As the warm weather of Summer approaches you might be realizing you don’t quite have that summer beach bod that you dream of. Don’t fret because you’re not alone. We all put on those extra “holiday pounds” from the many tasty desserts and the general lethargic mindset common around the holidays. However, now it’s time to get off the couch and get to work. No matter where you might currently be fitness-wise, it’s never too late. It may take some people a little longer but nothing is impossible, it just takes hard work and dedication! Summer is right around the corner which means it’s time to work on yourself and toward that summer beach bod you’ve dreamed of. Here are 10 great workouts to get you that summer beach bod ASAP!!
This combo workout does a great job of helping you build muscle, burn fat, and get closer to that summer beach bod. You’ll be combining the push-up and dumbbell row exercises into a fluid workout that works your entire body. Get into a push-up position, but while holding onto a pair of dumbbells on the floor. Start off with low weight to get used to the movement. Holding the dumbbells, do a push up to the floor and back, then when back in starting position you’ll do the row action. Pull one of the dumbbells to the side of your chest then slowly put it back down and do the same on the other side. All of that done means you’ve completed one rep! Go for 10 reps per set and three sets total and incrementally increase your weight to get stronger and work toward that summer beach bod.
Here’s another combo workout and works a couple of different muscles to help you toward that summer beach bod. It’s fairly straightforward as you’ll just be combining a dumbbell curl with an overhead press. Stand with arms hanging down holding some dumbbells of moderate weight. Curl the dumbbells up to your shoulders, then rotate your palms outward away from your body. Press the dumbbells overhead until your arms are straight up above your head then reverse the motion and go back to the starting position. Go for 10 repetitions per set and three sets total, increasing the weight over time!
This workout is exactly how it sounds: a dumbbell punch. It’s a common boxer workout move but it works well in toning your upper body and getting you toward that summer beach bod that you want. Start off with low weight to get used to the movement. Stand with feet about hip-width apart and knees slightly bent. With a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing toward your face, elbows bent up so the dumbbells are about level with your mouth. You’ll step forward with your left foot and keep your back foot in a 45-degree angle and keeping your body in a partially sideways position. Punch out with your right arm but not completely locking your elbow/extending your arm and exhale as you do so. Switch sides and repeat! You’ll be working your shoulders, triceps, and lat muscles and toning up your upper body!
Burpees are an awesome full-body workout that will get you that summer beach bod in no time! Your starting position will just be standing regularly. You’ll squat down then put your hands on the floor and kick your feet out behind you (you’ll basically be in a push-up position then) and lower yourself to the ground. Then do a push-up, tuck your feet back under your body, and spring up out of a crouch position jumping into the air as high as you can in one fluid motion. That’s one rep! These are great to get the blood pumping and to work your whole body, and can also be done basically anywhere.
Squats are a great exercise to implement into your workouts to help you toward that summer beach bod. It’s an amazing lower body workout that works your thighs, core, calves, glutes, hamstrings, and even abs. Many different squat variations can be done such as body weight, barbell, front, goblet, and more. There are pros and cons to them all it just depends on what workout equipment you have available to you and such. If you’ve never squatted before it can be beneficial and a good introduction to the exercise to start with bodyweight squats, then move on to barbell or another weighted squat after some practice. It’ll help your body get more ready for the strain and help prevent injuries. Squats aren’t just for your butt so don’t count them out as a way to work on your summer beach bod. As they say: don’t skip leg day!
Mountain climbers make for a great ab workout that also counts for some good cardio. You’ll start from an upward plank position (or push-up position) and alternate bringing one knee to your chest, then back out, and then bring up the other knee. Pick up speed to where you’re quickly alternating and almost “running” against the floor. This really works your quads and core and helps shed fat fast as you work toward your summer beach bod. It can be done anywhere and is great for getting that stomach flat and those abs into a six-pack!
Another great core and ab exercise are Russian twists. Both are very important to work on and strengthen if you want that ideal summer beach bod! Sit on the ground, ideally on an exercise mat, and bring out your legs and hold them up with a slight bend in your knees. Lean back slightly and engage your core to make a v-shape. While balancing you’ll twist your torso from side to side without moving your legs, it can help to cross your ankles to help maintain your balance. There are couple variations like using a medicine ball or dumbbell for a tougher workout!
Bicycle crunches are an awesome workout to do that work both your upper and lower abs as well as your hamstrings and quads. A great lower body workout that gets your summer beach bod ready to be shown off. This can be done anywhere and should be done by anyone looking to get themself a six-pack! Lay on the ground and extend your legs and hold them above the ground. With your hands touching the temple of your head, bend your elbows and hold them outward. Bend up your right knee and turn your torso so your left elbow touches, or as close as you can get, that knee then bring it back down and alternate sides. This can be done as a repetition-based or time-based workout depending on how you prefer. Take it slow at first and get used to the movement but speed it up or add more repetitions to work all your ab muscles! A sure sign of a fit summer beach bod is chiseled abs and this workout is the key to getting them.
Cardio is super important in working toward a summer beach bod so don’t pass on it. Running is an awesome workout as it works your entire body from your legs to your torso. You’ll help build up your muscles and improve your cardiovascular fitness while also burning lots of calories! Running is great because it can be done anywhere either in the gym on a treadmill or almost anywhere outdoors! Grab a buddy or two and start running consistently to work toward that summer beach bod.
Another really great cardio workout for getting that summer beach bod is swimming. Although swimming isn’t as accessible as running, it provides an amazing workout for your body. More so than running, swimming is great at working your entire body and toning many of your muscles. It’s also great at burning calories and fat so you can show off your muscles this summer. You’ll be building your endurance and improving your cardiovascular fitness with every swim workout. If you truly want a summer beach bod, then swimming is a sure way to get there fast!
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