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Another question about heart rate monitors

Would you suggest them? What are some good brands if you do?

Anyone have any good cardio suggestions for the gym tonight?

I’ve been lacking a bit of variety in my workouts lately so I would love to hear what you normally do when you go to the gym! :) Feel free to leave it as an ask or in a reply!

Exercises to tone thighs (can be done at home!)

Forward Leg Lift

Forward leg lift

This move, a variation on the ballet battement, tones quadriceps (front of the upper leg) and adductors, which make up the inner thigh area and are one of the weakest muscle groups in a woman’s body. The forward leg lift creates muscles that are toned and lengthened, not big and bulky.

Start position: Stand with your back against the ballet barre or chair, stairway bannister, kitchen counter — basically anywhere you can find balance.

Movement: Extend one leg and lift and lower in a challenging range of motion, toes pointed, 20 times. Flex the foot and do 20 more reps. Switch to the opposite leg and repeat.


Reverse Leg Lift (also known as ballet arabesque)

Reverse leg lift (also known as ballet arabesque)

The reverse leg lift uses the same principle as the forward leg lift, but works the glutes and hamstrings (the back of the upper leg). While doing this exercise, you should feel a contraction in the entire back of the leg, from the glute to the ankle.

Start position: Stand next to the ballet barre, chair or other point of balance, holding lightly with your right hand.

Movement: Bend your left knee slightly and raise the right leg in a challenging range of motion, toes pointed, 20 times. Flex the foot, and do 20 more reps. Switch sides and repeat with the left leg.

Ballet First Position (also called plié)

Ballet first position (also called plié)

The plié is arguably the most famous ballet position for a reason: it’s a fantastic workout for the entire leg, targeting the quadriceps, hamstrings and glute muscles.

Start position: Squat, heels lifted and touching, knees spread to create a diamond shape between your heels and your pelvis.

Movement: Lift up and down one inch, never moving your rear below your knees. Repeat 20 times. Break for a moment and repeat.

Note: Those with knee sensitivity should opt out of first position and proceed to second position.

Ballet Second Position (also a plie)

Ballet second position (also a plié)

This variation on the plié is a very effective total leg workout. Make sure your heels are lifted (ballet term: relevé) the entire time to feel the full effect.

Start position: Squat with knees facing out, facing your barre or point of balance. Lift your heels and adjust your position until you feel that your leg muscles are fully engaged.

Movement: Hold the position for 60 seconds; or lift yourself up one inch, down one inch, never moving your rear below your knees. Repeat 20 times. Break for a moment and repeat.

Hamstring Press (called a ballet attitude position)

Hamstring press (called a ballet attitude position)

This move is excellent for toning and strengthening the back of the thighs (hamstrings).

Start position: Stand with arms lifted in front of you, one knee slightly bent and the other leg behind you at a 90 degree angle.

Movement: With your toes pointed, lower the leg so that your toe touches the floor, then come back to the 90 degree angle. Repeat 20 times. Break momentarily and repeat 20 more times, with your foot flexed. Then repeat on the opposite leg.

Runner's Lunge

Runner’s lunge

After contracting the thigh muscles with the above exercises, it’s important to give yourself a great stretch to lengthen the muscle. This position stretches out the back of the leg and thigh and is a perfect way to end a rigorous workout.

Stretch: With your right leg at a 90 degree angle and right foot firmly planted, extend the left leg behind you, being sure to keep your left heel lifted. Fold your arms into a prayer position and hold. Repeat on the opposite leg.

What’s one of your biggest fitspo/thinspo inspirations?

It could be…

  • a person
  • fashion
  • a specific goal
  • a trip
  • a reward

You get the picture… I’m interested in hearing what keeps everyone going!

Do I have any equestrian followers out there?!

Make yourself known! Like, reblog, or comment on this post and there’s a good chance I’ll follow you. :)

ONLINE WORKOUT VIDEOS


P90X:

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Hip hop abs:

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Tone It Up:

Diet Health:

POP Pilates:

Cardio & High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

All Over Body Toning

Abs

Legs & Butt

Yoga

Jillian Michaels:


Carman Electra:

The Biggest Loser:

Spark people:

BodyRock Cardio Workout:

Get Hot Cardio Workout

Bootcamp:

(Source: healthysexyhappy, via size10plz)

Sweater Six Pack

Ab exercises for fall and winter! (Click the exercise title to see a video on how it’s done!)

1. Russian Twist on a BOSU

This BOSU Russian twist will work your arms, back, and abs (especially the obliques). The BOSU ball creates instability, and the weighted medicine ball challenges your muscles to work harder. If you don’t have access to a BOSU, try this seated Russian twist instead.

2. Dumbbell Side Bends

A great alternative to sit-ups, dumbbell side bends will work your entire abdomen for a killer six-pack. With this move, love handles are a thing of the past.

3. Pilates Alphabet

Lie on the ground, raise your legs, and write the alphabet in the air with your feet. This dynamic exercise will strengthen your low abs in no time. Make sure to keep your abs engaged the entire time!

4. Split Crunches

Forget run-of-the-mill crunches; split crunches will work your legs, back, and abs. Over time and with stretching, you might be able to do a full split crunch!