“Not having time” is a common reason folks don’t get started with their fitness programs. I know you’re short on time……so today’s video is less than 1 minute long! What if I don’t have time to workout? [youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO1oZTwjLT0[/youtube]
What’s That For?
There are TONS of different pieces of exercise equipment in your typical gym… In today’s video I go over all the different pieces of equipment and what the best use is for that equipment. Unfortunately I had trouble downloading/uploading the video to youtube; so you will have to be on Facebook (and my friend) to check this… [Read More]
My Favorite Deadlift Variation and Why
Yesterday we talked deadlifts and why they rock. Today I thought I would share my favorite variation and why I like it so much. Just a 2:30 video. Hope you enjoy! My Favorite Deadlift Variation and Why [youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMluWNYGj4w[/youtube]
4 Reasons Deadlifts Rocks
The title says it all…. 3 Minute Video on Deadlifts. Need I say more? 4 Reasons Deadlifts Rock! [youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qR7-XhvV5k[/youtube]
Almost No One Tracks this but they Probably Should
Check out this super short video to see the #1 metric that we track at our studio to guarantee results….but almost no one else that I know actually even considers. Almost No One Tracks this but they Probably Should [youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgpsH4JnZkI[/youtube]
Where does Internal Motivation come from and How can I get it?
If we are going to stick to fitness for the long run then we will need to be internally motivated. In today’s 3 minute video I break down the 3 factors that lead to internal motivation and simply but effective strategies to get some of that stuff. Where does Internal Motivation come from and how… [Read More]
What Compounding Interest can Teach you about Getting in Shape
Little changes REALLY add up in the long run. Check out this quick 2 minute video to see some practical examples of how compounding works and how to apply it to your fitness routine. What Compounding Interest can Teach you about Getting in Shape [youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zsjTsm1chA[/youtube]
Are Higher Rep or Lower Rep Better for Weight Loss?
There is a quick test to decide where to start! Simply check your height vs. your waist measurement. If your waist is equal to or less than 1/2 your height I would start with a (relatively) lower rep scheme and focus on getting my relative strength up. If your waist is greater than 1/2 your… [Read More]
4 Best Exercises for Back Pain
These should work for most people in most situations. They require no equipment and have a lot of feedback given to you from the floor and wall respectively to help make sure you are “doing them right”. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions at all! 4 Best Exercises… [Read More]
That 1 Time I Sold My Car and Rode My Bike to Work Every Day
Thought I would share a personal story with you….. It’s been a few years but at one point I was in a tight spot. I had to suck up my pride, make some sacrifices, but in the end it all worked out. I find a fitness journey to be very much the same. It requires… [Read More]
I’m Too Tired to Workout
Relevant topic for today. I’m actually sort of tired and don’t “really” feel like working out…. I’m going to do it anyway. Here is a quick video where I go over a couple of systems I have in place to help motivate me to get my exercise in even when I’m feeling a little tired. … [Read More]
What are the Differences Between Machines and Free Weights?
Today I thought I would tackle the classic question of “What are the differences between machines and free weights?” I just went with the first things that came to mind…not a 100% inclusive list but pretty thorough in my opinion. Hope you enjoy it! What are the Differences Between Machines and Free Weights? … [Read More]
Why do we Foam Roll 1st?
Check out this quick video to learn a little bit more on WHY we foam roll 1st. Why do we Foam Roll 1st? [youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spoHS4mq6ms[/youtube]
That 1 Time I Tore my ACL the 1st Month on the Job
I thought today I would share the time I blew out my knee when I was 1st becoming a trainer, what I did about it, and how it made me better in the end. If you enjoyed the story of the 1 armed Judo Champ you will probably like this one too ;/) That… [Read More]
1 Arm Judo Champ
The story of the 1 armed Judo champ is one of my favorite of all time. How to take a seemingly obvious disadvantage and turn it into an advantage. Check out this short story and most of all have a great day! The Story of the 1 Arm Judo Champ [youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI2CzjftcLM[/youtube]… [Read More]
What are the different phases of training and why should we care?
Today I was thinking about some of the classic mistakes I made when I first started lifting weights. Using the exact same rep range for 7 years definitely qualifies as a “rookie mistake”. Check out today’s 6 minute video to learn about the different phases of training. What are they and why should we care?… [Read More]
Know Your Goal(s)
If you want to achiever you goals it helps to actually know all of the different type of goals and how they relate to one another. Check out this quick 3 minute video to learn the best practices for setting and achieving goals [youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]PLACE_LINK_HERE[/youtube]
Stuff You Should “Probably” Be Doing – Reverse Lunge into Single Leg RDL
Welcome back to Stowe Training Systems and thank you for being here. Today I would like to take you through some stuff that you “probably” should be doing. I say “probably” because I like to stay away from absolutes – The world is quite a large place and there just always seems to be… [Read More]
Stuff You “Probably” SHOULDN’T Be Doing – Stretching Your Lower Back
I get asked on a regular basis about stretches for the lower back. People seemed confounded when I tell them that this is “probably” a bad idea. [youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG-2-7nyNzM[/youtube] What most folks fail to realize is that there are a TON of nerves running through the lumbar region and that these nerves… [Read More]
Stuff You “Probably” Should Be Doing – Band Horizontal Abduction With a Press
Welcome back to Stowe Training Systems and thank you for being here. Today I would like to take you through some stuff that you “probably” should be doing. I say “probably” because I like to stay away from absolutes – The world is quite a large place and there just always seems to… [Read More]
Stuff You “Probably” Should Be Doing – Field Goal Angel on Foam Roller
Mobility Monday – Field Goal Angel on a Foam Roller Welcome back to Mobility Monday at Stowe Training Systems. Mobility Monday is where every Monday I take you through some super awesome exercises that are easy to do and offer a very high risk vs. reward ratio. With proper mobility can we help alleviate… [Read More]
Stuff You “Probably” Should Be Doing – Band Alphabet
Hi there! Welcome back to Stowe Training Systems and Mobility Monday. I hope you have been enjoying the content so far. Today I wanted to introduce you to an exercise that produces a whole lot of bang for your buck. This Exercise Will Allow us to Simultaneously Work On: *Anti-Rotation – especially useful if you… [Read More]
Why Would I Hire a Personal Trainer?
I recently hired a personal trainer as of December 2014. Most people find this extremely surprising….. They wonder why with all of my knowledge and experience of writing super effective programs I would want to spend my hard earned mula on someone else to train me. Well there are several reasons but I guess the… [Read More]
Stuff You “Probably” Should Be Doing – Hip Flexor Mobilization with Band Distraction
Hey there! Welcome back to “Mobility Monday” where I promise to continue bringing you the most cutting edge techniques that one can use to enhance their mobility. Last week I introduced you to the hip flexor mobilization with a resistance band. For those of you who missed it here is the video: [youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]… [Read More]
Why I Lift
I’ve been on a bit of a Bret Contreras kick lately. I love this post as it motivates me to want to go to the gym immediately. No matter who you are and no matter where you are starting from there are some compelling reasons to start LIFTING. – Nate Lifting weights is good for… [Read More]
Stuff You “Probably” Should Be Doing – Band Resisted Hip Flexor Mobilization
Today I thought it would be fun to start a “Mobility Monday”. Basically each Monday I will bring you a “Mobility” exercise of the week. Before we begin let’s 1st define exactly what mobility is. To me Mobility is a combination of Flexibility AND Stability. A lot of folks are very “flexible” and can touch… [Read More]
What Physical Therapists and Doctors Could Learn From BioMechanics
I ran across the article from Bret Contreras and it really resonated with me. I was thinking of one of my clients who was training with me after a major back surgery and how she was instructed to “not lift more than 50 lbs” and to “add 10lbs” to that total each month. Now; this seems like great… [Read More]
How Strong Do You Need to be for Life?
I get asked almost every single day “How strong do I NEED to get Nathan? I don’t want to play a sport, enter any competitions, or anything of the like. I just want to move, look, and feel good.” Well, as luck would have it today’s post from Dr. Scotty Butcher, PhD, PT does a… [Read More]
Foam Rolling versus stretching
For any of you that have had the opportunity to train with me; you know that I am a huge proponent of “Foam Rolling”. I have personally witnessed a staggering amount of people get rid of chronic joint pain with this simple method over the years. However, it always begs the questions – why and… [Read More]
6 Things About Exercise the Magazines aren’t Telling You
Everyone wants a “magic pill” these days to help burn body fat and build muscle. Unfortunately, these don’t actually exist. Don’t fear though. If you follow the 6 tips below from James Clear you will eventually reach your health and fitness goals; no magic pill needed. Enjoy the read! – Nate 6 Truths About Exercise… [Read More]
Living with Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is all too common and often very misunderstood. Today’s post from precisionnutrition.com does a great job of outlining the best strategies to cope with Fibromyalgia. Enjoy the read! -Nate How nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle strategies can help alleviate the pain. By Ryan Andrews Millions of people (including a staggering 3.4% of adult women) struggle with fibromyalgia,… [Read More]
Is it Safe to Exercise with Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is an all to common age-related issue that shouldn’t be. Our bone density can be increased with a progressive resistance training program. However, there are certain precautions that should be taken when starting your program. While today’s post from www.theptdc.com is geared towards personal trainers – I thought that it did an outstanding job… [Read More]
How do 80 Year Olds have 40-Year Old Muscle Mass
I found the following article to be very inspirational. I have 1st hand experience of helping clients in there mid 50’s – 60’s build more muscle and get into better shape than they had been at any point before in their life…. The important take away is that it is never too late to start…. [Read More]
Will Resistance Training help Increase Bone Density?
There are almost too many benefits from a proper, progressive resistance training program to count. One of the most important benefits that often gets over looked is the positive effects on bone density. This is unbelievable important for both females over the age of 50 as well as anyone who enjoys cycling (as this has… [Read More]
How To Get Long, Lean Muslces
I ran across the following article on www.BretContreras.com. While Bret references lengthening the muscle via pilates and yoga I thought that it was great tie-in to the mobilization drills that I presented on KXAN the other day. Basically – we aren’t trying to “lengthen” muscles. We are simply re-training them to achieve their full range… [Read More]
