Work It Out

Our fitness expert on the virtues of strength training.

By Kevin Valluzzi

A few days ago I saw that a friend of mine went to Planet Fitness in New Hampshire. Not surprisingly, he said there were 37 people in the "cardio" section and three people in the strength training area. Now this is not something that only happens in New Hampshire, it happens all over America.

Continue reading "Lift and Lose " »

On having your cake and eating it, too!

by Kevin Valluzzi

Yes, it's that time of year: holiday weight gain! I know some of you have already succumbed to the pressure at the office parties, get-togethers with friends, etc. And I bet some of you are even planning to try and trick your body by not eating for a full day before your party. Or by doing the opposite and eating before you go so you don't eat as much when you get there (Does that ever really work?).

Continue reading "Holiday Weight Gain " »

Kevin breaks down the sad statistics.

By Kevin Valluzi

I recently came across this statistic; the average woman goes on 104 diets between the ages of 18 - 70, and stays on a diet for an average of five weeks. That is approximately 10 years of dieting. I want you to re-read that: approximately 10 years of dieting.

Continue reading "Diet By Numbers" »

Kevin shares the secret to any successful workout plan: rest.

By Kevin Valluzzi

Here is a topic that does not come up very often: overtraining. Most people today have a hard enough time fitting in workouts or feeling motivated enough to exercise. But what if you are just the opposite and you do have the time to workout? Or you are highly motivated? Can this be a bad thing?

Continue reading "Are You Overtraining?" »

By Kevin Valluzzi

This could quite possibly be the most asked question in the health/fitness/weight loss industry. And each of the "weight loss" companies will tell you why their diet is the best. Jenny Craig, South Beach, Atkins, LA Weight Loss, etc. I could go on and on!

Continue reading "Which Diet is the Best?" »

Kevin makes waves with his answer.

By Kevin Valluzi

Which one is better: water or energy drinks? I might stir up a little controversy here with my answer but I'm prepared for that because this might be something that you don't want to hear. I feel that, hands down, water is the best thing for you when you are working out. Before I explain, let me make one thing clear: I recommend water for the average, everyday workout. I am not talking about marathon training, ultra-endurance events, etc. 

Continue reading "Staying Hydrated " »

Pull yourself out of a workout rut.

By Kevin Valluzzi

When was your last plateau? I know you've been stuck in a workout rut at some point or another. The weight starts coming off and then BAM:  You just seem to stay at the same weight. No more progress. Why does that happen?

Continue reading "The Dreaded Workout Plateau" »

Kevin answers the perennial fitness question.

By Kevin Valluzzi

Q:Hi, I've recently started to work out. What I'm really trying to do is work the lower half of my body (i.e.,  stomach, hips, thighs, and the booty). What are some exercises you can recommend? And is it a good idea to target a different section every time you work out? I have a gym membership and try to go 3-5 days a week. I am 5'3 with a heavier build, and am trying to slim down. What are your suggestions? - Krystal    

Continue reading "Full Body Workout or Split Routine? " »

Kevin shares secrets to losing weight. (Hint: It happens in the kitchen, not the gym.)

By Kevin Valluzzi

Q:I'm pre diabetic, so I work out by jogging at least one mile or by walking two or more a day. I do about 200 or more sit ups a day. Do you have any advice for what else I can do because I'm not losing weight. - Victoria

Continue reading "Cardio, But No Weight Loss?" »

With home gym equipment, Kevin says it's all about thinking small.

By Kevin Valluzi

Q:What is the single best piece of home gym equipment that can work out major body parts and is compact enough for small spaces? - Michele


A:Hi Michele. Glad to hear that you are looking into doing some strength training. The best piece of equipment, hands down, is dumbbells. Dumbbells, more than any "machine," will give you a great total body workout.

Continue reading "Dumbbells" »