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Gyms have their positive points: they are convenient, house lots of equipment, and often have childcare available to parents who need to tote their tots to the gym (this includes yours truly). Gyms also can offer a range of fitness classes and most  have personal trainers on staff. If you're not a huge fan of going to the gym however, and would like to try something different, check out these fun alternatives... Stroller Fit® SF targets the  “mommy muscles” – those muscles used during  labor and delivery, and post-partum, and basically every day thereafter. Moms have a chance to get ......
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Maybe you've been on a workout train for some time, diligently going to the gym and happily taking your dose of cardio and weight training, maybe even a few classes too just to challenge yourself. Perhaps you've been on this train, per se, for years, then all of a sudden, you're okay with missing a workout, then two. The idea of going to the gym or out the door for a jog becomes a chore, when it was once something you enjoyed. Have you been there? Are you there now? If so, read on... I think I can help. True, I am a trainer, but at heart, I'm really a fitness buff and have been since college. ......
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Because I love yoga, and Pilates, but am by no means a guru of either practice, I felt compelled to pass along some helpful resources so that you can learn more. Yoga is one of those activities that evolves as you evolve. The yoga you do today will not be the same yoga you do a year from now, and your body won't likely be the same body either (note: this is a good thing - Yoga evens 'things' out, balances muscles, massages the joints, just all-around good stuff ;0). I've learned through my own yoga/Pilates journey that there is always something new to learn.  That said, here are some fabulous......
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Even though I have addressed this topic before (a-hem, at least twice before), I'm circling back because A) I keep getting asked, "I did strength training today, what should I do tomorrow?" and B) I keep getting asked, "Is it okay to do both strength training and cardio on the same day?" If you want to cut to the chase, check out: "Cardiovascular or Weight Training: Which should come first?" Otherwise, stay right here, 'cause I'm about to WOW you with...pretty much the same thing I said before. ;0) Here's the thing - you need to know what it is you want to get out of your workouts. Are you try......
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You have probably heard about Pilates, or possibly know someone who talks of "reformers, chairs, straps, pulleys" (and other contraptions), and silently wonder, "what the heck is Pilates anyway?" The Pilates Method (or simply Pilates) was developed in Germany in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. The core-strengthening and posture-improving benefits of regular practice have helped the Pilates Method develop a loyal following of faithful participants in recent years. The aesthetic benefits of regular practice can be seen on the physiques of famous devotees, such as Madonna and Gwyneth Pa......
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H.I.I.T, or high-intensity interval training is exactly what it sounds like it is: intervals of high-intensity aerobic exercise with alternating periods of rest/recovery. This method of training has received a lot of attention in recent years because it burns calories like crazy. (Perry et al. 2008) It is also another way you can shake up your workout, especially if you’ve noticed your results plateauing.

How it works:

As you might guess by the words, “high intensity,” the exercise interval portion, or “work,” is at a level comparable to an 8 or 9 on a 10pt Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE), or, 90-95% of max heart rate. The intervals range between 1-4 minutes with periods of recovery in between each interval.

There are many ways to skin this cat…you could do intervals at a ratio of 1:1 (1 min or work, 1 min of rest); 2:1 (2 min of work, 1 min or rest); 3:1 (3 min of work, 1 min of rest)…you get the idea. There truly is no “right” or “wrong” way to go about interval training.

Mode of exercise: You can use any form of cardiovascular activity that appeals to you. Running, stair climbing, cycling, swimming, even jogging in place, as long as the intensity in your routine is high and can be sustained for the given number of minutes.

Time: Again, there is no hard and fast rule for length of time, though the more intervals you do, the more calories you’ll burn. 30-60 mins is probably a good range.

Rest: During the recovery periods it is important to keep moving, just lower the intensity to 40-60% of max heart rate.

Cool down: Include a 5-10 minute cool down period after this workout (you’ll need it!)


Benefits:
Improved ability to oxidize fat!

A heart rate monitor would be extremely helpful during this workout to track heart rate and calories burned.

* Note: Blue Sky Gym and the author disclaim any liability for any injury, physical or emotional, suffered during or as a result of exercise or activities recommended. As always, you should use common sense and consult your health professional before beginning any exercise routine or program.

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  1. [...] Head to the nearest jogging path and turn up the calorie burn with sprint intervals! Pick a tree in the near distance and run to beat the bus, jog to the next tree to recover (30-60 [...]

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