Train for Life

Month: March 2014

  • Veggie Flax Muffin

    It is Monday morning and you just drank the last sip of coffee in your mug. Now, your tummy is growling… What do you do? Pick up your mug and make a Veggie Flax Muffin! The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for the vegetable group is 3 – 5 servings.  To meet this need, consume 1 – 2 […]

  • Injury Prevention

    Today I am featuring a guest blog from Nick Outlaw CPT, CSCS, CES.  For more information about Nick, visit www.OutlawFit.com. Maximize Progress and Minimize Your Risk of Injury  The 3 Main Causes of Injury Overuse– generally happens over time (Chronic). Mechanics– poor technique, form, and/or execution of any movement (Acute). Structure– disorders of the growing skeleton resulting in […]

  • First Weekend of Spring – Be Happy!

    It is the first weekend of Spring.  Begin this new, blossoming season with happy thoughts. How do I Prioritize Happiness in my life? Here’s how! Practice Mindfulness Live your life with more depth, contemplation, and sincere contentment.  Focus on yourself and do not compare yourself to others. Think Happy Thoughts create feelings.  Feelings create behavior.  Positive behavior and […]

  • Thirsty Thursday Healthy Cocktail

    Anti-Inflammatory Green Smoothie Many of our aches, pains, discomforts, and otherwise “icky” feelings are caused by inflammation.  Inflammation can affect nearly every aspect of our bodies, including weight gain, skin abnormalities, headaches, and depression. Fortunately, there are specific foods and spices you can consume to help alleviate inflammatory symptoms. Mix the ingredients listed below in your […]

  • Resistance Training Exercises: Beginner-Intermediate Level

    I recently completed a Continuing Education Course (CEC) for my Spin Instructor Certification.  You might expect this course to be about cardiovascular fitness, however this course focused on resistance training.   The course examined how to apply resistance training to the Spinning program.  This type of training is a critical component to an exercise program in order to […]

  • Sit Up Straight!

    Monday… Tuesday… Wednesday… as the week passes and we spend long hours sitting at a desk in front of a computer, our posture suffers and muscles  tighten – Don’t let it! Good posture and flexibility are  critical to maintain a healthy body, physically and mentally. Each hour allow yourself at least 5 minutes to look away from the computer screen, stand up, […]

  • Chia Tapioca Pudding

    Is your sweet tooth itching for something sweet? Do you crave a sweet, healthy treat? Chia Tapioca Pudding is quick, easy, and healthy fix! Chia seeds are fiber-rich, containing both soluble and insoluble fiber. Translation:  Chia seeds will clean-out your gastrointestinal (GI) tract! But, beware, excess consumption of these little seeds might have a laxative effect! Ingredients 6 tablespoons:  Chia Seeds 3 cups: […]

  • Core Exercises: Part 2

    Global Stabilization System Muscles attach from the pelvis to the spine. Main responsibility:  Transfer weight between the upper body and lower body Additional responsibilities:  Stability between the pelvis and spine, increasing stabilization of the core during functional movements Muscles, include: Quadratus Lumborum, Psoas Major, External Oblique, portions of Internal Oblique, Rectus Abdominis, Gluteus Medius, Adductor […]

  • Core Exercises: Part 1

    Local Stabilization System Muscles that attach directly to your vertebrae (spine). Main responsibility:  Intervertebral stability and intersegmental stability…. Stabilize the spine! Additional responsibilities:  Proprioception and postural control Muscles, include: Transverse Abdominis, Internal Obliques, Lumbar Multifidus, Diaphragm, Pelvic Floor How do you engage these muscles? Place two (2) fingers on your  front hip bone (ASIS, Anterior Superior Iliac […]

  • Build Your Foundation – Target Your Core!

    “Ab” exercises are out, Core exercises are in Strengthening your core musculature will help you reach your goal of a flatter, toned midsection and reduce low back pain. What is the “core”? Structures that form the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex (LPHC), which include:  lumbar spine, pelvic girdle, abdomen, and hip joint. What muscles make up the “core”? Local Stabilization System:  Muscles attach […]