Funny Friday: Pick Up a Pen Without Throwing Out Your Back

I know this video is a good laugh, but did you know that 80% of people experience back pain in their lifetime? Did you also know that the #1 cause of back injuries is everyday activity - like picking up a pen off the floor. While it may not seem important, you should always put in the same thought and effort you would put into doing a deadlift at the gym, as you would picking up something light. Tips to keep in mind:

- Bend at the knees and hips
- Keep your core engaged and tight

These two quick things will go a long way towards protecting your lower back and keeping it pain free for the long haul.

Old vs New

What a difference a year makes!

As JTab Training celebrated one year at our new location in East Greenwich, I have to look back at how far we’ve come and how much we’ve grown over the past year. Moving from a cramped 450 square feet to over 1,600 has completely transformed how our clients work out. For those who were with JTab at the old gym, you may remember strict work out schedules, less equipment and a much more crowded space. Now, at our new location we are able to fit over 10 clients at a time (with room to still move around), more equipment, and multiple trainers. Because of this, we can be much more flexible with the time people can show up to work out, as well as offer multiple options for trainers (although lets be honest, we all know who the best is….)

Another big change is that our clients all receive personalized sheets with a workout each visit. These sheets break down the days workout, as well as reminds everyone what they should be doing, how many reps they need to do and how much weight to add. This allows more people through while still getting my personalized attention. Some people like more direction during their workout, while others prefer just an intermittent check-in. With the sheets and the new space, I am able to effectively split my time between helping those that need it more and those who don’t need as much attention.

With more people in the gym at one time, the open layout still allows me to see everyone working out at once. Even with multiple people working out at once, I can watch everyone’s form, help set up exercises and make sure everyone is working out safely and effectively.

While I will always be grateful for the business’ roots and where it started, I must say (and I hope my client’s agree!) that our new location has allowed for some awesome changes. While we may be here for the next few years, keep an eye out for even more changes in the future. Like our clients strength training, we are a work in progress, and will continue to grow bigger and stronger.

Things I've Been Digging Series, Part 1 Anti-Soreness Nutritional Support

Here is the first installment of things I've been "digging" (Yes, I was a H.S. and college volleyball player and H.S. coach back in the day, so theres a little volleyball humor for you).  These days my cousin and I have been crushing an intense bodybuilding program called Super Hero Muscle.  I would usually be sore each week (lifting 4 times a week can do that to you).  About a year ago I was introduced to a great line of organic nutritional components called Purium (PURe and PremIUM).  Recently I tweaked my peri (pre and post) workout nutrition to match my recovery needs and have been seeing great results.  Here is my exact routine: 

Preworkout: 2 scoops Power Shake (organic greens and slow release carbs), 2 Super Xanthin (see below info on Astaxanthin), 4 Super23 Aminos (organic vegan protein amino pills).

Postworkout: 2 Super Xanthins (see below), 4-5 Super23 Aminos and a serving of LOVE Supermeal Protein Meal Replacement Shake.

Ever since, I've been doing this almost to a T every lifting day and have had no muscle soreness and can actually function the next day.  Years before finding this organic nutritional support there were days after lifting I wouldn't be able to move well and this does not bode well when trying to show exercises to clients.

Sound like a lot?  You could say so.  Important to note A) I live for intense lifting (stress relief for me) and setting personal records, and B) My body is a walking billboard of my business. While you may not have the same lifting goals (or needs) that I do, we could all benefit from a little more nutrition and a little less soreness in our lives, can't we?

This doesn't happen to me anymore!

Super Xanthin

Bye-bye, lactic acid. Hello, better body!

• May protect muscle tissue from damage
• May provide some protection for the skin from UVA and UVB damage
• May reduce lactic acid build-up and improve recovery time
• May support eye health

Purium`s Super XanthinTM is made from nature`s most powerful antioxidant, which studies show is 550 times stronger than vitamin E. It helps combat free radical damage to muscles and helps reduce the buildup of lactic acid that causes post-workout soreness. We recommend combining this product with our Super Amino 23 so you can get the most out of your workouts.