Summer-Body Workout!

For many women, firming and toning their bodies invariably comes before everything else when it comes to weight loss, and particularly our butts, legs, and midsection.

We all want to look fantastic in our clothes and to feel great about how we look. And the good news? The difference between returning those new jeans to the store because you can't quite squeeze into them and having a lean look that compliments your curves is a simple, three-step workout that anyone can do.

It doesn't matter how fit or healthy you are now or how much free time you have. It only takes 30 minutes every other day — and you don't need any special equipment.

Just follow what I'm about to share and you absolutely will see a difference quickly!

So, without further ado let me present three exercises that can shape your body, build your strength, and get you moving!

Climbing the Mountain
The first exercise I am going to share with you is called a "Mountain Climber."

Here's how to do a mountain climber...
1. Get into a push-up position, with your hands shoulder width apart on the floor.
2. Now bring your left knee up towards your chest
3. Return your left knee to the starting position, and pull your right knee up to your chest
4. Return your right knee to the starting position and repeat

You're essentially jogging in place, but with your hands flat on the floor. This is a fantastic workout for your core and your legs and it will get your blood pumping! I use it often in my group training classes to great effect.

Functional Leg Strength...Without Hurting Your Knees
The lunge looks more like a silly walk then an exercise. But who cares because this movement will give your legs and butt a major workout!

Here's how to do a lunge...
1. Take a big stride forward with one foot while keeping your torso upright and your other foot behind you on the ground.
2. Now bend your back leg so the knee almost touches the floor.
3. Your front leg will also bend at the knee.
4. Now simply walk your back leg forward until you are standing upright. Keep your upper body straight and upright.

Lunges will strengthen your legs, knees, and butt. It develops better posture, balance and stability. And because you're working large muscles, you burn off a lot of calories too.

Hold weights as you get used to the movement for an even better workout. At home, water bottles, soup cans, or even gallons of milk can be substituted for weights.

The KING of All Exercises
The squat is a great exercise because, once again, you don't need any equipment, you can do it almost anywhere, and results are phenomenal.

Here's how to do a squat...
1. Stand up with your arms by your side. Feet about one foot apart.
2. Now sink your butt towards the floor, bending at the knees and keeping your weight on your heels. As you go down, pull your arms out in front of you
3. Go down until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Don't go beyond this point as the strain then gets transferred from your thighs to your knees which we don't want. Hold for a second.
4. Now use your legs, keeping your weight on your heels, to stand up straight again, moving your arms back to the side of your body
5. Repeat

It's important to try and keep your back straight as you squat and to keep your weight focused on your heels. You should feel the work happening in your legs and your butt. Squatting is great for adding strength to your legs and working your core too.

If you want to increase the workout, when you come up from your squat, don't just stand back up but actually explode upwards into a short jump. Land lightly and go immediately into your next squat.

Your Fast-Start Exercise Plan
Instructions:
Print off the routine below and stick it on your fridge, by your computer, or somewhere else you'll see it easily.

Mountain Climbers - 20 seconds
Lunges - 20 seconds
Squats - 20 seconds
Rest - 1 minute
(Repeat circuit 6 times)

Day 1______ Day 2 ______ Day 3 ______

Gradually work the amount of time with each exercise from 20 seconds up to a minute over a period of weeks.  Do this circuit three times a week. Check off Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 after you complete each day. It's good to set specific days to help with forming the habit... For example: block in your calendar for Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

It's important you push hard when you're exercising. You get a one minute rest after each circuit so you should be giving it your all while doing the exercises.

What To Take Away From This Article
As long as you can learn these three simple exercises, and spare just 30 minutes every other day, you too can see yourself transform. This is something anyone should be able to do. The trick is just doing it! Use the plan I've put together to help you with that. Please get out your calendar and block off the next month for working out now! If you do that, you will have easily doubled your chance at success.

I know for a fact just doing these exercises (and eating right) will get you significant results. I've seen these transformations happen with my own eyes. Give it a try today and let me know how it goes. And feel free to post any questions you might have below!