Christine VanDoren
Contributor
Author/Co-Author of 528 articles
Christine is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist with an undergraduate degree from Missouri State University. Her passion is helping others learn how strong and healthy they can become by transforming their daily habits. Christine spends most of her time in the gym and learning how she can influence others through positivity!
Recumbent bike vs. stationary bike: Which one is better for your goals?
Do you want to improve your cardio fitness but don't know whether to use a recumbent bike or a stationary bike? Find out which is best for you.
Build big biceps with just a cable machine using these 5 exercises
Do you want to build strong arms with only a cable machine? Try these five effective bicep exercises.
The underrated gym tool that torches fat and builds full-body strength
Battle ropes can help you engage your core, build muscle, and burn calories. Try these five battle ropes workouts.
Why you might want to skip the elliptical: A trainer’s take on its limitations
Are you constantly using the elliptical but not seeing desired results? You may want to try these cardio machines instead.
I’m a trainer, and these are the 11 foods high in leucine I always recommend
Discover the best high-leucine foods to support muscle growth, recovery, and metabolism. Includes expert tips and plant-based options.
Why dinner timing could make or break your fitness goals
Timing your dinner can impact both your sleep quality and digestion. Discover the ideal dinner time based on your goals.
Hamstring workouts at home: 5 trainer-approved leg curl alternatives
Don't have access to a leg curl machine but need to target your hamstrings? Try these five effective alternatives.
How long does it take to actually see results from weight training?
You're putting the hours in at the gym, but when should you see results? Discover how your body is responding.
This overlooked training method can supercharge your strength and size
Are you looking to take your workouts to the next level? Tweak your form by trying eccentric training.
A personal trainer’s favorite medicine ball moves for sculpted abs
Are you looking for a complete ab workout using only a medicine ball? Try these seven effective exercises.
Elliptical vs. stationary bike: Which is a better workout?
Elliptical vs. stationary bikes — which is a better workout? Learn about the most popular pieces of equipment for cardio workouts.
You don’t need a gym to get fit—just follow this 28-day calisthenics challenge
No gym? No problem. Torch fat, build muscle, and boost mobility with this 28-day calisthenics plan—no equipment needed, beginner-friendly, and expert-backed.
Cut the salt, not the flavor: Top low-sodium foods to add to your meals
Many Americans consume too much sodium, posing a risk to their cardiovascular health. Discover nine low-sodium foods.
Does soreness mean muscle growth? Here’s what I’ve learned from years of training
Does soreness mean muscle growth? Find out what your body is actually telling you.
The only cable machine workout guide beginners actually need
Are you interested in incorporating the cable machine in your routine but don't know where to start? Try these 10 effective exercises.
How to run faster in HYROX and crush your race time
Have you completed a HYROX in the past but are looking to achieve a PR at the next? Utilize these tips to improve your running speed.
Barbell vs. dumbbell bench press: Which one is best for your strength goals?
Is the barbell or dumbbell bench press more effective? Discover which belongs in your training program.
Why every man should eat fermented foods for better gut health (plus 5 easy picks)
Are you looking to adjust your diet to support your gut health? Incorporate these five fermented foods.
The best way to time your workouts around intermittent fasting windows
Is combining intermittent fasting with exercise a good idea? Find out how to juggle both and reach your fitness goals.
New to lifting? The easiest weights to start with for safe, steady progress
Are you new to the gym and unsure which equipment to use? Discover the best types of weights for beginners.
Should you take electrolytes before or after your workout? What science says
Should you take your electrolytes before or after working out? Find out the benefits of each timing strategy.
Can you really build muscle with resistance bands? A strength coach explains
Discover how to build muscle with resistance bands at home. Certified coach Seamus Sullivan shares expert tips, effective workouts, and the best tools for resistance band training and hypertrophy.
7 effective ab exercises with resistance bands for a stronger core
Are you looking to develop a strong core with just resistance bands? Try these seven effective exercises.
Trying to eat healthier? DASH diet vs. Mediterranean diet explained
Both the DASH diet and Mediterranean diet have their perks, but which is better for you and your goals?
How to dumbbell bench press like a pro for serious strength gains
Are you considering adding dumbbell bench press to your routine? Follow these steps for the best results.
From pasta to pastries: The ultimate list of foods high in gluten and what to buy instead
Need to go gluten-free? Make sure to avoid everything on this list of foods high in gluten and learn about possible alternatives.
Why I always feel better after a forest walk—and the science backs it up
Spending time in nature and walking are both good for you, but what about combining the two? Discover the benefits of forest walking.
5 beginner rowing machine workouts that burn fat and build endurance
Interested in adding the rowing machine to your workout routine? Try these five beginner-friendly workouts.
Post-workout recovery isn’t optional — it’s the secret to seeing real gains
You have your workouts nailed but what about your recovery? Discover how to build the optimal routine.
Can boxing build muscle? Yes — if you do it like this
Can boxing build muscle? Find out the added benefits of this killer cardio workout.
3 beginner stationary bike workout routines to build endurance and burn calories
Are you looking to commit to a cardio routine to improve your health? Try these three beginner stationary bike workouts.
Do you really need to take creatine every day for results?
Should you take creatine every day? Discover what happens if you aren't consistent with supplementation.
I try to eat these 15 nutrient-rich foods every week — here’s why you should too
Are you looking to improve your diet to look and feel better? Discover 15 nutrient-dense foods to add to your grocery list.
5 30-minute treadmill workout ideas to lose weight and build muscle
Looking for workouts that help you both lose weight and build muscle? Try these five effective treadmill workouts.
The top 13 best bulking snacks for muscle growth
Want clean, high-protein snacks to support your bulking phase? These are the 13 best bulking snacks to help you gain muscle without relying on junk food.
Eating organic can be difficult: Did Green Chef make it easier?
Are you looking for a healthy meal delivery service? Discover whether Green Chef is right for you.
Treadmill vs. StairMaster: Which is better for your cardio routine?
Cardio is essential for your overall health and longevity. Find out whether the treadmill or StairMaster would be more helpful for hitting your fitness goals.
7 high-protein snacks you can grab anywhere while traveling
Are you traveling but still have protein goals to hit? Enjoy these seven high-protein snacks you can buy anywhere.
What really happens when you bench press every day?
Do you enjoy bench press and wonder if you can do it every day? Learn the pros and cons.
Why use a trap bar for deadlifts? Benefits and techniques for optimal results
If you want to switch up your deadlift routine, here are a few reasons why you should transition to a trap bar.
9 foods high in MCTs that can boost your brain and energy
Learn how medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) fuel your body and brain, plus 9 natural foods to easily add to your diet.
5 reasons why I’ll never follow a low-carb diet — the downsides to keto
Are you considering going on the keto diet? Discover the potential downsides and what the science says first.
Is the stationary bike good cardio? The truth behind the popular exercise equipment
Is the stationary bike good cardio? Find out if it should be part of your workout routine.
3 brutal workouts using just one tool for the fitness minimalist
Looking for a challenge with only a medicine ball? Try these three full-body workouts.
How often should you deadlift weekly for the best strength gains?
You know that deadlifting has many benefits, but how often should you do it? Discover how to include it in your routine.
The personal trainer-approved way to meal prep for serious muscle gain
Are you trying to gain muscle but are confused about nutrition? Check out these five simple meal prep strategies.
Is training every day actually hurting your gains?
Is it bad to work out every day? Find out the optimal training frequency to reach your goals.
Can you survive these 3 brutal bodyweight fitness challenges? (No gym required)
Are you looking to test your strength and endurance? Take on these three difficult fitness challenges.
7 effective dumbbell exercises for lats activation
Looking to build your back but only have access to dumbbells? Try these seven effective exercises.
Power rack vs. squat rack: Pros, cons, and best uses
Should you be using a power rack or a squat rack? Discover their pros and cons.