FitSugar

Short, Sweet and Complete Abdominal Workout Video

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 14:35:00 -0800

How about those abs? If you are bored with your ab routine, or if you neglect your middle, here's a workout for you to try.

This video is made for you to play while you do the exercise. Think of it as a quick little workout with a voice leading you along and a counter in the lower lefthand corner counting down your reps.

So don't just watch. Watch and do. Then be sure to work your abs at three days a week. Your belly will thank you for all the attention.

For a few tips, just read more

You want to make sure you are working your deep abs the entire time. So focus on pulling your navel to your spine.
To keep tension out of your neck when doing crunches, think of holding an orange between your chin and your chest. Don't juice the orange, but don't drop it either.
When performing toe taps and heel taps, keep the torso and pelvis totally still. Use your abs to do this.
Have fun with the Hip Ups, but remember to control the motion and really scoop out your low belly.
When twisting to work your obliques, isolate the movement to just the rib cage. Don't move your low back.

Class Act: Cardio Tai Boxing

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:00:13 -0800

I'm big on fitness classes, but tend to stick with Pilates, yoga, or something slower-paced - usually afraid that I won't be able to keep up with a class that requires any dance technique. My exercise solution came in the form of Crunch's Cardio Tai Box class - a class that gets you moving without a required-knowledge of dance choreography. All you need to know? How to punch and kick. Really.

In fact, once you master the basic kicks and three different kinds of punches, you'll easily catch on when the combinations are introduced - so don't psych yourself out if you can't keep up right away. The key throughout the workout is to focus on each individual action, fully extend your arms and legs for punches and kicks, and be conscious of your core - if you're flexing your abs throughout you'll notice improved balance and form that'll make leg extension easier for round-house and side-kicks.

To learn more about the class and see video, just read more.

Ultimately, you'll find that the high intensity that the class requires goes hand in hand with the kinds of moves you're doing - and throwing a few punches is sure to relieve stress or any aggression after a long day at work; it's hands-down my top choice for a workout to shake things up and re-energize mid-week. If you lag behind during round one, just go back and do it again, or pull aside your instructor after class to go over technique, this way, you'll be up to speed and blasting calories by round two in the cardio ring.

Work Out: One-on-One Training With Jackie

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:30:35 -0800

I definitely was a fan of Jackie Warner's Bravo show, Work Out. And though I didn't always agree with the drama in her personal life, Warner's workout ethic is inspiring. I was recently given a copy of the fitness DVD, Workout: One-on-One Training With Jackie ($10) and the picture of Warner on the cover was enough to make me drop and give her 20. It's obvious that Warner works hard for her body, and that's enough for me to buy what she's selling.

Warner has designed an intense workout that focuses on upper body, lower body, and core. You can combine the three sections together for a grueling one-hour workout, or just focus on one area for about 20 minutes. Warner is great at talking you through the moves, and there are also modifications for beginners and the more advanced.

To hear more of my thoughts on Workout, read more.

I like my workouts to feel intense but to also fly by, and Warner provides that to a tee. Her workout offers a wide variety of moves with a lot of twists on the classics, and she offers little rest between them. Don't be fooled by how quickly time moves though, this is definitely an intense cross training workout - it combines alternating strength (you'll need hand weights) and cardio exercises. After doing this workout my abs were definitely sore the next day.

I think fans of Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred will really appreciate Workout. They both move at the same pace and each trainer has a similar no-nonsense, but encouraging approach. Beginners might benefit from Warner's DVD a bit more though because unlike Michaels, she does a much better job at instructing. This was especially helpful during the exercises where weights are used.

My only beef with the DVD is that there were some segments in which all of her trainers did not participate. Instead of going off camera they sat in the background, which might be a little distracting or uninspiring for viewers. Despite that criticism I definitely recommend this DVD and can attest that my abs were still sore two days later!

Which is Your Goal This Summer: Toned Tush or Flat Abs?

FitSugar — Tue, 29 May 2007 07:30:00 -0700

We've all got our goals for summer (like get over fear of sharks)... For many of us, especially if you're reading FitSugar right now, that goal is to be comfortable (and looking good) in a bikini but that can be different for everyone.

So which is your goal from your workout this summer: Toned tush or flat abs?

Why Does My Body Shake?

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:45:00 -0800

Sometimes during certain exercises, my muscles quiver involuntarily, especially when I'm doing ab work. Does this happen to you?

Good news: That shaking means you're working and strengthening your muscles. But it's also a sign that the muscle is not accustomed to the demands you're putting on it.

The trembling indicates how the muscles grab and release one other as they lengthen and shorten during the exercise. But that action will become smoother, and the shaking will stop, once the muscles become more used to the activities you're doing.

Although the shaking isn't dangerous, the fact that you're putting extra demand on the muscles could result in some soreness the next day. The soreness reflects the fact that there's some muscle damage, but when the body repairs it, you come back fitter and stronger in the end, so it's a good thing.

Just think - If you do the exercise everyday then you will get stronger and shake less. Test that theory by doing the 4 minute short, sweet and complete ab routine everyday.

Fit's Tips: So don't overexert yourself too much. If you find yourself quivering from the start, take the intensity down a bit, and ease your muscles into working harder gradually.

Whittle Your Waist With Side Planks

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:30:38 -0700

As we all begin to cozy up for Winter, let me remind you to keep working your core. The obliques, the abs on the sides of the torso, help stabilize you as well as tone your waist. Even though we can't spot reduce the love handles, you can tone the area with some side planks. Remember, the stronger your core the longer and harder you can run, dance, swim, lift and ride. Check out these five side planks.
Source: Getty

View Slideshow ›

DVD Review: Valerie Bertinelli - Losing It and Keeping Fit

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:47:59 -0700

Valerie Bertinelli dramatically transformed her body over the last couple of years, and to help others find success, she made a new fitness video, Valerie Bertinelli - Losing It and Keeping Fit ($15). It's led by her personal trainer Christopher Ross Lane, who has also trained Jillian Michaels.

This video includes two workouts: 20-minute Body Basics and 40-minute Keeping Fit. The first video, aimed at beginners, reviews basic strength-training moves as well as proper form. It's also a good workout if you're short on time, and let me tell you, the word "basic" doesn't mean easy. These challenging moves effectively target your glutes, quads, hamstrings, abs, upper back, and arms. You feel like you're joining Valerie in a private session with her trainer. The workout includes a lot of mat work like push-ups, Superman lifts, and reverse crunches, along with familiar moves like squats and lunges.

To hear about what I didn't like, read more.

The 40-minute routine contains both cardio and sculpting moves with and without dumbbells. Valerie puts in her two cents throughout the video, making comments like, "Oh I knew you were going to make this more challenging," and "Do we have to do the other side?" or "I'm going faster so I can get it over with," which I found this a little annoying. It gives the impression that she's lazy - not exactly a great way to motivate DVD watchers to work out. I do love Christopher's down-to-earth attitude though, and the way he gently pushes you to keep going, saying it feels good and will only make you stronger. Cranking up your own workout playlist would drown out Valerie's complaints, remedying the situation since the moves are easy to follow. I definitely felt worked from head to toe, a major plus, and I know Valerie was just trying to be funny, but I'd rather not hear her sarcastic remarks as I lunge, squat, and sweat.

You Asked: How to Get Rid of My Ab Flab

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:47:12 -0700

Dear Fit,
I'm fairly thin, have muscular thighs from running 20 minutes a few times a week and toned arms from doing yoga, but my belly is pudgy. I heard crunches won't get rid of my gut, but what exercises will?
- Jiggly Middle

We all have areas of our body that hang on to fat, so to hear my suggestions about how to get rid of the extra around your midsection keep reading

Gabrielle Reece Dishes About Food and Abs

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:00:45 -0700

I have been a fan of Gabrielle Reece for a while, and after talking to her recently I would love to work out with her. Why? She doesn't believe in crunches. Gabby is all about functional exercises since the hardest thing to move is your own body. She explained how she tones her midsection: "Over the years, I learned to incorporate doing abs within an all-body exercise. Then you're working in all the planes of motions and the abs have to coordinate with the rest of the body." One of her favorites is plank with row. Yeah, your arms are moving in this exercise, but the abs are working the most to hold you steady in plank position.

Food is an essential part of healthy living, and to learn what Gabby eats for breakfast just read more.

When it comes to her diet, she has recognized that her needs vary from day to day, but she most always begins with a smoothie. Gabby starts with almond milk and frozen fruit, then adds peanut butter for fat and powdered greens. It is full of protein, but easy to digest before training. She explains her general food philosophy like this:

"I do better when I eat smaller meals throughout the day, especially a smaller dinner. I try not to freak out about food too much and be neurotic. But I do avoid processed food . . . I avoid flour and sugary drinks. I have learned to eat colorful foods. If it doesn't have a shelf life of 50 years . . . it is real food and that's what I am all about these days."

Gabby also believes in an afternoon pick-me-up. She savors dark chocolate and sips on jasmine tea. Since those are two of my favorite treats, maybe I would rather take afternoon tea with her instead of having her push me through a functional fitness workout.

Gabrielle Reece on Fitting Fitness Into a Busy Life

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:50:52 -0700

Gabrielle Reece is a fitness idol of mine, and I was lucky enough to speak to her about fitness and motherhood recently. I thought she was cool before, but now I wish she could be my new BFF.

Needless to say, Gabby is a busy lady, and many of you were curious about how she fits fitness into her daily routine. Simply put, she's aggressive about it. Comparing her commitment to working out to her obligations as a mother, she says that you wouldn't skip out on picking your kids up from school, so you shouldn't skip taking care of yourself. One way to ensure she doesn't blow off her workout is by running a circuit-training group of 10 women on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Since she's responsible for the class, she's there. Gabby saves the other two weekdays for cardio - biking or swimming. She explained her reasoning:

"It comes down to this . . . I am going to be a better wife, a better professional, a better mom, and definitely a nicer human being if I train. So I schedule it. And I think it's critical to schedule with other people because then you're accountable. You just can't blow it off."

To see how becoming a mom has changed her workouts, read more.
A mother of two young girls, Gabby knows that once you become a mom, you have a lot less time, and time constraints force you to be a lot more flexible. She explained that she has become more focused, too, when she has a scheduled workout.

"I have become a lot more serious about that time. If I have allotted an hour, I don't mess around with that time. I don't chitchat. This hour is golden and I am here to bust it. There have been days where I only have 20 . . . Instead of freaking out I say, 'Today is 20 minutes and 20 minutes is better than nothing.' With being a mom, you have a mix. I have become softer and harsher about it all."

As a working mother with two girls of my own, I fully relate. That 6 a.m. workout is the time I have to work out, so I make it work. Says Gabby: "When I am training, it's an opportunity to just be me, not do the mom thing. It's a chance to plug into my inner athlete."

Here's to a victorious inner athlete! Stay tuned for more on Gabby's food, abs, and working out with Laird, her surfer-pro husband.