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Basic Work Out
Often, a simple work out can make you feel good in a small
amount of time. You can squeeze in these moves during lunch
break, or even right before an upcoming date. The best part
is, these exercises aren�t too demanding, so
there will be minimal perspiration involved. Keep in mind that
these routines are not meant for advanced trainers looking for
serious muscle growth. They are designed to maintain a
healthy and good-looking physique within
approximately an hour. Make sure that you have a healthy snack
at least one hour before the workout, and a full meal
afterwards.

Cardiovascular and Lower Body
Your cardiovascular work out should consist
of a half-hour daily walk. Simply lace up your quality
walking shoes and go for a stroll around the block. Go out
regardless of the weather; just make sure to dress
adequately. An effective alternative to going outside is
walking up and down a building staircase. This option is
excellent for your heart, as well as maintaining leg
muscles. To maintain a constant progression, try to increase
your pace on a weekly basis. Set goals and gradually
increase your distances. If possible, alter your
cardiovascular sessions for an even more effective work out:
use the staircase one day, and walk around the block on
other days.
Upper Body
After your cardiovascular exercises, begin your upper body
work out with a few exercises. Do these steps three times
a week for better results.
Basic Pushups
Basic pushups will work your chest area, triceps
and rear deltoids. Aim for 3 sets
of 10 to 15 repetitions
(depending on your fitness level), and gradually increase
the repetitions as the movement becomes easier. Once the
movement becomes too easy, you can increase the workout by
elevating your feet on a chair to increase resistance.
Lay face down on the floor with your legs extended behind
you and your hands directly beneath your shoulders. Your
fingertips should be pointed straight ahead, and make sure
you keep your back flat and your head in natural alignment
with your spine. Get into the starting position by
extending your arms straight from your shoulders, which
lifts your entire body off the floor. While keeping your
body stable, go down until your nose almost touches the
floor. Exhale as you push back to the starting position
with your chest and triceps. Try not to lock your elbows
in order to keep constant tension on your muscles.
Close-Grip Pushups
Close-grip pushups mostly work the tricep muscles, the
inner chest and the trunk muscles. Once again, carry out
3 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions (according
to your fitness level), and gradually increase the
repetitions as the movement becomes easier. � Use the same
starting position and breathing pattern as the basic
pushup. Bring your hands together and form a triangle with
your index fingers and thumbs. As you go down to the
floor, your elbows should go to the side, which
incidentally puts more stress on your triceps and inner
chest. Close-grip pushups also require more balance. By
stabilizing your body, your trunk muscles
will work throughout the entire movement. At first,
close-grip pushups might strain your wrists, so make sure
you stretch appropriately and start off slowly.
Wide-Grip Pushups
Wide-grip pushups will work your chest, rear
shoulders and parts of your back muscles.
Carry out the same sets and reps as aforementioned and
gradually increase the reps as the movement becomes
easier. � Use the same starting position and breathing
pattern as the basic pushup. Your hands should be
positioned beyond shoulder width, with your fingers
pointing frontward. The wider position emphasizes the
tension on your shoulders and lengthens your pectorals.
Wide-grip pushups are more demanding, so you will tire
more quickly than with other pushups. The above pushup
variations will help keep your upper body muscles strong
and fit. For additional exercises, try these simple moves.
All you require are either 8 or 15 kg dumb bells, and a
few minutes.
Legs
These repetitions will build up muscles in the
thigh and buttocks. First,
spread your legs to hip length and keep your legs fully
extended. Holding dumb bells in each hand and maintaining
a straight back, slowly bend your knees until your thighs
are level to the floor. Then, slowly return to your
original position. Continue this exercise until you tire
your legs to failure.
Chest
In order to work out the pectorals, lie
on a bed (stomach up) and hold a weight in each hand above
your chest. Keep your arms fully extended with the palms
facing each other. Next, lower the dumb bells outwards and
down until parallel with your shoulders. Breathe out, and
return the weights to starting position. Aim for
eight sets of 8 to 12 repetitions.
Arms
These exercises will strengthen your biceps. Sit on the
edge of a secure chair with your feet placed hip width
apart. Hold the weights with palms facing inwards in front
of your body. Extend your arm, and curl one dumb bell up
at a time in a small arc towards your shoulder. Be sure to
rotate your forearm so your palm faces your shoulder at
the top of the movement.
Aim for three sets of 8 to 12 repetitions.
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