Today, I invented a new exercise! Ok, not really. I basically smushed together a bunch of different moves into one awesome total body exercise. It works all your major muscle groups – arms, abs, back and legs. This is what happens when you live in a way-too-tiny space. You get weirdly resourceful. Read on for step by step instructions and try out my new move! Read More »

Okay, I’m not usually one for seemingly unnecessary workout accessories. I’m perfectly fine with my yoga mat and iPod Nano. I bought into the Power Balance band thing last year, and while it did kind of work it was definitely more of a placebo effect than anything else. Gimmicky workout products just don’t float my boat. But when I heard about the Nike + FuelBand, it totally peaked my interest. And now I’m convinced I need one.

The FuelBand tracks all kinds of activities whether you’re running or dancing and syncs up with your mobile devices so you can see how many calories your burning even just from walking around. Nike + FuelBand allows you to set up goals and unlock achievements, making your workout routine more interactive. The band glows different colors based on your daily goal achievement. It works with Nike + Connect software to track your movements and customize your settings. Read More »

I have 9 a.m. classes every day this semester, and it’s killing me. I know, I know, people in the real world wake up and go to work that early all the time. But I haven’t had 9 a.m. classes in two years, and I’m having a lot of trouble getting moving in the morning. Exercise is one of the best ways to help yourself wake up. It gets your blood flowing, and forces your brain to do something other than dream. So, I’ve put together a quick little energizing morning workout. Do it with me, people!

1. Cardio Warm-Up of Choice

Start with 30 seconds of high knees, jumping jacks, or just jumping up and down in place. Choose your favorite!

2. Forearm Plank to Straight Arm Plank

Begin in a forearm plank position, making sure to engage your abs to support your back. Place your right hand on the floor, then your left hand, to push up to a straight arm plank. Then lower your right forearm, then your left, to the floor to return to a forearm plank. Do 10 sets (1 set = push up and lower back down), making sure to alternate which arm you start with.

3. Bicycle

Lay on the floor, and raise your head and shoulders off the floor like you’re doing a crunch. Twist your right elbow toward your left knee, and switch. Repeat for 30 seconds.

Garnet is a student at Columbia University in New York City. She is “that person” who starts dancing at a party when everyone else is standing around, and if there were a Facebook stalking Olympics, she would be a gold medalist. She also loves cheesy 90s music, and almost died of happiness when Vanilla Ice retweeted her. Once. Follow her on Twitter @garnethenderson.

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.