I frequently encounter women who are resistant to strength training (i.e. weight lifting or resistance training) because of their fear of bulking up.  Learn why this is not a valid fear.
 Here are the facts. 
1.  Strength training will increase muscle, however, not to the extreme degree (unless, of course, you are planning on dedicating several hours […]

Popularity: 21% [?]

 
                     
Looking for a stress-busting workout that delivers fat burning and muscle-building results?
 
Look no further than high intensity interval training.
 
Won’t any exercise reduce stress?  Yes.  However, if you are looking for the most effective method, kick up the intensity.
 
 Consider the body’s natural stress response: 
When you encounter a challenge, a mix of hormones like adrenaline and […]

Popularity: 10% [?]

To maximize the effectiveness of your cardiovascular workouts, you must monitor and vary:
·        exercise intensity
·        exercise choice
 
The most effective method of monitoring cardiovascular intensity is by your heart rate.   However, to accurately determine at what heart rate you should be exercising requires laboratory testing or testing conducted by a Heart Zones Training® professional. 
 
In […]

Popularity: 10% [?]

Unfortunately, our visual society has misled us to believe that a person’s health can be determined by a quick glance.  Intellectually, you know that’s not true.  But, does your life reflect the belief that if I’m looking good on the outside, things must be running smoothly on the inside?
 
Consider what you can do to be […]

Popularity: 5% [?]

 
As a personal trainer who emphasizes real life ways to healthy living, I am always on the hunt for new tips and tricks. 
Here’s the latest: Larabars
 
 I have many clients who need convenient nutrition and until recently, I have been at a loss for recommending a convenient, natural, nutritious option.  Most bars (protein, granola, snack, etc.) […]

Popularity: 7% [?]

Researchers have observed that video games can be as active as playing soccer.
 
 Research from the Auckland University in New Zealand measured the oxygen consumption (which is a measure of the intensity of an activity) of 20 kids playing PlayStation. Ten kids used their PlayStations upgraded with the eye toy function.  This is a little camera that […]

Popularity: 8% [?]

I was talking today with a client about a 41-year-old father of four, who suddenly died of a heart attack.  These tragedies always provide an opportunity to reflect on life.  This was especially true for my client, whose husband has a family history of heart attack (his father passed away in his early 40’s from […]

Popularity: 22% [?]

Eating frequently (every 3-4 hours) has many benefits, including preventing the agonizing effects of insane hunger.
 
Eating every 3-4 hours:
 
·        keeps metabolism up.  Every time you eat, your metabolism revs up.  Going longer than 4 hours without eating will result in your metabolism slowing to protect itself from expending too much energy to carry out normal […]

Popularity: 10% [?]

Hello World!
 
Welcome to the RealLifeFitness blog.  If you are like I was about a month ago, you may be asking yourself, “What is a ‘blog’?”
 
A “blog” is short for web log.  Put the two words together and you get “blog”, defined simply as an online journal.
 
The RealLifeFitness blog is a place dedicated to real fitness.  […]

Popularity: 5% [?]