5 Signature Moves by Fitness Guru, Ashley Borden

Fitness and lifestyle consultant Ashley Borden changes lives and transforms bodies for a living. You've probably caught her on Revenge Body, saved her workout clips on Insta to your phone, or signed up for fitness programs on Ashley's website.

Ashley is so seriously sculpted that we knew she'd be the best instructor to reach out to when it comes to key workout moves for women on the go, go, go. We prefer no-nonsense tips that could be done half awake if need be. (Not that that is advised, of course.) Days are long, and schedules are packed, so it's hard to make it to the gym consistently. With Ashley's 5 Signature Moves below, you'll see a big impact without having to sign your paycheck away to a membership that'll virtually collect dust.

Before we break a sweat and suit up in our activewear, let's ease into things with getting to know the woman behind the moves...

What’s your biggest motivation in life and fitness?

To help as many people as possible know that they can take charge of their own bodies and not feel a victim to themselves. And then I give them the tools to start and thrive!

What’s your favorite thing about your career?

Helping others. When someone tells me that my AB Fit App or my SOS Food Plan helped change their body, life, or the way they approach working on themselves, it’s the most beautiful feedback and my heart swells! My purpose is to help and knowing the products I created helped someone is the best feeling in the world.

What's the hardest thing?

Anything overly technical.

When do you feel most empowered?

Depending on the day, usually, post-Jiu-Jitsu or when I get to tell my story of recovery and share my experience and strength with others.

When it comes to fitness, what is it that people get wrong? What’s a small change we can make that will help us improve?

Life is already hard enough. Your own self-sabotaging negative speak makes it that much harder. Stop talking shit about yourself.

Healthy mind, healthy life. What’s your favorite way to spend your “Me Time”?

Anything that involves spending time with my pups.

You’re an ambassador for Best Friends Animal Society. What's the importance of giving back?

BFAS is an amazing non-profit, pet rescue advocacy with the largest no-kill sanctuary in the USA. I love their mission and the way they help place animals in forever homes without assaulting you with depressing images of animals behind bars, etc. I love the entire mission of BFAS and I’m so proud to be an ambassador. Being of service takes you out of your own way in order to be there for other animals or humans. Best way to get a better view of reality.

THE PART OF THE BODY IT WORKS OUT:

Tris, shoulders, core, quads, lats

REPS:

20 controlled reps

WHY ASHLEY LOVES THIS MOVE:

Double whammy of great core killer and arm and shoulder strengthener all in one.

THE PART OF THE BODY IT WORKS OUT:

Transverse abdominals, glutes, adductors, obliques

REPS:

Hold for 20-30 seconds each side. Use a weight that feels challenging.

WHY ASHLEY LOVES THIS MOVE:

I love the immediate oblique connection you get by adding the overhead dumbbell hold. It requires more focus and more full-body connection.

THE PART OF THE BODY IT WORKS OUT:

Lats, rhomboids, upper back, obliques, rectus abdominis

REPS:

8-10

WHY ASHLEY LOVES THIS MOVE:

Because you strengthen your back while you strengthen your core at the same time. I also like the strict prone position because it results in less risk for injury, as you get immediate feedback from your belly against the bench. You can feel whether or not you are bracing your core.

THE PART OF THE BODY IT WORKS OUT:

Glutes, hamstrings, adductors, rectus abdominus, erector

REPS:

(Use a dumbbell that feels very challenging after 10 reps. Use a medium mini band around the knees) You will complete 30 reps.

WHY ASHLEY LOVES THIS MOVE:

I love how concentrated the glute/core feeling is without having to load a lot of weight on the back as an option. It’s great for people who have a hard time connecting to their glutes and tend to feel quads only.

THE PART OF THE BODY IT WORKS OUT:

Quads, hamstrings, glutes, core

REPS:

8 per leg

WHY ASHLEY LOVES THIS MOVE:

Single leg work is important because it highlights which side is dominant, and which side is weaker. More focus on single leg work will also improve your double leg moves (squats etc), walking, and running strides. This move also isolates the glute on each leg and helps to build a strong, lifted glute.

For more fitness inspiration, follow Ashley Borden on Instagram.