FitSugar

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:

Full-Body Beach Workout With Olympian Kerri Walsh

Guest Writer — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:50:34 PDT

The following full-body workout was created by Olympic athlete Kerri Walsh, two-time gold medalist in beach volleyball, along with her trainer Kerry Wachtfogel. Repeat the entire circuit three times and be prepared to sweat!

Be sure to catch up and read all of Kerri's great posts on FitSugar!

Weekend Workout: Arms, Abs, and Booty on the Ball

FitSugar — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 03:05:46 PDT

If you're pressed for time and can't fit in a long workout, you can still effectively tone your upper body, core, and tush. Grab an exercise ball and do 20 reps of each exercise, and cycle through the routine three times.

Push-Ups With Tuck Crunch

Crunches on an Exercise Ball

Plank Booty Leg Lifts

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

Stretch It: Spinal Stretch on the Ball

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 06:24:10 PST

Hands down, this is one of my favorite stretches to do on an exercise ball. It feels good on your back, but also gives your abs, chest, and shoulders a wonderful stretch. It's the type of stretch you do and immediately say, "ahhh."

To learn how to do this relaxing stretch

Get on the Ball: 5 Commercial Break Exercises

Michele Bell — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 04:30:07 PST

'Tis the season for terribly cheesy commercials. Instead of sitting on the couch and listening to that Kay's jingle or watching another ridiculous, "He got it at Jared's!" spot, get off your bum and get on the ball! These five simple and quick workouts are perfect to do during the downtime of your favorite show and will have you in better shape than those silly Old Navy mannequins. Come check them out and get ready to roll!

Source: Thinkstock

Bringing Sexy Back

Self — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 08:00:13 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar!

Bring Sexy Back With 2 Simple Moves

My first holiday party invitation arrived in the mail this weekend. Guess it's time to pull out those little black dresses again! My favorite? A backless number. If your party wear calls attention to your back too, prepare to buff-it-up and get beautiful from behind with these two exercises. You'll need an exercise ball for both.

The Move: Back Buffer

How To Do It:

Lie face down with midsection on ball, hands behind head, elbows out to sides.
Slowly lift chest up, raising shoulders up until body is in straight line from head to feet. And slowly lower down to start. Repeat for 8-12 reps and 1-3 sets.

Learn the second move when you read more.

Get Kirsched in the Office

Guest Writer — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 04:30:00 PDT

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

Has your job become a "desk sentence?" With deadlines, big projects, and upcoming presentations, fitting in exercise can be challenging - especially when you are trapped within a small cubicle from 9-5. But that's no excuse! All you working moms, busy executives, and career-focused professionals: if you have a commitment to wellness, you can make time for daily exercise even at work!

One of my clients recently read a New York Times article about using a stability ball as a chair and was curious of my take on it . . .

Using a stability ball as a chair is a great way to engage your core muscles all day long. It's also a constant reminder to exercise. Here are some other moves you can do when you are having some downtime in the office . . .

Take a break from typing and do an upper body workout. Alternate between 10 push-ups and 10 dips on the stability ball. You'll feel the burn.
It's crunch-time! Literally. Take 5 minutes to work your abs/core and love handles if you've got them.
Tired of sitting? Get off your butt and do some single-leg squats! Repeat 10 to 15 times.

So trade in your chair for a stability ball!
For more complete office workouts, check out The Ultimate New York Diet.

Want more on Kirsching the Office? Check out my blog and learn how to make your desk a wellness zone.

Here are the details on the four stability ball exercises mentioned above:

View 4 Photos ›

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

Get on the Ball: Upper Back Lifts

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:00:12 PDT

We devote much of our strength training sessions to our arms, abs, and legs, but not a ton of attention is paid to our backs. Not only is a sculpted back sexy, but strengthening those muscles can also prevent back and neck pain, and make running and other physical activities easier.

Grab an exercise ball and give this effective exercise a try when you

Get on the Ball: Abs and Triceps

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:00:17 PDT

I don't mind doing crunches, as long as my body is supported on a ball. It makes it much more comfy on my spine, and they also feel more effective since I end up having to use my legs to keep me balanced. This variation combines some triceps work, so you'll work two areas at once.

For directions on how to do this multitasking move,

Do You Use a Stability Ball?

FitSugar — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 04:30:03 PDT

Looking for a way to amp up your ab work? Then get on the ball! An inflatable rubber stability ball may look like a toy, but it's a great way to make your workout harder.

There are so many ways to use them, from torso stretches to thigh twists to arm-toning moves and, of course, ab work - the list just goes on and on. No wonder stability balls are so popular. Still, I know plenty of people who've never used one. How about you?