Get your body toned, fit and fabulous this year with our top five moves to whip you into shape. These exercises are guaranteed to help you get the body you want… 1: Swimming When swimming not only are you working the legs and arms, but the entire body as you work to move forward and stay afloat. Water supports the body so it’s easy on the joints. Opt for a range of swimming styles such as freestyle, the butterfly, breaststroke and backstroke. Take note that even though your heart might not be racing as much as it would with running or cycling, you are still getting a good workout as cooler water is less taxing on the heart. Start easy and take plenty of breaks.
Even walking through water works the thighs and torso as you work against the friction of the water. This is a perfect summer exercise to do at the beach before resting up on the sand with a book. Why not also take a friend to the local pools for laps – make it a regular catch up time or join an exercise class.
2: Treadmill with dumbbells
Pull out the treadmill or head to the gym for some serious walking. Holding weights while walking or running is actually bad for the hands as you have to clench your fists for a long time. Get some weights that can strap to you arms to work the biceps and upper body while the legs get an intense workout. Make sure to start easy. Begin with a walk, then a faster walk, bringing the arm forward and backward as you usually do when walking. Then start jogging with the weights strapped on. For an inexpensive solution go for a walk or a run outside.
3: Skipping
Get old school and find your old skipping rope for a fun way to tone the whole body. Skipping with a rope requires constant movement so this high intensity workout is great to get the heart pumping. Vary the speed to suit your level and either jump over the rope every time or add a jump in between for an easier pace. Jump on the balls of your feet and feel light and springy – your mindset is important for working out so imagine you’re as light as a feather! See our skipping guide for a few exercises to try.
4: Cycling
Ever seen a lycra-clad cyclist with flabby bits? Didn’t think so. Cycling is addictive to those who get into it because they can go sight seeing, feel the wind in their face and have an enjoyable workout at the same time. Don’t just get on an exercycle, invest in a bike and helmet and head to a park, off road track or quiet road. You’re not just working the legs as the whole body must use strength to keep the bike balanced. Start on flat areas and tackle a few hills when you’re up for it. If you love going places faster than walking allows but get bored sitting in the car, cycling is for you!
5: Play a sport
Join a netball or soccer team or play tennis with a friend. Doing drills at practice develops both hand-eye co-ordination and gets the heart racing to tone muscles. Playing an actual game adds the competitive edge to motivate you to keep working. The great thing about sport is that with a gym membership it can be easy to find other things to do instead of heading down there, but with sport you’re relied on to be there every week.
With all these entire body workouts the hard part is simply getting started so write down a time to get going on your exercise of choice and get into routine.
Swimming 
2: Treadmill with dumbbells
Skipping
4: Cycling
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