Wake up your muscles

Adding variety to your routines -- by trying moves that you have never done before -- is a fun and effective way to work out. The changes not only keep your workouts interesting, but they also challenge your muscles in new ways. Instead of going on auto pilot, your muscles will have to adjust to new positioning and movements. The added concentration will bring quicker results.

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1 For this side hip slimmer, stand on a resistance band with your feet hip-width apart. Grasping the ends of the band, bring your hands to your hips.

2 Shift your weight over one leg and slowly lift the other leg off the floor. Balance with your leg lifted for a moment. Slowly lower that leg and repeat on the other side. Do 12 lifts with each leg.

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-- Karen Voight