Ask Shaun: Avoiding Afternoon Energy Slump?

Q: At around 2pm I can barely keep my head up. A nap is not an option! Any other healthy suggestions? A: Mid-afternoon malaise is healthy, but it should feel more like drowsiness than total exhaustion. Caffeine can help, but it causes unpleasant side-effects for some. Other options include eating a healthy breakfast and performing regular cardio. Breakfast sets the dietary tone … Read More

Making Summer Fitness Fun For Kids

Many think of  weight issues as a problem for adults, but according to the World Health Organization nearly one third of Canadians aged 5 to 17 are affected. And in our increasingly online world, it’s only becoming harder to get our kids moving, even in the summer. Still, even though it might seem daunting at first, it’s actually as simple … Read More

Ask Shaun: Best Stretch for Back Pain?

Q: I sit all day at work. When I get home, my back is stiff, tight, and very sore. What is the best stretch I can do to get some relief?  A: These days, many jobs require prolonged sitting, with serious negative effects, including increased back pain. As a result, Karp OTs suggest standing desks, ball chairs, walking meetings, and more, to … Read More

Ask Shaun: How Much Exercise Is Enough?

Q: I care about health, but I’m so busy! What is the minimum amount I should exercise to be fit? A: Most of us are pretty busy, but the trick is to consider exercise a priority and build your life around it. Still, I understand if you can’t fit in multiple hours of daily exercise. If you simply want a healthy lifestyle, plan … Read More

Cut The Suspense – TRX Is Here To Stay

Suspension Training involves performing whole-body strength and stability exercises while suspended from sturdy, anchored cables. It emerged in 2005 and became a true fitness trend by 2010, but some still believed it was a passing fad, like “toe shoes.” Now, after a decade of increased popularity, TRX cables, the product leader, are a fixture of gyms everywhere. How this happened has … Read More

Don’t Forget Your Feet

Feet withstand incredible natural forces every day, especially during runs and other vigorous exercise. But unless they’re currently in pain, our feet are often neglected. The problem is most fitness buffs’ main concerns are not protecting their feet, but boosting their endurance or bulking their biceps. However, proper shoes can prevent injuries and chronic pain that distract us from achieving … Read More

5 Ways to Increase Metabolism

Your metabolism is how fast you process and burn calories. With a high metabolism, you can eat more and not gain weight! But raising your metabolism and keeping it elevated usually require considerable effort. Luckily, there are ways to hack into the metabolic system. When combined with a healthy lifestyle, these tips will help you quickly lose weight and also … Read More

Walking Your Dog is Good Exercise

Having a dog can be like having a personal trainer. Well—one who can’t talk or show you how to do a reverse dumbbell fly on a stability ball. But they are motivating! According to a 2008 study published in the American Journal of Public Health, dog owners—only 23 percent of whom take their canines for a stroll at least five … Read More

You Need Water to Lose Weight

Everyone knows water is important for general health. But not as many realize how integral getting enough quality H2O is to a successful weight loss plan. In fact, there are many ways that proper hydration can help you lose weight. Here are just a few! By drinking water, you will:   Burn more fat & Reduce rapid weight change: First … Read More

Don’t Worry, Dumbbells Are Still Smart

Any fitness newcomer might wonder if old-fashioned dumbbell routines, the type once marketed to scrawny beach goers, might no longer be so smart. This is especially true given the rise of cutting-edge exercise equipment, from TRX cables to digital fitness tools. The reality is, dumbbell routines remain among the very best full-body workouts available for all fitness levels. One great … Read More

Start Your Off-Season Off Right

With everyone’s season starting to wind down and most playoffs just finishing up, it’s time to start thinking about off-season hockey training plans. By Conor Doherty Having a plan in place is the first thing to consider when mapping out your off-season. Of course, you also need to commit to a plan you can realistically follow! This is probably the … Read More

Want to Stay Active this Winter? Try Skating!

If the idea of getting all your cardio from treadmills and stationary bikes throughout the long Canadian winter feels a bit like jail time, don’t worry. There are plenty of great seasonal cardio activities done outside a gym, and skating is one of the very best. There are other winter cardio options, of course, like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, public pools, … Read More

2014 Resolutions Check-Up

Every New Year, “Get Fit” and “Lose Weight” are among the most common resolutions. Unfortunately, resolutions themselves are often viewed as only delightful delusions. But, despite this pervasive defeatism, research data demonstrates clear value in resolution making. The Facts On Resolutions  The first bit of encouraging news is that New Year’s resolutions remain relatively common, with %45 of North Americans … Read More

Karp Fitness Gift Guide 2013

One wonderful aspect of the fitness and rehabilitation industry is that it never remains static for long. This means that each year brings another batch of groundbreaking and innovative gifts to buy for all your fitness or rehab focused loved ones. The 2013 line-up is just as refreshingly cutting-edge as ever. In case you missed it on GlobalTV , and in … Read More

Digital Fitness Tools

Workout tapes and spring-loaded novelty gadgets are in the past, while digital fitness tools are taking over in their place. So far, three main product offerings are leading the charge.  1. Interactive Fitness Games The first true breakthrough in fitness gaming came in 2008 with the introduction of Wii Fit, which has since sold over 20 million copies and spawned … Read More