When it comes to health and fitness I’m all about staying tough, toned, and achieving a strong core from the inside out. Not only do I want hard-rocking abs, but also hard-working hair that’s just as strong. I’ve been testing Pantene’s new shampoo and reformulated conditioner from their Repair and Protect Collection to arm my hair with a dual-defense against impurities. Their new Anti-Oxidant technology helps to prevent damage at the surface and at the core, making my locks twice as strong! I’ve also noticed that my hair is super shiny and smooth, yet manageable these last few weeks.
As for my go-to weekly workout, I like to give my bod a one-two-punch with these quick and effective moves (pictured in order above):
1. Booty Burn: Lie on your back, knees bent, feet on the mat hips width apart and begin to slowly squeeze and raise your butt up and down hovering just above the ground until you feel the burn. Try not to arch your back while keeping your core engaged. (20x’s)
2. High Knees: Stand tall with a neutral spine. Lift your left knee high to opposite elbow, alternating sides and engaging the core. (30x’s)
3. Knee to Nose: Start in a plank position and slowly draw your knee up to your nose keeping the core engaged. Hold for 10 seconds and switch knees. (10x’s)
4. Crow Pose: This is one of my favorite yoga poses for arm and core strength. Start on all fours with your hands on the mat, shoulder width apart and fingers spread out. THEN walk your feet towards your hands and bend your elbows (Chaturanga arms) and use your triceps as shelves for your knees. NEXT look forward as you press your hips up high, and begin to shift the weight forward on your finger pads and palms. Start balancing by lifting one foot at a time, and when you’re ready, bring both feet up off the mat. Stay up for five breaths, then slowly transition into Child’s Pose to realign your spine.
5. Side Plank: Start in a plank position and shift onto the outside edge of your left foot, and stack your right foot on top of the left. Then start to turn your torso to the right with your right hand on your right hip. Support the weight of your body on the outer left foot and left hand.
Keep your neck long and your head in line with your spine. Turn your gaze up, engaging your thighs and core, then raise your top arm straight up. Breathe and hold position for 15-30 seconds.
6. Rock Star: From side plank, flip your outer arm and leg up and back into a half back bend. Reach up and back. Hold for 10-15 seconds and then flip back over to Downward Dog to stretch out your back.
End with a Child’s Pose to come back to your breath and rest.
Stay STRONG, Girls!
XOXO,
NYC
