Communication Articles

For almost 30 years, IDEA has operated on the premise that trained, certified professionals are key to helping individuals get positive results, remain highly engaged and become “inspired to fitness.” The August 2010 launch of IDEA FitnessConnect, our free online fitness directory, delivered the power of this philosophy right into your hands.

For years, group exercise instructors have been debating the topic of creativity. The controversy usually arises when facilities license preprogrammed classes. Some instructors argue that preprogramming limits creativity. They feel that “free-style” classes are more creative and are better suited for advanced participants, who “crave complex movements.”

Sample Guest Introductions The following intro bios worked well because they are concise, easily read aloud and written to be heard, which is different from written to be read silently. newsletter_teaser: Check out this great sample class from the IDEA Online Library and learn how to be the successful guest who lands bookings.

Digital newsletters (or e-newsletters) can be an integral part of a marketing strategy, keeping fitness professionals in contact with clients and prospects via e-mail. In the 2009 Advertising Effectiveness Survey by Forbes, marketers identified e-newsletters as the second most effective online marketing tool for generating conversions (first was search engine optimization).

In 1988, Joan Darragh tipped the scales at 288 pounds. During a trip to Japan, she had a defining moment. “I was in a bar, and I sat on a stool built for the slighter Asian frame,” says the New York City resident. “Suddenly, the bolts on my metal stool started to pop.” She tried to pretend it wasn’t her stool making that noise, but she still kept one foot on the floor.

The frustrating thing about these headlines is that, to the letter, they are not untrue. To date, there have not been any large, randomized studies that have shown that reducing sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams per day (as is advised for certain special populations) has a positive outcome. But it is clear that the majority of Americans are getting far more than the 2,300 mg per day that has been found to correspond with certain disease risk factors.

Not everyone uses text messages, but for those who do, fitness professionals can harness the power of technology to help clients get healthier, say researchers at Duke University. Scientists followed 50 obese women who received either a daily text for weight loss intervention or used more traditional methodology, such as writ- ten food journals or computer-tracked journaling. Over 6 months, the 26 subjects in the texting group lost an aver- age of 3 pounds, whereas the 24 who journaled more traditionally actually gained 21⁄2 pounds.

You know your next client, Doug, really well. He’s been working with you for 2 years, he’s committed to his fitness program, and while his body is already well-conditioned, he is determined to keep improving. His session will focus mainly on intense weightlifting, and Doug is used to “psyching himself up” before each set—he finds it helps—but you’ve both observed that it’s getting harder for him to make real gains. How can you help?

Letting a client go is always difficult. As a professional, you have the highest expectations for every client—even if they are somewhat unrealistic. However, not everyone seeking professional help in reaching health and fitness goals is prepared to make the sacrifice or take the steps necessary to change. Change is tough!