FitSugar

Move It at Home: Winsor Pilates Ab Sculpting

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 10:15:00 PDT

Sometimes getting to the gym or a Pilates class is just impossible! It is those times that make us all thankful for DVD players. It can be almost as difficult to find a good exercise DVD, as it is to get to the gym. Well I am here to tell you, and so are my abs, that the Winsor Pilates Ab Sculpting workout really packs a punch - in a good way.

The ab workout is about 20 minutes and includes all the classic Pilates abdominal exercises - like the 100s, single leg stretch and rolling like a ball. If you have never studied Pilates those names might be a little intriguing, and this DVD might not be the best place to learn the exercises so make sure to start with one of the beginner DVDs from Winsor included in the set with this one. You could also take a mat class or even better a Pilates private and the fundamentals of working your core and deep abs can be clarified for you. There are a few modifications offered in the DVD but not for every exercise.

On the other hand, if you have studied Pilates this is a great video leading you through the classic repertory without getting bogged down with too many of those fundamental details that can make exercising with a DVD frustrating. The pace is quick which is great, and this way you do quite a few different exercises in a short 20 minute workout. In fact one of my favorite elements of the routine is changing the tempo or pace of some of the exercises - starting with 10 slow repetitions followed by 10 or 20 quick reps. This would be a great routine to do 3 to 4 times a week.

The Ab Sculpting DVD is sold in a package with other Winsor Pilates DVDs. You can buy the package from Winsor Pilates directly for $59.80. The package includes 6 DVDs, and an exercise planner and a Sculpting Circle (similar to the Magic Circle).

Got Two Left Feet? Let Zumba Help You Find the Beat

Self — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:12:19 PST

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

If you're anything like me, Zumba has always held a certain allure, but the very idea of dancing in front of a roomful of people sounds about as appealing as doing my taxes or making a spur-of-the-moment appointment at the DMV. I'm not just painfully shy about busting a move but hopelessly uncoordinated in the booty-shaking department.

So after years of avoiding Zumba for fear of embarrassing myself, I decided it was time to stop being a wallflower and start working up a sweat. "I used to be a very shy person but I have learned that everything in life is about attitude," says Gisella Ferreira, a Zumba instructor at the Brasil Brasil Cultural Center in Los Angeles. "Having a positive attitude makes all the difference, so go with an open mind and let yourself enjoy the party!"

As for doing the actual dance steps, Ferreira is quick to point out that literally anybody can follow along with a little practice. "I see new Zumba students every day that have never danced in their lives and are able to dance through the whole class," she says. "Zumba is a world dance fitness party. It's easy to do, effective, and totally exhilarating." If that's not enough motivation, Ferreira says Zumba burns between 500 and 800 calories per class and targets "glutes, thighs, calves, abdominals, core, pectorals, biceps, and triceps."

Ready to get this party started? Add this five-move sequence to your regular workout routine four days a week and, before you know it, you'll be dancing in the streets. Read on for the workout.

The Best Indoor Workout Classes (Because It's Freezing Outside!)

Self — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:35:01 PST

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

There are lots (and I mean, lots) of reasons why my motivation to work out during the Winter plummets - from the snowy commute to freezing cold winds to the cold, dry air that hits my chest with such force that it becomes hard to breathe. (Ahem, there's a reason I sign up for races that are after September - this born-and-raised Floridian prefers to train outdoors during the Summer.)

But it is possible to sculpt, strengthen, and sweat (majorly sweat) without having to be freezing cold during the winter. So when the weather outside is frightful, head indoors for these top full-body workouts that will help ward off Winter weight:

Indoor cycling: Ruth Zukerman, cofounder of NYC's FlyWheel cycling studio, is heating things up indoors with her 45-minute, heart-racing classes. (Self favorite Jillian Michaels is even a recent investor in the company). "I wanted to be part of the most innovative and effective indoor cycling program, and that is FlyWheel. I am thrilled to join the FlyWheel team," Michaels said in a press release. What makes cycling such an effective alternative is that it's taking the fun full-body workout people love indoors, and instead of scenery, you'll stay motivated to challenge yourself thanks to encouraging instructors and a killer playlist. Flywheel has an awesome on-bike technology board that lets you compete against other riders in the class. Plus if you're looking to shape up before hitting the slopes, "indoor cycling is great preparation for all Winter sports, especially skiing and snowboarding. I know from personal experience that when I hit the slopes I don't tire out easily or suffer from the kind of après-ski muscle pain that most people do, and it's because of indoor cycling," Zukerman says.

Try this move: If you're riding an exercise bike at home or the gym, try some interval training. One thing we often do at Flywheel is a "Sprint Chorus," meaning we increase our RPMs to a sprint during the song's chorus and then revert to a cadence on the beat of the music as the chorus ends.

More best indoor workouts after the break.

Work Out Like a Celeb: Get the Bod

Susi May — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 03:36:22 PST

Celebrity trainers offer up the best exercises they can give to their clients, including Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz, and Heidi Klum. Just in time for the New Year, use these videos to help get your buns, abs, and guns in shape, so you can feel as toned and sexy as these leading stars.

Jennifer Aniston's Abs	Cameron Diaz's Legs	Heidi Klum's Supermodel Sculpt
Minka Kelly's Abs	Katie Holmes's Glutes	Victoria Beckham's Legs

The Fitness Goal You Can Accomplish Before 2012

Self — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:23:44 PST

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

"Make your last set the one that counts," the instructor cued us during last night's workout. And while the last things my arms wanted to do was another bicep curl, ending on a strong note not only made me feel extra accomplished, but it's that extra push towards sculpting a slim, strong bod.

So while we've only got four days left before the end of year, end on a high note by crossing a fitness goal off your to-do list. Your challenge: perfect a squat. (We know it's one of your least-favorite moves, but maybe this'll change your mind!)

"The squat is what we call a functional exercise. If you can practice doing it properly in your workout routine then when you have to do it in everyday life it becomes easier and you're less likely to get injured as you age," says NY-based fitness expert Melissa Paris. "You don't even realize but you are already squatting every day: when you go to the bathroom, when you pick something up off the floor or when you get up and down from your office chair."

Read on for tips on how to perfect the all-important squat.

Reese Witherspoon's "Om"-azing Arm Workout

Self — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:15:35 PST

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

Reese Witherspoon may be one of Hollywood's most in-demand leading ladies, but don't expect the Oscar winner to solicit any special treatment during her tri-weekly yoga sessions.

"We've done private training a few times but she usually comes to the group class," says YogaHop owner Matthew Reyes, who has trained Witherspoon for the past five years. "I treat Reese the same as I treat everyone else but I'm glad she feels comfortable enough to come in with the general public."

Reyes enthusiastically endorses the 35-year-old's other passion (running) as a perfect complement to yoga but warns, "Women across the board, especially runners, have a much better developed lower body than upper body." That's why he pushes the actress to find her edge in every power yoga session. "My goal is, if someone were to work out until their arms were exhausted, take a day off then do it again, take a day off and do it again. You will see some really nice development in your muscular tone."

Want to get strong, sexy arms like the Water For Elephants star? Add these four moves to your regular routine three times a week and you'll be flaunting Witherspoon-like guns in no time.

See the moves after the break.

5 Reasons Your Workout Isn't Working

Shape — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 03:44:13 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar.

Have you been working out consistently for months (maybe even years) and yet the scale is creeping up? Here are five ways your workout could be keeping you from losing weight, and what our experts recommend to start shedding pounds again:

1. Your workout routine is making you eat too much.
Is your workout causing you to use the "I burned it, I earned it," excuse when it comes to your diet? "Studies show that people tend to eat more calories when they take up exercise," says Michele Olson, Ph.D., professor of exercise science at Auburn University Montgomery, and creator of the Perfect Legs, Glutes & Abs DVD.

Think your 45-minute morning run was enough to burn off that slice of chocolate cake on the dessert menu? Consider this: the average, 140-pound woman burns about 476 calories (at a 10-minute mile pace) running for 45 minutes. The average restaurant dessert clocks in around 1,200 calories (or more), so even if you only eat half of a slice, you'd still easily eat away your run - and then some - in less than 10 minutes.

The solution: Make your workouts count by pairing them with a healthy diet that stays within the appropriate calorie range your body needs in order to lose or maintain your weight. Olson recommends writing down what you are eating to keep track of calories consumed, and then subtracting the calories you burned, for your true daily number.

See even more reasons why your workout isn't working after the break!

Fit's Hits: A Visual on Salty Snacks, Ab Moves For Winter, and More!

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:46:40 PDT

Get a visual on what 100 calories of your fave salty snack actually looks like.
It might not be bikini weather, but here are ab exercises to do all Winter long.
Learn how to separate out weight loss fact from fiction.
Things you shouldn't do in the gym locker room - especially if you want to stay well.
Yoga poses to stretch out tight hips from sitting or cycling.
Joy Bauer has food fixes for the dreaded weight-loss plateau.
Hate the treadmill? Get your heart rate up with these intense cardio workouts.
Five moves to get Kate Middleton's royally sculpted arms.
Eat to prevent weight gain! Nosh on these foods.
Great store-bought snacks for post-workout.

5 Pilates Moves That Will Get You Ready For Bikini Season

Leta Shy — Tue, 24 May 2011 08:42:53 PDT

Whether you're dancing your way to dropped pounds or making like a ballerina on the barre, there's no end of trendy workouts to try. But one workout that's shown the test of time is Pilates: the exercises are great for toning and targeting muscle groups, which is perfect for upcoming bikini season. And don't be fooled; these exercises will have you sweating! Here are 5-targeted moves to start working into your exercise routine in time for bikini season!

Abs

Pilates is the perfect workout for your abs. It engages the transverse abdominal muscles, which are your deep abs, so these exercises not only help you get a toned stomach but also strengthen the muscle that helps "suck everything in." Try this ab sculpting series from celebrity trainer Nicole Stuart that includes Pilates basics like The Hundred and Single Leg Stretch.

Glutes

Pippa Middleton's love of Pilates may have been the key to her famous backside. Get your own attention-worthy bum with Pilates exercises that target your glutes. Try the Swimming Frog, for example. This move mimics the moves of an amphibian to tone your back as well as your backside. You can also try the move with a basketball between your legs to make it more challenging.

Check out three more moves for three different areas after the break!

Pilates Experts Tell All: How to Get Long and Lean Muscles

Leta Shy — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 02:42:11 PDT

Many people tout Pilates as one of the best ways to get that long and lean look. Even super toned Serena Williams said she was able to change her body by incorporating Pilates into her routine: "I saw results within a week," she's said. Impressive, right? We asked the experts why the practice is so great for sculpting your body. Read on for their tips on how to get long and lean muscles - no matter your workout - with these Pilates principles!

Practice good posture. So many reasons to stand up straight, and being taller (and creating a long and lean look) is one of them. Training your core helps keep you from slouching, and Pilates is one of the best ways to do it. "Pilates forces you to be aligned and pull up [to] re-create a 'perfect-posture' look," says Nicole Stuart, Pilates instructor to celebs like Kate Hudson. Even if you aren't a Pilates student, make sure you keep this in mind by adding powerful core exercises into your normal routine and doing posture-correcting exercise (try these three exercises for a better posture) to train your muscles to keep you standing tall.
Lengthen while you strengthen. Strength training moves that work muscles while they are in eccentric (fully extended) position are an effective way to build muscles from the inside, Nicole says. That can help combat the bulkiness that some people say they experience when they weight train. "In Pilates you stretch the muscle to it's full extension, then contract it. The difference with [using] weights is that you are using your muscles against the resistance of that weight you are holding. So while you're lifting the weight you build and expand your muscle. You are adding a layer of muscle and reshaping." Add a few Pilates moves to your strength training routine with these five moves that target all areas of your body.

Find out more muscle-sculpting tips after the break.