If you think building muscle is just for bodybuilders or athletes, think again. Whether you're 25 or 65, increasing your muscle mass could be the key to burning fat more efficiently—and even turning back the clock on aging. Let’s break it down. 1. More Muscle = Higher Metabolism Muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it burns calories—even at … Continue reading How Bigger, Stronger Muscles Help You Burn Fat and Stay Young
As a personal trainer, I often see clients full of enthusiasm at the beginning of their fitness journey, only to witness that spark fade over time. If you’ve ever started a workout program only to find your motivation waning, you’re not alone. Let’s explore some common pitfalls that lead people to stop working out, and … Continue reading Overcoming Common Pitfalls: Why We Stop Working Out and How to Stay Motivated
In our fast-paced world, the link between physical exercise and mental well-being has never been more crucial. Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or practicing yoga, the benefits of exercise extend far beyond physical health. Let's dive into how regular physical activity can significantly impact your mental well-being, particularly in terms of … Continue reading The Powerful Connection Between Physical Exercise and Mental Well-Being: Stress Management and Motivation
As we age, maintaining health and vitality becomes increasingly crucial. While many focus on the visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles or gray hair, it's what's happening beneath the surface that truly matters. In the realm of musculoskeletal health, the relationship between lean muscle mass and bone density takes center stage, especially for the … Continue reading The Vital Connection: Lean Muscle Mass, Bone Density, and Aging
Setting fitness goals is one of the most important steps in your journey toward a healthier and more active lifestyle. But it’s not enough to simply have goals—you need to set realistic and achievable objectives to make sure you stay motivated and on track. As a personal trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how well-defined goals can … Continue reading How to Set and Achieve Realistic Fitness Goals
As college students head back to campus for a new academic year, one concern that often looms large is the infamous “Freshman 15”—the weight gain many students experience during their first year of college. With a shift in lifestyle, new eating habits, and the stress of balancing academics and social life, it’s easy to see … Continue reading Avoiding the Freshman 15: Tips for Staying Fit and Healthy in College
Introduction: The Sunlight VitaminIn the entirety of our health journey, there's one element often overlooked but crucial for our well-being – Vitamin D. Often dubbed the "sunshine vitamin," its significance goes far beyond its catchy title. Vitamin D: Nature's GiftLet's start with the basics. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that functions more like a … Continue reading Soaking Up the Sun: The Importance of Vitamin D
This week’s healthy substitution recommendation of the week is spaghetti squash vs. pasta. A spaghetti squash is a large, yellow, melon-shaped gourd that’s usually harvested in early fall but is available in most grocery stores throughout the year. The flesh of the inside of the spaghetti squash is able to be shredded into long strands … Continue reading Substitute of the Week — Spaghetti Squash vs. Pasta
This week’s substitution recommendation is goat cheese vs. low-fat cheeseor cow cheese. First of all, while full-fat cheese has more calories than alow-fat alternative, it is much more filling. Studies have shown, thosewho ate full-fat dairy vs low-fat dairy had less likelihood of obesity. On topof that, low-fat dairy is normally filled with additives and … Continue reading Substitute of the Week – Goat Cheese vs. Low-Fat Cheese
It has been quite some time, but this week’s substitution recommendation is applesauce (unsweetened) vs. oil in baking. Applesauce is a far better choice than oil when it comes to baking. Oil is used in many baked goods, such as cookies, brownies and cake. It adds needed moisture to your food and depending on what … Continue reading Substitute of the week – Applesauce vs. Oil in baking
SJD Health and Fitness 