By Aparna Mele, MDBalance training is an important but often-neglected skill, one that impacts both longevity and quality of life, starting around age 40. Balance is defined as the ability to control one’s body in space, distributing weight evenly in a way that allows a person to remain upright. Balance is divided into two types. […]
By Aparna Mele, MDFailing to properly stretch is a massive mistake. When done correctly, stretching helps us improve our range of motion, flexibility, and recovery time. For anyone serious about their fitness, stretching is non-negotiable, both before and after any kind of workout, from weightlifting and gymnastics to basketball and hockey. It improves performance in […]
By Aparna Mele, MD Who wins when it comes to maximizing the positive effects of exercise: the early bird or the night owl? Should we all rise at dawn to work out, or is it better to refresh our brains and bodies for the evening with an after-work exercise session? Earlier research has confirmed that […]
*Read the original article here: https://www.earthfedmuscle.com/blogs/articles/learning-to-breathe-a-breath-of-fresh-air There are only a few activities that your body is constantly engaging in. Your heart is beating, your brain’s synapses are firing, and your lungs are breathing. These are all automatic actions, but you can only take direct control over one: breathing. Due to its nature as simultaneously voluntary and […]
How do you build confidence and start working toward your goals as you emerge from the pandemic? There is no one right answer for everyone, so the key is to think about what your immediate needs are and how to start caring for your physical and mental health. Have you been feeling stressed or anxious? […]
By Aparna Mele MDDo you include core exercises in your fitness routine? Here’s why you should. Your core consists of the muscles between your chest and your hips: rectus abdominis (a.k.a. your six-pack muscles, which run down the front of your stomach), transverse abdominis (deep abs muscles that wrap around your stomach), and obliques (otherwise […]
By Kim Thomas, US Health CorpsYou envision living a healthier life, and you want to start today. The only problem is you don’t have an unlimited budget, and the changes you have in mind could quickly add up and cause financial stress. That would be counterproductive!Fortunately, getting fit doesn’t require you to spend a lot […]
By Omar from outdoorlabwithj.com You’ve heard it all before – exercise is good for you! But what about individual activities? If you are thinking of taking up a new fitness based hobby, you may be wondering what benefits you will get from cycling. Will you get any particular health benefits from cycling? You hear all […]
By Kristin SeymourIf you’re new to working at home, you may be rethinking your normal fitness routines. With plenty of free online workouts, apps and streaming services, finding an at-home workout that suits your needs should be simple—in theory. The challenge is getting in the habit of doing a workout routine at home when your entire […]
Cancer can be a scary subject. It carries with it connotations of difficult times and struggle. Yet, living well and supporting the body with healthy choices can be a good recipe for overcoming and living with the disease. Whether you have just received a diagnosis, are going through treatment, or are in remission, adopting an […]
By Omar from outdoorlabwithj.comYou’ve heard it all before – exercise is good for you! But what about individual activities? If you are thinking of taking up a new fitness based hobby, you may be wondering what benefits you will get from cycling. Will you get any particular health benefits from cycling?You hear all the time […]
By Aparna Mele MD A big reveal study from the Cooper Institute in Dallas, published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise found that men with higher level of cardiovascular fitness are more than TWICE as likely to drink moderate amounts of alcohol (up to 14 drinks per week) as compared to […]
Many seniors worry that they won’t feel their best in retirement. But you don’t need to accept a major decline in your quality of life as the years go on. In fact, if you take care of your physical and mental health, you can truly embrace your golden years. By checking out resources from organizations […]
*Read the original article on The Chill Times here By Jennie Mason For those living in colder climates during the winter months, the much-anticipated arrival of freezing temperatures and snowfalls can be synonymous to burrowing in your apartment for a few extra months. Sweatpants, hair tied, chillin’ with no makeup on. Drake was preaching the […]
By Courtney Shober The state of the mind and the state of the body are unmistakably intertwined. The attitude we choose to possess as scenarios of life unfold correlates with how often we get sick, how fast we heal, and how we maintain wellness. Prolonged periods of heightened stress and anxiety make daily life more […]
By John Creveling of JohnCrevelingFitness.com The holiday season is fast approaching. Around this time of year, we tend to be busier than normal with work, family, parties, shopping, etc. It is also around this time of year that our new year’s resolutions are out the window and we vow to start up again on January […]
By Kim Thomas, US Health CorpsPer the United Nations, in May 2020, 1.5 billion youth were affected by the new virtual education reforms enacted in 191 countries. Fast forward to today and children across the country are mostly attending in person, but that could change based on fluctuations with the delta variant. To ensure you […]
By Joyce WilsonStress can be hard to combat, especially these days as we all face new challenges and lifestyle-altering changes. You may be experiencing anxiety or depression as well, which can have a profound effect on your physical and mental health. Coping with these issues is never easy, but you can also make small changes […]
By Aparna Mele MDWhat Is Plyometrics?Plyometrics is a type of exercise training that uses speed and force of different movements to build muscle power. Plyometric exercises not only help you build strength, but explosiveness (or power), speed, and agility, too. Those last three perks don’t come from strength training alone, so incorporating these challenging fit moves […]
By: Maria Alcoke, web & graphic designer, personal-growth junkie and fitness-enthusiast What does strong and well-fed mean to you? To me, it represents confidence, feeling good in your skin, and being satisfied. You know that feeling, after a really good workout, or a great meal, or after quality time with loved ones? You just feel […]
By Aparna Mele MD The warm summer months means shedding layers and showing more skin with tank tops, shorts, and swimsuits. Now is the time to step up your fitness game to get your body summer ready! Incorporate challenging strength training in your workout. Commit to a full-body strength-training program at least three times a […]
*Read the original article here: https://greatist.com/fitness/perfect-squat By Nicole McDermott, medically reviewed by Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS It’s sometimes referred to as the king of all exercises, and for good reason. The squat is a full-body fitness staple that works your glutes, quads, and hamstrings and sneakily strengthens your core. It’s time to […]
By Matt Quinn, Marketing Assistant (https://theworkoutdigest.com/) Introduction: Working Out From Home New year, new you – right? We are as sick as hearing this phrase as the rest of the world, but it does ring true for some people. While the new year’s phrase has become somewhat of a joke in recent years, if you stick […]
By Aparna Mele Sculpting a strong booty to fill out your favorite pair of jeans shouldn’t be the only goal. The major muscle group (made up of the dream team- your gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus) is a key player in explosive movements like jumping and sprinting. A strong butt can also help relieve low […]
By Sheila Johnson Women who want to lose weight may be confused about what lifestyle changes they need to make in order to get the results they want in a healthy way. Unfortunately, women are often on the receiving end of conflicting advice about losing weight. Further complicating matters, women and men generally lose weight […]
By Aparna Mele, MD You do not necessarily need complex and expensive gym equipment to get a good workout. You may not even have to leave your home! When it comes to easy at-home fitness, nothing could be easier than a stairs workout. You only need a set of stairs and a motivated attitude to get a […]
*Original article link: https://www.verywellfit.com/muscle-strength-vs-muscle-endurance-which-is-better-3576777 By Chris Freytag There are two types of people who lift weights: those who want big muscles and those who just want to tone and tighten up without getting bigger. Those looking for size tend to grab the heaviest weights and stick to fewer reps. Those who are afraid of “bulking up” generally reach for […]
By Michael Hartman, Founder and Owner of Formal Fitness Training One of the most amazing things happened during the past six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, when people have been working from home or unable to do their normal routines; people worked out together. As a trainer, I have whole families working out together virtually. […]
By Robin Long from The Balanced Life Years ago, I fell in love with Pilates because of the profound impact it had on my body and my life as a whole. Within a few days, I felt better. Within a few weeks my aches and pains disappeared. Within a few months I had begun re-shaping […]
By Aparna Mele If you step into a functional fitness gym, you might see workouts of the day labelled EMOM. No, this doesn’t refer to an electronic mother! EMOM (which stands for every minute on the minute) is a type of interval workout where the goal is to perform a specific task at the start […]
By Ajmal Dar Many turn to cardio when they want to lose weight. While it is a doable solution, it’s not as straightforward as you might think. There is s a wide variety of opinions floating around online on the topic, so I am here to make it easier for you. My guide on how to […]
Poem by Debbie Graham of Boogie Bounce It’s just a fitness class! 4 walls, a floor, and a roof A stereo and a beat Trainers and lycra Movement to music It’s just a fitness class! Things get built here- Stronger bodies. Fitter bodies. Confident bodies. Things get broken here- Barriers. Silence. Sweat. …but it’s […]
By Aparna Mele, MD A recent study of nearly half a million people concludes that walking at breakneck speed might increase life expectancy. Recently, researchers linked a spring in your step to the number of years between birth and death. In the study, researchers took self-reported walking speeds and body mass indexes (BMI) of nearly 475,000 […]
By Tim Shores, Trainer at Healthy U Fitness In most endeavors, the most difficult step is the initial one. Starting a business, moving to a new city, and yes, starting an exercise program. All activities in life are easier once the “movementum” has been created and a habit is formed. However, much like a river […]
Fitness After 50 Newly published book written by John Monteleone, CSCS, CSPS, EP-C, FMS Level 2 Head Personal Trainer at Wyomissing Fitness Chapters 1-4 Excerpts
By Aparna Mele, MD Exercise has widespread and far-reaching effects on the body, and not just in the ways you think. You may be aiming for that six pack or getting to your goal weight, but focusing on these appearance-based measures can actually be defeating and self-sabotaging. A study published in the Journal of Health […]
By Aparna Mele, MD There are many benefits to regular physical activity. Add brain health to them! One study conducted at the Mayo Clinic showed that people who regularly engaged in moderate exercise five or six times per week later in life reduced their risk of mild cognitive impairment by 32 percent compared with more […]
By Matilda Davies Most healthy adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise of 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity every week. Exercise fights stress, anxiety, and depression, can help you get better sleep, boost your heart health, improve brain function, build muscle strength and definition, maintain a healthy weight, and even reduce […]
Contributed by Michael Nash from My Fitness Boutique Our greatest intentions to go to the gym regularly can be obstructed by a lack of free time or the growing cost of gym memberships. If your gym plans hit a brick wall and remain unfulfilled, why not try these 30-minute high-intensity workouts at home? No need […]
By Aparna Mele Traveling, whether for business or pleasure, does not necessarily have to mean leave your fitness goals behind. It is true that when it comes to reaching your fitness goals, consistency is always crucial to success. Still, while travel workouts are obviously great if you can fit them in, don’t stress about taking […]
By Aparna Mele Boot camp workouts come in all forms theses days, from bridal themed boot camps for toning people up for their nuptials, to military style varieties to increase fitness prowess. Some emphasize cardio and aerobic fitness, while others focus on strength training or weight loss. All, however, share certain features that include serial […]
By Kim Thomas of US Health Corps Are you looking for some simple ways to improve your overall health? Then you will be happy to know that staying healthy doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort. Some of the most effective strategies for strength and wellness start with a shift in your […]
By John Monteleone, CSCS, CSPS, EP-C, FMS Level 2 In the age of vast instant information for the consumer, misinformation plagues sound decision making for the right products and services. The field of health and fitness is no different from other industries regarding this matter. So, what is the consumer to do? In this article, […]
By Aparna Mele Core-crunching tips from our favorite reptile! Perhaps it isn’t a coincidence that I am kicking off my summer with a trip to Florida when I chose to write this, but I was inspired to up my fitness game when I was observing the American crocodile stealth across the ground. When noting the […]
By Kim Thomas of US Health Corps For people with diabetes, keeping close tabs on blood sugar levels is essential, even when they’re feeling fine. But there is much more to managing the chronic condition than simply monitoring glucose levels and managing medications. Your diet, lifestyle, and even your support system can have a huge […]
By John Monteleone, Head Trainer at Wyomissing Fitness In over ten years of personal training, the most common clients I train are the professionals who sit all day. Sitting is rapidly becoming the new smoking. There are several health risks involved being seated for most of the day. The average American is seated approximately thirteen […]
By John Monteleone, Head Trainer at Wyomissing Fitness “I believe that children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way.” That is the classic lyric from “The Greatest Love of All.” Yes, the children are our future! However, how can we expect to teach them with poor nutritional choices, increased […]
By Aparna Mele Not all training needs to happen in a gym. Many of us can get a phenomenal workout in the great outdoors. Life is full of stressors that chip away at us every day and that our bodies have to absorb: non-stop technology, the work-life imbalance, stressful social interactions and home situations. Even […]
By Ariana Fantasia-Davis Intern and Coach // Girls on the Run of Berks County The time between third and eighth grade is crucial to the development of young girls as it is the time they begin to encounter struggles that will test their self-confidence and challenge them to make decisions that will define the type […]
By Aparna Mele It’s a new year and like many, your new year’s resolutions include getting in shape and joining a gym. Congratulations! You are to be applauded for your motivation and resolve to get your health back on track and incorporate fitness back in your life, but it can be daunting and overwhelming to […]
When working out, the most critical part is the warm-up. Your workout simply won’t WORK OUT unless you have prepared your body for the demands it will soon encounter and skipping this important step will lead to both ineffective training and potentially serious injury. A pre-workout warm-up serves two major purposes—to enhance performance and prevent […]
by: Debbie Stiller, Director of Wellness and Aquatics / Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex A friend of mine just asked my opinion on wearable fitness trackers. She wonders if seeing that thing on her wrist will motivate her to move. She is wondering if it will make her more accountable … more able to stick […]
By Jane Ellis, Yoga Instructor and Personal Trainer from Keys2Fitness When people think about their “core” more than likely their minds think of six-pack abs. Having ripped abs is certainly a motivating home fitness goal, and looking great lounging by the pool can help keep us encouraged to power through our workouts. However, these 6-pack […]
Summer is here in full swing, and with the warmer weather and blue skies, people love to take their workouts outside. The major question that arises, can we burn more calories outdoors? The answer to that question is, yes. In this article, we shall dive into what and how is the best way to burn […]
The workforce in the United States has tremendously shifted over the past fifty years. For most Americans, a typical workday does not involve manual labor. With the advance of technology, occupations have become more sedentary. Not including sleeping, the average American worker is seated for 10-13 hours per day. If you add in eight hours […]
by Michael Nash, My Fitness Boutique HIIT (high intensity interval training) involves working out for shorter periods of time at a frenetic pace, as opposed to the longer, less hectic alternative of steady state cardio. HIIT can be tough and will leave you shattered, but it is worth trying for so many reasons: • Quicker […]
When you are starting an exercise program, it is important to be mentally prepared, start with a positive attitude, and define clear-cut goals. Without a game plan to keep you motivated, you will feel overwhelmed and want to give up, before you even break a sweat! Motivation in fitness is the key to perseverance and […]
According to the U.S. Census in 2013, more than 35.5 million Americans listed their heritage as Irish. So, it is not surprising that for many Americans the month of March has become synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day, and the chance to embrace Irish culture. Also known as the Feast of Saint Patrick, St. Patrick’s Day […]
By Marc Cuzzuppe Co-founder and Managing Member of ALPHA AESTHETICS, LLC The concept of happiness is one of great debate. There is a commonly held belief that our experience is determined by our outside world. The flip side to this coin is the idea that money can’t buy happiness and that we create our own […]
Although genetics certainly play a role in the development of heart disease, exercise is an easy way to help decrease your risk. And now that it is officially February, American Heart Month, why don’t you get started with a regimen for healthy physical activity? It’s a new year, and you have thought about losing weight […]
When boutique fitness classes, gym memberships, and pricey trainers can break the bank, it may seem like fitness is totally unaffordable. But you can get a great workout at home by stocking up on these highly affordable basics! Jump Rope: A versatile tool that can build up your endurance and stamina and meets your cardiovascular […]
How is the gym great for overall fitness and health? The gym, health club or fitness center, whatever the label, it is pertinent to your overall health, fitness and quality of life. The stress, sedentary lifestyle and underperforming nutritional habits the gym is integral to help turn your lifestyle around. By placing yourself in an […]
Cross training is typically defined as an exercise regime that uses several modes of training to develop a specific component of fitness. A runner, for example, will only utilize certain muscles when running. The hip flexor group and the gluteal group of muscles can get weak causing the pelvis to rotate and continue to affect […]
Yes! A pre-workout meal, eaten three hours within your workout, can offer multiple health benefits that can power you through your fitness practice. Replenishing your glycogen stores with nutrition can improve your energy level significantly during a workout, as your muscles are fueled by the energy created by breaking down glycogen during exertion. Heavy weight-training […]
You’ve picked a new diet, found a new workout plan, made a list a habits to change, and told yourself, “I’m going to get back in to shape this time!” You stick to your strict regimen, and after a few days or a week, you fall off the wagon and go back to your old […]
The holiday season can make it hard to stick to your fitness schedule. Between the chillier temps, holiday pies, land cross-country travel, it can be pretty tough to stay active during the holiday season. Family obligations, work parties, and last-minute shopping means that hitting the gym often gets delayed or crossed off the schedule altogether. […]
Penn State Berks offers the Exercise Science baccalaureate degree in Kinesiology. Kinesiology is the study of movement and the Exercise Science option offers students courses covering exercise physiology, motor control, exercises and sport psychology, sport history, sport philosophy, and biomechanics. Why is Kinesiology so important? Movement is the key to a better quality of life. […]
By John Monteleone, Head Trainer at Wyomissing Fitness There are a multitude of benefits for completing an exercise routine within 15 minutes. This change is fantastic to shock your system into achieving new gains. The major issue to avoid in any exercise routine is stagnation or a plateau. At some point, we all go through […]
By Marc Cuzzupe, Co-Founder and Managing Member of Alpha Aesthetics Humans were not designed to live sedentary life styles. Nor are we destined to live in a state of depression and sadness. It is my belief that we were created to move, work, laugh, and love one another. To want what is best for ourselves […]
The health benefits of regular exercise are well known. No matter what you age or current health, some form of exercise will strengthen your mind, body, and soul. Not sure? Read on to see how exercise can help! 1. Weight loss: Exercise not only burns calories during a work out, but transforms fat into muscle […]
There are lots of good reasons to exercise regularly, including reducing your risk of life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, lower blood pressure, combat depression, look better and live longer. Now add a new reason: exercise helps the brain protect memory and sharpens thinking! In a study done at the University of […]
Yes! A pre-workout meal, eaten three hours within your workout, can offer multiple health benefits that can power you through your fitness practice. Replenishing your glycogen stores with nutrition can improve your energy level significantly during a workout, as your muscles are fueled by the energy created by breaking down glycogen during exertion. Heavy weight-training […]
Over the years yoga has become increasing popular due to the mental and physical benefits that people of all shapes and sizes can experience. The variety of styles of yoga range from a very physical class in a heated room, to a mental class in a carpeted, comfortable and quiet room. At BLDG. 7 Yoga […]
3,2,1. Happy New Year! It’s customary to ask people during the first week of the New Year about their resolutions. What if just this once, we stuck to it? What if just this once, we chose something to motivate us when we waiver? What if just this once we committed and were able to look […]
The holiday season is a time to celebrate with family and friends. But unfortunately, with all the holiday parties and family gatherings, it also becomes a time for over-eating and weight gain for many. “Weight gain over the holidays is a large part of the typical weight gain that adults have over the years,” notes […]
Veggies and water and exercise, oh my! Chances are you already know the basics of how to live a healthy lifestyle. A proper diet, exercise, fresh air, and sufficient rest are all key. But, what happens when all the “how to” becomes so overwhelming that it starts to feel impossible? Nowadays, there are countless diets, […]
It is estimated that between 15-25% of school children in the United States are overweight, placing them at risk for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Only about half of all Americans aged 12 to 21 exercises regularly. Regular physical activity can help children be healthier now and in the future. Daily activity can […]