My Life as a Trainer: 10 Years, 10 Lessons

My Life as a Trainer: 10 Years, 10 Lessons Craig Valency, CSCS I met my wife Christa in a martial arts studio, and it was love at first fight! Any martial artist knows that a black belt only signifies that you’ve learned the basics and are now in a position to truly understand, master, and […]

How Functional is Functional Training?

How Functional is Functional Training? By: Craig Valency, CSCS In this 3 part series on Functional Training, I will explore the various incarnations of this popular training philosophy. Be prepared for a bumpy ride, as I will challenge some long held beliefs about fitness and training. I’ll also showcase my personal journey from traditional to […]

Inside a Champion’s Mind: 7 Lessons I’ve Learned From Pete Sampras

Inside a Champion’s Mind: 7 Lessons I’ve Learned From Pete Sampras Until Roger Federer came along, Pete Sampras held the record for winning the most Grand Slam titles of any player in history. He is one of the greatest players of all time. His book, A Champion’s Mind – Lessons From a Life in Tennis, […]

How to Feed your Pet Human

How to Feed your Pet Human By Craig Valency, CSCS I didn’t have any exotic pets growing up, but a few of my friends had snakes, turtles, lizards, and other critters my mother was not very fond of. What I most remember are the feedings. The toads always needed a good supply of crickets, supplemented […]

Avoid the “Diet Mentality” and Lose Weight Now!

By: Craig Valency The weekend is upon you and temptation is all around. Parties, barbecues, restaurants, wine and beer are all calling your name. With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner you brace for the carb onslaught. This is when you are really tested; you have to balance your reluctance to undo all the hard […]

Training Children Should Be Fun! Part 2: Taking Ownership

In part one, I highlighted the importance of setting the tone for fun, maintaining a quick-paced session, and delivering fitness goals in the context of games. In part two, I will talk about the importance of children taking ownership of the session and feeling like they are responsible for their own success. If a child […]

Training Children Should Be Fun!! Part 1: Games

Training children between the ages of 6 to 10 can be challenging. Sessions have to be fun and children need to be empowered to take ownership. They need achievable goals and they must learn the purpose behind each exercise they do. With this formula they will enjoy the workouts, learn the benefits of what they […]

How To Handle Stress

STRESS – just seeing the word in print can raise your blood pressure!  Unfortunately, it is a fact of life for most of us.  Our culture is fast paced and competitive.  To survive and thrive, especially in an economic downturn, we have to wade through a steady stream of ubiquitous stressors.  So why is it […]

Working Out Can be Hazardous to your Health! – Part I

Working Out Can be Hazardous to your Health! Part I – Posture First By Craig Valency, CSCS Going to the gym and working out is supposed to be good for you, right? Well not always – what you don’t know could hurt you! In this article I will describe how your posture is compromised while […]