Monthly Archives: May 2021

FitLabPGH Movement Tips & Lifestyle Hacks 21:21




@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 21 of 2021 hydration for dogs, do you need trail shoes and head for the hills aka hills are fun!!

Want to tell your movement story, or the movement story of your 4 legged friend our FitLabPGH Feature and Movement is a Lifestyle Features gives you that opportunity.

This week FitLabPGH Features revisited James Lloyd

Learn more about our FitLabPGH Features and submit a questionnaire to be highlighted.  If you are from outside the Pittsburgh area or want to get your 4 legged friend featured then go here: Movement is a Lifestyle Features.

 


FitLabPGH Features 19:21 James Lloyd (Repost)




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: James Lloyd

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? I’m from Akron Ohio. My girlfriend Julie and I moved to Pittsburgh in 2016

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? I’m a mountain bike coach and personal trainer, so riding bike and weight training are my passion. I also love running with my dog Sadie

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? We just recently took a vacation to Jake’s Rocks in the Allegheny National Forest to ride bikes with the Pittsburgh based group HighSpeedDirt. It was a blast, and a beautiful destination for any lover of the outdoors

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? For long rides or hard workouts I like to eat some complex carbs about 2-3 hours before. A brown rice bowl of some kind, or sweet potatoes are my go to. I always finish a workout with a protein shake or Huel.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. My guilty pleasure is definitely the Pronto Original Spicy Ranch Pizza from the Avalon location of Pizza Pronto. We’ve tried almost all of the local pizza establishments and I haven’t had a pizza I enjoyed more!

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? Julie and I are excited to race the Oz Trail mountain bike epic ride this October as long as it doesn’t get cancelled. The real bucket list destination would be to ride at Whistler Bike Park in British Columbia!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Getting people started and staying consistent for the first few weeks is the biggest hurdle! It’s much easier to make the time after you realize how much fun it is to get up and do something.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Mountain biking for sure! I’ve traveled to so many beautiful locations, challenged myself, and met some of the most amazing, generous, and community driven people while on my bike.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Yoga, and mobility movements! Not only are they great for recovery, but they also help your body perform better.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) North Park is my favorite place to move, but Pittsburgh has many amazing parks that I would encourage everyone to check out.

Contact info for James Lloyd:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirt.heroes/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNCADmgBzw2fFifE1Xq1EGA


FitLabPGH Movement Tips & Lifestyle Hacks 20:21



@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 20 of 2021 videos tips to minimize ticks, sharing the trail…again & hot weather doesn’t mean stay inside.

Want to tell your movement story, or the movement story of your 4 legged friend our FitLabPGH Feature and Movement is a Lifestyle Features gives you that opportunity.

This week FitLabPGH Features revisited Erica Strasser

Learn more about our FitLabPGH Features and submit a questionnaire to be highlighted.  If you are from outside the Pittsburgh area or want to get your 4 legged friend featured then go here: Movement is a Lifestyle Features.


FitLabPGH Features 18:21 Erica Strasser (Repost)




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: Erica Strasser

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Pittsburgh native! But I’ve lived in Ohio (Cincinnati) and in Florida (Siesta Key) for periods of time.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Dog park walks with my pup Zoe! , yoga @ South Hills Power Yoga, Tennis at Highland Park tennis courts.

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? Panama was an amazing vacation! I was there for two weeks. I did lots of running through the small towns and swimming/snorkeling in the Gulf with my daughter and seeing the Coral reef

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Pre workout- Nuun sports electrolyte tabs lemon lime 🙂 post workout- coffee and a banana or PB&J

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Country Style VEGAN pizza in Bridgeville

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? Triathlon before 50 yrs old (9 years) and Paris Marathon

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? People are resistant to changing their comfortable lifestyle. Stepping out of a comfortable health and wellness box is difficult. Especially for diet change. Getting folks motivated to move in the winter months is always an obstacle. I try to lead by example.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Zip lining in North park! Very fun and super challenging for me to land on my feet!

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Sauna therapy- currently at Pure Sweat Pgh and practicing Pilates on off days from running.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) West End Overlook in Elliot City neighborhood of Pittsburgh

Contact info for Erica Strasser:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erica_strasser40/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erica.britsch


FitLabPGH Movement Tips & Lifestyle Hacks 19:21




@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 19 of 2021 videos simple ways to move more, fun safe trail tips & reward yourself for moving.

Want to tell your movement story, or the movement story of your 4 legged friend our FitLabPGH Feature and Movement is a Lifestyle Features gives you that opportunity.

This week FitLabPGH Features revisited Donald Robinson

Learn more about our FitLabPGH Features and submit a questionnaire to be highlighted.  If you are from outside the Pittsburgh area or want to get your 4 legged friend featured then go here: Movement is a Lifestyle Features.


FitLabPGH Features 17:21 Donald Robinson (Repost)




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: Donald Robinson (Coach Donald)

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Yes. I moved back after graduate school taking up a job in social work. I started private coaching leading me into opening my studio. I’m still here as I learn to grow a stable business, educate the community, and build my coaching of having coached young athletes for years of their development.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Ultimate frisbee / Running / Flag Football

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? Best vacation I’ve ever taken was a trip to Ethiopia. I was conducting a coaching clinic in Kenya and took the Christmas and new year week to explore there. I got to drink the world’s best coffee, meet some dope people, always get offered a marriage proposal, and feed a hyena. Movement was mostly just about doing tons of walking. When I didn’t have anything to do or my friends were busy at work, I got lots of walking in around Addis Ababa. Feeding the hyena was definitely a life changing movement haha.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Apples.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. This is hard. I can’t pick one. Z Best BBQ – chicken dinners with all the sides. / Wafflonia waffles / Danishes & fruit tarts from Oakmont Bakery

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? Tennis. Looks like a great way to develop lateral quickness and speed.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Inertia.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Hiking in various parks.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Massages although I don’t get enough.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) I love Everyday Cafe in Homewood. The service is great. The food and drinks are great. It has the huge window-y view & you can rub shoulders with some great people doing great work. Just sitting there and hearing convos is inspiring.

Contact info for Donald Robinson:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_donald_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlobalHumanPerformance

 


FitLabPGH Movement Tips & Lifestyle Hacks 18:21




@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 18 of 2021 videos just move more, don’t wait for “perfect weather” to move & moving doesn’t require a race or special event

Want to tell your movement story, or the movement story of your 4 legged friend our FitLabPGH Feature and Movement is a Lifestyle Features gives you that opportunity.

This week FitLabPGH Features revisited Sara Mastrine

Learn more about our FitLabPGH Features and submit a questionnaire to be highlighted.  If you are from outside the Pittsburgh area or want to get your 4 legged friend featured then go here: Movement is a Lifestyle Features.

 


FitLabPGH Features 16:21 Sara Mastrine (Repost)




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: Sara Mastrine

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? I’m originally from Ebensburg, which is about an hour and a half east of Pittsburgh. I moved here for a job and stayed because it’s a great city!

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Yoga, running/hiking, CrossFit

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? I went on a camping trip to Zion and Bryce National Parks in Utah last summer. I did a lot of hiking and learned to rappel and down-climb into an amazing slot canyon!

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Applesauce before a workout. Peanut butter toast and chocolate milk after.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Seafood trio appetizer from Monterey Bay

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 just purchased a mountain bike so I’m looking forward to getting better at that! I’d also love to do more rock climbing. And there a lot of CrossFit moves I’d like to improve. I’ve done a few half marathons and I’d like to try a full one day. Lots of bucket list goals!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? I think a lot of people just don’t know where to start or they’re intimidated by being a “beginner.”

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Hiking Angel’s Landing trail in Zion. It’s an exposed trail with a chain you hold to keep you from falling off the side of the 1500 foot cliff (at 5800 feet of elevation). So scary but really amazing when you make it to the top!

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Massages or float tanks! There are some great float studios in Pittsburgh!

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Biddle’s Cafe

Contact info for Sara Mastrine:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saramastrine/


Snacks That Keep Us Moving – FitLabPGH Video Podcast




This week’s FitLabPGH Podcast release is a video podcast providing a look inside the FitLabPGH Snack Bin. This is what WE use to fuel our 60-90+ minute movement sessions…primarily hiking, biking, and running. If you are looking for individual advice on nutrition and food choices, we STRONGLY encourage you to consult a registered dietician.

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

What is Ben looking for in a movement snack? It should be able to be stored in a pocket or pack; it is approximately 100 calories; and it doesn’t upset his stomach. For Ben, that means no stevia, monk fruit extract, or sugar alcohols. Everyone’s body is different. Experiment to find what works for you. When in doubt? Consult a registered dietician. The goal is to get outside, enjoy moving, and avoid the dreaded mid-workout bonk/crash/insert your favorite term here.

So here’s the current inventory of our Snack Bin:

  • Baby food – pear, mango, spinach (Lisa has not endorsed this option)
  • Mini Clif Bars – chocolate chip or crunchy peanut butter
  • Whole Wheat Fig Bars from Nuts.com (individually wrapped for convenience)
  • Trail Mix – make your own, or head to Trader Joe’s
  • Sport Beans (Lisa’s favorite cycling snack). Want to save money? Buy Jelly Belly jelly beans
  • Honey Stinger mini waffles (warning: they may crumble in a pocket or pack)
  • Skratch Labs Energy Chews – Sour Cherry (2 “warnings” – they contain caffeine and they get sticky when temps get too warm)
  • Papa Steve’s No Junk Raw Protein Bars – vegan and whey protein options, many flavors, all “real food” ingredients
  • Infinit Nutrition Performance Coffee Cold Brew protein powder, a.k.a., protein for coffee lovers

Take home message: get outside, enjoy moving, and pack snacks to fuel your movement session. Even if you’re planning a fairly short session, be prepared…you never know when a hike or bike ride might become an outdoor adventure.

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.