Glass Containers to Replace Plastic

With concerns about the chemicals from plastics, I was pleased to read this article in today's Boston Globe: http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2011/06/29/ziploc_versaglass_a_new_alternative_to_plastic_food_storage_containers/

High Intensity Interval Training

Good article in today's Wall Street Journal discussing intense training sessions. studies to date suggest that intense interval training improves the ability of the body in at least some patients to transport and use oxygen—which is generally associated with living longer—more effectively than a steady, moderate workout. The technique is also being studied in people with hypertension, diabetes and other conditions.

Check it out here:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303627104576411633459906142.html?KEYWORDS=fitness

Air Dyne Tabatas

STILL the hardest thing I've done for conditioning, check out my colleague Ben Bruno performing Air Dyne "Tabatas" (:20 work/:10 rest x 8)

Healthy Pantry

Stocking your pantry with healthy ingredients is essential when you're looking to quickly put together a healthy meal. The following food staples represent a few examples of what you should have on hand:

• canned tomatoes
• quinoa
• black beans
• low-sodium chicken/vegetable stock
• extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• sweet potatoes
• garlic
• onions

Metabolic Circuits

To build work capacity, I've been engaging many of my clients in some "metabolic circuits/finishers" recently. The above is an example of one, performed by Strength Coach Nick Tuminello.

Slideboard Push-up Variation with Band

Push-ups remain my pick for one of the most underrated exercises available. I borrowed the above video from my colleague Eric Cressey. Placing a band around the wrists forces the scapular retractors and external rotators to engage. Give this one a shot!

Martin Rooney is nuts!

One of the strength coaches whose work I constantly follow is Martin Rooney. I had the pleasure of meeting Martin last summer and he's a great guy. He's super passionate and SO intense! He's been all over the world working with various groups. Check out the video above of him engaging in some "contrast temperature" work with his colleagues in Finland. I did something similar in college with a group of athletes, but we just used super hot and freezing cold water in the showers after strength training workouts. I don't know that it minimized muscle soreness, but it was definitely invigorating- and crazy! It kind of goes without saying, but don't do what Coach Rooney and his pals did at home!

One of my fav. videos

Dr. Weil Protein Pointers

One of my fav. videos from Dr. Andrew Weil on protein.

Schools Set to Weigh in on Fitness

Two cold facts:

• Two of every five children in Boston’s public schools weigh more than they should
• 30 percent of the district’s schools offer no physical education classes.

Boston is looking to make some changes. Check out the full scoop here:

http://articles.boston.com/2011-06-09/news/29639499_1_schools-offer-physical-education-urban-school-districts

Upper Body Power for the Every Day Person

One exercise I use with many clients to improve anterior core strength, shoulder mobility, caloric burning, and upper body power is the Overhead Medicine Ball Slam. It can be done in a few different ways, but the video above demonstrates the "recoil" aspect. They're fun to do and are appropriate for all levels. I often include them as part of metabolic circuits.

One exercise I've been incorporating more into my own personal workouts is "1-Arm Kettlebell Bottoms-Up Squats." I'm a huge fan of 1-arm exercises that challenge the offside obliques and force you to maintain proper upper body alignment. Additionally, this exercise is great for improving wrist integrity and forearm strength & endurance. It doesn't take a lot of weight.

Strong Women do Chin-ups

I had the privilege to meet Rachel Cosgrove, co-owner of Results Fitness, last weekend at a conference in Rhode Island. She commands respect because she walks the walk and talks the talk. She's also a super-smart business owner which is the main reason I wanted to speak to her. Check out the video above of her explaining chin-ups, an exercise I'm constantly pushing to my female clients.