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    This No-Gym Workout Is Ideal For The Holidays

    Going away for the holidays? This travel-friendly no-gym workout routine by trainer Johno Meintjies can be done anywhere. And it does the job in just 15 minutes!

    Unlike weird carpet designs, gyms do not come standard with every hotel. So top trainer Johno Meintjies created these simple but effective workouts that you can do in any space – even small. They use only your body weight and the kind of props you would normally find in a hotel room or at home.

    The 15-minute no-gym workout

    This no-gym routine, by Meintjes, is a classic example of a travel-friendly workout. It uses only your body weight and a pair of light weights or cans to sculpt your body from top to bottom. “The most important thing about this workout is that it’s nothing new,” says Meintjes. “Everyone has done these moves, but it’s the intensity that’s the key and also getting the foundation right. If you can master the technique and then bring in the intensity with the recovery, your results will be fantastic.”

    READ MORE: Try This 30-Minute HIIT Workout At Home For A Total-Body Burn

    Do the workout

    The workout is designed into blocks, each consisting of 60 seconds’ strength work, 60 seconds’ dynamic strength work, 90 seconds’ flat-out cardio and then 30 seconds’ rest. “The recovery is important because you need to be working at maximum the whole time,” says Meintjes. The fourth and final block works differently. There are no strength moves; it’s just ninety seconds of flat-out, high-intensity cardio. “This last block is divided into divided into 30-second blasts of three different exercises,” says Meintjes. “You’ve done two of them before: squat jumps and high knees. Now we’re adding a burpee.”

    Watch a WH staff member perform the moves…

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    READ MORE: A 4-Week Home Workout Plan To Get Fit And Strong AF

    Your Moves

    BLOCK 1

    1/ Squat to Kick x 60 secondsAlternate sides each rep.2/ Running Man x 60 secondsFocus on your breathing, keep your bum down and core stable.3/ High Knees x 90 secondsGo as fast as you can.4/ Rest x 30 seconds

    BLOCK 2

    1/ Lunge Pulse x 60 secondsSo 30 seconds on one side, then switch.2/ Push-up to Fly x 60 secondsAlternate arms each rep.3/ Jump Squats x 90 secondsMaintain a wide stance. Jump as high as you can.4/ Rest x 30 seconds

    READ MORE: The 3 Stretches You Should Be Doing Daily

    BLOCK 3

    1/ Weighted Air Punch x 60 secondsHold light weights or identical cans in your hands.2/ Squat Pulse x 60 secondsKeep feet shoulder width and heels flat down.3/ Lateral, Wide, Deep Single-Leg Jump x 90 secondsIt’s a mouthful, but it’s really just jumping side to side. Make it as explosive as possible.4/ Rest x 30 seconds

    BLOCK 4

    1/ Squat Jumps x 30 seconds2/ High Knees x 30 seconds3/ Burpees x 30 seconds More

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    This Quick 10-Minute Butt Workout From A Trainer Will Grow Your Glutes Fast

    Words by Andi Breitowich

    What if I told you you’re only 10 minutes away from a stronger booty? I’m only slightly exaggerating. There’s no quick fix for the perfect peach, but the good news is you don’t need a fully stocked weight room or oodles of time in it to grow your glutes. All you really need: a pair of heavy dumbbells, 10 minutes a few times a week, and consistency.

    Strengthening your glutes means working three distinct muscles—the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. Sure, those gains look good, but they will also help you in everyday activities like standing up, using the stairs, running, jumping, and walking, says Macy Pruett, CPT, a certified personal trainer and the founder of Fittest Core. Plus, training your glutes improves your overall body composition. “When you perform glute-focused exercises, you tie in a lot of other muscle groups, which leads to high metabolic cost and burning calories during and after a training session,” she explains.

    Clearly, glute workouts are worth the hype…but what’s the best way to approach them? “Progressive overloading is the most effective way to build glutes, and it simply means doing more over time,” says Pruett. That can mean increasing the weight, upping your reps, or minimizing rest. Those dumbbells you have on hand are more than sufficient for tightening, toning, and growing your bum.

    So, how do you select the right weight? Pruett says you want to pick a weight that you can accomplish 10 reps of an exercise without failing. “When you get to a point of performing 10 reps with ease, it’s time to increase your weight,” she says. (Remember the progressive overloading strategy.) Increase the weight in 5- to 10-pound increments, but make sure you can maintain proper form with the added iron.

    10-Minute Glutes Workout

    Pro tip: If you’re doing an exercise with fewer reps, you can opt for a heavier dumbbell, but if you’re doing an exercise with higher reps, you’ll likely need a lighter one.

    Remember: Consistency is key for results, and that means completing this 10-minute workout programmed by Pruett three to four times a week. Try it out and get ready for a serious booty burn.

    Time: 10 Minutes | Equipment: Dumbbells | Good For: Glutes

    Instructions: This glute workout includes three supersets (two exercises you complete back-to-back, with minimal-to-no rest) that engage all three muscles. Complete 3 sets of the bridge superset, 2 sets of the deadlift superset, 2 sets of the squat superset with no rest, and 3 sets of the finisher.

    Bridge Superset

    Weighted Glute Bridge

    Why it rocks: This move is a staple glute exercise because it’s easy to perform and can be done with or without weight.

    “It comes with a huge range of variations, and, most importantly, uses the glutes maximally without working the quads much,” says Pruett. “It works the gluteus maximus, which is the biggest muscle in our body and the one where we can see glute growth the most.”

    How to:

    Lie on the ground, with your feet flat on the floor about shoulder-width apart, knees bent and arms by your sides on the floor.

    Place the dumbbell where it’s comfortable on your hip bones and maintain a neutral pelvis. (Option to complete the move without a weight.)

    Engage your core, then push through your heels as you scoop your hips up toward the ceiling.

    Squeeze your glutes at the top when you reach full hip extension. Keep your ribs down (don’t flare them or arch your back) and chin slightly tucked or head at neutral throughout.

    Inhale as you lower down with control. That’s one rep. Complete 20 reps.

    Glute Bridge March

    Why it rocks: “This glute bridge variation is fantastic because it gives you that ‘feel the burn’ sensation that’s essential for glute growth,” says Pruett.

    Plus, this exercise also engages the hamstrings and quads with time-under-tension.

    How to:

    Press up into a glute bridge, as described above, with knees, hips, and shoulders in alignment, and hold this position. (Option to place a dumbbell on your hips or complete with bodyweight.)

    From here, raise one leg at a time, keeping the stationary leg firmly on the ground and pelvis stable.

    Keep your core engaged and alternate raising legs, maintaining the lifted butt position. Complete 20 reps on each side.

    Deadlift Superset

    Romanian Deadlift

    Why it rocks: Romanian deadlifts are a great addition to any glute workout because they focus on the “eccentric phase” of the movement, says Pruett—which is when the muscles lengthen.

    “This allows you to take it slow on the way down, while the hamstrings are lengthened, and requires more work from your glutes and hamstrings.”

    How to:

    Start standing with feet about hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, holding dumbbells in front of your thighs, palms facing body. (You can hold one heavier dumbbell, or a pair of dumbbells with one in each hand.)

    Keeping knees slightly bent, hinge at the hips while shifting them backwards.

    Maintain a flat back and engaged core as you inhale and lower the weights toward the floor, keeping them close to your body. Make sure to keep your shins vertical and your weight back on your heels.

    Exhale, and bring the dumbbells back up to the starting position engaging your glutes by extending your hips and raising your torso.

    Continue to keep the weight close to your body and squeeze your glutes at the top of the position. That’s 1 rep. Complete 10 reps.

    Single-leg Dumbbell Deadlifts

    Why it rocks: This variation of a deadlift isolates the glutes. Plus, performing this single-leg exercise allows you to focus on one side of your body at a time, in turn, creating more work for that side, says Pruett.

    This is also the exact movement as a Romanian deadlift, so you’ll perform it using the same techniques as above, but unilaterally.

    How to:

    Start standing on the right leg with your left leg slightly back behind your body, toe pointed and resting on the floor, right arm on hip, and left arm extended straight down at the side while holding your dumbbell. (Pruett always suggests holding one dumbbell in the opposite hand of the working leg.)

    Inhale, engage your abs, and maintain a neutral spine as you slowly lean forward, lifting your left leg straight back behind your body and lowering your torso toward the floor until both are parallel to the ceiling, with the left hand/dumbbell almost touching the floor.

    Exhale and drive into the right heel to return to the starting position. That’s 1 rep. Complete 10 reps on the left, then switch sides and repeat.

    Squat Superset

    Dumbbell Sumo Squat

    Why it rocks: “The sumo squat is essential for glute workouts because it targets the glutes more than a standard squat by allowing you to lift heavier weights and achieve a deeper range of motion,” says Pruett.

    As an added bonus, sumo squats also work your adductors to build up strength around your knees, ankles, and core.

    How to:

    Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, weight evenly distributed, and toes turned out to 10 and 2 o’clock, while holding one heavy dumbbell with your arms straight down, or one dumbbell in each hand.

    Keep your core engaged and chest tall as you inhale and bend your knees, sinking your hips down until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Think about pushing your knees out at the button of the position, while maintaining a neutral spine and your weight in your heels.

    Exhale as you drive through your feet back to an upright standing position. That’s 1 rep. Complete 10 reps.

    Pro tip: Always make sure your knees stay in line with your feet to prevent any injury, says Pruett.

    Bodyweight Sumo Squat Pulse

    Why it rocks: Pulse variations are great for “pumping up” the muscles since they isolate and activate your glutes, and fatigue them more quickly, which helps build endurance and increases muscle growth, explains Pruett.

    This move also allows for high reps, which is perfect for supersets.

    How to:

    Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, weight evenly distributed, and toes turned out to 10 and 2 o’clock.

    This is the same movement as a sumo squat, but instead of performing it to its full range of motion, squat down and only come up about half the distance before returning down to the bottom position (this is your “pulse”). You can keep your hands on your hips or out in front of you.

    Continue to pulse up and down while maintaining an engaged core and neutral spine. Complete 30 pulses.

    Finisher: Glute Kickback

    Glute Kickback

    Why it rocks: No glute workout is complete without a burnout, says Pruett. She suggests wrapping things up with glute kickbacks because they target the gluteus maximus and hamstrings. You can also torch the medius if you internally rotate your foot.

    “Glute kickbacks are one of my favourite glute exercises to add into any glute workout because they can be done standing, quadruped, with bands, weight, or the cable machine.”

    How to:

    Begin on all fours, with wrists under shoulders and knees under hips. Make sure your hips are square throughout the entire move and your core is engaged.

    Using your glutes (really focus your mind on that working muscle), raise and extend the active leg and squeeze at the top of the movement.

    Lower back down to starting position. That’s 1 rep. Complete 15 reps on each side.

    This post This Quick 10-Minute Butt Workout From A Trainer Will Grow Your Glutes Fast was originally published on womenshealthmag.com. More

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    Feel Strong And Powerful With This Explosive 15-Minute Workout

    By Wanita Nicol, equipment sponsored by REBEL Elite Fitness
    If you’re looking to find your strength and power, that high after you’ve completed something particularly tough, look no further than this explosive 15-minute workout.
    This workout combines fat-busting movements with strengthening exercises to tone your whole body – with emphasis on the wobbly bits around your butt and legs. Perform these moves as a circuit three or four times a week. For each exercise, do all required reps without rest, rest for up to a minute, then move on to the next exercise. Once you’re done, repeat the entire circuit for a total of three rounds. As you get fitter, decrease your rest time by 10 seconds. Always start with a quick warm-up — include shoulders, wrists and legs.
    READ MORE: This 4-Week Bodyweight Challenge Is The Ultimate New Year Workout Plan
    You’ll need: a step and a medicine ball (or any weighted object that’s easy to hold)
    Watch one of our WH staffers perform the moves for this 15-minute explosive workout:
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    READ MORE: Get Strong, Shapely Legs With This Do-Anywhere Leg Workout 
    1. Step and Extend
    Stand about 30cm behind a sturdy box or step, feet hip-width apart, holding a medicine ball at your chest. Place your right foot on the box. Keeping your upper body straight, step up onto the box, straightening your right leg and extending your left leg out and back. Pressing the ball out explosively as you extend your back leg. Pause, then reverse the movement to return to start. That’s one rep. Do 10 to 12, then repeat on the other side.
    2. Donkey Kick
    Start in push-up position, legs extended behind you, feet together, hands under your shoulders. Keeping your legs together, brace your core and glutes, then kick both legs up simultaneously, bending your knees to bring your feet towards your butt. Try to land softly on the balls of your feet, back in the start position. That’s one rep. Do 12 to 16.Medi
    READ MORE: Tone Up The Fun Way With This Strength And Cardio Dance Workout
    3. Calf Raise
    Stand with your heels together and toes pointed out in a V shape. Slowly rise onto the balls of your feet. Hold for two seconds, then slowly return to start. That’s one rep. Do 10 to 15.
    4. Quarter-turn Squat Jump
    With feet shoulder-width apart, lower into a squat, arms straight down. Jump up explosively, swinging your arms overhead and rotating 90 degrees left in mid-air. As you land softly, immediately drop back into a squat. Reverse the movement to return to start. That’s one rep. Do 12 to 16.

    Wanita Nicol

    Wanita Nicol is a freelance writer and storyteller. She’s also a certified personal trainer and has been a fitness editor for more than 10 years. When she’s not trying a new workout or testing new fitness gear, she’s living her best nerd life on Instagram @TheFitNerdSA. More

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    Tone Up The Fun Way With This Strength And Cardio Dance Workout

    The best workout is one that doesn’t actually feel like a workout at all, but rather feels like you’re just having a good time. And that kind of fun fitness sesh is what group fitness instructor and Next Fitness Star finalist Botle Kaymaba specialises in. Case in point: This high-energy cardio dance workout. “It’s a cardio jam session that incorporates aerobic movements as well as freestyle dancing,” says Botle. “It’s a great cardio burner workout that will make you feel good, proud and confident at the end of the session.”

    READ MORE: This 17-Day Slimdown Plan Will Help Get You Back In Shape

    How It Works

    Start with the cardio workout. Pump up the volume on the video below and follow along with Botle or simply freestyle. “Just listen to the music and move to the beat,” says Botle. Feel free to play the song more than once. When you’ve warmed up, move on to the strength circuit. Do all sets of each move before proceeding to the next. Once you’ve finished your last set of the third move, you’re done.

    Cardio warm-up

    Pump up the volume and follow along with Botle… 

    READ MORE: Try These Exercises To Build A Stronger, Bigger Butt

    For the next workout, you’ll need: A stability ball and a resistance band

    The Cardio Dance Workout

    1. Lateral Raises

    Reps: 8-25

    Sets: 2-3

    Stand on the resistance band. Hold the tip of the band with palms facing your thighs. Lift your arms sideways to should height and back down to start. That’s one rep.

    2. Overhead Tricep Extensions

    Reps: 4

    Sets: 2

    Grab the ends of the resistance band with each hand and stand on the middle of the band with your feet. Pull the band up over your shoulders so that your elbows are pointed forward. Extend your arms upwards until they’re straight, hold for eight counts, then return to start. That’s one rep. Rest for 10 seconds between reps

    READ MORE: Just These Two Workouts Make A Killer Six-Week Workout Routine

    3. Stability Ball Plank With Single Leg Lift

    Reps: 10-12

    Sets: 3

    Lie on your belly on a stability ball, then walk your hands out so the ball is underneath your shins and your hands are in line with your shoulders. Draw your belly button towards your spine to engage your abs – this will help keep your spine straight and your body stabilised. Raise one leg straight behind you, then slowly lower it back to start. Keep your pelvis stable.

    Watch Botle perform the moves: 

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