
Shoulder Problems? Be Careful With These 5 Exercises
Have you suffered a shoulder injury in the past or are you experiencing shoulder pain with certain movements? If so, there are some shoulder exercises that are best avoided. Let's start with some basic shoulder anatomy: Did you know that the shoulder complex is made up of three joints? Glenohumeral (GH) joint: This is the ball and socket joint that we usually think of when we talk about the shoulder joint. The GH joint connects the humerus and the scapula. Acromioclavicular (

Lessons I Learned From the Mistakes I Made as a Novice Lifter
When I first joined a gym in 2001 I had no clue what I was doing. I was using my membership to take classes and use the rowing machines (and enjoy the great view). Fast forward to a few years later, in 2006 I decided I wanted to get stronger and build muscle. With the guidance of my then-boyfriend, I jumped straight into a typical high-volume* bodybuilding program. In the course of my first few years of training I made

Troubleshooting Muscle Growth: 8 Reasons Why You're not Building Muscle
Most of my blog posts so far have been about fat loss. This time let's talk about muscle growth. Compared to gaining muscle mass, fat loss is fairly straight-forward. In simplified terms, weight loss is all about creating a calorie deficit over time. Weight loss can be achieved with or without dietary changes and with or without exercise. Measurable results can be achieved fairly quickly, usually as early as the first week. Muscle growth is more complicated. Muscles require a

The Dangers of Belly Fat, Part Two: How to Lose it - A Systematic Guide to Weight Loss
Need to lose weight but don’t know where to start? This is a step by step guide to help you plan for success: 1. See your health care provider If you are currently sedentary and planning to adopt an active lifestyle it’s a good idea to see your doctor prior to getting started. Based on your current health status you will be given the go-ahead, or you may be given some restrictions to follow. This may seem trivial, but it’s especially important to follow this advice if you hav

5 Suggestions for an Active LA Vacation (or Staycation)
Are you planning a trip to Los Angeles, looking to hit up some local fitness spots? Or maybe you're a local who has yet to discover some of the most popular fitness destinations in our beautiful city? These places and activities may be right up your alley: Gold’s Gym Venice and Muscle Beach "The Mecca of bodybuilding" attracts tourists and muscleheads alike, and the Venice boardwalk offers plenty of interesting sights. Head to Gold's Gym for a workout and some fitness inspira