Summertime is here, and you know what that means – it’s time to hit the beach and show off that body you’ve been working on all year! But if you’re not quite beach-ready yet, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are five body-transforming workouts that will help you look and feel your best in no time.
1. HIIT
High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is a workout that alternates short bursts of intense exercise with periods of rest or lower-intensity activity.
HIIT has been shown to burn fat and calories, increase muscle tone, and improve cardiovascular health. Plus, it can be done in as little as 20-30 minutes, making it a great option for those short on time.
Try this HIIT workout to get started:.
- Warm up with 5 minutes of light cardio (jogging, jumping jacks, etc.)
- Perform each exercise for 30 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, then move on to the next exercise.
- Complete 3 rounds of the following exercises:
- Jumping jacks
- Squats
- Push-ups
- Lunges
- Plank
- Cool down with 5 minutes of light cardio and stretches
2. Strength Training
Strength training, or weight lifting, is a workout that focuses on building muscle and increasing strength. It’s been shown to boost metabolism, improve bone density, and promote better balance and posture.
Plus, the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest – so even when you’re not working out, you’re still reaping the benefits!.
Try this strength-training workout to get started:.
- Warm up with 5 minutes of light cardio (jogging, jumping jacks, etc.)
- Choose 3-5 exercises (e.g. squats, deadlifts, bench press, bicep curls, tricep dips) and perform 3 sets of 8-12 reps of each exercise, resting for 30-60 seconds between sets.
- Cool down with 5 minutes of light cardio and stretches
3. Cardio
Cardiovascular exercise, or cardio, is any workout that gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat. This can include jogging, cycling, swimming, or dancing, among other activities.
Cardio has been shown to improve heart health, strengthen muscles, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Try this cardio workout to get started:.
- Warm up with 5 minutes of light cardio (jogging, jumping jacks, etc.)
- Choose your activity (e.g. jogging, cycling, swimming, dancing) and perform it at a moderate-to-high intensity for 20-30 minutes.
- Cool down with 5 minutes of light activity and stretches
4. Yoga
Yoga is a workout that combines physical movement, breath work, and mindfulness. It’s been shown to improve flexibility, balance, and strength, as well as reduce stress and anxiety.
Plus, it can be a great way to connect with your body and calm your mind.
Try this yoga sequence to get started:.
- Start in a comfortable seated position and take a few deep breaths.
- Flow through the following poses, holding each for 5-10 breaths:
- Downward-facing dog
- Warrior 1
- Triangle pose
- Tree pose
- Child’s pose
- End in savasana (corpse pose) for 5-10 minutes.
5. Pilates
Pilates is a workout that focuses on strengthening the core muscles – the muscles in your abdomen, lower back, and hips. It’s been shown to improve posture, reduce back pain, and increase flexibility and strength.
Plus, it’s a low-impact workout that can be done anywhere, making it a great option for those with limited space or equipment.
Try this Pilates routine to get started:.
- Warm up with 5 minutes of light cardio (jogging, jumping jacks, etc.)
- Perform each exercise for 10-15 reps, rest for 30 seconds between exercises, and complete 2-3 rounds of the following:
- Single-leg circle
- Bridges
- Criss-cross
- Plank
- Side plank
- Cool down with 5 minutes of light cardio and stretches
By incorporating these five body-transforming workouts into your routine, you’ll be well on your way to getting beach-ready in no time.
Whether you prefer HIIT, strength training, cardio, yoga, or Pilates, there’s a workout out there that’s perfect for you. So choose the ones that you enjoy the most, mix it up, and have fun!.