![PULSE – PART OF YOUR HEART JOURNEY](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e594922b2d1f5351cf1e9d/2b49c051-1a5e-4628-9749-ebceb1520d30/PFP+blog+images+-+2024-02-16T071135.611.png)
PULSE – PART OF YOUR HEART JOURNEY
So, what exactly is your pulse, and why do we pay attention to it? Your pulse is a physical measure of your heart rate. Or how many times your heart beats in a minute. Why does it matter? Your heart rate can be a measure of your general cardiovascular health. If your heart is strong, it can pump out blood more efficiently. And your heart rate will often be slower at rest.
![WHY HEART HEALTH?](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e594922b2d1f5351cf1e9d/aed57c23-16a8-4c4b-8c19-42c50d2d1c66/PFP+blog+images+-+2024-02-09T071225.226.png)
WHY HEART HEALTH?
February is the month for Valentine’s Day and matters of the heart. What’s a better time to talk about heart health?!
![STEPS TOWARD MAKING BEHAVIOR CHANGES](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e594922b2d1f5351cf1e9d/f7aa6c21-4cfc-437e-96d9-658f9d8381b5/PFP+blog+images+-+2024-02-02T221719.608.png)
STEPS TOWARD MAKING BEHAVIOR CHANGES
Starting something new can be hard when you don’t know where to start. That’s ok because you are here! Reading the title and following the link means you have an invested interest in understanding how to navigate behavior change. The great news is, as you are reading this, you are already past the first step in making lifestyle modifications to reach your goals. The Transtheoretical model stages of change is a theory that assesses an individual's readiness for change through five outlined steps.
![DO’S & DON’TS OF NUTRITION](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e594922b2d1f5351cf1e9d/8656781e-1400-4369-aa32-243b7a89fe24/PFP+blog+images+-+2024-01-19T081549.394.png)
DO’S & DON’TS OF NUTRITION
Many of us have goals, especially during this time of year, that relate to improving our nutrition, weight loss, fat loss, or even weight/muscle gain. Nutrition goals are admirable because they mean you want to positively alter your health and lifespan. At the same time, these goals can lead to self-sabotage. From yo-yo dieting to restricting foods or skipping meals to over-exercising in the gym, my goal as a nutrition coach is to help people develop positive and sustainable nutrition habits.
![CELEBRATE YOUR GOAL LIKE A SOCCER PLAYER WOULD!](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e594922b2d1f5351cf1e9d/f7e7930a-3b32-4943-aa7c-5dacd4f86ad4/PFP+blog+images+-+2023-12-29T075306.446.png)
CELEBRATE YOUR GOAL LIKE A SOCCER PLAYER WOULD!
A goal is something that you should treat no differently than a soccer player treats their goals. When the goal is made or accomplished, you should celebrate with pure passion: run around like a little kid, do your favorite dance, and thank everyone who doubted you. Before you celebrate, though, you must make sure you decide upon a goal that will make you want to run around and scream at the top of your lungs.
![TIME TO GET GROUNDED](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e594922b2d1f5351cf1e9d/698c5c3b-2906-4b53-8622-29f0b1902f3b/PFP+blog+images+-+2023-12-22T085125.420.png)
TIME TO GET GROUNDED
So, what is grounding? Simply put, grounding is the practice of putting your skin in contact with the Earth. Going barefoot would be the easiest way to make that happen. But why do people think going barefoot has any health benefits?
![HOLIDAY HEALTH AND WELLNESS TIPS](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e594922b2d1f5351cf1e9d/7ab6c424-68a2-40c4-ad40-e984aec11ca3/PFP+blog+images+-+2023-12-12T182037.754.png)
HOLIDAY HEALTH AND WELLNESS TIPS
The holiday season is in full swing! That means lots of parties, people, and great food to eat. How do we maintain balance to keep healthy and lower our stress during this busy season?
![OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTING IS FOR EVERYONE: Why You Should Give it a Try](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e594922b2d1f5351cf1e9d/48a336d0-b2c8-4437-98d6-38dbb9182045/PFP+blog+images+-+2023-12-07T152759.619.png)
OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTING IS FOR EVERYONE: Why You Should Give it a Try
There is a common misconception that Olympic-style weightlifting is reserved for more advanced athletes. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Weightlifting is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and levels of abilities.
![TIPS FOR FEELING HAPPIER THIS WINTER](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e594922b2d1f5351cf1e9d/1701451117651-6ULS2SCVS9D2CY639F8O/PFP+blog+images+-+2023-12-01T121827.943.png)
TIPS FOR FEELING HAPPIER THIS WINTER
As the winter months roll in and the daylight becomes shorter, we are all searching for the best ways to feel happy and content in a season known for more darkness. Winter brings both challenges and opportunities, and this blog will guide you to embrace a winter of well-being and understand the keys to finding joy during these colder months using positive psychology research findings.
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EATING LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT
The best way to make the most of your time in the gym is by building healthy habits outside of the gym. A daily or weekly plan is one of the best habits you can establish to look and feel your best. Plan your workouts, what you will cook, and what you will eat. When you dedicate some time to plan out your week or the next few days, building those healthy habits comes seamlessly.
![HOW DOES VOTING IMPACT MY HEALTH?](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e594922b2d1f5351cf1e9d/18f6ff74-6553-476f-b7bc-4715129d7ab0/PFP+blog+images+-+2023-11-17T073821.428.png)
HOW DOES VOTING IMPACT MY HEALTH?
It’s not new knowledge that the government is responsible for procedures regarding both population and individual health laws and policies. Not only does your vote matter, but it can greatly impact how issues revolving around your health are dealt with depending on which candidates are elected and what priorities they hold within their agendas.
![HEALTH BENEFITS OF MEDITATION](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e594922b2d1f5351cf1e9d/4546147d-7899-4a00-ac7d-050df68a5663/PFP+blog+images+-+2023-11-10T085027.357.png)
HEALTH BENEFITS OF MEDITATION
As fitness professionals, we talk a lot about aspects of physical health and fitness, but mental and emotional health are also important for our wellbeing. In fact, regular mindfulness practice has been linked to improved physical health as well as mental. In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and clarity can be challenging. Enter meditation and mindfulness, powerful practices that have numerous mental, emotional, and physical benefits.
![YOUR HEALTH ROUTINE CHECK-IN](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e594922b2d1f5351cf1e9d/1694780504365-3QI8A0TDRLCQEY3JF7LP/PFP+blog+images+%28100%29.png)
YOUR HEALTH ROUTINE CHECK-IN
If you are like the rest of us, you probably have a schedule teeming to the brim with work, friends, personal time, exercise, family, and tons of other hobbies. On top of your full schedule, you most likely have self-directed goals (exercise, eat healthy, read, etc.). With a full schedule and expectations of achieving your goals, you may also find yourself using routines to stay on top of things throughout the week. For example, you may be someone who works 9-5 Monday to Friday and is too busy after work to go to the store and fully prepare dinner. In addition, let's say you have a goal of eating cleaner and minimizing processed foods. Going to the store on Sunday and getting food to prepare for the week is a routine directed at eating cleaner amongst a busy schedule.
![THE BEST WAYS TO PREVENT GETTING SICK DURING COLD & FLU SEASON](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e594922b2d1f5351cf1e9d/74deff7d-b20b-4831-b5a7-37b8226c939a/PFP+blog+images+%2898%29.png)
THE BEST WAYS TO PREVENT GETTING SICK DURING COLD & FLU SEASON
It's that time of year again…school’s officially in session! And that means cold and flu season is officially underway. At my pediatric practice, we set our watches to the ‘respiratory season” once school is in full swing. So how can you prevent getting sick during “sick season”? Here are a few simple tips to feel your best this fall and winter and (bonus!) protect those around you.
![THE IMPORTANCE OF MOBILITY](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e594922b2d1f5351cf1e9d/b843fcdf-6de0-41ae-8960-9fc33eb79f11/PFP+blog+images+%2897%29.png)
THE IMPORTANCE OF MOBILITY
Do you know the difference between mobility and flexibility? Flexibility refers to the passive range of motion of the joints. For example, doing yoga and static stretching. Mobility refers to the active range of motion of the joints. Think, flexibility + strength = mobility. This means that you are not just sitting in a stretch but staying in control of your body. Mobility exercises are very intentional, and they are intended to help you push your joints through or past their full range of motion.
![PFP & COMMUNITY](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e594922b2d1f5351cf1e9d/d55cde39-3b45-4cce-b311-f8ca47193f74/PFP+blog+images+%2896%29.png)
PFP & COMMUNITY
When you walk through our doors, you're not just another face amidst the crowd; you're an essential thread in the vibrant tapestry we're weaving. Each person who joins Pittsburgh Fitness Project contributes to the dynamic whole that is our community—a gathering of individuals striving for personal betterment while uplifting those around them.
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HOW WELL DOES THE BMI MEASURE YOUR HEALTH?
I see lots of athletes in my office with an elevated BMI. Does that mean they are unhealthy? Of course not! So what does the BMI or body mass index really mean? And how well does the BMI measure your health? In this blog, let’s look at how the BMI might be used and some of the disadvantages of looking at this measure alone to assess your health.
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SAFETY TIPS FOR SUMMER WORKOUTS
It’s hot outside! Summer months bring humidity as well as heat. Unfortunately, we are likely to see more heat and humidity in the future. So how can you exercise outdoors in these conditions? Let’s look at some safety tips for summer workouts.
![UNDERSTANDING SLEEP NEEDS: A LIFELONG JOURNEY](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e594922b2d1f5351cf1e9d/f7a2cec0-f25a-41a3-9de9-41cdb0b9bcac/358544097_667460172062832_3905746848576549243_n.jpeg)
UNDERSTANDING SLEEP NEEDS: A LIFELONG JOURNEY
Sleep plays a vital role in our overall well-being, and as we progress through different stages of life, our sleep needs and patterns undergo significant changes. In this blog, we will explore the various stages of life and how sleep is affected during each phase. Additionally, we will discuss common sleep issues that individuals may encounter and provide practical strategies to address them.
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DOES THE TIMING OF MY MEALS MATTER?
The frequency and timing of nutritional intake is a topic that is debated and questioned, and we’re here to clear a bit of that up for you.