Best tone-up exercises to get summer ready

Workouts That Guarantee Results

As the weather warms, it's time to change into summer wear and tone up your body to make sure you’re beach ready. Here are a few moves that will help you get into tip-top shape and your short shorts in no time!

woman doing sit-ups

Strength training

The key to any good exercise program is strength training. Not only does it tone muscles, but it helps you to burn calories more efficiently throughout the day. Though many women buck weight training because of the fear of bulking up, you can gain all of the benefits without the worry. Keep your muscles long and lean by focusing more on repetition instead of increasing kilos on free weights. Lose the weights altogether by using your body weight or resistance tubing to workout.

Circuit training

A good circuit workout will provide you with a well-paced and efficient workout. Rotate through circuits to keep your exercise interesting and work different muscle groups. Here’s a challenging routine from TalesOfADomesticMama.com that can be done anywhere. Include this in your daily routine each day for maximum results.

10 Push-ups
20 Sit-ups
25 Squats
20 Lunges -- left leg
20 Lunges -- right leg
80 Jumping jacks
60-Second wall sit
Repeat this circuit twice more and cool down

Tummy toners

Work mountain climbers into your workout for a tight tummy, legs, arms and back. To try them, get into a push-up position. Then, bend your right leg, bring it up towards your chest, straighten your leg, and then repeat with the left. Intensify the move by trying cross mountain climbers -- bringing your right leg in towards your left side and your left towards your right.

Leg lifts are a classic move that can be done anywhere and will strengthen your core while toning your legs, tummy and butt. Just lie on your back with your hands at your sides, lift both legs up until the bottom of your feet are pointing at the ceiling. Lower your legs without resting them on the ground, and then lift them back up, pointing them slightly to the left. Repeat lifting slightly to the right, and then again towards the centre. Repeat as many times as you can for a tight, little tummy.

One-move sculpted arms

Arm circles can be done anywhere and anytime you have a minute to spare. Master this move quickly by working it into your daily routine today. While standing with your feet flat on the ground and hips-width apart, extend your arms out to the side so they are horizontal with the ground. Move your arms forward, making quick and controlled circles. After 30 seconds, switch directions and rotate your arms backwards. Repeat often for maximum benefits.