As part of a comprehensive fitness routine, strength training is important to keep that balance with cardio. It isn’t one over the other – in my experience, they are both necessary. There is something powerful about lifting and moving your body in ways you never thought possible. That extra testosterone boosts confidence, both in and outside the gym.
(more…)
The nutrition industry has definitely evolved. You can find protein bars in all different flavors – cinnamon bun, chocolate chip cookie dough, red velvet cake, chocolate brownie. There are even protein COOKIES and protein BROWNIES and there is even high protein ice cream you can buy. Go to any GNC and you will even see protein chips, popcorn, and the entire assortment of any flavor of protein bar. Plus, you can have protein powders in cool flavors like vanilla ice cream and strawberry cheesecake. What is not to love? A LOT.
(more…)
As part of this series, in the interest of full transparency AND possibly giving you some great ideas, I will provide a tracker of all my meals and workouts for…
By popular demand, I am providing my sample exercise plan and template. It’s based on the formula HIIT+LISS+STRENGTH TRAIN = SUCCESS.
(more…)
HIIT (High intensity interval training) is an important ingredient in your cardio soup. It is an excellent fat burner, and has an after-burn effect of raising your metabolism and burning…
The “new normal”. Our worlds, once so big, have gotten very small. It’s almost the one year anniversary – the worst.anniversary.ever.
Gyms and workout studios are closed (or closed, reopened, closed and kind of reopened). Peloton sales have gone UP. App sales have gone through the roof – the fitness industry, besides the toilet paper industry, is a real winner in these “uncertain times”.
There also have been winners and losers in the fitness sphere on the consumer side. I hear binary feedback from my audience – either they got in the best shape of their lives, or suffered from the “COVID 19” weight gain.
There is still time to change your fate.
(more…)
I don’t have a Ph.D. in psychology, but I do have a Ph.D. in stress eating. And I know enough to know, a demanding and crazy job is certainly a contributing factor to ignite that reach for comfort food. So hear me out.
(more…)
Condiments may not seem like a big deal, but think of it like debt. It’s not usually the principal (the meal) that drives people deep in debt. It’s the late fees (and the late fees on the late fees) and the interest (and the interest on the interest). Those represent the condiments that could put you well over your caloric budget, especially since they usually come out of bottles we squeeze and turn upside down with abandon.
(more…)
Have you ever been to a GNC or a Vitamin Shoppe and just ended up staring blankly at the walls of endless bottles? You don’t even really know what you are looking for and you leave 300 dollars later feeling like you somehow didn’t get what you needed.
(more…)
Before we get to the apps, let’s answer the question – are these optional or niche workouts?
Not if you want your body to truly change. Strength training and cardio do a lot, but they don’t work your core, balance or smaller precision muscles in the same way.
I used to be the biggest SNOB about yoga. “Oh, that’s’ for hippy dippy people who don’t want to do REAL workouts.”
Then I went to my first power yoga class, and collapsed after holding down dog for 10 seconds. This was a RESTING POSE???!!!
The point is, if you are not incorporating yoga as a regular component of your strength training routine, you are missing out on a cardio, strength, and all-over functional workout.
I did not notice significant changes in my body until I incorporated yoga and other types of “precision” training, like barre and Pilates into my routine. Even if you are a beginner to all of these forms of training, so is everyone you are taking the class with. And now, you have the luxury of having well-designed apps and youtube workouts geared towards a private workout in your own home.
This article will give some guidance on some of the best apps that are scalable by time and level.
(more…)
Yeah, I am going there. I feel like I have a fiduciary duty to my corporate audience to do so. So here we go: how do we finally settle the battle of the at-home workout between Peloton and SoulCycle? As you will find out, it’s really about the Peloton v Equinox brands, as well.
Also, note that Peloton and SoulCycle are not the only games in town. NordicTrack, a long-standing brand, is getting into the game with its iFit bike and treadmills. For the iFit bike experience, there is also a studio class experience, as well as simulated scenery rides, like Tour de France. Haven’t had a chance to check this out yet, but it’s worth mentioning. For now, we will mainly focus on the two frontrunners.
(more…)
If you are looking to lose weight, cardio is a necessary part of the equation. Strength training alone will not cut it. Most of us need a structured program, for that, as well as the RIGHT type of cardio. So what is that? Read this to find out!
(more…)
Both Jillian Michaels and Tone it up incorporate yoga-esque movements into their workouts. This ensures a comprehensive focus on mobility and strength.
The SWEAT and FITBODY apps have a lot of similarities. Each has different qualities that can be appealing based on whether you value simplicity or more intensity.
(more…)
Celebrity female trainers with amazing bodies and huge followings are dominating the fitness app market. I am here to help you navigate them and find the right one for you.
(more…)
Finding a good fitness app or program is like trying to boil the ocean. I have a decision tree to help. I know if you are the corporate type, you love these. So follow me down this logical and effective way to decide what app is not just “awesome” but awesome FOR WHO YOU ARE.
(more…)
You guys, it is REALLY tricky writing a fitness blog during a pandemic, especially while there is a vaccine being circulated. Should I even bother to write a post about traveling, especially for work. The eternal optimist in me says, absolutely. We will fly again, both for business and for pleasure, sooner rather than later.
(more…)
The Whole30 is a popular diet to start in the first quarter of the year, so you may be thinking of doing it right NOW. It is a reset, a new chance, a way to “cleanse” the system and purify your approach to food. The question is, is the Whole30 a “challenge” or a “fad” diet? Let’s break down the basics.
(more…)
The Paleo diet is the “sexy diet.” Definitely would be Samantha, if it were a Sex and the City character. The Paleo diet evokes images of ravenously devouring meat – sexy, right? I have been to Paleo-land and will definitely visit again. Here is what you need to know.
(more…)
Unless you have been living under a rock, you have heard of the "Keto" (short for ketogenic) diet. Just what is it, and does it work? What are the upsides,…
