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The Top 10 Workout Songs for June 2016

Please enjoy a post from our friends at Run Hundred.

The summer possesses a strange magic that allows it to draw pop songs out of the woodwork—even from acts that aren’t necessarily pop acts. Even if the season itself isn’t pulling the strings, music lovers are definitely gravitating to big choruses from a variety of sources. In this playlist, we recap the best of those for working out in June.

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The Top 10 Workout Songs for May 2016

Please enjoy a post from our friends at Run Hundred.

This month’s tops songs provide an excellent mix of college radio favorites, Top 40 hits, and clubland remixes. Starting with the outliers, you’ve got the latest from guitar-less wonders Fitz & The Tantrums and the throwback sound of Ladyhawke. From the pop charts, you’ll find a new single from Jennifer Lopez along with Lizzo’s feelgood contribution to the new Barbershop movie. Finally, directly from the dance floor, you’ll find remixes of G-Eazy’s breakthrough hit and an anthem from Jess Glynne.

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The New Protein Superfood: #FeelAmazingEveryDay (Giveaway)

Ladies and gentlemen, we would like to present to you a product that does everything in one perfect scoop. You get your 7 alkalizing greens (wheat grass, barley grass, alfalfa, spirulina, chlorella, broccoli, and spinach), your plant-based protein, and a healthy serving of your fruits and vegetables. It seems like a lot. And it is! But we aren’t pulling your leg. Amazing Grass dug deep and produced this great product for the public. It’s your daily nutrition all-in-one package. At Hungry and Fit, we try new products all the time. Some are hits and most are misses. I was a little nervous about this one. All this stuff in just one scoop? Won’t it be gross? Spoiler alert: it’s not!

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Grip Strength Workout

Whether you’re having a hard time opening a jar of pickles or can’t lockout that 600+ lb deadlift, your grip is an essential component to your overall strength. Instead of buying a pair of straps or the most technologically advanced chalk, the best practice is to develop a grip that can crush apples and tear phone books. These exercises will help you develop stronger hands and have a direct practical application to competitions such as powerlifting and strongman since you’re simulating the same technique. Even if you’re a martial artist who grapples or throws, being able to hold onto a gi is key and no matter what your goal, this routine will push your mind (and forearms) to the limit every set.

It’s important to note that in between every set, I will stretch the muscles that are being contracted for such a long amount of time. For example, I might use a thick rubber band (like the one from broccoli at the grocery) to expand my hands so they and my forearms are not in a state of constant flexion. I train many lab workers, nurses, and bakers who have developed the equivalent of a shin splint in their forearms because they’ve created such an extreme muscular imbalance. We want to avoid that in our effort to strengthen our grip. We don’t want to cause injury when trying to squeeze that level 3 Captain of Crush. 

(I will mention that you’ll notice Captain of Crush work is not included in this workout. I generally superset every exercise in my bodybuilding upper day with my CoC so I avoid using them in this workout.)

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The Top 10 Workout Songs for April 2016

Please enjoy a post from our friends at Run Hundred.

Ladies rule the gym this month—with females out front on all but three of the month’s top tunes. The list also favors the poppier end of the musical spectrum. At the same time–even with these elements in common—there’s still room for a few surprises.

The most anticipated songs of the month are the new singles from Sia and Meghan Trainor. Collaborations also proved popular—with Zara Larsson and Fifth Harmony teaming up with MNEK and Ty Dolla $ign, respectively. Lastly, from the fellows, you’ll find the latest from Pitbull, a remix from Coldplay, and a fast track from St. Lucia.

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What is RPE or Rate of Perceived Exertion?

I remember my first “job” at a gym back in the early-mid 1990s. Although that facility no longer exists (it’s a doctor’s office now), there are a few images stuck in my mind from it. One of the clearest images is one that I see every day in the fitness facility that I manage in LA. It was one that I’ve looked at in the countless gyms that I’ve worked in and will continue to see for some time. It’s the side-by-side poster combination of target heart rate zones and rate of perceived exertion.  

When I train aspiring fitness professionals to become everything from personal trainers to group exercise instructors, these two charts are a key component in the classroom. Why? Because there is a great chance that they’ll have them at their new job and will have to explain what they mean to their customers, clients, and members. Also, using the concepts behind these posters will help you explain some key components in a way that normal people will understand. 

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Exercise Spotlight: Standing Plate-Loaded Shrugs

We are continuing our series of exercise spotlights with today’s version of a shrug! A lot of people shy away from shrugs because they think that their traps will flame up Hulk-style. In reality, building your traps gives you a strong-looking frame to compliment the rest of your shoulders, arms, and back. Remember, it’s important to continue to add different exercises to your knowledge base so that your body doesn’t get used to anything. Let’s learn about the standing plate-loaded shrug. 

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Friday Fitness Comics

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Back when we had our promotions for the new year, one of my personal training staff sent me this. I’m not sure who put it together, but if you let me know I will certainly give credit where credit is due. This individual also worked the floor of the fitness facility, which is challenging because you’re dealing with other staff, members, and equipment that all have their need for your services. This speaks volumes to the environment.

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