D-Train Fitness

Why you need carbs to manage your weight

2016-07-31T18:01:00Z

Carbohydrates are essential to good health but often get a bad rap for weight loss. Learn about the two types of carbs, why carbs are necessary and how carbs can help you lose weight.(read more)

How to burn fat: the myth of the “fat-burning zone”

2016-07-28T21:37:00Z

You’ve probably seen cardio machines that show your “maximum fat burn” is about 50% - 60% of your max heart rate, implying that anything higher results in less fat burn. Sounds awesome, right? You can burn more fat by working less! ...(read more)

How to treat depression and anxiety with exercise

2016-07-25T19:34:00Z

For millions, depression and anxiety are crippling disorders which negatively impact their lives. But, did you know regular exercise can help improve your mood and reduce stress? Learn how exercise can help you reduce stress, and see how you can...(read more)

Shakeology mixed berry smoothie recipe

2016-07-21T18:26:00Z

I'm a little camera shy, but I took the plunge and published my first video! Check out my Shakeology berry smoothie. Ingredients:1 cup strawberry Shakeology powder1 cup mixed berries (I used raspberries & blackberries)1 cup orange juice1 cup ...(read more)

Country Heat a fast-paced, fun workout for everyone

2016-07-20T21:51:00Z

Country Heat is a low impact, highly effective and ridiculously fun 30-day fitness program set to country dance music. Designed by celebrity trainer Autumn Calabrese for all fitness levels, Country Heat combines 5 high-energy, cardio-based ...(read more)

Determined dad loses over 170 pounds with gastric bypass, proper nutrition

2016-07-19T18:27:00Z

Chad Walock has always been bigger than average. Like so many kids who struggle with their weight, Chad faced teasing and insults from his classmates. “I came from a family where almost everyone is overweight,” Chad said. “I even re...(read more)

How to lose 20 pounds in one month

2016-07-15T16:12:00Z

I looked down at the scale and saw it spinning as though The Brofessor just spun the wheel on The Price is Right. Holy crap, would it ever stop? The scale gave out a defeated moan and finally came to a stop at 248 pounds. Yikes. I hadn’t weighe...(read more)

Pokémon Go: a fun way to exercise alone or with the kids

2016-07-14T01:02:00Z

Pokémon Go is the ridiculously popular augmented reality mobile app that allows users to wander across town, staring at their phones in an effort to catch ‘em all. Even if you don’t know what a Pokémon is, you’ve undoubtedly seen “trainers” – people who try to catch the little critters, wandering around your city.

Pokémon Go is a fun way to exercise because it forces the player to get off the couch and wander the real world in search of imaginary beasts. I decided to give it a shot as part of my effort to lose weight and get in shape.

Background

I grew up in a hunting family. As a child, I pushed bush to drive deer out of the woods. My dad was adamant that I never pushed strange bush. Using the same logic, I decided to start my Pokémon hunt close to home.

The hunt begins

I ventured out of my house and across the street, eager to find the great beasts. Success came quickly in the form of a Charmander, just .07 miles from my house. I smiled as I peered into the dark, steely windows to its soul and hurled a Poké Ball in its direction.

Direct hit!

The Charmander bounced a bit before being sucked into the glistening white and red Poké Ball, trapped inside for God only knows how long. Not bad for a rookie, I thought. I felt like lighting a celebratory smoke like my dad used to, but I remembered I do not smoke, and I am writing a fitness blog. Still, things looked promising: Only .07 miles and one Pokémon bagged. The Pokémoning (verb?) was certainly good.

The drought

Feeling motivated from my successful hunt I turned west toward man-made ponds and natural prairie grasses. This appeared to be a formidable hunting ground, but looks were deceiving.

I wandered left, right along drainage ditches and into a disappointingly empty porta-potty.

Accessible, but no Pokés here

Suddenly it happened! A rustle in the pond! I aimed my iPhone in the direction of the sound, my itchy Poké Ball finger twitched, ready to introduce Pikachu to his maker. Then, disappointment. It turned out to be a case of misidentification. I marched forward.

Canada Geese Delicious, but still not a Pikachu

Feast!

I trudged through new construction, feeling hungry and discouraged, with no Pokés in sight. I was about to give up, until I happened upon a strange blue thing on the map. A Pokéstop! A virtual watering hole of sorts. I had watched enough nature documentaries to know the area must be teeming with prey.

Teeming with prey it was! Within .4 miles of the Pokéstop, I laid waste to two Pidgeys, a Caterpie and a feisty Mankey.

Right between the eyes

Satisfied with my hunt (and feeling sufficiently manly), I slung my Pokéballs over my shoulder and headed for home.

Getting fit with Pokémon Go

Outside of a successful hunt, I also got a fun little workout, fit for both parent and child. In my 59 minute hunt, I marched 2.38 miles (5428 steps), burned 290 calories and slew five Pokémon. Pokémon Go won’t get you ripped, but it is a fun way to get out and move. Best of all, your kids will love Pokémon Go, so you can help them build healthy habits early.

The key to an effective exercise program is you. Even the best workout program means nothing if you don’t do it. Pokémon go is fun and addictive, and a great way to burn a few calories alone or with the kids.

Garmin Forerunner 25 GPS review: A great choice for beginner, intermediate runners

2016-07-10T14:56:00Z

Overview The Garmin Forerunner 25 is an entry-level GPS designed for runners looking to track their runs and daily activity. The Forerunner 25 is easy to use straight out of the box, but offers customizations for intermediate users. In my G...(read more)

How to start running while overweight

2016-07-09T18:19:00Z

“I want to run, but I’m fat. Maybe after I lose some weight…” If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place, because I said those very words hundreds of times. I started running at 250 pounds and have watched ...(read more)

Focus T25 challenge group starts July 10

2016-07-07T22:14:00Z

Want to get back in shape, feel great but don't feel like you have enough time? Join my Focus T25 challenge group starting July 10. All it takes is 25 minutes a day, five days a week, to get into the best shape of your life.(read more)