It’s heavy.
It’s cheap.
It’s simple.
Hello toned body.
What could it possibly be?
It’s a dumbbell, you dumbbell!
For cardio addicts who wonder why they just can’t get those toned legs they’ve worked so hard to get, the answer is simple. Add some strength training to an everyday workout for that rocking body we all aspire to have.
Lunge Love: If you’re new to lunges, just stepping out and returning to your starting stance can be challenging enough. Don’t sweat it. Simply hold dumbbells to push yourself to the next level. Holding weights, five to ten pounds, will make both your booty and arms work more.
Keen on Biceps: Stand straight and slightly loose with a dumbbell in each hand. Extend your arms on each side of your body with your palms facing each leg. Keep your elbows tight against your body, curl the weights up in a hammer motion and slowly return to the starting position. You can work both arms simultaneously or alternate the two. Repeat as many times as possible. Remember the goal is to fatigue the muscle–think tired equals toned!
Irresistible Triceps: Lie flat on a mat or weight bench. With a dumbbell in each hand, extend your arms straight above your head, palms facing each other about two inches apart. Keep your shoulders pressed flat and avoid moving them. Bend your elbows and slowly lower the weights until your hands are on either side of your head. Push your arms back to the extended position and repeat.
Smoldering Shoulders: Can be performed sitting or standing. With a dumbbell weight in each hand, extend your arms directly over your head, keeping elbows slightly bent to avoid locking. Slowly lower your arms until they are bent in a 90-degree angle, then push back to extended position and repeat. It is important to be sure you are pressing straight overhead!
Don’t have an expensive gym membership? Don’t know where to find dumbbells? Don’t worry. Try Target’s fitness section for a great, inexpensive selection of weights. Or even Sam’s Club for a great, cheap solution to make your workout hot body guaranteed!
Urban Girl Fitness Quote of the Day:
The only weights I lift are my dogs. ~Olivia Newton-John
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