Is it just me, or is this week crazy? Oh, just me? Awkward. Well, as college students, it’s inevitable that we’ll all have some weeks where everything is just a bit too much. Maybe it’s because you have three midterms and a paper due, or maybe it’s because you had a few too many margaritas…every night last weekend. (Who, me? No!)

So here’s your workout for the week when you have way too much work to get done and can’t even think about going to the gym. Try out this quick cardio blast to get in a good workout and relieve some stress. Read More »

I often incorporate different types of planks into my dorm room workouts, because they’re great for small spaces. So far, I’ve shown you planks mixed in with lots of other moves. But when I went to the gym the other day, I was reminded of what a great workout planks are all by themselves. I was holding in a plank position for a quick warmup, and realized that planks are hard. I mean, I knew that already, but wow.

Planks are a great way to energize and tone your entire body. Here’s a quick plank series that’s perfect for those days when you just don’t have time to make it to the gym. You’ll feel it, I promise! Read More »

Last week, I learned that the rest of the world loves Pilates just as much as I do! (At least that’s what I’m telling myself.) But really, the Pilates Dorm Room Workout was one of the most popular yet. And I love that you love Pilates. So this week, I thought it would be fun to introduce you to two new exercise methods you may not have tried yet. Disclaimer: both of these videos are totally cheesy. But I see that as a good thing. Laughing is a great workout, too! You can thank me later for your incredible abs. Read More »

You guys, I have a confession to make: I’m obsessed with Pilates. It’s my absolute favorite workout. I feel great after Pilates class, and when I go often, I see definite results. There are lots of gorgeous Hollywood ladies who credit their toned physiques to Pilates – Kate Winslet, Sandra Bullock, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, Chelsea Handler, Liv Tyler, and True Blood stars Anna Paquin and Rutina Wesley. (When people who have to take their clothes off for their job love a workout, you know it has to be good!)

Pilates is most famous for its focus on core strength, but a full class works the entire body. Pilates moves are also great for small spaces. Since I’m not a certified Pilates instructor (yet!), I thought I’d let you learn about Pilates from the experts. This video, led by an instructor with many years of experience, will take you through a basic Pilates ab series. The video covers a lot of important alignment information, so make sure to watch it all the way through! The moves are simple, but trust me, you’ll feel it. Read More »

Yes, I know it’s the middle of winter. But that doesn’t mean you can’t dream of summer days, bikinis and short shorts! Better yet, you can skip the dangerous spring crash diets and desperate workouts by staying in shape and healthy during the cold winter months. These moves will help tone and sculpt your thighs, so you can show off those gorgeous legs with pride at the first opportunity. Read More »

Did you know that stretching your muscles is just as important as strengthening them? All of the muscles in your body have an optimum length. If all you ever do is work on strengthening, your muscles will actually shorten and become less efficient because they’re not working from this optimum length. So every time you exercise, you want to make sure to stretch out the muscles you have worked. Stretching is also a great way to relieve tension in the body, which is perfect after long hours sitting at a desk. So here are a few quick stretching tips, and ideas for stretches that are great after a workout or just a long day.

Quick tips:

- Hold stretches for at least 30 seconds to increase flexibility

- Don’t “bounce” or “bob” in stretches (instead of reaching for your toes, pulling back, and reaching again, over and over, reach as far toward your toes as you can and hold it) Read More »

Cleavage is the go-to tool for most ladies when it comes to adding a little oomph to an outfit. But after a while, that can get boring. I mean seriously, how many boobs do we all see on a daily basis? A dramatic, back-baring top or dress can be a sexy alternative, and it’s a hot trend on the red carpet. Read on for some exercises that will tone and sculpt your back so you can rock this look on your next night out.

1. Plank Walk-Outs

Begin standing, and then bend down to place your hands on the floor, right in front of your feet. Then, walk your hands out until you’re in a plank position. Hold for 5 seconds, then walk your hands back in toward your feet and stand up. Try to keep your legs as straight as possible the entire time, but if you have to bend your knees a bit to get your hands on the floor that’s ok. Remember to keep your abs engaged to support your back – you should really feel your abs working, too. Repeat 10 times.

2. Forearm Plank Walk-Ins

This exercise is similar to the first, but you will probably feel it even more in your abs and shoulders. Begin in a plank position on your forearms. Slowly begin to walk your feet in toward your hands, keeping your legs straight. Stop when you can’t take another step without bending your knees. The way to accomplish this is to really use your abs, imagining that you’re pulling your bellybutton toward your spine. Then walk your feet back out to plank. Repeat 10 times.

3. Side Plank

Balance in a side plank, either with your weight on your forearm, or on your hand. Balancing on your hand is a bit more challenging. Hold on each side for 30 seconds.

December has arrived, which means that one very exciting thing is on its way: winter break! Unfortunately, finals, papers and projects stand in the way of that glorious freedom. Unless you go to a school with no final exams or homework (and please, let me know if there is such a place), you’re about to spend a lot of time sitting down to study.

When you’ve been sitting for a long time, it’s easy to get sleepy and distracted. So why not get up and do a little quickie workout? Working a little exercise into your study routine will get your blood flowing and help you concentrate. It’s a win-win. Read More »

Ah, home for the holidays. An escape from school. Your soft, cushiony bed instead of your cardboard-like dorm room bed. Food, family, and friends. Long, lazy hours on the couch. Am I right?

As Thanksgiving and winter breaks draw near, I think it’s safe to say that everyone is looking forward to a little time off. But wait… you didn’t think I was going to let you off the hook, did you? Just because you’ll be visiting home over the next few months doesn’t mean you can’t use some workout tips. You’ll most likely have a bit more space at home to work out, so take advantage of it! I’ve got some tips to get you moving around a bit more than you could in your dorm room, but don’t get too crazy – we wouldn’t want to destroy any family heirlooms. Read More »

Don’t you wish there was an exercise that would help you build strength and flexibility, all while relaxing and warming your body up from the inside out? Oh wait, there is – yoga.

Yoga is a great total body workout, and because of its focus on breath, it has the added bonus of helping you feel calm and centered. Plus, it happens to be a great exercise for small spaces. But I’m no yoga expert, and there’s a yoga instructor certification process for a reason, so I’ve compiled a list of some great yoga videos made by real instructors, to help you bring a little zen into your dorm room, and look great while doing it. Read More »