My Blog
I’m James Burns
Jim has always understood the benefits of exercise and is an advocate of helping schools build more activity time into student schedules to keep our children active and above all healthy. Jim is certified by the National Academy Of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a personal trainer and believes that exercise is the first step in reducing stress and becoming balanced mentally, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. As an educator Jim believes that knowledge is power and that everyone should understand the benefits of exercise. “I Trained For A Quadruple Bypass” (contained as part of this newsletter) explains his journey from the understanding one’s own health and how one can ready themselves physical, mentally, and spiritually and do so without fear. Having a history of heart disease and stroke in his family Jim has learned that we are not determined by our genetics we are only influenced, and we can change our response to the influence at any time.
GLP-1 vs. a Low Glycemic Index Diet: Why Slower Is Often Better
In today’s health and fitness world, GLP-1 medications and low glycemic index (GI) diets are often discussed as tools for weight loss and blood sugar control. While both aim to solve the same problem—unstable blood sugar, overeating, and excess body fat—they work in...
Resilence and Independence
A Be Simply Fit™ Reflection I grew up in a time when we didn’t have constant instructions, instant answers, or someone checking in on us every five minutes. We figured things out. If we fell, we got up. If we were bored, we created something. If something broke, we...
Exercise and Medication
Why My VO₂ Max Looks Lower on Metoprolol A Be Simply Fit™ Explainer I want to explain something important if you’re on a medication like metoprolol (a beta-blocker) and you’ve noticed your heart rate or VO₂ max numbers look lower than expected. Metoprolol slows how...
What Is A1C — and Why It Matters More Than the Scale
If you’ve ever had blood work done, chances are you’ve seen a number called A1C on your lab report. Many people are told, “You’re fine” or “You’re borderline” — without ever truly understanding what that number means or why it matters so much for long-term health....
Bare Feet and White Flour (Memoir Edition)
Have you ever wondered why your parents did some of the things they did? I did—many times. My dad had so many regimented habits that, as a kid, I thought he had a screw loose or something. I’m only going to talk about two of those habits here, because there are far...
Insulin Sensitivity — explained simply
Insulin sensitivity describes how well your body responds to insulin, the hormone that moves sugar (glucose) from your bloodstream into your cells to be used for energy. Think of insulin like a key 🔑 Good insulin sensitivity: The key works easily. A small amount of...
Why Ankle Flexibility Matters More Than You Think (Especially After 55)
When most people think about flexibility, they think about hamstrings, hips, or maybe their lower back. Very few think about their ankles. But as a trainer who works almost exclusively with adults 55+, I can tell you this with confidence: Your ankles may be the quiet...
Strong Enough to Stay Upright: Why Heavy Resistance Training Matters as We Age
For years, older adults have been told to “take it easy.” Light weights. High reps. Gentle movements. While well-intentioned, that advice has quietly contributed to one of the biggest threats to healthy aging: loss of strength, loss of power, and loss of confidence in...
“At 71, Here’s My Honest Answer to the Question: How Much Exercise Is Enough?”
I just turned 71, and if there’s one question I hear more than any other, it’s this: How much exercise is enough at my age? The short answer may surprise you. Enough exercise is the amount that keeps you physically capable, emotionally steady, and mentally...
The Dimensions of Wellness: A Be Simply Fit Approach
Wellness is not about perfection. It is not about doing everything right all the time. In a Be Simply Fit way, wellness is about building a lifestyle that supports your body, mind, and values in simple, consistent ways. True wellness shows up in how you move, how you...