YouTube – Grip Training

YouTube – Best Shape of Your Life at 71!

YouTube – Dead Lift Technique

YouTube – 40 Something Studette

YouTube – 15/15 Workout

YouTube – Pull-up Progressions

YouTube – Basic Kettlebell Circuit

YouTube – Fat Gain Advice: Part 2

YouTube – Lose 25 lbs in 6 weeks!

YouTube – Fat Gaining Advice

YouTube – 126 Yard Power Wheel Crawl

YouTube – Burpees to Pull ups

YouTube – Tabata Dumbbell Thrusters

YouTube – Conditioning Circuit

YouTube – Pole Course

YouTube – Training with the Power Wheel

YouTube – Ring Training

YouTube – Sand Bag Training II

YouTube – Slosh Pipe Training II

…By Anthony Many of us are well aware that there is an obesity epidemic in the United States.  Starting with the adults and moving on down through the kids, the problem has gotten way out of hand.  Many people have come up with their reason(s) why the problem exists so I figured that I would… read the full article.

INGREDIENTS: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 1/2 cup refrigerated basil pesto 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Salt & pepper to taste PREPARATION: 1)  Preheat oven to 375 and spray 9×12″ pan.  Trim fat and cut each chicken breast into 2-3 lengthwise strips. 2)  Spread 1/4 cup of pesto over bottom of pan, lay chicken… read the full article.

  …By Anthony The Super Bowl has become pretty much a national holiday in this country. It has also grown to reach millions of people across the globe.  I can only imagine the amount of excitement and anticipation involved with being in the game.  The players and coaches involved in the game have been preparing… read the full article.

EARN YOUR BLACK BELT IN FITNESS! SIGN UP NOW FOR LEVEL TESTING! “One of my favorite aspects of martial arts is the ability to know what level that you are at at all times.  It gives you clear expectations for performance and something to work towards.  Having a clearly defined path is a great motivator.” … read the full article.

Resolution Solution January 26th   7:00 to 8:00 PM Enough with the magazines, TV shows, infomercials and unsolicited advice from friends and relatives!  Finally, we have THE solution to your weight loss success.  We have specialized in weight loss since 1992.  Our systems are simple, effective and have produced literally hundreds of thousands of pounds of… read the full article.

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons canola oil, divided 2 large onions, sliced (about 4 cups) 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1/2 cup reduced-sodium beef broth 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 pound beef tenderloin (filet mignon) or sirloin steak, 1-1 1/4 inches thick, trimmed and cut into 4 steaks 1/4… read the full article.

This time of year, many people begin their journey toward achieving their fat loss goals.  At the same time, many ‘experienced’ exercisers are trying to get back into a groove after a few weeks of holiday cheer.  For both groups as well as any in between, the onset of soreness is almost inevitable after their… read the full article.

Here’s a flourless cookie that has a good amount of protein per cookie that is both filling and satisfying! Ingredients 1 cup peanut butter 1 cup brown sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chunks/chips  Preparation Beat the first 4 ingredients in mixer.  Stir in chocolate.  Drop by tablespoons of dough… read the full article.

Personal Training as a whole has gone through some interesting changes in its perception over many years.  It was once thought of as only being for the super rich or mega sports stars or actors.  It was also looked upon as something that a trainer would do on the side as there could be no… read the full article.

…By Anthony  Investing your money wisely is something that I am sure we’ve all been told will help you thrive in the long term.  We were also told that the more aggressively you invest the higher a return you are subjected to but the amount of risk is much higher as well.  On the other… read the full article.

Serve your family a clean and tasty Thai-inspired chicken dish in just 35 minutes (and it’s freezable!).  Add some steamed veggies on the side and voila! INGREDIENTS: 1/3 cup unsalted dry-roasted peanuts (can use pecans or other nut/seed) 1 1/2 tbsp garlic powder 1 1/2 tsp ginger, ground 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast 1… read the full article.

  …By Anthony  We live in a very financially interesting time to say the least.  Due to past decisions by the country as a whole, it is much more difficult for people to have credit extended to them.  But what if there was a way to have fitness credit extended to you?  It would work… read the full article.

North Point Fitness & Fleet Feet Cordially invite you to MISTLETOE & MORE ************************************************************* Where:                North Point Fitness                                2500 Old Alabama Rd., Ste. 24                                Alpharetta, GA 30076   When:                 Thursday, December 1st  (Mark your calendar)                                7 p.m. to 9 p.m.   What:                 A trunk show by Fleet Feet.  Come try on their sportswear… read the full article.

…By Anthony   I am sure that at some point in life that we’ve all heard that “we get out of it what we put into it.”  This saying is especially true when it comes to maximizing your training in order to meet your goals.  So I ask, “How much E. F. F. O. R. T.… read the full article.

…By Anthony If at any point you have either trained in a gym or have simply played at least one minute of a sport competitively then chances are that you have experienced some sort of pain.  It happens to the best of us and for most regular people pain now occurs during our recreational activities… read the full article.

Yes, you can have pancakes!  With Fall in the air and pumpkins all around you, enjoy this high protein recipe without the guilt for a great breakfast or as a snack! Ingredients: 1 egg 1/4 cup egg whites 1/4 cup pumpkin puree 1 tbsp almond butter 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 tsp pure maple syrup (optional)… read the full article.

SUPER SATURDAY November 5, 2011 FREE WORKOUT, FREE FOOD, FREE RUNNING SEMINAR, FLEET FEET DISCOUNT, PHYSICAL THERAPIST Q & A, RELAX THE BACK INVERSION TABLE DEMO & MORE! 8 am – noon Fleet Feet will have a nice assortment of shoes and clothing for sale! Relax the Back will have a top of the line… read the full article.

…By Anthony It is a well known fact that we LOVE to get new toys here at North Point Fitness.  We recently got some new toys but even though the toys themselves were not very exciting, the reason why we got them is something that we are all pumped about. We already knew that we… read the full article.

…By Anthony I may be crazy but kids today play so much differently than they did years ago.  Now I know there are more ‘bad people’ or at least more coverage of ‘bad people’ these days but there has to be more to it than that.  With childhood obesity growing at an alarming rate, how… read the full article.

Finding tasty and healthy snacks for your kids can be challenging at times.  With so many food choices available at the grocery stores, schools and restaurants paired with lots of marketing tactics on T.V., magazines and colorful packaging–what is a parent to do?  Go with the basics!  Try to always have fresh fruit washed and on the table and… read the full article.

…By Anthony  Every waking moment we are bombarded by commercials touting the latest and greatest fitness equipment.    As fitness coaches we are always getting asked, “What equipment would you buy if you were creating a home gym?”  These days less really is more when it comes to getting the most bang for your buck… read the full article.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!! Here’s your chance to lose the weight before the holidays! 7th Annual FALL BACK TO FITNESS CHALLENGE October 3rd– November 14th KICK OFF PARTY – October 3rd at 7:00 PM Official Confidential Weigh-in Seminar on Nutrition & Exercise DOOR PRIZES! REGISTRATION FEE - $45.00* *Includes the “I Survived FBTFC” T-Shirt Based on Percentage of… read the full article.

…By Anthony  When most people join North Point Fitness their main goal is weight/fat loss.  We have become very good at designing a consistent prescription to maintain such a goal across all of our coaching platforms.  One of our major points of emphasis is the fact that a client with weight/fat loss goals should strength… read the full article.

We have all begun working out for different reasons. Some of us train for a specific sport while many others do so to lose fat as well as become overall healthier individuals. We set our goals and off we go as hard as we can or want to that day to achieve them. I’ve come… read the full article.

Ingredients Cooking spray 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced red bell pepper (about 1 medium) 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced red onion (about 1 medium) 1 (1-pound) flank steak, trimmed and thinly sliced 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 2 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil 3/4 teaspoon sea salt 8 garlic cloves, minced… read the full article.

August 20, 2011 FREE FOOD, FREE GOOD FORM RUNNING SEMINAR, FLEET FEET DISCOUNT & MORE! 8 am – 10 am – New Balance will have their Minimus shoes available for NPF clients to test wear during your work out.  Receive a New Balance Bag and Towel with trial. 10 am – 11 am – Good… read the full article.

Still think “cardio” is the best way to lose fat. Oh contraire my little elliptical rider. We have been preaching the benefits of strength training for fat loss for many years (and proving them with our clients). It’s great to see the research finally catching up with what we know. Thinking about using marathon training… read the full article.

…By Anthony  There are many unwritten rules in marriage and one of them is that you should NEVER try to teach/train your spouse how to do anything.  Always hire a professional and get out of the way.  Well needless to say, I actually broke that rule on at least two occasions that I can remember… read the full article.

…By Anthony  There are a few things that I know for a fact about everyone.  First, we were all kids at some point in time.  Second, we all grew to the point that no matter what our parents were saying to us, it was going in one ear and right out of the other.  That… read the full article.

Here is a great guest post from The Lean Saloon: Every now and then, when I suffer cognitive arrest, I wander onto blogs and forums about diet and weight loss. (And each time I emerge dumber than I already am.) Of course, there are some very useful blogs written by some intelligent individuals. But often… read the full article.

It is a well documented fact that half of the country is either overweight or obese.  At the same time, so many people are on their own personal journey to becoming more fit individuals that you never really know who is who.  I am quite sure that if two people were walking down the street… read the full article.

Are we serious? YES! Are we crazy? Maybe. In appreciation of our awesome clients, we are  offering FREE training on Saturdays in the month of July. You guys know we are always pushing the envelope, looking for new training protocols and you guys are always willing guinea pigs. Come join us in July and try… read the full article.

  …By Anthony  Most people go to work at jobs where they sit down for extended periods of time.  I on the other hand rarely ever get the chance to sit down and that fact got me to thinking about my level of activity outside of actually working out.  I know that there has to… read the full article.

…By Rebecca Growing up as a somewhat “husky” girl surrounded by friends who looked more like un-developed Barbies was hard.  Getting increasingly more uncomfortable in my body as I hit puberty in addition to realizing that losing weight would also aid in my athletic endeavors, namely tennis at the time, I made a conscious decision… read the full article.

YouTube – Foam Roller Series- T-Spine

YouTube – Foam Roller Series- Nasty Shoulders

YouTube – Foam Roller Series- Glutes

YouTube – Foam Roller Series- IT Band

Ingredients 2 lbs heirloom tomatoes 2-3 garlic cloves 1/2 large purple onion, sliced into thin rings Handful of basil leaves, shredded Optional:  2-3T freshly shaved parmesan cheese (can use feta or blue for a different flavor) 3T extra virgin olive oil 2T apple cider vinegar ( can also use white balsamic vinegar) Sea salt Freshly… read the full article.

…By Anthony  This coming November I will have worked at North Point Fitness for six years.  There has never been a day to date that I wanted to be any place else.  I am sure that I speak for every coach at our facility when I say that there are so many reasons that doing… read the full article.

YouTube – Foam Roller Series- Quads and Hip Flexors

YouTube – Foam Roller Series – Hamstrings and Calves http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1NSa8magzM

I’ll bet you don’t give much thought to the shoes you wear to the gym. Most folks don’t. While it’s certainly not THE most important aspect of your fitness program, I’d like to make a few points about your footwear. First, when you are lifting, you want to wear a shoe that has a relatively low heel. The… read the full article.

…By Anthony Even though I am originally from New Jersey, I am not referring to the how the cast of Jersey Shore spend their days. I live in the Metro Atlanta area where GTL does not mean Gym, Tan & Laundry but instead Golf & Tennis Leagues. This post is meant to inform those who… read the full article.

Ingredients 3 1/2 cups oats 1/2 cup sunflower seeds 1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds 1/2 cup wheat germ 1/2 cup oat bran 3 tablespoons flax seeds 1 cup shredded coconut 1 tablespoon cinnamon                                                                                                                                                          1 teaspoon sea salt                                                                                                                                                                  1 1/2 cups creamy natural peanut butter 1 cup honey 4 tablespoons butter, melted 1 – 2 cups… read the full article.

Trish came to NPF looking for someone to create a running schedule to improve her speed.  After running several races on her own with average results, she was curious what she could actually do if she trained.  Her goal was to place in her age group in both a 5K and 10K race.  Not only… read the full article.

…By Anthony Many times after I leave work I have errands to run or other appointments to make. Since I am already in uniform I usually just keep it that way. But I am often saddled with having to make the decision as to whether I should keep the work shirt on, logo and all,… read the full article.

Get the kids off of the coach and into some physical activity with our Student Summer Special! 10 sessions for $350 Contact us for more details

…By Anthony Recent conversation… Client: ”How do you stay motivated?” “I work a long day, sometimes 12 hours and at the end of the day the LAST thing I feel like doing is going to the gym for a workout.” Great question followed by a goal killing excuse. I know that we all have busy… read the full article.

by Rick If I had to name one exercise the gives you the most bang for your buck, it would have to be the Get-up. Here is how it looks: Benefits: This simple exercise builds strength, increases mobility and elevates your heart rate. Due to all of the different planes of motion, you will build stability and mobility in… read the full article.

by Rick Mayo The human body is an amazing machine. It has the uncanny ability to adapt to a wide variety of stresses. Whether that stress comes from internal or external sources, your body is always in a battle to adapt and create a balance between the stress and the adaptation to that stress. A… read the full article.

…By Anthony At North Point Fitness we pride ourselves on staying abreast of the latest research in the fitness industry. This allows us to be able to provide the safest, most effective training programs possible for our clientele at all times. At the same time, this is not what sets us apart from the other… read the full article.

    …By Anthony   One recent Sunday I just happened to sleep in until just after 5:00a. I know, it sounds crazy but when you routinely get up at 3:30a or 4:00a then 5:00a is about all my body will allow me to get. I turned on the television to pass some time since… read the full article.

Shannon gave birth to two children in two years and was the heaviest she had ever been. She started at NPPT in December, 2009 and has lost 30 lbs. and dropped 2 sizes during this time. Since Shannon’s last pregnancy, she has dropped a total of 80 lbs.! Shannon’s Workout Schedule • Strength Training at… read the full article.

Phyllis came to NPPT in November, 2009 at the age of 72. She had not been exercising for several years and had gained weight. We asked Phyllis what her favorite food was and she said she likes EVERYTHING and that was part of the problem! Phyllis also felt her physical condition was terrible. She kept… read the full article.

Jenifer has always been an exercise hater and nonchalant dieter, so her story is nothing short of a miracle. She has been a client of NPPT for a very long time and was always happy to come in twice a week, exercise a little and chat even more. She was satisfied that her attendance was… read the full article.

Matt began working out at NPPT in January, 2010. His wife had attended a workshop at Fleet Feet and won a month of training at NPPT. She was unable to use it, so she gave it to her husband. Matt was thrilled as he was very ready to begin a healthier lifestyle and improve his… read the full article.

Terry began working out at NPPT in April, 2008. This year he was turning 60 and wanted to be in better shape, feel and look better, especially at the beach. For over a year, he had been trying to lose weight with his own program and had reduced his weight from 216 to around 200… read the full article.

Nan began working out at NPPT in mid-November, 2009 and has become a “new” person. She has lost 75 lbs. through HARD work but now has a life she thought was impossible. WORKOUT SCHEDULE Afterburn – 1x week Strength Training at NPPT – 1x week Daily dog walking 1 mile plus Bike ride – 2x… read the full article.

Roma began working out at NPPT in January, 2010 to lose weight and get healthy. To date, she has lost close to 20 pounds and is proud to say she now has a “waist.” Roma has tripled her strength and is an inspiration to her family and friends. WORKOUT SCHEDULE • Afterburn -2x week •… read the full article.

Jim was in an auto accident in January, 2008. He had gained weight, lost strength and endurance. He was suffering from anxiety and depression and wanted to make a life change. JIM’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS Jim began with the Biggest Loser Getting Thinner Challenge in October, 2009 at NPPT. At first, Jim was just focused on losing… read the full article.

They started working out at NPPT in February, 2008. They wanted some quality time together and the workouts they were doing were getting stale. STEVE & SHERI’S WORKOUT SCHEDULE • Afterburn 2 to 3x per week • Weight Train at NPPT 1x per week • Open gym STEVE & SHERI’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS Sheri has lost some… read the full article.

She began working out at NPPT in October 2009. Susan has lost over 20 lbs, several inches and a few clothing sizes by being consistent with her exercise and nutrition. SUSAN’S WORKOUT SCHEDULE Strength training and Circuits at NPPT 5x per week SUSAN’S KEY TO MOTIVATION Having great friends and a being in a good… read the full article.

She began working out at NPPT in March 2009. In her fat loss journey, Tanya has lost over 40 lbs and 9 inches from her waistline by being diligent and consistent with her workouts and nutrition. TANYA’S WORKOUT SCHEDULE • Strength train at NPPT 2x per week • Afterburn circuits at NPPT 3 to 4x… read the full article.

She started exercising at NPPT to tackle extra pounds from creeping on and to regain strength after major neck surgery. In the process, Karla has lost 20 lbs. KARLA’S WORKOUT SCHEDULE • Weight train at NPPT 2x per week • Afterburn 2 to 3x per week • Yoga 1x per week KARLA’S KEY TO MOTIVATION… read the full article.

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR EXERCISE PROGRAM HERE AT NPPT? June 2007 WHY DID YOU START EXERCISING? I first participated in running 5 & 10 k’s, bike races, then triathlons for 10 years. I got vertigo and had to quit swimming, so my wife and I started running ½ marathons, and now I’m a competitive… read the full article.

I started working out at NPPT March 11, 2009. I work out to be as healthy as I can be. It does help with personal appearence, as well as personal esteem. I enjoy watching the young kids trying to keep up with me! My current regime is to workout once a week with a trainer,… read the full article.

Alec’s 10 week accomplishments • Lost 10 lbs and 1.5 inches off of his waist! • Lowered his 10K time by 7 minutes! • Increased his push-up and leg strength by 115%! • Nearly doubled his core endurance! Why did you start exercising? As a management consultant, business travel is common during my work week,… read the full article.

Lost 26 lbs! Went from a size 12 to a size 8! Increased her strength on SL squats from 0 to 20+! Here is the story as told by Jolita: I started exercising for the first time “EVER” on December 21, 2009. I decided on a personal trainer, because I had no idea how to… read the full article.

After surviving three surgeries to remove a brain tumor, Paul found himself out of shape and overweight. Understandably, Paul’s activity level was nonexistent. He began training at North Point Personal Training in May of ’03. He was 283 lbs. with a 44 inch waist and very poor balance from the surgery. Not only did Paul… read the full article.

All her life, Sandy Campbell had to watch what she ate. No matter how much she exercised, she couldn’t keep her weight down or her cholesterol at a safe level. She realized that exercise alone was not keeping her healthy. “I always wanted to look better in my clothes and look like I “worked out”,… read the full article.

Chris Armistead first came to North Point Personal Training in 1995 at the age of 15. He had struggled with weight most of his life and was ready to make changes. He lost 50 pounds over six months & kept it off throughout high school. Once in college, however, he let his workout routine slip… read the full article.

Fifteen years ago, Cindy McAndrew’s daughter used the mother-daughter “bonding experience” angle to convince her mom to join a gym with her…and to foot the bill! Luckily, the plan had another effect–Cindy realized how much she enjoyed the “gym” experience. Commitment to working out can be a real obstacle for some. But today, after having… read the full article.

After eight months and a combined weight loss of 70 pounds, Andy Glover and Jay Vignale have the same problem that motivated them back in March—they still don’t fit into their clothes. Fortunately, this time, it’s for much better reasons. “I lost 40 lbs., 6” in my waist, and went from 25% body fat to… read the full article.

Beth Leonard, left, with trainer Joanne Blakey April 3rd is a special day for Beth Leonard. She’s celebrating her 1-year anniversary of losing and keeping off 30 pounds! Reflecting on what she accomplished, Beth felt compelled to write her personal “Ten Best Payoffs of Working Out.” She kindly agreed to share it with us. The Ten Best Payoffs… read the full article.

Charlie Petry needed a physical therapist after being diagnosed with arthritis in his three lower back vertebras. He chose North Point Personal Training’s Ken Whitlow, P.T., based on the recommendation of a former patient who had nothing but praise for Ken’s skills. “I worked with Ken for 8 weeks, and he did a great job… read the full article.

Jim Millar suffered an injury in January of 2005 while skiing in Utah. During his 7 months of recovery, he gained weight and fell out of shape. Jim had always worked out on his own, but was having trouble getting back into a routine and struggling to lose the extra weight. His friend, Rick Beggs,… read the full article.

The Buftons’ goals were to lose weight, get in shape, and have a scheduled routine that made them accountable on a daily and weekly basis. They chose NPPT because they knew Andrea when she was working as an Athletic Trainer many years ago at a school where Bill was coaching. Sally started working out in… read the full article.

After years of no structured dietary or exercise program, Shelley Walker was ready for a lifestyle change. She had driven by NPPT every day for quite some time, so she finally decided to stop in and find out what may be available to help her. Shelley met with a personal trainer and soon chose to… read the full article.

The “Inspiration” goes to Eleni Martine! Eleni began training with Rick over 15 years ago before NPPT first opened. Over the years, Eleni’s goals have significantly grown from power lifting her way to becoming extremely fit, and now training to maximize her soccer performance. Playing since college, she is now part of an elite-level over… read the full article.

I met Andrea (one of the owners of NPPT) at Footnotes Dance Studio, where our daughters take dance lessons, many years ago. When I asked her what she did to stay in shape, she told me about NPPT (then known as Good Bodies). I didn’t consider myself a candidate for personal training. Too athletic, intense,… read the full article.

After receiving a gift certificate to NPPT from their children, the Birmingham’s started working out with Joe and have been going strong ever since. The Birmingham’s goals were to condition, gain a sense of balance, and improve flexibility and weight control. The Birmingham’s Workout Schedule & Nutrition: Weight training at NPPT – 2 days a… read the full article.

Craig started training with NPPT on January 4, 2007. Craig is very involved with Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, a ground grappling martial art. Body weights matter a lot in self-defense and combat sports, and specifically, muscle mass can be a major advantage. Craig was holding his own, but wanted to see what adding muscle would do. Because… read the full article.

I am so impressed with Adam’s story that I decided to write it for him. Not that Adam didn’t give me enough information for our success story page; he is just such a humble guy that I wanted to make sure we were able to relay the scope of his accomplishments. Adam is one of… read the full article.

I Lost 23 lbs of fat! Nancy lost 23 lbs of pure fat on minimal exercise. By adjusting her eating habits and building some fat burning lean tissue, Nancy was able to drop from a size 12 to a size 6! Nancy’s success demonstrates how we can all lose fat despite a super busy schedule.… read the full article.

Susan has always been conscious of her weight and taking care of herself.  Exercise has always been a large part of that, which consisted of running 3 to 4 times a week.  As Susan got older, she felt like she wasn’t getting the same results with her cardio routine.  She knew she needed to add… read the full article.

YouTube – Kettlebell Swing to Squat

YouTube – Pallof Press

YouTube – Nikki’s Santa Swings with the 32kg

YouTube – Swing Overs

YouTube – TRX Rockers

YouTube – TRX Rollouts

YouTube – Double Kettlebell Swings

YouTube – Contra Lateral Step Ups

YouTube – Plyo Step Ups

YouTube – Step Ups

YouTube – Monthly Minute 1: Face Pulls

YouTube – Sit Outs

YouTube – Monthly Minute 2: Meal Frequency NOT Important for Fat Loss

YouTube – Andrea does 100 lb kettlebell swings. Easy!

YouTube – Climbing on the 20 yd Pole Course

YouTube – Monthly Minute 3- Training with Sliders

YouTube – Monthly Minute 4- Travel Workouts

YouTube – Monthly Minute 5- Quad/Hip Flexor Stretch

YouTube – Kettlebells vs Donuts

YouTube – Hazing the Interns- Power Wheel Crawl

YouTube – Monthly Minute 6- Deck of Cards Workout

YouTube – Monthly Minute 7

YouTube – Modified Muscle-ups

YouTube – Tiger Push Ups

YouTube – Monthly Minute 8- Holiday Circuit

YouTube – Andrea does Clean and Press with 24kg Kettlebell

YouTube -

YouTube – Foam Roller Series- T Spine

No dumbbells, no barbells, no problem by Alwyn Cosgrove
Muscles are just plain dumb. Despite their ability at some level to perform amazing Cirque De Soleil type feats, muscles only ‘know’ two things – stretch and tension. They can’t differentiate between stretches (whether the stretch is coming from yoga or from Taekwon-do kicking) or types

by Rick Mayo It seems like just yesterday when we opened our doors. It was actually 1992! It is amazing how much has changed in our area and in our industry. On the other hand, a lot of things have stayed the same. Please indulge me for a moment while I reflect. When we opened… read the full article.

By Natalie Logan, RD, LD There is nothing more satisfying than waking up to a freshly brewed cup of coffee. If you’re like 71% of the U.S., coffee is your choice of caffeine second only to sodas and tea. Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in the leaves, seeds, or fruit of over sixty plants… read the full article.

By Rick Mayo, owner of NPPT I believe the definition of insanity is: Doing the same thing and expecting different results. This definition certainly applies to your health and fitness goals. If you want to make changes in your weight, performance or quality of life you must change something about your exercise program. These changes… read the full article.

By Rick Mayo, NPPT owner “KISS” is a term that I heard often from various coaches during my short-lived sports career. It means “Keep it simple stupid.” Though it sounds harsh, it was often the perfect advice for the situation at hand. I believe the “KISS” theory to be invaluable in several areas of life,… read the full article.

by Natalie Logan, RD, LD Ever wondered if you have a fast or slow metabolism? Have you ever heard someone say, “My metabolism must be slow because I’m not losing any weight”? Some people who are trying to lose weight and can’t seem to get the pounds to budge tend to blame their metabolism for… read the full article.

By Ken Whitlow, Physical Therapist Back pain is no laughing matter. Even the simplest movement can provoke pain, but in most instances back dysfunction is the accumulation of months or even years of bad posture, poor body mechanics, stressful living and work habits, loss of flexibility and an overall lack of physical fitness. The good… read the full article.

by Rick Mayo Think about how tough it can be to workout four or five times a week. Consider how hard it is to push yourself beyond your comfort zone by exercising at high intensities. Also, consider the resolve required to eat healthy and maintain a healthy lifestyle with temptations all around you. If you… read the full article.

by Rick Mayo The word “core” is the latest buzz in the fitness industry. I receive a lot of questions regarding the core and how it affects the aesthetics and function of our bodies. First, I should explain that the core is more than the abs that are visible on the models in fitness commercials.… read the full article.

by Rick Mayo Haven’t we all used that phrase when it comes to our dietary and workout habits? We make promises to ourselves about our behavioral changes on a Friday afternoon and then use that as an excuse to go “hog wild” over the weekend. This same scenario is often used for January 1st. I… read the full article.

by Rick Mayo The average weight gain during the holidays is 5 – 7 pounds! If you don’t want to end up looking like Santa, you need to take a few precautions. A realistic goal would be to maintain your current weight and fitness levels throughout the holiday season. These five tips will help you… read the full article.

Which is Best for Weight Loss? By Rick Mayo If you have ever visited a health club, you may have noticed something. It seems as if all of the “fit looking” people are working out with weights while the people that appear “unfit” are sweating it out on the cardiovascular machines. Why is that? Researchers… read the full article.

Studies prove that people who keep a food and exercise log are more successful at losing weight and maintaining their weight loss. Though it may seem too laborious at first, you will soon find that by simply recording your activities your habits will begin to improve. If you have the courage to respect your body,… read the full article.

The success of the NBC hit The Biggest Loser is more evidence that we are facing an obesity crisis. The challenge the show creates for fitness professionals is “does The Biggest Loser give us an accurate depiction of what is realistic in terms of sustainable weight loss”.  The unfortunate fact is that over 90% of The Biggest Loser… read the full article.

Theories on why we crave sugar Research has found that sugar has addictive properties complete with a serotonin rise and crash as well as some cranky withdrawal symptoms.  Withdrawal happens when the person’s body becomes so dependent on sugar that once it is removed, the person’s body reacts in an abnormal manner, which accounts for… read the full article.

Ingredients 1 ripe peeled avocado 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely chopped tomato, divided 3 tablespoons minced fresh onion, divided 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, divided 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon minced seeded jalapeño pepper 2 cups shredded skinless, boneless rotisserie chicken breast 1/4… read the full article.

Ingredients Cooking Spray 1 ½ cups crispy rice cereal 2 ¼ cups bagel chips or pita chips 5 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil (divided 3tsp., then 2) ¾ tsp. smoked or hot paprika Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 6-8oz. of plain Greek yogurt (2%), divided 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts… read the full article.

Ingredients 1 onion – chopped 2 cloves garlic – minced 1 lb extra lean Turkey – ground 1 (4oz) can chopped green chilies 1 ½ tsp ground cumin 1 ½ tsp dried oregano ½ tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp turmeric Ground cayenne pepper to taste Ground white pepper to taste 2 cans Cannellini beans (rinsed)… read the full article.

Ingredients 1/4 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/8 tsp. salt 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 cup rolled oats 1/4 cup flax seed meal 1/4 cup wheat germ 2 oz. dark chocolate, finely chopped 1/4 cup… read the full article.

Ingredients Chicken: 2 tbsp. olive oil 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar 1 tbsp. fresh chopped rosemary 1 tbsp. minced garlic 4- 4 oz. chicken cutlets 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper Preparation 1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large Ziploc bag. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper and place in the bag, seal. Marinate… read the full article.

Ingredients ½ cup crumpled light blue cheese 6T light sour cream ¼ cup light mayo 1T cider vinegar ¼ tsp celery salt 2 cucumbers, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded & sliced thin 9 celery ribs, sliced thin, leaves reserved Salt and pepper ½ cup hot sauce 2T unsalted butter, melted 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts(about 1… read the full article.

Ingredients 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup diced zucchini 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 cup chopped seeded tomato 9 large eggs Preparation Heat oil in a 10-inch nonstick… read the full article.

Ingredients 1 – 8oz can reduced-sodium tomato sauce 1 – 4oz can chopped green chiles, drained 3T cider vinegar 2T honey 1T paprika 1T tomato paste 1T Worcestershire sauce 1T vegetable oil 2 tsp dry mustard 1 tsp ground chipotle chile 1/2 tsp sea salt 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast 1 small onion,… read the full article.

Ingredients 1 cup buttermilk 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 2 eggs 2T canola oil 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup oat bran 1/2 cup ground flaxseed 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 1/4 baking powder 1 tsp sea salt 1/2 tsp baking soda Topping: 1 cup packed… read the full article.

Ingredients 3 tsp chili powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp pepper 1/4 tsp salt 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4oz each) 2 tsp canola oil 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup frozen corn 1 cup salsa 2 cups cooked brown rice Preparation Combine the chili powder, cumin, pepper… read the full article.

Ingredients 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped 1 cup dried cranberries 2 cups red cabbage, finely chopped 2 cups green cabbage, finely chopped ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion Dressing ½ cup cider vinegar ½ veggie oil 1 tsp celery seed Preparation In a small bowl, mix dressing ingredients together. Put the chopped salad ingredients into… read the full article.

Ingredients 1 1/2 tsp olive oil 1 lb chicken breast 3 large carrots, diced 3 celery stalks, diced 3-4 scallions, sliced 1/3 cup brown rice (uncooked) 2 tsp thyme 1 can (14.5oz) no-salt added diced tomatoes, including juice 8 cups low-sodium chicken stock Preparation Heat olive oil in medium saucepan and add chicken and saute… read the full article.

Ingredients 3 cooked chicken breasts, chopped 1 large peeled cucumber, chopped 1 large red pepper, chopped 2-3 celery stalks, chopped ¼ cup yellow onion, chopped 2 tsp oregano Salt and pepper to taste ½ cup plain fat free Greek yogurt ½ cup low fat mayo Preparation Just mix all ingredients together in a big bowl.… read the full article.

Ingredients 3 pounds of fat-free turkey ¼ cup seasoned bread crumbs ½ cup finely diced onions 2 egg whites, lightly beaten ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 10 shakes Worskershire sauce Preparation In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, seasoned bread crumbs,… read the full article.

Ingredients 4 chicken breasts sautéed or grilled & chopped 3 cans black beans drained & washed 3 mangos chopped ½ red onion chopped ½ c. cilantro chopped 1 tsp. chopped garlic 1 T chili powder 1 T cumin 3 T olive oil ½ c. lime juice Mix all ingredients and chill. Serve over shredded lettuce… read the full article.

Ingredients Four hours before serving, mix together in a medium size bowl: 8 oz. light cream cheese 8 oz. light sour cream 1/2 packet taco seasoning 4-8 oz. hot salsa (to taste) 1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilies Gently stir in: 4 green onions (tops & bottoms chopped) 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese… read the full article.

Ingredients Nonstick cooking spray 1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.) 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 2 cups fat-free milk 10 oz. cooked chicken breast, cut into chunks 11 oz. canned whole-kernel corn, drained 1 ½ tsp. cornstarch or 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. water 2… read the full article.

Ingredients Cooking spray 3 tbsp. margarine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 – 1/2 cup crushed corn flakes 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. paprika 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1 – 2 lbs. chicken tenders (or chicken breasts) Preparation Heat oven to 425 degrees; spray 13 x 9 x 2 pan with cooking spray;… read the full article.

Ingredients Crust: 1 lb. frozen bread dough, thawed and at room temperature* ¼ cup pizza sauce ½ tsp. garlic powder ¼ tsp. Italian herb seasoning Turkey Sausage Filling: ½ lb. turkey smoked sausage, sliced very thin ½ onion, sliced 1 green, red, and/or yellow bell pepper, sliced 4 oz. grated, low fat cheese (mozzarella or… read the full article.

Ingredients 1 cup lager beer 1/4 cup lemon juice 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme 1 teaspoon pepper 2 teaspoons honey 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 3 garlic cloves, minced 4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves Cooking spray Preparation Combine first… read the full article.

Ingredients 2 cups sugar 2 cups Libby’s canned pumpkin ½ cup canola oil ½ cup sugar-free vanilla pudding 4 large egg whites 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 ¼ teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips Cooking spray Preparation Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine first 5 ingredients… read the full article.

Ingredients Publix Italian Pizza Dough (from bakery) 8 oz tomato sauce 1 fresh tomato (cut into slices) 1 piece of grilled chicken (cut into small pieces) 1 cup part-skim, low-moisture mozzarella cheese Optional: Any vegetable, fruit, lean protein, be creative!* Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare dough as package instructs. Add tomato sauce, fresh vegetables,… read the full article.

Ingredients 2 pints of cherry tomatoes 3T of olive oil 2T minced garlic ½ cup reduced fat feta cheese Basil, thyme, & parsley, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper in casserole dish. Cook for 15-20 minutes until tomatoes are thoroughly… read the full article.

Ingredients Berries: 2 cups fresh raspberries 1 1/2 cups fresh blackberries 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons orange juice Cake: 1 cup cake flour 1 cup powdered sugar, divided 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 3/4 cup granulated sugar 12 large egg whites 1 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2… read the full article.

Ingredients 2 slices of honey roasted deli turkey (or desired flavor) 4 chicken cutlets (4oz each) 2 slices of light Baby Swiss cheese ½ cup bread crumbs 2 egg whites 2T light margarine Garlic powder Black pepper Preparation Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray shallow baking dish with Pam Spray. Roll ½ turkey slice and… read the full article.

Ingredients 1-2 bananas 2 or more organic kale leaves 1 cup ice 1 cup water Optional: Greens (collards, turnips, etc.) Beets Carrots Plain Greek yogurt Berries, mangos or any other fruit of choice Walnuts Flaxseeds Vanilla Preparation Cut banana into chunks and put in blender. Add 2 or more leaves of kale (run kale under… read the full article.

Ingredients ½ cup dry roasted salted peanuts ½ cup roasted sunflower seeds or other chopped nuts 2 cups raisins or other chopped fruit 2 cups rolled or instant oats 2 cups rice cereal (i.e. Rice Krispies) ¼ cup toasted wheat germ (optional) ½ cup creamy or crunchy natural peanut butter ½ cup packed brown sugar… read the full article.

Hearty Tortilla Soup Ingredients 10 corn tortillas, halved and thinly sliced Cooking Spray 1-2 tablespoons canola oil 3 Anaheim peppers, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 1 tsp cumin 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken, cut in small pieces 2 cans Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies 4 cups chicken broth 2 tablespoons lime juice ½ cup… read the full article.

Grilled Balsamic Skirt Steak with Sauteed Baby Spinach & Tomato Vidalia Blue Cheese Salad Ingredients 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar 1-2 garlic cloves, minced 1 pound skirt steak, trimmed and cut into 4 pieces Cooking spray 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper… read the full article.

Hi honey, I’d like you to meet our new neighbors…… No not Swinging, I mean literally swinging, as in from the ceiling. This is one of those exercises that looks more like play than work, which is exactly what makes it so effective with our clients. Every time we demonstrate these we get a big… read the full article.

…By Anthony For the most part, receiving a gift from someone for whatever the occasion may be is a very good thing. But when it comes to giving the gift of fitness there is a stigma attached to it that forces people to steer clear of the subject. So many people feel uncomfortable giving a… read the full article.

…By Anthony For the most part, receiving a gift from someone for whatever the occasion may be is a very good thing. But when it comes to giving the gift of fitness there is a stigma attached to it that forces people to steer clear of the subject. So many people feel uncomfortable giving a… read the full article.

Hip mobility is pretty nasty in most of our new clients. It’s no wonder in our sitting centric society that we aren’t very flexible. We can change that, but it’s going to take a little work. Below is one of the stretches that we recommend daily (more than once, if you’re on your butt all day). This stretch will… read the full article.

By Anthony…(Adapted from “Easier By The Day”, Experience L!fe Magazine Jan/Feb 2011) Many people are of the mindset that they really do not like exercise. It may be too boring, too long or even too painful. Just like many things that we learn to do in life, the more we expose ourselves to it the… read the full article.

…By Anthony The Tabata protocol is a high-intensity training regimen that produces remarkable results. A Tabata workout (also called a Tabata sequence) is an interval training cycle of 20 seconds of maximum intensity exercise, followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated without pause 8 times for a total of four minutes. In a group context,… read the full article.

What a redneck says before he takes a run at this icy hill, “hey boy, watch this” By Rick We finally completed ice fest 2011 in the ATL!! In case you live under a rock, we were paralyzed for nearly a week with icy roads. As usual, every challenge presents an opportunity and the weather provided… read the full article.

By: Anthony This past December I decided to try to find a way to continue to work on my golf game while I knew the weather would be getting continually worse as the winter approached.  I did some research and finally settled on the Optishot Indoor Golf Simulator.  I did so for the following reasons:… read the full article.

Great tool for any commercial facility or home gym.

The “poor man’s massage”. A great tool for muscle recovery and health.

Made of a textured rubber shell and are filled with air. These are our strongest, most durable medicine ball. Bounces

This quality interval timer will make any workout easier to plan and execute with more accuracy and consistency.

For performance enhancement and sports specific training.

For performance enhancement and sports specific training.