Unlocking Happiness: The Joyful Secret of Strength Training and Myokines
After leaving a Strong or Stronger class at The Fit In, do you wonder why you may be bizarrely happier? If you've felt this, it's not just because you were hanging with your workout faves. Enter the magical world of myokines – the proteins produced by muscle cells that can make us feel high on life. So, let’s dive into
Empowering Black Women's Health: The Dynamic Duo of Ashwagandha and Exercise
Ashwagandha, an ancient herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, has garnered much attention in recent years for its powerful health benefits (1). Coupled with regular exercise, this versatile herb can be a game-changer for women's health, particularly for Black women. In this article, we will explore the benefits
The Benefits of Cross-Training with Diverse Exercise Modalities
In recent years, more and more people have been embracing the concept of cross-training to optimize their workouts and boost their overall fitness levels. Cross-training, which involves participating in multiple exercise modalities, has been shown to offer numerous benefits, such as increased strength, flexibility, and
The Benefits of Pilates Toe Socks for a More Effective Workout
In the world of fitness, Pilates has gained significant popularity for its ability to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. To enhance this workout experience, grip socks, particularly those with toes, have become increasingly popular among Pilates practitioners. Learn more and shop our favorites.
Pilates Brooklyn: Opening access to Central and East Brooklyn
For years, residents of Central and East Brooklyn have been clamoring for more fitness options in their neighborhoods. With yoga studios and boutique fitness centers blossoming in areas like Williamsburg and Park Slope, it's time to address the glaring absence of Pilates studios in the heart of Brooklyn. As a popular a
Breaking Barriers: Black-Owned Pilates Studios and the Legacy of Kathy Grant
Black-owned studios are making strides in both promoting the practice and addressing the lack of diversity in the Pilates community. In this article, we will discuss the pioneering work of Pilates elder Kathy Grant, and highlight three Black-owned Pilates studios that are building upon her legacy.
Beginner Pilates: Embarking on Your Pilates Journey
Starting your Pilates journey can be an exciting yet daunting experience. With numerous Pilates styles and classes available, it's essential to understand the basics and select the most suitable options for your fitness level and goals. This article will break down the best way to begin your Pilates journey, focusing o
Rest. The Forgotten Part Of Your Wellness Routine
I remember pre-Covid training 6 days a week, with some of those days being twice a day. It would be a high-intensity class 4 days a week and one day would be coupled with yoga. Then I have heavy lifting twice a week with pilates on both days. Though small, I was pretty ripped. My body fat was 14% which is even low for
Improving muscular strength and endurance slows bone density loss
We don't usually think about all the things our bones do for us. For example, they protect our organs from injury and store essential minerals like calcium and phosphorous, which can be released into the body when we need them the most. For Vicki, a long-time Fit In customer, her bone health took center stage when she
Unraveling the Essence of Flow in Pilates Practice
Pilates, a holistic exercise regimen, was designed to enhance flexibility, build strength, and develop control and endurance in the entire body. One of the fundamental principles that underpins this practice is the concept of flow. Flow in Pilates goes beyond mere physical movement; it embodies a seamless transition fr
What’s the 411: Everything You Need to Know About Collagen
When I was growing up, my sister always did collagen hair treatments. I wondered why she'd put this weird smelling beige gloop in her hair when the White Rain Tropical Coconut shampoo and conditioner smelled so much better (don't clown me, I was a child). It turns out she didn't want to smell funky; collagen is a prote
Cardio vs. Strength Training: Which is better for weight loss?
I get this question a lot. “If I’m looking to lose weight, should I do cardio or strength training?” Well, let’s remove the suspense, the answer is both. But it also made me realize that many people are confused about what cardio and strength training actually is because they are not mutually exclusive. Let’s break dow
What Is Reformer Pilates? A Beginner's Guide to Brooklyn's Best Kept Secret
Curious about reformer Pilates? Learn what it is, the benefits for beginners, and why The Fit In in Bed-Stuy offers the best Pilates reformer classes in Brooklyn.
Understand weight management by understanding your BMR
When you use apps like Noom or MyFitnessPal, you’ll enter your height, age, sex, and weight then it will spit out a certain number of calories that you should consume per day. What they are trying to calculate is your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). If weight loss or gain is truly your goal, then your BMR is the most basic
What In The...: Pilates Chair
Home workout equipment didn’t start with Peloton, Nordictrack or Bowflex. In 1945, Joseph Pilates created the “Wunda Chair” as a way to bring the Pilates method home in a functional way. He created and patented this piece of equipment that doubles both as a piece of workout equipment but also as furniture as a way to b
Why we need diversity in clinical trials
A couple of years ago, I signed up for the All of Us research program, an NIH-sponsored project to collect and study data from more than a million people in the United States. Over the years, I have joined some clinical trials, mainly to receive free or low-cost medical care. But this program was different; it was an o
What In The...: Beats & Barres
In the early 2010’s, I got really into running and that was my primary form of fitness. I loved the adrenaline of being outdoors, running with a community during road races, and it was even a great way for me to explore new cities when I traveled. But picking up running without any proper training at my big age eventua
Your Workout is Probably Not Burning as Many Calories as You Think
It’s been a good news/bad news situation in the fitness world for the past few months. The bad news A study of how physical activity affects metabolism found that our bodiesal automatically compensate for at least a quarter of the calories we burn during exercise. So if you thought the upside of walk-running for 5 minu
When to take a private pilates session vs. a pilates class
When Joseph Pilates created Contrology (what we now call pilates), he wanted to create something that would be broadly accessible due to its health benefits. This is something The Fit In has in our mission as well of making wellness more accessible. But what Pilates understood, and what we understand is that many peopl
Don't let an outfit keep you from your workout.
Many of us have walked into one of those studios where everyone seems to have on the same outfit. From instructor to clients, everyone is wearing the same bra top and leggings making you feel like you didn’t get the memo. You start to feel as though you have to purchase the same $150 uniform in order to just walk in th