Are you a HUGE Fall girlie like me??? If you are, then I know you LOVE Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Unfortunately, what usually comes with the sweet delicious pumpkin spice taste, also comes boat loads of sugar, calories, and things that just aren’t good for you. Now I know you might be saying but it’s just…
It’s been a while since I’ve felt this uncomfortable. I had an empty afternoon last week and saw Speak No Evil (trailer here), a horror/suspense film about a family who goes to visit another couple they met on vacation. And shockingly, things don’t go as expected. If you saw the “Dinner Party” episode of The…
A contrast bath (or contrast water therapy) is a technical term for a hot bath, followed by a cold bath, followed by a hot bath, then a cold bath (repeated for about 20 minutes). This recovery modality could be more advantageous than just an ice bath if you’re looking for serious recovery benefits, like reduced…
I saw my new orthopedic doctor for the first time today (my previous one had retired). I got surprising news: I have sciatica from my back (not the hip, such as piriformis muscle). An mri of my back shows bulging lumber disk and spinal stenosis, right where the sciatic nerve comes out on the left…
Yes, you can do cardio on rest days, although this does depend on your overall goals. Light cardio sessions on your non-weight lifting days can actually speed up the recovery process. However, super-intense cardio may actually impact your ability to lift weights the next time you’re in the gym. An example of the difference would…
As a certified fitness coach, I’ve encountered this question frequently: Should I adjust my eating habits on days I’m not working out? The answer depends on your fitness goals, energy needs, and personal preferences, but the principle is clear—your nutrition should always support your overall well-being and performance. In this post, we’ll explore whether and…
What to Wear to the Gym Whether you’re getting ready to make working out part of your life, or you’re simply looking to upgrade your current athletic attire, you might be wondering what to wear to the gym. No matter the activity, your clothes should help you accomplish your goals—not get in the way of…
It’s hard to say if it was the cottage cheese wrap or the chicken pizza that brought protein back into the spotlight, but either way, we’re not mad about it. And, apparently you aren’t either! As of July 2024, more than 14 million cups of cottage cheese have been logged by MyFitnessPal users around the…
Fall is here! Time to get cozy with your pajamas, Gilmore Girls, and lots and lots of pumpkin spice recipes to really get in the spirit!! If you were lucky enough to snag one of our Miss Congeniality Mood Boost Pumpkin Spice Edition before it SOLD OUT, these recipes are for YOU! Enjoy! Must Try Recipes…
Have you ever heard of “Blue Zones”? These pockets of the world are known for having citizens who live exceptionally long, healthy lives. Some of these locations may sound familiar: Okinawa, Japan (home of Mr. Miyagi from Karate Kid!). Sardinia, Italy. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. Icaria, Greece. These locations have a higher percentage of people…
Beta-alanine is one of the most well-researched performance enhancers in the world of sports supplements. Studies show that taking it consistently for about four weeks can result in a higher resistance to fatigue, allowing you to work out harder for longer.* That, in turn, may help support your individual fitness goals, such as more muscle,…
I just read a really good book for patients on rehabbing spinal stenosis, by physical therapist Terri Night: “Rehab Your Own Spinal Stenosis: Strategies to Improve the Health of Your Spine”. First of all it is very encouraging, pointing out that a lot of older folks have spinal stenosis and have no symptoms. She points…
Creatine is typically described as having no taste or odour. With that being said, some users report a mild sour smell, but definitely nothing bad. If brand-new creatine smells bad return it to the manufacturer for a replacement or refund. You should also be wary of where you store creatine, as it can be affected…
As a certified personal trainer, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless women and helping them achieve their fitness goals. One thing I’ve noticed is that women tend to gravitate towards certain types of workouts. These workouts not only enhance physical fitness but also contribute to improved mental health, increased confidence, and overall well-being….
How Many Days a Week Should I Run? It’s no secret that running is one of the top ways to enhance your cardio and achieve your fitness goals. But you may have heard that too much running can lead to injury or burnout. So, if you’re new to fitness or have recently incorporated running into…
Nutrition can be confusing! A recent survey among MyFitnessPal found that 65% of users are trying to eat more protein, but most don’t actually know how much protein is in their food. In fact, most are over estimating protein in their meals. For example, in the survey, most users thought the protein content of a…
Are you ready to take charge of your life? No more of “I’ll start tomorrow”, “I’ll get it done next week”, and so on. I know we’ve all been there, not knowing where or how to start. What if I told you that all you needed to get started was ONE planner and ONE promise,…
I remember racing up the down escalator in Macy’s at the Cape Cod Mall. My mom, calmly riding the Up escalator like a regular human, would say I was going to hurt myself (possible) or I was making a scene (correct) or interrupting the people trying to get down the escalation (also correct). Sometimes I…
In the 1940s, a University of Houston professor named William Sheldon coined the concept that all humans fall into one of three body types, or somatotypes. It was bold. It was revolutionary. It was complete nonsense. The whole notion of a three-sizes-fit-all classification system has never been supported by science. In fact, it’s been roundly renounced almost since…
I decided my stamina had come back enough that I could try my Tuesday group ride. We did one of my favorite rides- “round the reservoirs” plus an out and back on Casa Loma Road. I rode my recumbent because it’s easier on my back and less likely to cause a flareup of my stenosis….
The appearance of a larger belly in powerlifters, as opposed to a more muscular look, can be attributed to their high intake of carbohydrates and calories. This dietary strategy is essential for providing the energy required to lift exceptionally heavy weights throughout their training routines. It’s All About Calorie Consumption I guess it’s fairly obvious…