Count Down to Summer with ModelFit’s Vanessa Packer

Take a cue from Vanessa Packer, founder of NYC’s ModelFit, in your quest to look your best…

We know, it’s almost unfathomable. May…already??

Those plans we hatched from under winter layers to get fit by summer now carry a totally different sense of urgency. But not to worry – we hooked up with ModelFit founder Vanessa Packer in her NYC studio to teach you six exercises — three for now, three to come in a future post — to incorporate into your daily routine. Easy to execute and doable in any space, keep these moves in your back pocket as we all gear up and count down to baring ourselves come summertime.

Start It Up Top, High Waisted Leggings

Full Body Standing Twist

Standing upright, lift your arms so they are shoulder heigh, pressing your hands together in prayer position.
Bend your left leg while your right leg points out at an angle to the side of your body, with your toe pointed.
Bend your pointed leg up toward your hip while twisting your abdomen and prayer toward the leg. Think of this as a twisting crunch.
Return to starting position and repeat 15 times on the right side before switching to the left.

Side Tie Shorty, Keeping Tempo Top

Simple Leg Lift

Begin by coming down to all fours and stabilizing the core and back.
Be sure to keep your core activated throughout the exercise. Both knees should be in line with your hips.
Extend one leg out while keeping the other leg bent.
Using your hamstrings and glutes, lift the extended leg up to hip height behind you and return to just hovering above the ground.
Repeat 15 times on that side, and then switch to the other side.

High Neck Seamless, Lynx Bottoms

Straight Leg Side Crunch

Begin by laying on your back with one knee bent and the other extended outward (your arms are extended above your head).
Use your core to lift your leg up to knee height while bringing your arms to meet the leg.
Head remains on the floor. Arms are activated and pushing the back down.
Repeat 15 times and then switch legs.