How Your Mattress Can Help You Stay in Shape

Usually, we associate getting fit with getting active because it’s only when we’re running around during the day that we burn off those calories, are capable of losing weight and can strengthen our bodies, right? Wrong. In fact, one of the key times in which we can get fit is actually when we’re horizontal. Nope, I’m not talking about leg lifts or chin ups. (Phew, says you.) I’m talking about night-time, when we’re getting our snooze on.

Getting enough, good-quality sleep is one of the best things we can do for our bodies and our minds. It can improve our memory, help us to lose weight, and reduce anxiety. It even lets us live longer! Sleeping properly makes us happier, healthier people and a little bit better at everything we do. And yep, that includes working out.

Here’s how sleep can help you become a workout machine… (Not literally. That’d be weird.)

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Nov082017

Why You Aren’t Getting a Six Pack!

Recently, someone in the gym asked us about an exercise we were performing, specifically inquiring if it was targeting our abs and then questioning how it differs from the abdominal crunch machine he was using. We explained that this particular variation of the abdominal crunch would activate more muscles in his core, since the weight could force his body left or right as well.

When he showed obvious frustration and explained how he’d been using the machine for years with no progress, we asked how he was using the machine, specifically referring to how many reps and sets he was doing. When he told us that he performed 30-40 reps per set, we asked him if he was happy with his upper arms. When he said that he was indeed happy with that body part, we asked him how he trained his arms, specifically referring to how many reps and sets he was doing. When he told us that he performed 8-12 reps per set, we presented the question: why are you training your abs differently?

Oct022017

Our Week(end) in Pics

Last week’s pics for bro’s bday

Sep272017

The Next Big Thing: Stair Climbs

We remember back in 2008 when we were on our way to our first Warrior Dash. We really had no idea what to expect since obstacle course racing wasn’t really a thing in the US at that point. We weren’t sure how to explain it our family and friends. Fortunately, it was only $35 or so, so you wouldn’t feel too bad telling people who you were paying to run through mud and fire.

Fast forward nearly a decade and everyone is on the lookout for new competition. Everything that involves competition, with either yourself or others, is becoming increasingly more popular, especially in the world of fitness and athletics. Obstacle course racing is a hundred-million dollar per year industry. CrossFit has a national level competition to bring their top athletes into a professional sports stadium for their apex event. Even triathlon is becoming more mainstream as far from elite athletes are willing to shell out ten-thousand dollars on a top bike to compete at their highest level. Still, our attention span can be lacking and as everyone gets bored with the same old thrill, the question is… what is the next big thing?

Now, I’m not going to be so bold to claim that Stair Climbs are going to be anywhere near that level, but they’ll certainly become more popular than they are now. The Los Angeles YMCA has hosted their annual Stair Climb in the US Bank Tower, which is the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, for the past seven years or so. We’ve been fortunate enough to compete in it the last three years, but we really only went for it this year. What do we mean by that?

Sep262017

Fuel Your Mornings with Optimum Nutrition

We know, we know. Years ago, we told you to stick to a high-quality product from a reputable company and use it as an anchor in your diet so that you can make sure you get enough protein without taking in too many calories. Well, years have passed and you’ve made progress, but at this point, you sure could use some relief from that same morning protein smoothie that you have. Luckily, Optimum Nutrition has perfect timing and a new product that is exactly what you might be looking for.

Well… actually, they have two new products. Whey & Oats has a larger serving size with more calories and protein than the Greek Yogurt Protein Smoothie, but neither of these products are high in the sugar/carb or fat departments. They walk that fine line of trying to fill you up in the morning so you’re not reaching for snacks all day without leaving you so stuffed and weighed down that you just want to go back to bed.

Sep152017

Small Change, Big Gain

In health and wellness, small changes can make a huge impact. It’s all about baby steps and those baby steps eventually turn into significant changes to your health for the better. Changing soda for sparkling water. Reducing fast food. Going for a walk after work instead of plopping in front of the television. It’s these baby steps that turn into substantive lifestyle change. It develops your new lifestyle into one that’s sustainable and healthy. People often think they need a head-over-heels shake-up of their life to become healthy. That’s not it. That’s not sustainable. The important part is turning it into a lifestyle: not a diet or a brief workout plan. Slow integration is the way to do it.

We were featured in a really neat infographic from Elysium Health which is all about the small changes you can make. Elysium, themselves, are committed to this idea with their own daily NAD+ supplement leading to a big gain in the long term. It just takes a small difference to better your health and, thus, your life!

Sep142017

The Ultimate Men’s Jacket for Fall

The ultimate. I know, that’s a bold statement. How could I possibly make such a claim about a product that has only been launched this week? I don’t need to look any further than Oliver’s All Over Short. After being introduced to it just a month ago, I’ve already decided that it is hands down my favorite pair I’ve ever owned or worn.

Wearing the shorts on a trail run

Sep062017

4 Reasons to Hire a Personal Trainer

First and foremost, we would like to commend you for deciding to get fit. But, you should know that getting fit isn’t exactly as easy as whistling dixie. For you to be in fine fettle, you will need to work hard and execute your exercise routines diligently. And, if you are new to the realm of fitness, it is in your best interest to hire the services of a personal trainer. Without straying away from the topic any further, here are 4 reasons why you need a personal trainer to help you get fit pronto! For further information on fitness and general well-being, do consider visiting, BlockFIT.

Who will motivate you?

If you want to get fit, you will need to stay motivated at all times. And, who better to help you get through the painful sessions than a personal trainer? The personal trainer will be well aware of the mental blocks you face during your rigorous sessions and will know exactly what to say to help you succeed. Let´s be honest here—personal trainers didn’t exactly get in the best shape of their lives without hard work and dedication. Hence, if you want to stay motivated and focused at all times during your sessions, it is of paramount importance for you to hire the services of a personal trainer.

Personal trainers can help create exercise routines that suit your body requirements.

Sep042017

Hotel Room Workout

Whether you’re travelling for work or fun, sometimes you are stuck in a hotel with no gym. You’re in a town that you’re unfamiliar with and aren’t subscribed to a gym nearby. You may even be short for time before your morning meeting or adventure, but you still want to get some movement and exercise down. What do you do?! What you certainly will not do is let this turn into a way for you to squirm your way out of a workout. No more excuses! I’ve designed a hotel room workout for you that you can do anytime anywhere. Let’s get to it.

Sep012017

Posture in the Workplace

We invited Wayfair to share their graphic and article about how to keep good posture in the workplace. We hope you enjoy it!

If you’ve ever had to sit at a desk for several hours at a time, you know what it’s like to constantly shift in your seat in search of the most comfortable position. Fortunately, there are all kinds of methods you can use to help improve your posture at your desk. That’s why Wayfair asked the experts to put together a helpful guide on ergonomic seating. It talks about everything from posture to ergonomic accessories to exercises you can use to help improve your comfort throughout your day!