No Equipment Necessary: Side Plank Leg Lift


Updated 05/26/10 11:19 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 5 comments

Side Plank Leg Lift

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 read more Read more

Multitasking Move: Side Plank Star


Updated 02/12/09 10:16 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 5 comments

Side Plank, Multitasking Move, Side Plank Star, Leg Exercise

Looking for a move to target you shoulders, core, and legs? Give Side Plank Star a try. It's tough to balance at first, but once you start including this move in your strength training sessions, you'll gain stability and strength. I also love this exercise since it works the glute med, the muscle on the side of the pelvis, that is a great stabilizer when running. To find out how to do this Read more

Inversion Issues: How to Remedy Common Shoulderstand Complaints


Updated 05/25/12 10:05 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Remedies For Common Shoulderstand Complaints

You're loving your yoga class from Half Moon to Pigeon Pose, but as soon as you get to Shoulderstand, you're less than psyched. Although a basic — challenging, but basic — pose, Shoulderstand can put you at risk of strain and injury when done incorrectly. Turn this pose into your favorite by checking out these common complaints and ways to remedy them. "I Can't Breathe" If you're well Read more

5 Ways to Challenge Your Tree Pose


Updated 04/27/12 3:53 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Tree Pose Variations For Arbor Day

In celebration of Arbor Day this Friday, I can't help but think about the peaceful and majestic Tree pose. If you've mastered the basic pose already, here are some ways to challenge your Tree. Arch: When doing the traditional Tree pose, balancing your torso straight over your standing leg allows you to stack your bones on top of each other to create a stable pose. Make balancing on one leg Read more

7 Ways to Challenge Your Plank


Updated 04/20/12 9:28 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Variations of Plank to Strengthen Abs and Upper Body

If you want to work your core, plank position (top of a push-up) is a great move. You'll not only feel it in your abs, but it works your back, arms, shoulders, and legs. Here are seven variations to make it even more challenging. Get low: Instead of balancing on your hands in a straight-arm position, bend your elbows and lower onto your forearms into dolphin plank. This plank variation targets Read more

5 Exercises to Ditch Arm Flab Forever


Updated 04/19/12 3:10 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Arm Exercises From Celeb Trainer Jay Cardiello

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. This week Shape turns to celebrity trainer Jay Cardiello for some help! Ah, that infamous area along the back of your arms, the nemesis of so many women. How do you tackle the jiggle? First, I want to tell you what not to do, as people are often tempted to take the wrong course of action. And that is the concept of spot Read more

Maximize Your Push-Ups With These Tips


Updated 03/30/12 11:30 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Make Push-Ups Harder

Tank-top and strapless-dress season is almost here. If you're not ready to bare your arms and upper back, drop and give me 20! Push-ups are one of the most effective upper body exercises, but the traditional move, whether with straight legs or knees on the floor, only offers muscles so much. Here are some ways to add zest to your push-ups and get more out of this basic exercise. Use an exercise Read more

Last Chance! An End-of-Season Workout to Up Your Ski Game


Updated 03/05/12 8:43 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Plank Lunge and Box Jump Circuit Workout For Skiers

Even with this mild Winter, we've still seen our fair share of snow in the mountains. And while Spring is just around the corner, late-season storms around the country have given us the gift of fresh powder. If you're planning a snowy mountain weekend anytime soon, here's a circuit workout that works your core, lower body, and balance — courtesy of Erick Northrup, a district fitness manager at Read more

4 Moves to Say Goodbye to Saddlebags


Updated 02/09/12 11:39 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Exercise Routine For Getting Rid of Saddlebags

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! If you're saddled with saddlebags, you probably think you got the short end of the family gene pool stick. But, lucky for you, those pesky fat deposits surrounding your hips, thighs, and butt are far easier to banish than, say, Great Aunt Hilda or your bossy big sister. "Saddlebags are largely determined by genetics, Read more

Gym 101: Strength-Training Warmup


Updated 01/27/12 1:01 PM · Posted by · 1 comment

How to Warm Up For Strength Training

A solid warmup sets you up for a solid workout. When it comes to prepping for strength training, an active warmup primes the joints and muscles, prepping them for the heavy lifting. Lauren, my Equinox trainer, introduced me to these moves, and after a little light cardio — for me, it's five minutes running on a treadmill at a 6 mph pace, but the elliptical or a little jump rope would work — Read more