"Ab"solutely Don't Overwork Your Abs!

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 14:30:00 -0700

I know that bikini season is approaching fast. I also know that we are all looking to get those abs in tip-top shape; with this in mind, many of us have the tendency to go a little ab crazy right now. However, if you overwork them, you may be doing more harm than good.

The abs are like any other muscle in the body -- Intense work followed by a period of rest and recuperation (at least 48 hours) is the best way to develop them. Working them out on a daily basis is not a great idea because you are not allowing for that essential rest time. Think about having an intense "ab" day once or twice a week -- This would be a day that you only focus on exercising your abs, proceeded or followed with at least 30 minutes of cardio, of course.

I know it's tempting, but resist the urge to do those once obligatory 100 crunches at the end of your workout every single day. You and your abs can thank me later.

Stretch It: Easy Quad Stretch

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 07:30:00 -0700

I think the quads are the most over worked muscles in our bodies and they sure do get tight. This standing quad stretch is one of my favorite stretches because you can do it anywhere (I often do it when I am waiting for the elevator when no one is around). In fact I often refer to it as a "portable stretch" since you need no props to do it and you don't have to get on the ground.

Here are some tips:

If the challenge of balancing on one leg proves too difficult and detracts from the stretch, hold onto something.
Make sure that your knees are touching. This helps to target the stretch to the outside part of the quad which tends to overwork.
Squeeze your booty just a bit to increase the stretch.
Pulling your abs in will increase the stretch too! Engaging your deep abs will help with your balance too.
To increase the stretch, you can bend the bottom knee a bit.

Hold Stretch for 20 - 30 seconds

This is a great stretch to do after just about any activity, from hiking or running, to swimming and biking. Stretch those quads ladies!!! Your knees will love you for it.