We are excited to bring to you a truly accurate and detailed body composition analysis with the InBody Body Composition Analyzer. Get the accurate results from the analyzer many professional bodybuilders use. You do not have to be a bodybuilder to use the InBody Body Composition Analysis device, however. The information you will receive is beneficial to your health. You see the whole picture, not just your body fat percentage number. Your health is your most important asset! Handheld devices tend not to always be 100% accurate. Caliper testing is…

A very common question I come across is whether exercise or nutrition is more important for weight loss.  Well, the answer has multiple parts. In short, nutrition has more impact. It is easier to reduce 500-700 calories in your diet than it is to burn 500-700 calories in a workout right away unless you are a little more advanced in your physical abilities. In addition, with the busy schedule of most people (career, commute, children), it can be tricky fitting in exercise as often as you want to. However, it…

I will never forget June 17, 2011. I fell down on the ground of the house I was living in at the time after I got up from the couch I sat on. I had such a constant sharp pain in my lower back, I could not walk. I crawled to my car, then started it, and I peeled out of the driveway.  The pain increased every moment I was seated, and I was stuck in DC area rush hour traffic on my way to the urgent care on top…

Whether it’s the fulfillment of a long-awaited plan or a complete surprise, the facts are what they are – you’re pregnant! First, of course, congratulations! You’re about to be in for a significant number of changes, a few of which will be almost instantaneous. Once the initial glee begins to calm, the mind starts to focus on the immediate alterations to your daily routine; the major change many are aware of is the diet. A common misconception is that a woman is now “eating for two”. This, unfortunately, causes many…

  Americans have become obsessed with the idea of eliminating all fats everywhere. I ran across a shampoo a few weeks ago claiming it contained no “harmful fats”. Seriously folks – never forget that you are a mammal, a convoluted evolutionary algorithm whose input determines your output. Fats exist, in the most basic form, as an energy source for organs, both in functional and survival senses. In addition to assisting the body in the absorption of base nutrients, production of hormones, and promotion of HDL cholesterol (beneficial, also known as…

Your combined protein intake for the day, including both dietary consumption and supplementary intake (shakes, bars, etc) should total around 1 gram per pound of body weight. For supplementary protein, the ideal time to take a shake is within 30-45 minutes of exercise due to the body being in high metabolic uptake (best absorption with the least amount of loss during processing). Similarly, shakes can be taken immediately upon waking, preferably after a glass of water, as it helps to stimulate the metabolism into a higher drive for the day.…

Without a doubt, eggs the unofficial red-headed stepchild of the natural foods industry. With a history of conflicting studies on everything from blood pressure and cholesterol levels to bone density, the egg’s “secret” is the same as all others; a food where quality over quantity is the ultimate determinant for consumption benefits. In the early 1900s, the egg industry was primarily based on small-farm and independent housing operations. A key component of the permaculture system of farming, chickens provided not only eggs and meat, but also natural pest control and…

Over the next few weeks, I will show you how I shake up cardio and utilize it as a fat loss and strength training combination. I lift weights four to five times a week, and I work out five to six times a week. Usually Tuesdays are a good cardio day for me. Mondays have recently consisted of supersets with biceps and triceps often taking no breaks except to go to my next group of exercises. I finish off with running speed work mainly outdoors when the weather is nice.…

If you train with a CASS Fitness trainer, you more than likely have experienced a battle ropes routine with one of us if we have enough space to set them up. You may also see my videos or Instagram posts with the Battle Ropes. Why do I like them so much? Here are a few reasons why they have popped up in many CASS Fitness workouts, including the regular routines of our trainers: Battle Ropes are an excellent tool to spice up your cardio and strength routine, no matter what…

CASS Fitness would like to give a warm welcome to Adrian Nicotra. He is our newest certified personal trainer. Adrian is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer and he is currently working on his NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist certification. Adrian lives in Alexandria, VA. He trains in Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Tysons, McLean, and Vienna. He specializes in strength training, corrective exercise, fat loss, weight loss, and bodybuilding. Adrian is an excellent motivator to his clients inside and outside of the sessions. He inspires them to be their very best and…