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    Exactly How To Train Like Kim Engelbrecht

    By Ondela Mlandu

    Kim Engelbrecht is loved and known by many around the world for her impeccable acting. Kim has recently returned from the International Emmy Awards in Los Angeles and she’s also our Women’s Health January/February cover star. Writer Ondela Mlandu stepped into Kim’s prolific shoes to find out how the actress stays fit and healthy.

    Kim made waves in the acting and entertainment industry as early as the age of 12. Her career has led her down several paths such as television presenting days on the e.tv teen show Craz-e, youth series, Take 5 on SABC, to her acting role as Lolly De Klerk on the popular soapie Isidingo, to television series such as Reyka and Raised by Wolves.

    Kim Engelbrecht’s Metcon workouts explained

    When it comes to exercising, Kim works out with her trainer Bjorn Bergins from The HIIT Club twice a week. The pair have built a good training relationship over the years. Kim’s training routine includes Metcon/HIIT training twice a week, together with Reformer Pilates.

    Metabolic conditioning or Metcon for short is a combination of strength training and cardio exercises, to increase ones overall fitness levels.  You can adapt almost any exercise to fit a metabolic exercise program, including weight training, resistance training, cardio exercises, compound movements, and even bodyweight exercises.

    READ MORE: 4 Core Moves That’ll Create A Stronger Body All Over

    Train like a pro… at home

    Here’s how you can train like Kim…

    1. Full Dynamic Stretch Routine

    The warm-up routine that Bjorn designed for the morning was called the ‘dynamic’ stretch and it included. Try it for yourself:

    a) Warming up the tendons/ligaments in the joints

    b) Lengthening and activating the muscles

    c) Stimulating the blood flow and energy

    d) Connecting the breathing to the movements (mind/body connection).

    Kim Engelbrecht with her trainer, Bjon Bergins

    The movements particularly go through all the planes of movement (up/down, sideways and rotations). Bjorn sees breathing and movement as the foundation of each session.

    “Not only does this prepare the body for action and more importantly, it also gives you an opportunity to get your mindset ready. This is the way to avoid any injuries during workouts and also to speed up recovery time,” he says.

    READ MORE: Sculpt Your Body With This 15-Minute HIIT Workout

    2. Activation/ Mobility Warm-up

    We then moved into the activation/mobility warm-up part. The warm-up was a ball game that can be done in pairs. You will need a tennis ball and four cones. You will be required to sprint to the cones to leave a ball, whilst the next person removes the ball to place on another cone. This warm-up is the ultimate test of endurance.

    3. Metcon Workout

    The workout started with a 10-meter sprint with sets of the below exercises in between.

    After each workout, you must sprint 10 meters further than you did before e.g. 10 meters, 20 meters, 30 meters and eventually the 40 meters sprint.

    The exercises in between were as follows:

    Full-Body Metcon

    Jumping jacks/plyo jacks (A plyo jack is done by jumping up, opening your arms and legs mid-air into an “X” shape.)

    Commando roll press ups

    Dumbbell squat and press

    Ab twists

    Abdominal Metcon

    This ab workout consists of sets of 10, 20, 30 and 40 exercises, as each set was increased by 10 reps.

    Leg raises

    Super crunches

    Side slides

    Bicycle kicks

    To end the workout, do a cool-down and stretch to recover.

    Kim Engelbrecht’s intentional fasting

    The beauty of fasting is that Kim has adapted it to suit her lifestyle.

    “I usually do a fasted workout and break my fast after training at lunch time. I fast 16:8 – 11 am-7 pm. or 12 pm – 8 pm, although I never really eat after 8 pm,” she says. Kim says one of the benefits of fasting for her, is that once in the fasting phase it allows her to increase her water intake. “I always have to remind myself to drink more water. I drink water and herbal tea (calorie free) and coffee,”
    Kim Engelbrecht

    Fasting makes Kim more aware of how much protein she consumes. “I have started including protein shakes to increase my protein intake. Fasting allows me to turn meal times into an event because I just look forward to meals more now. I set my table because I’ve been waiting 16 hours for a meal and I am definitely going to enjoy it,” she says.

    READ MORE: “Here’s How I Got My Fitness Back After The Pandemic”

    Kim never feels the pressure to look a certain way, however, she does advocate for women to feel comfortable in their own skin. “Fitness is a lifelong journey, and you should enjoy the process and experiment as much as you can. A big secret to a healthy lifestyle is that you can always get back on track,” she says. More

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    4 Core Moves That’ll Create A Stronger Body All Over

    The body part you can’t stomach? Well, your stomach, according to our poll (31% of you cited your tum as needing the most attention). In the WhyFive SA Body Image Report, just 14% of respondents reported being happy with their tummies and 45% – nearly two-thirds of whom were black women – said they would consider a tummy tuck.
    Tighten your waistline without surgery with these 4 core moves from trainer David Kirsch. While you can’t spot-train a slimmer waistline (this happens with creating a caloric deficit and overall exercise), you can and should incorporate abdominal training into your routine, since your core spans your front, back and butt. Training these important muscles help create a leaner, healthier posture, can prevent injury and creates a healthier body overall.
    Try these 4 core moves in a circuit, doing three sets, or tack them to the end of your workout for strong results.
    1. Stability-Ball Jackknife
    Position your hands shoulder-width apart on the floor and place your shins on a stability ball. Your body should form a straight line from head to heels. Keeping your back flat, slowly bend your knees towards your chest. Pause, then return to start. That’s one rep. Do 15 to 20.
    READ MORE: Sculpt Your Body With This 15-Minute HIIT Workout
    2. Stability-Ball Hands-Offs
    Grab a light dumbbell in your right hand and position your shoulders on a stability ball, feet flat on the floor. Form a straight line from knees to shoulders and lift the weight above your right shoulder (A). Raise your shoulders, bring the weight to your left thigh, and grab it with your left hand (B). Reverse the move to return to start. Do 15 to 20 reps on each side.
    READ MORE: Boxing Inspired Workout: 8 Moves That Will Help You Get a Knockout Body RN!
    3. Reverse Oblique Crunch
    Lie on the floor with your arms at your sides, palms down, legs raised and knees slightly bent (A). Lift your hips and twist them slightly to the right (B). Return to start. That’s one rep. Repeat on the left side; continue alternating for 15 to 20 reps.
    READ MORE: Just These Two Workouts Make A Killer Six-Week Workout Routine
    4. Side Plank With Rear Fly
    Grab a dumbbell with your right hand and prop yourself up on your left forearm so your body is in a straight line. Hold the weight out in front of you at shoulder level (A). Slowly raise the weight towards the ceiling, arm straight, pulling your shoulder blades together (B). Return to start. That’s one rep. Do 15 to 20, then switch sides and repeat. More

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    Sculpt Your Body With This 15-Minute HIIT Workout

    Equipment sponsored by REBEL Elite Fitness
    The way mixed-martial-arts athletes train is extremely effective for the average person looking to slim down or shape up, says Mike Dolce, a former UFC fighter and longtime coach to top fighters. Dolce’s strategy combines functional strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which builds endurance and strength.
    For each exercise in this 15-minute HIIT workout, complete as many reps as possible in 30 seconds, moving from one to the next without resting. Then rest for 30 seconds and repeat for a total of five rounds.
    You’ll need: A set of dumbbells
    READ MORE: Boxing Inspired Workout: 8 Moves That Will Help You Get a Knockout Body RN!
    15-Minute HIIT Workout
    Watch one of our WH staffers perform the moves:[embedded content]
    1. Push-Up-Position Alternating Raise
    Start in push-up position, legs extended and feet more than shoulder-width apart. Brace your core, then raise an arm in front of you to shoulder height, keeping your hips parallel to the floor. Slowly lower, then repeat on the other side. That’s one rep.
    Tip: Make it harder by using a set of dumbbells or adding a push-up before each rep.
    2. Drop Lunge
    Hold a pair of dumbbells at your shoulders, elbows close to your body, feet hip-width apart. Maintaining a tight core, step your left foot behind your right and bend both knees to lower into a lunge, sitting back into your right heel. Press through your right foot to stand, then repeat on the other side. That’s one rep.
    READ MORE: Just These Two Workouts Make A Killer Six-Week Workout Routine
    3. Knee Strike With Side Kick
    Stand with your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent and fists raised in front of you. Keeping your chest upright, drive your right knee towards your chest as you rise onto the ball of your left foot. Lower your knee and drive your foot to the right, extending into a side kick. Return to start; repeat on the other side. That’s one rep.
    4. Tuck Jump
    Position your feet slightly more than shoulder-width apart and bend your knees. In one explosive movement, jump as high as you can and bend your knees towards your chest. Land softly and pause to reset your stance. That’s one rep.
    READ MORE: Try These Exercises To Build A Stronger, Bigger Butt More

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    Boxing Inspired Workout: 8 Moves That Will Help You Get a Knockout Body RN!

    Martial-arts-style manoeuvres and a boxing inspired workout are much more than self-defence – they’re proven kilojoule killers that burn an average of 2100 of those buggers an hour.
    They also target and tone your arms, shoulders, abs, thighs and butt for a workout that boosts your metabolism, improves your balance and chisels a strong, stunning physique. And then there are the side benefits: launching fierce uppercuts, jabs and kicks to a punching bag proves a much more satisfying stress reliever than jogging steadily on a treadmill.
    Get the kick-ass body benefits – and the mental mojo boost – with this exclusive boxing-inspired workout from trainer and gym owner Traver Boehm.
    The  Boxing Inspired Workout
    By combining these moves into a fast-paced circuit, you’ll up the intensity and fend off boredom.
    Here’s how it works: starting with the first exercise, perform as many reps as you can in 60 seconds. (Keep track of how many you do.) Rest for 30 seconds, then move to the next exercise. Continue until you’ve completed all eight moves. Rest for a minute, then repeat the entire circuit.
    Your goal: beat – or at least match – your rep counts from round one.
    Knee Thrust

    Stand with your feet in a left-foot lead stance (left foot on the front left corner of an imaginary square, right foot on the back right corner), knees slightly bent, fists in front of your chin, palms facing in (A). Quickly raise your right knee towards your chest (B), drive it back down and, without changing your left-foot lead stance, do the same with your left leg.
    Power Move: Imagine that some idiot spilt his drink on you at the bar and you’d love to serve him a swift (and painful) punishment. Channel that energy during this move.
    READ MORE: This 17-Day Slimdown Plan Will Help Get You Back In Shape
    Squat Thrust With Knee Thrust

    Stand with your feet hip-width apart, arms at your sides (A). Bend your knees, lower your hands to the floor and jump both feet back so you’re in a push-up position (B). Keep your back straight and core braced. Jump your feet back up to your hands, quickly stand up, then bend your right knee and pull it up towards your chest (C). Return to start, then repeat with the left leg.
    Speed Skipping

    Hold the ends of a skipping rope, feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent. Push off the floor with the balls of your feet and point your toes downward, while making small circles with your wrists. Land softly on your toes, immediately pushing off again. Focus on jumping over the rope as quickly as possible.
    Power Move: To make it harder, add a double under, in which you pass the rope under your feet twice in a single jump. But don’t just jump higher; keep your hands by your waist and quickly rotate your wrists to create the right rope speed.
    READ MORE: Just These Two Workouts Make A Killer Six-Week Workout Routine
    Sit-Up With Punch

    Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the floor (A). Brace your abs, sit up and punch across your body six times with one arm (B). Return to start; repeat on opposite side.
    Power Move: Increase the work for your upper body and core by adding weighted gloves, or position a punching bag between your legs to punch at the top of each sit-up.
    Spider-Man Push-up

    Start in a push-up position (A). As you lower your chest to the floor, turn your right knee outward and bring it towards your elbow (B). Slowly return to start and repeat with the left leg.
    Power Move: Your goal is to move slowly and remain controlled through each rep, so if regular push-ups are too tough, try doing them on your knees instead.
    READ MORE: Try These Exercises To Build A Stronger, Bigger Butt
    Front Kick

    Stand with your feet in a right-foot lead stance, fists at chin height. Raise your right knee towards your chest (A), then kick straight out as if you’re slamming a door closed with your heel (B). Quickly bring your leg back, placing it staggered behind your left. Repeat with your left leg and continue alternating.
    Power Move: Slow it down! Your underused hip flexor muscles will have to work that much harder to control the movement.
    Side Kick

    Stand in a left-foot lead stance, fists up (A). Raise your right knee towards your chest (B), rotate your hips and left foot and kick your right leg to the side, pushing through the heel, while punching with your right arm (C). Quickly bring your right leg down, placing it staggered in front of your left. Repeat, alternating sides.
    Power Move: Get an even bigger booty boost by contracting your glutes during the move.
    Straight Punch

    Stand with your feet in a left-foot lead stance, fists up, palms facing each other (A). Rotate your hips to the left and extend your right arm, twisting your forearm so your fingernails face the ground and your arm is in line with your shoulder (B). Return to start; repeat on opposite side.
    Power Move: Pace your breathing with your punches and exhale with each punch, even if it makes your breathing quick and shallow. More

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

    If you’re looking to tone up all over, look no further than this six-week workout routine.
    Our experts have taken seven moves and created two killer fitness workouts, creating a six-week workout routine that’ll sculpt all over. The moves are simple but effective, and stacking them over a few weeks means you can see the gains in each body part: thighs, hips, butt and upper body, including the core.
    Do the routines 2 to 3 days a week, alternating between the two versions, so you’re never doing the same routine on consecutive days. And choose a weight that lets you complete the set with perfect form.
    Where the reps are light, pick a heavier weight and do them until your muscles are fatigued. For more reps, pick lighter weights you can complete the set with.
    How To Do This Six-Week Workout Routine
    Workout 1 (all 7 moves)
    Reps: 4Sets: 3 to 4Rest between sets: 90 seconds
    Workout 2 (the same 7 moves)
    Reps: 8Sets: 2 to 3Rest between sets: 60 secondsDo the workout for 4 to 6 weeks. Then up the reps to 6 for Workout 1, and to 12 for Workout 2.

    Front Squat And Push Press Combo
    Grab a barbell with an overhand grip, with your hands slightly wider than shoulder width. Position your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your elbows, bringing your knuckles toward your body until they’re touching the outside of your shoulders (A). Lower your hips until your thighs are parallel to the floor (B). Straighten your legs and use your momentum to press the bar overhead (you’ll need to move your chin back a bit) (C). Pause, then lower the bar. That’s 1 rep.Sets: 3 – 4Reps: 4Rest: 90 seconds
    READ MORE: Try These Exercises To Build A Stronger, Bigger Butt
    Step Up With Weights
    Grab a pair of dumbbells and stand up to 60 centimetres from a step or exercise bench, with weights at your sides and feet hip-width apart. Place your left foot on the step (A) and press up through the leg. Allow your right leg to come up and brush the bench (B), but don’t put any weight on it. Step down with your right leg, then your left. Complete all reps, then repeat, stepping up with your right leg. That’s 1 set. Go to B2.Sets: 3 – 4Reps: 4Rest: 90 seconds
    One-Point Dumbbell Row
    Grab a pair of dumbbells and stand with your feet hip-width apart, weights at your sides. Bend forward at the hips while lifting your right leg straight behind you until your body forms a T. Your left knee should be slightly bent. Let your arms hang straight down, palms facing each other (A). Squeeze your shoulder blades together and bring your elbows toward the ceiling until they pass your torso (B). Do half the reps, then switch legs and finish the set. Return to B1 after a rest.Sets: 3 – 4Reps: 4Rest: 90 seconds
    READ MORE: Beach Body Workout: Tone Up With Just These 5 Moves
    Single-Armed Overhead Squat 
    Grab two dumbbells, one twice the weight of the other. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding the lighter dumbbell in your left hand and the heavier one in your right. Raise the left dumbbell straight overhead, palm facing forward. Next, position the right weight between your legs with arm straight, palm facing you (A). Squat until your thighs are parallel to the floor (B). Return to start. Complete all reps without lowering your arms, then switch sides. That’s 1 set. Note: The light dumbbell should always be overhead. Go to C2.Sets: 3 – 4Reps: 4Rest: 90 seconds
    T Push-Ups
    Get into a push-up position with feet together and hands shoulder-width apart (A). Lower yourself until your chest is 5-10 centimetres off the floor (B). As you push back up, lift your right arm straight up and rotate your body to the right until you form a T, balancing on your left hand and the outside of your left foot (C). Return to the top of the push-up position and repeat to the opposite side. That’s 1 rep. Continue alternating to complete the set. Return to C1 after a rest.Sets: 3 – 4Reps: 4Rest: 90 seconds
    Prone Jackknife
    Grab a Swiss ball and get in push-up position with your shins resting on the ball and your palms flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart (A). Pull your knees toward your chest, allowing your hips to rise toward the ceiling and your head to tilt toward the floor. Stop when your toes are on the ball and most of your weight is on your hands (B). Straighten your legs to roll the ball back to start. That’s 1 rep. Go to D2.Sets: 3 – 4Reps: 4Rest: 90 seconds
    READ MORE: These Are The 4 Best Yoga Moves For A Toned Tummy
    Reverse Woodchop
    Grab a medicine ball and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the ball with both hands on the outside of your right hip, then perform a squat (A). Keeping your chest up and arms straight, press your feet into the ground as you “chop” the ball up and across your body until your legs are straight and the ball is above your left shoulder (B). Pause, then lower the ball back to your right knee. Complete all reps before repeating on the other side. That’s 1 set. Return to D1 after a rest.Sets: 3 – 4Reps: 4Rest: 90 seconds More

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    Try These Exercises To Build A Stronger, Bigger Butt

    From your Kim Kardashians to your Meg The Stallions, everyone wants a firmer and bigger butt. And while you’ll definitely tone up on the trails or hitting the treadmill, you’ll need to add some muscle (and weights) to really build a toned toosh. Here, build a strong backside with this bigger butt workout – you’ll be dying to show yours off.
    Build A Bigger Butt Workout
    Time: 30 minutes
    Equipment: Mat
    Good for: Butt
    Instructions: Choose two bilateral (both legs) exercises and two unilateral (single leg) exercises and pair them together for one workout. Complete four sets of five reps with heavier weights for the bilateral exercises, and complete four sets of 10 reps with lighter weights for the unilateral exercises. Once you’ve completed all sets of one move, continue to the next.

    Dumbbell Deadlift

    How to: Holding two dumbbells in your hands, stand with your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent. Position the weights in front of your thighs, palms facing your body. Keeping your knees slightly bent, press your hips back as you hinge at the waist and lower the dumbbells toward the floor. Squeeze your glutes to return to standing. That’s one rep. Complete four sets of five reps.

    Goblet Squat

    How to: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a weight in front of your chest, elbows pointing toward the floor. Sit back and bend your knees to lower into a squat. Push yourself back to start. That’s one rep. Complete four sets of five reps.
    Bulgarian Split Squat

    How to: Stand about two feet in front of a step; extend your right leg back and place the top of your foot on the step. (Optional: Hold a dumbbell in each hand.) That’s your starting position. Bend your knees to lower your body as far as you can (or until your knee gently taps the ground), keeping your shoulders back, chest up, and hips facing forward. Pause, then press through your left heel to return to start. That’s one rep. Complete four sets of 10 reps on each side.

    Stability Ball Hamstring Rollout

    How to: Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet on top of a stability ball. Brace your core, then press into your heels and squeeze your glutes to raise your hips toward the ceiling. Lift your left leg straight up into the air. Hold the position as you straighten your right leg. Then, engage your hamstrings, bend your right knee, and bring your foot toward your butt. That’s one rep. Complete four sets of 10 reps on each side.

    Weighted Lateral Lunge

    How to: Holding a pair of kettlebells cleaned at your chest, stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart. Take a large step to the left, sit your hips back, and lower down until your left knee is nearly parallel with the floor. Your right leg should be straight. Return to start. That’s one rep. Complete four sets of 10 reps on each side.
    Weighted Fire Hydrant

    How to: Get on all fours on top of your mat. Tuck a two to six kilo dumbbell in the crease of your right knee. Keeping that leg bent at 90 degrees, lift it out to the side, stopping at hip height. Return to start. That’s one rep. Complete four sets of 10 reps on each side.

    Weighted Donkey Kick

    How to: Get on all fours on top of your mat. Tuck a two to six kilo dumbbell in the crease of your right leg. Keep that leg bent at 90 degrees as you lift it behind you until your knee is in line with your hip, foot flexed. Reverse the movement to return to start. That’s one rep. Complete four sets of 10 reps on each side.
    Walking Lateral Lunge

    How to: Stand up straight, with your feet together. Hold a kettlebell in your right hand, and raise your left hand so it’s parallel to the ground, and in a fist. Lift your left foot and take a big step to the left. Sit your hips back, and lower down until your dumbbell nearly touches the ground. Switch hands, and repeat on the other side. That’s one rep. Complete four sets of 10 reps on each side.
    Front Racked Reverse Deficit Lunge

    How to: Stand up straight on small riser, step, or box with a set of kettlebells cleaned in front of your chest. Lift your right knee up to hip height in front of your body, then bring it behind you until the ball of your foot reaches the ground. Slowly lower down until both knees form 90 degree angles. Return to your knee-lifted position. That’s one rep. Complete four sets of 10 reps on each side.
    Weighted Hip Thrust

    How to: Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet on the floor 12 to 16 inches from your butt. Hold a dumbbell in both hands and rest it on top of your pelvis. Brace your core, then press into your heels and squeeze your glutes to raise your hips toward the ceiling. Hold the position for two seconds before lowering to start. That’s one rep. Complete four sets of five reps.
    1.5 Stance Deadlift

    How to: Hold a kettlebell in front of your thighs with both palms facing toward your body. Stagger your legs, stepping your right foot back and your left foot forward. Your right heel should be off the ground. Push your hips back as you hinge forward, lowering the kettlebell while keeping it close to your legs. Once your hips reach 90 degrees, return to start. That’s one rep. Complete four sets of 10 reps on each side.

    Cossak Squat With Overhead Press

    How to: Begin by standing up straight, with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, and a kettlebell in each hand. Rack the kettlebells in front of your chest, and then raise your right arm straight into the air. Lift your left foot and take a large step to the left, then sit your hips back and lower down until your thighs are nearly parallel to the ground. Straighten your left leg and rise back up. That’s one rep. Complete four sets of 10 reps on each side. More

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    The Softest Fabric For Your Toughest Workouts

    With workout gear acceptable and comfortable in all day activities way beyond the gym, it’s become a focus of active people to seek out the best gear that feels as good after your exertions as it does while working up a sweat.
    Like Suede On Your Skin
    The secret to success in this crossover of comfort comes down to how the gear feels on your skin. Under Armour has created Meridian fabric with that precise goal – to feel soft on your skin during and after a workout. A technical quick-dry hybrid fabric that lets you go hard without losing that super-soft feel.
    It’s a sensation to the skin you never knew you needed but can’t imagine wearing anything else once your feel it. This specially engineered fabric delivers a unique type of softness that can still wick sweat like a champ. 
    All Day Comfort
    With the realisation that soft just for the sake of comfort is not good enough, numerous rounds of research and development were used make sure comfort and workout versatility are priorities. The result is the  softest performance gear to date from Under Armour.  The impressive collection is ideal to wear to any fitness class, from spin to yoga to pilates, but is  also so flexible, lightweight and soft, that you  won’t want to take them off once you get home. 
    “The Under Armour Meridien legging is absolutely phenomenal. Moving in them feels  like they weren’t even there. Even while sweating, they still just felt really comfortable.”, says Rachel Garcia, Pro Softball Player.
    The ‘SOFT YOU CAN SWEAT IN’ collection’s notable promises include:
    SERIOUSLY SOFT Under Armour brushed the surface of the fabric to an ultra-soft finish for our softest feel yet.
    LASTING COMFORT Wicks sweat and stays comfortable, especially in those high-friction zones.
    FLEXIBLE PERFORMANCE Super-breathable, lightweight stretch goes everywhere you do.

    The ‘SOFT YOU CAN SWEAT IN’ collection includes a wide range of gear and also features the new UA Smartform Evolution Bra. The new ‘must have’ bra delivers strategic support, tailored for medium-support activities like cycling, weight training & boxing. Bending, jumping, and squatting can make your clothing shift or slip as you move, The UA Smartform fabric can help your clothes adapt to your movement moulding to the shape of your body which may help keep them from slipping or shifting during workouts.              
    The new ‘SOFT YOU CAN SWEAT IN’ collection will be available at Under Armour Brand House stores nationwide as well as online: www.underarmour.co.za More

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    Beach Body Workout: Tone Up With Just These 5 Moves

    If you’re looking to tone up and get in tip-top shape before hitting the beach or bar, look no further than this beach body workout. Top trainer Chris Powell and weight-loss expert Christine Gerbstadt came up with this genius workout that’ll target your butt, hips abs and arms in just five moves.
    How To Use This Beach Body Workout
    Do as many reps of exercise 1 as you can, in one minute. Immediately move on to exercise 2 for one minute. Rest for 15 seconds, then repeat both moves. Rest for 15 seconds, then proceed to exercises 3 and 4. Rest for 15 seconds, then finish with one minute of the turbocharger.
    1. Goblet squat
    Hold a dumbbell vertically at chest height, both hands cupping the dumbbell head (A). Keeping your chest up and core tight, sit your hips back and bend your knees to lower your body as far as you can towards the floor (B). Pause, then press through your heels to quickly return to start.
    READ MORE: Try This 7-Minute Fat-Blasting Workout
    2. Walking lunges
    Stand with feet hip-width apart and hands on your hips (A). Step forward with your left leg and slowly lower your body until your left knee is bent at least 90 degrees (B). Pause, then push back up, walk your back foot forward and drop into a lunge. Continue lunging on every step.
    3. Leg levers
    Lie face-up, arms extended in line with your shoulders and palms facing up. Raise your legs until they’re perpendicular to the floor, knees slightly bent (A). Brace your core, then take three to five seconds to lower your feet as close to the floor as you can (B). Reverse the move to return to start. That’s one rep.
    READ MORE: 5 Genius Treadmill Hacks That Shave Off More Kilos
    4. Hamstring bridge
    Lie face-up with knees bent and arms at your sides. Next, place your heels on a chair or step (or use a stability ball to make it harder) (A). Squeeze your glutes to raise your hips until your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees (B). Return to start.
    READ MORE: These Are The 4 Best Yoga Moves For A Toned Tummy
    Turbocharger: Thruster
    Hold a pair of dumbbells at shoulder height, palms facing each other, and stand with your feet shoulderwidth apart (A). Sit your hips back to lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the floor (B). In one explosive motion, press through your heels to stand, pushing the weights up directly overhead (C). Then reverse the movement to lower into the next rep. More