I often focus on a particular body part or piece of equipment, but for the next few videos, we’re trying something new by going shapely. Today, I’m sharing three moves that are circular. Grab a light- or medium-weight pair of dumbbells and get ready to stretch, tone your core and shoulders and strengthen your lower body. Keep those dumbbells in hand for the lunges when you’re feeling strong, and pick a heavier pair when these get too easy.
Talk about a well-rounded workout :) (Permission granted to tease my puns at any time!)
Shoulder-baring season is nearly upon us, friends! And in my opinion, it can’t come soon enough :) So that means it’s a perfect time to ramp up your shoulder muscle training! Grab a pair of medium weight dumbbells, a single light dumbbell and a stability ball and join me for these fun shoulder sculptors. (By the way, I’d say it’s probably wise to keep your feet on the floor, a step or a BOSU ball during the pike push-ups.)
Not only will these help you look great in sleeveless shirts, but they will also make your entire upper body stronger—and your posture better, especially if you include lower back and core moves too.
Do you change your workouts according to the seasons?
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?
Moving on up! Well, I don’t know if it’s the lap of luxury, but we do have a new setting for our workout videos today. And a new videographer (a tripod and myself)! Expect more Good for you moves in the future from my new apartment, and probably a few from home sprinkled in so that I can utilize all the great tools my parents have accumulated. :)
Today’s exercises require no equipment and little space. The idea: You can do these stretches nearly anywhere. Feeling stiff at the office? After a long car or plane ride? In front of the TV? Stand up and knock out these three flexibility moves. Your upper body will thank you and your posture will likely improve afterwards—due to better back awareness and comfort. (Be sure to check out that posture link for a Jay Leno look-a-like, at least in the face!) Please try not to bounce or hold your breath here. Taking slow, deep breaths while stretching will help your body relax into the moves. Plus, after doing so, you may be able to push your muscles just a bit further—but not to the point of discomfort!).
What body parts do you find carry the most stress or feel the most stiff after a hard workout or a long bout of sitting?
“It’s getting hot in here,” am I right? You won’t need a thermostat around where I live to tell you that the mercury has jumped recently. But one click glance at the Weather Channel today tells us it’s about 90* F! Certainly feels like summer to me.
And during the summer months, many of us pull on tank or strapless tops, skimpy swimsuits or other shoulder-bearing apparel. We covered a few shoulder toners here around the winter holiday season, but I have a few new moves for you today to spice up your upper body routine!
Grab a pair of medium weight dumbbells and join me to sculpt your shoulders. After adding these moves to your normal workout routine a couple times each week on non-consecutive days, you will certainly have earned the “right to bear arms!” (Groan) ;)
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?
One of my favorite ways to rack up an effective, heart pumping and muscle-sculpting workout? Performing upper and lower body strength moves in tandem! While working several muscle groups at once, your cardiovascular system begins to work a bit as well (in addition to the muscles targeted by the weights).
Grab a medium-heavy pair of dumbbells and join me for three effective exercises! You can use your creativity to meld almost any upper body with almost any lower body move. Do share if you come up with a fun idea!
What are your favorite ways to save time, while still being active, when time is at a premium?
