Monthly Archives: February 2021

FitLabPGH Movement Tips & Lifestyle Hacks 8:21

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@FitLabPGH Movement Tip & Lifestyle Hack Videos
movement is the normal not the abnormal because #movementisalifestyle

FitLabPGH is a Pittsburgh area podcast and promoter of the ethos movement is a lifestyle, not just an activity.  Each week we bring you 3 movement tip & lifestyle hack videos to help you treat movement as normal, not abnormal.

Week 8 of 2021 videos dog leashing, trail manners and don’t always put your best foot forward.

Want to tell your movement story, or the movement story of your 4 legged friend our FitLabPGH Feature gives you that opportunity.  This week we featured Ryan Popple.

Learn more about our Features and submit a questionnaire to be highlighted.  If you are from outside the Pittsburgh area fill out a Movement is a Lifestyle Features.

FitLabPGH Features 8:21 Ryan Popple

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FitLabPGH is a podcast about movement and movement opportunities in the Pittsburgh, PA area.  Once a week we also highlight a FitLabPGH mover…someone who understands that movement is a lifestyle…not just an activity.  The questions are lightly edited to allow for easy readability.  Click FitLabPGH Features for more info if you want to be featured/know someone who should be featured.

This Week: Ryan Popple

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? I moved to Pittsburgh 10 years ago. Back then I was really into BMX. The riding scene here was/still is really good for bmx. A lot of my friends that I would travel, ride and compete with lived in Pittsburgh. I would come to visit, ride and party with them every summer, before eventually moving here and becoming a full time resident. Due to injuries I had to hang up the bmx. Now I am a cyclist of a couple different disciplines. The cycling community in Pittsburgh is awesome. Very welcoming, all inclusive and positive.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? -Cycling (cyclocross, MTB, road/gravel) -Hiking -Yoga

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? It’s hard to choose the best, but a couple years ago my wife and I went to Sedona, which was amazing. We met up with some friends to do some of the best, technical and scary mountain biking and hiking that I’ve ever experienced. It’s beautiful out there.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Depends on the time of day and workout but… Pre- normally a good breakfast. Steel cut oats with fruit. Post- a smoothie with a scoop of Coco Elite protein powder.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Lately it’s been the poke bowl from Reed&CO. Everything on the menu is amazing.

Do you have a movement activity on your “bucket list”? If not, what’s a movement activity/event you’re looking forward to in the next year? This winter I had planned on taking up more running, but an injury has kept me from doing too much of anything lately. Luckily it wasn’t worse, and I should be clear for all activities very soon. I’ve also been very interested in jujitsu for a while. I just need to make the time and drop down to True Believer for some beginner classes.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Motivation and accessibility.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? I went to Australia 6 years ago on a BMX trip. I met up with some friends that lived in Sydney. The very first thing we did was jump off some sea cliffs into the ocean. The locals call it “the blow hole.” It wasn’t too high of a jump, maybe like 40/50ft, but then the scary/sketchy part… to swim through a cave and come out on the other side of the headland. The cave was about 50 yards long and narrowed as it went on. This particular day the water was choppy and had a washing machine feel. Once in the cave, we had to dive underwater each time a wave came to avoid being smashed up on the cave ceiling and walls. It was hectic, exciting and could have been deadly. I never felt more alive.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I’m really into yoga. Yin yoga to unwind before bed it my favorite. I also use a foam roller everyday.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Emerald View trail system has some great views of downtown and the point.

Contact info for Ryan Popple:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r_popple/

FitLabPGH Movement Tips & Lifestyle Hacks 7:21

Podcast, , , , , ,


@FitLabPGH Movement Tip & Lifestyle Hack Videos
movement is the normal not the abnormal because #movementisalifestyle

FitLabPGH is a Pittsburgh area podcast and promoter of the ethos movement is a lifestyle, not just an activity.  Each week we bring you 3 movement tip & lifestyle hack videos to help you treat movement as normal, not abnormal.

Week 7 of 2021 videos no cold feet, make time to move in the snow & protect your workout partner(s).

Want to tell your movement story, or the movement story of your 4 legged friend our FitLabPGH Feature gives you that opportunity.  This week we featured Kathyryn King

Learn more about our Features and submit a questionnaire to be highlighted.  If you are from outside the Pittsburgh area fill out a Movement is a Lifestyle Features.

FitLabPGH Features 7:21 Kathryn King

FitLabPGH Features, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


FitLabPGH is a podcast about movement and movement opportunities in the Pittsburgh, PA area.  Once a week we also highlight a FitLabPGH mover…someone who understands that movement is a lifestyle…not just an activity.  The questions are lightly edited to allow for easy readability.  Click FitLabPGH Features for more info if you want to be featured/know someone who should be featured.

This Week: Kathryn King

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Yes, native and boomerang! I relocated to DC in my 20s for work, and moved back to Pittsburgh to be closer to family and pursue my dream of opening a fitness studio.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Hiking with my dog Abbey, we love the Fox Chapel area for the woodsy walks. Biking through rails to trails downtown, Abbey stays at home! And group fitness classes at F45 Training in the heart of the Strip

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? Bali! I went with a friend and we explored 8 different towns across the span of 16 days. We spent the days hiking, both urban and rural, as well as yoga practice every morning.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Post workout is a perfect bar – they taste like cookie dough, are kept chilled and are loaded with protein.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. I could think about this for hours, but off the top of my head. Healthy is an açaí bowl from Salud. Unhealthy, a specialty pizza from Caliente!

Do you have a movement activity on your “bucket list”? If not, what’s a movement activity/event you’re looking forward to in the next year? My bucket list movement item was to explore a new country every year, but well COVID. Instead, I’m going to work towards running the virtual Pittsburgh half marathon in May!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? I think there’s a misconception that movement has to be exercise and exercise is a chore. I walk a lot, not because I’m trying to burn calories, but because I actually enjoy it. Movement doesn’t always have to be intentional or with a purpose, it should be about feeling good!

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? I once jumped off a pretty high cliff in Hawaii and had to swim back to the beach. I do not remember the height, but it was high!

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Yoga and massage!!! I do not do either enough, but I do get massages more than most people I know. And I love a good hot yoga session to sweat and stretch.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Indoor movement – F45 Training , outdoor I love Fox Chapel hikes near Squaw Run Road

Contact info for Kathryn King:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathryn_king/

https://www.instagram.com/f45_training_pittsburghstrip/

Winter Pack for Hiking- FitLabPGH video podcast

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 6:33 — 5.5MB)

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | RSS | More


This week’s FitLabPGH Podcast release is a video podcast providing a look inside Ben’s winter hiking backpack. This is what we carry on a 1-3 hour hike…in the winter…with Labradors. The goal is to get outside, enjoy moving, and get home safely…even if something goes wrong.

Listen to the audio, or enjoy the Labradors and cats in the video podcast

Safety first: before your hike, let someone know where you’re going, and when you plan to return…especially if you’ll be in an area with limited or no cell phone coverage.

Hydration is important! In the summer, we may opt for an USWE Pack with a hydration bladder, but if freezing fluids is a risk, go for an insulated water bottle. Looking for extra calories to fuel your hike? Consider adding maple syrup or honey to your water (or tea).

Ben’s current winter pack is from MHM Gear in Colorado www.mhmgear.com – it’s the Switch 26 (26 liter).  First in the pack: a snack. This is personal preference. Ben opts for mini Clif Bars and gel packs of fruit and veggie baby food…don’t judge. Although Lisa’s never seen him use it, Ben also carries a monocular for wildlife viewing.

The outer pockets of the pack hold a collapsible hiking pole (because we don’t have 4-Paw Drive like the Labs to handle slippery or unstable trails) and a second (lighter) pair of wool gloves. After Ben warms up, he stashes his winter mittens or gloves, and puts on the lighter pair from the pack.

Now we enter the “Just in Case” or “Emergency” section of the pack. A waterproof, foldable jacket. First aid kits for humans and dogs. Looking for an Adventure Emergency Kit that comes in a waterproof tube complete with flashlight and compass? Check out www.VSSLgear.com (they also make a coffee kit and a flask kit). For a true canine emergency, Ben carries a Fido Pro Airlift that allows you to carry a dog in a sling across your hips…we hope we NEVER need to use it. For milder canine emergencies (like a torn dew claw), Ben carries dog boots and an extra leash.

A whistle is always a good safety idea…along with an extra hat, neck gaiter, socks, and a spare pair of glasses. If you fall in a stream, you may be really thankful for dry socks! At the bottom of the pack, Ben keeps a knife and a small pair of loppers…you never know when you might need a tool to extricate yourself, or your companion, from underbrush or a pricker bush.

Take home message: get outside, enjoy moving, and return home safely…so that you can continue to make movement part of your lifestyle.

Contact Info for FitLabPGH:
Email: fitlabpgh@gmail.com

Twitter: @fitlabpgh

Instagram: @fitlabpgh

We update via Facebook too!!

Movement Tips and Lifestyle Hacks – YouTube channel (posted on Instagram too)

Fill out our FitLabPGH Features form to be a FitLabPGH featured mover…or fill one out for your 4 legged movement partner (dog, cat, goat or horse!!)

Check out our sister podcast Moving2Live concise but interesting podcasts for the movement and exercise professional and amateur aficionado.

Attribution for Intro/Exit Podcast Music:
Marathon Man by Jason Shaw from the album Audionautix: Acoustic, licensed under an Attribution 3.0 United States License. Available at www.FreeMusicArchive.org

FitLabPGH Movement Tips & Lifestyle Hacks 6:21

Movement Tips & Lifestyle Hack Videos, , , , , , , , , , ,


@FitLabPGH Movement Tip & Lifestyle Hack Videos
movement is the normal not the abnormal because #movementisalifestyle

FitLabPGH is a Pittsburgh area podcast and promoter of the ethos movement is a lifestyle, not just an activity.  Each week we bring you 3 movement tip & lifestyle hack videos to help you treat movement as normal, not abnormal.

Week 6 of 2021 videos focus on it’s not always all about the pace, stability on slippery snow hikes & a brief DMOS shovel review.

Want to tell your movement story, or the movement story of your 4 legged friend our FitLabPGH Feature gives you that opportunity.  This week we featured Katie Robb

Learn more about our Features and submit a questionnaire to be highlighted.  If you are from outside the Pittsburgh area fill out a Movement is a Lifestyle Features.

FitLabPGH Features 6:21 Katie Robb

Podcast, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


FitLabPGH is a podcast about movement and movement opportunities in the Pittsburgh, PA area.  Once a week we also highlight a FitLabPGH mover…someone who understands that movement is a lifestyle…not just an activity.  The questions are lightly edited to allow for easy readability.  Click FitLabPGH Features for more info if you want to be featured/know someone who should be featured.

This Week: Katie Robb

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Born and raised in Hermitage, PA. I moved to Pittsburgh in 2012 for a job opportunity and have been loving it ever since.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Walks on the Montour Trail, attending exclusive fitness events through SweatNET Pittsburgh, and circuit training at F45 Strip District.

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? My favorite vacation was our trip to Lake Tahoe. My husband and I rode mountain bikes on the Flume Trail, paddle boarded in Sand Harbor, chartered a sailboat in Tahoe City and hiked through Emerald Bay.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Toast with peanut butter, and a protein shake.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Nicky’s Thai Kitchen

Do you have a movement activity on your “bucket list”? If not, what’s a movement activity/event you’re looking forward to in the next year? This year my husband and I planned a two-week trip to Morocco, but due to COVID we had to cancel. I was most looking forward to camel rides through the Sahara Desert, so that remains at the top of the bucket list.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Inability to change habits.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Cliff jumping into a natural swimming hole in Vermont. I’m not an adrenaline junkie so this experience was especially terrifying.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? A spa day is always at the top of the list – or a hydrating face mask and a glass of wine.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Reginald’s Coffee in Bethel Park – they have unique caffeinated creations, and dish out Oram’s donuts on the weekends.

Contact info for Katie Robb:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekatierobb/

https://www.instagram.com/thesofetchfitness/

Video Podcast- Find Ways to Move More

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 6:53 — 5.7MB)

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Email | RSS | More


Today’s FitLabPGH podcast release is a repost video podcast challenging you to find ways to Move More. We are almost 11 months into the pandemic…this was recorded during the last PA order to close all gyms and fitness facilities…while your facility may now be open…you may not be comfortable attending in person classes. If your favorite forms of movement are temporarily unavailable, there are MANY ways to keep moving…and we’re here to suggest a few options.

We recommend the video below, but if you are an audio listener the info is also available via audio.

Tip 1: Walk your Labradors…No Labradors in your life? Why not??? (Just kidding). If you don’t have a dog to walk, walk anyway…perhaps with your kids, or a friend, or your cat… Not a fan of walking? Try something else! Need inspiration? Check our podcast and movement tips archives at www.FitLabPGH.com for ideas.

Tip 2: Phone a Friend… Ask a friend and/or accountability partner for movement ideas…perhaps you can even join each other in a virtual fitness challenge. Ben’s friend challenged him to a virtual cycling challenge…which somehow resulted in a pair of new bikes for Lisa!

Tip 3: Ask your Gym for Help. Many gyms and fitness facilities are still offering virtual classes. Looking for something more individualized? Ask about virtual personal training or for a home workout plan.

Tip 4: Make the gym PART of your movement practice…and look for other ways to add movement to your life. Even a short walk can be an excellent addition to your structured workouts…speaking of walking…consider walking when you’re on a non-Zoom work call. If you take that work call outside, be sure to be aware of your surroundings…stay safe!

Take home message: the pandemic sucks…but can you find the positive in a tough time? Maybe the positive is that this is the time you find ways to Move More…which MAY make you calmer, and improve your ability to rest…and to concentrate…added bonus: by making movement part of your lifestyle, you may serve as a positive role model for those around you.

Contact Info for FitLabPGH:
Email: fitlabpgh@gmail.com

Twitter: @fitlabpgh

Instagram: @fitlabpgh

We update via Facebook too!!

Movement Tips and Lifestyle Hacks – YouTube channel (posted on Instagram too)

Fill out our FitLabPGH Features form to be a FitLabPGH featured mover…or fill one out for your 4 legged movement partner (dog, cat, goat or horse!!)

Check out our sister podcast Moving2Live concise but interesting podcasts for the movement and exercise professional and amateur aficionado.

Attribution for Intro/Exit Podcast Music:
Marathon Man by Jason Shaw from the album Audionautix: Acoustic, licensed under an Attribution 3.0 United States License. Available at www.FreeMusicArchive.org

FitLabPGH Movement Tips & Lifestyle Hacks 5:21

Movement Tips & Lifestyle Hack Videos, , , , , , , , , , , , ,


@FitLabPGH Movement Tip & Lifestyle Hack Videos
movement is the normal not the abnormal because #movementisalifestyle

FitLabPGH is a Pittsburgh area podcast and promoter of the ethos movement is a lifestyle, not just an activity.  Each week we bring you 3 movement tip & lifestyle hack videos to help you treat movement as normal, not abnormal.

Week 5 of ’21 a great time to be outside, how to pick a hiking jacket & making the most of a snowy situation.

Want to tell your movement story, or the movement story of your 4 legged friend our FitLabPGH Feature gives you that opportunity.  This week we featured Crystal Brenneman

Learn more about our Features and submit a questionnaire to be highlighted.  If you are from outside the Pittsburgh area fill out a Movement is a Lifestyle Features.

FitLabPGH Features 5:21 Crystal Brenneman

FitLabPGH Features, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


FitLabPGH is a podcast about movement and movement opportunities in the Pittsburgh, PA area.  Once a week we also highlight a FitLabPGH mover…someone who understands that movement is a lifestyle…not just an activity.  The questions are lightly edited to allow for easy readability.  Click FitLabPGH Features for more info if you want to be featured/know someone who should be featured.

This Week: Crystal Brenneman

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? I am from Central PA (near Harrisburg) but went to Temple in Philly for my first year of college then transferred here to go to Pitt for the remainder of my undergrad. I stayed here because I absolutely loved this city. There was a small town feel yet with all the perks of the city.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Running, cycling, yoga!

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? My boyfriend (now fiancé), his parents, and myself went to Saint Martin. We chilled in the clear water together, stayed at a great house with an infinity pool looking into the Atlantic Ocean. We were carefree and just enjoying each other’s company for 10 days. I was in the middle of marathon training so I got to enjoy many miles of the coastline, the history of the island, and more. We also went snorkeling (my first time!) as a family.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? I absolutely adore my honey stinger GF waffles before, honey stinger gels or chews during as well as salt tabs, and Nuun.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. I am weak to some Condado tacos!

Do you have a movement activity on your “bucket list”? If not, what’s a movement activity/event you’re looking forward to in the next year? I really want to do a 100 miler in my lifetime. I love the idea of a grueling long adventure and spending all those hours and miles experiencing the beauty of the outdoors.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? The ability to get out the door or start the workout video. That’s why groups like weight watchers, running groups, etc… are so successful for people – it’s because they have a buddy system that keeps them accountable and gives them the motivation to do the work.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? I unfortunately have not been as adventurous. I became a nurse in 2019, and in the beginning of 2020 when my fiancé and I wanted to start adventuring since we finally had the money to do so… the pandemic hit. But I would say that my most adventurous was hiking in New River Gorge.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I love yoga. I miss a good hot yoga session (I regularly attended South Hills Power Yoga). I have been taking up meditation lately through the Peloton App

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) I wish I had a favorite!! If it’s a hike with my pupper and fiancé, a run with a great friend, or a backyard by the fire with good people, then it’s a favorite to me!

Contact info for Crystal Brenneman:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_almost_yecko_/