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.
Heavy Lifting, Muscle, and Weight Loss: Why Strength Matters More Than You Think
For many years people believed that endless cardio was the best path to weight loss. While walking, cycling, and aerobic exercise certainly have tremendous health benefits, there is another form of exercise that may have an even greater long-term impact on body...
Why Stretching Matters More As We Age
As a personal trainer who works with many adults over the age of 55, I have developed a very practical philosophy about stretching. I believe stretching is extremely important, but I also believe it should be done primarily after exercise, not before it. Before...
Growing Old Is a Privilege, Not a Burden
In a culture that often worships youth, many people begin to fear aging. Wrinkles become something to hide. Gray hair becomes something to color. Slower movement becomes something to apologize for. Yet the truth is simple and powerful: growing old is a privilege...
Cardiac Recovery: What It Is, How to Measure It, and Why It Matters
Cardiac Recovery: What It Is, How to Measure It, and Why It Matters As a trainer who has spent years helping adults and seniors improve their health, I believe one of the most overlooked indicators of cardiovascular fitness is not how high your heart rate goes during...
The Scan That Can Save Your Life: Why a Coronary Artery Calcium Scan Matters
As a personal trainer, NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist, and someone who has dedicated much of his life to helping others improve their health, I believed I understood fitness and heart health very well. I exercised consistently, stayed active, watched my weight,...
“Understanding the Cardiac Stress Test: A Safe, Proactive Step Toward a Stronger Heart”
A cardiac stress test is one of the most valuable tools your doctor has to evaluate how well your heart is functioning—especially when it’s working, not just when you’re sitting still. For many people, the idea of a “stress test” can sound intimidating, but...
Stronger Heart, Better Intimacy: The Hidden Benefits of VO₂ Max
Improving your VO₂ max is often framed as a performance goal for athletes, but its benefits reach much further. VO₂ max refers to the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise. In simple terms, it measures how efficiently your heart, lungs,...
Longest Living Bypass Patient
A quadruple bypass surgery can sound like the end of the road for many people—but in reality, it can become the beginning of a long and meaningful second chapter. The story of Ray Hildridge proves exactly that. Ray underwent a quadruple coronary bypass in 1982 at just...
It’s Not About Moving Weight — It’s About Moving Well
Walk into any gym and you’ll see people focused on one thing—moving weight. Heavier dumbbells, bigger plates, more resistance. And while strength matters, the real purpose of lifting weights often gets lost. It’s not about the weight itself. It’s about what that...
The Power of Olive Oil: A Daily Habit for Lifelong Health
After returning from Greece, it’s hard not to come away changed—especially after experiencing authentic olive oil tastings. There is something different about it. The flavor is richer, the aroma more vibrant, and the cultural appreciation for olive oil runs deep. In...