How to Sumo Deadlift
Christy Shaw Christy Shaw

How to Sumo Deadlift

The sumo deadlift is a variation that uses a wider stance and a more upright torso than the conventional deadlift, shifting more emphasis to the quads, glutes, and adductors while reducing strain on the lower back. Although it may seem as simple as picking the bar up from the floor, proper technique is crucial for efficiency and injury prevention. This guide breaks down the key aspects of sumo deadlift technique to help you lift safely and effectively.

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Why You Gained Weight Overnight
Christy Shaw Christy Shaw

Why You Gained Weight Overnight

Ever stepped on the scale in the morning only to find that your weight jumped a couple of pounds overnight? It can be frustrating, but don’t panic just yet. In this post, I'll explain why this happens and what it really means.

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Eggs and Peanut Butter Are Not High-Protein Foods
Christy Shaw Christy Shaw

Eggs and Peanut Butter Are Not High-Protein Foods

Eggs have always been a go-to for high-protein diets, especially for fitness fans. But what if eggs aren't the protein powerhouses we think they are? In this post, we'll bust the myth that eggs and a few other foods are super high in protein.

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What to Do When You Miss a Workout
Christy Shaw Christy Shaw

What to Do When You Miss a Workout

Life has a way of messing with our routines, no matter how committed we are to our fitness goals. If you've ever skipped a workout, you’re not alone. We all do it sometimes—even me. Usually, there's a good reason. Maybe we're sick, worked late, have family stuff to handle, or any number of other totally normal and understandable reasons.

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Differences Between Deadlift Variations: Conventional, Sumo, Stiff-Leg, and Romanian
Training Christy Shaw Training Christy Shaw

Differences Between Deadlift Variations: Conventional, Sumo, Stiff-Leg, and Romanian

With so many deadlift variations to choose from, it can be tough to figure out how they differ and which one is right for you. In this post, I’ll break down the four main deadlift variations: conventional, stiff-leg, Romanian, and sumo. Understanding their differences lets you know how to perform each like a pro and when to pick one over the other.

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Effort Is The Only Thing You Can Control
Mindset Christy Shaw Mindset Christy Shaw

Effort Is The Only Thing You Can Control

Imagine this scenario: you've set a goal to run a marathon. You've meticulously planned your training schedule, diet, and rest days. But as the big day approaches, you catch a cold. Despite your best efforts, you're unable to perform at your peak. This story illustrates a common truth in fitness and life: we can't control outcomes. We can only control our effort.

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How Training Age Shapes Your Workout Strategy
Training Christy Shaw Training Christy Shaw

How Training Age Shapes Your Workout Strategy

If I asked you how old you are, you'd likely tell me your biological age. But if you're into fitness or sports, it's just as important to know your training age—the total time you’ve spent seriously working towards your goals. In this article, you'll learn the three stages of training, the traits of each stage, how to train effectively in each phase, and how to figure out where you fit in.

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Why You Need to Do Warmup Sets
Training Christy Shaw Training Christy Shaw

Why You Need to Do Warmup Sets

Look, I get it. Warmups can be a real drag sometimes. They feel like a waste of time, especially when you're already struggling to find the motivation to work out. I've been there myself, questioning whether they are worth the effort. But here's the thing: Warmups actually make a huge difference in how your body handles the workout and how well you perform.

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How to Know if You're in Caloric Deficit or Surplus
Nutrition Christy Shaw Nutrition Christy Shaw

How to Know if You're in Caloric Deficit or Surplus

You probably already know that to lose weight, you need a caloric deficit, and to build muscle, you need a surplus. But have you ever carefully counted your calories, sure you're in a deficit, only to see the scale stay the same? Or maybe the opposite happens—you eat a lot to gain muscle, but your weight doesn't budge. So, what's going on?

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Fitness Nutrition for Beginners: Calories and Energy Balance
Nutrition Christy Shaw Nutrition Christy Shaw

Fitness Nutrition for Beginners: Calories and Energy Balance

Calories aren't just numbers on food labels. They’re the fuel that powers everything our body does, from blinking to running marathons. Achieving your fitness goals hinges on balancing the calories you consume and burn. If you’re not on the right side of this energy balance, you probably won't see the progress you want.

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Which Fitness Supplements Are Worth Considering?
Supplements Christy Shaw Supplements Christy Shaw

Which Fitness Supplements Are Worth Considering?

There's no shortage of fitness supplements lining store shelves, each one promising that extra edge you're looking for. With so many products out there claiming miraculous results, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. So, how do we cut through the marketing hype and pick supplements that actually work and are safe?

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Does Late Night Eating Cause Weight Gain?
Nutrition Christy Shaw Nutrition Christy Shaw

Does Late Night Eating Cause Weight Gain?

Ever tiptoed to the kitchen for a midnight snack, only to remember that old warning about eating late ruining your waistline? The idea that late-night munchies lead to fat gain has been around forever, making many of us feel guilty when we raid the fridge at night. But is there any truth to it, or is it just another old wives' tale?

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