Fitness
6 Exercises To Strengthen Your Core
Your core muscles work to stabilize the spine and hips and include the abdomen, back, glutes and upper legs. A strong core is key to improving your mobility, balance, posture and strength. Most of us think crunches and other exercises done while lying in a supine position are best for increasing core strength. This is […]
Fitness
Am I A Real Runner?
How did you know when you had truly become a runner? I’m working on running but I’m wondering what it will take to feel like I am a real runner? ~ Tiffany The moment I became a runner in my mind was the moment I finished my first 5K. Up until that point, I felt […]
Fitness
The Real Differences Between Running on Roads, Trails and Treadmills
One of the greatest reasons running is a fabulous activity, is that you can do it in so many different places. You can take in nature on the trails, run a specific hill or speed workout on a treadmill or hit your neighborhood streets. But before you venture off, it’s important to know the differences […]
Fitness
5 Stretches You Need To Do After Every Run (Including One You've Never Heard Of)
Maintaining a healthy range of motion in your muscles, joints and tendons is vital to a runner’s life. Regular flexibility work reduces the incidence of aches, pain and injury due to muscle imbalance and tightness, and can increase the efficiency of running form and recovery by improving blood flow to the working muscles and range […]
Fitness
Product Review: Elite U7 Upright Exercise Bike
The Elite U7 is a good fit both for athletes who need a low impact form of active recovery, as well as those who are getting started on a workout program. I recently brought home a Horizon Fitness Elite U7 Exercise Bike to take through a few, very fun workouts. The bike is loaded with […]
Fitness
Why You're Not Losing Weight: Part II
Last month I wrote about 10 common eating and drinking mistakes that hold many people back from realizing their weight loss goals. After cleaning up your diet, if you are still not seeing the results you expect, it is likely that one or more of these 5 bad habits could be preventing you from getting […]
Fitness
3 Go-To Workouts to Get You Through Your Week
When you’re just getting started, your home workouts probably consist of jumping on your favorite piece of equipment and seeing what you can do for 20 minutes at a time. While that approach will support your cardiovascular health and help you to burn a few calories, for improved performance and fat loss, it’s important to […]
Fitness
Stay Motivated while Working Out at Home
Nothing beats the convenience of working out at home. No commuting, no heavy gym bags, and no crowded locker rooms. Unfortunately, even committed athletes can find themselves struggling to get started when there’s no one keeping score. Need a few tips to maintain your motivation? Give these a try! Create a Space: While it’s convenient […]
Fitness
Train Smarter, Not Longer
It’s not uncommon for potential clients to contact us asking questions about our training programs. In fact, I always try to thank them off the bat for taking the time the do so. I think it’s important that people do more research before jumping into any type of new fitness program. I recently had a […]
Wellness
Beat the Slouch
You’ve probably all heard the buzz about the dangers of prolonged sitting and the scary headlines like, “sitting is the new smoking.” While it’s true that long periods of sitting can have some very negative effects on your body over time, the fact is that we often HAVE to sit because of our jobs. One […]
Nutrition
Why You're Not Losing Weight: Part I
Despite what you consider your best efforts, are you having problems losing weight? Don’t feel bad, while many people THINK they are doing all the right things, there are quite a few little things that we can all do that will go a long way in finally shedding those unwanted extra pounds. But before we […]
Fitness
This running mom found the perfect "nap-time" treadmill
I recently bought a new treadmill and couldn’t be happier with my decision. As an extremely busy mom of three young children, running is my sanity during nap time. I previously had a treadmill from another manufacturer that “got the job done,” but nothing more than that. It was loud, clunky and the manufacturing was poor. […]
Fitness
Ask an Expert: How to Heal and Prevent Shin Splints
I’m new to running and experiencing painful shin splints. Is there anything I can do to prevent this? – Kelly Shin Splints are a common condition for runners and walkers. The symptoms can include both a muscle tightness in the area around the shin that subsides post workout, or pain along the tibia bone both […]
Fitness
How one man lost 45 lbs with this fun treadmill feature
My fitness journey began back in January 2014, I decided it was time to lose some weight. I had lost a close friend to a heart attack six months prior. And over the Christmas holidays another close friend (a few years younger) had a quadruple bypass. I wanted to get healthy. A new gym […]
Fitness
How to Fuel Before, During and After a Long Run
The long training run is the bread and butter for a long distance runner, and developing your personal fueling recipe will aid in stocking your muscles with plenty of energy to prepare for the run, supplementing energy, fluid and electrolytes during the run and provide the nutrients necessary for efficient recovery post run. Although there […]
Fitness
Transitioning From Indoor to Outdoor Cycling
Making the switch to outdoor cycling takes more than just adding a long ride over the weekend. While regular workouts on your indoor bike have left in you a great position for outdoor rides this spring, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep the transition smooth. Here are a few tips […]
Wellness
Ask and Expert: Yoga for Better Sleep
Question: I’ve recently started a weekly yoga class and love how relaxed and focused I feel after class and during my runs. I’d like to start an evening practice at home. Do you have any suggestions for yoga postures that will help me to sleep better at night? Thank you for taking the time to share […]
Wellness
Spring Workout Roundup
The changing of seasons can mean different things to different people depending on what part of the country you call home, but it’s a good chance for everyone to pause and refocus their energy on the fitness goals that are important to them. This can mean learning to run, improving a 5K race time, motivating loved ones, or simply […]
Fitness
Meet Ken Grall
Take a moment to meet one of our Horizon Fitness experts, Ken Grall! Ken is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength & Conditioning Association, as well as a Youth Fitness Specialist (YFS) through the International Youth Conditioning Association. He has trained and coached in the fitness and sports performance fields since […]
Nutrition
Ask an Expert: Nutritional Supplements
Question: I’ve read a lot about nutritional supplements lately. Are they something I should consider adding to improve my health and fitness? If so, what is the best (and safest) way to start? I get asked at least a few times a week about different supplements and exactly what people should or shouldn’t be taking to help […]
Fitness
Meet Joli Guenther
Take a moment to meet one of our Horizon Fitness expert bloggers, Joli Guenther! Joli is a certified personal trainer, yoga instructor and clinical social worker practicing in and around Madison, Wisconsin. She especially loves working with clients on holistic health issues, work-life balance, and fitness for joy and function in daily life. When not […]
Fitness
Ask an Expert: Motivating Others
Question: I’ve recently started a new fitness routine, but my friend has been more reluctant. How do I go about motivating others around me to be active, too? Congratulations on your enthusiasm for sharing your new fitness program! While you’re excited about the benefits of your routine, you’ve already realized that different factors motivate different […]
Fitness
Selecting the Yoga Practice That's Right for You
With so many styles and benefits of yoga available, sorting out the yin from the yang and the power from restorative can be pretty daunting. Looking for a little guidance on finding the right fit for your first class? Here’s an overview of some of the benefits of yoga as well as the styles that will emphasize […]
Fitness
The Best of Ask an Expert
The Horizon Fitness experts have answered a lot of great questions over the years, ranging from how to clean smelly workout clothes to incorporating more strength into fitness routines. They’ve helped new moms wanting to return to fitness after giving birth, to advanced runners looking to improve their half marathon time. Do you have a […]
Fitness
Meet Coach Jenny Hadfield
Take a moment to meet one of our Horizon Fitness expert bloggers, Coach Jenny Hadfield! Coach Jenny is a published author (her books include Marathoning for Mortals, Running for Mortals, and Training for Mortals), a coach, public speaker and endurance athlete. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology, a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science […]
Fitness
Understanding Heart Rate
After running shoes and a source to play music, a heart rate monitor is usually the first piece of equipment runners add to their workouts. If you aren’t using one now, you’ve most likely at least played with them in the past, calculating whether you’re working too hard or not hard enough, estimating your total […]
Fitness
Reaching a Fitness Plateau
We’ve all been there. Whether we’re trying to lose weight, add muscle, or even develop a new skill, we hit that point in our progress where everything seems to stall. Do any of these sound familiar? “I’ve been losing a little bit of weight each week for months, and yet I’ve been stuck the past […]
Fitness
Technology to Inspire Your Workout Routines
Stuck in a workout rut? Don’t panic. Everyone has been at one time or another. If you are wondering where to start, why not let technology give you a hand? Try a few of these tips to give your workout routines a new life: Recruit a Buddy. Whether you meet up in person or use an […]
Fitness
Passport Media Player
What if you could run through the American Southwest or Northern Italy any time you stepped on your treadmill? Or cycle through an Alpine meadow without leaving your living room? With the Passport Media Player, featuring Virtual Active technology, you can! Passport makes every workout an adventure. With high-definition destination footage and coordinated ambient sounds, […]
Wellness
Exercise During Pregnancy
As a part of your prenatal care, your doctor has probably already talked to you about the importance of exercising during pregnancy. Benefits include everything from better sleep and improved mood to an easier birth and better outcomes for you and baby. Even if you weren’t regularly exercising before pregnancy, you can still start a simple program […]
Fitness
Consistency in Workouts
Working hard, eating right, having a plan and doing one thing every day that will get you closer to who you want to be is a fool-proof way to improve your health. However, the fitness industry tends to not be upfront about this, instead promising quick fixes and overnight results. For example, I learned this past year […]
Nutrition
Simple Recommendations for a Healthier Heart
February is American Heart Month in the United States, aimed at bringing attention to a national effort to prevent one million heart attacks in the United States. Simple choices in diet and exercise can have a substantial impact on your overall heart health by improving overall cardiovascular function and decreasing cholesterol and tri-glyceride levels. For […]
Wellness
Ask an Expert: Fitness for New Moms
Question: As a new mom, there are days I can barely get a shower, let alone eat right and exercise. Do you have any tricks to help me lose the baby weight, while still caring for my newborn? — Julia Congratulations on your new family member! While it may seem like the baby weight takes forever to […]
Fitness
Running to Relax
In addition to the fitness benefits of running, many use it as a way to unwind, relax and focus. Lace up your shoes, head out, and before you know it, you’ve created your to-do list, made dinner plans and decided to ask your boss for a raise. While this free-flow of thoughts can keep our […]
Wellness
Post Workout Soreness (or DOMS)
The term “Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness” (or DOMS) is usually seen as the bane of new exercisers, but even experienced athletes know that changing up your workout routine or intensity can result in some serious pain for the next few days. If you’re recovering from your first tough workout, you might be wondering how to […]
Fitness
Horizon SixStar Elliptical Frame
We’ve all been on an elliptical machine that just feels…off. The handles are just a little too low, the pedals make your knees bend just a little too much, making you count the minutes until your workout is complete. But it doesn’t have to be that way. It comes down to proper ergonomics. Simply put: […]
Wellness
Five Benefits of Pool Workouts
While triathletes already understand the benefits of a pool to balance out workouts, nearly all of us can benefit from including pool workouts in our training schedules. You can always head for open water during the warm months of the year, but most communities also have more convenient options year round. Check around for a […]
Fitness
Ask an Expert: Staying Motivated
At the beginning of every year I hit the ground running, only to struggle with my workouts a few weeks later. Do you have any tips on staying motivated through the winter? -Meghan Congratulations on your strong start for the year! To keep your fitness efforts strong this winter (and continue rolling throughout the year) there […]
Fitness
Partner Workouts
Everyone needs a boost of motivation and accountability every now and then when it comes to working out, so why not plan an entire workout around working out with a pal? There are limitless activities you can do together (depending on the season, of course) so call a friend, lace up your shoes and have some fun with […]
Nutrition
Post-Workout Nutrition
Eating the right foods at the right time is equal parts science, art and experimentation. But it’s something you can master with just a little guidance. For example, pre-workout nutrition should leave you feeling energized and nourished, without worrying about your digestion. While post-workout nutrition should help you with recovery, gaining strength, and better performance. […]