Whether you're motivated by bikini season or your health, it's always a good idea to add exercise to your weekly routine.

Striking a balance between cardio workouts and strength training is essential for trimming and toning your body. While it's important to spend time running or biking to get your heart pumping and kick-start your metabolism, you need to give your muscle tone the attention it deserves.

As the weather starts to warm up and you prepare to show a bit more skin, check out these tips for strengthening three areas of your body.

1. Arms

If you want your arms to have more defined muscles this season, give some of these classic moves a shot. At the end of your workout, relax your shoulders with Elemis Musclease Herbal Bath Synergy.

Arm circles: With your feet shoulder-width apart and arms straight out to the sides at shoulder height, move your arms in small circles. The trick to this exercise is keeping your shoulders down - don't hunch as you're completing the motion. Do 25 circles forward then reverse your circle direction for another 25.
Curls: An age-old addition to any strength program, bicep or tricep curls will help you tone those two areas of your arms. You'll need a pair of dumbbells for these exercises! For biceps, keep your feet shoulder-width apart and arms against your sides with a dumbbell in each hand. With your wrists facing upward, pull the dumbbells toward your shoulders. The top part of your arms and your elbows should remain in contact with your torso the whole time. After three sets of 10, grab a heavier dumbbell for tricep curls. Hold the weight above your head using both hands. Your arms should be fully extended in this first position, with feet shoulder-width apart again. Bend your elbows back so the dumbbell is just behind your head. Repeat the motion for three sets of 10.

2. Tummy

If you're looking for more defined abdominal muscles before it's time to hit the beach, incorporate these exercises into your fitness routine. After pushing yourself to the limit, break out your bottle of Elemis Musclease Active Body Oil for some soreness relief.

Reverse crunches: A twist on typical crunches, this exercise involves keeping your upper body on the ground. Lie flat on your back with your arms at your sides against the floor. Starting with your knees bent and feet on the floor, use your abs to bring your legs toward your face while you lift your butt and lower back off the ground. Slowly lower your legs back to the first position without letting go of your ab muscles and repeat for three sets of 10.
Planks: Get into a pushup position for these, either with arms extended and hands flat on the ground or with your arms at 90-degree angles and forearms against the floor. Hold the pose for 60 seconds, then 50 seconds, then 40 seconds, etc. until you reach 10 seconds, with 5 seconds of rest between each. Make sure you keep your abdominal muscles tight and upper back in proper posture for three sets.

3. Buns and thighs

Beyoncé didn't become that bootylicious without a little bit of work! Here are a few exercises that will give your buns and thighs more tone and strength. Indulge in a bath with Elemis Aching Muscle Super Soak before bed for a relaxing reward.

Split squats: This is a simpler and more versatile version of the tradition lift. Grab two light dumbbells and hold them at your sides with your legs in a wide stance, one in front of the other. Bend your legs so the back knee almost touches the floor. Pay special attention that your front knee and ankle don't wobble to the side. Your abs and upper back should stay tight throughout the exercise. Do three sets of 10 with the left leg in front, then switch legs for another 30 split squats.
Hip thrust: While you might feel silly doing this exercise at the gym, it's the perfect way to target your butt during commercial breaks of your favorite show. Lie on your back with your heels against the ground and toes at a 90-degree angle. Squeeze your glute muscles to lift your butt up so your hips are in line with your shoulders and hold for three seconds before returning to the start position. Repeat for three sets of 10.

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Tags: toning, slimming, self care, fitness, exercise
 
Categories: Fitness & Exercise, How-Tos, Life & Style