The first book recommended to me after I became a personal trainer was “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.” Written by John J Ratey, MD and Eric Hagerman, “Spark” argues that exercise helps produce “Miracle-Gro for the brain.” Most of the evidence supporting this argument was drawn from the previous decade of studies on learning capacity, cognitive decline, and brain health. The book is now seven years old, making some of that evidence almost old enough to vote. […]

Grip strength/endurance is an indicator of overall health and a predictor of life length and quality. Several studies have also linked grip strength with mortality, rehabilitation, cognition, and depression. So, if you increase your grip strength will you add years to your life? Not necessarily, but a stronger grip may help you perform the sort of daily activities that will. A weakened grip may be a warning sign of other issues. […]

When I’m having a terrible day, there are usually three big factors. 1. The inciting incident. 2. The post-incident mental loop. 3. Everything else going on in my life. The incident happens. It doesn’t matter what it is. A rude email, traffic, oversleeping the alarm. I’m in stress response mode. […]

When it comes to intentional exercise, having a plan is hard to argue with. Setting goals, taking measurements, and building routines are important to the program. Creating a great plan is often step one. To promote lasting change, it needs to have purpose and be resilient. That’s why a common second step is changing that great plan. Your routines are only as good as their ability to change, both as a reaction to external stressors and to promote further adaptation. […]

We’ve been working out at home for over two months now, finding space in the garage, living room, yard, or wherever the kids aren’t spread out. You may be surprised with how inventive and creative your workouts have become, and how versatile your trainer and random household items can be. But, if you feel your body has adapted to your current workout regimen and exercises, it’s time to focus on challenging yourself in new ways. It’s time to talk progressive overload! […]

Weight management is at the forefront of many minds with recent events closing gyms, limiting activity and encouraging us to stay home. Maintaining a healthy weight will ensure your mind and body stay well balanced and function efficiently to survive and thrive through all sorts of emotional and physical stress. Diet is the most important factor in weight distribution, but exercise and its myriad of physiological benefits are a close second with regard to weight maintenance and body composition. […]

Scroll through social media these days and you’ll be inundated with workout content. Personalization is limited or nonexistent, which can be overwhelming and lead to injury. While there’s simply no substitution for working one on one with a trainer, growing your own exercise library can help you take ownership over your workouts and keep safety as the highest priority. Not only will you tailor your workout to your abilities and comfort, but to your preferences (although we all LOVE burpees, mountain climbers can be much easier on the knees). Below is a rundown of common exercises and their substitutions, safe for a myriad of fitness levels, including progressions and regressions. Your trainer can offer more personalized guidance and appropriate substitutions for your body’s abilities. We’re always here to help. If you have questions, just ask! […]

Finally, it feels like spring! The sun is coming out, the temperature is rising, and we have cabin fever from a month of social distancing. Fortunately, taking workouts from the living room to the park doesn’t need to be difficult or compromise safety. Exercising in the great outdoors offers the opportunity to get fresh air and your heart pumping, a win-win! Below is an easy and approachable template for you to build your own park workout. […]