Spring is upon us, and you know what that means — it's the perfect time of year to kick our fitness routines up a notch. Temperatures will soon be soaring, giving us all a good reason to escape into the fresh outdoors to spend a little more time moving our bods.
Whether you are looking to get toned quick for your next beach vacay or build some strength and endurance, try out these bodyweight exercises now. These can be done in your living, your backyard, the gym, you name it.
If you can, perform up to three rounds of the circuit below:
CURTSY LUNGE TO LATERAL LUNGE
Begin in a standing position with your feet hip-width apart. Track your left leg behind you as you descend into a curtsy lunge, driving you're the full weight into that front heel while keeping your hips forward. As you come up from the thrust, step your left foot out to the side and perform a lateral lunge. Repeat for ten reps on each leg.
Lateral Jumps
Draw a line on the ground (or mentally draw one for you to remember). Perform a lateral jump across the floor to the right landing on both feet. Repeat the movement on the opposite side of the body. Try to increase your speed and your jump from side-to-side. Keep your back straight and your knees slightly bent. Complete 15 reps per side.
Tricep pushups
Starting from a plank position, gently lower onto your knees and stack your wrists directly beneath your shoulders. Make sure your elbows are tucked close into the body as you begin to lower down to perform a tricep push-up. When you return to a plank position, bring your right leg to your chest, followed by your left leg into your chest to deliver a glute kickback. Alternate sides and complete 12 reps total.
V-Up Figure 8's
Begin in a seated position with your knees bent, and a dumbbell in your right hand. Keeping your chin raised and shoulders back, lean backward and lift both feet off the floor. Stay in this position as you lift the dumbbell over your right knee and under your left knee. With your left hand, reach under your left knee from the outside of your left leg to grab the dumbbell. Then, lift the weight over your left knee and under your right knee. With your right hand, reach outside and under your right knee to grab the dumbbell. Perform 12 reps.
High Knees
Starting in a standing position with your feet hip-distance apart, jog in place bringing each knee as close to a 90-degree angle as you can. Keep your chest up high, and land softly, never buckling your knees or slamming your feet into the ground each time. Complete approximately 25 reps per side.
Ready. Set. Boss. Our daily email is pouring out inspiration with the latest #BlackGirlBossUp moments, tips on hair, beauty and lifestyle to get you on track to a better you! Sign up today.