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What are some of the most important muscles that people often forget to train? Hint: They’re usually muscles you can’t see right away when you look in the mirror.

In the gym world, it’s very common to prioritize the most visible muscles—usually those in the chest and arms. So what should you focus on?

Have you ever felt intimidated by the barbells and dumbbells in a gym?

“How do I use those things?” you might have asked. Or maybe, “What weight is right for me?”

That’s totally understandable! Machines in gyms often have instructions printed on them, which makes them more accessible. Barbells and dumbbells don’t, so some people will avoid them.

Here’s the truth: Barbells and dumbbells can be used to improve fitness dramatically, and you’ll feel comfortable with them if you get some instruction.

Read on to learn exactly what you need to use and when.

What is the best exercise for abs? Is the question personal trainers get asked as spring and summer roll around.

Here’s the short answer: There is no single best exercise, but we’ll give you three things you can do to lose body fat all over, improve core strength, and increase muscle definition.

Fitness is full of buzzwords and jargon—so what is functional fitness training, and why is it important?

How do you make progress toward your fitness goals when so many things get in the way—work, family duties, home or auto repair, grocery shopping, doctor’s appointments and so on?

When we venture to the land of “nutritious breakfasts” we might notice:

Less body fat, lower cholesterol and/or fewer chronic, non-communicable diseases

Improved mood, energy, learning and/or retention

Better food choices later in the day leading to balanced blood sugars, improved bowel movements

Muscle preservation and increased strength

Translation: A nutritious breakfast is probably a good idea.

Logically, many of us assume that tight muscles need to be stretched. That is how we can loosen them and remove the tension, right? In reality, that rarely actually works because tight muscles are a protective mechanism. If your muscles are tight, your brain is trying to protect your body because there is something that is making your brain feel unsafe. 

Can you build strength after 40?

Absolutely!

Many people think that we get weaker as we get older. And it’s true that we’ll all experience some physical decline as we age. 

But it’s a fact that strength can be improved at any age, and older adults who train regularly can become incredibly strong. With continued training, they can hold much of that strength very late in life.

If you want to get fit, lose weight or add muscle, how long do your workouts need to be? The answer will depend on who’s…