The Best Exercises for a Super-Sculpted Butt

When I start working with a new client, I ask them what their fitness goals are so that I can get them the results they desire. The vast majority of the time I hear, “I want a toned butt.” Getting a booty that rivals Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, or J. Lo is at the top of my clients’ wish list, but aside from doing squat challenge after squat challenge, most are unaware of the other highly effective tush toning exercises. If you’re like my clients, it’s time to put the squats to rest and add some variety to your fitness routine with 8 booty-blasting moves. These exercises are easy to learn, target important muscles in your glutes and hamstrings, and, most importantly, will give you a firmer bum in no time.

Less is More: Cut Back on Salt with a Low Sodium Diet

We live in an age of convenience. Almost anything your heart desires can be obtained at the drop of a hat, whether it’s the latest bop from Beyoncé or a last minute anniversary gift for your wife. On the surface, instant gratification may seem completely wondrous, but if we grab our magnifying glass and do a little sleuthing, it’s quite clear that getting what you want, when you want it, can sometimes be detrimental to our wellbeing.  

4 Easy Yoga Poses for Pain Relief

Most people decide to unleash their inner yogi because they want that perfectly sculpted yoga body; however, the benefits of yoga extend far beyond washboard abs and tight glues. Several research studies have found that yoga is an effective (and natural) way to treat chronic conditions such as, back pain, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and carpal tunnel syndrome. If you’re experiencing an achy body, the thought of twisting and contorting it into a series of poses and stretches may be fear inducing, but when performed correctly, the fluidity of yoga movements can increase mobility and strength without the wear and tear on your already painful joints, says yoga instructor Cynthia Maltenfort. “Yoga is a safe alternative to weight-bearing exercises that could worsen weak joints because it strengths the muscles around them, which reduces tension and increases mobility,” explains Maltenfort.

So, whether you’re suffering from moderate to severe pain, relief may be a yoga pose away. Here a few of my favourite yoga positions to ease body aches and help you get back to enjoying life to the fullest.

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Weekly Meal Prep

You’re busy, I’m busy, we’re all busy, but that shouldn’t stop us from eating healthy. So, how exactly do we get all of those veggies and essential nutrients into our diet when we’re constantly on the go? Two words: meal prep.

Prehab: How to Get in Shape Before Surgery

Being physically fit helps you maintain your overall health and vitality, but did you know that it can also determine how quickly you bounce back after surgery?

5 Fitness Trends to Give Your Workout a Boost

So, you’ve been working out diligently, hopped onto the #cleaneating bandwagon and have seen great results, but, sadly, you’re not quite at your fitness goal just yet. With summer only a few weeks away, now is not the time to panic; rather it’s time to get serious about trying to shed those last couple of pounds. Before you go into the back of the closet and exhume your Shake Weight or Brazilian Butt Lift DVD, kick your exercise regimen into high gear by trying one (or all) of my favourite fitness trends for 2016.

The Benefits of Sport-Specific Training for Young Athletes

Sport-specific training—sound familiar? If you’re the parent of a young athlete, chances are you’ve probably heard that phrase a few times already. As one of the top fitness trends for 2016, many coaches are urging their athletes (amateur and pro) to partake in a sport-specific training program, especially during the pre- and off-seasons. Before you rush to the nearest gym and sign your child up for the first fitness regime they offer, let's go over the basics of sport-specific training and its key benefits.

Detox Diets: Considering the Pros and Cons

Whether it’s Kourtney Kardashian, your boss or that kale-munching hipster at the health food store, it seems like everyone is on some sort of detox diet these days. Due to their immense popularity and the icky bloated feeling that you’re experiencing as we speak, you are probably thinking about joining the detox party. Although promises of losing 10 lbs. in 10 days, a purified body and radiant skin are very appealing, it’s important to do your research and consider how a detox diet can benefit your mind, body and soul. Lucky for you, I’m here to help! I have put together some pros and cons of detoxing to aid you in making an educated decision regarding whether a detox is the right decision for you.

Why You Need an In-Home Fitness Equipment Evaluation

Statistics show that 75% of the people who sign-up for a gym membership only use it for the first month. Instead of “donating” ones hard earned money to a gym, investing in some quality at-home fitness equipment might be a more cost-effective way to get fit in the long run. Purchasing a few dumbbells, a stability ball to blast those glutes, or a treadmill for your private fitness club can help you get a total body workout without those pesky contracts and membership fees.

At-Home Workouts or Personal Training: Which is More Beneficial?

Q: What is the difference between doing a fitness program on my own and with a personal trainer?

A: There is a HUGE difference between the two! Now, if you are a professional bodybuilder, fitness model, or obsessed gym freak this question does not apply to you. However, if you're the average person looking to get in shape, it's a lot of hard work. Here are the two main factors that suffer when training alone: