This week for #FitnessFriday, Halle and her trainer Peter Lee Thomas shared on Halle's Instagram Stories their go-to exercises to get in shape and build muscle, and they are good. Push-ups are at the top of the list, and according to Peter, Halle can do every variation. Pull-ups, bodyweight squats, and kettlebell swings also made the list.
One thing these exercises have in coming is that they're functional movements (movements we do everyday like pushing and pulling) and help build muscle and increase power and strength. Finishing the list, Peter insisted that people take up some form of boxing or martial arts for the ultimate conditioning and strengthening workout.
Continue reading to learn how to do each exercise.
1Push-Up
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Start in a plank position, with palms spread out evenly and your shoulders over your wrists and legs out behind you. Pull your belly button in, and keep your back straight.
As you lower and exhale, bend your elbows outward to the sides. Hold at the bottom before you raise back up to complete one rep.
Place a large resistance band securely around a pull-up bar. A band with more resistance will provide you with more assistance/momentum to pull yourself up.
Stand on a stable object (a bench will work), and grip the pull-up bar. With one hand, place the band around the arch of your shoe. Fully extend the banded leg.
With a neutral spine and your abs engaged, pull yourself up. The band will provide you with momentum to lift your body up. Lower back down to the starting position.
Begin with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart and toes pointed slightly outward.
Keeping your weight in your heels, sit back into your deep squat as you raise your arms overhead.
Return to standing while lowering your arms to your sides. This completes one rep.
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4Kettlebell Squat and Swing
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Stand with your feet wider than hips-width apart, toes slightly pointing out. Squat down, and hold a kettlebell with both hands between your legs. Make sure your back is flat and your abs are engaged.
As you inhale, press into your feet and explode up, straightening your legs and swinging the kettlebell in front so your hands are in line with your shoulders.
Exhale, and with control, come back to the starting position, allowing the kettlebell to swing back between your legs.