Jumping jacks are one of the most well known bodyweight exercises out there, but when was the last time that you actually did any? Just like jumping rope, the jumping jack (technically referred to as the "side-straddle-hop") is a low intensity plyometric exercise that involves your entire body. And like jumping rope, jumping jacks can turn into a serious cardio workout if done for a long… Continue reading

Body Weight Exercises, Strength and Conditioning

Instead of using weights to do resistance training, try using a buddy! Manual resistance is a great way to add a fun, new challenge to a workout. Manual resistance simply means that instead of using weights to oppose your muscles, you are using another person. So grab a friend and let's go! Here are 3 exercises that you can try using manual resistance: Partner push-up: Have your partner place their… Continue reading

Body Weight Exercises, Strength and Conditioning

Split routines are exercise programs that involve working different body parts on different days. The idea is that by breaking your workouts up by body part, you allow adequate rest time for your muscles without having to take a day off. If your arms are sore on Tuesday from working them on Monday, then work your legs that day, giving your arms some rest. Since you're… Continue reading

Strength and Conditioning

While there's no such thing as true mastery, it's great to strive for ideals as long as we realize they are just that--something to reach for. On the road to superior fitness, it is good to have a sense of your place so you can determine the logical way to progress. In gymnastics (which is just a highly advanced style of body-weight training) skills are generally ranked… Continue reading

Body Weight Exercises, Strength and Conditioning

When training at home, it can seem daunting to try to implement a successful workout strategy that doesn't involve lots of expensive equipment. However, you don't need to feel limited by the fact that you might not have a lot to work with at home. The key is to get creative--an everyday object like a jug of water can be a useful workout tool. (A gallon of… Continue reading

Client Spotlight, Strength and Conditioning

When clients ask me about how to organize their exercise regimen, they usually want to know how to break up their strength training and cardio sessions appropriately. There are basically two questions that come up: first, do I think it's a good idea to do them on the same day; and second, which one do I do first? The simple answer to the first question is, yes, it's fine… Continue reading

Strength and Conditioning

Today I am going to show you three great upper body exercises (with variations) that you can try without a gym membership. All you need to do this workout is a little warrior spirit and a park with some monkey bars and/or a jungle gym area. You can get creative with where you choose to work out as long as you get it done. With springtime (hopefully) around the corner… Continue reading

Body Weight Exercises, Strength and Conditioning

After a hard workout, you might be dreading the soreness which will inevitably ensue over the next 24-48 hours. Your instinct could be to take the next day off from exercising altogether. Not so fast! Active recovery allows you to keep the momentum in terms of your fitness AND can potentially decrease the lactic acid build-up that's partially to blame for muscle soreness. Instead of taking the day… Continue reading

Running, Strength and Conditioning

Whether you are training for strength or endurance, you won't get the best results unless you push your body to the limit. Failure training means that you take your muscle to the point where it physically cannot perform another rep--the point where your arms are visibly shaking as you desperately try to squeeze out your last push-up. I love training body weight exercises like dips and Australian pull-ups to failure… Continue reading

Inspirational, Strength and Conditioning

Interval training is often touted as the best way to burn fat and expend high amounts of energy during a workout. It is also great for people who don't feel that they have a lot of time to devote to fitness. A high intensity interval training session (sometimes called HIIT) can be completed in under 30 minutes. HIIT alternates between rounds of high intensity exercise immediately followed… Continue reading

Running, Strength and Conditioning