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 ......
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. ......
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......
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......
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......
Are you training for your first 5K? If you have done little to no cardiovascular exercise up to this point, give yourself at least 8-12 weeks to train. Start slowly, doing walk/run intervals for 15-20 minutes per cardio session, gradually increasing the time until you can sustain a bout of cardio for at least 30 minutes without stopping. I recommend applying the 2-5% rule for progressing cardio programs. 
Are you stiff as a board and hoping to someday be able to touch your toes? Flexibility is largely genetic, however you can improve your joint range of motion and relieve muscle tightness with a focused stretching routine, two to three times per week. Your routine should include all of the major muscles, especially the ones that are overused. For example, if you sit for long periods during the day, your hip flexors and hamstrings are likely tight. And I always recommend stretching the lower back. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds, and ideally, perform two sets of each stretch. You should see improvement within three or four weeks.
