Multitask Your Workout With Combo Moves

Are you ready for a really effective, time-​​efficient workout?

Multitasking is something we do in everyday life, and it can be applied to our fitness routine by combining muscles in the upper– and lower-​​body at the same time, while the core kicked in to help us balance. These three moves work biceps, shoulders, chest, upper back and triceps along with quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves, while tightening your core!

With cardio intervals, these moves give you part of a complete workout. For more like these, visit www​.nikkifitness​.com for my DVDs.

1) Short and tall (Three part squat, bi curl, shoulder press and calf lift)

Our first move is one of my favorites and combines six muscle areas. This move can also be done with heavy weights. First, stand with feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, hips forward and aligned under the shoulders (ready position). Then, hold the weights at your sides with palms facing the center of the body. Squat as if you are sitting back into a chair. As you begin to stand back up, lift the weights in a bicep hammer curl up to shoulder height. From here lift up onto the toes (calves engage) as you push the weights overhead, with palms still facing inside and towards each other. Return to ready position to complete one repetition.

2) Balance Beam

The next move will work the upper back, hamstrings and glutes. Bend over at the waist, keeping the back flat. Do a dead row with medium weights by bringing the elbows to the sky, bend knees slightly. Lower the weights back down towards the knees. If you’re comfortable with this, we will add a multi-​​tasker: As you lift the weights, also lift your right leg straight behind you to be level with your back. Hold and perform a triceps kickback. Lower, and repeat. This move takes a lot of balance, so your core tightens as you lift.

3) Push up, tone up

We’re going to move to the floor for this exercise. Do a full push-​​up and at the top, lift the right leg straight back and up about six inches, bring the toes back to the floor. Do a second push-​​up and at the top lift the left leg six inches — repeat with the other leg. If you can’t do full push-​​ups, perform the move on hands and knees (as shown). Make sure the knees are far behind you so that a straight line forms between your knees, hips and shoulders. Do one push-​​up and then lift your right foot to the ceiling, leg bent at 90 degrees.

Do one minute of jumping jacks or simulated jump rope between each numbered move. Repeat exercises one through three for a total of three sets. Stretch and then go out and show off your toned body with the extra time you saved by multi-​​tasking.

Tags: Pushups squats stretching toning