By Amanda Boike Fitness When it comes to achieving fitness goals, many people find themselves stuck in a rut or unsure of how to progress. This is where personal training can make a significant difference. In a bustling city like Chicago, personal training offers unique advantages that help individuals stay motivated, improve their health, and reach their fitness aspirations efficiently. This article explores why personal training in Chicago works so well and how it can bene

By Amanda Boike Fitness Introduction Imagine strengthening your muscles and enhancing your health without the jarring stress of impact that can strain joints or overwhelm beginners. That’s the promise of low impact strength exercises- a gentle yet powerful approach to building resilience and support throughout your body. From accessible routines tailored for aging populations to evidence-backed practices used in rehabilitation, this method is transforming how professionals an

By Amanda Boike Fitness It’s only natural to want fast results when you start lifting. You’re motivated, you’re ready, and you want your body to feel different- now. But the most common reason a beginner strength routine  doesn’t “work” isn’t effort… it’s pacing. A lot of beginners do the same thing: they go all in  for a week or two, feel wiped out, get sore in a way that doesn’t feel good, and then the routine quietly fades out. Not because they’re “unmotivated,” but becaus

By Amanda Boike Fitness Finding the right personal trainer in Roscoe Village can change how you move, feel, and reach your goals. With focused coaching you’ll make progress more safely and with less guesswork. Below we walk through the benefits of hiring a trainer, the services you’ll find locally, and how joint-friendly strength programs support long-term health. If you want hands-on, personalized coaching, Amanda Boike Fitness  offers programs built around your needs - a 1

By Amanda Boike Fitness Introduction Imagine feeling stronger, more confident, and energized well into your golden years. Many women over 60 find that with the right approach, they can enhance their mobility, preserve independence, and even reverse age-related decline. A powerful way to achieve these transformations is through strength training, especially when tailored to the needs and goals of older women. Recent studies offer compelling evidence. For instance, a randomized

By Amanda Boike Fitness When it comes to reaching your fitness goals, having a clear plan and expert guidance can make all the difference. Chicago offers a vibrant fitness scene with a variety of options tailored to different needs and lifestyles. One of the most effective ways to stay motivated and see real progress is through personalized support. This is where personal training in Chicago plays a crucial role. By combining customized workout routines, nutritional advice,

For women over 40, prioritizing physical health is a key aspect of overall well-being. Effective home workout plans offer a practical solution, designed to fit individual needs and schedules. This approach allows for expert guidance from home, without rigid schedules. We'll explore the benefits of strength training at home , its role during perimenopause and menopause, effective home workout strategies, and how a flexible online personal trainer  can help create personalized

Start with Dumbbells to Build Strength and Confidence Dumbbells are one of the easiest, most effective ways to start weight training . They let you build lean muscle , move better, and feel stronger, whether you’re working out in your living room, at the park, or during a quick break at the office-no complicated machines required. What makes dumbbells so useful is their versatility. You can use them to strengthen, tone, and progress at your own pace, tailoring sessions to you

By Amanda Boike Fitness Achieve effective workouts, build sustainable strength, and enhance your mobility without leaving the comfort of your Chicago residence. In-home personal training provides a tailored fitness experience, bringing professional expertise directly to your living space. This approach facilitates consistent strength development , improved movement patterns , and reduced joint discomfort . This comprehensive guide details our service areas, the specific advan

Cardio or Weightlifting: Which Is Better for Weight Loss? Both cardio and weight training can aid in body recomposition. This means building lean muscle while losing fat. However, they work in different ways. The best choice for overall health is often a mix of both. Do I Have to Do Cardio to Burn Calories? While aerobic activities like running, swimming, and calisthenics typically burn more calories per 30-minute session than weight lifting, we recommend a weekly dose of at

By Amanda Boike Fitness, If your schedule is packed, your joints are opinionated, and your “I should work out” moment keeps getting rescheduled… welcome. This is your no-drama, joint-friendly, 30-minute strength plan  that still delivers. And yes, it counts- even if you’re not doing burpees in a puddle of your own tears. First: What “low-impact” actually  means (and what it doesn’t) Low-impact  means you’re minimizing pounding and high landing forces (think: no jumping jacks

Embarking on a fitness journey can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you're a beginner or looking to break through a plateau, having the right guidance can make all the difference. Personal training offers tailored workouts, expert advice, and motivation to help you reach your goals efficiently. Chicago, with its vibrant fitness community, boasts some of the best personal training services available. This article explores how you can transform your fitness with top pe

By Amanda Boike Fitness If your joints have ever whispered, “Girl, absolutely not,”  mid-burpee… welcome. The good news: you don’t need jumping, sprinting, or bootcamp chaos to get strong . You need tension, smart progression, and enough consistency to let your body adapt . Low-impact doesn’t mean low-results. It means less pounding - not less purpose. First: “Low-impact” is about your joints , not your effort Low-impact  generally means at least one foot stays on the ground

By Amanda Boike Fitness Dumbbell  exercises for beginners offer an accessible and effective starting point for building strength and improved confidence. These exercises can contribute to building lean muscle  and improving vitality from various locations, such as a living room, park, or office, without requiring complex gym equipment. The advantage of dumbbells lies in their significant versatility. They provide an effective balance of strengthening and toning, allowing ind

By Amanda Boike Fitness As your body shifts with age, keeping strength and mobility becomes one of the best investments you can make in daily life and long-term health. Personal training  tailored for women over 40 addresses those specific changes-helping you fight age-related muscle loss , move more confidently , and feel stronger in everyday tasks. Below we cover why strength matters, the mobility work that helps you move freely, safe workout approaches, and how to choos

In-home personal training brings a trainer’s expertise directly into your living space so you can build sustainable strength, improve mobility, and manage joint discomfort without leaving home. This guide covers service areas, benefits for women 40+, booking, pricing, and Amanda Boike's unique biomechanics-somatic approach. We use evidence-informed language on mobility, progressive loading, and functional strength, offering actionable local guidance. If you want tailored, joi

By Amanda Boike Fitness Chicago in January will humble even the most motivated among us. The wind is doing the most. The parking is a side quest. And suddenly your “quick workout” becomes a 90-minute saga. So if you’re deciding between an in home personal trainer in Chicago  and a gym membership , here’s the truth: the “best” option is the one you’ll do consistently - with enough challenge to build strength, but not so much that you feel wrecked and ghost your plan. Let’s br

By Amanda Boike Fitness Your first in-home personal training session is part consultation, part movement “detective work,” and part you leave feeling oddly hopeful  because you will finally know what to do next (and what to stop doing). Think: a quick intake, a low-stress mobility and strength check, and a starter workout that feels joint-friendly  and doable, especially if you are 40+ and want progress without the “why does my knee hate me?” aftermath. TL;DR: The first sess

By Amanda Boike Fitness If your body suddenly feels like it has opinions (cranky hips, moody shoulders, and a lower back that sends emails), you are not imagining it. Midlife is a real physiological chapter, and it can be busy, hormonal, and under-slept. Here is the empowering part: strength training is one of the most direct, evidence-backed ways to keep muscle, protect joints, and feel capable in daily life . Think stairs, carry-ons, grocery hauls, and that one heavy winte

By Amanda Boike Fitness If “getting strong” makes you picture a montage where you definitely tweak something by Week 2, hi, welcome. You’re not fragile. You’re just done with programs that treat recovery like an optional accessory. Here’s the deal: strength training for women over 40 isn’t about going hard. It’s about going smart, on purpose, consistently.  And yes, that can mean dumbbells in your living room in Lakeview, a mat in Lincoln Park, or a few square feet of “I swe