The FIRM Master Instructor Team | pg.4

I’ve been asked many times about the perfect exercise routine to achieve “washboard abs.” A good mix of exercises targeting all the muscles of the core — the abdominals and spinal erectors — will create a beautiful, toned shape to the midsection.

Cardio is an all-around health booster. It burns calories, lowers body fat, strengthens your heart and lungs, and increases bone mass and muscle tone.

Cardio also releases mood-enhancing endorphins and hormones! I am oh-so-happy when I get my cardio in for the day — and so is the rest of my family!

By The FIRM Master Instructor Allie Del Rio

These nine simple moves will help you tone your upper and lower body and burn major calories.

How about all three?

by The FIRM Master Instructor Kelsie Daniels

From time to time we all need a little motivation. Whenever I need to refocus my efforts, which can happen quite easily after the initial buzz of a new year wears off, I take a look at my top ten list. It changes a little from time to time, but for the most part, these are the principles that keep me on the right track. They are in no particular order, because they are all equally important.

by The FIRM nutrition expert Sara Ryba, R.D., C.D.N.

Let’s start 2010 with a clean nutrition slate by giving up some of the most unhealthy and addictive foods on the market. Below you will find a list of eight foods that are, in my opinion, the biggest roadblocks to you and your nutrition goals. After each offending food you’ll find a delicious, healthier substitute. So never fear, your new improved 2010 menu will be delectable, satisfying and slimming!

By The FIRM Master Instructor Mindy Fenske

The new year is a time to reflect on what we have done, to make plans for the future, and to celebrate with friends and family. It is also a time for resolutions. How many of you have made resolutions in past years that have somehow been, well, less than achieved? Let that all change this year. This will not be the year that a goal has been set and not met. This will be your year of success, and here are the eight simple ways to make that happen.

By The FIRM Master Instructor Nancy Butts

No matter your fitness or weight loss goals, there are staple exercises that should be a part of every workout routine. These are my top five personal must-have moves. It was really hard to narrow it down, but after careful consideration, I believe these exercises will help you achieve the svelte and fit FIRM body you desire. We’ll count down to my No. 1 all-time favorite move. Are you as excited as I am?

By The FIRM Master Instructor Kelsie Daniels

The holiday season is once again upon us. And because I am one of those people who fully enjoys holiday dining, I have to prepare myself for the usual question that comes as I am stuffing my face: “How do you stay in shape?” One of the people who always asks me this question is my dear Aunt Jo. She asks it every year and then follows with how she wants to start working out and eating right.

By The FIRM Master Instructor Kirsten Palmer

Modern life is a balancing act — work and play, family and personal time, spiritual and physical. How important is balance in your body — not just muscle balance but balance during movement?