9 Benefits of Strength Training

<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8b45af91-e1e1-d5fa-d491-3c06fba90fd4" style="font-weight: normal;"></b></span></span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8b45af91-e1e1-d5fa-d491-3c06fba90fd4" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi889RDWyoM6ZbO0nbuCs2lUssXmPMZGknKRMQot7i0ARFPVw3V-zMoTOeTa8LiUmJcIuvP_rPyoE25CI7rNNjiFftucWeC1s6Ov_liRcIdMDQ5NIXonHFc2f6wiT0jx7k8SEuh_ccbh6p3/s1600/dumbbell-940375_1280+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="9 Benefits of Strength Training" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi889RDWyoM6ZbO0nbuCs2lUssXmPMZGknKRMQot7i0ARFPVw3V-zMoTOeTa8LiUmJcIuvP_rPyoE25CI7rNNjiFftucWeC1s6Ov_liRcIdMDQ5NIXonHFc2f6wiT0jx7k8SEuh_ccbh6p3/s1600/dumbbell-940375_1280+%25281%2529.jpg" title="9 Benefits of Strength Training" /></a></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8b45af91-e1e1-d5fa-d491-3c06fba90fd4" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Strength training can be the cure for a lull in your gym routine! If you’re getting bored with the treadmill and elliptical, it’s time to switch it up. Implement strength training! Strength training provides many benefits to your overall health, your physique, and metabolic rate. Learn about 10 benefits of strength training. You’ll be motivated to start!</span></b></div><b id="docs-internal-guid-8b45af91-e1e1-d5fa-d491-3c06fba90fd4" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /> </b><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8b45af91-e1e1-d5fa-d491-3c06fba90fd4" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1) Boost Your Metabolism</span></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8b45af91-e1e1-d5fa-d491-3c06fba90fd4" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After a few weeks of strength training, individuals notice an increase in their resting metabolic rate. Lean muscle burns more calories than fat tissue. This means you are burning more calories just going about your day, helping you slim down faster. </span></b></div><b id="docs-internal-guid-8b45af91-e1e1-d5fa-d491-3c06fba90fd4" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2) Improve Your Mood</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Strength training, like cardio, releases endorphins. Strength training can elevate your mood and energy levels just after one session. It’s proven to de-stress the mind and improve the quality of sleep.</span></div><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3) Tone Up</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The most obvious benefit of strength training is muscle toning. It allows you to shape and define different muscles that is simply impossible to do that with a treadmill alone. There are varieties of programs for different strength training goals. Whether you want to bulk up, or grow lean and long, there are strength training programs for you!</span></div><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4) Improve Strength All Over</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Strength training isn’t only about muscle development. It strengthens ligaments, tendons, and nerves to prevent injury in your day to day life. After a few weeks of strength training, you will notice that you walk more comfortably, your posture is improving, and you feel great all over.</span></div><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5) Beat Boredom</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Run on the treadmill. Walk on the elliptical. It can get dull! With strength training, you have the ability to switch it up whenever you want. Work your legs one day, work your arms the next. Target your core, or spend a session on your glutes. With strength training, you can target different parts of the body to keep your routine from getting repetitive!</span></div><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">6) Boost Your Self-Esteem</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Who doesn’t like seeing results in the mirror? We all love that feeling! It’s a great boost in self-confidence to see your hard work paying off. Strength training is one of the fastest ways to see results in muscle tone.</span></div><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7) No Limitation</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Strength training doesn’t require a gym! You can do a variety of resistance and strength training in the comfort of your home. How convenient is that? </span></div><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">8) Disease Prevention</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Studies have shows that strength training leads to overall health and well-being. Strength training can diminish symptoms of arthritis. It can also help prevent diabetes because healthy muscles help regulate glucose levels within the body. </span></div><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">9) Burn More Calories</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After you have been strength training for a while, you will burn more calories all the time. If you hop on the treadmill, it's will be a more productive cardio session with you newly strengthened muscles! </span></div><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With these 9 strength training tips, you could be well on your way to a happier and healthier you. If you are working toward your fitness goals, </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">contact me!</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I'd love to help you stay motivated on your fitness journey and help you live a healthy lifestyle!</span></div></b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></span></span>

exercise, exercise and fitness, full body workouts, gym, healthy, strength, strength training, weight lifting

9 Benefits of Strength Training

Strength training can be the cure for a lull in your gym routine! If you’re getting bored with the treadmill and elliptical, it’s time to s...

4 Characteristics of a Great Gym Partner

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYn1tyUlh8hB-qtyxYjldJa6m4AxmGyYAA2KmMwuO1VStt9RXwa_3vJ3aG73PoBrdYepdSPlVy7iSVtPfi-TMcD4Wi61dWSJT9kETmp4T8wIYKP9_fLwz0n6zntMCKrekdPXbW4ZemAnl/s1600/exercise-86200_1280+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="4 Characteristics of a Great Gym Partner" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYn1tyUlh8hB-qtyxYjldJa6m4AxmGyYAA2KmMwuO1VStt9RXwa_3vJ3aG73PoBrdYepdSPlVy7iSVtPfi-TMcD4Wi61dWSJT9kETmp4T8wIYKP9_fLwz0n6zntMCKrekdPXbW4ZemAnl/s1600/exercise-86200_1280+%25281%2529.jpg" title="4 Characteristics of a Great Gym Partner" /></a></span></span></div> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <br /></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1245eeae-e0e9-c028-217e-140d8b34cde3" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A gym partner can make or break your workout. A good gym partner will hold you accountable to your routine and keep you motivated toward fitness success! A bad gym partner, however, can hinder your success at the gym. Before you commit to a workout partner, make sure the individual has the following four characteristics:</span></b></span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <br /></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1245eeae-e0e9-c028-217e-140d8b34cde3" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1) Reliable </span></b></span></span></div> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><b id="docs-internal-guid-1245eeae-e0e9-c028-217e-140d8b34cde3" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /> </b></span></span><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1245eeae-e0e9-c028-217e-140d8b34cde3" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">    When you choose to workout with another person, you should expect that person to respect your time and be a reliable gym partner. If your gym partner is running late to every workout session or just doesn’t show up, it can throw off your whole workout routine. A gym partner should be able to be at the gym on time and ready to go! You should be, too. Respect your gym partner’s time so they respect yours. A routine schedule that you both can stick to is a great place to start.</span></b></span></span></div> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1245eeae-e0e9-c028-217e-140d8b34cde3" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /> </b></span></span><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1245eeae-e0e9-c028-217e-140d8b34cde3" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2) Motivated</span></b></span></span></div> <span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1245eeae-e0e9-c028-217e-140d8b34cde3" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">    Your gym partner should be motivated to achieve fitness success. Your workout partner should want to be at the gym, want to get stronger, and want to compete against him/herself. This kind of motivation is contagious! It will help keep you motivated and working toward your goals. If you are both motivated as individuals, together you will be inspired toward workout success every time you both hit the gym.</span></div> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">    A gym partner should also be motivating. Some days, you just might not want to be there. You might be sore or feeling lazy. A great gym partner will help push you through your off day and get you feeling energized by the end of the routine! You will also be your partner’s motivator of he/she is having an off day. Make sure you both understand the best way to motivate each other! Do you prefer inspirational comments or do you prefer a critique on your form? Let your gym partner know!</span></div> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3) Similar Goals</span></div> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">    A gym partner should also have a similar set of goals. If you want to do cardio and aerobics, but your gym partner wants to build up muscle, you will have issues creating workout plans that fit both of your goals. Find a partner who is interested in the same long-term goals as you. Similar fitness level can also be beneficial, but isn’t necessary as each aspect of exercise can be modified to each fitness level. </span></div> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4) Responsible</span></div> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">    Find a gym partner who wants to participate in the preparation of the workout. If you are the one doing all the planning and organizing of a routine, it can become an exhausting job. Pick a gym partner who wants to help create the workout routine, research new exercises, and contribute information for a successful workout regimen. </span></div> <br /> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Getting back into the gym is great and having a gym partner can greatly improve the experience. For a little extra motivation or for workout ideas </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">contact me!</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> :) I’d love to help you reach your fitness goals. </span></b></span></span>

exercise, exercise and fitness, Fitness motivation, fitness routine, full body workouts, gym, gym partner, motivational tips

4 Characteristics of a Great Gym Partner

A gym partner can make or break your workout. A good gym partner will hold you accountable to your routine and keep you motivated towa...

5 Gym Bag Essentials

<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afa7baf7-bddf-be34-dacf-baaac6ed3e9a" style="font-weight: normal;"></b></span></span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afa7baf7-bddf-be34-dacf-baaac6ed3e9a" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstUgSjqGyNyKYXIqvXxlVzzRZD6Ohh8F7OHBoYJr6EVo1YejhAi8lInx3sOE3WrBy34qVVtRHcZBLqPq19miEL3McVSWGsv-ppzAUpwNUfJFd4rkRSyJmRtoxe88o1lTLMjuNNpxwbIAV/s1600/crossfit-534615_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="5 Gym Bag Essentials" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstUgSjqGyNyKYXIqvXxlVzzRZD6Ohh8F7OHBoYJr6EVo1YejhAi8lInx3sOE3WrBy34qVVtRHcZBLqPq19miEL3McVSWGsv-ppzAUpwNUfJFd4rkRSyJmRtoxe88o1lTLMjuNNpxwbIAV/s1600/crossfit-534615_1280.jpg" title="5 Gym Bag Essentials" /></a></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afa7baf7-bddf-be34-dacf-baaac6ed3e9a" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A gym bag is the one thing you always need to bring to the gym. It holds all the essentials for an effective workout! I have put together a list of the basic items. You will be able to go to the fitness center confidently, knowing that your gym bag holds all the items you need for an energizing workout. </span></b></div><b id="docs-internal-guid-afa7baf7-bddf-be34-dacf-baaac6ed3e9a" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /> </b> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-afa7baf7-bddf-be34-dacf-baaac6ed3e9a" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">An important part of exercising is feeling comfortable in what you are wearing. Shoes, socks, and apparel can affect the efficiency and energy during your workout. Here's what you need in your gym bag:</span></b></div><b id="docs-internal-guid-afa7baf7-bddf-be34-dacf-baaac6ed3e9a" style="font-weight: normal;"> <br /> <ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shoes. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your gym bag should have your work out shoes. Your choice of footwear can make or break your experience at the gym. Shoes that are ill-fitting can make your feet sore, and distract you from your workout. The right pair of shoes will support your arch, hold your foot in place, and will be appropriate for the type of workout you are doing. </span></div></li> </ul><ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Socks. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Socks may seem irrelevant to your workout, but they are not. A chunky cotton sock will bulge up in your shoes and make you uncomfortable. They are also not breathable, which can cause annoying foot sweat. Purchase some thin, athletic socks and keep them on hand in your gym bag. You won’t regret it!</span></div></li> </ul><ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Apparel. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your clothes are another important component of preparing a perfect gym bag. You want clothes that are light, breathable, and comfortable. Avoid heavy or overly baggy clothes. They will get in the way of your workout! You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars and name brand workout apparel. The main goal here is feeling comfortable, feeling confident, and being able to move efficiently. </span></div></li> </ul><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now you know what clothing items you need. I also have a couple suggestions for items that will improve the quality of your workout. </span></div><br /> <ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Music. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Put music in your gym bag! A great workout playlist will complement your exercise and keep you moving. Music serves as a distraction and motivator helping you to push through the hard part of your workout! Always have your iPod or MP3 player in your gym bag. </span></div></li> </ul><ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Water. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Invest in a water bottle exclusively for your gym bag. A BPA-free water bottle is healthier for you than water bottles from vending machines, and it’s better for the environment. Staying hydrated during a workout is important for workout success. Water keeps your body energized and will replace the fluid you lose from sweating. </span></div></li> </ul><br /> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope you find these gym bag essentials helpful when you are getting back into a gym routine! If you would like extra support with your weight loss and fitness goals, </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">contact me</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">! I would love to help you get on track toward a healthy lifestyle.</span></b>

best shoes, drink water, exercise, exercise accessories, exercise and fitness, fitness, general health, gym, health and fitness, joining a gym

5 Gym Bag Essentials

A gym bag is the one thing you always need to bring to the gym. It holds all the essentials for an effective workout! I have put together a...

Is it Time to Switch Up Your Workout Routine?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9f06-ccJA63IwPKngEMM-K8-WDhqcqp7oy97y83hzgVi7O6By84jeqKD55dzgsAEa1iW64WJEmCSeeSDOh_v2ezypSPhvluxFza1Ja5c_ZIvuMbZrjxxopE_nZZcrGwdgg-MJ3oznsoY/s1600/workout+routine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9f06-ccJA63IwPKngEMM-K8-WDhqcqp7oy97y83hzgVi7O6By84jeqKD55dzgsAEa1iW64WJEmCSeeSDOh_v2ezypSPhvluxFza1Ja5c_ZIvuMbZrjxxopE_nZZcrGwdgg-MJ3oznsoY/s640/workout+routine.jpg" title="exercise weights" width="640" /></a></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are you wondering if you should be changing your workout routine? Maybe you are struggling with motivation at the gym or not seeing the results that you expected. Here a six reasons that you may want to consider changing up your workout routine:</span></span></div> <b id="docs-internal-guid-e0b2240d-2853-1f0d-0afc-63dc8a138dd2" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Boredom</span></b></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you’re so bored at the gym that you do not feel like doing anything, it is time to modify your workout routine. You have to be dedicated to the workout, though! If you are the type of person that wants to switch it up after only 1-week, it would be in your best interest to try to motivate yourself to stick with your routine for at least a month. This will help you get the results you desire. </span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have been doing the same routine for months and it is just not motivating or energizing you anymore, it is time to switch up the routine! Try changing your form of cardio or switching one of your strengthening moves to a different exercise that works the same muscles. </span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not Seeing Results</span></b></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Working out consistently and not seeing immediate results can be discouraging. Make sure you have realistic expectations for yourself and physical fitness. You cannot walk into a gym and leave the gym the same day with a different body. Be patient with yourself and notice the small changes! </span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you have been following a consistent workout plan, and you still are not seeing the appropriate results, make sure you are using proper form, and consider consulting with a trainer. If that workout just isn’t working for you, definitely consider trying a different position and implementing it into your workout routine.</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Injury</span></b></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are injured, it is necessary to modify your workout routine. Do not just stop exercising! Let your body heal, but do it in a healthy active way, so the rest of your body does not suffer due to an isolated injury. Modify your workout routine until you are back to full physical health.</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Schedule</span></b></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe you have had a schedule change in your life, and your workout routine has to be modified to fit. That’s okay, just make sure you are getting in all the important aspects of your workout and that you are still noticing results over time. </span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not Challenging</span></b></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a big one! If you find your workout is too easy and that you can do it without thinking about it, you should definitely switch up your routine! A workout should be a challenge, it is the only way to see results. If you are not pushing yourself to a new level, reevaluate your workout routine and learn new ways to challenge yourself! It may mean increasing your distance on the treadmill, increasing resistance on the elliptical, or reaching a new level of weight during strength training. Just find what works for you!</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tired</span></b></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are no longer feeling energized by your workout routine, you may be pushing yourself too much. A good workout should leave you feeling refreshed, not lethargic or exhausted. You may need to take a few rest days and modify your workout routine to something less strenuous. The time spent recovering is just as important as the time spent in the gym.</span></span></div> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are looking for someone to guide you on your fitness journey </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">contact me</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.666666666666666px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">! I would love to help you live a healthier lifestyle and help you become the best version of yourself!</span></span>

exercise, exercise and fitness, gym, success tips, workout, workout tips

Is it Time to Switch Up Your Workout Routine?

Are you wondering if you should be changing your workout routine? Maybe you are struggling with motivation at the gym or not seeing the r...

New Approach to Treadmill Incline Workouts

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwl6paIyL0EBKvZAeJ24yPrI3s8kdiu-ZvgZ4XyL9-Guxqxy-GuvlCe115CVYPncfCxHGbLPdXjuwY0jfGNW16-0-_H_o99UCDYL0Fl8t3HJMB-_B6H4FdIJ0ZtSuNaNM0i-fryZnM5016/s1600/treadmill+incline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="treadmill incline in a workout facility" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwl6paIyL0EBKvZAeJ24yPrI3s8kdiu-ZvgZ4XyL9-Guxqxy-GuvlCe115CVYPncfCxHGbLPdXjuwY0jfGNW16-0-_H_o99UCDYL0Fl8t3HJMB-_B6H4FdIJ0ZtSuNaNM0i-fryZnM5016/s1600/treadmill+incline.jpg" title="" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Treadmill incline workouts are a great way to switch up your old routine at the gym! Walking or jogging on a treadmill incline causes less stress on your body than running. It targets muscles in your calves, thighs, and glutes, improves your cardiovascular strength, and is totally customizable for your fitness level! Try it out next time! You just might find you LOVE treadmill incline workouts. It is a great overall exercise.</span></span></div> <b id="docs-internal-guid-b87918e3-97ef-cc19-cf22-7b72366ff864" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For people who suffer from joint pain, high-impact workouts like running may cause additional stress on joints. Fortunately, joint pain doesn’t have to hold you back! Speed walking on a treadmill incline can give you all the same benefits of running, but without any of the aches because it is putting less pressure on your joints.</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not only does treadmill incline training cause less impact on your body and joints, but it targets your glutes, thighs, and calves in a more efficient way than walking or running on a level surface. Don’t we all want a toned booty and thighs, and long, lean calves? Treadmill incline workouts are a great way to do it!</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our cardiovascular system can also benefit from treadmill incline workouts. When you are walking up an incline, you are pushing your body forward, but also upward, which causes your lungs to breathe deeper and increases blood flow to your heart. Cardiovascular strength is so important in overall health, so it’s awesome that treadmill incline workouts are such an easy way to improve it!</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lastly, treadmill incline workouts are extremely customizable to your fitness level and fitness goals. You can modify the speed and the incline to keep you working toward your best you! Putting a treadmill at an incline between 10% and 15% is suggested, from there you can adjust your speed to wherever you feel comfortable! If you have to hold on to the bars, consider lowering your speed and your incline. Keeping your arms at your side in a normal walking formation will also help target your core muscles and improve the overall results from your treadmill incline workout!</span></span></div> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hope you give a treadmill incline workout a try next time you hit the gym! It’s a great way to mix things up from your normal routine, and it has so many benefits that it may become a staple in your fitness routine!</span></span>

A fit nurse, cardio, daily workouts, exercise, exercises for improving mood, fitness, fitness goals, fitness routine, fun workout, gym, leg workout

New Approach to Treadmill Incline Workouts

Treadmill incline workouts are a great way to switch up your old routine at the gym! Walking or jogging on a treadmill incline causes l...

Partner Workouts for Friends or Couples

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVvBkijXacq7W2pC_nysEtixD_34WOiYm1lI3CUDh_jqOoiaklAWSUvUV9eOLSnYGVreRgOgPyHeSoF68AtH0jE1jUPMo4mynekgRpXshIHE8wNFyRVR8wfKL6HA-2sSDymCWyhdATM0r/s1600/PartnerWorkoutsBLOG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Partner workouts with two people running together" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVvBkijXacq7W2pC_nysEtixD_34WOiYm1lI3CUDh_jqOoiaklAWSUvUV9eOLSnYGVreRgOgPyHeSoF68AtH0jE1jUPMo4mynekgRpXshIHE8wNFyRVR8wfKL6HA-2sSDymCWyhdATM0r/s1600/PartnerWorkoutsBLOG.jpg" title="" /></a></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Partner workouts are the perfect way to make your workout into a fun social activity. Having a workout buddy can help you stay motivated because you’re much less likely to skip your workout if someone else is expecting you to be there. </span></span></div> <b id="docs-internal-guid-0711907c-e8b1-492b-be46-ed9a6968841f" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want to try some partner workouts, it’s important that both partners commit to the plan. It can be discouraging if one partner isn’t as dedicated as the other. Before you register for a class or join a gym together, make sure you’re both on the same page. </span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Set goals for your partner workouts that are important to both of you, and in line with your current fitness levels. If you’re hoping to run a marathon by the end of the summer and your partner just wants to get out and have fun, they may not be a great match for you as a fitness buddy. A little bit of friendly competition can be a great motivator, but don’t get discouraged if your partner does a little better than you in some areas. Stick with it and you’ll get there, too! Make sure you’re having fun together, but don’t get so caught up in conversation that you forget to exercise! </span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time to find a workout buddy and get going! Here are some fun partner workouts you can try together:</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Dance classes.</b> Dancing is a fun activity, but, surprisingly it can be one of the more challenging partner workouts, too! Instead of a traditional dinner and a movie date night, why not sign up for a dance class instead? You’ll both get a full-body workout while you have a blast spending time together.</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Bodyweight exercises.</b> You might be familiar with doing bodyweight exercises (such as push-ups) on your own, but having a partner opens up new possibilities for you. Try doing some partner squats. Facing your partner, hold on to each other’s forearms. Slowly lower your bodies as though you are sitting in a chair, stopping when your thighs are parallel with the floor. Move back into a standing position, and repeat. It’s that easy! If you and your partner enjoy that, try doing a few other kinds of bodyweight partner workouts. </span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Sign up for a 5k.</b> Setting goals is an incredibly important part of successful partner workouts. Signing up for an event gives you a specific goal to work toward together, and you’ll both be more likely to stick to it. Be each other’s cheerleader, and celebrate together after you’ve crossed the finish line. </span></span></div> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Partner workouts help you get fit while strengthening your bond with your workout buddy. If you’re looking for new ways to shake up your routine, I suggest trying one of these partner workouts. Are you trying to find a fitness and nutrition plan that works for you? I’m here to help. </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/p/schedule-appointment-to-chat-with-me.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Contact me</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> today, and I can help you find a healthy routine that will put you on track to reach your fitness goals!</span></span>

daily workouts, dance, fitness, fitness goals, Fitness motivation, friends, fun workout, goals, gym, healthier life, healthy, lifestyle, marathon, partners, workouts

Partner Workouts for Friends or Couples

Partner workouts are the perfect way to make your workout into a fun social activity. Having a workout buddy can help you stay motivated ...

Get Fit At Home: A Couch Potato Workout

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBE52JtucqbqRhSL9skyDRM7nTiuyYkd3dszEK599ahpS4hrYI0KH4rz-CoUOzoH1Eljo43c1Ivwi3PUgzXv0vxS2zbCYeQ6kt2bQjcPu2EWo59Fep4ilbLKzJ4wPuFzls2jk-k30vXY6/s1600/couch_fitness.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Woman getting fit at home. " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBE52JtucqbqRhSL9skyDRM7nTiuyYkd3dszEK599ahpS4hrYI0KH4rz-CoUOzoH1Eljo43c1Ivwi3PUgzXv0vxS2zbCYeQ6kt2bQjcPu2EWo59Fep4ilbLKzJ4wPuFzls2jk-k30vXY6/s1600/couch_fitness.png" title="get fit at home" /></a></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 8pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666;">I like being able to get fit at home because it eliminates a drive to the gym when I don’t have the time to spare. I’ve designed this workout to be done from the couch, so there are no excuses! You can even keep the TV on while you get fit at home. Remember, you may need to decrease the numbers to start with and work up to higher numbers, or split the workout into 2 sets.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 8pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666;">The couch potato workout to get fit at home:</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 8pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Sit Ups (25):</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Lay on your back with your feet up over the back of the couch. Put your hands behind your head and do sit ups as usual. This is a pretty simple exercise to get fit at home.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 8pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Tucked Leg Lift Shifts (25 each leg):</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Stand facing the front of the couch. Lift bent right knee up as high as you can keeping it on the right side, then pull forward so foot is over couch seat, without touching the couch. Return to side and lower down to standing. Repeat on left side.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 8pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Arm Circles (50 each direction):</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Sit on the couch with feet straight out in a pike and good posture. Put arms out to the side and perform circles forward, then backward. Experiment with smaller circles and bigger circles for working different muscles. This will help you get fit at home because it’s a simple thing to do, but it will really start to burn!</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 8pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Seated Leg Lifts (25):</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Sit on the edge of the couch with good posture and hands on the couch for balance. Lift legs up as high as you can, then slowly lower down to feet on the ground. To intensify, stop your feet one inch before they hit the floor and immediately lift legs again.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 8pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Step Ups (15 each leg):</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Make sure your couch is extra sturdy for this one! You may need to take the seat cushions off. Stand at the front of the couch facing side ways. Place one foot on the couch with one foot on the floor. Step up so that you are standing on the couch with one foot, then lower slowly down to starting position. This will work your legs and glutes to get fit at home in no time. </span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 8pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Over Push Ups (25): </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Get into a pushup position with hands on the ground and knees on the couch, then perform standard pushups. Intensify by moving legs farther off the couch so there is more weight on your arms during the push up.  </span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 8pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Butt Raises (25 each leg): </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lay on your back facing sideways on the couch with one leg bent and one leg straightened out over the arm of the couch. Lift butt until hips are flat, then lower down slowly. To intensify, hold the straight leg 1-2 inches above the arm chair.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 8pt;"> <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Push and Points (25 each foot): </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Face the front of the couch and place right foot on the couch. Simultaneously switch feet so left foot is on the couch and right foot is on the floor, push and point your feet as hard as you can with each movement. Do this move as fast as possible for a way to get some cardio in while you get fit at home.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 15pt; margin-top: 8pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666;">I’m making this too easy for you. :) It’s so easy to get fit at home, all you need is some effort! Next time you are feeling like a couch potato and haven’t had time to get your workout in, pull up this workout and get it done!   </span></span></div>

abs, cardio, couch potato, fit, fitness, get fit, gym, home, home workout program, home workouts, sit ups, Success from home, workout

Get Fit At Home: A Couch Potato Workout

I like being able to get fit at home because it eliminates a drive to the gym when I don’t have the time to spare. I’ve designed this wor...