New Exercise Ideas for Women in Toning Classes

Class participants can get bored if they do the same toning exercises week after week. If you teach a class or want to suggest new exercises to your instructor, there are several exercises that will make things more exciting. You neither have to stay in one spot nor work alone.

  1. Perk It Up With Partner Exercises

    • One perk of exercises classes is that you have other people to partner up with to do certain moves. Having people interact with a partner can add some laughter, energy and motivation. Many partner exercises, such as overhead throws and lunge-to- chest passes, can be done with a medicine ball. Resistance bands can also be used for partner exercises like the standing row. To do a standing row with a partner, take two tubes and loop them together in the middle. Hold the handles of one set of bands and have your partner hold the handles of the other set. Stand facing each other and move back until there is a slight resistance in the bands when your arms are straight out in front of you at shoulder height. From this starting position, both you and your partner will bend your elbows and bring the band handles toward the chest. Return to the starting position and repeat 10 to 15 times.

    Teach a New Twist

    • Sometimes all it takes to change up an exercise class is a variation on an old move. Take some of your basic moves like pushups and glute bridges and add equipment for a twist. People who prefer the original way to do the move can stick with that while others can add equipment for an extra challenge. To change up glute bridges, you can place both legs straight on a stability ball. You can also do one-leg bridges with one foot on the ball and the other leg straight on the floor. Place a stability ball on the floor and perform pushups with both hands on the ball. You can also do pushups with one hand on a medicine ball.

    Work the Room

    • In a toning class, participants often set up a mat in one spot and stay there for the entire class. Add some exercises that require everyone to move around the room. The participants will interact with each other more and get their heart rates up in the process. Try lining everyone up on one end of the room and performing walking lunges to the other side. Inchworms and spider walks are other exercises the class can do from one end of the room to the other. To perform inchworms, bend forward from a standing position and place your hands on the floor in front of your feet. You may need to bend your knees slightly. From this position, walk your hands out until you are in a plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your legs straight. Perform one pushup and then walk your hands up to your feet. Repeat for 20 to 30 feet or for as much distance as the exercise room allows.

    Borrow From Other Classes

    • Don't be afraid to add moves from other classes into your toning class. Try integrating some Pilates or yoga exercises for variety. Target your hips and glutes with the yoga pose called Warrior I. From a standing position, step your right foot forward 2 to 3 feet. Keep your right foot pointed forward and turn your left toes out 45 degrees. Lift your arms straight over your head with your palms facing in. While keeping your left leg straight, bend your right knee and lunge forward until just before your knee is in line with your ankle. Hold this position for 20 to 30 seconds and then switch sides.

      Tone your abs with the Pilates double leg stretch. Lie face up with your knees bent and tucked into your chest. Lift your head, neck and shoulders and place one hand on each shin. From this starting position, simultaneously straighten your arms and legs so your arms are over your head and your legs are at a 45-degree angle with the floor. Return to the starting position and repeat eight to 12 times.