Runner Overuse Solution?

Many remember Mary Decker as one of America's greatest middle distance runners, but many do not know Mary missed entire competitive seasons due to injuries.  Like many runners, Mary experienced overuse injuries that dramatically limited her career.

In exercise, anything that is done repeatedly carries a risk of  "overuse" and injury. A runners' foot may strike the ground thousands of times during a run, and overuse injuries are widespread in the sport.  

Resistance training can be a huge part of the solution to keeping runners healthy as resistance training strengthens both the muscles and connective tissue throughout the body. While... read more

Eat, Drink and Be Merry? Yeah, but………

I have been working full-time in the exercise and fitness fields for nine years.  During this time, not one person has ever told me “Jeff, I wish I would have eaten more over the holidays.”  About 80% of people I have worked with have said in January:  “I definitely overdid it this year! Now I am paying the price.”

So you may be wondering: “Jeff, do you have a point? It is the holidays.  Of course, people are going to eat, drink and be merry! Don’t be such a buzz-kill trainer dude!”

Well, I am glad you asked ... read more

3% Can Completely Ignore this Blog

Whenever I have a deadline, it seems like sleep is the first thing sacrificed. Usually there is something running through my head like "I read that Famous Person X does not need much sleep.  I should not need to sleep either!"

The result for me is usually (as they say): EPIC FAIL. 

When I do not get enough sleep, I am unfocused the next day and my workouts are definitely not as good.    

My personal guess-timation is a good night's sleep=about a 40% better workout the next day.  That means when I am not rested I burn 40% less calories, am 40%... read more

Beyond Fitness: Fast Twitch, Slow Twitch and the Athlete

The terms “fast twitch” and “slow twitch” are thrown around pretty liberally in the exercise industry.  And going by some of the comments posted on my youtube videos, there might be a “slight” misunderstanding about the meaning of these terms.

I frequently read about an athlete in the media who has started a new "fitness routine", and I immediately wonder whether the "fitness program" is the right one for that particular athlete.  While general fitness is good enough to just get into shape, a more specific approach is needed with athletic program design.  If I read Nadal was running... read more