How to Shake Off Winter Habits and Revamp Your Fitness Routine

As winter fades and the days get longer, it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button on your fitness and nutrition habits. If you’ve been working out less and indulging in heavier meals during the colder months, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Instead of feeling guilty, use this opportunity to ease back into a sustainable, energizing routine. Here’s how to transition out of winter mode and set yourself up for success.

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Ford Stevens
Beyond the Scale: Non-Scale Victories and Other Ways to Measure Fitness Progress

When it comes to fitness, the scale is often the go-to measure of progress. But relying solely on that number can be frustrating and misleading. Weight fluctuates due to factors like water retention, muscle gain, and even the time of day. The good news? There are plenty of other ways to measure your fitness progress that have nothing to do with the scale. These "non-scale victories" can be just as—if not more—motivating and meaningful.

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Ford Stevens
The Truth About Spot-Reducing Fat: What Works and What Doesn’t

If you’ve ever wished you could shrink just your belly, slim down your arms, or tone up your thighs without changing much else, you’re not alone. The idea of spot-reducing fat—losing fat in a specific area by targeting it with exercise—is one of the most persistent myths in the fitness world. Let’s set the record straight and dive into what really works when it comes to fat loss and body composition changes.

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Ford Stevens
Supplements 101: What Works and What to Avoid

The world of fitness supplements can be overwhelming. With countless options on the market, it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of promises for bigger muscles, faster recovery, and improved performance. As the founding trainer at Body By Ford, I often get questions about which supplements are worth the investment and which are better left on the shelf. Let’s break it down so you can make informed choices for your fitness journey!

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Ford Stevens
Snacks for Work: Fuel Your Day the Healthy Way!

When you’re busy at work, it’s easy to reach for convenient snacks that offer a quick energy boost but leave you hungry soon after. The key to smarter snacking, especially for those focused on weight loss or maintaining energy throughout the day, is choosing foods that are high in protein and fiber while being low in calories. These snacks keep hunger and cravings at bay, making it easier to stay on track with your goals. Here’s a guide to work-friendly snacks that will help keep hunger at bay and cravings in check…

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Ford Stevens
The Full ROM Advantage: Build Strength, Flexibility, and Resilience

When it comes to strength training, people often focus on the basics: lifting heavy, doing the right number of reps, and maintaining proper form. But one key concept that can significantly impact your results is something called range of motion (ROM). Understanding and using a full ROM in your exercises can be a game-changer in building strength, improving flexibility, and avoiding injury. So, let’s dive into what ROM means and why it's important for your workouts.

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Ford Stevens
Stretching: Good for recovery, or stretching the truth?

Stretching has long been considered an essential part of fitness routines, promising better flexibility, reduced muscle soreness, and injury prevention. However, recent research and real-world insights are sparking debates about the true value of stretching, especially static stretching before a workout. In this post, we’ll take a look at the science behind stretching, examine its pros and cons, and explore alternatives that might be more beneficial for your fitness goals.

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Ford Stevens
Exercise Spotlight: Pull-Ups – The Ultimate Upper-Body Workout

Pull-ups are one of the most effective bodyweight exercises, often considered the gold standard for upper-body strength. If you’ve ever seen someone effortlessly pull themselves up to a bar and thought, “I wish I could do that,” you’re not alone! While they can be challenging, pull-ups are also incredibly rewarding as they target multiple muscle groups and build functional strength. In this blog post, we’ll break down why pull-ups are worth adding to your routine, how to do them correctly, and a few variations to challenge yourself as you progress.

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Ford Stevens
Healthy Habits for Busy People: Simple Strategies to Prioritize Fitness in Your Daily Life

Finding time for fitness can feel like a challenge, especially when juggling work, family, and personal commitments. However, it's crucial for our physical health and mental well-being to stay active. The exciting news for those of us with busy schedules is that you don’t need hours at the gym every day to stay fit. With the right strategies, you can easily incorporate fitness into your daily routine, no matter how busy you are. Here are some simple yet effective habits to help you prioritize your health and well-being.

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Ford Stevens
Navigating the Gym: A Beginner's Guide to Equipment and Etiquette

Starting your fitness journey at the gym can be both exciting and overwhelming. With rows of machines, weights, and fitness enthusiasts around, it’s easy to feel a bit lost. But don’t worry—this guide is here to help you navigate the gym confidently, understand the essential equipment, and grasp the basic etiquette. Plus, we'll explore how working with a personal trainer can alleviate many of these concerns and help you get the most out of your workouts.

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Ford Stevens
Beyond the Beach Bod: The Long-Term Benefits of Building Muscle for Weight Loss

Summer is here, and many of us are thinking about shedding those unwanted pounds. While cardio exercises like running, cycling, and swimming often take the spotlight when it comes to weight loss, there’s another powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals: lifting weights and building muscle. Let’s dive into why incorporating strength training into your fitness routine is crucial for effective and sustainable weight loss.

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Ford Stevens
What is the Link Between Sleep and Weight Loss?

As the summer months approach and the desire to shed those extra pounds intensifies, many people focus on diet and exercise. However, there's a crucial, often overlooked factor that could be the key to successful weight loss: sleep. Yes, you read that right—your sleep patterns might be just as important as your workout routine and dietary choices. Here's what to know about the powerful link between sleep and weight loss…

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Ford Stevens