FitSugar

Weekend Workout: Core Exercises

FitSugar — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 04:05:21 PDT

Weekends are often jam-packed with traveling, errands, socializing, and chores - gardening anyone? All these activities can push your workout off the to-do list, but here are three time-saving moves, and with no equipment necessary you can do them anywhere. All three exercises will work your core. Plus the first move will also tone your glutes and hamstrings, the second targets your upper body, and the third move is great for your thighs and abs. Do the exercises in the order shown, and complete the circuit three times.

Reverse Elbow Plank
With Leg Lifts
Eight reps each leg

One-Legged
Dolphin Dive
Five reps each side

Side Plank Star
Hold each side
for 30 seconds

Still itching for more? Check out these Weekend Workouts to learn how to tone other areas of your body.

5 Moves to Work Your Core

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:40:37 PST

We all know that the elbow plank is a great core exercise. But this move, like any other, can get a bit stale. And if you're bored with an exercise chances are high your body has becomes accustomed to the exercise and you're no longer gaining strength.

If you're ready to add variation to your core routine, here are five new moves to strengthen your mid-section courtesy of Core Performance Women. These exercises target the back, glutes, abs, and inner thighs. Add two to three of these exercises to your strength training sessions and you will notice a more toned middle and stronger workouts all around.
Photos courtesy of Core Performance Women (Penguin)

8 Do-Anywhere Exercises

FitSugar — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 03:05:16 PST

Maybe you can't make it to the gym, or you're on the road, or you can't afford any fitness equipment of your own. Guess what? Not good excuses for being lazy. The great thing about exercise is that you can do it almost anywhere without the need for equipment. If you find yourself in a situation when you want a full-body workout but are limited by locale, try these eight exercises. Your heart will be pumping, muscles worked, and all without the use of any equipment!

No Equipment Necessary: Shaving Your Head Works Your Triceps

Michele Bell — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:30:02 PST

Don't worry your pretty little head full of hair, this exercise really doesn't require any equipment - not even a razor. The shaving I'm talking about comes in the form of your hands and it's in reference to the motion. It will, however, shave your triceps down into sculpted muscles.

Simply take your hands behind your head with your thumbs touching each other and your index fingers also joined together to form a diamond shape. Place it at the nape of your neck and in one singular smooth motion, press your hands above your head as if your hands are shaving the hair off the back of your head. It is a diagonal motion that will leave you looking ready to dive into a pool of water. Bring your arms back down to your neck and repeat the move while keeping your abs engaged and the tops of your shoulders down. Do three sets of 10 and hug yourself for all your hard work (and a stretch, too!).

Easily performed in a standing or seated position, it is a simple way to add a little oomph to your workday routine or your holiday travel.

5 Places to Get Your Lunge On

Michele Bell — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 09:00:24 PST

Want sexy legs and a tight tush? Get going on the lunges. A simple "no equipment necessary" kind of exercise, these can truly be done anywhere, anytime. It may look a little odd if you start doing them in the middle of a meeting with your boss, but there are some other unusual places that actually make sense. Come check them out.

No Equipment Necessary: Swimming Frog

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 14:46:55 PDT

Just when I thought I knew most of the moves in Pilates, I was introduced to a new one that I'm kind of digging. A simple yet burn-worthy motion, the swimming frog helps open the chest while working back and booty. Living up to its name, the steps are exactly what one might imagine Kermit doing as he swims downstream.

Learn how to do it yourself!

Heart Pumping Strengthening Sequence

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 04:30:15 PDT

If you need a workout but there are no dumbbells or a treadmill in sight, you can still get your blood flowing and strengthen your upper body, core, and legs without any equipment. Here's a six-move routine that's sure to have your heart pumping, your lungs working hard, and your muscles burning. Repeat this sequence twice through.

Source: Thinkstock

No Equipment Necessary: Side Plank Leg Lift

FitSugar — Tue, 25 May 2010 06:56:55 PDT

I love exercises that work multiple areas of my body; challenging moves never bore. Plus, you can feel the benefits of core strength work almost immediately. This variation on the side plank targets your shoulders, waist, abs, back, outer thighs, and glute meds (the gluteal muscle on the side of the pelvis that helps stabilize your hip joint).

Learn the details when you

No Equipment Necessary: Wide Squat Steppers

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 04:30:44 PST

It's time to get off your tush and work it. These walking wide squats will tone your backside, but will also strengthen your quads just in time for ski season.

Music: "Video" by Indie Arie

For details on how to do this move, and tips on making it more difficult,

No Equipment Necessary: Seated Sweeping Leg Lift

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:00:05 PST

Time to strengthen those quads with this simple yet effective move you can do anywhere. This exercise will tone your upper legs, which will make your legs appear slimmer. Toned thighs will also give you strength when running, biking, swimming, or doing everyday activities like going up stairs.

Want to feel the burn? To find out how to do this move, keep reading