Tag Archives: bikePGH

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.


FitLabPGH Features 13:21 Adonah Perry




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: Adonah Perry

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Born and raised!!! Pittsburgh and I have a love/hate relationship lol

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Cycling, Versaclimbing, and Yoga

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? The best vacay I probably took was a few years ago to Cali! I was out there for my cousin’s wedding at the time and I remember my cousins took my sisters and I down to Malibu beach to walk along the beach & admire some of the caves from afar! At that time I was in the prime of my fitness journey so sadly I didn’t really schedule time for the gym like I should have, but walking around Universal Studios could count right?

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Favorite post snack: Goat cheese & Blueberries (Please try asap!)

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Coop De Ville chicken sandwich & anything from Cinderlands! I have LOTS of favorite restaurants!

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 actually do! My goal for this summer (hopefully) is to get outside more to visit North Park and go out on hikes with my boyfriend/friends!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? People have a big problem with Self motivation! I could go on for DAYS about this topic lol

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? The most adventurous movement activity that I’ve ever done was become a cycle instructor! Never in a million years did I think I would ever be an instructor, but here we are! Also I’ll be becoming a nurse next year too so I’ll count that as a HUGE adventurous movement for myself!

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I’ve become slightly obsessed with infrared sauna sessions! Also will be trying out a Cryotherapy at Restore and plan to do a float session at Victory Float lounge!

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) I have a few places, but first place that comes to mind is the Color Park in south side!

Contact info for Adonah Perry:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adonah_lynn16/

https://www.instagram.com/fitsfoodmeds_ap/

 


FitLabPGH Features 12:21 Madison Martinez




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: Madison Martinez

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Pittsburgh Native

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Kayaking Biking Hiking

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? Riviera Maya – Swimming in cenotes, paddle boarding in the Gulf of Mexico, walked the grounds of the Chichen Itza pyramids (one of the 7 wonders of the world)

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Pre-workout: Jerky + dried fruits. Post workout snack: Smoothie with frozen bananas + strawberries, creatine, pea-plant protein + almond milk (preferably a meal)

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? Kayaking

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Lack of discipline and relying on motivation.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Swimming in a cenote in Mexico

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

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Strip District – great food and fun to bike around

Contact info for Madison Martinez:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddy.nourishandlift/

https://www.instagram.com/nourishandlift.pgh/

https://www.instagram.com/sweatbarfitness/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maddy.nourishandlift

 


FitLabPGH Features 9:21 Marissa Venanzi




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: Marissa Venanzi

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? I’m from Monongahela, so about an hour south of the Burgh! I’m currently living in the city for school at Chatham University. I fell in love with the campus, my program, the people, and the neighborhood and I know that this is where I am meant to be right now!

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? 1. I am a spin instructor, so teaching classes is definitely my favorite movement activity in the area! I teach at Spin City Oakmont and Triangle Foundry, and I love both studios and communities so much! 2. Outdoor yoga or walking… Pittsburgh has so many AMAZING parks and there is nothing better than rolling out a mat or walking and enjoying some movement and beautiful weather in a beautiful space (and then walking to the nearest coffee shop afterwards, of course). 3. This is very general, but I LOVE trying out different studios of different fitness disciplines in the area. The Pittsburgh area is full of a variety of studios and tons of incredible instructors, and it is so much fun to challenge myself with new workouts and meet new people by trying different studios!

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? I haven’t travelled a ton yet due to a super busy school schedule, but it is definitely a goal of mine! The best vacation I’ve ever taken was probably going to Ocean City, MD with a group of my lifelong best friends! The destination was not the most exciting, but the trip was filled with so many laughs, long beach walks, and quality time with some of the most quality people in my life.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? My favorite pre-workout snack has to be a banana with peanut butter! It gives me the energy I need to crush a workout without making me feel weighed down or sick from eating!

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. This is the toughest question EVER. I love Shady Grove’s cobb salad… bonus points when I ask for the chicken tossed in buffalo. I love everything at Friendship Perk and Brew and Square Cafe. Both places have the BEST brunch and coffee in the city! I’m also in love with Millie’s vegan dark chocolate ice cream. I’ll stop the list there or else I will literally go on all day!

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? Yes! I really want to try acro yoga and paddleboard yoga! I also am thinking of setting a goal to try one fitness studio every time I travel!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? I think confidence is the biggest obstacle, mainly for people who haven’t tried certain workouts before. It can be really intimidating to enter a space where people may have more experience than you, and getting over that hill is the toughest part in my opinion. A lot of workouts can also be very daunting and challenging at first, which can lead to a bit of doubt, but the more you do them, the better and more confident you will feel in your abilities and entire self!

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? I’ve been ziplining a few times! Hocking Hills in Ohio is the best place to zipline! I have a fear of heights, so this is definitely the most adventurous activity I’ve done. Honorable mentions are kayaking and paddleboarding, and Stonewall Jackson Resort in WV is the best for those!

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Yoga is my favorite recovery/self care practice, but that isn’t always entirely a recovery practice depending on the flow. The highest form of self care for me is to walk to a coffee shop or a park with my friends and enjoy the company and atmosphere.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Mellon Park and the Chatham University Mellon Building Solarium!!!

Contact info for Marissa Venanzi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissavenanzi/


FitLabPGH Features 8:21 Ryan Popple




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 Features 7:21 Kathryn King




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 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/


FitLabPGH Features 5:21 Crystal Brenneman




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_/


FitLabPGH Features 4:21 Jess Mann




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: Jess Mann

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Yes. I love Pgh and its people. I’ve dedicated my career to positive and ethical community development so why not start where I live?

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Running, Biking, Kayaking

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? Europe- walked everywhere. Swam in the ocean, hiked, just soaked everything in on my own 2 feet

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Banana with PB and nuun!

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Aiello’s pizza and a beer is my favorite long run treat

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’d love to complete an ultramarathon. I’m coming back from a hip fracture, so I think I’ll only manage a half marathon this year but I’m looking forward to building back up my strength and endurance and hitting the races stronger than before

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

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Tough Mudder

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Float tanks (shout out to Levity in Squirrel Hill!) and my percussion gun for sore muscles

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) August Wilson park in the Hill District. A hidden gem not many folks know about, but a beautifully restored park with a breathtaking view

Contact info for Jess Mann:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsjourney2healthhappiness/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/J_MannPhD