Exercise

Benefits of Strength Training

I gotta be real, I am actually a little surprised to need to be talking about why strength training is awesome, for everyone, in 2018. Seriously. When I started working as a personal trainer (possibly before some of you were born), this was a conversation...

An Integrated Self

In Yoga • by Melissa, August 15, 2018 •

In addition to talking about training goals and planning, I have written a bit about Dimensions of Wellness. The National Wellness Institute has a wonderfully researched model, and it has made its way into “pop” culture via Hal Elrod’s Level 10 Life. While I enjoy...

Seeing the Six Pack

In General Fitness, Strength Training • by Melissa, July 25, 2018 •

You want six pack abs? Of course you do. I know you do, don’t try and brush it off like you are above it. I do, I can admit it. We all like to see the results of our hard work in the gym. But...

Staying the Course

In General Fitness, Planning and Programming • by Melissa, July 18, 2018 •

Today’s post is going to be a shorter one. Hopefully leaving you more time to go and practice what I’m about to preach. I pay a lot of lip service to training goals, but anyone who knows me knows that no matter who I am...

Yoga… For the Rest of Us

In Yoga • by Melissa, July 11, 2018 •

Yoga has many benefits. And I don’t necessarily mean the just the asanas. Breath work, meditation, and the practices of non-violence and self-study are hugely beneficial. But only if you practice yoga. And if you happen to be one of those yogis who can discuss...

A Non-Traditional Yoga Instructor

In Yoga • by Melissa, June 27, 2018 •

I teach yoga. Sort of. I am adjunct faculty on a college campus, so I teach yoga as a college course. That being said, my main goal with my students isn’t necessarily to see who can make the most impressive flexibility gains or do the...

Rest and Recovery

In Planning and Programming, Safety • by Melissa, June 21, 2018 •

I have previously written about getting the most out of both cardio and strength workouts. That’s a lot of work, pun intended. So, today, let’s switch gears and talk about rest.

Let’s Get Pumped!

In Planning and Programming, Strength Training • by Melissa, June 6, 2018 •

Most exercise and wellness goals require some type of strength training. People don’t like hearing this because, frankly, lacing up your sneakers and going for a walk or bike ride is just easier. It requires far less equipment (although body weight only workouts rock) and...

Making the Most of Treadmill Time

In Cardio, Planning and Programming • by Melissa, May 24, 2018 •

Let’s call a spade a spade… Cardiovascular training can be a huge time suck. Both in terms of the actual amount of time spent and in the tediousness of it. And this is coming from someone who doesn’t mind spending some QT with a treadmill....

Using Dimensions of Wellness to Set Goals

In Dimensions of Wellness, Planning and Programming • by Melissa, May 16, 2018 •

I have previously posted about Dimensions of Wellness and that I believe it is an important concept regarding whole person and whole life health. I want to talk a bit about using these Dimensions in goal setting. I pay a lot of lip service around...