Boise's Fitness Equipment Outfitter

lifting

15 Burpee Variations You Must Try

Posted on by Michelle Spindler

Trendy exercises come and go. Some have been around, and will stay around, because they’ve proven themselves effective when performed correctly and have numerous variations. Among these exercises is the burpee and for good reason. The burpee is a full-body exercise that requires strength, mobility and coordination and can enhance overall performance and fitness. While the burpee can be of benefit, it can just as quickly cause issues if it is executed incorrectly. When performed with proper technique, the burpee can be utilized anywhere and has many variations that will leave you with the good kind of soreness.

To read more click here!

9 Unexpected Things That Happen When You Abandon Your Workout Routine

Posted on by Michelle Spindler

It happens to the best of us: You get injured, find yourself working around the clock or are otherwise forced to put exercise on the back burner for a while. And when the holidays roll around, you’re also provided an incentive to eat and drink and skip your workouts until January.

But a day or two can easily stretch into weeks or even months, and you’re right back to square one. In technical terms, you’ve become “deconditioned.” In fact, 25 to 35 percent of adult exercisers quit working out within two to five months of starting, according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). How quickly your fitness level declines depends on several factors. Some may surprise you.

To read more click here!

Should You Lift Weights to Lose Weight?

Posted on by Michelle Spindler

“Muscle weighs more than fat.” You’ve probably heard that phrase a million times before. And although it’s false (a pound is a pound), you may have taken it to mean you should stay far, far away from the weight rack if you’re trying to drop pounds. We get where you’re coming from, but it’s not exactly that cut and dry.

To read more click here!

45 Insanely Effective TRX Exercises

Posted on by Michelle Spindler

It’s time to ditch the dumbbells, kick the kettlebells, and forget about those weight-training machines. OK, maybe not permanently, but at least long enough to add something new to your fitness routine: TRX training techniques.

Invented by a former U.S. Navy SEAL, the TRX (short for total-body resistance exercise) turns every exercise into a challenge for the core by using two very accessible resources: gravity and our own bodyweight. All you have to do is anchor the TRX straps to a secure spot (think a weight machine, a door frame, or even monkey bars or a basketball hoop pole if you’re getting creative) and use either your feet or hands—depending on the exercise—to hold onto the straps.

To read more, click here!

7 Dessert Recipes With Zero Added Sugar (Seriously, Not Even Honey)

Posted on by Michelle Spindler

By now we know that most of the world consumes way too much sugar. But it’s not like our sweet tooth cares—when a dessert craving hits, it hits bad. Many turn to alternative ways to satisfy it, using less-refined sugars like agave, honey, and coconut sugar, but we’re going a step further this time, with treats that use no added sweeteners whatsoever. From tarts to mousse, these sugar-free recipes still manage to make dessert even sweeter.

To read more, click here!

How to Stop Muscle Cramps in Their Tracks

Posted on by Michelle Spindler

Whether you call them cramps, stitches, or just pains in the butt, muscle spasms put a serious damper on any workout—especially considering they usually strike without warning.

No one is immune to muscle cramps. Your calf muscles, hamstrings, quads, arms, and abs are most likely to be affected. There are plenty of possible culprits too, including being dehydrated, having poor blood circulation, not stretching enough, or just fatiguing your muscles. The news only gets worse: Cramps can occur up to six hours after exercising (talk about a sneak attack!); the notorious charley horse often happens in the middle of the night—and you thought nightmares were bad. Luckily, scientists have found things you can do to prevent and stop muscle cramps in their tracks

To read more, click here!

The Worst Diet Tips Top Nutrition Experts Have Ever Heard

Posted on by Michelle Spindler

It seems like every time you turn around there’s a new diet trend demanding you become a devotee in order to stay healthy. With all the high-fat this and dairy-free that out there, the world of healthy eating can seem totally confusing.

Luckily, distinguishing the best advice from the bulls**t just got a lot easier. We asked top nutrition experts for the worst diet tips they’ve ever heard—and what we should be doing instead.

To read more, click here!

12 Health Victories Worth Celebrating (That Aren’t Just Weight Loss)

Posted on by Michelle Spindler

It’s easy to think that your health is directly correlated to your weight. And while, yes, losing just 5 percent of your body weight can lower your risk for diabetes and heart disease as well as improve metabolic function in liver, fat, and muscle tissue, it’s really not just about that number on the scale.

If you’re not losing lbs., but you’ve made purposeful lifestyle changes, there are still a bunch of off-the-scale victories to celebrate. Here are 12 things that you might not exactly be boasting about on Facebook, but we totally think you should.

To read more, click here!

Tips for Working Out at Home When It’s The Last Thing You Want To Do

Posted on by Michelle Spindler

If getting to the gym is half the battle, it should be easier to just eliminate that half and work out in the comfort of your own home, right?

Well, sort of. Although your place is crazy convenient, it’s hard to stay motivated when you’re so close to temptation (read: the TV and the couch).

To help you resist said temptation and get in a solid sweat session at home, we went straight to the people who know what it’s like: our readers—real people with real lives, real jobs, and really busy schedules just like you. Here they share seven legit tips that’ll motivate you to work out at home, even if you don’t feel like it.

To read more, click here!

Valentine’s Day Power Couple Workout for You and Your Girl

Posted on by Michelle Spindler

You know the old saying: the couple who trains together, stays together. At least, we’re pretty sure that’s how it goes…

DINNER, CHECK. MOVIE, check. Gift exchange, check. But, why not put a hold on all the traditional Valentine’s Day stuff, and put a little sweat in together first.

 

To read more, click here!

The 30-Minute Yoga Flow That’ll Make Your Butt Burn Like a Mother

Posted on by Michelle Spindler

Nothing can Netflix and chill as well as your glutes. Seriously. When we sit on our butts all day, our glutes (the muscles that make up your butt) have the luxury of being fast asleep. But in order to keep your glutes strong and firing properly when you are off the couch, wake them up with a quick 30-minute workout like this one.

You may not immediately think of yoga as the go-to exercise for glute activation, but this flow will definitely get your buns burning—in the best way. Yoga instructor Julie Montagu gives clear verbal cues on how to engage those major muscles and where you should feel it, so you’re not awkwardly wondering if you’re doing this right. Trust us, the people who’ve done this workout are raving about it. All you need is a yoga mat; then hit play to get started.

To read more, click here!

7 Desk Stretches to Ease a Tight Neck, Shoulders, and Wrists From Sitting All Day

Posted on by Michelle Spindler

Our bodies were made to move, which is why sitting for a good portion of your day—at a desk, behind the wheel, or plopped in front of the televison—is no bueno, no matter how active you are. With time, you’ll start feeling tightness in your shoulders, neck, wrists, and lower back. But here’s the good news: Taking a quick break to walk around the office or do some simple stretches like the ones in this 6-minute video can keep tightness at bay and keep you moving throughout the day.

To read more, click here!