Let's be honest ... we all have an obsession with abs (aka. "abdominal muscles") and lower ab workouts. In fact, scientists say the stomach is included as one of the top five traits humans are most attracted to (this list also includes a person's smile, eyes, breasts and hair). Regardless, this infatuation with perfectly chiseled abdominal muscles is what sells magazines, movie tickets, memberships to fitness clubs, DVD to the latest ab workout routine and … [Read more...]
Back Workouts – Low Back Pain, Yoga and More
Back workouts are typically not high on the "to do list" when people actually get to the gym. People will literally arm wrestle for their favorite treadmill or elliptical trainer because EVERYONE comes in for a cardio workout. Unfortunately, it's a different story when you make your way to the chin up bar or lat pulldown machine ... you may actually hear the sound of crickets (depending on the time of day). Given the fact that back pain is the single leading cause … [Read more...]
Barbell Workouts (for Dummies)
Barbell workouts should be in everyone's "bag of tricks" at the gym. Most people gravitate to the dumbbell rack or make the rounds to all the different pieces of selectorized equipment but barbell equipment is easily the most under-utilized property on the workout floor. Barbell workouts are everywhere ... at the gym, in your basement or home workout room, in group fitness studios, in sports-specific training facilities and CrossFit gyms across the country and … [Read more...]
Get Ready for Summer – Free TRX Workout
It's that time again ... SUMMER! This is the season for short shorts, tank tops and showing off that awesome body as you soak up some glorious sun. OH NO! Your body isn't quite "ready" for summer? Did the holidays bring in too many extra calories and was it hard getting back into your regular workout routine? NOT A PROBLEM!! If you're familiar with the TRX® Suspension Trainer, and what training in three dimensions can do to get real results ... get ready to get … [Read more...]
FIFA World Cup Workout for Soccer Players
With the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ under way in Brazil, the entire globe is getting into the spirit of the game of soccer (aka. football) and yelling “GOOOOAAAAALLLL!” at the top of their lungs as they cheer on their favorite teams! According to a worldwide survey conducted by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) in 2007, over 265 million people regularly play soccer around the world, in addition to over 5 million referees and officials. This … [Read more...]
15 Minutes of Fitness – Cardio Workout #1
Everything we do in a day is a collection of tasks that only take a few minutes to do. For example, there are a lot of things you can get done in just 15 minutes, including: Listening (or singing) to three or four of your favorite songs Grilling a 1.5" thick steak on the barbeque Gift wrapping five large "oddly-shaped" presents Cover three miles distance on your bicycle When it comes to your health, you can also get in a good workout in just 15 … [Read more...]
15 Minutes of Fitness – Resistance Workout #1
15 Minutes of Fitness - Resistance Program #01 It's amazing what you can actually accomplish in just 15 minutes! If you broke up a 24 hour day into 15 minutes blocks, you could get 96 things done (if you didn't sleep). Examples include things like: Reading a chapter (or two) of a novel or book Vacuum the living room and/or the main floor of your home Balance your check book Brew a pot of coffee and make scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast Briskly … [Read more...]
15 Minutes of Fitness – Functional Workout #1
With 24 hours in a day, 15 minutes may not seem like a lot of time. In fact, you can actually get a lot of small things done (that can make a big impact on your day) in that short amount of time, including: Folding a full load of laundry Reading a few good articles in your favorite magazine Practicing a speech or a short presentation Sending a note of encouragement to a friend or family member who needs a "pick me up" Packing your lunch for the next … [Read more...]
Full Body Workout with Suspension Training
Suspension training has been around gyms for a few years now, but it can still be intimidating for people when they try to use the equipment for the first time. So, today I want to show you how you can work out your entire body using suspension training straps. Suspension training is a form of resistance training that includes a variety of bodyweight exercises. With this training, you can develop strength, balance, flexibility, and joint stability. These straps … [Read more...]
Six-Pack Abs Using the Plank Exercise
We are obsessed with tight torsos and six-pack abs. I often get asked, "What is the best exercise to build a six-pack?". Before I answer that question I always start by telling people that a combination of a healthy diet, good eating habits, and regular exercise will get you there. If I had to choose the best abdominal exercise for a sexy six-pack, I would have to choose the plank. Plank exercises are my favorite because they work the entire body and target all … [Read more...]