With Spring in the air and the weather getting warmer, it’s time to get ready for outdoor activities – specifically the swimsuit season. When you hear the phase toning the muscles, what we’re really talking about is strengthening a muscle and reducing the subcutaneous “soft fat” covering it. Less subcutaneous fat (under the skin surface), the more the muscle looks “toned or firm.”

Your caloric intake and distribution of macronutrients – protein, fat, carbohydrates – addresses not only lean muscle preservation or increase, but also loss of fat under the skin, around and within muscle tissue.

In this series, we’ll focus on strengthening specific muscle groups, which can accentuate a lean physique – with appropriate dietary modifications.

Thigh Blaster

Using a light rubber exercise band, attach it at the mid-thigh level to a fixed object. Step into the band and place just above the kneecap on one thigh.  Turn so the anchor is to the side, with resistance pulling inward. Move away from the anchor (fixed object) to a balanced position against the resistance of the band. Set up into a standing stationary lunge position. Step back into a reverse lunge position and hold. Against the resistance, lower the back leg to a 90-degree position at the knee. Return to the standing position. Try 10. Then, turn so the resistance is to the opposite side. Try 10 stationary reverse lunges. Repeat with the opposite leg.

 

With Spring in the air and the weather getting warmer, it’s time to get ready for outdoor activities – specifically the swimsuit season. When you hear the phase toning the muscles, what we’re really talking about is strengthening a muscle and reducing the subcutaneous “soft fat” covering it. Less subcutaneous fat (under the skin surface), the more the muscle looks “toned or firm.”

Your caloric intake and distribution of macronutrients – protein, fat, carbohydrates – addresses not only lean muscle preservation or increase, but also loss of fat under the skin, around and within muscle tissue.

In this series, we’ll focus on strengthening specific muscle groups, which can accentuate a lean physique – with appropriate dietary modifications.

Prone Plank Pull

Using a light rubber exercise band or tube, attach it 6-12 inches off the ground to a fixed object. Set up in a prone plank position with arms bent to a 90-degree point, hands pointing forward, with legs opened to a wider spread. The cord should be straight (no slack in cord). With one arm acting as a stabilizer, pull in and out with the other working arm. Try 10. Repeat with the other arm. Breath normally.

 

With Spring in the air and the weather getting warmer, it’s time to get ready for outdoor activities – specifically the swimsuit season. When you hear the phase toning the muscles, what we’re really talking about is strengthening a muscle and reducing the subcutaneous “soft fat” covering it. Less subcutaneous fat (under the skin surface), the more the muscle looks “toned or firm.”

Your caloric intake and distribution of macronutrients – protein, fat, carbohydrates – addresses not only lean muscle preservation or increase, but also loss of fat under the skin, around and within muscle tissue.

In this series, we’ll focus on strengthening specific muscle groups, which can accentuate a lean physique – with appropriate dietary modifications.

Ab Blaster

Using a Pilates Ring or thick sofa-type medium size cushion, lie on your back with knees bent to 90-degrees. Place the ring or cushion against the inner thighs. With hands extended at the sides, palms down, exhale as you squeeze the thighs, while performing a crunch-up. Hold the thigh contraction, as you lower back to a point touching the low back. Immediately, sit back up. Try 10.

With Spring in the air and the weather getting warmer, it’s time to get ready for outdoor activities – specifically the swimsuit season. When you hear the phase toning the muscles, what we’re really talking about is strengthening a muscle and reducing the subcutaneous “soft fat” covering it. Less subcutaneous fat (under the skin surface), the more the muscle looks “toned or firm.”

Your caloric intake and distribution of macronutrients – protein, fat, carbohydrates – addresses not only lean muscle preservation or increase, but also loss of fat under the skin, around and within muscle tissue.

In this series, we’ll focus on strengthening specific muscle groups, which can accentuate a lean physique – with appropriate dietary modifications.

Butt Blaster (glut max)

Using a light-to-moderate thick rubber exercise band, lie on your back and place both ends around the feet at the mid-shoe point – with feet flat on the ground and the legs bent to 90-degrees. Pull the band up and over resting across to a point behind the kneecaps on the thigh. Separate the thighs against the resistance, so the knees are parallel to each other.  Hands are at your sides with arms extended palms down for support. Against the resistance of the band, raise to an elevated bridge position, while keeping the thighs in position. Hold for a 2-count and return to start. Try 10 bridges.