THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD STRENGTH TRAIN

Initially I began strength training to get out of pain. Before learning to strength train all I ever did was run and I ran a lot.  My quads did all the work and eventually my knees just couldn't take it anymore. Learning to strengthen my glutes and posterior chain with single single leg exercises like step ups, single leg deadlifts and lunging variations eventually allowed me to run again. Bottom line: getting stronger fixes everything.

Now that I was no longer in pain I realized what lifting was doing for my body aesthetically.  I no longer had a pancake ass and I could see new muscles in my back. I had curves for the first time in my life! I had never seen results like this with running or traditional cardio. Eventually I explored the big lifts i.e. squats, bench + deadlift and the results kept coming. The heavy lifting got my core even stronger than before and my body kept on changing for the better.  I was exercising less than I ever had previously believed could yield such amazing results.

The strength I have gained has made my day to day life easier.  I no longer need multiple trips when I go grocery shopping (can we say farmers carries),  moving furniture is easier, I can put my suitcase in the overhead compartment with ease and sprint to catch the train without feeling like I'm about to die!

Ok so strength training can keep you out of pain, it can shape your body like you never thought possible AND make your day to day life easier! Are you sold on getting stronger yet?

I have one more benefit for you and in my opinion it far outweighs all the rest.  The best possible reason to start strength training is the fact that it genuinely makes life better.  All the things that make life amazing, the adventures and explorations are all more accessible. Whether its surfing, stand up paddleboarding, hiking, sprinting with your dog or snowboarding. The more you can get out there and enjoy life the better I promise!

My Biweekly Update...PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION ;)

I strength train three days a week and yet I continue to gain strength and skill. 

Yes and you can too :) 

I have gotten to a point in my life that I don't want to spend more time in the gym then I need to. 

I need time to run a successful business, keep up with life, as well as spend with family and friends, and its SUMMERTIME :) 

In the past I have been guilty of losing sight of all that is important to me in order to pursue my goals. 

I have said this before and I will say it again...you can have it all.

Most of you now as a trainer myself, with a specialty in strength training with kettlebells, suspension trainers,body weight exercises, along with a focus on corrective exercise.  I run my business within the largest yoga studio in Boston.  I don't train athletes, I work with everyday folks looking to gain stability, get stronger and stay pain free. 

I do however continue to have my own strength goals to keep me learning and motivated rather than stagnant  because in this industry your job is never done :)  I don't believe in "talking the talk" if you yourself don't "walk the walk".  Therefore when I post videos of myself, this is not a direct reflection of what I would do with my clients.

As promised here's my biweekly update on training ;)

As usual my workout begins with 10-15 minutes of SMFR; focusing my attention on areas that I know will need to be open on that given training day. I then move into mobility and stability exercises that target my weaknesses ie ankle, hip and thoracic mobility as well as glute and scapular stability. I prepare for traditional deadlifts with medball slam and box jump variations.

A1:Deadlifts 205X 8 with 60 sec rest

A2:I usually do some sort of hip mobility drill to ensure I rest for the given time period.

B1: Pullups 4x6,

 B2: GHR 4x10 (banded and UGLY)

C1: Bent over rows 5 x8 @ 105lbs

C2: Single leg hip thrusts with chains 4x6,

 D1:GHR sit up3x 10 @ 45lbs,

D2: Prone Trap Raises 3x10@ 5lbs