Elise Miller

Keeping it Simple 101

There really aren’t that many “rules” when it comes to fat loss, building muscle, and living a fit and happy lifestyle. It’s basic math and common sense. You don’t need to go low-carb, gluten-free, eat two cups of kale and acai berries every day or increase your heart rate to its max rate during every…

Cut it out

OK, raise your hand if this describes you: you truly want to lose weight you’re sick of yourself complaining that you’re not losing weight you’re doing all the things – workouts, meal tracking, a little bit of self-pitying when you are honest with yourself, you admit you’re kind of phoning in your workouts and spending…

Your slow progress is a good thing

Top five reasons your slow progress is a good thing You’ve been at it for two weeks or longer—maybe a month, or even three. You’re not seeing the results you thought you’d have by now—the looser-fitting jeans, the lower number on the scale…You’re still huffing and puffing through every workout. Where’s the good news in…

Vacations ruin diets and diets ruin vacations.

Before I left for my Germany vacation, I was confident that while away I’d find a way to work out. I researched kettlebell classes in Munich and Frankfurt and at the very least, would work out on my own, practicing the advice I give to clients when they travel—pushups and jump squats. Three to four…

Protein bars and shakes – the low-down

If you’ve been following along here on the blog or caught the buzz about protein in the health and fitness universe, then chances are you’ve already consumed your fair share of protein bars and/or protein shakes. You know it takes a concerted effort to hit your daily protein requirements. You may not enjoy eggs, chicken…

Strength training? Standing around? Here’s why.

You’re in the middle of a strength workout. You’ve completed your exercises and now you’re waiting to record your number of pull-ups. Or we’re deadlifting and you’re waiting your turn on the barbell. Either way, you are standing there, not exercising. You’re a little worried that you’re not sweating, panting or burning calories. You might…

So You’re Ready to Track Your Calories. Now What?

A Guide to Documenting Your Food and Drink How many calories should you be eating in order to achieve your desired physique? It all depends on you, specifically, your goals, gender, age, weight, height and activity level. These are all bits of information you will plug into any number of online calorie calculators to find…

Moderation = Bull

Give it up—“Everything in Moderation” is NOT an Effective Weight Loss Method Are you trying to reach your fat loss goal by the maxim, “Everything in moderation?” If so, I’ll bet you a king-size Snickers bar you’ll still be struggling with the same 10, 20, or however-many pounds this time next year. The problem with…

Motivation vs. Dedication

I started working with a personal trainer about five weeks ago. I’m following a program someone else designed for me for the first time ever. Being a trainer myself, I wasn’t sure it was “okay” to hire one. It felt a little embarrassing admitting that I needed the help of a colleague. My trainer explained…

Are You Cheating Yourself?

Are You Cheating Yourself? —Elise Miller If you indulge in cheat meals, you might just be cheating yourself out of achieving your body composition goals. In fact, if I had my way, you’d have to fulfill certain criteria before you were permitted to use cheat meals as a diet tool. These criteria would include: Tracking…