Have you ever walked into a museum and admired the sculpted masterpieces of ancient Greeks – complete with firm thighs, washboard tummies and enviable bottoms? Well, maybe you haven’t but the Greeks were well known for their appreciation of the human form. And they were right because our bodies are beautiful, strong worthy of being revered! No body is perfect, but here are some exercises that will help you look and feel your best.
Running
One of the oldest exercises in the book, running has had lasting power for a reason. It works your entire body, gets your heart rate up, and for some lucky enthusiasts, it can induce a mental high. You can try running great distances (preferably on uneven/mountainous terrain to promote more burned calories), or if distances aren’t your thing, you can do short intervals with a mixture of jogging, sprinting and walking.
Squatting
There are many ways to get a plumper butt, but one of the easiest to practice is the squat. Try squatting every day to practice your form and then once you are comfortable, add weights. You can use dumbbells, medicine balls or barbells; really, whatever is on hand. As you get on a regimen of adding weights, you will noticeably see your butt and thighs become firmer.
Planking
Plop your forearms on the ground, straighten your back and hold. Planks are great for the core. If you’ve never done planks before, start slowly because they can be tough in the beginning. Try holding one for 30 seconds, and then build from there.
Swimming
Similar to running, swimming is a total body workout. Yup that means core, arms, legs, glutes and back. Another great advantage of swimming is that it is a low-impact exercise, which means less pressure on your joints and muscles. Swimming will provide the calorie burn you crave, but will also provide a lot of bonus benefits too like increased flexibility and decreased stress levels.
Wall sits
Got a wall? If the answer is yes, you can do this workout. Put your back against the wall and, like the name suggests, bend down so that your knees are in a “sitting” position. Hold this for as long as you can, and try to increase your seconds/minutes over time. Your thighs will feel it!
