Now Punch it Out

We all want to save time by doing more within it, and unfortnately squeezing the gym between all of the other important tasks we must complete in each day gets more and more difficult. So that is why I am a fan of moves that will work out more than one muscle group at a time, and will even get your heart rate up so that extra calories get burned up in the process.

Here is a move that is simple and easy, but very effective and can be done at home as well as the gym.

Take a pair of low weights, start with 3s or 5s to begin, and hold them in front of your stomach. Slightly bend your knees, making sure weight is evenly distributed and all joints are stacked. Then, as quickly as you can, punch in front of you with your weights, keeping your hips still making sure not to lock your knees. As you bring your arm forward, turn the weight parallel to the floor at the farthest point from you to work some of the smaller muscles in your arm. Punch at least 50 times, or time yourself for 30 seconds to a minute. Repeat at least twice.

This move will work your stomach, because you're twisting and keeping your abs pulled in tight to prevent movement in the hips, your arms and shoulders as you punch forward, your back as you pull back, and get your heart rate up for that extra calorie burn. The main thing to concentrate on is keeping all of your muscles pulled in tight; abs engaged to protect your back, arms pulled in next to your body and each movement should be fast, but controlled. Try and it and feel your whole upper body get a workout in less than a minute!