5 Tips for Your Morning Workout

Most fitness enthusiasts would agree that working out in the morning is the best. This is for several reasons. One is that if you put it off for later in the day, you are less likely to do it. Things are bound to come up or your motivation may falter. Another reason its best to exercise in the morning is that you will burn more calories because your metabolism will be raised. You will also have more energy and feel better prepared for the day ahead. While working out in the morning might be best, you should still be aware … Continue reading

Should You Take a Spring Break from Fitness?

You didn’t really read this thinking I was going to suggest you take a break, did you? When I arrived to teach my fitness class this morning I learned that the facility had not scheduled classes due to Spring Break. That got me thinking, should we take a break? I do think it is important that you keep your routine fresh. Also, it is important to make sure that you don’t overtrain. I always suggest at least one day of rest and staggering days of resistance and cardio training. I don’t advise though, taking an actual break. Once you stop … Continue reading

Working Out But Still Not Losing Weight?

Are you putting in extra time at the gym, but still not seeing the results you would like? I faced several questions recently regarding a study that came out about a possible correlation between exercise and weight gain. Clients begin working out and if they don’t lose weight immediately they get frustrated and give up. Here are a few tips which may help: 1. Don’t reward yourself with food. A client recently said, “I felt so much better eating an extra slice of pizza the other night because you worked us so hard in class.” Don’t get me wrong, I … Continue reading

Girls Make Gyms Germier Than Guys Do

Good news for all you sweaty stinky men who hit the gym on a regular basis—-you are no longer solely to blame for spreading germs on fitness equipment. In fact, a new study found that women are germier than men. The new study found that women have a greater variety of bacteria on their hands than men do. In addition, the study also revealed that both males and females have a disturbing amount of bacteria on their hands. “The sheer number of bacteria species detected on the hands of the study participants was a big surprise, and so was the … Continue reading

Fitness Week in Review for September 15-21, 2008

If you have been looking for a way to burn more calories in less time this Week in Review is your one-stop source of information. Over the past few days I have offered tips on some of the most effective calorie burning exercises available. If you want to see results in your figure before the holiday season rolls around this is the time to start. By reviewing the following blogs you can get a better handle on what you need to do to accomplish your weight loss goal and get fit for the new year. September 15th—–Exercising on the Road: … Continue reading

Creating a Challenging Workout Routine

Now that I am training for another marathon I am back to running 30-36 miles per week. However, I could (and should) be running more miles per day in less time. That’s my challenge for the fall and winter (the marathon is next spring). The author of the training guide that I followed for my previous marathons is quick to point out that challenging yourself is extremely motivating. He’s right. After all, anyone who exercises on a regular basis knows when a routine is too easy. The challenge comes in pushing yourself to the next level instead of being satisfied … Continue reading

Preparing for Fall Workouts

In a previous blog I encouraged you to take advantage of fall’s cooler temperatures to exercise outdoors. After all, there is nothing more invigorating than taking a bike ride or a simple stroll on a crisp autumn day. However, similar to working out in summer’s stifling heat, exercising in fall’s brisk conditions takes some planning. For example, during fall it gets darker earlier in the evening and stays darker later in the morning, so it pays to plan accordingly. If you are walking or running outdoors before the sun rises or after the sun goes down consider wearing a reflective … Continue reading

Pledging to Exercise More When you Pig Out

I do it all the time. Promise to run extra miles so I can dive into a second piece of pie. Or pledge to take the stairs instead of the elevator so I can eat an extra donut. I know I’m not alone. How many of you try to offset extra calories by extending your workout? It’s a fine method if you keep your promise… and the amount of time you are adding to your exercise routine actually compensates for the number of fat and calories consumed. But in most cases that’s not quite how the cookie crumbles. Generally, we … Continue reading

Back-to-School = Back to Regular Workouts

In a matter of days (if it hasn’t occurred already) your household will get back to “normal.” Meaning that the kids will be back in school and you can resume your “regular” exercise routine. For those of you who don’t have an existing fitness regime, the prospect of having your kids in school for six hours a day allows you to devote some time to working out. Seize the moment. Now that you have the time, make the most of it. Studies show that lack of time is the No.1 reason people say they don’t workout. Time is critical in … Continue reading

Exercise Tips: Squats & Lunges

Squats and lunges are two great exercises that build strength, tone and look. These exercises are great because you don’t need any exercise equipment. We’ve talked about frugal workouts and saving money, so this is another great way to build muscle, tone up and save cash at the same time. Squats Let’s talk about squats. This is an exercise that works, shapes and tones the muscles around your hips, abdomen, glutes, and legs. You get a lot of results for one simple workout. I know a lot of people who don’t like squats because they feel like it makes them … Continue reading