Read The Fat Burn Revolution Online
Authors: Julia Buckley
Russian twist
Relish every rep
Every workout makes you one workout stronger than yesterday
target area
core
This is a satisfying move as you can really feel the deep core muscles working to squeeze in the waist and firm up the belly. Concentrate on keeping the
back and legs as straight as you can for maximum results.
1
Beginners should start doing this without a weight – just clasp the hands together. Once you’ve mastered the move you can hold a
single dumbbell or weight plate in both hands. Sit upright with your knees bent and your feet flat on the mat. Raise your hands/weight up to eye level and lean back a little as lift your feet up,
so you’re balancing on your bum.
2
Keeping the core tight, bring the hands/weight down to the right side to tap the mat.
3
Without pausing, lift the hands/weight back up to eye level and across down to the left side. This is one repetition.
TIPS
Breathe out as you lower the weight, inhale as you return it to the centre |
Extending your legs will add intensity, keep them as straight as you can while maintaining good form |
Keep your tummy tight and back straight at all times |
Control the movement, do not swing the weight to either side |
hammer curl
The feeling of achievement that comes with improved fitness is priceless.
target area
upper arms & forearms
Hammer curls are another variation of the classic bicep curls, you’ll still be mainly shaping the upper arms, but you’ll also be strengthening
and sculpting the lower arms a little more this time due to the different hand position. These also help improve grip strength, which becomes important as you move onto more advanced
exercises.
1
Stand straight and tall with your feet hip-width apart. Grab a dumbbell in each hand and start with your arms at your sides with the palms facing
your sides.
2
Curl both dumbbells up at the same time, bending at the elbows and bringing the weights up to the shoulders. Maintain the ‘hammer’
position with palms facing each other and do not twist the wrists or forearms. Keep your forearms pressed into your sides.
3
Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position. That is one repetition
TIPS
Exhale as you curl the weights up, inhale as you lower |
For most people, the inward hand position makes this exercise a little easier than standard bicep curls, so you may be able to use a heavier weight |
Keep the sides of your elbows pressed into your sides throughout the movement |
Perform all stages of the movement in a slow and controlled manner |
palm-to-elbow plank
Show the world you can
target area
core, arms & chest