Weight loss is a journey that many embark on for a variety of reasons, ranging from improving health to boosting confidence. Yet, navigating through the plethora of advice available can be daunting. This guide aims to cut through the noise, providing you with effective, science-backed strategies to lose weight in a healthy and sustainable manner. Understand Your “Why” Before diving into the how-tos, it’s crucial to understand your motivation. Whether it’s to improve health markers, enhance mobility, or feel better in your skin, knowing your “why” can keep you motivated during challenging time ..read more

In our journey toward better health, understanding and managing what we eat is crucial. Whether your goal is weight loss, improving nutrition, or simply gaining awareness of your eating habits, tracking your food intake can be an eye-opening experience. Here are the top five ways to track your food intake, making your health journey both manageable and successful. 1. Digital Food Diary Apps In the age of smartphones, food tracking has never been easier. Apps like MyFitnessPal, Lose It!, and Cronometer offer extensive food databases, allowing you to log what you eat with a few taps. Here’s why ..read more

Entering the golden years doesn’t mean slowing down, especially when it comes to maintaining strength, mobility, and overall health. For those over 50, integrating strength training into your fitness regimen is not just beneficial; it’s essential. Applying the principles of tempo manipulation and isometric holds can offer a safer, more effective path to preserving muscle mass, enhancing joint stability, and improving quality of life. Let’s explore how these strategies can be specifically tailored to meet the needs and goals of individuals over 50. The Wisdom of Tempo Training As we age, our m ..read more

In today’s fast-paced world, exercise is often viewed as a checkbox on our daily to-do list—a task we complete to maintain our health or achieve our fitness goals. However, the benefits of regular physical activity extend far beyond the walls of the gym, influencing various aspects of our lives in profound and often unexpected ways. By understanding and leveraging these benefits, we can use our exercise routine as a powerful tool to enhance our life outside of the gym. 1. Boosting Mental Health and Emotional Well-being It’s well-documented that exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natur ..read more

When it comes to improving our health and fitness, two words often dominate the conversation: exercise and training. While they might seem interchangeable, understanding their differences can transform your approach to fitness and lead you to your goals more efficiently. Whether you’re a fitness aficionado or someone who’s just starting to lace up those sneakers, grasping the essence of exercise and training can pave the way to your best self. The Fundamentals of Exercise Exercise is any activity that gets your body moving, increases your heart rate, and challenges your muscles. It’s the bro ..read more

It was 2014, I had been retired from the Navy for 2 years.  I went to get a physical check up, and the results of the check up forever changed my life….. I walked out of the doctor’s office that day with my head down and with an increased amount of concern on my mind.  I got the information from my doctor.  Current body weight: 243 pounds Current waist size: 43 Current blood pressure: 141/92 Current resting heart rate: 94 Total Cholesterol: 213 My doctor spoke to me briefly about nutrition and exercise.  The conversation was basic and the doctors tone felt more like reciti ..read more

Ever wonder how intense a workout needs to be in order for it to be effective? Using this chart for RPE you can better understand how you should feel during a workout. When a coach states that the recommended level of intensity is a 5 or an 8 they are referring to Rate of Perceived Exertion or RPE. RPE is a personal measurement of how you feel while performing activity.  The challenge of using RPE is to remove our potential feelings about a movement or a workout and instead focus solely on the impact the workout is having on our metabolic system. Below is an image that outlines the RPE s ..read more

Can you build strength after 50? Absolutely! Many people think that we get weaker as we get older. And it’s true that we’ll all experience some physical decline as we age.  But it’s a fact that strength can be improved at any age, and older adults who train regularly can become incredibly strong. With continued training, they can hold much of that strength very late in life. Think of it like this: If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. And you certainly won’t improve it. People who are sedentary will start weak and become ever weaker if they don’t train as they age. Similarly, an active pe ..read more

Why Adults Over 50 Need to Lift Weights Combat Muscle Loss: As we age, we naturally experience muscle loss, leading to decreased strength and mobility. Lifting weights stimulates muscle growth and helps counteract this process, enabling you to stay active and independent for longer. Boost Bone Density: Osteoporosis is a concern for many seniors, but resistance training can help increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. Our expert trainers at NorthJax Fitness ensure that you exercise safely and effectively, making Forever Fit the ideal choice for those seeking stronger bones ..read more

Why do aging adults end up in assisted-living facilities? It’s right there in the title: It comes down to not being able to get up off of the toilet. It may sound crass, but it’s a very real thing. More broadly, the reason aging adults go to assisted-living facilities is loss of independence. As adults age, basic movement becomes much more difficult. People retire, they are less active, and they have fewer reasons to get up and out of the house. So they sit all day, and their muscles atrophy. That’s why it’s so important need to stay active as we age. We need to find or stick to an exercise r ..read more