Skip to main content
Christine VanDoren

Christine VanDoren

Contributor

Christine is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist with an undergraduate degree from Missouri State University. Her passion is helping others learn how strong and healthy they can become by transforming their daily habits. Christine spends most of her time in the gym and learning how she can influence others through positivity!

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

Pair of dumbbells and a resistance band with handles.

Resistance bands vs weights: Which are better for building muscle?

Discover whether using resistance bands or weights will help you hit your muscle growth goals more efficiently.
Fresh broccoli in a bowl

Cruciferous vegetables are the secret to a healthy diet — here are 9 you should be eating

Discover nine different cruciferous vegetables that can give you a health boost when implemented into your diet.
Handsome young man doing exercise with muscle therapy foam roller

5 effective foam roller back exercises your body will thank you for

Discover five foam roller exercises you can implement in your mobility routine to stretch out your back.
a man walking a dog

Why walking is the key to your weight loss journey

Wondering what form of cardio to do to lose weight? Discover the benefits of walking regularly and why it may actually be better than running.
A shirtless man doing split squats using a dumbbell.

These 5 dumbbell exercises will help you build monster quads

Achieve greater quad gains with these five effective exercises. You only need dumbbells to have a great leg workout.
man doing pilates leg and arm stretch seated wooden floor

4 easy Pilates exercises to shrink your love handles

Implement these four Pilates exercises into your ab routine consistently to get rid of your love handles.
Blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries in the same container

9 berries you should include in your diet, and why

Learn about the top ten berries to include in your diet regularly for a real health boost.
man doing pilates leg and arm stretch seated wooden floor

3 Pilates exercises to strengthen and tone your arms

Discover three Pilates exercises that will take your arms and upper body progress to the next level.
A man uses two dumbbells to perform a split squat.

5 effective exercises with dumbbells to build super-toned glutes

Develop strong glutes with these five effective dumbbell glute exercises that can be done anywhere.
A male athlete doing leg extensions on a machine in a gym.

Don’t waste time on useless exercise equipment: These gym machines offer an efficient workout

Discover which seven pieces of gym equipment are a must for your full body workouts.
A man in jacket and earphones jogging on the street.

7 simple fitness tips: The workout plan you need if it’s been a while

Looking to get back into a workout routine? Check out these seven essential tips!
Man standing on a body fat scale.

5 ways to measure body fat percentage and why it matters

Body fat percentage isn't the only health metric you need to track, but it's critical. Here are 5 ways to measure yours
Healthy foods

High protein diets: Everything you need to know

There are many benefits to a high protein diet, including weight loss, muscle recovery, and satiation. Learn what foods to start incorporating.
nuts, oats, oils, and various gluten free food on a tray.

Weight loss 101: 10 surprising foods that can interfere with your goals

Weight loss is top of mind for many, and we've tracked down 10 foods that you might be eating - but can ruin your goals
Man doing dumbbell rows.

Dumbbell workouts: Build your back with these 5 exercises

These 5 dumbbell workouts will strengthen your back and build and tone muscle.
Foam rolling legs.

A foam roller can aid your workout routine: Benefits, tips, and more

Learn about the different types of foam rollers and why you should use one.
man doing pilates leg and arm stretch seated wooden floor

Why strength training like Pilates and calisthenics are hotter than lifting weights in 2024

Are pilates and calisthenics better than lifting weights? Functional strength
Fit muscular sports man doing bicep curl exercise with resistance band in the open air

Resistance band workouts: Build toned, impressive arms with these 6 workouts

Check out these six essential resistance band exercises for your next arm day.
Man doing battle ropes workout.

What is the best workout schedule for me?

There's no simple answer to how often you should work out, as it depends on your fitness goals, age, health, and even the exercises you plan to do.
Man with blue resistance band

Resistance band workouts: How to build and tone your shoulders

Learn about five effective resistance band exercises to build your shoulders and see the progress you desire.
Man doing bench presses

Your guide to the bench press: Benefits, risks, and more

Read on to learn about the benefits, risks, and variations of the bench press.
Salmon entree

Here’s why the Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest and most well researched diets in the world

What does the research show about the Mediterranean diet? Here are the evidence-based benefits you should know
A pitcher of avocado oil beside a sliced avocado on a wooden board.

5 benefits of healthy fats and which ones you should be eating

Learn about which fats are actually good for you, what the benefits of consuming them are, and what foods to include in your diet.
Foods high In gluten

11 foods high in gluten to avoid on a gluten-free diet

Need to go gluten-free? Make sure to avoid everything on this list of foods high in gluten and learn about possible alternatives.
Stationary bike

This is how many calories you burn on an exercise bike

Some of the best workouts involve exercise bikes, stationary bikes, or spin bikes. Find out about calories you can burn with indoor cycling.
hands of man lifting dumbbells on rack in gym or fitness

5 effective dumbbell exercises for triceps that lead to gains

Want a better triceps workout? Add these dumbbell exercises to your fitness routine.
Dumbbell weights on a gym rack in a gym.

How to lose weight at the gym: Helpful tips everyone should follow

Going to the gym is a great way to start losing weight, and it can be especially effective if you also properly fuel your body, and get enough sleep!
Man doing push-ups at a gym.

Pushup training tips: Give your upper body strength a boost

By strengthening the core, triceps, and chest, you can take your pushups to the next level. Here are some of the best tips to try.
A balanced Mediterranean-style breakfast with eggs

The best high-fat, low-carb foods for your keto diet

Finding high-fat, low-carb healthy foods doesn't have to be difficult or boring. Here are 11 food items you can use to make healthier and tastier meals!
a bearded man doing a biceps curl

Dumbbells guide: 5 effective bicep workouts you should be doing ASAP

Discover five bicep exercises that will take your arm workout to the next level.
A man in helmet riding a bike on a road with railings with a view of a mountain and forest in the background.

Weight loss tips: How much weight can you lose riding a bike?

Cycling can be an affordable and efficient way to exercise and lose weight. Learn how to reach your fitness goals through bicycling with this guide.
Egg round

6 high-protein breakfast ideas to kick-start your weight loss in 2024

A high protein breakfast is exactly what your daily routine needs. Try one of these options.
Bowls of bone broth on a tray

Treat your body: These are the best foods high in collagen

Collagen helps with healthy joints and skin and can be found in everyday foods. Here's what you need to be eating for your joints and skin.
Man holding a dumbbell

5 easy dumbbells exercises to build a bigger chest

This is how to use dumbbells to get a bigger chest.
Man doing squats at home

11 benefits of squats that will improve your overall fitness

Squats are the best exercises for the lower body. Find out the benefits of squats right here and how to perform squats anytime, anywhere.
Workout planner.

Replace New Year’s resolutions with habits: How to actually achieve your goals for the new year

If your New Year's resolutions always fail, this is the secret to achieving your goals for the new year.
Various healthy foods on a table

How to lose weight fast in the new year: Easy tips to follow

Do you have a weight loss goal for the new year? Make it happen with our weight loss guide.
Man flexing his back and shoulders.

Dumbbells workout guide: 5 effective exercises for developing huge shoulders

This is everything you need to know about sculpting your shoulders with dumbbells.
Punching bag

The 3 best punching bag workouts to transform your fitness routine

These are the best punching bag workouts to help you improve your boxing technique and boost your fitness.
Man holding a banana.

Going running? This is what (and when) to eat before you go

If you're concerned about how long you should wait after eating to run, we've taken the time to unpack the complexities of the body in our guide.
Baked roasted hasselback chicken stuffed with ricotta cheese and spinach

10 delicious weight loss meals that are 300 calories or less

Calorie deficits are an important part of any weight loss plan. These 10 meals are all under 300 calories.
Man doing Pilates with yoga blocks.

Pilates or weight training: Which is better for you?

Should you weight train or focus on pilates? This article breaks it down so you know which is best for you
Person measuring waist.

7 effective tips for breaking through a weight loss plateau

These weight loss tips will help you break through that weight loss plateau.
Man with lower back pain

4 simple stretches for lower back pain relief

Is lower back pain keeping you from working out? These are the stretches that can help — and when you should (and shouldn't) do them.
Man doing tricep dips.

The best exercise for weight loss: Cardio vs. strength training

Not sure if you should focus on cardio or strength training for weight loss? These are the benefits of both.
A man doing sumo squats in a park

The ultimate calisthenics workout plan for stronger legs

Calisthenics can be a great leg workout. This is how to get started.
Fit muscular sports man doing bicep curl exercise with resistance band in the open air

9 key arm workouts for your biceps and triceps

These are some of the best exercises to add to your arm day, and they are what you need for transformed biceps and triceps.
Bowls of bone broth on a tray

How to break a fast – the best foods to eat

If you're on a fasting diet, you might be wondering what you can (and should) eat when it's meal time. These seven suggestions are your best bet.
Lifting weights with spotter

Burn fat while gaining muscle: Weight training for weight loss

You don't always have to do cardio to lose weight. Learn about weight lifting for weight loss here.
A man in a green shirt and gray shorts meditating on a yoga mat in the living room.

Tai chi for beginners: 7 reasons you need to add it to your daily routine

Tai chi can benefit you no matter what age you are or what your fitness level is. Take a look at our in-depth guide to learn all about it.