Tag Archives: run pittsburgh

Movement is a Lifestyle – Kelly Kuhn PT (Peters Township Community Television)



FitLabPGH is excited to return to Peters Township Community Television with Movement is a Lifestyle. In this episode, our host, Ben Reuter, PhD, CSCS*D, ATC interviews Kelly Kuhn, MPT, CSCS of Kelly Kuhn Physical Therapy to discuss common running injuries as well as approaches to run training for special populations, including postpartum women and student athletes. Tune in on YouTube and get ready for your Spring running season.


Do’s and Don’ts for Moving in 2022 – a Video Podcast




This week’s FitLabPGH Podcast release is a video podcast: Do’s and Don’ts for Moving in 2022. We encourage everyone to make movement a lifestyle…this year and every year! Whether you’re just starting a movement routine or you’re already a lifetime mover, here are 5 tips for an enjoyable, and SAFE, movement practice (for you…and for those around you).

Listen to the audio or watch the video below to enjoy the Labradors making movement part of their lifestyle.

  1. DO: Just Move. Your movement practice doesn’t need to be complicated, scheduled, or trending on social media. Take a walk. Ride your bike. Dance in your living room. Just Move.
  2. DON’T Put Yourself in Dangerous Situations. Just because you CAN try an extreme sport or ride your bike on a busy road, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Stay safe today, so that you can keep moving tomorrow.
  3. DO: Make Movement a Priority. Life is busy. Schedule time for regular movement.
  4. DON’T Be a Jerk. Translation: It’s not ALL about you. Share the trail (or gym equipment). Leash your dog in public spaces. Do your best to allow other movers to enjoy their movement experience.
  5. DO: Be adaptable. You may not have time to do your fantasy workout. Your fitness class may have been canceled. Adapt. Find something you CAN do to keep moving.

Take home message: find ways to include safe and fun movement in your lifestyle today, and you will look forward to making movement part of your lifestyle in the future. So just move…be safe…and move more.

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 2022.

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)

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


FitLabPGH Features 34:21 Kristin – @4run2 (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: Kristin – @4run2

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Yes. I grew up here, but moved away for college and a couple years after. I’ve been back for about 7 years. Most of my family is here and I love being close to them.

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Running, rock climbing, mountain biking

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? Patagonia. My now husband and I did an awesome hiking trip in Argentina and Chile about 2 years ago. The scenery was gorgeous, the hikes were challenging, but fun, and the food was amazing! My favorite part of the trip was an overnight mountaineering trip we did with a guide.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Pre- apples, post- Diet Dr Pepper and pretzels

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

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 husband and I are hoping to bike the GAP trail from PGH to DC next year! I would also love to do a dog trail race with my pup!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Either motivation or finding something they enjoy doing. It can be hard to stay motivated if you are not seeing the results you want to see or if you are not enjoying the activity. I love to run. I love being outside and I use that hour as me time. A lot of people hate running and see it more as torture than a fun activity.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Lead Rock Climbing

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Recovery- sitting on the couch 😂. Self care- pedicures. Lately I’ve been doing a lot of at home pedicures/foot baths. Running does a lot of work to my feet and I try and keep them looking decent.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Frick Park

Contact info for Kristin:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4run2/


FitLabPGH Features 32:21 Gabrielle Monaco (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: Gabrielle Monaco

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

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Instructing cycle at SWEAT PGH, taking barre and yoga classes, running with my husband

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? Too many to list but I love trying new cycle studios when I travel!

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Avocado toast on Ezekiel bread

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Authentic Italian food – my dad’s cooking is the best!

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? Boxing!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Excuses!

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Rock climbing

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? A massage or spa treatment

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Wild Rosemary

Contact info for Gabrielle Monaco:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielle.monaco/


FitLabPGH Features 28:21 Lauren Wentz (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: 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




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 Features 27:21 Crystal Brenneman (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: 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 24:21 Jessie Hartman (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: Jessie Hartman

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Yes, born and raised!

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Crossfit, running/hiking outdoors and kayaking

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? I would have to say my favorite vacation (so far) was to Hawaii in 2014. At that time of my life, I was training for and running half marathons so I would get up early every morning to run Kailua Beach at sunrise. It was absolutely amazing. I also did several day hikes around the island, standup paddle boarding in the ocean and snorkeling. Truly one of my all-time best trips ever!

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Pre-workout I enjoy fruit and nut butter and post-workout I always try to get in some protein and carbohydrates, so usually a protein shake with almond milk and a banana.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Pittsburgh has so many great foodie spots this is hard to pick! Mediterra Cafe or Gaucho Parrilla Argentina.

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 would really like to try jiu-jitsu!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Talking with folks about getting more active, the number one reason they give for not including movement is “not enough time.” I understand life gets busy and schedules can be challenging to work around, but I believe that you have to make time for the things you want to do-like getting up and working out or getting to the gym after work. Create the habit and you’ll find the time!

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Probably MMA/boxing. I was so nervous to try it and I ended up absolutely loving it!

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? Foam rolling, stretching and massage.

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Peters Lake Park

Contact info for Jessie Hartman:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_notica/

https://www.instagram.com/whole_heart_wellness_massage/


FitLabPGH Features 20:21 Dayna Coleman




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: Dayna Coleman

Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? I’m a Pittsburgh transplant! I grew up in Saratoga Springs, NY. I came out to Western PA for my Master’s degree at IUP. I had an internship in Pittsburgh, got a job here, and I’ve been here ever since!

What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? Spinning at Cyclebar Robinson, running the North Shore trail, and attending SweatNET events – especially outdoor events!

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? One of my favorite vacations was going to Colorado to ski at Copper, Breckenridge, and Arapahoe Basin! I went with my friend that I’ve known since we were 3. You’ll never find me happier than when I’m skiing, so I loved being able to check out the bigger mountains.

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? Pre-workout – I love an eggo waffle with peanut butter and apple slices! Post workout – I love the Honey Stinger cracker bars – they are so easy to take with you anywhere and they hold you over until the post-workout meal.

What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. Wingo tacos at Mad Mex, the San Francisco sauce is *chefs kiss*

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 activity is definitely an in-person running race. I never started running until the pandemic, and since then, I ran three virtual races including the 2021 Pittsburgh Half Marathon. I’ve heard there is a magic and excitement about in person races, so I can’t wait to experience that!

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? I think it can be tough for people to know what they will enjoy until they start doing it, and it can be really daunting (and sometimes expensive) to try new things. But once you find the things you like to do, movement becomes part of your lifestyle. Thankfully, we have SweatNET here, and it’s bridging that obstacle! You can try yoga, HIIT, boxing, and everything in between for a $10 membership.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? The day that I walked 14 miles around London sight-seeing. Although walking isn’t the most adventurous activity on its own, it was the first day of my trip and I couldn’t wait to see everything! I love how walking allows you to see so much that you would otherwise miss by driving or taking busses and trains. I saw so many sights that day including: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Eye, London Bridge, Covent Gardens, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Abbey Road, and Speakers Corner.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I love cryotherapy – it’s amazing how just a few minutes in the cold can make such a significant impact on recovery. Also, if I close my eyes, I can imagine that I’m skiing 🙂

What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) Washington’s Landing – I could only dream of owning a home there – but the look-out is my absolute favorite and it’s a really quiet place right in the city where you don’t feel like you’re in the city at all.

Contact info for Dayna Coleman:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayynnaaaa/


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