Category: Exercise Routines

Clever Ways To Exercise Outdoors

Clever Ways to Exercise Outdoors

Exercising outdoors is powerful medicine.  Not only is it good for your physical health, research is showing us that it’s good for your emotional health as well.

A recent study revealed that exercising in natural environments was associated with greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy and positive engagement, as well as decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression.

The participants in the study also reported greater enjoyment and satisfaction with outdoor activity and stated that they were more likely to repeat the activity at a later date.  Bottom line, we’re more likely to stay consistent with exercise that we enjoy rather than activities that seem like a chore.

One Way You Can Exercise Outdoors

Today’s video was filmed at the beach and it was a gorgeous day.  It was also very windy so I apologize in advance for the background noise. 🙂

The video demonstrates clever ways you can incorporate strength training into your leisure time activities and turn the outdoors into your own gym.

Enjoy the video and if you have any questions for me please leave them in the comment section below.

Here’s to taking your exercise outdoors!

With Love,
Jennifer

 

Add Variety To Your Lower Body Routine With Side Lunges

How To Perform Side Lunges - Jennifer Ledford

We’ve heard it said that “variety is the spice of life.”  When it comes to strength training, a variety of different exercises helps you to build overall body strength, avoid boredom, maintain agility, and prevent injury.  A well rounded strength routine usually includes some exercises that require you to move laterally.

If you haven’t been doing much lateral movement, please do not worry!  I’ve got you covered.

How To Perform Side Lunges

In today’s short video I demonstrate how to perform side lunges.  These can be performed anywhere and do not require any equipment.  No gym membership is required.  🙂

Use these exercises to help you stay strong and toned this summer and add some variety to your routine.  If you think a friend would appreciate the video please feel free to pass it along.  The more people focusing on health and fitness the better!

Here’s to a fit and healthy week!

With Love,
Jennifer

Click here to watch more exercise & healthy lifestyle videos

How to perform split squats and why you want to do them

Jennifer Ledford - How To Perform Split Squats - Functional Fitness - Lower Body Exercises

From time to time I’ll have a new client ask me about the benefits of performing squats. I’m always glad that they ask because I personally believe it’s much easier to stick to an exercise when you understand the benefit and the purpose behind it.

In reality, most of the population perform squats all day long. Sitting in a chair, getting into a car, gardening, using the restroom, and playing with small children are all good examples of everyday activities that include squatting.

One of the most valuable things a personal trainer can do for a client is to help them achieve their personal goals regarding health and fitness. This usually includes helping the client build and/or maintain the strength to be able to perform their everyday tasks and the recreational activities that they enjoy. This type of training is often referred to as “functional fitness.”

Whether your desire is to look more toned, get involved in sports, maintain a leisure activity you enjoy, travel well into your golden years, live independently for as long as possible, or any other physical fitness goal you may have, functional strength training can help in a big way.

In today’s video I demonstrate how to perform one of my favorite functional strength training exercises, the split squat. I teach this exercise to clients of all different ages and levels of fitness.

Why You Want To Do Split Squats

Split Squats are an important exercise when it comes to functional fitness because it’s one of the best ways to get up off the floor. They are also a great way to keep the lower body strong and looking toned. A little vanity now and then can be a great motivator to help us take care of ourselves. 🙂

Take a moment to watch the video and I recommend saving this email in a folder for easy reference the next time you want to watch it.

Have a great week!

Shared with love,
Jennifer