Muscles Archives - R3 FITNESS BLOG

Corrective Exercise Sipping Your Progress Away: How Alcohol Hurts Your Health and Your Workout Routine

February 17, 2025 R3 Coaching Team

We’ve all been there: a fun night out with friends, a few drinks, and a carefree attitude. But have you ever stopped to think about how those drinks could affect your health, especially when it comes to your fitness goals? Whether you’re hitting the gym, tracking your calories, or striving for better health, alcohol can have a surprisingly negative impact. Let’s take a look at how alcohol can throw a wrench in both your workout routine and your overall well-being. Alcohol and Your Workout: The Morning After After a night of drinking, the next day’s workout can feel like a…

Diet and Nutrition The Lowdown on Supplements: Should You Add Them to Your Routine?

January 28, 2025 R3 Coaching Team

Hey there, fitness enthusiasts! As a coach, one of the most common questions I get is about supplements. With all the buzz around protein powders, pre-workouts, and the endless aisles of bottles promising gains, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which supplements are worth your time (and money) and which ones might just be doing more harm than good. But here’s the truth: supplements should only supplement your diet. That’s right! They’re not magic pills. They’re meant to fill the gaps where your food might fall short. Think of them as the sidekick to your superhero meal plan…

Diet and Nutrition The Importance of Vitamin D Supplementation: A Guide for Winter Wellness

January 6, 2025 R3 Coaching Team

Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies make it when we are in sunlight. But during the winter, many people do not get enough sunlight. This can make it harder for the body to produce vitamin D. That is why taking vitamin D supplements can be very important, especially in the colder months. In this article, we will explore why vitamin D is essential for older adults, women, and everyone who wants to stay healthy during winter. What Does Vitamin D Do? Vitamin D helps keep our bones strong. It works by helping the body absorb…

Diet and Nutrition Fuel Your Fitness: The Best Pre- and Post-Workout Nutrition for Optimal Performance

December 6, 2024 R3 Coaching Team

When it comes to getting the most out of your workouts, what you eat before and after can make all the difference. Proper pre- and post-workout nutrition helps fuel your body, boosts performance, and supports recovery. But with so much advice out there, it’s easy to get confused about what’s right for you. Let’s break it down and explore the best foods, timing, and tips for pre- and post-workout nutrition. Pre-Workout Nutrition: Fuel Up for Success The right pre-workout nutrition gives your body the energy it needs to perform at its best. The timing and choice of food can influence…

Corrective Exercise Unlock Your Best Workout: The Importance of Warming Up and How to Do It Right

November 27, 2024 R3 Coaching Team

We’ve all been there: you’re in a rush, you’re excited to hit the gym, and the thought of warming up feels like a waste of time. However, skipping this crucial step can lead to injury, less effective workouts, and slower progress. Whether you’re lifting weights, running, or engaging in a high-intensity workout, a proper warm-up is essential for preparing your body, preventing injury, and enhancing performance. Let’s dive into why warming up is important and explore an effective routine that includes myofascial release, activation exercises, corrective exercises, and dynamic stretching. Why Warm-Up? A warm-up isn’t just a way to “ease…

Fat Loss Do You Really Need Cardio to Lose Fat? Here’s the Truth!

November 15, 2024 R3 Coaching Team

Have you ever heard people say, “You HAVE to do cardio to lose fat”? It’s a pretty common idea, but guess what? It’s actually a myth! You don’t need to spend hours on a treadmill or running outside to burn fat. There’s another superstar in town: strength training. And it works better than you might think! Let’s dig into why strength training might be your new best friend for burning fat. What is Strength Training? Strength training means lifting weights or doing exercises that make your muscles work hard. This can include using dumbbells, resistance bands, or even your own body weight…

Diet and Nutrition The Ultimate Guide to Creatine Monohydrate: Benefits, Myths, and What You Need to Know

November 12, 2024 R3 Coaching Team

Creatine monohydrate is one of the most researched and widely used supplements in the world of fitness, and for good reason. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or just looking to enhance your overall performance, creatine can be a game-changer. In this blog, we’ll cover the multiple benefits of creatine monohydrate, how it can improve both physical and cognitive performance, how much to take, and why it’s a supplement worth considering. We’ll also debunk some common myths that have persisted over time. What is Creatine Monohydrate? Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that’s primarily found in muscle tissue. It’s…

Fat Loss How to Stay Motivated for Your Fitness Goals During the Colder Months

November 5, 2024 R3 Coaching Team

Hey there! Coach Mike here, and I get it: when it’s cold outside, staying motivated can feel like a Herculean task. There’s something about dark mornings and cozy blankets that make hitting the snooze button just too tempting, right? But don’t worry; you’re not alone, and I’ve got some simple tips to keep you active through the chillier months. 1. Set Your Goals—But Keep Them Realistic Setting ambitious goals is great, but let’s keep it real here. Cold weather tends to slow us down a bit, and that’s okay! Rather than shooting for the stars with a goal that makes…

Corrective Exercise The Ultimate Guide to Fitness Shoes: Choosing the Right Pair for Every Workout

November 5, 2024 R3 Coaching Team

When it comes to fitness, having the right pair of shoes can make all the difference. From running to weightlifting to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), each type of workout requires a shoe that supports your specific needs. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which pair is best for your activity? In this guide, we’ll break down the best shoes for different types of fitness, the benefits of walking barefoot, and why super-cushiony shoes aren’t always the best option. Best Shoes for Running: Cushioning Meets Support Why It Matters:Running is a high-impact activity that demands…

Corrective Exercise Building Strong Bones: The Power of Strength Training for Osteoporosis and Osteopenia

October 30, 2024 R3 Coaching Team

Osteoporosis and osteopenia may sound daunting, but for those facing these conditions, strength training can be a powerful tool for reclaiming strength, vitality, and resilience. In this article, we’ll explore what osteoporosis and osteopenia are, how they impact our bones and lives, and why strength training should be a core component of managing these conditions. Understanding Osteoporosis and Osteopenia Osteoporosis is a chronic condition characterized by a decrease in bone density, making bones more porous, brittle, and susceptible to fractures. Often considered a “silent” disease, osteoporosis progresses gradually and often without symptoms until a fracture occurs, which may lead to…