When the Soviet-era scientists taught Russian athletes visualization techniques in the 1970’s the concepts were little understood by laymen and generally believed to be of questionable value. But a lot has changed since then. We’ve all heard clichés like “mind over matter” and to some degree we … [Read more...]
Fitness Tips from LSU College Coach – Derek Yush
Derek Yush has been coaching college athletes for nearly twenty years, first at the University of Rhode Island and now at Louisiana State University. Coach Yush has gained a wealth of experience and knowledge as a collegiate athlete and a coach on how to help athletes perform at their best. Some … [Read more...]
Should You be Eating Splenda?
Splenda is the brand name for sucralose, a modified form of common table sugar. Some of the hydrogen-oxygen groups of sugar molecules are replaced with chlorine atoms. This process creates sucralose, a very sweet substance with zero calories (source). Splenda is used in a lot of products … [Read more...]
Float Therapy for Better Fitness
It’s true that the term “sensory deprivation” can be a little intimidating, but floating therapy sounds a little better. With marketing in mind the experience of floating in a warm water and Epsom salt solution is commonly referred to as Restricted Environmental Stimulus Technique (REST.) The … [Read more...]
Fitness Basics: Tips to Stay in Shape All Year
There are so many trends and gimmicks fighting for your attention that it can be hard sometimes to stick to the basics. But sticking to the fitness basics doesn’t mean you have to settle for the same thing all the time. Within the framework of full body workouts, cardio work, stretching and proper … [Read more...]
Elevate Your Workouts to a Whole New Level – Benefits of a Training Partner
Some of the best workouts I’ve ever had were with a training partner I had during high school and college. Although we have remained very good friends, because of responsibilities and geography we haven’t trained together since. We’ve made plans to train together at the famed Muscle Beach in L.A., … [Read more...]
Short Workouts for Big Results
For decades high volume training was the centerpiece of mainstream training. 5-6 workouts a week with lots of sets was pushed by professional athletes and imitated by student athletes and ordinary trainees (source). But many of us have found from personal experience that too much of a good thing can … [Read more...]
Relax and Rejuvenate With Fitcations
Sitting on a quiet, sun-drenched beach in the tropics sipping on a colorful drink is many people’s idea of a perfect vacation. While this does sound enticing, it’s not how everyone wants to spend a holiday. The growing popularity of Fitcations, combining relaxation, fun and exercise target … [Read more...]
Going Virtual: Customized Virtual Road Races
When you run a road race you show up to the start line for the appointed start time and run the prescribed route with hundreds or thousands of other runners. Along the route you’ll be offered water and snacks as enthusiastic crowds cheer you on to the next mile marker. All of this describes the … [Read more...]
A Heroes’ Workout: Conquering the Murph
Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroic actions he took in Afghanistan in June 2005. He exposed himself to deadly fire to call for help for the rest of his SEAL Team (source). Their story was told in the book “Lone Survivor” by Murphy’s teammate Marcus Luttrell. … [Read more...]
Correct Technique for the Standing Barbell Press
The standing barbell press or military press used to be considered one of the cornerstones of overall strength and fitness. Gym rats, bodybuilders and Olympic lifters all used this basic exercise to build their upper bodies, especially their shoulders and triceps. When the International Olympic … [Read more...]
Where Fantasy Meets Fitness – Nerd Fitness
Think the hit sit-com “The Big Bang Theory” meets Arnold’s documentary “Pumping Iron.” It’s the latest craze in working out – it’s nerd fitness. For both aging Trekies and millennials more at home in a chat room then a room full of barbells, a growing number of trainees are turning to geek … [Read more...]
