Healthy happy you.
Pilates has a rep as a girly exercise form that attracts ladies who lunch. Private sessions can be pricey, but mat classes will work your entire body. Originally called Contrology, the practice was actually developed to rehab injured soldiers after WW I — talk about functional fitness! After teaching the method for years (and rehabbing my own chronic back injury with it), I have decided Pilates Read more
I love going up to the mountains in the Winter to try my hand at snowboarding for a day. But since I only make it up once a season, I'm far from an expert snow bunny. In fact, I spend much of the time making it precariously down the easiest of slopes, tumbling and scooting along the way. Even though next-day sore muscles are always a painful reminder about how much I have yet to learn, I love Read more
Did all the coverage of the NYC marathon get you pumped up to run? Let me help you avoid a few common mistakes people make when they decide to make running a part of their lives. Start with where you are now and take time to build up your strength and endurance. Coach Jenny over at Runner's Word says, "Gradually progressing from running with power walking breaks to continuous running is the Read more
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
The rowing machine can be intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, it's an effective way to spice up your cardio routine. But while the rowing machine, also called an ergometer, is a calorie buster (about 280 calories in 30 minutes for an 130-pound woman) and a good leg and core workout, improper form can lead to back injuries if you're not careful. Read on for our tips on proper rowing Read more
Warm weather inspires many runners to head for the great outdoors. The gorgeous scenery definitely inspires me to tackle bigger trips, so whether you're running long distances for fun or are training for a marathon, here's a tip for staying hydrated: Instead of carrying around your water, stash it along the way. It's like having your own personal water stations! Map out your route ahead of time Read more
Many people prefer hitting the treadmill to running outdoors, but if you're not careful, along with that toned tush you might end up with a stiff neck, resulting in a nagging headache. Follow these tips the next time you hop on the treadmill to prevent this common running woe. Keep Your Gaze Forward One gym perk is its televisions, which allow you to catch up on the news or your favorite TV Read more
Who doesn't want to get a stronger, more toned body in less time? If you're a beginner, however, lack of knowledge about what to do or how to change your workout can lead to risky or ineffective routines. Make sure you keep your workouts effective — and stay injury-free — with these basic tips for taking your strength training to the next level. Read more
More so than running outside, I find myself tensing up when it comes to running on the treadmill. And when I look down the row of machines, I see the same thing — runners leaning forward, hunching their shoulders, or running too close to the top of the treadmill. The same running form issues are common no matter if you're running inside or outside, but I've found that the pulling motion of the Read more
While many people love the thrill of biking fast downhill, I am not one of them. I love biking uphill. Call me crazy, but I crave the burn in my lungs and legs. But once you've climbed a hill — and in my neck of the woods, hills can be miles long — you have to get yourself down the other side. Aside from just getting out there and riding, having a few tricks up your sleeve can help. Here are Read more
