Lunge With a Twist

We’re all strapped for time these days so what’s better than a move that works multiple muscles at once? The lunge with a twist targets your core (rectus abdominus and obliques) legs and butt (quads, hamstrings, and glutes) and your arms (biceps and deltoids). You can use a medicine ball or a weight to increase […]

Romanian Deadlift

Whether you’re cleaning house, lifting your child, or picking up a heavy box, you’ll often find yourself in a position that relates to the Romanian Deadlift (RDL); a trusted and fundamental exercise that’s a strength training standard. Doing this move will firm your lower body, and it just may save you from a future back […]

Quick and Easy Toners for Your Legs, Arms and Butt

\For the most part when it comes to strength training, women want to be toned but not super muscular. Finding exercises that accomplish that goal can be difficult. Diana Ozimek, co-owner of Windy City Adventure Boot Camp in Evanston and Lincoln Park notes, “I have women of all shapes, sizes and ages that come to […]

Spinning Together

When Lake Barrington resident Hasna Osman cycles through the rolling hills around her home, she usually does it with a group of women (and a few men) organized by the Barrington Bike Club. “I used to ride in college and I love the outdoors,” Osman says. “But then I got married, had kids—life got in […]

Can You Get Abs Like Dara Torres?

Dara Torres is a 12-time Olympic medalist, an involved mother, and BTW, this 43-year-old has abs that would make Jessica Alba jealous. She’s not just thin, she’s rock solid. Torres recently came to Chicago and spoke to an enthusiastic group of swimmers while on tour to promote her newest book, “Gold Medal Fitness: A Revolutionary […]

Add a Little Adventure to March Running

We loved running in January, when the crunch of the snow underfoot made us smile. We had fun with ice cleats in the February cold. But now we just want sun and warmth. Until spring arrives, you can keep motivated by adding these accessible adventures to your running. Be One with Nature Two nice options are the […]

Prevent Paddle Problems

Paddle injuries aren’t inevitable; warm ups and simple stretches can make a difference.   The platform tennis craze is sweeping the North Shore. So, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that overuse injuries are following in its wake. Regardless of fi tness level, this fast-paced game can bring infl ammation and degenerative changes, especially if […]

Raising the Bar on Exercise

A death grip hold on the sidebar with your toes elevated as high as you can. Tuck your hips forward and squeeze your buns. Bend your knees and go as low as you go. Hold that pose until your legs begin to quiver.