Equipment

Vibration plates: What you need to know

Vibration plates have grown in popularity over the last two decades. Marketed as a time-saving tool to improve strength, flexibility, and even bone density, these platforms promise results with minimal effort. But are these claims backed by science? Where did these devices originate, and what were they initially intended for? Read on to learn the history, mechanics, intended use, and […]

Healthy Living Outdoor Exercise

How to avoid dehydration when exercising in summer

Summer has arrived, and it’s the perfect time to take your workouts outside. Whether you prefer running, hiking, biking (or a strength session with your Nielsen Fitness personal trainer in the backyard!), there’s something energizing about exercising under the sun. That said, as temperatures rise, so does the risk of dehydration. When you exercise in the heat, your body sweats […]

Exercise Fitness Success

The Art and Science of Maintenance Training

Often people think of exercise in extremes: either they’re going all in, chasing new personal records and sculpting six-packs, or they’re completely off the wagon, convincing themselves that walking to the fridge counts as cardio. But what about the middle ground? The sweet spot where you’re not trying to build big, but simply trying to maintain what you’ve got? That’s […]

Healthy Living Nutrition

Protein: How much do you (really) need?

Protein is always a hot topic in fitness and nutrition conversations. Whether you’re aiming to build lean muscle, shed a few pounds, or simply stay fit, protein plays an important role in achieving your goals. As our in-home and virtual personal trainers advise, your protein intake should be tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle, and routine. Understanding how much protein […]

RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion): What it is and why is it important?

If you want see real results from your exercise routine, how you measure effort matters. While this can be difficult to do on your own, there’s a simple tool that’s beneficial for experienced athletes and everyday exercisers alike: Rate of Perceived Exertion. This method of tracking intensity doesn’t rely on fancy heart rate monitors or fitness trackers — it uses […]

Equipment Exercise Fitness

Why we love band pulls (aka scapular retractions)

If you want to improve your posture, alleviate upper-back discomfort, and further enhance your foundation for total-body strength, scapular retractions should be on your radar. Using a resistance band to perform scapular retractions is a fantastic way to target key postural muscles, enhance shoulder mobility, and prevent injury. It’s a versatile exercise that fits into any routine, making it a […]

Exercise Fitness Functional Strength

Exercising with chronic pain: What you need to know

Living with chronic pain can feel like a constant battle. “An estimated 7.63 million, or one in four Canadians aged 15 or older, live with chronic pain” (Canadian Pain Task Force Report: September 2020). Whether it’s caused by arthritis, fibromyalgia, or past injuries, persistent pain often limits movement, reduces quality of life, and makes even simple tasks feel daunting. Understandably, many people […]

Exercise

Full Body Workouts vs Splits

When it comes to designing an effective fitness program, one of the most common questions Nielsen Fitness trainers are asked is whether a full-body workout or a split routine is more beneficial. Each approach has its pros and cons, and the right choice often depends on your goals, schedule, and experience level. Whether you’re training with one of our virtual […]

Balance Core Strength Fitness

Why we love downward dog

Whether you’re new to mobility work or have been practicing for years, the downward dog should be a regular part of your routine. “The downward dog pose—also known as downward-facing dog, down dog, or Adho Mukha Svanasana in Sanskrit—is perhaps one of the most recognizable in yoga practices. Although it’s often associated with flexibility, the benefits go far beyond that” (Well […]

Exercise Fitness Fitness Tips

Why calf strength matters and how to achieve it

When it comes to building lower body strength, it’s easy to focus on your quads, glutes, and hamstrings: they’re large, major muscle groups. However, there’s another key muscle group that deserves equal attention: your calf muscles. These hard-working structures power everyday movements and athletic performance, yet they’re easy to neglect in training routines. Whether you’re working with one of our […]