Anna Kournikova Womens Health "Sexy Sculpt" Workout - My Review

As stated in my Nov 9th post, I was going to try the Womens Health, Anna Kournikova "Sexy Sculpt" routine.  This routine is designed for a lean, long, and strong physique.  The circuit included 6 moves that were completed for 20 repetitions each. Between each full circuit, as suggested by the workout for additional cardio, I would jump rope continuously for 1 minute.  The workout suggests completing the full circuit 3-5 times.  In 30 minutes I completed 4 full circuits with 5-8 minutes of abs and cool down. Overall, this is a creative and dynamic sculpting workout that branches out from your typical dumbbell routine.  I recommend giving this workout a try! Let me know what you think.

womenshealthmag.com

                           
                              Check it out - Anna Kournikova Sexy Sculpt Workout PDF

Tips:
Exercise 1: Medicine Ball Slam - This is a very dynamic move, but remember to maintain core stability and control. On the throw down your body moves into a squat position, focus on your knees, keep them behind your toes.  If you want to get really crazy...throw the ball down while adding a jump.

Exercise 2: Backhands and Forehands - I LOVED this movement for a great torso twist with a neat lower body lunge.  IMPORTANT...when moving from the side twist into a lunge...be sure to pivot on your toes to the lunge to avoid twisting your knee joints. When I teach fitness classes that is one of my BIGGEST reminders...we love healthy happy joints and we want to keep them that way :) ! Lastly, remember to really bring the ball up to your shoulder for a good twist.  Make the movement big.  Try this slow at first to really get the proper form then feel free to speed it up and have fun.

Exercise 3: Russian Twist - Whenever I teach this move I like to give three options.  Level 1 - keep your feet on the ground for more support and less strain on your core. Level 2 - 90 degree knees (similar to the sexy sculpt work outs picture) and Level 3 - Adding a bicycle leg movement with every twist.  These levels move from basic to advanced.  Give each a try and see what feels best to you.

Exercise 4: Squat with Bicep Curl - Similar to any squat, remember a 5 point stance, keep your chest lifted, weight in your heels, keep your knees behind your toes (don't let them bend too far forward), and pretend you are sitting back in a chair. This workout series encourages fast movement but be sure to focus on form first.

Exercise 5: Wall Sit with Rotation - All I have to say is OOO THE BURN.  There really is nothing like the burn of exercise isolations.  Throughout this exercise you maintain a control core and lower body contraction. Adding the dynamic twist actually helped me keep my mind off of the pain...a little ;).

Exercise 6: High to Low Chop: The backhand and forehand move was my favorite but this comes in close second. Refer to exercise 4 for squat technique, this also applies here.  Remember even though you are lifting your arms to a long and tall stance to keep your shoulders relaxed and lowered.  Try decreasing your weight if you catch your shoulders riding up to your ears.  Also focus on a flat back and straight extended arms when the ball is lowered.  This was a great total body move.