Week in Review: February 15, 2019

The Internet is a treasure trove of information and content. Here’s a sampling of health and wellness related items that caught my eye this week. Enjoy!

My Favorite Articles

My latest article for Stack.com discusses the challenges of youth travel team participation and offers some alternatives.

Sound nutrition strategies don't have to be complicated or restrictive. Will specialty diets actually deliver the long term result you're looking for?

This series of 8 minute finishers offers something for every part of the body. Give them a try if you'd like a great way to round out your workout.

The Best of Social Media

Lateral Band Walks work really well to fire up the glutes. Incorporate them prior to a workout, using the coaching points discussed here:

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Lateral Band Walks help to maximize the quality of your bigger lifts by firing up the glutes. Add them to the end of your warm up, just before you start your main strength training session. 2 sets of 10 each direction should do the trick. . . . @excellenceinexercise . . #lateralbandwalks #postoftheday #exercise #womenshealth #menshealth #exercisevideos #warmup #gluteworkout #vitalifit #educate #engage #empower

A post shared by Vitalifit (@vitalifit_coach) on Feb 13, 2019 at 8:43am PST

Here's a "fun" Valentine's Day workout from La Jefa and I…

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It's Valentine's Day and we've got a challenging, yet fun conditioning workout you can do with your significant other!⠀ ⠀ One person is on the @concept2 rower and their goal is to SPRINT 100 meters! The other person is performing Ball Slams for as long as it takes their partner to complete the row sprint. ⠀ ⠀ Switch back and forth, and continue for 10 minutes, completing as many rounds as possible in that time.⠀ ⠀ Help your partner out - get through the row as fast as possible!!⠀ ⠀ Don't have a rower or a slam ball - no problem. Pick two exercises and make one dependent upon completion of the other (based on X number of reps or distance).⠀ ⠀ Happy Valentines Day ❤️- now get to it!⠀ ⠀ @excellenceinexercise ⠀ #valentinesday #coupleexercise #workout #fitnesschallenge #fitness #coupleworkout #rower #slamball #sprint #strengthandconditioning #strenghttraining #vitalifit #educate #engage #empower

A post shared by Vitalifit (@vitalifit_coach) on Feb 14, 2019 at 7:32am PST

Train your core for functionality and aesthetics…

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Develop REAL Core Strength! [3 Unique Exercises You MUST Try] . Are you interested in developing 6-pack abs that are as functional as they look? If so, stop wasting time with sit-ups & crunches and start focusing more of your attention on “ANTI” movement patterns! . 🤔WHY FOCUS ON “ANTI” MOVEMENT PATTERNS? . Because the PRIMARY function of the core musculature is to PROTECT & STABILIZE THE SPINE... Flexing the spine while laying on your back (crunches & sit-ups) is NOT a primary function of the abs/core! . HERE ARE 3 OF MY FAVORITE CORE “ANTI-MOVEMENTS”: 1️⃣ Anti-Rotation Alphabet (w/ band) 2️⃣ Offset Barbell Hold 3️⃣ Stability Ball “Stir the Pot” . ☝🏼The above 3 exercises will give you a “functional” 6-pack that’ll increase strength, protect your low-back and look great on the beach (IF your body fat levels are low enough, of course.)😉 ====== ====== ATTN: Trainers, Coaches, Lifters & Fitness Fanatics! . If the information in today’s post interests you - I HIGHLY RECOMMEND checking out our next CPPS Level 1 Certification Course! . Besides learning about breathing, bracing & REAL core strength... @smittydiesel & I will teach you our Warm-up protocol, Athlete Assessments, Speed, Strength & Power development, Program Design & MORE!!! . 🔗To grab a spot at our next course, CLICK LINK IN PROFILE! . www.CPPScoaches.com

A post shared by Joe DeFranco (@defrancosgym) on Feb 12, 2019 at 7:52am PST