shoulders

Michelle Obama made a fashionable entrance into the White House, and the first lady has been receiving attention on her style choices and toned arms since President Obama was sworn into office. While Michelle has been showing her commitment to promoting healthful eating across the country, Americans have been exhibiting their dedication to her toned arms on the Internet and in the gym.

There's a website dedicated to the first lady's enviable arms, appropriately named First Guns, where Michelle's arms have been endearingly nicknamed Thunder and Lightning. The Running Center in New York has developed a class called M.O.D.A (Michelle Obama Defined Arms) that focuses on the body part our first lady is known for, and I'd put money on more gyms offering similar classes.

Feeling a little Michelle-Obama-arm-envy yourself? Check out my collection of arm exercises: Work your biceps, triceps, and shoulders to get stronger and more defined arms.

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The peek-a-boo effect always gets me. It's the ideal way to look sexy while retaining mystique. My favorite area to show off? My shoulders. But I've found that many cutout tops are too '80s for my taste. Hence, I came up with a way to get the peek-a-boo effect minus the cheese. The process involves using two items — one sleeveless tank, like this LOVE YAYA Glitz Top ($73, originally $145, left) and one off-shoulder top, like this Arden B. Basic Off Shoulder Top ($28, right). Confused? Read on.

To learn my peek-a-boo shoulder trick, read more

Cleavage, midriff, legs — body parts known for their sexiness. But shoulders, those are a woman’s subtly sensual weapons. There was lots of shoulder love this year, as exemplified by Dita Von Teese in Vivienne Westwood. When picking the perfect party frock this season, show those shoulders. Whether it’s one-shoulder, off-shoulder, cutout, or puff sleeve dresses, allow the sculptured part of your body be the focus.

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Nothing feels better than stretching it out when you’re done for the day, especially if you've been sitting at your desk all day long.

Try these four exercises to ease tension in the back, neck, shoulders, arms and wrists.

Back stretch: With your arms crossed over your chest and feet on the floor, lean against the chair back and allow the mid back to curl back over it, lifting elbows up to the ceiling and allowing your head to follow your neck. Hold for a moment, then return to an upright position.

Neck stretch: Take your left ear over to your left shoulder to stretch the muscles on the right side of your neck. Hold for 20 seconds and repeat on the right, aiming for two to three repetitions on each side. Then, with your chin tucked in, slowly turn your head to the right and left, five times on each side.

Shoulder soother: Roll your shoulders to the back, and then to the front – then lift them right up to your ears, tensing the muscles, and allow them to drop completely.

Arm and wrist stretch: Hold your right arm straight out in front of you with your palm facing up. Use your left hand to pull your fingers back and down to the floor. Feel the stretch on the underside of your forearm and wrist. Now turn the arm palm down, and draw the fingers back towards the forearm, keeping them straight. Swap sides.

Fit's Tip: Most people frown upon taking shoes off in the office so when you get home, take off your shoes and rise up on to the balls of your feet and then back down to the heels, to boost the circulation in the lower legs.

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Oversize bags, purses, and gym bags can be convenient, but they're not good for your back, your shoulders, or your neck. O magazine loves to give tips on being both trendy and healthy. And what's more important than a woman's health and her purse?

Here are a few highlights on keeping your bag safe for your body:

• Your weight and your fate: (New York-based chiropractor) Isis M. Medina's rule is that you should tote no more than 10 percent of your body weight—so a bag that's more than five pounds when empty is a bad start. If your load is excessive, your head and neck jut forward rather than staying over your shoulders, which can lead to headaches, neck tension, and back pain.
• Getting a handle: Long-strapped shoulder bags are out: They tug you to one side in a C shape, with the purse bumping at your hip and the strap slipping (so you hunch up your shoulder to keep it in place). Avoid chains, too; they tend to gouge the flesh. Look for short handles, not too flimsy or narrow (with very skinny straps on a hefty bag, you're asking for trouble).
• No feed bags: Slouchy may be in, but Medina likes structure: When items shift around and aren't well distributed, your balance is thrown off. Even an oversize bag can work, the doctor assures us, if it's got a definite shape, a firm base, and inner compartments to keep belongings stable.
• Easy access: If you have to do a major dig to find your phone or comb, you're twisting and distorting your torso. You want possessions to be reachable yet secure—a long top zipper or magnetic closure helps; Medina also likes outside pockets for frequently needed essentials.

Fit's Tip: Check out the Puddle Jumper Bag for all your gym gear, it's one that I think Medina would approve.

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Looking for a way to beat the summer and workout at the same time? Well have you tried kayaking? I am not talking about white water river kayaking, but getting out on a lake, bay, or inlet for some paddling action.

If you live near water, or are planning to vacation near water, you should have an easy time finding a place that rents kayaks and all the associated gear. Or better yet, you can introduce yourself to kayaking on a guided nature tour. Do consider taking a lesson, to learn how to maneuver the boat as well as the very important skill - how to get in and out of your kayak while you're in the water. They are really easy to tip.

Chances are you will start off with a beginner kayak since they offer greater stability and are more difficult to tip over. If it's your first time, I recommend going out on a day that isn't too windy, so the water is less choppy.

What's so great about kayaking? To find out read more

Kirsten Dunst has recently been spotted in Maui relaxing and getting toned with some fun kayaking.

If you're lucky enough to be vacationing some place warm enough to spend some time on the water like Kirsten, then you should definitely consider kayaking. Don't be intimidated by kayaking I know there is the roll over factor, but in reality kayaking can be a very relaxing and toning experience. To learn why and to see more pics of Kirsten kayaking in Maui, read more