JJ Fit 24/7

07/26/2026

Another SFM race for the books! Missed my Texas contingent but super proud they ran from San Antonio virtually! And for my client and friend who pushed me to run in the SF sun!

07/23/2026

Ever wonder why time seems to speed up as you get older? 🤔 I recently read a fascinating article suggesting that seeking out novel experiences can actually make life feel fuller and longer in retrospect.

That idea inspired this month’s newsletter, where I also dive into:
• When to use open- vs. closed-chain exercises
• What the evidence really says about diastasis recti
• An excellent AMA podcast that tackles common fitness myths

If you’re looking for practical, evidence-based fitness advice (and maybe a little inspiration to try something new), I’d love for you to check it out!

📖 Read it here: www.JJ-Fit.com

07/23/2026

Ever wonder why time seems to speed up as you get older? 🤔 I recently read a fascinating article suggesting that seeking out novel experiences can actually make life feel fuller and longer in retrospect.

That idea inspired this month's newsletter, where I also dive into:
• When to use open- vs. closed-chain exercises
• What the evidence really says about diastasis recti
• An excellent AMA podcast that tackles common fitness myths

If you're looking for practical, evidence-based fitness advice (and maybe a little inspiration to try something new), I'd love for you to check it out!

📖 Read it here:

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about this article from Psychology Today explaining how the brain remembers novel experiences more vividly, making periods filled with new experiences feel longer in retrospect. As someone who loves his routine, it was a good reminder to look for opportunities to sa...

07/21/2026

You’ve probably heard that squats are more “functional” than leg extensions or that one type of exercise is simply better than the other. The truth is more nuanced. In this article, I break down the differences between open-chain and closed-chain exercises, explain when each has a place in your workout and show how to use both strategically to build strength, gain muscle, improve performance and recover from injury. Special thanks to Dr. Nicole Sabes, PT, DPT with Renew Physical Therapy for providing her expert advice on this one! Read the full article at link in bio or here: https://www.jj-fit.com/blog/chain

07/21/2026

You've probably heard that squats are more "functional" than leg extensions or that one type of exercise is simply better than the other. The truth is more nuanced. In this article, I break down the differences between open-chain and closed-chain exercises, explain when each has a place in your workout and show how to use both strategically to build strength, gain muscle, improve performance and recover from injury.

You've probably heard that squats are more "functional" than leg extensions or that one type of exercise is simply better than the other. The truth is more nuanced. In this article, I break down the differences between open-chain and closed-chain exercises, explain when each has a place in

07/12/2026

We snuck off for a night under the stars at upper Cathedral Lake snack dab on the JMT! But the real stars of the trio was this fuzzy, friendly marmot and this mama duck with her nine babies!

07/09/2026

It’s been a tough week. I’ve been fighting waves in the ocean and we all know how successful that is! So when I opened my first monthly subscription today from Annya Nicole Bengka my body relaxed a little. I exhaled a little. And I felt a touch of joy. Thank you Annya Nicole Bengka. I highly recommend following my friend and artist Nicole and signing up for your own monthly delivery of joy!

07/07/2026

One of the greatest privileges of my job is helping women prepare for and recover from pregnancy.

Over the years I’ve worked with more than 20 moms, and every pregnancy has taught me something new. One topic that has come up more and more recently is **diastasis recti**—the abdominal separation that affects up to 60% of women after childbirth.

That’s why I was so excited to talk with Leah Keller one of the leading experts in this field, for an in-depth conversation.

We talk about:
• What diastasis recti actually is
• Why it happens
• The connection between your core and pelvic floor
• Common myths
• What the research says about prevention and recovery
• Simple exercises that may help before and after pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, postpartum, planning to have children or you work with women during these stages of life, I think you’ll get a lot out of this conversation.

You can watch the full interview now through the YouTube link below or via my blog linked in bio

I’d love to hear what you think or answer any questions in the comments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flYa-4aZ8QI

PelvicFloor CoreStrength WomensHealth PersonalTrainer FitnessEducation

06/27/2026

Today the Bay feels a little extra gay! Happy pride weekend to everyone. Let’s be grateful for today and keep working for tomorrow. Love is love. 💪🌈

06/24/2026

What I’m Listening to: AMA’s Health vs. Hype Podcast

As an endurance runner and personal trainer, I go through a lot of podcasts and audiobooks. Over the past year or two, though, I've become a bit saturated with many of the popular fitness, nutrition and health talking heads (I won't name names—you likely know who they are).

I don't always want a two-hour deep dive into an obscure lab measurement, longevity hack or supplement pitch, especially when most people simply need to focus on the basics: movement, nutrition and rest.

I recently stumbled upon the American Medical Association's podcast series Health vs. Hype, and it's become one of my favorite listens. Each 30-minute episode brings together social media influencers and medical professionals to unpack wellness trends ranging from intermittent fasting and creatine to detoxes and other viral health claims.

If you've ever felt confused by conflicting advice online, this podcast does an excellent job separating evidence from marketing and helping listeners make sense of the health information flooding their feeds. It's well worth adding to your rotation.

Hosted by Trace Dominguez, this podcast explores some of the hottest social media trends and asks: Is it health or is it hype?