You’ve probably felt this; I know I have. You're using your foam roller, maybe on your glutes or quads, and: OUCH! You hit a really tender area that takes your breath away. I call these “hot spots.” But what exactly are they and why do we experience them? Think of...
It’s a common phenomenon you might even notice in yourself: you’re tackling a new complicated move in BodySculpt, or holding a tricky balance pose, and your face becomes a study in concentration. Maybe you furrow your brow, or bite your lip, or even stick out your...
It’s easy to think that if a muscle feels tight, the solution is to stretch until it lets go. For a lot of people, a quick stretch is the "go-to" move for any kind of stiffness. But there’s a fundamental difference between passive flexibility and true Mobility. ...
A lot of people think a strong core means having a visible six-pack, or doing hundreds of sit-ups. But having a strong core is less about looking good in a swimsuit and more about building a sturdy, functional cylinder of muscle that wraps around our middle. This...
Let’s have a heart-to-heart about where we get our health information these days. As a certified fitness professional, it’s a topic close to my heart. Before social media, if you wanted fitness advice you sought out a trainer like me at the local gym, or spoke with a...
Are you a morning lark - up with the sun and most alert before lunch? Or are you a night owl - finding more energy as the shadows lengthen? This preference is known as your "chronotype," and it’s basically written into your DNA. So what’s the "best" time to exercise?...
Does this sound familiar? There’s a word on the tip of your tongue that you just can’t remember. Or maybe you experience moments of reduced mental clarity more frequently these days. These slips are often attributed to getting older. But we actually have more control...
Supplements like protein powder and creatine are often marketed as “must-haves” for active people. But what actually are they, and should you consider taking them? Let’s pull back the curtain on three popular supplements, and separate marketing mumbo-jumbo from the...
Whether it’s a glass of wine with dinner, a cold beer after a long hike, or the occasional nightcap before bed, many people - Charles and me included - enjoy a drink to unwind and socialize. But for those of us focused on health and fitness, it’s worth knowing about...
