Friday, November 28, 2014

Video: Ab Wheel Exercises for Total Body Strength

Think ab wheels are just for your abs? Think again! This versatile piece of exercise equipment can be used in many different ways, as shown in this quick video. From arms and chest, to upper back, legs, and your entire core, this is a great piece of equipment to have on hand. It's small, portable, storable, and affordable!

Check out all of the great ways you can use your ab wheel to build strength and get the body you desire:

AB WHEEL AB WORKOUT (home workout for your entire body!)
Crazy ab wheel workout for more than just your abs... http://athleanx.com/x/howtogetripped If you are into fitness at all, either you or someone you know has...


Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Review: Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro

When it comes to improving your fitness, core strength is key, and the Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro allows you to target your core as well as your arms and back to get an effective high-performance workout.

This system comes with a wide wheel with sturdy handles that allows you to perform an ab workout that will sculpt and tone your abs very easily.  You'll also appreciate the included knee pads that help protect your knees while you're exercising.

The Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro
Using this piece of equipment couldn't be easier. Just get on your hands and knees, grab the handles on the wheel and then roll out and roll back.  This simple motion targets your core muscles.  The longer the distance you roll out and back, the more intense the workout. You can also use the ab carver to target specific areas such as the oblique muscles for the best possible overall workout.

You might look at this little exercise tool and think it's too simple to do much good. But it turns out that this provides you with a very intense workout - sometimes good things do come in small packages! Unlike situps, which can be hard on the lower back and even cause injury, this tool actually strengthens the back and shoulders, as well as the abs, so it's not just an abdominal workout - it improves your total core and upper body strength at the same time.

The Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro is designed to be sturdy and handle any amount of body weight you apply to it, but it requires you to do all of the work. Balancing and rolling the device takes a lot more effort than you might think.  You'll get more out of your workout in less time - and isn't that what everyone wants from their fitness program?

After you've purchased the product, you'll be able to download a workout plan to your computer that helps you get started with a 21 day fitness plan.  This allows a beginner to get started with a plan that's easy to follow.  However, even an fit and experienced person can benefit from the workout.

Whether you're a newbie looking to improve your exercise routine, or you're ready to take your workout routine to the next level, this exercise tool will help you to meet your goals.

Customers who have purchased this exercise device have been surprised at their quick results.  They rave about the stability and quality of the product.  After using this for a few weeks you'll begin to see a big difference in your core strength. With this added strength you'll find that you're standing taller, have fewer aches and pains, and look better in your clothes.  With the Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro may even find that you're finally able to achieve the six pack you've always wanted! It's up to you and the effort you put into it, but this is a very effective and affordable piece of exercise equipment to have on hand.

Plus it's small enough to store easily, and portable if you need to use it in a different location.

Check out the Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro and get your abs in shape quickly this holiday season - and it also makes a great gift for those interested in fitness! You can find it at Amazon.com and other online retailers and fitness stores.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, and we'll be back on Friday with your weekly workout!


Thursday, November 20, 2014

Video: 30-Minute Yogalates Workout

This is a fun, flowing, fairly fast-moving but not too challenging Yogalates workout combining yoga poses with Pilates and dynamic movement for an excellent full-body workout. The workout is designed to stretch and strengthen your entire body from head to toe. All you need is a yoga mat, and if you are not very flexible, you may want something to use as a block.

Grab your mat, and let's work out!

Yogalates Moon Flow Part 1 with Liz Brandt
Yogalates is a fusion of yoga and pilates combined into one powerful work out. For this work out I took a basic moon flow and added extra poses and movement ...


Check Out More Fun Workouts With the Benefits of Both Yoga & Pilates:
   

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Basic Yogilates Exercises For Your Abs

Yogilates or Yogalates (an exercise combo of Yoga and Pilates moves) offers many health benefits. Aside from helping you achieve a calm state of mind, it can also increase your core strength and flexibility. And speaking of core strength, this form of exercise can help you achieve that envy-worthy stomach you have always wanted! Check out these three Yogilates moves that will make your abs look better than ever.

1.) Hammock

This exercise is great for toning your abdominal muscles as well as your arms, chest, shoulders and buttocks. Sit tall and bend your legs. Your feet should be positioned flat on the floor. Put your hands on the floor behind you at about a 45-degree angle and lean back. Keep your arms straight. Inhale as you slowly lift your hips up to the front of your body. Your knees and shoulders need to be aligned in one straight line.

As you lower your hips to the floor, straighten your legs out in front of you as you assume a sitting position. Now place your hands next to your thighs and lean forward. Pull your abs in toward your spine. Push down using your hands to lift your hips off the floor. Hold this position for a couple of seconds. Beginners may have a little rough time performing this exercise but keep practicing until you get comfortable with it.

2.) Double Leg Stretch

English: Abdominal muscles on a woman's belly.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
This low-intensity exercise will help strengthen and tone your abs. It also engages the muscles in your lower back, legs and arms. To get into the starting position, you need to lie on your back, bend your legs (90-degree angle) and elevate your bent legs in the air. Your legs should be parallel with your body and your toes should point outwards. Lift your head and keep it just a bit higher than your chest. Extend your arms forward towards your legs.

Now inhale and stretch your legs out until they are completely straight at a 45-degree angle with your body, at the same time as you extend your arms back by your ears. You should be able to form a wide "U" shape with your body. Hold this position while pressing your ribs down toward the mat. Bring your legs and arms back to the starting position and repeat the move for 5 to 10 times.

3.) Side Twists

The side twist is great for working all abdominal muscles, particularly the oblique muscles. Lie on your back and extend your arms out at your sides. Bend your knees and position your feet flat on the floor. Lift your bent legs to form a right angle. Make sure you keep both legs together and your shoulders should press into the floor. Now twist and drop your legs to the left and down towards the floor. Bring your knees back to the center, twist and lower them to your right but do not bring them all the way to the floor. Return to the center and repeat 5 times per side. Move slowly and with control throughout the exercise.


Thursday, November 13, 2014

Video: 10-Minute Fun Home Cardio Workout

This short full-body cardio workout will ramp up your heart rate and burn some calories in just a few minutes, and can be done right at home in your living room - or just about anywhere else! These calisthenic exercises are done interval-style, with no rests, but with slow and faster 20-second intervals of each exercise to really improve your cardiovascular capacity and increase your metabolism. (Note: Be sure to consult with your doctor before beginning any new activity - especially if you are starting at a low fitness level.)

This workout does not include a warmup, so you will want to warm up with some jogging or other activity, and cool down at the end with some gentle stretches.

Grab a drink of water and let's work out!

Fast and Slow Remix Cardio Intervals - Fun Fat Burning Cardio Workout at Home



For an excellent 6-week cardio interval workout program that will really get you in shape in just 12 minutes a day, check out PACE Express!


Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Best Exercise Equipment For Home Gyms

Staying fit and healthy is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Not only does it make you feel and look better, it can lead to a longer life! Some people like to work out at the gym, others only exercise through recreational activities, while some prefer to sweat in the comforts of their own abode.

Not only do you not have to drive anywhere, there is a convenient non-public shower available for you when finished!

There is no denying that exercise can be expensive, especially when equipment is involved, but there are amazing ways to get the heart rate going while saving some pocket change, if you are so inclined.

Best Exercise Equipment For The Home 

Jump Ropes

One of the cheapest things to buy is a jump rope (less than $10). It gets the heart rate going quickly and can be found in almost any store that sells exercise products. It’s a great work out for the legs and can be quite challenging, depending upon how far you want to push yourself. Plus, it brings about childhood nostalgia, and it's a lot of fun!

Resistance Bands

Along the lines of jump ropes are resistance bands. They are extremely versatile and can be used to work out many different areas of the body. They provide a low-impact workout, and are very small and light, therefore making them easy to store. Though resistance bands have been seen stereotypically as a work out for middle-aged ladies, they have become an integral part of professional body building due to their ability to target many different muscle areas. These bands can range anywhere from $10 to $50.


Exercise Balls


A piece that is not quite as easy to store is the fitness/exercise ball. Inflated and made of sturdy, puncture-proof elastic, these balls are used for weight training or physical therapy. Just sitting on them have been known to be a great work out for the abs (more fun than an office chair!). Some people enjoy using them so they simply do not have to sit on the hard ground while performing an exercise; others use them to add some muscle strengthening, or balance conditioning. Fitness balls come in many different diameters and run the gamut from $12 to $60 depending upon how much pressure or pounds they can support.

Free Weights

Another great item to have on hand is a set of free weights. Many different exercises can be performed using them, including curls, squats, dead lifts, and lunges, all which trigger different muscle groups. If you are willing to be very patient and super thrifty, these can usually be found in garage sales or second hand stores for very inexpensive prices. Otherwise, you can find dumbells at discount stores for $20 and up.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=kettlebell%20set&linkCode=ur2&rh=n%3A3375251%2Ck%3Akettlebell%20set&sprefix=kettlebel%2Csporting%2C533&tag=newholliv-20&url=search-alias%3Dsporting&linkId=QQBIYGR5BIUJ2QUTKettlebells

Kettlebells are great for building strength and endurance. Originally of Russian invention and usually made of cast iron, kettlebells have the look of a cannon ball with a handle on top. They come in many different weights and are normally used to build the legs, arms, shoulders and lower back. Prices of these can be anywhere from $30 to $70 depending upon the style and weight desired.

Treadmills

For those looking to invest in a larger piece of equipment, there are many different large pieces that are extremely useful as well as popular. The most popular and obvious choice would be a home treadmill.

A staple in gyms across the nation, you can run, walk, trot, strut, and stroll at your own desired pace without having to bother about the weather. It works up a great sweat and many of the machines will keep track of your distance traveled, calories burned, heart rate, etc.

The cost of a treadmill can run anywhere between $250 and $3,000 but they should last for many years, and can provide a great workout in a home gym, and you can use them while watching TV or even catching up  on your reading.

Final Thoughts

There are many more options available for working out at home, including elliptical triners, exercise bikes, ab trainers, steppers and much more. Consider the space you have at home, your goals and fitness and your budget when shopping.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Video: Fun 30-Minute K-Pop Dance Workout

If you like K-Pop, and you're looking for a fun dance workout that will really get you sweating, check this one out! This 30-minute workout offers a medley of cardio dance moves to fun K-Pop songs. There aren't a lot of instructions after the warmup segment, so you will have to follow along with the video, but if you've got some coordination and you enjoy dancing, this is a great workout that will get you moving and burning calories! (Note: Oddly enough, it does have a couple of ads in it, but they all involve dancing as well, so you can keep going right through them.)

Fun Kpop Workout Routine!!
This is my personal workout routine, I decided to post it on youtube for others that want to stay fit and have fun at the same time! This workout includes st...




Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Night Time Running Tips – How to Run Safely In the Dark

Sometimes you have to run in the dark. Whether you get up early in the morning or you run when you get home at night, darkness may be your reality. There are many dangers to running in the dark. Follow these safety tips to enjoy an incident-free run.

#1. Wear Reflective Gear

You really can’t go overboard with this. Find shoes, tights or shorts, and tops or jackets with reflective features. Consider running with a reflective vest. A headlamp or a flashlight is a good idea too. They actually make flashing lights that can attach to a hip pack or waist band as well. These are a good idea if you’re running in a trafficked area.

#2. Run in a Well Lit Area

English: HTC night running
HTC night running (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Running in the dark on a dimly lit path or street is a bad idea for many reasons. It’s too easy to get hit by bicycles or cars in the darkness. It’s also easy to trip and fall or twist an ankle in the dark. And people who intend to do others harm often choose dimly lit trails and sidewalks to attack.

#3. Rules of The Road

If you’re running in the road, meaning you’re dealing with traffic, then there are a few hard and fast rules to obey. The first is to run on the shoulder. If there isn’t a shoulder then don’t run on that road. The wider the shoulder, the better. Don’t run in bike paths. They’re for bikes. And do run against traffic. You want to be able to see the cars coming at you, not have them at your back.

#4. Change it Up

If you always run the same dark path at the same time you may be making yourself more vulnerable to an attack. Some people prey on lone runners. They learn your patterns and then take advantage. Mix it up and vary your routine.

#5. Run with Others

If you are running at night or in the darkness, try to run with other people. There really is safety in numbers.

Finally, be sure to carry a cell phone, personal protection spray, and emergency contact information. These three things may save your life. You just never know when something might happen. The darkness shouldn’t keep you from running and getting in shape. However, be smart about it. Know your surroundings, be prepared, and stay aware of the potential dangers.