With summer officially ending this weekend, we're all settling back into our fall schedules, which can include managing school, work, and a busy household. But after a summer of fun and leisure, one important thing people often forget to return to is exercising. Fitness and weight loss expert Jorge Cruise has some simple but effective exercises to help us ease back into a regular workout routine.

The Plié Squat
For this exercise you will need a dumbbell or an exercise ball, something that will add extra weight or give extra resistance. Stand with your feet about 3 feet apart, and turn your toes out as far as you can without losing your balance. Keep your back straight, chin up, and abs tight. Bend your knees and squat until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Pause here for one second and then push through your heels and squeeze your butt as you return to the starting position. Be sure to inhale on the way down and exhale on the way up.

Glute Kick-backs
Get on your hands and knees with the ball under your torso. Keep your back parallel to the ground, with your chin up and your abs tight. In a controlled motion, extend one leg behind you with your knee slightly bent until your heel is slightly above your butt. Squeeze your glutes for one second at the top of the move. Remember to exhale as you extend your leg and inhale on the way down.

Dips
Sit on the ground with your feet and knees together. Place your palms on the ground with your fingers pointing forward and your arms close to your body. Keep your chin up and tighten your abs. Raise your butt off the ground with your arms supporting your body weight. Lower yourself down to about an inch from the ground. Hold here for 1 second and then squeeze your triceps and push yourself back up. Remember to exhale on the way up and inhale on the way down. 

Seated V-ups
Sit upright with your arms slightly behind you with your palms down. Bring your knees together and lift your heels about 2 inches off the ground. Extend your legs, keeping your knees slightly bent. Lean your upper body back to your palms just slightly. Contract the abs and slowly pull your knees into your chest as you simultaneously crunch your upper body. Hold and squeeze for 1 second at the top of the move. Maintain the tension in your abs throughout the exercise and keep your back straight. Be sure to inhale on the way down and exhale on the way up.

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