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BOSU adds extra challenge to workout May 13, 2013 12:00 AM
The BOSU is a great tool for improving balance, stability and proprioception due to its unstable shape. A BOSU is basically a stability ball sliced in half with one domed side and one flat side. The BOSU can be used on either side, which adds to its versatility.
Caffeine can be safe if you don’t overdo it Apr 29, 2013 12:00 AM
Caffeine. Is it good or bad? We get this question all the time, but the answer really depends on your current state of health. A cup in the morning makes you feel more alert while satisfying the physical dependence you may acquire from drinking it daily. Most experts agree that a daily cup or two of coffee or tea is considered safe. Caffeine may not be suited for everyone though.
Kettlebell exercises can be incorporated into fitness routine Apr 15, 2013 12:00 AM
Kettlebells are a great tool that can be used by themselves or in conjunction with other free weights. Because a kettlebell has most of its weight hanging below the handle, the grip to weight distribution is different from a dumbbell. You create more momentum once the kettlebell starts moving and this momentum can be advantageous when harnessed and used properly. Three exercises to try are the kettlebell swing, the kettlebell squat to press and the lunge to lateral kettlebell swing.
Limit sugar intake so your body can function properly Apr 1, 2013 12:00 AM
How can something so sweet be so bad for you? Sugar is everywhere in today's foods. Take a look at any processed food and most will have some form of added sugar — be it actual granulated sugar, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose or rice syrup to name a few. No matter the form, this sweet substance can wreak havoc on the body when consumed in greater than relative moderation. So why is sugar our enemy?
Green smoothies provide health benefits, energy boost Mar 18, 2013 12:00 AM
Green smoothie ... I know what you're thinking — that sounds disgusting. What's in a green smoothie anyway? A green smoothie is a shake made in your blender that has numerous health benefits and is quite simple and inexpensive to make. Ingredients might include a few green leafy vegetables paired up with one or two fruits. Plus, these smoothies are loaded with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
Dead lifts can be a total body workout, if done correctly Mar 4, 2013 12:00 AM
When it comes to getting the most bang for your buck, there aren't too many exercises that can beat the dead lift. This total-body exercise demands strength, power, cardiovascular efficiency, and postural control. Learn to do dead lifts the correct way to get the most out of them when you exercise.
Boosting immune system will help you avoid colds, flu Feb 18, 2013 12:00 AM
Chances are, you’ve recently had family members or co-workers sick with a cold or the flu. This time of year seems to bring on sickness as often as the weather changes. Although you might not be able to totally avoid getting sick, maintaining a resilient immune system may lessen the severity, duration and frequency of illness. There are natural ways to boost your immune system and overall health.
Keys to healthy eating: Planning, prepping, cooking Feb 4, 2013 12:00 AM
If you're serious about maintaining your health for the long haul, you'll probably find yourself spending more time in the kitchen. This isn't to say that you'll eat more, but the extra time will be spent planning, prepping and cooking your meals. It is essential to have the right healthy ingredients in your kitchen to make sure you are eating right. Try this salmon and veggie recipe.
Foam roller stretching can reduce muscle tension Jan 21, 2013 12:00 AM
If you've resolved to become fitter and healthier this year, we hope you're off to a great start. For many people, the consistency needed to see results is sabotaged by nagging overuse injuries, sore muscles or achy joints. One simple way to be proactive and prevent these conditions from ever occurring is by consistently practicing self myofascial release with a foam roller.
Avoid common mistakes to reach your health goals Jan 7, 2013 12:00 AM
So the new year is here and you've made your resolution. You've convinced yourself that this is the year you'll finally lose the weight and get healthy. You have a goal. You have a plan. You have support. But, do you have all the facts? Rather than spinning your wheels this year and giving up out of frustration, we thought we'd address the most common mistakes people make when trying to lose weight.
Check in with your body to achieve success in the new yearDec 24, 2012 12:00 AM
With the new year just days away, many of you are thinking about change. We hope this change comes in the form of making exercise a consistent part of the upcoming year. But, before you hit the ground running in 2013, we recommend evaluating your current fitness level and getting things in check before setting out to conquer your new goals.
Doing squat correctly can benefit weekly workouts Dec 10, 2012 12:00 AM
The squat is often called the king of all exercises. When performed correctly, it's one of the best all-around exercises for total body strength and conditioning. When using resistance, the squat uses muscles of the legs, hips, core, back, shoulders and arms, making it a great overall exercise.
Avoid excuses and stay healthy this holiday season Nov 26, 2012 12:00 AM
The holiday season is upon us. It's the time of year when there seems to be a carefree attitude with keeping up on proper nutrition and exercise. Most people end up gaining weight as the year wraps up and many will struggle to take it back off. Rather than finding yourself in a bad situation come January, let's identify some common misconceptions that could stand in the way of you staying on track during the holiday season.
Choosing the right shoe can improve exercise routine Nov 12, 2012 12:00 AM
One question we hear quite frequently is "What type of shoes should I wear while exercising?" A simple answer might be "Whatever you feel comfortable in." But, is the answer so simple? Let's take a look at shoe selection and how it affects your body during exercise. If you're choosing your shoes solely based on appearance, you're probably missing out on the performance aspects of many models.
Pushups a great exercise if done properly Oct 29, 2012 12:00 AM
The pushup is one of the most popular exercises due to its simplicity and effectiveness. It can be done literally anywhere with no added equipment. But, as simple as the pushup may seem, many people struggle with the actual movement and have even more trouble maintaining form throughout an entire set. Follow these tips to make sure your form is perfect and the exercise benefits you.
Get your body workout-ready with dynamic stretching Oct 15, 2012 12:00 AM
Forcing a tight, cold muscle to stretch can increase your chance for injury, so we always recommend working with your natural range of motion as a means to prepare your body for an upcoming workout. Dynamic stretching is a great option for a pre-workout warm-up because it can improve your natural range of motion and prepare your muscles for the upcoming workload.
Make collagen protein part of a balanced diet Oct 1, 2012 12:00 AM
Protein is an undeniably important part of our makeup. Protein is the foundation for enzymes, hormones, organ tissue, muscles, bones and many other facets of the body. So, it would seem logical that dietary consumption of protein is important for someone wanting to maintain optimal health. The largest and most abundant protein in the body is collagen. It makes up roughly 65 percent or our total protein.
Tabata can change how you strength train Sep 17, 2012 12:00 AM
Learn about a style of strength training called Tabata. It involves doing short bouts of high-intensity exercises followed by a short recovery period.
Doing bent-over row correctly can enhance workout Sep 3, 2012 12:00 AM
The bentover row is a great pulling exercise that utilizes the posterior muscles of the back, shoulders and hips as well as the core, biceps and forearms. Your posture and biomechanics will be improved by working this often neglected posterior muscle chain.
It’s beneficial to know about good, bad fats Aug 20, 2012 12:00 AM
Fats come in both healthy and unhealthy forms. Learn which ones to avoid and which ones to eat more frequently.