The question: I am thinking of buying a stationary bike for my home. How often should I use it per week? Will it provide me with a balanced workout?
The answer: Buying a stationary bike is a great idea. Biking regularly will help improve your cardiovascular fitness and leg strength. That said, if you want your workout regime to be balanced, make sure you also do flexibility training, strength training and some type of low- to moderate-impact cardiovascular activity. Read More
This dynamic stretch is especially good for the hamstrings. Kathleen Trotter, Personal Trainer in Toronto demonstrates this exercise. Watch the video.
Looking for an alternate to hummus, guacamole or store-bought veggie dip? Healthy Eating Active Living recommends we try bean spreads instead. Beans are full of healthy carbohydrates, protein and low in fat and can be quite versatile. Get HEAL’s Spiced Black Bean Spread recipe
The Question: One of my workout staples is the deadlift. Can you give me a few tips on form? For example, should the weight touch the floor?
The Answer: Their are two basic types of deadlifts. In one, your knees bend as you perform the exercise. In the second, your knee angle stays the same throughout. Both work the muscles of the posterior chain (hamstring, glutes and lower back). Read More
“Kathleen Trotter loves that her work allows her to be active every day. Find out how the personal trainer spends her days, and why she says she never gets bored.” Check me out in Canadian Career Gal.
Kathleen Trotter, Personal Trainer in Toronto demonstrates this exercise that will work your entire core: Front plank with hip drops. Watch the video.
Big thanks to Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) for another great recipe! Guacamole is great dip or spread for veggies, cracker and pita bread, and can be used for more than just a party pleaser. If you burn through breakfast and are starving 30 minutes later than add guac as your toast topping instead of jam. Get the Recipe
THE QUESTION: I walk for 45 minutes about three times a week. Are there flexibility and mobility exercises I should do before and after my walks?
THE ANSWER: You should do a combination of both dynamic mobility stretches (which I discussed in a previous column) and static stretches. Read More
Kathleen Trotter, personal trainer in Toronto, demonstrates a full-body workout: the Alternating Fly on the Ball. Watch the video here.
Check out the latest yummy and healthy recipe from Healthy Eating Active Living from Toronto. Try this Kale & Avocado Salad with Chicken. Kale is a dark green leafy vegetable that usually has to be steamed as it is bitter, however try this recipe to use it raw in this great salad.
Read Kathleen's latest Newsletter here! Nutrition Tips, Exercises, Articles and more!