More stories

  • in

    Sculpt A Great Butt With This Home Booty Workout

    There are many reasons to do this home booty workout: sitting all day? You’ll need this. Chasing a new PB? This booty workout is for you. Want to grow those glutes? Right this way! And it matters more than aesthetics: a stronger butt creates more stability and lessens back pain. In short, your booty was made for so much more than sitting on the couch.

    Why Sculpting A Great Butt Matters

    Did you know your glutes are the biggest muscles in your body? That means keeping them firm and toned doesn’t just look great in jeans, it also spikes your overall fat burn. What’s more, having strong, capable glutes will help you do pretty much everything better, from walking up stairs to running a faster 10-kay. This booty workout by trainer Angelique van der Linde will help you sculpt your booty and boost your mood. Sign. Us. Up.

    How To Do This Home Booty Workout

    The workout is divided into two stations, each comprising three strength moves and a cardio finisher. You’ll spend three rounds at each station.

    Do station 1 as a circuit, moving directly from one move to the next.

    Once you’ve done all three moves at station 1, end the round with the cardio kicker, then start at the top again.

    You’ll notice the number of reps decreases with each round. Once you’ve done all three rounds of station 1, move on to station 2, following the same pattern. Get ready to feel that booty burn!

    You’ll need: A broom; 5L water bottle or large protein tub

    READ MORE: “How I Went From Being A Party Girl To A Fitness Fanatic – And Lost 31kg”

    Booty-Building Tips

    Want to up the ante? How you structure your workout can make a difference. For extra burn, alternate between slow, weighted sets and high-tempo bodyweight sets. So you’ll do one set with weights, performing the number of reps indicated slowly and focusing on creating a strong mind-muscle connection. Then, on the next set,  drop the weights, up the tempo and increase the reps, doing as many as you can with good form.

    The Home Booty Workout

    [embedded content]

    READ MORE: 6 Workout Moves You Can Actually Do With Your Dog

    Station 1

    REPS: 15, 12, 10 CARDIO KICKER: 30 Mountain Climbers

    1A: Broom Squat

    You can make this move more challenging by hanging weights off the ends of your broom, like identical water bottles. Just be sure to secure them properly!

    1B: Squat With Water Bottle Overhead

    If 5 litres of water is too heavy, drink (or empty) some of the water until your bottle reaches a comfortable weight. You know what we say in fitness: Hydration, hydration, hydration!

    1C: Plié Squat

    You’ll need your water bottle for this one again. Make sure your feet are turned outwards and squeeze that booty!

    Next up:

    Add the cardio finisher, then repeat the circuit until you’ve completed three rounds. Then, move on to Station 2.

    READ MORE: What You Really Need To Know About Running For Weight Loss, According To Experts

    Station 2

    REPS: 15, 12, 10 CARDIO KICKER: 30 Skips or Star Jumps

    2A: Broom Alternating Lunges

    No need to power through these at pace. Move with control and focus on your body alignment. You’re aiming for a ninety-degree angle as you sink into your lunge. Too shallow and you won’t reap the booty benefits; knee too far forward and you’ll put pressure on the joint.

     2B: Single-leg Deadlift

    Keep toppling over? Tighten your tummy, squeeze your glutes and plant your standing leg. You should feel both butt cheeks switching on. This will help your balance and boost your burn as well!

    2C: Lateral Leg Raise

    This will hit your booty from the sides to round out your results. If you experience knee pain or you struggle with squats, strengthening the muscles on your outer thighs might help.

    Next up:

    Add the cardio finisher, then repeat the circuit until you’ve completed three rounds. And you’re done!

    Bookmark these workouts next: More

  • in

    5 of the best high intensity workouts to book in Dubai

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    16 mins ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 5 IMAGES
    Want to break a sweat and burn those extra calories? Then High Intensity workouts are the best form of exercise to go the extra mile.
    High-intensity workouts are designed to push your body to its limits by incorporating short bursts of intense activity followed by periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise.
    Overall HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, refers to repeated sets of intervals that are between five seconds and a minute long, with a relatively short rest period.
    The main type of workouts include:
    High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
    Alternates between high-intensity exercises and short recovery periods.
    Circuit Training
    Combines strength and cardio exercises performed back-to-back with minimal rest.
    HIIT Cycling
    Pedal your way to that heart-pumping rush. HIIT cycling workouts, on the other hand, can make the time fly as you challenge your body and mind with various effort levels, work intervals, and recovery breaks.
    What are the overarching health benefits?
    Improved Cardiovascular Health
    HIIT can help improve the efficiency and strength of your heart. Also, Regular high-intensity workouts can reduce resting blood pressure.
    Enhanced Metabolism
    HIIT boosts your metabolism and keeps it elevated for hours after exercise, helping you burn more calories even at rest. These workouts are effective at reducing body fat.
    Time Efficiency
    HIIT sessions are typically shorter than traditional workouts, making them ideal for busy schedules. Despite the shorter duration, HIIT can provide significant fitness benefits in less time.
    Improved Muscle Tone and Strength
    High-intensity workouts often include resistance training, which helps build and tone muscles. These exercises can improve overall strength and endurance.
    Better Insulin Sensitivity
    HIIT can enhance insulin sensitivity, which helps your muscles use glucose more effectively. Improved insulin sensitivity lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.
    Enhanced Athletic Performance
    HIIT can increase your maximal oxygen uptake, improving your endurance and performance in other physical activities. Overall, it can improve speed and power.
    Mental Health Benefits
    Intense exercise releases endorphins, which help reduce stress and improve mood. HIIT can improve brain health and cognitive functions such as memory and learning.
    So, if you’re looking to burn those calories, Dubai has a host of venues that work for both beginners and experts.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Unsplash @malikshibly More

  • in

    This Powerful Bodyweight Workout Tones It All – Fast

    No gym? That’s no barrier to getting your sweat on. Get stronger with this fun bodyweight workout that you can perform in the comfort of your own home. The only piece of equipment that you’ll need is your coffee table or a bench.

    This all-over bodyweight workout was created by personal trainer and founder of Fit Best Training, Renché Seyffert.

    To complete this workout, work in intervals. For intermediate to advanced athletes (yes, you!) work with the 50/10 principle. This means you’ll work for 50 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds.

    If you’re a beginner athlete, use the 40/20 principle. Work for 40 seconds, then rest for 20. Rest for one minute after each round and aim to complete three to four rounds in total. We’ll warn you: it’s a doozy!

    Watch PT Renché Seyffert demo the moves, then read on for the technique notes.

    The Living Room Bodyweight Workout

    [embedded content]

    1/ Single Leg Skater Sit Squats

    Stand in front of the edge of the coffee table on your right leg.

    Jump sideways to your left and land on your left leg in front of the left edge of the coffee table.

    Still only on your left leg, lower yourself down into a sitting squat, placing your bum firmly onto the table.

    Get back up by pushing from your left heel upwards, using your calf muscles, hamstrings and glutes.

    Jump to your right side and land on your right leg before lowering down into your sit squat. That’s one – keep going!

    READ MORE: Transform Your Legs With This 20-Minute Home Workout

    2/ Incline Push Up with Clap

    Get into a plank position with your hands on top of the table, shoulder-width apart.

    Keep your feet hip-width apart and bend your elbows as you lower your chest towards the table.

    With an explosive movement, push yourself away from the table, forcing your arms and upper body into the air and clapping your hands. Return to the starting position and repeat.

    3/ Plank Cross Tap to Bear Jumps

    Start in a plank position with feet hip-width apart, elevated on top of the table.

    With your hands on the floor, shoulder-width apart, jump onto all fours, then jump back into a plank.

    Tap the left foot to the right side underneath the body.

    Move back to the plank position and tap the right foot to the left side underneath the body.

    READ MORE: Can Wearing Wrist Weights On A Walk Really Tone Your Arms? We Asked A Fitness Expert

    4/ Tricep Dip – Alternating Toe Tap

    Get into a tabletop position facing the ceiling with your hands on the table, keeping your feet on the floor.

    Bend your elbows as you lower yourself towards the floor.

    Straighten your arms to move back up to the starting position. Ensure that you use your arms to perform the movement and not your hips or legs.

    Once back to the starting position, tap your left hand with your right foot. Repeat on the other side.

    5/ Side Plank Hip Dips on Right

    Stand in a side plank on your right elbow.

    Raise your left leg on the table and ensure the right leg is suspended in the air, under the table surface.

    Dip your hips towards the floor and back up. Repeat on the other side.

    READ MORE: This Beginner Callisthenics Workout Builds Serious Strength & Mobility

    6/ Step Up Reverse Lunges

    Start by standing with both feet on top of the table.

    Slowly step back with one of your legs into a reverse lunge.

    Make sure both knees are bent and your back is straight. Ensure that your knee (of the foot in front) does not go over your toes.

    Bring back your leg to the starting position and repeat on the other leg.

    Once you have found your rhythm and balance, you can speed it up a little and add a hop on top of the table when changing your legs.

    7/ Elevated Sit-Ups

    Start by lying flat on your back on the floor and place your feet and calves on table.

    Extend your arms over your head using your abdominals, as you lift your upper body and crunch down so that your hands can touch your feet.

    Slowly lower yourself back down to the floor to the starting position and repeat. More

  • in

    This Beginner Callisthenics Workout Builds Serious Strength & Mobility

    If you’ve ever watched gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz perform gravity-defying feats, you’ve probably wistfully imagined yourself being *that* strong and flexible. The truth? Those fabulous moves are built on callisthenics: the body-weight workout style that prioritises using your own body as the weight. Practising body-weight moves is an effective way to build functional strength and sculpt sexy, lean muscle tone. And, in case the title didn’t clue you in, you can start as a total beginner and still feel like Simone Biles. Ahead, reasons to tap into callisthenics workouts and the moves to start with.

    Why callisthenics workouts are so good

    You can do it anywhere, anytime

    The great thing about body-weight training (or a callisthenics workout, as it’s technically called) is that you can do it pretty much anywhere with minimal equipment. That’s because you’re using your own body weight as the load and gravity to create resistance. Also, most of the time, you don’t need to move very far, so it can be done in relatively small spaces, depending on what you’re doing.

    It builds killer abs

    There’s a lot of balance and stabilising required in body-weight moves, so your core will work overtime (yay, abs!) Plus, having this improved stability means less falling around in the long run, making you sturdy and strong.

    Callisthenics sculpts your upper bod

    All the pulling and pushing you do with your upper body will sculpt your back, arms and shoulders. If you’re aiming to try a pull-up or handstand, these moves will help you reach those goals.

    How to do this beginner callisthenics workout

    These moves, from Tim and Jacko of the training community School of Calisthenics,  are ideal as callisthenics for beginners starting body-weight training. And all they require are a floor with a cushioned surface (like an exercise mat, carpet or grass), a wall and something to hang from. We’ve used gymnastic rings, but a straight bar at your local park will also work fine.

    Tim and Jacko from School of Calisthenics, with trainer Hayley Ryan, show us how to master these moves…

    [embedded content]

    1 Frog Stand

    This foundational move helps you build the upper-body strength and balance that you’ll need for more advanced body-weight moves like freestanding handstands. If you find your feet can’t lift off the ground, that’s totally fine. Over time, you’ll build enough strength to lift them!

    2 Wall Walk

    As adults, we don’t spend much time upside down, so this is a fun challenge. Keep your core braced and only go as far as you feel comfortable, but aim to walk a bit closer to the wall every time.

    3 Dead Bug

    This body-weight move from Pilates works different core muscles simultaneously, strengthening your stabilisers, lowering your injury risk and improving your coordination. Be sure to keep your lower back glued to the floor at all times.

    4 Hollow-Body Hold

    Kind of the upside-down cousin of a plank, this isometric body-weight move (holding a single position; not moving) targets your whole core from multiple directions. It’s brilliant for building core strength, as well as body position patterning to protect your lower back in other exercises. The goal is to create a bowl shape with your body. Again, keep your lower back glued to the ground at all times. See how long you can hold it for.

    5 Hollow-Body Rock

    This is a classic example of how a body-weight move can turn into a fun game. Once you can do the hold for 10 seconds without breaking form, the goal is to rock back and forth like a rocking horse, while in that hollow-hold position. Way easier said than done.

    6 Skin The Cat

    You might need a few practice rounds to really nail this, and that’s ok. It’s a good idea to warm up the shoulders before attempting this one (check out this warm-up you can do with a broom). Then, see how many reps you can knock out. Even if you can’t skin the entire cat, you’ll still get a top callisthenics workout.

    Try these workouts next: More

  • in

    Did you know chronically high cortisol can disrupt sleep? 5 ways to combat it

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    1 min ago

    Feeling frazzled? You’re not alone. Daily pressures can send cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, into overdrive.
    For women, chronically high cortisol can disrupt sleep, worsen PMS symptoms, and even contribute to weight gain. But don’t despair! Here are 5 science-backed strategies to keep your cortisol levels in check and your well-being soaring:
    Power Down for Power Up

    Sleep is the ultimate stress soother. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, including winding down electronics at least an hour before bed.
    Why it Works: According to a study published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, just one night of short sleep can significantly elevate cortisol levels.
    Breathe Deeply, De-Stress Completely

    Deep breathing activates the relaxation response, a natural antidote to cortisol’s fight-or-flight effects. Practice belly breathing for just 5 minutes daily. Inhale slowly through your nose, feeling your belly expand. Exhale slowly through pursed lips.
    Science Says So: A review published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology highlights the effectiveness of deep breathing in reducing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.
    Nourish Your Body, Tame Your Stress

    A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides sustained energy and minimizes blood sugar fluctuations that can trigger cortisol spikes. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive caffeine, which can worsen anxiety and stress.
    Move It or Lose It (the Stress, That Is!)

    Exercise is a potent stress reliever. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Physical activity helps burn off stress hormones and promotes the production of feel-good endorphins.
    The Science of Sweat: A meta-analysis published in the journal Sports Medicine concluded that regular exercise is an effective strategy for reducing cortisol levels and improving stress management.
    Connect and Be Kind

    Social connection is a powerful buffer against stress. Nurture relationships with loved ones, engage in activities you enjoy, and consider volunteering. Acts of kindness boost both your mood and the well-being of others, creating a positive feedback loop.
    By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can effectively manage your cortisol levels and cultivate a calmer, healthier you. Remember, consistency is key. Be patient, celebrate your progress, and enjoy the journey to a more balanced and stress-free life!
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Unsplash, Pexel & feature image: @xun1020 More

  • in

    Where to try the best high intensity workouts in Dubai

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 5 IMAGES
    Want to break a sweat and burn those extra calories? Then High Intensity workouts are the best form of exercise to go the extra mile.
    High-intensity workouts are designed to push your body to its limits by incorporating short bursts of intense activity followed by periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise.
    Overall HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, refers to repeated sets of intervals that are between five seconds and a minute long, with a relatively short rest period.
    The main type of workouts include:
    High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
    Alternates between high-intensity exercises and short recovery periods.
    Circuit Training
    Combines strength and cardio exercises performed back-to-back with minimal rest.
    HIIT Cycling
    Pedal your way to that heart-pumping rush. HIIT cycling workouts, on the other hand, can make the time fly as you challenge your body and mind with various effort levels, work intervals, and recovery breaks.
    What are the overarching health benefits?
    Improved Cardiovascular Health
    HIIT can help improve the efficiency and strength of your heart. Also, Regular high-intensity workouts can reduce resting blood pressure.
    Enhanced Metabolism
    HIIT boosts your metabolism and keeps it elevated for hours after exercise, helping you burn more calories even at rest. These workouts are effective at reducing body fat.
    Time Efficiency
    HIIT sessions are typically shorter than traditional workouts, making them ideal for busy schedules. Despite the shorter duration, HIIT can provide significant fitness benefits in less time.
    Improved Muscle Tone and Strength
    High-intensity workouts often include resistance training, which helps build and tone muscles. These exercises can improve overall strength and endurance.
    Better Insulin Sensitivity
    HIIT can enhance insulin sensitivity, which helps your muscles use glucose more effectively. Improved insulin sensitivity lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.
    Enhanced Athletic Performance
    HIIT can increase your maximal oxygen uptake, improving your endurance and performance in other physical activities. Overall, it can improve speed and power.
    Mental Health Benefits
    Intense exercise releases endorphins, which help reduce stress and improve mood. HIIT can improve brain health and cognitive functions such as memory and learning.
    So, if you’re looking to burn those calories, Dubai has a host of venues that work for both beginners and experts.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Unsplash @malikshibly More

  • in

    Can Wearing Wrist Weights On A Walk Really Tone Your Arms? We Asked A Fitness Expert

    The hot girl walk is about to get hotter—and maybe a little retro. When Kate Davidson posted a simple Sunday morning vlog, filled with skincare, her furry friends and the farmer’s market, to TikTok, her super-toned arms ended up stealing the spotlight. In a subsequent video that racked up five million views, she dropped her secret and it’s simple: wrist weights.

    Kate Davidson – Toned Arm Trend

    Davidson credited wearing the 500g wrist weights on her daily walks for her sculpted upper-body physique, and naturally, the rest of the internet was influenced to give them a try, myself included.

    While many shared their excitement about this “lazy girl hack” for toned arms, others in the comment section had concerns that wrist weights are bad for joint health. But, as long as the weight isn’t *too* heavy, your joints should be okay. “A very heavy weight on a weak wrist can be harmful in that it can put undue strain on your joints, but that’s about it,” says Claudette Sariya. So, you’ll just want to make sure you’re not overloading your wrists with too much weight.

    But, how much of a difference will wrist weights make? Here’s what you need to know about incorporating wrist weights into your hot girl walks and beyond.

    Meet the expert: Claudette Sariya, CPT, is the founding instructor at SOLE Fitness and a coach at F45 Training.

    Benefits Of Wrist Weights

    The cult-fave Bala Bangles are a modern take, but wrist weights have been popular since the 1970s and 80s. They’re versatile and can be used at any time, whether you want to strap them on while you’re doing household chores, at a barre class, or on a walk or run, says Sariya. They add resistance and therefore up the intensity of any activity and help build muscular endurance.

    Wrist weights can help your arms look more toned, but not for the reason you might think. “Using weights while walking won’t help you build muscle,” Sariya says. Instead, by adding weights to your walking routine, you’re making the activity a little bit harder and increasing your caloric burn, even if just by a little bit.

    While you may see the benefits of wearing wrist weights on your arms, it’s not because wrist weights can spot reduce fat (this isn’t possible, Sariya says). Since your arms don’t store most of the body’s fat to begin with, that’s one of the first places you’ll notice a difference, Sariya explains.

    Nordik Beauty Fitness Wrist & Ankle Weights

    OTG Weighted Bangles

    How To Use Wrist Weights While Walking

    The beauty of wrist weights is that they’re easy to use. After you’ve strapped them to your wrists, you’re ready to take them out for a spin. Before you get started, you can also do some wrist rolls to warm up your joints. In order to maximise their benefits, keep your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle, similar to how you hold your arms while running, advises Sariya. And, “if you feel comfortable and coordinated, you can add in bicep curls to get an extra boost,” she says. Overall, the more you move with intention, the more of a difference you’ll see, says Sariya. You can also slowly increase your weights for an additional burn, as long as they’re not too heavy.

    As for how often you should use your wearable weights, incorporating them into your preferred form of cardio (so, in Davidson’s case, her walks) twice a week for about 40 minutes is a great place to start, says Sariya. Since wrist weights are not an effective way to build muscle, you should also do strength training if you’re looking to really take your arms to the next level.

    READ MORE: Step Into Your Best Shape With The WH Walking Challenge

    When should you see results?

    There’s not one timeframe for when you can expect to see results from walking with wrist weights because it varies based on things like starting fitness level and the intensity of your walks. (If you’re a fitness newbie, the good news is results might appear quicker than for someone who is already hitting the gym multiple times a week.)

    While the added weight on a walk gives you a little boost by driving your heart rate up and working more muscles, the timeframe for results is actually still pretty similar to walking without them. But, if adding this accessory is the inspiration and excitement you need, wrist weights can be a great way to spice up a stale walking routine—I know they spiced up mine.

    READ MORE: 5 Ways To Burn More Fat During Your Walking Workouts

    This article written by Olivia Luppino first appeared on Women’s Health UK. Additional product recommendations by the Women’s Health SA team. More

  • in

    Transform Your Legs With This 20-Minute Home Workout

    It’s safe to say that we’ve all found different ways to make home workouts work for us. You could be using a tin of beans as weights or your broom has magically turned it into a barbell.  Either way, we’re working on our fitness! If you have equipment at home but haven’t used any of it, I’d like to introduce you to your new best friend — the resistance band.

    At first glance, this piece of exercise band looks like nothing but a band, but this baby can make your body stronger and firmer without lifting weights. Health Coach, Online Trainer, and Bikini Pro Athlete, Andene Thomson shows us how we can transform our legs with a resistance band in just 20 minutes.

    20-Minute Resistance Band Workout

    Time: 20 Minutes | Equipment: Resistance Band | Good For: Quads, glutes, hamstring, and calves

    [embedded content]

    Warm-Up

    50 reps x Knee-Banded Squats with Abduction

    Place the resistance band above your knees, with your feet hip-width apart (A). Lower yourself down (as if sitting into a chair) keeping the weight in your heels and sink down into your squat (B). While in your squat position, open the legs as you feel the tension from the band (C). Return to standing by pushing your heels into the ground (D). Remember to engage those glutes!

    Exercise 1

    1/  Knee-Banded Kickbacks (4 x 15 each leg)

    Place the resistance band around your thighs with your feet hip-width apart, keeping your core engaged (A). Shift weight into your left leg, so there is tension in the band (B). Squeeze your core as you kick your right leg back (C).

    2/ Knee-Banded Side Abduction (4 x 15 each leg)

    Place the resistance band around your thighs, while keeping your core engaged (A). Lift your outer leg up and straight out to side as far as possible, before bringing your leg to the starting position (B). That’s one rep!

    READ MORE: Get A Full-Body Workout In Just 15 Minutes With Only 2 Household Items

    Exercise 2

    1/ Knee-Banded Dumbbell Split Squats (4 x 15 each leg)

    Grab a dumbbell and hold it at your sides (A). Lower your hips until your front thigh is at least parallel to the floor. Push through your front heel, and extend the hips and knees to return to the starting position (B). That’s 1 rep. Don’t forget to change legs!

     2/ Knee-Banded Forward and Back Jump Squats (4 x 12 each way)

    Start with your feet hip-width apart, keep your knees soft as you tuck into a low squat position (A). Jump over a small step, rope or a towel to intensify, before jumping back again (B).

    Exercise 3

    4 x 20 reps Dumbbell Lying Leg Curls

    Start by lying flat on your stomach (A).  Place the dumbells between your feet and extend legs all the way back (B). Be careful not to arch your spine as you extend your legs back, then repeat the move (C).

    Exercise 4

    1/ Sumo Deadlifts (4 x 15 reps)

    Position your feet shoulder-width apart as your toes point out at an angle (A). It’s important not to round your lower back for this one. Grab hold of your weights with both hands as you lower your body down, keeping your core engaged, before returning back to starting position (B).

    2/ Knee-Banded Sumo Squat Pulses (4 x 20 reps)

    Get the resistance band on and start with your legs opened wide to the sides (A). Keep the shoulders directly over your hips and your knees are in line with your feet (B). Go for small pulses up and down (C).

    READ MORE: Use These 5 Resistance Band Moves To Ease Knee Pain

    Finisher

    Knee-Banded Double Pulse Sumo Squats

    Start with your legs opened to the sides and your toes turned slightly outward (A). As low as you can, take on a squat position as you make small pulses up and down (B). More