Think Fit. Be Fit.

We say “Power” training you say: ___________? Power training, what sort of images does that conjure?  Little old ladies stepping off a curb or giant hulks performing snatches and cleans?  If you think snatches and cleans you’d be right.  But, if you think little old ladies stepping off of a curb, you’d also be right. Because power training is not about a specific set of exercises, it’s ultimately about load, acceleration and intention.   In this episode, “Power Play,” we once again separate the supposed from the science, like mistakenly relating human power output to the watts displayed on cardio machines, or that moving faster doesn’t mean we’re generating more power.  Dr. J and GG explain why there’s a difference and why it matters.   And if power is a product of stimulating fast twitch muscle fibers, how is that measured?  What do electromyography (EMG) studies tell us about how we recruit different motor units?  What’s a motor unit you ask?  Good question, and an important one at that.  Not to worry,

Moving out of our comfort zones and into an enriching fitness is beyond the metabolic benefits of exercise.  Today it’s all about Balle Balle and a more feminine design of fitness!  Balle, Balle is a Punjabi term for happiness and our guest today says it a lot…. Jennifer and Sarina take this conversation to a deep level while discussing Sarina’s ambition, diverse group fitness dance company, being a mom and being a cultural energizer.   Sarina Jain is America’s first cross-cultural fitness star.  She is the creator of the Masala Bhangra Workout™. She is an energetic fitness innovator, music-video choreographer and international television/radio personality.  She wants us to get out of our comfort zone with dance fitness.   She’s been in fitness for 25+ years and is called the Jane Fonda of India. She was also on Good Morning, America in 2016 and hosted a segment on Discovery Channel’s All Star Workouts. Her workouts have also been featured in Elle Malaysia and Strait Times in Singapore. Topics discussed:

Get ready to stretch the truth.  No, Dr. Juris and Gregory are not promoting little white lies, they’re re-investigating stretching, along with world-class neurophysiologist, Dr. David Behm.  Stretching and flexibility are topics that seemingly can’t get settled, and there’s no shortage of conventional wisdom, from being insufficient, to being excessive.  This episode unveils the real science behind stretching and flexibility, and explains the difference between too little, too much, or being in the “Goldilocks Zone. Listen to learn about diffuse noxious inhibitory control and how that can affect pain, relaxation and ultimately, range of motion.  Imagine how you’ll impress your friends at your next Zoom dinner party when you whip that one out!   Perhaps, you’re one of many who supports the objective of achieving maximum range of motion.  You may be less convinced after Dr. J reveals his research findings on highly skilled basketball players.  Dr. Behm ultimately explains the meaning of the Goldilocks Zone

What's the north node for merging the fitness industry and digital community connection? Return guest Melanie Webb and Jennifer discuss this direction and the possibilities of what's to gain. Exercise and health experts often measure and validate our exercise based on biological factors like weight loss and calories.  This conversation wants to pull us in a new direction to measure how engaged we are with our fitness journey. Topics of discussion: Best practices and trends in FitTech FitTech and WellTech and new lessons about entrepreneurship Exploration of why a digital fitness community matters Melanie Webb is an inspiration to Jenn and many others, she is a leader in outdoor fitness and retreats.  That’s why she’s the perfect person to teach us to step outside to play and workout in nature.    DEPARTURES Magazine calls Melanie Webb “The person to call for guided travel in Utah’s National Parks”  Melanie Webb founded Sol Fitness Adventures in 2007 (which is how long I’ve known her!) and added he

Bob Soulierre once described his work as “The party trick that opens your heart”.   That's because is work is the intersection of physical and spiritual.  This episode shares a perspective on how we can use stress as a way to improve our health and physical performance. Bob is a coach for mindset, breathing, cold exposure and hormesis for stress management. He works with a large array of performers and athletes including CrossFit athletes, opera singers and open water long distance swimmers.   This all emerged from his own transition from being a corporate cyber jockey on Wellbutrin to having his own feature on the CrossFit YouTube channel as an athlete in control of his health. You’ll even learn how he has helped Jenn to be effective and potent with her inner work through the teachings of Wim Hoff, Oxygen Advantage and advanced HRV training.  Topics discussed: Showing up for the inner and physical work with presence Importance of community in human optimization  Going from sufferfest mentality with e

How often have you attempted dumbbell presses with half the weight of your barbell bench?  That should work, right?  After all, if your barbell is balanced, you should have equal weight on both sides.  But unless you’re working with a pretty light barbell load, you recognized that splitting the weight in half doesn’t equate to a comparable workout.  You may think the challenge is related to shoulder stability, but you may want to think again.  This is a biomechanics issue, which keeps you “In The Moment.” Listen as Dr. J and GG deconstruct the biomechanics of barbell and dumbbell presses, and even toss an interesting perspective into the debate over fixed path v free weight exercises. We’re ramping up the math and physics in this episode, but not to worry, you’ll get all the information you need to apply these concepts yourself, and decide; barbell, dumbbell or both?   In this episode we discuss: Forces as vectors How forces combine and resolve Normal forces Angle of incidence Shoulder moments El

Think Fit. Be Fit. x Fitness For Consumption are providing a lot of valuable information through this channel.  This (new 1x month) update is not only a chance to chew on this incredible information but it’s the catch-up we all need.   Like Jennifer, this podcast network is full of energy for an exalted, kick ass version of fitness.    We are here to support an ongoing conversation about all the things that create more health expansion and opportunities to think about what goes into our fitness journey and how science interprets it.  Let us know what is working for you by contacting us or send your comments and questions to hello@thinkfitbefitpodcast.com  Hang out with us and our friends on instagram https://www.instagram.com/fitnessforconsumption/ https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_simone_schwartz/ https://www.instagram.com/thinkfitbefit_podcast/  Episodes mentioned https://www.thinkfitbefitpodcast.com/tag/f4c/ https://www.thinkfitbefitpodcast.com/youve-got-nerve-with-dr-david-behm/ https://www.

Ask any avid runner what they think about treadmills and they will say...potentially anything!  And for good reason.  Treadmills, like many fitness products, have their polarized camps of promoters and detractors.  Some say treadmills are more effective for conducting highly popular High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts, while others say treadmills are a lazier option, as the belt does the work for you.  Can both perspectives be right?  And while some treadmill criticisms are reasonable, do they apply to all treadmills?  After all, not all treadmills are designed equally!  If you have questions about these disputatious devices, listen to this episode in which we discuss the science and research about treadmills, and then decide for yourself if they’re worth a Run For The Money. In this episode we discuss: The most common opposing views on treadmills The components of the issues; kinematics, kinetics and running economy The reason different studies may show different results Whether treadmills

When it comes to ADHD and exercise, think smarter AND harder.  Different mental states and conditions have been largely left out of the conversation... not any longer, thanks to our rockstar guest, Tedi Searls.  Tedi talks about keeping the mind occupied and giving yourself variety in movement through aerobic and anaerobic activity.  We’re past fitness for physical outcome, and this episode invites you to think deeply about the myriad of approaches to improving the mind through functional fitness.  Tedi Searles is a trail runner,  Health Educator, Fitness Trainer,  and has ADHD.  She is creating the happiest & healthiest version of herself and her cleints through fitness, food, & nature https://campsite.bio/tedis If you are a trainer you can gain knowledge from Tedi’s experience as a middle and high school physical education teacher and personal trainer.  If you are an adult with ADHD this conversation will reveal some how some standard myths are holding you back and what it’s like to work with a squir

The ThinkFit Be Fit podcast network is a refreshing change of pace from how you would normally talk about fitness. By understanding more deeply how things work, and offers a variety of approaches to fitness, Hosts, Jennifer Schwartz, Gregory Gordon, Meredith Mack and Dr. Paul Juris have cumulatively over 6 decades of education and experience that is infused with off the cuff humor, helpful anecdotes and thought provoking discussion that will balance your viewpoints. This is done with 3 shows on the same feed.  Fitness for Consumption, Peach Pit Fitness and Think Fit. Be Fit. are the intersection of human movement science, exercise science, and embracing curiosity. This collection of shows discusses the nuances of training to help trainers, coaches, athletes & fitness lovers connect deeper to their exercise. 

Here’s a riddle for you; Is a wall squat more like a typical back squat or a knee extension?   Seems obvious, right?  But, if you’ve been listening to our podcast, things are not always what they seem. Still, the riddle remains.  Whether you’re a personal trainer or exercise enthusiast, how would you begin to correctly answer this question?  You can start with an opinion, but, knowing us by now, you know we prefer a more scientific approach.  Is the answer that it resembles a back squat and has a similar kinetic chain?  Or, is there something else, something inherent in every single exercise, although we rarely hear or see it mentioned in typical exercise commentary? If you chose the last answer you’d be correct.  What is that something?  Well, it’s torque, of course.  How does torque explain the effort we must apply to overcome the resistance in any given exercise?  How does torque influence the way an exercise feels?  Listen to this episode and discover how! In this episode we discuss: How biomechanics

“Neural Plasticity is arguably one of the most important features of our biology” Dr Andrew Huberman The concept of Neuroplasticity holds so much promise for recovery from chronic pain and tightness, treating depression and anxiety with exercise and improving the health and longevity of the human brain.  The new “Love to Move'' episodes are dedicated to being more in love with exercise.  Today’s episode on Neuroplasticity and BDNF is here to aspire your exercise with groundbreaking science to embody a love affair with exercise.  After all, exercising muscle does more than burn calories!  Exercising muscle is a way to increase the health of your brain and recondition pain, anxiety, depression and muscle tightness. Jennifer even shares how her mother’s battle with ALS helped her see the importance of how exercise can influence the brain, body and mind simultaneously.   Topics: Through the lens of research that supports the muscular system's ability to have influence on the brain, mind and body, we can cho

Due to popular demand, we are back with another version of the Fine Print, one of our signature episodes, in which we reduce a research study from the field of Human Movement Science to its fine print; you know, all the stuff you miss when you read something the first time around.     This time Dr. J and GG tackle a first-of-its-kind study, underwritten by a prominent health club operator and managed by a distinguished medical center.  The intent of the study was, purportedly, to examine the difference in fitness outcomes between a group following an exclusive program, under the auspices of a high-caliber personal trainer, and another, which was entirely self-guided.   Take this rarefied opportunity to review a study with a real research scientist, Dr. Paul Juris, as he interprets and makes sense of some of the statistics that may reveal surprising conclusions upon deeper inspection.   Does the study ultimately live up to the hype?  Well, Dr J and GG  offer their take home messages, but, you’ll have to li

“A single bout of exercise alters 9,815 molecules in our blood” New York Times PhysEd headline, June 2020 The new “Love to Move” episodes are dedicated to being more in love with exercise.  Today’s episode on Myokines and all sorts of other chemicals is here to aspire the how and why of using this groundbreaking science to embody a love affair with exercise.  After all, exercising muscle does more than burn calories!  Exercising muscle is a symphony of interactions that can change the trajectory of your health.   You can choose to empower yourself to exercise. Burpeeing yourself to exhaustion will have more purpose. A win-win for your physical confidence and health! Topics: Through the lens of research that supports the muscular system's ability to have influence in immunity, longevity and disease prevention we can choose more fulfilling exercise and wellness routines. Being intellectually stimulated by exercise Highlight a pioneer in exercise physiology and neurobiology, Dr. Pederson, she is a real

Dr. J, Gregory, and special guest Dr. David Behm scrutinize one of today’s most popular training practices, unstable surfaces.  From foam pads, to physioballs and Bosu’s, the fitness world is literally moving beneath our feet.  But are these tools really effective?  As usual, that depends.  Listen in as they share insights, research, and practical suggestions that may have you seeking more solid ground. In this episode we discuss:   A brief history of instability training in the gym Force production on unstable surfaces An EMG increase can correlate with decreased force output Unstable vs variable environments and prediction Static, dynamic and meta-stable training conditions Power training through the lifespan Glossary   Dynamic equilibrium - A state of equilibrium during which the center of gravity is in motion.   EMG - Electromyography.  A process of measuring muscle activity through the use of sensors placed on the skin (surface) or in the muscle (indwelling).   Equilibrium - Otherwise

   “The quality, strength, amount and utilization of skeletal muscle is at the foundation of health as well as illness” Dr Gabrielle Lyon.   It’s a fact that exercise improves and changes lives.  The reasons behind this are fascinating.The “Love to Move” series consists of  episodes dedicated to being more in love with exercise.  Today’s episode wants to show you how to use groundbreaking science to embody a love affair with exercise. Even more deeply so, through evidence-based information that gives exercise and muscle health some cred for being able to treat and prevent disease.    You can choose to empower yourself to exercise. Burpeeing yourself to exhaustion will have more purpose. A win-win for your physical confidence and health! Topics: Through the lens of research that supports the muscular system's impact on inflammation we can choose to quit fat shaming ourselves to the gym and start to appreciate and respect how our body can thrive with physical activity.  Physiological resets and en

The premiere of Fitness for Consumption on Think Fit. Be Fit. network was a blast so we decided to have a conversation to recap our insights, funniest moments and important takeaways. The new year always brings up the new year/new you thoughts about our consistent fitness failures but with these episodes and insights we welcome you to redefine your fitness journey with Human Movement Science lessons and information from Fitness for Consumption.   This 9 episode series lays out some critical thinking pieces about exercise and training for sports that you can apply NOW and when you return to the gyms and fields.  Rest assured, this integrative project is always pushing the conversation to open up about a non-judgmental approach to fitness Our goal is to provide you insights that you won’t hear anywhere else while being science based- honestly it's a mental supercharge to add to your fitness approach Our co-hosts have a combined 50 years of experience.  PJ as a noted kinesiologist, a frequent lecturer at m

Exercise and the exercise experience is being rebranded.  It’s not solely about the biological fat loss and physical mechanics anymore. This episode explores personal training from an emotional perspective, Pain Science and how exercise can open your heart to help us change. Jennifer and Keith Shimon discuss his toolbox, client-facing changes, challenges and excitement and how he changed his view on coaching and exercise as a veteran gym owner, muscle therapist and coach.  Keith Shimon is the co-owner of https://www.body-activation.com/ (Body Activation in Wisconsin)  If you are a trainer, this episode will be an insight on a big change in fitness which is working from a foundation of communication and the Bio-Pscyho-Social model of working in any health field. If you are an exercise enthusiast, this conversation will present something more than motivation in personal training and that the idea of hiring a personal trainer just to lose 10lbs is cutting yourself short. If you are from our corner of the fit

The premiere of Fitness for Consumption on Think Fit. Be Fit. network was a blast so we decided to have a conversation to recap our insights, funniest moments and important takeaways. The new year always brings up the new year/new you thoughts about our consistent fitness failures but with these episodes and insights we welcome you to redefine your fitness journey with Human Movement Science lessons and information from Fitness for Consumption.   This 9 episode series lays out some critical thinking pieces about exercise and training for sports that you can apply NOW and when you return to the gyms and fields.  Rest assured, this integrative project is always pushing the conversation to open up about a non-judgmental approach to fitness Our goal is to provide you insights that you won’t hear anywhere else while being science based- honestly it's a mental supercharge to add to your fitness approach Our co-hosts have a combined 50 years of experience.  PJ as a noted kinesiologist, a frequent lecturer at m

Dr. Juris and Gregory welcome genuine fitness legend and industry icon, Keli Roberts, to the podcast.  An accomplished instructor, presenter, author and continuing education provider, Keli gives us a peek into a fitness career filled with accomplishments and incredible experiences.  Along the way, the team remarks on some unusual observations and opines on the limitations and needs of an industry in perpetual rediscovery. In this episode we discuss: The early history of group fitness classes Keli’s journey to becoming a high profile fitness icon The current trend of “extreme” fitness classes Issues with exercise that exceeds your tolerance ability Some gym exercises you may want to reconsider PJ and Keli’s take on how continuing education for trainers and group fitness instructors should evolve The challenges and opportunities Keli and GG face with training their clients online Keli’s new book on providing a blueprint for anyone looking to start their own small group training business  Glossary