Summer is around the corner and we know that baring our skin on SA’s beaches is motivation for some of us to really amp up the workouts. If what you’re after is all-round muscle toning, we recommend incorporating these 12 moves into your exercise routine! And the biggest plus? You’ll be stronger and healthier for doing them.
Achieving all-round muscle toning involves strengthening and sculpting various muscle groups throughout your body to create a balanced, well-proportioned physique. These 12 exercises are the top moves to help get you there – and you’ll be stronger in no time.
Incorporate these into your strength or gym workouts during the week and keep track of how many you start with and compare your improvement after three months of consistency. Remember to start light if you’re new to strength training and use mirrors and / or a personal trainer to help ensure that you are using the correct form. Always check in with your medical doctor if you have any concerns about starting a new exercise regimen.
Bodyweight exercises:
1. Squats:
Muscles Worked: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes and lower back.
2. Push-Ups:
Muscles Worked: Chest, shoulders, triceps and core.
3. Lunges:
Muscles Worked: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes and calves.
4. Planks:
Muscles Worked: Core, shoulders and lower back.
5. Pull-Ups:
Muscles Worked: Back, biceps and shoulders.
6. Leg Raises:
Muscles Worked: Lower abs and hip flexors.
7. Tricep Dips:
Muscles Worked: Triceps and shoulders.
8. Calf Raises:
Muscles Worked: Calves.
Weighted exercises:
9. Deadlifts:
Muscles Worked: Hamstrings, glutes, lower back and traps.
10. Bicep Curls:
Muscles Worked: Biceps.
11. Russian Twists (with a weight or medicine ball):
Muscles Worked: Obliques and core
12. Bent-Over Rows:
Muscles Worked: Back, biceps and shoulders.
If you’re looking for new and fun exercise routines to try, check out our workout videos or try our exclusive for medshield-members “ClickFit” programmes