Author Archives: Matt

About Matt

Mathue Johnson has been a certified personal trainer for nearly ten years, working closely with clients across the country to help them effectively reach their goals. He also vied for Jillian's heart in The Bachelorette season five.

Antioxidant Packed Fruits to Add to Your Diet

The human body is made up of over 100 trillion cells, and every hour at least one billion need to be replaced. Most cells are replaced because they are damaged by free radicals, which are atoms that have lost an electron due to metabolism, the immune system, which neutralizes viruses or bacteria, and environmental factors, such as: polution, radiation, smoke, or herbicides.

These free radicals attack normal cells just like the game “Pacman”. Free radicals search out an extra electron, thus damaging the perfectly healthy cells. This where antioxidants come into play. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating an electron, which ends the electron “stealing” reaction. They act as scavengers by helping prevent cell and tissue damage that could lead to possible disease.  Antioxidants are stable in either form (with or without electron), so they do not transform into free radicals. They are like your own little cell protectors. (more…)

Posted on October 24, 2025 by Matt

Fitness Tips for Your Next Snorkeling Adventure

I just recently got back from Maui, Hawaii and what a beautiful place; it is truly paradise. I had the privilege of snorkeling for the first time and it is now a hobby of mine, especially because it is such a low cost hobby: you can pick up a mask, snorkel and fins for around forty bucks.

Snorkeling is absolutely amazing and I totally recommend it if you have never been. Being able to see life  under the sea is simply breathtaking. The coral, rock formations, thousands of different species of fish, and, of course, the gigantic sea turtles are all a sight to see.

Although snorkeling was a blast and a half, it was definitely a workout. My entire core, shoulders, hip flexors, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and ankles were completely worn out. Below are the benefits of snorkeling, as well as an exercise routine that will help condition you for your next snorkeling adventure. (more…)

Posted on October 23, 2025 by Matt

Finding The Right Sized Stability Ball for You

Are you thinking about purchasing a new stability ball or having trouble finding the right size?

Stability balls come in all sizes and you need to find one that meets your exercise goals. Most stability balls provide you with a list of height and weight recommendations for each size so make sure to check the box or package for that, but if you can’t find the information laid out for you, here’s how to find the right size on your own. (more…)

Posted on October 20, 2025 by Matt

Why Marathon Runners Eat High Calorie and Sugary Snacks

Marathons and endurance races have become extremely popular in recent years. Most races are hosted by certain charities or other local or community organizations. These races push the body to the limit, with proper hydration and nourishment being vital to preventing the body from cramping or shutting down.

During these long races the body burns through nutrients rapidly and depletes every single energy store, making it crucial to replenish and provide the body with “quick burning carbohydrates,” such as any soft sugary candy (licorice or gummy bears), chocolate, beer, fruit drinks, or any other form of high-calorie foods (pretty much anything that you are normally supposed to avoid). Likewise, cold beer and pizza is often awaiting runners at the finish line as a refreshing and filling source of carbs. These foods provide the body with quick energy that fuels the body to help prevent cramping. (more…)

Posted on October 19, 2025 by Matt

Improve Posture for Surprising Health Benefits

Do you have good posture? Are you hunched over at your desk while typing on the computer? Proper posture may not seem like that big of a deal, but realistically, it truly is. Proper posture is about more than holding your head up high; it is crucial for eliminating any unnecessary strains to certain muscles, joints, bones, or organs.

With correct posture, you can look taller, slimmer, and come across as being extremely confident- all of which are “A-OK” in my book. (more…)

Posted on October 15, 2025 by Matt

Use DynaDisc to Build Core Strength and Balance

Are you tired of doing crunches on the floor? Is your balance not as good as it should be? Well, the DynaDisc is here to save the day!

DynaDisc is a fourteen-inch in diameter inflatable cushion made out of the same material as a stability ball. This little guy is only a few inches thick, but can withstand up to 2,000 pounds of force per square inch, and offers endless benefits for every fitness level, from beginner to expert.

The DynaDisc works under the same principal as a stability ball- the surface is uneven, challenging your muscles to keep you in proper position. The DynaDisc, however, is flat, so you can stand on it, engaging the stabilizing muscles in your legs and core. (more…)

Posted on October 15, 2025 by Matt

Best Kayaking Places In The Nation

Kayaking has become increasingly more popular over the years and is especially huge during the summer months.

A kayak is similar to a canoe, but I personally find kayaking more challenging. Some kayaks are sit-on-tops while others are cockpit or even spray deck styles. Sit-on-tops are self-explanatory (sit on top of kayak). Cockpit kayaks are defined as sitting inside the kayak and the spray deck style is similar, but involving a waterproof seal around the waist. There are seven kayak classifications: polo, slalom, surf, touring, whitewater, day tripping, racing, and general recreation. Each classification can be broken off into even more sub-classifications, just as with any large piece of sporting equipment. (more…)

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Matt

Best White Water Rafting Locations in the U.S.

White water rafting is a fun, but challenging recreational sport involving an inflatable raft. This type of outdoor activity can be done with several people working together to navigate through the rough rapids of the river or similar body of water.

White water rafting not only challenges your physical ability, but mental as well. White water rafting helps improve your overall strength and endurance levels as well as self esteem, self confidence, and helps reduce stress levels.  Team work is crucial, thus making it more fun! Below are a few safety tips, as well as a few of the best places to go white water rafting. Good luck and have fun!

White Water Rafting Safety Tips:

  • Wear appropriate protective gear: helmet, life jacket, protective eye wear, and water shoes
  • Listen to your guide
  • Eat a light meal before rafting
  • Know and understand the dos and don’ts
  • Never go rafting alone
  • Know the lay of the land
  • Have fun!! (more…)
Posted on October 5, 2025 by Matt

The Best Places to Rock Climb In The U.S.

Rock climbing is a sport that involves climbing natural rock formations with the goal of reaching the summit, peak, or endpoint. Rock climbing has become more popular over the years, but several people shy away due to the danger. Thus, artificial rock climbing walls in fitness facilities has become more popular as well.

These artificial walls provide the climber with similar characteristics of natural rock climbing, but take away the danger aspect. Rock climbing is a great way to improve your overall muscular strength and endurance and it will definitely help you overcome your fear of heights. Below are a few of the benefits of rock climbing and best rock climbing places in the nation. Stay safe and good luck!

Benefits Of Rock Climbing:

  • Improve upper body strength and endurance
  • Improve lower body strength and endurance (more…)
Posted on October 1, 2025 by Matt

The Best Ski and Snowboard Resorts In The World

Fall is upon us, which means winter is right around the corner. Winter is one of my favorite times of the year due to the skiing/snowboarding season. Skiing and snowboarding are both great cardiovascular and lower leg strength and endurance workouts that will give you an intense, all day workout, but you’ll be having too much fun to even notice.

If you have never been skiing or snowboarding, I totally recommend you do so this season. Although skiing/snowboarding is a rather expensive hobby, getting off the chair lift and viewing the wide open snow covered wilderness is completely worth it! Check out the best ski/snowboard resorts in the world below!

Best Skiing/Snowboarding Resorts In The World:

  • Whistler/Blackbomb, BC Canada: Hands down, this is the best resort in the world, but lift tickets are $93 per day. This resort has over 200 trails with over 8,000 ski-able acres and the vertical drop is 5,280 feet. Simply amazing! (more…)
Posted on September 30, 2025 by Matt

Best Gyms In Houston

Houston is the largest city in Texas and fourth largest city in the United States with a population of 2.3 million people. The Houston metropolitan consists of nearly six million people, making it the sixth largest in nation.

Houston’s humid subtropical climate is rather brutal if you’re not used to the humidity. The average yearly temperature is around seventy degrees, but the humidity increases the heat index.

Houston is known for its top of the line Texas Medical Center, and the space research done at Johnson Space Center.

Fitness is booming in Houston; check the best gyms in Houston below! (more…)

Posted on September 30, 2025 by Matt