Modifying Your Relationship with Food

The word "cheat" has become a buzz word in the fitness industry. It defines the way we view a particular meal, snack or food item. When you think of a cheat food, what comes to mind? Ice cream? Pizza? Chocolate? Anything with a barcode? If you can relate to any of these, or if your cheat meal consists of a bottle...

Read more

Are Aches & Pains Slowing Your Progress?

If you're reading this, chances are you experience aches and pains.  There's nothing more nagging than a throbbing knee that keeps you from logging your miles on the treadmill.  Or tightness in your shoulder that nixes the possibility of doing any pushups or shoulder presses. On the other hand, if you're lucky enough not to experience muscle aches, bone and joint...

Read more

3 Components of Fitness Success

As we continually strive to increase our strength, lose fat and improve our physique, we work hard to develop healthy habits we can maintain.  Going to the gym and avoiding the drive-thru can help us achieve our fitness goals.  However, it takes more than eating better and exercising to see results.  Take the following three components into consideration and be...

Read more

Stay Accountable to Your Home Workout Routine

The very first time I began working out, I was in the living room of my mom's house. I was in junior high. There were no weights, resistance bands or jump ropes. I was not familiar with heart rate monitors and tracking devices were unheard of. My home workout was fueled by a drive for success and commitment to my...

Read more

Living Healthy in a Hectic World

Every day we are bombarded with ads promoting smaller waistlines and bigger biceps.  We crave tighter glutes and results that loosen our jeans.  Among the noise, we hear “Eat less/eat more! Avoid cardio/go running!”  If you’re able to tune out these distractions long enough to balance work, family, and a week’s worth of laundry, the last thing you probably feel like doing is...

Read more

The Sleep Diet

I'm not a fan of the term "diet." The word is typically associated with various trends that flood the weight loss industry. However, when you are eating right and working out but your weight hasn't budged (or maybe your weight loss has plateaued), it is important to consider the importance and impact of sleep. If you fall asleep within 20 minutes of going to...

Read more

Beyond the Workout Log: Revealing Wisdom by Journaling

This past week I began a new journal. The pages were as blank as fresh fallen snow (which I don't experience often now that I've moved from Chicago to Alabama). In a lot of ways, journaling is similar to keeping a workout log. Whether or not you record your sets and reps, you are likely familiar with the benefits of doing...

Read more

8 Reasons You Should be Using Resistance Bands

What comes to mind when you hear the word "resistance"?  If you're anything like me you may think "unwilling to change."  "Hesitant." In this context, resistance might keep you in your comfort zone.  It is difficult for most of us to break through resistance and discover what happens when we step outside of the norm. Most of the time, it's...

Read more

Are You Wearing the Proper Workout Attire?

In a world where there are as many types of leggings as there are flavors of protein, it is possible to narrow down the options and purchase your workout clothes without feeling overwhelmed by choices. Save the sweat for the gym and keep your cool with the following tips. What kind of material is this made of? Speaking of keeping...

Read more