Shape Yourself Series

Attention all female runners: On June 10th at 6:30 p.m., the Nike Runner's Lounge (Toronto) is hosting a party to celebrate the launch of the women's only Shape Yourself clinic series. This 12-week program, every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m., will not only train you to run your goal, but also provide you with the tools and knowledge to help shape you both inside and out. At this event, experts lead you through a heads up of the exciting clinics to come. Your fitness results are certain to pick up the pace. For information, call 416-460-6642.

Get Strong, Sexy Abs

Best abs workouts for a flat, toned, sexy belly

Can't get a flat stomach? Your diet or cardio sessions may not be long or consistent enough to lean you out to reveal your six-pack. Along with getting the support you need from friends to see long-term goals through, using such self-management skills as logging workouts, self-talk and visualization can help. But diet and cardio alone don't produce strong abs. And if you attend spinning classes regularly, it's likely you feel how a weak core causes nagging pain and stiffness in your back. For a healthier back, try any and all of these 11 abs and core workouts for spinners. My tip: Arrive early prior to your spin class when you're full of energy, do a least one exercise for upper and lower abs and side obliques to shore up your core (heck, do 'em before your run, or inline skate). Strong lower abs protect your back from strain when attacking in the virtual mud (man, that part's tough!). Ab workouts before your cardio session allow you to perform moves safely and with necessary energy to work successfully. This way you'll never miss toning your tummy because you're too tired or drenched in sweat. After your warm-up, think: abs first, then get into it. Try this strategy today.

Challenge Yourself: Spinning

Build stamina and buns of steel every time you join a spin class. Too intimidated? Positive experience tips: Go early and ask the instructor to adjust a bike to fit you (seat, handlebar height), wear spinning shoes with clips (or shin guards), 3/4 padded bike shorts to prevent chaffing and minimize bum-numb from the seat, and bring a sports drink and a towel. Spinning is a group exercise, but work at your own pace and lower the intensity as you need. After your low-impact spin class, you'll be cursing those climbs, but hooked on the music, speed drills and so high on yourself. You'll feel strong and powerful, and amazed that you did something so physically challenging. Know what it feels like to astonish yourself? You will. Get fresh spinning music mixes.

Try New Fitness Activities

Get Better Results, Try New Fitness Exercises

You’re a sassy, active, go-getter that’s why keeping your interest level high is challenging. When you’re feeling bored and uninspired by your own efforts or the gym scene, there’s no reason to skip a workout. Instead, switch up your moves to feel new energy and new inspiration coursing through your life. You’ll discover new activities that move you to be your best. And the ones you don’t care for, well, stop doing them right now. Like now, now. Of course, I’m loaded with ideas for you:
• softball
• pool workouts
• meditation
• aerobic gardening