via Get in Shape Trapeze-Style Like Reese Witherspoon: SELF.com.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 2:00 PM | posted by Jenny Everett
To get in shape for her upcoming role in “Water for Elephants” (in theaters next year), Reese Witherspoon — who plays a gorgeous trapeze performer — has been spotted working out at an L.A. trapeze school. And, we might add, looking super lean and fit.
Shed years and pounds in 7 days!
We asked exercise physiologist Amy Dixon, group fitness manager for Equinox in Santa Monica, Calif., and star of the new Super Fit Bod workout DVD (we’ve tried it and LOVE it), for some moves that will get us in trapeze shape (without requiring any hanging from the rafters!). Add this workout to your routine two nonconsecutive days a week for flatter abs, toned arms, and a circus freak sleek physique:
Unstable Push-up: Come into a modified push-up position with hands on a stability ball. Arms should be slightly wider than shoulder-distance apart. Perform a push-up by bringing your chest as close to the ball as possible with your elbows flaring out to the sides. That’s one rep. Do three sets of 12 to 15 reps, resting for 30 seconds between sets.
Back Extension on SB with Rotation: Lay with your stomach on a stability ball, legs straight behind you with toes on the floor and arms straight in line with your sides. Engage your core and straighten your body so it’s aligned from your ankles to the top of your head. Next, rotate to the left, letting your right arm naturally come forward. Repeat, rotating to the opposite side. That’s one rep. Do three sets of 12 to 15 reps, resting for 30 seconds between sets.
Side Plank Rotating Fly: Grab a 5-pound dumbbell in your right hand and get in side plank position with your left hip on a stability ball, left palm on the floor, and feet stacked. Position the weight in front of the ball, directly below your chest. Raise the weight until it’s directly over the right shoulder, and then lower to starting position. That’s one rep. Do 12 to 15 reps, then repeat on the opposite side. That’s one set. Do 3, resting 30 seconds between sets.
Single Leg Globe Hold: Balance on one leg (keep planted leg slightly bent) with a stability ball about two inches in front of you. Bend at the hips and tip forward to grab the stability ball with one hand on each side of the ball, allowing raised leg to extend behind your body. Slowly lift the stability ball so that your arms are extended directly in front of your shoulders. Keeping arms in this position, perform a one-legged squat. That’s one rep. Continue squatting for 12 to 15 reps, then repeat on the opposite side. That’s one set. Do 3, resting 30 seconds between sets.
Unstable Airplane: Get into a plank position with your forearms shoulder-width apart on a stability ball and toes hip-width apart on the floor behind you. With core braced, lift your right toes off the floor and raise the leg out to the side. Bring foot back to center, tap on the floor, and immediately repeat the raising motion. Continue for 12 to 15 reps, then repeat on opposite side. That’s one set. Do 3, resting 30 seconds between sets.
