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It is tank top time! Lateral raises are great for toning your shoulders, but if you also want to target your upper back and the posterior deltoid, try this variation. It's really challenging so you may have to start off with a lighter set of dumbbells. To find out how to do this move read more Read more
Backbends feel so invigorating, but doing a full backbend requires so much energy and upper-body strength that sometimes I need a less-intense stretch. This is a variation of the Yoga pose Camel, and it utilizes a wall to help you bring the stretch more into your chest, shoulders, and upper back. It feels so different than doing it on your own. To give this one a go read more Read more
If you're working on strengthening and toning your upper back and shoulders, this exercise has your name on it. You'll need a set of dumbbells and a sturdy place to sit. To find out how to do this exercise, read more Read more
Rowing is a great exercise for the upper back and there are so many variations of this simple move. Here's another way to add rowing into your strength training routine. If you don't have access to a rowing machine, or the weight machines at the gym, you can use a resistance band or tube instead. Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Secure the band around the bottoms Read more
Bikini season is approaching so many of us are focusing on getting our upper bodies toned. One exercise that is great for working your upper back, mid-back and triceps is the Bent Over Row. For this exercise, you'll need a workout bench (or chair) and a dumbbell. Here's how to do it: Grab a dumbbell — weight depends on your level but it should exhaust your muscles by the 12th rep. Position Read more
Kettlebell fans love the heavy round-shaped weights for a reason — kettlebell exercises combine cardio and strength training together for a time-saving calorie burn. The amount of calories you can burn using kettlebells can be amazingly high: a study by the American Council on Exercise found that the average person burns 272 calories in 20 minutes when doing kettlebell exercises. More research Read more
A solid warmup sets you up for a solid workout. When it comes to prepping for strength training, an active warmup primes the joints and muscles, prepping them for the heavy lifting. Lauren, my Equinox trainer, introduced me to these moves, and after a little light cardio — for me, it's five minutes running on a treadmill at a 6 mph pace, but the elliptical or a little jump rope would work — 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
We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar! By Lisa Hoehn, Prevention As the weather drops, more and more people head straight to one machine in their gym — the elliptical trainer. According to a 2008 report from the International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association, the number of users of elliptical trainers in health clubs grew sevenfold from Read more
Modern Family star Sofia Vergara is known both on and off the red carpet for her enviable figure, and award season is definitely a time when the actress can shine. Between her glamorous gowns and camera-ready makeup, Sofia always looks the part. But the self-described gym hater also works hard to keep fit. We spoke to her trainer Gunnar Peterson (whose clients have also included Kim Kardashian, Read more
