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Globe Article: What is the best workout? I don’t want to waste my time
The question: Are there any new fitness trends that are particularly effective workouts? Zumba, ballet boot camp? I don’t want to waste my time.
The answer: I smiled when I read your question, because I get asked versions of “what is the best workout?” on a regular basis. My standard answer is this: The “best” workout is one that gels with your fitness level and goals, one you enjoy enough and one that is convenient enough that you will do it on a regular basis. Read More
Posted in Column, Exercises You Can Try, Globe & Mail, Setting Goals, Strength
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Globe Article: What are good interval workouts?
I feel better after every workout, but I feel the best after a great interval workout! Love the post interval “high”! Curious how you can turn your workouts into an interval session? Read my most recent “ask the trainer” column!
Posted in Cardio, Column, Exercises You Can Try, Globe & Mail, Setting Goals, Strength
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Is it better to split my one-hour workout into three shorter ones?
The question: What is your perspective on spreading your weight training out during the day? For example, doing shorter workouts at two or three different times for a total of one hour a day? I have heard that it is a good strategy to increase one’s metabolism.
The answer: Although there are some possible benefits to spreading out your workouts, I hesitate to give my endorsement since, in my experience, most people struggle to fit in one 20-minute workout a day, let alone three. Read More
Posted in Column, Exercises You Can Try, Globe & Mail, Setting Goals
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Why I love-hate kettlebells (but you should do them at the gym)
The question: I think I want to try kettlebells. They look interesting. Are they useful? What do I do with them?
The answer: I have a love-hate relationship with kettlebells. The powerful movements they require don’t come naturally to me. If you, like me, gravitate to more controlled movements or you have participated in endurance sports, you could probably benefit from kettlebell training. Read More
Posted in Column, Exercises You Can Try, Globe & Mail, Strength
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5 great exercises for the exercise ball you’ll love
The question: Other than using a stability ball for crunches and push-ups, I am at a loss for what to do with it. Any suggestions?
The answer: Most traditional exercises can be modified to involve the stability ball. Read More
Posted in Column, Exercises You Can Try, Globe & Mail, Strength
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The best 3-step plan to getting slimmer thighs
The question: What exercises can I do to slim my thighs?
The answer: Unfortunately, it is not possible to spot-reduce fat from particular areas. But don’t despair. Although site-specific exercises don’t necessarily decrease body fat, they aren’t useless. They can help reshape the area, but you will only notice the difference once your overall body fat decreases. Read More
Posted in Column, Globe & Mail, Setting Goals
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It’s tennis season again: 4 top exercises to get you in game shape
The Question: I play tennis every summer, but I haven’t played all winter. Are there exercises I can do to prepare?
The Answer: Absolutely! I was just tweaking my own workout regime in anticipation of tennis season so I will share a few of my personal favourites. Read more.
Posted in Column, Exercises You Can Try, Globe & Mail
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What’s fascia? And why should I be rolling it out at the gym?
The question: I have been hearing a lot about “fascia” at the gym and the importance of rolling out fascia and “fascial stretching.” What exactly is it, and why is stretching and rolling it out important?
The answer: Thomas Myers, one of the seminal thinkers in facial research, describes fascia as large sheets of connective webbing that unite bones and muscles. Read more.
Posted in Column, Exercises You Can Try, Globe & Mail
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Do squats and push-ups count as strength exercises?
The question: Do body-weight exercises count as resistance training? What am I doing when I add weights to a squat or lunge?
The answer: Body-weight only exercises are certainly resistance training, but they only remain effective for so long. Read more.
Posted in Column, Exercises You Can Try, Globe & Mail, Strength
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Got a gym buddy? Try these 3 great partner exercises
The question: When I go to the gym with a friend, are there partner exercises we can do together, other than just doing the same exercises side-by-side?
The answer: Absolutely! There are tonnes of fantastic partner exercises that are both challenging and fun. Read more
Posted in Column, Exercises You Can Try, Globe & Mail, Setting Goals
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