Apr 30, 2009 -
To tone up your upper body for strapless dress and tank top season, push-ups are my favorite. I love that you don't need any equipment to do them, and they're so effective that it only takes a few reps before you start feeling it. Here's a challenging variation that will also increase flexibility in your lower back.
- 6 Comments
Apr 24, 2009 -
I'm a huge fan of Shiva Rea and all her yoga videos, so I was thrilled to hear she had a new video called Surf Yoga Soul ($15). You don't have to be a surfer to enjoy this video, since it focuses on creative movements that open your body and heart, and strengthen your muscles and mind, to help you "surf the power of the life force within you." OK, that might be a little cheesy, but the DVD is great fun.
- 4 Comments
Jul 23, 2008 -
I love a dynamic warmup, even more for feet. Before running, hiking, or dancing, it's a good idea to prime your feet and ankles for moving with a simple circular motion. Add these rolls to your warmup routine.
- 3 Comments
Jun 17, 2008 -
So you've never tried a headstand in your life or you can't balance whatsoever. That's OK. This exercise is all about working your shoulders and upper back and doesn't have much to do with balance.
- 6 Comments
Jun 12, 2008 -
Since I run a lot, my hip flexors and lower back get really tight, so I love stretches that focus on opening these areas, such as Scorpion. This is actually a yoga pose that's a balancing backbend. It feels amazing on the front of your body and your spine, but it's a really difficult pose to get into, let alone hold long enough to get a good stretch.
- 18 Comments
Jun 05, 2008 -
I feel that no matter what you do, everyone can benefit from twisting and stretching their spines. Here is a wonderful stretch that will seriously open your chest, too.
Music: "Midnight Drive" by Phillip Emanuel
For a detailed description of how to get into this stretch read more
- 3 Comments
May 20, 2008 -
I am a huge fan of push-ups since they strengthen your upper body and core beautifully, and they require no equipment whatsoever. Regular push-ups can be tough to do all in a row (and pretty boring too), so here's a variation that lets your upper body stretch in between push-ups.
Music: "Ballad For Trio" by The Jazz Mandolin Project
- Begin on you hands and knees, with your hands shoulder-width apart, and your knees underneath your hips.
- Keep you arms straight as you straighten out your legs behind you, coming into plank position.
- As you inhale, bend your elbows as you lower yourself down into a push-up (with control), keeping your body parallel to the ground.
- Exhale to straighten your arms and lift your right arm straight up over head, making a T-shape with your body.
- Inhale to place your right palm back on the ground and lower into a push-up.
- Exhale to straighten your arms and lift your left arm up overhead.
- Inhale to place your left hand back on the ground and lower into a push-up.
- Continue this exercise, repeating a equal number of times on both sides.
- 8 Comments
May 08, 2008 -
I just discovered a great variation to the oh-so wonderful side-bend stretch. If you bend one knee and take turns leaning your torso to both the right and left sides, it helps to target that area even more so it'll feel so amazing that you won't want to stop. Check out the video to see how it's done.
- 4 Comments
Apr 18, 2008 -
Call me a crazy (or clever) drunk, but couldn't this mode of "exercise" be achieved on a simple barstool? My unsolicited advice: Forget buying the overpriced lawn chair advertised below and stick to the pubs instead. You can sit on a stool for free and a cold, frothy means of hydration will be readily available in the mug right in front of you.
- 3 Comments
Jan 24, 2008 -
Want to strengthen your quads and increase flexibility in your hamstrings and hips? Try this sequence of standing postures. It's great for runners, skiers, riders, and cyclists as a warm up.
- 5 Comments
