Fitness Tips

Q: What is a good rule of thumb when purchasing healthy food? The fewer ingredients, the better?

A: Absolutely right! When it comes to making wise nutrition choices, the golden rule on the ingredient list is “less is better!” This is because the most nutritious foods are generally... Read More >

Q: Is coffee a good energy boost for a workout?

A: Let's clarify the question, is it smart to down a cup or two of coffee before you work out or is it better to refrain until after you get your exercise in? Caffeine is the most widely used... Read More >

Q: Why is stretching after working out important?

A: This is a great question because it addresses the importance not only of practicing stretching but also the best and safest technique for performing this valuable type of exercise. Why stretch?... Read More >

Q: How Should I Get Back Into a Running Routine?

...I used to run every day and then I had kids. Now that they’re getting older, I’m starting to run again. Should I run every day (if even for only 10-15 minutes), or should I space it out... Read More >

Q: Is there really any nutritional value in lettuce?

A: Lettuce is a leafy crunchy vegetable with substantial water content, some fiber and a negligible calorie count—all factors that are beneficial for filling up your plate and pairing down... Read More >

Q: When it comes to choosing a healthy bread, is whole grain white any different from regular whole wheat bread?

A: The definition of “whole grain white” bread or flour is nebulous at best. It is a fairly new product that can consist of virtually anything, but generally comprises a mixture of... Read More >

Q: I know too much sodium is bad for me, so are there any alternatives

...I can cook with that will add a similar flavor boost and be healthier for me? A: You are absolutely right—we eat far too much sodium in this country, and cutting back on sodium intake... Read More >

Q: How can I tone up "fatty" areas?

...since turning 50 I have noticed a fat accumulation around the inside of my knees, making my knees look "fat." I realize this may be due to my age, but I believe it doesn't have to be. Any suggestions... Read More >

Q: How often should I workout?

...is it better to work out more days per week for shorter intervals or fewer days per week for longer intervals? A: The answer to your question really depends on your personal preference and... Read More >

Q: Does the time of day (morning vs. evening) impact burning more calories?

A: Whenever you can burn calories—morning, evening or mid-day—is the best time of day as long as you do it! If your question is addressing weight management, then the best way to lose... Read More >

Q: What exactly do antioxidants do and what are some great food sources?

A: Antioxidants counter the excessive production of small, highly reactive molecules in the body called reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS are byproducts of normal human metabolism and include... Read More >

Q: Eating and Stretching: Two Hot Topics for Runners

By Janet Bond Brill, Ph.D., R.D.   Eating: There are three types of macronutrients that supply energy (calories) for the human body: carbohydrates, fat, and protein. When it comes to eating for... Read More >

Q: Fitness Goals Deliver Results

The definition of a goal is- what one intends to do or achieve.  The hardest part of a fitness program is getting started, and the second is maintaining it.  Unfortunately, most people do... Read More >

Q: How do I start training for a marathon?

...where is a good place to start if I've never run a marathon and would like to start training? A: Having trained for and completed four marathons, I must say that the experience of crossing... Read More >

Q: What type of oatmeal is healthiest?

...why have I heard that rolled oats are healthier than quick oatmeal packets? A: As you can see, there are different types of oat products out there on the market. The two kinds that you... Read More >

Q: How Can I Gain Healthy Weight and Energy?

...I am 75 years old and my doctor has ordered me to put on about 10 pounds (I am very thin and agree I need more weight to be healthier). What are some foods I should eat to gain healthy weight and... Read More >

Q: Is a Liquid Diet (Such as “Juicing”) Safe?

A: I am not a big proponent of “juicing” or any other type of liquid diet. I especially object to the false or misleading claims that frequently accompany these unproven and potentially... Read More >

Q: Is it okay to splurge on Thanksgiving?

Nobody gains weight from just that one Thanksgiving Day meal. We gain weight from the “holiday mentality” that continues on from Thanksgiving to New Years Day. Yet, the busiest and most... Read More >

Q: How do I avoid the 5-8lbs the average person gains during the holiday season?

With the holiday season right around the corner, it is time to get a handle on your weight and your body fat level before the feasting starts! If you are having trouble with your weight then you are... Read More >

Got CHOCOLATE Milk?

The perfect food for fitness . . . who knew? The best sports drink around for after exercise is not a high-tech scientific concoction like Gatorade or Powerade but instead . . . plain old chocolate... Read More >

3 Ways to Kick the Habit ... of Skipping Workouts

Trying to get into an exercise habit, but finding you’re more in the habit of making excuses? You can break out of that pattern with these tips from fitness experts on staying motivated and... Read More >

Go Outside Your Comfort Zone

Convinced you “can’t” run a marathon, or sprint at level 10 on that treadmill? … Are you sure about that? Even if you have a physical challenge or condition that limits... Read More >

Top 10 Eating Strategies for Permanent Weight Loss

If you’ve ever worn (or chuckled at) one of those “I run so I can eat” T-shirts, this info is for you! How you eat goes hand in hand with your workout plans and is proven to bring... Read More >

Three Personal Trainers' Resolutions to Inspire You

Do personal trainers think resolutions are worth making? What do they resolve to change in themselves? We asked three trainers how they seek continual self-improvement, which is always a priority... Read More >

It’s a Beautiful Day for a Strength Workout

As warmer temps invite you outside more for summer activities, you may think it’s a given that you’ll get more active and stay slimmer. But as you add cardio activities like biking, hiking,... Read More >

How to Choose the Right Personal Trainer for You

This is a big decision! Choosing the best personal trainer for you is ...well, personal. To get the most from your personal training sessions and the program your trainer creates for you, it’s... Read More >

Creating Your 2011 New Years Resolution Recipe for Success

It’s that time of year again when many of us make New Year’s Resolutions to improve our health and well-being. Unfortunately, we often have a tough time sticking to our goals, and by the... Read More >

Creating Real Change: How to form positive habits and a NEW YOU!

Ever wonder why some people get great results from their workouts or their normal eating routine? What makes them different? How do they do it? Usually it’s 1 or 2 simple habits. All of us... Read More >

Flat Bellies: Tips That REALLY Work

Had a little too much comfort and joy this past holiday season? Maybe you’ve put on a few pounds around the middle? The summer bathing suit season is just around the corner, so now is the time... Read More >