Fit Is The New Black

So you can’t afford a trainer? No biggie. That’s what fitness magazines are for. When you’re done flipping through the latest issue of SHAPE or Women’s Health don’t toss it out! Rip out the pages dedicated to teaching new strength training/toning moves. You’ll learn new moves to add to your fitness arsenal, and you’ll save yourself a load of money! Here are some of my favorite tare-outs from fitness mags (courtesy of the wonderful people who scan and upload things on Tumblr).

Cellulite, enemy to women and men everywhere. The unsightly fat deposits that lump and dimple the connective tissue beneath the skin can appear on anyone. You don’t have to be overweight to have it. Genetics and thickness can determine if you have it. But how do you get rid of it? That’s what you want to know, right? There are tons of creams and procedures that claim to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Massages are said to help fight the fat by aiding circulation. Products containing caffeine help dehydrate, giving skin a tighter look.

There are cheaper ways to reduce cellulite. Ways I’ve personally tested. Ready to learn my secret? Listen up! Exercise. Yes, I know, very old school. But working out works. It helps you lose fat and tone up. Exercise should be your friend if you want to fight cellulite. Exercise should be your friend, period. Cellulite Busting Moves

Squats

Works: Butt, thighs

I use to be afraid to squat because people always suggest it if you want a bigger butt. But don’t be afraid of this move, readers! I squat 1-2 times a week, performing 3 reps of 10-15, with 20-30 pounds. My butt is more perky, and the back of my thighs are smoother and tighter.

Lunges

Works: Inner thigh & outer thigh, butt

I noticed a decrease in jiggle in my inner thighs when I started doing lunges. Try performing it 2-3 times a week, without weights. Want to increase the burn? Add weights. Reverse lunges also can do wonders.

Side-Kick

Works: Outer thigh and hips   

You can do this move laying down or standing up. Keep your core sucked in tight. Lift leg as high as it can go (comfortably), allowing yourself to feel the squeeze in the side of your butt cheek and even obliques. Slowly lower and repeat 20 times, for a set of three. Switch sides and perform with other leg.

Donkey Kicks

Works: Butt, lower back

I do this move everyday. It works the butt, but if you really lift your leg high enough it will also work the fat of the lower back. An another alternate move is to donkey kick to the side, which works that pesky hip or “muffin top” area.

And always remember, add cardio! Yes, strength training will build muscle which helps to burn fat, but cardio is key because it burns a ton of calories. Your body stores fat when it isn’t used, which means the more calories you burn the less fat there is to store. In short, get moving! Have a cellulite fighting secret? Tell me in the comments!