Read The Fat Burn Revolution Online
Authors: Julia Buckley
split squat
Refuse to give up on your goals
target area
thighs & bum
Split squats are similar to lunges, but most people find them a little easier to master because you don’t step in-between repetitions. This means
you can really concentrate on maintaining good form and giving the thighs and bum a great workout. In fact, this move works most of the muscles in the body and is a fantastic fat
burner.
1
Stand straight and tall, with feet hip-width apart, toes facing forwards. Beginners should start with hands on hips and once you have mastered the
move with perfect form you can raise the arms and place the hands behind the head, elbows out. When that becomes easy you can hold a dumbbell in each hand. Take a big step forward with your right
leg. Come up onto the ball of your left foot.
2
Keeping your back straight, lower the hips towards the floor, bending both knees. Aim to get the front thigh parallel to the ground and a
90-degree angle in your left leg, but only go down as low as you can comfortably.
3
Push your front foot into the ground as you slowly raise your body back up. That is one repetition. Without stepping back in, complete your reps
on that side before switching legs.
TIPS
Exhale as you lower, inhale as you lift |
Keep your back straight and upright, resist leaning forward as you lower |
You front foot should stay facing forward and remain firmly planted on the floor |
Do not let you knees flare out or bow inwards |
lateral lunge
The challenge of this programme is as much mental as physical and you’ll finish strong in mind and body.
target area
thighs & bum
Here’s a move that targets the difficult-to-reach inner thighs. This one will shape and firm up those muscles as well as keeping that area flexible
and supple. You’ll also be hitting the outer thighs and buttocks.
1
Stand with your feet as wide apart as you comfortably manage. When you first try these just let your arms dangle by your sides. Once you’re
ready to add weights hold a dumbbell in each hand.
2
Bend your right knee as you push your hips out behind you, keep your back straight, head up. Aim to get your right thigh parallel to the floor, or
as low as you can comfortably go. The left leg stays straight.
3
Press the right foot into the floor as you return to the starting position and repeat the movement on the opposite side.
TIPS
Exhale as you lower the hips to the side and inhale as your return to the centre |
Keep the back straight and press the hips back as you lunge as if moving into a sitting position |
Both feet should stay firmly planted flat on the floor at all times, pointing forwards or just slightly out to the side |
Keep the knees in-line with feet, do not allow them to flare in or out |
gym ball hand-to-foot pass
Forget your excuses and remember why you started this.
target area
core
If you dream of a flat, defined abdominal area, this move will take you several steps closer to making it a reality. It’s a toughie, but incredibly
effective – prepare to get shredded!
1
Lie flat on the floor, legs extended, holding the ball between your hands, arms outstretched over your head.
2
Keeping your arms and legs straight, lift them up and bring them together, raising the upper body as much as you can. Pass the ball from your
hands to between your feet, squeezing the ankles together to hold it in place. Slowly lower the hands and feet back down.
3
Gently tap the floor with the arms and ball before raising back up again to pass the ball back to your hands. Lower again to tap the floor with
your heels and the ball. That is one repetition.
TIPS
Breathe out as you raise the arms and legs, inhale as you lower |
Perform the movement slowly and with control |
Keep the core engaged throughout, only briefly tap the floor between reps |
The chin stays tucked in, neck in-line with spine |
back extension on a ball