Summer is right around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about getting your body ready for beach season.
Whether you’re looking to tone up, slim down, or simply maintain your current physique, there are plenty of powerful exercises you can try to help you reach your goals. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best exercises for shaping up for summer.
1. Plank
The plank is a simple yet effective exercise that engages your core muscles and can help you achieve a more toned midsection. To perform a basic plank, start in a push-up position with your hands slightly wider than your shoulders.
Lower down onto your forearms, keeping your elbows directly under your shoulders. Engage your abs and hold your body in a straight line from head to heels for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
2. Squat
The squat is a compound exercise that works a variety of muscles, including your glutes, quads, and hamstrings. To perform a squat, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointed slightly outward.
Lower down into a squat position, keeping your weight in your heels and your knees in line with your toes. Push back up through your heels to return to starting position.
3. Deadlift
The deadlift is another compound exercise that can help you build strength and tone your muscles. To perform a deadlift, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and grasp a barbell with an overhand grip.
Keeping your back straight, hinge forward at the hips and lower the barbell towards the ground. Keep your arms straight and your shoulders pulled back. Push through your heels to return to starting position.
4. Lunges
Lunges are a great exercise for targeting your glutes, quads, and hamstrings, as well as improving your balance and coordination. To perform a lunge, start with your feet together and your hands on your hips.
Take a big step forward with one foot and lower your body down until your front thigh is parallel to the ground. Push back up through your front foot to return to starting position.
5. Push-Ups
Push-ups are an excellent exercise for strengthening your chest, shoulders, and triceps, as well as engaging your core muscles. To perform a push-up, start in a plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders.
Lower your body down towards the ground while keeping your elbows close to your body. Push back up to return to starting position.
6. Burpees
Burpees are a full-body exercise that can help you burn calories and improve your overall fitness. To perform a burpee, start in a standing position. Squat down and place your hands on the ground, then kick your feet back into a plank position.
Perform a push-up, then jump your feet back up to your hands and jump up explosively. Land softly and repeat.
7. Bicycle Crunches
Bicycle crunches are a great exercise for targeting your abs and obliques. To perform a bicycle crunch, lie on your back with your hands behind your head and your knees bent.
Lift your head and shoulders off the ground and bring your right elbow towards your left knee. Straighten your right leg and twist your torso to bring your left elbow towards your right knee. Continue alternating sides.
8. Mountain Climbers
Mountain climbers are a dynamic exercise that can help you improve your cardiovascular endurance and engage your core muscles. To perform a mountain climber, start in a plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders.
Bring one knee towards your chest, then quickly switch legs so that your opposite knee comes towards your chest.
9. Russian Twists
Russian twists are an effective exercise for targeting your obliques and improving your rotational strength. To perform a Russian twist, sit on the ground with your knees bent and your heels on the floor.
Lean back slightly and lift your feet off the ground. Hold a weight or medicine ball with both hands and twist your torso to bring the weight towards one hip. Twist back to starting position and repeat on the other side.
10. Jumping Jacks
Jumping jacks are a classic exercise that can help you improve your cardiovascular fitness, engage your leg muscles, and boost your mood. To perform a jumping jack, start with your feet together and your arms at your sides.
Jump up and spread your feet wide while raising your arms above your head. Jump back to starting position and repeat.