5 effective exercises for toned abs – without sit-ups!

Mar 25, 2014

Summer is only a season away and you know what that means – bikinis! Eek.

But don’t panic, those abs are just a few weeks away if you follow these exercises. And there are no sit-ups, because they are the worst, yay!

1. The Leg Pull-ups
Lying on your back on a matt, lift your legs up straight. Now as you go to lower them (slowly) you should feel it in your abs. Do about 10-12 reps with some pulsing in between.

2.The Plank
Yes we know it’s awful, but it’s effective! Lie on your front and lift yourself up on your feet and palms and hold for as long as you can. Try to increase your time each rep. It will get easier!

3. Squat and Twist
Sit into a squat and on the way back up twist to the side. You will feel this in your waist. Repeat 20-30 times each side.

4. Butterfly Kicks
Lie on your back with your legs straight out in front of you. Lift your head and legs up and “flutter kick” your legs. Do it for about 30seconds begin because it will be difficult but you can slowly increase this time.

5. The Cobra
The cobra is more of a stretch, but it is still effective for your abs. Lie on your front, face down with your palms on the ground beside your head. Slowly, lift yourself half-way up and hold. Repeat 5-10 times. This is also an effective back stretch.

10 easy ways to cut extra calories during the day

Mar 24, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Losing weight does’t have to be all boiled chicken and steamed broccoli.

Here are some easy tips to cut extra calories without even noticing.

1. Take the stairs
At every opportunity!

2. Skip the public transport
Get the walking shoes on

3. Eat off smaller plates
You’ll still get full

4. Don’t drink your calories
Stick with water

5. Eat at the dinner table
Avoid mindlessly eating more than you need

6. Instead of going for a drink with your friend, go for a walk
Much healthier!

7. Bring snacks in your bag
Such as nuts, oat cakes etc. to avoid sneaking into the siopa

8. Drink a glass of water before each meal
It will fill you up slightly before you even start! You’ll be surprised by how much of your hunger is actually thirst.

9. Homemade is best.
Be it popcorn, chocolate treats or granola bars. Get creative in the kitchen!

10. Eat a larger, substantial meal for lunch and a smaller lighter meal for dinner
You’ll feel less bloated in the morning.

Alexandra Burke shows off the results of her workout regime

Celebrity

Mar 13, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Alexandra Burke has been working out hard and she wants us to see the results.

She has obviously discovered fitness of late and can be seen posting many pictures and videos of her time in the gym onto her Instagram account.

The singer uploaded these pictures to Instagram, writing inspirational messages such as: “Mug face ON! Nigh workout DONE!! If you ain’t having fun then what’s the point!?” and “No pain no gain.”

Alexandra won The X Factor in 2008 but has spoken recently about planning a future career in life planning.

How to get toned arms like Jennifer Aniston

Feb 25, 2014

by Amber Saunders

At 45 years of age, Jennifer Aniston still manages to wow everybody with her envious figure.

Thankfully, we too can have a figure like hers – well, toned arms at least. Take a look at this video and you’ll have trim arms like Hollywood’s sweetheart in no time.

Remember, without pain there is no gain.

Victoria Beckham runs four miles every morning

Celebrity

Feb 18, 2014

by Amber Saunders

So that’s how she does it!

Victoria Beckham has revealed to Allure magazine that she runs at 6.00 am every morning for four miles. Now that is dedication!

The designer also spoke about speculation she had a boob job in the past, finally revealing: “I don’t have them anymore. I may have purchased them.”

Speaking about her husband, David, Victoria only had great things to say fourteen years into their relationship: “He’s a fantastic father. He’s incredibly talented, a wonderful husband.”

We’re not sure what it is but Victoria is becoming more likeable as the days go by. Take notes, Gwyneth.

Soap stars on hand to launch Great Ireland Run

Feb 7, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Paula Lane, who plays Kylie Platt on Coronation Street and Ryan Andrews from Fair City were on hand yesterday to launch The SPAR Great Ireland Run 2014.

Paula and Ryan will be in the Phoenix Park on April 6th to run the 10k race on behalf of their local charities, joined by up to 12,000 other runners and their families.

The SPAR Great Ireland Run is the only race in Ireland to be recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and will feature a superb field of international and national distance runners.

However, the event isn’t just for seasoned athletes – it’s a great day out for runners of all ages and all levels of fitness. Visit The SPAR Great Ireland Run to book your place.

You can’t get fit without the right clothing

Feb 5, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Life Style Sports has launched a new indoor fitness campaign for women called ‘Give More, Get More,’ which aims to encourage us girls to step up our 2014 fitness goals.

Whether you’re going to spinning classes, weight training or doing yoga, looking the part will help you perform at your best, no matter what your goals are.

Luckily, just as Life Style Sports launch their campaign, the new Millie and Gym range has arrived in store.

This new collection, exclusive to Life Style, is fashionable, practical and affordable – in fact, some of the girls in SHEmazing HQ have already invested in a few of the pieces!

M&G’s feminine gym wear is completely on trend with SS14’s pastel colours, so now you have no excuse not to look stylish while pumping iron…or idly strolling around the gym with a water bottle.

Millie & Gym Bibi Medium Support Bra – €18, Millie & Gym Genio Hoody – €25, Millie & Gym Felicity Zip Hem Tight – €25

Preventing running injuries

Jan 27, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Running is an increasingly popular sport and there seems neon coloured joggers popping up everywhere you look. However, those who assume that running is nothing more than throwing on a pair of shoes are just asking for trouble.

Stick with us and you’ll be an injury-free running pro…

Buy the right shoes
Running shoes can help reduce injury as they alter your form and how your body deals with the repetitive movements. If your feet hurt after a run, it means that they are not the right ones for you.

Make sure you have a strong core
By keeping your muscles, ligaments and tendons nice and strong, you will automatically protect yourself. When your body is strong, it tells your brain to brace for impact before the foot hits the ground. Remember, strong is the new skinny.

Know your limits
Injuries can happen when you push yourself too far. Build up your running distance a little at a time and don’t assume that you will be able to run that 10k after a few laps around your estate. You won’t.

Now stop looking for excuses and get out there…

Una Healy graces cover of Women’s Fitness magazine

Celebrity

Jan 22, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Una Healy, member of The Saturdays, is featured on the front cover of Women’s Fitness magazine.

The Tipperary girl posted the image of the cover on her Instagram account this morning and looks so pretty with her hair long and her toned figure taking centre stage.

We hope there are some tips in there from Una on how we can stay fit and motivated like she does!