Beyond the Basics: 5 Lunge Variations


Updated 12/29/11 8:53 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 2 comments

Lunge Variation Workout

I have a thing for lunges, and for good reason. Lunges help bring the booty, sculpt powerful legs, and create better overall balance. But if you tweak the move a bit, you'll see even bigger rewards. Here are five variations of the classic lunge to get you started — your arms, tush, thighs, and legs are going to love you! Read more

Back to Basics: Walking Forward Lunge


Updated 03/25/09 5:40 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 9 comments

Back to Basics: Walking Forward Lunge

Skin is in this spring, so before you sport your cute shorts, do a few of these leg toning walking forward lunges. Here's how to do it: Stand upright, feet together, holding two light (5-8 pound) dumbbells at your sides (palms facing in). Take a controlled step forward with your left leg. Lower hips toward the floor and bend both knees (almost at 90 degree angles). The back knee should come Read more

Know Your Basics: How to Do a Lunge


Updated 05/01/12 3:10 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Do a Lunge

Lunges are a quintessential exercise; you can do them anywhere and the effects can be seen in no time, in the form of shapely, toned legs and backside (just in time for bikini season!). If you're planning on incorporating lunges into your routine, however, make sure you're not doing more harm than good. Find out how to do lunges correctly below. The basics: It's important to do lunges properly Read more

3 Leg Stretches Runners Should Do Daily


Updated 04/20/12 11:09 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Running Stretches For Tight Hamstrings and Hips

I don't think I've ever met a runner who doesn't suffer from tight hips, hamstrings, or a lower back. The receptive movements and strengthening aspect of running can cause tight muscles that need extra attention. Of course you should never skip the stretching session after a run, but here are three lower-body stretches you should do every day — even on the days you don't run. Open Lizard What Read more

How Celeb Trainer Gunnar Peterson Keeps Sofia Looking Hot


Updated 04/09/12 10:50 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Diet and Exercise Tips From Sofia Vergara's Trainer Gunnar Peterson

Whether she's hamming it up in front of Saturday Night Live cameras or going glam on the red carpet, Modern Family star Sofia Vergara 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, Jennifer Lopez, and Angelina Jolie), to learn more about how Sofia stays fit. Read his Read more

13 Ways to De-Stress During the Workday


Updated 03/22/12 7:03 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Tips to De-Stress at Work

It's natural for work to leave you a little stressed, but if you're a frazzled mess from nine to five, it's important to step back and relax. Not sure how to loosen up? From doodling to redecorating, here are 13 easy ways to de-stress during the workday: Finish the tough stuff first. Try to get your most complicated tasks out of the way early in the day so that they're not looming over you for Read more

Essential Exercises For Your Lower Body


Updated 03/07/12 11:40 AM · Posted by · 3 comments

How to Do Basic Lower-Body Exercises

As Summer nears, our thoughts turn to what's underneath those layers of Winter clothes. If you're looking to tone your backside and legs before bikini season, here are five essential lower-body moves fundamental to any workout. And don't worry — you can do them anywhere! The squat: That burning in your upper thighs as you hold a squat tells you just how great this move is for lower body Read more

Last Chance! An End-of-Season Workout to Up Your Ski Game


Updated 03/05/12 8:43 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Plank Lunge and Box Jump Circuit Workout For Skiers

Even with this mild Winter, we've still seen our fair share of snow in the mountains. And while Spring is just around the corner, late-season storms around the country have given us the gift of fresh powder. If you're planning a snowy mountain weekend anytime soon, here's a circuit workout that works your core, lower body, and balance — courtesy of Erick Northrup, a district fitness manager at Read more

Gym 101: Strength-Training Warmup


Updated 01/27/12 1:01 PM · Posted by · 1 comment

How to Warm Up For Strength Training

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

Strength Training No-Nos: What Not to Do When in Squats


Updated 12/13/11 12:05 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

Mistakes When Squatting

No matter your fitness passion, from snowboarding to CrossFit, you likely do squats in your sweat sessions — they're a fitness staple. Sometimes, the more simple the move, the more careless we become when doing it, and before you know it you have sloppy squats. Here are four common mistakes that plague the standard squat. Next time you head to the gym, take a little time to get back to basics Read more