I just got my Fitness Magazine in the mail today and really enjoyed these workout tips from Brooke Burke. She and I are both 40, so this really inspires me to get into better shape. As many of you know, I’ve been training to run a marathon in January, but I have to tell you…running is great for weightloss, but it doesn’t tone every muscle. That’s why it’s been very important for me to do other exercises to try to keep my core strong. I will admit…I haven’t been working as hard on my core as I should be, so here’s to getting into better shape in 2012!
Cheek to Cheek
Targets abs, obliques
- Start in plank position, balancing on floor on forearms and toes, a straight line from head to heels.
- Keeping shoulders level, twist midsection to lower left hip toward floor; touch floor if possible.
- Return to plank and then lower right hip to floor.
- Do 20 reps, alternating sides. Do 4 sets.
Crisscross Lunge
Targets butt, legs
- Stand with feet hip-width apart, elbows bent, hands clasped in front of chest.
- Cross right leg behind left, stepping right foot out to left, and then bend both knees about 90 degrees to lower into a curtsy.
- Return to start; switch legs and repeat.
- Do 20 reps, alternating sides. Do 4 sets.
Dead Bug
Targets abs, obliques
- Lie faceup on floor with arms extended behind head, knees bent 90 degrees with feet raised, shins parallel to floor.
- Crunch up and hold position throughout as you bring left arm forward to reach toward toes and extend left leg.
- Switch sides and repeat.
- Do 20 reps, alternating sides. Do 4 sets.
Atlas
Targets shoulders, triceps
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a 3- to 5-pound dumbbell in each hand, palms up, with elbows bent by ribs and forearms pointing diagonally up out to sides.
Swimmer Squat
Targets back, abs, butt, legs
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, arms by sides.
- Lower into a deep squat.
- As you stand, lift extended right leg behind you and hinge at hips, reaching left arm forward so that body forms a straight line from left hand to right foot, as close to parallel to floor as possible.
- Return to start.
- Do 20 reps, alternating sides. Do 4 sets.
Brooke also has her own blog called ModernMom.com.
Her body is incredible! We saw her in person in California last year and she is as fit as they come. Merry Christmas.
I will try to remember this post when I am eating a holiday meal:)
Merry Christmas!!
xo
Amy R.