Functional strength training is the key to maintaining mobility and independence at every age. It builds muscles commonly used in everyday activities, making it easier and more enjoyable to move through your day. If you’re new to the concept of functional fitness, keep reading! I’m breaking down what exactly it is, how you can incorporate functional workouts into your schedule and the benefits that come with doing that. Plus, I’m giving you my favorite functional strength training exercises to get started with! What Is Functional Strength Training? Alright, ladies, let’s talk about functional ..read more

The step platform is a versatile exercise tool that comes with tons of benefits. With decades of experience training women, I’m breaking down the top reasons you might want to add a step platform to your home gym. Plus, I’m sharing my top picks! If you were exercising in the 90’s then you think of a step platform as a tool for step aerobics. Remember all the repeater knees, v-steps and straddle steps? Flash forward 30 years and the step platform is a versatile piece of equipment that can be used for a variety of cardio and strength workouts. Check out the benefits below to see if you’re missin ..read more

A question I get from women every week is how should I know when I should switch up my weights? This is a great question because knowing when to increase your dumbbells in your exercise routine is essential for continued progress, motivation, results and to avoid plateaus.  I’ve shared many times about the benefits of strength training exercises for midlife women and why muscle strength is key for longevity and aging well. Assuming you are doing some resistance training already, this question comes up all the time. Women tend to be afraid of heavy lifting thinking they will become bu ..read more

If you watch children or grandchildren regularly, you know, playgrounds are just part of the deal. It’s a great way for kids to expend energy, play with their friends and get exercise. But, it’s also a great chance for you to get in a playground workout! Get your tush off that bench and get in some exercise of your own. This full-body playground workout is the perfect way to tone up, burn calories and build strength. Plus, it’s already built into your day. That’s what we call a win-win. Here are six awesome exercises to use for a full-body playground workout: 1. Pull-Ups Monkey bars are perfec ..read more

Incorporating healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats into your diet can help with weight loss while keeping your body nourished and energized! For so long, we’ve been led to believe that a fat-free or low-fat diet is the way to go. Thanks to recent research, we’ve learned that’s not the case! We need fat in our diets (even when trying to lose weight!), and the key is to choose the right fats—not cut them out completely. Of course, I’m not talking about unhealthy fats like saturated and trans fats found in foods like potato chips and movie theater popcorn. (They can pack on ..read more

Are you ready to tone and firm up your back with my favorite back fat exercises? Back fat, bra bulge…whatever you call it, it can be bothersome. And reducing back fat takes consistent strength training and focus. If there is one thing I will tell you, it’s that you need to clean up your diet and start a regular routine of working your back and core muscles.  So I’m giving you my favorite exercises that focus on strengthening your back. Preform these exercises first thing in the morning, on your lunch break, on-the-go, or as an addition to another workout. Consistency is the key when it co ..read more

As a fitness expert with decades of experience, the women’s fitness myths flying around the media drive me crazy. I thought it would be fun (and useful!) to take you through some of the most common fitness myths, and give you the real answers. I’m Chris Freytag, a certified personal trainer and health coach. I’m 58 years old and I’m through menopause. I’ve trained thousands of women and I help midlife women navigate their health journey to look and feel their best. Today, I’m ready to bust some myths. These are the top women’s fitness myths I’m begging you to ignore! Myth #1: Spot Reduction Wo ..read more

Your target heart rate zone—the range of heartbeats per minute you should aim for while exercising—can boost cardiovascular health, increase calorie burning, and make your workouts more effective and efficient. Everyone loves a good heart-pumping workout—but are you pushing yourself too hard? Or maybe not hard enough? Monitoring your heart rate during exercise is essential for optimizing your workout intensity and efficiency. You don’t want to overdo it, but you also don’t want to let yourself off too easy—and that’s where your target heart rate zone comes into play. I’m going to explain benef ..read more

How do you choose the best walking shoes with so many available options? Take it from a personal trainer, I’ve walked countless miles in my shoes and I’m breaking down the most important features to shop for! I love shoes. But unlike most women, instead of a high heel collection, I collect athletic shoes. And as a fitness expert who logs many miles walking, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of wearing proper walking shoes for your health. Whether you’re strolling through the park, tackling urban streets, or going long distances, the best walking shoes play a crucial role in supporting jo ..read more

Enjoy these simple and healthy smoothie recipes for weight loss packed with delicious, fresh ingredients that will satisfy your hunger and keep you energized! If you’re looking to shed those extra pounds in a delicious way, smoothies are an excellent addition to your weight loss journey. Offering plenty of health benefits, smoothie recipes are an easy and convenient way to incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious ingredients into your diet. Weight loss smoothies can help control cravings, provide essential nutrients, and contribute to your overall wellness. Packed with ..read more