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.

Take Your Bike to the Streets With Races Around the Country

Have you been taking spin classes like they’re going out of style? Spinning is one of the most popular forms of cardiovascular training today and is great for improving endurance, stamina, lower body strength, and even mental strength. Are you ready to get out of the gym routine and actually put all your training to the test? Well, bikeride.com offers a wide variety of upcoming biking events around the country. Each event or team in training (TNT) ride offers you an intense endurance workout while taking in some of the most scenic views this great nation has to offer. So, get out of the gym and hit the streets. Below is a list of team in training events near you.

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Posted on January 18, 2026 by Matt

Top Marathons In May 2026

I know it seems like along way off, but if you have never run a marathon, or even a half, you want to sign up for one a few months in advance to give yourself enough time to train. May is a great month to schedule a marathon due to the normally nice Spring weather, which is perfect for first time runners. Below is a list of the top marathons in May around the country.

  • Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon: Held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Sunday May 1, 2026, this marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, and 5k walk is one not to be missed if you are located in or around the Midwest. Registration dues for the marathon are $90.
  • OC Marathon: This race is held in Newport Beach, California on Sunday May 1, 2026. The marathon is scheduled to start at 6 A.M. and the course travels through the beautiful coastal communities.

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Posted on January 15, 2026 by Matt

Nintendo Announces Zumba Fitness Game for the Wii Fit

Well, it’s here at last. Wii Fit has released the new game  Zumba Fitness. Zumba is an extremely popular Brazilian dance program that incorporates international dance techniques with aerobic exercise. With over 30 songs, including motivating Latin dance music, Zumba Fitness will help you tone your muscles, build your endurance levels, and  have fun all at the same time.

The game is comprised of several different difficulty levels and dance venues to challenge every bit of your fitness level and dance technique. A few of the exciting dance venues include a gym, a nightclub, and a penthouse roof of a high-rise skyscraper.

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Posted on January 13, 2026 by Matt

The Sit And Be Fit Program Allows Wheelchair Bound to Exercise

The Sit And Be Fit program is a non-profit organization researched and designed by Mary Ann Wilson, a registered nurse, and a team of physical therapists, doctors, and exercise specialists. The chair exercise television series has been broadcast on PBS stations for over twenty years now and has over sixty million household viewers annually. The program is so effective due the success of effectively improving the health and wellness of people of all ages and fitness levels; especially those that are limited physically or wheelchair bound.

The program is comprised of a variety of carefully researched chair exercises designed to target every muscle in the body as well as to improve the overall health and wellness of the body.

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Posted on January 10, 2026 by Matt

Piloxing Combines Pilates With Boxing for a Killer Workout

Leave it to Hollywood to come up with the newest fitness craze of the year. Piloxing is a deadly combination of Pilates and boxing. Founded by Swedish dancer and celebrity trainer, Viveca Jensen, this style of training incorporates the benefits of each and turns them into an intense “fat torching, muscle sculpting, and core-centric interval workout.” Not only does Piloxing blow the heart rate out of the water, but it tones and strengthens the body with the use of weighted gloves. If you have been struggling to find a new routine or motivation in general, this is the perfect style of training for you. Get ready to incorporate fun with fitness.

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Posted on January 8, 2026 by Matt

Can Exercise Prevent Illness?

The flu and colds are caused by viruses and are somewhat impossible to avoid due to constant human contact. This type of illness is so common during the winter months because the body is busy trying to keep itself warm. The immune system isn’t as strong, thus becoming more susceptible to infection and viruses. Frequent hand washing, keeping hands away from face and mouth, and avoiding contact with those who are infected are the safest ways to escape the illness.

Exercise, on the other hand, has been proven to improve normal body functioning as well as improving sleep patterns- both of which are vital to boost the immune system. By consistently exercising, your stamina and strong body will be able to fight off the viruses better and faster. Exercising too much can have the adverse affects by weakening the body and allowing it to be more prone to sickness. Exercising after you become sick is unlikely to change the course of the illness as well. Below are the best ways to help prevent becoming ill during this winter season.

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Posted on January 8, 2026 by Matt

2026 Ragnar Relay Series is Like No Race You’ve Ever Seen

What in the world are Ragnar Relays? Ragnar Relays are a series of 200 (ish) mile relays that a team of twelve, like you and eleven of your closest friends or family, have to conquer. The 200 mile race is known as a “slumber party without sleep.” One member of the team has to always be running while the other eleven are piled into two vans, each containing six members of the team. Each runner is expected to run anywhere from three to eight mile bouts at least two or three times per day. Each Ragnar Relay race typically lasts a day, a night, and the following day. After the first six members of the team run their leg of the race, the second van takes charge and each of those six run their portion of the race, switching back and forth until the entire team conquers the 200 (ish) miles.  Combine this crazy amount of running with no sleep, and you’ll get an insane amount of slap happy laughter, which is the Ragnar Relay Series. The races take place all over the nation, so check out the list of Ragnar Relay races near you.

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Posted on January 7, 2026 by Matt

Three Step System to Life Long Health

My three step health system is a rather basic, but effective way to get the results and success you have always dreamed of.

Step 1: Set Goals & Prepare (1 week):

Goal setting is one of the best ways to prepare you both physically and mentally for what it is that you wish to accomplish. I recommend setting an immediate goal, a mid-term goal you can achieve 6 months from now, and a long-term goal for about 1-5 years from now. By doing this, you will prepare and organize your life for what is to come. The preparation phase allows you to buy whatever it is that you will need to be successful (groceries, workout clothes, books, music, personal trainer, etc) and plan or set-up a time or times that you can exercise without being interrupted.

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Posted on January 6, 2026 by Matt

The Pros and Cons Of Video Game Workouts

This decade has been a rather interesting one with all the new technology and fitness trend advances. Home fitness has become extremely popular these days and companies like Nintendo and XBOX are completely capitalizing on this with the release of the WiiFit and Kinect, respectively. The new biggest things are workout video games- which I am completely for if it gets you up and moving. I strongly believe that anything that can motivate you to exercise is a good thing. I, personally, am old fashioned and love to run outdoors and hit the weights indoors at the gym. That is definitely not for everyone, and this new advance in in-home fitness is perfect for today’s population. With that being said, there are pros and cons to video game workouts, so read on to decide if they are for you.

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Posted on January 6, 2026 by Matt

Hybrid Workouts and Nike + Top List of Fitness Trends for 2026

Well, 2026 is here at last and is your fitness level where it needs to be? 2026 brings us new and improved ways to get in shape and build your fitness habit. Check below for the top fitness trends of 2026 to watch for!

Piloxing: Piloxing is a hybrid workout that combines the benefits of Pilates with boxing. Pilates offers relaxed movements that tone and strengthen the body as a whole while cardio-boxing adds intensity and sharp movements to increase the heart rate and burn fat at a rapid pace. Check your local gym for classes.

Kangoo Jumps: This trend transformed the pogo stick into pogo shoes. You can jump in your shoes while taking a Kangoo class, or tone and improve your balance while walking or jogging. They are a fun and enjoyable way to add a twist to your current routine.

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Posted on January 5, 2026 by Matt

10 Things Your Personal Trainer Should Know

Are you currently in the process of looking for a personal trainer? Finding the RIGHT personal trainer is not an easy task and I strongly recommend not settling with one that doesn’t meet your standards. Below is a list of qualifications and things that your personal trainer should know. Good luck and train hard!

10 Things Your Personal Trainer Should Know:

  • Education: Your trainer needs to be well educated; either a nationally recognized personal training certification or health and fitness related degree (exercise science or kinesiology). Be sure to ask your trainer if he/she has these credentials.
  • Anatomy: Every great personal trainer should be able to name any muscle in the body and be able to tell you the function of that muscle.
  • Proper form and technique: Your trainer absolutely has to know the proper form and technique of every single lift or exercise. This is crucial for your over-all well-being and safety. If you feel your form is wrong, be sure to ask and maybe even get a second opinion (ask another trainer) just to be sure. (more…)
Posted on January 4, 2026 by Matt