Posts Tagged ‘strength training’

Empower Total Body Toning System Review + A HealthyChic.com Discount Code

A few weeks ago, I was very kindly invited to try out HealthyChic.com, an online fitness store dedicated to “offering inspiring products for a healthy body, mind and spirit.” Well, read that description again. I didn’t have to think twice before cordially RSVP-ing with a huge, I’d love to!

“I’m healthy. I’m chic. (Am I chic? Probably not, but whatever!) I should check out Healthy Chic,” I thought.

So with my $25 gift card in (electronic) hand I set out to explore HealthyChic.com. I browsed through pages of really awesome Yoga outfits, absurdly cute gym bags, and even a few different types of protein powders before deciding I wanted to order the Empower Total Body Toning System.

For one, I love trying out new exercise equipment. Plus, I have enough workout apparel to clothe an entire army division, so instead of going for yet another pair of moisture wicking compression pants (the best kind of pants, BTW!), I decided to stray from what would be a typical purchase and try out a new set of resistance bands instead. The system boasts “shock cords” that are stronger and safer than the typical resistance band tubing and it also comes with a door strap that makes it possible to do certain exercises that you normally wouldn’t be able to do with just a resistance band.

Unfortunately, for me, that door strap is the only thing that really sets the Empower System apart from any other set of resistance bands. The bands themselves are nicer and definitely more durable than a rubber tube resistance band, but that’s the only feature that really makes them any different. The system also comes with a lower body set that you can attach to your ankles but I didn’t find it at all useful because the length of the bands is much too short to allow for full range of motion for the exercises you could potentially perform with it.

However, for someone just beginning to incorporate a strength training routine into their exercise program, I think this would be a great buy (at least for the traditional resistance band portion of it), mostly because it’s totally affordable (just $15 on Healthy Chic) and because it comes with a nifty little chart that outlines 12 exercises for a total body resistance band workout. It targets all of the major muscles groups and is easy to understand and follow.

All that being said, even though I wasn’t IN LOVE with my first Healthy Chic purchase, I’m still super excited to keep browsing through so I can keep my eye out for really great finds because they offer big discounts on lots of really nice workout gear.

If you want to check it out for yourself, you can use the code BEHEALTHY10 for 10% off your first order. If you end up scoring a great deal leave me a comment below and let me know what you got and how you like it!

What’s your favorite type of workout gear to buy… Clothes, exercise equipment, accessories?

Summertime Slim-down Boot Camp- Week 3 Workout

Alright! Here’s our workout for week 3! We’re focusing on arms, shoulders, and abs. I hope you all are ready to feel the burn!!

There are directions about how many times to repeat each circuit in the video, but just as a reminder, go through each circuit TWO TIMES before moving on to the next.

In case some of you are just joining our Summertime Slim-down Boot Camp for the first time today, I’m placing our March Workout Calendar and links to the first two week’s workouts below. Anytime is the perfect time to join in!

Week 1 Workout

Week 2 Workout

Runners Rave About Benefits of Strength Training

This is guest post by Everday Health contributor Lynn Grieger.

One of the women in my running group told me that she doesn’t need to strength train because her legs are strong from running up and down the mountains around our home in Vermont. Her legs may be strong, but resistance training gives her several important benefits running alone can’t match: increased speed, improved running economy, strong bones, and decreased risk of osteoporosis.

Research Backs Up Gains from Strength Training

According to this National Osteoporosis Foundation article, two types of exercise maintain strong bones and decrease risk of osteoporosis: resistance and weight-bearing. Running itself is weight-bearing exercise, but running alone won’t give you the same benefit as incorporating strength training 2-3 times per week.

1 out of every 3 women over the age of 40 has some bone loss, and more women die of osteoporosis-related complications than of breast cancer. Miriam Nelson, PhD, professor of Nutrition at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, and founder and director of the John Hancock Research Center on Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention at Tufts University, developed the Strong Women, Strong Bones program to prevent or manage osteoporosis with a combination of strength and weight-bearing exercise, good nutrition, and medical management.

Strong runners have more than just strong legs!

Balance, Strength, and To-Die-For Muscles

If strength training is so good for us, why do we skip the gym in favor of a brisk run outside? Blame it on too many demands with limited time or fear of the unknown.

I asked several runners why they fit strength training into their weekly routine:

Cindy H: I get tired easily and strength training makes me feel good about myself especially as I see progress in a weight I can lift or being more toned. It has helped in running as my upper body does not get so tired and aching.

Kathy L: About two months ago I began doing Les Mills Body Pump classes. What got me motivated was noticing my sagging “Bingo Wings‚” I am developing upper body strength and core strength. And as strong as we runners think our legs are, I have noticed great improvement in the large muscle groups in my legs. The lifting exercises work the back, glutes, hamstrings and quads. I find the classes very challenging, and I believe it is helping add some balance to my fitness routine. Stronger muscles are more efficient and more attractive.

Kim M: I recently started doing Pilates and notice that it helps in running and biking. Engaging my core helps me power up hills more so than doing specific hill workouts.

Fern W: Through Pilates I learned body awareness, breathing techniques and gained more strength than anything else I have ever tried. The strength and flexibility guard against injury during running, cycling and skiing and hiking. The strong abdominals definitely make me a better runner. Also, I think that a well-toned body looks more attractive, and I love to strive for the hard to attain!

Laurie F: I feel more balanced overall when I strength train and less jiggly when I run!!

Guest blogger Lynn Grieger is a RRCA certified running coach who leads women’s running groups in southwestern Vermont and contributes to Everyday Health, overseeing its fitness and calorie counter content. She includes circuit training in her weekly exercise routine along with running, swimming and biking.

Upper Body Blast + Core Killer Workout

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Tabata Workout

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Chest & Tricep Strength Workout

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Tabata Time Workout with Hungry Runner

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Bikini Boot Camp Challenge: Week 11

Bikini Boot Camp Challenge: Week 11 WAHOO! You guys made it! This is the last workout of your Bikini Boot Camp Challenge. If you followed through and kept up with ...

Become a Better Runner: Gain Speed & Muscle with these 7 Tips from Fit Sugar

[image via FitSugar] Make the most of your running routines by incorporating some of these strength training strategies. Not only will you get faster and stronger, but your legs and ...

Bikini Boot Camp Challenge: Week 4

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4biPjuoORYI?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=500&h=375] Bikini Boot Camp Challenge: Week 4 This week’s workout is a total body circuit from FitFabCities.coms. This is the first of the Bikini Boot Camp workouts that I ...