Posted by mturcotte on May 19, 2011 in yoga | 0 comments
Yoga by definition means “union” and has been around for thousands of years. The mind-body benefits of this form of exercise are endless. Practicing yoga on a regular basis promotes flexibility, relaxation, tones your muscles and can reduces stress, for starters. There are many types or styles of yoga. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced exerciser, start with a basic routine. Keep in mind that yoga is a completely new challenge that can work your body in a way it has never been worked before. Listed below is...
read morePosted by mturcotte on Apr 22, 2011 in fitness, resistance training | 0 comments
Stability ball (Swiss ball): While a stability ball is best known for engages multiple muscle groups during abdominal training, that is only the beginning. It offers the same benefits for upper and lower body toning. Adding controlled instability to your workout promotes muscular endurance and challenges your body’s ability to balance itself. Resistance tubes: A lightweight total body shaping aid ideal for the space challenged and/or for those new to exercise. Unlike Therabands, resistance tubes resemble jump ropes and feature...
read morePosted by mturcotte on Feb 8, 2011 in resistance training | 0 comments
This Valentine’s Day workout side by side with your sweetheart. In addition to getting fit and having fun, exercising together will build muscle while enhancing communication. Squats are a classic lower body toner. There are several versions of the partners’ squats. You can do them back to back, as you would a wall squat/wall sit. Or try partner assisted bodyweight squats: Stand facing your partner at approximately arm’s length away. With your feet facing forward, slightly greater than shoulder-width apart, grasp your...
read morePosted by mturcotte on Jan 30, 2011 in yoga | 0 comments
The side plank or sage tree is a balancing yoga pose that targets your shoulder and arm muscles. This pose involves supporting your body weight using the strength of one arm at a time. Concentrate on pushing away from the floor with the supporting arm, positioned directly under your shoulder, while extending your opposite arm toward the ceiling. Avoid allowing your torso to sag toward the floor and keep your legs straight, forming a “T-shape.” You will find that you are simultaneously toning your oblique muscles as you hold this...
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