4 moves to help you shape-up for the holiday party season

10-minute workout

The plan: Do our four moves three times a week to see more definition in a month or less. For fast results, add 20 minutes of cardio.

You need: Hand weights

Consulting trainer Dagmar Storek

Standing leg kick

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, hands clenched below chin in boxer’s stance. Transfer weight to right leg and lift left leg to 90-degree angle. Extend left leg out to the side in a kicking motion. Return to start. Do 2 sets of 8 to 10 reps. Repeat on opposite side.

Perfect your form: Keep core engaged.

Dial it down: Place hands on a chair for balance.

Amp it up: Don’t touch the ground between reps.

Hands-up sumo squat

Start in wide stance, feet turned out, holding a weight in each hand, with elbows bent and palms facing out. Lower into a deep squat, keeping thighs parallel to the floor and arms at 90 degrees. Do 2 sets of 10 to 12 reps.

Perfect your form: Keep knees in line with toes.

Dial it down: Ditch the weights or place hands on hips.

Amp it up: Add an overhead press after each squat.

Side plank with leg swings

Start in side plank, feet stacked, forearm on floor (shoulder in line with elbow) and top hand on hip. Lift top leg, extend it in front of you and tap floor. Bring leg back behind you and tap the floor. Do 2 sets of 8 to 10 reps. Repeat on opposite side.

Perfect your form: Keep hip lifted and top leg straight.

Dial it down: Skip leg movement and hold pose for 10 to 20 sec.

Amp it up: Move top leg in a wider arcing motion.

Plank to row

Start in plank, weights in hands, shoulders stacked above wrists. Lift right arm up, bending elbow at a 90-degree angle and keeping arm close to your side. Lower to start. Repeat with opposite arm. Do 2 sets of 10 to 12 reps. 

Perfect your form: Keep body in a straight line and lift from the shoulder blades.

Dial it down: Ditch the weights or try from knees.

Amp it up: Lower into a push-up after each rep.