Partner Up! The Benefits of Working Out with a Buddy

Do you remember using the buddy system as a child? You can still use it today, but instead of holding your buddy’s hand during an elementary field trip, invite them to work out with you.  Exercising with a friend can help you focus more on your training, and it’s especially helpful for those who lack the motivation. For example, if you plan on working out at a specific time, but aren’t really feeling up to it, the fact that your friend is waiting for you will spark that motivation. If you are ever struggling during the workout, your friend may also encourage you to push through. Partnering up with someone can make your workout fun and enjoyable. That 3-mile run can seem like 10 miles when you intensely focus on the finish line.  A little chitchat will pass the time, boost your mood and get you caught up on the latest gossip, all while getting in a great cardio workout. You may even find yourself getting a bit competitive during your run. If your partner is starting to pick up speed, you won’t want to lag behind.  Challenge each other by changing up the pace once and maybe even reward the winner with a favorite meal or snack. One of you may just score a free juice or smoothie after the workout! Other benefits of working out with someone are that they can help you correct technique issues and recommend new exercises or variations from original ones. When you are getting in shape on your own, it’s difficult to tell if there are any flaws in your technique, especially if you aren’t in front of a mirror. Having someone around to give you some guidance can help you improve your form so you can start seeing better results.  Changing your workout routine can also help you see better results, as you will continually be challenging your body. Start adding new exercises to your routine. Your workout buddy may be able to introduce you to new exercises that will get you both seeing results. 5 Buddy Approved Exercises Grab a partner and try these exercises. Be safe and be sure to have your gym staff or trainer first show you how to do the exercises  properly. 1. Medicine Ball Slam: Face your partner with your feet shoulder width apart. Your partner should be standing the same way.  Grab the medicine ball and reach as far back as you can, then slam the ball to the floor towards your partner. Your partner will catch the ball after one bounce, and then reach the ball over their head and slam it on the floor toward you. 2. Stability Ball Twists: Stand back to back with your partner. Hold the stability ball and extend your arms in front of you. Turn your torso to one side, as your partner turns to the opposite side so they can grab the ball. Your partner will repeat this, passing the ball back to you. Keep repeating. This is a great core workout for both you and your partner. 3. Boxing: Put on a pair of boxing gloves and have your...

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Q&A with Fitness Trainer Eraldo Maglara, NSCA-CPT

Have a fitness-related question? Fitness Trainer Eraldo Maglara, NSCA-CPT will be answering questions about fitness and exercise on Thursday, April 25th at 3:30PM during a live Q&A session on the Fitness Training by Eraldo Facebook page and Twitter page. To join the party on Twitter, follow Eraldo Maglara at @EraldoMaglara. Include the party hashtag in your tweet to join the discussion – #AskEraldo. Ask a question and Eraldo will reply back to you with an answer. If you are not on Twitter, he wil be answering questions on Facebook, too. Just leave a comment on the discussion post and Eraldo will answer you ASAP! Sample Questions: How do I get in shape quickly for summer? What home workout equipment is the best and most affordable? What are the best ways to warm up before a workout and cool down...

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Strapped for Time? You Can Still Get Fit

No more excuses, workaholics! It’s time to put the same amount of dedication towards your fitness goals as you put towards your career.  Sure, it’s difficult to make time for a workout when you have to get to work early, stay there late or travel. And there’s only so much time in a day to complete the many other important tasks on your to-do list. But there really is no need to dedicate hours of your time at the gym to get in a good workout. There are ways to integrate fitness into your daily life without drastically altering your schedule. Pack up some fitness equipment and take some time during your lunch break or in between meetings to get in a quick workout. For many exercises that you can do on the go, you won’t even need equipment. As a fitness trainer, I’ve had the opportunity to use many different types of equipment for myself and while training with my clients. I’ve seen some great results with TRX Suspension Training. It’s a wise investment for anyone, no matter what your level of fitness is, and it’s especially beneficial for individuals on the go because it’s easy to transport and store so it can be used just about anywhere. It’s also very effective for those trying to maintain consistency with their workout schedule. I’ve used it in many places, such as my home basement, my gym, hotel rooms, the park, and in the homes and businesses of my clients. I primarily use it for improving my flexibility, range of motion and core strength, and maintaining my overall physicality. I also use it to diversify my routine and add some dynamic to my workout. Sitting at your desk all day has numerous negative effects on your body. As you sit all day, your posture, mobility, flexibility, and joint health are all being affected. By regularly and consistently moving throughout the day, you will eliminate these health effects. Take some time to walk around or even go outside when you get a chance and jog around the block – just be sure to have a pair of sneakers with you! Doing cardiovascular exercises will not only eliminate the health effects mentioned, it can also improve your heart health and help you lose and maintain weight Strengthen your muscles when you’re on the go with these quick exercises. Complete a few sets before you head out the door, when you get home from work or even at the office. Quick Exercises for When You’re Strapped for Time 1. Dips: Put two chairs together a little more than shoulder width apart. Place yourself in an upright position with your hands on the chairs without letting your feet touch the floor. Have your elbows bent at a 90 degree angle. Push yourself back to the upright position. 2. Pull-ups: Invest in a workout bar to do pull-ups. Workout bars are portable and easy to use – just find a door frame to place it on and you’re ready to go. 3. Sit-ups and crunches: You can do sit-ups and crunches right on the floor or use a stability ball. While...

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Say “I Do” to In-Home Personal Fitness Training

You’ve booked your venue, found your vendors, and most importantly, said yes to the perfect guy AND dress. Now, you’ll just need to make sure that dream dress fits exactly the way you want it to on the big day! It’s easy to make the decision to stay in and skip the gym when you finally get the chance to sit down and relax after a hard day of work or running errands. For bride-to-be Michelle Segal, whose schedule can be quite hectic at times, it’s been easier to find time and motivation to get in shape for her wedding ever since she began training with me in the comfort of her own home. “I’ve found that if you’re trying to get in shape for your wedding, having a personal trainer can be one of the most beneficial ways to help you reach your fitness goals,” Segal says. “Eraldo has created a fitness program based on my goals to improve flexibility and lose weight, while sculpting muscle to get that slim, toned look.” Segal’s workout includes weight training with fast paced cardio in between to raise her heart rate and increase endurance. Some of the exercises we have been focusing on are squats, lunges, and a variety of chest, shoulder, back, core, tricep and bicep exercises. The individualized attention you get with a personal trainer in your own home will have you looking exactly how you want so you can strut down the aisle with confidence. I began training with Michelle in January and will be training with her for six months. I have no doubt that she will look stunning for her wedding in July. Because Michelle and I are still at the early stages of training, exercise technique is still the main objective. Being able to build a safe and solid foundation is a critical component in any training program. The right personal trainer will have you feeling your absolute best by motivating and encouraging you every step of your way during the journey to achieving your health and fitness goals. Before you say “I do” to your personal trainer, make sure he or she is right for you. You’ve already found Mr. Right, now find the right trainer! 5 Tips for Finding the Right Personal Trainer Before Walking Down the Aisle  1. Think about your fitness goals.  I offer my clients a free consultation when I meet with them to go over their goals and expectations, health history, nutritional guidance, and training methodology, so I advise them to give some thought to what they expect to achieve from training before we meet. You might already be slim and not looking to lose weight but want to get your arms tone for that strapless wedding dress. Maybe your main goal is to lose weight and spend less time working on building muscle. Knowing what your goals are will help you find a trainer that’s right for you. 2. Find a certified trainer.  Your personal trainer’s certification should be current and from an NCAA-accredited organization, such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), National Academy of Sports...

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Get A Great Workout in Less Time

As hard as it may be to believe, spending too much time at the gym is not the answer to a better you. Training is about quality, not quantity. You can actually achieve your goals faster and more efficiently in less time. Generally speaking, the length of a workout session for the average person (not including your warm up or stretching) should vary somewhere between 30 to 40 minutes. Research has found that testosterone and the growth hormone, the hormones responsible for building muscle and burning fat, continue to rise until about the 30-45 minutes mark. After that, cortisol, which is released in response to stress, begins to suppress the immune system, decrease bone formation and aid in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. In other words, it becomes counter productive. Make the most of your training time by focusing on your objectives. Exercise with more intensity, proper technique and progress accordingly. Even professional athletes follow these principles! This is your health we’re talking about, so make every second...

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