Skip to content
Fitness & Workouts
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

12 At-Home Exercises to Firm Your Body Fast, According to Alex Rice 

All you need is a pair of dumbbells.

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJun 12, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Alex_rice20
alexricee/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJun 12, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fitness & Workouts

Do you want to get a full-body workout in without leaving the house? Alex Rice is a certified personal trainer and fitness influencer who boasts over 1.1 million Instagram followers. She regularly shares workout sets that don’t require a gym membership or expensive exercise equipment. “I love a full body workout,” Rice writes in the caption of one of her posts. “It leaves you feeling accomplished and strong!!! Let’s go.” Here are 13 at-home exercises that will help to firm your upper body fast.

Dumbbell Squats

The first exercise she recommends? 4 sets of 10-12 dumbbell squats. “You can do any version of a dumbbell squat you like!” she says.

Kneeling Arnold Press

A serious and focused woman prepares to do a light set of arnold shoulder presses with vinyl plastic dumbbells at her home gym.Shutterstock

Next up, 4 sets / 10 (each) of single arm kneeling Arnold presses. To do the exercise, kneel on one knee. With the opposite arm, lift your weight up and down.

Deficit Reverse Lunge

Brunette female in good shape wearing white top and beige leggins doing lunges and holding blue dumbbells in hands, working out legs, looking straight ahead with serious expression.Shutterstock

The third exercise? 3 sets / 8 (each) of deficit reverse lunge. Stand with two feet together, holding your weight in one arm. With that same leg, lunge back. Repeat. After 8 reps, switch to the other leg and arm.

Push Up

Shutterstock

The next exercise is one of the most old school but effective: Push ups. Do 3 sets of 10 to 12. You can also modify and do incline push ups, she says.

Seesaw Bent Over Row

Attractive woman in 30s doing one arm dumbbell rows in modern bright fitness center. Toned image.Shutterstock

Rice recommends doing 3 sets / 10 (each) of seesaw bent over rows. Kneel over with knees slightly bent holding a dumbbell in each hand. Row arms up and down.

Explosive Squat Jumps

Young caucasian woman in sportswear doing plyometric exercises on pier. Fitness workout outdoorsShutterstock

The final exercise of this workout? 3 sets of explosive squat jumps. Holding a weight in each hand, squat down and then spring up. Repeat.

Kneeling Single Arm Shoulder Press

In another video, Rice shares her “dumbbell demolisher,” workout, asking: “did someone say they are looking for a dumbbell only workout??? I got you! Let’s train upper body!” The first exercise is a kneeling single arm shoulder press. Do 4 sets | 8-10 reps on each arm.

DB Close Grip Row

Women working on their triceps with dumbbells at the gymShutterstock

The second exercise is a dumbbell close grip row. In her demonstration she kneels over. Keeping weight close to her side she rows with both arms, completing 3 sets of 8-10 reps.

Hand Release Push Ups

Gorgeous brunette warming up and doing some push ups a the gymShutterstock

Rice does a modified version of the OG push up, which she calls a hand release push up. After each one she lifts her hands from the ground. She does 3 sets, 8-10 (each) reps. You can also do incline push ups- hands on a bench/box/wall as a modification.

Single Arm Row

Slim, bodybuilder girl, lifts heavy dumbbell standing in front of the mirror while training in the gym. Sports concept, fat burning and a healthy lifestyle.Shutterstock

The fourth exercise of the set is another row: The single arm row. She recommends 3 sets, 8-10 (each) reps.

Seated OH Tricep Extension

Fitness arm workout Asian girl training triceps muscles doing tricep overhead extension exercise outdoor in park banner. Happy athlete working out outside with pink dumbbells.Shutterstock

The fifth exercise she does are seated overhead tricep extensions. She sits on the bench and holds a single weight with both hands, dropping it behind her head and raising up. She does 3 sets, 10-12 reps.

Hammer Curls

A young and sexy asian woman does seated dumbbell hammer curls on a flat bench at the gym. Wearing a black crop top and bike shorts.Shutterstock

The final exercise in this circuit. Hammer curls. She recommends doing 3 sets of the simple but effective exercise.

home workouts

More For You

Fitness & Workouts

6 Fat-Burning and Muscle-Toning Bodyweight Combos From Trainer Grace Albin

Strength in teamwork. Two young attractive female athletes exercise on the beach doing squats with a sunrise and ocean in the background. The focus is soft and dreamy.
Shutterstock
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothApr 17, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Do you want to do a full body workout with just six exercises? Grace Albin is a fitness expert and influencer who shares diet and exercise tips and tricks with her hundreds of thousands of followers. In a new post, she reveals some combo moves that work multiple muscles at once.”Six fun, #bodyweight combos for fat-burning and muscle-toning,” she captioned the post. Here are the exercises – as well as a few other of her go-to fitness and diet tips.

Here Is the Workout

Grace_Albin_fitstylegrace1fitstylegrace/Instagram

“Do each combo 10-20 times, then move to the next combo. Rest one minute at the end of the round. 2-4 rounds total,” Grace instructs.

  • jump squat into triple-pulse squat.
  • twist squat with knee lift.
  • triple-pulse lunge into kick.
  • cross cross squat.
  • reverse lunge into plank.
  • floor tap lunge into knee lift.

Do Pilates and Strength Training

A young woman in sportswear does Pilates on a reformer, lifting her leg up.Side view.Pilates, a pilates reformer class.Healthy Lifestyle Concept.High quality photoShutterstock

Grace encourages “a fusion of Pilates technique with traditional fitness,” she told Naluda. “So we use dumbbells and resistance bands and do squats and curls. But always with the underlying philosophy of posture strength, elegant movement, and muscle lengthening.”

Why is Pilates a good workout? According to the Mayo Clinic there are lots of benefits to the workout, as it “strengthens the body's inner core while increasing its flexibility resulting in improved overall health.”

It can also promote longer, leaner muscles, injury prevention, relief from stress and back pain, enhanced athletic performance, and heightened mind-body awareness. And, the Mayo Clinic explains that strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills

Stick to Workouts You Love

Grace_Albin1fitstylegrace/Instagram

What is the absolute best workout, according to Grace? One you will actually do. She recommends trying “a lot of different formats and you’ll find the one you love enough to stay motivated and keep going,” she told Naluda. “It might be something social and structured (and free) — like a running community training for a 10k that has each weekly jog planned out to the exact mile and meets at the same time every week. Or something flexible like joining a fancy studio that offers different modalities and allows you to toggle between yoga and boot camp. Keep experimenting and you’ll hit upon the fitness routine that matches your vibe and gets you coming back.”

RELATED:5 Exercises for Wrinkle Reduction

Snack on Protein and Fiber

Marinated,Grilled,Healthy,Chicken,Breasts,Cooked,On,A,Summer,BbqShutterstock

Grace snacks but keeps it healthy. “There are several bags of frozen edamame in my freezer at all times. It’s incredibly high in both protein and fiber. It’s quick and easy to fry or bake with a splash of olive oil, salt and pepper. You can also change the taste of it with any type of marinade or seasoning mix, so it never gets old,” she told Naluda.

Related: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Get Your Steps In

Grace_Albin2fitstylegrace/Instagram

Grace also recommends getting your steps in. How many should you aim for if you want to lose weight? According to a 2018 study published in the journal Obesity,walking 10,000 steps a day was linked to weight loss and weight management.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you don’t have a lot of time to work out, try doing combo moves to work multiple muscle groups at once.

Fitness & Workouts

Alexia Clark in Crop Top Reveals Top “Booty” Bodyweight Exercises with the Most “Burn”

Alexia_Clark5_7f34ec
alexia_clark/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothApr 17, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Alexia Clark is revealing an at-home workout to build up your backside! In a new social media post the fitness trainer and influencer, who boasts over 2.4 million Instagram followers, shows off her washboard abs in a crop top and leggings, while unveiling a simple workout that promises big results. “How often do you do bodyweight exercises?” she asks in the Instagram post. “If you’re not doing them you are missing out on a huge opportunity to build muscle and become stronger. You don’t need extremely heavy weight to put your muscles under the stress they need. My pro advice is to leave how to make bodyweight exercises burn.” Here is the workout – and everything else you need to know about her diet and fitness habits.

Here Are Her Top “Booty Bodyweight” Exercises

Alexia_Clark2alexia_clark/Instagram

Alexia reveals her “booty bodyweight” exercises. “Don't forget to listen to your body while doing the workout,” she reminds her followers in the comment section.

  1. Reverse frog kicks
  2. Cross step over
  3. Single leg glute thrust
  4. Bulgarian split Squat
  5. Straight leg glute kick

Clean Eating

Alexia_Clark3alexia_clark/Instagram

Alexia has a healthy approach to diet. “I just try to make sure I eat clean. I don't buy snack foods or junk food. I know that if I have those things around, I'm going to eat all of it, at once,” she told Meal Prep on Fleek. What is "eating clean" anyway? “I eat vegetables at every meal, no red meat (doesn't agree w/stomach), and try not to eat anything processed,” she said.

Related: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Warm Up and Cool Down

Alexia_Clark1alexia_clark/Instagram

“It’s important to warm up before a workout and cool down after,” Alexia explains on her website. “I suggest taking 5-10 minutes to warm up your body before your workout focusing on mobility and blood flow. After your workout focus on some light movement with stretching and/or foam rolling to help prevent muscle soreness and tightness.”

Daily Exercise

Alexia_Clark4alexia_clark/Instagram

How often does Alexia exercise? “Personally, I try to move my body in some way 7 days a week because I feel better and have more energy when I’m active. I post my workouts 5 days a week, but if you have specific activities you enjoy, or want to repeat a previous workout on the weekends you definitely can. Listen to your body and make sure if you feel you need a rest day you take one!” she said on her website.

RELATED: 5 Signs Your Metabolism is Damaged from Dieting, According to a Dietitian – and How to Heal It

Hiking

Foggy cold morning weather in autumn. Woman with backpack and knit hat hiking in forest at fall seasonShutterstock

If she’s not at the gym, you will find Alexia burning calories outdoors. “I leave the weekends open for you to do any activities you enjoy. Some people will use it as recovery and focus on yoga or stretching, while others might go for a run or swim or repeat a circuit from a previous exercise,” she said on her website.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to build your glutes, make sure to do two to three glute workouts per week in addition to your other exercises.

Fitness & Workouts

10-Minute Full Body Workout for Losing Weight, According to Britany Williams

britany-williams-5
britanywilliams/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJun 08, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

You don’t need to spend an hour at the gym to get a good workout in. According to Britany Williams, a Sweat trainer and social media influencer, it all takes 10 minutes. She recently shared a new workout via Instagram that can be completed fast and at home. Here is everything you need to know about the workout – and 8 of the trainer’s top diet and fitness tips.

All You Need Is a Resistance Band

Resistance band exercise at home. Woman doing pilates workout using elastic strap pulling with arms for shoulder training on yoga mat indoors.Shutterstock

“Short on time? This FULL BODY workout using a resistance band is exactly what you need. This workout is from my new Core and Restore workout program that helps minimize core dysfunction and improve posture alignment,” Williams writes in the post.

Here Is the Circuit

britany-williams-2britanywilliams/Instagram

“Do each exercise for 30 seconds on each side and repeat the circuit 2x. Minimize rest between exercises,” she adds, revealing the workout.

EXERCISES ⬇️

▪️ Squat + Straight Arm Kickback

▪️ Kneeling Single Arm Row

▪️ Kneeling Chest Press

▪️ Pallof Press

▪️ Rotational Kickstand Deadlift

Eat Food That Supports Your Goals, Nutrition, and Joy

Fitness,Breakfast,running,healthy,eating,saladShutterstock

In a TikTok video, Britany explains her approach to diet. “Often, we leave off the foods that give us joy when building our plate. When, in reality, what if we started there? What if when you were building your meal plan or your diet or whatever it is, you started your meal plan by keeping in the foods that make you happy, and then you had to build around that? What on my plate today supports my nutrition and goals, but what also supports my joy?” she says.

RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Fit as a Pear Body Type

Save Upper Body Workouts for Lazy Days

Beautiful blonde middle age woman doing weights exercises with dumbbells outdoors, sunny summer evening. Healthy active lifestyle, body consciousShutterstock

Britany recommends a hack for lazy workout days. “If you're the kind of girly who's motivated most days to workout, but then there's that one to two days a week that you just struggle with, save your upper body workouts for those days,” she suggests. “Mentally, there is something easier about standing still and just moving weight around with your arms and upper body than there is about having to lower your entire torso down into a squat or a lunge and getting back up. Zero percent backed by science, but a hundred percent backed by my own personal experience.”

Run

Sport watch run woman checking smartwatch tracker. Trail running runner girl looking at heart rate monitor smart watch in forest wearing jacket sportswear. Female athlete jogger training in woods.Shutterstock

Running — great for cardiovascular health, muscle building, and weight loss, per the Mayo Clinic — is one of Britany’s favorite workouts. “For every mile run, the average person will burn approximately 100 calories,” they say. If you can’t go for a long run, she recommends alternating walking and running for one-minute intervals, increasing the length of the run interval every couple of weeks.

Do Push Ups

Gorgeous brunette warming up and doing some push ups a the gymShutterstock

Britany has “struggled with pushups for years” but claims to know the secret to getting them done. “The idea of doing pushups on your toes was just never approachable for you. You need to elevate your hands on a chair. The higher your hands are relative to your feet, the easier it's going to be, and it's going to be so helpful,” she says.

RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Show Up for Workouts When You Can

Workout,Training,Exercise,Plan,And,Daily,ScheduleShutterstock

As a new mom, Britany always reminds her followers to go easy on themselves. “I went from working out six days a week religiously to having more days where I don’t work out than days that I do. 🫠I share this not as a get-out-of-jail-free card - I don’t want you to skip your workout. I share this so you know that it’s normal to have seasons of life where workouts are sporadic and short. You’ve just gotta focus on showing up when you can,” she writes.

Be Yourself

britany-williams-1britanywilliams/Instagram

Britany revealed to Sweat her number one piece of advice. “To be yourself,” she said. “As someone who is in the social media space, I find it really easy to want to fall into line with other people. It was the same thing when I had a corporate job - it was really easy to do what I thought was wanted of me or what was going to get me a promotion. But I’ve always found that results are much better when you just show up as you.”

Chocolate Ice Cream

Top view Close up Stainless steel ice cream scoop is scooping chocolate flavor ice cream meat.Shutterstock

If Britany could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? “It would most likely be chocolate ice cream. No, I take that back. It’s going to be chocolate chip cookies, but they would be really specific cookies. My husband makes these chocolate chip cookies with oatmeal, pecans or walnuts, cinnamon, really big chocolate chunks, and some sea salt on top. This restaurant down the street from where I live put rosemary in their chocolate chip cookies, so let’s add that, too,” she told Sweat.

RELATED: This Plan Is How to Lose 5 Percent Body Fat In 2 Weeks

Do Her Favorite Exercise

Sporty woman tying shoelace on running shoes before practice. Female athlete preparing for jogging outdoors. Runner getting ready for training. Sport active lifestyle concept. Close-upShutterstock

If Britany could only do one exercise for the rest of her life, what would it be? “It would probably be a thruster - a squat and press with dumbbells in my hands. It’s full-body. It gets your heart rate up… Wait, scratch that as well. If I could only do one exercise, I would definitely run. My knees would hate me, but so be it,” she told Sweat.

💪🔥Body Booster: Run for better health and weight loss. Can't run long? No problem! Try alternating 1-minute walks and runs. Gradually increase your running time every few weeks.

Fitness & Workouts

3 At-Home Exercises Make Arm Fat Disappear Without Weights

Jenna_Collins19
Copyright Jenna Collins Fitness/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackDec 03, 2024
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Tired of waving goodbye and having your arms wave back? Don't rush to buy expensive weights or gym memberships. Fitness expertJenna Collins has helped thousands of women transform their arms using nothing but their own body weight.

With over 400,000 YouTube followers and 25 years of fitness experience, Jenna specializes in helping women get toned, sculpted arms at home. Her approach? Using your body's natural resistance to build muscle and burn fat. Keep reading to learn her simple, equipment-free exercises that you can start right now, in your own home, to finally get those lean, defined arms you've always wanted.

Why Body Weight Training Works Better Than Weights

"The primary cause of loose or flabby arms comes down to lack of muscle tone," says Jenna in her post. "Many people think they need heavy weights to build muscle, but your own body weight provides the perfect resistance for toning arms." She explains that bodyweight exercises allow for better form and more natural movement patterns, reducing injury risk while maximizing results.

The Age Factor: Natural Resistance Is Your Friend

"Around our mid-thirties, our skin begins to lose elasticity, and we start losing muscle mass," Jenna notes. But here's the good news: bodyweight exercises are particularly effective for women over 35. "They allow you to build strength gradually and safely, working with your body's natural mechanics."

Stop Wasting Money on Equipment

"You need to stop thinking you need expensive equipment or gym memberships," Jenna warns. "The most effective arm-toning exercises use nothing but your own body weight and perhaps a wall." This approach not only saves money but ensures you can work out anywhere, anytime.

The Science Behind Body Weight Training

"Research shows that bodyweight exercises can build muscle just as effectively as weight training," Jenna explains. "You can build muscle by performing anywhere from 6 to 30 reps." This flexibility makes bodyweight training perfect for all fitness levels. Read on to learn Jenna’s no-equipment arm transformation plan. Follow these precise workouts, progressing at your own pace.

Level 1: Wall Push-ups

  • Perfect for beginners
  • Equipment needed: Just a wall
  • Form: "Stand facing wall, hands shoulder-width apart. Keep core engaged, glutes squeezed"
  • Do: 6-12 reps for 3-4 sets
  • Rest: 60 seconds between sets
  • Why it works: "Wall push-ups perfectly engage your triceps while being gentle on joints."

Level 2: Diamond Knee Push-ups

  • For intermediate fitness levels
  • Equipment needed: None (just a comfortable floor space)
  • Form: "Create a diamond shape with your hands, knees on floor"
  • Do: 6-12 reps for 3-4 sets
  • Rest: 60 seconds between sets
  • Why it works: "The diamond shape targets triceps more intensely than regular push-ups."

Level 3: Full Diamond Push-ups

  • Advanced movement
  • Equipment needed: None
  • Form: "Full push-up position, hands in diamond shape, body straight"
  • Do: 6-12 reps for 3-4 sets
  • Rest: 60 seconds between sets
  • Why it works: "Maximum engagement of arm muscles using full body weight."

The Kitchen Connection

"To reveal toned arms, you need to fuel your body right," Jenna advises. "Aim for 0.7 to one gram of protein per pound of body weight daily." No expensive supplements needed – focus on whole foods like eggs, lean meats, beans, and Greek yogurt.

Your No-Equipment Success Plan

"Results come from consistency, not fancy equipment," Jenna explains. Follow these tips:

  • Start with Level 1, perfect your form
  • Progress only when you can do all sets with proper form
  • Work out 3-4 times per week
  • Take progress photos every 2 weeks
  • Give yourself 2-3 months to see significant changes
  • Focus on slow, controlled movements

Remember: "The best exercise equipment you have is your own body," Jenna says. "Master these movements, be patient, and watch your arms transform." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Fitness & Workouts

Kelsey Rose Flaunts Washboard Abs and Reveals 3 “Secret Sauce” Moves

Kelsey_Rose3
Copyright thekelseyrose_/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 03, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

A new year, a new you! Are you hoping to make 2025 the year you achieve all of your weight loss goals? “Start now,” encourages one fitness guru. Kelsey Rose is a fitness trainer who has hundreds of thousands of followers on social media. In one of her first posts of the year, she reveals “how to transform your body in 2025” by doing three simple things. “Re-Align in 2025 — let’s make this your best year Yet! And I’m here to help,” she writes.

Join Her Program

Before she goes into detail, she explains that if “you’re ready to feel your strongest, leanest, and most confident self,” you should consider joining her 7-Day Power Reset (Jan 6th) followed by an 8-week re-align program (Jan 13th). “We’re focusing on strength, Pilates, and nutrition to help you hit your goals. Here’s exactly how we’re making it happen step by step,” she writes in her post.

Mix Strength Training and Pilates

First, mix strength with Pilates workouts 3 to 5 times a week. “This combination is the secret sauce for building lean muscle while staying mobile and injury-free. Strength training helps you sculpt and tone, while Pilates improves flexibility and strengthens stabilizing muscles. Plus, incorporating daily deep core work will tighten your waistline, flatten your tummy, and give you that strong, balanced core we all love,” she says.

RELATED: This Coach Lost 100 Pounds Without Dieting by Focusing on These 4 Basic Rules

Then, Walk for 15 to 30 Minutes

“After every strength or Pilates session, set aside 15-30 minutes for walking,” she says. “This isn’t just about burning extra calories—it’s about keeping your body in fat-burning mode while improving recovery. Pair that with hitting 10k steps daily to keep your metabolism thriving and your energy high throughout the day. Small actions = BIG results.”

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Nail Your Nutrition

And last but not least, focus on nutrition. “You can’t out-train a poor diet—so let’s focus on hitting 30g of protein per meal to fuel muscle recovery, support fat loss, and keep you full for longer. Minimize sugar intake to stop cravings in their tracks and prevent energy crashes. Remember: abs are made in the kitchen, and this step will truly set you apart,” she says.

Her Program Is Sustainable

“This January, our challenges will guide you every step of the way with tailored workouts, mindfulness routines, and recipes designed to make these habits sustainable and fun. Don’t wait to start—your future self will thank you! Xx,” she concludes.

RELATED: 4 Strength Moves to Transform Your Body in 30 Days, Says Expert

You Can Also Try Her 15-Minute Workout

In another post, she unveils her 15-minute walking workout. “This is your sign to STOP skipping your post-workout cardio and squeeze in a quick 15-minute treadmill workout for best results!!💦✨ It’s easy to feel like cardio needs to be a long, intense session to matter, but even a short burst after strength training can make a big impact,” she says.

It Helps Burn Fat, Increase Endurance, and Rev Metabolism

“By adding just 15 minutes on the treadmill, you can boost fat burn, increase endurance, and rev up your metabolism—all without draining yourself. Cardio is also a great way to wind down, reset, and give your body some extra love post-workout,” she says.

Here Is the 15 Minute Workout

“My Cheat Code Treadmill Series,” she says.

  1. 5 min steady walk at incline 8, speed 3.0—get the blood flowing!
  2. 5 min intervals: alternate 30-sec fast run (speed 6.0-8.0) + 30-sec walk (speed 3.0) to elevate your heart rate and maximize calorie burn
  3. 5 min cool down with incline 5, speed 3.0—ease into a steady pace and let your body relax.

RELATED: Build Lean Muscle Fast With These 9 Dietitian-Proven Protein Switches

Do It After Your Regular Workout

Do it after your regular workout, she recommends. “Just 15 minutes, and you’re done! Try it out as a finisher for your next workout and see how it feels to add this extra boost. Let’s make cardio simple and effective!” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Nutrition & Diet

20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

Cold brewed iced latte coffee, Ice coffee latte cup in a plastic glass on. barista hand in coffee cafe.banner background.Cold brew coffee ads.Latte with milk caffeine.plastic ice cup.Arabica roasted.
20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic
Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 12, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Ozempic can be highly effective for weight loss, but there are definitely some unpleasant side effects to contend with, as the makers of the drug, Novo Nordisk, warn about. Nausea, constipation, and stomach pain are common, but avoiding certain foods and behaviors can make a difference. Here are 20 things to avoid while on Ozempic, to make the most of the medication and encourage healthy weight loss.

Too Much Sugar

Different sugar on dark tableShutterstock

Added sugars, and sugary sodas, can spike blood sugar. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, recommends that people avoid sugary foods while on the drug. “If you are taking medication to lower your sugar levels, it is advisable to avoid excess sugar consumption,” Dr. Dina Peralta-Reich, MD, FAAP, FOMA, tells Parade. “Failure to watch what you eat and keep your sugar levels elevated may prevent you from seeing the intended results of the medication,” she shares.”

Ultra-Processed Foods

Pop,Tarts,Toaster,Pastry,processed,food,sugar​2. Processed FoodsShutterstock

Ultra-processed foods can make side effects of Ozempic worse. “This medication slows down gastric emptying and the dense food will move much slower through your intestines, which can make you feel sick [and experience] nausea, vomiting, reflux and abdominal pain,” says Dr. Peralta-Reich. “Someone may not see the results they're looking for either.”

High-Fat Foods

Symbol of a public toilet, bathroom, bathroomsShutterstock

Foods high in saturated and trans fats can make side effects of Ozempic worse. Some people complain of diarrhea and stomach pains. “I’ve seen an almost dumping syndrome-like response in people taking GLP-1s when they eat simple carbohydrates and high-fat foods,” Dr. Shauna Levy, a specialist in obesity medicine and medical director of the Tulane Bariatric and Weight Loss Center in New Orleans, tells TODAY.

Sitting All Day

Female office worker in glasses rubbing tired eyes, exhausted from overworking, sitting at workplace in office. stress, deskShutterstock/Prostock-studio

Staying active is important while on Ozempic. Regular exercise is not only important for health, it can prevent muscle loss. The goal should be fat loss, and getting strong.

Not Hydrating

Guy is suffering from heat, man with heatstroke. Having sunstroke at summer hot weather. Dangerous sun, boy under sunshine. Headache, feeling bad. Person holds hand on head at sea, beachShutterstock

Don’t forget to drink your water and stay hydrated. Drinking water can help with side effects of Ozempic, especially nausea. Ozempic.com recommends drinking clear or ice-cold drinks to combat any nausea and discomfort.

Too Much Alcohol

Happy young people cheering cocktail glasses together at beach party - Multi-ethnic friends enjoying happy hour sitting at bar table - Alcohol, drinks, friends​Pro TipsShutterstock

Avoid alcohol on Ozempic, experts advice. “One, it’s just empty calories. Two, it tends to make people make decisions that they otherwise might not make,” says Dr. Levy. “It could increase hunger, and the whole point of GLP-1s, or at least one of the points, is to decrease hunger. So it sort of negates their purpose.”

Be Mindful of Portions

Healthy diet plan for weight loss, daily ready meal menu. Close up Woman weighing lunch box cooked in advance,ready to eat on kitchen scale. scales, weighShutterstock

Ozempic keeps food in the stomach longer, so bigger portions can cause discomfort. “Understanding that overall portions are smaller on these medications, we want to optimize nutritional intake and consume the ‘best’ calories available,” obesity medicine physician Dr. Christopher McGowan tells TODAY. “The focus should be on lean protein, healthy fruits and vegetables, adequate fiber and adequate fluid intake.”

Be Mindful of Coffee

Man in the kitchen pouring a mug of hot filtered coffee from a glass pot. Having breakfast in the morningShutterstock

“Overall, coffee is perfectly fine to consume, but for some individuals can lead to stomach irritation,” says Dr. McGowan. “Therefore, I recommend drinking coffee in moderation, such as one to two cups a day. Patients should also be mindful of calorie-dense additives, like cream and sugar.”

Don’t Skip Meals

Unhappy Woman refusing to Eat her Pizza Dish in a Restaurant. Disgruntled customer not liking the meal sending it backShutterstock

It’s easy to skip meals when on Ozempic, but make sure you’re getting enough nutrition. Some people have even become malnourished as a result of not eating. “It’s never healthy to not eat,” Dr. Hwang said. Dr. Janice Jin Hwang, the division chief of endocrinology and metabolism at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine tells the New York Times.

Don’t Consider It a Quick Fix

Thoughtful mature man standing near mirror at homeShutterstock

Ozempic should be part of a long-term health plan. “It’s important to note that if you start taking either of these drugs for weight loss, your body may get used to it, establishing a new normal,” says UC Davis Health. This can cause your weight to plateau. Research has shown that if you stop taking Ozempic (or Wegovy), it's likely that you will gain back the weight you lost.”

Same Unhealthy Lifestyle

Bartender pours alcoholic drink into small glasses on bar​Don’t Drink as Much AlcoholShutterstock

Don’t continue an unhealthy diet and assume it’s ok because of Ozempic. “You can likely lose weight on semaglutide medications without changing your diet and activity behaviors, but these lifestyle changes will make the treatment more effective,” Richard Siegel, MD, tells the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. “Also, we don’t know if weight loss will have the same health benefits if one does not change their behaviors.”

Protect Your Health

Montreal, CA - 16 November 2023: Ozempic semaglutide injection pens. Ozempic is a medication for obesityMost Women on GLP-1s Are Making a Few Common MistakesShutterstock

Some doctors warn that taking Ozempic can make people complacent about their health. “It is important to remember that obesity is heterogenous, chronic and complex,” Vijaya Surampudi, MD, physician nutrition specialist and assistant director of the UCLA Weight Management Program (RFO), tells UCLA Health. “There is no cure for obesity. It requires lifelong treatment that’s not one size fits all.”

Carbonated Beverages

,Bubbly,Soda,Pop,Ice,Cubes,sugar, coke, pepsi, cola​Soda and Sugary DrinksShutterstock

Ozempic slows down digestion, keeping food in your stomach for longer. This causes a feeling of fullness and some unpleasant side effects for some people like belching. Stick to still water as carbonated beverages can make stomach issues worse.

Long-Term Goals

Cup of coffee, and note pad on old wooden table, paper, pencil, journal, journalingShutterstock

If you plan on only taking Ozempic or Wegovy for a short while, it’s likely your weight will come back on. “In one trial of Wegovy, people regained about two-thirds of the weight lost within a year of stopping the drug,” Dr. Siegel explains. “Lifestyle changes can help maintain weight loss, but it’s unusual to maintain all weight loss once you stop any weight loss medication.”

Refined Carbohydrates

Poached,Egg,Toast,breakfast​Eat BreakfastShutterstock

Refined carbohydrates tend to spike blood sugar, which is exactly what Ozempic is meant to treat. You don’t have to cut these foods out entirely, but be aware it makes it harder for Ozempic to do its job. “Foods like white bread, white rice, crackers, or even cereals may seem like better choices than foods with added sugar, but refined carbohydrates still metabolize as glucose in the body,” Christine Fallabel, MPH, tells Diabetes Strong.

Watch Out For High Fiber

Farmer woman holding wooden box full of fresh raw vegetables. Basket with vegetable (cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, radish, corn, garlic and peppers) in the hands.​And Improve Insulin SensitivityShutterstock

While many green vegetables are low GI, be careful about the fiber. “If you’re not used to eating a lot of vegetables, you may experience side effects such as bloating and gas, until your body has acclimated to eating a more fiber-filled diet,” Fallabel says.

Junk Food

Donuts,With,Icing,On,Pastel,Pink,Background.,Sweet,Donuts.​Belly Flab Strip Tip: Sugar and Fat Calories Leave Its Mark on Your BodyShutterstock

Junk food—which you should be avoiding either way for weight loss purposes—often contains high levels of sodium. “Ultra-processed foods are high in sodium, saturated fats and added sugars, which contribute to a range of health problems,” Elizabeth Ko, MD, and Eve Glazier, MD, tell UCLA Health. These include an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lowered immune response, certain cancers, dementia and early death.”

Spicy Foods

February 06, 2018, Belarus, Minsk. Horizontal photo of a tabasco sauce bottle with red chilli and black peppers, dark wooden background. Selective focus.Shutterstock

Ozempic can cause acid reflux due to slow digestion. Spicy foods can make acid reflux worse, experts warn. However, if acid reflux is not an issue, people can probably enjoy spicy foods if they wish.

Always See a Medical Professional

GDANSK, POLAND - MAY 2022: obese fat man preparing Semaglutide Ozempic injection control blood sugar levels​The Drugs Mimic the GLP-1 Hormone Naturally Produced by the BodyShutterstock

Ozempic should only be prescribed by a medical professional. “Typically, I prescribe Ozempic for diabetes and have more often prescribed Wegovy for weight loss,” endocrinologist Alyssa Dominguez, MD, tells Keck Medicine. “I have used Ozempic, sometimes, off-label for weight loss, though getting insurance approval for that can be challenging.”

Fried Foods

French fries in hot fat in a deep fryer​3. Deep-Fried ItemsShutterstock

Fried, greasy foods can make Ozempic stomach issues worse. “Foods high in fat can make digestive side effects worse. Since food hangs around longer in the stomach, it has more time to cause problems,” Sarah Bullard, MS, RD, LD, tells Signos. “Some studies have shown that consuming too much fat can increase symptoms of fullness, nausea, and bloating in individuals with digestive issues and heartburn. Reducing fat intake resolved symptoms.”

💪🔥Body Booster: A whole foods Mediterranean diet is ideal while taking Ozempic.

Fitness & Workouts

Sophie van Oostenbrugge Shares Her Routine

Sophie van Oostenbrugg gainsbybrains
Copyright gainsbybrains/Instagram/Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 11, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want to get your glutes sculpted for summer? Sophie van Oostenbrugg is a fitness trainer and the founder of the Gains with Brains app. She regularly shares workouts with her 2.4 million Instagram followers on how to burn fat and build muscle. “I grew up hearing that women should be as small as possible. That’s why I loved being able to share my bulking journey on social. I’ve done 2 bulks so far.. and I was thinking about starting and sharing a 3rd one,” she wrote in a recent post. She also revealed her “medium leg day” workout, which will help you tone up fast.

She Does Multiple Leg Days a Week

“I have good news today..it’s a medium leg day!!!🫣🤭sooo I split my leg workouts & currently have lighter, medium and heavier days. this helps me with recovery, train through a variety of rep ranges and make it more enjoyable,” she explains in the post.

She Does 8 to 12 Reps of Each Exercise

In the video she explains that she has “multiple leg days per week.” She goes onto reveal all of the exercises she does with “rep ranges from 8 to 12.”

RDLS

“I started with RDLs, four sets of eight,” Sophie reveals. To do Romanian deadlifts, start with both legs pressed evenly on the floor. “Slightly bend knees while bending over,” says The Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian. “Keep your arms pointing down toward the floor and lower with you almost touching the floor. Keep hips and shoulders square facing forward throughout the exercise. Return to standing.” She suggests repeating 10 to 12 times with the right leg and repeating on the left side. “Progression includes holding a weight in the arm pointing toward the floor,” she adds.

Sumo Squat with Kettlebell

“Then I moved on to a sumo squat with kettlebell. You know the deal, form over everything, so go slow and control the weight,” she says. Sumo squats are similar to regular squats, only you point your toes outward.

Glute Bridges

“Then I did glute bridges,” Sophie continues. You can do glute bridges with or without weights.

Cable Step Up

Next up? Cable step ups, using an exercise block. “These are great as they help with balance and therefore they're easier to overload,” she says.

Seated Leg Curl

She sits down at a machine. “Then I did a seated leg curl,” she says.

Core Exercise

“I finished with some core exercises,” Sophie concludes. “I want to get my core as strong as humanly possible so I can keep recording more intense ab workouts.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Try splitting up your workouts into light, medium, and intense days to allow your body ample time needed to recover.

Fitness & Workouts

She Lost 70 Pounds From Hot Girl Walks

Joyy Maria joyymaria
Copyright joyymaria/Instagram/Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 11, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want to accelerate your weight loss? Go on a hot girl walk. Joy Maria (@therealjoyymaria/video) is a weight loss influencer and mother who lost 70 pounds in less than 11 months. One of her secret weight loss weapons? “Hot girl walks,” she reveals in a video. “Walking is a thousand percent, the most underrated way to lose weight,” she adds, “and one of my favorite things to do is walk.” Here is everything you need to know about how she lost weight, including some great walking tips.

She Walks to Run Her Errands

@therealjoyymaria Dont sleep on walking 🫶🏽 #hotgirlwalk #walking #weightloss #weightlosstransformation #weightlosscheck #postpartumweightloss ♬ original sound - JOY 💕

She Recommends Walking After a Workout to “Cool Down

“I love walking after training because it's low impact, and my trainer's pretty intense. So it's just kind of like my cool down. I can listen to podcasts, I can answer emails, I can talk on the phone, scroll on TikTok, whatever. So get to walking, sis,” she says.

Calorie Deficit

In another video she details “exactly” how she went from 230 pounds to 160 pounds in 10 to 11 months. “If somebody is telling you that you can lose weight without being in a calorie deficit run because they're lying,” she continues, calling it “the most important step” to losing weight. “I know you guys have heard the saying, you cannot outrun a bad diet, and it's so true. Google, TDEE calculator. From there, put in your information. I'm gonna tell you exactly how many calories you need to eat. I ate about 1600 to 1800 calories daily, just depending on my activity level for the day. If I did two workouts that day, I would eat closer to 1800. If I had a more sedentary day, I would eat closer to 1500 to 1600.”

Meal Plan

Next she recommends a meal plan. “I have a seven day meal plan available at the top of my profile. It just makes it really easy when you're going to a grocery shop, when you're first starting out, when things are structured, it's gonna make it a lot easier to follow and just to stay consistent, not skipping breakfast, especially if we're exercising.”

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

Her favorite breakfast is “avocado toast on sourdough bread, one hard boiled egg,” which she seasons, adding truffle hot sauce, two pieces of bacon, and one piece of sausage. “High protein, good, healthy fat, and a healthy balance of carbs,” she says. “This can also be a breakfast or a lunch because it is super filling.” Another favorite is yogurt bowls made with Dannon Light and Fit Greek yogurt with granola blackberries and blueberries. She also likes tunacado sandwiches with sourdough bread, cheese, tomato, avocado, and pesto basil spread. For dinner she might have a small bowl of Turkey chili.

Hydration

She also drinks “a ton” of water, “like a gallon of water a day,” she says. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day and women about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids. Why is hydration so important? Water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues, according to Mayo Clinic.

Working Out

Working out is the “second most important part,” she says. “I was taking group classes when it first started. They were high intensity bootcamp. From there, I got a trainer at the same gym. I also work out on my own. If the gym intimidates you, I strongly recommend you guys try some group fitness classes. They're a really great way to hold yourself accountable because you're in a group setting and the people around you can motivate you,” she adds. “I incorporated Pilates about nine to 10 months into my fitness journey, and I wish I would've done it sooner.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are working out but not seeing the weight loss results you desire, add walking to your routine every day.

Copyright 2025 Galvanized Media. All Rights Reserved. Body Network is part of the Dotdash Meredith Publishing Family.