London - Arabstoday
With party season round the corner, use these nifty little home-exercises to zip into shape To tone up those flabby arms for sleeveless dresses or to get that extra bit of love handles in check, here's a quick and easy workout to be done three to five times a week for sure shot speedy results. These five exercises work on the whole body, improve strength and muscle tone. It's also a great way to raise the heart rate which will burn calories and release the much needed feel-good chemical, serotonin. Squat it out This is great for toning the legs and bum and gives great shape to the shoulders. Stand with legs hip-width apart. Put your hands by your shoulders, holding a bottle of water in each hand. Keeping your back straight, bend both knees and lower yourself into a deep squat. Finish by pushing back up to standing while straightening your arms above your head. Repeat 15 times. Side plank Fantastic for toning up the sides of your stomach. Lie out on your side with elbows directly below your shoulder and with your legs outstretched. From this position raise your hips so you are forming a bridge from your feet to your lower arm. Hold this position for 20 to 30 seconds. Step up into bicep curl This helps burns calories and firms the legs and tone arms. Stand opposite some stairs or a chair, arms straight, holding a bottle of water in each hand. Keeping your right leg on top of the stairs or chair at all times, step up, curling your arms towards your chest. Finish by stepping back down and straightening your arms. Repeat 15 times on your right leg then repeat on the left. Tricep extention Rid flabby arms by attacking fat. Holding a bottle of water in each hand, lie on your back, arms straight directly above your head. Bend both your elbows and slowly lower the cans to the floor by the side of each ear. Repeat this 15 times. Press up Firm up the bust area and arms. Go on to all fours on the floor. Keep your arms where they are and move your knees away from your body until your legs are straight and your toes tucked under your feet. From this position bend both elbows and lower your chest and bum to the floor. Pause. For an easier option, keep knees on the floor. Push yourself back up to finish, then repeat 15 times.