5 fun ways to blast fat
Celebrity trainer Jennifer Williams on how outdoor fun can help you slim fast
Riding a bike TRIMS THE THIGHS
Going for a bike ride around the neighborhood works double-duty to streamline your lower half. “Pumping the pedals utilizes all the large muscles in the legs, including the quads and hamstrings,” says Williams, creator of Pop Physique, which Diane Kruger relies on to stay slim. That means you’ll torch calories to melt fat from the thighs, plus sculpt lean, firm muscle underneath.
TO TONE EVEN FASTER: As you ride, loosen your grip on the handlebars and sit up straight. This will engage the transverse abdominis to firm lower-belly jiggles.
Hiking FLATTENS THE BELLY
Strolling through nature trails is a terrific tummy toner. That’s because navigating terrain changes recruits stabilizing muscle fibers in both the transverse abdominis (which tuck in lower-belly bulge) and the rectus abdominis (which create sexy six-pack definition).
TO TONE EVEN FASTER: “Squeeze your glutes with each step,” says Williams. This will firm the butt.
Roller skating LIFTS THE TUSH
Zipping along the sidewalk in roller skates will go a long way toward getting your backside shorts-ready. “Your hamstrings engage every time you push off—and this will lift your butt higher and make it more defined,” cheers Williams. What’s more, the side-to-side movement required to propel yourself forward also tones the hard-to-reach inner thighs to eliminate pesky chub rub.
TO TONE EVEN FASTER: After you push off of one foot, try gliding on the other foot for a moment before stepping back down. The brief balance will engage the calves, ham- strings and glutes to slim the legs.
Mini golf WHITTLES THE WAIST
Playing a round of miniature golf is a surprisingly effective way to carve out a sexy hourglass silhouette, says Williams. The reason: Rotating at the waist to follow through on your swing engages the obliques, the muscles that wrap around the torso and cinch in the waist.
TO TONE EVEN FASTER: While waiting to shoot, step up onto your toes, says Williams. You’ll tone the calves to slim the legs.
Strolling the farmers market TORCHES CALORIES
Wandering through the farmers market to stock up on fresh produce and other goodies may not seem like much work, but studies show the activity can blast up to 170 calories in 30 minutes! Plus, adds Williams, toting those seasonal fruits and veggies provides resistance for added toning throughout the midsection, arms and thighs to trim inches from head to toe.
TO TONE EVEN FASTER: Make a point to squeeze your arms to your sides as you carry bags or packages. This will engage the lats and pectorals to erase pit pudge and perk up the chest.