Let's Talk About Ultra-Processed Foods

Let's Talk About Ultra-Processed Foods

Navigating the nuanced world of ultra-processed foods can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle. In this five-minute video, I sit down with registered dietician Tarah Valenti from CustomFit to discuss practical tips on how to approach these foods without stress or guilt. Whether you're trying to make better choices or just curious about the role of ultra-processed foods in our world, this conversation will leave you with insights to stay sane and nourished.

Read More

Resistance Training for Improved Bone Density at Any Age

Resistance Training for Improved Bone Density at Any Age

Back in January of 2023 one of my awesome longtime clients asked if I could do a few virtual training sessions with his mom to help her with some exercise suggestions. A few 30 minute sessions turned into a regular weekly routine of two 50 minute strength and mobility sessions for almost a year now. This week she showed me the results of a recent Dexa scan that noted "Significant change: increase in femoral neck mean bone density of 5.9%" and some other cool stuff. 

Read More

Need a Little Holiday Cheer Pick-Me-Up to Your Workouts this Month?

Need a Little Holiday Cheer Pick-Me-Up to Your Workouts this Month?

I taught group fitness at the amazing Equinox Pine Street for many years with the most incredible students. My folks brought great energy to every class, but holiday classes were always my favorite. It become a tradition for me to teach in this spiffy elf costume while squatting, swinging and sweating to silly pop Christmas music. Yes, including “that” Mariah Carey song. I combed through my archive and compiled this “Best of JJFit Holiday Workouts” Spotify playlist in case you need a little holiday cheer pick-me-up to your workouts this month.

Read More

What is a healthy amount of alcohol to consume?

What is a healthy amount of alcohol to consume?

“What is a healthy amount of alcohol to consume?” Here’s a shorter clip from a longer conversation I had back in October with registered dietician Tarah Valenti from CustomFit. She sheds some light on this important topic perplexing lots of folks.

Read More

Visit Bay Area's A Runner's Mind for the Perfect Shoes

Visit Bay Area's A Runner's Mind for the Perfect Shoes

Since 2019 I’ve been super impressed with the service and selection at A Runner’s Mind and have been lucky enough to work with the General Manager Eileen in San Francisco and Manager Cindy in Burlingame. Rather than just picking the shoe I think looks the best, they’ve taught me over the years what type of shoe my feet and body need to perform my best and keep me pain and injury free. They use sophisticated assessments to analyze the arches of your feet and video your gait to determine your support needs.

Read More

Got Music? Here's My Go-To Workout Playlist This Month

Got Music? Here's My Go-To Workout Playlist This Month

It’s widely proven that three of the most powerful workout enhancers are coffee, creatine and a great playlist! Recently my client Daniel told me he loves my Spotify playlist archive that has hundreds of playlists from my days as an Equinox group fitness instructor. It’s been a minute since I put my “DJ JJ” hat on and created a new one. This one got me through a big run and a big lift session this weekend. Hope it brings some fitspo to your day!

Read More

How Working with a Registered Dietician Can Change Your Life!

How Working with a Registered Dietician Can Change Your Life!

Do you know you want/need to make some changes to your nutritional habits but just aren’t sure where to start? Ever wondered what it would be like to work with a registered dietician to help forge a path ahead and make some real improvements? In this ~30 minute video I chat with my pal Tarah Valenti, RDN with CustomFit, about what it’s like working with her and how a custom nutritional program can help with so many different goals including body fat loss, visceral fat, muscle preservation/growth, improved energy, health, vitality, longevity as well as managing a variety of issues from high cholesterol, blood sugar or blood pressure to perimenopause and other life transitions.

Read More

Farmer Carry Your Way to Better Posture, a Stronger Back and Killer Grip

Farmer Carry Your Way to Better Posture, a Stronger Back and Killer Grip

The farmer carry (also called a loaded carry, farmer walk or suitcase carry) is one of the simplest yet least understood exercises in the gym. It’s something we do in real life all the time. We shlep grocery bags, suitcases, laptops and all sorts of crap all over the place. But how often do we think about our shoulders, scapulae or thoracic spines when we do? Bueller? Bueller? Thought so.

Read More

Can I Exercise if I Get COVID?

Can I Exercise if I Get COVID?

It’s definitely COVID and flu season. And despite all our best efforts some of us are going to get sick. A handful of my virtual clients and friends have come down with mild (thankfully) COVID cases already this month. Some feel crummier than others. In my universe no one has (knock on wood) had a super rough go of it. They describe it mostly as a general nuisance and a foil to their plans of being productive and active. Folks have asked me “can I still exercise?” I can’t answer that for anyone. There is no universal guidance on whether one can/should exercise with COVID. Obviously one should avoid the gym and other people so as not to spread their germs. I’ve dug around trying my best to get an answer and like so many things in the realm of health and wellness, “it depends”. 

Read More

Embrace Your Inner Kid with an Adult Coloring Book

Embrace Your Inner Kid with an Adult Coloring Book

I’m loving my new adult coloring book that Peter got me for my birthday! It's a nice way to start the day instead of immediately slamming my brain with texts, emails, alerts, beeps and boops. I've heard that adults can benefit from "silly" activities like coloring. Turns out it's true! According to the Mayo Clinic coloring can be good for your health by promoting mindfulness, relieving stress and embracing the imperfect. Although, I'm pretty sure MY coloring is perfect. 

Read More

Alcohol Alternatives: Have a Little Fun Without the Hangover

Alcohol Alternatives: Have a Little Fun Without the Hangover

This post is generally more for my "normie" pals (someone not in recovery from alcoholism). One area of health and fitness that can be a roadblock for folks is alcohol. I hear a lot from clients that they can have trouble letting go of drinking because they feel left out during social situations. There is a growing industry popping up that offers more and more fun options for mocktails. At a BBQ recently several of my friends gave this zero proof "whiskey" a taste test. It's shocking what mixologists can do these days! The consensus was that It definitely smelled and tasted like whiskey and has ZERO alcohol and only 5 calories. This company makes several zero proof products (“gin”, “tequila”, “rum” and others) so if this might be something that helps you achieve your goals while still enjoying social situations, give it a try. (Goes without saying that for folks in recovery this may or may not fit your program so please do what is best for your own situation.)

Read More

JJFit in the News: Consider Curtsy Lunges for Functional Glute Development

JJFit in the News: Consider Curtsy Lunges for Functional Glute Development

If you've nailed the standard lunge and are ready for something new in a different plane of motion, it's time you add the curtsy lunge to your routine. This lunge variation engages your muscles differently, placing more emphasis on your inner thighs and glutes. Check out this collaboration I did with Well+Good to did into the benefits, form tips and variations of the curtsy lunge.

Read More

Embracing "Lifting Heavy Sh*t" Can Make All the Difference in Your 50s

Embracing "Lifting Heavy Sh*t" Can Make All the Difference in Your 50s

When my FABULOUS client Sarah told me she wanted to “lift heavy sh*t” it was music to my ears. We’ve worked together for years and over time we’ve shifted focus of her program to strategically align with evolving priorities including improving body composition and health markers through an integrated approach to exercise, nutrition and recovery; easing the transition into perimenopause; enabling her active lifestyle and love of tennis and scuba; and ensuring her vitality, mobility and agility as she inches toward early retirement. Her love of metrics, data and science have given us the insights necessary to build her ideal program for her unique body which is yielding incredible results. Her continual efforts to learn and try new approaches is inspiring and I’m so grateful she took the time to discuss her journey here.

Read More

Jim’s DIY Kimchi & Sauerkraut Recipes

Jim’s DIY Kimchi & Sauerkraut Recipes

I try to get in at least two fermented foods/day (some experts recommend as many as five!). I eat Greek yogurt, berries, basil seeds and local honey for breakfast which counts as one. And then I add a cup of sauerkraut or kimchi to my lunch or dinner. The brand Peter and I like the most is Wildbrine. Well… it was until my client Jim started giving me his homemade sauerkraut and kimchi! Understandably making your own fermented food isn’t for the weak of heart (or gut!). But for those with a DIY spirit who enjoy growing and making your own food I asked Jim to share how he makes such yummy and beautiful fermented foods at home. Here’s his recipe!

Read More

Toe Spacers for Better Mobility, Reduced Pain and Improved Performance

Toe Spacers for Better Mobility, Reduced Pain and Improved Performance

Sometimes the smallest things (literally) can have a big impact! While these toe spaces may be tiny, they are mighty! At the recommendation of our FANTASTIC physical therapist Dr. Mark Bautista my husband and I started wearing them to help improve the alignment of our toes which can get squished and abused in shoes over time and from loads of activity like hiking and running.

Read More

Nutrient Stacking: Building a Meal Based on Your Health Goals

Nutrient Stacking: Building a Meal Based on Your Health Goals

One of my favorite sayings as a trainer is movement is medicine. It’s so true. But food is the original medicine and is often overlooked as the most natural way to influence our health. Here’s an example of how I’ve used recent research about food to create a super yummy and super impactful meal perfect for pre- or post-workout.

Read More

Try "Exercise Snacks" for Better Health and Fitness

Try "Exercise Snacks" for Better Health and Fitness

"Exercise snacks" are having a moment in the mainstream media and I’m loving it. I've talked for years with clients about the benefits of supplementing longer, traditional workouts with "little bites of movement" throughout the day. Sitting for hours and not moving is the enemy to good health for so many reasons. So finding ways to get up and do something awesome for your body (and your cells) is key to better health. Don't get too bogged down with the protocol. Just embrace the concept of trying to get up and do some intentional movement at least every hour of the day.

Read More

How to Make Pizza Salad (aka Panzanella)

How to Make Pizza Salad (aka Panzanella)

So this recipe is a little different from what I usually share. This one is more about inspiration and sparking joy and experiencing life. So indulge me in a little backstory. TLDR: I made panzanella using leftover pizza from A16 and some impromptu ingredients I picked up at the farmer’s market and was thrilled with myself. I’m calling it “pizza salad”. It made me really happy. 

Read More

Can a “Heart Attack Test” Spot Early Signs of Heart Disease?

Can a “Heart Attack Test” Spot Early Signs of Heart Disease?

As I settle into my mid-40s I’m starting to take closer and closer looks at my biomarkers. While I bust my butt to exercise and eat well I’ve always had to keep an eye on my LDL (“bad cholesterol’). In addition to their amazing good looks, intelligence and humility, I also inherited that from my parents! So I recently scheduled a quick and easy imaging test of my heart to better understand my heart health and risk for future heart disease.

Read More

JJFit in the News: 11 Tips for a Weekly Home Reset

JJFit in the News: 11 Tips for a Weekly Home Reset

In the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives, a reset day at home can be a much-needed respite, offering a much needed opportunity to recharge and recalibrate. Whether it’s catching up on rest, organizing your living space, or indulging in a hobby, dedicating a day to reset can yield significant benefits for both your mental and physical well-being. Whether you live in an apartment in San Francisco, CA, a rental house in Minneapolis, MN, or a home in Columbia, MO, check out this Redfin article which featured 11 secrets (including one my favorites!) to a successful weekly home reset reset day.

Read More