new Year, new you workouts

Need to redeem yourself from your Christmas binge sin? Then make time for these figure-fixing workouts in your January schedule. Whether you want to focus on a specific problem area or get your heart racing for an overall body tone up, you’re sure to leave any extra pounds in 2011.

Slimline your stomach
Pointer
Start on all fours and draw in your stomach. Lift your arm up out in front of you and the opposite leg up behind, keeping your knee and elbow straight. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat on the other side, until you’ve completed 12 reps.
Sit up
Begin lying down, legs bent, feet flat on the floor and hands behind your head. Tuck in your chin and tailbone and begin to lift your head and body off the floor until you’re almost upright. Slowly curl back down in a controlled manner and repeat 8 times.
Single leg circle
Lie on your back, arms by your side, with your right leg bent and your left leg extended flat and slightly raised off the floor. Lift your left leg up towards the ceiling, circle it in a downwards arc to your left and bring it back to the raised starting position. Keep your leg straight, core engaged and both hips flat on the floor at all times. Repeat 6 times on each leg.

Complete three rounds, with a 30-second rest between each round.

[Relevant: Follow our New Year eating plan]

Bum and thigh trim down
Lunge
Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, step forward with your right leg. Bend both knees, with your right knee at 90 degrees and over your toes and your left knee almost touching the floor. Keep your weight on your front foot and maintain a straight back. Push off your right foot to bring your feet back together and return to the starting position. Repeat on the left. Complete 6 lunges on each side.
Bridge
Lie on your back, arms by your side and legs bent with your heels close to your buttocks. Press your heels into the floor, lift your hips and body up so your weight is resting on your shoulders. Squeeze your bum cheeks, keep your chin tucked in and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat 6 times.
Alternating step up with leg lift
Using the bottom stair or garden step, step the right foot onto the stair and lift your left leg up in front of you to a 90 degree angle so you’re standing on your straight right leg. Lower your left leg, step down and bring the feet back together. Repeat 8-10 times on each leg.

Complete three rounds, with a 30-second rest between each round.