February 2007 - Posts
By Jeanette Jenkins
I recently wrote about how you can
break exercise boredom with a cardio blast. Well, here’s another way: listen to great music!
Having a super playlist of tunes can really motivate you during your workout. Music entertains you and helps keep your mind off the monotony of jogging or cycling, for instance.
But it also helps get those feet and arms pumping to the beat – and keeps them moving throughout your exercise session. You may even want to sing along – but refrain, please, unless you’re sweating it out solo!
It can be hard, though, to keep up with all the latest, greatest workout music. Sometimes you know the beat of a song that you love but you just can’t remember who sings it.
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By Kathy Kaehler
Awards season is in full swing, and Hollywood’s leading ladies have been getting themselves into tip-top shape for their gorgeous gowns. At the Academy Awards this Sunday, we’ll see actresses such as “Dreamgirls” diva Beyonce Knowles, “Volver” star Penelope Cruz and Oscar-winner and presenter Reese Witherspoon in designer dresses that show off shoulders and backs, legs and arms. Some may even go as far as peek-a-boo cut-outs that reveal sculpted six-pack abs.
But do celebs actually manage to get into such great shape in the short amount of time between when the nominations are announced and when the awards are presented?
No, not really. They work at keeping their bodies buff year-round, with some extra-special attention in the weeks leading up to these events.
If you’ve got a birthday bash, class reunion or other big night coming up, their tricks can help you get toned and lean for your special event, too.
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By Jeanette Jenkins
It’s not just repetitive cardio activities such as climbing endlessly on the stair machine or spinning round and round on the stationary bike that can bore our socks off. Weight-training can be a drag sometimes, too. Doing that same squat or biceps curl definitely can get old after awhile.
To energize your weight-training sessions and burn a couple hundred extra calories at the same time, try adding some “cardio blasts” to your usual routine.
A cardio blast is a one-to-two-minute activity that you can do in between weight-training sets so that you’re not just standing around idly.
Besides keeping your mind engaged, these activities keep your heart rate up and help you burn fat. You’ll also get a mood boost from all those feel-good chemicals your brain is pumping out as you sweat.
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By Gina Lombardi
Want to spend some quality time with your sweetie this Valentine’s season? Why not plan for some partner workouts? You’ll be doing something healthful for the two of you and injecting some playful fun into your relationship. Plus, having a workout buddy can help you stay on track after the year-end holiday gluttony.
There are plenty of great activities for two. You could take an indoor rock-climbing lesson; sign up for a spinning, yoga or Pilates class; or just hammer out the basics together at the gym by doing a good strength-training workout followed by 30 minutes of intense cardio.
Remember to talk, keep each other motivated and, above all, enjoy yourselves! Sweatin' it out with your sweetheart can be just the thing you need to heat up your love life.
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