Tone It Down, Don't Sweat It Out: A Curvy Girl's Workout

So the core of this blog (pun intended), is to put your best Curvy self forward right? So let's start from the inside out and work on getting in our best shape. It's officially May and Summer waits for no one!

I know. Working out is not fun, but we all have to do it! 

Recently I have tried a variety of workouts- major Cardio workouts: stints of sprinting, and long distance running. I felt great! I built up my endurance and I felt healthier and lighter. The only problem with those exercises is they're fat burning exercises, and I lost 2" everywhere! I was losing my Curves! So I decided to look further into better work outs and I found the following:

• When you run or do any type of Cardio and there isn't fat to burn, your body will look for other sources to take from i.e your hips, butt, bust, thighs, you name it. It's great for your heart muscle, but shouldn't be your only workout regimen. 
• No pain. no gain is a real truth; I'm talking about weight lifting. Weight lifting sculpts. It builds muscle and general tonality in your body. 
• I generally believe toning this is the best workout for Women everywhere. You can get it from various types of Yoga, Stretching, Strength Training, and Resistance workouts. Overall this is the workout that targets areas of the body instead of an overhaul weight loss.

I am not a Trainer, Cardio God, or claim to be anything such. All I know is these workouts work for me, and it would be a shame to not share with my fellow Shapely Women! Below is my workout regimen that I do 2 - 3 times a week + some suggestions for workout clothes; 'cause Ladies, we really go to work when we look good, right?. Check it out: 

 Incline on the treadmill for 30 minutes! You will sweat. It helps tone your legs, butt, and lower abs. I try to do it at a 3.0 speed so I am power walking, and in the last 5 minutes increase my speed every minute.

Arms! Any kind of arm workouts I generally do: Bicep Curls, Tricep Extensions, Lateral Raises (front & side) Chest Presses all work. I try to do 2 reps of 10 with 5 - 10lb weights.

Abs! I know you should workout with energy throughout, but here is where I kind of give it my all - especially since I think this is the body part you show the most! (Think 80 degree beach days).

Planks - 2 sets (1 at the beginning of your Ab set and one at the end for 1 minute each) 

Regular Sit Ups/Oblique Sit Ups - 25 regular, 25 on each side 

Butt Lifts - 25 sets *I like this one because you're using you're lower abs as well as your glutes 

You can obviously exchange my exercises for any of your own preferences, but these are the ones I have used to get bikini ready. Now onto the wardrobe...

GapFit gFast Colorblock Capris

GapFit Mesh Tank

Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Pullover Hoodie

Xhilaration® Juniors Yoga Pajama Pant

Asics Women's Shoes, Rush33 Sneakers

That's it! I hope I've made getting in shape a little more bearable for us all. And if you won't listen to me, then listen to Queen Bey and 'Work It Out" !

-TLW

Photo & Exercise Credits: FatBurninTips4Women Online, Fitness Magazine Online, Real Age Health Online, SD Chiropractic Blog, Wikipedia, Picky Eater Blog, Women's Health Online, Livestrong Online, Does This Blog Make Us Look Fat?, Divine. Ca, Target, Gap, Macy's