Just like everyone else, this year I pledged to finally start working out and eating better. Part of it is vanity — who doesn’t want to look good in a bikini at the beach this summer? — but the other part is knowing that, as I get older, I have to start taking care of myself if I want to live a long, healthy life.

The problem is, I’ve always had a hard time getting (and staying) motivated — but not anymore! I recently signed up for an online fitness tool, MyFitnessPal, which helps me eat better and lose weight by keeping me accountable for what I’m eating.

When you’re creating your free account, MyFitnessPal will have you input your current weight and then enter your weight loss and fitness goals to come up with your calorie goal for the day. Note that this is only a suggestion and you should find what works best for you based on your lifestyle — I actually raised my calorie goal a little bit because I felt mine was too low and I was starving, and now I’m having no trouble staying within my allotted calories (and I’m still losing weight). 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 »

It’s that time of year again…you know, the time when we start making promises to ourselves we know we can’t keep. Like we’ll lose weight, join the gym, stop sleeping with our exes…all because this year there is going to be a new you. A better you. Oh, and you promise to get all As this semester on top of being more social and joining those pre-professional clubs you used to make fun of.

Yeah, we’ve all been there. And we all know it lasts about three weeks in. It’s not your fault, it’s hard to stick to change…especially a lot of drastic changes.

So, to put you on the path to resolution success here are ten ideas that will not only guarantee a positive outcome, but also make you feel a tad better about yourself. Plus, who can say that they actually followed through with their New Year’s Resolution? 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 »

It’s getting to that time of the year. The pounds of turkey. The heaps of stuffing. The mounds of mashed potatoes and gravy. Mmmm. You get the picture.

Let me just tell you that it’s not going to be a big deal. Sure, Thanksgiving is a food-heavy holiday, but I can assure you that one day of splurging isn’t going to hurt you! If you’re going to eat a lot, then at least be sure that you’re going to make up for it on the other days of the year. Seriously. Oh, and throw in this awesome cardio burst & ab move into the rest of your routine and I can guarantee you won’t feel as guilty in your turkey hangover.

1. Plank Jacks – CARDIO

Begin in a plank position. Remember to keep your hands directly under your shoulders, have a straight line from head to toe and squeeze your ab muscles. You’re going to hop both feet out so that they’re about 2-3 feet away from each other and back in to complete one plank jack. You’ll repeat this movement for one minute.

What’s a plank? Click here. Read More »

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Why? Because it’s a holiday that is essentially dedicated to food. And I love food. Yes, I know, we’re supposed to be giving thanks and thinking about Pilgrims, but I’m really just looking forward to the meal. And the best news of all is that the great eats don’t stop after Thanksgiving – in my family, at least, Christmas and New Year’s Day also bring big feasts.

There are just a few problems with all this. The holiday season tempts us to go way overboard when it comes to eating, which can be rough on our bodies in a lot of ways. Not to mention that one too many pieces of pumpkin pie can leave you feeling a little queasy. So read on for a few tips to stay happy and healthy during the holiday season.

1. Work small amounts of exercise into your daily routine.

Several studies have found that regular exercise can help counteract the consequences of overindulging in unhealthy foods. The more rigorous the exercise, the better. Study participants have seen benefits from exercises as simple as walking. Because running or walking outside may be unpleasant or impossible in colder temperatures, the gym is your best bet. But almost no one’s in the mood to run out to the gym on a holiday. So work exercise in wherever you can. Hanging out with family? Your little cousins, maybe? Run around inside with them a little bit – you get a free pass to do that if you’re hanging out with little kids. Or volunteer to help set the table and take dishes to and from the kitchen. Not only will you score extra points with your grandparents, but you’ll also be keeping your body moving.

Read More »