I am a fan of working my core with plank exercises. But the basic plank can get a little dull, so I asked Lauren, my Equinox trainer, to throw a new variation at me. She promptly introduced me to the two-point plank. Just holding this position is serious business, so adding arm and leg motion to the unstable plank takes the difficulty level up a notch. This exercise reminds me of the quadruped (a Read more

No matter how you slice it or dice it, the BOSU makes everything harder — and I mean that in a good way. Take your basic plank, add the BOSU into the equation and your core is working overtime. Here's a progression of plank exercises for this devilish piece of equipment that I learned from my Equinox trainer Lauren. Basic Plank: You start in a basic plank with the ball side of the BOSU facing Read more

If you liked taking your elbow plank for a walk, here's another variation. It's an effective exercise that will strengthen your arms, upper back, and core. Add it to your strength-training routine the next time you work out, and it won't take long before you feel this one working. To learn how to do this move, keep reading 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

I was lucky enough to take a class taught by Manhattan-based yoga teacher Kristin McGee right here in San Francisco! Although one busy lady, Kristin traveled across the country to teach Vinyasa Vibes (a new offering at The Sports Club/LA), a flow-based, powerful yoga sequence enhanced by music. The most musical part of the practice? During Savasana, the class culminated in a live sax solo by Read more

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

If you want to work your core, plank position (top of a push-up) is a great move. You'll not only feel it in your abs, but it works your back, arms, shoulders, and legs. Here are seven variations to make it even more challenging. Get low: Instead of balancing on your hands in a straight-arm position, bend your elbows and lower onto your forearms into dolphin plank. This plank variation targets Read more