Exercise is only a small piece of the puzzle in the bigger picture. If you aren’t consistently hammering away at the other foundational elements along with exercise you’re leaving a lot of potential result on the table. ⠀ I’m not saying that exercise alone is pointless. There are numerous physical and mental health benefits that have been proven to come with working out. Though you do have to ask yourself would the person who only sleeps 4 hours a night, but works out 7 days a week, be in a healthier position if they cut some of those days back in order to increase the amount of hours they were sleeping as just one example... This post is more so for the people that decide to start working out 2-5 times a week, without changing anything else about their lifestyle, and expecting to drop 30+lbs in a couple of months. It ain’t happening. One of the most important things a trainer can do is manage a clients expectations. You have to understand what you’ll get and what you won’t from diet or exercise alone. ⠀ Identify what may need some change for the better in your life and start by changing it one small step at a time. -Go to bed 30 minutes earlier for 1 week. -Meditate for 5 minutes. -Put your phone away 30 minutes before bed. -Use hand portions to make sure you’re getting enough protein every day. -Add a glass of water before and after meals to make sure you’re staying optimally hydrated ⠀ Start small. Stay consistent. Improve over time. ⠀ ⠀ #exercise #healthandwellness #precisionnutrition #fitnessandlifestyle #biggerpicture #diet #nutrition #dietandexercise #bodybuilding #gymfacts #healhybodyhealthymind #healthymindhealthybody #flex #eatbetter #sleepbetter #betterresults #personaltraining

Exercise is only a small piece of the puzzle in the bigger picture. If you aren’t consistently hammering away at the other foundational elements along with exercise you’re leaving a lot of potential result on the table. ⠀ I’m not saying that exercise alone is pointless. There are numerous physical and mental health benefits that have been proven to come with working out. Though you do have to ask yourself would the person who only sleeps 4 hours a night, but works out 7 days a week, be in a healthier position if they cut some of those days back in order to increase the amount of hours they were sleeping as just one example... This post is more so for the people that decide to start working out 2-5 times a week, without changing anything else about their lifestyle, and expecting to drop 30+lbs in a couple of months. It ain’t happening. One of the most important things a trainer can do is manage a clients expectations. You have to understand what you’ll get and what you won’t from diet or exercise alone. ⠀ Identify what may need some change for the better in your life and start by changing it one small step at a time. -Go to bed 30 minutes earlier for 1 week. -Meditate for 5 minutes. -Put your phone away 30 minutes before bed. -Use hand portions to make sure you’re getting enough protein every day. -Add a glass of water before and after meals to make sure you’re staying optimally hydrated ⠀ Start small. Stay consistent. Improve over time. ⠀ ⠀ #exercise #healthandwellness #precisionnutrition #fitnessandlifestyle #biggerpicture #diet #nutrition #dietandexercise #bodybuilding #gymfacts #healhybodyhealthymind #healthymindhealthybody #flex #eatbetter #sleepbetter #betterresults #personaltraining
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If you’re in a slump, if you’re depressed, if you feel like you’re just dragging along, going through the motions - which really isn’t hard to do or feel in the past 9 months - then you’re not alone. ⠀ We all go through feelings like this in life. Life can be hard, just look at the past 9 months with Corona. Lives lost, livelihoods lost etc... It can be unrealistic to think you can be or should be gleefully happy all the time. ⠀ That doesn’t mean we can’t strive or aim for it though. I think one of the main things to strive for in life, that’s more realistic than just happiness, is to remain disciplined in the face of adversity and chaos, and to remain grateful. ⠀ Wake up every day with a “Thrive” mentality. It may not always be there and that’s okay and that’s realistic, but it’s better to strive for it than to be perpetually just going through the motions or “merely surviving”. ⠀ Your mindset is ultimately your reality, remember that. The greatest thing about that is you can change it in an instant whenever you want to! Why just merely survive when you can thrive baby thrive! Say that yourself a few times... Thrive baby thrive! Tell me you don’t feel better already! Add movement, energy, positivity, gratitude, and a smile into the mix and you’re an unstoppable force now! ⠀ ⠀ #mindset #mentality #mentalitymondays #thrive #thrivementality #positivity #positivemindset #attitudeofgratitude #grateful #positivevibes #fitnessmotivation #successmindset #successmentality #motionisemotion

If you’re in a slump, if you’re depressed, if you feel like you’re just dragging along, going through the motions - which really isn’t hard to do or feel in the past 9 months - then you’re not alone. ⠀ We all go through feelings like this in life. Life can be hard, just look at the past 9 months with Corona. Lives lost, livelihoods lost etc... It can be unrealistic to think you can be or should be gleefully happy all the time. ⠀ That doesn’t mean we can’t strive or aim for it though. I think one of the main things to strive for in life, that’s more realistic than just happiness, is to remain disciplined in the face of adversity and chaos, and to remain grateful. ⠀ Wake up every day with a “Thrive” mentality. It may not always be there and that’s okay and that’s realistic, but it’s better to strive for it than to be perpetually just going through the motions or “merely surviving”. ⠀ Your mindset is ultimately your reality, remember that. The greatest thing about that is you can change it in an instant whenever you want to! Why just merely survive when you can thrive baby thrive! Say that yourself a few times... Thrive baby thrive! Tell me you don’t feel better already! Add movement, energy, positivity, gratitude, and a smile into the mix and you’re an unstoppable force now! ⠀ ⠀ #mindset #mentality #mentalitymondays #thrive #thrivementality #positivity #positivemindset #attitudeofgratitude #grateful #positivevibes #fitnessmotivation #successmindset #successmentality #motionisemotion
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We did the damn thing, Precision Nutrition Level 1 in the books. I am now a certified Nutrition Coach!

We did the damn thing, Precision Nutrition Level 1 in the books. I am now a certified Nutrition Coach! ⠀ 

I loved this course and would highly recommend it to any coaches, trainers or professionals looking to increase their knowledge on nutrition and more so how to apply it with clients in a way that actually leads to lasting change, adherence, and results! ⠀

 “We thought nutrition coaching meant ‘being experts’ who give people information, and that ‘success’ would come from clients doing what we said... Clients who didn’t follow the plans weren’t ‘motivated enough’. After tens of thousands of clients, and about the same number of coaching mistakes and missteps, we came to realize that nutrition coaching isn’t that at all.” -PN Level 1, 4th Edition, Chapter 1 ⠀

I used to think I knew a ton about nutrition, but knowing how to apply it with clients in a manner in which they could understand, and more importantly stick to - I was clueless. ⠀ 

I would usually give out advanced-level meal plans, have them track their food and macros and they would usually crash and burn within a couple of weeks if not sooner. Now for someone more advanced (think athlete, model etc.) that would work in a perfect world, but for a the busy mother/father of 3 trying to juggle a hectic life and schedule, it was a recipe for disaster. ⠀ 

I’ve learned that there is no one perfect answer for everyone, no perfect diet, workout, or lifestyle. I’ve also learned that it should be a collaborative effort between the coach and the client. A coach may be a pro, but ultimately you are the pro of your life, you know yourself better than anyone. ⠀ 

We all have unique starting points and experience, the key is to start small. Start with something that you can consistently do day by day, week by week and slowly increase and or improve other habits along the way once you have the others down. ⠀ 

The next biggest takeaway is... It’s now just about diet and exercise or the physical aspect of things. We don’t want someone looking great on the outside, but feeling terrible on the inside. It’s about improving your mental, social, spiritual, existential health and so on as well!
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Energy in motion is actually emotion!

Energy in motion is actually emotion! If you’re feeling “blah”, if you’re feeling unmotivated and want to change your state in an instant, then get moving! 

Maybe you feel tired, you don’t want to get out of bed, you don’t want to get off the couch, you don’t want to do your (chores, errands laundry, dishes, workout etc). ⠀ 

You can drastically change your physiology by moving! Something as small and simple as cracking smile can do it! Go for a walk or a quick run, breakout into a dance to your favorite song! Bang out some push-ups, BREATHE! You will instantly feel better! It doesn’t have to be anything huge to make a drastic difference in how you feel. ⠀ 

Most of the time, action precedes motivation, not the other way around. Taking the first step is always the hardest part, but once you get moving and get momentum, you’re off full speed ahead in no time. ⠀ 

#motionisemotion #mentalawareness #awareness #feelgood #improveyourmood #loveyourself #smile #movetofeelbetter #changeyourstate #stateofmind #motionislotion #tonyrobbins #hellyeah #motivation #workoutmotivation #onestepatatime #babysteps
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If you have a stiff/tight mid to upper back give these two thoracic mobility exercises a go!

If you have a stiff/tight mid to upper back give these two thoracic mobility exercises a go! They feel amazing, and will have you feeling like a new person! ⠀ 

As always, if you have a serious medical issue or chronic pain, seek help from a medical professional before trying anything! ⠀ 

These can be done separately, by themselves if you’d like, but I really would recommend you pair them together, as they’re very synergistic. Start with the extensions first and then onto the side lying rotations! These are the best! ⠀

Total body strength, endurance, and conditioning workout. All you need is 1 pair of dumbbells! ⠀

Total body strength, endurance, and conditioning workout. All you need is 1 pair of dumbbells! ⠀

 I’m not normally an advocate of throwing out random workouts and expecting people to fit to them. That being said this is a very accessible workout for just about any fitness level. Gyms are also most likely closing unfortunately, and a ton of people are too scared to even step foot into a gym. So this can be done at home if needed! 💪 🏠 ⠀

 If you need help choosing a weight to use, I recommend starting with a weight that you can safely, yet still a challenge to press overhead for 10-12 reps. Increase or decrease the weight depending on the difficulty. ⠀

         The Exercises

1) Goblet Squat 

2) Single Leg RDL w/balance support 

3)Push Press 

4)Single Arm Row 

5)Hammer Curl 

6)Overhead Tricep Extensions 

7)Floor Press or Bench Press if you have⠀

 -Do 10 reps of each exercise *15 reps if you’re using a lighter weight. 

-Take minimal to no rest in between each one.

 -After you complete all 7 exercises, you can then rest for 2-3 minutes before restarting.

 -We want a total of 3-5 rounds. ⠀ 

Let me know if you have any questions or need a modification! 🙌 SONG: FADED by ZHU Awesome videographer: @theelbryan 

The Gym Alone Isn't Enough...

Gray Cook says it best... 

“We can’t fix everything with corrective exercise. If somebody’s sleeping 2 hours a night, if they’re dehydrated, or only getting half the protein of their dietary needs, then the things we do in exercise or movement correction probably won’t have the fertile soil to grow anywhere.”

 ⠀ The same goes for regular exercise and with the goal of changing body composition, getting stronger, dropping body fat etc. ⠀ 

    You can’t just put all your eggs in the workout basket and think that’s enough. Exercise alone is amazing for you, but it’s only a very small percentage of the bigger picture. Optimize the rest your lifestyle and reap the benefits. 

⠀ If you’ve been struggling to lose weight, if you’ve been struggling to get lean, build muscle, if you’ve been dealing with nagging injuries or pain then don’t just look at your exercise or rehab alone as the fix. Hit your nutrition targets, your rest targets, and your hydration targets and watch just how great you feel and perform! ⠀

 SOURCE: FMS Level 1 Course Curriculum. 

Is Working Out 3-5 Hours a Week Enough To Lose Weight

Hint... It’s a rhetorical question. 

You have a far bigger opportunity to burn a ton of calories throughout the entirety of your day than you do with just 1 hour of exercise alone. 

This gives you the chance to further boost, or destroy, your attempts at hitting a certain goal.

 -Keep it moving, go for a stroll at least a couple of times a day. Aim for 10k steps a day. Use your phones “health” app ❤️ to start tracking your steps.

 -Walk, run, or ride 🚴 to places when you can. ⠀ -Take the stairs. ⠀ -Plan and prep those meals out! We have all heard it so many times, diet is 80% of the equation.

 -Prioritize your sleep! Good sleep is your magic fat-loss pill! 💊

 -Do micro doses of exercise throughout the day. Ex. Set out a few “trigger” objects (dumbbells, kettlebells, bands etc). Every time you pass an item do a few reps of an exercise with it, 10-20 curls, squats etc.

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What is RPE? ⠀

What is RPE? ⠀

RPE stands for Rating of Perceived Exertion. In other words how subjectively hard an exercise or workout is relative to the person doing it. 

Trainers/Coaches use RPE with clients to help with programming or making exercises easier or harder. 

0 - 3) Nothing at all, light/easy. 

4) Recovery, not hard, high rep sets. *RPE below four isn't important. (1) 

5 - 6) Moderate intensity. Most warm-up weights.

7) Hard, but maintainable, 70% intensity/capacity. 

8) Heavy/Hard intensity, but 2–4 reps left in the tank, 80%. 

9) harder, but still one rep, or a little gas left in the tank. 

10) Very hard, maximum intensity nothing left. 100% effort.

A simple scale of 1-10 is used, with 1 being easy, think sitting down relaxing. Whereas a 10 means you’re going to pass out, vomit crap your pants and/or both. A level of activity/exercise that is extremely intense and that you can’t keep up. Think maximal effort sprinting/exercise or weight lifting. 

In order to elicit specific adaptations to be made, like strength or positive body composition changes (like more muscle) you generally want things to be on the higher end of the RPE scale for some, but not all of your workout. 

Being that the basis for the RPE scale is perception, this generally means that the person should have a decent level of self-awareness related to exercise, rather than someone totally new to it. Though I still love to use it with beginners and or people who tend to surrender too early in a set. Why?...

Because good programming has slow, adaptable, forced progression in it. So even if a person cries out that an exercise was super hard, 10/10 difficulty, we slowly and safely progress them 1 rep or weight over time to the point where it is no longer difficult. ⠀ 

*SOURCE: (1) Tuchscherer, Michael "The Reactive Training Manual: Developing Your Own Custom Training Program for Powerlifting." c. 2009

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Should you eat before you workout? ⠀

Should you eat before you workout? 

The short answer: In most cases, yes. 

The long answer: There are a lot of dependent variables such as:

 -Your planned workout intensity 

-Workout duration -Time of your workout 

-If it's been longer than 2-3 hours since your last meal 

-If you are working out hard to try and make changes to your body to name just a few. ⠀ 

No matter your goal, even if it's weight loss/fat loss, having a balanced meal of quality protein, quality carbohydrates and healthy fats 1-3 hours before your workout has been shown to: 

-Boost performance 

-Allow you to workout harder 

-Reduce muscle breakdown/preserve muscle 

-Reduce soreness after a workout 

-Speed recovery ⠀

 The notion that when you workout in a fasted state you'll burn and lose more fat is somewhat flawed, and the few studies on the subject show mixed results at best. Ultimately, if your goal is weight/fat loss, the biggest determining factor is that you remain in a calorie deficit regardless if you train on an empty stomach or not. 

Everyone is different, and what works well for someone might not be very effective for someone else. In my personal opinion/experience, I always perform and feel better with something good in the tank before a workout. I consider Pre and post workout meals the two most important meals of the day. ⠀ ⠀ 
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