Elsbeth Vaino's Blog

Personal training manifesto

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:01:46 +0000

Then Michael Boyle posted his manifesto and I was immediately converted. It was brilliant and I think so important that every trainer and every person who hires a trainer should read.

My favourite training tools #7: Kettlebells

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 02:51:37 +0000

The clincher was coming to the realization that every exercise my clients can do with dumbbells, they can also do with kettlebells, but there are several exercises that I love to use with my clients that can be done with kettlebells but can't be done effectively with dumbbells. Here are five great examples...

Discount fitness equipment (hello $99 TRX)

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:58:08 +0000

Think about what you will do with your TRX suspension trainer. You are literally hanging from it. Is that really a product for which you want to gamble on poor quality manufacturing that typically comes with illegal goods?

Do corrective exercises work?

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:22:45 +0000

Without proper cueing and instruction, it's entirely possible that the exercise given to correct a dysfunctional movement will encourage that dysfunctional movement if done poorly.

I challenge you

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:03:29 +0000

Is it habit? Boredom? Filling some psychological void? I have no idea. But it occurred to me that I am probably carrying a few unnecessary pounds as a result of useless and rewardless snacking. Mindless eating at its best.

Back-friendly snow shoveling tips

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:59:07 +0000

Before heading out, start with a warm-up in the house. It doesn’t have to be long, but make sure you get some movement in your legs, your hips, and thoracic spine area. I have two warmup options for you, each one takes between 5 and 10 minutes:

How to tell if your training is functional

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:10:38 +0000

Today I am going to conditionally take back what I have previously stated about how functional various exercises and workout programs are. No, that's not a typo.

My favourite training tools #3: bands

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:11:43 +0000

Number three on my list of favourite training tools is a band. I tend to be partial to mini-bands, but I also like therabands and superbands. The mini-bands and therabands are mainstays in the dynamic warmups for most of my clients.

Think outside the gym for complete health & fitness

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 02:38:07 +0000

Yup, the gym is great. For many of us, it feels incredible, and we love it; but it's work. And we know there is more to life than work. We also need play. There is something magical about play. It is an incredible mechanism for both learning, and socializing. Oh, and it can be a fantastic work out. Kids do it every day, but when was the last time you played?

Reconsider “lose weight and get fit” as a New Year’s Resolution

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:43:54 +0000

If "lose weight and get fit" is going to be your resolution this year, I have a request for you: Please reconsider. No, I haven't gone to the dark side. I still believe exercise and healthy eating is the best gift we can each give to ourselves. But I also believe that well-intentioned promises with a very slim chance at success are a bad idea