In part I of this series, I laid out 5 questions to compare the various forms of aerobic and cardiovascular training. Based on that criteria, swimming, dance, rowing, and similar activities all stood out as ideal with rowing being what I deemed the most likely overall best. Unfortunately, it's more complicated than just crowning a winner and telling everyone to start rowing. The first problem arises the moment someone sits down on the rower to begin exercising: What do I do

There are very few things that reduce disease risk, increase life expectancy, and maximize health outcomes as effectively as cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise. The benefits of just 150 minutes a week of regular aerobic exercise are extensive and outlined more specifically here and the type of exercise chosen appears to matter little. Running, Zumba, martial arts, rowing, cross country skiing and pickleball can all positively improve health and well-being. But is there one for

A Nonsense Fitness Term One of the great privileges of being a trainer is getting to meet and work with many different people. Something I hear from an overwhelming number of new trainees when they describe their goals is an interest in “toning” their muscles. This is usually accompanied by sweeping gestures toward their midsection or pointing to areas they’d like to “sculpt and define.” This, however, is one of the biggest misunderstandings in the fitness industry. Muscle

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans details that adults should regularly perform “muscle-strengthening” activities. This specifically refers to movements that are aimed at increasing the physical function of your muscles and improving your musculoskeletal fitness and is typically done anytime you exert force against an external load. You can reap the benefits of muscle strengthening activities two ways: Through regular activities that challenge your muscles like c

Understand the basics of cardiovascular training and physical activity.