Pump Yourself Up
Take the Stairs
More than just your workout, it’s easy to insert strength training into your daily life. Just make smart choices as you go about your day. For instance, ignore the elevator even if it’s calling your name. “Take the stairs with your shopping bags or laundry,” DiDio says. “Stairs are great cardio, and adding a little more weight with what you’re carrying will strengthen your legs and butt.”
RELATED: How Do Celebs Work Out?
Don’t Be a Couch Potato
Sitting in front of the TV? Drop that remote, and drop your rear to the floor. “Do reverse dips while you’re watching,” DiDio says. “Place your hands next to your hips on the chair to hold yourself up, slide your butt off the edge, and bend your elbows to lower your butt down toward the floor. Stop when your elbows are at 90-degree angles. Raise and repeat. This exercise is great for the backs of your arms and chest.” Taking care of problem areas while watching the nightly news? We like!
Make it a Race
Instead of taking your pups for a walk, pick up the pace. Put on your jogging shoes and see if you can outrun your dogs. “Sprinting will make your legs look great in skirts and shorts,” she says. And since it’s summer, and you’ll be showing off those gams plenty, it’s the perfect time to utilize this trick.
Veggie Lifts
Making dinner, and got a couple cans in hand? They can easily transition into weights. “Do side lateral raises before you open those cans of veggies,” DiDio suggests. “Hold a can in each hand at your sides. Then, with your thumbs facing up and your elbows slightly bent, raise your arms up and out to shoulder-height.” This exercise will work arms and shoulders, perfect for showing some skin in sleeveless tops. It will also make your kids laugh which may help with the pre-dinner whining.
RELATED: Yummy Vegetable Enchiladas
Get a Strong Back
You spend hours in the car, driving your kids to school, going back and forth to work, baseball practice, friends’ houses and beyond. Use that time to work a neglected area: the back. “As you hold on to the steering wheel, keep your arms straight and shoulders down to start,” says DiDio. “Then, pull your shoulders back toward the seat, contracting the muscles in your back. Release and repeat. This is great for building your back, improving your posture and alleviating any back and neck pain.”
Lean and Clean
Did your kids leave toys all over the floor again? While you pick up, use the opportunity to work your legs and behind. “Lunge when you pick things up off the floor,” DiDio advises, instead of simply bending over at the waist to grab things. “And alternate sides as you go. It'll work your tush like crazy!”
RELATED: Want to Air Your Dirty Laundry?
