Fit By Sara: You Can Change Your Body Type

Have you ever noticed that runners have strong defined thighs, cyclist have firm, toned calves, swimmers have strong v-backs, and gymnasts are compact and strong all over? It shows that your body can be shaped by the exercises you do. For example, for many years I was a competitive gymnast. Because gymnastics entails lifting your body weight, I was small and buff all over. After college I was into weight lifting and put on a bunch of muscle mass, especially in my shoulders and upper back. In graduate school I got really into yoga and started teaching it. My body transformed-my muscles became lean and long! I’ve found the perfect combo of exercises that give a defined, lean, long look and I’ll share a little with you.

*Kickboxing: Great for toning the thighs, buttocks, and waist. Kicking in various sequences also boosts the heart rate for an ultimate fat burner. Time 30-40 min. 3X per week.

*Light Weights: 2-3 lb. weights are all you need to have a defined look. Work the shoulders, back, chest, and arms for 1-2 min. each body part. 2-3 sets 3X per week.

*Interval Training: Mix it up-keep your muscles working and your heart rate going and lose a lot of body fat! Do a 5-10 min. interval of kickboxing followed by a 1-2 min. interval of light weights. Repeat the sequence for 35-45 min. 3 X per week.

*Yoga: Great for lean, long muscles + mental clarity and relaxation. Yoga is excellent alone and or a great stretch for the end of your workouts. I recommend 20-60 min. 3-5 X per week.

Still not sure what to do? Check out my postnatal workouts! “Stroller Workout for Moms” is a 60 min. workout you can do inside or out combining intervals of kickboxing and the use of your own body weight, plus a 10 min. toning portion for your thighs and abs, and a yoga stretch. Also “Total Body Toning” is a 30 min. power packed workout combining kickboxing, squats, upper body toning, plus pilates moves and a yoga stretch.