Slimming & Toning Exercises

Jump the Fat Away

• Jumping rope is an excellent cardio activity, getting your heart rate up and helping blast those calories away so you can shed layers of body fat. One of the main benefits of jumping rope is that it's a full-body exercise. It utilizes all of the major muscle groups in your upper and lower body, making it one of the most effective cardio exercises for burning fat.

Burpees Rock!

• Burpees are one of the most effective cardio exercises -- a full-body exercise that burns calories fast and helps build strength. Start in a squatting position with your thighs parallel to the floor, hands on the floor in front of you. Kick your feet back so your body is in a pushup position, then quickly move them back so you're in the starting position. Jump up in the air as high as you can, landing back on your feet to complete one rep.

Take a Walk on the Treadmill

• When you're trying to slim down, you need to include cardio exercises in your workout that put your whole body to work -- running definitely fits into that category. Hop on the treadmill or take a run outside, to get your upper and lower body moving. To maximize the benefits of this exercise, pump your arms by your side as you run -- this more effectively works the triceps and biceps in your upper arms.

Barbell Rear Lunge for Big Gains

• The barbell rear lunge is one of the most effective toning exercises because it utilizes nearly all of the major muscle groups in your body. Primarily, that includes the quads and hamstrings in your legs, the adductors along your inner thighs, and the gluteal muscles in your buttocks. Start in a standing position with your feet about shoulder-width apart, toes pointing forward, a barbell resting at the back of your shoulders. Keeping the barbell in position, step back with your left foot, lunging down until your left knee is just above the floor. Push yourself back up, then repeat with the other leg.

Squat Your Way to Toned Muscles

• The squat is a key exercise for most workout routines, because it is a full-body exercise that works the abs, hips, thighs and calves, making it an integral exercise if you want tight, toned muscles. Stand straight up with your feet hip-width apart, toes pointed outward slightly. Squat down, keeping your back straight by pulling your shoulders back, lowering yourself until your thighs are just past parallel to the floor. Squeeze your glutes and stand back up, for one rep. Use dumbbells during the exercise to increase the resistance, helping you build muscle faster.

Arnold Press on for Size

• The Arnold press is a compound exercise that works the deltoid muscles in the shoulders, as well as the triceps and trapezius muscles. Sit on the edge of a weight bench, legs bent on a 90-degree angle with your feet flat on the floor. Bend your arms so they're in front of your chest, each hand holding a dumbbell with your palms facing you. Simultaneously, draw your arms out to the sides and then up over your head so your palms are now facing forward, arms fully extended above you. Return to your starting position to complete one rep.

Dietary and Other Important Tips

• Always engage your core when performing any exercise, to maximize the benefits of it. This also helps to improve stability and provide your body with more power during the exercise. You do this by tucking in your lower abdomen. Even with that, don't expect results if you're not eating a healthy diet. Avoid excess salt, sugar and processed foods. Instead, stick to fresh, wholesome fruits and vegetables -- and include high-protein foods to help build muscle, like eggs, nuts, protein shakes, and cottage cheese.