There’s no point in feeling guilty about eating a few extra slices of pie over the holidays. These are a time for celebration, sharing and joy. But once the holiday season is over, it could be time to work off a few extra pounds. Instead of mercilessly punishing yourself at the gym with the seriousness of a tax collector (that season is next), check out these holiday-themed dumbbell exercises and incorporate them into your work out. These workouts target multiple muscle groups so you end up burning fat faster.
Flying Turkey Triceps Flap. Make turkey wings with your arms to workout your triceps. Put the pair of dumbbells on the ground and hold them while you are in push up position. Pick up one weight and pull your elbow straight back as far as possible and then put the weight down. Do the same for your other arm. While still holding the dumbbells, perform a squat by jumping your feet to line up with your hands and then stand up quickly. This completes one repetition. Slowly return the dumbbells to the ground and then jump your feet back to your original “up” position. If you aren’t strong enough to jump your feet forward, bring them up one leg at a time.
Hanging The Star. Remember when you reached up to put the star on top of your Christmas tree? Imagine if the star was a dumbbell. This exercise will work your core, glutes and quads. Pick up a dumbbell with two hands and stand with your legs shoulder width apart. Carefully swing the dumbbell up and over your head. Keep it there with your elbows slightly bent. While keeping your arms and back straight, bend your knees down and then stand back up to complete one rep. This should take about two seconds. For an added challenge, hold the weight with one hand, complete 10 repetitions, and then switch hands to complete 10 more.
Cranberry Crunch. Homemade cranberry sauce tastes great. This exercise will help squeeze out any extra sauce from your abdominal muscles. Lay down with your back and legs straight out. Grab your dumbbells and hold them straight up over your chest. Lift your neck off the ground and look at your dumbbells. To work your lower abs, keep your legs straight and lift them off the ground six to eight inches. Then lower them until they are about two inches off the ground to complete one repetition. For your upper abs, bring your knees into your chest and then extend your legs back out and hold them two inches off of the ground.
Gravy Bowl. If you enjoyed a little gravy with your turkey, this exercise will strengthen your lower back while you take the shape of a gravy bowl. Get on your hands and knees, with the dumbbells in front of you. Ensure your back is parallel to the ground. Grab a dumbbell with your right hand and lift it straight out in front of you while putting your left leg straight back. Bring them back to your original position to complete 10 repetitions, and then switch to your left hand and right leg.