Archive for the 'Ask an Expert' Category

The benefits of functional training

Monday, September 6th, 2010

Functional training has its roots in physical therapy. The idea is simple and basically involves training for specific movements by doing similar movements. An example for this is a basketball player who is trying to increase his high-jump. A traditional approach would have him doing leg extensions, leg curls and leg presses. A functional approach however would simply have him doing regular squats and jump-squats.

Fit-tip: You and your hydration… Rethink your Drink

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Hydration before, during and after exercise is crucial and is often affected by the type of physical activity you are engaging in. To ensure that you’re properly hydrating with the right type of drink for your type of workout, the exercise experts at Fitness Town and Life Fitness suggest these three drink tips:

Ask an Expert: Should I hire a personal trainer?

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

The first thing that a personal trainer will offer you is accountability. Many people struggle with consistently going to the gym and working out. A personal trainer will give your exercise regimen structure and hold you accountable. In the long run this will help you create a healthy, active lifestyle. A good personal trainer will also assess your current lifestyle and nutritional habits and recommend changes. And here too, they will hold you accountable to change your bad habits and eat according to their recommendations.

Equipment Every Strength Coach or Personal Trainer Needs

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

A good strength coach or trainer doesn’t need any equipment to train their clients. A good strength coach can screen, assess, and train their clients in as small as a 4 x 4 foot space. If you have a limited budget and limited space and you’re working with a general client, you should still be able to train them this way. Having said that, a trainer with more a bigger arsenal will be able to do substantially more with their clients, especially if their clients are athletes. Here is a list of essential equipment to have, and can all be purchased on a limited budget.

Bring your abs back: 3 moves to make them show

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Everyone dreams of having abs of steal. Often referred to as a six-pack, toned abdominal muscles take true effort to achieve. It requires specific muscle sculpting that targets your core combined with intense cardio to burn off any layers of fat covering your muscles.

FT Fit Tip: Slow Down, You Move Too Fast

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Most of the time getting things done faster is often rewarded, but this is not always true when it comes to strength training. Going slow has been proven to be the best method for building strength and definition. Here are a couple of key reasons why from the experts at Fitness Town and Life Fitness:

Squat, Lunge and Press: Change up your Standard Strength Routine to get Better Results

Friday, August 6th, 2010

Variety is the spice of life!

You have heard it before: to achieve results, you need to challenge your body in new ways. The human body adapts to routine, so to get stronger you need to train your muscles in different directions and with different weight loads. Try switching up the stale routine with these workouts recommended by the exercise experts at Fitness Town and Life Fitness:

Does size really matter? How to Choose the Right Exercise Ball for you

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

Just like fashion, fitness trends come and go. Remember the AbFlex? I used to watch that infomercial over and over as a kid as I dreamed of getting a rippled, sizzling six pack. Too bad it was only a fad. However, once in a while, a fitness product comes in the market and actually does make sense. One such product is the exercise ball, also known as a gym ball, Swiss ball, or physio ball. Physiotherapists have been using these balls for years improving the core strength and functionality of their patients. Gyms have incorporated them for years giving their members more versatility and options. Personally, I think everyone should own one in their homes as there are so many uses you could do with an exercise ball.