5 Moves to Tone from Head to Toe

Just 5 moves? Come on really? I could probably make time for that…I guess. Does that sound like you ? Most people don't have the time to spend hours at the gym, lifting weights, practicing hot yoga, doing that awkward pelvic muscle building machine, and flexing in the mirror. Thankfully these full body (or compound) movements are perfect for maximizing calorie burn and achieving head-to-toe toning FAST. These five moves are a perfect quick cardio and muscle jump start. Aim for 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions per side for each one. Let’s get started!

1. Squat/Plié with Overhead Triceps Extension: Channel your ballet class days (if you ever had them) for this one. Stand with your feet hip width apart. Hold on to one end of a dumbbell with both hands and lift the weight over your head. With your weight in your heels, bend at the hips, lowering yourself down until your thighs are roughly parallel to the ground (or as low as is comfortable). As you come down, let the weight come down behind your head, toward the middle of your back. Return to standing, lifting the dumbbell back above your head. For a variation, start in a plié position. Keep the knees behind the toes when you come down regardless of which option you pick.
2. Plank with Row: Ahh planks. Aren’t they just so fun? :) While on your hands and knees, place two dumbbells on the floor, lining them up underneath your shoulders. Gripping the dumbbells with each hand, push yourself up off your knees and bring your feet back so your legs are straight. Your body should be a straight line from your feet all the way through your neck and head, and there should be no bend in your arms. Hold this position, making sure not to let your pelvis rise or fall--keep your abdominals engaged. Pull one arm back, lifting the dumbbell. Your elbow should bend with this movement, but make sure it is your back muscles drawing the arm away from the floor. Lower the dumbbell back down. Viola – plank row.
3. Woodchoppers: Stand with your feet hip width apart, holding a weight just above your left shoulder. Step out into a foward lunge with your right foot, bringing the weight down across your body toward your right hip. Push back into your start position, bringing the weight back up. For a variation, instead of lunging forward, lunge to the side. Oh your inner thighs will feel that burn!
4. Burpees with an Overhead Press: As if burpees weren’t miserable enough (ha ha), here is a little exta twist! Quickly squat down and place your palms on the floor shoulder width apart. Jump both feet back together so you're in a basic plank position. Jump your feet back up to your hands and stand up. Add a jump at the end if you like. Alternately, place two light dumbbells on the floor in front of you. When you go to stand up, grab the dumbbells and do an overhead press.
5. Backward Lunge with Bicep Curl: Stand with your feet hip width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand at your sides. Step into a backward lunge, aiming to get two 90 degree angles in both legs and to keep your front knee behind your front toe. As you come back, do a bicep curl with both arms. Push off with your back foot to return to start, lowering the dumbbells back to your sides.

Which is your favorite for feeling the tone…and burn?