bottom anymore. Small swim suit bottoms can be your friend with a lifted, tightened tush. Standing leg lifts are small moves that will lift and tone your backside in no time. These lengthen your legs, lift your buns, and even tighten your core as your stabilize. Stand with your hands on a wall, counter top or chair back. Engage your core and lift your chest. Bring your heels together and slide your right leg back, lengthening it to extend behind you. Keep your core still as you squeeze your bottom and lift your leg. Slowly lower and lift. Repeat for one minute and switch sides.
