Tag Archives: core

Serena William’s Grueling Tennis Workouts

Serena Williams is not just one of the world’s premiere female tennis stars, she is also one of the strongest women in the sport. She’s certainly not a lean, slim player, but her entire physique speaks volumes about strength and fitness. Tennis is, after all, a game of speed, strength and endurance, and Serena has mastered all three.

A knee injury from 2004 and a bad hamstring have long hampered her running, and she freely admits that she does not enjoy cardio work, both factors which probably have contributed to her less-than-lean build. Serena has said, “I hate working out more than anything, but I have to — when I’m running, I think about how much I want to win. That’s the only thing that keeps me going.”

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A Beginner’s Guide to Pregnancy Pilates

Pilates has become increasingly popular in the fitness world with both men and women. Pilates is a fitness system developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It focuses on core postural muscles, as well as proper breathing and correct spinal alignment.

The most common machine used for Pilates is the “reformer,” which was designed to provide finely tuned resistance exercises for the body as a whole. It focuses on proper alignment, core stability, and total body flexibility.

Pilates is great before, during and after pregnancy. It is beneficial during the pregnancy process due to the isolation of the core. (more…)

Beginner’s Guide to Medicine Balls

Medicine balls have been around forever and are among one of the oldest forms of strength and endurance training. In ancient Greece, medicine balls were made from animal skins sewn together and stuffed with sand. They were used for rehabilitation and injury prevention. Today, medicine balls are usually round and made of rubber or leather, but they do come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and materials.

Medicine balls generally range from two to 25 pounds, and are typically used for standard plyometric weight training, which is characterized by fast powerful movements and muscle contractions to increase speed, power, strength, and flexibility.

Medicine balls are very durable and can be used just about anywhere. Athletes commonly use them for explosive training (quick and powerful movements) by throwing them to the ground or off a sturdy wall. The medicine ball is also a great way to modify and add enjoyment to any weight training exercise or workout. (more…)

Are Crunches and Sit-Ups Dangerous?

Are crunches and sit-ups destroying your back? According to Dr. Richard Guyer, president of the Texas Back Institute, crunches and sit-ups put an unhealthy strain on your back due to the flex movement of the crunch or sit-up. The spine has the most nerves of any area of the body, and the bends and strains of crunches and sit-ups can lead to extensive nerve damage.

I totally agree with Dr. Richard Guyer on this subject. Crunches and sit-ups do actually put an unhealthy strain on the spine. On the other hand, how many of you play or have played sports, or eat fast food? Almost everyone, right? Playing sports and eating out is also extremely hard on the body, but we still do it! Everything we do on a daily basis is pretty much unhealthy for the body. That’s just life. Sitting in the car for too long, sitting at the office all day, playing golf, or running… all of these activities take a toll on the body over time and can lead to injury at some point in our lives.

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Benefits of Single Extremity Movements

The chest press, leg press, and shoulder press are all great exercises that target its specific muscle group rather well. But, what if only one arm or leg was used during each movement? By incorporating single arm and leg movements into your workouts you will isolate so many more muscle groups.

For instance, you are performing a body weight squat; which is a great lower body exercise (quadriceps and glutes). Now, add a single leg body weight squat; the focus is still on the quadriceps and glutes, but also incorporates core stability, balance, and recruits different lower body muscles to help stabilize.

Another great advantage of using single arm or leg movements is to prevent over-compensation. For example, a chest press is being performed and the right side (stronger side) of the body or muscle group is doing most of the work; thus not allowing the left side (weaker side) to improve. Well, a single arm chest press solves the problem of the over-compensation and allows both sides of the body or muscle group to be isolated more effectively. (more…)

A Beginner’s Guide to Pilates

Pilates is a method of exercise developed by German born Joseph Pilates in the early twentieth century as a means to heal his own body, which was ridden with illness. He learned that by integrating the breath, mind and body by what is referred to as “contrology,” participants could improve their state of health.

The original Pilates workout consisted of 34 exercises designed to target the core muscle groups, otherwise known as the body’s powerhouse. These exercises range from beginner to advanced and were practiced as a set series. Classic Pilates follows the original routine, while the modern version of Pilates allows for modifications to adapt to a variety of ages, abilities and needs. In addition, Pilates exercises have evolved to incorporate the use of equipment such as the Reformer and Pilates Cadillac.

Whether a beginner or advanced practitioner of the classic or modern Pilates method on the mat or on a machine, the benefits of this mind-body activity are extensive.

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The Ultimate Ice Hockey Workout

As many of you know, the Women’s and Men’s U.S. Olympic Ice Hockey teams lost to Canada during the finals of the 2024 Winter Olympics. The women’s team lost two to nothing capturing the silver medal for the second time ever. The men’s team lost a heart-breaker in overtime three to two, thus capturing the silver medal as well.

There is more to hockey than just suiting up and playing. Physical conditioning is a huge aspect of the game. Ice hockey takes a toll on the body, thus making it extremely important to be in great physical shape. Hockey requires a great deal of stamina, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. Upper body, core strength and endurance are important for the handling of the puck, shooting of the puck, checking an opponent, and fighting (several fights break out during hockey games). (more…)

As Seen on TV Fitness Products Review

We’ve seen them on those late nights when zoning out in front of the television is more appealing than going to bed. Whether it’s a device to tone your abs or boost your biceps, the infomercials for at-home fitness products have a fascinating appeal to them, which is why 20 minutes later, you can still find yourself watching the same ad and then picking up your cell phone or popping on the computer to order it and cash in on the “act now” savings.

If all of those fitness products seem to look like one another, we’re going to help you sort through the sometimes drowning waters of the exercise industry.

Here is a list of the six most popular As Seen on TV fitness products and a summary of each.

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The P90X Workout Improves Overall Fitness and Muscle Tone

P90XThe P90X system is a 90-day fitness program designed for you to lose weight and firm your body. It consists of 12 muscle pumping workouts, three-phase nutrition plan, detailed fitness guide, and online peer support.

The secret to the success of the P90X program is “muscle confusion.” Most people often make the mistake of getting stuck in the same workout routine for several months at a time. P90X breaks each muscle group down throughout each of the 12, hour-long, workout videos. Each video targets different parts of the body, which does not allow the body to adapt to specific workouts. So, if your goal is to increase muscle tone, improve your overall fitness and cardiovascular endurance, and are willing to devote some time and energy, then the P90X Training System is the perfect workout program for you. (more…)

Top 5 Core Exercises to Prepare for Horseback Riding

polo player riding horseWhy is the “core” important for horseback riding? The core is the center of gravity and your body relies on a strong core for proper posture and proper body functioning. The core is made up of your entire body except the upper and lower extremities. The core stabilizes the spine and pelvis while providing a solid foundation of movement for the rest of the body.

So, while your body bounces around in the saddle, your core is working extremely hard to maintain proper posture as well as hold your body upright. (more…)

The Ultimate Surfing Workout

man on yellow surfboardI moved to California a little over a month ago and have picked up the hobby of surfing. Surfing requires an extreme amount of core strength, stability, and balance as well as upper and lower body strength. If you have never been surfing, I totally recommend it. It is a great way to get away from the stresses of the world and to enjoy nature at its best.

Of course, safety is a big issue, but if you take a lesson or play it safe you will be more than fine. I also recommend starting with a long board then upgrading to a shorter one once you get better.

Below is a total body workout that I have put together to strengthen the muscles and parts of the body necessary to concur the sport of surfing. I have incorporated several core movements as well as upper and lower body exercises. (more…)