How to Do a Squat Properly and Why It’s Good for You?

If there’s one exercise that deserves a permanent spot in almost every fitness routine, it’s the squat. Simple, effective, and requiring little to no equipment, squats help build lower-body strength while making everyday movements easier and more comfortable. From picking up a dropped item to sitting down in a chair or reaching for groceries on a lower shelf, squats mimic many of the motions we perform daily. The best part? They offer benefits that go far beyond stronger legs. Why Squats Are So Effective Squats are considered one of the most functional exercises because they train multiple muscle groups...

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4 Easy Knee Stretches

Bella Breakdown Our knees are taking a pounding every day, from running for the bus to climbing stairs, let alone the stress we add to them while working out. The good news? You can easy add just a few of theses stretches and strength moves to your workout to protect your knees and keep them strong and healthy. 1. Calf Stretch Stand with your hands flat against a wall, your arms straight, and stand with your right foot behind your left foot. Slowly bend your left knee forward, keeping your right knee straight, hold for about 30 seconds, switch...

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60 Seconds to Fit: The Reverse Lunge with a Twist

  Bella Breakdown We love to get the most out of our workout, so when a move targets this many muscle groups, we can’t get enough! The reverse lunge with a twist takes the typical lower body move that targets your hips, your glutes and your thighs, then it also engages your core by adding a twist! Start by grabbing one dumbbell and holding it horizontally at chest level, then take a big step back with your left foot, targeting your right leg. Sit deeply into the lunge and feel the burn in your thighs. This exercise is going...

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The 1 Leg-Toning Move to Master in 2015

Bella Breakdown Time to get our legs sleek and toned this year! No, we’re not prescribing some repetitive boring moves you need to figure out how to use all that gym equipment for, instead how do curtsy lunge and popcorn squats sound? Thought you’d like the ring of that more. For some strong sculpted legs, start with your feet shoulder width apart with weight in the heels, we’re going to curtsy right, popcorn, then curtsy left. Start by bringing your right foot back behind your left and really sinking deep into your curtsy. Next come back to center, squat...

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3 Moves For Leaner Legs

Bella Breakdown These three moves are going to tone those thighs, tighten that butt, burn lots of calories. This is a great way to burn off the last of summer with three simple moves you can do at home or in the gym. Curtsy – 10 reps (alternating sides) Grab some hang weights and bend legs slowly to work butt, thigh and open your hips. Single-Leg Lean – 10 reps (alternating sides) Balance on one leg and slowly pitch forward to work the butt and stretch hamstrings. Squat Jump – 10 reps; Start in a squat position then jump...

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