S Fever Workout – Spring, summer, sun, sexy, skin

Spring and summer fast approaching means sun, skin and sexy.

Nowadays gyms memberships are pricey, especially for younger women. And for those of us who are still working students, we don’t have much time or resources to go back and forth to the gym in between study sessions and multiple jobs.

Cosmo has many different workout moves straight from the hands of celebrity trainers. How to get toned legs, arms, stomach and especially the behind! There are tons of variations that work for different people, but do what works for your body.

Working out has many benefits. It’s fun, relieves stress, improves your health and your body. Don’t let it become a punishment. Make it fun.

It’s also important not to expect instant results. Results take time and patience and a lot of work.

When I have time, I like to enjoy my time at Howard Hall, the gym at no cost to University of Portland students. I highly recommend that any and all students utilize the free resources through schools when they’re still available. When I’m at home, though, and when you’re at home, you can keep it simple. These moves are similar to the variations that Cosmo suggests as well (they’re the ones I use).

Legs: lunges and wall-sits

Lunges: Bend one knee in front of you and use the other leg straight or bent behind you for balance. Keep your weight on the bended knee. Switch back and forth between legs, and to keep in motion, move forward. Try 15 per leg and repeat 3 times. Take a 30 second to 1 minute break in between.

Wall-sits: Sit with your back against the wall like you’re sitting in a chair (bend knees at 90 degree angle). Legs can also be spread shoulder width. Try to hold the position for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times. If 30 seconds isn’t tough enough, try 1 minute.

Arms: “girl” and backward push-ups

“Girl” push-ups: Get in the push-up position but rest on your knees. Push forward a little so that your weight is on your arms. Try to do 15 to 30, and repeat 3 times.

Backward push-ups: I have a frame beneath my mattress (it looks like the mattress but it’s not). I slightly push the mattress off the frame enough so my hands can rest on it. Your arms will be slightly behind you with the heels of your hands resting on the frame. Lower yourself (bend legs at knees or keep legs straight) until your arms are bent at about 90 degrees. Try 15 to 20 and repeat 3 to 5 times.

Stomach: crunches and the bicycle

Bicycle

Crunches: These are like sit ups, but you’re not sitting all the way up (though you can if you want). Raise your knees up or raise your legs in front of you. Lift your upper body up so that you feel tightness in your midsection, then lower your upper body back down (don’t rest on the floor/mat). Start with 50 and repeat 3 times. If you’re comfortable with it already, try 100 and repeat 3 to five times.

Bicycle: Lie on the floor. Raise and bend one knee toward you and keep the other leg raised but straight. Slightly raise your upper body with your arms bent behind your head (don’t push or pull your head/neck). Slightly turn your body toward the bent knee. If your left knee is bent, raise your body and turn so your right elbow is almost or touching your left knee. If it’s your right knee, touch your left elbow to the knee. Rotate smoothly like you’re pedaling on a bike. Try 20 per knee and repeat 3 times.

Remember that results take time. Use upbeat music and get in comfortable clothes. If your body is giving out, stop until you have the energy again. Don’t push yourself when you’re just starting. Build up your body and strength. And remember to be patient.

If you want something faster and more upbeat, try work-out dance videos and do them alone or with friends. They’re fun and provide a great work out. I recommend Crunch videos with Jennifer Galardi.

Good luck, and have fun getting ready for the sun!
Which moves or routines work for you?