Alex in Hi-Gear

Since I am at the jersey shore {lacking a situation for better or worse} I asked Alex to help us kick out summer workout routine in hi-gear.  She was a fabulous motivator earlier this Spring and now she is baaaaaack! 

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Hey guys! I'm back again from The Saga of a Twenty-Something, giving out some new fitness advice for all of my lovely friends over here at The Scribble Pad! It's summa time (the first day of summer!), and that means it's bathing suit season. So I figured, why not give you all some good exercises to get you ready to strut your stuff at the beach? You like it? Good.

Also, I'm going to need $20 from each of you for my personal training skillz.

I kid, I kid.

But really, let's take a look at some exercises you can do at home to get your abs and bum looking their best :)

Abs

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Leg raises are probably one of my favorite ab workouts. It gets you in your core, but it also works on that pesky part of your tummy where the top of your pants hit. Lie on your back with your legs straight in front of you, arms to your side. Slowly lift your legs so they are 90 degrees (you'll look like an L). Then s-l-o-w-l-y lower your legs back to the starting position, being careful not to let your legs touch the ground.

Do two sets of 20.

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Another great exercise involves a medicine ball. Pick a ball that feels good and substantial to you (not so light that you don't really feel it), and start by sitting on the floor with your knees bent and your heels planted on the floor with toes up. Lean back so you're about 45 degrees and lift your heels a few inches off the floor. Twist your torso to the left and touch the ball to the ground. Then twist to the right and touch the ball to the ground. That's one rep. Repeat for 12-15 reps.




Bum
My favorite bum exercise are dumbbell squats.

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Stand with your feet hip-width distance apart, holding a 5-8 pound weight in each hand by your thighs. Squat down like you're about to sit into a chair, keeping your weight over your heels. Squeeze your bum as you return to the starting position.

Do 15-20 reps.

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And you can use those same dumbbells for some hip extensions too! Get on all fours, with your forearms extended in front of you. Lift your left leg up, keeping it at a 90 degree angle, until your thigh is parallel with your torso. Lower back to the ground and repeat about 12-15 reps per side. You can put a light dumbbell behind your knee for added challenge.






And don't forget to keep your cardio up! In order to look your best, you want to be exercising your whole body, and cardio is crucial.

I hope this helps some of you out! Remember to have fun with your exercising; because if you're not having fun you won't want to keep it up. Find a friend, take fun classes during the week, anything! Incorporate fitness into your lifestyle. Then it won't feel like work :)

Happy summer everyone!