Eight-Minute Workout

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-915 -- More Projects »

Personal trainer Jorge Cruise demonstrates how to achieve a better body in just minutes. Do these in the morning when endorphin levels are low and the metabolism needs a jump start. Perform exercises six days a week.

Day 1

Crossovers--to firm the belly

Figure A

Bend your arms at the elbows and hold them in front of your body. Raise a knee and twist, touching the knee with the opposite elbow (figure A) and hold. Repeat on each side for one minute.

Leg Raises--works the outer thigh

Figure B

Balance with one hand on a chair or counter. With your knee pointed forward, raise the leg to the side and hold it a moment in the up position, then slowly lower (figure B). For a greater workload, add ankle weights. Work one side for one minute.

Repeat the crossovers for one minute, then work the other leg for one minute. Continue alternating upper and lower body moves in one-minute intervals for a total of eight minutes (four sets of crossovers and two sets of leg raises on each side).

Day 2

Inner-thigh Sweep

Figure C

Stand balancing with one hand on a chair or counter. Stand on the outside leg and sweep the inside leg out, across the mid-line of the body (figure C). Hold at the top of the arc for a moment, then lower slowly. Add ankle weights for a greater challenge. Repeat for one minute.

The Squeeze--tones the arms and chest

Figure D

Raise your elbows and clasp your hands in front of your chest (figure D). Press your palms together very firmly. Breathe deeply. Repeat for one minute.

Repeat the two exercises three more times, one minute for each, for a total of eight minutes, four sets of sweeps and four sets of squeezes. Alternate days, doing just eight minutes of exercises each day.

Food Choices

Eat within one hour of rising, then eat something every three hours. Following a schedule of nutritional eating every three hours eliminates binging and subdues emotional eating.

Sample Menu

Breakfast--Scrambled eggs, half a bagel with cream cheese and some fruit.

Snack--Three hours later, have a handful of almonds (about 16) to curb your appetite until lunch.

Lunch--Pita pizza and all the salad you can eat.

Snack--Another three hours later, have three cookies. Snacks should only have about 100 calories.

Dinner--Chicken, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies and pudding for dessert.

Also in this Episode

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-915
•	Recycling Bridesmaid Dresses
•	Scrappy Scarecrow
•	Eight-Minute Workout
•	Smart Solution of the Day

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