You’ve been procrastinating on your workout plan for Memorial Day — this just might be your last minute strategy for success! (Repeat this circuit 3x a week, with cardio, for best results.)
Inchworm — Works abs, chest, arms. Bend forward, place hands on floor in front of toes, and walk hands forward, until you reach plank position. Do a push-up, then inch back to start. (Keep belly button pulled in.) Do 8 to 12 reps.
Side Plank — Works abs, Oblique’s, butt, hips, thighs. Lie on right side with legs extended, hips and feet stacked; prop yourself up on your right forearm, elbow under shoulder, and place left hand on your waist. Slowly lift hips off the floor as high as you can, hold for 15 to 30 seconds each side.
Lunge Twist — Works calves, hamstrings, butt. Stand with arms at shoulder height, palms down. Step forward with right foot, crossing it in front of left. Lower into a curtsy-like lunge (right knee shouldn’t go past toes) while twisting torso right. Untwist, push off right foot, return to start. Do 8 to 12 reps; switch legs and repeat.
Squat Shoulder Press — Works butt, thighs, shoulders, back. Stand with feet hip-width apart holding five-pound weights in each hand, arms bent, palms facing in. Bend knees and squat, pause, then stand and press arms straight up over shoulders. Do 8 to 12 reps.
Wood Choppers — Works obliques, back, shoulders. Stand with left foot in front of right, holding one weight with both hands, arms extended so weight is by right hip. Rotate arms up and across, (don’t twist torso) pause, then return to start. Do 8 to 12 reps; switch sides and repeat.
Erica Umosella received her Bachelor of Arts in Health and Exercise Science with emphasis in Physical Education from Rowan University. She also earned a degree as a certified personal trainer and nutritional consultant from the National Personal Training Institute of Philadelphia. For more information on Erica, click here.


