BASIC TRAINING FOR YOUR CORE AND MUCH MORE.

The Elbow to Knee Touch exercise targets the shoulders, arms, back, butt and thighs. Start on the floor with a mat or towel. Get on all fours. Extend the right arm up to head height and left leg back to hip height. Slowly touch right elbow to left knee. Hold for two counts and then extend the arm and leg out again.

Do 15 repetitions and then switch sides.

To make this more challenging, try using some ankle weights.

TIP OF THE WEEK: Learn to love resistance training. Increasing your lean body mass is a crucial component to losing weight. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn.

Strength training is unique in that it enhances the lean body mass, where aerobic exercise -- such as walking or cycling -- while great for burning fat, doesn't increase lean body mass. You should strength train at least two or three times per week for about 30 minutes.

For more information about strength training, log onto kathykaehlerfitness.com

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- 2) Begin the Elbow to Knee Touch on all fours, then balance on one knee and the opposite hand, as shown at left, with the other leg and arm extended. Bring that elbow and knee in, as shown below, then re-extend.