As we enter the new year, many among us strive for a change in our lives. For some of us, it may be concerning our health, or finances, or perhaps even in our relationship – whichever are in our lives that may need fixing. For many women, achieving an ideal weight and getting into shape are the main concerns for we always want to look our best! So, will we do it, finally, this year?
Proper exercise, as we know it, contributes to 30% of our success in weight loss as well as in shaping up our figures. Although the percentage isn’t that big, but hey, it does not mean that we can afford to discount it, for no amount of superior nutrients is going to change fat into muscle – know what we mean? So, here, we present to you 6 fool-proof workout moves that will help you achieve the physique you yearn for, faster and more effectively!
Start of with the simple Jumping Jacks
If you’re not used to working out, this should be relatively easy for you to begin with. It’s easy – just jump and ‘clap’ your hands above your head at the same time, with your elbows either slightly bent, or straight. You can see an example of this exercise here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDSMdd8hiFg
This easy-to-do move raises your metabolism as well as your respiratory rate, helping you to burn off lots of unwanted calories, especially from holiday feasting! Do this consistently for the best results – you’ll soon be watching those extra pounds melt away. The video shown advocates 100 jumping jack moves, but if you are a beginner, start off at 20 first, and work your way up each day.
Squats
Here’s a distinctive exercise move for a firmer butt and more defined thighs! More importantly, it will help to strengthen your core muscles. If you have no problems with squatting and getting up without having to hold on to anything to pull yourself up, well, consider yourself quite lucky, as there are countless individuals out there, some young ones too, who can’t do that! It’s probably due to weakened muscles from lack of exercise, and also, lack of squatting moves. Well, let’s face it, in today’s modern world, who squats for anything anymore, right? Unfortunately, that would probably also result in a less-than-perfect, or even sagging butt. Time to lift those up, we say, so here’s a video that may help you along:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otzWCWpuW-A.
So, are you ready to squat your way to a firmer behind? Whatever you do, don’t forget to take it slow and don’t overdo it or you’ll end up with an overly sore body. Happy squatting!
Cycling
Here’s an activity being enjoyed by more and more people nowadays! And it’s easy to see why too, for we have quite a number of scenic cycling paths in our country, and many of these have been underused for a long time. Post-lockdown however, many people seemed to have realised that they have been sorely lacking in exercise and fresh air. Cycling strengthens and shapes up your legs, giving you those sexy, shapely calves you see in some lucky people. Well, maybe it wasn’t luck at all, and perhaps you could cycle your way to firmer, sexier legs and a healthier body too! There are two choices of cycling you can choose from, and they are, cycling outdoors, which would require a helmet, proper cycling attire and if possible, knee guards. Alternatively, you could also cycle indoors with a static bicycle, using even a pair of shorts and a comfortable top. Cycling will help boost your blood circulation, strengthen your legs and thighs, and keep you alert. It Is one of the most common exercises one can perform to shape up quickly.
YOGA
Believed to be originated from India, Yoga is an acclaimed physical and mental exercise which also involves cleansing the body and soul via breaths. It has numerous physical and mental benefits and yes, it is popular as an exercise to get in shape too! There are quite a few types of yoga that one can practice, and they include Hatha Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and so on. These each have their own special benefits, but are all very beneficial for the human body. Bikram Yoga, or Hot Yoga for instance, has about 26 steps, and is usually performed in an environment that is heated to 42 degrees celsius. Yoga, if done correctly, generally results in a more flexible body, and is capable of burning off excess fat. If you think yoga is for you, then go ahead and join a yoga class near you today!
Swimming
Here’s a whole-body workout if you are able to – swimming! It exercises every muscle group in our body and is exceptionally effective in toning up our muscles. Have you seen the bodies of swimmers? Well, are we lying, then? Swimming can be a pleasurable activity if you know how to swim, and it works wonders for your body – all over. It can be done in a pool, either a private one or a community one. It is an effective way to burn a whole lot of calories too! Swimming tones up your arms, shoulders, waist, hips, thighs, and buttocks! Needless to say, if you decide to add swimming into your regular activities, all you’ll end up with is a fabulous figure, tones from top to toe! Not a bad outcome, is it? Like all other exercises , if you’re looking to shape up by swimming, then there has to be some consistency to it, such as making the time to swim for half an hour or more, at least twice a week!
Skipping
How many of you have used a skipping rope when you were kids? Wasn’t that so much fun? When we were younger, skipping was merely a game we played with others or on our own, as we practiced our skipping skills. Now that we’re adults, the act of skipping with a skipping rope would serve more as a fat-burning exercise more than anything else! Similar to swimming, skipping helps to tone up several areas of the body at one go, for you’ll be moving your arms, legs and shoulders at one go. You can perform your skipping exercise at the comfort of your own home, any time you wish too. All you need is a skipping rope. (Most of us might remember making our own with rubber-bands!). Skipping boosts your metabolism and helps with blood circulation too. It is energising and revitalizing even for one’s mental health, so go ahead and skip your way to a better body and mind. 15 minutes of skipping, two or three times a week will suffice if you wish to see positive results.
Getting into shape takes some determination and perhaps even sacrifice, for it requires you to get up and move your body, apart from eating right. It is all up to you now to take that first step, and remain consistent throughout. We know you can do it!
