What are the latest and greatest health-related products? How can I spice up my ho-hum workout? Are the new nutritious food products and health-focused restaurants worth my money? If you're asking any of these questions you've found the right spot!Note: While I'm a journalist with a Bachelor's degree in kinesiology and am a Certified Health Education Specialist, I don't replace the guidance/counseling that comes from a good chat with your doctor or dietitian. For more information, feel free to contact me at karlaswalsh@gmail.com!
Healthful Bites
Ah, crunches and sit-ups. An exerciser can only do so many before begging for a spiced-up routine! Luckily, all of the group exercise classes and DVDs I try provide great inspiration for a nearly endless supply of ab moves. Just one of today’s exercises is reminiscent of a sit-up, but boredom is banished by using a dumbbell as an anchor and adding a leg extension for an extra challenge. Then try two awesome plank variations to strengthen your core from all angles. (When in the base position for planks, think of keeping your body in a straight line from shoulders to heels.)
Is there a move you dread or are bored with? Let me know and we’ll try to address that in a future post!
Ah, the obliques. They can be cut and toned, they can be curvy and cute or they can be an area that is prone to pinching—in attempts to determine whether it’s time to focus on firming up or not. I find that my body prefers to store any extra fat in the oblique region, so in addition to cardio, I adore doing core work that focuses on strengthening the side abdominal muscles. Although there’s no way to “spot reduce” with exercise, you can stay fit all over with cardio and the underlying muscles will shine through!
These three exercises can be performed with a medicine ball, although you can substitute a dumbbell or other weighted object if necessary. Remember to keep the body in a straight line when in side plank and focus on tightening the ab muscles throughout the moves. To increase the intensity of your traditional ab workouts, try to add these exercises to your routine two to three times each week.
It’s important to balance your body by challenging all muscles. But we all enjoy concentrating on certain body parts more than others. What are your favorites?
You can actually get a great workout without standing up. I know, this sounds like a bad infomercial claim, but don’t be confused: you will be working and you will sweat!
This video shows you four different exercises on your hands and toes. After getting your heart pumping, you’ll work your shoulders and entire upper body, tone your glutes and outer thighs and finish off with some oblique moves. Don’t forget: holding this plank pose will strengthen your transverse ab muscles and back the entire time! Try to keep your body in a straight line (tush not sagging or raised in a mountain pose). I’ll work on improving that next time myself!
Does a workout that takes you off your feet—at least somewhat, such as yoga, Pilates or floor work—seem more or less appealing to you than standing exercise?
