[Exercise, health and fitness are an important part of every woman’s life. But how do you know if you’re doing it right? And what new findings, tips and advice will help you reach your health fitness goals? Kelly, our fitness guru, will keep you updated every Monday with the latest and most beneficial news and advice for your health and body. She told you why you needed to lift weights last time and today she’s gonna help you get fit, no matter how little time you have.]

We are busy girls, no doubt. But being busy is never a good excuse for skipping out on a workout. Not only is it BS (you could spend a little less time shopping online, you know), but it’s just not good for you. And you are gonna feel really crappy later when your body turns to mush and you can’t play Guitar Hero without breaking a sweat.

I agree that it is not always easy to find an hour in the day to get a full workout in, especially with exams comin’ up. That is why you need to work out more efficiently.

There are certain exercises and combinations of exercises that burn calories faster than others. If you only have 30 minutes to work out, walking on a treadmill is probably not the best way to burn off that box of cookies from last night.

So, which exercises are the quickest calorie burners and the fastest routes to a healthy and fit body? Read More »

[Hey all. I am going to be starting a body blog each week, discussing one specific topic in the fitness category. Whether it be a new workout technique or a new way to eat healthy, I’m your guru for all things fitness related-ish. As an avid athlete, I have played various sports, tried new ways to stay fit and have found what works and what sure as hell doesn’t.]

Today, we’re going to discuss the difference between using an elliptical and a treadmill. Now, while I am partial to a treadmill, as I run on mine every day, I spent two years using an elliptical before I made the switch, so I’m a pro on both ends. Here’s the dish:

Elliptical:

Pros: It’s a great full body work out; while placing your feet in the holders and holding on to the handlebars, you’re body is secure, and the lack of actually lifting your feet makes this a good low impact workout for those of you with knee/leg problems. If you hold the handles and use your arms, you work your full body for the entire workout (which should be about 30 minutes at a time), and when you get off you will feel refreshed, invigorated and a bit winded (in a good way).

Cons: While you get a full body workout with the simultaneous arm and leg movements, you won’t feel exhausted when you get off in the sense that you had to push yourself to excel, like you would on other workout equipment. Also, because your feet are stationary, they can get numb over the course of the workout, which causes some discomfort. It is also very difficult to move your arms and legs at the same pace, so one part of your body may be working harder than the other (i.e., you move your arms faster to push your legs, making them do less work). Read More »

Every once in a while, I’ll hear a song, and I’ll think to myself, Christ. This song is beautiful. Who sings it?

And then I find out Mandy Moore sings it. And it takes me a second to not freak out, because, like, I don’t usually turn to Mandy Moore when I want music that actually means something. But you know what? The chick has got some serious skills.

She’s grown up. Broken up (with Zack Braff. Me thinks she’s better off now), ripped away her computerized vocals, and poured her heart out to a piano.

Gardenia is off her newest album, Wild Hope. And even though the title seems just a bit cheesy, this song is anything but. If you’ve ever had to pick yourself up from the floor after a hideous break-up, Gardenia is your anthem.