3 Scientifically Validated Tips For Weight Loss

Hey everyone,

Weight loss is an immensely popular topic in our society.  Everyone is looking for a quick-fix or simply for some clarity on what truly works.  Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths out there, as well as an industry which is profit-driven and not necessarily concerned with your health (or even with your weight loss).  Fortunately, there are many scientific studies on nutrition and healthy habits which can guide us towards achieving our weight loss goals.  Just recently, a new study was published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  It examined the contribution of several diet-related and self-monitoring behaviours on weight loss in an adult female population.

Upper and Lower Body Couplets

Hey everyone,

For two of our workouts this week, we decided to incorporate couplets.  These involve pairing two exercises and completing them consecutively (i.e. super-setting them), followed by a short rest. 

For each workout, we completed 3 sets of 2 different couplets, followed by a bonus of 3 sets an additional exercise, for a total of 15 sets.  This was a great workout style which allowed us to perform some good lifts without requiring too much time for the workouts.

A Five Minute Workout!

Hey everyone,

We recently received a request from one of our readers to suggest a workout that can be completed every day, in a very short amount of time.  Even if you only have 5 minutes to spare, you have no excuse to not exercise today!

Let's Do Something!

Hey everyone,

This week there has been some interesting media coverage of a recent series of studies, published in the British medical journal ‘The Lancet’, which show the tremendous worldwide costs of inactivity.  It is now estimated that inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death, even surpassing smoking.

A Beginner, Bodyweight Workout

Hey everyone,

The last time we posted a beginner, bodyweight workout it seemed to resonate with a number of readers (http://couplefit.blogspot.ca/2012/06/how-can-i-become-fit-and-lean-without.html).  We heard that it was a helpful starting point for exercising and even useful for more experienced fitness advocates when doing a workout at home without equipment or when travelling.  Thus, we have created a new beginner, bodyweight workout for you to try!

Sunday Afternoon Swimming

Hey everyone,

On Sunday afternoon, after getting back from an awesome weekend trip to Toronto, we went for a swim.  We tried lane swimming the previous week and were quite taken with the quality of the workout.  It hit a lot of muscles and we could instantly feel the cardio challenge.

While we were there, a young guy started talking with Alex, as they paused for a rest in between laps.  He asked how often we came swimming and then said he had been doing it for 4 months.  He said that in the process, he had lost over 50 pounds and had also started weightlifting.  This was his day off from lifting and he had made the choice to come to the pool to get an extra session of fitness in.

This guy would be unremarkable in a crowd.  You might notice that he was overweight.  You might get a sense that he was unhappy with his body or lacking confidence (an assumption since he was wearing a t-shirt while swimming).  If you heard him speak, you would likely say that he seemed like a nice guy - positive and upbeat.

What struck us was his dedication.  He wasn't sitting around, complaining, or wishing for a change - he was acting upon his wishes.  He was committed, he was consistent, and he was making remarkable progress in his fitness journey.  He is a good role model for us all.

- Tannys & Alex

Early Morning Workout - Morning Flight

Hey everyone,

On Saturday morning, we were catching an early flight out to Toronto for a fun weekend away visiting Alex's sister.  Knowing that we would be eating well on our weekend trip, we decided to fit in an early morning workout.

Cross-Training: Swimming

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In an effort to try new things, we decided to go swimming.  Our choice was inspired by our vacation, where we got to reacquaint ourselves with this fun activity.  It turns out that swimming laps is also great exercise!

Back to Reality...

Hey everyone,

Vacations are a great thing, but unfortunately they always seem to eventually end.

Final Maritime Workout

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We finished our Maritime vacation by returning to Halifax.  It was an amazing holiday, with many highlights including seeing family and friends, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, incredible meals (lots of lobster!), Peggy's Cove, the PEI beaches (particularly Brackley and Argyle), and touring vineyards in the Annapolis valley.

Peggy's Cove - At the outset of our trip

Prince Edward Island - Outdoor Workout and Ocean Run

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For the second part of our trip to the Maritimes, we travelled to Prince Edward Island.  We stayed at the lovely Cranford Inn in Charlottetown, but were able to travel all over the island (since it is so small).  PEI was a breath-takingly beautiful place to visit.  The rolling hills, ocean, red earth, and sandy beaches were spectacular.

Upper Body workout in Halifax, Nova Scotia

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For our second workout while travelling through the Maritimes, we decided to stick with a good thing and do another outdoor workout using our Jungle Gym XT suspension trainer.  As with the previous workout, we picked six exercises for each circuit and did three circuits in total.

Canada Day workout - in Halifax, Nova Scotia!

Hey everyone,

We just returned home from an awesome trip through the Maritimes.  We had the opportunity to visit Nova Scotia, as well as Prince Edward Island.  It was a lovely vacation, with great food, lots to see and do, and even the chance to do some workouts while travelling.  Our first workout on the trip was on Canada Day (July 1st).

Tutorial - Burpees

Hey everyone,

Burpees are another bodyweight exercise which don't require any equipment.  They're a challenging full body movement, which will also improve your conditioning (as long as you maintain a good pace and do multiple reps).

Tutorial - Bodyweight Core Exercises

Hey everyone,

Today we are featuring a tutorial on bodyweight core exercises.  There are many different exercises which work your core - this Couplefit video tutorial will feature 2 which you can easily incorporate into your fitness routine. 

Full Body Workout: Play Time 2!

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Since our last play time workout was so much fun, we decided to do another one.  The only criteria going into this one was to focus more on pressing movements, since we had done a lot of pulling movements in the previous workout.

Tutorial - Pullups and Chinups

Hey everyone,

Pullups and chinups are another classic bodyweight exercise.  They do require equipment - at a minimum a horizontal bar (at sufficient height) which can support your bodyweight.  There are many different 'doorway' chinup bars available for home use.  Alternatively, you can find this equipment at a gym or even in a playground (e.g. monkey bars).  Regardless of where you do pullups or chinpus, this exercise will provide an excellent challenge for your back muscles (particularly your lats).