One of my favorite things about summertime and the warm weather is the simple fact that I can bring my workout outside. No matter what you like to do, whether it is yoga, boot camp, or just some good old fashioned walking (me!), this is the time when you can go outside and enjoy your workout while soaking up a little sun.

In addition to my usual walking, I also like to amp-up strength training for the summer season. There are 7 exercises that are the foundation to toning up and reaching your healthy and fit summer body. All of them can be completed without any weights or machines and enjoyed outside, while soaking up the sun!

1. Jumping Jacks.
Jumping Jacks offer the primary benefit of elevating your heart rate. In addition, they are a full-body workout that move all of your large muscle groups.

2. Lunges.
Lunges are an effective lower lower-body exercise that work your glutes, quadriceps and hamstrings. They are a great exercise to tone up your legs.

3. Squats.
Squats are considered one of the best exercises for strengthening your legs and firming your butt. Consistently doing squats is what leads to a tighter and higher butt. In addition, squats engage your core muscles.

4. Push ups.
Push ups engage your upper body, specifically your chest, front of your shoulders and the back of your arms. If you can’t do a normal push up, don’t be afraid to start out with assisted push ups (on your knees instead of your toes).

5. Crunches.
Crunches target your abdominal muscles. Regular performance of crunches will lead you to a more toned and strengthened midsection.

6. Bicycle Crunches.
Bicycle Crunches are a supplement to traditional crunches and offer the same benefits of a more toned and strengthened midsection. They also help to target your obliques, your side abdominal muscles.

7. Plank.
Planking is an exercise that is beneficial for your whole body. Primarily they work to strengthen your inner core muscles, but secondarily they work to stabilize your upper and lower body.

*This post was originally published on www.jessicalaurendebry.com. For more from Jessica, be sure to visit her site here.