I like this exercise because it:

• Works both sides at the same time
• Important muscles for walking and supporting back and knees
• You aren't limited by balance
• The tension doesn't stop until you are done

Downsides:

• Need 3 bands tied together and sliders
• You feel super weak while doing it

If you have any questions please send them my way!  [email protected] 

I like this exercise because it:

• Works the back of the arm well which is a frustrating spot for many
• get's both arms done at the same time
• Potentially prevents BAD posture
• Can improve good posture (if you are paying attention)

Downsides:

• You need a bench and the right dumbbell weights so not everyone can do it at home
• Have to lay on your stomach, some people really don't like doing that

Hope this reminds you to keep working your muscles and if you only have 30 minutes to exercise this week that it should be strength training!

Watch this funny 1 minute video and get a great reminder!

We can see it but sometimes can’t define it.  I remember driving our car down the road and Sarah and I both saw a girl walking down the road.  We were coming up behind her.  As we passed her we realized it was one of our clients.  From the back she could have been 25 years old.  Her face brought her to 50’s and we both new she was in her 60’s.  We both commented the same thing.  She was in awesome “shape”.  Of course we told her so the next time we saw her! 

We have dozens and dozens of clients like this.  If you are just looking at the body you get a certain impression of age.  What makes us have this impression?  What makes a body look younger or healthier? 

I think it’s three things.  Muscle, posture, and a narrower waist. 

This does mean weight loss is a factor here.  But we have all seen the tiny old lady who looks old and frail and you can see that from any angle.  Weight loss is helpful to a point but then the need for muscle and body shaping takes over. 

We also...

Problem #1: A Standard Gym Membership is paying for access to equipment.  Most people don’t know how to workout so they end up on the treadmill or elliptical. 

Solution: There is no activity in our studio that isn’t lead by a certified trainer designed to create results. 

Problem #2: Standard workout classes are filled with lots of people who drop in and you don’t get to be as comfortable because there are always people you don’t know. 

Solution: We only allow people to join at the beginning of the month and at a particular class time so the group is consistent.  You get to know them and the comfort level and support you feel after the first week is amazingly valuable. 

Problem #3:  Most gyms are shared spaces so members stop and stare at classes exercising or you share space with many other groups. 

Solution:  We acquired a large space that is completely private.  Just the people in your class are there and you know them well. 

Problem #4: Groups of pe...

I don’t want to get “bulky”

The other day I was doing weights day with the 9am class and a new boot camper saw how much weight I was using for triceps.  She came up to me and said “I have a big fear of lifting heavy and that I will get bulky looking. You are lifting heavy but you don’t look bulky?”  I was reminded of what a BIG fear this is for women.  Many are afraid to really challenge them selves on weights day because it will make them bigger. 

So here are my thoughts and my story.

MY thoughts…

Some women look like man-beasts! That is super cool if that is what you are going for.  No one who has this look has done it by accident.  They don’t wake up one morning and go “wow, how did this happen to me?” There is a plan to get that way and it is not easy to do.  It takes time and dedication.  Most of that involves nutrition (eating a TON of protein and high calories) and more weight lifting than we do during boot camp workouts.

Some women do “bulk” up without getti...