Just because your favorite gym is closed doesn’t mean you have to quit working out during the pandemic. There are numerous body weight exercises that you can easily do in your living room or backyard. If you want to take it up a notch, buying a few pieces of affordable exercise equipment online will give you an additional range of possibilities.
Read MoreIf you’re struggling to stick to your fitness goals, I highly recommend checking out any one of these health and wellness podcasts. You can listen to them while you’re on a cardio machine for extra motivation, or play them in the car when you have a boring drive ahead of you.
Read MoreFoam rollers are a great option, mainly because of the cost. However, I prefer the HyperIce Hypervolt over standard foam rollers, and so do the clients who have tried it. The nice thing about the massage gun is that you can target individual knots in your muscles. It also makes it more convenient to make myofascial release a part of your routine because you can use the gun while watching TV or even in the car. You don’t have to sit on the ground.
Read MoreSome women think they are strong because they have been working out consistently for years. However, they can barely hold a plank because their abdominal muscles are so weak, and a simple exercise involving their shoulders is challenging even with the easiest resistance band.
Read MoreMost people shoot for three sets of each activity, but you can actually vary the number depending on how your body feels during training. Paying attention to your muscles is key, especially when determining whether to add a fourth set or move on after three.
Read MoreThe “right” number of reps can vary greatly depending on your goals. The way a bodybuilder trains is going to be different from that of an endurance athlete. It’s important to determine your goals before you start strength training, so you can follow an appropriate plan and get the results you are after.
Read More“I’m not sure I want to work with you. You’re really muscular, and I don’t want to get bulky.” I hear this sometimes from women who are thinking about training with me. I always tell them that it’s totally fine with me. You actually can’t build my kind of muscle by accident. It’s actually harder to build muscle than it is to lose weight!
When you train with me, you’re achieving your goals, not mine.
Read MoreFoam rolling removes knots and tension, much as a massage would. The pressure from your body weight against the roller forces the knot out, leaving you with muscles that are less sore, more mobile, and less prone to injury. Over the years, a number of new product have come out that work off the same principle as the foam roller, but feature different designs. These products tend to be more packable and can help you target different body parts with greater effectiveness. You may want to have a few different rollers available, so you can mix things up depending on how sore you are and which areas need targeting.
Read MoreI love soaking in an Epsom salt bath after a hard workout. Most of the time, I keep it simple with a couple handfuls of Epsom salts and 1 to 2 drops of essential oil. For those days when I really want to pamper myself, I blend up this bath salt mix from Organic Body Care Recipes by Stephanie Tourles. The recipe helps with muscle aches and has the added benefit of leaving my skin super soft.
Read MoreThere are so many fitness supplements on the market, and it can be confusing to know which ones to take—and when! My research and 20 years as a personal trainer proves that supplements do make a different, especially when you’re losing weight as part of a cohesive fitness program.
Read MoreCalling all mamas! Whether her little ones are 2 or 20, now is the time to get fit. As a personal trainer, I see a lot of women struggling with weak glutes and abs. Many also have weak pelvic floor muscles from childbirth. It’s no surprise then that these three areas get most of our attention during sessions. Here are a few Mother’s Day gift ideas for the mama in your life as she works to get her body back.
Read MoreConsistency is really important when you’re building strength or cardiovascular fitness. In fact, as little as a two week break can significantly diminish your hard-won gym abilities. But sometimes the last thing you want to do is lace up and hit the gym. What should you do? Here are a few ways to push yourself when you’re not feeling like sweating.
Read MoreWay to go--you’ve decided to lose weight, you’ve picked a weight-loss plan, and maybe you’re even a few weeks into your diet (and a few pounds down). Whatever program you’re doing, here are a few easy tweaks you can make to your lifestyle to support your weight loss.
Read MoreLosing 50 pounds was about more than physical fitness. The challenge helped me reconnect with everything I love and value.
Read MoreSo much to do, and so little time. Sound familiar? If you find yourself in a position where you just don't have the time to exercise, try this quick morning workout. You might find it gets your mind revved up for the day a lot better than just a cup of coffee. Trust me, your body will love you for it.
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