All posts tagged: workout

Want to get your steps in but don’t want to go outside? Try this trainer’s 35-minute walking workout to burn calories and boost your metabolism

Want to get your steps in but don’t want to go outside? Try this trainer’s 35-minute walking workout to burn calories and boost your metabolism

Published by skeptic

As the weather gets colder and less inviting, you may find yourself falling short of your daily step goal. It can be difficult to motivate yourself to go outside when there are gale-force winds and falling snow to contend with. For many of us, this means that our winters tend to be more sedentary than the warmer seasons. However, there is a way to combat this dip in activity, and put a little pep in your step without leaving the comfort of your home: walking workouts. I particularly like this YouTube walking workout from fitness influencer Burpee Girl, because she guides you through each step. There’s also a handy timer on the screen, so you know when the next movement is about to start. It’s equipment-free, low-impact and doesn’t involve any jumping. “It’s perfect for rainy days and a great substitute for the same old treadmill cardio workout,” she writes in her caption. While many online walking workouts (including this one) are aimed toward weight loss, that isn’t the only benefit of walking. It’s a …

Soap actor draws backlash after performing workout mid-flight in the centre aisle of plane

Soap actor draws backlash after performing workout mid-flight in the centre aisle of plane

Published by skeptic

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Mexican soap opera star and fitness influencer Bárbara de Regil has drawn backlash for performing a workout routine mid-flight. The 37-year-old actor, who starred in Latin American telenovelas like Lalola and Rosario Tijeras, was traveling with her husband, Fernando Schoenwald, when she decided to unwind by turning the cabin aisle into her personal gym. She performed a full “body pump” workout mid-flight, which didn’t exactly win over her fellow passengers or online spectators. “I’m feeling crazy after nearly 35 hours in the air on planes,” the fitness guru explained, addressing her 9 million Instagram followers in an Instagram Story post. But instead of sticking to light stretches or a casual stroll, de Regil opted for a full-throttle, multistep workout, including running in place and …

I tried this trainer’s 90-second healthier hip workout and felt the difference after just one session

I tried this trainer’s 90-second healthier hip workout and felt the difference after just one session

Published by skeptic

I recently covered a walking workout from trainer Justin Agustin and found myself falling in love with his no-nonsense approach to fitness. So when I was suffering with tight hips after a heavy lower-body lifting session I decided to dig into his previous Instagram reels to see if there was a mobility routine that could help. I found a quick and efficient one-move session from the trainer that was easy to replicate at home. I practiced the 90-second move throughout the day, using my kitchen counter for support as Augustin does in his reel. Here’s how it impacted my hips. How to do the workout My results 1. My hips felt looser My hips are a problem area for me but they felt a lot looser after doing this move. It only took 90 seconds but I no longer felt tightness in my hip flexors or limited movement in my hip joint. Hip health is vital for good aging, and good mobility “is linked to longevity, as it supports proper posture and alignment, reducing the …

I had a lower-back injury and wonky hips, but this post-run core workout kept me running pain-free

I had a lower-back injury and wonky hips, but this post-run core workout kept me running pain-free

Published by skeptic

Many people fall in love with running, but if you want to keep running for years to come it’s important to develop a strong body, especially in your core. A strong core can also improve your running form which is great for performance as well as avoiding injury. When I began running consistently, I had a lower-back injury and wonky hips so I quickly learned about the importance of core workouts. At that time I had an amazing coach who incorporated this quick post-run core workout into my running routine so I could remain healthy, pain-free, and mobile. This core workout is well-rounded and promotes strength, stability, and mobility in all the right places so you can keep running injury-free for as long as your heart desires. The workout doesn’t require any equipment and can be done anywhere you have the space to lie down. It consists of performing two sets of 20 reps of five movements. Depending on your ability level you can do five reps, take a short rest, and repeat until you …

A Pilates instructor says this 20-minute workout will strengthen your hips and boost flexibility

A Pilates instructor says this 20-minute workout will strengthen your hips and boost flexibility

Published by skeptic

If tight and achy hips sound familiar, then it’s worth using at-home Pilates workouts to boost your flexibility and strength. A workout like this one, whic focuses on building stability and flexibility in your hip muscles, helping you move more freely and avoid injury. It’s created by Jakarta-based Pilates instructor Mira Hassan, who runs one of Fit&Well‘s favorite Pilates YouTube workout channels, Flow with Mira. Hassan explains that training the muscles supporting the hip joints can relieve tightness and tension, while strengthening and stabilizing the pelvis. This is crucial for balance, posture and everyday movement. This 20-minute workout doesn’t require any equipment, but all the moves are floor-based so a cushioned Pilates mat, like this extra thick top-rated one from Amazon, will support your spine. How to do Mira Hassan’s 20-minute hip workout 20 min Pilates Hip Workout – Hip Strengthening Exercises for Beginners – YouTube Watch On Why do you need to stretch and strengthen your hips? “Our entire body is interconnected, so if you have tight or weak hips, it’s likely this will …

Start the day with this gentle YouTube workout designed to be done in your PJs

Start the day with this gentle YouTube workout designed to be done in your PJs

Published by skeptic

If you’re looking for simple but effective exercise routines you can do right after rolling out of bed—no equipment or gym commute needed—then you’ll love MonikaFit’s beginner-friendly morning workouts. These short and sweet sessions are all about getting your body moving and boosting your mood. They’re about ten minutes long and can easily be done in your PJs and bare feet. The instructor recently shared this cozy morning routine, which will gently wake up your muscles and joints. All you’ll need to do it is some floor space. How to do MonikaFit’s morning workout GOOD MORNING WORKOUT | 10 MIN | Beginner Friendly – YouTube Watch On There are 10 moves in the routine. The instructor (Monika Larssen) advises you to perform each one for 50 seconds, then take a 10-second rest. However, she also adds that everyone should work at their own pace, so find what feels good for you. Should you work out in the morning? “If morning workouts suit you and your schedule, then they can be a really positive addition to …

Do you really need to cool down after a workout? I tried for 30 days—here’s what happened

Do you really need to cool down after a workout? I tried for 30 days—here’s what happened

Published by skeptic

I know that cooling down after exercise is meant to be good for you. Taking the time to stretch can improve your flexibility and help your heart rate return to normal. But when I started strength training two years ago I didn’t slot it into my schedule and it never became part of my routine. However, I hit a training plateau recently and noticed that my strength gains and muscle growth had stalled. I decided to add a cool-down session to my workouts for 30 days to see if it would improve my performance. I committed to doing five to 10 minutes of static stretching after every workout, targeting my most-used muscles. What I found (Image credit: Britteny Dee) 1. I was less sore Prior to this challenge, I was constantly battling delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). A grueling lower body strength training session would leave my quads and hamstrings sore for days, but cooling down after these tough workouts proved to be useful in minimizing soreness. While cooling down didn’t eradicate my soreness, I …

I tried this “killer arms” Pilates workout and my entire upper body felt more toned and strong

I tried this “killer arms” Pilates workout and my entire upper body felt more toned and strong

Published by skeptic

I usually gravitate towards heavy dumbbells and barbells for my upper-body workouts, but some recent shoulder pain has made me pause my heavy lifting. In search of something gentler on my joints, I came across Kristal Ruiz’s “killer arms” Pilates routine on Instagram. Don’t let the name intimidate you—this upper-body workout is relatively easy to follow and suitable for most fitness levels. You’ll even get some glute, core and hamstring work along the way. For this workout, you’ll need a set of light weights (I used 3-pound dumbbells), and a yoga mat for support. How to do the “killer arms” Pilates workout You’ll be in a tabletop bird-dog position for the entire workout, on the floor with one hand and the opposite knee anchored on the mat, while the other arm and leg will be performing the exercises. Ruiz suggests performing six to eight repetitions on each side for each move: Low row Triceps kickback Bend and extend Lower and lift Arm swing Pulse What I found (Image credit: Jennifer Rizzuto) The repetitions were too …

I stopped doing sit-ups and started doing this kettlebell workout instead—here’s why I prefer it

I stopped doing sit-ups and started doing this kettlebell workout instead—here’s why I prefer it

Published by skeptic

I know core workouts are important, but I often find them tedious. Sit-ups and crunches simply don’t do it for me. If I have to do a core workout, I’d rather do something more engaging and dynamic. I’ve been a fan of fitness trainer Hayley Madigan’s workouts for a while (I loved this arm workout of hers last year), so when I stumbled across her kettlebell core routine, I knew I had to try it. The workout requires only one kettlebell but you may want to switch the weight you’re using for the different exercises. How to do Hayley Madigan’s core workout Madigan does the five movements in this workout for six to eight reps each and suggests two to three sets. She suggests that you don’t go too heavy with the kettlebell you use, so you can maintain control of the movement and really force your core to do the work. What I thought of this workout I kept Madigan’s tip about the kettlebell weight in mind and found I had to go much …

Build your glutes and boost your cardio with this 10-minute resistance band workout

Build your glutes and boost your cardio with this 10-minute resistance band workout

Published by skeptic

Looking to switch up your cardio routine? Adding a resistance band is an effective way to add strength and intensity to your bodyweight workouts. They’re versatile, affordable and more portable than free weights, making them perfect for travel too. This mini band workout from NASM-certified trainer Lindsay Bennett will help you work up a sweat, while also targeting your glutes and thigh muscles. It only takes ten minutes, but there are six high-intensity exercises to do that use a short loop resistance band like this one from Amazon. Bennett recommends using a light to medium band and doing each move for 15 seconds on each side and completing as many rounds as you can. Scroll down to try the workout for yourself. How to do Lindsay Bennett’s mini bands legs workout Benefits of using resistance bands Resistance bands add tension to your training as weights do. Like dumbbells, they are also versatile. If you have a long looped band, you can stand on it to do lateral raises or hang it from a bar or …