HOT workouts to get in shape by V-day!

Try out these simple exercises to get fit and get hot this Valentine's with this Brinda Sapat workout regimen. Illustrations: Uttam Ghosh

You want to look and feel hot and sexy for your Valentine's date. Time is short, but follow this workout and you are going to glow, feel firmer and fitter; guaranteed!

Grab a pair of workout shoes. Start with 20 minutes of any of these - walking, jogging, cycling or stair climbing.
What this does is helps to burn fat; strengthen your cardiovascular system which makes you feel strong. It releases a feel good hormone, and all that blood circulation makes your skin glow.

Before your body cools down go into these exercises-

You don't have to do all of them every day. Pick upper body, abs and back one day, then lower body, abs and back the next.

For firm butt and lean legs

Squat with alternate knee raises

Stand with your feet a little more than hip distance apart. Place your arms o in front of you. Make sure your knees and toes face forward. Bend your hips and lower your body into a squat position, taking your hips back as if you are trying to sit in a chair placed way behind you.

Make sure the knees don't go far forward over the toes. Press your heels into the floor. Now raise your right knee as you come up to standing. Put the right foot down. Repeat and this time raise the left knee up. Keep alternating legs.

Do 16 reps.

Leg Circles

This exercise will make your legs feel nice and long.

Stand near a wall. You can place your hands on the wall for support if need be. Point your right foot and make a large circle with the right leg in a clockwise movement. Focus on squeezing the hip, outer and inner thigh. The movement should be controlled. Think of your leg as a long paintbrush painting large circles. Do 12 reps and then circle the leg anti clockwise.

Repeat with the left leg.

Heel Raises

This one's to look fab in your high heels!

Start in standing position. Rise up on your toes as high as possible and lower. Just before your heel contacts the floor, lift up for the next rep.

Do 16-20 reps

Rest and repeat all three exercises.

Bust enhancer

Give the bust a slight lift and enhance your cleavage.

Bench Flyes

Lie face up on a bench or anything that gives you enough space either side of you, allowing the arms  to go a little lower than ground level. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Hold a pair of dumbbells or one litre filled water bottles.

Take your arms out to the sides, palms facing up. Raise the arms up till they are in line with the chest. Squeeze your chest as you raise the arms. Slowly lower.

Rest and repeat.

For beautiful shoulders and arms

Bicep Curl with Overhead presses

This is a great exercise because it works the shoulders, biceps, triceps and forearms, all together!
Hold onto the dumbbells or water bottles. Stand with your palms facing the front (at your thighs). Do a bicep curl by bringing the palms into the shoulders.

Turn the palms around at the shoulders so that they face the front. Raise your arms straight up to the ceiling without locking your elbows. Bring the hands down to the shoulders again turing the palm to face in to the shoulders and uncurl your elbows bringing the hands back to start position.

Do 12-16 reps. Rest and repeat.

For tight tummy

Upside down Crunch

Get into a push up position, but down on your elbows. Maintain a straight line from head, shoulders and hips to the feet. Crunch your tummy muscles as your back rounds upwards slightly. Release but make sure you done arch or let your hips drop as this could strain your back. Crunch up again.

Do 16 reps. Rest and repeat.

For sexy back

Hyperextensions with Reverse Flyes

Lie face down on a mat on the floor. Start with your arms out to the side in line with the shoulders. Raise your upper body, and as you do, raise your arms up towards the ceiling squeezing your shoulder blades, back of the shoulders and lower back. Slowly lower.
Do 16 reps. Rest and repeat.

Bye Byes

Get into a side lying position. Prop yourself up onto your elbow. Don't sink into your shoulders, pull yourself up. Hold a dumbbell in your top hand. Start with your hand straight up, pointing to the ceiling. Slowly lower your arm towards your head and raise it up to starting point, in a waving movement.

Do 16 reps. Rest and repeat. Then switch sides and do both sets.

Kegels

Tighten the vaginal walls with this

Can be done seated, standing or lying down. Squeeze your vaginal muscles really hard as if you want to stop yourself from peeing. Hold the contraction for 4-5 counts. Release and repeat.

Do 16 reps . Rest and repeat.

Finish off with some stretches and relaxation.

Combine your exercise plan with a healthy eating pattern. Cut out the junk and fattening foods. Eat fresh, lightly cooked foods. Have 5-6 small meals in the day instead of 2-3 heavy ones and have a light dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime. Drink plenty of water.

V-Day Preps

Definitely exercise! It will release your feel good hormones, give you a glow and make you look hot!

Eat sensibly through the day.

Don your attire, slip into your heels and strut your stuff!