strength training

A strong core has been “in” for years. But the biomechanic awareness that has trickled into yoga and fitness studios has been affected by loads of misinformation and the “quick-build” mentality. Unfortunately, this can often do the body more harm than good.

A brief unauthorized biography of the core

This year, after 15 years of yoga practice and transforming my body, I found myself hitting a plateau. Though my practice regularly involves power moves like jumping forward into crow pose and holding warrior pose for a long time, my muscle tone seemed to be stuck on autopilot: never decreasing, but never really going to that next level, either.

By The FIRM Master Instructor Alison Davis-McLain

A girlfriend of mine forwarded a blog to me about brides who go overboard to try to lose weight for their wedding day. It said nearly half were willing to adopt extreme dieting strategies including skipping meals, taking unprescribed diet pills, liquid diets, and even smoking, laxatives or induced vomiting!

By The FIRM Master Instructor Alison Davis-McLain

Bootcamp-style workouts not only bring on the sweat — they can also turn up the fear factor! You might think bootcamp workouts are only for advanced exercisers. But even novices can do a bootcamp workout and reap its total-body benefits.

With all the demands in your busy life, no doubt you feel a huge sense of accomplishment if you simply get in a walk on any given day. And you should! But one form of exercise isn’t enough. So instead of trying to fit ANY form physical activity into your schedule, focus on getting FOUR kinds of exercise — including core training as well as cardio, strength training and flexibility moves. You don’t necessarily have to add MORE workouts into your week; first just make sure that you’re alternating between these four types of movement in your routine, or combining them into any given workout.

Last week I wrote about keeping your gym membership and focusing on the gym amenities you really use. But if getting to the gym isn’t working for you, I suggest stocking your home with a few well-chosen pieces of exercise gear to help you start or maintain a consistent fitness regimen. Having your own gear handy puts you in control. It saves you time, since you never have to drive to and from the health club. It gives you a weatherproof alternative to outdoor activities like walking or biking. And it lets you squeeze in exercise in the morning before the kids wake up, in the evening while you’re watching your favorite TV show …