Beyond firming your belly, strength in the abdominals is essential because the abs’ central location in the torso makes them a linchpin of bodily movement. The abdominal muscles consist of four muscle groups layered at the front and sides of the torso. They are crucial for keeping your trunk firm,…
You’ve thought about it for a long time and have decided that you’re ready to make the commitment. But before you jump in too soon and find yourself stuck in a yearlong contract, there are a few things you need to consider before joining a gym. Gyms come in all…
In American society, flat abs equal beauty and appeal. That is why Americans spend hundreds of dollars and thousands of hours trying to obtain the perfect, six-pack abs, only to find that it’s not working. The reason it is not working is simple: Six-pack abs involve a well-developed muscle made…
While most of us think that burning calories only happens at the gym, the truth is that your body is burning calories round the clock — even when you’re relaxing, sleeping and eating! Your metabolism is running at a specific rate throughout the day, and certain activities only increase this…
You may have caught sight of hundreds of workout DVDs at the local store or movie rental outpost, but how do you know which one is the best fit for your fitness goals? From kickboxing cardio to hip-hop dance workouts, there’s a workout for all fitness levels and tastes. However,…
Have you spent hours on the treadmill and elliptical machine each week but still aren’t getting results? You’re probably stuck in a fitness rut where your body has adapted to your workout routine and just doesn’t respond to the activity like it used to. The best way to get over…
The quest to develop a stunningly fit, lean and attractive body is a long, slow journey. It’s not something you achieve overnight by popping a few pills or strapping an electric gizmo to your belly. By the time the FTC finally blew the whistle on the electronic ab belt scam,…
Ask any professional body builder what they do when they’re not working out, and you’ll quickly find out it has nothing to do with exercise. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Fitness buffs use their downtime to relax — as in, their muscles. The reason for this is that the…
If you’ve been having a hard time sticking with your workout routine, music may help you stay on track with your fitness resolutions. Music can be a huge motivation when you’re working out, giving you a chance to break out of a humdrum routine and synchronize your movements to your…
Fitballs. Swiss exercise balls. Stability balls. They are three different names for one very effective piece of exercise equipment. Originally used to assist physical therapists, this giant inflatable ball adds entertainment to your workout. You can sit on the Fitball, lie on it, roll on it, put your feet on…