Try these four moves to tighten and tone your entire body (2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions of each). They aren’t just for the boys anymore! And no worries, lifting like a man will not make you look like one!
1. Romanian Deadlift: This along with the chest press is often considered the ultimate “guy move” but not only do deadlifts work your hamstrings and low back like nothing else can, they have an added benefit for girls in that they help strengthen your pelvic floor.
Stand with feet hip width apart in front of a loaded bar (don’t be afraid to put heavy weights on that thing!). Bend down and grip the bar; keeping it close to your body, stand back up. Ensuring that your knees are very bent, and keeping your back and arms straight, bend down slowly and lift up slowly.
Man tip: Keep your chest and head up!
2. Bar Abs: Lying on your back, lift an Olympic bar (45 lbs) straight over your shoulders. Raise both legs up and then slowly lower them to one side. Touch your feet if you are flexible enough to do it while keeping your back on the floor. Raise them back up and lower to the other side.
Man tip: Keep your neck straight and look up at the ceiling, not your feet.
3. Squat Jump onto Box: Wonder Woman would approve of this leg-blasting plyometric. Stand in front of a squat box (or sturdy coffee table, step, or weight bench). Squat down, jump off both feet and land on top of the box. Jump off and repeat.
Man tip: You can jump higher than you think. Don’t let the height of the box psych you out.
4. Preacher Curl: Get those guns in shape with this variation on the biceps curl. Place one leg on a box or weight bench. Prop the elbow of the same side on the inside of your knee. Raise and lower the dumbbell.
Man tip: Point to your bicep with your free hand. Kissing your bicep is optional but encouraged.