14 DAY TRIAL // When kids go to college, one of the first things they’re to expect to change in their life is their waistline, as most of them, as a rule, pack extra weight by the end of the first semester or year, nutritionists say. The same applies to those starting a new job, if that job implies sitting behind a desk for 8+ hours. In order to fight the flab, Shape magazine proposes a workout that is as simple as it’s efficient.
The dorm-room workout is ideal for several reasons. First off, it does not imply any heavy or oversized equipment and can be done whenever, wherever the mood strikes. Secondly, but equally important, it’s a routine that guarantees the change in lifestyle (whether we’re talking going to college or starting a new job) will not translate in an extra size in clothes. Easy and convenient, the routine also promises to burn all those extra calories that we ingest as we focus on the next term paper or deadline, Shape promises.
The program was developed by Amie Hoff, a New York Sports Clubs Master Trainer and, as noted above, implies using the stuff we already have to work our muscles. “Put your desk to use. Shape your arms with a challenging variation of the standard push-up. With your desk up against a wall, place your hands on the edge a little wider than shoulder-width apart. Keep your feet on the ground, back flat and chest in line with the edge of the desk. Slowly lower your chest down, bending at the elbows until you’re about 6 inches from the desk. Push your body back up to the starting position. Try to work your way up to 3 sets of 15.” Shape says.
Of course, no amount of workout will guarantee a toned body if we’re not careful about what we eat as well. As previous research has shown, exercise alone is pretty useless when it comes to shedding the pounds, which is why a change in diet is also a must. However, for those days when we fall off the diet wagon, Shape proposes an exercise that is certain to burn the extra calories, while also being very easy to perform.
“Need an energy boost? Instead of reaching for food, opt for a quick cardio blast by alternating 3 sets of 20 stadium runs and 20 jumping jacks. For stadium runs, start with hands on the floor and feet shoulder-width apart. Using a thrusting motion to bring your right knee into the chest. As the right foot goes back to starting position, raise your left knee. Be sure to have a slight bend in the elbow and keep your abs tight.” the fitness-oriented magazine writes.