Skip to main content

Latest by C. VanDoren

Close-up of hand holding a dumbbell

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.
Man in gym taking supplement drinking protein shake powder electrolyte mineral

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.
-man shirtless muscles flexing abs arms

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.
A bird's-eye view of healthy foods on a table.

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?
Man laying on workout bench doing chest presses with dumbbells

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.
Foods high In gluten

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.
Man walking through sunlit trees

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.
AI fitness coach

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

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.
Boxing.

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.
A man in red T-shirt using an exercise bike, surrounded by several exercise bikes and other fitness equipment in a gym

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.
creatine powder

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.
balanced healthy meal in bowl

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.
man running on treadmill

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.
Man eating protein bar

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.
Green Chef

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.
cardio

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.
protein bar

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.
man bench press with barbell in gym

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.
Man outside wearing blue sleeveless shirt doing trap bar deadlift in nature

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.
Coconut oil with a coconut

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.
Low-carb foods

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.
A man in red T-shirt using an exercise bike, surrounded by several exercise bikes and other fitness equipment in a gym

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.
Man exercising with medicine ball.

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.
Deadlifting with weightlifting belt

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.
High-protein meals

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.
Man laying on workout bench doing chest presses with dumbbells

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.
Man getting ready to run on running track

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.
Man doing dumbbell row

7 effective dumbbell exercises for lats activation

Looking to build your back but only have access to dumbbells? Try these seven effective exercises.
Man bench pressing in gym wearing green pants on a bench woman helping train him

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.
man on treadmill picture running by window

Walking pad vs. treadmill: Which is better for your home gym?

Looking to get in more steps but don't know if you should choose a walking pad or treadmill? Learn the pros and cons of each.
Man on treadmill

3 effective incline treadmill workouts for a stronger lower body

Looking for low-impact training that will help you build muscle and burn fat? Try these three incline treadmill workouts.
Man and woman doing dead hangs from a pull-up bar

This pull-up bar ab workout will fire up your core and sculpt your abs

Looking to develop your core but only have access to a pull-up bar? Try these seven effective exercises.
Seafood that is high in vitamin B12

Need an energy boost? Try these 12 foods high in vitamin B12

Foods high in vitamin B12 provide essential energy-producing nutrients that help with brain function and more.
best workout supplements

5 powerful benefits of amino acid supplements for fitness and recovery

Are you considering adding amino acids to your routine? Learn about five interesting benefits.
A spoonful of kefir and two glasses of kefir on a table

7 underrated high-protein foods you’re probably not eating

Looking to spice up your high-protein diet? Add these seven foods to your meal plan.
Person holding slides.

What are recovery shoes — and do you actually need them?

Looking to support your feet after intense exercise or hours of standing? Learn about recovery shoes and how they could help.
Man doing resistance band bicep curls.

Understanding the biceps: Long head vs. short head bicep training

If you're looking to get more intentional with your bicep training, this guide can help. Discover what exercises are essential for seeing results.
Man arms out exercise happy on rocks mountains nature rucking backpack rucksack

Ruck pack vs weighted vest: Which is better for your fitness goals?

If you are looking to make your workouts more intense with added weight, a ruck pack or weighted vest can be a great option.
Stationary bike

How many calories do you burn on an exercise bike?

Want to learn how many calories you burn on an exercise, stationary, or spin bike? The answers may surprise you.
Gluten-free diet concept: Selection of grains and carbohydrates for people with gluten intolerance

Net carbs explained: The simple formula that changes how you count carbs

Want to learn about net carbs? Find out what they are and how to easily calculate them.
Strong man with back muscles shirtless

The best lats exercises for building your strongest back ever

Looking to develop strong and defined lats? Learn about the best exercises for wider lats, how to maximize your results, and the benefits of a strong back.
Man with pre-workout drink

Does caffeine-free pre-workout actually work? Here’s what to know

Are you interested in taking pre-workout but want to avoid the jitters? Discover whether caffeine-free pre-workout works just as well.
Cloves and herbs

9 foods high in polyphenols for an antioxidant and heart-health boost

Polyphenols are an essential component of many superfoods. Discover top foods high in polyphenols to include in your diet.
Running shoes sneakers outside park bench sunrise sunset

How often to change running shoes: 5 signs it’s time for a new pair

Are you unsure whether your current running shoes have run their course? Learn about keys signs to keep an eye out for.
liver and onion on skillet on wood on table next to onions and herbs

9 powerhouse foods high in B vitamins for improved energy levels

Looking to improve your energy levels through diet? Discover nine foods high in B vitamins that could help.
man drinking protein shake in gym

Will protein give you energy? Tips for fueling for your workouts

Protein is good for building muscle, but what about supplying energy for a workout? Find out about this impactful macro.
man barbell lifting weigh

Olympic barbell vs. standard barbell: Which one is right for your workout?

Whether you are building a home gym or are at the commercial gym, you will likely have to choose between an Olympic barbell and standard barbell. Discover which is better.
Healthy dish

Your complete guide to the dos and don’ts of a calorie deficit

Are you trying to lose weight but don't know how much to eat? Learn how to be in a calorie deficit.
Close-up of a man wearing Full Power shirt putting gloves on wearing training belt gym weightlifting

What do weightlifting belts do? A complete guide for lifters

Are you progressing in your lifts and wondering if you should start using a weightlifting belt? Learn all the details to see if it's right for you.