Some of my clients at first won’t admit that they want to tone their bodies simply because they want to look good. I tell them as their personal trainer that a reason like that is actually a very legitimate reason to do some body toning fitness exercises. When you look good, you feel good, and that gives you more confidence to handle yourself better.

Body toning programs can also decrease the likelihood of cancer, which is a big deal in Singapore where cancer is the #1 cause of death every year.

Here are some body toning exercises you can try out on your own. These will give you probably the fastest and most dramatic improvements, since they concentrate on the muscles in your arms, shoulders, lower abs, and calves. These are the muscles that respond quickly to body toning exercises. Do note that these exercises are very basic and are for beginners. For those who have been working out for quite some time, you may want to do compound exercises instead. Here goes:

1. Kickback. This exercise will work your back and your triceps. Start by standing with your right foot in front of your left while you hold a weight in your left hand. Now lean forward while you keep your back straight and your left elbow bent 90 degrees. Gradually lift your left arm back as high as you possibly can and then pause. Lower your arm and repeat. Do about 12 to 15 reps of these and then switch sides.

2. Biceps curl. Hold a weight in each hand with your arms down and your palms facing your thighs. Now curl the weight towards your shoulders and rotate your palms as you lift them towards your chest. Pause, and then repeat. Do about 12 to 15 reps of these to work your shoulders, back, and biceps.

3. Side plank. This will help develop your thighs, hips, buttocks, obliques, and abs. Lie on the floor on your right side while propping yourself up with your right forearm. Your elbow should be under your shoulders and your left hand on your waist. Your legs should be extended with your feet and hips stacked.
Now slowly lift up your hips as high as possible and hold that position for 15 to 30 seconds, with your belly button pulled in. Lower yourself, and then switch to the other side.

4. Standing lift. You begin by standing with your left foot in front of your right. Hold a weight with both hands with your arms extended so the weight is by your right hip. Now rotate your arms up and across without twisting your torso, pause a while, and then return to your original position. Do about 8 to 12 reps of these then do the other side.

Now these are just a few examples of what you need to do to tone your body. In order to eventually succeed in getting the toned body you want, you’ll need to enlist the aid of a Singapore personal trainer so that you can maximize the benefits of all these exercises.