Health Articles

Exercise Tip of the Month - August 2008

Be a Consumer of Fitness and Good Health

Treat yourself to some new resources that will help you learn and succeed in reaching your fitness goals this fall.

GoodLife is committed to educating and inspiring associates and members. 2,000 GoodLife associates will be attending the 15th Annual Can-Fit- Pro Fitness Conference in Toronto August 15-17th.

Join us- check out www.canfitpro.com for information about the 2nd Annual Can-Fit-Pro Consumer Fitness Show on August 16th at the Metro Toronto Convention Center.

 

Muscle Move of the Month - August 2008

Strong Legs with Isometric Squats

Target Muscles:

Why is it great--this exercise strengthens your hips, butt and thighs all in one move and very few repetitions.

The Move:

For this exercise you need a 5-10kg dumbbell.

Starting Position:

Stand with one dumbbell in both hands, held close in front of you, feet hip width apart (slightly wider for women) with feet slightly turned out. Pull your abdominals in, keep shoulders back and chest lifted.

Action:

Bend your knees and lower your hips back and down until your thighs are almost parallel with the ground. Keep your weight back on your heels. Abdominals remain pulled in, chest lifted with dumbbell held over top of the thighs. Inhale as you lower, pause and hold in a squat position, as shown, for 10-15 seconds, breathe comfortably. Exhale as you press up to return to start position and repeat 4 times or 60 seconds in total.

Advance:

Stand on one foot, cross right leg over, resting your ankle on top of your thigh. Perform the isometric squat as instructed. Repeat on other side.

Provided by:
Maureen Hagan – BScPT, BA PE, VP Operations - GoodLife Fitness Clubs