Monthly Archives: August 2021

FitLabPGH Movement Tips & Lifestyle Hacks Week 34 of 2021

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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 34 of 2021 w 3 videos about #fatbikes – they are not just for winter #rimby – right in my back yard adventures and #aware as in be aware of your surroundings- all part of our #wordofthemonth video them promoting #movement #wellness & a #healthylifestyle

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 FitLabGH Features featured a repost of Ryan Popple

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 30:21 Ryan Popple (Repost)

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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/

Fat Bikes…They’re Not Just for Winter – FitLabPGH Video Podcast

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 6:05 — 5.1MB)

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


This week’s FitLabPGH Podcast release is a video podcast: Fat Bikes…They’re Not Just for Winter. Perhaps you’ve seen someone riding a fat bike in the snow…or an electric fat bike (eBike) on a local trail…today we’re sharing a few pros and cons of fat bikes to help you decide if a fat bike would be a good addition to your bicycle line-up.

Listen to the audio, or watch the video and check out our Mukluk fat bikes from Salsa Cycles.

Starting with the disadvantages…1) Fat bikes are heavy…this is especially noticeable when loading them on to a bike rack. 2) Fat bikes are slower than your other bike(s)…big, knobby tires = plenty of rolling resistance. 3) Climbing hills is more challenging on a heavier bike…this is true whether you’re riding or pushing your bike up a hill.

Now for the advantages…1) Fat bikes are fun! 2) You can ride them on almost any terrain (just check local laws and trail rules to be sure bikes are allowed) from paved paths, to rails-to-trails, to mountain bike trails, to gravel or rutted roads. 3) Large, knobby tires provide traction, cushioning…and confidence, allowing riders of varying abilities to enjoy riding together. Note: a fat bike gave Lisa the confidence to venture off the rails-to-trails and into the woods with Ben.

Take home message: fat bikes allow you to ride almost anywhere…at almost any time of the year. If you have a chance to try one, take it! And if you’re looking for a fun cycling experience, and you’re not too concerned with speed, perhaps there’s a fat bike in your future.

So be safe, move more, and get on your bike and ride. Then visit www.FitLabPGH.com for tips, hacks, and podcasts to help you keep moving throughout 2021.

Check out the FitLabPGH Movement Tips and Lifestyle Hacks videos every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for tips and hacks to help you, and your dog(s) move more…move better…and stay safe…throughout 2021.

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.

FitLabPGH Movement Tips & Lifestyle Hacks 33:21

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 33 of 20213 videos  #word of the day videos to promote movement #simple aka #KISS #safety & #bicycle

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 FitLabGH Features featured a repost with Kathryn King

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 29:21 Kathryn King (Repost)

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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: 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/

FitLabPGH Movement Tips & Lifestyle Hacks 32:21

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 32 of 2021movement rituals, snacks & tools…or do we mean toys??

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 FitLabGH Features featured a repost w Lauren Wentz

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 28:21 Lauren Wentz (Repost)

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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: Lauren Wentz

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Yes – my job as a physical therapist has grown in this area and of course my large family

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Running, yoga, strength training

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? that’s a tough one! I love going to the beach to run and paddle board, but I also love going out west to run and hike

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Pre – oatmeal. Post – pizza

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Pizza!!!

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? Boston Marathon, 50 mile race in the Florida Keys

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Consistency – physical activity needs to be a daily appointment with yourself. It’s just as important as a doctor’s appointment, but it’s the first thing that gets pushed to the side when life gets busy.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? I ran 167 miles in 6 days from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio to Brookville, PA for MS RUN the US relay

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Yoga

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Pittsburgh Marathon finish line

Contact info for Lauren Wentz.:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurun_allthemiles/

Tips for Making Your Dogs Part of Your Active Lifestyle – FitLabPGH Video Podcast

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 8:24 — 6.9MB)

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


This week’s FitLabPGH Podcast release is a video podcast providing tips for making your dog(s) part of your active lifestyle. If you are looking for individual advice on dog health and nutrition, we STRONGLY encourage you to consult your veterinarian.

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

Our goal is to include our dogs in our active lifestyle…throughout their lifespan. That means that our movement practice is NOT all about us…we need to make choices to keep the dogs healthy and safe.

Tip 1: Create an active lifestyle for your dogs. Take them for walks or runs. Give them time and space for doggy play. And help them maintain a healthy weight. Active dogs at a healthy weight are less likely to get injured than dogs carrying extra weight. Yes, this means monitoring food and treats to prevent overeating (or undereating). Dogs do not know how much food they need. Ask your vet for advice. Side note: the Labs love the pumpkin treats from Portland Pet Food Company. We split 1 treat into 6 pieces, and each dog thinks she’s getting 3 treats!

Tip 2: Don’t overwork the dogs. This is year-round advice, but it is especially important on hot summer days. We get out early, seek shade and soft surfaces, let the dogs set the pace, and make frequent water stops. Maggie is a water snob and only Berkey Filters filtered water in her Nalgene bottle makes a walk complete.

Tip 3: Let the dogs set the pace. Once you get a dog, your movement practice is no longer ALL about you. We’ve all seen a reluctant dog being dragged along by a focused runner…PLEASE don’t be that dog owner.

Tip 4: Start slowly when introducing your dog to a new movement practice. Whether you have a puppy or a dog who isn’t used to regular movement, start slowly, and gradually build up to a longer movement routine. Side note: don’t “GO Hard” or “Crush It” every day. Listen to your dog, and watch for signs of heat stress or overwork. Include active recovery days in your dog’s routine…remember, the goal is to create a movement routine that your dog can enjoy throughout its lifespan.

Take home message: get outside, and enjoy moving with your dog. While you may sacrifice a bit of fitness to make your dog part of your movement lifestyle, the mental health and quality of life rewards provided by your dog make the “sacrifice” worthwhile.

Check out the FitLabPGH Movement Tips and Lifestyle Hacks videos every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for tips and hacks to help you, and your dog(s) move more…move better…and stay safe…throughout 2021.

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.

FitLabPGH Movement Tips & Lifestyle Hacks 31:21

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 31 of 2021#consistency #hydrate & #modify (your movement) all words to promote #movementisalifestyle

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 FitLabGH featured a repost of Crystal Brenneman

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 27:21 Crystal Brenneman (Repost)

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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: 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_/