Your question

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:50:04 -0500

How can I lose weight? I'm 5'7 I weigh about 120 pounds and I want to lose weight and lose my stomach. What type of diet and exercises should I stick to and please don't say "but you don't need to lose weight."

Your question

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:25:54 -0400

I NEED. TO LOSE. WEIGHT. I'm 5'7" and weigh in at 169 whoppin pounds. I'm trying to find a motivation to lose weight, but I can't. I'm looking for an excercise that I can do basically in my bedroom or on a bike. I live in a house surrounded by unfit/unhealthy people, and this doesn't help in the least.

I don't want my family to see that I'm trying to lose weight, because they'll make a huge @$$ deal out of it. I need to lose weight off of my arms, thighs, butt, hips, and especially stomach/belly area. Any recommendations?

Assets: I have the whole Xbox kinect thing, but I won't do any workout videos, because, well I want to keep my weight loss a secret.

Your question

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:45:22 -0400

What other exercises can I do at home without needing to buy a DVD. I already do at least 120 Sit-Ups and 10 Push-Ups daily. What more can I do?

Your question

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:09:03 -0400

I am trying to lose weight, but I have a problem getting motivated. I also don't know what the best exercises are for what I am trying to accomplish. I want to get rid of belly fat, but mostly fat on my buttocks, thighs and I want to gain some arm muscle. I kind of want to lose some of this weight before my friends wedding in a month. Because I don't want jiggle while I walk or dance that night. Any tips or ideas?

5 Best Butt Exercises

Wed, 18 May 2011 17:16:23 -0400

We may not all be blessed with JLo's backside but that doesn't mean your booty can't look great in that teeny bikini. We asked our fitness expert, Jen, to give us the 5 best exercises to get our butt's looking beautiful this summer. The best part is that all of these can be done at home.

1. Squats are one of the best exercises you can do for your hips, butt and thighs and they're also a functional exercise, helping us build strength for a variety of daily activities.

How To:
Stand with feet hip-width apart and, for added intensity, hold weights at shoulder level or at your sides.
Bend the knees, and lower into a squat, keeping the knees behind the toes. Imagine that you're sticking your butt out behind you, but keep the torso upright and contracted.
Press into the heels to stand up.
Do 15-20 reps and repeat for 2-3 sets

2. Lunges are a challenging exercise because they work so many muscles at the same time. On the front leg, you'll work the glutes and hamstrings and, on the back leg, you'll work the quads and calves.

    a)Static Lunges
    b)Side to Side Lunges
    c)One Legged Lunge

Do 15-20 reps and repeat for 2-3 sets.

3. Step ups are another great exercise for the glutes. For step ups, place one foot on a step or platform and push through the heel to lift the body up. This is an excellent exercise for the glutes, providing you use a step that's high enough, although you may need to work up to a higher step if you're a beginner. You eventually want a height were your knee is at about a 90-degree angle.
The other key is to concentrate all your weight on the stepping leg. In other words, lower down gently, barely touching the toes of the other leg to the ground. You'll really feel this when you take it slow and concentrate on the working leg.

Do 15-20 reps and 2-3 sets

4. The hip extension is an exercise that specifically targets the largest muscle in the body...the gluteus maximus.

How To:
Position yourself on your hands and knees
Lift one leg off the floor
Keep the knee bent as you extend the hip, so that the thigh moves up level with your back and the foot is above head level.
Try to keep your back and pelvis leveled and still
Slowly return back to the starting position

Do 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps.

5. Deadlifts are great for your hamstrings, butt and lower back, but this one-legged version is a great way to add intensity to the exercise and engage your stabilizer muscles to keep your body balanced. Form is critical and you should skip this exercise if you have any back problems.

To do this move, take the left leg back just a bit, lightly resting on the toe. With the weights in front of the thighs, tip from the hips and lower the weights as low as your flexibility allows. Keep your back flat or with a natural arch and make sure you keep the abs contracted to protect the back. Squeeze the glutes of the working leg to raise back up. Do 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps.

Written by our fabulous Fitness and Wellness Expert, Jennifer Era. Check out her site at http://jenniferera.com and follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/JenniferEra

Bikini Bootcamp is brought to you by the ladies at GirlsGuideTo and Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, a revolutionary new fitness game for Kinect on Xbox 360. Unlike other Kinect games, Your Shape: Fitness Evolved has Player Projection technology that puts your body into the game, giving you the most precise tracking possible. Choose a personal trainer to help you meet your specific fitness goals, take a Yoga or Martial Arts class, or play fun, family-friendly mini-games. The game tailors a workout program to your fitness level that gets harder as you get stronger. As you exercise, you’ll receive specific feedback on your every move so you know you’re doing it correctly. Get real results with a personalized workout from Your Shape: Fitness Evolved on Kinect for Xbox 360. To learn more check out the Xbox for All Facebook page

Bikini Body Bootcamp Abs

Thu, 12 May 2011 13:33:07 -0400

Part of looking like a bikini goddess is having a good set of abs. Check out these four exercises that will definitely have your abs looking amazing!

1. Bicycle Crunches – Regarded as the most effective of all the ab workouts, it encompasses and tones down each the lower and the upper abdominal muscles. The key is to preserve focused on your abdomen and your breathing. Start by totally stretching out 1 of your legs as you bend the other a single. Bring the opposing elbow to the bent leg as if you are executing a twisting form of crunch. Apply the same process on the other opposing elbow and leg pair. But don’t let your physique pull back down totally.

2. Hanging Knee Raise – This hanging knee raise functions most effective for your lower abdominal muscles. Do this by holding onto a bar or railing above your head. Then, lift your legs slowly although simultaneously contracting your abdominal muscles. Be certain not to let your legs dangle loosely as you hang from the railing. This workout must be done with full control and need to strain the abs all all through the physical exercise.

3. Sprinting/Running/Biking – Workouts that impose sprinting strengthen and reinvigorate the abs, producing toned and powerful abdominal muscles in the process. When you do sprinting you burn significantly of the body’s calories faster so you substantially lose a lot more weight. Superb abs are also formed by means of running. Infusing running with sprinting for a daily ab workout routine will supply substantial effects on your abs.

4. Decline Crunch – When you want to develop a powerful midriff, then this exercise is most beneficial. You can flatten your abs and strengthen your midsection by merely doing crunches or sit-ups on slanted board. Workouts on decline or slanted board are carried out in several very simple approaches aside from the typical sit-ups or crunches. Some of these are the adding-weights-to-your-chest, altering the slanted board’s height and the so-known as slow declines.

5. Fitness Ball Crunches – In this distinct crunch, you take the pressure off your back as you target your abs directly. This method commands outstanding results for the abs. You can do this by simply crunching down and rolling the exercise ball backwards so as to bring your buttocks close to the ground. Perform the similar sequence on the opposite path this time repeating the complete procedure various instances. Carried out the suitable way, this workout creates significant results.

Written by our fabulous Fitness and Wellness Expert, Jennifer Era. Check out her site athttp://girlsguideto.com/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; padding-right: 12px; color: rgb(237, 31, 128); text-decoration: none; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">http://jenniferera.com and follow her on Twitter at http://girlsguideto.com/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; padding-right: 12px; color: rgb(237, 31, 128); text-decoration: none; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">http://twitter.com/JenniferEra

Fashion Do's and Don'ts at the Gym

Thu, 05 May 2011 07:37:40 -0400

Bikini Bootcamp Day 13. Ok, so the gym is definitely not a runway show. We can all agree on that. But that doesn't mean its an excuse to hit up in the sweats you just rolled out of bed in. Especially when there are so many fabulous work-out clothes out there. On the other hand, trying too hard at the gym is just as bad. You aren't going to the club girl! Here are the top fashion do's and dont's:

1) DO wear clothes that are form fitting, but not too tight. We don't want to see your camel toe, but when you go too baggy, it adds pounds. Remember you are at the gym to lose pounds, not the other way around.

2) DON'T wear jewelry to the gym. It's not comfortable and it just looks tacky when you are running on the treadmill in a pair of big hoop earrings. There are plenty of other ways to look gorgeous while breaking a sweat without looking like you are trying too hard.

3) DO have fun with your shoes. These days there are plenty of fun running/training/walking shoes out there in a variety of cool color combinations. Shoes are definitely a good way to spice up your work-out style.

4) DON'T wear too much make-up. Eyeliner and mascara are ok ladies, but you don't need a full face of make-up to look good. For one, once you start sweating, it's all going to melt off and then you are going to look like a train-wreck anyways. Plus, sweat and make-up can't be a good combination for the health of your skin.

5) DO wear proper underwear. Panty lines don't look good ever! It doesn't matter whether you are in a tight dress or a pair of work-out leggings. You don't have to rock a bejeweled g-string or anything, but there are comfortable cotton thongs that are perfect for working out.

6) DON'T wear short shorts. For one, they extremely limiting when it comes to doing almost everything. Try running in short shorts. It doesn't work. Plus, you won't feel comfortable navigating some of the weight machines when you have to worry about exposing your lady parts.

7) DO feel confident and proud at the gym by showing off what you worked hard for. If you have great abs, rock the sports bra. If you have a great butt, definitely wear work-out leggings.

Written by: Gabrielle Anderson-Thompson

Bikini Bootcamp is brought to you by the ladies at GirlsGuideTo and Dance Central (T) on Kinect for Xbox 360. Put down the controller and hit the stage with Dance Central (T) on Kinect for Xbox 360. Just you, your moves, and your dance floor. Step to the beats of Dance Central (T) on Kinect for Xbox 360. No controllers. All you need is you, your moves, & your living room to move with Dance Central (T) on Kinect for Xbox 360. Take your moves to the next level in Dance Central (T) - the 1st controller-free, body tracking, fully-immersive dance video game. To learn more check out the Xbox for All Facebook page

Bikini Body Bootcamp Day 11

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 02:26:02 -0400

Today's workout is all about your triceps. Whether you're in your bikini or just sporting a tank top -- toned arms sexy!

1. Hanging Dips: Not only a great tricep exercise but also a great shoulder, core and balance exercise. Many gyms have dip bars available, but if yours does not you may also do dips off a bench. For hanging: Hold yourself up on the two dip handles and slowly bend your arms, lowering yourself towards the ground, lower until arms are at 90 degrees. If on a bench, dip down till 90 degrees make sure not to go lower as this can put pressure on your shoulders. Tip: slow the move down so it takes 4-6 seconds to lower to 90 degrees then press up and repeat the slow negative (lowering).

2. Dumbbell Tricep Extension: Sit straight or stand for this one. Grab a dumbbell holding it over your head with both arms and slowly lower down behind your head… and return to start. You can also use just one arm at a time but of course make sure to lower the weight you would use.

3. Skull crusher: Lie on a bench with a small barbell hold it up straight and slowly bend the arms lowering the bar towards your forehead.

4. Close Grip push-ups: This one you can do anywhere. This is also good for Core, back, chest and especially the triceps. Get into a push up position and place hands directly under your shoulders. Keeping elbows in by your side lower down for push ups and return to start.

Written by our fabulous Fitness and Wellness Expert, Jennifer Era. Check out her site at http://jenniferera.com and follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/JenniferEra

Bikini Body Bootcamp - Day 10

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 01:41:51 -0400

By now you should be feeling like you're on your way to a bikini body in no time. Your eating well and getting in your cardio but if you want to look sexy and lean you're going to have to hit the weights too. Sure we all want to look great from the front in our bikinis but having a good backside is just as important. Today we're focusing on the back. Our fitness expert Jen has given us four great exercises for bringing sexy back.

CHIN UPS - . No more excuses for hiding behind the lat machine. You are looking for best returns for your gym time so make no mistake here. Chin Ups is the best exercise for you entire upper body and shoulder girdle. If you cannot perform full chin ups then perform assisted chin ups using a support chair or a spotter.
LAT PULL DOWNS - They are an alternative to chin ups and build your lat muscles.

BARBELL BENT-OVER ROWS - No other exercise comes close to barbell rows for overall upper back muscle and strength. Start with a small weight but perform it in full range of motion. Later you can also add Seated rows as a finishing move. But always perform compound exercises first and as you training period increases add isolation exercises. T Bar Rows with a straight back, not rounded is an alternative to Barbell Rows.

SEATED ROWS - As already mentioned it is more of an isolated exercise for middle back and you can add it for variety.

ONE ARM ROW - This is an excellent exercise as it forces your body to develop bilateral strength and also makes up for any muscle imbalances.

Written by our fabulous Fitness and Wellness Expert, Jennifer Era. Check out her site at http://jenniferera.com and follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/JenniferEra

Top 10 Cardio Workouts Outside of Gym

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:44:11 -0400

It's Day 8 of our Bikini Bootcamp!!!! We've already told you some good cardio choices if you're at the gym but we know some of you can't make it to one. It's no reason for you to feel like you have to skip out on getting in some good cardio so here are our top 10 favorite cardio workouts!

1. Running - Throw on your running shoes, grab your ipod and hit the pavement. If running isn't your thing - set off on a power-walking mission. You can still get your heart rate up and feel like you got your daily dose of cardio. The beauty of this is that you can do it just about anywhere - in your neighborhood, a local track, etc.

2. Tennis - Grab a racket, grab a friend and hit the courts. It's a great cardio workout and burns calories too. Woman weighing 130 lbs could burn close to 500 calories playing singles. However, remember it's about intensity. You have to be running around on the court not leisurely waiting for the ball to come to you.

3. Hiking - This is a great workout. It gets you outdoors and gets you a good cardio workout. If you're not sure what's available in your neighborhood visit Trails and it'll help you find a good one to choose.

4. Workout Video - You don't need to be outdoors to get your cardio fix. Just pop in a high impact cardio DVD and get your heartrate pumping. On days we don't feel like getting out of the house, this is what we opt for - you can even throw on a sports bra & sneakers. We won't lie we've done it many times.

5. Bike ride - This is always a great option for a cardio workout. If you're not a runner or into hiking, a bike ride is the perfect choice.

6. Outdoor Bootcamp - Many communities offer outdoor bootcamp programs some can even run for 6 weeks. You can choose how many days to attend and most of these won't put a dent in your wallet. We absolutely love this type of workout because it changes daily, pushes you to workout hard, and gives you a good overall workout.

7. Horseback Riding - All right we know this may not be an option for many of you but it's a workout we can't leave out. It's a great form of cardio and works your lower half -- perfect for those teeny weeny bikini bottoms.

8. Window Shopping - Some think shopping is a sport. We're not going to say we entirely disagree as long as it's not working your credit card into debt. However, window shopping is a great cardio alternative. It's not high impact but you could definitely get in a good long walk perusing the stores at your favorite mall or shopping area.

9. Swimming - A lot of fitness experts say this is a great form of cardio and we agree. It's easy on your joints too. It's also perfect preparation for all the pool parties coming up this summer.

10. Dance Central - We love workouts we can do in the comfort of our homes. We are the first to admit that workout videos can be boring and monotonous after awhile so opting for some Dance Central (T) on Kinect for Xbox 360 is our latest cardio obsession. All you need is you, your moves and your living room. It's a great workout & will help add a little sass whenever you hit the dance floor!