Jill Brown Fitness

Knee Pain Getting You Down?

jill — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:55:21 +0000

I had a miserable time in my 20′s when I started doing fitness seriously – meaning, as a job. I was down for the count a few times with terrible knee tendonitis from over training and not being aware of what movements I was doing that were causing the injuries. I’ve spent many hours with great physical therapists who I’m grateful to as well as orthopedists to help get me straight (ok, pun intended). My body is a bit of an exception to the norm since I have certain structural abnormalities in my skeletal system that put me at greater rish, but everyone who works out regularly is at risk of knee tendonitis since we use that joint more than most.

Here’s a great little primer I found on Real Age to help people who have had knee injuries or are setting themselves up for one by using poor form while exercising, wearing high heels, and/or not having proper arch support. Click here to read it: http://www.realage.com/chronic-pain-management/bad-habits-knees-knee-injuries-2

Remember it’s always a good idea to talk to a knowledgeable trainer (like me who stresses form and biomechanics) if you’re having some mild discomfort, a physical therapist (who can diagnose and treat the problem) or an orthopedic specialist if it’s severe.

Want to Amp Up Your Workout Intensity? Just Pump Up the Jams

jill — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:51:08 +0000

Do you workout to your favorite music? You should and there’s plenty of research to prove it. Last year (2011) the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research published a study showing that self selected music boosted both performance and mood during certain explosive exercises. But there’s more! Click here to read my latest blog on how playing your favorite jams gets your body pumped! Leave a comment on what tunes rock your workouts.

Here’s the Skinny on Detox Diets and Cleanses

jill — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:09:44 +0000

I’ve written about this topic almost exactly 2 years ago for the Huffington Post as every new year I hear more and more people talking about going on a detox diet or doing a cleanse. It’s that time of year again when I’m hearing the buzz. If you’re on a detox diet, doing a cleanse or wondering if you should, check out this short and informative article by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) – a non profit organization that certifies fitness professionals. Here’s the skinny on whether these diets work and what to beware of.

Introducing the AbAssist+Plus! New product for ab exercises & body weight leverage

jill — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:39:36 +0000

My new product, The AbAssist Plus has begun airing 2-min. commercials today. What does it do? It has 2 functions. One is as an ab trainer for floor exercises. The AbAssist Plus helps any level exerciser do difficult ab exercises with ease while taking the strain off your lower back because it suspends the weight of your legs. It allows you do more repetitions of advanced ab exercises like “Jackknifes,” “Scissor Kicks,” “Reverse Crunches,” than you otherwise could without it, which helps you get results faster. If you’ve ever done or seen Pilates on a Reformer machine, the AAP can also perform many of the same movements, giving you the benefits of a Pilates workout too!

When you’re not working your abs, the unique, patented design of the AbAssist Plus instantly converts into a “body weight leverage” trainer to work your entire body! This is one of the hottest trends in fitness according to national surveys of fitness professionals. And the best part is the cost! At only $29.99 it’s just a fraction of the price of the other body weight leverage devices on the market which can run upwards of $200! The AbAssist Plus does what all the other body weight leverage trainers do, but no other product on the market can work your abs the same way!

The AbAssist Plus attaches to most any door or stable object for a fast, efficient workout, any time, anywhere! See it in action here: AAPweb_1003_1.09.12

Good nutrition tips for fueling your workouts

jill — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:18:25 +0000

Here’s a good sports nutrition article I found on Real Age’s website. It reiterates some of the tips I wrote in my April 2009 blog article, “When and What Should You Eat Before You Workout? And Does It Matter What You Eat After?” If you think eating a meal or a snack before or after your workout will slow you down, you need to read these articles. What you eat and when you eat make a big difference!

Ready for 2012? 10 Ways to Get Your Fitness Game Plan Going for the New Year (Or Anytime)!

jill — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 04:57:26 +0000

My top 10 tips for starting, sticking to and getting back on track for any fitness or weight loss plan. Implement a few of these tips and you’ll get to your goals faster.
Happy New Year and I look forward to helping you reach your goals!

Is Group Fitness Turning Into “McFitness?”

jill — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:25:13 +0000

This is an article I spent months writing. Mostly because the topic matter is near and dear to me – it was hard to step back and write objectively which I always try to do as someone who spent part of her professional career as a news reporter! As you’ll see, I’m not that objective here. If you take group exercises classes, whether it’s for the added motivation, group energy, music or because it’s your social time, have read. Would love to read your comments here or on Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jill-s-brown/pre-choreographed-fitness-classes_b_1033965.html#es_share_ended

How to Get a Celebrity Trainer Toned Body Without a Celebrity Trainer

jill — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 06:05:00 +0000

It’s really not as mystical as it seems. When you see a celeb walk down the red carpet flaunting an apparently transformed body, it wasn’t some magical workout program or exotic diet that got them there. There’s only a handful of tricks of the trade that credible trainers use to help their clients make a dramatic (hopefully long term or permanent) change. When done in combination, these five changes will make any body ready for their close up. Here’s my latest article on Huffington Post / AOL Healthy Living.

Low fat or low carb to reduce belly fat?

jill — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:45:48 +0000

Great question! Here’s a link to an article I read that gives a good rationale. Keep in mind, there are good fats (i.e. omega 3, fish oils, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated) and bad fats (sat fats and trans fats – both are solid at room temperature). And there are good carbs and no too good for you carbs (the white and processed kinds). So, if you go low carb, give up the no-good ones and not fruits, veggies and whole grains (steel cut oatmeal is still your belly’s friend). Lastly remember, if you’re goal is weight loss, it doesn’t matter if you’re eating all the right stuff, you’ll still gain weight eventually if you take in more calories than you burn off.

Exercise Now, Benefit Later: Stocking Up On Your Fitness

jill — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:25:59 +0000

When an unexpected crisis hits that derails your health & fitness regimen, the amount and intensity of your previous training can really pay off. The fitter you are, the less you conditioning you lose when you have to take some time off from your workouts. Here’s my latest article on the Huffington Post. Read it before you take your next long vacation!