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How to Get Fit at Home Without Equipment
Some people love the gym, and that’s great for them. Personally, I can’t stand it. First of all, I hate all the logistics that are involved. It feels like I spend twice as much time getting to and from the gym as I do actually working out in it. Then there’s all the waiting around to use exercise equipment, wiping things down because the person before you didn’t (ugh!), and listening to the person on the treadmill next to you yak away loudly on their phone about the terrible weekend they had. The proverbial cherry on top is the post-exercise locker room experience. If I’m not over the gym before…
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5 False Beliefs About Exercise That Sabotage Your Results — and Self-Worth
When it comes to fitness, mindset is absolutely everything. You can have the best personal trainer in the world guiding you through the most scientifically effective training program on the planet, and still fail because you’re not in the right headspace. The problem is, most people don’t even realize they have a problem with their mindset when it comes to exercise. I certainly had no clue that certain beliefs were holding me back five years ago when I had over 20 pounds to lose. I’m not talking about common training myths like “you need to stretch before a workout”, or “lifting heavy will make you bulky”. I’m referring to certain,…
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SWEAT App Review 2024: Revisiting the App 5 Years Later
Ever since I first tried the Kayla Itsines HIIT Program (formerly known as Bikini Body Guide) back in 2018, the SWEAT app has quickly become one of my go-to fitness and workout apps. With a vacation on the horizon and swimsuit season just around the corner, I thought it would of course be the perfect time to revisit the app and see how it’s evolved over the years. The app offers a wide array of workout programs tailored to different fitness levels and preferences. From HIIT and strength training to yoga and barre, there’s something for everyone, which is why I came back to it and can bring you this…
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The 9 Best Exercise Mats for Hardwood Floors in 2024
Exercising at home has become increasingly popular, especially with hectic schedules and the need for convenience. Having a comfortable and safe space to sweat it out is essential for any home gym, and an exercise mat is a key cornerstone for this setup. However, not all exercise mats are the same, and finding the right fit for your hardwood floors can be challenging. Hardwood floors are beautiful and durable, but when it comes to exercising on them, the risk of slipping or causing damage to the floor is quite high. That’s why investing in a high-quality exercise mat is crucial! Designed to provide extra cushioning, support, and grip, these mats…
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Walkingpad C2 Review 2024: Honest Thoughts After Using it Daily for Two Months
As someone who works from home and refuses to set foot in the gym, I have to get creative about how to stay fit and active. With the coming winter and all the snow, it’s been hard fitting in my daily lunchtime walks, and so I decided to look into getting a desk treadmill so I could get my steps in while I work. (After all, even walking three hours a week is shown to make a huge difference in keeping your weight down!) That’s when I stumbled upon the Walkingpad C2. I needed something portable, and the fact that it folded in half was a big selling point for…
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How Many Minutes of Yoga a Day To Lose Weight: What You Need to Know
Weight loss can be a challenging journey, but did you know studies indicate yoga can play a significant role in shedding those extra pounds? With the right style, duration, and poses, yoga can be a game-changer in your weight loss efforts. Here, I’ll break down how many minutes of yoga a day to lose weight effectively, different styles of yoga to try, and how to combine yoga with other activities for optimal results. In short, most experts suggest at least 30-60 minutes of yoga to maximize calorie burn. However, there are lots of factors that can affect this number, like personal preferences and goals. Key Takeaways Yoga is an effective…
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BetterMe Review 2023: Does This Pilates App Live Up to the Hype?
For the past two years, I’ve been dealing with the challenge of finding exercises that don’t trigger my migraines—a personal hurdle I’ve had to clear time and time again. This is why I recently regained interest in Pilates, a low-impact workout that promises to tone you up and complement other exercises like yoga. I was already a yoga enthusiast, but I felt something was missing; I wanted something more targeted that would help me build muscle and shed those pesky extra pounds I’d accumulated. And studies show a pilates can increase strength! But living in a small town, it’s not as though there’s a Pilates studio on every corner. So…
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How Often Should You Do Yoga as a Beginner? A Comprehensive Guide to Building a Sustainable Yoga Practice
So, you’ve made the pledge to start doing yoga consistently. (Congratulations!) The mat is unrolled, the YouTube tutorials are bookmarked, but one question looms large: How often should you do yoga as a beginner? As a general rule, practicing yoga 2-4 times per week is recommended for beginners. This frequency allows you to experience the benefits of yoga, such as stress relief, improved balance, and enhanced well-being, without risking overexertion or injury. However, it also depends on the type of yoga, the intensity of the sessions, and your personal goals. As someone who has been practicing yoga for over a decade, allow me to break down in detail everything that…
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The 7 Best Yoga Mats Overall – My Top Picks for 2023
Let’s be honest—juggling work, family, and social life leaves little time for exercise, let alone actually making it to the gym. But here’s the good news: You don’t need to step out of your home to get fit. All you really need is a quality yoga mat to transform any corner of your home into your personal yoga studio or workout space. A quality yoga mat is more than just an accessory; it’s your partner in carving out those precious moments for yourself. Ready to find the best yoga mat that suits your needs? Here’s my curated list based on the many mats I’ve used over the years. Disclosure: There…
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Egg Weights Review: Are These Compact Hand Weights Worth the Price Tag?
For a while now, I’ve been wanting to add a little oomph to my low-impact workouts like yoga, pilates, and daily power walks. You know, so I could burn a few extra calories and build arm strength without going into full-on beast mode (which I used to love but can no longer do because of chronic migraines.) But I don’t like using dumbbells for such activities; I’ve got small hands, and gripping those chunky dumbbells while wearing my Oura ring wasn’t the most comfortable experience. Plus, when the sweat starts pouring, I couldn’t keep a secure grip on those slippery suckers. Then I discovered these Egg Weights! If you’ve been…