We all know that physical activity is an essential part of staying healthy, but for , sometimes it can be confusing. With so many types of workouts, where do you even begin? Here, we show you how to be physically fit with five different workouts, inspired by some of our favorite fitness influencers.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
High-intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a busy (or lazy) girl’s best workout bet—you can get a workout done in less than half an hour! A typical workout has some , interspersing short bursts of intense exercise with rest or low-intensity phases. A HIIT workout can burn more calories in 20 minutes than a 50-minute continuous exercise routine.
Who to follow: Kayla Itsines (Instagram: @kaylaitsines, website: https://www.kaylaitsines.com/).
This Aussie personal trainer is behind the Bikini Body Guides, made up of 28-minute HIIT workouts to help improve fitness and increase strength. The guides aren’t free but the transformation photos on her feed might just convince you that they’re worth it. No budget? Kayla also shares some quick workout routines on her Insta.
Weight Training
Let’s get one thing out of the way: Lifting weights will not bulk you up unless that is what you deliberately set out to do. It takes a lot of hard work to attain the bodybuilder physique, and you won’t get there by weight training a few times a week.
What lifting weights can do: 1) burn more calories than cardio, 2) help you retain muscle as you get older, 3) reduce your risk of diabetes, 4) get you looking toned, 5) make you stronger. Strong is the new sexy, so it’s time to think about lifting!
Who to follow: Michelle Lewin (Instagram: @michelle_lewin, website: michellelewin.com).
This Venezuelan is a fitness model and bodybuilder who has been on over 30 magazine covers. One of the biggest fitness influencers in the world, Michelle has a staggering 13.8 million followers on Instagram, where she regularly posts various workouts.
Dance Workout
If boredom is your biggest enemy, then make workouts more fun with music! There are so many that you can do from home, as well as other exercises set to your favorite hits—an enjoyable way to get your cardio fix.
Who to follow: Maddie Lymburner, a.k.a. MadFit (Instagram: @madfit.ig, YouTube: MadFit).
With over 5 million subscribers, her YouTube channel features fun themes like “15 Minute TikTok Dance Party Workout” and “15 Minute 90s Dance Part Workout.” Her workouts aren’t strictly dancing and are more like exercise moves set to music, but whatever gets you moving, right?
Pilates
If you’re after toning and flexibility, then Pilates might be the thing for you. This low-impact exercise uses slow movements to work the whole body, often targeting the core. Expect to feel muscle soreness the following day, which gives that satisfying, post-workout feeling!
Who to follow: Nicole McPherson, a.k.a. Move with Nicole (Instagram: @movewithnicole, YouTube: Move With Nicole).
She’s fairly new to the fitness influencer space, but Nicole has a range of excellent videos, from a quick 10-minute leg workout to a one-hour . You’re bound to be inspired by this trained dancer’s toned body and enviable form.
Yoga
What sets yoga apart from other forms of exercise is that it’s more than just a physical activity. It’s a mind and body practice that incorporates breath control and meditation as you go through a series of poses. Aside from helping you get stronger and more flexible, yoga may help you get “centered,” giving you a kind of balance and peace that can help you in everyday life.
Who to follow: Adriene Mishler, a.k.a. Yoga with Adriene (Instagram: @adrienelouise, YouTube: Yoga with Adriene).
The Guardian dubbed her “the people’s yogi,” and it’s a very apt description—Adriene makes yoga more accessible and less intimidating with her sprightly, welcoming manner. Her occasional silliness brings a lighthearted vibe to each practice, but you’ll still feel her deep sense of respect for yoga as well as for the journey of each of her viewers.
These workouts can get you sweating like crazy, so be sure to use Rexona’s Powder Dry Roll-on Deodorant, which has MotionSense Technology that allows you to stay comfortable and dry.
When you’re done, hit the shower! Use Sunsilk Anti-Dandruff Healthy Strong Shampoo to clean and nourish your hair and scalp while effectively keeping flakes away.
To help your muscles recover, don't forget to use a relaxing body wash like Dove Deeply Nourishing Body Wash.
No matter what workout you choose, there are a couple of things to remember on how to be physically fit: First, you can’t outrun—or out-HIIT or out-dance—your fork; if weight loss is the goal, you still have to be mindful of your calorie intake. And second, consistency is key. Just keep at it! Weight loss, building muscle, getting stronger all take time. Don’t get discouraged and quit before the magic starts to happen.
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