What is flexibility? The dictionary says it best: Flexibility is the ability to bend easily without breaking. Is Mobility the same thing? Perhaps you’ve heard the term mobility at the gym or on social media lately. This is not the same as flexibility. Mobility refers to ability to move safely and effectively through exercises, […]
Cardiorespiratory fitness is measured by VO2 max and refers to the ability of heart and lunges to deliver oxygen to the body. Cardiorespiratory efficiency is improved with activities that use large muscle groups and increase the heart rate: a brisk walk, Zumba, swimming, cycling, running, jumping rope, rowing, and even intense circuits of body weight […]
Being fit means being prepared and ready to meet the demands of a task. What is your task? Why are you exercising? If you’re like most people at the gym or in the yoga studio, you’re not a professional athlete and you’re not training for a competition. You’re there because you’ve figured out that exercise […]
We are motivated by both external and internal factors. We are extrinsically motivated when we complete a task solely to earn a reward, fulfill an obligation, or avoid negative consequences. Intrinsic motivation, however, means doing something for the sake of doing it. It’s the things we enjoy, the job we’d do even if we weren’t […]
I do not run. When one of my corporate fitness students heard this, she asked, “Then what do you do for cardio?” For a lot of people, running is their go-to cardio. And some of these people do like to run. But for those of us that don’t, there are other options […]
In the previous two posts, I demonstrated exercises and stretches to correct poor posture in the upper body. In this post, I’ll show you the best self-myofascial release techniques using a LAX ball, a pair of Yoga Tune-Up Therapy Balls, and a foam roller to help address your posture issues. Foam Roll Thoracic Spine: This is the part of […]
In the last post, I demonstrated corrective exercises to strengthen weak, underused back muscles associated with poor posture. In this post, I’ll show you the best stretches and yoga poses to lengthen tight muscles in neck, chest, and shoulders. These will help alleviate tension and improve your posture. Neck Stretch: From seated or standing, reach arms behind […]
Poor posture in the upper body is characterized by a forward head, slumped shoulders and a rounded upper back. This happens as a result of our lifestyle and habits: We spend too much time slouching over our desks, computers, tablets, and smartphones and too little time strengthening our back and stretching the front of the […]
I am in a serious relationship . . . with the barbell. And like every successful relationship, it takes work, though mostly on my part. I schedule our time together and I make it a priority. I can’t stand being away from the barbell for more than two days. The barbell will not agree to […]
Does your gym have a TRX? Do you have one in your home gym? It’s a great piece of equipment. Make use of it with my top 10 favorite TRX exercises. Bridge & Hamstring Curl: You can perform this exercise as a bridge only, hamstring curls only, or as a combination of a bridge and a curl. […]