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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......
Apr

03

woman running up stairsOne of the most common questions I receive from clients is, “how hard should I be working out to burn the most calories?” The knee-jerk response would seem to be, “as hard as you can,” but the truth is, there is an “optimal” range for exercising if your goal is to maximize caloric expenditure.

To maximize the number of calories you burn during a cardio session, choose a mode of exercise (running, cycle, rowing machine, etc.) that you enjoy (or are willing to put up with for at least 30 mins), and aim to keep your heart rate at about 65-70% of max heart rate. If you use the RPE Scale (rating of perceived exertion), that would equate to a 14-15 (hard). I tell clients that they should feel “comfortably uncomfortable.”

If your goal is sports conditioning (long-distance running or swimming, for example), then high-volume conditioning will address your specific needs (intensity, duration, etc.). High-volume conditioning is a prolonged session (equal to or greater than 60 mins of continues effort at about 65% of max heart rate (13-14 RPE). This is often referred to as “long, slow training.”

If you are unfamiliar with Rating of Perceived Exertion, use the table below as your guide:

6 – no exertion at all (watching television)
7 – light activity (standing, talking on the phone)
8
9 – very light activity (casual walking)
10
11- light activity (warm-up intensity)
12
13- somewhat hard (you are mildly challenged)
14
15- hard (feels difficult, but you can continue without excessive breathlessness)
16
17- very hard: very demanding (out of breath, you don’t want to stay here for long)
18
19- extremely hard (you CAN’T stay here for long; rigorous)
20- maximal effort (all-out effort, only sustainable for very short bouts, akin to doing plyometric power jumps, all-out sprinting, etc.)

These are only two of the many options for maximizing caloric expenditure. High-intensity interval training, Fartlek, sprint intervals, and high-volume circuit training are others I’ll explain in coming blog posts, so stay tuned!


* 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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