• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Namafit.com Blog

The Fitness & Yoga Job Network (blog)

  • Create Your Professional Page
  • Search Jobs & Events
  • Post Jobs
  • Post Events
  • Categories
    • Recipes
    • Yoga
    • Fitness
    • Mindfulness
    • Tips
  • More
    • Write For Us
    • Advertise
    • About Namafit
  • Get a Free Shirt
You are here: Home / Search for "gym "

Search Results for: gym

What to Look For in a Gym or Personal Trainer

September 5, 2019 by Ed

img 1

It’s never a bad time to commit to a healthier lifestyle that combines diet and exercise with mental and spiritual well being to achieve your best self.  Always consult with a doctor before starting any fitness program.

As you get started down your path to fitness, you will no doubt have many questions about every aspect of your journey. It will be a process that you take one step at a time. Our goal for today is to learn what to look for in a gym or personal trainer.

We are going to help you figure out what kind of gym you need.

If you are thinking about going to the gym and getting fit, it is common to wonder what gym is the best one to join. Some gyms are small and only offer the basics, while others better resemble a fitness center where every possible activity has its own space. 

We are going to help you choose a personal trainer.

Some gyms will offer a personal trainer as part of their membership package, or for an additional fee. If you are looking for a trainer to help you achieve your goals, this could be the right solution for you. Otherwise, you will need to seek out and select a trainer and develop a schedule that works for both of you.

Here are several things that you will want to look for in a gym and a trainer.

Location

One of the biggest concerns you will face when choosing a gym and personal trainer is its location. There may be several gyms in a city or large community, but only one or two within driving distance if you live in a rural area or small town. Transportation can also be a problem if you don’t drive. Weather is also a concern if you live in a location that receives excessive snowfall every year.

Your trainer’s location will also be vital if the gym does not offer training. Long-distance between you and the trainer can complicate early morning or late night meetings and weather will also be a more significant factor.

Availability

You will need your gym and your personal trainer to be available when you are, or at the very least, be available at times that work for you. If you don’t like working out in the morning, don’t get a trainer that trains in the morning. If you can only work out at 3 am, you will need a gym that’s open twenty-four hours a day.

Trying to fit your workout into a time frame that does not suit you will waste everyone’s time and your money. You will grow frustrated at your inability to wake up or your rushed workouts, and it will be counterproductive to your fitness goals.

You need to determine how often and at what times you can work out and find a gym and a trainer that operate during those times.

Cost

Cost is going to be one of the most significant determining factors when choosing a gym or a trainer. A fair price is going to be influenced by everything we talk about, as well as your gut-feeling. 

You can try out most gyms a few times for free or by paying a try out fee, but most will want you to sign up for a monthly membership pretty quickly. Some gyms will give more significant discounts corresponding to the length of your commitment.

Sometimes the size of the gym can influence the cost. For example, a gym with a swimming pool might be more expensive than a gym without one. If you need or will make use of a pool, you might justify the cost increase. Otherwise, paying for a pool is wasted money. Many gyms have package deals that include or don’t include the pool and other extras. 

Personal trainers are much more costly than gym memberships, and they can charge by the quarter, half, or full hour. Sessions are usually once a week, but they can be every other week, or once a month depending on your budget and fitness goals.  Someone in need of rehabilitation might meet a trainer several times a week.

Reputation

Reputation is always important to consider when choosing a gym or a trainer.  You certainly want a gym that has a reputation for being well managed with clean, well-maintained equipment. Your trainer needs to have a reputation for getting results. 

Specialties or Perks

Going to the gym can open up more possibilities than just bench presses and squats. Many gyms offer Aerobics, Zumba, Boxing, Yoga, Swimming, Racquetball, and Tennis as well as many other specialty classes that you might find interesting. 

These specialty classes can be instrumental in helping you achieve your goals.  If you enjoy participating in them, you will stay motivated to keep returning and working out.

Your personal trainer’s specialty is going to be very important. A physical therapist is not going to be the best option if you want to body build or train for boxing. You need a trainer that specializes in helping others achieve the goals you would like to reach, whether it be weight loss, muscle gain, etc.

Trainer Specific

We’ve pretty much covered what you need to look for in a gym, but there are still a few things you need to look for in a personal trainer.

Credentials

Credentials mainly in the form of certifications can be an essential determining factor, especially if the cost is high. There are four widely recognized certifications and hundreds of others. The main four are as follows.

  • National Academy of Sports Medicine – NASM
  • American Council on Exercise – ACE
  • National Strength and Conditioning Association – NACA
  • American College of Sports Medicine – ACSM

If your trainer has other certifications, we recommend checking to see what receiving that certification entails. Some certifications only require an afternoon while others require a college degree.

Experience

The more experience a trainer has, the more likely they have seen someone like you before and will be able to help you. Someone terrible at their job usually doesn’t stay in business very long.

Personality 

For many people, this is a crucial factor. You cannot reach your goals if you cannot get along with your trainer. Your trainer will need to push you to your limits and keep you motivated while remaining receptive to your needs and goals.

Summary

Hopefully, after reading this over, you will have a good idea of what you need. Remember, training is only a small part of the fitness equation with your diet being the main ingredient. Your mental state and motivation level is also an essential factor. Never follow any plans blindly, always do your research to be sure your heading toward your goals.  

How To Get Up For A Morning Workout

June 17, 2021 by lori w

Looking to change your morning routine? Perhaps you want to start your day off by getting in a great workout. Now, the trick is getting up for it! Morning workouts can be beneficial to everyone. They are a wonderful way to start your day and set the tone for the rest of your day. 

There are many advantages to working out in the morning including having more energy throughout your day, putting yourself in a great mood first thing in the morning (endorphins, baby!), and not to mention, your focus will be improved for your next activity because you are more alert. With all of these advantages, what’s stopping you?

For many people, the actual getting up part is what is so difficult. How can you change your whole routine and wake up earlier for a workout? Well, it may not be easy, but it is definitely not impossible! So what’s the secret? In this article, we will give you 7 secrets to getting up for a morning workout! Let’s get started. 

7 Secrets To Waking Up Early For A Morning Workout

Each person is different, so you may need to try different things and see which ones work for you. These 7 tips are a great place to begin. Try one of them, or try them all, but you will need to experiment to see what wakes you up the best. Let’s take a look:

  1. Place your alarm clock across the room. Because hitting snooze on the alarm clock is so easy, it can be a big temptation to do rather than getting out of bed and getting ready for your day. That is why placing your alarm clock on the other side of the room can help you get up and get going. If you have to physically get out of bed to turn off your alarm, then your chances of actually getting up and getting ready for a workout are much higher than if your alarm is right beside you. You will be much less tempted to hit snooze and much more likely to get going.
  1. Layout your clothes and set your gym bag and sneakers by the door the night before. If you practice yoga don’t forget to roll your yoga mat ready too. Rather than waiting until the morning to prepare everything, do it the night before. That way, it is all set and ready to go and you can shave a few minutes off of your morning routine to take some “you” time. Mentally preparing for your day is a great way to start it out, so having those extra 5-10 minutes not having to decide what to wear and worrying about packing everything in your bag can be very beneficial. Set everything by the door so that you won’t forget anything on your way out.
  1. Stock up on easy breakfast options. Having an easy breakfast option that is quick and ready to go can really save you some time, and bonus points if it’s healthy! Oftentimes we feel rushed in the morning and this will either cause us to skip the gym, go eat some fast food that’s not good for our bodies, or skip breakfast altogether (which is not healthy). So if you have some healthy, ready-to-eat breakfast foods on hand, you can grab and go, making it to the gym on time and not feeling rushed!!
  1. Plan your workout the night before. If you have your workout already planned, then it will save you the excuse of “I don’t really feel like going to the gym and winging it”. You already know what you are going to do, so you can go and get it done. It’s as simple as that. Plus, if you plan a fun workout, you are much more likely to stay motivated and get up ready to go!
  1. Get your coffeemaker ready to go the night before. If you have an automatic coffeemaker, then set it to start brewing a few minutes before you wake up. The smell of coffee can actually begin to wake you up before you drink it, so your body will be waking up before you even are. If you don’t have an automatic coffeemaker, go ahead and get everything ready the night before so that all you have to do is push a button and your coffee is brewing! If you are more of a tea drinker, then go ahead and set everything out so that you can easily get it ready before you go. 
  1. Have a personal trainer. Working out with someone else makes things more interesting. You’re not as likely to get bored during your workout. Not only that, but it will hold you accountable. After all, it isn’t only you that will be let down if you don’t show up! It’s like having an accountability buddy. 
  1. Go to bed earlier. This simple, but effective tip can really make a huge difference. The earlier you go to bed, the more sure you will be that you are getting enough sleep. And when you get enough sleep, you will wake up more energized and ready to take on the day and your workout! So try going to bed just 30 minutes earlier. Even those 30 minutes can make a huge difference in how your workout goes (or if it even happens at all). 

Waking up for the gym can be difficult, but with consistency and a little discipline, as well as using one (or all) of these tips, you will be waking up early and getting in great workouts in no time! Consistency is key, so don’t give up! You will feel amazing once your workout is done. 

How To Get Up For A Morning Workout

December 10, 2020 by lori w

Looking to change your morning routine? Perhaps you want to start your day off by getting in a great workout. Now, the trick is getting up for it! Morning workouts can be beneficial to everyone. They are a wonderful way to start your day and set the tone for the rest of your day. 

There are many advantages to working out in the morning including having more energy throughout your day, putting yourself in a great mood first thing in the morning (endorphins, baby!), and not to mention, your focus will be improved for your next activity because you are more alert. With all of these advantages, what’s stopping you?

mom doing yoga with child

For many people, the actual getting up part is what is so difficult. How can you change your whole routine and wake up earlier for a workout? Well, it may not be easy, but it is definitely not impossible! So what’s the secret? In this article, we will give you 7 secrets to getting up for a morning workout! Let’s get started. 

7 Secrets To Waking Up Early For A Morning Workout

Each person is different, so you may need to try different things and see which ones work for you. These 7 tips are a great place to begin. Try one of them, or try them all, but you will need to experiment to see what wakes you up the best. Let’s take a look:

  1. Place your alarm clock across the room. Because hitting snooze on the alarm clock is so easy, it can be a big temptation to do rather than getting out of bed and getting ready for your day. That is why placing your alarm clock on the other side of the room can help you get up and get going. If you have to physically get out of bed to turn off your alarm, then your chances of actually getting up and getting ready for a workout are much higher than if your alarm is right beside you. You will be much less tempted to hit snooze and much more likely to get going.
  1. Layout your clothes and set your gym bag and sneakers by the door the night before. If you practice yoga don’t forget to roll your yoga mat ready too. Rather than waiting until the morning to prepare everything, do it the night before. That way, it is all set and ready to go and you can shave a few minutes off of your morning routine to take some “you” time. Mentally preparing for your day is a great way to start it out, so having those extra 5-10 minutes not having to decide what to wear and worrying about packing everything in your bag can be very beneficial. Set everything by the door so that you won’t forget anything on your way out.
  1. Stock up on easy breakfast options. Having an easy breakfast option that is quick and ready to go can really save you some time, and bonus points if it’s healthy! Oftentimes we feel rushed in the morning and this will either cause us to skip the gym, go eat some fast food that’s not good for our bodies, or skip breakfast altogether (which is not healthy). So if you have some healthy, ready-to-eat breakfast foods on hand, you can grab and go, making it to the gym on time and not feeling rushed!!
  1. Plan your workout the night before. If you have your workout already planned, then it will save you the excuse of “I don’t really feel like going to the gym and winging it”. You already know what you are going to do, so you can go and get it done. It’s as simple as that. Plus, if you plan a fun workout, you are much more likely to stay motivated and get up ready to go!
  1. Get your coffeemaker ready to go the night before. If you have an automatic coffeemaker, then set it to start brewing a few minutes before you wake up. The smell of coffee can actually begin to wake you up before you drink it, so your body will be waking up before you even are. If you don’t have an automatic coffeemaker, go ahead and get everything ready the night before so that all you have to do is push a button and your coffee is brewing! If you are more of a tea drinker, then go ahead and set everything out so that you can easily get it ready before you go. 
  1. Have a personal trainer. Working out with someone else makes things more interesting. You’re not as likely to get bored during your workout. Not only that, but it will hold you accountable. After all, it isn’t only you that will be let down if you don’t show up! It’s like having an accountability buddy. 
  1. Go to bed earlier. This simple, but the effective tip can really make a huge difference. The earlier you go to bed, the more sure you will be that you are getting enough sleep. And when you get enough sleep, you will wake up more energized and ready to take on the day and your workout! So try going to bed just 30 minutes earlier. Even those 30 minutes can make a huge difference in how your workout goes (or if it even happens at all). 

Waking up for the gym can be difficult, but with consistency and a little discipline, as well as using one (or all) of these tips, you will be waking up early and getting in great workouts in no time! Consistency is key, so don’t give up! You will feel amazing once your workout is done. 

Author’s BIO: Lori Wade is a journalist from Louisville. She is a content writer who has experience in small editions, Lori is now engaged in news and conceptual articles on the topic of DIY and yoga. If you are interested in sport or lifestyle, you can find her on LinkedIn.

Your Yoga, Your Way, Your Budget

July 10, 2020 by sheila j

If you’re like most of us, keeping up with your exercise routine is difficult with the pandemic altering our lifestyles. But exercise, along with diet and focusing on mental health, is one of the greatest ways to optimize your life. And fortunately, when your preferred exercise is yoga, there are plenty of ways to practice at home without overstretching what might be an already tight budget. Here’s how: 

Exchange services. 

One of the quickest and cheapest ways to enjoy yoga is to volunteer as a karmi, or someone in a work-exchange. Many yoga studios actively recruit karmis. This is a great way to build some credits with your training center of choice, even if they aren’t back in the full swing of things. 

Some studios are still shut down, some are offering virtual sessions, and some are offering sessions by appointment only, and so forth. In this type of situation you might, for example, come in and clean the studio while they await reopening or, in the interim, act as an outreach coordinator reminding the community that classes will soon be available. 

Use technology to your advantage. 

If your phone, computer, or tablet is more than a few years old, now might be a great time to invest in a new device, such as an iPad, so that you can enjoy yoga classes online, meditation apps, and instructional videos. This often comes at a premium, so make sure that you take advantage of any Apple promo codes and cashback offers you find online. That way, this device won’t cause as much damage to your household budget. 

woman meditating seated

Bust out your old DVD player. 

If high-speed internet is a luxury you can’t quite afford at the moment, consider using lower-grade technology to enjoy a workout. There are plenty of yoga DVDs out there, and there is a good chance that you can find one online for very little out-of-pocket. 

Skip the trends. 

Sure, the internet is full of images of twentysomethings in brightly colored yoga clothing. And if the marketers behind the photos have anything to say about it, you’ll blindly believe that you have to spend $100 on a pair of capris just to join a class. The truth is you don’t. Marina Mukandala of Mind Body Flow Yoga asserts that yoga is a come as you are sort of activity and that tank tops, gym shorts, and even your ratty old favorite T-shirt is perfectly acceptable attire. And if you’re doing yoga at home, clothing may even be optional. 

Set an intention. 

Sometimes, the best thing you can do to elevate your yoga practice whether you are at home or in the studio is to simply set an intention. An intention, unlike a goal to be completed, is an action to strive for. When you tell yourself that your intention is to practice once each day, you can be mindful of your time. This can allow you to give yourself permission to take that time for yourself to intentionally do something just for you. 

Be selective when choosing equipment. 

When it comes to doing yoga, you do have to have a few pieces of equipment. A good mat and yoga bag are considered essential, and you can pick these up at places like Walmart or Target. A towel, yoga strap, and a water flask to stay hydrated also come in handy. Things you do not need to practice at home are yoga blocks or a blanket. And since you can practice barefoot, sneakers are optional. 

Not being able to attend class can be disheartening. But it does not have to put your yoga days to an end, or even bring them to a screeching halt. You don’t have to pay to stick with your passion, and it is perfectly possible to maintain a routine at home until you can get back to an up close and personal practice.

The Only Way Out is Through

June 25, 2020 by thebooktreefairy

Today, anyone who has ever questioned anything about their education or the way they think knows what does and does not cause them distress.  Our egos make sure we are our number one priority, and our internal monologues reflect how we feel and talk to ourselves.  There is power in words, and the feelings they convey, that often reflect our deepest beliefs, the ones we may not even know we have.  These are called core beliefs, and they are the essence of how we see ourselves, and the rest of the world. 

Now is the time to evolve, and thrive, and above all, support each other.  We are long overdue for true healing at the singular and collective level, and it is being shown to us by the world’s pursuit of justice and wellbeing.  Is anyone else asking themselves about the state of civilization: who even are we anymore, and how did we get here? Are we meant to just weather the storms of human existence or actively turn the tide?  This moment in history is not only didactic, waking up all the parts in our psyche rooted in judgment and prejudice, but it serves as a catalyst into the next phase of our history, and it is up to us to write the story of our days.  No more distractions.  The only way out of this intensity, is through it, as the pain of the individual is now purging through the collective.  It is a direct reflection of it.  And I don’t want to go back to sleep.  Do you?

fireplace in the dark

Because of the pandemic, most of us are home.  Many of us don’t have jobs right now, or are waiting to be hired back, and are facing the boredom crisis of just what to do with our time.  It is mandatory now that we observe the patterns we have learned, of bypassing our problems, and listen to the voice within, maybe for the first time.  Humanity at this moment is facing our deepest core beliefs square in the face, and these beliefs are shouting to us all the ways we relate to each other, and also how we have failed in our endeavors to do so.  We have been called to face our fears, our prejudices, and our hatred–of ourselves, and who we perceive as enemies.  And it is difficult to let go of those things, when they make up who we are.  Now we get to see ourselves, all the parts of ourselves, and we don’t like what we see, do we?  The world is being called to change, and we are at the forefront of history, riding uncertain waves of anxiety and even terror at its helm, and seemingly without sails. 

Things are hard, and here in New York barely anything is open.  What is, is not what it was.  There are no gyms or studios open, no outlets for socializing or getting out.  Those great escapes just aren’t there.  The yoga and art community, as well as all businesses and corporations are reassessing their values and reaching out to their community, their people, their students, to say that all rights are human rights, because justice is and always was a spiritual practice.  It’s shocking how many of us have forgotten that.  Now more than ever, organizations want to play a meaningful role in shaping the future, as it is well past the due date for change.  And the shadows have been illuminated, and what was once unconscious is now spotlighted with its own solo dance number.  And it is meant with calls for compassion, and true self care. 

If there’s anything though, that we are being taught, right now, is that we, more than we ever thought we did, want to stand together, in person, to support a cause we believe in, no matter which side.  We want to be together.  And there are so many sides to this story it’s so difficult to keep track.  Every adult who feels me on this had a childhood once, significant life events that have made you question or deal with your life the way only you can. At times it can feel we are trapped by our lives, our pasts, our people.  What was strongly held in our minds could be the very thing damaging us today, or rumbling inside us like a call to action, a transformation, a new focus other than how to acclimate into society, be liked, or show someone who we are.  And it took a time free of distraction to incite all that in us.  Even the laziest, most complacent of us, cannot deny the urge to do…something.  We are hurting each other, needlessly, and the time has come to find another way of being heard, to lead, and to follow. 

waves breaking on beach rocks

Lately, we have been showing up, in the streets, on the interweb, telling our distant relatives and whoever will listen how we feel and who we support, we are ordering groceries, at the auction, crying in the shower, checking our accounts, budgeting, mastering the home gym, on the phone, dusting off old cookbooks, remembering fights from long ago, and absurdly enough, really funny things that you forgot even happened.  We are feeling lonelier than we ever thought possible, purposeless, and afraid.  But we are also curious about ourselves, and noticing our habits, glaring insecurities and true, vehement desires. Where have you missed going or wanted to go?  I miss the movies.  I am someone who has straight up avoided meditating though because I didn’t want to face the quiet thunder inside my mind just yet.  A friend of mine shared she missed the sanctuary of churches.  And I completely understand that feeling.

And have you noticed, in the stillness, the voice in your head getting louder?  That’s your soul trying to break though, calling for change.  Are your heads throbbing with what to do next, for your highest good, for your joy?  And if the inner monologue wasn’t loud enough, reality itself is crumbling around us.  We realize up until this point our focus has been so narrow, and we have desensitized ourselves from violence that does not directly affect us.  Yet it’s been so personal, our comparisons to each other.  We’ve been trying to best others instead of collaborating.  Our worlds are small, like our minds, sometimes. 

Without the actual interaction with society, our contributions to society, our lessons, our income, our learnings, teachings and preaching’s–what is there to focus on?  Where has our routine gone?  Our mindset has shifted, as is the necessity, so we may invent and invest ourselves in our humanity, instead of trying to accomplish everything and gain the privilege of calling ourselves successful.  When your business is your practice, your way of interacting with others, how can we evolve, weed out the bogus inner chatter of pressure, comparison, and judgment?  Should we be at long last, realizing that today’s obstacles could be tomorrow’s opportunities?  We’ll just have to find out what kind, together? And what if your rent is more than a weekly paycheck? What if our fear of the future becomes our forever future?  How do we remember who we could be?

Pestilence is not the only thing digging its way into our lives, wrapping its elbow around our windpipes.  Yet, still, for our safety, we are asked to maintain our distance, honor boundaries, and shift our focus to the space we are taking up right now.  It feels small.  We feel small, and wary of one another.  This is the first step toward change, the awareness of how we’ve been all this time.  And although we are confronted with obstacles, real and existential, we also have the chance to learn, from ourselves, and each other.  We have the chance to share what our human experience has been up to this point, as well as reflect, and decide where we want to go.  We have the chance to unearth all of those emotions we suppress and find out what we really think of ourselves, and the world around us.  What we expect from it, what we give to it, and what we take.  We have the chance to be human and see how much we like it. 

hand holding flower

Tune in, and listen…to podcasts.

April 12, 2020 by tkoyogafit

As of late, there are may of us finding some extra time on our hands. For some it is welcomed, for others it brings a whole new slew of problems and anxiety. The whole world is in unchartered territory right now. Many cities, states, and countries are calling for action they have never called on before. That leaves a lot of questions, little answers, and an overall state of confusion and uncertainty. We are being showered with new information nearly hour by hour it seems, on every platform. I receive phone calls from friends and family that all seem to begin with what the newest development is. It simply seems that we cannot get away from this right now. Though, I do not think we should turn a blind eye, or deaf ear, we do need to be able to disconnect from the fear and sadness that lurks on every screen.

Being newly unemployed, I have been taking this self-isolation to spend more time with myself, amongst my dogs and partner. I have been sitting in the silence and trying to enjoy that, reading, studying for CEUs, etc. But, being a highly social and active person, it can be hard not seeing and interacting with friends, and for the most part being stuck to the confines of your own home. I also teach group exercise classes and yoga. Showing up to those classes is what too keeps myself accountable and my body moving. I am used to having dozens of conversations a day with many different people. With that number being drastically cut down, I have turned to my podcasts to fill that void of conversation (yes, sometimes I talk back as if I am involved in the conversation). I have been into podcasts for years now, mostly on long drives, or, when I had solo jobs, such as house cleaning, however, now I am able to appreciate them in a different way, and fully listen to them as I sit in the space I have created for myself. I can be one hundred percent tuned in, not distracted by the work task at hand. No interruptions, just fully engaged listening. Being a personal trainer and yoga teacher, a majority of the podcasts I am attracted to are ones that revolve around health and wellness discussion. Some dive deep into the scientific realm of a topic, while others seem to simply be conversations between friends. They all leave me feeling as if I have learned something after I have listened. Whether it be a new term, new idea, or new way to look within myself. From doctors to enthusiasts, these hosts offer a myriad of episodes. You are sure to find one that speaks to you.

Suggested podcasts:

Meathead Hippie: Emily Schromm is a personal trainer, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, entrepreneur and a meathead hippie. Emily has competed in and coached CrossFit, developed 5 companies, and many know her from her MTV days in the Real World and the Real World Challenge. Though Emily loves to go hard in the gym, in the recent years she began diving deeper into what was going on in her body from the inside out. Learning more about gut health with nutritional and herbal remedies, and slowing down due to adrenal dysfunction, Emily has gone on to teach others how to begin to heal themselves. This self proclaimed meathead still loves her deadlifts (she owns a gym in Denver), but she can also tell when her Chakras are unbalanced and how to tune in to her own body and realign. Her guests range from competitive powerlifters to shamanic practitioners. This podcast is the perfect mix of fitness and mindfulness.

The Natural State: Dr. Anthony Gustin is the founder and CEO of Perfect Keto and Equip foods. With a doctorate in Chiropractic and a MS in Exercise and Sport Science, Dr. Anthony took research into his own hands by applying all his fundamental science education to the food he was eating and the way he was exercising to discover what finally worked for him. In this podcast he interviews health and nutrition influencers and industry experts covering an array of complex ideas and topics, put in easy to understand terms.    

Listen to Your Body Podcast (previously Harder to Kill Radio): Steph Gaudreau is a certified strength coach, intuitive eating counselor, and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. This is weekly podcast with a mix of industry expert interviews and solo podcasts exploring mind, body, and soul health to help you learn to LISTEN to your body and move more intuitively.

The NASM-CPT Podcast: Rick Richey hosts this podcast through the National Academy of Sports Medicine talking all things personal trainer related. The most recent episode offers insight onto how to bring your business online.

This is Joy & Claire (previously Girls Gone WOD): Joy Parrish and Claire Koch started Girls Gone WOD in 2013 and in 2020 rebranded to This Is Joy & Claire. While they still may talk about WOD’s, this podcast brings lightness, humor, and honesty in topics from mental health to overall wellness, marriage, and parenting. This podcast is like sitting with your friends having a conversation about whatever you may be feeling!

Higher Conversations Podcast: Kellee Rich – The Yogi Poet, explores the different states of mind and being with guest interviews, solo-casts, and storytelling. Kellee is a Tahoe local teaching at a handful of studios in the Truckee/Tahoe area, and now bringing us her insight for tapping into the subtle and physical bodies and layers of consciousness. Kellee’s love and light radiates as she invites to listen to, and have, Higher Conversations, with others and ourselves.

A couple of other podcasts I like to listen to are: Broken Brain Podcast with Dhru Purohit, Found My Fitness with Dr. Rhona Patrick, and the famous, Joe Rogan Experience with Joe Rogan. Some of these shows take a little sifting to find an episode that can keep your attention as they can tend to be longer or more scientific, but I recommend looking through the archives and starting with one that really screams “you need to hear this”.  Find the time and place to let yourself simply listen and, hopefully, learn.

All of these podcasts can be found on iTunes and other podcast platforms such as Stitcher and Spotify.

Childs pose on standup paddle board in a lake with island in the background
Away from all of the noise to listen.

Whistle Where You Work

February 14, 2020 by thebooktreefairy

The definition of going ‘to the office’ in 2020 has many designations. Today, remote occupations seem to be more desirable for the millennial jobseeker than cubicle life. You’ve seen the ads. And I’m sure you’ve made a meditation out of picturing yourself without the constraints of rent, family or fear of flying. I say this from experience, for I, too, swoon when I see a job posting with a very comfortable person on top of a mountain with a laptop, getting paid it seems, to live their dream. The dream is never as strong as it is when I am stuck in traffic on my way to the studio on a Monday morning, screaming the Gayatri Mantra in an attempt to practice conjuring patience. The driver’s seat becomes my desk, the picture out the window ever morphing at varying speeds. We are all at the mercy of the world around us, its congestion and race against time. We ask “why” and trudge along, attempting to be mindful in the process. This begs the question: how can our practice, as teachers and students, evolve in the new decade when we are bombarded with every-day challenges and the competition of our app-heavy world? 

  • book tree fairy
  • yoga teacher in tree by pool
  • the words living flowers in script writing

At the tail-end of my generation (80’s babies are still millennials right?), I have seen computers evolve and shrink, cell phones replace pens, one thousand books become accessible on a single device, organic food shipped in dry ice, and virtual relationships take precedent over real ones. I, myself, lead a virtual life. My hours are erratic. I write and research from anywhere USA. I mostly exercise at home through a variety of phone apps and YouTube, replacing the VHS’s from when I was a kid. I’ve always been this way, preferring solitary self-betterment instead of leaving my comfort to sweat with others in a warehouse across town. Like most people, my schedule is something that changes daily. Yet, despite it all, I have chosen to spend a huge chuck of my time in the world physically in front of people, driving to gyms and theatres teaching people how to breathe, stretch, and Om. And though I love it, I wonder how much longer I can do it. 

It is exhausting, time consuming, and isn’t very environmentally effective being a yoga teacher today, most of the time, especially considering how much gas is burned between jobs. Usually, we teach at more than one location either by hustling or simply being invited by the people you inevitably meet. The commute is real, and it can be exhausting and challenging to manage our time effectively to lead spacious, unhurried 

lives. Not to mention the time it takes away from our family and home life. The time it takes to walk, bike or train it to the next teaching engagement can be your daily adventure or horror, revive or drain us. Is it worth it? How do you cope with it? As long as there is a screen and an internet connection, the commute does not have to eat away the productivity of the day. Unless you’re the one behind the wheel. Eyes on the road ahead, literally and figuratively. We have to reevaluate how we value our time. 

Like live theatre, live yoga can be taught in a found-space like a park, empty warehouse or apartment. Such is also the case for that vague parameter of what constitutes a yoga classroom, or what it means to hold space for your students, even if that physical space is far away. Beyond the gym or studio, your office is wherever your students are. Instead of desks. There are mats. Instead of modern corporate art, there are vinyl sticky oms and lotus flowers adorning a doorway. Or, simply, and often times the most peaceful, there is the beauty of nature all around. The glamor of the job lies in the fact that many of us vociferously long for a life away from a desk, unconfined, and free. 

Our American world values convenience over connection, and it has affected how we operate in the world, and towards each other. We are more isolated than ever, and at the same time bombarded with community that fits in the palm of our hand. So many teachers I have come in contact with have relayed to me that the former model for teaching yoga in studios or schools or gyms is a way of the past. People like to burn less gas, stay home, and have the practice come to them instead of the other way around. But what about us, your guides? As a mere human instructor, it is easy to become discouraged by the business of yoga and lose sight of why we teach in the first place. I’m guessing to be a personal trainer was not your reason for joining a teacher training. Or maybe it was. Either way, definitely ask yourself why is it you wanted to teach. 

When I teach yoga, it is always in person, at a gym/studio or in my home, and I do rather like it that way. I teach because it has always brought me joy, and I intend to follow that feeling no matter what I do. Given my rather introverted personal practice, I know, however, that it is not the only way to teach, spending more time getting to and from class than the class itself. I have been teaching yoga for ten years, all over the place. I also have a nine-to-five where I sit at a desk and manage schedules and appointments for others. My finances still depend on my desk job, and I’m one of the lucky ones, from my perspective. I live in a home where the cost of living is slim to none. I even get free lunch. And I am slowly learning the age old art of saying “no,” and “yes” where appropriate, instead of from an insatiable need or fear of missing out. But that is not the majority of cases, I have found, jetting around the island I call home spreading what I’ve learned about hatha yoga, and saving some pennies as I do so. And in 2020 it is my goal to carve out more time that is of value to me. So now I’m looking to see how my devices can serve me, instead of the other way around. How can my introversion benefit me and my business of being a yoga teacher? 

Research the online platforms available to you. Curiosity and drive work well together. How do you fit into the budding mold? Teachers and students alike have been able to share their practice online, with live classes streaming all over the world, not just pre-recorded like the days of yore. You are connected by an original, live sequence, to an indiscernible amount of people, breathing in sync with you. There is variety, a new class every day, and a new teacher too. A waterfall backdrop is no longer something you have to travel to experience but can be projected onto our very walls. Sure, we have to stretch our imagination a bit, but it is part of the fun, the endless play of yoga to find new ways of practicing. And teaching. 

So how do we evolve with the times? What does the future of your yoga journey look like for you? As Oprah said just the other day during her 2020 Vision tour at Barclay’s in Brooklyn: “You’re late. Stop complaining that you’re late, you’re late.” I’m paraphrasing here but what she said stayed with me. It made me question my mindfulness and my choices in pursuit of something I am wishing for more than doing. And accepting that I am the master of my fate, my office hours, and my style. My wish for all of you this year is just that: accept where you are and whistle wherever it is you work. Until you can find a better way that’s worth while.

the words living flowers in script writing

Why more Mindfulness should be your New Years Resolution

January 12, 2020 by Nika Figuring It Out

cropped-img_2264.jpg

The New Year usually comes with new intentions. Everyone’s intentions may all be different but they all have one thing in common – change something for the better. There is a common quality – a sense of wanting to improve our lives or ourselves. While many people focus on losing weight, going to the gym more often or reading more books, I would advise you to consider meditating more to create more mindfulness in your life. The reason being, mediation is the key to general improvement and will support any other intentions or resolutions you might have and here’s why.

The reason we need resolutions is because so much of lives are driven by factors outside of our control that we feel the need to put ourselves in the driving seat. We don’t go to the gym because we don’t have enough free time or are tired. We can’t lose weight because we are driven by inner impulses to eat fast food. Take control of your life by being mindful through a short meditation. It will allow you to take a step back and enable you to see things more objectively and from a different perspective. For a short moment – just observe your breath. This will detach you from your thoughts and feelings (such as – I don’t feel like doing to the gym or I really need that cupcake to feel better) and take a moment to reflect. It will give you a moment to see your life with a sense of openness. Rather than being stuck in the current moment, you will be able to take a step back and see what really enables you and what disables you in achieving your goals. You will move from being reactive to being proactive being able to steer your life in the direction you want it.

Commit to meditating a short time each day and you will find other pieces fall into place. You can do it by simply taking a few conscious breaths before entering a meeting room, hopping into the bus on your commute home or opening up the next email. We tend to get sucked into the moment forgetting that there is a bigger picture to us all. By being mindful, you will be empowered to be a better you.

Go on. Give it a go and let me know how you proceed!

To find out more about meditation and other daily practices – follow nikafiguringitout.wordpress.com

New York Pilates Instructor & Personal Trainer Job Highlight

January 9, 2020 by namafit

ISO certified Pilates Instructors & Personal Trainers in NYC

Namafit is happy to share these exciting opportunities at YouniquelyFitâ„¢.

One of their long-term trainers is moving overseas and YouniquelyFitâ„¢ has an immediate need to pass along clients. They are looking to hire ONE certified trainer at this time (bonus if you have a dance background) to take on in-home private clients in NYC.

Starting at $60 per hour + bonuses. Hourly pay increases after year one and again after year two. To apply for this job please visit https://namafit.com/j/32056986/iso-certified-pilates-instructors-personal-trainers

All training sessions are conducted in their clients’ homes, apartment, sometimes in local parks, etc, never in public gyms or public studios.

All Pilates & Personal Trainers who work with YouniquelyFitâ„¢ come with some form of certification from an accredited program as their knowledge-base. They approach fitness from an injury prevention standpoint, and tailor their programs for an individual’s posture. YouniquelyFitâ„¢ also conducts an initial 8-hour training course prior to you taking on clients so that you’re well-versed in the various postures and the types of focused exercises that benefit your clients.

If you’re looking for part-time work, have a minimum of 5-10 hours to give per week, are interested in continued education, and are ok with traveling to clients, YouniquelyFitâ„¢ offers competitive hourly compensation and year-round and annual bonuses. They take really great care of their team and are proud to say that they still work with the majority of trainers they hired 5-7 years ago.

Qualified candidates: if you’re interested in learning more, YouniquelyFitâ„¢ can set up an online interview.

Requirements:
* Must have current Personal Training and/or Pilates certification (or in the process of obtaining one)
* Must have current independent fitness instructor insurance – we can provide recommendations on where to obtain this if you don’t currently.
* Must have current CPR/AED certification
* Must currently have availability for Mon, Wed, OR Thurs evening from 8-9pm and for one hour on Sundays between the hours of 10am and 4pm.

They look forward to hearing from you. For more information about YouniquelyFitâ„¢, please visit their business page on Namafit – https://namafit.com/b/29904382/youniquelyfit

Apply Now
youniquely fit logo

What I Learned After Running a Half Marathon

January 6, 2020 by sileok

Some goals I’ve had in my life were pretty simple: get recruited to play college basketball, be the first person on my mother’s side of the family to earn a college degree, and always stay in shape and live a healthy lifestyle after I’m done with college sports. Little did I know it wouldn’t be as easy then when you have an elder adult screaming at you to run faster and lift heavier. How would being healthy look for me moving forward.  

I have always been interested in health and wellness and always knew about the new trends. I also was very good at watching hours of Netflix and experimenting every wing night in town. It’s called balance, right? One thing I always knew was I HATED running.  Couldn’t understand how people could run for miles on end and enjoy it. I envisioned running to Hell every time I would step on a treadmill. This would all soon change.

The life changing moment happened after my mother passed away from cancer. I was obsessed over eating cancer fighting foods and increasing my cardiovascular routines for heart health. It became a crutch for me to focus on while grieving.

In September I decided to channel this energy into training for my first half marathon. I would run it as a fundraiser for my mother and have donations go to The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. I posted it on social media so I couldn’t back out. I immediately received so much positive feedback and immediate donations. Training would start September 1, 2019.  

I chose a Nike Training Club running plan and swore to stick to it. I would run two recovery runs per week, a speed run, and then a longer run at the end of the week. I would increase mileage progressively as the 14-week plan went along. I incorporated some strength training that I would do in college and a lot of stretching. I also changed my diet to include more carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables for energy. Water and electrolytes would play a key ingredient in hydration as well. I would complete the Philadelphia Half Marathon in 2:17 on November 23, 2019.

All smiles after 13.1

It seems pretty simple, right? Follow a plan and see results. However, we are led to believe that one plan fits all. If you follow this plan a Boston marathoner did, you will run a half in under 1:30. Finishing this race was a huge mountain for me. I thought once I completed it, I would become this intense runner who would catch the running fever and never stop. It is not that simple and I can confidently say I will not be running a long run race this year. And here is why.  

I was lucky enough to have a good job to support the resources I needed such as food, a gym membership, and outdoor running clothes I needed to brave the colder temperatures. Like I said before, there is no one fit all approach or program to running your best half marathon because it is different for everyone. I can say I did not miss a scheduled workout. Even when I would get hurt, I would lower the pace, incorporate some non-impact cardio, and ice to get back quicker.  I seemed to make healthier choices throughout the process with this race in the back of my mind. I had to have my focus on energy and production over looking good in my jeans. Being consistent with my training and diet, I quickly started to see changes in my body. I developed leg muscles the size of Saquon Barkley (not really, but close.)  But with the new leg muscles came new problems. For the last 5 years, I was more concerned about achieving a certain aesthetic. I ate and exercised to look good in my clothes and to feel good mentally. When I started training for the race, I started to feel anxious, like I was back in college playing basketball again. I would panic if I didn’t finish my run in a certain time. I felt if I skipped a workout, I was letting people down who were supporting me and my mom. Some days I wanted to take a bike ride to help me feel better, but I couldn’t because I had to get in my 3-mile run. This was very difficult for me.  

Even post-race, people assume I’m a runner now. They think because I ran 13.1 miles, that I run all the time now or that I already signed up for another race and this is not the case. This can get uncomfortable at times since all I want to do is go to a soul cycle class or, God forbid, not go to the gym for a day and have an evening out with friends. There is still a lingering expectation of me to be a runner.  

Any sort of mental or body anxiety, I feel, hits ten times harder for women in this social media, influential world we live in today. It was very hard for me to battle these insecurities for 2 months. Body image is the very forefront in our society, positive and negative. I always was body positive, because it was always the same. When I started to notice changes, my anxiety went through the roof. I knew I could finish the race, I was a college athlete before, but I was not prepared for the mental toll it took on me.

I will say the aftermath is not all bad (besides not being able to walk for two days after the race.) I have never felt more accomplished in all of my life than when I ran across that finish line. I have also felt a want to run more. I haven’t run more than 4 miles since the race but now I routinely run 2-3 miles a few times a week. Before training, I would run 1 mile once a week. Running is a great exercise you can do anywhere for free. There’s no excuse not to get a short workout in when you don’t have time to make it to the gym for a full workout or are out of town on a trip. It is something I have grown to enjoy in small dosages.

All the health and wellness advice out there teach you how to physically achieve your goals. It doesn’t always necessarily teach you how to handle the changes, the societal pressures, and how to handle life after the goal is reached. It is not always positive. We experience highs and lows throughout any journey.

If you take anything away from this article, focus on being healthy, whatever that means for you. I challenge you to educate yourself and experiment with different health ideas to see what you can incorporate and what works best for you and your health routine. The biggest value is your mental wellness. You have to enjoy the process of a healthy lifestyle. Yes, you need to push yourself in those workouts and do some you may not be up for that day as planned but not every day in the cost of your sanity. For me, my 2020 goals are to worry less and focus more on living good. I’m worried less about how I look in a pair of my favorite jeans and more about trying that new, fun HIIT class in the city. I don’t want any major medical concerns in the future and I want to live a long and happy life with my family and friends. I am setting my own standards and will follow through with them happily.

Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Muscle-Building Meal Plan: A Guide to Optimal Nutrition for Strength
  • Your Mindful Yoga Flow for the Fall Season
  • Three Easy Ways to Deal with Stress
  • Why the Healthcare Industry Could Be Your Inspiration to Start a Business
  • How to Build Confidence in Yourself

Categories

  • "How To" Tips for Namafit.com
  • Business "How To" for Namafit.com
  • Exercise
  • Fitness
  • Instructor "How To" for Namafit.com
  • Jobs
  • Meditation
  • Mindfulness
  • Namafit
  • Recipes
  • Recommendations
  • Yoga

Recent Comments

    Archives

    • January 2024
    • December 2023
    • August 2022
    • March 2022
    • August 2021
    • June 2021
    • April 2021
    • February 2021
    • December 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • December 2019
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • September 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • June 2019
    • May 2019
    • April 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • December 2018
    • November 2018

    Footer

    • Create Your Professional Page
    • Search Jobs & Events
    • Post Jobs
    • Post Events
    • Categories
      • Recipes
      • Yoga
      • Fitness
      • Mindfulness
      • Tips
    • More
      • Write For Us
      • Advertise
      • About Namafit
    • Get a Free Shirt

    Recent Comments