training Archives -

FitLife Exercise Resistance Bands Set

This post contains an affiliate link. If you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The FitLife Resistance Bands Set is an excellent addition to your home and mobile gym equipment. As a Perfect Workout Virtual Trainer, I highly recommend this product to my clients for its versatility and ease of use.

Resistance band training is extremely effective at burning fat and increasing muscle strength. It also helps to increase coordination, stamina, flexibility, and range of motion.

This is an excellent starter set for adults and teens. Each set contains a lightweight carrying bag, a sturdy door anchor, a pair of larger straps, two handles, and five bands.

The anti-snap bands range from 10 – 50lbs and are made of a natural latex that is non-irritating and odorless. You can use them individually or combine them to increase intensity (up to 150lbs).

The sweat-proof and skid-proof handles consist of strong fabric and steel D buckles to ensure maximum life and safety during use.

This FitLife set fits easily in a suitcase or your car, which makes it perfect for hotel use or lunch break workouts. You can set it up in just a few minutes and start training right away. This is an affordable and space-saving alternative to bulky pieces of home gym equipment.

FitLife sells these sets exclusively through Amazon, and right now they are offering a 10% coupon for additional savings.

I would love to show you how this works! Contact me to schedule an initial consultation or book a FREE Intro Session

Semi-Private Training at Anytime Fitness Dumas

Anytime Fitness Dumas is the go-to spot for semi-private training! Why is this such a great option for our members? Some of the many benefits include:

More Personal Attention
Affordable
Variety
Camaraderie
Motivation
Support
Accountability
Fun!

Semi-private training programs are designed for 2-4 people and meet 1X or 2X a week. Clients can have additional DIY workouts sent to them through the TrueCoach app, which includes a video library of exercises.

Current offerings at Anytime Fitness:

Tiny Vikings: Big and tall, we bring it all! Fight hard to lose weight, increase strength and endurance.

Kick-start Core: Kick your fitness into high gear with this intro to cardio kickboxing. Focus on core strength and mobility training.

Silver Strong: Specialized training for seniors who want to increase strength, flexibility, and balance.

Plus+ Strong: Whole-body strength and mobility training for weight loss. We move quickly between exercises for cardiovascular benefits.

Commit 2B Fit: Nothing can stop us! Strength and mobility training for people who are working with past injuries.

All training sessions are Level 1-2 (Beginner/Intermediate)

Sessions are by appointment on Wednesdays and Saturdays

As the Head Fitness Consultant it is a blessing to work with such fantastic people! I am amazed at the progress my clients have made in three short months. They give me goosebumps!

Interested in joining one of these semi-private training programs, or would you like to form your own team? Contact me today to book a free fitness consultation.

Client FAQ: What is the best way to lose weight?

Many of my clients want to lose weight and weight loss is one of the main reasons why people exercise. But not all exercise programs are created equally and produce various results. The saying “work smarter, not harder” definitely applies to weight loss strategies.

I find that it’s helpful to start by explaining the difference between exercise and recreation. Exercise (a.k.a. strength training) is a process where the body performs demanding work in a clinically controlled environment. Recreation (biking, hiking, swimming, yoga, golf, etc.) is for mental health purposes whereas exercise is purely physical.

Recreation is for fun. Exercise is for strength.

Exercise will contribute to the performance of any recreational activity, through improved strength, endurance and resistance to injury. I compare this relationship to the structure of a house. Exercise is the foundation while recreation is the enjoyment that comes from having a kitchen, a bedroom, a living room, and so on.

Exercise is like balancing your budget. Not much fun but it’s absolutely essential.

Traditionally, cardio has been the focus of weight loss efforts. But studies have shown that dozens of hours of running or aerobic activities will only lead to small amounts of weight loss.

When combined with calorie restriction, a.k.a. improved dietary choices, better results were achieved with cardio. However, some of that weight loss was due to a loss of lean body mass rather than fat loss.

In a recent study with over 4,000 participants, the best results for weight loss were achieved through a combination of strength training and calorie restriction. And while exercise may not be as enjoyable as recreation, the good news is that short bursts of intense exercise can effectively boost your metabolism.

It is possible to lose weight in as little as 20 minutes.

To learn about additional ways to lose fat please read: Strength Training for Fat Loss, Exercise & Ways to Lose Fat

The journey to fat loss can be incredibly empowering! Do you want to lose weight? I would love to help you with achieving your goals. Contact me to schedule your free initial consultation.

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Anytime Fitness – Head Fitness Consultant in Dumas, Texas

I am delighted to announce my new position at Anytime Fitness in Dumas, Texas! When I lived on the Western Slope, I was an Anytime Fitness member in Montrose, Colorado and I absolutely loved it!

The Anytime in Dumas is a wonderful facility that has state-of-the art equipment (Precor is my jam!). It also has a great heavy bag, showers, and lots of natural lighting. The gym is very clean and well-maintained, and is considered to be the go-to spot in town (second only to the Toppled Turtle).

Just like Snap Fitness, Anytime is open 24/7 with key fob access. I love the convenience of being able to go to the gym whenever I want. Some days I want to feel the pulse of a packed gym, and there are other times when I want my own personal playground.

Right now I am training clients at Anytime Fitness on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

It’s an honor to be working with such AMAZING people! I am so inspired to help them reach their fitness goals.

I am also starting to offer fitness consultations on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This is a great opportunity for new members to experience the many benefits of personal training. From now until May 2nd, it’s only $1 to join.

Stay tuned for specialized semi-private training offerings (coming soon!)

The Perfect Workout: 1-on-1 Slow-Motion Strength Training

Since graduating in December, I’ve started working as a Virtual Trainer with a company called The Perfect Workout. They have been in business since 1999 all across the US and have been offering Virtual Training since March of 2020.

The first time I tried the Super Slow method I knew that this was the missing piece of my fitness regimen! This science-backed system is based on a study by the University of Florida to help post-menopausal women create bone density.

Not only is The Perfect Workout safe and highly effective for seniors, it’s incredibly challenging for adults of all ages and ability levels.

Since I became a Perfect Workout Trainer, I’ve been learning all about why people LOVE the Super Slow method and Virtual Training. This is just a snapshot of what so many clients have shared with me:

“I love the convenience of Virtual Training. I save myself an hour by not having to drive back and forth to the studio!”

“The Perfect Workout has completely changed the way that I look at exercise.”

“Virtual Training is harder than the studio workouts!”

Many of you know that I’ve been a Slow Philosophy advocate for a very long time. I am delighted to be able to incorporate my training background with this brilliant system. And I would love to share the many benefits of The Perfect Workout with you.

To learn more about this revolutionary form of exercise visit: Is Virtual Personal Training Worth It?

Boxing with Jordan at Snap Fitness PW

For the past three months I’ve been taking the Monday night Boxing class at Snap Fitness in Pueblo West, CO. Before studying with Jordan I had no formal training and didn’t really know what to expect. I was training myself for the 22 Push Ups Challenge and looking for ways to increase my upper body strength.

Jordan has developed a method that is based on his own training. For the first few weeks I was the only attendee and was very fortunate to receive 1:1 coaching. That level of personalized attention gave me a solid foundation, and I got a taste of how intense that cardiovascular workout can be.

Once I got past the initial learning curve, my body started to acclimate to the sequencing of the drills. And it was very good for my brain to go outside of my movement comfort zone.

I’ve learned that boxing is like ballet, golf, and target practice.

In ballet you learn how to perform various sequences, or what I call “movement puzzles.” Once you put all of the pieces of a boxing drill together, the feeling of connection is much like the zen quality of archery or hitting a long drive.

That powerful feeling is pretty amazing, and when a drill becomes second nature it’s a lot like dancing. It’s also a form of mind-body exercise.

From the yogic perspective, high-energy exercise is an excellent way to engage with the manipura chakra.

In a nutshell, the manipura (a.k.a. solar plexus) chakra is the will-power center of the subtle body. When performed mindfully, exercises like push-ups, kickboxing, and core-work provide a physical way of engaging with this center.

Anodea Judith’s book, Eastern Body, Western Mind is a great resource for learning more about chakra psychology.

There have been days where I’ve had to tap into my will-power center in order to make it to class. Jordan is always very understanding when I tell him I’m tired and he adjusts his format accordingly.

But there are also days when I surprise myself by having more energy than I anticipated. It’s like I always tell people – it’s all about showing up.

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Get Your Evolution On

22 Push Ups in 22 Days

I just completed my first 22 Push Ups Challenge. This viral campaign started in 2013 to raise awareness for Veteran suicide prevention. The number 22 is based on a VA study about the number of Veterans who commit suicide every day.

The 22 Push Ups Challenge is also for honoring military service members and Veterans. Various organizations promote this activity during the month of November to commemorate Veteran’s Day.

This goal has been on my bucket list for a long time.

The terms of the challenge vary, just depending on how each person chooses to complete it. Some people practice 22 push ups throughout a single day. Other people practice 22 push ups (and/or variations) at one time. While some people dedicate one day to the challenge, others perform 22 push ups for 22 days. Everyone posts a video of their efforts on their social media.

I’ve tried this challenge in the past and failed, due to a herniated disc injury from 2015. It took many years to rebuild my body, but through consistent effort I built up the strength to do ten triceps push ups in a row.

My goal was to do 22 consecutive triceps push ups in full plank position.

In order to more than double my number of pushups I had to do quite a bit of base and cross-training. Before the November 1st start date, I spent six weeks focusing on foundation. During the seventh week I increased my upper body training frequency by alternating my standard routine with Ballet Barre push up variations.

I also added some explosive strength training.

I started attending boxing classes once a week and also practiced on my own. This was my first attempt at boxing and it has been wonderfully challenging. I can understand why boxing is considered to be a form of mindful exercise.

In order to stay on course I used a training technique from my first 100 Days of Meditation marathon. I made a promise to myself that if I missed a day I would have to start over. I also made sure to stick to my clean eating routine and slept an average of eight hours every night.

You are welcome to learn more about my progress on my Facebook page.

Interested in taking your training to the next level? Book a free no-obligation consultation to discuss how I can help you reach your goals.

Teaching Philosophy: Emily Seymour

I am a firm believer in the value of alternative education. My parents were public school teachers and I grew up observing their methods. My father was a middle school music teacher and my mother taught elementary school. I witnessed their enjoyment of creative education, their commitment to professionalism, and their bureaucratic struggles.

Growing up, I was recognized as a gifted and talented student, particularly in the Arts and Humanities. I attended young writers conferences, Girls State, and participated in the Odyssey of the Mind program. I was a competitive musician, an active thespian, and studied with world-famous dancers. I feel very fortunate to have had these outlets, as I did not enjoy standardized education.

In high school I wanted to attend private school but that wouldn’t have reflected well on my parents. So I chose the most alternative private college I could find. No grades, no tests – just an opportunity to enjoy my favorite subjects. I took a leave of absence to apprentice with a master teacher and choreographer. Sharing dance and yoga with thousands of children ignited my love of teaching.

I became a dance major at a state university but my interest in Traditional Eastern Arts led me to another alternative college. At Naropa University I experienced a synchronistic connection to my education. Whether I was engaged in a Socratic approach to Survival Skills, practicing yoga infused with philosophy, or learning the nuances of Tai Chi, it all interwove to form a rich tapestry of immersive, creative learning.

My teaching philosophy is rooted in these experiences. I especially enjoy working one-on-one and with groups of students over extended time frames. My yoga training has strengthened my ability to support students and colleagues in a balanced way. I believe in the importance of being thoughtful, disciplined and attentive to details. I welcome opportunities to further develop my skill set while leveraging my background.

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Intro to Pranayama Training Course

“When the breath wanders the mind is also unsteady. But when the breath is calmed the mind too will be still and the yogi achieves long life.” – Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Excerpt from the Intro to Pranayama training course:

My Story

I started practicing pranayama ten years ago. I spent two years studying the techniques and theories. Before then, I’d received a very brief introduction to pranayama through drop-in yoga classes. The intricate breathing practices were interesting, but I was much more attracted to the physical practice of yoga.

When I decided to become a yoga teacher I started learning basic pranayama techniques. Honestly, I didn’t want to do it! I didn’t have much patience and foolishly thought it was too easy for me.

The truth was that the idea of meditation was a little terrifying. I had been working with an anxiety disorder and the suggestion to sit quietly with my own mind seemed impossible.

There’s a saying in yoga: That which you resist is the thing you need the most.

Hindsight being 20-20, pranayama was exactly what I needed. As a kid I was diagnosed with asthma, so my lungs were already weak. A solid pranayama practice would have helped immensely. But my ego was getting in the way of my ability to take care of myself…

My yoga teacher could see that I wasn’t breathing properly. He insisted that I learn the basic techniques. I went on learn the more advanced techniques and over time the theories began to take root. Eventually, I began to experience the more profound, subtle effects of pranayama.

What did I learn?

Pranayama training gave me a great appreciation for internal yoga practices. I also respect the many health benefits of asana practice. Americans have explored this facet of the yoga diamond extensively, due to our appreciation of the athleticism of the human body.

But I will say this…

If you never go beyond the physical practice of yoga you are shortchanging yourself.

The best analogy I can offer is:

If you take a bunch of vegetables, cut them up and put them into a pot, pour water over them but never turn on the stove… and somehow, you’re expecting that it will transform into soup.

Obviously, that’s never going to happen.

The way to light the fire of yoga practice is through comprehensive application and cultivation of the internal practices. It’s absolutely essential to have a well-rounded understanding of all of the branches of yoga in order to make real progress.

There’s a popular misconception that yoga can be anything to anyone, which is simply not true. Not in the traditional sense of what yoga is – a path to Self-realization and union with the divine.

So let’s begin…

For more information please visit: Personal Yoga: Intro to Pranayama Training Course

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Outdoor Fitness Classes – Parker Tai Chi and Qi Gong Club

Outdoor training season is one of my favorite times of year. Navigating the weather can be a bit of an adventure here in Parker, Colorado. We get flash hailstorms all summer and it can get pretty windy at times. Which is a big reason why I’m so grateful to have a new indoor training space.

On nice days it’s amazing to train outside here. The sunsets are gorgeous and the skies are incredible. And after a long winter it feels so good to soak up the warm sunshine while exercising.

One of my local outdoor training spots is the Parker Norwell Outdoor Fitness park. Park gyms are a very cool phenomenon. I’ve seen a few of them in my travels around the country. This one was designed by the Barkholt family from Denmark:

During travels in Asia, the family experienced how the public outdoor fitness parks everywhere offer easy access to exercise, and the perfect supplement to the family’s walking and running routines.

This experience inspired the Barkholt family to develop their own unique line of outdoor fitness equipment, expressing the very best of Danish Design: quality, functionality and aesthetics.

There’s one piece of equipment that I really like – the curved pull up/stretching bars.

It’s perfect for practicing a full range of strength and flexibility exercises. A few of my favorite exercises include:

Hamstring Stretches
Flat Back Stretch
Hanging Spinal Stretch
Leg Lifts Series (for core and leg strength)
High Bar Stretching

These exercises are highly beneficial for all levels of experience. If there was one thing I could recommend that people do for themselves this summer it would be to train outdoors 2-3 days a week.

I’ll be co-hosting a series of small group sessions at the Norwell Park Gym and other local outdoor training spots. Contact me if you’re interested in attending a free seminar on how to do these exercises.

For more information visit the Parker Tai Chi and Qi Gong Club’s Facebook page.

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