It used to be that only the pros reaped the benefits of massage therapy — after all, they're constantly training, beating up their bodies day in and day out to perform at their maximum potential. But why shouldn't the regular exerciser enjoy the same benefits from a therapeutic rub-down?

Whether in training for a specific sport or event or working out to reach a particular goal, we all want that heart-bursting-through-the-chest feeling — it means we're really pushing ourselves to the limit. Sometimes we get that feeling by sprinting or running long distances, by lifting our max at the gym, working our butts off in a group fitness class like boot camp, or by out-hustling others on the court or on the field.

By Christine Fitzgerald, Regional Director of Nutrition at Leisure Sports

 

Protein powder is a quick and effortless way to get high-quality nourishment, it's ideal for a post-workout recharge, and it's obviously a great way to boost protein intake. But choosing the right protein powder can be a task daunting enough to be the next installment of Mission: Impossible.

 

By Christine Fitzgerald, Regional Director of Nutrition at Leisure Sports

 

Ever feel as if your weight loss efforts read like a meme? "Work out five days a week for at least one hour, eat healthy — still can't lose weight." "Try absolutely every workout and diet under the sun — still can't lose one freakin’ pound!" Why is it so darn difficult to lose weight?!

 

Few workouts are as challenging as High Intensity Interval Training, and fewer yet yield the benefits that HIIT does. Much more effective than a steady cardio session, the short-but-intense activity of a HIIT workout boosts aerobic and anaerobic endurance, ignites your metabolism, and gives you a monstrous calorie burn, all while maintaining or even increasing muscle mass.

You reach into your closet and grab your favorite shirt — but there's a problem. It's wrinkled. In fact, it's so wrinkled it fits short. You tug at it as a quick fix but to no avail. You finally reach for the iron and, five minutes later, your shirt is wrinkle-free and ready for the day ahead.