Kip from Solaris Massage has a very creative imagination. She calls this exercise THE BUS STOP SQUAT with PULL BACK. 

STEP #1: Position the cable at a high position. Adjust the weight stack to accommodate your strength.

STEP #2: Grab the rope from the cable crossover ... and pull it down as you squat down

STEP #3: You are going to start off in a seated squat position just like the video.

STEP #4: Staying in this seated squat position, pull the rope down and toward your body ... allowing your elbow to bend and to pass by your rib cage.

STEP #5: Slowly straighten your arm ... and then repeat this motion.

You can use a timer to for this exercise ... or you can keep count of how many reps you do. Don't forget to take a short break ... and then repeat on the opposite side.

This exercise works your core, lower body, triceps, back ... and it is great in helping to improve your overall balance.

STEP #2: Take a step up [like you would normally]. You can take the steps one at a time, two at a time ... or depending on how long your legs are, you can take them three at a time.

STEP #3: After firmly placing your foot on the step, bend over at the waist ... leaving the dumbbells dangling in the same position ... redistributing your body weight so you don't tip over.

STEP #4: As you bend at the waist, allow your opposite foot/leg to lift out behind your body.

NOTE: You can alternate taking a step with each foot ... or you can lead with the same foot all of the way up the staircase. If you do the latter, make sure you use the opposite leg on your second time up the stairs [duh].

Do this several times a week ... and before you know it, you will have junk in your trunk.

Are you looking to build a stronger core? So are we!

​For this torturous activity, you'll need a BOSU and a stable beam or other device.

​STEP #1: Position your body so that your back is supported by the BOSU.

STEP #2: Grab a hold of the stable beam ... and hold on tight.

STEP #3: Position your legs so they are spread in a V shape.

STEP #4: Slowly lift your legs [maintaining the V shape] until your toes are above your head.

STEP #5: Slowly lower your legs [maintaining the V shape] until your heels touch the floor.

STEP #6: Continue this movement until you have exhausted your abs.

STEP #7: Rest and repeat!

Thanks, Kip [with Solaris Massage] for this great ab exercise

Kip from Solaris Massage has another message for you: Don't forget to stretch between sets at the gym! Or really ANYTIME!

Many of us have a tendency to roll our shoulders forward ... and if we don't stretch as we strengthen our muscles, we risk making that roll even stronger!

STEP #1: Clasp your hands together behind your back.

STEP #2: Bend at the waist ... feeling a stretch in your hamstrings [the backs of your legs] and your lower back.

STEP #3: Slowly lift your arms toward the ceiling ... feeling a nice gradual stretch in your shoulders.

Kip from Solaris Massage is demonstrating a great shoulder, axillary, and chest stretch.

STEP #1: Raise one arm toward the sky.

STEP #2: Next ... reach toward your spine, aiming right at middle of back.

STEP #3: Grab the elbow of your bent arm to deepen the stretch.
​
STEP #4: Next, attempt to touch your fingers behind your back.

One side of your body is likely more flexible than the other.

Make symmetry your goal!

Don't skip the stretch when you exercise!

​Between sets of steps, rest your foot on the step and lean that bum back ... stretching out that hamstring. Remember to point and flex your foot to increase the stretch and the fluid motion of your ankle joint. Next, lean forward toward your foot on the step, deepening the stretch by reaching your arms toward the sky with a gentle arch in your lower back.

Kip from Solaris Massage is not only demonstrating this great stretch ... but she also advises that this stretch is great for your psoas, ankle, quad, abs, and shoulders.

Why not use the machine you just finished using to stretch?

Make flexibility part of your workout !

​You'll thank us tomorrow!

Kip from Solaris Massage is demonstrating how to use what is in front of you to help stabilize your body as you stretch out after a workout.