Summary: Spring is in the air! But before you celebrate, your first concern is probably how you are going to tone up for the summer. (We all worry about it, so you're not alone!) And though summer is 12 weeks away, it provides an optimum amount of time for you to develop a permanent and consistent health, fitness, and nutrition program. The first sign for many that it's time to "get back on track" is the soft mid-section and arms - am I right? These areas are popular for being bared in the warmer months. So instead of waiting until two weeks before your summer trip, start trimming up your abs and arms NOW!! Check out this week's Made Fit TV podcast on creative - but challenging - movements to hit your abs and arms at the same time. In the video, I demonstrate these compound movements listed below. Working both muscle groups at the same time challenges your endurance, strength, and function for great results! (Just don't forget to eat healthy and lean and keep up with your cardio, of course!) Side plank with lateral shoulder raise * Lie on one side and hold your hips off the ground with your forearm and side of your feet * With the opposite hand, hold a dumbbell face down at your side with arm straight * While keeping your hips off the ground, perform 10-12 reps of a lateral shoulder raise * Repeat on other side, 3 sets on each Elevated bear crawl * Get into a push up position in front of a step or box * While maintaining a tight core and straight arms, alternate climbing the step with your hands up and then down * Perform 10-15 reps per arm, 3 sets total 'V' sit overhead press * Sit on the ground or the edge of a box with your knees bents and together and toes off the ground * While balancing in this position, hold a dumbbell in each hand above your shoulders * While maintaining the v-sit, press the dumbbells straight up and over head * Perform 10-15 reps, 3 sets total
