“I bent over to pick up a pen and my back went out!” was a lament I heard many times from clients during my years as a personal trainer. Here’s the thing: back pain that seemingly comes out of nowhere has most likely been simmering under the surface for months – maybe years – before it makes itself known. Like any “overnight success,” it’s almost never sudden…

It’s been 28 years since I earned my first of four personal training certifications in 1995. As I proudly displayed the American Council of Exercise (ACE) certificate on my wall, I thought I had all I needed…

After four decades of regular workouts, my body has decided to defend itself by developing osteoarthritis. Every workout is now a rousing game of Will It Hurt If I Do This? Oh, what fun.
But unlike a real game show, no prizes are awarded…

It strikes without warning. One day you’re strolling along, thinking you’re finally getting the hang of this thing called ‘life,’ when – BAM! – it hits you as you try to zip up your pants. It’s a reminder that you are not yet done…

If I had a dime for every time someone told me, “I’ve tried everything and still can’t lose weight/get fit/tone my arms!” I’d be writing this from my own private island in the middle of the South Pacific. Such is not the case…

I admit, I love people-watching. Not peeking around corners, creepy-stalking but waiting in line or hanging out and watching my fellow humans being themselves. In addition to the airport and Starbucks, observing people at the gym…

Let’s do a quick word association game: What comes to mind when you think of weight lifting? If you’re like most people, one or more of the following popped into your head: Big beefy muscles; Lots of grunting, sweating, and strutting…

Here’s the thing about fitness information: It changes constantly. New research, trends and fads steer us in directions we believe will be The Answer to whatever fitness problem ails us. One day we’re squeezing the life out…

I survived Flashdance fashion and Jane Fonda high-rise leotards, and endured a stress fracture from many months of high-impact cardio on unforgiving, cement gym floors. In short, I’ve been an eyewitness to trends, cults, and rises and falls of everything fitness…

It would be great to find an effortless, fun, easy and irreversible way to [insert your biggest wish here]. Like finding that perfect shade of lipstick, a dress that makes you look like a princess, or a chocolate dessert with fewer calories than celery. We can dream, right?