The NBA playoffs are one of the best shows in sports. In more normal times, they’re a two-month marathon featuring a handful of the most athletic people in the world performing at the top of their games, with a lot of money—and a lot of legacy—on the line.

The 2021 playoffs have been a great show, but they’ve also become a brutal war of attrition. Many of the league’s best players have sustained all kinds of injuries after an unprecedented condensed season—which itself followed an unprecedented season interrupted by COVID-19.

This year, the postseason isn’t just about which team will win the NBA Finals. It’s also raising questions about how to run a sports league in a pandemic, why so many players are dropping, and how long it might take them to heal.

The 10 Best Exercises for Basketball Players

Whether you’re an aspiring NBA all-star or a neighborhood pickup king, make sure these simple moves …

Read article

The NBA playoffs feel especially marred by the injury bug.

Injuries are a part of every sport, and they’ve affected the NBA playoffs just as much as any other competition. In 2019, the Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors in the finals, and we’ll never know if the outcome would have been different had Golden State’s stars Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson not been injured in the latter games of the series.

But injuries in 2021 feel more pervasive. Anthony Davis injured his groin in the fourth game of the first round against the Phoenix Suns, robbing the Los Angeles Lakers of effective play from their superstar center. The Lakers might have been able to overcome that if LeBron James hadn’t been dealing with a bad ankle that made him look like a shell of himself in that same series. For their part, the Suns were able to overcome Chris Paul’s bad shoulder to win that series; Paul has toughed it out and delivered what might be the defining postseason run of his career.

The Philadelphia 76ers’ MVP-caliber center, Joel Embiid, tore his meniscus in the Sixers’ first-round win over the Washington Wizards. The Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic had a serious nerve issue in his neck and played through it as the Mavs fell to the Los Angeles Clippers in a seven-game first-round series. Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell, another one of the game’s great rising stars, has had to work through an ankle sprain.

By the end of the first round, many of the league’s most important players had sustained injuries. Then the Brooklyn Nets, the NBA’s superteam of the moment, lost two of their Big Three future Hall of Famers, Kyrie Irving and James Harden, to health issues. Now only Kevin Durant remains healthy as the Nets try to find a way around the Milwaukee Bucks in their second-round series. (Harden appeared in Game 5 but does not appear to be at full strength.)

The data shows this postseason has been especially brutal. An ESPN analysis found that even excluding COVID-related absences, more players missed time to injury this year than in any season since at least 2009–10. All-Star players missed 19 percent of possible games this season, the highest rate ever. NBA players, especially the best of them, really are getting hurt more.

2021 College Football Preview: 10 Rising Stars to Watch

Read article

Could the NBA’s pandemic-altered schedule be the cause?

The NBA usually finishes its playoffs in mid- or late June. In 2020, the playoffs lasted way beyond that—until Oct. 11—because the league paused from March until the end of July while COVID-19 raged.

The league had no choice but to push back the start of the following season. But it didn’t delay much, and teams were back playing preseason games by mid-December. Teams played a 72-game regular season in less than five months, as opposed to the typical 82-game season in about seven months.

That condensed schedule put an enormous physical burden on the league’s players. They had a shorter offseason, and they had much less recovery time between games than they would get in a normal season. Given the intense schedule, it’s hard to see the increased injuries as just a coincidence.

Money made it happen.

It’s tempting to blame the NBA team owners and commissioner Adam Silver for subjecting players to a meat grinder of a season in order to chase as much profit as possible. But the league’s players wanted to play as much of the 2020-21 season as possible. They viewed it as their best path to protect their own financial well-being.

The players’ union agreed to the 72-game season on the timeline the NBA laid out after the league claimed it would lose between $500 million and $1 billion if it waited until January to start play—losses the players would share along with the owners.

This weird, painful NBA season happened for pretty much the same reason everything in professional sports happens: money. The league wanted to play a compressed schedule to make money. The players agreed to play a compressed schedule, also to make money.

As a result, the 2021 NBA playoffs have turned into a war of attrition. Like every year, the last team standing will win it all. But now it’s not just a sports cliché—it’s a statement of every remaining playoff team’s actual path to victory.

The Top 6 Young NFL Quarterbacks to Watch This Season

Read article

E-bikes fill a ton of different needs, from hauling kids and groceries to helping you tackle steep grades on rough trails. But if throwback aesthetics are your main priority, the new Super73-ZX is definitely worth a look. A revamp of the California brand’s original Z1 model, the ZX features a redesigned frame, vintage styling, and enough oomph to carry you and a passenger up to 28 miles per hour.

The Super73-ZX is an entry-level e-bike, but it’s a significant step up from the Z1. It’s made with a new aluminum alloy frame that’s lighter than steel, allowing for improved range, and it’s larger, which means the bike offers a better fit for taller riders. It can carry up to 325 pounds and it also comes with a new removable battery, so you can charge it up without lugging the whole bike indoors. There’s no suspension on this bike, but the large tires on the 20-inch wheels should soak up some bumps and keep your ride from getting too jarring.

The ZX is built to be as versatile as possible. With its 750-watt motor and thumb throttle, it’s set up as a Class 2 e-bike, which means you can ride it on most public streets and e-bike friendly trails, and you won’t need a motorcycle license (you can also put into Class 1 or Class 3 mode to comply with regulations in your area). Range will vary depending on factors like rider weight and terrain, but Super73 estimates the bike should get anywhere from 25 to 50 miles on a single charge. That should be more than enough juice for a day’s worth of commuting or a fun weekend ride before you need to plug it in again.

The Airstream Interstate 24X Turns Van Life Into Glamping

Read article

The ZX’s vintage aesthetics aren’t just for show; they also make the bike fun and easy to ride. Super73 redesigned the banana-style seat to be even more comfortable, and it’s long enough to cart around a (small) passenger, too. The tall adjustable handlebars create an upright riding position, so cruising on the ZX is almost like riding a moped—minus the whine and pollution of a gas engine.

The ZX also comes with an app that allows you to adjust your ride and download over-the-air software upgrades. You can choose from four riding modes—Eco, Tour, Sport, and Super—to fine-tune the level of boost you get from the motor. An LCD monitor on the handlebars displays your ride mode, and when you enter a destination in the app, it’ll even show turn-by-turn directions as you ride.

3 Home Projects You Should Leave to the Experts

Read article

The ZX is available in two colors—Moon Rock and Storm Gray—and Super73 expects to begin deliveries in mid-July.

[$1,995; super73.com]

Get it

The 4 Best New E-Bikes for Commuting This Summer

Read article

If there’s one thing we know about Mark Wahlberg, it’s that he’s an absolute beast in the gym. Whether he’s bulking up for a movie or just passing the time in quarantine, he’s always finding new ways to challenge himself—even training alongside Marines. On June 11, Wahlberg helped open the brand-new F45 Training gym at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. It’s the first-ever franchise gym on military base, and aside from helping cut the ribbon to open the new location (Wahlberg is an investor in the company), he also stuck around to work out with the Marines.

“I’m honored to be able to open up a gym on a military base,” Wahlberg said in a video from the event. “Hopefully we’ll continue to grow this relationship. The goal is to have an F45 studio in every single military installation all over the world.”

The 30 Best Chest Exercises of All Time

If you’re looking for brute strength and pecs that pop, these moves should be in your training regim…

Read article

After cutting the ribbon with the base’s commander, Colonel Charles B. Dockery, Wahlberg got right to work, jumping into workouts with Marines and their families. F45 workouts are 45-minute group sessions that incorporate elements of circuit training and HIIT with the goal of building functional fitness for the whole body. Within that general framework, though, there’s a ton of variety: Intense cardio, weight training, bodyweight movements, and more are all on the menu.

According to Wahlberg, Friday’s session was a tough one, even for Marines. He called it “the best workout they’re gonna get all week.”

Although most people know him as an actor, Wahlberg has a thriving career as a fitness-focused entrepreneur—and F45 is just one of his ventures. He also launched Performance Inspired, a fitness supplement company devoted to creating clean, natural products for athletes and fitness enthusiasts of all levels. The company offers a full lineup of protein bars, powders, and supplements (as well as accessories and recovery gear), and it recently partnered with pro golfer Bryson DeChambeau to develop a new line of products specifically for golfers.

The 13 Basic Rules of Clean Bulking

A how-to guide for packing on muscle and staying lean.

Read article

At Miramar, Wahlberg made it clear he’s interested in doing more than just helping members of the military stay in shape—he wants to help them build careers as well. In his role as an investor, he’s been encouraging F45 to hire veterans at all levels of the company and create opportunities for those who are interested in fitness as a career. In his view, their military experience makes them a great fit.

“Their work ethic, their ability, their understanding of fitness and training and doing it the right way, it’s invaluable,” he said.

The 30 Best Leg Exercises and Workouts of All Time

Build strength from the ground up with these lower-body moves.

Read article

Whether you’re training for your first 5K or have lost track of the number of bibs you have, great summer running gear and accessories can make the difference between a strong run and a miserable experience, or even a dreaded DNF (Did Not Finish). So you’ve got your running sneakers, now what?

From clothes to smartwatches, recovery day gear to water bottles, we’ve cut through the clutter to present you with the best summer running gear on the market. Intervals and splits, loops and hills, here we come.

Summer Running Gear That’ll Help You Go the Distance

1. Fourlaps Bolt Short 5”

New for Spring/Summer ’21, these shorts are designed to move with you and keep you cool thanks to moisture-wicking technology and laser-cut ventilation holes. Made with four-way stretch fabric, you’ll also appreciate the zippered pocket in the back to stow your essentials when you head out. With 88 percent RE-UP recyclable materials, you can feel good about your purchase for the health of our planet, too.

[$68; fourlaps.com]

Get it

2. Honey Stinger Rapid Hydration Mix

You came, you saw, you conquered those hills. And now you need a freaking water break. This first hydration system of its kind is a mix of honey with sodium to supercharge your H2O. It speeds up the absorption of key nutrients your body craves. Flavors include Strawberry Lemonade, Pomegranate Passion Fruit, Mango Melon, Black Cherry, Tangerine, and Berry.

[$33; honeystinger.com]

Get it

3. Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed

If you’re serious about running (or any kind of training, for that matter), you’re serious about sleep. This award-winning 360 Smart Bed with proprietary SleepIQ technology digitally senses your movements throughout the night and adjusts automatically to keep you comfortable. Tech-wise, the algorithm  measures sleep time, quality, heart rate and breathing rate, providing your horizontal lair with maximum comfort for your personal needs. Hot sleepers, in particular, will dig the temperature-balancing sleep surface and the smart 3D fabric that’s said to be up to 50 percent more breathable.

[From $2,750; sleepnumber.com]

Get it

4. Moshi Mythro Air SS21 Bluetooth Earbuds

The newest version of these earbuds have standout specs like improved noise isolation, charge time, and Bluetooth range. As someone who’s lost one too many earbuds mid-sprint or on woodsy trails, you’ll appreciate the magnetic clip to help keep the accessory secure. Another noteworthy feature: eight-hour playback. We can hear the marathoners’ hallelujah chorus from here.

[$70; moshi.com]

Get it

5. Ombraz Dolomite Armless Sunglasses

Beyond the two superb limited-edition colors, slate and charcoal, there are many more reasons to love these armless sunglasses. For one thing, they stay securely in place and are practically impossible to break. The lack of arms on the glasses also helps relieve discomfort on the side of your head. Other perks you’ll appreciate include nose pads to reduce fogging and side visors to get rid of peripheral glare. They’re so comfortable and attractive they may very well become your go-to pair off the track. The frames are also sustainable, with each pair of Ombraz sunglasses being over 1,384 times carbon-negative. What’s more, 20 mangrove trees are planted through the Ombraz Shade Project for every pair sold.

[$140; ombraz.com]

Get it

Best Minimalist Running Shoes of 2021

Read article

6. Columbia M FKT II Windbreaker Jacket

Beat your best with this high-quality, lightweight jacket that fits snugly for total range of motion. Ideal for trail runners, this windbreaker provides advanced water-and-stain repellency, a zippered security pocket, and reflective details for added visibility.

[$75; columbia.com]

Get it

7. Stojo Sports Bottle

Durable, collapsible, and visually pleasing, this bottle features a tether attachment so you can sling this 20-ounce bottle onto your backpack or duffel. The twist cap makes it easy to use on a challenging run, and we’ll never argue with dishwasher-safe water bottles. The cap is BPA-free and doesn’t contain phthalates, leads, or glues.

[$20; stojo.com]

Get it

8. Aktiv Style L.I.M. Tech Headband

No shame in sporting a headband while you run, especially if this past year convinced you to give up that whole haircut thing. Launched in the spring, this ultra-light headband is crafted from high-performance knitted fabric boasting stellar moisture-wicking properties to keep sweat off your face.

[$20; aktivstyle.com]

Get it

9. Salomon Sense Pro 10

This spring ‘21 innovation has been a long time coming. Offering a tight fit courtesy of a smart design and an intuitive adjustment system, this hydration vest won’t interfere with your run, and the soft mesh absorbs and keeps moisture at bay while you crank out those steps. There’s also the option for plenty of storage with front and back compartments; two soft flasks are included.

[$180; salomon.com]

Get it

10. Matador Meggings Gray Camo Compression Shorts

These compression shorts will make runs more enjoyable. There’s a T-shirt/towel loop in the back, zipper pocket for valuables, and it’s made of a sweat-wicking blend of polyester and lycra. Protect the family jewels with excellent groin support and soft crotch cup, while you benefit from increased blood flow thanks to the compression fabric.

[$75; matadormeggings.com]

Get it

The Best Sport Watches for Running, Hiking, Surfing, and More

Read article

11. Janji AFO Singlet

Breezy and fast-drying, this tank is your go-to for hot, humid runs. It’s part of the brand’s Chennai Collection. The print is designed by Chennai-based textile artist Kashmira Baheti and depicts the vibrancy of the surrounding jungle.

[$58; janji.com]

Get it

12. Ice Barrel

If you’re a recovery fiend, you’ll love giving your days off a boost with this cold therapy training tool that holds up to 105 gallons of water and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. In addition to helping with muscle recovery and reducing inflammation, you may just find you get a mental boost from a dip in this vertical tub, too. If you’re looking for something at a lower price point, check out these cold therapy wraps.

[$1,200; icebarrel.com]

Get it

13. ProForm Pro 9000

Looking to improve your ancient treadmill situation or splurge on your first? This tread offers live and on-demand iFIT interactive workouts on a 22″ HD touchscreen. It also has high-tech bells and whistles like automatically adjusting your speed and incline during workouts to match your trainer’s. Bonus: There are Bluetooth capabilities for connecting to headphones as well as heart-rate wearables so you can track your workout’s intensity.

[$1,799; proform.com]

Get it

14. DOGPOUND X Lasso Performance Compression Socks 2.0

This recent collaboration has resulted in compression socks like no other with medically backed ankle support and gradient compression to keep your runs at their prime. There’s good reason trainers, orthopedists, and physical therapists love these socks—and once you try a pair from the only socks that provide patented joint support, you’ll understand why. Go ahead, treat yourself to the four-pack for $90.

[from $30; lassogear.com]

Get it

15. Stitch Fix 01.Algo Train Short

Lightweight, uber-comfy, and complete with two zippered security pockets, these shorts are part of Stitch Fix’s recently launched 01.Algo expansion capsule, which includes seven new Stitch Fix-exclusive activewear silhouettes. Existing clients can go here to place their order, and new clients can sign up here. Request the 01.Algo in your next Fix (that’s their lingo for customized box of apparel), and get ready to crush your next interval training run.

[$49; stitchfix.com]

Get it

Get a 5K PR in Just 4 Weeks

Brand new study finds following this sprint interval program can help you get faster.

Read article

16. Fitbit Sense

Fitbit’s latest smartwatch doesn’t disappoint health data junkies—and runners looking to optimize their craft will certainly be no exception. The Sense tracks heart rate, sleep, and activity levels, using the three to give you a daily Stress Management Score for a bigger picture of your health. Runners in particular will prize the built-in GPS to see pace and distance on the watch, and a map of your workout post-run. Another handy integration is Bluetooth pairing so you can listen, store, and play music offline with Deezer and Pandora, and control Spotify.

[$300; fitbit.com]

Get it

17. Suunto 9 Peak

If you want to go all-out on a sports watch, good luck beating this veritable beast of a device that’s 37 percent thinner and 36 percent lighter than the Suunto 9 Baro. The Peak provides blood oxygen level measurements to help you gauge acclimation levels at higher altitudes, has automatic backlight intensity adjustment that shifts with the conditions, and the watch display reveals your weekly training metrics so you can keep working on those improvements. The GPS watch with weather insights, on-watch navigation capabilities, wrist heart rate, barometer, and more is available in both standard ($569) and titanium models ($699).

[Available June 19, from $569; suunto.com]

Get it

We want you to turn your living room into a hotbox. (No, we don’t mean the smoke-filled Camaro from your high school days.) We mean we want you to transform any spare space into your sweat gauntlet in lieu of a gym. As such, we’re putting the spotlight on five pieces of smart home gym equipment that provide personalized attention from virtual trainers, progressive challenges via artificial intelligence and detailed insight thanks to sensors. Best of all, no one will know if (read: when) you drag your dog-tired body into the bathroom and sit in the shower for 45 minutes post-workout. It’s your world.

1. Use AI for Gains: Tonal

Sometimes lifting is all about quality, not quantity. Tonal has two extendable arms that generate up to 200 pounds of resistance, plus a motion-sensor camera hidden in its 42-inch screen to analyze form and offer cues to boost performance. An initial fitness assessment determines your baseline, then AI algorithms take over. “Spotter” mode drops weight if you struggle in the bottom of a chest press, while “Burnout” mode reduces weight one pound at a time at the end of a set of curls, so you can work your biceps to failure.

[$2,995 plus $49/month membership; tonal.com]

Get it

2. Hire a Personal Trainer: Mirror

The full-length reflective surface of Mirror hides an LCD screen controlled by an iOS app. Try a class in more
than 50 disciplines, or connect with a personal trainer on-demand. Using the built-in two-way audio and video, your trainer provides expert feedback, form corrections, and encouragement in real time for $40 a pop—a fraction of what you’d pay for a trainer at the gym. You can even sweat to your own workout playlists via Apple Music.

[$1,495 plus $39/month membership, mirror.co]

Get it

The 5 Best Post Workout Supplements For Recovery In 2021

Read article

3. Buy One Weight That Does It All: JaxJox

A true total-body strength workout usually requires multiple sets of weights or a pricey squat rack. Not
so with the space-saving JaxJox connected kettlebell. It adjusts from 12 to 42 pounds in seconds. While you’re swinging, motion sensors track reps, sets, weight, and power, so you can review your “Fitness IQ”—which measures strength progression—in the app. Users can also subscribe to on-demand workouts.

[$229 plus optional $13/month membership, jaxjox.com]

Get it

4. Make Any Room a Weight Room: Arena

Arena houses a multidirectional cable system and specialty attachments capable of more than 300 exercises, from hamstring curls to woodchops. The portable device uses opposing electro-magnetic fields to generate hundreds of pounds of resistance (same tech that powers electric cars). Motorized resistance technology safely recruits more muscle fibers than traditional strength training, so you get better results in less time.

[$1,995 plus optional $20/month membership, goarena.co]

Get it

5. Get Real-Time Biofeedback: Nurvv

Solo neighborhood jogs. Treadmill intervals. All-out track sprints. With 32 sensors, Nurvv smart insoles capture all your running idiosyncrasies including cadence, step length, footstrike, pronation and balance. That might not mean much to you, but they indicate efficiency. The app provides tailored training tips and exercises to help fine-tune your technique and avoid injury. Looking to hit sub 7-minute miles? The Pace Coach feature provides target zones for your cadence and step length, with in-run alerts synced to your headphones like “shorten your stride” or “increase your cadence.”

[$299.95; nurvv.com]

Get it

I’m sharing fitness favorites from sporty sneakers to cozy crops and colorful baseball caps that I’m loving for spring and summer.

With summer around the corner, I’ve put my warmest leggings away for winter and have been reaching for airy shorts and breezy tanks – in all the bright colors! If you’ve been wanting to revamp your fitness attire and gear for the summer months ahead, I’m sharing some fitness favorites that I’m loving lately. Whether you’re doing at home workouts, or back to hitting the gym, these cute and colorful finds will help you feel good no matter how you’re moving.

Fitness Favorites For Spring & Summer

This Lululemon long sleeve top is breezy and sweat-wicking, and the perfect light layer for spring walks and runs.

These shorts are a fast favorite of mine – stretchy waistband, zippered pocket to hold my keys, and the perfect length. Plus, they come in a bunch of fun colors!

The girls and I love these colorful skinny scrunchies – so fun and comfortable.

The tie-dye craze is still going strong this spring and summer. This Athleta Printed Pullover is not only cheerful and fun, but the perfect thing to throw on after yoga or for running errands.

If you’re H20 bottles have seen better days, grab a new Yeti Rambler – they keep your beverages icy cold on hot days!

I always throw on a hat when I’m running in the Canyon. This Traveler Baseball Hat from Abercrombie is cute and functional.

This cozy cropped cutoff crew sweatshirt would be the perfect thing to throw on with leggings before hitting a workout or a walk around the neighborhood.

Roll into a new season with a fresh yoga mat. These Alo Warrior Mats have the perfect amount of cushion.

White sneaks are a must for spring and summer. These Tree Dashers from All Birds are so cute! They go with anything and are machine washable.

I’ve also been ordering a lot from Carbon38 these days. If you decide to try it out, use my code GINAHAR for 15% off your first two orders of $100+.

Hope you have a great day and I’ll see you soon!

xo

Gina

The post Fitness Favorites For Spring & Summer appeared first on The Fitnessista.

Sharing a review of the Precision Nutrition Level One certification with my experience so far, and how I plan to use it.

Hi friends! Hope you’re having a wonderful week so far! I’m seeing In the Heights today with my nana and madre (can’t wait!) and have been studying my face off. I’m about halfway through my Precision Nutrition level one certification, so I thought I’d post an update on my experience so far and how I plan to use this certification in my business.

Precision Nutrition graciously waived my certification cost, and I was so grateful and excited because I’d been eyeing the certification for a couple of years. One of things that always stood out to me was the focus on mindset and how to coach effectively and make nutrition changes that are sustainable and realistic for unique circumstances and preferences. It’s one thing to create a great meal plan, but it’s another thing entirely to help others make lasting changes that work for their life and schedule while propelling them towards their goals.

Precision Nutrition Level One review

Here’s how the curriculum is set up:

There are three different modules: the Precision Nutrition approach (what makes a great coach, how to create lasting changes, and what does solid nutrition actually mean?), the science of nutrition (WHY things happen and work the way they do), and working through the PN coaching process (how to use all of this information, coaching various levels of clients, and special scenarios).

You read the chapter in the text book, have the option to watch a video on their platform (or listen to the audio), view any relevant case studies, and take an exam for the chapter. You take your exam before moving onto the next chapter.

The coursework also includes a study guide to answer practice questions and take notes. The study guide has been extremely helpful and I’ll often use it to make little drawings or writing down concepts I want to remember. Everything is beautifully packaged, easy to carry around with you (I’ve been studying in the gymnastics parking lot, at dance competitions, and in parking lots waiting to pick up the girls from various places), and based on the most current science and information.

They give you the tools to create a business, including online assessments and questionnaires for clients. I LOVE that they set you up for success. So many of the certifications I’ve done have been like, “Congrats! Good luck out there!” and this one is like, “Here are all of the steps to actually put your certification into practice right away.”

For any of my fitness professional friends who are considering certification, enrollment is open right now. They only offer it a couple of times per year, and if you sign up before Friday, you’ll receive their Coaching Business Kickstarter Course ($349) for free. All of the details are on their page here!

How I plan to use my Precision Nutrition certification:

I think it’s worth noting here that I will NOT be a Registered Dietitian after completing this course, and if you have very specific nutrition needs or circumstances, you should absolutely seek out an RD in your area! However, if you’re looking for ideas on how to create sustainable changes and would like customized macro guidelines, I can be your gal. ?

To start off, I’m coaching myself! I create customized macro guidelines using their online toolkit and based it on my personal stats, goals (add lean muscle, decrease body fat, which has gone up this past year), and preferred eating style (Mediterranean). They have a couple of options for tracking macros: you can use specific gram amounts and weigh/measure everything, or you can “eyeball it” based on visual measurements. For example, a palm is a protein serving, a carb serving is your cupped hand, vegetables is one fist, and fat is one thumb. This is a great way to measure because it’s consistent (your hands don’t change size dramatically), it’s relative (a smaller person with small hands needs less food than someone who has large hands and a larger body frame), and it’s convenient (they’re always with you). When I calculate macros for my clients, you’ll receive the gram amount recommendations and the visual recommendations (for example 4 palms of protein each day, 5 cupped hands of carbs, 6 thumbs of fat, etc.).

I’ll post my results and final thoughts when I finish up my certification, which I expect to be the end of July. Fit Team members will have first dibs on nutrition coaching and I’ll open up my availability from there. ? I’m so excited to get to know more of you and add this offering to my current fitness programs and memberships.

If you guys have any questions about the Precision Nutrition cert, please leave them in the comments below! Please leave any nutrition-related topics or requests in the comments, too ?

If you’re looking to expand your nutrition knowledge or explore a career change, definitely check out their website here. (They have the bonus $349 course you’ll receive if you sign up this week, too!) I’ve loved this course so much already, and have been feeling sad about finishing it, but thankfully there’s a Level Two option.

Have a great day and thank you so much for stopping by the blog today!

xo

Gina

Photos: Kristi Harris

The post Precision Nutrition Level One review (and how I plan to use it!) appeared first on The Fitnessista.

Hi friends! Happy Tuesday! I have exciting news to share with you today:

Fit Team enrollment is OPEN and it closes Sunday at midnight. The price will jump this Friday, so if you know you’re in, grab your spot here.

This is my group fitness coaching option, and was designed for all of my friends looking for strategic training designed for maximum results.

Fit Team enrollment is now open!

Fit Team is for all of my friends out there who:

– Wing it each week with their fitness plan. You’re active, but hop all over the place from class to format, with no rhyme or reason behind the classes you choose. You’re able to maintain consistency – which is amazing! – but you’re frustrated because you’re not seeing results from your hard work. You’ve hit a plateau and aren’t sure where to go from here.

– Enjoy strength training but aren’t sure how to create a solid plan. You may piece your strength workouts together, but don’t know what muscle groups you need to train and how often. You aren’t sure when to change up your method to beat plateaus or how to add stressors to keep the body guessing.

– You’re struggling to get motivated, and use the valuable workout time you have fretting about what the heck you’re going to do. Not having a plan keeps you from getting started in the first place.

– Want the group community atmosphere and the accountability of a trainer cheering for you, along with women all over the world with similar goals.

Here’s what Fit Team is and what it’s all about:

I designed Fit Team after being flooded with personal training requests over the years. I’ve been able to take on a small amount of virtual personal training clients, but wanted to figure out how to share science-backed plans in a group environment, focusing on periodization and phased training. Fit Team was born.:) We’re a team working together to become the most Fit version of ourselves: happy, energized, confident, vital, and strong. 

Each month, your workouts are delivered to your inbox on the 28th. (When you sign up, you’ll automatically get June’s plan in your inbox so you can get rocking and rolling. The July plan will go out on the 28th.) You get weekly strength workouts, along with cardio guidelines, weekly meal planners, and a printable fitness plan that you can fill out each week.

Fit Team members get:

– Monthly strength workouts along with video tutorials for all of the exercises

– Low-impact and postpartum modifications

– Printable weekly meal planners and fitness calendars

– Live Zoom workouts with me

– Access to our closed private community, where you can connect with other Fit Team members, ask questions, share recipes, and ask for support

– Office hours with me to ask questions

– Bonuses each month (these are always a surprise): new recipes, videos, playlists, accountability challenges, training tips, giveaways, etc.

When you enroll in the 6-month option, you’re getting $1300 worth of value… all for a sweet deal here.

* Note: Fit Team members will have first dibs on my new nutrition services, including personalized nutrition reports and macro guidelines

Here’s what current members have to say:

Join us here!

Questions about Fit Team:

How are the workouts structured?

The workouts are 30-45 minutes max and utilize equipment you have at home; all you need is a pair of dumbbells. The plan is flexible and you can make it work for your schedule.

They are phased using different training strategies to prevent plateaus and boredom! These are delivered via PDF with workout tutorials and bonus materials in the document.

Are there any modifications provided?

In the workout video tutorials, I provide low-impact and beginner modifications, as well as ideas for pregnancy and postpartum.

What if I like to do group fitness classes and other online options but still want to join?

You can absolutely sub your favorite classes in for the strength workouts (for example, BODYPUMP for total body and barre for lower body, etc). You don’t have to follow the plan exactly and can use the strength workouts to complement your current schedule or shake things up! It’s also nice to have them on hand when you have a quick bit of workout time and don’t want to spend it figuring out what the heck you’re going to do.

How long is the program?

I recommend the 6-month commitment because we want to generate the best results possible. This is for those who want a long-term transformation and is the best value. We also offer one and three-month options, plus the option to cancel at anytime.

Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

I want you to LOVE these programs. If for any reason you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, let me know within 14 days and I’ll issue a refund. I’m confident that you’re going to love it!

If you have any questions about Fit Team, please leave them in the comments below. The price will jump this Friday so hurry and snag your spot. I only offer enrollment about twice per year, so it may not be available again until 2022.

Sign up here.

Can’t wait to see you in the group!

xo

Gina

The post Train with me [Fit Team is open] appeared first on The Fitnessista.

Sharing a recap from our recent San Diego trip, plus some of our all-time favorite places in San Diego.

Hi friends! Happy Monday! How was the weekend? I hope you had a lovely one. Ours went by a liiiiittle too quickly, but we’re back in the swing of things today. We celebrated madre’s birthday, Liv and P had their dance recital, and I made a baby meal for a friend. I hope you had a great weekend, too!

Since we just got back from an awesome trip to San Diego, I thought I’d pop in today and share a roundup of some of our very favorite spots. (For my newer reader friends, we lived there for a few years and loved it!) Before we lived in San Diego, it was a vacation spot, and we’d spend our entire trip in one neighborhood. For example, we’d stay in La Jolla, park our car, and spend the entire trip walking. We didn’t get our car until it was time to go home, and there was TONS to do in La Jolla. You can do this in any of the large neighborhoods in San Diego, and each one will be packed with awesome restaurants and food options. (Especially if you’re in Point Loma/OB, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Little Italy/Gaslamp, or Hillcrest.)

There’s just so much to do and when in doubt, the beach is always there. The kids will spend hours playing in the sand and running in the waves. We spent a lot of time this past week doing that, in addition to some other fun activities.

What to do and where to stay in San Diego

A roundup of some of our all-time favorite spots in San Diego. SD is a FOODIE SCENE and I feel like it’s hard to find bad food in San Diego. There have been so many wonderful spots we’ve tried over the years, but the only ones that made the list below have a serious wow factor.

Best San Diego restaurants:

For a date night, head to:

Bo Beau Kitchen – I just love Bo Beau SO much. It’s French cuisine, and everything is beautifully prepared and so flavorful. The mussels, the goat cheese flatbread, the wine selection, the vibe, everything.

Mister A’s (for a special occasion) – this is the spot to go if you feel like getting dressed up and want exquisite views of the city

Herringbone (Ja Jolla) – the atmosphere here is lovely (they have a giant tree growing in the center of the restaurant) and the food is, too.

Harney Sushi (Old Town)

Catania (La Jolla)

Herb & Wood

Breakfast:

The Cottage. This has been consistency awesome since I was pregnant with Liv. It’s one of our go-to spots in La Jolla.

Great Maple (Hillcrest). The breakfast here is RIDICULOUS and we’d frequently bring out-of-town guests here. Get the beignets!

The Mission (North Park)

Breakfast Republic

Snooze

For family-friendly fare:

Corvette’s! (Liberty Station. The kids LOVE it here! They have an arcade, they do straw designs in the kids’ hair, and it’s 50s style diner food, so think over-the-top milkshakes and diner faves. There’s always a wait and it’s always worth it)

Cafe Coyote (Old Town) – It’s a casual and huge Mexican restaurant in Old Town. They make their tortillas fresh, the food is great, and they have giant margaritas. Wins all around. (We’ve tried many other spots in Old Town and Cafe Coyote has had the most consistent food and the fastest service, which can be handy when you’re dining with little ones.)

OB Noodle House. UGHHH OB Noodle House. I dream about their pho and while we used to walk here often for dinner, we now have it at least once when we visit. The food is so flavorful and good, and it’s a great casual dinner spot. Get the lettuce wraps, the pho, and/or the Teriyaki chicken dinner plate (it’s so simple, but perfect).

Stone Brewing. They have a large outdoor garden seating area, the menu is diverse, and they have a lot of local beer options.

Mitch’s Seafood (Point Loma) or Point Loma Seafoods. For Mitch’s, you pick what kind of seafood you’d like – all of the daily catches are listed on an enormous chalkboard – and how you’d like it prepared. I highly recommend fish tacos with a michelada, and eat it on the patio overlooking the bay.

Puesto Tacos (La Jolla or Seaport Village). AMAZING tacos, margaritas, you’ll love it.

Crack Shack (Little Italy north). I’m not a fried chicken person but Crack Shack made me a fried chicken person. It’s salty, crispy, a little spicy, and I’m very glad I discovered it after I was pregnant with P. (She would have been a fried chicken baby instead of a steak and soft pretzel baby lol.)

Tender Greens – multiple locations (Very casual but awesome, fresh food)

Cesarina (Point Loma). This was a recent find and we had a lovely dinner here with Betsy and her fam. ALL of the pastas, sauces, and desserts are made in-house. It’s extremely fresh and vibrant food, and they had a vegan eggplant parm that was to.die.for.

Draft (Mission) – This is the spot if you’ve been hanging around Belmont Park and want a casual bite. They have an excellent beer selection, great appetizers, and food.

Cody’s (La Jolla). Dine al fresco by the beach with a unique cocktail menu.

Isola Pizza (Little Italy). The BEST wood-fired pizza.

Liberty Station Public Market – lots of options and you can find something for everyone, whether it’s mac n’ cheese, a lobster roll, poke bowls, Thai food, a salad, a burger, and ridiculous desserts

Quick, to-go food and vegan options:

Better Buzz!! Get the Best Drink Ever and the avocado toast. They have gf bread, too. ?

Saffron (get the Brain Food – it’s a mix of chicken, kale, sweet potato, and warming spices, like turmeric, garlic, and ginger)

Tiki Port for the best acai bowls of your life (Cafe by the Bay in PB is my #2 choice). I recommend the Drifter (it has chocolate chips) add peanut butter.

Pizza Port. We’ve been fans of Pizza Port for years! They’re a microbrewery with local beers on tap, along with gluten-free and vegan pizza options. The pizza flavors are all unique and the dough is perfection.

Cafe Gratitude (Little Italy) – all vegan and SO delicious

Triology Sanctuary (La Jolla) – another vegan spot specializing in raw offerings. It’s on a rooftop with a gorgeous patio and views. They also offer yoga classes here!

Nomad Donuts (North Park)

Swami’s Cafe (North Park)

Kid-friendly activities:

Belmont Park – the kids go crazy here. They have lots of rides, an arcade, mini golf, a rock wall, zipline, and it’s steps away from the beach

The New Children’s Museum – we haven’t been recently, but the girls have always loved visiting

See the seals at La Jolla Cove. I could watch them all day. The Pilot and I talk about retiring in La Jolla, and taking our coffee down to the cove in the morning to watch the seals ?

Scripp’s Aquarium – so much to see here, including a tide pool with an area to pet different sea creatures

San Diego Zoo – the zoo is always a hit with the kids and you can spend an hour there, or the entire day

Stroll around Balboa Park and ride the historic carousel

Safari Park

See a movie and grab dinner at the Lot (Liberty Station or La Jolla). Get the chili lime popcorn!

Visit a park! We love the one in Liberty Station and Fanuel park in PB

Date ideas:

Rent a paddle board to paddle around Mission Bay (we also like Kellogg Beach; it’s more a hidden spot and not as busy)

Get join spa treatments at Therapie Day Spa

Dueling pianos at Shout House (I’m not sure if it’s open right now but it has always been one of our favorite date night spots)

Where to stay in San Diego:

We’ve stayed at quite a few different places in SD on vacations and staycations (when we lived there!) and the Hotel del Coronado has always been one of our favorite places.

We’ll usually stay a night or two in Liberty Station (either at a Marriott or Airbnb) and then head to the Del for the rest of our stay. The amenities are incredible – they do movie nights in the summer and we love winter ice skating- and the rooms are always spacious and beautiful. It’s a historic hotel and I’ve always been fascinated by its history, even though it’s a little bit haunted.

Our last two stays at the Del haven’t been as magical as usual, but a lot of that has to do with the fact that they’ve been under construction for over a year. With the current restorations, some of the dining options have limited hours or are closed, and the downstairs shop and main lobby are also closed. It’s definitely not a low-cost hotel, so I think it’s worth waiting until construction is over to enjoy the full experience.

Some other spots we’d recommend:

– Westin in the Gaslamp

– La Valencia (La Jolla)

– Tower23 (Pacific Beach)

– US Grant (Gaslamp)

– An AirBnb or Vrbo. For this one, check out the areas where you’ll be spending most of your time and try to find one close by with good reviews. There are quite a few options available in all of the major areas and the good news is that while San Diego is spread out, it’s a quick drive on the freeway to get around.

So, tell me, friends: where’s your favorite close vacation spot? Where do you love to go in San Diego? Any San Diego locals who might be able to share some of their top faves?

xo

Gina

Heads up: I’ll be back tomorrow with some details about Fit Team and how to join!

The post What to do and where to stay in San Diego appeared first on The Fitnessista.

The star of A Teacher, Kate Mara, shares her thoughts on the horny TV renaissance and how to have a family political disagreement when you’re part of two NFL dynasties.

In your new show A Teacher, even though the relationship between your character and her student is deeply screwed up, it’s also very hot. Between that and Normal People, Hulu is really leading a horny TV resurgence.

I’m glad that was your comparison, because I’m with you. And obviously, the show is exploring the reaction that you had to it. [But] just because somebody seems mature, or even if a kid is 18 or whatever the legal ages are, it’s still abuse of power and it’s not an affair. There’s a lot of people who hear it and think, “Well, if it’s a young guy and it’s a hot young teacher, then what’s the big deal?” But it’s important to think deeper [about] the actual trauma that occurs.

You’re very outspoken about Black Lives Matter and football players’ right to protest, especially given that one side of your family co-owns the Steelers and the other the Giants. Did you talk to them before you spoke out?

My dad has always known my feelings and knew when my sister [Rooney] and I were going to say something, and we always got his blessing. I’m a massive football fan; it’s literally in my family and has been forever. I have so much passion for it, and for the sport itself, and for the sacrifice that the players make, to do what they do. With the NFL and Black Lives Matter, I just was like, “I can’t not say anything. It’s wrong to be silent.” Especially when you see your own players on your own teams saying, “We need you to speak up for us and do more for us.” [But] my dad’s one of 11 kids, which is a lot of people and a lot of different opinions. I think that it’s complicated for them.

A lot of people are going through this with family now, though I guess most don’t own football teams. How do you kindly disagree with someone in a way they can be receptive to?

While a lot of arguments and conversations are great to have on social media, when you’re talking about family, I think that’s probably the wrong route. For whatever reason, it is a lot easier to have conversations over the phone. There’s something less intimidating about it than sitting across the table at Thanksgiving. I’m not saying all my family members have different opinions than I do. But when you have a massive family, the chances are, not everyone’s going to agree. Like, [I’m] a very passionate vegan, and I did not grow up in that kind of household at all.

I wouldn’t consider myself a duck; it’s ‘what you see is what you get.’

They didn’t get you a tofu turkey?

Absolutely not. And there still isn’t [one].

“You can eat sides, Kate.”

I basically live on sides anyway.

We’re With Her: ‘SNL’ Star Ego Nwodim Talks Quarantine Life in L.A. & More

Read article

You seem like a person who is very contained and has a lot of control over what you put out and what you hold in. Are you that placid inside, or are you a duck? Meaning, you appear calm but below the surface you’re frantically paddling.

I do relate to that. But I wouldn’t consider myself a duck; I think that usually [with me], it’s “what you see is what you get.”

Besides a vaccine and systemic social change, what are your dreams for the coming year?

I hope that we can create more things sooner than later, because it’s such an emotional outlet in so many ways. And I do think that movies and television and everything helps a lot of us get through the hard times.

I figured it out: You and your husband Jamie Bell and your sister Rooney and her partner Joaquin Phoenix can do an at-home version of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Shoot it on an iPhone, Steven Soderbergh-style.

That’s pretty dark! I want more uplifting stories.

The Basics

Age
37

Hometown
Bedford, NY

Top 3 Instagram Accounts to Follow
1. @theconsciouskid
2. @kaepernick7
3. @afrovegansociety

We’re With Her: Issa Rae on Lousy Bosses and Learning Not to Give a Damn

Read article