Knowing what works for you and your body is important, but part of getting in shape is trying new things. I am constantly tweaking my workouts. With that said, there are definitely workouts that I do more often than others because I know they work for me.
Keep scrolling to see my top 5 strength moves that you should definitely incorporate into your workouts, plus 2 cardio options that have nothing to do with a treadmill.
Top 5 Strength Moves
Donkey Kicks & Fire Hydrants
These are my favorite additions to any workout. You can do these 6 days a week, as far as I’m concerned. It’s a great burnout for your glutes. I do these two glute exercises religiously.
How To:
6 min session
30 secs Right Leg Donkey Kicks
30 secs Right Leg Fire Hydrants
30 secs Left Leg Donkey Kicks
30 secs Left Leg Fire Hydrants
Repeat 3x’s
Box Jumps
This is my favorite leg workout! This post will show you that I love leg day. Every girl wants pretty legs, think Carrie Underwood legs, muscular but lean. Box jumps are a sure way to work toward your leg goals. Use a set of stairs to start at a comfortable level and work your way up to higher jumps.
How To:
These are great to do in a pyramid. So work into a workout set by going 15…12…9…6…3… I like to do them 2x’s per week.
Dumb Bell Swings
Dumb bell swings are, again one of my favorites. This works multiple parts of the body, but I really see the results in my legs. You can start at a lower weight and work your way up. To keep you from any back injuries, make sure to keep your back flat. No arching!
How To:
Bend legs, weight comes down in swinging motion, and control the move up to bring the weight above your head.
20 swings
Repeat 3x’s
I try and incorporate these 2 times per week.
Bicep Curls
Bicep curls are a easy way to tone your arms, and can be added to any workout.
Grab any weight, keep elbows in tight.
15 curls
3x’s
I try and incorporate these 2 times per week.
Weighted Lunges
Lunges are a great leg tone, and can be done a ton of different ways. Pictured here I am doing weighted lunges. But I also love a walking lunge, reverse lunge, side lunges… you get the point. The variety of options puts this weighted move in my top 5.
How To:
12 alternating weighted lunges
4x’s
I try and incorporate these 3 times per week.
2 Alternatives For Cardio
High Knees
First, let me address that I’m actually doing a single leg box jump in this photo. It looked the closest to high knees, so use what ya got… right? I’m actually shocked that I have not been photographed doing high knees because this is one of my favorite forms of cardio. I don’t love cardio in general… who does?, but high knees are a great way to get your blood and muscles flowing.
How To:
60 secs of high knees
15 secs rest
5xs for warmup or you can work it into the middle of a workout
Jumping Rope
Again, I hate traditional cardio like running. But I do like jumping rope. It’s an easy way to get your heart rate up and all of your muscle groups burning.
How To:
Add 5 mins on to the beginning and end of a workout.
I like to incorporate this 3x’s per week.
I would love to hear your favorite workout moves! Write in and let me know.
– Olivia
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