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Posts found under "Exercise Programs" within Ask the Expert Blog

How Can I Sculpt Swimsuit-Ready Thighs?

By Jessica Matthews on Thursday, May 17, 2012


If your shorts and swimsuits are making their way back into your wardrobe for summer, then it's time to start thinking about the areas of the body that get more exposure. ACE's Jessica Matthews shows you some of her favorite moves to sculpt beach-ready thighs.




I'm expecting! What are some safe exercises I can do during my pregnancy?

By Sabrena Merrill on Wednesday, April 04, 2012


Exercising during pregnancy has many benefits, but in order to reap them, it's important to engage in safe exercises. In this video, Sabrena Merrill walks you through some




How can I sculpt my butt in time for bikini season?

By Jessica Matthews on Thursday, March 15, 2012


With beach and pool weather sneaking up, it's not too early to start thinking about your backside. ACE's Jessica Matthews reveals some of her favorite moves she integrates into her workouts for a summer-ready body.




What exactly is Tai Chi and what are some of its benefits?

By Lawrence Biscontini on Wednesday, March 07, 2012


You may think yoga is the oldest exercise discipline. But, among the oldest group exercise movements on the planet — outdating yoga by hundreds of years — is the Chinese discipline of Tai Chi. Learn more about this practice and learn about some of its benefits.




What are some common mistakes people make with popular fitness trends and how can I avoid them?

By Jessica Matthews on Wednesday, February 29, 2012


Let’s be honest: We all want the most “bang for our buck,” especially when it comes to working out. Many popular workout trends today elicit great results in a short period of time, but without learning the proper mechanics and training protocols first, you may not be getting the most benefit — and may be putting yourself at risk for injury. Here are three easy fixes for plyometric, kettlebells and high-intensity interval training exercises.




How can I make sure I meet my fitness and nutrition New Year's resolutions?

By Jessica Matthews on Wednesday, January 11, 2012


Are you excited about setting your New Year's resolutions, but tired of always failing to meet your goals? ACE Fitness Expert & Exercise Physiologist, Jessica Matthews, provides practical tips on how to revolutionize your resolutions — so you can meet your fitness and nutrition goals this year.




Can you bust four common fitness myths? (Part 1)

By Jessica Matthews on Wednesday, November 30, 2011


It's so easy to believe those fitness myths, but they're just that — myths! ACE Fitness Expert & Exercise Physiologist, Jessica Matthews, busts four common fitness myths in this two-part series. Ready to see those pesky myths get busted and also learn how you can incorporate the truth into your fitness routine?




What are some pilates-inspired exercises that will tone my body?

By Lawrence Biscontini on Tuesday, November 08, 2011


ACE's Senior Group Fitness Consultant and Fitness Expert, Lawrence Biscontini, reveals three pilates-inspired exercises that will sculpt your body in time for the new year. Watch the video to learn what they are and how to do them properly.




Am I too old to exercise?

By Michael Mantell on Wednesday, September 28, 2011


If you’ve ever thought you aren’t standing as straight and tall as you once did, find walking up a flight of stairs to be a strain at times or you groan when reaching for the arms of a chair as you slowly get up from sitting, you aren’t alone. Find out why it's important to maintain moderate activity and what exercises to perform.




What are some proven exercises to target my “trouble spots”?

By Jessica Matthews on Wednesday, August 17, 2011


We all have “trouble spots” (or at least the majority of us think that we think we do); areas of our bodies that we wish were more tight, toned, defined and sculpted. Let’s discuss some research supported exercises that have been proven effective in helping you to get the physique that you want, all of which use little or no equipment!




I'm 45 years old and preparing for a master's tennis tournament. What are some tips for training to improve my tennis game?

By Pete McCall on Wednesday, July 27, 2011


This is the type of question that we are starting to hear more frequently, as it seems that many of us who are in Generation X refuse to get older and still want to continue with our active, athletic lifestyles. The good news is that regardless of how old you are you can improve your athletic skills, however in order to be competitive at your age you have to follow the proper training program. Read on to find out how you can maximize your workouts to get back on top of your game.




What is functional strength training?

By Cedric Bryant on Wednesday, May 11, 2011


Functional strength training has become a popular buzzword in the fitness industry, but what exactly does it mean? Let’s discuss this subject and uncover what the buzz is really all about.




I've been consistently following a walking program and am looking to add strength training to my routine, preferably outdoors. Any suggestion on how I can go about doing so?

By Jessica Matthews on Tuesday, April 12, 2011


I've been consistently following a walking program and am looking to add strength training to my routine, preferably outdoors. Any suggestion on how I can go about doing so?




What are some good golf exercises?

By Pete McCall on Wednesday, March 23, 2011


When training for a sport, first study the sport to identify the movements involved in the execution of appropriate technique. For example, when watching the sport of golf it is evident that a successful golf-swing requires a lot of mobility from the feet and ankles, the hips and the thoracic spine.




Why is it important to vary my workout routines?

By Cedric Bryant on Wednesday, February 09, 2011


You’ve probably heard the expression that “change is a good thing,” and when it comes to your workout routines, this statement rings true. Discover the many benefits of varying your approach to exercise.




Fat Burning: Fact vs. Fiction

By Jessica Matthews on Wednesday, December 01, 2010


When it comes to losing weight, many people find themselves wondering which method is best? From popular workouts to fad diets and fitness products, we often hear of different "fat burning" strategies, but how do you separate fact from fiction? Let's explore this topic and discuss what you need to know to help you reach your weight loss goals.




Is it better to do my cardio workout before or after my strength training exercises?

By Trish Schwartz on Wednesday, September 22, 2010


Much like the chicken and the egg debate, many of us often wonder when it comes to exercising which comes first- cardio or strength training? Read on to find out what's right for you.




How can I train for a sprint triathlon?

By Marion Webb on Thursday, July 29, 2010


The sprint triathlon distance—a 0.47-mile swim, 12.4-mile bike ride, and a 3.1-mile run—draws more newcomers every year for good reasons: It’s an achievable goal for most healthy people—even busy professionals—who don’t have a swimming, biking and running background.




Does the type of physical activity I choose matter?

By Todd Galati on Wednesday, June 23, 2010


The initial response to this question is “yes”, but that only leads us to the deeper root of the question which is “if the type of physical activity I choose matters, what should I be doing?”




If my muscles are sore from previous workouts, is it safe to exercise them?

By Julia Valentour on Wednesday, May 26, 2010


The answer to this question depends on the severity of muscle soreness, which can range from slight tenderness to debilitating pain.




What is CrossFit training and is it appropriate for the average person?

By Pete McCall on Thursday, April 29, 2010


Due to the intensity and explosive muscle action of the exercises in a CrossFit workout, there are many benefits for the average exercise enthusiast; however, the intensity of the exercises which deliver the benefits could also increase the risk of injury if not done correctly.




How do I get started in an exercise program?

By Jessica Matthews on Wednesday, March 31, 2010


Are you ready to take the first step towards a happier, healthier you but are unsure where to begin? Check out these helpful tips to get your exercise program started off on the right foot.




I'm experiencing discomfort in my low back after sitting at my desk for an extended period of time. Are there any tips or exercises I can do to help with this?

By Jessica Matthews on Wednesday, March 24, 2010


Muscle imbalances can lead to poor posture, increased pain and aches in muscles and joints, as well as increase the risk of injury. In order to improve posture we must activate and strengthen weak and neglected muscles thereby reducing muscle imbalances.




Is it ever okay for your knees to extend beyond your toes while doing squats or lunges?

By Fabio Comana on Wednesday, March 03, 2010


It is correct to avoid excessive forward movement of the knee during squatting and lunging movements. It is a myth, however, that you should “never let your knees go past your toes while doing a squat or lunge.




I am hearing a lot about whole body vibration training. What do you think about this technology?

By Jessica Matthews on Wednesday, March 03, 2010


Does the idea of whole body vibration exercise have you all shook up? Let's shed some light on this form of training.




Does exercising in shorter bouts throughout the day really provide the same benefit as exercising in one continuous bout?

By Jessica Matthews on Wednesday, February 24, 2010


Struggling to find 30 minutes each day to devote to exercise? Wondering if several 10-minute bouts of exercise throughout the day really provides the same health benefits as 30-minutes of continuous exercise? Let's review the research and discuss simple ways to make your days more physically active.




When strength training, is it better to do more reps with lighter weights or fewer reps with heavier weights?

By Jessica Matthews on Wednesday, February 17, 2010


We know that regular strength training can have many benefits including increasing muscle fiber size and strength as well as increased bone mineral density, but how much weight should we be using and how many repetitions should we be completing in order to maximize our results?




How do I get started using kettlebells?

By Pete McCall on Wednesday, January 20, 2010


If you are looking for a challenging, high-intensity workout that can help you burn as many calories as cross-country skiing without the snow and freezing cold then consider adding kettlebells to your training routine.




When is the best time to stretch?

By Cedric Bryant on Tuesday, January 05, 2010


Is it best to stretch before or after exercising? Available research is inconclusive regarding the optimal time to stretch. In addition, strong evidence is lacking with regard to the beneficial effects associated with pre-exercise stretching (e.g., injury prevention or enhanced athletic performance).




What does overtraining mean?

By Jessica Matthews on Tuesday, December 22, 2009


Is exercising leaving you feeling more exhausted than energized? Is your body telling you enough is enough? If so, you may be suffering from an acute case of overtraining.




I can easily start an exercise program, but lose motivation long-term. What can help?

By Jessica Matthews on Wednesday, October 21, 2009


Are you searching for long-term motivational strategies? Then look no further!




What can I expect when working with a personal trainer?

By Jessica Matthews on Wednesday, September 30, 2009


Ever thought about working with a personal trainer, but are unsure what it will be like? Let’s shed some light on what to expect from a training session, as well as examine how a personal trainer can kick start or revamp your fitness routine.




Are the warm-up and cool-down portions of a workout really that important?

By Jessica Matthews on Thursday, September 03, 2009


Every story should have a beginning, middle, and an end- and so should every workout.




What is cross training and why is it important?

By Jessica Matthews on Wednesday, September 02, 2009


Find out what cross training can do for you.




Should I change up my workout routine?

By Jessica Matthews on Tuesday, September 01, 2009


To change or not to change…that is the question.




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