HELLO! It’s FRIDAY so let’s have a good time!
You know I’m all about having fun with your fitness, but why not take it waaayyy back…say, to the days of recess? The other day I ended up in the toy section at Target and was amazed by the plethora of cheap fitness tools I never knew existed. Why not be a Toys’R'Us kid…one with six-pack abs?
Start with a hula hoop! This is an amazing way to tone your middle without doing a single crunch. It requires balance, coordination, and a major core. I first picked up a weighted hula hoop at a random gym on vacation about a year ago, and I was pleasantly surprised by how hard it was. The first few times it clattered to the floor after minimal time spent orbiting my waist. Once I got the hang of it though, I felt strong and, dare I say…sexy! This baby can do a lot for how you work your hips. You can also put it on your wrist to do arm circles. You can buy a weighted one online, but really, I’d just start with the pink plastic hoop and work that for a while.
Next, pick up a small rubber ball. Look for one about 8 inches in diameter that is firm to the touch. Place the ball between your thighs when doing squats. Keeping the ball in place will require you to squeeze your thighs together for added toning. Another move: holding the ball in front of you, lunge to your right side. As you stand back up, lift your right leg up, knee bent. Pass the ball under your leg and then over it. Return to starting position. Complete 20 times on each side. (This is tougher than it sounds, so take it slow and really work on stabilizing yourself.)
While you’re at it, get a jump rope. God. I used to jump rope non stop when I was in grade school. Of course, I had no idea what an amazing workout I was getting. Jumping rope is great for cardio conditioning, but it’s also awesome because it is a “weight bearing” activity, so it improves your bone density. Practice jumping in 30 second to one minute sessions, and mix it up with some high kicks and fancy footwork. Jumping rope in between strength moves will keep your heart rate up the entire duration of your workout.
And just for kicks, get some sidewalk chalk. Proceed to your driveway (try to find a place partially hidden, lest the neighbors think you are regressing to your childhood) and draw out a hopscotch. Hop the entire scotch (?) on your right leg, and then hop the whole thing backward. Switch legs and do it again. Then do it with both legs, feet together. The combination of jumping and balancing is so good for your body!
When attempting these activities now, I have to say…I didn’t know what rockin’ shape I was in as a third grader. It’s tough! Much harder than the My Little Pony set makes it seem.
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