4 Weeks to a Better Body

Marie Claire shows you how to shrink your body in four weeks! Follow this easy one-week regimen four times in a row.

Marie Claire shows you how to shrink your body in four weeks! Follow this easy one-week regimen four times in a row. It's designed especially for those who like to keep their weekends exercise-free. "You can look noticeably slimmer and stronger in as little as one month," says David Kirsch, owner of NYC's Madison Square Club gym.

MONDAY
Target your butt, legs, and abs.

What to do:

20 minutes of cardio activity
If you work out in a gym, try running on an elliptical trainer or riding an exercise bike with little or no resistance. If you work out at home, try walking briskly, jogging, or shadow boxing.

20 squats
To do: Stand with your hands by your sides. Sit back while raising your arms in front of you for balance until thighs are parallel to the floor. Resume your starting position.

20 lunges
To do: Stand with your hands on your hips. Step forward with your right leg until your right thigh is parallel to the floor. Resume your starting position, then step forward with your left leg.

25 dead lifts
To do: Stand with your arms hanging in front of your body with a three- to five-pound weight in each hand. Bend forward from your waist until your knuckles touch the floor. Resume your starting position.

40 crunches

40 reverse curls
To do: Lie on your back with your arms by your sides. Raise your legs toward the ceiling until they are perpendicular to it. Raise and then lower your butt two to four inches off the floor.