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What You Need To Know About Coffee & Your Fitness Goals

There’s nothing quite like a strong, fragrant cup of coffee. After just one sip I feel invigorated and ready to take on the day, and I know I’m not alone in my passionate feelings toward a steaming cup of joe in the morning.

Because I exercise shortly after I’ve had my coffee and find I have a better workout for that reason, I’ve been pairing the two for years. But it recently occurred to me that fueling my workout might not be all that healthy, so I decided to do some digging.

I got in touch with two doctors—Will Cole and Joel Kahn—to get the scoop on just what kind of impact coffee has on fitness. Here’s what they had to say.

To read more, click here!

The Ultimate Staircase Workout for Serious Fitness Gains

Running up stairs brings even more benefits. Because the body is constantly being lifted upward with each step, it engages more leg muscles than running and improves vertical jump. Plus, according to Greatist Expert and strength trainer Jordan Syatt, running upstairs is easier on the joints than regular sprints while being better at improving athletes’ range of motion.

But the best thing about staircase workouts? They can be done on any staircase and, in a manner similar to our love, they don’t cost a thing.

To read more, click here!

Here’s How You Should Actually Warm Up Before Your Run

From shin splints to torn hamstrings, every runner knows that one wrong move can send you straight to the sidelines for months, where you’re left cheering people on in the half marathon you were supposed to run. It’s never fun.

Injuries may seem random or inevitable, but trust us, they’re not. While runners know they need to stretch post-run, many forget about the importance of warming up—especially as temperatures drop.

From what to eat to how to move, we consulted two running experts—professional athlete, sports and conditioning coach Andia Winslow and Nike trainer and Barry’s Bootcamp NYC founder Rebecca Kennedy—about everything you should do before hitting the pavement.

Here’s what they had to say.

To read more, click here!

The Winter Is Coming Workout

This workout was created by Nerd Fitness Team Member and Master of the Fitness Universe, Jim Bathurst. 

With zombie skeletons pounding at your door, you know what really makes me feel safe? Redundancy! If the wall doesn’t hold, the creatures have to go through metal bars. After that, another line of defense. And then another.

And you know what really makes me stick to my workouts? Redundancy. Multiple lines of defense against my own excuses:

Oh, you know what? It’s just too cold to walk or drive to the gym… “NO PROBLEM,” I tell myself, “I can do the workout right here!”

Oh, but I don’t have the right equipment. I probably need to skip it today… “NO PROBLEM!” All I need is my own bodyweight and a backpack filled with something heavy!

Oh, but the exercises at home aren’t right. They’re [too easy or too hard]… NO PROBLEM! Here are some backup exercises if I need a variation.

Today we give you the Winter is Coming Workout. In case of emergency, break the glass and do this workout instead of skipping the day entirely.

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What It’s Really Like to Work Out for the First Time Ever as An Adult

The first time I ran for four minutes I almost threw up. And cried. And planned to quit working out right then and there. It was September 2016. I was 29, wildly out of shape, and attempting to get fit for the first time in my entire life.

I made the decision to commit to exercising this summer at, yes, 29 years old. I own exactly one real sports bra, two pairs of athletic shorts, and one pair of expensive sneakers I bought a few years back when I attempted to complete a Couch to 5K Challenge. (Spoiler: I never made it to the 5K part of the challenge.) The only time I ever wore these items together was when I wanted to run errands and not be judged for looking like a mess. “Oh, she must’ve just come from the gym,” I imagined everyone in the grocery store line saying. “Why else would she be wearing sneakers?”

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Finding Healthier Fast Food Options

When you’re short on time or travelling, fast food can be an easy fallback at meal time. Unfortunately, takeaway cannot always provide the same nutritional value as a home-cooked meal. The high fat and high sugar options at most fast food places can be overwhelming. Thankfully, you can often find healthier dining options hidden among the menu.

While it’s not necessarily healthy to eat fast food regularly, having it every now and then isn’t going to derail your progress! Here are some tips to help you find the BETTER take away options – that are generally tastier as well!

To read more, click here!

What You Need To Know About Coffee & Your Fitness Goals: Doctors Weigh In

There’s nothing quite like a strong, fragrant cup of coffee. After just one sip I feel invigorated and ready to take on the day, and I know I’m not alone in my passionate feelings toward a steaming cup of joe in the morning.

Because I exercise shortly after I’ve had my coffee and find I have a better workout for that reason, I’ve been pairing the two for years. But it recently occurred to me that fueling my workout might not be all that healthy, so I decided to do some digging.

I got in touch with two doctors—Will Cole and Joel Kahn—to get the scoop on just what kind of impact coffee has on fitness. Here’s what they had to say.

To read more, click here!

The Do’s And Don’ts Of Low And High-Intensity Cardio

Ignore the noise, hubbub, and pushy programming pundits; There are really only two kinds of cardio, and they both have a place in your workout.

Everyone has a love/hate relationship with cardio, but it’s a necessary evil that helps us shed fat, build endurance, and look badass in (or out of) clothing. But which type of cardio is best? Should you do long-slow cardio (LSC), high-intensity interval training (HIIT), take a spin class, dance the pounds away with Zumba, or go 20-seconds on, 10-seconds off with Tabata?

If you’re overwhelmed by the number of choices, you’re not alone. When did working out become so complicated? What happened to the good old days when treadmill trudging and powerwalking for an hour was the best way to burn fat? Before you panic, take a step back.

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7 Emergency Hacks to Stay Healthy in the Winter

If you ate like crap last week (thank you Thanksgiving), you probably missed a workout. You have that little guy or gal or demon on your shoulder saying “well now what’s the point? Just wait til January!”

We all see January 1st as the “reset,” and there’s nothing wrong with a reset to start out the year. The problem is when you compound your issues by digging yourself deeper into a hole that you have to eventually climb out of!

Think of it like you’re on the starting line of a race for a healthy life that starts Jan 1st. You have two options:

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29 Kick-Ass Partner Exercises

You’ve heard it before: Some things are better together. Studies show working out with a partner has more benefits than hitting the weight rack or treadmill solo. Doing a workout with a friend, coworker, or significant other can increase accountability, keep spirits high, and even spur better results. (Bonus: It can also rev libido. ) With that in mind, here are 29 creative exercises that prove teamwork can make your workouts a lot more fun.

To read more, click here!

Workouts Top Trainers Do When They Only Have 15 Minutes

Tell us if this sounds familiar: You want to work out, but you’re tight on time and don’t know where to start. The struggle is real!

When it comes to quick workouts, it’s best to plan ahead. And who better to get a time-crunched workout from than a top trainer? We asked several to share their go-to routine when they only have 15 minutes. Now you’ve got six great options—and only two that require equipment.

To read more, click here!

Your Thanksgiving Cardio And Strength Training Workout Routine!

Having Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t mean that you have to ditch your training routine. Read on for a few ways to enjoy your dinner and keep your metabolism running.

As you get prepared for your Thanksgiving holiday, it’s going to be important that you make sure not to let your workout fall by the wayside. There’s no question that you’ll likely take in a few more calories than you ideally would with your usual diet plan during this meal, even if you are making healthier choices. But, by performing a good workout session the day before, the day of and the day after, you can reduce the impacts this meal has on your overall physique.

To read more, click here!