For hundreds of years, people have enjoyed the physical and mental benefits of saunas. They’ve become especially popular in the fitness world because of their perceived advantages when it comes to promoting heart and muscle health. If you’d like to make the sauna part of your fitness journey, you might wonder which is better: sauna before or after workout? This guide covers the ways sauna use can support your overall well-being so that you can determine whether to hit the heat before or after your workout. What Is a Sauna? While there are several varieties, a traditional sauna is usually a woo ..read more

While the first step is often the hardest, your fitness journey is a marathon, not a sprint.  Even still, keeping a consistent pace as you run in the direction of your goals can be a challenge, especially when faced with life’s hurdles. Fortunately, with a few key strategies, you can reach your personal best in no time. Read on for our top tips on how to stay consistent with working out for maximum results, as well as how to tackle the most common challenges. Why Consistency Matters Any amount of exercise is good for you, but if you want to reap lasting results, regular workouts need to b ..read more

If you’re a newbie at the gym (or simply looking to streamline your routine), you might’ve invested in a dedicated bag for workout essentials. But beyond a water bottle and an extra set of clothes, what exactly goes into a gym bag? And can keeping one on hand really make your workout more effective? Read on for our comprehensive guide to the gym bag: why bringing one matters, what to pack, and how staying prepared can enhance your workout regimen. The Importance of a Well-Packed Gym Bag Just like a well-packed suitcase makes for a more relaxing vacation, a thoughtfully stocked gym bag makes fo ..read more

Experts call nutrition “the cornerstone of an athlete’s life,” so it stands to reason that everyone from gym newbies to fitness pros can gain from prioritizing it. But when it comes to the specifics of your pre-workout snacks and meals, it’s not always clear how to balance your plate. The secret lies in the “macros,” or macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Different macros can enhance different types of training, and knowing how to plate them is key for either powering up your workouts or slowing them down. In fact, pre-workout snacks and meals can directly help drive performance ..read more

There’s no question that regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and well-being. Besides strengthening your muscles and heart, exercise boosts your mood and elevates your energy levels.   All these factors working together can fuel a host of positive changes. To that end, let’s break down the top benefits of going to the gym. Physical Benefits A habit of regular exercise has been found to help with a number of physical factors, including: Cardiovascular health – Studies show that regular exercise prevents cardiovascular disease, and is an excell ..read more

First of all, congratulations! Running a marathon is truly an incredible feat. But no matter how rigorous your training regime is, running 26.2 miles has a massive effect on your body. While you run, your glycogen (or sugar) levels deplete, your cortisol (or stress hormone) levels rise, your blood flow increases, and your muscles undergo constant micro-traumas. Your body will gradually repair itself in the days and weeks following the big event, but this imbalance leaves you more susceptible to injuries. Fortunately, this guide offers essential recovery tips to follow after your marathon to en ..read more

From boosting your overall athletic performance to protecting your knees from injury, the benefits of performing squats are downright legendary. But using a squat rack can shoot your workouts into the stratosphere. Wondering how to use the squat rack safely and effectively? This step-by-step guide is your solution. What is a Squat Rack? Squat racks, or squat stands, are pieces of strength training equipment that support weights you can lift from a squatting position. Roughly half the size of power racks, they allow you to add weights in increments and give you a place to rest your barbell betw ..read more

Have you ever walked into a gym and purposefully avoided a piece of equipment because you didn’t know how to use it? Maybe it was to prevent injury from improper use—or maybe it was to avoid the embarrassment of using something wrong (seriously, we get it). Either way, gym equipment can be intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. In this guide, we’re introducing you to a common piece of gym equipment that you may recognize: the Smith Machine. Make the most out of your fitness journey by learning how to incorporate the Smith Machine into your routine. What is a Smith Machine? The Smith Machine i ..read more

Whether you’re new to the world of half marathons or you’ve been running them for years, one thing you should always prepare for is recovery. After a long race, everything from your muscles to your mind may feel off—but there are several ways to combat this, starting at the finish line. In this guide, we’re providing tips for half marathon recovery so that you can rest, repair, replenish, and hit the road again with vigor. Immediate Post-Race Actions You cross the finish line and come to a stop—you’ve completed your half marathon! Whether this is the first, fifth, or fifteenth race, it’s worth ..read more

Whether you’re gearing up for another leg day or dedicating your session solely to sculpting your derriere, one thing’s for certain: You want a few tried-and-true glute exercises up your sleeve to strengthen and shape your backside while enhancing your athletic performance. So, which exercises should you include on glute day—and what else should you consider when adding glute exercises to your workout regimen? From squats to glute kickbacks, we’re sharing all our favorite glute exercises and offering a few tips and tricks to support you at every stage of your fitness journey. Essential Glute E ..read more