Fit Tips

Hills February 28 2017

Does the thought of running, walking or cycling up hills make you break out in a cold sweat? You're not alone. But the physical and psychological benefits of hill training should outweigh the fear. Here are a few reasons that will have us all happily heading to the hills! 


Layers January 02 2017

When you're training for a full or half marathon, 10K or 5K, it is best spend the majority of your mileage running or walking in the environment in which you’ll race.  If you are training for a spring event, that could mean facing wearying winter weather. Learning how to layer your workout wear is the key to tackling tough temperatures.

Mall Walking November 28 2016

Getting out and getting active is key to health and happiness year-round, and especially in the hectic holiday season.  Mall Walking is a great way to multi-task – getting in miles while window-shopping in a safe, climate-controlled environment with restrooms, water fountains and benches.  Win-Win!


Turkey Trot October 31 2016

Thanksgiving is the most popular day to run or walk a road race, commonly called a “Turkey Trot”, in the U.S.  This year, my dad and I will be tackling our 5th Annual Trot, in Wellesley, Massachusetts.  Here are a few tips to safely getting in a few miles before sitting down to dinner.


Warming Up September 29 2016

As the fall temperatures lower, ‘warm-up’ exercises become even more important in, well, warming up your body for running. After just a few dynamic moves, you’ll be ready and raring to go!

Fun with Fartleks August 27 2016

“Fartlek” is not just a funny-sounding word; it is also a fun way to improve your running pace!  Here are the benefits of playing with speed work and interval training!

Rock Star July 29 2016

Whether outdoor on a mountain or indoor on a man-made wall, rock climbing allows you to rise to new physical and psychological heights.  Be a Rock Star!


Active Activities April 28 2016

WOO!  Activities like making the bed, raking the leaves and sweeping burn calories. That movement builds momentum and becomes exercise.  Here are a few ways to incorporate fitness into your everyday routine:


Muscle Memory March 27 2016

When I am training people for races – 5Ks to Half and Full Marathons – this is a worry I often hear: “I have not walked / run / trained for weeks / months / years.  What if my body doesn’t remember how to do this?”  Thanks to a little thing called “Muscle Memory”, with proper training, you’ll be back in the groove faster than you expect.  Here’s why.

Elliptical Trainer February 24 2016

Want a great calorie burning, core building, cardio workout that is easy on your knees and ankles?  Here's why you should get in shape on the Elliptical machine.


Heart Healthy Exercise January 19 2016

February is American Heart Month, and according to the Center for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.  Here are a few ways to help put an end to this trend.

Every Second Counts December 30 2015

There are 86,400 seconds in a day.  Sounds like a lot, but between work, life, commute and commitments, they tick away all too quickly, and fitness can get pushed to the side.  Let’s make every second count.  Here are a few ways I’ve found to fit fitness into the day.

Exercise Everywhere September 23 2015

In my 'non-JWalking' life, I produce television shows and on a recent project, I met Toby Bogard. The long-haul trucker uses his limited time and severely-limited inside-truck space to exercise and eat healthy. Here are some of his tips - driven by imagination and ingenuity.

Interval Training August 30 2015

Are you looking to boost your fitness level and want to build endurance, gain speed and feel stronger while doing so?  If you're thinking, "Yeah - where do I sign up?", you're not alone.  Endurance athletes from marathon runners to first-time 5K'ers are incorporating 'Interval Training' into their exercise routines.

JWalking Training Plans August 10 2015

At JWalking Designs, we don't just talk about getting out and getting active, we really walk the talk!  Our downloadable "JWalking 5K Your Way" training plans are designed to get you moving in a safe, healthy way!

Loosen Up July 28 2015

Stretching is critical to maintaining and building strong muscles. Even simple stretches can increase range of motion, improve coordination and posture, and research shows that flexible, warmed-up muscles have a faster recovery than the ‘cold’ kind.  So, loosen up!  Here are a few stretches that can be done after a workout.


Beat The Heat June 23 2015

There is a quote that reads, “Summer beach bodies are earned in the winter”, but we believe being healthy and fit should be a year-round activity. We know ‘fitting in fitness’ every day ain’t easy (sorry for the poor grammar, mom), but it IS worthwhile. But be smart when working out in the summer sun – here are a few tips to keeping healthy in hot and humid conditions:

Walking Is Awesome May 18 2015

Did you know the steps you take from your bed to your shower... from your front door to your car... from your desk to and from the printer... all add up to exercise?  Walking for as little as a cumulative 30 minutes a day can reap benefits that enhance a lifetime!


Biking Benefits May 18 2015

I came across an article about pharmaceutical companies that are working on formulas for an "anti-aging" pill...  The next magazine I read said cycling for 30 minutes three times a week can take years off your appearance... I, for one, am loving the latter! 

Just Keep Swimming May 18 2015

Swimming is not just a favorite summer activity; it is also a calorie-torching, muscle toning, total body exercise.

Treadmill Tips January 14 2015

In the winter weather, icy pavement and freezing temps force many of us to move our miles indoors.  But, the word "treadmill" invokes dread in many... What are ways to stay motivated while running, walking and dreading time on the treadmill?