How to be successful at the gym, Part 1: Nutrition

Start by making sustainable changes For weight loss,members changing their whole lifestyle at once may work for some, but definitely not everyone. People who start with big changes usually start well, they’re focused and committed to eating healthy foods, meal prepping, working out 5x a week and setting up a crazy caloric deficit. However, most of those people are just setting themselves up for failure and disappointment because they drastically cut out on the amount of daily calorie intake and eliminate foods they love to eat. They could make this work for a week or two, then something happens that

Read More

Are Morning or Evening Workouts more Efficient for Weight Loss/Muscle Gain

There has been a long debate between morning and evening workouts: which one helps you burn fat and build more muscle? Some people claim that morning workouts burn the most fat and evening workouts build more muscle, but is this accurate? The truth is the best and most efficient workout is the one that you actually complete…period. Whether it’s morning, afternoon or evening, the time of day you get to the gym should really depend on practicality. For example, when do you typically have free time? What is your sleep schedule like? Is your goal to de-stress or energize yourself?

Read More

Why EVERYONE Should do Pilates

Hello, Maria Barry here! As most of you probably know, I am the Pure Pilates and Group Fitness Manager at Commonwealth Sports Club, Boston. Over the last 20 years of teaching strength, cardio, yoga and barre classes, I realized there was one common factor preventing me from injury: the core strength I’ve developed from Pilates training. After speaking with clients, friends and members, all of whom work out in many different ways, I have put together a list of the top reasons to practice Pilates studio equipment and Pilates mat. 1.       It’s exercise while you’re laying down AND a great workout!

Read More

Why Booties and Cookies Don’t Mix

Let’s face it, the holidays can be very challenging. Getting into the festive spirit tends to mean abandoning all notion of self-control and consuming insane amounts of sugar.  But you know what…? It’s OK!  The cookies are colorful and pretty, the punch looks beautiful and there is loads of candy, pies and all kinds of chocolatey treats at every party. So let your inhibitions go and give in a little! I gave myself just 24 glorious hours where I allowed myself unchecked treats including cookies, midnight snacks and candy all day long. I let myself splurge like this because I

Read More

What is “clean” eating?

There are many foods in our diets, especially in the US, that have preservatives and other chemicals that don’t belong in the human body. Many of us already know what a lot of the problem foods are. We call them junk food, fast food, or guilty pleasures, and we absolutely love them. Why wouldn’t we? They’re delicious! But we should also avoid them like the plague. (more…)

Read More

Strength, Stability, Mobility: Train like a Navy Seal

Have you ever wondered how you could strength train without using heavy dumbbells or weights? Ever wondered if using your body weight was sufficient enough resistance to gain the strength, stability, and mobility you want achieve? Ever see those black and yellow straps suspended from the wall and thought what in the world they were? (more…)

Read More

5 Simple Habits to Maximize Fat Loss

You've probably heard the phrase, "Abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym." What does it mean? Can you simply watch what you eat and the fat will melt off your tummy or thighs? Certainly, trained professionals will tell you that a balance of healthy habits like exercise, clean eating and adequate sleep is the best prescription for fat loss. Good nutrition is the key to getting maximum results. We're here to share with you 5 simple habits to maximize fat loss. (more…)

Read More

March Mayhem Workout at Commonwealth Sports Club

Have you tried the March Mayhem workout?? I did. But, I'll admit, I didn't do last year's challenge. I watched, I listened to everyone's time, I heard how 'hard' it was, observed as they got better week over week, and I looked on as they had fun.  I'm not missing out this year, I'm 100% in! I did it Friday and I'm sore, in a good a way.  First of all, it's a challenge - so I tried to go as quickly as possible. Next, I was in the same room as Nicky, who was also doing the March Mayhem Workout,

Read More

How to Lose the Last 10 Pounds

last 10 pounds

You've been working out like a boss, losing weight, and transforming your life. At some point, that hard work stopped paying off and the number on the scale has been stuck for weeks. What's going on? If this sounds familiar, you might be stuck trying to lose the last 10 pounds. Learn why you're not losing the last 10 pounds, and what you can do to shred that weight for good. (more…)

Read More