Healthful Bites

Last week, we aimed the spotlight on the lower body with the help of Bosu. Today, I’ll use the same piece of equipment to share some of my favorite moves to tone your core and upper body. Focus on keeping your ab and back muscles tight throughout all of these exerciss—that will help make balance and full range of motion easier (at least a bit). And to mix it up, you can complete all of these moves with the flat side on the floor or the round side. It’s up to you! (And if a Bosu is not conveniently available, you can even do these on the floor.)

I have plenty more moves where those came from! Would you like to see more Bosu exercises in the future, or stick with more traditional strength options?

Join me in my new gym today with a new piece of equipment! You’ve probably seen the Bosu (both sides utilized) around the gym or on shows like The Biggest Loser. Have you tried it out yourself yet?

It’s a fantastic tool for both strength training and cardio. Back in school, I took a cardio class based on knee-ups, hopping and kickboxing-style moves on the Bosu. Today, we’re employing the tool in our lower body toning exercises. A lunge, squat or well, pretty much any strength move, racks up added benefits when performed on the Bosu because the core has to stabilize your body while you work through the range of motion. Bonus!

Spy around your gym for a Bosu next time you’re there. No need to be intimidated! Of course you can perform all of these moves simply on the floor or substitute a balance disk or similar item in your own home.

Is there a wacky fitness item you’d love to try but have been afraid to?