Meal Prep Got You Down? Try These Five Tasty Recipes Courtesy of Allison Tibbs Fitness

Meal Prep Got You Down? Try These Five Tasty Recipes Courtesy of Allison Tibbs Fitness

Allison Tibbs talks the talk and walks the walk. She is an inspiring coach, athlete, businesswoman and - getting to the point of today’s post - unparalleled food prep goddess. If you don’t follow her already, do so immediately. She was kind enough to let me “borrow” these five recipes I learned from her latest clean eating challenge. She is constantly sharing simple, delicious and healthy recipes and food prep strategies. Check her out online, on Instagram and on Facebook.  

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10 Songs That Are My Current Obsession

10 Songs That Are My Current Obsession

Quick and dirty post here. I've been sharing on Instagram some of my favorite songs I listen to at 5:30am on my way to work to get me pumped and during my own workouts. These are my current 10 go-to tunes when motivation is lacking and I need something to get me moving. Hope you enjoy these! Let me know what yours are and I can add them to future playlists! Click here for the Spotify List.

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How to Focus Your Yoga Practice: Foundations for Beginner and Advanced Students

How to Focus Your Yoga Practice: Foundations for Beginner and Advanced Students

Yoga means to yoke or to union. It’s a practice meant to connect us with ourselves and to put us at harmony with the world around us. But we live in fast-paced, technology-driven times and many of us demand perfection of ourselves at work, at home and even on the mat. Whether you’re contemplating taking your first yoga class or you’re a yoga veteran struggling to find that union during your Asanas practice, watch this two minute video of the lovely and amazing Morgan McEvilly. Morgan then demonstrates and cues three foundational poses you can use both at home on your own and in practically any typical yoga class.

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Sarah Schulze on Making Better Choices, Vegetarianism and Why She No Longer Hates Going to the Gym

Sarah Schulze on Making Better Choices, Vegetarianism and Why She No Longer Hates Going to the Gym

Bright-eyed, blond and beautiful on the inside and out. That describes Sarah Schulze. I can hardly believe that it’s been over two years since this amazing woman walked into my gym and into my life. We’ve trained consistently during that time and she’s become not only one of my strongest and most committed clients (she can deadlift, back squat, front squat and hip thrust like a champ and is building up her pull ups now!) but also my friend, my spin sister and my yoga buddy. Sarah embodies the fitness principle of balance. I love her story and her energy and I’m so glad she took the time to share it with us. 

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Fresh vs Frozen Fruits and Vegetables? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Fresh vs Frozen Fruits and Vegetables? Here’s What You Need to Know.

I’ve been asked by a lot of clients recently whether it’s “ok” to use frozen fruits and veggies in smoothies, for meal prep, as snacks, etc. or if they “must” always use fresh. In general, I recommend folks try and get in as many colors in their diet as possible and to pick fresh when available and in season and to go frozen when not. Priority is on variety, practicality and your own tastes. Thankfully, Mary Jane Brown, PhD, RD has put together this awesome article giving us the bottom line on the fresh vs frozen debate. Give it a read and crunch on! 

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Why I Love My SoulCycle Saturdays

Why I Love My SoulCycle Saturdays

Years ago, before I became a personal trainer, I visited my best friend in Manhattan. He’s one of those uber connected, “in the know” guys always impeccably dressed and on trend. He couldn’t wait to take me to his newest fitness obsession: SoulCycle. I rolled my eyes with every detail. Candles? Weights on bikes? Motivational coaches? Celebrity sightings? No thanks. But I went. And ever since I’ve included it as part of my balanced fitness program. And here’s why

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Q&A: Jason Levy Tells Us Why Fitness Is One of the Best Investments of Time, Money and Energy He’s Ever Made

Q&A: Jason Levy Tells Us Why Fitness Is One of the Best Investments of Time, Money and Energy He’s Ever Made

I met Jason shortly after his 30th birthday (our first six weeks were a gift from his father). In the eight months since, the dude has worked hard, followed advice and focused on what’s important: long term health and balance. He has lost 26 pounds and 10% body fat, improved his energy, learned how to eat healthy and become strong. He has come to like big lifts like back squats, deadlifts and bench press (despite what he might tell you) and has improved his endurance for running, spinning and even the dreaded Versa Climber. Jason is one of those clients who inspires me, others in the gym, his family and even his officemates to be better. And he was kind enough to share some of his insights and experiences. 

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90s Video: How to Make the Perfect Smoothie

90s Video: How to Make the Perfect Smoothie

Whether for pre-workout or post-workout, breakfast or dinner or just as a quick pick me up, smoothies are quickly beginning to nudge juices out of the limelight for better health, body composition and performance. So you decided to replace less healthy options like processed cereals, meats high in saturated fat or skipping meals altogether with a healthy smoothie. WIN. But you don’t know what to put in it or are putting the wrong things in it. FAIL. Here’s a quick 90s video from the fantastic Manuel Villacorta (nutritional expert, author, M.S. and R.D.) to explain how to make the perfect smoothie.

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How to Use a Standing Desk the RIGHT Way

How to Use a Standing Desk the RIGHT Way

So you got a standing desk. WIN! But you're standing wrong. FAIL! Here's a quick and easy video of my pal and physical therapist Dr. AshleyRose Costello of SF Sport and Spine explaining how to use a standing desk the RIGHT way and basically how to stand to reduce pain, improve posture and improve your mobility.

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Five Truths About Muscle Soreness and Five Ways to Deal With It

Five Truths About Muscle Soreness and Five Ways to Deal With It

I get it. We live in extreme times. We work hard, we play hard. We want results. And for many folks that means wanting to leave the gym feeling like they got the sh*t kicked out of them. The simple fact is that muscle soreness is not necessarily indicative of an effective workout or training program. In fact, if you’re sore after every workout that’s a bad thing. This is a hard pill for some of us A-typers to swallow, so let’s examine five truths about muscle soreness. Checkout my guest blog post on thumbbell.com.

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Do You Know What a Pichuberry Is? You Should.

Do You Know What a Pichuberry Is? You Should.

Most folks are familiar with the word “superfood”. It’s a general, non scientific term used to describe a food that provides high values of an important vitamin or mineral, phytonutrients and/or antioxidants that have been shown to have health benefits. They are foods that are generally accepted as being hella good for you like sweet potatoes, kale and salmon. I asked my pal, leading nutritional expert and author Manuel Villacorta, M.S., R.D. to explain the benefits of one particular superfood that you likely have never heard of (I hadn’t): the pichuberry.

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Simple Steps to Headstand Success

Simple Steps to Headstand Success

2015 was the year of the headstand. Half a dozen clients this year came to me wishing they could do a headstand. Some thought it would be a fun performance goal and demonstration of upper body and core strength. Some felt self conscious doing inversions during yoga class against a wall. And one had a long term goal of doing a full, unassisted handstand. So I turned to Kathleen Beachler (Personal Training Manager at Equinox Pine Street and former gymnast) to help.

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Q&A with Eric Steiner: Fitness Provides Balance, Focus and a Way to Contribute to the Community

Q&A with Eric Steiner: Fitness Provides Balance, Focus and a Way to Contribute to the Community

It takes a strong resolve to commit to a consistent fitness regime, particularly one that includes training at lunchtime when most FiDi professionals are either slumped over their desks eating a takeout salad or waiting in line at a food truck or Philz. Over the past year my client and friend Eric Steiner has run multiple marathons, recovered from knee surgery, maintained an impressive weightlifting training program and decided to once again ride the 545 miles from SF to LA in 2016 to help raise money for, and awareness of, our continued fight against HIV/AIDS. So I asked Eric to share his insights on how training helps him maintain balance and what his upcoming AIDS/Lifecycle ride means to him.

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Eggs Are Not The Enemy

Eggs Are Not The Enemy

Hello my name is JJ and I eat eggs. The whole egg. Including the yolk. Several time a week. Clients are usually surprised to hear this and I frequently find myself defending the Incredible, Edible Egg and dispelling many of the myths surrounding it. Aren’t I afraid of high cholesterol? What about all that fat? Who has time to make eggs during the week? All valid questions, so let’s tackle them.

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Supplement Spotlight: Should you take BCAAs?

Supplement Spotlight: Should you take BCAAs?

I get asked by a lot of clients, friends and family what supplements they should take. I don’t “prescribe” supplements or specific diet plans. I do, however, provide information and experience that can help them make the best choices for themselves. So over the coming weeks I’ll spotlight various popular supplements here on the blog, give my experience and provide resources to help educate you. First up are branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Here’s the deal, BCAAs, especially leucine, may help: build muscle (anabolism), prevent muscle breakdown (catabolism), reduce soreness and help burn fat.

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Get a Chance to Win a Free Solar Battery Pack and Get JJ Fit 24/7

Get a Chance to Win a Free Solar Battery Pack and Get JJ Fit 24/7

Want a free solar battery pack so you can charge and use all your important devices (cell phones, mp3 players, GPS devices, cameras, anything!) while you’re on the go and away from a plug while hiking, camping, at the beach or traveling? I’m giving one lucky JJ Fit 24/7 subscriber a Solio Mono-aTM Battery Pack this month!

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Travel Can Be a Pain in the Neck: Mobility Tips from Dr. Adam Jacobs

Travel Can Be a Pain in the Neck: Mobility Tips from Dr. Adam Jacobs

According to AAA nearly 42 million Americans will take a holiday road trip this Thanksgiving and 3.6 million Americans will fly to their holiday destinations. That’s a lot of stiff joints and sore muscles! You wouldn’t run a marathon without training and warming up, right? (RIGHT?!) So put a little forethought into how you’ll take care of your body if you have a long trip ahead of you. For this post I enlisted the help of the Bay Area’s best chiropractor Dr. Adam Jacobs from SF Custom Chiropractic to share some practical tips, breathing drills and stretches you can do while traveling on a plane or in a car to stay limber and avoid common aches and pains.

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10 Gifts a Fitness Buff Will Actually Use: A Gift Guide for Anyone’s Budget

10 Gifts a Fitness Buff Will Actually Use: A Gift Guide for Anyone’s Budget

The second I saw my first Starbucks red cup this season I knew it was time to start trolling around the Interwebs for the perfect gifts. Being somewhat inept at shopping and pressed for time, I Googled fitness-themed holiday gift guides. And I was disappointed. Frankly, no one needs random exercise cardsjunky “fitspo” charm bracelets or days of the week running panties (et tu, BuzzFeed?). Most of this crap will end up in the bottom of a junk drawer, in the trash or at best regifted at the office white elephant party. So I polled my fellow trainers, clients and friends and compiled a list of stuff people into fitness at any level (and at any price point from $2.70 to $249.95) will actually want and use. Check it out! And happy holidays! 

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Unjam Your Body’s Highway from the Foot Up

Unjam Your Body’s Highway from the Foot Up

Some of the brain’s most important sensory input comes from our feet. When the joints of our feet get jammed (from wearing the wrong shoe, having unstable arches or any number of other issues) the information flow from our surroundings to our bodies to our brains (and from our brains to our bodies in response) gets jammed. It’s like we’re stuck in traffic and the brain looks for whatever detour it can take to make movement happen. Until we unjam these joints and free up that highway we’re stuck with poor movement that can lead to pain, injury and less than optimal performance. Read on for a video of a simple drill that might help you move better!

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6 Mistakes That May Be Sabotaging Your Gains

6 Mistakes That May Be Sabotaging Your Gains

Generally I never judge someone’s form unless I know their body and their goals. But that said, there are a few common errors I see a lot. Checkout my interview on Olahuna.com for 6 common mistakes (and fixes) in the gym to avoid injury and to increase efficiency. Click here to read the full article.

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