When one wants to see the ultimate embodiment of a dancer’s body, there’s no need to look any further than Karina Smirnoff of “Dancing with the Stars.” And Karina knows all about getting in shape— she’s been involved with “Dancing with the Stars” for the last seven years and also has a DanceFIT program where she teaches shape-up classes in hotels and on cruise ships and also gives nutritional advice.
Over the next several weeks, we’ll feature a move from Karina you can add to your abs and glutes routine! For even more ab and glute-shaping moves, be sure to check out the October issue of FitnessRx for Women with Karina on the cover! And tune in to “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC beginning September 16.
This week, Karina demonstrates an ab-toning move called side scissor kicks. Karina usually does 4 to 8 reps of each exercise (on each side), for 8 sets before moving to the next exercise. For beginners, she recommends starting with 4 and then graduating to 8.
Directions:
Lie on your side, but don’t lie completely straight— bend at the hips slightly so that the legs are a little forward rather than in line with the body. This way, you are able to lift the leg that is closer to the floor, which is the hardest part of this exercise.
Lift your legs off the floor and quickly scissor your legs back and forth, moving one leg forward and one leg back simultaneously.
“Every single time when I first started doing that move, my legs went off the floor maybe like a quarter of an inch,” said Karina. “But every time you do it, you are able to lift it more and more, and you’re using your abs.”
Win a Phone Call From Karina!
Want a chance to win a personal phone call from Karina Smirnoff, as well as some other great prizes? Simply pick up a copy of the October issue FitnessRx for Women with Karina on the cover, take a photo of the receipt (proof of purchase) and post it in her Twitter or on her Facebook. You can also post on your Instagram and tag Karina!
If you are a subscriber, rather than showing your magazine purchase receipt, show proof that you subscribe. (The shipping name and address on your magazine or the subscription receipt).
Winners will be drawn at random and anyone can play. Each week, 10 people will win a personalized gift from Karina and the first three drawn each week will receive a phone call! For more details visit Karina’s Facebook page.
