Toning your trouble zones

I've got new exercises I want to share. I got them from www.shape.com.

These new set of exercises will target your trouble zone or those areas you want to improve on. Mine are inner thighs, arms and love handles.

I have to say my arms are not so flabby anymore but I still want them to be toned and firm. I tried doing these exercises today and they're great. I am hoping to have sexy legs by end of this month. Nah, just kidding!

For the complete exercise, please visit shape.com.

PROBLEM: LOVE HANDLES
SOLUTION: T-ROTATION BALANCE
Strengthen all the little muscles that line your waist while you improve your balance and coordination too.


How to do it:
Start standing on your right foot and extend your left leg behind you. Bend your right knee and reach both arms straight out in front of you, palms pressed together. Bend forward at the waist, lifting your left leg up as you lean your chest forward, creating a straight line from your foot through your head (forming a 'T' shape with your body).

Slowly open your right arm, rotating it up to the ceiling, turning your chest to the right, and looking up to your right hand.

Slowly and with control, try to lower your right arm and return to the 'T' shape without lowering your left leg. That's one rep. Do 15 reps on the right, then 15 reps on the left, repeating for a total of 3 sets on each leg.

PROBLEM: INNER-THIGH BULGE
SOLUTION: SIDE AND CROSSOVER LUNGE
This move targets your inner thighs from a variety of angles and positions for maximum muscle toning. As an added bonus, you'll also challenge your butt and core.


How to do it:
Start standing with your feet together, arms down by your sides. Take a wide step to the side with your left foot (your right leg should stay extended) and bend your left knee, pushing your hips behind you. Keep your back flat, eyes looking straight ahead, and reach both arms on either side of your left foot, touching the ground with your fingertips.

Push off the ground with your left foot, standing back up, as you cross your left leg over your right foot (think of stepping your left foot to the left corner of an imaginary box on the ground in front of you) and immediately bend your knees and reach both hands to the floor on either side of your left foot.

That's one rep. Quickly stand back up and push off your left foot, bringing it back out to your side and repeating the side lunge again. Do 15 reps on the right, then 15 reps on the left, repeating for a total of 3 sets on each leg.

PROBLEM: ARM FLAB
SOLUTION: RECLINING TRICEPS PRESS
Don't be fooled by the word "reclining"—this move is anything but relaxing! You'll challenge your triceps muscles to tighten up the backs of your arms, while engaging your core muscles at the same time.



How to do it:
Start seated with your knees bent, feet flexed, and heels on the ground. Keeping your abs tight, lean back and lower yourself onto your elbows, keeping your spine straight (your back should remain off the ground) with your hands facing your body, palms flat on the floor.

Push through your hands to extend your elbows and lift your body off the floor, maintaining a straight spine the entire time.

Bend your elbows and lower down until your arms (but not your back) touch the floor again. That's one rep. Do 3 sets of 15 reps total.