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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.

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Your complete guide to maximizing back gains with rows

Rows are one of the most effective exercises for growing your back. Learn about different variations and all the equipment you need.
Triceps on a man

Build the best chest and tricep workout with this guide

Having a strong chest and triceps is vital for everyday movements and a great physique. Learn about the best exercises to include in your routine.
a man swinging a kettlebell by a blue sky

5 essential kettlebell exercises for upper body strength

Kettlebells are great and can be used at home or the gym. Learn how certain kettlebell exercises can get you bigger arms, as well as a defined back and chest.
man in gym wearing black looking in mirror lifting up weights next to weight rack

Spider curls: A complete guide to this effective arm exercise

Learn about how spider curls can maximize your bicep gains, variations to try, what equipment you need, and things to avoid.
Man with yellow kettlebell squatting

Build lower body strength with these effective kettlebell exercises

Discover how to get bigger and stronger legs with just kettlebells by utilizing five effective exercises.
Seafood that is high in vitamin B12

Need an energy boost? Try these 12 foods high in vitamin B12

Foods high in vitamin B12 provide essential energy-producing nutrients.
A man doing sumo squats in a park

How to do sumo squats: Your complete guide

Are you wanting to develop stronger legs? Sumo squats are great for targeting the lower body, and they can be done with or without equipment.
a man doing pull ups

How to build strength and mobility with functional training

Do you need a workout routine that can make everyday movements like carrying groceries and lifting boxes overhead easier? Functional fitness may be for you.
A man's strong legs from rowing.

The best leg day workout routine: Everything you need to know

Looking for the best leg day workout? Discover a full weekly routine you can follow to get the optimal results in your lower body.
A man doing a crunch by a pool

Planks vs crunches: Which is actually a better core exercise?

Planks and crunches are fundamental abdominal exercises. Learn how to perform them, what to avoid doing, and how to optimize your results.
Man doing dragon flag.

This exercise works both your core and your abs (but it’s not for beginners)

The dragon flag is a challenging yet effective exercise that targets numerous muscles in the abdomen. Learn exactly how to successfully conduct the movement.
Man drinking from shaker bottle.

These are the best BCAA supplement brands to add to your fitness routine

Regularly taking BCAAs can help with workout performance and recovery. Discover the top five brands recommended to see which would be the best fit for you.
a wide shop of a man running on the beach

How to run faster and longer to make the most of your workout

Running provides many benefits, so you likely want to be able to run faster and longer. Learn the best tips for upping your distance while reducing your time.
man wearing shorts no shirt working out exercising on bars calisthenics

The 28-day calisthenics challenge: A complete guide

Calisthenics has many benefits, including building muscle mass and being accessible for nearly everyone. Discover if this 28 day challenge is for you.
Man doing skull crushers.

How to do skull crushers the right way: The do’s and don’ts you need to know

Looking to build your triceps and increase strength in your upper body? Discover why skull crushers are a must for your workout routine.
Concept 2 erg rowing machine.

The essential rowing machine workouts guide: Tips, workout plan, and more

Rowing is a great form of cardio, and it also builds muscle throughout the body. Discover some effective workouts to add to your routine.
Man running on trail.

Training for a 10k race: Everything you need to know

Running a 10k race can seem daunting, but all you need is a solid plan. Discover exactly what to eat and how to train for success.
Man doing lateral raises.

How to do lateral raises the right way

Lateral raises are a fundamental exercise for the shoulders. Discover how often to do them for results and what variations you can try.
Man with blue resistance band

5 effective resistance band exercises for developed hamstrings

Strong hamstrings are key for performing everyday movements. Learn about five different effective exercises to try that only require resistance bands.
resistance band back exercises young man exercising with elastic on orange background  view

5 effective resistance band back exercises to add to your workout

Discover five different exercises that will help you build a strong and broad back that only require a resistance band.
Man doing sprints.

Does sprinting build muscle? 3 effective workouts to try

Discover how sprinting could help you build muscle, the muscle groups that it targets, and some essential tips for maximizing results.
Man running outside.

How to train for a 5K: What you need to know

Discover how to eat and train for your first 5k race, as well as how fast the average person completes it.
Male athlete drinking protein shake while sitting in gym.

Weight training tips: This is what — and when — you should be eating

Learn what foods both pre- and post-workout will help you lift the most, have plenty of energy, and see results faster.
Man sitting on the ground working out.

5 factors that affect your fitness goals beyond exercise and food

Discover why sleep, stress, alcohol, and more may make or break your progress in the gym, during a run, or engaging in a sport.
Man doing lat pull-downs in the gym

Combining running and lifting: Your guide to hybrid training

Learn the benefits of both running and lifting, as well as how combining the two could improve your strength, endurance, and stamina.
Man Doing Bridge Exercise with Resistance Band

5 incredible resistance band exercises for stronger glutes

Discover five different exercises that you can do anywhere to build your glutes. Best part is that you only need resistance bands.
Man doing squats with a weight

This is the average squat weight for men (and what you can do to improve)

Learn how much the average man should be able to squat based on weight and experience.
Man sitting on the ground looking sad

How to deal with depression in men: First, know the signs to look for

Depression is very prevalent among men, yet many go untreated. Learn about the symptoms to watch out for and what your options are for help.
Seafood that is high in vitamin B12

A guide to vitamin B: Benefits and what foods to eat

There are several B vitamins. Find out which foods are naturally high in vitamin B complex for healthier eating.
c4 pre workout powder new release rebrand boss hero 1

C4 pre-workout powders have new formulas — why they’re celeb trainer Ron ‘Boss’ Everline’s ‘go-to’

C4 has released a new pre workout that could take your fitness abilities to the next level. Learn everything Ron "Boss" Everline has to say about it.
Man putting on boxing gloves

Boxing at home: How to set yourself up for success in your home gym

Boxing can be a very effective workout for building muscle and improving cardiovascular fitness. Learn what equipment to have at home to maximize your results.
Fit muscular sports man doing bicep curl exercise with resistance band in the open air

5 fantastic resistance band moves for bulging biceps

Discover five different effective bicep exercises that only require resistance bands for you to see results.
Ribeye caps topped with garlic and herbs cooked in a cast iron pan over charcoal.

What foods are high in iron? These staples will help you live a healthier life

Iron is a vital nutrient that benefits the body in numerous ways. Learn about some of the best foods to include in your diet to hit the daily requirement.
Man running on street by a body of water.

7 benefits of outdoor workouts on athletic performance

Gyms are a great place to stay fit and active, but moving your exercise outdoors also helps boost your vitamin D levels, improve your mood, and more!
Ginger on cutting board.

Benefits of ginger: 6 reasons why you should add it to your grocery list today

Learn why you should start including ginger in your diet, as well as many creative ways to do so. Here are six amazing benefits of ginger.
Man drinking protein shake

7 delicious, portable, high-protein snacks that will support your weight loss goals

Discover seven different snacks that will support your weight loss goals and that are high in protein.
Resistance band.

5 effective resistance band exercises to target your chest

Discover how to build your chest with only resistance bands by incorporating these five exercises into your routine.
Bottle of olive oil

Try these delicious foods high in vitamin E for skin, hair, and heart health

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant. Learn about the foods highest in vitamin E here.
Man doing dumbbell rows.

More reps or more weight: Which is actually better for your fitness goals?

Whether you want to build muscle, lose weight, or give your athletic performance a boost, figuring out the best weight and reps to use is vital.
Two people hiking together

8 healthy benefits of hiking you need to know

Whether you're an avid hiker or not, you should take a look at these benefits of hiking to get you inspired to plan your next trek.
Lemon water with whole lemons

Do you know about these 5 benefits of drinking lemon water?

Drinking lemon water can clear up your skin, aid digestion, and more. Learn how to boost the effects of your lemon water and what to do with the peels.
Man stretching his hamstrings

5 fantastic dumbbell hamstring exercises to take your gains to the next level

Discover five different exercises that only require dumbbells to strengthen your hamstrings and take them to the next level.
Cracked coconut served on a wooden plate.

8 healthy facts about the benefits of coconut water

Regularly drinking coconut water can keep you hydrated, your skin healthy, and more! Read on to learn about why you should have this beverage daily.
Man doing alternating forward lunges in front of a laptop at home.

8 best at-home HIIT exercises to help you get ripped

Kick into shape and/or get ripped with these easy-to-do HIIT exercises.
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.