If you need a thoracic spine stretch, do a round Cat Pose to Cow Pose, more commonly referred to as Cat-Cow pose. This pose increases flexibility and relieves tightness in the spine, but is also one of the most effective ab stretches and neck stretches. Since you’re tucking and rounding your pelvis, Cat-Cow is also…
If you really want to strengthen your arms, grab a pair dumbbells and prepare to feel the burn. When done consistently (at least twice a week), strength training with dumbbells can help you build muscle from your shoulders and back to your triceps and biceps. So what exercises do trainers like the most? Well, we…
When the fitness studio I taught at first closed its doors last March because of COVID-19, I thought it would only be for a couple weeks. Almost a year later, it’s still closed – and teaching fitness classes, as I knew it, is a thing of the past. At least for now. It’s been a…
Running can absolutely help you lose weight, but if it’s already part of your routine and you’re not seeing results, the frustration sets in fast. What’s going on here? POPSUGAR talked to Heather Milton, MS, exercise physiologist supervisor at NYU Langone Health’s Sports Performance Center, to troubleshoot some common reasons you may not be seeing…
Many newbie runners give up on running because within a mile, their legs are on fire and they’re breathing so hard they feel like they’re a huff and a puff away from passing out. Don’t expect to be able to run five miles right from the get-go – it takes time to build endurance, but…
While losing weight is all about burning calories, building muscle is a different story. If you’re looking to increase your muscle mass, there are certain things you can do to optimize your workouts. First, a quick anatomy lesson on muscles and how they’re built. “There are a variety of factors that influence muscle growth, from…
Ankle weights can be used for a variety of different training modalities and workouts, from mat Pilates to rehabbing and strengthening your lower body. One of the most common ways people use ankle weights is for walking. It seems foolproof: throw on your favorite leggings, put on some comfy shoes, strap on your weights, and…
A sore, tight back is no joke. And the way we live our lives – hunched over a computer, slouching on a couch, or sleeping wrong in bed – can certainly lead to tightness in your back. Even if you work out and stretch regularly, you may not be paying enough attention to your back.…
No matter what type of physical activity you do, it’s important to make sure you spend time stretching your muscles and working on your mobility. Holding long, static stretches will help improve your flexibility, which can boost your performance, prevent injury, and keep your body feeling and functioning at its best. Mobility focuses on your…
They say you never forget how to ride a bike, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re fully ready to jump into road cycling as a sport. Obviously, knowing how to manipulate a bike is an essential part of the workout, but like any activity, cycling involves protocols and best practices that are key for your…
