The Return of Victoria’s Secret: 5 Moves to Toning Exercises
Megan Roup, an Angel trainer and founder of The Sculpt Society, shares her five go-to moves for overall toning.
The Side Reach
To strengthen arms and open the chest and shoulders, Roup recommends the side reach.
Start by bringing elbows to the side of your body, palms up. Now, extend your arms to the side with your palms back. Roup suggests creating resistance by imagining yourself moving through water via the breaststroke.
Do 24 reps.
The Split Lunge
To strengthen the legs and the booty, nothing beats a lunge.
Begin by bringing the right leg back and curling your toes. Bend both knees, inhaling on the way down. Now, keeping the weight in the front, stand up, exhaling as you rise.
Repeat 12 times before moving on to the left side.
Cross-Body Plank
Start in a plank position, core engaged and booty down. Cross your knee to the opposite elbow and repeat eight times before switching sides. Roup says to continue with a ladder method:
- Bring it down to four times on your right side and four on your left.
- Bring it down again to two times on your right and two on your left.
- Finally, do eight singles – four on each side.
This full-body exercise is great for building core strength.
The Bird Dog
Begin in a tabletop position, with your back flat and knees bent. Keeping your hips level, extend your right leg back while pressing your left arm straight out in front of you. Now, bend the right knee into your chest and bring your left elbow to meet it.
Repeat 12-24 times before moving on to your left leg and right arm.
This exercise strengthens the core and bottom, promotes posture, and can help relieve low back pain.
Heel Taps
Another great exercise for the core? Heel taps. Begin on your back with your knees bent in a 90-degree position over the hips. With your hands behind your head, lift your shoulders into a crunch. Tap your right foot to the floor and return it to hip height.
Repeat 12 times and then move to the left side.
Conclusion
Megan Roup’s approach to fitness emphasizes low-impact, accessible exercises that can be done anywhere, anytime. By incorporating these five moves into your daily routine, you can achieve overall toning and improved overall fitness.
FAQs
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Q: What is the best way to get started with these exercises?
A: Start by committing to doing what you can, when you can. Begin with short intervals and gradually increase the duration and intensity as you become more comfortable with the exercises. -
Q: How often should I do these exercises?
A: Roup recommends aiming for at least three times a week, with rest days in between sessions. - Q: Can I modify the exercises to suit my fitness level?
A: Yes! Roup recommends modifying the exercises to suit your individual fitness level. For example, if you’re just starting out, begin with shorter intervals and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the exercises.
