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Real Stories from Real People
I have read and re read the different e books when I need inspiration to do my work out. By the time I am 2 paragraphs in (to Female Fat Loss Over 40), I am ready to get my work out clothes on and go for it. I really enjoy the challenging work outs and the audio book with the different timing intervals makes it easy!! I am really enjoying your program, particularly these 2 months which are especially busy for me. I can’t always make it to Boot camp but I feel so much better when I exercise. It’s great to have the option of doing a challenging workout at home. I am looking forward to taking your program on my next vacation. Thanks!!
Julie

Hey Shawna, I bought the FFLO about a month ago and have finally started using it on Tuesday. I quit waiting for Monday to start it. It's just been 3 days but I can already tell that it is working. I sleep better and want to eat better so that I'll see results. How can I mess up with menus and workouts spelled out for me? I know what I need to do and have worked with trainers over the years to know that your program will work. For me it has just been a matter of getting started. I gained 15 lbs over the winter and need to get it off. I was diagnosed 2 years ago with Type 2 diabetes so exercise is a key part of my health. I love to walk / run but I know that with the interval training I will not only see the results I want on my body but my blood sugar will be where it needs to be. The interval training is a great workout for me in the morning. Then in the evenings I can walk for stress relief and to just relax. I saw myself in your message yesterday about the woman who still tries to walk everyday for 2 hours - who has time for that? I enjoy your blogs and am glad that I found you on Facebook! To good health!
Becky M

This Month In Body
The Smart Woman's Guide to Fitness At Home

Exercising Good Posture

Picking up good posture is as easy 1, and 2, and 3...

Mama always told you to sit up straight. But sitting up straight isn't the only time you should practice good posture. To help your spine stay straight today and tomorrow, you'll want good posture all the time. And with the right exercises, you can make good posture a way of life.

Keep reading to check out a few tried-and-true posture-boosting exercises you should slip into your daily routine. But take note: these exercises are not going to be glamorous or exciting. They simply do their job well.

Standing Side Kick: Standing up straight, hold your arms straight out to either side. While you lean forward at the waist, raise your left leg and point your foot to the left, holding it approximately 4 inches from the ground. Maintain the position for a five count, return to the starting position, relax, and repeat with your right leg.

Know the Goal

Ideally, your posture will place your entire body in a straight line. That means from the bottom of your feet to the top of your head, your body is completely aligned with itself and is not off in any way—whether forward, backward, or side-to-side.

Kneeling Side Kick: Start out on your knees with your back straight. Lean to the right until your right hand is resting on the ground and your torso is almost parallel to the ground. Next, lift your left leg straight out to your side. Once it is parallel to the ground, move the leg forward and backward for a few seconds, keeping your back straight throughout the movements. Return to the starting position and repeat on the left side.

Side Leg Lift: With your back pushed against a wall, lie on your right side. Extend your right arm straight out, in line with your spine. Put your head on your right arm and leave your left leg straight while you bend your right knee so your right foot is facing the wall. From this position, press your left heel into the wall while you lift your left leg about a foot off the floor. Return the starting position and repeat on the other side.

Slow and Steady: Some of the best exercises for your spine involve calm, slow movements. Some of the most popular of these exercise techniques include tai chi, Pilates, and yoga. Since one of the primary goals of these exercises is to be more aware of your body, you can't help but pay close attention to how your body is posturing itself during and after a tai chi, yoga, or Pilates session.

Anything but Sitting Still: Many people have a hard time maintaining good posture because they work office jobs. Sound like you? Beat bad posture by doing any of the exercises above or simply getting up and walking a couple times each hour. It may seem like a small step, but any exercise that gets you moving helps strengthen your body and maintain its proper posture.

Look Good, Feel Good

Good posture isn't all about being proper. It actually has been proven to make you look thinner, healthier, and more confident. How? By not letting your extra skin and fat bunch together in your belly. But you already knew that. Hence why you suck in and stand up a little straighter when you're trying to impress someone. When you look good, you feel good as well.

On top of feeling better about yourself, good posture helps you breathe easier. So fight the urge to slump and give your body the posture and the ability to breathe it deserves.