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 MoreIn 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 MoreThanks to the team at SFist.com for recognizing me on this list of great personal trainers in the Bay Area. I’m honored to be included with these standout fitness professionals and am grateful my 10+ years working in downtown SF has allowed me to help so many great clients. To confirm, being included was a surprise to me and was not a paid endorsement. #theylikemetheyreallylikeme
Read MoreHow many times have you been in a workout class and heard the instructor say the cue "engage your core"? Maybe you tighten your abs, hold your breath, or tuck your pelvis—but is that actually how to engage your core? When my pal and fitness writer Kim Grundy interviewed me for Well + Good I gave her my go to strategies for quick and simple core engagement that will keep you strong and safe while working out.
Read MoreAs days are getting shorter and the weather is getting colder there's no doubt that fall is knocking at our doors. For some folks this means changes to their workout routines especially for those who like to run, walk or ride outside. It reminded me of an interesting question I was asked by a reporter a few years ago. He noticed that around this time of year, he stopped sweating during his workouts and was worried this meant he was being less effective. How much does sweating define a good workout? Check out my answer in his article.
Read MoreThe wood chop exercise is a full-body move that strengthens your core — including your obliques — as well as your arms and legs. This exercise also boosts sports performance, especially in golf, baseball and tennis, as it improves rotational power. So I was stoked to collaborate with LiveStrong.com to discuss the benefits of several different variations of this move to create helpful demo videos. Read on to start chopping your way to a stronger core!
Read MoreSit ups have had their fair share of ups and downs (no pun intended) in the fitness world. They’ve gone from being the “go to” ab exercise among gym goers and group fitness classes to being ostracized in favor of core stability moves like planks and paloff presses. So… should we or shouldn’t we be doing sit ups? Checkout my latest collaboration with LiveStrong.com where we do a deep dive into the do’s and don’ts for integrating sit ups into your core strengthening program including several videos of my favorite sit up variations.
Read MoreIn any fitness regimen, rest and muscle recovery are just as important as strength training or cardio workouts. Learn how Earthing, Hydration, Diet, Massage and Contrast Therapy can help with muscle recovery in this article written by David Sautter for Natural Awakenings including interviews with me and other fitness professionals.
Read MoreIt’s always an honor being quoted in the press. I’ll preface this with exactly what I told the reporter (which he didn’t include). These machines can be great for any human regardless of gender. A machine cannot be better or worse for a woman than a man. I get where he was going. Because it is true that some women can be fearful of the functional training floor and wish to stick to the machines where it’s quieter. But men can feel that way too. And certainly trans and non binary gym goers. But I digress. If you are curious about which machines in the gym do what, give this US News & World Report article a look regardless of your gender.
Read MoreNot all ab exercises are created equal. Three, called the McGill Big 3, set the foundation for not only a toned midsection but also a strong core that protects and prevents your back from injury. Spoiler alert: No traditional crunches in this program! Become a pro at these powerhouse core moves by watching my video series for LiveStrong.com.
Read MoreIf you're working out often and think you need to push harder, think again. Here are 8 Signs You’re Overtraining with insights from me and other fitness professionals for US News & World Report.
Read MoreCrunches and planks can get boring, and if you want to build well-rounded core strength, considering mixing up your routine with heel touches, which specifically target your obliques, aka your side ab muscles. Get the full scoop in this collaboration I did with LiveStrong including detailed videos of various progressions.
Read MoreWhile “Fish in a Pouch” may not sound delicious, this quick, clean and tasty dish is one of my favorites. This all in one meal takes less than 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. It’s perfect to make for one person or a big dinner party and requires almost no clean up. You can use any starches, veggies and fish you like including cod, halibut or salmon and you can also toss in shrimp or scallops. Watch the latest episode of "Cooking with JJ" to learn how to make this amazing dish.
Read MoreIt’s always an honor to be asked to contribute to important topics in the mainstream press. Lot’s of good suggestions for prioritizing resistance training in this US News & World Report story: 10 Forms of Resistance Training That Strengthen Your Muscles.
Read MoreIn the NewsUpNow.org kitchen with me this week is the beautiful and amazing Allison Tibbs who has perfected a scrumptious vegetarian "tuna salad" recipe made from chickpeas. Just in time for your Labor Day BBQ, this salad is great as a meal, snack or side and will satisfy even the most avid meat eater and tuna salad snob. It can also be modified to be vegan friendly and as we demonstrate is great for doing bicep curls in the kitchen. Proof! "Cooking" can be easy, fun and delicious.
Read More“How low should you go?” Read my answer in my latest interview by Kim Grundy, DPT for LiveStrong.com.
Read MoreFor all my east coast (and Texas!) peeps! Need to strengthen that core so you can work that snow shovel safely? Check out my tips (including videos) in this MEL Magazine interview!
Read MoreEver wondered how long you should hold a plank? Check out my interview in LiveStrong to find out!
Read MoreMy pal Ian at MEL Magazine came to me with a common problem. As he puts it, "My dog’s interpretation of a 'walk' is more like an opportunity to amputate my arm, and I can’t say he hasn’t come close to succeeding." Yep, his dog is stronger than him (and probably a young Arnold Schwarzenegger, too). If you can relate, give his latest post a read with expert advice on how to walk a dog that’s stronger than you, including my #1 strength training move to help you get the upper hand (which I call the “Auggie row” named after my favorite pup.
Read MoreOnce a month I gather the best fitness and nutrition news, tips and videos from my blog into one handy email. I never share email addresses with third parties and you can unsubscribe at any time. Check out past issues.
