FitSugar

Kim Kardashian Gets Strapless-Dress Ready With This Move

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 11:44:34 PDT

Like most brides-to-be, Kim Kardashian focused on toning her arms and back for her much-anticipated wedding. To shape her arms and upper back, Us Weekly reported that Kim is doing free-arm exercises, "where I'm changing the movements all the time." Instead of doing repetitive movements in a straight line as in a triceps kickback or a shoulder press, you continuously vary the angle and direction of your movements, making them more creative. For example, instead of doing a basic bicep curl where you draw the hand weight or resistance band toward your shoulder, you pivot from your elbow and slowly move your hand in different ways (like you're drawing in the air), which not only targets the biceps but also tones the forearms, triceps, and shoulders.

This concept reminds of how Shiva Rea approaches core work. Rather than doing basic crunches, she has you explore lifting and swaying your torso and legs in creative, dance-like ways. It may seem a little weird to have such free and seemingly unintentional movements, but they're actually really effective. It keeps your muscles guessing, and the varying movements end up targeting every part of your muscle. This technique can be used with just about any dumbbell or resistance band exercise. I recommend using a lighter weight or tension as it doesn't take much to feel this type of movement working, and you don't want to risk injuring yourself.

5 Things to Remember When Doing Push-Ups

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:02:39 PDT

I've been doing push-ups before hopping into bed for a few months now, and I find it both tones my arms and gets me tuckered and ready to snooze. Push-ups are my all-time favorite upper-body exercise because they are so darn effective. It doesn't take many reps before you feel them, and boy will you feel it in your triceps, shoulders, upper back, and core. Here are some tips to keep in mind when doing this exercise.

Check your alignment. Shoulders should be over your wrists and your body in one straight line. If it's too difficult to keep your spine straight doing classic push-ups, lower your knees to the floor - knee push-ups still work your arms.
Check your hands. Spread your palms and activate fingertips to protect your wrists. Turn your fingertips slightly inward to help target your triceps. Or widen your hands slightly to target your pecs.
Check your abs. Pull your navel in toward your spine to engage your core. It not only tones your abs, but will prevent lower back pain.
Connect your breath with your movements to make it easier. Inhale as you bend your elbows out to the sides and lower your torso down, and exhale as you straighten your arms and lift your torso back to the starting position.
Push-up variations beat boredom and target your body in different ways. Give these variations a try:
- Elevated Push-Up: isolates one arm at a time
- One Elbow In, One Elbow Out: isolates one shoulder at a time
- Spider-Man Push-Up: targets your upper body and core
- Diamond Push-Ups: targets your triceps
- Grasshopper Push-Up: increases flexibility in your back and hips

Weekend Workout: Push-Up Variations

FitSugar — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 03:05:40 PDT

Who doesn't want sexy, sculpted arms, shoulders, and an upper back they're proud to bare? Push-ups are one exercise sure to give you the results you're after. Although basic push-ups are effective, there's no need to keep it simple. Try these three variations to work your upper body in new and challenging ways. If these push-ups are too difficult to do with your legs straight, rest your knees on the floor. Each of these exercises works one side at a time. Complete 10 reps of each variation (five on each side) for a total of 30 push-ups.

Elevated Push-Up

One Elbow In, One Elbow Out

Spider-Man Push-Up

Itching for more short workouts? Check out these Weekend Workouts to learn how to tone other areas of your body.

How to Get Your Arms Picture-Perfect For the Big Day

Heather Dale — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 04:23:15 PDT

I'm in full-on wedding planning mode - I've decided on the venue, the photographer is booked, and the save-the-dates have been sent. But there's one area I haven't really tackled yet - my "get in tip-top shape for the wedding" game plan.

Here's the thing, I just want to tone up and look my best, so I don't think that requires going to boot camp for three hours a day until the big day. An area of my body that I would like to get picture-perfect ready is my arms - a neglected area that thankfully gets a decent regular workout during yoga class. Other than that, I don't do weights or targeted arm exercises. . . sorry biceps.

I'm not stressing at all, because I know if I start incorporating some of the following exercises into my regular fitness routine, I'll be all set to show off my arms when the wedding day arrives. And you will too! Here are some of my favorites:

Maximize Your Workout: Get Kirsched! in a New York Minute

Guest Writer — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 03:47:05 PDT

The following post was written by New York-based trainer David Kirsch.

It’s Autumn in Manhattan, and the days are growing shorter by the minute. Although time is always of the essence for a busy New Yorker, you know you're in for a serious time crunch when even the New York minute seems to lose a few seconds.

Down in the dumps because you don't have enough time to exercise? Stop the clock, and give yourself a little credit. Even the most skilled of multitaskers have trouble accomplishing all on the daily checklist - especially when you think your wellness program requires you to devote 90 minutes to exercise!

Don't get me wrong, a well-rounded cardio and cardio sculpting routine is essential to getting your best body. With that said, the talent of getting in - and getting out - of the gym is a necessary skill for those with a hectic schedule. Learn to maximize your workout and get the same results with this ultimate cardio-sculpting circuit. You’ll feel an entire body burn, including your arms, abs, legs, and butt- with this fat-blasting sequence:

Practicing my signature combination moves will scorch the calories, burn the fat, and tone sexy, sinewy muscles . . . All in one workout! Now that’s a serious Kirsching! For more cardio-sculpting routines, you can find them in the Ultimate New York Body Plan.

Add these three time-saving moves to your next workout.

View 5 Photos ›

For more tips, recipes, and workouts, be sure to check out all of David's posts here on FitSugar.

Get Guns Like Juliette Lewis

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:50:01 PDT

Juliette Lewis may have shown off her bright blue 'do at the premiere of The Switch, but her toned arms are equally as impressive. To sculpt guns like hers, here's a five-exercise routine you can try at your next strength training session.

Source: Bauer-Griffin

Shoulder Shaping Strength Training Routine

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 03:47:08 PDT

It's never too late to sculpt sexy shoulders, so here's a routine devoted especially to that area. Grab a set of dumbbells and go through this sequence once. Be sure to rest between exercises if you need to give your shoulder muscles a break.

Source: Thinkstock

No Equipment Necessary: Side Plank Leg Lift

FitSugar — Tue, 25 May 2010 06:56:55 PDT

I love exercises that work multiple areas of my body; challenging moves never bore. Plus, you can feel the benefits of core strength work almost immediately. This variation on the side plank targets your shoulders, waist, abs, back, outer thighs, and glute meds (the gluteal muscle on the side of the pelvis that helps stabilize your hip joint).

Learn the details when you

Place your right elbow on the ground. Extend both legs out so that your body is in one straight line, and you're balancing on the outside edge of your right foot. Flex both feet if you can and rest your left hand on your upper hip.
Keeping your spine lengthened and your abs engaged, lift your left leg up just higher than our top hip. Then slowly lower it back to your bottom leg.
Keep your waist up and lifted and don't sink into your bottom shoulder.
Do three sets of 15 to 20 repetitions on each side.

Back to Basics: Tone Your Guns

FitSugar — Tue, 11 May 2010 10:00:24 PDT

All right ladies, it's almost tank top and bathing suit season, so it's time to get serious about toning your arms. If you're not sure where to begin, here are some basic exercises from ACE (American Council on Exercise) that will target your triceps, biceps, shoulders, and upper back.

Source: Thinkstock

Get Ready to Bare Arms: 5 Shoulder Toners

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:50:37 PDT

Warmer weather means it's tank top time, which means now is the time to start sculpting your shoulders. And when I say shoulders, I mean the deltoid muscle. Toned shoulders will help you rock the halter tops of the season, and trainer Jackie Warner thinks shapely shoulders create the look of a slimmer waistline helping your overall bikini look. Check out my five fave shoulder-toning moves and add them to your next workout.
Source: Jupiter Images