Maurie Cofman

  Do you ever experience muscle cramps?  I know I have and they are not fun! Here is a discussion on the causes of muscle cramps. Muscle cramps can stop athletes in their tracks. Although they usually self-extinguish within seconds or minutes, the abrupt, harsh, involuntary muscle contractions can cause mild-to-severe agony and immobility, often accompanied […]

The plank is the most familiar and effective core exercise around.  Add some fun challenges to your core workouts with these variations on the basic plank.  Just make sure your body is in one long line from the top of your head to the bottom of your heels. The following variations are best for participants […]

When was the last time you tried to lose weight ? Were you successful in keeping the pounds off? If you were, congratulations. If not, what happened?  Did you try another approach? We’ve all heard the stories about how so-and-so knows someone who lost 15 pounds in one week. What we don’t hear about is […]

Are your kids getting enough physical activity? Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence is important for motor development and overall health and fitness. Additionally, solid physical activity behaviors in the early years can help to set a foundation for life-long exercise adherence and an appreciation for physical activity. Unfortunately, most kids are not getting […]

BURPEES!  UGH!  Everybody hates them; everybody loves them! Don’t know what a burpee is?  It’s a multi-step exercise that essentially combines a squat and push-up, and adding a jump at the end, working muscles in the upper and lower body simultaneously. What’s more, because the exercise involves multiple movements and is repeated, it provides a […]

Can you imagine explaining to your great-great-great-great-grandparents what the biggest health threat to the industrialized world currently is: “We have too much food and we don’t physically labor hard enough.” We’re not inherently lazy. It’s just that the necessities of daily life no longer require a high level of physical exertion. It appears, however, that […]

Did you know that lack of sleep contributes to weight gain? In a new study, researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden demonstrated that one night of sleep loss has a tissue-specific impact on the regulation of gene expression and metabolism in humans. This may explain how chronic sleep loss impairs metabolism and adversely affects body […]

Balance, which is essential for integrated movement, declines as we age.  Having a strong trunk and hip complex helps us maintain balance for years to come. Incorporate these multiplanar exercises targeting the core musculature and the gluteals. Each move is done in a standing position, and equipment is optional. Those who struggle with balance should […]

Memorial Day has come and gone which means summer is just around the corner!  Now we can get outside and enjoy many outdoor activities. Whether you’re biking, swimming or running, playing pick-up sports or simply taking long walks after dinner, summer is a great time to revive your fitness program or switch it up to […]

Do you achieve the nightly recommendation of at least seven hours of sleep?   Whether you share a bed or sleep alone, here are six tips, from St. Louis, Brentwood and Clayton, MO personal trainers,  to improve the quality of sleep. #1 Get the right amount of sleep. The quality of your sleep can depend […]