We know the story.  You decide to make exercise a priority. You work out for several days. After a week or two, you don’t notice any progress, so you abandon your goals. (We’ve been there.) Time passes. You decide to work out again. Repeat.  Break the cycle!  Progress doesn’t happen overnight. Seeing results takes time and commitment. The best way to stick to your fitness goals is to track your progress.  Changes in your body and the way you feel are fantastic movement motivators. Tracking your progress increases the likelihood that you’ll reach your goal and encourages yo ..read more

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. It’s time for annual family traditions, wrapping paper that glitters, beloved holiday dishes and, of course, presents under the tree. The holidays are approaching quickly. What will you give everyone on your list? We’re ready to spread holiday cheer with fitness equipment and accessories for all skill levels. Whether you’re buying gifts for a gym junkie or a friend who wants to be more active, give your health-conscious friends and family gifts you know they’ll appreciate. Use this guide to find the perfect workout gifts for the fitness lovers in your ..read more

Are your muscles tight after tough workouts? Do you have knots from sitting at a computer all day? You don’t have to be a professional athlete to reap the benefits of a foam roller. Foam rolling is a self-myofascial release (SMR) technique that can help break up muscle tension. You can use a foam roller before exercise, after a workout or as a break from sitting. Roll through this blog for more information on foam rolling benefits and exercises. What Causes Muscle Discomfort? When we work out, we take our muscles through more stress than they are used to, which creates microscopic tears. That ..read more

One minute you’re lifting the living room chair across the room. The next minute: Ouch! You feel pain shoot down your back. You may have a herniated disk. Herniated disks affect 2% of the population each year. They can happen when you twist while lifting something heavy or if you have an accident like a fall or car crash.  An intervertebral disk herniates when its jelly-like nucleus pushes through its protective outer ring. When a disk bulges or tears, it puts pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. The disk’s material also releases chemicals that can further irritate the spi ..read more

A healthy lower back and spine help you move through life without pain and frustration. As you age, your risk for back problems increases. If you perform repetitive motions, lift heavy objects frequently or sit at a desk all day, you may experience upper or lower back pain regardless of your age.  How can you get relief or avoid severe back pain altogether? Strengthening your back muscles and stretching helps prevent back pain. While back pain exercises alleviate stiffness and tension, they also help you maintain mobility and reduce stress on the spine.  This guide includes:  ..read more

Another day. Another workout. And you’ve got no motivation to do it.  Making exercise a habit isn’t easy. It’s much simpler to sit back and binge your current Netflix obsession. (Yes, we are still watching!) Unfortunately, the couch doesn’t give you long-lasting health benefits.  Many people make goals to eat better and exercise more. Forty percent of all chronic diseases can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle. When we achieve our fitness goals, we see results in how we look and, more importantly, how we feel. Sometimes, when we make a goal, we don’t stick to it. The goal may ..read more

Our bodies were made to move. We were made to run, walk, stretch and climb. The act of climbing engages your entire body and mind. You reach overhead, guiding your hands to the next hold, and move your feet to the next spots, pushing off with your legs. All the while, you hold your body steady with your core. You repeat these actions until you reach the top of the climbing wall or crag.  As opposed to other aerobic exercises, climbing is both a cardio and strength training exercise. You engage your muscles while bearing your body weight and climb at your own pace. Whether you love outdoo ..read more

You’re stuck home, isolated from a gym. What are you supposed to do for exercise now? All around the world, businesses and establishments of all kinds are being closed to slow the spread of coronavirus COVID-19. This may even include your place of exercise. Whether you’ve had to quit your gym or not, many disease experts are recommending taking pre-cautionary measures, including social distancing and extended quarantine. This could include staying isolated within your home. It’s perfectly normal to fear losing all the progress you’ve attained through hard workouts in the gym, be it weight los ..read more