With so many gyms and fitness centers on offer to help you tone up and keep fit, it begs the question “Where did old-fashioned, in your back garden workouts disappear to?” Gym equipment may offer a helping hand, but it’s by no means necessary — which is why Savoir Flair has created this guide to the five best body-sculpting moves that require just one thing: you!
It’s the perfect time of year to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and welcome the cooler weather whilst working up a sweat. So say goodbye to equipment and gym fees and give the exercises below a try. Start with 10 repetitions each day of each exercise, and work your way up. If you can reach 30 reps of each exercise, there’s no doubt you’ll be rocking a bikini body like Jessica Alba and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in no time.
Squats
The key with squats is to engage your core and concentrate on putting the pressure on your heels, not your toes. This will target your glutes and keep your back in the right position. If you have any confusion about the correct positioning for squatting, then be sure to ask a professional before you start.
Curtsy Lunges
Make sure that as you come down into the curtsy lunge, your knee is in line with your toes and your ankle isn’t rolling in or out. This will target your glutes and lift your derrière!
Side Rolling Planks
This is a great exercise to tighten and tone your stomach as it works the deep abdominal muscles, which a lot of core exercises don’t reach. The key is to make sure that your body is in a straight line, so really focus on lifting the hips up. Go for a controlled movement to engage the muscles for longer and to work them harder.
Mountain Climbers
Keep the core strong and you will really feel the burn with these after just a few repetitions.
Press Ups
A controlled, deep press-up is much harder than quick shallow ones. Concentrate on bringing your chest as low to the ground as possible and make sure your glutes stay engaged and in line with your body.
Photographer Anna Shtraus Photo Editor Maya Itani Beauty Editor Frankie Rozwadowska
