Healthy happy you.
This next pose called Intense East is the fourth pose in Ashtanga Yoga's Primary Series. It strengthens and stretches your shoulders simultaneously, and also works your bum and hamstrings. If you've done the Pilates move called Reverse Plank, then this will be a cinch. Sanskrit Name: Purvottanasana English Translation: Eastern Intense Stretch Pose Also Called: Intense East or Upward Read more
Here is a Pilates move to work your entire being – abs, arms, core, hip flexors, and legs – called the Leg Pull Back (or Leg Pull Up). It is challenging and fun and a whole new take on the plank because here your back is to the ground. How's that for turning the move inside out. Here's how you do Leg Pull Back: Reverse Plank Start by sitting with legs out in front of you, heels together, Read more
I know that during the busy holiday season it can be difficult to find time to workout, but adding these two simple moves to your fitness routine might just help keep you going. I found them over at ExerciseTV, I knew I wanted to share them with you. The folks at ExerciseTV were generous enough to share this video with me and to sponsor this post. So get ready to jump start your fitness with fun Read more
Since it is Thanksgiving week and everything is a little topsy turvy (a 3 day work week, lots of food, Black Friday) I thought I would show you a plank flipped over and reversed. Sit with your legs out straight in front of you and place your hands behind you with finger tips toward your bum. Your shoulders will no longer be over your pelvis. Inhale to prepare and... Exhale squeezing your 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
Looking for a tough exercise that will work your shoulders, legs, and abs? Then have I got the move for you. The hardest part about this exercise is keeping your hips up while you lift your legs. Plus this move will challenge your core. To find out how to do this move read more. Read more
Reaching a fitness plateau means you're getting stronger (congrats on all the hard work), but it also means it is time to kick it up a notch. You need to add some new challenges to your workouts. My Equinox trainer Lauren has taught me one simple tweak will make every exercise harder: go one legged. Taking one leg off the floor forces your entire body to work harder to keep you on balance. Here Read more
Mat classes are the most affordable way to reap the benefits of Pilates. Taught across the country at gyms and private studios, group classes mean you don't have an instructor cuing and correcting your every move. Make the most of your time on the mat and be mindful of these common mistakes I've seen in classes over the years. Not Going Deep There are many benefits to Pilates, but getting in 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
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, Read more
