Here is an interesting little video from Life Noggin on what causes cramps. 

I personally believe in stretching.  A good dynamic stretch routine prepares you for exercise, and a nice static stretching routine after exercise is a relaxing way to cool down.  According to this article from IFLS, the results are mixed.  It states stretching provides little to no effect for the recreational athlete, and has some benefit for high-level athletes who's sport requires a level of flexibility.  The results are not conclusive, but I say, if it feels good, do it!

Supplements are huge business.  According to the FDA a Dietary Supplements is defined as a product other than tobacco intended to supplement the diet, is intended for ingestion, can not be advertised  for use as a conventional food or as the sole item within a meal or diet,  and that contains one or more of the following:

- A vitamin

- A mineral

- An herb or other botanical

- An amino acid

- A dietary substance used buy humans to supplement the diet by increasing the dietary intake

- A concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combination of the ingredients listed above.

Since there is little regulation, many companies are making false claims on their effectiveness.  Wether you are an athlete or a every day citizen, it is important to if the supplements you are taking are safe and effective.  Click this WebMD link entitled The Truth Behind the Top 10 Dietary Supplements for more information.

Here is a nice little article explaining why just a cardiovascular exercise routine doesn't shed the fat like expected.  Especially when you over do the cardio and don't balance it with a strength training regimen.   Simply put, your muscles regulate your metabolism.  When you burn too many calories and don't have enough muscle mass, your body starts breaking your muscle down for energy.  For the full article from elitefts.com click HERE.

Here is some great insight into the world of a personal trainer courtesy of rateyourburn.  There is more to a career in fitness than meets the eye, but the bottom line is all good trainers do it for the love and a genuine passion for helping their clients look and feel their best.

1) They're the exact same person in and out of the classroom.

2) When they're not teaching, they're just chilling out.

3) They care about your...

4) They're single.

5) They're wearing pricey workout clothes, so they must be making good money.

6) They must remember you from a class you took a month ago.

7) The instructor is the strongest person in the room.

8) They would judge you if they knew what you ate/drank last night.

9) Waking up at 5am "comes naturally" to them.

10) This is just a hobby, right?

11) They're probably too cool to want to know you outside of the classroom.

12) They're so awesome/popular that it probably won't mean anything to them to get one more positive review.

For the full article click HERE.

Spring has finally sprung, so take your workout back outside.  Active Brooklyn is offering one-on-one personal training as well as group fitness classes in Fort Greene and Prospect Parks.  

We are offering an early bird spring special for one-on-one personal training at a flat rate of $50/hour.  Forget paying gym dues, we will come to you and give you an effective and safe workout at a location that is convenient for you, whether it is at your local park or in your home.  Get in early and book a time slot before they all fill up! 

Our group fitness class in Prospect Park is still going strong, now in its 3rd season!  Starting on May 1st we will meet every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Lincoln Road entrance to Prospect park at 6am.  If you are an early riser and like to work out first thing in the morning come join us.  We have a good group of various abilities, so no matter if you are a seasoned pro or just looking to get back into working out we got you covered.  Think Boot Camp without all of the yelling.  The cost is $180 for a month.  

If you are interested or want more information about one-on-one training or group fitness in the park feel free to contact us at:

activebkny@gmail.com

347-915-4586

A workout buddy is hugely helpful for keeping motivated, but it's important to find someone who will inspire, not discourage. Make a list of all your exercise-loving friends, then see who fits this criteria:  Can they meet to exercise on a regular basis? Are they supportive of your goals? And last, will your bud be able to keep up with you or even push your limits? If you've got someone that fits all three, make that phone call.

By the way, a personal trainer makes a great workout buddy, so give me a call and schedule a free session today!    347-915-4586.