WHAT IS EXERCISE?
Physical Activity is not exercise, but exercise is physical activity. It is a narrower scope focused on a more regimented and planned routine of physical activity. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to read my previous blog on physical activity and what defines it. I consider exercise to be a step up from being physically active when it comes to working towards more concrete or specific goals.
PEACH SALAD WITH TOMATOES, FETA & BASIL VINAIGRETTE
A quick summer recipe which would make a good side with chicken on the grill. (Though we ate this for dinner alone last night). This one is from the Cooking Channel!
WHAT IS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY?
Being active does not have to be exercise. It does not have to look like a strict routine and does not require lifting “scary weights.” To be physically active, all you have to do is move. Any type of movement beyond rolling over in bed is adequate. Getting out of bed to start your day is being active. Bending over to tie your shoe? Also considered a form of being active.
SKILLET CHICKEN THIGHS WITH TOMATOES
Made this one last week with a "Good" review from Art. A quick weeknight recipe from the NYT
RUNNING YOUR FIRST 5K: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE
Running a 5K is a great goal for new runners or those simply looking to add a fun cardio-based goal to their fitness routine. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your first 5K safely while having some fun along the way.
CHEESY VEGETABLE STUFFED PORK CHOPS
From my mom's old Betty Crocker Cookbook. I've made this one for years.
BUILDING FLEXIBILITY IS LIKE BUILDING MUSCLE
One of the more common reasons people go to a gym or start exercising is to build flexibility or Range of Motion (ROM). This is the total range of rotation that a joint like your hip or shoulder can move through both passively and actively. When this range is limited it can cause pain, discomfort, and even restrict actions you do in your everyday life. The reason why exercise can help this is because many exercises move a joint through a large ROM causing you to build strength and stability in previously untrained positions for that joint. Although, strength training isn’t the only way to build this ROM. You can use similar concepts that build muscle and use them to increase your ROM.
WATERMELON & FETA SALAD
This recipe is more of a summer side dish. I've made it multiple times because it's good, quick, and tasty, from NYT Cooking.
WHAT IS CREATINE? IS IT HELPFUL OR NOT?
When it comes to fueling your body for exercise there are many things to consider in terms of proper nutrition. Macronutrients like protein, carbs, and fats are the biggest part followed by micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. Something you may hear about from many people who regularly exercise is supplementing certain substances like nitric oxide, leucine, L-carnitine, etc. While some of these have anecdotal evidence or have been used in observational studies, they are not as extensively studied, and many supplements are not FDA-regulated.
TUNA STEAKS
This one is super-fast - all you’re really prepping is a quick marinade. We got tuna steaks from Wholey's and have eaten this twice already this summer!
PFP METHOD & THE BENEFITS OF GROUP TRAINING
Exercise for some can be a solitary pursuit. Some people are very self-motivated and can easily stick to a training program that aligns with their goals and keeps them on a regular schedule. While this is great for some individuals, others need other avenues to training and fitness overall. One option that has been very successful for decades now is group training classes. Group training offers many benefits to both a group and an individual. At PFP, our group class, The PFP Method, provides our members with all the tools they need to get stronger, healthier, and build a sense of community in our space.
COUSCOUS RISOTTO WITH TOMATOES & MOZZARELLA
A quick evening recipe from New York Times cooking. Watch how much salt you add! I put in too much to start. Add more at the end, if needed.
REASSESSING YOUR ANNUAL GOALS
It’s coming up on the middle of the year, and you have either already accomplished your yearly goals, or you are still working towards them. Both of these circumstances are perfectly normal, but the question is, how do you plan your next move? Exercise and training goals vary in difficulty, time, and measurement.
WARM AUSTRIAN POTATO SALAD
This recipe is not your traditional potato salad for the summer but has the advantage of not being mayo-based, so it can last longer without refrigeration.
RUNNING IN THE HEAT
This week is hot! What steps can you take to protect yourself when running in the heat? Try these quick tips!
LASAGNA SOUP
This is another New York Times recipe. A quick way to have a lasagna alternative that tastes delicious. There are a lot of ingredients, but it's easy to make!
WHAT IS WEIGHTLIFTING?
You, or someone you know, have either gone to a gym or still go to a gym to work out a few times a week. They might do some cardio on the treadmill and in addition they might “lift weights” to build strength, but this is not what the rest of the world knows as “Weightlifting”. Lifting weights is what most people do at a gym when they have some sets of bicep curls and lunges. Weightlifting is an international sport done by people worldwide, and it is featured at the Summer Olympic Games.
RICOTTA MEATBALLS
We’re on a bit of a ricotta kick lately. And these meatballs are moist and tasty! You can bake them and freeze for later use or cook them in a large pan with your favorite marinara sauce!
OPEN WATER SWIMMING AROUND PITTSBURGH
With the weather getting warmer people are looking for ways to get out and enjoy nature, especially swimmers. Those who enjoy swimming workouts, whether it is for exercise or competition, have the opportunity to get out in the sun and train outdoors during the summer. In this article you will learn some safety considerations for training in open water, as well as some places you can do it yourself this summer!
LEMON RICOTTA PANCAKES
This recipe is an old one from the New York Times. I can't find the original but was able to recreate it a few weeks ago from memory. These are sweet and don't need a lot of syrup. We usually eat with some jam. They taste great the next day, even cold.