Promoting a healthy and active lifestyle is integral to public health and policies established by local and federal governments. While it's well known that obesity rates in the United States have been on an upward trend for several decades, public consciousness regarding health, fitness, and nutrition has seemingly grown. So, why are obesity rates still on the rise amongst the general population? As a certified personal trainer and fitness director, I'm tasked with exploring tools and strategies to help clients overcome obstacles in their daily lives and improve their health, body composition ..read more

Over the years, Pilates has gained popularity in the fitness industry as a means of improving one's health, mobility, strength, and overall fitness. However, some question its ability to provide significant and transformative results regarding body composition and the extent to which it enhances muscular and musculoskeletal strength. While Pilates uses resistance as a core feature of its programming, it's important for its participants to understand that Pilates incorporates a relatively low level of resistance training compared to more traditional forms of strength training (i.e., weight tr ..read more

The modern world is fast-paced, and maintaining a consistent fitness routine can be challenging, especially for individuals constantly on the move or with limited access to workout equipment. The appeal to hotel and apartment gyms comes from convenience, yet many people need help optimizing their workouts within these environments. In this guide, we discuss the art of designing effective apartment and hotel gym workouts. Whether juggling business trips, weekend getaways, or simply trying to make the most of your apartment gym, navigating these fitness environments can require creativity, reso ..read more

Strength training is a critical component of a well-rounded running regimen, offering many benefits beyond muscular strength enhancement. Incorporating resistance training and exercises into a runner's routine can enhance performance, reduce the risk of injury, and improve overall running efficiency. From squats and lunges to planks and back extensions, there are exercises that can reinvigorate someone's running experience.  Strength training exercises build muscular strength and contribute to enhanced stability and form, ultimately leading to more effective and sustainable running perfo ..read more

While there are many forms of exercise, strength training is preferred by most fitness professionals due to its multiplicity of health benefits, including muscle mass enhancement, increase of strength, and improvement of overall fitness. Despite this, many gym-goers still question the number of calories burned by strength training. Strength training is often associated with gains in muscle volume and strength, but many overlook how many calories are burned by lifting weights. As an experienced personal trainer, many clients who explain that they'd like to lose body fat and "tone" their physi ..read more

Starting a fitness regimen can be a daunting and even uncomfortable task for many. Furthermore, exercising can be just as demanding mentally and psychologically as it is physically. In this article, we'll explore how one's mindset can hinder or promote success as we discuss the role of behavior in physical fitness levels. Role of Behavior in Physical Fitness Levels Exercising consistently is essential for living a healthy lifestyle, and physical fitness is related to our ability to carry out daily tasks without being too tired or sore. It's nearly impossible to overstate the role of beha ..read more

Exercise plays an important role in promoting overall health and well-being. It is an essential aspect of a healthy lifestyle that offers physical and psychological benefits. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, improves cardiovascular health, boosts mood, increases energy levels, and enhances mental clarity. For anyone considering how to begin a fitness regimen, it's necessary to understand why exercise needs vary between individuals. Factors such as age, fitness level, health conditions, and personal goals all contribute to determining the ideal exercise routine for o ..read more

Using a stationary bike for weight loss can be an excellent option for many gym-goers. Before we discuss how a stationary bike can be good for weight loss, let's lay the groundwork! Weight loss is a numbers game; it all comes down to how many calories you burn throughout the day vs. the calories you consume. You can control that equation's "calories out" portion through a properly structured exercise regimen. Many forms of exercise can be employed to burn calories, and some will be better suited for some individuals than others. There are many benefits to using an exercise bike for weight l ..read more

The Good Morning exercise is somewhat controversial in the fitness industry; some fitness experts and enthusiasts love it, while others stay far away from it. The polarized opinions of the Good Morning are mostly due to a potentially increased risk of injury in the lower back. As a certified personal trainer, I have opinions on this exercise that I'll share in this article. In addition, we'll discuss how to do the traditional Good Morning exercise with a barbell, and I’ll provide alternatives that may offer a safer way of performing the Good Morning.  What Is The Good Morning Exercise? F ..read more

Hiring a personal trainer can be a game changer for anyone looking to improve their health, fitness, physique, and strength. Expert guidance from a certified professional can mean the difference between achieving your goals and "spinning your wheels" in the gym. But what services can you expect from a personal trainer? From customized programs to continuous support throughout your fitness journey, a personal trainer offers the structure you may need to achieve and sustain your goals. While each trainer's skill set may differ from others, there are generally specific services that clients can ..read more