Crunches and planks can get boring, and if you want to build well-rounded core strength, considering mixing up your routine with heel touches, which specifically target your obliques, aka your side ab muscles. Get the full scoop in this collaboration I did with LiveStrong including detailed videos of various progressions.
Read MoreI'm obsessed with this simple yet genius meal prep hack from the incomparable Queen of Clean Eating Allison Tibbs. Using mason jars you can pick up on Amazon or any kitchen supply store you can prep delicious salads and grain bowls that will last for several days without getting your veggies soggy using Allison's layering technique. Seriously, letting these suckers "marinade" in your favorite dressing and ingredients makes these salads tastier AND healthier than any quick serve salad joint and are easy to throw together.
Read MoreMobility Minute! Grab your foam roller and spend a minute (or two) on the best thoracic extension drills in my arsenal. These feel yummy and are great for anyone with lower back and neck issues.
Read MoreJoin Morgan and JJ for a discussion on the science and strategies behind getting better sleep. In this hour-long recorded Zoom workshop we’ll talk about the science behind the latest sleep research and review strategies and tips that have helped our clients improve their sleep to become healthier humans and better professionals.
Read MoreI was trying to come up with a clever Brittney Spears inspired headline like “Wanna strong pull up body? Better jump, b*tch!” but I’ll keep this professional (ish). Here’s the bottom line, if you want to safely and effectively build upper body strength to do solid bodyweight pull ups, try these “jumping” or “eccentric” pull ups where you start from the top and slowly lower yourself down. Note, if you’ve never done these before you will likely be very sore the next day.
Read MoreIf the bulk of your core strengthening work consists of sit ups, crunches and other core flexing moves, consider doing more core stability or anti-rotation exercises like planks or this move called a Pallof Press. The trick is to pick a resistance that challenges you while still allowing you to move with symmetry and good posture (hips level, shoulders down, pelvis tucked). Start light with 2-3 sets of 12 reps each side and build. You will feel this all over especially in your core and glutes. These are particularly good if you have lower back issues and likely a safer choice than sit ups.
Read MoreI am a big fan of exercises that do multiple things at once. And I don't know anyone who doesn't want a stronger core and a more mobile psoas. Pso-what? PSOAS. It's a super awesome and complicated muscle that attaches your leg to your spine so you can flex your hip and flex and twist your trunk (among other things).
Read MoreI shared in my latest newsletter the idea of picking just one thing to make things better. My one thing these days is to better connect with gratitude. The proven physical and mental benefits of a gratitude practice are undeniable. Gratitude can improve many aspects of your wellness including reduced pain, better physical performance, improved sleep and even better relationships.
Read MoreScrolling has become the new smoking and too much screen time is linked with poor mood, poor productivity, fatigue, anxiety and physical pain. In this pre-recorded 60 minute workshop Morgan and JJ discuss the importance of your visual system and its crucial role in your overall health and teach you how to train it just like you would train any other muscle.
Read MoreExercise bikes, ellipticals and rowers are all popular cardiovascular training tools that can make great additions to your home gym. If you are weighing the pros and cons of each for your goals and body checkout my tips and those from other fitness experts in this US News & World article.
Read MoreIt's that time of year again and folks are beginning to grill me for fitness-related gift ideas. Here are a few of my favorite things that are sure to please anyone trying to fit fitness and nutrition into a busy, balanced life whether working out at home, in the gym or on the road.
Read MoreWhile “Fish in a Pouch” may not sound delicious, this quick, clean and tasty dish is one of my favorites. This all in one meal takes less than 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. It’s perfect to make for one person or a big dinner party and requires almost no clean up. You can use any starches, veggies and fish you like including cod, halibut or salmon and you can also toss in shrimp or scallops. Watch the latest episode of "Cooking with JJ" to learn how to make this amazing dish.
Read MoreIt’s always an honor to be asked to contribute to important topics in the mainstream press. Lot’s of good suggestions for prioritizing resistance training in this US News & World Report story: 10 Forms of Resistance Training That Strengthen Your Muscles.
Read MoreI want to share this yummy lower back release/core engagement drill that I've been doing for a few minutes each day with awesome results. This is a great one if you feel achy and stiff in your lower back from too much sitting. You'll need a yoga block for this one (you can get these 2 for $10 on most online retailers). You can use a soft foam roller too in a pinch.
Read MoreSo you finally accepted that eating out for breakfast, lunch and dinner makes it nearly impossible to reach your fitness and health goals? Bagels and breakfast burritos (or no breakfast at all), quick serve sandwiches and salads near the office and takeout (or worse happy hour treats) are killing your waistline and your wallet? Congrats. Acceptance is the first step. The next step is getting onboard with meal prepping and it doesn’t have to be as complicated or laborious as you think.
Read MoreThis is hands down one of my favorite salads. I'm a big fan of creamy Caesar dressings but they can be super fattening and rich. So this recipe gives the same flavor with a fraction of the calories and fat thanks to the combo of lemon juice, hummus and feta. The salad on it's own is great but if you want to make it a yummy, hot meal I'll show you how to saute chicken breast in coconut oil on your stove to top things off.
Read MoreIn the NewsUpNow.org kitchen with me this week is one of my very favorite humans. Morgan McEvilly is a talented personal trainer, yoga instructor and wellness guru. I’ve learned so much from her over the years and I’m so grateful she found the time to come show us how to make her famous Magical Morgan Energy Bars. These yummy, plant-based treats are perfect pick-me-ups for quick, natural energy and make a great pre- or post-workout treat. All you need is a sturdy food processor and a selection of your favorite nuts, dried fruits and fresh dates.
Read MoreIn the NewsUpNow.org kitchen with me this week is the beautiful and amazing Allison Tibbs who has perfected a scrumptious vegetarian "tuna salad" recipe made from chickpeas. Just in time for your Labor Day BBQ, this salad is great as a meal, snack or side and will satisfy even the most avid meat eater and tuna salad snob. It can also be modified to be vegan friendly and as we demonstrate is great for doing bicep curls in the kitchen. Proof! "Cooking" can be easy, fun and delicious.
Read MoreIn this week’s episode of “Cooking with JJ” from NewsUpNOW, I’ll show you how to make super simple and yummy veggie and (optional) meat egg white muffins which are great for meal prepping for the week ahead. The amazing Allison Tibbs taught me how to make these years ago and they are a staple in my house! Check out the full episode and cook along with me!
Read MoreI'm super excited to share the premier episode of Cooking with JJ, a video partnership between Jonathan Jordan Fitness and the incredible producers at NewsUpNow.org. In each episode we'll share delicious and healthy meal prep hacks, recipes and techniques to fuel your life. In this episode I'll show you how to make my famous Banana Blueberry Protein Muffins.
Read MoreOnce a month I gather the best fitness and nutrition news, tips and videos from my blog into one handy email. I never share email addresses with third parties and you can unsubscribe at any time. Check out past issues.
