Fitness
Fitness
How to Celebrate National Gardening for Exercise Day
Having a hard time choosing between caring for your summer garden and time in the gym? Why not combine them? Gardening is the original functional exercise, burning 200 to 400 calories per hour (even more if you add in heavy landscaping work). Celebrate National Gardening for Exercise Day on June 6th by leveling up your […]
Fitness
Top 5 Reasons Athletes should be getting Massages
Tough daily training sessions. Weekend races and competitions. Pushing your limits to hit a PR. Athletes live life differently. You ask more from your body, you skirt the line between injury and performance, and you also know that anything that improves your recovery can improve your training. While the benefits of massages include everything from […]
Fitness
Best Foam Rolling Moves for Runners
We did a Facebook Live with the people over at Fleet Feet on the best foam rolling moves for people that run. Have you ever tried foam rolling? Check out the whole video here! The Benefits of Foam Rolling Eliminates adhesions in your muscles and connective tissues – this helps keep your fascia moving freely, […]
Fitness
5 Ways to keep running fun and boost your motivation
Let’s face it, sometimes running can be a drag. Whether it’s because we run the same old route or distance, or we’re just lacking the love, trying the following five fun-boosting strategies can lift the spirit of your workouts and inspire you to once again run happy. 1. Mix up the terrain. Get out […]
Fitness
Why Massages are a Parent's Best Friend
It’s no secret that parenting is a stressful job. A never-ending to-do list, sleep deprivation, and a schedule that leaves little time for self-care can leave moms and dads struggling. On top of that, the hectic pace of parenting frequently means that we sacrifice self-care for quick fixes (wine anyone?) while balancing our family’s needs. […]
Fitness
Get to Know Us! Employee Spotlight: Rocco Lazaris
What’s Rocco Lazaris’ favorite part about working at Johnson Fitness & Wellness? It’s not the access to the newest and coolest equipment or the snazzy, sweat-wicking uniforms. It’s actually much simpler than that – he doesn’t have to be at a desk the whole time. “I got involved in a program in high school […]
Fitness
Quick Full Body Yoga Routine
When I first started Yoga I had no idea the places that it would take me. It has taught me patience, gratitude, and shown me how to be present. I’ve put together a short strength-based yoga routine that can be done from the comfort of your own home. Keep reading to reap the benefits of […]
Fitness
Get to Know Us! Employee Spotlight – Paul Maggiotto
New York native Paul Maggiotto has been in the fitness industry collectively for eighteen years. Anyone who comes into the Westport store to talk about fitness with Paul can probably feel his excitement for the topic. However, most people may not know that he took a brief break from the industry and actually worked […]
Fitness
How to Create Your Own Netflix Bike Workout
Up for a fun and challenging biking workout? You can create your own Netflix Bike workout by combining your favorite Netflix series with cycling intervals. This makes for unpredictable challenges targeting your mental and physical stamina. During the show, you will follow cues that will prompt you to change your workout, based on what happens […]
Fitness
5 Things that Sabotage your Sleep
Check out the Facebook Live we did on this topic! If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you’re not alone. Lacking proper sleep can affect anything from your focus and self-control to how your body loses weight. If it seems like you can’t sleep to get a good night’s rest, maybe try to […]
Fitness
Get to Know Us! Employee Spotlight: Martha Richardson
“It’s about making a difference in people’s lives,” says Martha Richardson. Martha is no stranger to the fitness industry and has had over 20 years of experience. From being a certified personal trainer to participating in wellness coaching, she’s immersed herself in an industry she feels passionate about. “If we can get somebody […]
Fitness
3 Easy Ways to Maintain a Treadmill
Owning a treadmill is a lot like owning a car – if you want it to last, then you have to do some routine maintenance on it. It makes sense that a piece of equipment that’s dedicated to working as hard as you do should need some TLC, but not everyone does it. It may […]
Fitness
5 Ways to Make Healthier Microwaveable Meals
It’s hard to ignore the ease of an instant microwaved meal. From instant ramen to frozen pizzas, the convenience of a ready-made meal can often trump our need for health. Not only that, but microwaveable meals so often lack the fiber and protein needed to keep you full throughout the day – resulting in unhealthy snacking […]
Fitness
Bosu Ball Workout to Tone the Whole Body
This bosu ball workout is made for any level fitness fanatic, whether you’re advanced or a beginner, you will find something here for you. Bosu balls are a great piece of workout equipment because not only do they allow you to build strength, but they also create a way for you to work on your […]
Fitness
Benefits of Low Impact Exercise Bike Training
Exercise bikes are the perfect piece of cardio equipment. Like any cardiovascular exercise, working out on your exercise bike will make your heart stronger and burn calories. What really sets the exercise bike training apart, is its ability to make intense cardio or long endurance sessions doable for a range of athletes. While HIIT and […]
Fitness
How to Add A Home Gym For The Family
Time, travel, crowds, weather, family, work . . . these are just a handful of the excuses people have when it comes to not being able to make it to the gym on a regular basis. While many hardcore fitness enthusiasts will just tell you to lose the excuses, there are many people who legitimately […]
Fitness
Level UP that Glute Bridge with a Twist
The Glute Bridge The muscles of the posterior chain (your “backside” muscles….glutes, hamstrings, etc.) are often the most ignored when it comes to workouts, yet they are some of the most important muscles to focus on. These muscles play a vital role in not only good overall movement and function of the body, but they […]
Fitness
National Nutrition Month Tips to Find Your Healthiest Bodyweight
As National Nutrition Month, March is the perfect time to build healthier habits for eating and exercise. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics addresses the rising levels of obesity through recommendations for diet and exercise. Recent reports project that by 2030, half of all adults (115 million adults) in the United States will be obese. […]
Fitness
Why V-Sits Should Be Your Go-to Core Exercise
With the endless amount of core exercises that are available, you want to be able to make sure you’re getting the most “bang for your buck.” V-Sits are a great core exercise that will do just that. When done correctly, the V-Sit targets multiple areas including the rectus abdominis, the external obliques, internal obliques, and […]
Fitness
Beginner's Modification: Wall Handstands
If you’ve ever wanted to do a handstand but just don’t have the balance and strength, you can still get some of the great benefits of handstands by doing Wall Handstands. This modified version is an excellent way to build strength through the upper body while also bringing your core into the equation by asking […]
Fitness
How To Train With A Heart-Rate Monitor
Q: What are some of the benefits of heart rate training and what devices do you recommend (strap or watch) ~ Brenda A: Heart-rate monitors are a valuable tool for training for performance and fitness. They give you instant biofeedback in the moment about how your body is responding to the workout, which allows you to […]
Fitness
Hips making you groan? Try Groiners!
Looking for a challenging warm-up move that will do wonders for opening up your hips and thoracic spine? Then you’ll want to add Groiners into your pre-workout routine! Funny name, but an excellent mobility exercise that is great to do before a run, prior to a leg workout, or any time you’re looking for a […]
Fitness
Five Simple Ways to Boost Your Heart's Health
As we round the corner into spring, it is a great time to check-in and renew your commitment to a healthy year. A heart–healthy year. If you want to be healthy into your old age, it’s important to begin treating your heart well early on. The American Heart Association emphasizes maintaining a healthy weight, regular […]
Fitness
Get Movin' with the Bicycle Crunch
The single knee raise, often called the Bicycle Crunch, is a great all-around core exercise that will target your upper abdominal muscle (rectus abdominus), your outer abdominal muscles (obliques), and your deeper abdominal muscles (transverse abdominus). Take it slow for a solid core workout. Once you perfect the form, try and vary the speed during […]
Fitness
Sledding Intervals at Madison's Elver Park
As the largest Madison Community Park, Elver Park provides outdoor fun at any time of the year. Take advantage of the ice-skating rink, including a warming shelter, skate rentals, and concessions. Cross country skiing, running, and snowshoeing trails will give you reasons to keep coming back. You could stay active the entire winter with over […]
Fitness
Say Goodbye to Love Handles with Heel Touches
Looking to target those love handles a bit during your core training? Then it’s time to add in Heel Touches. This simple, but effective exercise will not only target those often-overlooked oblique muscles, but will also go a long way in helping build overall strength through the core and helping with things such as good […]
Fitness
Product Review: Horizon Evolve 5 Folding Elliptical
The Horizon Evolve E-5 is a welcome addition to the folding elliptical category. The low step up height and limited incline settings allow this elliptical to be useful in settings with limited overhead clearance. The frame is very easy to fold. Coupled with the notably quiet performance of this machine, it will appeal to those […]
Fitness
Upper Body Workout: The Spiderman Push-Up
Push-ups are one of my favorite exercises. By simply using your own bodyweight you can strengthen the arms, chest, shoulders and core. You can do them almost anywhere and they require no special equipment. Plus you can spice them up by adding some fun, challenging variations to your regular push-ups. One such variation is the […]
Fitness
What you Need to Know Before You Buy an Elliptical Machine
The elliptical machine is a tried and tested home fitness favorite. The elliptical is versatile. It’s alternative to running with serious cross-training benefits. This simple and effective cardio workout won’t tear up your joints. The similarities of the elliptical machine to running let you maintain and even build cardiovascular fitness over the winter. Using the […]
Fitness
A Move for Better Posture: The Single-Leg Dumbbell Row
The Single-Leg Dumbbell Row is an excellent way to work the back side of the body (back, glutes, hamstrings), making it a great posture exercise. Plus, with it being a single-leg exercise, it’s going to challenge your body’s ability to balance and stabilize. Keep in mind that the dumbbells you decide to use shouldn’t be […]
Fitness
Winter Workouts on Madison's Capital City Trail
Consider yourself a Madison local? Have you really taken advantage of Madison’s wealth of running and cycling trails? The seventeen miles of the Capital City State Trail run through and around Madison, linking the city of Madison to the Military Ridge State Trail and the Dane County E-way (great winter options for snow shoeing). If […]
Fitness
Squat to Overhead Press: An All-Over Exercise
The Squat to Overhead Press (a.k.a. Thrusters) is a great total body compound exercise that will hit the upper and lower body as well as the core. And, as a nice little extra perk, it will also give your heart rate a run for its money. While the Squat to Overhead Press can be done […]
Fitness
Upgrading to a Plank Tap for a Stronger Core
Have you become bored with regular old planks or find them to be a little too easy? Then the Plank Tap – or Pledge Plank – might be just what you’re looking for. By adding a little movement to your planks you’ll not only find them to be a little less dull, but you’ll notice […]
Fitness
Do the Spider Lunge for Better Movement
Mobility is something that nearly everyone needs to work on. Whether you’re on your feet all day or sitting at a desk for 8 hours at a time, becoming more mobile is essential to our overall health. Why then do so many people struggle when it comes to working mobility into their workout routines? Maybe […]
Fitness
Mastering the Dip: Dos, Don'ts, and Modifications
If you’re looking for a great exercise that will build some serious upper body muscle, look no further than the dip! Dips are an ideal compound exercise and are an ideal way to work the chest, shoulders and triceps. Bodyweight dips do require you to have a pretty good base level of strength throughout your […]
Fitness
Top 4 Reasons to Perfect the Medicine Ball Slam
In recent years, the medicine ball slam has gained popularity in the fitness world. Not only do slams have a number of great benefits – like burning fat, increasing strength, developing explosive power – but they’re also fun to do! Increase Explosive Power The goal of the ball slam is to raise the ball overhead […]
Fitness
How to Improve Your Yoga Posture
Practicing yoga at home is the perfect complement to your workout plan. You’ll improve flexibility and functional movement, while experiencing the stress relieving benefits of a mind body workout. If you’re practicing without regular classes, improving your yoga postures can be difficult. Without regular feedback, how do you know if you’re improving your practice? Here […]
Fitness
Beat The Winter Blues & Stay Motivated With These 7 Tips
Sticking to your fitness routine and staying motivated over the winter months can be a huge challenge if you’re suffering from the winter blues. The weather is colder, the days feel shorter, and there can be some holiday stress. Then the excuses begin to set in and before you know it, a few days off […]
Fitness
Breathing Technique to Improve Strength Training
An often over-looked aspect of strength training is proper breathing technique. While it may come naturally to some, others find it’s something they have to work on. Many beginners will often hold their breath as they perform a strength exercise and before they know it they’re feeling dizzy and faint. A rhythmic, paced breathing technique […]
Fitness
Home remedies for the common cold: Do they work?
With more than one billion cases in the U.S each year, it’s obvious why they call it the common cold. Sadly, with that kind of prevalence, it’s extremely likely that you or your children will have to deal with the coughing, congestion and aches that come along with the cold. With so many people suffering […]