workout

Ah, I see I got your attention.

And you are wondering what I could be talking about. The treadmill in your guest bedroom? (The one with the clothes on it.) The roller blades in your closet? The semi-inflated ball in the backyard, or the weights you have lying around just in case you are inspired to bicep curl? Nope, none of those. Give up? This one-size-fits-all, miraculous tool of amazing design is the FLOOR!

I get the opportunity to teach both Pilates and yoga every week because it’s my job. But for those of you who don’t have time to attend a class, here are two mini workouts that do double-duty. Not only can they each be done in about 10 minutes, but these workouts will help you get moving in the morning (or anytime you need a little pick-me-up) or help you wind down from a stressful day.

It’s back-to-school season again! Whether or not you are a parent, we can all conjure up those back-to-school feelings. It’s a time that symbolizes a fresh start, a new routine. It’s natural chance to change things up and get creative with your workout — or get back into a healthy routine and set some new goals? And if you have no routine currently, it’s a perfect time to make that leap. Feel the energy in the air to dig in and get going!

By The FIRM Master Instructor Rebekah Sturkie

Power moves — exercises that involve high intensity and explosive movement — are extremely beneficial for developing strength and coordination. And we all want to do that, right? This type of training is the way to go if you want to burn major calories in a short amount of time.

Most of us have memorized this rule: Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. But did you know that the human body is made up of about 66 percent water? We are more than half water — so staying well hydrated is essential when being active outdoors. But how much water you need, and when you need it, really depends on the length and intensity of your workout.

By The FIRM Master Instructor Emily Walsh

I have a new move that I LOVE and I have been doing in class lately. It’s actually a series of moves I call the Bodacious Burpee! It’s a good burn, and good cardio pump, and fun! Here is a little video how-to plus detailed instructions.

I know we are all carefully choreographing our schedules at this time of year and the holiday hoop-la and social events can put our fitness routines in a parking spot.  SO – I’ll remind you that exercise does not require a whole lot of space or a big chunk of time!

Cross training is a way to work on more than one aspect of your physical fitness at the same time. It’s doing something other than your “favorite” sport or exercise and doing another that complements and adds to your overall fitness level. There are so many good reasons to cross train — the real question should be: if you’re not cross-training, why not?

I am sitting on the beach in Brazil. The sun is beginning to set. The waves are crashing; no one is around me but my girlfriend and a beautiful young native man running up and down the beach. His skin is so dark it shines and his naturally muscled body moves effortlessly and confidently. I doubt he spends much time at the local gym since there is only one in town and I have only seen tourists there. He looks like it is the way he lives his life that sculpted his body. Then I realize it is the same for all of us. Our body reflects how we live our life. How do you live each day? What do you eat? How much do you sleep? How much do train your body and how much do you play?