Thursday, January 20, 2011

Love Your Lower Half

The ABsolute best firming exercises for your backside.

What you Need:
  • medium resistance band
  • a set of 5-to 10 lb dumbbells and a chair (optional)
How to do it: Do 8 to 12 reps of each exercise on each side Do the entire routine twice through three times a week on nonconsecutive days. For quicker results: Do 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps every other day and add 30 to 60 minutes of cardio, like walking, jogging, cycling most days of the week.

Side Leg Lifts
Lie on right side with legs stacked, right arm bent and head supported on right hand, left hand resting on floor in front of chest for balance. Raise left leg about 2 feet, keeping foot flexed and squeezing butt.
Pause, then slowly lower. Complete all reps, then switch sides.

Make it harder: Double up (see smaller picture)


Banded Shuffle

Stand with feet a few inches apart, and tie elastic band in loop around
shins, hands extended to front at shoulder level. Step about 3 feet to right, then bend knees and sit back until thighs are almost parallel to floor, keeping knees behind toes. Staying low, step left foot to follow. Take two more shuffle steps to right, then switch directions and repeat.



My most fave: Balancing Squat
Balance on right foot, left knee bent with foot lifted a few inches off floor in front. Keeping back straight, slowly sit back into right leg, bending right knee about 45 degrees. Pause, then press into right heel to stand up. Complete all reps, then switch sides.
(The smaller pic makes it easier for those starting out)



Another one of my faves:
Single Leg Deadlift
Balance on right foot, with knee soft and hands on hips, left leg lifted behind. With abs tight and back straight, hinge forward from hips, lowering left hand toward right foot. Pull through right leg to return to standing. Do all reps on right leg, then switch sides. To add something extra to this move reach both hands to floor, dumbbell in each hand.



*Don't forget to stay hydrated during a workout*

*Don't overdo it... you will get there soon enough*

*Most of all envision.a.new.YOU!!!


Staying Fab.Fit. at home

It has been a minute... I have started tackling several projects all at once. However, I have decided to cancel my gym membership and focus on building my fitness portfolio as I prepare to take the personal trainer examination in April ( I initially said March, but I need to get a few of these other endeavors squared away) Anyway, I am building an in-home gym and tracking my progress in a journey and this blog... update when I have time :) I decided to make this transistion public because most of my friends are either intimidated by the gym scene or don't want to spend the money on a gym membership. Soooo if you fit that category I am here to help you get in shape in the comfort of your home :)

How to get started??? Invest in the following:

1. A pair of sneakers that are appropriate for the activity and fit you well. We don't want to let blisters, shin splints, knee pain and tedonitis discourage us now do we??? So invest in a good pair of sneakers. I would suggest going to a store that specializes in athletic shoes like
Foot Locker, Finish Line etc.

2. Sports Bra- Choose support over style. Wider straps are better and try it on for size. Buying an ill-fitting bra can be painful.

3. Weights- Strength training should be part of everyone's routine, but which weights you buy depends on your preference.Individual dumbbells are an economical choice. Choose weights that are heavy enough that you can do 2 sets of 8 to 10 reps.

4. Yoga Mat-Yoga is popular for reducing stress, but it can also slim your stomach, improve mental function, ease backaches and more. I use to rely on the yoga classes at my local gym but I plan to use the yoga dvds I have at home. I may attend a class monthly whe
n I want to add variety to my routine.

5. Resistance Band- Resistance bands are good for toning, inexpensive, and easy to store, making them useful home fitness tools. This is great for bicep curls :)




More to Try (all suggested items)
  • Pedometer
  • Treadmill
  • Stability Ball





Your Most Important Fitness Tool is:
A CAN-DO ATTITUDE!!!!!