You know those women bodybuilders who look really bulky? They eat, train, and take supplements specifically so they can look like that! They’ve probably been working towards that goal for years and years.
Here’s the truth: when you pick up heavy things, your muscles get STRONGER (but not necessarily bigger). If you pump yourself full of testosterone and eat way more calories than you are burning every day, you will get bigger.
If you pick up heavy things, and eat a caloric deficit (and eat the right kinds of food – actual healthy foods), your muscles will get stronger and denser; you will burn the fat on top of your muscle, and you will get that “toned” look that you’re after.
Weight training has a lot to say for itself and should be adopted as a part of one's daily life, at home and while working around the house. Weight bearing exercises not only retain muscular strength but also delay the loss of muscle mass and bone density as well.
Add some dumbbells to your fitness routine and build some metabolism-boosting muscle while toning your entire body. We leave no muscle untouched with this workout, so grab a set of dumbbells between five and 25 pounds. Better yet, grab two sets — so you can challenge yourself on a few of the moves with heavier weights. The more often and consistently you lift, the more you will be able to lift!
Directions: Warm up with five minutes of light cardio, then repeat each three-exercise circuit three times. Start with 10 reps of each exercise, building up to 15 reps of each move as you get stronger.
Squat to Overhead Press
Works quadriceps, hamstrings, butt, abs, shoulders
A. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, elbows bent, a 5-pound weight in each hand at shoulder height, palms forward. Lower into a squat (don’t let knees go past toes); hold for a moment.
B. Push through heels to stand up, pressing weights overhead. Return to starting position. Do 3 sets of 15 reps.
Biceps Curls
Stand with feet apart. Carry dumbbells or two water bottles(one in each hand). Flex the elbow, lift the water bottle or dumbbell towards the shoulder and bring it back to the starting point without locking the elbow. Exhale as you take the arm up and inhale when you bring the arm down. Repeat it 16-24 times. This exercise will strengthen the muscles of the arm.
Single-Leg Dumbbell Row
Works back, shoulders, biceps, abs, quadriceps, hamstrings, butt
A. Stand holding a 5- to 10-pound weight in left hand. Hinge forward so back is flat and almost parallel to floor; rest right hand on a chair or low shelf for support. Extend left arm toward floor, palm facing in; lift straight left leg behind you, so body forms a T.
B. Slowly bend left elbow and draw weight up until elbow is even with torso; hold for a moment, then lower weight. Do 15 reps, then switch sides and repeat. Do 3 sets.
Superman
Works the back, butt
Lie facedown with arms and legs extended, toes pointed, palms down. Inhale while raising arms and legs as high as you can; pause, then exhale while slowly returning to starting position. Do 3 sets of 15 reps.
Dumbbell blast
