“The universe aligned for me during my first workout at Champion Fitness over 6 years ago. I have always been a practitioner of fitness, although my consistency was spotty at […]
Ray of Intense Sunshine!

“The universe aligned for me during my first workout at Champion Fitness over 6 years ago. I have always been a practitioner of fitness, although my consistency was spotty at […]
We are creatures of discontent…residing on a perpetual rollercoaster of dissatisfaction. Dissatisfied with our spouse, dissatisfied with our jobs, our bank accounts, our bodies, etc. We yearn for change in […]
“When we moved to the area, we decided it was time for us to start becoming healthier and get into better shape (round is a shape, but not the shape […]
“After spending a year changing my eating habits and getting introduced to the fitness world, I was able to transform my physical appearance and had hit my weight loss goal […]
“I’ve always cared about my health. I cared so much I chose to make a career out of it as a Registered Dietitian. However, it wasn’t until meeting Jason and […]
The first time I noticed Champion Fitness I was at the Dutch Bros. next door…literally getting a cookie (haha). I watched from the parking lot when one of the training groups […]
When I started working out with Jason I thought I was in shape. I had finished a few triathlons, ran 10k’s, half-marathons, and one marathon. I had lost 35 lbs mostly through […]
When I was approached by a co-worker last December and asked to participate in a five-month challenge to lose body fat and increase muscle mass, I was hesitant. The grand […]
My first time visiting Champion Fitness I was extremely nervous about what I was getting myself into. I entered the gym, looked around, and thought, “I’ve done a workout DVD program […]
My family and I moved to Boise in July of 2013. Working out has always been a part of my life. But joining a gym or working out with others never […]
“Four years ago, I got an email from Jason asking me if I was ready to come back to the gym (I worked out with him for a short stint […]
As winter begins, like clockwork – it’s time for me to deliver the “no nonsense” pep talk as we head into 2019. I’ve been writing this column for nearly ten […]
“I have always had a passion for fitness. Exercise to me is just like anything else that is important and will always be in my life. No question. It all […]
When it comes to exercise, most of us focus on the physical benefits: more endurance, more strength or a leaner appearance. These are worthwhile reasons, but it is the feelings […]
The dreaded plateau: Anyone in the fitness game long enough will most likely encounter one. It typically goes like this: You’ve been consistently working out for several months, eating better, […]
Two years ago I was going through a “fitness funk.” I wanted a change, a challenge, but really didn’t know what I was searching for. I had seen some advertisements […]
It’s no surprise that many of you are resolving to improve your health and maybe shed a few pounds this year. But if you want yearlong success and beyond, you […]
Every time we hit this point in the year I feel a strong obligation to “keep it real” for you all. Some of you might be putting off workouts until […]
Life simply gets busier once November rolls around. Kids are out of school more, Thanksgiving is around the corner, holiday shopping sneaks up on us, and all of it […]
I’ve had the pleasure of being a personal trainer for over 14 years now. I’ve seen all walks of life during that time. Despite everyone’s differences, when I ask people […]
Over the past 14 years I’ve had the opportunity to train hundreds of individuals. All with their own stories, histories, and expectations. And during that time I’ve developed a pretty […]
When food and fitness are in the same sentence, most people instantly think of fat loss. Far less often do people think about the role of nutrition in workout recovery. […]
I began training with Jason at Champion Fitness in September, 2011. Why? My first grandchild, Osker, was born March 11, 2011 and while my daughter was pregnant my reoccurring thought was…I’ve […]
There may be times when you wonder why your energy levels are so low or why you’ve been feeling more fatigued than usual. Often it’s a result of simply not […]
Wow…where do I even begin?? This is some tough shit, and has been since day one. I started coming a few years ago, intermittently, with my wife. This became both […]
There is no shortage of information when it comes to nutrition. And unfortunately there isn’t a universal method or diet that will work for everyone either. You hear about diets […]
Flexibility training is often the most overlooked and skipped part of a workout routine. With so many areas to address such as core, strength and cardio conditioning, it can be […]
Dynamic Warm up – Circuit 1 (1 set each) Walking Lunges x 20 yards Side Squats x 20 yards Straight Leg March x 20 yards Buttkickers x 20 yards Sprint […]
Too often we look for things to distract us in life. Television…celebrity gossip…drinking…anything to avoid looking within ourselves. Exercise isn’t any different. Go inside any big gym and you’ll see […]
I am going on my sixth year in writing this column and every January I feel this strong obligation to “keep it real” for you all. As you embark on […]
Even though sandbag training isn’t necessarily a new concept, it hasn’t been until recent years that it has become more consistently used with fitness professionals and athletes. Sandbags can mimic […]
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to fitness. Do you find yourself ever falling into the same patterns and basically sleepwalking through your workouts? […]
I started working out with Jason 6 years ago and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Jason has helped me grow stronger and pushed […]
Over the years countless people have said to me that they want to “get fit.” But what is “fit?” For “Gym Guy” this may be defined as being able to […]
Last month, we explored the importance and benefits of exercise for individuals who are 65 or older, with a specific emphasis on cardiovascular training. This month we shift our focus […]
Many of us exercise to remain vibrant and active throughout our entire lives. Though none of us is exempt from aging, we can slow the process with regular exercise. Even […]
When it comes to exercise, I’m always trying to find things that are outside the traditional realm. I don’t switch things up for the sake of switching up, but rather […]
I must admit…this weather has me fired up! As absurd as seventy degrees in early March may sound, I’m certainly not going to complain and I’m sure as hell going […]
Whether you are participating in the Spartan Race or just simply want to know how to climb a rope as efficient as possible…we cover a simple “break and squat” technique […]
A FUN WAY TO “RAISE THE BAR” ON TRAINING Asymmetrical bar training (ABT) is a relatively new method of training that can enhance balance while improving core strength and rotational […]
Many recreational athletes, particularly runners, experience bouts of muscle soreness and, in some circumstances, overuse injuries. These injuries may include, knee pain, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis, to name a […]
It’s a new year yet again ladies and gentlemen. And as we all begin the annual mad dash back into the gym I thought now was the perfect time to […]
Here is a fun one to add into the mix. Essentially you’re getting a combination of core, strength, power, and cardiovascular endurance with this partner drill! Here’s the basic set […]
When it comes to recreational activity, traditional strength and cardio programs are effective in a general sense, but can lack in preparing us for the specific demands that these activities […]
Now grant it…I’m from Utah and today’s snow conditions are pretty elementary from my experience. So with that being said, this workout will still require some equipment and actually making […]
I’ve been in the fitness industry since 1994, and I’ve witnessed the same thing. Every. Single. Year. As we near the close of yet another year, and with the holidays […]
I was fortunate enough to receive the official cookbook of Thug Kitchen from a friend of mine a few weeks ago. For those of you who aren’t familiar…Thug Kitchen’s philosophy […]
his week’s exercise combines two of my favorites…burpees and punches. Now I know most people don’t care for the first one, but when it comes to straight punches let’s face it…it […]
Every year people attempt to make improvements but with little to no success. How can this be in the information age we currently live in? There are thousands of articles, […]
Bodybuilding is typically what comes to people’s minds when they think of dumbbell training. Exercises like chest presses, bicep curls and lateral raises using dumbbells are very effective for strength […]
This is one of my favorite strength complexes that I like to use personally and for clients as well and for a few reasons. One, it hits all of our […]
We all know the importance of wearing proper footwear when it comes to exercise. However, many of us neglect to give it proper consideration. There is a tendency to think […]
There has been a tremendous wave in popularity of outdoor obstacle course races over the last several years. Races like The Dirty Dash, The Tough Mudder and Spartan Race bring […]
Let’s face it. Staying motivated with the same exercise routine can get boring – fast. The human body and mind have a certain threshold when it comes to doing the […]
Woody Allen once said, “80% of success in life is showing up.” I would argue the same goes for fitness. While the process may be a little more detailed there’s […]
For the weekend warrior, motivation to train with intensity is rarely an issue. Whether you’re a runner, tri-athlete, prepping for a Tough Mudder, or just a gym rat, you’re willing […]
Pregnancy is one of the most remarkable life experiences a woman can go through. I know…ironic coming from a guy. And while I obviously don’t have first hand experience, I […]
I am a mother of three and as much as I love my babies…I don’t love what they have done to my body! After having the last two close together and […]
It all started a year and a half ago. I was looking for a different workout routine that would challenge me and keep me accountable. My regimen in the past consisted of your […]
We started working out at Champion Fitness almost 2 years ago. Prior to Jasonwe thought we could achieve our fitness goals on our own, and felt like we didn’t need to pay someone to […]
In the past 5 years I have gone through more trainers than I can remember. I was constantly being pushed from one new person to the next and was beyond frustrated with […]
I have grown up living an active lifestyle, whether it be the various sports in high school or city league activities on the weekends. Being “fit” was something I wanted, but […]
When I moved to Boise 5 years ago, onlyknowing one person, I quickly fell into a fitness “rut”. I joined a gym but with no one to work out with […]
Because of Jason, shirtless guys with washboard abs want to have their picture taken with us. Hahaha…kidding aside, we have been training with Jason for over a year now. During that time, […]
I have always wanted to get into better shape, and after having 2 kids I thought it was time to make it happen. I tried working out on my own with DVDs […]
I have been training with Jason Wanlass for two years and it has changed my life. My goals were to lose weight, get stronger, and be more stable on my feet. I […]
“My journey with fitness, body image, and nutrition had been a struggle to saythe least. When I found Jason with Champion Fitness I was in a rut…okay more like a […]
Most people’s primary motivation for working out involves weight loss. The original school of thought for optimal results was performing a minimum of 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise at a […]
Sweet Potato Pot Pie Great vegan recipe! Polenta on the bottom, curried lentils in the middle, and yams on top. If you’re preparing this recipe in advance to serve […]
The wife and I had these the other night and they were absolutely amazing! My five year old daughter thought we were eating steak. I have to agree they taste […]
BODY WEIGHT STRENGTH TRAINING As the name implies, body weight strength training is a form of strength conditioning focused on building strength solely with the use of body weight […]
Believe it or not, but there are days that I struggle to do this…where working out is the last thing I want to do. Running on fumes with little sleep […]
Perform 3 sets total of this metabolic circuit with only the minimum amount of rest needed.
Perform 3 sets total of this metabolic circuit with only the minimum amount of rest needed.
Perform this metabolic circuit for 3 sets total with minimal rest in between sets.
It seems every summer is the same. Life simply gets … busy. Kids are out of school, there are vacations, you’re working more hours and still trying to maintain anything […]
Full-body exercises place an emphasis on multiple areas of the body during one exercise. They are being used more by fitness enthusiasts and are popular for a variety of reasons. […]
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a pain-fatigue syndrome that affects up to 4% of the population aged 20-60 and 80% of those diagnosed with the syndrome are women (Smith & Barkin […]
Most people’s primary motivation for working out involves weight loss. Traditionally, experts suggest doing a minimum of thirty minutes of cardiovascular exercise at a moderate intensity three to five times […]
Is seems like only yesterday, a beautiful spring day is already on the horizon and with only 12 hours of daylight to enjoy it. Quickly I inhale my cereal before […]
When I started working out with Jason I thought I was in shape. I had finished a few triathlons, ran 10k’s, half-marathons, and one marathon. I had lost 35 lbs […]
What image do you think of when the subject of fitness is brought up? Do you envision going to the gym, hopping onto a cardio machine, and zoning out for […]
As a trainer I’m constantly asked about what supplements are the best… particularly for fat loss. Now I’m always a little leery of products with terms like “shredd”…”thermoboost”…”lipozene”…etc. The reality […]
What’s not to love about this exercise? It comes with numerous benefits and brings a total body challenge to balance, strength, power, and endurance! This exercise is great for plyometric […]
Few stories have resonated more with me than “The Iron” by Henry Rollins. Henry Rollins is an American spoken word artist, writer, journalist, comedian, publisher, actor, radio DJ, activist and […]
This is one of my favorite TRX exercises. Primarily for it’s challenges to the core and upper body. Before attempting this exercise there are obviously some things that you need […]
Too many of us go day to day and simply let life “happen to us.” The reality is we all have the ability to create our lives. If you want […]
This total body exercise is one of my favorites and has numerous benefits: Increased Shoulder Stability Increased Core Strength Upper Body Strength, specifically in the chest and back Lower Body […]
For the brownie bites 3 cups pecans 2 tbsp almond butter 1/4 cup agave 1/4 cup […]
One of my favorite strength training workouts that I use personally and with clients is Strength Endurance Training. Specifically from NASM, this strength endurance training method is a hybrid form of […]
Won’t bore you will the details…just simply unprocessed pure deliciousness… What you will need: 1 cup almond butter 1 1/2 cup of grated or chopped zucchini 1/3 cup raw honey […]
Clients, friends, family are always curious what exercises/activities give you the most bang for your buck. Here are 25 that burn at least 500 calories per hour. Also, research shows […]
Most of us know the value and benefit of taking a multivitamin. Today’s food lacks the amount of nutrients our bodies need day in and day out. Supplementing with a […]
With 70% of the American population being overweight and/or obese it shouldn’t come as any shock that countless people want to improve their health and maybe shed a few pounds. […]
Many think they don’t have time to exercise…well I’m here to say THINK AGAIN! With minimal resources there is always a way. Recently I did a “Fitness Fast” workshop featuring […]
People are always in search for the “secret” to weight loss and optimal health. I’ve been in the fitness industry for 18 years now and I’m here to tell you…there […]
Using training ropes in your fitness routine provides a fun and unique type of training stimulus. The exerciser must train with a continuing velocity by using their arms to maintain […]
The Kettlebell Towel Swing has quickly become one of my favorite exercises. Not only is it different from most strength movements, but it really is a fun exercise. It’s a […]
“You are the average of the five people closest to you.” Take a moment to think about it. Seriously…take a moment. If you look closely at the five individuals of […]
When I want to bang out a fast workout, more times than not I go to the TRX Suspension Trainer. In a nutshell, the TRX is a set of […]
Two days removed from the Spartan Race, I sit here and write with a respectable amount of confidence that I’ve finally washed away all the mud from those “difficult to […]
This is the first of many posts to come with a “Fitness Fast” theme. Many think they don’t have time to exercise…well I’m here to say THINK AGAIN! With minimal […]
Many of us know we should warm up prior to exercising, but still it’s often the most neglected part of a workout. Walk into any gym and you’ll see many […]
Let’s face it. Getting to the gym this time of year is hard. Kids are out of school, family vacations, business travel, etc. Besides, when it’s 80 and sunny, the […]
There are so many diets out there. Paleo, Atkins, The Zone Diet, Eating for your blood type, etc. Each author will make a sound argument for the benefits of their […]
In order to achieve continued results from a strength program, muscles need to be challenged beyond their comfort zone. Many exercisers know this already. However, often times we limit the […]
Functional training is a training method that has created a lot of buzz over the last decade. Perhaps you have heard the term at the local gym or read about […]
It’s hard to believe we are almost into the New Year. The best time to evaluate you fitness goals and motivation is right now. Why? Because the overwhelming majority of […]
At last the New Year is upon us! It’s the opportunity we embrace every year to finally get back in shape. While our ambition to make this year our best […]
If you want success in life, you need a plan. Whether it’s wanting to retire at a certain age or finding the job of your dreams, having a plan is […]
It can be challenging to stay motivated with an exercise routine. The human body and mind have a certain threshold when it comes to doing the same thing over and […]
“Plyometric Training”Bounding, jumping, catching and throwing oh my! These are some of the common exercises you may hear of when it comes to plyometrics. But what exactly is plyometrics? When […]
You may think it’s strange to find a “How-To” article focusing on five easy steps for adding fat to your body. You might say that we already know how to […]
There are many benefits to resistance training, and many of us make it a consistent part of our fitness routine. Individual motivation can range anywhere from improving athletic performance to […]
Flexibility training is often the most overlooked and skipped part of a workout. With so many areas to address such as core, strength and cardio conditioning, it can be difficult […]
Does this sound familiar? You have a 10:00 am tee time. The morning has slipped away and you find yourself pulling into the parking lot with only five minutes to […]
I’ve been in the fitness industry for more than 15 years, and it amazes me that this topic still exists. But with cardio equipment makers continuing to display low-intensity training […]
There are many advantages to working out at home. One, it’s convenient. Two, there’s no extra commute or having to deal with the crowds at a health club. And best […]
The new year is finally upon us! Any shortcomings of years past quickly fade as we vow to make this year our best ever. And if you’re like most, this […]
If you’re like most people, it’s the same scenario every year. The best intentions of resisting the holiday temptations are now a foggy memory. Often clouded by a month full […]
There are numerous reasons to participate in a fitness program. For some of us it may be to lose a few pounds and have more energy, while others may simply […]
After more than 15 years in the fitness industry I am still amazed how often people put off starting a workout program until “next year.” Before you consider shutting it […]
For many of us, that winter chill in the air can only mean one thing – ski and snowboard season is right around the corner. While we eagerly wait for […]
We often forget about how important water is to exercise performance and weight loss. We work much harder at finding the right foods and the most effective exercise routine than […]
What do you think is the No. 1 reason people begin an exercise program? You guessed it—to lose weight. That is a legitimate goal, but it’s important that your […]
Most anything we desire in life can be achieved by adapting our behavior to those who have done what we want to do. Whether it’s becoming a top business leader, […]
Speed and power anyone? Many of us enjoy watching athletes perform amazing physical feats. Whether it’s Usain Bolt screaming down the track during the Olympic Games or Serena Williams hitting […]