Tuesday, January 13, 2009

3 Moves for Faster Firming

Tone up and beat boredom with these smart variations on old favorites.

By Nicole Clancy, Prevention

Instead of: Lunges

Try: Clockwork Lunges

Standing with hands on hips, picture yourself in the center of a big clock.

Lunge toward 12:00 with right leg, bending both knees, keeping right knee over ankle (A).

Return to start, then lunge right leg sideways toward 3:00; bend right knee and hips, sitting back, while keeping left leg straight (B).

Return to start and step left foot back into lunge toward 6:00, then sideways to 9:00.

Repeat in counterclockwise direction, beginning with left foot.

Instead of: Pushups

Try: Asymmetrical Wall Slides

Stand with arms extended, hands on wall at shoulder height, back straight and leaning in about 45 degrees.

Slide right hand out to side about 12 inches and bend elbows, lowering chest toward wall.

Straighten and return to start.

Repeat, sliding left hand to side. Alternate for eight to 10 reps.

Instead of: Squats

Try: Staggered-Stance Leg Lifts

Stand with feet hip-width apart, left foot about 12 inches in front of right, arms extended.

Bend knees and hips to sit back.

As you stand, shift weight onto left foot and lift right leg behind.

Do eight to 10 reps. Switch legs and repeat.

Provided by Prevention

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