5 Ways to Spice Up Traditional Crunches


Updated 04/18/12 10:43 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Make Crunches More Fun

If crunches are part of your regular fitness regimen, you may feel like this basic move could use fresh inspiration. If your ab routine is feeling a little dated, but you're not ready to give up crunches just yet, have no fear. Here are five easy ways to spice up everyday crunches. Take a twist on the tradition: Crunches are even better when you mix up the movement to target different areas of Read more

Core Work: The Split Crunch Is Harder Than It Looks


Updated 12/29/11 8:27 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Crunch Exercise Variations That Work Your Core

I've been working on strengthening my core with my trainer, Tim Rich, at Crunch Gym. He recommended a do-anywhere exercise that is anything but easy but will definitely help strengthen your ab muscles. The move, called the split crunch, uses your leg positioning to modify a normal run-of-the-mill crunch. The result? An ab-killing exercise that you can fit in anytime. To start, lie on your back, Read more

Get Fit For Summer: FitSugar Readers Share Their Favorite Exercises


Updated 06/03/11 11:10 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Best Strength Training Exercises

We love getting inspiration from you, our readers, and when we asked you what your favorite strength training move is, you didn't disappoint! Here are the most popular strength training exercises you all shared in the Get Fit For Summer community group as part of the eighth challenge in the Get Fit For Summer giveaway. By doing so, you're eligible to win a $100 New Balance gift card! Source: Read more

4 Reasons to Ditch Crunches


Updated 01/19/11 11:12 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Why Crunches Don't Work Your Abs

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar! Although most of the country is in a deep freeze, it's getting to be that time of year when we all freak out about getting in shape for summer. Always first to mind: our bloated-from-holiday-fun belly. We're constantly receiving mixed intel about how to workout our abs. So, we were psyched to pick up a copy of a new book Read more

Do You Do Crunches Regularly?


Updated 08/02/10 4:47 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 4 comments

Full Body Exercises Work the Abdominals

Crunches. Sit-ups. The 100s. I used to do tons of abdominal work lying on my back. I would fit these strength training moves in by doing them during TV commercial breaks or at the tail end of a cardio session, but things have changed. Now I do so many full body exercises — from planks to burpees, from wood choppers to squats with side bends — that work my abs while working other body parts Read more

Where to Put Your Tongue to Relax Your Neck


Updated 05/05/09 10:42 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 13 comments

Where to Put Your Tongue to Relax Your Neck

I heard this advice when I walked into my first yoga class years ago: to keep your jaw and neck relaxed, place your tongue on the roof of your mouth. But this tip has a broader application. Since you can't clench your jaw or grimace with your tongue is purposefully place there, this simple move is great for strength training. It will help remove unnecessary tension from your face, neck, chest, Read more

5 Things You Always Wanted to Know About Paying For College


Updated 05/23/12 10:16 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Important Facts About Paying For College

Paying for college is such a complex issue. LearnVest helps simplify it by answering some key questions in regard to paying tuition. If you believe everything you read, then you might think you need to be a Rockefeller to have kids. That, of course, isn't the case. Yes, kids are expensive, and thinking about paying for a college education can be scary and frustrating . . . but that's where we Read more

4 Reasons to Add an Exercise Ball to Your Home Gym


Updated 05/22/12 2:00 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Ways to Use an Exercise Ball

The exercise ball may occupy a lot of room in your home gym, but it's one versatile piece of equipment. Find out how to get the most out of your exercise ball below. A healthier seat: Ditch your normal seat on the couch and sit on an exercise ball instead. Using a ball to sit helps correct your posture, tones your abs, and encourages you to stretch, all of which sounds a lot better than the Read more

Easy Ways to Get More From Your Food Budget


Updated 05/18/12 8:55 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Stop Wasting Food

Go the extra mile with your food budget with these tips from LearnVest. For years, many people — my husband, mom, sister and even my son — told me to stop wasting so much food. Throwing away half a piece of chicken here or a handful of grapes there never seemed like such a big deal to me. If I was full or no longer in the mood for that particular food, then I had no problem tossing Read more

Dainty Vegan Teatime Cookies


Updated 05/17/12 4:49 PM · Posted by · 4 comments

Vegan Thumbprint Cookies With Chocolate Frosting

Warmer months mean lazy afternoon tea parties, and these thumbprint cookies are a dainty treat to add to the table. For added crunch and flavor, try rolling the crisp, crumbly shortbread in toasted, slivered almonds. Although vegan, the smooth, dark chocolate "buttercream" imparts rich, tart notes to the otherwise delicate cookie. Take a look at the fast and easy recipe. Read more