Wondering whether boot camp workouts are the right move to get yourself fit? Many people love the intense, group-focused approach offered by such classes, but make sure you know what you're getting into first--you want it to be an excellent experience, not a protracted, joyless pain. So ask yourself these questions as you consider bootcamp workouts. (more…)
Cardio is an important part of your overall fitness plan. It offers several important benefits—burning calories, decreasing body fat, strengthening your heart and building endurance. But despite all these benefits, far too many people waste their time and don’t maximize their cardio training in the gym. Try these tips to help you get the most out of your time when you use common cardio machines such as the elliptical machine, Stairmaster, treadmill and bike. (more…)
For the fifth day in a row, you encounter difficulty zipping up your pants before heading to the office. After critically gazing at your reflection in your full-length mirror, you promise to start a weight loss plan tomorrow. Does this common scenario sound frightfully familiar? If you’re desperate to drop the pounds for good, you might be planning on spending more time on your favorite treadmill at the gym in the near future. Before committing to daily treadmill or elliptical training sessions in an effort to fit into a smaller size of jeans, consider the following 5 reasons to start
Do you drink greens? (more…)
We are inundated—especially in the fitness world and throughout social media—with images of near-perfect bodies, intense workout plans and the latest fitness trends. And while these messages and images can be motivating and positive, they also can make it difficult for us to take a break or a step back from our normal fitness routine. (more…)
Trying to figure out what to do with all those machines at the gym, after being warned away from them by all the free-weight junkies? Even if you’re not a fan of their traditional uses, many of them have special benefits you can leverage for unique exercises--if nothing else, they'll get to be more than an eyesore and an occasional coat rack. Here are five alternative workouts to make gym machines work for you: (more…)
While few things matter as much as getting your butt in the gym and working up a sweat, there are plenty of follow-up activities you can benefit from as your body recovers. After all, you don’t get stronger and healthier from breaking your body down; you get stronger and healthier when your body responds by healing back up, better than ever! So consider these gym follow-up habits that’ll give your body an extra edge on the comeback: (more…)
Running is something you either love or hate. And even people who say that they love running admit that it’s something they occasionally hate as well! So don’t stress too much if you experience a love-hate relationship with running. I have some helpful tips you can try the next time you hit the pavement or treadmill to possibly help you be a better runner and enjoy your overall workout a bit more! (more…)
Fighting a bum knee, nursing an overworked elbow, or maybe just worrying about a family history of joint issues? Whatever the state of your joints, you don’t have to give up on staying in shape! There are countless ways to support your joints while you exercise, minimizing the impact, potential for slips and twists, and other causes of damage as you get in your daily exercise. The next time you hesitate to work out because of your joints, consider one of these joint support solutions: (more…)
When you go to the gym or out for a run or compete in an event, odds are good that you’re wearing workout attire made of “performance fabric,” or a combination of synthetic fibers. If you choose cotton fabrics, the sweat that builds from a workout won’t go away and will gradually weigh down your clothes throughout the rest of our workout. (more…)
