Trigger toning is about incorporating toning exercises into your daily routine so that they become as much of a ritual as cleaning your teeth. You do your movements throughout the day, fitting them in without effort.
Although it doesn't give you an aerobic workout, this type of exercise is vital if you want to firm up while losing weight. And it's an effective way to cope with the extra skin you're sometimes left with as the pounds melt away!
Trigger-happy
The trick is to use specific moments during the day as triggers to remind you to do your toning movements – NOW! These need only take out a minute or two of your time and, at the end of the day, you'll be amazed at the amount you've achieved.
Even small moves help keep you and your joints flexible, as well as burning off energy. And we all know every little bit helps.
Of course, you can choose which exercises you want to do. If you want to concentrate on your legs or tummy, that's fine, but here are some ideas you might want to use.
Trigger: getting out of bed First thing in the morning stretch to the ceiling on tiptoes and then, feet firmly flat on the floor and legs straight, gently bend forward as far as you can. Don't worry if you can only reach your knees or shins - within weeks you'll find yourself becoming much more flexible.
Trigger: cleaning your teeth Lift yourself up and down on your toes as you brush (great for flabby calves and a good pre-ski exercise). Alternatively, for the more supple, stand a leg's length away from the sink and lift one leg onto the sink. Keep it there and lean over it as you clean (a wonderful thigh toner).
Trigger: waiting for a bus or train As many buttock clenches as you can manage. Or you may like to practice those pelvic floor exercises – we promise no one will notice!
Trigger: at the traffic lights Facial exercises are great for firming the skin, and give you a lovely glowing complexion. Try raising your eyebrows while you are waiting at a red light, or sucking in your cheeks to bring those cheekbones back.
Trigger: watching TV At the beginning of a programme and each commercial break do 10 sit ups or press ups.
Trigger: when the telephone rings Breathe out and hold stomach muscles in for a count of 20.
Trigger: on the loo More facial exercises, or, for the bust and upper arms, fold your arms together in front of your face and then press your hands into the opposite arm for a count of 10.
Trigger: waiting for the kettle to boil Standing press-ups against the wall, or 10 squats instead.
What triggers could you use? What do you do every day? You can use anything from checking your email to emptying the cat-food bowl as your trigger!
