This is without a doubt the most frequently asked question I get as a fitness coach – probably because there’s so much information, and misinformation, available nowadays about this subject. Call it the midsection, core, belly, muffin top, spare tire, or something else – we all have one and we all struggle with getting, and keeping, it looking the way we want.
Continue reading “How do I get rid of my belly?”
Home-based fitness is back in style again – initiated by pandemic-driven gym and studio closures, but now becoming a permanent choice for many because there are so many benefits to working out at home.
A full exercise routine at home really is possible – and more than that, it’s also convenient, flexible and fun. Instead of being limited by your local gym or rec center’s offerings, you can choose just about any type of exercise imaginable – and all on your schedule. Consider some of these key benefits that make working out at home a better all-around choice.
Continue reading “The Joys of Working Out at Home”
At any big box commercial gym, you’ll see rows and rows of shiny, sometimes scary-looking weight machines. Whether cable-based or plate loaded, gyms invest hundreds of thousands of dollars on this equipment. The newer ones will even count your reps and display your rest time between sets (okay, that is pretty handy.) The truth is many weight machines are simply not very effective for most people, and can even result in injury. Read on to learn why, and discover more effective alternatives for the best use of your precious time – and even better, don’t require a gym membership!
Continue reading “The Myth of Weight Machines”
Body balance is so important in our everyday lives, because it represents control. It’s an often overlooked principle of functioning in everyday life. This is true no matter how old you are. Better body balance keeps you upright, makes it easier to move, and helps avoid injuries. It allows you to perform activities often taken for granted, like walking in open spaces without holding onto something, turning to talk to a companion, negotiating steps or curbs without a handrail, walking in grass or sand, or stepping over obstacles. But body balance falls into the “use it or lose it” category, which means it’s important to practice balance, no matter what your age.
Continue reading “Body in Balance”
Life pulls us in many different directions. Countless demands and responsibilities seem to control us, rather than the other way around. If we don’t get it all done and look perfect while we’re doing it, we feel guilt, shame, and even worthlessness, that we don’t “measure up” and are therefore a failure. If this is you, it’s time to rethink what it means to be in balance.
Continue reading “Balance”
Did you know that no matter how hard your workout might be, the real changes happen when you’re not exercising?
The reason is physiological: when you exercise, your muscles actually experience microtrauma – tiny tears in the muscle fibers. Afterwards, “satellite cells” begin to fuse to the damaged tissues to repair the fibers, making them stronger than before. But this process only happens when at rest – therefore making recovery just as important as the workouts you do.
Continue reading “Active Recovery: Refresh, Restore, Re-energize”
When you hear the word “meditation” what comes to mind? Buddhist monks chanting for hours, new age hippies burning incense, pagan religions? There are so many misconceptions about the practice of meditation, because over thousands of years, people have taken this simple act of sitting quietly and just breathing, and made it into something more. Meditation can be whatever you choose it to be. For me personally, it’s a science-backed wellness practice that really helps keep me balanced.
Continue reading “Meditation is for Everyone”
Foam rolling is one way to perform what’s technically known as “self-myofascial release” or SMR. Learning how to perform basic SMR techniques on yourself can reduce your chances of repetitive stress injury, minimize muscular soreness, correct muscle imbalances and improve your overall flexibility, function and performance.
Continue reading “Hurts So Good: Why You Should Foam Roll”
con·sist·en·cy
/kənˈsistənsē/
Consistency is one of your most powerful tools. It helps power you through the day-to-day so you can reach your goals. It can also make tougher routines become more automatic, triggering action, which in turn boosts motivation. [Read: Momentum to Move]
But consistency does not necessarily mean doing the exact same thing, every time, every day or week. Not only is that a path to boredom, but from a fitness perspective it will soon lead to a lack of progress. The body – and the mind – adapt quickly and settle into a new status quo. [Learn more about this, known as General Adaptation Syndrome]. Only through new challenges do we become stronger and more resilient.
Continue reading “Consistency: The Key to Reaching Your Health Goals”
If you’re like most people, you set some fitness goals (formerly known as New Year’s Resolutions) for the year ahead. Now we’re into February…are you still committed?
Hopefully, you’ve found some activities that you really like. If not – keep looking, keep trying new things until you find what fits you best. But once you’ve figured out what’s the best kind of exercise for you, then comes the really hard part: getting into a regular routine. After all, everyone’s busy and these current crazy times impose even more challenges to our schedules. Read on to learn how.
Continue reading “Commit to Be Fit: Create a Sustainable Fitness Routine”