A Quick Guide to Choosing the Best Running Shoes for You

A Quick Guide to Choosing the Best Running Shoes for You

About 50 million Americans participate in some form of running or jogging, according to a 2020 report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. This year, with running events like the San Francisco Marathon set to resume in September, it’s a great time to get in gear and start training.If you want to maximize the many benefits of running and prevent injury, you first have to get yourself some dedicated running shoes. Here’s a handy guide to help you find your perfect pair.

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What is Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training?

What is Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training?

I first started experimenting with Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) or “Occlusion” training back in 2017. At first I was skeptical of this gimmicky looking technique for “bio hacking” muscles to grow faster with less work. Frankly, I figured it was another unsafe or ineffective scam by the fitness industry trying to sell me something I don’t need. But, as a trainer, I try to have an open mind and test different lifting styles and products to gain firsthand experience to pass along to my clients. In the end I’ve found that with the right cuffs and under the right circumstances it can be a safe and helpful way to build muscle.

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How To Pick The Right Physical Therapist For Your Injury

How To Pick The Right Physical Therapist For Your Injury

As a trainer, I often work together with my clients’ physical therapists to ensure the safest and most effective rehab program from an injury. If you think you may need a physical therapist, it's crucial to choose the right one for your injury. Don’t delay or assume that the issue will fix itself. You only have one body, and you should take the best care of it. Here are some important factors that will help you make your decision and questions you’ll want to ask.

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Mindful Eating “Versus” Food Tracking

Mindful Eating “Versus” Food Tracking

Recently a friend asked my thoughts about “mindful eating”. In short, Mindful eating is based on mindfulness, a Buddhist concept. It's a beautiful concept and one I strive to achieve. But it takes a very long time in today’s world. And for folks looking for a more basic, first step to change it can be overwhelming. In my experience success can more often be achieved by first tracking one’s food for a period of time to achieve the right calorie goals while making room for the foods you love.

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"What’s It Like Working Virtually with JJ?"

"What’s It Like Working Virtually with JJ?"

This is why I do what I do. I'm super proud of my virtual training clients like Dan, Chris, Alycia, Kimberly and Michael. Together we've overcome a lot of challenges to develop customized effective, safe and challenging wellness programs that evolve based on their needs and includes 1/1 virtual personal training, virtual group fitness and nutrition coaching. Seeing my clients thrive all over the country gets me jumping out of bed each morning. Well... that and coffee.

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JJFit & NewsUpNow Pumpin' Divas

JJFit & NewsUpNow Pumpin' Divas

Join me and the legendary drag queens of the Castro Donna Sachet, Paju Munro and Katya Smirnoff-Skyy for a hilarious 45-minute total body workout. All donations benefit the great work at NewsUpNow.org helping to keep the arts and entertainment sector alive in the Bay Area. Choose your own donation from $1-$100 and watch the video here.

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5 Ways to Fit Fitness Into a Busy Schedule

5 Ways to Fit Fitness Into a Busy Schedule

How many hours do you dedicate to exercise each week? Well, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults participate in moderate-intensity physical activities for 150 minutes per week or in high-intensity exercises for 75 minutes every week. Moreover, you should also be doing muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week. There are a lot of strategies that can be employed so that busy professionals can incorporate a few minutes of exercise into their schedules. And here are a few of them.

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JJ’s Pumpkin Spice Apple Protein Muffins

JJ’s Pumpkin Spice Apple Protein Muffins

I've been obsessed with my Blueberry Explosion Protein Muffins for years. I make them every Sunday and have two every day as a post workout treat. This week catastrophe happened. I ran out of blueberries and was too lazy to go to the store. But I did have apples so I figured, why not?! The result was a delicious reinvention of my favorite recipe. I call them JJ’s Basic B*tch Pumpkin Spice Apple Protein Muffins. Give them a shot and I hope you enjoy!

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JJFit in the News: What To Do If Your Dog Is Stronger Than You

JJFit in the News: What To Do If Your Dog Is Stronger Than You

My pal Ian at MEL Magazine came to me with a common problem. As he puts it, "My dog’s interpretation of a 'walk' is more like an opportunity to amputate my arm, and I can’t say he hasn’t come close to succeeding." Yep, his dog is stronger than him (and probably a young Arnold Schwarzenegger, too). If you can relate, give his latest post a read with expert advice on how to walk a dog that’s stronger than you, including my #1 strength training move to help you get the upper hand (which I call the “Auggie row” named after my favorite pup.

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Client Spotlight: Kimberly Su and Her "Virtual Fitness" Journey

Client Spotlight: Kimberly Su and Her "Virtual Fitness" Journey

When I met Kimberly in February 2020 for a quick chat to discuss training together I was super excited. She wanted to build a strength training program to help her recover from a hip injury and to get her feeling strong and balanced in her body. She was everything I look for in a client: ready, willing and energetic. And then COVID hit.

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JJFit in the News: How to Safely Do Pull Ups at Home

JJFit in the News: How to Safely Do Pull Ups at Home

The doorway pull-up bar is a classic piece of at-home exercise equipment. It checks all the boxes: Cheap. Detachable. Easy to stash in the closet when you realize exercise really, really sucks. But despite its convenience, the doorway pull-up bar does have one foible: It can demolish your doorway, especially if you weigh more than a penny. The good news is, there are a couple simple ways to prevent doorway damage, and doorway pull-up bar alternatives for you extra heavy kings. Here are some things to keep in mind from my pals at MEL Magazine.

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Bay Area FitFam "Gather" for a Virtual 10k March 14

Bay Area FitFam "Gather" for a Virtual 10k March 14

I've really missed training for and experiencing races during the pandemic. And some of my clients and friends have expressed similar feelings. So we're banding together in true 2021 form and planning a VIRTUAL 10K on Sunday, March 14 (eight weeks away in case you want to do a formal eight week training program). Will provide more info as we get closer but for now, comment on the IG thread if you want in and you’ll be included on the list!

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JJFit in the News: POPSUGAR: 9 Dumbbell Moves to Get Chiseled

JJFit in the News: POPSUGAR: 9 Dumbbell Moves to Get Chiseled

When the editors of POPSUGAR asked me to pick my favorite dumbbell exercise “to get chiseled muscles” I didn’t hesitate. The goblet squat is my go-to and while it’s considered a “legs” exercise it’s really a total body strength move. Learn more about how to goblet squat with perfect form and 8 other dumbbell exercises by watching the slideshow.

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In the News: How to Exercise Safely in the Dark

In the News: How to Exercise Safely in the Dark

Running or walking outside has been the only thing keeping a lot of us from punching drywall in quarantine, and now that it gets dark in the early afternoon, tensions are surging. But while it may be kinda spooky, you can safely exercise in the shadows if you take proper precautions. Here are some tips on how to exercise in the dark from me and my pal Ian from MEL Magazine.

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