Kickin’

By Beth Behrendt

Swimsuit season is almost upon us (boy, it sure sneaks up ever y year, doesn’t it?) Even if you have no intention of baring your abs and tush in a swimsuit, a warm-weather wardrobe still gives plent y of oppor tunit y to show arms and thighs. Here are some exercises targeted to getting those “problem” areas into tip-top shape.

Stomach

Erin Scheele, owner and lead trainer of The WorXout, said, “Our core is ac tually three different layers of abdominal muscles: the lower rectus (a k a the “six pack ”), the obliques (that define your waist), and the transverse abs (most important because they help with posture and back issues). I t ’s impor tant to do abdominal exercises that work all three layers.

A great exercise is “Plank with Knee to Opposite Elbow ”

Here’s how:

• Assume a high (arms ex tended, palms flat on the ground, head level with ground) plank position

• Bring your right k nee to your left elbow, hold for three seconds and return; then bring your left k nee to your right elbow and hold for three seconds

• Keep alternating for 60 seconds

• Do three sets

Rear

Sheele said, “ This is the largest muscle in your body I remind my clients ‘it ’s supposed to be big!’ A great one for toning is the old classic from those Jane Fonda DVDs: the clam shell The lateral motion isolates the hip muscles to strengthen and tone.”

Here’s how:

• Lie on your side with k nees slightly bent and one leg on top of the other

• Keep your feet together and lift your top k nee until it ’s parallel with your hip

• Keep your core tight and maintain a neutral spine

• Lower your k nee back to the initial position, repeat for 15; then switch sides

• Do three sets