Choosing a trainer: Staff vs. independent

December 26, 2011

I have been a gym-goer for the last 10 years, but only recently have I gained understanding of how greedy corporate gyms really are. Working as a staff trainer for the past few months has really opened my eyes to the differences of the working conditions of in-house trainers vs. independent trainers.

Let's say you are looking for a trainer. I believe you should look for an independent trainer rather than a staff trainer. Here is why:

Workout on the road

July 13, 2011

Image by digitalart
In a few days we'll be hittin' the road to move cross-country! We've been to the gym for eight days straight now, and I definitely need a day off. Yet, I am worried about what four days on the road with little physical activity and less than ideal food will do to my performance and physique. Provided I have the energy to exercise I plan to do this mini-workout at least a couple of times until I get the chance to hit the gym again.

9 elements that make for a good workout:

July 11, 2011

Here's a list of ideas that can make your workouts even better:

- Having a plan for your workout. 

- Eating appropriately prior to working out.

- Dressing comfortably (including comfortable shoes).  

Rant: "Functional training" is bogus (Yes, I said it!)

July 10, 2011

Image by Andrew Malone.
Functional training has roots in physical therapy where patients receive therapy to improve function lost due to disease or injury. Functional training is, similar to therapy, geared towards improving ADL (activities of daily living). But people striving to improve performance or body composition should do a lot more challenging work than people in rehab. Has the human race physically deteriorated so much that it is necessary to introduce exercise to make housework and carrying groceries easier?

3 redundant fitness gadgets

July 09, 2011

T-Core:

What can this thing do that weighted crunches can’t? 


Pass up on these refreshing drinks

July 07, 2011

Photo courtesy of Sarah Gilbert.
These tempting tasty treats are bad for your health and your figure. 

6-minute total body workout. Really?

July 06, 2011

You can do better than this.
Check out this video from the Oxygen website: Jamie Eason's 6-minute workout

"All you need is a set of dumbbells to do these four form-sculpting moves."

Training for your body type

July 04, 2011

The theories around psychological traits and somatotypes, or body build, are considered outdated. Yet, evidence exist that different body types tend to excel in different fields of sports and respond differently to various forms of exercise.