Bored with the gym? Get excited about kettlebells!

• Increased endurance
• Fat loss
• Improved core strength
• Firm and lifted glutes
• Increased lean muscle mass
• Gains in muscle strength
• Greater flexibility, balance, coordination and stability
• Improved sports performance

When it comes to leg-training days, your attention is probably on two areas and two areas only: your thighs and butt. Make sure your legs are defined from your hips to your ankles by adding these two calf exercises to your lower-body days.

Trade in those excuses for workouts that will leave you feeling strong, energized and ready for more.

You don't have to break the bank to get in shape! We've got ten wallet-friendly ways to help you reach your goals!

1. Learn what’s in this season. Buy in-season fruits and veggies and stop paying for food that needs to ripen on a truck for days before it gets to you. To save even more money, get the best fruits and veggies that are ripe for the picking: Visit buylocalfood.com to find a farm near you.
2. Get cooperative. Food co-ops or community supported agriculture groups are blossoming all over the country. Paired with local farms, communities come together to support local growers and reap the benefits of fresh produce, delivered to your door, for a great price. Visit nal.usda.gov for information on a CSA in your neighborhood.
3. Portions, portions. Make your groceries last longer while whittling your waistline. For example, split a large eight-ounce cut of lean protein into two four-ounce portions. Also, downsize that large bowl of whole-grain pasta or brown rice – all you need is half a cup, cooked.

Fight pesky gym germs with these tips to make sure you get strong at the gym

1. Make use of the sanitizing gel in most gyms and don’t touch your face between sets. Most colds are passed on through hand-to-nose contact.
2. Avoid touching the spout when drinking from the water fountain.
3. Bring your own yoga or Pilates mat. Make sure you wash it regularly.
4. Wipe down all equipment before and after use. Stash sanitizing wipes in your gym bag.
5. Always wipe down the handles on the elliptical with a sanitizing handwipe. Not only can this decrease your chance of transferring a variety of bacteria, but you’ll be able to burn more calories precisely because you’ll use the handles and engage your upper body muscles during cardio.
6. Wash your weight-lifting gloves routinely with detergent in hot water (and don’t touch your face when wearing gloves). Studies have shown that staph bacteria can bind to polyester, the material of choice for many weight-lifting gloves.
7. Always place a towel on any equipment that you are going to sit on.
8. Wear flip-flops in the locker room. The heat and moisture from showers, saunas and hot tubs creates a breeding ground for mold, bacteria and germs.
9. Cover up any open wounds with antibiotic ointment and a bandage before heading to the gym. Germs can enter the body through uncovered abrasions and lead to infections.
10. Do not share towels. It’s one of the fastest ways to spread bacteria.
11. Thoroughly wash your hands for at least 30 seconds after each workout.
12. Once home, always make sure to get out of your sweaty gear as soon as possible.

Find out your maximum heart rate to get the most out of your workouts.