Stretching is a topic that has been debated for decades. Should stretching be done before or after exercise? Does stretching improve athletic performance? How long should a stretch be held? What are the benefits of stretching? The traditional theory is that pre-exercise stretching improves…
Author: Barbara
Barbara Brownlee is a fitness blogger who helps women of a certain age (GenX, Baby Boomers and beyond) find a path to their fitness and wellness goals. She provides expert advice, inspiration and motivation for women who are, let’s just say, no longer spring chickens. Barbara is a Baby Boomer, a certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist and fitness enthusiast who approaches the challenges of maturing with science and a bit of humor.
Protein Power: 5 Easy Ways to Use Ground Turkey
Too many women are not getting enough protein in their diets. Are you one of them? Without adequate protein intake, you are at risk for sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass). See “Honey, I Shrunk My Muscles” to learn about how to avoid…
A Trainer’s Pet Peeves: Spotted in Your Local Gym
Disclaimer of sorts: Since this is my blog, I am going to share some of my pet peeves regarding gym etiquette. These are my opinions and yours may differ. I don’t mean to offend anyone, but I’ve been working out…
6 Great Things About Walking
Fish swim, birds fly and people walk (or run). Humans were made to walk and run, but running is not always an option. Some people have health issues that make running unadvisable, and many people have to start out walking before they…
Sleep Hygiene 101: Better Sleep for Better Health
In a previous blog (Do Women Need More Sleep Than Men?), I presented some research findings that indicate that we do indeed need a bit more sleep. In this blog, I am sharing information from the Centers for Disease Control…
Mythbuster Monday: Exercise is Time Consuming
Myth: Starting an exercise program is time-consuming. It’s one of the most common excuses I hear as a trainer. “I don’t have time to spend an hour at the gym every day.” “I’m too busy taking care of my family.”…
Mythbuster Monday: Crunches
Myth—doing crunches is a great way to get sculpted abs. Busted! First, ab crunches and sit-ups are not very safe exercises. According to research by Dr. Stuart McGill, a specialist in low back disorders, crunches and sit-ups put 340 kg (about 750…
My Top 5 Core Moves
How many times have you heard that it’s important to build core strength? Have you wondered what that means and how to do it? Your core is basically everything that isn’t your head and limbs, but most people define…
My Running Journey, Part 1: Starting to Run
Before I begin sharing my experiences with running, I would like to explain why I am sharing this. I simply want other women to know that they, too, can do this! Disclaimer: always check with your healthcare provider before attempting a new exercise…
Do Women Need More Sleep Than Men?
According to Dr. Jim Horne, a leading expert in sleep science, the answer is yes. Horne explained this in an article in the Daily Mail. Like the rest of the body, the brain regenerates during sleep. The more you use your brain during the day,…