To start things off, I have to take a second and talk about one of my favorite shows: House of Cards.  

For those that watch, you're probably aware that the second season came out on Friday (a Valentine's Day miracle!), and Lindsay and I have been trying to practice some self-restraint by only watching the first 3 episodes over this past weekend.

I won't give any spoilers, but ZOMG, I can't believe what happened in that first episode!  It's like the writers decided, "we're just going to show that we're one of the most bad ass shows that's ever been created and do something insane."  Well, it worked.

Way back in June of last year, I published an article that I titled "My Top 5: Worst Exercises." If you're too lazy to click on that link, I can give you a basic summary: sit-ups, "crossfit" kipping pullups, and bosu balls tend to make my eyes bleed.  So, don't do them....ever.

Fast forward to today, and I'm finally posting the ying to that article's yang.  The list below is the top five exercises that I prefer from both a strength and "fat loss" perspective.  Whether your goal is to look good in the gym, or look good nekkid....these five exercises need to be in your toolbox and used regularly.

So, raise your right hand if you'd like to sucker punch Punxsutawney Phil right about now.

Of course, I'm kidding....I'd only expect a yes from someone like Michael Vick.

But, if you live in the northeast, you're probably getting battered with some rain/snow combination today, as well as a few days from now.  It's winter, and it sucks....but on the bright side, it gives me more time to write! 

Anywho, I realized a few days ago that there's one exercise/position I do with many of my clients, but have yet to share.  And, what if I told you that this exercise helps build "core" stability, hip stability, helped you breathe better (yes, you breathe terribly), and can help alleviate back pain?

The plot thickens..

Happy Monday everyone!  I'm not exactly loaded with time these days, as I've been busy with clients, training myself, oh and planning a wedding. (Correction: watching Lindsay plan our wedding..)

Yet, despite being busy, I was able to catch the Grammys last night and I came away with several revelations:

1. Lorde looks a lot like Marla Hooch from "A League Of Their Own"
2. Not only does Taylor Swift look like a Praying Mantis, she dances like one too.

I know, your mind was just blown too.  Anyway, I've had my nose dug into the nutritional realm over the past several weeks, and I've come across a few posts I wanted to share with all of you.  Why?  Because they're frikken awesome reads....that's why.

Every now and then, I get the opportunity to go to a regular gym and get a training session in.  I live a pretty pampered life when I lift, since I work out in a private studio when there's pretty much no one around.  As such, I don't have to worry about particular equipment being taken, the creepy/greasy/smelly guys in sweatsuits, and dudes doing bicep curls in the squat rack.

During one of these trips to another gym last month, I overheard the following fragment of conversation:

"Sup brohammerstein?  That was a killer workout, I was so sore the next day."**

But, what if soreness wasn't really indicative of progress?  Is soreness just....soreness?  In a word, maybe.