No, I’m not talking about sex. Although dolphins are very promiscuous animals. I’m talking about the dolphin pose, from yoga. It’s a great strengthener for your back, shoulders, and core. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and perfect for small spaces. Check out this dolphin series, including a stretch to do afterward.

1. Forearm plank to dolphin

Begin in a forearm plank, pulling your bellybutton toward your spine to support your back. Slowly begin to walk your feet in toward your arms, stopping when your feet are as close to your arms as you can get them. Imagine your shoulder blades gliding down your back, so that your shoulders don’t hunch up toward your ears. Hold at the top for 30 seconds, then slowly walk your feet back down. Repeat as many times as you want. Read More »

One of the most common misconceptions about getting super sexy abs is the idea that you only have to do crunches or ab exercises. False! To get that sleek front side, it’s also important to take care of its opposing muscle: the back.

Your core is comprised of your back and abs, so if you want a strong core (and more body stability) you gotta work everything. In addition, if you have any back pain (from sitting over a computer all day….or doing other things that I won’t ask about), strengthening those muscles will get rid of those problems! Plus, with all these awesome backless dresses and cute bikinis coming out, we can’t neglect these lovely muscles. I mean, backs are sexy!

So here are some easy exercises to really get ready for summer, no gym required. In fact, these moves are so basic you can even do it when you’re passed out on the floor on Saturday afternoon.

Cardio, abs, arms, lunges, squats, pushups… that’s the norm for most college girls. You may think you’re getting all the important muscle groups in your body, but you’re forgetting the most important one: your back!

OK, so it’s not like your back is flabby like your thighs and you don’t crave the definition like you do in your abs, but you can’t neglect your back muscles; they help you maintain good posture, give you a smaller waistline, and enable you to carry a 30-pound backpack to class (thank you, Ancient Psych professor). They’ll also help you move boxes into your new apartment and, of course, with the bend-and-snap. So let’s focus on bringing sexy backs back (you had to know the J.T. reference was coming)!

Before starting any hardcore back exercises, be careful! Because our back muscles tend to be weaker, they are really easy to injure. (It’s a strange cycle, I know.) Remember to warm up beforehand with cardio, some good back stretches, and light back weights if you can. Also, do the exercises slowly to make sure you’ve got the correct form and technique down. Try them out in front of a mirror before making your confident back debut at the gym!

Here are some easy exercises to tone the OTHER side of your waistline: Read More »

[I want it, I need it, I can’t live without it. There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. We’ll share ‘em with you here (because we’re that nice), but as far as actually getting them goes….well, you’re on your own with that one.]

Spring, especially in late April and early May, is one of those tricky seasons where you don’t quite know what to wear besides your winter wardrobe minus your coat and plus flip flops. This is just the time when you need some cute new additions to brighten up your wardrobe, which is exactly what the Abstract Banded Back Top from Forever 21 will do!

The top is sleeveless, so it can be worn with a cropped cardigan right now, or on its own this summer. It’s full of bright colors and a cool design, so it’s the easiest way to add a little pizazz to that drab wardrobe leftover from winter. And the coolest part about this top? The back! It’s cut out like a racer back, but the strap from the neck to the back is actually an elastic band, so it’s totally adjustable. Classy for class but cleavage for Friday night? Sounds like a plan to me.

Of course, since the top happens to be from Forever 21, it comes at a fabulous price tag: only $20! And that is exactly why I’m running out to get one right now.

Forever 21, I love you!

[I want it, I need it, I can’t live without it. There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. We’ll share ‘em with you here (because we’re that nice), but as far as actually getting them goes….well, you’re on your own with that one.]

This may look like any ordinary knit dress from the front, but turn around to reveal (and surprise your friends!) some awesome and sexy cutouts on the back. They turn this otherwise plain dress into one fit for a fabulous night out on the town. Adorable and flirty, showing just enough skin, this dress may rival your current little black dress. It has a flared skirt and even includes side pockets for your essentials (like your cell phone, just in case a cute boy wants to exchange phone numbers). Read More »