<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss" xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#" > <channel> <title>Mark Barroso, C.S.C.S., C.P.T. | Author at What's Good by V</title> <atom:link href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/author/markbarroso/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/author/markbarroso/</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:43:59 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4</generator> <image> <url>https://i0.wp.com/www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cropped-VS_V-only_Favicon_512x512.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1</url> <title>Mark Barroso, C.S.C.S., C.P.T. | Author at What's Good by V</title> <link>https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/author/markbarroso/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">130837004</site> <item> <title>9 Easy Ways To Increase Your Protein Intake</title> <link>https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/easy-ways-increase-protein-intake/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Barroso, C.S.C.S., C.P.T.]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatsgood.vitaminshoppe.com/?p=20099</guid> <description><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/easy-ways-increase-protein-intake/"><img width="150" height="150" src="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Up-Protein-Intake-150x150.jpg" alt="9 Easy Ways To Increase Your Protein Intake" align="left" style="margin: 0 20px 20px 0;max-width:100%" /></a><p>You know that protein is important for all of the tissues in your body—from your skin to your quads. And if you’re looking to build strength, chisel your physique, or just perform like a beast, meeting your protein needs is nonnegotiable.</p> <p>“Protein is the building block for muscle, and muscle is super-important for our metabolism, looking good, and feeling good,” says Tom Holland, C.I.S.S.N., exercise physiologist and author of <i>Swim, Run, Bike, Eat</i><i>: The Complete Guide to Fueling Your Triathlon</i>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/easy-ways-increase-protein-intake/" rel="nofollow">Continue reading 9 Easy Ways To Increase Your Protein Intake at What’s Good blog.</a></p> ]]></description> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">20099</post-id> </item> <item> <title>How To Train For An Obstacle Course Race</title> <link>https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/obstacle-course-race-training/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Barroso, C.S.C.S., C.P.T.]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 23 Sep 2019 14:19:07 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Editors Picks]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Latest]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatsgood.vitaminshoppe.com/?p=23186</guid> <description><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/obstacle-course-race-training/"><img width="150" height="150" src="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/muddy-obstacle-race-runner-in-action-mud-run-picture-id1127657132-150x150.jpg" alt="How To Train For An Obstacle Course Race" align="left" style="margin: 0 20px 20px 0;max-width:100%" /></a><p>In an obstacle course race (OCR), you can expect to run, hike, crawl, jump, and climb your way through muddy, mountainous terrain or a sports stadium. As you work your way through the course, both your mind and body are put to the ultimate test of strength and endurance.</p> <p>Given that, you need a killer training plan that boosts mental toughness, running capacity, and full-body power. Here’s everything you need to know about OCR and how to train for a race.</p> <p><a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/obstacle-course-race-training/" rel="nofollow">Continue reading How To Train For An Obstacle Course Race at What’s Good blog.</a></p> ]]></description> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">23186</post-id> </item> <item> <title>8 High-Protein Snacks Nutritionists Love</title> <link>https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/high-protein-snacks/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Barroso, C.S.C.S., C.P.T.]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 12 Nov 2018 18:46:51 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Latest]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatsgood.vitaminshoppe.com/?p=21158</guid> <description><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/high-protein-snacks/"><img width="150" height="150" src="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/header-150x150.jpg" alt="8 High-Protein Snacks Nutritionists Love" align="left" style="margin: 0 20px 20px 0;max-width:100%" /></a><p>Regardless of how old you are, what your current health and fitness goals look like, and what foods you like, one universal fact holds true: Eating enough protein is key if you want to feel your best. To help you meet your needs, we asked the experts to share some of their go-to high-protein snacks.</p> <p><strong>Why Protein? </strong></p> <p>The macronutrient protein performs a variety of functions in our body—from transporting nutrients through the blood to developing bones and muscles.</p> <p><a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/high-protein-snacks/" rel="nofollow">Continue reading 8 High-Protein Snacks Nutritionists Love at What’s Good blog.</a></p> ]]></description> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">21158</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Use This Flow Chart To Find Your Perfect Pre-Workout</title> <link>https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/perfect-pre-workout-flow-chart/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Barroso, C.S.C.S., C.P.T.]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 04 Oct 2018 13:56:32 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Latest]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatsgood.vitaminshoppe.com/?p=20871</guid> <description><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/perfect-pre-workout-flow-chart/"><img width="150" height="150" src="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/PreWorkout-Flow-Chart-150x150.jpg" alt="Use This Flow Chart To Find Your Perfect Pre-Workout" align="left" style="margin: 0 20px 20px 0;max-width:100%" /></a><p>If you’re dedicated to your fitness, a pre-workout supplement can help you feel energized and focused, and boost your training performance. However, with an endless number of options out there, it can be tough to tell which formula best fits your individual goals and lifestyle. After all, someone training to run ultramarathons needs different support than someone training to lift heavy weights.</p> <p>If building strength and muscle are your top fitness priorities, this handy flow chart will help you find the right pre-workout for your next gym session.</p> <p><a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/perfect-pre-workout-flow-chart/" rel="nofollow">Continue reading Use This Flow Chart To Find Your Perfect Pre-Workout at What’s Good blog.</a></p> ]]></description> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">20871</post-id> </item> <item> <title>What Happened When I Swapped My Usual Pre-Workout For Beets</title> <link>https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/beet-pre-workout/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Barroso, C.S.C.S., C.P.T.]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jul 2018 19:00:10 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Latest]]></category> <category><![CDATA[beetroot]]></category> <category><![CDATA[beets]]></category> <category><![CDATA[caffeine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[circulation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[focus]]></category> <category><![CDATA[gains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[nitric oxide]]></category> <category><![CDATA[pre-workout]]></category> <category><![CDATA[pump]]></category> <category><![CDATA[strength training]]></category> <category><![CDATA[superfood]]></category> <category><![CDATA[weightlifting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[workout]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatsgood.vitaminshoppe.com/?p=19735</guid> <description><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/beet-pre-workout/"><img width="150" height="150" src="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/main-150x150.jpg" alt="What Happened When I Swapped My Usual Pre-Workout For Beets" align="left" style="margin: 0 20px 20px 0;max-width:100%" /></a><p>As a personal trainer, I’ve experimented with all sorts of sports nutrition supplements—from pre-workouts, to amino acids, to protein powders, to creatine—in order to my support my progress in the weight room. But it wasn’t until I started training for endurance running and obstacle course racing that a new and surprising performance-booster came onto my radar: beets.</p> <p>I got absolutely hooked on racing after college (I finished more than 40 road and obstacle course events in four years), so when I saw elite athletes like Ryan Atkins and Amelia Boone touting the benefits of beets for race performance all over social media, I had to give them a try.</p> <p><a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/beet-pre-workout/" rel="nofollow">Continue reading What Happened When I Swapped My Usual Pre-Workout For Beets at What’s Good blog.</a></p> ]]></description> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">19735</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Carnitine: It Isn’t Just For Gym Rats</title> <link>https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/carnitine-benefits/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Barroso, C.S.C.S., C.P.T.]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 26 Jun 2018 16:09:46 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Latest]]></category> <category><![CDATA[amino acids]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blood sugar]]></category> <category><![CDATA[diabetes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[energy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fertility]]></category> <category><![CDATA[heart health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[insulin function]]></category> <category><![CDATA[l-carnitine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mitochondria]]></category> <category><![CDATA[nitric oxide]]></category> <category><![CDATA[performance]]></category> <category><![CDATA[reproductive health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[workout]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatsgood.vitaminshoppe.com/?p=19486</guid> <description><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/carnitine-benefits/"><img width="150" height="150" src="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1182940058-150x150.jpg" alt="Carnitine: It Isn’t Just For Gym Rats" align="left" style="margin: 0 20px 20px 0;max-width:100%" /></a><p>Carnitine, which we get from animal proteins like red meat and chicken, and produce from the amino acids lysine and methionine, has been a popular supplement in the fitness and bodybuilding world for years. Why? This compound—more than 95 percent of which can be found in our muscles—helps us turn fat (specifically long-chain fatty acids) into energy by transporting it to the mitochondria (a.k.a. energy generators) in our cells.</p> <p>In fact, one 2011 <em>Journal of Physiology</em> study found that when healthy recreational athletes supplemented with two grams of carnitine and 80 grams of carbohydrates twice daily for six months, they increased the concentrations of carnitine in their muscles by 21 percent, which allowed them to use about 50 percent less glycogen—and thus <em>more</em> fat (like body fat)—to fuel low-intensity exercise.</p> <p><a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/carnitine-benefits/" rel="nofollow">Continue reading Carnitine: It Isn’t Just For Gym Rats at What’s Good blog.</a></p> ]]></description> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">19486</post-id> </item> <item> <title>How To Train And Supplement For Every Fitness Goal</title> <link>https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/training-and-supplements-for-every-fitness-goal/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Barroso, C.S.C.S., C.P.T.]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 13 Feb 2018 18:10:07 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Latest]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Weight Loss]]></category> <category><![CDATA[amino acids]]></category> <category><![CDATA[body composition]]></category> <category><![CDATA[body fat]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bodybuilding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[carnitine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[creatine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fat burning]]></category> <category><![CDATA[gym]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hypertrophy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lose weight]]></category> <category><![CDATA[metabolism]]></category> <category><![CDATA[minerals]]></category> <category><![CDATA[muscle]]></category> <category><![CDATA[resistance training]]></category> <category><![CDATA[strength training]]></category> <category><![CDATA[weight lifting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[workout]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatsgood.vitaminshoppe.com/?p=17556</guid> <description><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/training-and-supplements-for-every-fitness-goal/"><img width="150" height="150" src="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Train-and-Supp-for-Goals-150x150.jpg" alt="How To Train And Supplement For Every Fitness Goal" align="left" style="margin: 0 20px 20px 0;max-width:100%" /></a><p>When your workouts don’t reflect your goals, what you see in the mirror won’t either—and nothing is more frustrating than spinning your wheels and going <em>nowhere.</em></p> <p>How you spend your time in the gym—and which supplements you take to support your workouts—depends on whether you want to get strong, pack on muscle, shed fat, or boost your endurance. Use this quick fitness cheat sheet to make sure every rep you perform and supp you take accelerates your progress.</p> <p><a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/training-and-supplements-for-every-fitness-goal/" rel="nofollow">Continue reading How To Train And Supplement For Every Fitness Goal at What’s Good blog.</a></p> ]]></description> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">17556</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Which Sports Supplements Should You Be Cycling?</title> <link>https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/supplement-cycling/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Barroso, C.S.C.S., C.P.T.]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jan 2018 13:30:04 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Latest]]></category> <category><![CDATA[amino acids]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BCAAs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bodybuilding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[caffeine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[creatine]]></category> <category><![CDATA[glutamin]]></category> <category><![CDATA[HMB]]></category> <category><![CDATA[physique]]></category> <category><![CDATA[power]]></category> <category><![CDATA[protein]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sports nutrition]]></category> <category><![CDATA[strength]]></category> <category><![CDATA[strength training]]></category> <category><![CDATA[thermogenics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[weight lifting]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatsgood.vitaminshoppe.com/?p=17269</guid> <description><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/supplement-cycling/"><img width="150" height="150" src="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Supplement-Cycling-150x150.jpg" alt="Which Sports Supplements Should You Be Cycling?" align="left" style="margin: 0 20px 20px 0;max-width:100%" /></a><p>If you can’t remember the last time you went a day without caffeine, or have ever wondered if you should take a break from creatine, you’re certainly not the only one.</p> <p>While there are plenty of sports nutrition supplements that you can take every day, all year-round, others require a little more strategy. ‘Cycling’ these supplements—taking them for specific periods of time and then <em>not</em> taking them for specific periods—can benefit your health and actually help you reach your fitness goals more effectively.</p> <p><a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/supplement-cycling/" rel="nofollow">Continue reading Which Sports Supplements Should You Be Cycling? at What’s Good blog.</a></p> ]]></description> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">17269</post-id> </item> <item> <title>4 Rowing Workouts That’ll Make You Feel Like A Beast</title> <link>https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/rowing-workouts/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Barroso, C.S.C.S., C.P.T.]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 27 Dec 2017 16:47:25 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Latest]]></category> <category><![CDATA[body composition]]></category> <category><![CDATA[calories]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cardio]]></category> <category><![CDATA[CrossFit]]></category> <category><![CDATA[HIIT]]></category> <category><![CDATA[infographic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[intervals]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lose weight]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rowing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[strength training]]></category> <category><![CDATA[workout]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatsgood.vitaminshoppe.com/?p=16957</guid> <description><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/rowing-workouts/"><img width="150" height="150" src="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Rowing-Workouts-150x150.jpg" alt="4 Rowing Workouts That’ll Make You Feel Like A Beast" align="left" style="margin: 0 20px 20px 0;max-width:100%" /></a><p>The rowing machine—often referred to as the ‘erg’—has been a staple of CrossFit® boxes since being featured in the inaugural CrossFit games in 2007. For many other fitness enthusiasts, though, this effective exercise trend is newly on their radar. Not only are boutique rowing studios popping up all over the U.S. (like Greenville Indoor Rowing in South Carolina, Row Zone in Philadelphia, Ro Fitness in Texas, and Row House and CITYROW in New York to name a few), but even large chain gyms are putting ergs on their floors.</p> <p><a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/rowing-workouts/" rel="nofollow">Continue reading 4 Rowing Workouts That’ll Make You Feel Like A Beast at What’s Good blog.</a></p> ]]></description> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">16957</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Are You Neglecting These Two Glute Muscles?</title> <link>https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/overlooked-glute-muscles/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Barroso, C.S.C.S., C.P.T.]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 06 Dec 2017 14:30:18 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[The Latest]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bodybuilding]]></category> <category><![CDATA[exercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[glutes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[gym]]></category> <category><![CDATA[muscle]]></category> <category><![CDATA[physique]]></category> <category><![CDATA[strength training]]></category> <category><![CDATA[workout]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://whatsgood.vitaminshoppe.com/?p=16485</guid> <description><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/overlooked-glute-muscles/"><img width="150" height="150" src="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/main-1-150x150.jpg" alt="Are You Neglecting These Two Glute Muscles?" align="left" style="margin: 0 20px 20px 0;max-width:100%" /></a><p>The benefits of a strong behind know no bounds. You’ll nail bigger lifts like squats and deadlifts, feel booty-ful (sorry, had to) in your favorite pair of jeans, and move through life—whether hiking, chasing your dog around, or just carrying heavy groceries—more easily.</p> <p>To build powerful and well-rounded glutes (literally), there are three muscles you need to focus on. First, the major gluteal muscle, the gluteus maximus, which helps you extend your hips (like when squatting) and rotate your legs and toes out to the sides.</p> <p><a href="https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/blog/overlooked-glute-muscles/" rel="nofollow">Continue reading Are You Neglecting These Two Glute Muscles? at What’s Good blog.</a></p> ]]></description> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">16485</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>