The key to feeling awesome isn’t looking like a model—it’s
all about feeling comfy in your own skin. One of teen fitness expert Kathie
Dolgin’s favorite ways to do that is to get and stay in shape by making
exercise part of our daily routine. Here are your biggest back-to-school
fitness questions, answered by Kathie:
Q: “I’m dying to
improve my mile time this year. But…how?”
A: “To improve
your mile time, you’ve got to run intervals,” Kathie says. “That means, run
fast for 30 seconds, then walk fast for 30 seconds. Do that 10 times, then
build your way up to doing it 30 times. You’ll be running faster in no time.
Also, try skipping—it’ll build your endurance.”
Q: “When is the best
time of day to exercise?”
A: “Everybody is different. The best time
to exercise is whenever you can fit it into your schedule! Pick a time that you
can stick with,” Kathy advises.
Q: “I’m not the
skinniest pencil in the box, if you know what I mean. How can I look good in
trendy clothes when I don’t look like a model?”
A: “'I’m not sure being
the ‘skinniest pencil in the box’ should be anyone's goal!” Kathy says. “Learn
what style flatter your body type, then stick to them. Don't be tempted to wear
only the latest styles. Also, wear clothes that fit. Clothes that are too small
and too tight will add pounds. Lastly, it's all about attitude. Watch your
posture. And remember: You are fit, fabulous and fierce!”
Q: “I want my long
‘n’ lean legs, but how can I get them without running?”
A: “Good ol' fashioned squats,” Kathie
says. “I'm constantly doing squats: while brushing my teeth, while cooking,
etc. You need to incorporate them into your life. Also, add dumbbells to your
squats for an even better workout.”
Q: “What’s the best
exercise to tighten my core?”
A: “I love
planks! I do them all the time, in many strange places. Planks will make your
stomach feel like a rock!” Kathie says.
Q: “I hate running,
but how can else can I get in a solid cardio workout?”
A: You don’t have
to book it to get your heart rate up. Instead of running, which can be
difficult for folks with asthma and allergies, try walking briskly outside (or
inside, on a treadmill at an incline) or rollerblading. This is low impact,
too, which means that it’s easier on weak joints, bad knees and other injuries.
Kathie also loves to swim. Freestyle is her stroke of
choice, but anything goes. “Also,” she says, “look into vibrational training
and check out the ‘power plate.’”
Q: “How often do I
have to exercise?”
A: “Every day!”
Kathie encourages. “I look at exercise as part of my daily routine. For
example, how many times do you brush your teeth? Every day, right?”
BY BRITTANY TAYLOR ON 8/24/2012 4:05:00 PM
POSTED IN healthy ways to lose weight, body image, Love your bod, fitness, mind/motivation, workouts, lean leg workouts