FIVE REASONS TO STRENGTH TRAIN THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH HOW YOU LOOK
Did you know that after age 30, inactive adults lose 3% to 8% muscle mass per decade? Inactivity decreases our metabolism and increases fat accumulation. Over time, sedentary adults are more prone to developing diseases and injuries. The solution? Train with weights.
EXPECTATION MANAGEMENT IN WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting is a sport that requires dedication, discipline, and determination. One of the most important processes that can make or break an athlete’s journey and enjoyment in the sport is the management of expectations.
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
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
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
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.
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.
MEET THE TRAINER: KENDRA MCBROOM
Kendra McBroom graduated from Salisbury University with a degree in exercise science and is a certified personal trainer through ACSM. Her personal and professional interests often intersect and have allowed her to be introduced to a broad set of experiences. She played lacrosse in college, which introduced her to a weight room where she immediately fell in love. Her degree allows her to enjoy studying what she was doing in the weight room and, in turn, seeing and feeling the impacts and benefits it had on her performance on the field.
MEET THE TRAINER: NIKHOLAS PARKER
Nikholas received his BS in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison). He found his way into personal training through his lifelong passion for athletics. After growing up in southern Connecticut, Nikholas had multiple athletic offers across collegiate divisions for basketball but ultimately accepted UW-Madison’s track and field program offer.
MEET THE TRAINER: AMANDA HOFFMAN
Amanda Hoffman is a certified personal trainer who recently relocated from Cleveland, Ohio to Pittsburgh. She is super excited to join the PFP team and community. Amanda has specialty certifications in Russian Kettlebell training, Yoga, TRX, and small group training.
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
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.
SUNS OUT, FUNS OUT: SUMMERTIME FITNESS
Summer is a great time to get outside and be active. It’s an easy time to get the benefits of the sun, get a little sweaty, and have fun with friends. Check out these tips from our Pittsburgh Fitness Project trainers to add a little more movement into your summer!
DO THESE NUTRITIONAL INGREDIENTS HOLD ANY MERIT?
In our quest for a healthier lifestyle, we often come across a multitude of nutritional ingredients that promise to transform our well-being. From matcha and turmeric to activated charcoal and probiotic foods, these trendy ingredients have garnered attention for their potential benefits. But before we jump on the bandwagon, it's crucial to examine their merits and understand if they truly live up to the hype.
UNDERSTANDING RESISTANCE TRAINING SKILL LITERACY
While physical literacy covers a diverse spread of skill sets in a variety of environments, it is worth asking, “Is there a specific benefit to having youth in gyms and weight rooms?”. The short answer is, yes. The reason is that performing resistance training movements can grow one’s understanding of how to use their muscles and move their body. This skill is called resistance training skill literacy (RTSL).
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.
PITTSBURGH PRIDE MONTH
This year numerous events will be happening around the city for Pittsburgh Pride. The Pittsburgh Fitness Project will be hosting several events during Lawrenceville Pride on Saturday, June 17th.
GOAL SETTING AT PFP
This month at PFP, we introduced a more formalized goal-setting process and instituted weekly check-ins. We have done this to help better frame out workouts, add an additional layer of accountability, and help our coaches communicate better with all of the members at Pittsburgh Fitness Project.
TURNING ACCESSORIES INTO SUCCESSORIES
Accessory work is additional exercises or modalities that are added to your program to help you build strength, improve position, improve technical abilities, or even reduce pain caused by inefficiencies. Whatever accessory work you decide to do it should have a clear purpose for being your program, especially if you have limited time to train.
5 TIPS FOR WORKING OUT AS YOU AGE
You’re tired after a long day. You’re achy. You probably don’t feel like doing a workout. But working out gets even more important as you age. Over the long haul, working out protects our joints and gives us energy. What can we do to maintain our health and well-being as we get older? Let’s look at these 5 tips for working out as you age. But you can apply them to yourself no matter how old you are.