These six multitasking moves tone, tighten and trim your muscles, plus hone, sharpen and spark your mind.Each move in this plan incorporates the trifecta of brain-bettering elements—complex motor skills, balance and a new set of data—and helps you tone head to toe. Moving quickly through the routine adds cardio, which increases calorie burn and blood flow to your noggin, maximizing the brainy benefits.
What to do Complete the indicated reps; try not to rest between moves. Repeat the circuit.
What you’ll need A pair of 2- to 5-pound dumbbells
Armed & Dangerously Bright
Balance on left leg, knee soft, and bend right knee until shin is parallel to floor. Contract abs and squeeze glutes. Hold weights, palms facing in, elbows bent 90 degrees (as shown). Pull shoulder blades toward each other and hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Return to start. Switch legs; repeat.
* works shoulders, arms, back, abs, butt, legs
X marks the smarts
Stand with feet hip-width apart, a weight in each hand, palms facing forward. Rest weight in right hand on side of butt for added resistance, then raise left arm to side until parallel to floor as you lift right leg out to side (as shown). Return to standing; repeat on opposite side for one rep. Do 12 reps.
* works shoulders, arms, abs, butt
