The 7 Best Workouts to Achieve Your Dream Body Without Spending All Day in the Gym

1. Running

If you want a powerful, toned physique, why not start running? Running is a great cardiovascular workout that will help you to lose weight, strengthen, and tone. I have trained countless clients to reshape their body by simply running. For more tips on getting started, check out Runner's World. So start simple and just run!

2. Biking

Notice the cyclists going steadily along the road with speed and purpose? Why not join the biking crew and invest in a hybrid bike to get in your best shape. You can go to a local store and begin with a cheaper bike to make sure you enjoy the sport before you make a large investment. Biking burns mega calories and works your total body, particularly the legs. You can find great route ideas on Cycling Weekly.

3. Swimming

Envious of the shoulders on the woman next to you? Don’t be surprised if she tells you that she is a swimmer. Swimmers have incredible shoulders because of the stroke work that they do. Moving those arms and legs pays off with a strong, athletic body, so get swimming. Aim to swim 1-2 days a week to reach your fitness goals.

4. Resistance Training

Weights are an important part of any balanced fitness program. Adding weights will help tone and strengthen as well as prevent injury. You can learn more about the benefits of strength training to see why it's so vital. So pick up some free weights and lift to achieve the body you deserve!

5. Lunging

Lunges are one of the most effective exercises to work your larger muscle groups. To get a toned lower body, perform 3 sets of 18 walking lunges two days a week. This is one of the best exercises you can do to work your legs and glutes. So get your leg down to the ground and do some lunges!

6. Squatting

The number one most effective exercise to target your legs and glutes is the squat. Squats are the best way to lift and tone your lower body. Who needs a surgical lift when you can find the same results after doing squats? So get in a seated position, weight in the heels, and lower into a squat. If you hold the position, you will feel the burn as you strengthen and tone.

7. Hiking

Hiking is a great workout that you can perform at any level, from beginner to advanced. If you are feeling motivated, you can head to a challenging course, or if you are having an off day, you can take it down a notch or two. Hiking is a great body weight exercise that can be amplified if you add a backpack. Use a tool like AllTrails to find the best paths near you. Performing this workout along with the other exercises will help you get in the best shape.

Here are a few reasons why these workouts are so effective:

Now with all of these workouts, are you ready to work to achieve your best body? Then get going, it is all as easy as putting one foot in front of the other and staying motivated to exercise.