Well, you’re lucky; toning is pretty simple when you get right down to it. You just need to get into weight-lifting (even if it’s just your own body weight).

Here’re some ideas:

• Check out a local gym (if you don’t already go to one). Many will have free trial periods that you can take advantage of and see if it’s right for you.
• At the gym, find weights that work for you. If you’re starting out, I suggest 5-10 pound dumbbells for exercises like dumbbell lunges, dumbbell squats, goblet squats, tricep kickbacks, and shoulder presses.
• Also at the gym, try the machines. An abductor/adductor machine will tone your outer and inner thighs. A decline bench will make crunches and sit-ups more challenging. An exercise ball will help your core work harder during crunches.
• If you have to go without weights, look up body weight exercises. Push-ups, sit-ups, Pilates, squats, fire hydrants, jack knife sit-ups, bench dips, flutter kicks, glute kickbacks, Russian twists, plank, Superman, etc.
• Try to work each muscle group 1-3 times a week, and not consecutive days. For example, work your arms on Mondays and Wednesdays (with push-ups, lat pulls, and bench dips) and your legs on Tuesdays and Fridays (with lunges, squats, and wall sits). This allows the muscles a chance to heal and grow.

Have fun on your vacation; I’m sure you’ll look great!

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