Happy Merry Christmas Eve!

hey are you finished with holiday shopping or are you one of those people still at the mall waiting in line?

I'm sitting here at home planning for the new year in fitness. So many things to do and ideas to act upon.

Here's what I've got in store:

The launch of my online training and nutrition plans...BBK Online is coming to BodyByKristi.com!

SNAP Fitness San Mateo will be getting a makeover with a machine reconfiguration/floor plan change, new equipment, and a new vending machine (finally). We will also be adding more classes to the schedule...yoga, foam rolling, kettle bells, and postnatal classes are all in the works!

Stay tuned for more. It's back to work I go!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🎄🎅❄️⛄️❤️

Kristi

Wanted: SLEEP

Wow. So this week was definitely a test of endurance and both mental and physical strength for me. Most days this past week started at 6:30 a.m. and ended at 7:00 p.m. With an hour here or there without a session. I'm pooped! I did, however, help a lot of people in starting their fitness journies. And for that I am thankful because that's what makes it all worthwhile. My eyeballs are burning right now so I think going to bed is probably a good idea. 😴

I'm baaaack! Hey fitties! After a long hiatus from my FitBlog, I'm finally back! So many things have happened since my last post in 2013. First off, I just became the owner of SNAP Fitness 24/7 Gym in San Mateo, California. I've been so busy making changes and upgrades to the gym while still training clients that haven't had a chance to post. More about the new gym later, but please feel free to visit my gym's facebook and Twitter pages at:

Http://www.facebook.com/snapfitnesssanmateo

Http://www.twitter.com/snapsanmateo


Xoxo,
Kristi

Fun New Fitness Toys!

So it's been a little while since my last post. I apologize. My schedule has been absolutely all over the place. This is definitely a good thing as long as I have it under control and don't forget to put something in my to-do app.

In today's post I want to share with you some new training toys I've incorporated into my personal training sessions for my clients.

Today I debuted the sandbag. Sandbag training is both aerobic and anaerobic since it builds strength and cardio endurance all at once. Today's exercises included the Sandbag Swing, Sandbag Reverse Crunch, Sandbag Squat, Sandbag Bulgarian Split Squat, and the Sandbag Oblique Twist. Fantastic and hard. My first client was uneasy about it since it was something new she wasn't used to. Let's see how her next session goes. My next two clients did a great job with the bags even though it was a new concept to them as well. Keeping an open mind and giving feedback always helps a personal trainer in customizing a fun and effective workout.

Click here to check out the sandbags I use for training!

The Thing About Appointments

Hi all! So today has been proven to be totally unproductive so far. I had a training session scheduled for 6:00am this morning and the client texted me to reschedule last night for tomorrow morning instead. No big deal. I'm glad she got ahold of me instead of just not showing up. Since I just got my kids are back from their Euro trip (picked them up last night), I was happy to be able to sleep in a little before getting up this morning to drive to Half Moon Bay for a 7:00am consult behind a super slow truck who wouldn't pull over to let the cars behind pass. Bummer. But I made it here. At 6:56 no later. I'm sitting up at the front desk of the gym and the clock is ticking...6:59, 7:00, 7:01, 7:02...hmmm. I messaged my 7:00 consult with my phone number the other day so she would have it just in case. 7:03. Sure enough she had left me a message. On FACEBOOK! At 12:00am! I don't know about you, but I normally don't check my Facebook account first thing in the morning. Or my e-mail for that matter. Is is me or does it not make sense that if something is time-sensitive that you should probably call or at least text the person to let them know you can't make it to the meeting you have scheduled in 7 hours. So I'm sitting here at the gym, in the office, writing this blog post instead. My next session should be in at 8:30am. We'll see how that goes.

#whydopeoplecancellastminute #itscalledaccountability

Machine vs. Free Weights

Many people who I talk to who are new to the gym (or exercise in general) say they've stayed away from free weights because they don't know how to use them. The machines are self explanatory on the little panel posted to the side of the machine. So what are the pros and cons of machines and free weights?

Here's a simple list of things to remember when deciding what to use in your workout.

Machines (not including cable machine)-

Pros: quick and easy to use; good at isolating large muscle groups; provides an even amount of resistance through the exercise; easier to determine correct form

Cons: Little range of motion; does not work small accessory muscles; may not be suitable for all body sizes and shapes


Free weights (includes dumbbells, kettlebells, plates, weighted medicine balls, etc.)-

Pros: Full range of motion; allows user to work smaller stabilizer and accessory muscles; uses the entire body; builds coordination, balance, and stability; engages core strength; suitable for everyone no matter how big or small; more exercises available; great for a home gym-easy to store in small spaces;

Cons: No instructions means figuring out proper form on your own; improper form can lead to injury

Taking these pros and cons into account may be helpful in determining which form of exercise is best for you. When in doubt, always ask a trained professional at the gym for assistance.