You may have heard from popular weight loss programs or magazines that 30-60 minutes of cardio a few times a week is necessary for weight loss.  The usual “traditional cardio” plan is to hop on the treadmill or elliptical, or head on over to a spin, Zumba, or kickboxing class because you need to get your cardio in.  Maybe that’s just what you’ve always done so that’s what you still do.  

But there’s a better and more efficient way to lose weight & burn body fat than the traditional prescribed 30-60 minutes a couple times a week especially if you have been doing the same thing for years, the time required is unrealistic, you don’t stick with it, or you hate every minute of it. Read the rest of this entry »

Who needs chocolate when you’ve been gifted my 4 minute Valentine’s Day Abs Workout?  You’ve got 4 minutes, yes?  Try this workout today as my special treat to you!

Strength & Love!

Chances are you have struggled with weight loss for so long you’re beginning to wonder if something is wrong with you.  Maybe it’s just impossible for your body to rid excess body fat because of your metabolism, hormones, age, lack of will power, etc.

Over the past several years, I’ve watched myself and my clients sabotage efforts to lose weight even though we know exactly how to eat, or exactly what exercise works, and we have a deep desire to do it.  So what gives?  Why can’t we follow through? Read the rest of this entry »

Do you find yourself eating the same things over and over again?  While this is a good strategy when just starting to focus on following the nutrition for weight loss guidelines, sometimes it can get boring.  Last week, Suzanne asked if I could post some fresh snack ideas.  Try these out and let me know what you think.  Post your favorite balanced snacks in the “Leave A Reply” box below and I’ll create a downloadable booklet as your “go to” guide whenever you find yourself in a snack rut. Click To Read More

The following 3 elements must be in place over time (not just 6 weeks or 30 days as some online fitness ‘pro’s’ would have you believe). Read the rest of this entry »

Hi there!

Everyday, I work with clients face to face, listen to their questions, share methods, inspire them to take action, become inspired by their progress and all that great stuff that comes with being a personal trainer.  But I absolutely love reaching out to you online and getting your questions and feedback.  Thank you for your questions!

Today, Becca asked me what my opinion is on the Biggest Loser Slim Coach and the Body Bug. Read the rest of this entry »

Motivation Tips To Keep You Moving Forward

In life and in weight loss you will have days when you just can’t get motivated, especially if you’re feeling

• overwhelmed
• fatigued
• or not in the mood.

Life Coach, Faith Davis has generously offered her professional tips that can help create the motivation you need to get you back in the groove of exercise, self-care, and eating well.  Pay particular attention to the Recharge paragraph.  It’s my personal favorite! Read the rest of this entry »

Increase Your Metabolism In The Morning

1. Eat (a good) Breakfast

A good hearty breakfast ignites your metabolism for the entire day. This one is the simplest tasks but I am always surprised by how many people still skip breakfast. EAT. You have been sleeping and have not eaten for about 8 hours. Your body has been registering “fasting” over all this time. It thinks “I’m starving” and as a result, goes into the “must keep fat stores to survive” mode. Worse yet is over time, your Read the rest of this entry »

I am thrilled to be Power Plate North America’s Featured Facility for 2011. See the entire post here:

Located in Chicago’s Riverwest neighborhood, Jilltrains Wellness & Fitness is an inviting loft studio environment recognizing that one’s fitness goals require hard work–not the hard knocks.

This boutique fitness studio specializes in the strengths and needs of women over 40. The workouts pave the way to maximizing gain and minimizing pain by focusing on flexibility, core strength, bone strength, balance, muscle toning and strengthening the entire body with Acceleration Training. Read the rest of this entry »

Great news!  Getting is older doesn’t mean you have to look older.

There’s no question that a healthy and fit lifestyle guarantees a more youthful appearance but getting older means that you are losing muscle mass which severely impacts your ability to move quickly and effectively.  And as far as the look of your body, losing muscle mass and muscle tone gives you the squishy feeling and flabby look.

I say “no way” to that.  I know that if you have these five critical areas of exercise as part of your routine, you have the perfect mix for your very own Anti-Aging Effect: Read the rest of this entry »