It’s the Move of the Month! These are all moves I really use with my Fit Family personal training clients and in our fantastic Belly Bootcamp prenatal and postnatal classes. The Moves of the Month are all simple and effective, and they’re perfect for exercising at home,or at your gym… or even your local park.  Try this month’s move!

THE YOGI SQUAT

Target Body Parts: Hips, Thighs, Calves, Core

Equipment: None

Combine the focus and balance training of yoga with a dynamic move to tone hips, calves and thighs, and what have you got? The Yogi Squat! Begin standing with feet slightly wider than hip-width apart and toes and knees turned out. Cross hands on chest. Keep chest lifted and abdominal muscles contracted as you squat until thighs are parallel with floor. Maintain squatting position and contract calf muscles to lift heels off floor; hold for 3 counts. Keep heels lifted as you press up out of squat. Return heels to floor and repeat.

Complete 8-20 reps or continue to the point of fatigue.

Too easy? Hold each squat position for 5 or 10 counts.  Want even more?  Hold a single dumbbell, heavy book or other object against your chest.

A little public service message here: There are risks with any kind of exercise. If you are unsure, I always recommend you ask questions first, shoot later. You can shoot me an email at dara[at]fitfamily[dot]ca if you have a question about this or any other exercise.