How to Tone One's Body Quickly

We all want a toned, attractive body to show off that wedding gown, new swimsuit or summer apparel. Unfortunately, most of us prefer to see results sooner than later. If a 6-month plan doesn't work with your schedule, here's how to quickly tone your body and get yourself ready for whatever your schedule holds.

Instructions

1. Combine machine exercises with non-machine workouts. Sure, the stair climber and elliptical are awesome for a cardio workout, but be sure to pair these workouts with body resistance exercises that require your body to do 100 percent of the work.

2. Incorporate free weights into your routine. Bicep curls (to the front and to the sides), shoulder dips (one at a time, point your elbow to the ceiling, drop the weight behind your back and lift upwards) and bench press (hold one weight in each hand and lift together as if lifting a barbell) are three basic, upper-body exercises that yield results quickly. Start with 2 sets of 10 to 12 each and increase the sets as you feel stronger.

3. Tone legs and buttocks with the three classics: lunges, squats and calf raises. Alternate sets of 15 reps each until you achieve 3 sets of each. Add 3- or 5-lb. hand weights for added resistance.

4. Turn everyday activities into a chance to tone. Take a walk and forward lunge through the cul-de-sacs. Fold laundry and do calf raises at the same time. Window shop at the mall with a friend, but pick up the pace and make a cardio workout of it.

5. Increase sets, not weight. An increase in sets or reps means you do the same amount of work, but for a longer amount of time, which tones muscles. If you were to increase the weight, you build strength. It is perfectly acceptable to alternate strengthening and toning increases, but to tone quickly, stick to an increase in sets and reps.

6. Step up the cardio once you begin to feel more toned and solid. We all have a little extra padding that, if melted away, can show off a newly toned body.