The Oscars are just days away, and nominees, presenters, and attendees alike are putting in a last-ditch effort to guarantee they look as tight, toned, and camera-ready as possible come Sunday. You may not be red carpet bound, but there’s always a wedding, perhaps a high school reunion, or even a big date around the corner you might wish you were in just a little better shape for.
These multifaceted exercises courtesy of Anja Garcia, a Los Angeles-based fitness instructor at Equinox (the favorite gym of stars like Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, and Cameron Diaz) will increase your heart rate (and in turn your metabolism) and target more parts of your body at once than your average crunch or sit-up. Whether you’re planning on wearing a slip dress that shows off your sculpted arms like Lupita Nyong’o, sporting a backless dress like Hilary Swank’s major Oscar moment, or committing to the leg à la Angelina Jolie, these last minute moves will give you the most bang for your buck.
These workouts can be performed in two different ways depending on your goals. If you want to target a specific zone, do three exercises back to back for the recommended time for your specific area. Repeat the circuit three times. For an extra calorie burn, add one minute of jumping jacks or jump rope at the end of each round.
If you want a total body workout perform the first exercise from each category for the recommended time, then perform exercise two from each category, then exercise three. Repeat the entire circuit two times.
Legs and Butt
Whether you are rocking the leg slit or a short skirt, these exercises will work more muscle and burn more calories to quickly tone your gams and your glutes.
Curtsy Crunch
Start standing up and step your right leg back and bend both knees into a curtsy lunge. Stand up and pull that same leg up to standing side crunch. This move not only strengthens and shapes the legs and butt, you will get the added bonus of abdominal/core training, too. Repeat for 30 seconds on one leg and then 30 seconds on the other.
(Take No) Prisoner Squat Jumps
Begin standing with your hands behind your head, keeping your chest open and spine neutral. Explode up from the floor into a jump. Land quietly in a squat and repeat the move as fast as possible for 30 seconds.
Donkey Kick
With your hands on the floor and hips up in a modified Downward Dog position with your knees bent, jump and kick heels to your butt. This challenging move works your hamstrings plus your back and shoulders and is great for cardio.
Chest, Arms, and Shoulders
A toned upper-body is the best addition to a tank or on-trend, off-the-shoulder dress. Try these three exercises to quickly sculpt your arms and lift your chest.
Corkscrew Pushups
Perform a pushup on your hands and toes then drop your butt to your heels and twist to one side. Come forward to plank and repeat a pushup, shift back and twist to the other side. In addition to your arms, your chest and abs get a double dose of burn in this body weight movement. Alternate sides for one minute—you can rest when you need to, but try and work up to one minute.
TKO (Total Knockout) Punches
Amp up the cardio and sculpt your arms with a three-minute combo of punches (jab, cross, upper cut and hook). Rest for one minute and repeat five times.
Single Leg Mountain Climbers
Balance in a plank position on your hands and right foot, then jump the left foot in and out for 30 seconds. Switch and repeat on the other side. Your arms and shoulders will burn, and you’ll get a bonus ab and leg kicker.
Back
Something is inherently sexy about a toned back, and in turn, a backless dress. Try these move to make sure you look fab from all angles.
Bird Dog
Begin in the plank position on hands and toes. Lift your right arm and left leg and hold for 10 seconds. Lower and repeat with the opposite arm and leg. Your back and your butt will benefit from this stability and strength challenge. Alternate for two minutes.
Superman Lat Pull
Begin on your belly with your legs extended and arms overhead. Lift your torso and legs up to extend your spine. With your neck neutral, perform a lat pull, drawing your elbows to your side. Reach your arms overhead back to the starting position with torso down. This is great for your posture as well as sculpting your back. Perform for one minute.
V Press Plank
Begin in a push up plank position with your hands a little wider than your shoulders and your legs extended with feet hip-width apart. Keeping your arms straight, press back to a modified Downward Dog with your knees bent. Holding this inverted V position, bend your elbows out to the side and lower your head towards the floor simulating an upside down overhead press. This move will sculpt your shoulders, streamline your back, and shape your core. Perform for one minute.
