While being a kid is hard, being a competitive young female athlete can be even more challenging. On top of regular schoolwork, many young athletes train for 25-30 hours per week; whether they realize it or not, this can dramatically affect their health. So what can these kids do to stay healthy and competitive? And how can their parents support them through it all?

You have a few options when you want to work on your functional strength and balance. You could try a Pilates class, but one option you might not know about is CoreAlign. The CoreAlign machine is an excellent piece of equipment that you can use to improve your overall core strength and balance, but how do you know it’s right for you? And where can you go to use one?

It can be overwhelming to start a new fitness journey. With so many options on the market, finding the things that work best for you might be a trial and error process. Two options are group exercise classes, like a spin class, Crossfit, or Zumba, and personal training, which gives you undivided attention from a trainer. But which one is suitable for your goals? And which one should you pay for?

When you want to buy new running shoes, it is easy to become overwhelmed with options. You could order a new pair online, but unless you know exactly what you wear, buying shoes off blind faith does not always work out well. Since running shoes are so vital to your sport, it is usually best to go to the store and try them on. If you live in Birmingham, it is easy to find a running shoe store close by, but difficult to choose just one to visit. Where should you go?

Most people understand how important water consumption is during the day. You probably have a general amount in your head of how much you should drink, but how do you know that you’re actually getting enough? Dehydration can cause many problems, so how do you ensure that you really are drinking the amount of water you need?

If you are trying to lose weight, it is important to define your goals and figure out what you are willing to commit. For some, going on runs and adding more veggies to their grocery list is enough to make a difference, but that doesn’t always work for everyone. So when should you invest money into your weight loss journey? And with such a crowded market, what kind of weight loss plan should you pay for?

When you finish a workout, a few things run through your mind. You’re thinking about how great your workout was, and your mind probably goes to the next thing you have to do. At that moment, you feel a gnawing feeling in the pit of your stomach, and you think, “Hm, I should probably eat something.”

Think about the core of an apple. It usually either gets thrown away or composted after we finish eating it, but what does it do while the apple is growing? It stores the apple’s seeds and provides stability for the apple as it gets heavier on the branch. While a human’s core doesn’t store seeds, it does protect our vital organs and give us stability as we move. But what even is your core? And what are the best ways to keep it strong?

If you are beginning a new fitness program, you may hear your instructor or trainer mention activating your “glutes.” While you have probably heard the word before, you may not know why they matter to your fitness. What even are they, and how do they affect your daily movement?

When you want to begin a new exercise regimen, it can be challenging to narrow down your options. Many communities have a plethora of options for personal training, and Birmingham is no exception. Here in the Magic City, we could call ourselves a healthcare hub, because we have countless fitness and wellness facilities, and we are generally health-conscious. With so many choices, how do you decide which personal training facility is the best for your exercise journey?