Tag: exercise

10 Trails in L.A. That’ll Work Your Booty!

Don’t underestimate the effectiveness a hiking trail can have on your health. Hiking isn’t only one of the trendiest things you can do in LA, it’s also one of the best workouts you can get – for your booty and the rest of your body. Imagine a gym: four walls, heavy machinery and bad music blaring over the speakers. Now imagine yourself on top of a mountian, wind blowing in your hair and the feeling of triumph as you gaze over the horizon. Which sounds better? I thought so.

Los Angeles has some great hiking options throughout the city. Here are my favorites:

1. Temescal Canyon – 15900 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

This is my go-to hiking trail. It’s a great combination of uphill and downhill (great for the glutes) with some pretty spectacular views of the Pacific ocean. There are plenty of grassy areas and a park where one can picnic, rest or do cartwheels (as I do) at the bottom of the hill. The bonus: Parking in the designated lot at the beginning of the trail will cost you $7 but there’s always free parking on Temescal Canyon Road, just before Sunset Blvd. Plus, you’re just a moment’s drive away to the beach!

2. Murphy Ranch Trail – Capri Drive & Casale Road, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

This can be a great workout if you know what you’re looking for. There is a stairway that descends about 500+ steps down to yet another trail which will eventually lead you to an old, deteriorating Nazi compound from the 1930’s that is now covered in graffiti. It can be tricky to find but worth the adventure.

3. Culver City Stairs – 6300 Hetzler Road, Culver City, CA 90232

Nature’s stair master. If the views from the top don’t satisfy you, maybe all the delectable spots to dine in around downtown Culver City will.

4. Santa Monica Stairs – 4th St & Adelaide Dr, Santa Monica, CA 90402

Not technically a hike but it’s a guaranteed way to feel the burn.

5. Griffith Park – 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

If you spent the day hiking through this park you might have come across equestrian trails, playgrounds, the LA Zoo or the Greek Theater. There’s much to see and do here, hiking is just one of them.

6. Fryman Canyon Park – 8401 Mulholland Dr, Studio City, CA 91604

This is one of the more leisurely hikes of the ones listed here but still a great workout nonetheless. Try running the course or adding weights if you find it to be unchallenging.

7. Runyon Canyon – 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Even if you’re not an LA local, you’ve probably heard of Runyon Canyon mentioned before. It seems to be one of the more popular trails in all of Los Angeles for a few reasons, although some may not be as obvious as others. Despite the attraction of seeing celebrities or it’s breathtaking vantage points, it actually is an incredible workout, especially if you opt for the non-paved route. *A friendly tip: to avoid crowds or the unpleasant smells of dog “business”, try hitting the trail in the early mornings or later in the evenings.

8. Will Rogers – 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

This was my original go-to hiking spot when I first moved to L.A. The length of the trail is doable for even the most inexperienced hikers but offers some great booty burning paths. Enjoy views of the ocean and the occasional UCLA athletes. 😉

9. Franklin Canyon Park – 2600 Franklin Canyon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Many Angelenos aren’t aware of this hidden gem in the middle of Beverly Hills. It’s a peaceful 605-acre park that includes 5 miles of trails. picnic areas and a lake filled with ducks. Great for a daytime date!

10. Abalone Cove Shoreline Park – 5970 Palos Verdes Dr S, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

A bit more of a drive for those living in or close to central L.A. but well worth it. Abalone cove sits at the bottom of a cliff, accessible only to those who dare make the decent down to its two beaches and picnic areas. Try working your way down and back up again as many times as your legs will let you. I promise you’ll feel the burn with this one if you give it a chance.

October 14, 2015
Travel + Fitness: 6 Exercises for the Fit Girl on the Go
Being on the road, be it for work or pleasure, can put a strain on your usual health and fitness routines. Even when I’m home and need to get in a quick workout, trekking to the gym seems futile, especially if I have limited time to spare. Thankfully there are plenty of exercises out there that can be done in the comfort of your very own home, or home away from home (hotel room).

No gym? No problem. This routine shouldn’t take you more than 10-15 minutes to complete. Of course, gradually adding reps or sets (as you feel necessary) is a great way to kick it up a notch. Want more? Check out our Most Efficient 10 Minute Workout for Life on the go!

Ready, Set, Go!

1. In and Outs – We’re not talking burgers but we are talking about a seriously good way to strengthen your core.
- Start in a V-like position on your mat
- Extend your legs out and bring them back in towards your chest, keeping your hands flat by your sides
- For a greater challenge, try extending your arms out in a T-like or “touchdown” position
Repeat 10x

2. Army Crawl Push-Ups – This one is great for abs, arms and overall toning.
- Begin in the plank position with your shoulders square to the mat and your feet together (Your body should be in a straight line)
- Bend your right arm down into a forearm plank position and then drop the left side to form a full forearm plank position
- Lift up your right hand and place it directly below your shoulder and push up
- Repeat with your left side
- Hold in full plank position for a beat
- Repeat
- For a greater challenge, add a full push up after each plank
Repeat 10x

3. Tricep Dips – Want sexy arms? Sculpt your triceps using your own body weight.
- Find a curb, desk or bench to prop yourself up on. Fingers should be facing your toes
- Lift your body up to create a reverse plank-like position
- Slowly lower your butt down using the strength of your arms
- When you get to the bottom of your dip, return to your starting position
Repeat 15x

4. Reverse Sit Ups –
- Keep your back on the mat, extend your legs out but keep them off the ground
- Methodically raise your knees towards your head in a reverse crunch position
- Use your abdominals to control each repetition
Repeat 15x

5. Plank Hip Twists – You’re in the home stretch so let’s assume the position!
- Get into full plank positon
- Slowly rotate your left hip to the floor
- Once it touches, rotate hip to the right and touch the floor
Repeat 20x

6. V Sit – Last one! We’re going to slow it down and take steady, deep breathes.
- On your mat, lift your legs up to a 45 degree angle
- Lean your upper body back and balance on your tailbone
- Reach forward with your arms and hold for 20 seconds
- Relax & Repeat
Repeat 3x

*Remember: Always listen to your body. Be aware of the proper technique for each exercise. And if something doesn’t feel right…stop!

Photography by Richie Chance

Sports Bra & Pants by Calvin Klein

Shoes by Nike
September 23, 2015
Get Your Butt in Gear: 3 Exercises That Will Sculpt & Lift

Photography by Jennifer Biswas

I long for the day when my workouts aren’t squeezed in between meetings and auditions. Perhaps one day I’ll be one of those Bel-Air women who spend their afternoons in yoga pants, walking their dogs and gossiping with neighbors all day, but until then, my workouts need to be as efficient as possible.

People tend to be surprised when I tell them that I rarely use weights in my fitness routine but, it’s a misconception to think you can’t tone your body without them. On the contrary, the exercises I utilize to maintain core strength and define muscle are simple calisthenics that can be done almost anywhere.

These three maneuvers are my favorite exercises to do whenever I have a spare 10-15 minutes to fit in some “gym time”. Although it may seem like I’m only targeting the gluteus, you are in fact, toning arms and abs as well! I’d like to think of them as ninja techniques because they are swift, effective and relatively painless. Try this routine everyday for at least one week and tell me you don’t see and feel a difference in your body. I bet you can’t!

Exercise 1: SQUATS!

The dreaded squats! Don’t worry, they’re not so bad if you break them up into sets. Start by standing as tall as you can with your feet spread apart about shoulder-width. Then lower your body as far as you can by bending your knees and pushing your hips back. Pause for a moment and then slowly push yourself back to the starting position. If you are already physically active, try doing 4 sets of 25 throughout this routine. If not, begin your first few days by starting with 2 sets of 25 and incrementally adding more throughout the week.

Exercise 2: BACKWARDS LEG EXTENSION

The name sounds more complicated than it is. You can do this while on hands and knees for more stability, or try facing a chair, bend your body at the waist and place your hands flat down near the edge of the seat. Kick your left leg straight back, keeping your foot flexed so it forms a straight line with your torso. Lower your leg back down and repeat. Do an equal number of sets for each leg. I would recommend you start with 25 each and gradually add more throughout the weeks ahead. Be sure you squeeze your glutes and leg muscles during the kicks and use slow, steady movements. When your leg is as stretched back as possible, hold for a few extra seconds and really try to elongate your spine and leg as much as you can. You should be able to feel your abs tightening.

Exercise 3: KNEE TO ELBOW PLANKS

Planking may not be the most exciting exercise but it is a great core strengthening workout. You can try normal planking until you feel more comfortable to step it up to the next level of difficulty. When you’re ready, start in a plank position and bring your right knee in towards your chest, keeping your other foot on the floor to balance. Bring your knee into your chest a total of 25 times and then alternate sides. For advanced people, try doing a push up in between each rep.

**These exercises should be practiced safely and with the correct techniques. If you ever feel pain that does not feel like normal discomfort caused by exercising, stop immediately and make sure you are training accurately so you do not injure yourself. Saftety first!

January 20, 2015

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