Healthy happy you.
You know when you are in the kitchen cooking for hours and your back and arms start to ache? Well this stretch is a nice break from the endless chopping (like preparing the ingredients for stuffing on Thanksgiving) and this stretch makes my back feel great. I call it the kitchen sink stretch, and primarily it stretches the lats (the biggest muscle of the back), but it is a great release for the Read more
Ever since I read about couples getting into the ring together I have been a bit obsessed with boxing. Well here's a great Pilates move using hand weights to help you add power to your punch. Yep, this exercise is called Boxing. This move works your triceps, lats and deltoids while challenging your core. A.) Starting Position Stand with your feet hip distance apart. Bend your elbows back, Read more
There has been a serious amount of requests for back exercises. So allow me to introduce you to - Back OFF! Fit's ongoing series of exercises targeting the back. These moves will be great for toning and strengthening your back, and they'll help with your posture too. You do need an exercise ball for this exercise, so hopefully you or your gym has one. These balls are really great for working Read more
Elliptical trainers are a gym favorite. Not only is this cardio machine joint friendly, it's incredibly versatile — you can go forward and backward, work your arms and legs, or focus on your core while getting your heart rate up. Here are some tips to help you squeeze the most out of your minutes on the machine. If your focus is cardio: Keep your eye on your strides per minute. SPM is the Read more
My Crunch trainer recently introduced me to the assisted pull-up machine, and it might be my new favorite exercise. The machine uses counterbalance weights, which means the higher the weight you set the machine, the easier the exercise becomes. Set the weight to 20 pounds less than your weight, complete three to five reps, and then adjust the weight accordingly. For instance, if you weigh 130 Read more
You might want to view law school scholarships with a grain of salt. In a New York Times expose, it was revealed that many students lose their law school merit scholarships because of a system that is designed for them to do so. Law schools offer more scholarships because they want to lure highly qualified students in order up their U.S. News rankings. However, the students quickly find out that Read more
We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar! There's something about the way dancers carry themselves that makes them look a little bit taller — even if they're on the shorter side of the spectrum! With this phenomenon in mind, we asked Laura Halzack of the Paul Taylor Dance Company for her secret to that long and lean look. (Click here to enter to win a Read more
We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar! Once upon a time, rowing was considered a man's sport, beloved by preppy Ivy League boys and lake fishermen. Times have changed. Here's what happened: we ladies found out it was fun. You know what else is fun? Being toned. And, contrary to popular belief, rowing accomplishes that for more than just your upper body. Just Read more
I know many runners and cyclists, who though tempted by the lure of mixing it up in a triathlon, ultimately skip these races because they're intimidated by the swim. Not only is swimming in open water scary, unlike running, it is also considered a skill sport, similar to tennis or golf because technique is so important. If you feel less than confident in the pool, taking lessons to hone your Read more
Inspired by the list of the upcoming fitness trends generated by the American College of Sports Medicine, I have started my own list of how working out will evolve in 2009. The ancient practice of yoga is flexible enough (bad pun, I know) to mix with almost any other form of exercise or prop. The folks over at Crunch have been dreaming up trend-setting classes for years now, and their latest Read more
