Working out to eliminate trouble spots demands time and effort. Finding one exercise that does double duty by attacking two problem areas feels like you’ve received lagniappe (an extra gift). Check out these moves that will reward you with two benefits for the price of one exercise.
Knee Plank and Twist
Hold a 3-pound weight in each hand and get into a push-up position. Drop your right knee down to the ground and raise your left arm up overhead. Next, twist and reach down under your body. Then swivel back up. Continue for 1 minute. Switch sides and repeat.
First benefit: Twisting the torso strengthens the oblique muscles, which act as a corset and cinch in the waist.
Double duty benefit: Controlling the dumbbell weights through the move will tone the back by working the rhomboids.
Front Lunge and Row
Hold dumbbells weighing between 3 to 5 pounds. Lunge forward with your left leg. Reach your arms out so the weights are by your front knee and then pull them up toward your chest. Lower the weights back down. Return your front foot to the starting position. Continue for 1 minute. Switch sides and repeat.
First benefit: Slims hips, shapes the buttocks, thighs, and hips.
Double duty benefit: Tones the back by working the latissimus dorsi muscles.
Dumbbell Chest Flys
Lie on your back and raise your legs in the air with your knees bent to a right angle. Lift 3- to 5-pound weights above your chest. With your palms facing inward toward each other, drop your arms out to the side until your arms are parallel to the ground, then return to start. Continue for 1 minute.
First benefit: Exercising your two main pectoral chest muscles can lift the breasts and make them appear perkier.
Double duty benefit: Engaging the lower abs of your core by lifting legs melts a pot belly.
Squat and Press
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold weights ranging from 2 to 7 pounds at your shoulders. Lower your body into a squat. Press the weights overhead as you straighten up and return to a standing position. Repeat for 1 minute.
First benefit: Works the glutes and lifts the rear.
Double duty benefit: Works the deltoids for sleek shoulders.
Curtsy Squat and Curl
Stand with your feet together while holding 3- to 5-pound weights. Place your left foot behind you and to the right as you bend your knees in a move that mimics curtsying to the queen. At the same time, curl the weights up to your shoulders. Return to standing as you lower the weights. Repeat with the other leg. Alternate for 1 minute.
First benefit: Trims thighs, reshapes the buttocks and inner thighs.
Double duty benefit: Eliminates sagging skin on upper arms.