Want slim hips and a flat, toned stomach? Add this routine into your fitness plan. This simple workout helps to tone your whole body and get your belly and waist looking their best, so you’ll be able to fit back into your favourite jeans in no time! Do these three moves in a circuit three days a week, with a rest day in between each workout. You’ll soon be feeling leaner, slimmer and more toned, and one step closer to reaching your weight loss goals.

You’ll need a set of hand-weights to do these exercises- 1 to 2 kilograms is a good guideline, but choose a weight that you’re comfortable with. Do one set of each exercise in succession, resting 30 seconds in between each move. After you’ve done one set of each move, rest for another 30 seconds and repeat the circuit two or three times.

Core exercises should be a part of any well-rounded fitness program, and not be restricted to a few occasional sit-ups and push-ups. It pays to work those core muscles around your trunk and pelvis, and improve balance and stability.

Using a fitness or balance ball to strengthen your core muscles helps to work even your deepest muscles. Further advantages of using a gym ball for core exercises include:

“It’s too cold… It’s too wet…It’s too dark” We have heard it all before. Countless excuses why we can’t exercise in winter. Think again, as there are also countless ways to exercise-INDOORS.

1.       Team up

Join an indoor team sport such as netball, volleyball, soccer, basketball and cricket. Being part of a team is great for your attendance as you don’t want to let the team down. It also has a plus of making new friends and socializing.

You’ve huffed and puffed and ready to hit a warm shower-so many times the last thing on our minds is to wind down and do a cool down.

Taking the time to cool down is important because;

• It allows your heart rate and blood pressure to return to normal.
• It allows for your muscles to stretch, maintain suppleness and flexibility which  reduces the risk of injury.
• It will also enable you to workout again sooner.
• It allows you to relax by focusing on your breathing, getting back control of your body and unwinding psychologically.

We all know that regular exercise is good for us....reduces your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes and obesity.