If you're yearning to take inches off from head to toe, jump on the bandwagon. This exclusive total-body workout from Paul Katami, a trainer in Los Angeles, will tone you all over using only two pieces of tubing.
"Bands supply a unique form
of resistance that enables
you to hold contractions
longer and achieve a greater
range of motion,
which builds lean muscle faster
than weights," Katami says.
Do this entire routine twice every other day to see results in a snap.
Technique Tips
Abs: All of these moves will carve your core. For added tummy toning, tuck your pelvis under as you work out to further engage your abdominals.Arms: To sculpt sexy biceps and triceps, concentrate on holding your arms as still as possible while moving through a full range of motion.
Chest: The secret to sculpted cleavage? Lift your chest (think proud peacock) as you perform each exercise.
Legs: Soften your knees and press your heels into the floor during standing moves for bonus thigh slimming.
Shoulders: Keep them down and back throughout each move for more effective toning and to prevent neck and lower back strain.
Band Aid: Help to get you started
Need It: An Xertube with soft- or hard-grip handles and a 16-inch-by-3/4-inch foot band ($13 and $4; SpriProducts.com).
Read It: Scan the label to determine resistance. Color and thickness dictate the level, but there is no universal standard. Hint: Start light and build up.
Heed It: Before use, always inspect your bands for tiny tears caused by debris to prevent an unexpected break.
Open Door
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, foot band around feet. Open legs to point of tension. Step on one end of handled tube with left foot. Hold other end in right hand, arm straight and extended to ceiling on a diagonal. Turn torso toward left foot and crouch down as you reach right hand toward left foot and lift right leg off floor behind you. Return to start. Repeat 10 times; switch sides.Works: Chest, Butt, Legs, Core
Side Plank
Lie on left side, legs stacked, right foot in front of left. Place right foot inside handle of one end of handled tube. Grip opposite handle with right hand. Prop yourself up with left hand, palm flat, as you lift torso off floor and slowly reach overhead with right arm. Return to start. Do eight reps and switch sides.Works: Abs, Arms, Back
The Kicker
Stand with feet hip-width apart, foot band around feet; open legs to point of tension. Step on one end of handled tube with left foot; grip other end behind back with both hands, palms up, elbows forward. Bend right knee and raise leg, thigh parallel to floor. Extend right leg slowly as you press arms overhead. Return to start. Do 10 reps; switch sides.Works: Arms, Legs, Core