FitSugar

Want Toned Abs? Don't Use Momentum

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:00:05 -0700

Many of the women in my Pilates and yoga classes ask how they can get a trim and toned middle. Aside from doing cardio to reduce overall body fat, exercises that target the core muscles are key. Crunches on an exercise ball, Pilates 100s, the always challenging Bicycle Crunches, and Reverse Curls are all essential exercises when it comes to strengthening your abs.

One tip to keep in mind when doing these strength training moves is to move with control. You want to use your muscles, not momentum, to ensure that your abs are doing all the work. You can even pause slightly between reps to make sure you're not just rocking from one rep to another. Keep your abs contracted throughout the entire range of motion, and you'll feel the burn instantly that lets you know your hard work is paying off.

7 Ways to a Flatter, Fitter Belly

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:00:00 -0700

No matter how many crunches you do, you cannot spot reduce your midsection. If you are battling with your belly check out these seven things you can do to make peace with your midriff.

Source

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Which is Your Goal This Summer: Toned Tush or Flat Abs?

FitSugar — Tue, 29 May 2007 07:30:00 -0700

We've all got our goals for summer (like get over fear of sharks)... For many of us, especially if you're reading FitSugar right now, that goal is to be comfortable (and looking good) in a bikini but that can be different for everyone.

So which is your goal from your workout this summer: Toned tush or flat abs?

Move It: Full Sit Up with Bridge

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 09:30:00 -0700

In a recent poll, I asked you all if your summer fitness goal is to have flat abs or a toned tush. Now, while the majority voted for flat abs I thought I'd share this exercise with you all that works both areas of concern. It's a full sit-up/bridge combo and it works your backs side and your torso splendidly.

Start with a basic bridge.

On an exhale, push your pelvis up. Keep your back straight and in neutral spine - imagine your abs and back muscles sandwiching your spine.

You will feel your hamstrings and glutes work.
If you want to work your inner thighs a bit, place something between your knees (like a pillow) and hold it there for the duration of the series.
Lower your pelvis down to the ground as you inhale. As your pelvis lowers, bring your arms up.

Next, do a full sit up.

Exhale and roll all the way up to sitting with your hands behind your head. You put your hands behind so you can't jerk yourself up by swinging your arms up.

Keep your feet firmly planted on the ground.
Focus on pulling your deep abs to your spine as your roll up. Work the abs not the hip flexors.

Roll down and onto your back.
Inhale generously into your back as you roll down, keeping the navel pulled to the spine.

Focus on hollowing out your abs even though you are moving quickly, move with control.
Get ready to bring your hands to your sides as bridge up again.

That completes one set.

Aim to to do 20 reps, but remember quality is more important than quality and speed. Do not fling your self up and down, use your abs and focus on control.

Fit's tip: If I were my trainer, I would definitely stick a small pillow between my knees. Work to keep your legs truly parallel through out this exercise, it is much better form.

Beyonce's Trainer Reveals 5-Minute Preparty "Body Blast"

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:50:29 -0800

When I'm totally wrapped up in Thanksgiving cooking, prepping, organizing, shopping (need I go on?), there's hardly a fighting chance that I'll make it to the gym for a full-on workout. Usually, I'll try to squeeze in a set of push-ups while prepping dinner preparation, or an early morning yoga session, if I can. So, I was excited to see Marco Borges, the trainer credited with whipping Beyonce, husband Jay-Z, and Gwen Stefani into tip-top shape, sharing an easy and no-equipment-needed workout with US Weekly. Here are the five moves he suggests to give yourself an all-over body-blasting workout (even if you only have five minutes to spare before your guests arrive):

Jumping Plies: I call these jumping squats, but it doesn't matter what you call them as long as you do them. Here's how: stand with your feet just a bit wider than shoulder-width apart, abs pulled in tight, and bend your knees, lowering your body till your thighs are parallel to the floor and jump straight into the air. Return to starting position and repeat for one minute.

Reverse Lunges: Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, step back into a lunge and repeat on the opposite side, alternating for one minute. Be sure that abs remain tight throughout, working your core and maintaining your balance and posture.

Push-Ups: According to Marco, "The push-up is quite possibly one of the simplest and best body weight movements targeting the muscles of the chest, arms, shoulders and core." Do as many classic push-ups, or moderated position push-ups from your knees, as you can for a full one minute, making sure to maintain proper form and bring your chest as close to the floor as you can before pushing back to starting plank position.

For the rest of Marco's workout, keep reading

Speak Up: What's Your Trouble Area?

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:00 -0800

Carrie Underwood boldly shared in Us Weekly that her trouble area is her tummy. She said, "It may take me the rest of my life, but if I'm 80 and I have abs, I'll be happy."

Now it's your turn to share which part of your body you work the hardest to tone up, shrink down, and sculpt. Tell me, what's your trouble area?

Ever Try a "Crazy" Fitness Product That Actually Worked?

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:47:47 -0800

When I came across the "Snuggie Sauna" as a possible weight loss tool, which claims it can help you burn 600 calories in only 15 minutes, I maintained the same stance I usually reserve for products that seem too good to be true - they probably are.

So, it's been my fitness philosophy that the best weight loss results come the old-fashioned way, eating right and working hard. Still, I've definitely had some friends who buy into a quick fix every now and then - some who claim they've seen results using the portable thigh toner, and even the ab toning belt. So, tell me, have you ever had any luck with an unconventional weight loss or fitness product that actually delivered on its promise? Or are you inclined to stick to the basics when it comes to your fitness?

Whittle Your Waist With Side Planks

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:30:38 -0700

As we all begin to cozy up for Winter, let me remind you to keep working your core. The obliques, the abs on the sides of the torso, help stabilize you as well as tone your waist. Even though we can't spot reduce the love handles, you can tone the area with some side planks. Remember, the stronger your core the longer and harder you can run, dance, swim, lift and ride. Check out these five side planks.
Source: Getty

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The Hula Chair

FitSugar — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 08:00:00 -0700

Check out the Hula Chair. Basically, you plant your feet flat in front of you, press the button, and start moving your hips and core in a circular motion.

The makers say it will improve your balance and coordination as it gently aligns your spine and improves blood circulation. You'll love how it feels as it works out your abs and mid-section. They say it is a great way to warm up for any activity.

Hmm, you could spend $199.95 on this ("operators are standing by 24 hours a day"), or buy 3 regular hula hoops from Wham-o for just $14.95. Then you can hula hoop with some friends, and for only $5 each.

Strike Yoga Pose: Locust

FitSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:00:08 -0700

We've talked about some extremely challenging variations of Locust pose such as Inverted Locust where you're balancing on your shoulders and chin, and Locust Scorpion where your feet are touching your head. Now let's take it down a notch and do plain old Locust pose. It's a great way to tone the muscles in the back of your body. It may look relaxing, but you'll definitely feel this one working, and it's a great complement to ab exercises.

Sanskrit Name: Salambhasana A
English Translation: Locust Pose

To learn how to do this pose read more.

Lie down on a mat on your belly, with your legs together. Place your arms by your sides so your palms are facing up.
As you inhale, lift your legs, head, and upper body off the floor. Your hands remain on the floor for support.
As you breathe, try to relax your shoulders and the muscles in your booty. Extend the crown of your head away from your toes, lengthening as much as you can through your spine.
Stay for five breaths, and then release back to the mat.