Saturday, September 29, 2012

Video - Yogalates Workout - Segment 2

Here is Segment 2 of the Yogalates workout we started a couple of weeks ago. Incorporating interesting new forms of exercise such as Yogalates is a great way to stay motivated in your exercise program. This portion would follow the warmup segment. This 20-minute segment demonstrates some excellent and unique exercises for strengthening all the muscles in your core and back, using Pilates breathing and core focus, and incorporating the stretching and lengthening benefits of yoga. Be sure to stay tuned for Segment 3 coming soon!

Yogalates essential pilates workout 2
Programme of yoga / pilates hybrid aimed at shedding your waistline. The flexibility-enhancing benefits of yoga are combined with the toning-centred workout of pilates in a relaxed, meditative workout suitable for beginner and intermediate levels. ww...


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Thursday, September 27, 2012

Tips For Hiring a Personal Trainer to Meet Your Fitness Goals

More and more people are turning to the experts to help them get in shape and lose weight. Personal trainers are able to guide you to the right fitness program for your personal needs and goals. It’s a great way to get motivated, eliminate fitness mistakes that can stall your success, and focus on your long term goals.

English: JAVIER_LAYUS_PERSONAL_TRAINER_ EspaƱo...
Personal trainer with client. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
However, it's important that you hire the right personal trainer. They’re human just like you which means that they have personality quirks, fitness philosophies, and their own style. Additionally, like any industry there are some great trainers and some not so good trainers. A little screening and knowledge will help you hire the right personal trainer for your needs. Here are some things to look for when hiring a personal trainer:

Education
When hiring a personal trainer make sure they’re certified with a reputable training organization. For example, the ACSM, American College of Sports Medicine, and the ACE, American Council on Exercise are both good programs.

You also want to make sure that they have CPR and first aid certification just in case something should happen while you are working out.

Experience
In addition to education, personal training experience is helpful. Yes, everyone has to start somewhere and if you get a really good feeling with a new trainer that’s fine. However, a more experienced trainer who specializes in your goals and fitness needs may be a better way to spend your time and money.

Also, if you have any specific medical problems or needs then it’s helpful to have someone who is experienced and knowledgeable in that area.

Personality and Style
Ideally, your trainer will listen to your needs and goals and create a program just for you. Some trainers have programs that they’ve created already and they are looking for clients to fit to their mold. That’s okay, just be aware of what you need and make sure it’s a good fit.

Personal trainer assessing a client's goals an...
Personal trainer assessing a client's goals and needs as they write a fitness program. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
It’s also important for your trainer to be focused on you during your sessions and to be involved. You don’t want a trainer who puts you on the weight machine and then walks away. Ask your trainer if they’ll be tracking your progress and assessing the program as you go. Hopefully they answer with a quick yes. Ask them how they assess and what their policy is. 

Pay attention to their personality and style. Does it seem motivating? Will you enjoy working with this person? Do you trust them? If not, then they’re not the right trainer for you.

Finally, it’s important to compare the price of your potential trainers. Personal training can be expensive but it’s also a great way to ‘cut to the chase’ and start reaching your fitness goals right away. If price is an issue you may be able to find a better rate if you participate in group training sessions.

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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

7 Exercise Tips for Getting - And Staying - Motivated!

We’ve all started an exercise program, gotten all excited about it, but then gave up on it a week or two later.  While we start out super motivated, that excitement fades quickly.  They key to sticking to an exercise program is finding a way to keep that original motivation.  Here are a few tips for getting for getting and staying motivated. 

English: Fitness trainer Billy Blanks shows a ...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
1. Find a role model.  Many women get motivated to diet and work out by taping up pictures of models or actresses.  This is actually a great way to remind yourself what your goals are and keep a visual of them fresh in your mind.  Just be sure to pick an appropriate role model and not someone with unhealthy eating and exercise habits or an unachievable image.

2. Set small goals.  If you start out setting tough goals, you probably won’t achieve them and will then become discouraged.  The key is to set smaller, easy to achieve goals and work your way up.  Start with “I will work out three days this week”.  Once you get yourself into a routine, get yourself to work out harder and do more during each session.

3. Reward yourself.  Setting goals is good way to get yourself into a workout program.  If you have trouble keeping yourself going, try rewarding yourself when you reach a goal.  Don’t go with big rewards, just small rewards for reaching small goals.  For example, I can go to that movie if I work out three times this week.  If you’re working out to lose weight, don’t reward yourself with food. 

4. Get a buddy.  Having someone to workout with can help keep your mind off the work and keep you entertained.  That means you’re more likely to want to go work out.  Having a buddy also makes it harder for you to skip your workout because you’ll be letting someone else down and they’ll be there to talk you into going even if you don’t feel like it.  If you can’t find a buddy to go with you, you can always hire a personal trainer to keep you going.

English: Fighting Fitness is the ultimate 30 m...
Fighting Fitness is the ultimate 30 minute workout that combines MMA conditioning exercises and fight techniques. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
5. Make it fun.  Exercise doesn’t have to be boring a repetitive.  If you don’t like your exercise routine, change it.  Keep looking until you find something you enjoy doing.  This way, you’ll end up looking forward to exercise instead of dreading it. (Be sure to check back for lots of exercise tips and new fun ways to exercise on this blog, and for more ideas, visit http://www.newholisticliving.com/exercise.html. )

6. Mix it up.  Even the most exciting workout can get boring if you do it over and over every day.  Find several exercises you like to do and alternate.  Try swimming Mondays, dance class Wednesdays, and a Pilates tape on Saturday.  Any time you find yourself getting bored with a workout, replace it in your rotation for a while and start it again in a few months. 

7. Don’t take it too seriously.  If you start acting like exercise is hard work, it will become hard work.  Make your exercise a light, fun, activity rather than a chore you have to do.  This will keep you from getting a bad attitude and make you less likely to give up.
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Saturday, September 22, 2012

Review: Vibram Five Fingers Shoe For Minimalist Running

Running shoe technology never stops developing and advancing. But it’s wrong to assume that all of these developments are moving towards more advanced cushioning and support and motion control features. In fact, one of the most popular trends in running shoes over the past few years has been that of “minimalism.”

The concept of minimalism states that since humans have been walking and running for thousands of years with very basic shoes or sandals (or even barefoot), it’s preferable to keep any footwear as minimal as possible and simply let the human body do its job.

English: Vibram FiveFingers Sprint shoes, inne...
Vibram FiveFingers Sprint shoes, inner side. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
One of the first shoe companies to take advantage of this trend was Vibram. Vibram introduced its first “Five Fingers” shoe in 2005.  The best description of a Vibram Five Fingers shoe is that it resembles a “glove” that hugs and conforms to the shape of the foot. And just like a glove, these shoes contain individual compartments for each toe. But unlike a glove, the Five Fingers shoe is not simply comprised of a few pieces of fabric stitched together. Rather, these Five Fingers shoes have a shaped and contoured durable rubber outsole, and a pliant upper to make sure that the shoe fits comfortably and securely.

Vibram currently offers over a dozen different models for men and women, and even several different models for children. The differences in the various Five Finger shoes relate primarily to how they will be used. Vibram offers models that are geared towards indoors activities such as dancing and yoga, as well as outdoor activities that take place on sidewalks, paved bike paths, well groomed trails, and rougher trails. Vibram even offers models designed for walking, hiking and running outdoors in cooler temperatures (and even snow).

Each model of the Five Fingers shoe allows the foot to move naturally. The shoes are ideal for individuals who want to be able to run with a barefoot style and form (which generally means landing more in the middle or front of the foot rather than striking the ground with the heel), but who don’t want to be on a constant lookout for glass or other debris that might be on their normal walking paths. The Five Fingers shoe fills the need for runners, walkers and other active individuals who want to strengthen their feet and allow their bodies to experience motion without undue restriction in their feet.

Vibram Five Fingers Shoeware
Vibram Five Fingers Shoeware (Photo credit: mauritsonline)
New users of Five Fingers shoes will notice that while they generally feel quite comfortable once their feet are in the shoes, the process of putting them on can be a bit challenging the first few times. Because the shoe has different compartments for each toe, it can take a bit of practice. It’s also important to try on the model of whatever Five Fingers shoe you’re considering, because the sizing might be different from your current traditional style shoes.

While it’s not necessarily a downside or a negative, it is worth noting that a person who doesn’t have particularly strong foot muscles (in other words, just about anyone who spends most of their waking hours in traditional shoes) will have a bit of an adjustment period while their body gets used to the new footwear. Traditional shoes generally restrict the movement of the feet, so the muscles in the foot will require some time to strengthen themselves. Just take it slowly (see tips in our previous post) and you’ll likely find the Five Fingers shoe to be a great new addition to your active lifestyle.

Vibram Five Fingers Shoe Examples:
   
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Thursday, September 20, 2012

5 Steps to Getting Started With Barefoot Running

Ready to try out the latest running trend? If you have struggled with running pain or are just curious about the hype then barefoot running may be something to try. Before you take off your shoes and head out the door it’s important to know the facts. It’s important to get started correctly or you may get hurt.

Healthy feet of an 11-year-old girl who regula...
Healthy feet of an 11-year-old girl who regularly goes barefoot. Note the presence of ideal arches. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Step #1: Start Walking Barefoot First

The first step is to start acclimating your feet to being without shoes. Start walking barefoot whenever you can. Walk barefoot around the house, in the park or your yard. You may also want to consider buying a pair of minimal walking shoes. These shoes have a large toe box which gives your toes room to spread out. They also don’t provide any cushioning for your feet. And they’ll have little if any height difference between your heel and your toe. They’re flat.

Step #2: Walk Outside Barefoot for 10 Minutes a Day

The next step is to begin to toughen your feet and strengthen them. Yes, you have muscles in your feet. Now you may be tempted to run at this point. Don’t do it. Spend a week walking outside each day for ten minutes. Walk on the grass. Walk on the sidewalk. Feel the ground beneath your feet and pay attention to how you may walk differently – lighter.

Step #3: Increase Your Walking Time

Start increasing your walking time to fifteen minutes each day and try to transition from the grass or sand to the concrete or asphalt. At this point you may start running for no more than five minutes on grass. Stay off the pavement.

Step #4: Start Running

Assuming your feet are doing okay, minimal aches and pains, you can begin to transition to running on pavement with your bare feet. Again, you may want to keep it to less than five minutes. You can also alternate between running and walking.

English: Vibram FiveFingers Bikila shoes, top ...
Vibram FiveFingers Bikila shoes, top view. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Step #5: Building Your Endurance

Gradually increase the amount of time you can run with bare feet. You’ll probably want to run no more than three or four days a week. Your feet will need a rest.

What About Minimal Shoes?

This step by step schedule is designed for people running barefoot or with minimal shoes. If you’re wearing something like the Five Fingered shoes from Vibram (see our review of these in Saturday's post) then you will still want to take it slowly. You may, however, be able to hit the pavement sooner but take care. If you feel any significant aches or pains, take it down a notch. You’ve been wearing shoes for decades; it takes time for your feet to adjust to feeling and responding with the ground in this new form.


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Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Barefoot Running: Why You Should Try It

It seems that everyone and their brother are trying out the latest running craze. It’s called barefoot running. And while many barefoot runners don’t actually run without any foot protection, the shoes they wear are minimal. Proponents of bare foot running say that it has alleviated their running pain.

English: barefoot running
Barefoot running (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
They claim to be able to run better without traditional running shoes and there is a lot of evidence to support this. We weren’t born with shoes on after all and a running shoe does alter the way your foot hits the ground. Much like wearing high heels, traditional running shoes elevate the heel and may cause more harm than good.

Reasons to Consider Barefoot Running
There are two main reasons why people try and often prefer to run barefoot (or with minimal shoes). These reasons include:

1. Less Risk of Injury

When you run as your body was meant to run, that is without a shoe altering the movement of your feet and legs, you move naturally. This reduces your risk of injury. Additionally, when you run barefoot you will notice almost immediately that your foot hits the ground differently.

Your foot will strike at the midfoot, instead of hitting your heel first and rolling through you’ll hit more flat footed. You will also run with shorter strides and you’ll run more lightly. All of these changes reduce your risk of injury. The muscles in your ankles and feet become stronger too which means they can handle more when you run. You’ll be able to run further and faster without injury.

English: An example of a barefoot runner in a ...
An example of a barefoot runner in a 5K race. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
2. It’s Fun!

The other reason is that many find running barefoot to be more fun. Think about how the grass or sand feels on your feet. For most, this is a good feeling. Running barefoot enables you to begin to experience the world through your feet. It’s almost like wearing gloves all of your life and then taking them off to feel the world around you with your hands for the first time! It’s a lovely sensory experience.

Before You Run
It’s important to start slow if you’re considering barefoot running. In fact, most experts recommend walking barefoot around your home and in your yard first. You need to build the muscles in your feet and acclimate your feet to the rough textures on the ground first. You may also be happy to know that barefoot running doesn’t make your feet look ugly. In fact, most barefoot runners don’t have calloused or hard feet. Their feet look natural and soft.

If you’re interested in trying barefoot running, you may also consider starting with a pair of minimalist shoes. You’ll still want to start slowly and strengthen your feet; however you may be able to get on the road faster with a little protection.

Be sure to check back Thursday for some helpful tips for getting started with this fun form of exercise!

Or Check Out These Helpful Guides:
   

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Saturday, September 15, 2012

Video - Toning Exercises At Your Desk

While doing a few quick stretch and tone exercises at your desk won't replace your need to work out, you can help increase blood flow, improve flexibility and relieve stiffness, and prevent sitting-related pain by doing just some simple exercises such as these daily. She also gives a few other tips for getting in a bit of exercise throughout the workday when away from your desk as well. Give these a try, and you'll feel better and have more energy at the end of the day.

Office Workout Routine
Get a workout at work with our office fitness routine! Find more fitness videos at diet.com or own this video for less than a buck! Join Sarah from Diet.com as she demonstrates some easy exercise moves you can do while at the office. Learn how to ton...


Exercise Resources For The Office: 
   
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Thursday, September 13, 2012

Benefits of The Exercise Ball

By now, you’ve probably seen an exercise ball.  They’re those things that look like giant playground balls that you see people rolling and stretching on at the gym.  If you’re like me, you’re probably hesitant about using one of these balls.  You may be worried about looking silly or can’t actually figure out how they work.  Well, next time you’re at the gym, why don’t you try one out?  You’ll probably find the benefits well worth it.

An exercise ball.
An exercise ball. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
What most people consider to be the biggest benefit of using an exercise ball is its ability to strengthen your core muscles.  These are the muscles in your abs and back - the muscles you work so hard to tone up with crunches.  When you do exercises on a ball, your abdominal and back muscles are constantly working to make adjustments and keep you balanced.  Unlike traditional exercises, the ball works the muscles on the front and back of your body at the same time, promoting a more balanced and healthy physique.  Even if you’re targeting a different area, your core muscles are still getting exercise.  Plus, there are tons of exercises you can do on a ball that focus on strengthening and toning these muscles even more. 

If you slump at a desk all day and find that your back, neck, and shoulders are sore at night, you can definitely benefit from an exercise ball.  By toning your core muscles, exercise balls can do wonders for your posture.  When your core is toned, the muscles keep working after you’re done working out, helping you sit up straight.  You can get this benefit even without working out by replacing your desk chair with an exercise ball.  This way you to maintain proper posture to stay on the ball and work your core at the same time!  If you don’t think your workplace will allow you to sit on an exercise ball at your desk, they make exercise ball chairs that provide the same benefit with a more professional look.

Executive Ball chair
Executive Ball chair (Photo credit: FunnyBiz)
Have you had a previous injury to your back, knee or hip?  Do you worry about exercising because it might aggravate your condition?  An exercise ball can help.  The ball can be used to support your body while you stretch or build muscles.  Those with back injuries may even be able to find some relief from pain by lying on the ball and gently stretching the back muscles and vertebrae.  These balls are so good for helping relieve strain and preventing future injury, they’re often used by physical therapists for back rehabilitating back injuries.

If you find it hard to bend, move, and even touch your toes, an exercise ball can help you improve your flexibility.  It can help you stretch yourself farther, but it can also provide support so you can stretch certain muscles more safely.  Their ability to help stretch you out is one of the biggest reasons physical therapists swear by these balls.

Exercise balls can provide great benefits for those suffering from "sitting disease," and slowly becoming crippled by a sedentary lifestyle. Use one in your workouts, at your desk, and at home, and you'll reap the benefits over time, with more flexibility and strength, and less pain.


Grab An Exercise Ball Today:
   
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Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Four Exercises You Can Do at Your Desk

A sedentary person, or "typical couch pot...
A sedentary person, or "typical couch potato." (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Today's sedentary lifestyle causes more health problems than most people realize, or can even imagine. Sedentary lifestyles have been linked to dozens of obesity-related diseases and health problems, and it's no wonder why. It has been a fairly recent development in human history that many of us sit at desks all day and aren’t up and about performing physical activity. 
The human body wasn’t designed to just sit around, which is partially why obesity and other health concerns related to physical activity have become such a problem.  The good news is, being strapped to a desk all day doesn’t mean you can’t perform activities to stay healthy.  Here are 4 great exercises you can do to stay active without leaving the comfort of your cubicle. 

Quick Cardio
In order to keep your heart healthy, you have to elevate your heart rate often.  And it's not necessary (or even best) to elevate it for 20-30 minutes at a time, as conventional exercise "wisdom" would have you believe.  If you have 5 minutes free during the day, that’s enough to get the blood pumping.  Here’s a great way to get your blood moving without having to leave your chair.  First, pump your arms up and down above your head for 30 seconds.  Next, then tap your feet rapidly back and forth like you’re trying to run in place.  Now alternate these back and forth for about 5 minutes. 

Arm Stretches
Stretching your arms and wrists is a great idea if you sit at a desk all day and type.  It can help relieve stress from the repeated actions.  Here are some wrist and arm stretches that can be done quickly and easily.  First extend your arm in front of you with your wrist bent back so your palm is facing out.  Use the other arm to pull back your hand; you should be able to feel your whole arm stretching out.  After repeating this exercise with both arms, press your palms firmly together in front of you.  Be sure to keep your elbows bent and lifted.  Bend your wrists back and forth, pushing gently with your hands.

Leg Lifts
Constantly staying in the same position all day, whether sitting or standing can be damaging to your legs.  This simple exercise will help increase leg circulation and improve the health of your legs.  While sitting in your chair, simply extend one leg until it is straight.  Hold, the return it back to the floor.  Continue this exercise for a few minutes, alternating legs.  Lift one leg a few inches off the floor while keeping your knees bent.  Again, you should hold and release, then repeat for a few minutes with both legs.

Back Stretches
Sitting or standing on your legs all day can not only damage your legs, it can be murder on your back.  The best way to relieve back pain at work actually takes no extra time out of your day, it just requires a bit of concentration.  Just make sure you use proper posture throughout the day.  Sitting straight up in your chair all day without slouching can cause long term relief of pain.  If you need temporary relief of back pain, simply arch your back by pulling your stomach forward and bending your shoulders back. Repeat several times.  Another great way to stretch your back is to keep your lower body facing forward in your chair while turning around with your upper body. Do this several times on both sides.

While these exercises aren’t going to give you a killer body, they will help you feel better, relieve and prevent pain, and help improve your blood flow.
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Saturday, September 8, 2012

Video - Relaxing Yogalates Workout - Segment 1

This relaxing workout combines the core-focused principles of Pilates with the toning and stretching benefits of Yoga. This is the first segment in a 7-part series, so the first 5 minutes or so provide an introduction to the method and the contents of the series, and then she will segue into the warmup. This segment will teach you the proper breathing methods integrating both Yoga and Pilates techniques, and stretch and warm up the muscles you will be using during the workout. Be sure to check back next week for the abs segment! 

And if you just can't wait, you can also find the full DVD below the video below.

Yogalates Workout_1
Programme of yoga / pilates hybrid aimed at shedding your waistline. The flexibility-enhancing benefits of yoga are combined with the toning-centred workout of pilates in a relaxed, meditative workout suitable for beginner and intermediate levels. ww...


Buy the DVD: 
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Thursday, September 6, 2012

Yoga Or Pilates? Try Yogilates

Not sure about which to try, Yoga or Pilates? Why not try a fusion of the two called Yogalates (also spelled Yogilates)? As more and more people practice yoga, fitness experts and enthusiasts are finding ways to westernize it and make it more valuable or interesting to the general public - and this is an offshoot of that movement.

What is Yogalates?

Yogalates is a blend of yoga and Pilates created by certified Pilate’s instructor and personal trainer Jonathan Urla in 1997.

Downward Dog Yoga Pose - Adho Mukha Shvanasana...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Yoga is an eastern Indian practice developed centuries ago that focuses on strength, flexibility, and often spirituality. Yoga has been modified and adapted to various beliefs so there are now many different types of yoga. Some focus more on breath while others focus on heat and detoxification, while others focus on toning and flexibility.

Joseph Pilates, a German athlete who struggled with health problems created Pilates based on his belief that a strong core was the key to health and vitality. Pilates focuses on building strength in the deep muscles of your body's core.

Yogilates or yogalates is a natural blend of yoga poses and Pilates’ focus on a strong core.

Who Would Benefit from Yogalates?

The truth is that just about anyone can benefit from a yogalates program. The key is finding an instructor that works well for you. If you want to experience the benefits of yoga while also the amazing posture and strong core muscles that Pilates helps develop then it’s a good program to consider. It will also help you tone your muscles; improve your posture and burn calories and fat.

Curso de Instructor de Pilates
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Is There Any Special Equipment or Skill Required?

While traditional Pilates classes do require special equipment, a yogalates class is often performed on a simple yoga mat. There’s no special equipment required. You can find yogalates classes at yoga studios, Pilates studios and at most gyms and fitness centers. Your local community center may even have a class you can take.

What to Expect from a Yogalates Workout

Most yogalates classes are about sixty to ninety minutes long. Some studios are heated which facilitates blood flow and calorie burning. Most often you’ll have soothing music in the background while your instructor guides you through progressively challenging exercises and poses.

If you’re already familiar with yoga poses like downward dog you’ll have a head start but don’t feel like that is necessary. Most yoga studios and gyms offer beginner yoga and yogalates classes. They welcome new students and will work with you to learn proper form. If you’re unsure, consider checking out some DVDs or online videos which demonstrate the method, and see if it is something you would like to try before signing up for a class.

Yogalates Videos:
   
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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Improving Your Core With Pilates & Yoga

If you’re like me, you’re probably not a really big fan of sit ups and crunches.  They’re awkward, show mediocre results, and if your don’t do them properly, they can cause severe strain to your neck and back - something I can't risk, with my history of back problems.  But if you want strong, toned abs, you have to do crunches, right?  That used to be true, but now you have several options that don’t involve any stressful, painful crunches.  You can use Yoga, Pilates, or both to have sleek, toned abs, plus strong back muscles and a totally healthy overall physique.

Yoga
Yoga (Photo credit: ScotiaProductions)
Yoga operates on several levels to help tone your abs, along with the rest of your body.  The basic concept of Yoga is to hold yourself in specific poses.  Holding these poses requires maintaining a correct posture.  Just being in a good posture can strengthen your abdominal muscles.  They are part of the core muscles that help you achieve and maintain proper posture.  Even though you can’t feel it, these muscles are constantly making tiny adjustments and getting a great workout. 

In Yoga, the poses are held for extended periods of time.  Slow even movements and long poses give your core muscles an even better workout and help develop stamina through muscle strength.  You’ll probably be able to notice a visible difference in your abs, but even if you can’t, you’ll know they’re stronger when you can maintain better balance for longer periods of time.

Another major part of Yoga is focused deep breathing that allows your body to relax as you hold the poses.  This deep breathing involves using your abdominal muscles instead of your shoulders to help inhale and exhale.  In addition to your abs helping you maintain balance, you also exercise them even more simply by breathing.

Curso de Instructor de Pilates
Pilates (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Pilates is similar to your abs with the benefits it offers.  Pilates requires use of your abdominal muscles for proper posture and for breathing, just as Yoga does; however, instead of remaining stable, you move your arms and legs around while (usually) keeping the core stationary.  This is actually just as beneficial for your abs because you have to use them to keep your body still while your arms and legs are in motion.  Natural movement would have your torso move, but your abs and back muscles must work to keep it stable.

Even though Yoga and Pilates are constantly working your abdominal muscles throughout the workout, there are also specific exercises you can do to target these areas, especially in Pilates.  These will give you the extra boost you need for more drastic results, if desired.

Neither Yoga or Pilates can be learned overnight; however, once you begin to master one of both or these arts, you will get an abs workout like never before without even thinking about crunches.  And they're also a lot of fun!  

Click here to check out some fun resources to learn Yoga and Pilates in your own home.

And check back later this week for some fun Yoga and Pilates workouts!

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Saturday, September 1, 2012

Video - The Truth About Getting Flat Abs

This short interview with Mike Geary, fitness expert and author of "The Truth About Abs" dispels some myths about ab exercises and what it really takes to get flat abs. The reason we like Mike's approach is that, rather than focusing on crunches or other specific ab exercises, he takes a whole-body view, which is much more effective, efficient, and rewarding. Eating the proper foods in the right amounts, and getting regular exercise in a variety of activities and intensity levels, are much more important (and successful) than doing a bunch of situps.

To learn more about Mike's holistic approach, watch the video, and if you want to learn more, check out the resources below:

Mike Geary Interview - Truth About Abs (part 1)
gwnn.me Jackie from Girlwithnoname.com sits down for an informative chat with Mike Geary, author of "The Truth About Six Pack Abs" and "The Fat Burning Kitchen" (and the guy she credits with helping her get her six pack abs). For More Information: gw...


Click Here to Learn More About Abdominal Fat & How It Affects Your Health.... 


Check Out Mike's Book: