So you added a bit more kale into your life because you're trying to eat healthier, but you're not getting the results you want — what gives? If the food you're eating is "dead" — i.e. overcooked or over processed — you aren't going to get much energy, brain power, or muscle building nutrients from it.

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?

With the arrival of summer and fall comes racing season. Marathons (half and full), triathlons, obstacle course races (Spartan, ToughMudder, Rugged Maniac) abound, and if you’re planning to race in one of these, you need to make sure your cardio and your legs are strong enough to get you to the finish line.

By Christine Fitzgerald, Regional Director of Nutrition at Leisure Sports

 

As a nutritionist, the two questions I get most often, especially around festive holidays, are about alcohol: “How much can I have?” and “Which is the healthiest?” Here’s an example of texts that I frequently get from clients: “Alright, I decided that I want to have a drink tonight. I can have tequila, I can have vodka, I can have champagne, or I can have wine — what can I drink that won’t plump up my middle and give me a hangover?”

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.

In honor of the Navy SEALs and all of our military heroes, we're dedicating this month's workout to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. It's meant to prepare your lungs and muscles for the Memorial Day weekend challenge of completing the "Murph" challenge.

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.