As a health writer, people often ask me if I’ve changed my lifestyle to become a healthier person. Do I eat healthier, work out more, and actually put to use any of those nifty tips I learn about every day?
For a long time, my response was, “No—I still have all the same bad habits; now I just feel guiltier about them.” Read More
My grandparents’ house, where I spend most holidays, is like a black hole—in a good way: Whenever I’m there, I spend most of my time sleeping, eating, and lazing about, pleasantly sedated by the combination of the blazing fireplace, the comfy blankets that Grandma knits and leaves on all of the furniture, and the inevitable food coma that results after one of our afternoon Pennsylvania Dutch feasts. My parents have actually asked me if I ever sleep in New York, since I seem to need a lot of catching up in that department whenever we’re at Grandma and Grandpa’s.
But this season, I’m determined to approach the annual trip differently. Holidays are all about tradition, and that’s exactly what I need: A new tradition that keeps me, and my family, moving. So I talked to Nikki Glor, a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor at Crunch Fitness in New York City, and creator of her own NikkiFitness DVDs. Chances are, your family may be planning a similarly lazy couple of days; if so, here’s now to get them (and yourself) out of the rut. Read More
“We frequently run on the Promenade in Brooklyn,” says Hannah Purdy, 31. “It’s the unexpectedly long runs that are the most memorable. Sometimes we start running and talking, then discover a reserve of unexpected energy. We get so excited by our conversation that we wind up pushing ourselves over the Brooklyn Bridge and into Manhattan.” Read More
Looking for some fresh Web sites to motivate, inspire, and keep you on track? Check out my favorites—in addition to Girls Gotta Move, of course! Read More
Dance class is a great workout—a half-hour burns about 200 calories—but there’s the little issue of shimmying in a room full of strangers. Here’s the solution: Do your dancing at home with these great new DVDs. Read More
You might think: Core generally refers to your abdominal muscles.
You should know: This term also includes the muscles that run up the back and stretch down to the butt and the front and inner thighs, says Michele Olson, PhD, professor of physical education and exercise science at Auburn University–Montgomery, Alabama. This group of muscles is where much of the body’s strength comes from; you use it to kick a ball, lift a heavy box, and even stand up straight. Read More
Who has time to burn megacalories during the holidays? You do! This speedy workout from Equinox instructor Lashaun Dale, based on her popular Cardio Bootcamp & Sculpt class, will blast up to 350 calories in just under 30 minutes, and you’ll build strength while you’re at it.
Do this routine just three times a week to keep those holiday pounds at bay—and look extra svelte in your holiday finery. (Hitting the buffet big-time? Add a brisk 45-minute walk on alternate days to burn another 250 calories a day. You’ll toast more than 2,000 calories a week!) View the slideshow.
Say hello to gorgeous shoulders and a defined upper back with these moves, based on the exercises group-fitness instructor Randy B. Washington teaches in his Top it Off class at Crunch Miami.
The trick to this über-effective routine: repetitions done at a fat-burning pace with few or no breaks in between. Do this 12-minute routine 3 times a week for 3 weeks, and you’ll be ready for that strapless holiday dress. View the slideshow.
Lift and firm your backside with the Mountain Climber–Dead Lift Combo, a new move from the 10 Minute Solution: Hot Body Boot Camp DVD ($14.98), starring fitness expert Amy Bento. Read More
Copyright © 2008 Health Media Ventures, Inc. All rights reserved.
The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments. See the Terms of Service for more information.
