Reverse Lunges

Video: The reverse lunge helps to develop the quads and hamstrings and to shape the glutes.

Lower Back Extensions Target Lower Back Muscles

The lower back extensions are going to help strengthen your lower back. You will feel the complete isolation in your lower back when you are done working out. This exercise is also great for your glutes and hamstring muscles. This is why they are one of the best exercises for your lower back.

When doing the lower back extensions, you will need a hyperextension bench. Lay the upper part of your body face down on the bench while slightly bending at the waist. Now place your ankles right under the footpads. Make sure your feet are flat on the pads. You want to be able to bend freely at the waist while your thighs are resting comfortably on the wide pad. There is a possibility the machine will need to be adjusted so you are positioned correctly on it.

Lift your upper torso up so it is straight and cross your arms across your upper chest. The palms of your hands will be resting on your upper arms. If you would like a little more resistance place a weight plate under your crossed arms and hold it in place. Do not grab the heaviest weight you find. A light weight of 20-25 pounds will do the job just fine. You are now in the starting position for the lower back extensions.

Inhale and start slowly bending at the waist and going forward. The object is to keep your back flat and not letting the back round. If you feel your back rounding then you have gone too far down and you need to lift back up some. Since your feet are locked in place and you are bending forward there will be some tucking on the hamstrings. Hold the position for a few seconds and let the muscles be stretched.

Start inhaling and lifting your body back up into the starting position. Do not lift to far up. You want your back to stay straight and not arched in. If you start swinging your torso around then you are running a high risk of hurting your back.

Once you do not feel like you are getting the resistance you are looking for anymore then you could do the good morning exercise.

This exercise also concentrates on your lower back, but it’s done with a barbell instead of using a hyperextension bench. During the workout you will be standing. You will have a barbell with weights across your back as you bend forward and come back up. This exercise has the same objectives of keeping your back straight at all times. It will also give your glutes and hamstrings an excellent workout. Your will need someone to spot you when you are doing the good morning exercise.

You have got your muscles in your shoulders, traps and back stretched completely out and they are feeling like they are on fire. Remember if your muscles are burning then you are burning the fat. Get ready to push your muscles even farther with the one arm dumbbell rows. This will work another area of your back.

Fruit Salad Ideas

Ingredients

6 Bananas (sliced)

2 pint strawberries (sliced in half)

4 Kiwis (peeled and sliced)

1 apple (sliced without core)*

Preparation

After fruit is washed thoroughly and sliced add to a large bowl. Mix by hand and for an even better twist sprinkle some lemon juice on it. Chill and serve!

Simple Fat Free Sun Dried Tomato Dip

Ingredients

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrated

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 cup non-fat cream cheese

1/2 cup non-fat sour cream

basil leaves, for garnishing

Directions

Puree the sun-dried tomatoes and balsamic vinegar in the food processor. Add the cream cheese and process until the mixture is smooth.

Add the sour cream and pulse until combined. (Be careful not to over process or the mixture will liquify.)

Transfer the spread to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh basil.

(Makes 10 Servings)

How to do a lower back stretch

Video: This stretch is good for anyone who spends a lot of time at their desk or in a car.

Low Impact Exercise Ideas for Women

It really is important for women to approach exercise differently than men. Of course it is possible to exercise with your spouse or boyfriend but as a woman you have certain things to be cautious about. This will depend upon your age as well.

Women are more prone to developing osteoporosis as they age. So if you are over 40 you want to pay attention to your joints. If you feel any sudden or sharp pain that doesn?t go away quickly you should visit your doctor for a check up.

Women over 50 will be experiencing plenty of hormonal changes and this can affect how your body reacts to certain activities. The best thing you can do for your body is to listen to what your body is telling you and heed any warning signs.

For example if you wanted to take up a new sport after not exercising for a while you are not going to suddenly start running 5 miles a day. You have to get your body adjusted to this new regimen by starting out slowly and working your way up to increasing your distance.

Low impact exercises are really your best bet. This can include simple things like going for a walk, swimming or even playing a round of golf. It is always advisable to warm up and stretch your body before you begin exercising. About five to ten minutes of warm up time is advisable.

The same goes for your cooling down period. Ensure that you slow your heart rate down during the last ten minutes of your workout and then make time to gently stretch your muscles and tendons. This way you are less likely to risk injury and be put out of action before your exercise routine even becomes a habit.

One of the best activities for women of all ages is water aerobics. These classes are popping up at more and more fitness facilities everywhere. Classes can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a full hour. There are normally classes for beginners, advanced and seniors. Participating in a water aerobics class is fun, gentle on your joints and a great way to meet new people.

If you are an overweight woman then low impact exercises are strongly recommended. Depending on how much weight you need to lose you can start off by walking to the end of your street each day. Each day try to increase the distance and within two weeks you should notice a huge improvement in your endurance and stamina.

Nectarine Fruit Salad Recipe

Ingredients

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon or lime peel

2 teaspoons fresh lemon or lime juice

1/3 cup ginger ale

2 nectarines, pitted and sliced

1 cup seedless green grapes

1 cup fresh raspberries or blackberries

Directions

In a large bowl, combine peel, juice, honey and ginger ale. Add fruit and toss lightly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.

Demonstration of the cable crossover

Video: This exercise requires a cable machine and helps to strengthen both the shoulder and chest muscles.

How to stretch your hamstrings

Video: A trainer demonstrates an easy stretch you can do for your hamstrings.

Save the Calories with an Apple Pie Shake

Ingredients

2 cups vanilla fat free frozen yogurt

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice (can substitute cinnamon)

1 cup skim milk

Directions

Put the mugs in freezer to chill. In blender, combine yogurt applesauce, apple pie spice. Add milk and blend just until mixed. Serve in chilled glasses.