I recently learned about Disq classes offered at Crunch Fitness locations all over the city and was curious about how this wearable workout device actually works—and how easy it is to use. Originally created for speed skaters, Disq, which involves adjustable straps, basically lets you turn up the resistance while doing various exercises to make your workout more challenging.
Season's Eatings
Turkey by the Ton
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share what you’re thankful for, and, yes, eat tons of food. Though that golden-brown, gravy-drenched bird tastes amazing, it may stick around your waistline longer than your memories of the special day. And if you’re fortunate enough to take a winter vacation, a turkey gut isn’t what you want boys to notice when you prance down the beach in your smallest Speedo. So how can you look good without skipping seconds? Here are five ways to quickly shed those post-supper pounds!
Road to Recovery
No one can really prepare for an injury or the need for surgery. Life happens, and sometimes it leaves you flat on your back in a hospital bed, which can put a major dent in your fitness routine. There’s often a lot of pain, weight gain, loss of muscle mass, mental anguish, and solitude involved in the healing process. Unless you’ve gone through something like this, it’s difficult to understand. I speak from personal experience.
Those Who Row Know
Like many other fitness trends, rowing classes are quickly popping up all over the city, similar to the way spin classes have grown in popularity over the years. If you’re like me, you find bike seats extremely uncomfortable—and that bike seat may creep deeper into your nether region than you’re probably comfortable experiencing in a group setting. On the other hand, the seats on a row machine give the support I need without making me feel like I’m receiving a public prostate exam. All of this is a sign that row classes like the Full Body 45 class at Chelsea’s Row House are here to stay.
Gym Etiquette: Don't Be That Person
Fitness: Don't Push It
When it comes to fitness, most of us want fast results. However, if I may compare fitness to finance, getting in shape should be viewed as a long-term investment with small payouts over time. You may be spending more time at the gym, pushing yourself beyond the max and not allowing rest days in fear of losing gains. In fact, these ambitious training efforts can often lead to loss of muscle mass and strength due to overtraining and not allowing your muscles to properly recover. How do you know if you’ve been overtraining?
Finding Time for Fitness
After hitting the snooze button for the 10th time, you wake up 30 minutes before you have to be at work, take a power shower, throw on your least wrinkled outfit, and run out the door, barely leaving enough time to grab a coffee. Then you get to work and realize you have five meetings, four conference calls, 100 emails, lunch with a client, and a networking event that evening. Sound familiar?
Body Talk: Staying Fit After 40
Turning 40 is often viewed as a crossroads. For some, that means a midlife crisis, and some turn to binge drinking. With our culture’s glorification of youth in fashion and media, it’s not hard to see why a lot of people fear the big 4-0. So what’s a 40-plus-year-old man supposed to do? Get in shape and own your fantastic, well-earned age! That’s what fashion influencer Paul Margolin, president of Marc Bouwer, does. At 49, he’s ripped and hot as hell. So how does he stay in such great shape? Let him tell you in his own words. —DW
Weight Watchers
One of the top questions I’m asked as a personal trainer is whether it’s better to lift heavier weights with lower reps or to lift lighter weights with higher reps. The answer is neither. Both methods have their purpose and both can help you meet your fitness goals. Which one you should focus on depends on your particular goals. Are you trying to gain muscle mass? Do you want to lift more than most humans? Do you want to lose weight? Do you want to get jacked? All of these will have an impact on which end of the spectrum you should focus on.