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Exercise Video
Push-Up Variation: Crocodile Jumps
I love push-ups. They are one of the best strength training moves out there. Not only do they sculpt your upper body and back, but they also tone your core.
Push-Up Variation: Add In a Superman
Push-ups strengthen your upper body, and here's a variation that will also work the muscles in your back — just add in another no equipment necessary move, the superman.
Music: "Two of Us" by Aimee Mann and Michael Penn
To learn how to do this exercise, read more
Multitasking Move: Burning Squats
Strengthening your quads not only prevents injuries to your knees when running, but it also makes you stronger and faster. Not to mention, toned thighs also look great in a bathing suit. Here's a squat sequence I love to do because it instantly burns my thighs.
Push-Up Variation: Grasshopper Push-Up
To tone up your upper body for strapless dress and tank top season, push-ups are my favorite. I love that you don't need any equipment to do them, and they're so effective that it only takes a few reps before you start feeling it. Here's a challenging variation that will also increase flexibility in your lower back.
DVD Review: Shiva Rea — Surf Yoga Soul
I'm a huge fan of Shiva Rea and all her yoga videos, so I was thrilled to hear she had a new video called Surf Yoga Soul ($15). You don't have to be a surfer to enjoy this video, since it focuses on creative movements that open your body and heart, and strengthen your muscles and mind, to help you "surf the power of the life force within you." OK, that might be a little cheesy, but the DVD is great fun.
Stretch It: Ankle Rolls
I love a dynamic warmup, even more for feet. Before running, hiking, or dancing, it's a good idea to prime your feet and ankles for moving with a simple circular motion. Add these rolls to your warmup routine.
No Equipment Necessary: Two-Minute Headstand
So you've never tried a headstand in your life or you can't balance whatsoever. That's OK. This exercise is all about working your shoulders and upper back and doesn't have much to do with balance.
Couch Time: Scorpion
Since I run a lot, my hip flexors and lower back get really tight, so I love stretches that focus on opening these areas, such as Scorpion. This is actually a yoga pose that's a balancing backbend. It feels amazing on the front of your body and your spine, but it's a really difficult pose to get into, let alone hold long enough to get a good stretch.
Stretch It: Chest Opening Spinal Twist
I feel that no matter what you do, everyone can benefit from twisting and stretching their spines. Here is a wonderful stretch that will seriously open your chest, too.
Music: "Midnight Drive" by Phillip Emanuel
For a detailed description of how to get into this stretch read more
Push-Up Variation: T Push-Up
I am a huge fan of push-ups since they strengthen your upper body and core beautifully, and they require no equipment whatsoever. Regular push-ups can be tough to do all in a row (and pretty boring too), so here's a variation that lets your upper body stretch in between push-ups.
Music: "Ballad For Trio" by The Jazz Mandolin Project
- Begin on you hands and knees, with your hands shoulder-width apart, and your knees underneath your hips.
- Keep you arms straight as you straighten out your legs behind you, coming into plank position.
- As you inhale, bend your elbows as you lower yourself down into a push-up (with control), keeping your body parallel to the ground.
- Exhale to straighten your arms and lift your right arm straight up over head, making a T-shape with your body.
- Inhale to place your right palm back on the ground and lower into a push-up.
- Exhale to straighten your arms and lift your left arm up overhead.
- Inhale to place your left hand back on the ground and lower into a push-up.
- Continue this exercise, repeating a equal number of times on both sides.
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