Shape Up with Sherri

delayed gradification - group class

Delayed Gratification – How Marshmallows Can Help Us Achieve Our Health & Fitness Goals

It may sound surprising, but marshmallows, yes marshmallows, can teach us a powerful lesson about achieving our health and fitness goals. The famous Stanford Marshmallow Experiment explored how children responded when given a choice: enjoy one treat immediately or wait about 15-20 minutes and receive two treats later. Those who were able to delay gratification…

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Balance Training Tips

Balance is one of the most overlooked components of fitness, yet it plays a critical role in overall health at every age. Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve performance or simply want to prevent falls and stay independent as you age, balance training deserves a regular place in your routine. The reality is that…

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Balance Exercise - hiking

Balancing Fitness Components

One of the biggest challenges in fitness is trying to figure out how to balance your workouts. With limited time in a busy week, it can feel overwhelming trying to fit in cardio, strength training, and flexibility work. Many people default to what they enjoy most, often overdoing one component while neglecting others. The result?…

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High or Low Reps for Menopausal Women Squat

Workout Efficiency Hacks

If you’re like most people, time is one of the biggest barriers to regular exercise. After working in the fitness industry for 37 years, I’ve seen it over and over – people show up to the gym with great intentions but end up wasting valuable minutes wandering, scrolling, or doing exercises that don’t give them…

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Setback Hacks

No matter how motivated or disciplined you are, setbacks are part of the journey. Life gets busy. You miss a workout, overindulge or sleep poorly. It happens to everyone. The difference between those who succeed and those who struggle isn’t perfection; it’s how quickly they recover. Think of it this way…if you’re driving somewhere for…

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The Food Pyramid Upside Down

The Food Pyramid Upside Down?

For decades, Americans built their diets from the bottom up, using grains as the foundation and placing fats and sweets at the top. But, the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025–2030) seem to have turned that model upside down. The new “inverted food pyramid” reflects a major shift in how experts view nutrition. Instead of…

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Updated Strength Training Guidelines

Updated Strength Training Guidelines

After 17 years, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has released updated strength training guidelines, reflecting an explosion of new research and a shift toward a more flexible, personalized approach to fitness. What’s changed and what does it mean for you? At its core, the new guidance reinforces that strength training remains essential for…

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personal training

Why Personal Training Works

 If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent with exercise, you’re not alone. Most people know what to do, but doing it consistently, correctly, and with enough intensity is where the real challenge lies. That’s exactly why personal training works. It bridges the gap between intention and results. Research consistently shows that working with a trainer,…

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Athletes Are Made in the Leg

There’s a reason experienced coaches and athletes repeat the phrase “Never Miss Leg Day.” The legs are the body’s powerhouse and the foundation of nearly every athletic movement. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a recreational pickleball player, a competitive athlete, or the parent of a high school or collegiate athlete, prioritizing leg strength and power…

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Establish Personal Health Challenges

At Northwest Personal Training, we recently wrapped up an exciting Olympic Challenge inspired by the spirit of the global games. Using 10 different events, we tested cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, endurance, and core stability. It was motivating, energizing and incredibly empowering for our clients and team. Why? Because nothing builds confidence like measuring progress and…

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