The 18-Minute Fitness Routine That Will Totally Change Your Body

Linguists and neurologists have often theorized that the reason why so many TED Talks go viral is that they’re all held to an 18-minute limit—long enough to be meaningful, yet short enough to not bore you out of your mind.

Our brand-new DVD program, All in 18, embodies that very concept, delivering snappy workouts that are proven to torch fat and sculpt head-to-toe hotness in that magic-number time frame. We called on one of the best and brightest to lead the way: trainer Idalis Velazquez. The founder of her own personal-training company, IV Fitness, an ambassador for Target’s C9 Champion sports apparel line, and a self-made Instagram star (not to mention a former top-five finalist in WH‘s Next Fitness Star competition!), Idalis knows how to turn ideas into reality.

RELATED: SHOULD YOU MAKE METABOLIC CONDITIONING A PART OF YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE

Plus, as a mom with little time for herself, she specifically created each routine with busy women in mind. The sessions are zippy for jam-packed schedules, require minimal at-home equipment (a mini band and some dumbbells), and are scalable to every fitness level. And they target the areas we struggle with most: thighs, middle, butt, and back of the arms. “After having my second daughter, I went through a period of not working out as often as I used to, and I lost strength and definition in those ‘trouble’ spots,” says Idalis. “I experimented with various methods until I found that adding a resistance band to high-intensity strength-training exercises rebuilt and reshaped my body.” Years later, the combo has helped her maintain that body—and now the secret recipe is yours.

The science doesn’t lie: Studies show that elastic bands increase muscle activation by about 20 percent, especially in the glutes (the biggest calorie-burning machine in your bod, FYI), so each rep is truly maximized. And those high-intensity resistance intervals? Fresh research from North Dakota State University suggests they may torch twice as many cals as previously thought—more like 26 per minute. Make no mistake, though, these workouts are tough. But Idalis’s supportive-big-sis sweetness will make you want to push yourself for her. “I believe you work harder with a cheerleader, not a demanding coach, by your side,” she says.

Idalis designed the following workout exclusively for WH readers, combining five of her favorite moves from All in 18. Two or three times a week, perform each move in order, with little to no rest in between; repeat the routine up to three times total, resting 30 seconds between rounds. To kick your metabolism into serious overdrive, complete the two-part finisher. In just six weeks, you’ll be ready to reveal a more slammin’ you.

1. BANDED KICKSTAND DEADLIFT

all in 18 workout

Stand with your feet hip-width apart, a mini band around your thighs and a dumbbell in each hand; step your left foot back and raise up onto your toes (a). Keeping a flat back, bend forward at your hips and lower your body until the weights pass your knees; squeeze your glutes (b). Reverse the movement to return to start. That’s one rep; do 12 reps, then repeat on the other side.

2. BANDED SQUAT JACK

all in 18 workout

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, a mini band around your thighs, and push your hips back while bending your knees to lower into a squat. Stay low as you jump both legs out as far as you can (a), then jump them back in (b), maintaining a flat back. That’s one rep; do 12 reps.

3. PLANK PUSHUP WITH DUMBBELL DRAG

all in 18 workout
KAGAN MCLEOD

Place a dumbbell at the edge of your exercise mat, and get into pushup position with hands under your shoulders (a). Brace your core and lower onto your forearms (b), then press back up, keeping your hips parallel the entire time. Reach your left arm underneath your body to grab the weight (c), and place it at the left side of your body (d). Lower onto your forearms, then push back up and place the weight back at your right side. That’s one rep; continue alternating for 12 reps.

RELATED: THE 15-MINUTE NO-REST WORKOUT THAT’LL TONE YOU ALL OVER

4. CURTSY WITH BICEPS CURL AND LATERAL FRONT-LOADED LUNGE

all in 18 workout
KAGAN MCLEOD

Stand with your feet hip-width apart, elbows bent and a dumbbell in each hand. Step your left leg back and behind your right, bending your knees to lower into a curtsy lunge (a). Brace your core and curl the weights up to your shoulders as you step your left leg out to the left; bend through your left knee and push your hips back to lower into a side lunge (b). Step your left foot in to return to start. That’s one rep; do six reps, then repeat on the other side.

Related Articles

The Fascinating World of a Neurologist: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Brain

Have you ever wondered how the human brain, a mere 1.5 kg blob of grey matter, governs our every thought, emotion, and action? It's...

The All-Encompassing Power of Mental Healthcare: Going Holistic

You've probably heard the saying, "Mind over matter." But how often do we truly prioritize our mental well-being in today's fast-paced world? The significance...

Simple Tips to Maintain Youthful and Beautiful Skin

Age has an effect on our skin, making us less attractive as we get older. To keep looking our best and maintain youthful complexions,...

Advanced CPR Training: Elevate Your Skills with MyCPR NOW

Are you ready to take your CPR skills to the next level? MyCPR NOW go to the website offers advanced training that goes beyond...

Quickest Ways to Lose Weight- Methods That Really Works

No matter where you turn online - Twitter, Quora or any health-related forum - many questions and posts revolve around using Garcinia Cambogia to...

Ways Massage Therapists Can Work Smarter

Are You Enjoying Massage But Are You Realizing How Exhausting It Can Be? Physical and Emotionally Exhausting As an avid massage therapist, the physical...

Tips for treating your Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

What is IBS? Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be defined as a common chronic illness that impacts the lining of your stomach (bowel). While your...

PASSING A RESTAURANT-HEALTH INSPECTION: WHAT LOOK FOR

Passing a Restaurant-health Inspection: What Look for A restaurant's success is dependent not only on its talented staff but also on the amazing food they...

Meniscus Tear Prevention Tips for Athletes to Lower Their Risk

In the United States alone, over 850,000 meniscus tears are performed annually. A meniscus tear often needs to be performed due to faulty cartilage...

Simple Tips to Maintain Youthful and Beautiful Skin

Age has an effect on our skin, making us less attractive as we get...

How To Get The Cheapest Health Insurance Cover

Lots of people are either searching for, or are already reaping the advantages of...

Alternative Ways To Naturally Relieve Pain

This article will help you find natural pain relief and other alternatives to treatment. Natural...

Understanding Marijuana Addiction

Physical Marijuana Addiction does not exist. This fact is the only honest way to...

Advanced CPR Training: Elevate Your Skills with MyCPR NOW

Are you ready to take your CPR skills to the next level? MyCPR NOW...

Prepare to Cook Tasty Quick Meals

Introduction In this day and age, folks are "flying." Some get home from work all...

Paleo Diet Cookbooks – Can They Really Help You Achieve The Paleo Lifestyle Easily?

What is the Paleo Diet? The Paleo diet isn't new; it actually dates back to...

6 Yoga Exercise Presents to Unwind.

The vacations have you feeling bewildered and wound up? Yoga is your answer! While it...

Why Fitness Equipment at Home is a Healthy Choice

Why is there a trend toward having fitness equipment at home? Many people find...

- A word from our sponsor -

spot_img
error: Content is protected !!