Hot yoga is a hugely popular fad workout. The general concept is simple: do yoga in an extremely humid room. It supposedly is supposed to ‘detoxify’ your system by making you sweat. While there are certainly benefits to hot yoga, it can also be dangerous.

The ‘detoxification’ that comes from hot yoga is a bit of a lie. You are not detoxifying when you sweat that much, just becoming dehydrated. The only way you can detoxify is through your organs such as your kidneys and lungs. Dehydration in no way supports this process. Hot yoga can also lead to hypermobility and even heatstroke.

Do your research on hot yoga before taking a class. Make sure you don’t struggle with any health issues that could make it dangerous for you. If you have low blood volume or are easily affected by the heat, you should probably avoid it all together. Try something with similar benefits, like a sauna after a workout or even just normal yoga.

Hot yoga gives people a false sense of detoxification. The risks far outweigh the benefits. You have to be in pretty much perfect health in order to do hot yoga. If you are set on taking a class, make sure you hydrate and have plenty of electrolytes.

Have you ever taken a hot yoga class? Make sure to like, share, and subscribe to the blog. Let me know in the comments down below what you’d like to see me write about next, and thanks for reading!

Maybe you recently had to deal with an injury. Or maybe your mental health took a toll. For one reason or another, we all fall out of our fitness routine at some point. But how do you get back on track when you’ve lost your drive? What does it really take?

If exercise was a regular part of your routine, it can be difficult to get started again when you haven’t worked out in a while. Perhaps you’re embarrassed to go to the gym because you’ve fallen out of shape. Perhaps you’re worried about not being able to do the things that you used to. I’ve gone through this many times, and what I’ve learned is that there is absolutely no shame in starting over. In fact, you should be proud of yourself for even wanting to get back on track.

It’s important to start slow. You may want to jump back into it and do the same workouts you used to, but you have to be careful. Your body is no longer conditioned to work out in that way. You may have to essentially start over completely and work your way back, but that’s ok

I recommend using a ‘scaffolding’ system. This is what my doctor had recommended to me after I had been unable to work out for several months. If you used to run 3 miles easily, start with a mile. The next time you work out, run a mile and a half. Then add on strength training. Work your way up in a safe way.

Have you ever had to take a break from your exercise routine? Make sure to like, share, and subscribe to the blog. Let me know in the comments down below what I should write about next, and thanks for reading!

 Everyone has a certain level of dread for their workout. Whether you love or hate exercise, it’s there. Getting yourself to workout is a lot easier when you love what you’re doing. You just need to find the thing that will get you excited to get moving.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not having an end goal, or any sort of goal at all. If you’re working out just because it’s what you’re ‘supposed to do’, then you’re not going to enjoy it. Another mistake is forcing yourself to do things you hate. If you have a strong distaste for running, you’re not likely to stick with it for a long time.

-In order to get yourself on track, you need to determine your goal. Do you want to run a 5k? Be able to lift a certain weight? Self evaluate and write it down so you can start making a plan. Another thing you can do is determine what kind of fitness personality you have. Are you introverted or extroverted? Do you prefer working out indoors or outdoors? This will help you figure out what workout is right for you.

My recommendation is to find something that excites you. For example, for me it’s boxing. I always go into class excited to learn something new. Boxing makes me feel empowered and helps me get in shape at the same time. I generally avoid the elliptical because I hate it. This keeps me happy to go to the gym. Working out is all about challenging yourself and feeling good.

What is your favorite way to work out? Make sure to like, share, and subscribe to the blog. What would you like to see me write about next? Let me know in the comments down below, and thanks for reading!

You can find a group fitness class for pretty much anything, from boxing to running. Group fitness is motivating and a great way to workout. It is far more affordable than a personal trainer and more accessible. However, it can often feel like you get lost in the crowd.

With so many people in the class, it’s easy to lose that sense of connection with the trainer. A room of 50 (or even more) people can feel crowded and overwhelming, and you may end up comparing yourself to others in the gym rather than focusing on your own workout. You may even catch yourself hiding in the back of the room and not trying your hardest. There are plenty of ways you can make group fitness feel more personal.

Always go into a class with a positive attitude. If you’re dreading the class, you’re more likely to have a difficult time with it. Make sure to pick a good spot in the gym. Being up front may seem intimidating but a clearer view of the instructor will make it easier to follow instruction. You can also try going to the classes that aren’t as busy, ones held during off-peak hours. This will give you a smaller group to work with and you may be more comfortable.

Get to know the instructor and the other regulars in the class if you go often. This creates a sense of community and people you can depend on. If you are familiar with the instructor, it is less likely that you’ll be nervous to ask for help or guidance. Knowing the other attendees of the class gives you someone to turn to, even if the instructor is busy helping someone else at the moment.

Do you prefer group fitness or one on one training? Make sure to like, share, and subscribe to the blog. What would you like to see me write about next? Let me know in the comments down below, and thanks for reading!

You probably grew up hearing that you had to drink 8 glasses of water a day. But what about when you factor in perspiration from exercise? And how much should you be drinking while you exercise? With proper tracking and choices of beverage, you can make sure to avoid being dehydrated.

A problem many people have is confusing energy drinks and sports drinks. While energy drinks can give you an extra boost before your workout, they can also dehydrate you. Sports drinks, though they can contain a lot of sugar, rehydrate you and give you electrolytes. Another huge mistake people make is not drinking water during or after exercise. 

In general, try to stick to water rather than sugary sports drinks. If you do choose sports drinks, as they can be a good way to replenish electrolytes, make sure to read the nutrition facts. They are often very high in carbs and sugars, as well as sodium. Make sure you are drinking water throughout the day, and never go into a workout feeling parched. On rest days, the 8 glasses a day rule is a good guideline, but on work days you make drink a gallon or more.

Make Sure to drink water before, during, and after exercise. The AAFP recommend drinking 17 to 20 ounces of water two or three hours before a workout. They also say to drink 10 ounces every 20 minutes during your workout. This will keep your body energized and help avoid muscle cramps or even more severe problems. Keep your body healthy and hydrated!

Do you drink enough water? Make sure to like, share, and subscribe to the blog. What would you like to see me write about next? Let me know in the comments down below, and thanks for reading!

Most people who are into fitness have ‘their gym’ that they swear by. It becomes a comfortable place and part of your routine. But what do you do when you start to hate your gym? And how do you know when to cancel your membership and move on? 

A lot of people find it difficult to leave their gym. They don’t feel ready to leave their comfort zone. Another issue is not knowing when it’s time to ‘break up’ with your gym. There are plenty of signs that it’s time to leave that you should keep an eye out for

One sign that it might be time to go is that you no longer have the motivation you used to. You know dread going to the gym that you used to love. Another hint is that it’s an unfriendly culture, you don’t feel welcomed there. Perhaps it’s too the point where you feel that it’s not a safe space.

The biggest sign that it’s time to leave is that you don’t feel comfortable there. Exercise is something that should make you feel good and confident, and if the atmosphere is putting a damper on that then there’s an issue.  You need to know when a place is not right for you. Don’t be scared to branch out and try a new gym!

Have you ever had a bad experience with your gym? Make sure to like, share, and subscribe to the blog for more content. Let me know what you’d like to see me write about next in the comments down below! Thanks for reading!

HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) has become very popular lately, and for good reason. The combination of high intensity intervals with low to moderate intensity active recovery periods is an effective way to lose weight and get into shape. It is an adaptable workout that you can fit to your abilities. However, many people do not know what HIIT is or of the many benefits it has.

The biggest issue is people not knowing what HIIT is. High intensity interval training is a wonderful workout that many people are not utilizing because they’re unaware of what it is and it’s benefits. Another issue is not knowing where to start or where these classes are held. One of the beautiful things about HIIT is you can do it anywhere at any time, in pretty much any way you would like.

There are so many amazing benefits to HIIT that even someone doing the workouts at the most basic level can tap in to. One beneficial part of high intensity interval training is that it improves cardiovascular fitness. It also allows you to exercise anywhere, anytime, so you aren’t confined to the limits of a gym. It also provides a higher calorie burn in a short period of time.

One of the greatest benefits of HIIT, in my opinion, is that it keeps your metabolism elevated after exercise. The amount you sweat during these intense workouts is probably a hint that they boost up your metabolism. But did you know you can actually be burning calories for several hours after you complete the exercise? Due to your body recovering from the high level of intensity, your body is working for long after you finish working out.

Have you ever tried an HIIT workout? Make sure you like, share, and subscribe to the blog. What would you like to see me write about next? Thanks for reading!

There are tons of benefits to exercising. Endorphins, bodyweight management, mental clarity. But if you don’t have access to the tools, don’t worry. You don’t need an expensive gym membership or a collection of at home exercise equipment to stay in shape and get all the wonderful benefits of working out.

Many people feel that they can’t get or stay fit without the gym. The way fitness is advertised in popular culture would lead you to believe this. You may use this as an excuse to avoid beginning your journey. There are so many free, easy options to stay in shape that you have to consider, what is really stopping you?

One great option that I have written about previously is hiking. This is also a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the summer weather in a healthy way. Another option is something you likely do every day: the stairs. Sometimes it’s as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator. You can also utilize Youtube for free yoga and bodyweight workout tutorials.

My personal favorite way to stay in shape without the gym is walking and outdoor running. I have never been healthier than when I lived in the city and had to walk everywhere. Walking for 45 minutes to an hour is a great low impact, fat-burning exercise. Outdoor running is a great way to get outside, just like hiking, and is even better for you than running on the treadmill.

What do you do to keep in shape? Make sure to like, share, and subscribe to the blog. What would you like to see me write about next? Let me know in the comments down below, and thanks for reading!

Bootcamp classes are intimidating. They are high intensity and total  body workouts that will take a lot out of you. The mix of strength training and cardio within one workout is something many people are not used to. They draw their name from the intense fitness regimen that new army recruits go through, which should give you an idea of how tough they can be.

Finding the right camp for you can be difficult if you don’t do your research. It’s exhausting to go through trial and error with something so intense. Not knowing what to expect and not being prepared can be dangerous with a class like this. Before you sign up for bootcamp, it is important to look into all of your different options.

Look into different camps before signing up for anything. Some bootcamp classes are held outside, which can be a problem if you suffer from allergies. Make sure you educate yourself on the different kinds of workouts you could be doing and prepare to adapt for any workouts you may not be able to do. You need to be sure what you are getting yourself into and what challenges you may personally face in that sort of environment.

I strongly recommend trying crossfit or another high intensity full body workout first before going into these classes. I went in to my first bootcamp class blind and could not keep up with the pace and level of the class. Taking these other HIFB classes will prepare you both physically and mentally for what is waiting for you in the studio or the gym. If you take these steps, bootcamp can be a wonderful and rewarding experience.

What is your favorite kind of group fitness class? Have you ever taken a bootcamp class? Make sure to like, share, and subscribe to the blog. What would you like to see me write about next? Let me know in the comments down below!

My blog, and the message I try to address as I become a group fitness instructor, is about a healthy relationship with fitness and food. This is because fitness (and food, of course) is something I love, but have struggled with in the past. Orthorexia is defined as an obsession with eating foods that one considers healthy. Orthorexia also commonly pairs itself with compulsive exercise.

This is an eating disorder that is often not talked about because people mistake it as just extreme health habits. Once healthy living becomes an obsession, the question must be asked of whether it is truly healthy anymore. It often goes undetected as a person suffering may be of a normal healthy weight, but it can develop into other disorders such as anorexia nervosa. A person with orthorexia may have a list of ‘forbidden foods’ that they will not allow themselves to eat, or may panic if they miss a workout, prioritizing exercise above all else.

The  best thing you can do is build a positive relationship with food before anything else. This is incredibly important. Understand that it is ok to allow yourself to eat a treat. Make sure to take a day off from working out at least once a week. Focus on your mental health as well as the physical.

Make sure to keep an eye out for warning signs in your friends and yourself. The latter can be far more difficult. If you notice your friend becoming obsessive over their diet, say something, reach out. It is a problem that needs to be talked about. While it is not yet officially recognized by the DSM, it is a very real thing, and awareness needs to be spread, especially in the fitness community.

What do you do to keep a healthy relationship with your body? What is your favorite treat food? Make sure to like, share, and subscribe to the blog. What would you like to see me write about next? Tell me in the comments down below. Thank you for reading!