Category Archives: Podcast

FitLabPGH Features 21:21 Laura E. (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: Laura E.

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 Ohio but relocated to the Pittsburgh area 10 years ago for work. I now reside in Wexford with my husband and son where I also own an online boutique Lane 51.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? My family and I love visiting all of the local parks, especially Knob Hill in Marshall Township & Graham Park in Cranberry. Both have unique playgrounds and trails that are great for biking or walking. Over the summer we explored the waterfalls in Ohiopyle State Park and the hiking trails of McConnell’s Mill. The Bar Method in Wexford also has the best pop-up classes!

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? The best vacation I’ve ever taken also happens to be my wedding – We hosted a destination wedding in Punta Cana with close friends & family. Everything from the food & drinks to the spa, the pools & the beach, it was the best vacation. While we were there we went snorkeling in the ocean & played on all of the water sports.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? My favorite post workout snack is a cold pressed juice & wrap from Clean Juice in Wexford. Right now I’m loving the Sweet Green Juice and the BBQ Chicken Wrap, with apple slices added.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. My favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh is Mexican fare. Some of my favorite spots for tacos & tequila are Tres Rios in Southside, Condado Tacos, Round Corner Cantina in Lawrenceville, and Emiliano’s in Cranberry.

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 love to be outside in nature so I’m looking forward to more hiking trips especially as the leaves continue to change & the weather cools.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Motivation. Once we get ourselves moving it’s easy to keep up with it, but it’s that initial effort that seems to be the biggest obstacle.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? I wish I had something more exciting to share lol. I would have to say my most adventurous movement would be ziplining or parasailing while on vacation

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I love indulging in a good massage. I also recently tried a Salt Therapy Room at Revitalize in Sewickley which is something I’d love to do again; it was so calming & detoxifying.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Any rooftop 🙂 I love being surrounded by the views of the city. Some of my favorites are Hotel Monaco’s Biergarten, Il Tetto, or Eighth & Penn Apartments. Even though I’ve done it 20 times I still love riding the Duquesne Incline for that breathtaking view at the top.

Contact info for Laura E.:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_wexford_housewife_/

https://www.instagram.com/lane51btq/


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.


FitLabPGH Movement Tips & Lifestyle Hacks 16:21




@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 16 of 2021 a healthy lifestyle is more than a workout, get off the beaten path & preparing for summer hikes for you & your 4 legged pals

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 re-introduces you to Cecile Elias

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.


Kelly Kuhn Physical Therapist talks about running injuries & common training errors




FitLabPGH recently did a Facebook Live with Kelly Kuhn, MPT, CSCS, PES, Cert-TMD, Cert-MST.  We talked about running injuries and common training errors.  Below is a link to a a video, or listen along, just like a normal podcast

If you don’t know Kellie–  (in her own words): I became a physical therapist and a CSCS almost 18 years ago because I was an athlete and wanted to work with athletes. I started my career in Florida, my home state, working with athletes. Over time I began to work more with every day pain and injuries as well and realized that the same “athlete” principals apply to everyone. But, I also really began to focus on running as my way to stay connected to the athletic population. I just love getting people moving and back to what they love doing no matter what it is and feel that changing the way we look at and approach pain, movement and exercise can have major benefits to our overall well-being.

Show Notes: Kelly Kuhn, MPT, CSCS, PES, Cert-TMD, Cert-MST, Contact Information:

E-mail: Kelly@kellykuhnpt.com

Website: https://www.kellykuhnpt.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellykuhn_pt/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrskuhn09

Links mentioned in the Podcast:

Jeff Galloway Training Program

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/

Chris Johnson, MPT, ITCA

Cinder Block Training Program

https://www.zerenpt.com/goods.html

Paul Thompson, Masters Runner

https://liveboulderrunbolder.wordpress.com

Check out the episode of our sister podcast Moving2Live featuring Paul Thompson, released 1/27/21. Link:

http://www.moving2live.com/2021/01/27/paul-thompson-masters-runner/

Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD

http://activeeatingadvice.com

Check out the FitLabPGH Podcast episode featuring Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, released 9/3/17. Link:

https://www.fitlabpgh.com/2017/09/03/podcast-36-18-leslie-bonci/

 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 7:21




@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 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.


Winter Pack for Hiking- FitLabPGH video podcast




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 Features 6:21 Katie Robb




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




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 Video Podcast – Apollo Neuro Review




This week’s FitLabPGH Podcast release is a video podcast offering Ben’s 1-month review of the Apollo Neuro, a “wearable wellness device for stress relief.” The Apollo Neuro, developed in Pittsburgh, uses touch therapy, felt as waves of vibration, to trigger a parasympathetic nervous system response. With consistent use, the Apollo Neuro may retrain the nervous system to manage stress more efficiently. The device may be used on the wrist or the ankle.

You can listen to the audio, but we think you’ll enjoy the video

 

For more on the science behind the device, and information on purchasing, visit www.apolloneuro.com Note: this is not a sponsored post. Ben purchased the product at retail price, and he has been using it for 1.5 – 3 hours a day for approximately a month.

Overall score: 4.75 out of 5 stars.  The only negatives for Ben: 1) the feeling of vibration on the leg reminds Ben of sciatic nerve symptoms, so he doesn’t want to try the ankle strap; and 2) neither Ben nor Puddin the Yellow Lab like the feeling of vibration while trying to sleep, so he hasn’t made use of the “Sleep and Renew” mode. Now, on to the positives. Ben is pleased with the battery life and the ease of charging the battery via a USB cord that comes with the device. When awake, the vibration on the wrist does not bother Ben.

The Apollo Neuro includes access to the Apollo Neuro App (Apple and Android), which offers 7 curated modes (patterns of vibration): Energy & Wake-Up; Social & Open; Clear & Focused; Rebuild & Recover; Meditation & Mindfulness; Relax & Unwind; Sleep & Renew. You choose the mode based on how you want to feel.

The results (as seen through the Oura Ring): Average nightly sleep has increased by 13 minutes. Resting heart rate is down by 2 beats per minute. HRV (heart rate variability) is up slightly (that’s a good thing). And morning readiness (according to the Oura Ring) is up by 5 points. Also, and this may be the power of suggestion…or the placebo effect…but Ben feels more focused after using the “Clear & Focused” pattern, and more energized after using the “Rebuild & Recover” pattern following a workout.

The Apollo Neuro is not cheap…but it DOES fall into the “making an investment in your health” category. Take home message: the Apollo Neuro is a another tool for Ben’s health toolbox…designed to improve stress management, allowing him to sleep better, perform better, and make movement part of his lifestyle.

Visit www.FitLabPGH.com for tips, hacks, and podcasts to help you move more…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.

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


Winter Workout Gear from Head to Toe- a Video Podcast




This week’s FitLabPGH Podcast release is a video podcast to help you keep moving outside through the winter…with a guide for winter workout gear to keep you comfortable from head to toe. If your extremities are cold, you are unlikely to enjoy your outdoor movement session…and you may even be putting yourself at risk of frostbite or hypothermia.

You can listen to the audio, but we think you’ll enjoy the video, so sit back, watch, and then put on the appropriate gear, and opt outside!

First tip: Your Mom was right…you SHOULD wear a hat when it’s cold outside! If it’s just chilly, you can get away with choosing a hat for fit or fashion…like the synthetic Sweatvac beanie that Ben likes to wear under his bike helmet. When chilly becomes cold, Ben switches to wool. His favorite lightweight wool hats are from Smartwool and Voormi (the Dual SURFACE precision blend beanie). For the coldest days, Ben swaps the lightweight wool for a heavier blend, like the SURFACE HARDENED thermal wool precision blend beanie from Voormi. Still cold? Put your jacket hood up over your hat.

Tip 2: the neck…a positive takeaway from the pandemic? Ben discovered he likes wearing a neck gaiter year-round. For warm to chilly days, Ben likes a synthetic gaiter that wicks sweat when it’s hot, and keeps your neck warm when a chilly wind picks up. Shown in the video: “Year of the Coronavirus” neck gaiter from Carson Footwear. Double up the gaiter, and it doubles as a face mask. When temperatures get colder, Ben once again opts for wool. A couple of brands of wool neck gaiters to try? Buff and Smartwool.

Tip 3: the hands…if your hands are freezing, you’re likely to throw in the workout towel. We recommend having a range of gloves…and possibly mittens…available to keep your hands happy. On chilly days, Ben likes the wool gloves from DeFeet…bonus: when it gets colder, the DeFeet gloves make good liners under heavier gloves or mittens. A couple of bike glove recommendations: for cold rides, check out Aero Tech Designs (a Pittsburgh company); for REALLY cold days, consider the Sturmfist 5 from 45 Nrth. Note: nothing from 45 Nrth is cheap, but if you’re looking for durable, cold weather cycling gear, it’s the best we’ve tried. Second note: Lisa’s hands get cold when temps drop below 60 degrees…how does she hike with the Labs through the winter? With liner gloves, AND MITTENS, AND handwarmers in the warmer pockets of the mittens!

Tip 4: finally, socks are the final piece of today’s puzzle. If it’s above 50 degrees, select the synthetic sock that speaks to you. Ben is a fan of DeFeet. Bet you can guess what Ben chooses when temps get chilly? Yep, wool…lightweight wool socks we’ve enjoyed come from CloudLine, Stance, and DeFeet. Ben’s favorite heavyweight wool socks come from Darn Tough.

Take home message: build a wardrobe of hats, gaiters, gloves, and socks that will keep you moving…comfortably, and safely, throughout the winter.

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