Q: How can I avoid the muscle soreness the day after snowboarding? A: Performing specific exercises, such as squats and crunches, for these body parts will help decrease the severity of that all too common “day after†abdominal and leg muscle soreness while also improving your strength and performance. You should also be sure to perform stretches for each body … Read More
How can I avoid the muscle soreness that I always feel at the start of the snowboarding season?
When you ski and snowboard your leg muscles are put to the test as your knees continuously bend and straighten with each turn made on your way down the hill. Also, when you carve those awesome turns your trunk muscles are called into play. Performing specific exercises, such as squats and crunches, for these body parts will help decrease the … Read More
Every year my weight goes up three or four pounds and it seems that my metabolism just gets slower and slower, how can I reverse this process?
Q: Every year my weight goes up three or four pounds and it seems that my metabolism just gets slower and slower, how can I reverse this process? A: Muscle is the bodies most efficient calorie burner and after the age of 30 we lose approximately a half a pound of muscle per year. The more muscle you have, the … Read More
Can a workout partner help me get motivated?
Q: I have had a difficult time motivating myself to exercise, do you think having a workout partner may help? A: If you want to get in shape but never find the time or the energy, a workout partner may provide the motivation that you need. A workout partner may not only help you get out of a workout slump … Read More
Are stability balls just another new fitness trend or are they around to stay?
Q. Are stability balls just another new fitness trend or are they around to stay? A. Stability balls originated in Switzerland approximately 90 years ago where they were predominantly used by physiotherapists. They remain popular as a rehabilitative tool, however, over the past few years they have increased in popularity in the fitness industry as they offer a fun, versatile, … Read More
Variation Provides Abdominal Results
Welcome to the second part of our two-part series designed to provide variation and effectiveness to your abdominal workout. A good abdominal workout is essential for any fitness program as strong abdominals can reduce back pain and improve your athletic ability. Because your abdominals are at the center of your body, they can enhance your athletic performance by increasing your … Read More
Tone Triceps For Tank Tops
If you are wanting to add definition to your arms for the sleeveless summer season, it is important to concentrate on developing your triceps. The triceps are the muscles located at the back of your arms between your elbow and your shoulder. Although most people think about biceps when developing their arms, it actually makes more sense to focus on … Read More
Simplify Your Cardiovascular Workout
Cardiovascular exercise can help to reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and body-fat, however, it is easy to become overwhelmed with all of the options available for a cardiovascular workout. You can choose between a stationary bike, treadmill, stairclimber, elliptical machine, or rowing machine or you may prefer aerobic classes, a walk or run outdoors, or even a little cross-country skiing. Whatever … Read More
Record Your Workouts For Improved Results
If you are working out on a regular basis it is a good idea to record your workouts so you can monitor your progress. You can start by recording the exercises that you are performing by keeping track of the sets and repetitions that you perform with each exercise. This information is important because it will help you to see … Read More
My doctor says that I need more protein in my diet?
Protein is the major source of building material for the body and next to water is the most plentiful substance in the body. Protein is of primary importance in the growth and development of all body tissues. It is the major source of building material for muscles, blood, skin, hair, nails and internal organs, including the heart and the brain. … Read More
Gym Jargon
If you are not familiar with gym terminology then entering a fitness club can be like moving to a new country. Buns of steel and pumping iron is just the beginning, it is not uncommon to hear someone in a fitness club say “I did strip sets on my wheels today…” Get ready for an introduction to common gym jargon. … Read More
Change Your Workouts Regularly
If you are trying to reduce your weight and body-fat or increase your strength you will get the best results if you change your workouts regularly. Your fitness program should incorporate your individual goals and as you progress you should change your routine to meet your evolving fitness needs and help you achieve new goals. If you keep your routine … Read More
Carving Out That Six Pack
If you have performed countless crunches or sit-ups with little benefit or if you are bored and uninterested with your abdominal routine, join in on some new and exciting abdominal exercises designed to get you back on track. To help you out, here is the first of our two-part series designed to provide variation and effectiveness to your abdominal workout. … Read More
Avoiding The Fitness Plateau
If you are exercising regularly and not improving or reaching your goals then you may have reached a training plateau. Plateaus are usually caused by three reasons, not varying your workouts, poor exercise technique, and poor organization. It is possible to continue improving without encountering a training plateau as long as you take the time to analyze your program on … Read More
Are you an effective fat burner?
Overdoing it with cardiovascular exercise may be counterproductive for people simply looking to slim down, according to Shaun Karp of Karp Personal Training in Burnaby. Considering the mass appeal of intense workouts like Tae-Bo, Karp says exercise enthusiasts who work themselves above their target heart rate may not be reaping the calorie-burning benefits from their intense exercise. “To burn fat … Read More