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 […]

Exercise Functional Strength Injury Prevention

Joints make noise when you move? This one’s for you.

Have you ever noticed a popping sound in your joints when you move? This phenomenon is known as crepitus, and it’s common for many of our in-home personal training clients in Toronto, Collingwood, and Hamilton, (and virtual personal training clients everywhere). While it can sometimes be alarming, crepitus is usually nothing to worry about. That said, in some cases, it can […]

Balance Core Strength Exercise

Leg Swings: Why We Love Them

If you’ve ever seen someone at the gym or in the park swinging their leg back and forth like a human pendulum, you’ve likely witnessed one of the most underrated warm-up exercises: leg swings. This simple, dynamic movement can play a powerful role in prepping your body for action and preventing injury. Whether you’re working with a virtual personal trainer […]

Exercise Fat Loss Fitness

3 Rules for Fitness Success

As experienced in-home and virtual personal trainers, we know that creating the perfect workout routine is impossible – and unnecessary! There’s no need to spend hours in the gym each day meticulously tracking every pound you lift or shed, unless that’s something you actually enjoy.With the right approach, you can maximize your long-term health and results without encroaching too much […]

Balance Core Strength Exercise

Why We Love Side Planks

If you’re looking for a simple yet highly effective exercise to strengthen your core, improve stability, reduce lower back discomfort, and enhance overall fitness, then side planks are for you. Nielsen Fitness trainers use this staple movement in almost every client program – and for good reason. Read on to learn the benefits of the side plank, how to perform […]