Exercises

Question:  I drive a lot and I think it's contributing to my bad (and getting worse) posture. Is there an exercise I can do to improve my posture?
 
Answer:  Yes! There is a simple and effective exercise that you can do to train yourself for better posture. This exercise is great for maintaining the natural “S” curve of your spine—what's more—you can do it at your desk or behind the wheel.
 

The step lung targets your lower body, especially your legs and glutes. Think, “high and tight!”

What makes the step lunge so effective?
The reason why this move works so well is because you are using the large muscles of your legs and glutes against the forces of gravity. This eccentric action loads your muscles, putting them "on stretch," which sculpts and strengthens, while at the same time pushes your heart and lungs for a terrific cardio effect — which burns calories and cuts fat!

Turn your runs (and walks) into a full-body blasting adventure! Follow these simple steps to increase your fitness without increasing time spent on the trail.
 
I just came down off the mountain. Clothes drenched. Fully fatigued. Happy! Today marks the official kickoff to summer and the longest day of the year (and the hottest!), nearly 80-degrees! What did I do? I hit the Coastal Trail on Mt Tamalpais for a trail run. Well, not your average trail run, I call it the 60:10 (sometimes I call it the 30:10). The 60:10 includes sixty minutes of cardio, and 10 strength/toning exercises; however, not the kind of exercises you'd expect!

Urban workouts are a blast and easy to create.
 
Here is a workout that I taught in a local San Francisco park, near the new Athleta store, on Fillmore.
 
For the full workout, complete with a printable take-along menu, follow the links at the bottom of the page.

Tree Sit
Works: Quadriceps, core abdominals, shoulders, mental focus, environmental integration
Props: Tree with a strong base, light post, wall or mailbox

The Tree Sit exercise is an updated version of that classic ski-conditioning exercise, the “wall sit.” It’s usually done within the confines of large gymnasiums with wood floors and beige walls, but here I’ve added a much more interesting prop—the tree.