I remember my first prenatal appointment vividly. My doctor came in and introduced himself, shaking my hand warmly and congratulating my husband and me with enthusiasm. Then he sat down, folded his hands ... Continue Reading
The 7 Dumbest Things Athletes Can Get Away With – That You Can’t!
Remember after the 2008 summer Olympics when everyone was talking about Michael Phelps diet? How he ate 10,000+ calories a day and yet was leaner than an organic Buffalo steak. It was a reminder that just ... Continue Reading
3 Weeks To Ski: Week 3 – Headed for the Slopes!
It's the start of week three of training and our trainee, "Dave," feels great. He’s noticing the work he put in during week one and week two has done a lot, not only for his conditioning, but for his mood ... Continue Reading
Stoked Mentoring: How Skateboarding Can Change the World
When I was growing up activities like skateboarding were things the “bad” kids did. It wasn’t even called a sport back then. This was also the experience of Stoked Mentoring founder, Steve Larosiliere. ... Continue Reading
Are Female Athletes at Higher Risk of Injury at Menstruation ?
Have you ever noticed problems with balance, lower energy levels, or fatigue during your monthly cycle? There are many different philosophies regarding menstruation and physical exercise. Many yoga ... Continue Reading
How to Be a Good Training Partner, Part 2: What to Wear to Grapple
In an earlier piece, I gave some suggestions about how to be a good training partner in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Those suggestions focused on how to ACT. In this piece, I’d like to focus on suggestions for how ... Continue Reading
Getting Started with Kettlebells: How to Buy, Learn & Train
Now that kettlebell training has become popular with fitness professionals, the mainstream population is finally catching on. Seven years ago, when I picked up my first kettlebell, it was rare to find ... Continue Reading
Channel That Energy! Top 3 Benefits of Yoga for Toddlers
It all started one Thursday during the hottest month of the summer. I spent the first part of my morning debating with my toddler over what she wanted for breakfast. “Cereal?” “No.” “Scrambled ... Continue Reading
Can the Nintendo WiiFit Rehab Your Injuries? Science Says Yes!
It is inevitable over the life of an athlete that injuries will be incurred. From injuries imbalances can develop, as we favor a weak leg while building our strength back up. These imbalances are known in ... Continue Reading
You ARE a Runner: 5 Tips for Getting Started
Many people are aware I have an active interest in fitness and maintain a relatively healthy lifestyle; however, few people realize I am a runner. Maybe it’s my Kardashian frame or maybe it’s my ... Continue Reading
Sports Psychology Warning: Do NOT “Psych Up” ‘Til You Read This
You see it all the time. The big guy with the hairy back starts screaming and yelling, grunting and screeching...and he hasn't even grabbed the bar yet! He stomps around the room banging his chest ... Continue Reading
3 Weeks to Ski: Week 2 – Almost Ready for the Slopes!
Last week we started our client "Dave" on a week one of a three week protocol to get fit for the slopes. Dave’s back in for more training this week, which is always a good sign. He mentioned he did get ... Continue Reading
Featured Coach: Roger Harrell, Part 2 – Gymnastics for Kids
In last week’s interview with coach Roger Harrell we talked in depth about teaching gymnastics to adults. There are unique challenges to instructing adults and Roger gave some excellent tips on how to find ... Continue Reading
Sun Salutations Effective in Improving Strength, Endurance, and Body Composition
Sun salutations are a vital part of a physical yoga practice. Often yoga practitioners perform between 10-20 salutations in a class session. Sun salutations can be performed in a variety of different ... Continue Reading
Natural Calm Giveaway Contest – Winner Announced!
Congratulations to the winner of our Natural Calm Giveaway Contest - Morgan Wilson! Morgan will be recieving Natural Calm magnesium supplement, made by Natural Vitality Sports. You ... Continue Reading
To Gi or Not To Gi: Differences Between Gi & No-Gi Grappling
Ever heard a grappler talk about going to “gi” or “no-gi” class? What does that mean? How do they compare? Do they differ in ways that make a difference? There are three main ways that gi and no-gi ... Continue Reading
Dynamic Stretching – Does It Help or Harm Before Sprinting?
As a coach or an athlete, you know stretching has been a long and hotly debated topic. Should you do it before or after a workout? How often and how long? And should it be dynamic stretching or static ... Continue Reading
NFL Combine: Are They Testing the Right Things?
In only a matter of weeks the 2012 National Football League (NFL) Scouting Combine will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana. Each year a few hundred top prospects from the NCAA are invited to the combine ... Continue Reading
I Am Batman! How To Get 10% Stronger In 10 Minutes By Playing Dress-Up
If I could only teach one lesson to an aspiring weightlifter it would be that weightlifting isn't about your body, it's about your mind. Yes, your body does the lifting, and you have to build strength, ... Continue Reading
Find a Way or Find an Excuse: A Fitness How-To for the Busy Mom
In a time when many are plagued by obesity and related disorders, it is no secret that we all should be getting exercise. For some, exercise means a regimented gym schedule, for others a daily jog or ... Continue Reading
3 Weeks to Ski: Week 1 – From Couch Potato to the Slopes in 3 Weeks
At my gym we get a call like this about this time every year: "Hey, my buddies and I have our first ski trip of the year in three weeks and I want to be in the best shape possible for it, what can I ... Continue Reading
Featured Coach: Roger Harrell, Part 1 – Gymnastics for Adults
When is the last time you tried to do a cartwheel or a handstand? Probably a few decades ago. If you’ve tried recently it might not have gone so well. Gymnastics is one of the most challenging disciplines ... Continue Reading
10 Survival Tips for Visiting a New Grappling Academy
One of the many cool things about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling is if you travel to a different city for work or pleasure, chances are you’ll be able to find an academy to visit during your ... Continue Reading
Athletes Healthier and More Optimistic
Having an optimistic attitude can be essential for an athlete in competition and training. An athlete with optimism will train hard and push through the rough spots, and refuse to give up despite obstacles ... Continue Reading