If you’re tired of crunches, sit-ups, or holding planks until your arms shake, it might be time to try something different. Pilates offers a fresh, low-impact approach to building core strength—and it all starts with one easy-to-learn move: the tabletop. While it may not look intense, the tabletop is a powerful foundational exercise that activates…
You don’t need to empty your wallet for boutique fitness classes or high-end gym memberships to work your core effectively. One of the best tools you can add to your home workouts is an inexpensive, versatile Pilates ball. Pilates instructors love this small, squishy ball for a reason—it delivers a serious core challenge while helping…
Starting your fitness journey can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to begin. As a personal trainer, I often meet clients who want to strengthen their legs but are unsure which moves are safe, effective, and suitable for their current fitness level. The good news? You don’t need a gym membership or fancy…
When you’re juggling work, family, and everything else life throws at you, the last thing you want is to wash a pile of pots and pans. That’s why one-pot meals are a true lifesaver. Not only do they cut down on cleanup, but they also make sure the flavors meld beautifully, without losing nutrients down…
If you’re anything like me, you probably grew up thinking running faster is the surest way to get fit. Sprint intervals, pushing your pace, collapsing in a sweaty heap—that was the gold standard of “good” cardio. So when I first read about the idea that slowing down your runs could improve your cardiovascular fitness, I…
If you think Pilates is just gentle stretching on a mat, think again. While it’s famous for building core strength and flexibility, many people overlook its serious muscle-building potential. According to experienced Pilates instructors, there’s one simple but powerful change you can make to your workouts to pack on muscle more effectively: slow down your…
Many people worry that aging automatically means becoming frail, unsteady, or dependent on others. But according to certified fitness coach Marianne Brooks, that doesn’t have to be your story. Marianne, who has worked with older adults for over two decades, says the biggest myth about aging is that you should “slow down.” In her experience,…
Mental health is never linear. Some days, I feel like I have everything under control, while on others, it’s all I can do to get out of bed. I’ve lived with anxiety and periods of depression for many years. Therapy, medication, and self-care all help, but sometimes, without warning, the old patterns return. A couple…
If you asked me a month ago what I did for my back pain, I would have shrugged and said, “Complain about it.” I’ve had a stubbornly stiff back for years—long hours at a desk and little stretching will do that to you. I’d tried the occasional yoga class, but nothing stuck. Then a friend…
Struggling to figure out how to balance cardio and strength training in your week? You’re not alone. Many people either overdo cardio, neglect strength training, or vice versa—leading to plateaus, frustration, or even injury. An alternating schedule can be the answer. So, what is an alternating cardio and strength workout schedule? Simply put, you divide…