By Ryan Halvorson
Kimberly Searl, integrative fitness professional and owner of Mind/Body: Balance, a fitness studio that offers personal training, yoga, Pilates, and coaching services, believe...
By Ryan Halvorson
Use Kid Pointz behavior charts to help instill healthy behaviors in kids. The charts are created by Martin Goodman, father of four, who struggled to help his own kids develop...
By Ryan Halvorson
Scientists and fitness
professionals have spent plenty of time looking
for ways to encourage improved activity levels among children. To appeal to tech-minded youth, one p...
By Ryan Halvorson
On April 29, industry veterans and IDEA faculty members Sara Kooperman (CEO of SCW Fitness Education and Les Mills Midwest) and Dave Parise (owner of Results Plus™ Perso...
By Ryan Halvorson
In another study published in the February 20 issue of the Medical Journal of Australia (2012; 196 [3], 189–92), researchers explored the prevalence of overweight and obesit...
By Ryan Halvorson
Researchers from the Cancer Council Queensland and the Cancer Council Victoria estimate that in 2025 about 170,000 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer. This is an increa...
By Ryan Halvorson
In a study published in the February 20 issue of the Medical Journal of Australia (2012; 196 [3], 184–88), researchers looked at pregnancy outcomes among obese and overweigh...
By Ryan Halvorson
When comparing physical activity levels of younger people to those of older people, it’s often assumed that the younger group wins out. This belief turns out to be incor...
By Ryan Halvorson
Most personal trainers have come across a client who arrives at each session in a state of stress and disarray. If this is not dealt with appropriately, it can derail your pro...
By Ryan Halvorson
Turn off the tube and enjoy some quality time with your children during Screen-Free Week (April 30–May 6), an annual event in which families, schools and communities lea...
By Ryan Halvorson
client: QuinStar Technology Inc.
personal trainer: Connie Morrill
location: Torrance, California
Crossing into corporate. Prior to transitioning into a fitness career in...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to recent data from IBISWorld, a market research reports and analysis company, now is a good time to be in the fitness DVD business. If the company’s estimatio...
By Ryan Halvorson
Good news from the medical community! According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more U.S. doctors are encouraging adults to be physicall...
By Ryan Halvorson
Exercise has been proven to be a great stress reducer. It can also improve employer-employee relations.
By Ryan Halvorson
When you’re developing weight loss programs for niche populations, it may be important to understand the role that environment plays in successful outcomes.
One examp...
By Ryan Halvorson
When you’re developing weight loss programs for niche populations, it may be important to understand the role that environment plays in successful outcomes. One example ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Have you ever wondered whether a certain foot strike is associated with greater injury potential? Or whether foot structure helps some people run faster? This roundup of recen...
By Ryan Halvorson
Want to help your pre- or borderline hypertensive clients improve their health? Tell them to take a swim. Regular swimming is a popular form of exercise for people seeking low...
By Ryan Halvorson
Many people enjoy getting massages for relaxation and tension relief. Now, scientists suggest that massage may also reduce postexercise inflammation and improve recovery.
A...
By Ryan Halvorson
client: Emmett
personal trainer: Kurt Gillon, Workout Anytime
location:Decatur, Georgia
By Ryan Halvorson
As waistlines continue to grow, public transportation providers have begun considering whether to adjust their regulations to improve safety and vehicle efficiency.
By Ryan Halvorson
Have you ever wondered if whole-body vibration (WBV) techniques could pass as a viable warm-up protocol? Researchers wondered, too.
By Ryan Halvorson
Could a simple sign encourage individuals to take the stairs instead of taking the elevator?
By Ryan Halvorson
Video games may be primarily the domain of the younger set, but scientists are suggesting that older adults go virtual to help preserve brain function. Published in the Ameri...
By Ryan Halvorson
In a world where thin is in, scientists are suggesting that thicker thighs could mean better health. A study published in the Harvard Men’s Health Watch newsletter (www...
By Ryan Halvorson
Fitness industry experts often suggest diversifying revenue streams and services to maintain career longevity and make more money. One way to achieve these goals is to get pub...
By Ryan Halvorson
Do you want to encourage your clients to walk more so they can live longer? According to an American Heart Association (AHA) press release, “Regular walking is one of th...
By Ryan Halvorson
Young women interested in maintaining or improving health and fitness should pay closer attention to what’s happening to their bodies.
By Ryan Halvorson
Have you ever wondered how fast you’d need to move to win a footrace against the Grim Reaper? Researchers at Concord Hospital in Sydney claim to have the answer.
By Ryan Halvorson
Many studies have focused on the benefits of listening to music before and during exercise. Now scientists have shifted focus to determine the effects—if any—that ...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to an article on the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website, at least 40 million Americans suffer from some form of sleep
disorder (www.ni...
By Ryan Halvorson
client: Ryan
personal trainer: Tony Cress, owner, Tony Cress Personal Training
location: Las Vegas
About Crohn’s disease. According to the U.S. National Libra...
By Ryan Halvorson
The Maryland Athletic Club & Wellness Center (MAC) in Timonium has big plans for 2012. MAC has set its sights on helping 1,000 people drop weight, get healthy and reduce the c...
By Ryan Halvorson
A press release from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported that more than 30% of men and women who receive Medicare are considered obese. Medicare will b...
By Ryan Halvorson
On October 11, 2011, you may have felt the earth shake—and it had nothing to do with a natural seismic event.
As part of her Let’s Move! campaign to fight chil...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to a recent study in Circulation (2011; 124, 2483–490), when it comes to reducing the risk of death, physical fitness plays a bigger role than weight. The study in...
By Ryan Halvorson
When executed properly, clever contests and incentive plans can provide effective means for keeping customers focused on their goals. That means greater success for clients&md...
By Ryan Halvorson
Much attention has been focused on obesity rates in the United Kingdom (UK). But what about the island’s many neighbors? According to the European
Health Interview Sur...
By Ryan Halvorson
While definitions of success may vary, we can all agree that success in the fitness industry is measured by number of lives changed. The question is, How do you reach all thos...
By Ryan Halvorson
Several reports have emerged over the past few years linking endurance exercise with heart problems. Most recently, researchers from Australia and Belgium studied 40 trained a...
By Ryan Halvorson
When you’re coaching clients for fat loss, face-to-face interaction isn’t mandatory. According to research published in The New England Journal of Medicine (doi: 1...
By Ryan Halvorson
client: Jillian
personal trainer:Jill Coleman, MS, owner, JillFit Physiques
location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Yearning to compete. More than 3 years ago, Jilli...
By Ryan Halvorson
Plenty of focus has been placed on the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents. But it appears that in California the scales have tipped...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine (2011; 165 [11], 1033–40), sports participation among high-school girls has increa...
By Ryan Halvorson
Researchers have previously identified a gene—FTO—that seems to predispose individuals to obesity. A recent study published in PLoS Medicine (2011; 8 [11], e100111...
By Ryan Halvorson
Have you come across clients or exercisers who insist that the best way to carve a tight midsection is through endless repetitions of abdominal exercises? Here’s a study...
By Ryan Halvorson
Improving inefficient gait patterns is often a focus among fitness professionals working with older adults. Walking problems can diminish independence and increase injury pote...
By Ryan Halvorson
Late last year, Florida State University (FSU) opened a performance laboratory designed to improve sports performance and reduce sports-related injuries. The lab is part of th...
By Ryan Halvorson
In an effort to reduce injuries, the U.S. Marine Corps has hired certified athletic trainers to oversee training for enlisted recruits.
By Ryan Halvorson
Countless studies link regular exercise with reduced disease risk. A recent study points out that individuals who exercise regularly are also likely to live longer than those ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Fitness professionals looking for extended education now have a free resource. The National Posture Institute (NPI), an education organization that provides health and fitness...
By Ryan Halvorson
Shoe and apparel company Reebok International Ltd. recently agreed to pay out $25 million in refunds to customers who bought its toning shoes. According to the Federal Trade C...
By Ryan Halvorson
Various research organizations suggest specific amounts of weekly physical activity for losing and managing weight and improving health. A study published in Medicine & Sc...
By Ryan Halvorson
clients: Nola and Joe personal trainer: Mary Ann Renzelli location: Bridgeport, West Virginia
By Ryan Halvorson
In May 2010, the Australian Copyright Tribunal voted for a significant fee hike (from $0.98 AUS to $15 AUS per class) for fitness facilities that play music in group exercise ...
By Ryan Halvorson
What is the ideal intensity for maximizing hypertrophy? According to A.C. Fry [2004, Sports Medicine, 34 (10), 663–79], maximal growth occurs with loads between 80% and ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Corporate wellness professionals can have a difficult time impressing the benefits of exercise on executives. Here’s another study to add to the growing arsenal of reaso...
By Ryan Halvorson
Many people use the New Year to assess the past and develop plans for the future. For business owners, January is a good month to set goals that lead to improved success, reve...
By Ryan Halvorson
Overweight women aged 65–80, take heed: Excess fat significantly impairs ambulation and leg strength, say researchers from the University of New Hampshire. The researchers...
By Ryan Halvorson
Attracting and maintaining a client base can be a struggle. To be successful, it helps to understand what types of exercise appeal to specific populations. For middle-aged wom...
By Ryan Halvorson
Losing weight could save the United States a lot of money. Enrolling overweight adults aged 60–64 in a “proven weight loss program” if they are prediabetic o...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to a recent report in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (2011; 183 [15], E1127–34), 1 in 5 Canadians suffers from metabolic syndrome, a collection of ri...
By Ryan Halvorson
Getting enough rest at night not only helps kids feel rested and alert; it contributes to better health as well. But a recent study suggests that when children sleep can also ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Get some neat tools for your fitness career by helping us research the question, “Does your sport match your personality?” We have been studying this topic for a f...
By Ryan Halvorson
Want your clients and athletes to reach new levels of power performance? Have them train while playing their favorite tunes. A study published in the Journal of Strength &...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Alan
Personal Trainer: Laura Rosencrantz, owner, Inpower™
Location: Portland, Oregon
By Ryan Halvorson
Are you a new entry into the fitness industry, or do you mentor those who are? From IDEA Answers (www.idea
fit.com/answers) come these top tips from seasoned veterans on how ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Here’s yet another reason to hoist those heavy weights. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, suggest that minimal muscle mass is associated with i...
By Ryan Halvorson
Another individual who has undertaken the challenge to Inspire the World to Fitness® is affectionately referred to as “The Workout Kid.” At only 10 years old, ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Looking at her, you probably wouldn’t guess that newly crowned Miss South Carolina Bree Boyce ever struggled with her weight. The truth is that in the 3 years before win...
By Ryan Halvorson
If obesity trends continue, by 2030 nearly half of all Americans will be obese, say authors of a report published in The Lancet (2011; 378, 815–25). The researchers used...
By Ryan Halvorson
There is little doubt that men and women view the world differently. The same can be said for how they view their bodies, according to a press release from Baylor University i...
By Ryan Halvorson
Want to make sure your athletes aren’t overextending themselves during training? Get them talking. A report published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Researc...
By Ryan Halvorson
A positive introduction to sports at a young age can set the tone for a healthy life. According to findings presented at the Renata Adler Memorial Research Center fo...
By Ryan Halvorson
Many fitness professionals employ behavior change strategies to help clients drop fat. However, according to researchers from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, lifest...
By Ryan Halvorson
It’s been said that with even modest efforts we can reap substantial rewards. This applies to fitness as well as to our other endeavors. According to a study published i...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the rock band Metallica, “the brightest flames burn the fastest.” Inspiration for the lyric likely had nothing to do with human physiology. But it cou...
By Ryan Halvorson
In the July–August issue of IDEA Fitness Journal, we listed the top five most fit and active states in the nation. This month we present another list—from the othe...
By Ryan Halvorson
Many years ago, IDEA Health & Fitness Association formed several committees to ensure that we would continue to meet the needs of the fitness industry. These committees co...
By Ryan Halvorson
Fitness professionals are well aware of the many threats that obesity poses to the health of our children. Traditionally, we could count on schools to help curb this problem b...
By Ryan Halvorson
Plenty of headlines lately have warned about the risks of frequent and extensive periods of sitting. Here’s another risk to add to the list: a connection between sedenta...
By Ryan Halvorson
While this equation may not be a surprise to conscientious fitness professionals, it can be helpful in encouraging athletes—professional or otherwise—to get more s...
By Ryan Halvorson
The United Kingdom recently released its public health guidelines for physical activity. For the first time, the publication includes recommendations for those under 5 years o...
By Ryan Halvorson
Individuals with a thin physical appearance take heed: Health is much more than skin deep. A study done at the Medical Research Council in Cambridge, England, discovered that ...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to a 2010 report posted on the blog of the social networking site Twitter™, the organization claims 145 million registered users. The number has surely increas...
By Ryan Halvorson
People are considered to be in their “prime” during their 20s, and they often accept that their physical fitness and health are meant to decline as they age. Contr...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the 2011 10Q Report: Advancing Women’s Heart Health Through Improved Research, Diagnosis and Treatment, heart disease causes an estimated 8.6 million deaths...
By Ryan Halvorson
Want to improve productivity among your employees? Empower them, says research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology (2011; 96 [3], 485–500). The study’s ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Jim
Personal Trainer: Austin Gregory Johns, CCS, president, San Clemente Health & Fitness Network
Location: San Clemente, California
Quality Assessme...
By Ryan Halvorson
Do you have clients who experience neck and shoulder pain? Just 2 minutes of exercise per day can reduce that pain, say researchers from the National Research Center for the W...
By Ryan Halvorson, Karen Jashinsky, MBA
Personal trainers interested in financial success are often advised to market services to individuals with disposable income. It’s a no-brainer. People with money are mo...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: The City of Vicksburg Personal Trainer: Linda Fondren, owner, Shape Up Sisters Location: Vicksburg, Mississippi
By Ryan Halvorson
Each year the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) tallies up the top fit cities in the United States. The ACSM American Fitness Index program was developed “to pr...
By Ryan Halvorson
September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Help inspire the younger generations to become more active and fit with GeoPalz, an online fitness tracking website that offers...
By Ryan Halvorson
More and more business owners are becoming conscious of how their operations affect the environment. According to the Green Business Bureau, investing in environmentally frien...
By Ryan Halvorson
Having mom stay active while pregnant can be good for both mom and baby. A recent study suggests that a mom’s fitness endeavors can have a positive impact on her baby&rs...
By Ryan Halvorson
Have you ever wondered how much foot traffic your group exercise programming brings into your facility? Global fitness company Les Mills has released survey data from the worl...
By Ryan Halvorson
A recent study published online ahead of print in the Journal of Clinical Nursing (2011; doi: 10.1111/j.1365-27022011.03739.x) uncovered troubling evidence that children as yo...
By Ryan Halvorson
Are you looking for a way to give back to your community? The American Council on Exercise (ACE) may have a solution. The organization has announced its commitment to “J...
By Ryan Halvorson
Encouraging sedentary and inactive individuals to exercise can be a challenge. However, according to a recent study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercis...
By Ryan Halvorson
Here’s another bit of news to help encourage overweight men to drop the extra pounds. A link has been found between excess weight in 18-year-old males and increased risk...
By Ryan Halvorson
As fitness video game technology continues to improve, more researchers are looking into its health benefits. Two recent studies have determined that “virtual gyms&rdquo...
By Ryan Halvorson
People with Parkinson’s disease who are experiencing difficulty walking should engage in regular low-intensity practice on a treadmill, suggests a recent study. Sixty-se...
By Ryan Halvorson
Experts believe that physical activity participation in youth can promote good health into adulthood. According to a recent study, one way youngsters can reduce cardiovascular...
By Ryan Halvorson
Facility owners and managers recognize that many individuals let gym membership cards collect dust. Many managers offer promotions or incentives to increase membership use. On...
By Ryan Halvorson
It seems the U.S. Coast Guard is feeling the weight of the American population’s widened waistlines. The service has recently changed its regulations regarding the amoun...
By Ryan Halvorson
When working with a personal training client, do you often espouse the many benefits of adopting healthy habits? According to a recent study, this may not be the best way of i...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to a recent study, younger individuals who regularly participate in religious activity may be at risk for becoming overweight. The findings, presented in March at th...
By Ryan Halvorson
On July 18, 40-year-old IDEA member Terri Rivero will compete for top honors at the U.S. National Aerobic Gymnastics Championships in Las Vegas. A former aerobic gymnastics co...
By Ryan Halvorson
For a variety of reasons, as a group fitness director you need to meet with your instructors regularly. However, actually getting instructors to attend department meetings can...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Chris Personal Trainer: Laurel Blackburn, owner, Boot Camp Fitness and Training
By Ryan Halvorson
Endurance training is thought to contribute to improved heart health. However, a recent study suggests that too much training may have the opposite effect. Published online ah...
By Ryan Halvorson
When it comes to flexibility, women rule. So says a recent study published in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research (2010; 24 [10], 2618–26). The subjects ...
By Ryan Halvorson
As the exergame market continues to thrive, many professionals wonder if the virtual world can improve real-life fitness. According to a study published in the Journal of Stre...
By Ryan Halvorson
Mark Rothstein, long-time IDEA member and jump rope guru, was inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame (NFHOF) on March 5, 2011. The organization was founded to remembe...
By Ryan Halvorson
As the first Baby Boomers turn 65 this year, younger fitness professionals should look to them for guidance and expertise. Here are tips for career longevity from three Boomer...
By Ryan Halvorson
Want a great way to combine family time and physical activity? Head into the great outdoors and take a hike. “Getting kids outside is more important than ever,” st...
By Ryan Halvorson
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that 71% of moms were employed in 2007. Some research has shown an association between mothers who work and children with higher BMI...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the 2010 IDEA Personal Training Programs & Equipment Trends report [IDEA Trainer Success, September 2010], only 19% of respondents offer online training progr...
By Ryan Halvorson
When it comes to the body’s most important muscle, most of us are weaklings, according to data published online in the journal Circulation (doi:10.1161/circulationah...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Ryan Mackin Personal Trainer: Nick Tumminello, CSCS, owner of Performance University Location: Baltimore
Going Pro. Ryan Mackin is no stranger to competition. In h...
By Ryan Halvorson
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, and the U.S. government has issued a call to get more Americans moving. Do you want to help your local community “cele...
By Ryan Halvorson
Individuals with metabolic syndrome may now have another concern: memory loss. Older adults who present with symptoms of metabolic syndrome—high blood pressure, excess a...
By Ryan Halvorson
Very often, a primary goal of resistance training programs is hypertrophy. To achieve this, many people lift weights and follow a sound nutrition program. However, some seek t...
By Ryan Halvorson
It’s generally understood that in the course of the aging process, the body begins to decay. The hard and soft tissue structures gradually deteriorate, and physical acti...
By Ryan Halvorson
Fitness professionals often integrate core strengthening exercises into client programs for enhanced performance and injury prevention. However, a study published in the Journ...
By Ryan Halvorson
When it comes to selling personal training services, a common practice is to require payment for a series of sessions at the start of training. According to data from the 2010...
By Ryan Halvorson
On May 17, 2010, the Copyright Tribunal of Australia ruled in favor of significantly increased music licensing fees, as requested by the Phonographic Performance Company of Au...
By Ryan Halvorson
Couch potatoes beware: even regular exercise may not be enough to overcome the adverse affects of prolonged sitting. Getting more than 4 hours a day of leisure “screen&r...
By Ryan Halvorson
As summer months approach, it’s wise to remind clients and class participants of the dangers of exercising in hot weather. According to a recent study published in the J...
By Sherri McMillan, MS, Ryan Halvorson
If you love to work out and help others stay in shape, you could have a promising future as a personal fitness trainer (PFT). But don't be blinded by the prospect of earning $...
By Ryan Halvorson
The 2010 IDEA Personal Training Programs & Equipment Survey found that approximately 75% of respondents ask clients to pay for individual sessions/classes or packages of sessi...
By Ryan Halvorson
Are your golf clients determined to lower their handicap? According to researchers from Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, golfers’ fairway performance was bes...
By Ryan Halvorson
Travelers, take note: if you forget to pack your workout clothes, Westin Hotels & Resorts have got you covered. The high-end hotel chain now offers a fitness gear lending ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Husband-and-wife team Bruce and Kym Burke enjoy giving back to their community. Two years ago, the co-owners of One on One Fitness in State College, Pennsylvania, started a fu...
By Ryan Halvorson
As obesity rates continue to rise, it seems all sectors of the population are affected. A newly published study of 16,400 children born in the United States in 2001 has reveal...
By Ryan Halvorson
Recently graduated or certified individuals looking to get ahead may want to take a course in professionalism. In a 2010 survey of hiring managers and business leaders, 38.2...
By Ryan Halvorson
It’s well known that female athletes appear predisposed to catastrophic knee injuries. A recent study suggests that a 4-week jump-training program may ward off such inju...
By Ryan Halvorson
On January 23, the world lost a hero. At 96 years old, health and fitness guru Jack LaLanne passed away, but not without leaving behind a tremendous legacy. As the “godf...
By Ryan Halvorson
Your resumé can make or break your chances of securing your dream job. Is your resumé due for some spring cleaning? Amanda Vogel, MA, owner of Active Voice, a wr...
By Ryan Halvorson
Are your golf clients determined to lower their handicap? According to researchers from Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, golfers’ fairway performance was bes...
By Ryan Halvorson
Here’s another addition to the long list of the benefits of exercise. Researchers at the Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jew...
By Ryan Halvorson
Time-crunched individuals interested in fat loss may want to cut running workouts short. Results from a study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (201...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Joanne
Personal Trainer: Jason Bosley-Smith, CSCS, founder, TheFitRx.com
Location: White Marsh, Maryland
Revelations. Like many Americans, Joanne was overweig...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the 2010 IDEA Fitness Programs & Equipment Trends report, personal training is continuing to show significant strength and growth potential as a profit center...
By Ryan Halvorson
“Daily deal” organizations like Groupon and LivingSocial have increased in popularity over the past few years. These organizations work with local businesses to of...
By Ryan Halvorson
Each year, the oldest continuously published magazine in the United States, Scientific American, unveils its annual Gadget Guide. Among the less-known gadgets on the 2010 list...
By Ryan Halvorson
In the January 2011 issue of IDEA Fitness Journal, it was reported that the Washington Redskins football team set a record for the largest virtual exercise lesson for kids. Th...
By Ryan Halvorson
Many people believe that musculoskeletal dysfunction is an inherited trait, and a recent research report on foot disorders seems to support that claim. The study, presented at...
By Ryan Halvorson
Kidney disease patients looking to improve quality of life and longevity should pick up a set of dumbbells, suggests a recent study. The authors of the study, published in the...
By Ryan Halvorson
Over the years, the U.S. military has developed fitness standards to promote the safety and effectiveness of its personnel. Unfortunately, fewer people are meeting those stand...
By Ryan Halvorson
It has been recognized that resistance training can be an important component of adolescent fitness. But does age play a role in muscular adaptation? According to a study publ...
By Ryan Halvorson
The body’s ability to sweat is a necessary physiological function that regulates body temperature. But a study published recently in Experimental Physiology (2010; 95 [1...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Elizabeth Personal Trainer: Massiel MirandaLocation: Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Miami Time for Change. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved swe...
By Ryan Halvorson
It’s 8:00 o’clock Saturday morning at San Diego’s Mission Bay Park. You might expect a quiet morning with a few “early-bird” families strolling a...
By Ryan Halvorson
Fitness professionals who create and/or star in exercise DVDs, beware: piracy may be hampering your sales. Beachbody, creators of DVD-based P90X and other fitness programs, is...
By Ryan Halvorson
The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports has changed its name and extended its reach to include nutrition. “This year we’re expanding the work ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Men interested in improving sexual function may want to swap out those little blue pills for a set of dumbbells. Research presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Urolo...
By Ryan Halvorson
’Tis the season for sniffles, sore throats, coughs and headaches. Fear not, suggests a recent study. According to one researcher from Appalachian State University, it ma...
By Ryan Halvorson
Last year may have seemed a struggle for fitness professionals, what with the economic downturn. Will this trend continue, or will 2011 bring greater security for business own...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the National Cancer Institute, 43,470 new cases of endometrial cancer were reported in 2010 in the United States. In the same year, 7,950 women fell victim to the...
By Ryan Halvorson
Have you ever wondered how many people actually use their gym memberships? According to a report from the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), m...
By Ryan Halvorson
Cardiovascular physical activity has long been a go-to means for improving heart health. A study published in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research (2010; 24 [10...
By Ryan Halvorson
When meeting with potential clients, fitness professionals often talk up the psychological benefits of exercise. A recent study of 40,401 Norwegians confirms that exercise &ld...
By Ryan Halvorson
Childhood obesity rates climbed 10% for all United States children and 18% for female children between 2003 and 2007, according to a recent issue of Archives of Pediatrics &am...
By Ryan Halvorson
A recent blog published in The New York Times (“Phys Ed: Are Bad Knees in Our Genes?” September 29, 2010) posited that genetics may play a role in anterior cruciat...
By Ryan Halvorson
Many fitness professionals tout the benefits of massage to aid in exercise recovery. A study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (2010; 42 [6], 1062&n...
By Ryan Halvorson
On Tuesday, September 21, 2010, the Washington Redskins football team hosted the largest virtual exercise lesson in world history. According to information on the Redskins&rsq...
By Ryan Halvorson
San Diego–based equipment manufacturer efi Sports Medicine has crowned its first-ever “GRAVITY Star.” The 2-week competition was launched at the 2010 IDEA Wo...
By Ryan Halvorson
Widely used recommendations for determining heart rate maximum (HRmax) in women have been called into question. According to researchers, the popular formula of 220 – Ag...
By Ryan Halvorson
Here’s another entry in a growing list of studies that suggest that pre-exercise static stretching may hamper athletic performance. This current study, published in the...
By Ryan Halvorson
Studies suggest that children who are physically active also perform better on exams and tend to experience fewer behavioral problems. A study published in Developmental Neuro...
By Ryan Halvorson
While it may not come as a big surprise, a new study has determined that Americans don’t walk much compared with people in other nations. The author of a Medicine & ...
By Ryan Halvorson
The American Heart Association has recently released an updated guide to CPR. The 2010 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and ECC includes the following changes to ...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to research, older women looking to improve gait and avoid hip fractures may need only 20 minutes of daily home exercise. A study published in the Archives of Intern...
By Ryan Halvorson
January is often a time for exploring hopes and goals for self-improvement in the new year. While clients and club members develop New Year’s resolutions for 2011, busin...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Leslie Spencer, PhD Personal Trainer: Domenick Salvatore, CSCS Location: Blackwood, New Jersey
By Ryan Halvorson
Many fitness experts maintain that exercisers must work within the 8- to 12-repetition range to initiate muscle hypertrophy. However, a study published in PLoS ONE (2010; 5 [8...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: BobPersonal Trainer: Ray Vargas, owner of ISOTONEX Location: San Jose, California
By Ryan Halvorson
Demand always seems to beget supply. In the case of schoolchildren in the United Kingdom, that demand takes the form of plus-sized school uniforms. To meet the needs of the in...
By Ryan Halvorson
IDEA member Jade Teta, ND, CSCS, and co-owner of Metabolic Effect in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, suggests that a psychological component may also be in play when individual...
By Ryan Halvorson
IDEA members Tanya Colucci and Lance Breger are headed back to school. As part of their nonprofit foundation, Infinity Wellness, the inspiration-minded duo has developed an af...
By Ryan Halvorson
To enhance the skill set of quality-seeking personal trainers, the Cooper Fitness Center recently unveiled its Cooper PT Mentorship program. The 40-hour weeklong training prog...
By Ryan Halvorson
Do you want to infuse some holiday spirit into your group fitness schedule this winter season? Here are some unique and festive class ideas sure to create a jolly atmosphere i...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the online version of the British Medical Journal (2010; 341:c3428), overweight and obese women have a greater likelihood of delivering preterm babies. Examining ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Worksite wellness programs are becoming increasingly popular as employers recognize the benefits of keeping workers healthy. According to research reports, wellness programs r...
By Ryan Halvorson
When it comes to exercise, the old “nature vs. nurture” question may now be settled. A recent study by biologists at the University of California, Riverside (UCR),...
By Ryan Halvorson
Fitness professionals understand the many health risks associated with childhood obesity. However, a study published in the July 7 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiolog...
By Ryan Halvorson
Endurance events such as marathons and triathlons are gaining popularity as more people recognize the benefits of physical activity. However, physicians at Loyola University H...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the Outdoor Recreation Participation Report, 2008, engagement in outdoor activities by youths aged 6–17 dropped 11% in 2007 over the previous year. The Nati...
By Ryan Halvorson
On June 18, the United States Department of Health and Human Services announced a new investment of $250 million for disease prevention activities. This is the second allocati...
By Ryan Halvorson
Engaging in physical activity can improve young girls’ self-esteem, physical health and social skills. A recent study suggests that regular physical activity in ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Concerns over car exhaust inhalation and traffic accident risks may seem cause to avoid bicycling in urban areas. However, a recent study suggests that the benefits ma...
By Ryan Halvorson
Older adults who wish to remain physically independent should improve leg strength, advised researchers from Wake Forest University and Wake Forest University Baptist Medical ...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to a monthly survey published by the International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), U.S. health clubs continue to flourish despite economic woes....
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Paulina Personal Trainer: Hayley Hollander, co-owner, Advanced Training Performance Location: Las Vegas
By Ryan Halvorson
We’ve all had them. We dread seeing them. They are the clients who absorb your enthusiasm and lead you to question your abilities. They keep you up late at night, in fru...
By Ryan Halvorson
Men’s Health has recently published its annual list of “fittest and fattest” United States cities. To determine the results, the study authors calculated per...
By Ryan Halvorson
A common goal among male exercisers is to increase muscle mass and strength. For many men, achieving this goal can be a struggle. IDEA author Lance Breger, MS, head private tr...
By Ryan Halvorson
Industry experts often advise fellow fitness professionals to diversify business offerings for optimal success and greater cash flow. One way to increase your bottom line is t...
By Ryan Halvorson
Managers often have to deal with conflict among staff members. Clashes can become disruptive if not dealt with properly. But how do you quell arguments and create a team-orien...
By Ryan Halvorson
Fitness professionals working with cheerleaders should be aware of some alarming statistics. According to the 26th annual Catastrophic Sports Injury Research report from the U...
By Ryan Halvorson
On May 17, the Australian Copyright Tribunal voted to increase rates paid by fitness facilities for licensed music used in fitness classes. The new fee structure requires faci...
By Ryan Halvorson
Incorporating balance techniques into older-adult training programs is often a go-to method for reducing falls. Recent research suggests that a focus on improving blood pressu...
By Ryan Halvorson
The development of a strong and stable core has been linked to better physical performance, less back pain and other benefits. There are many exercises designed to strengthen ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Virginia Personal Trainer: Eric Taylor, owner Taylor Made Training LLC Location: St. Simons Island, Georgia
By Ryan Halvorson
A recent study published by The Journal of the American Medical Association (2010; 303 [21], 1173–79) announced that women should average 60 minutes of moderate-intensit...
By Ryan Halvorson
IDEA Health & Fitness Association would like to congratulate the American Council on Exercise (ACE) on its 25th year of service. “Since its founding in 1985, ACE has...
By Ryan Halvorson
Fibromyalgia is a potentially debilitating condition that affects about 2% of the population (www.mayoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079). More common in women than men, t...
By Ryan Halvorson
What comes first, depression or obesity? The answer may remain a mystery, say researchers from the Leiden University Medical Center and GGZ Rivierduinen, Leiden, the N...
By Ryan Halvorson
Earlier this year, U.S. President Barack Obama signed the much-talked-about healthcare reform bill into law. What does this mean for fitness professionals? According to a pres...
By Ryan Halvorson
We’ve all had them. We dread seeing them. They are the clients who absorb your enthusiasm and lead you to question your abilities. They keep you up late at night, in fru...
By Ryan Halvorson
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has green-lighted a program to enhance health and wellness throughout the United States. Called “The American Recovery and Rei...
By Ryan Halvorson
When many schools nationwide are reducing or eliminating physical education, one Alpine, California, school is making fitness a priority. IDEA member Marc McKellar and his wif...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Ralph Wittenberg, MD
Personal Trainer: Lance Breger, MS, MINT Fitness
Location: Washington, DC
Accepting the Challenge.When he first came to see IDEA memb...
By Ryan Halvorson
The consumer market is loaded with various diet programs promising weight loss. One of the most recent contenders in the diet market is Taco Bell®, with its Drive-Thru Die...
By Ryan Halvorson
Several research studies and articles have emerged about the potential benefits of tossing the “tennies” and running barefoot. On the heels of these claims, many c...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the website MarathonGuide.com, more than 382,000 marathon finishing times were recorded in the United States in 2005. Those who complete marathons are oft...
By Ryan Halvorson
The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, a fitness and TeleFitness® education provider, has recently gained accreditation from the Distance Education and Training ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Online, user-generated video portals, such as YouTube, can offer fitness professionals an inexpensive way to increase exposure and attract customers. Eric Beard, MS, fitness d...
By Ryan Halvorson
More and more Baby Boomers are engaging in regular physical activity. However, improved fitness levels may come at a painful price. According to the March issue of the Mayo Cl...
By Ryan Halvorson
Hula-Hoop enthusiasts take heart—it may now be possible to get
the same gyrational movements while sitting at your desk. The Hawaii Chair of infomercial fame promises ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Who says that playgrounds are only for kids? In an effort to improve activity levels in older adults, a “playground” geared to adults 60 and older is set to open i...
By Ryan Halvorson
As the snow melts and April rains make way for May flowers, encourage your training clients and class participants to supplement structured exercise with outdoor activities. H...
By Ryan Halvorson
Maintaining bone health and avoiding fractures are important concerns for older adults. For those who have experienced fractures, research has found that the potential for a s...
By Ryan Halvorson
Lots of research has emerged about the kinematics of running, fueling debates over footwear and strike patterns. A recent study published in The Journal of Experimental Biolog...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, “potential [exercise] participants should be screened for the presence, signs, symptoms, and/...
By Ryan Halvorson
Fitness facilities worldwide are filled with employees and contractors whose ages span multiple generations. With each generation comes a different work ethic and sense of how...
By Ryan Halvorson
Research has indicated that sports participation promotes positive behaviors in girls. But are there long-term benefits that continue once the jerseys have been retired? Accor...
By Ryan Halvorson
First Lady Michelle Obama wants to change
the way U.S. children eat and play. Disturbed by childhood obesity rates, she has enlisted the help of the White House to launch th...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Keri Hehn
Personal Trainer: Kimberly Fowler, Yoga for Athletes®, founder of YAS Fitness Centers
Location: Venice, California
First Steps. Like many co...
By Ryan Halvorson, Bill Sonnemaker, MS
So how do we keep members coming back and entice others to join? Jade Teta, ND, co-owner of Metabolic Effect in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, suggests that it’s time to...
By Ryan Halvorson
A new device that has exploded onto the market is the Shake Weight™,
a 2.5-pound dumbbell-shaped apparatus that promises “strong, sexy, sculpted arms & shoulders” in j...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Miguel
Fitness Director: Ryan Vogt, Tri-City Court Club
Personal Trainer: Sarah Barkley
Location: Kennewick, Washington
Reaching the Breaking Poin...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the Arthritis Today website (www.arthritistoday.org), 225,900 hip replacement surgeries were performed in the U.S. in 2004; this was an increase of 37% from 2000....
By Ryan Halvorson
In other philanthropic news, the Maryland Athletic Club
& Wellness Center (MAC) has offered facility access to Back on My Feet, Baltimore chapter, on days when the weath...
By Ryan Halvorson
IDEA presenter and author Stacey Lei Krauss has challenged everyone in the world to show her their best plank. “Our message is simple: the plank is an exercise for body,...
By Ryan Halvorson
A new device that has exploded onto the market is the Shake Weight™,
a 2.5-pound dumbbell-shaped apparatus that promises “strong, sexy, sculpted arms & shoul...
By Ryan Halvorson
Have you ever wondered how your business is perceived in your community? Is your bottom line faltering, but you have no idea why? Perhaps your business lacks character. Dave A...
By Ryan Halvorson
In the United States, 23.7 million
people live with diabetes, says information from a report published in Diabetes Care (December 2009; 32 [12], 2225–29). In 2009, $11...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to researchers from Kansas State University, people who use long-term thinking have a greater capacity for implementing healthier behaviors than those who consider o...
By Ryan Halvorson
The saying “Less is more” may be true for exercise, at least in one respect. Recently, a study of 236 adults aged 45–55 discovered that those who were more p...
By Ryan Halvorson
Despite a faltering economy due to prolonged
recession, experts forecast continued success within the fitness industry. According to reports from industry market research fi...
By Ryan Halvorson
Many parents encourage their children to engage in sports to help improve physical activity levels. However, a recent study suggests that playing on a team may incite poor beh...
By Ryan Halvorson
Research from the University of Houston has shown that men and women become less physically fit with age and, crucially, that their lifestyle influences their fitness level. T...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Penny
Exercise Physiologist: Marla Richmond, MS
Location: Deerfield, Illinois
By Ryan Halvorson
La Donna Hendricks, MD, of Pure
Joy Pediatrics in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, grew tired of witnessing
the decline of children’s health. She
realized this was larg...
By Ryan Halvorson
In the January issue, it was reported that fitness equipment manufacturer CYBEX® had developed special pink treadmills to raise awareness and money for breast cancer resea...
By Ryan Halvorson
The Mayo Clinic website states that most people will experience neck pain at least once during their lives. Oftentimes a result of prolonged static seated positions and poor p...
By Ryan Halvorson
Boys interested in improving report card scores may want to take up running or bicycling. A study of 1.2 million men born between 1950 and 1976 determined a link between cardi...
By Ryan Halvorson
A study presented at the annual meeting of the North American Menopause Society in San Diego suggests that pelvic-floor muscle exercises can help women manage urinary incontin...
By Ryan Halvorson
Have you ever looked at an elliptical machine and wondered if there was a way to use the energy generated by the exerciser to power your facility? You’re not alone. Usin...
By Ryan Halvorson
Once considered a great danger to health and mortality, smoking will likely pale in comparison to the threat of obesity, according to an article published in The New England J...
By Ryan Halvorson
The “Freshman 15” has a new enemy. Karen Jashinsky, IDEA member and founder and CEO of O2Max Fitness in Santa Monica, California, now offers college students a pro...
By Ryan Halvorson
“Runner’s knee” is a term that describes a painful and sometimes debilitating ailment of the knee present in a quarter of active people. The condition is oft...
By Ryan Halvorson
Many business owners and managers might agree with the statement “Good help is hard to find.” The interview, hiring and training processes can also be expensive an...
By Ryan Halvorson
Those at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes may be able to earn themselves a reprieve. According to the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (a follow-up to the or...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Aja
Personal Trainer: Marc Coronel, owner of Open Mind Fitness
Location: Greenwich, Connecticut
Rewriting History. At 12 years of age, Aja was becoming one ...
By Ryan Halvorson
The Asian Academy for Sports and Fitness Professionals (AASFP) received two awards at the inaugural China Fitness Industry “Top Fitness Awards.” Presented by the C...
By Ryan Halvorson
IDEA member Suzie Cooney, owner of Suzie Trains Maui, hosted a unique fitness event to raise awareness of women’s health issues. Dubbed “STAND UP for Women’s...
By Ryan Halvorson
Engaging in team sports may help high-school students lead more active lifestyles. But depending on the sport, your teen may also be at greater risk for injury. Of all high-sc...
By Ryan Halvorson
On Saturday, November 21, IDEA associate editor Ryan Halvorson (right) and graphic designer Rafael Lopez (far left) took to the streets of San Diego for the GO Urban Adventure...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the National Sleep Foundation, 65% of Americans experience sleep problems at least a few times each week. Further, 44% report nightly problems. Lack of adequate s...
By Ryan Halvorson
Does your breast cancer survivor client experience lymphedema, a painful swelling of the arm caused by trauma to the lymphatic system? If so, she may want to include weight tr...
By Ryan Halvorson
Having trouble convincing your male client to exercise on his own? Inform him that moderate- to high-intensity exercise may help him avoid a stroke. A study published in the N...
By Ryan Halvorson
As the body ages, it is vitally important to maintain bone health through weight-bearing activity. According to a recent report, higher-impact physical activity may be benefic...
By Ryan Halvorson
On November 1, 2009, Regina Benjamin, MD, was appointed U.S. Surgeon General. Originally from Alabama, Benjamin was the first black woman to head a state medical society. She ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Stories of failed exercise equipment leading to injury have been making headlines. Recently the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary
recall of 3 mil...
By Ryan Halvorson
Running is perhaps one of the most popular types of physical activity today. One distance running event—the marathon—has steadily increased in popularity over the ...
By Bill Sonnemaker, MS, Ryan Halvorson
Instruct clients to perform this core warm-up program each morning for optimal results in—and out of—the gym. This program is especially beneficial for clients who...
By Ryan Halvorson
As the world continues to be bombarded about the dangers of excess body fat and obesity, more efforts are placed on how to combat them. San Diego State University (SDSU) profe...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Arnie
Personal Trainer: Jennifer L. Salter, MSW, owner of Lifeline Personal Training
Location: Toronto
By Bill Sonnemaker, MS, Ryan Halvorson
It’s early morning, and you arrive at the gym to discover a voice message from your 8:00 am client, Mary. She has called to let you know she will be unable to make her a...
By Ryan Halvorson
In recognition of breast cancer awareness month last October, gyms across the country plugged in special pink treadmills from CYBEX®. The equipment manufacturer’s go...
By Ryan Halvorson
Raising healthy children in today’s busy world can be tough. A new book developed by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Do you have a client who experiences difficulty executing the sit-and-reach test? If so, inadequate flexibility may not be the only issue plaguing him. A study published in th...
By Ryan Halvorson
A recent article published in the New York Daily News was emblazoned with the headline “Obesity Is Now the Leading Cause of Cancer.” According to the article, exce...
By Ryan Halvorson
Do you have great ideas for making improvements to your facility, but find your manager difficult to speak to? Supervisors can often be challenging to connect with; oftentimes...
By Ryan Halvorson
It seems that the economic slowdown has trickled into fitness equipment sales. Information from a Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) press release states that sal...
By Ryan Halvorson
Suffering a stroke can often have deleterious results: inhibited quality of life and heightened injury risk due to decreased mobility, to name a couple. But don’t undere...
By Ryan Halvorson
In a recent survey of 16,000 Glamour magazine readers, 40% of respondents expressed discontent with their bodies. However, the good news is that simply engaging in regular exe...
By Ryan Halvorson
Do you have a client who just can’t seem to maintain a healthy weight? Tell him to toss the tube. Researchers have found that people who lose weight and keep it off have...
By Ryan Halvorson
Healthcare reform has been a hot topic
as groups assess the pros and cons of
potential legislation. Two of the goals of the proposed government program (as
of press time...
By Ryan Halvorson
Take reality show The Biggest Loser and mix in a little Dancing With the Stars and what do you have? Dance Your Ass Off, an Oxygen network reality television show where overwe...
By Ryan Halvorson
Weight loss is not just for
the real world anymore. According to a recent study, individuals who create a
slim virtual version of
themselves—known as an avatar&mda...
By Ryan Halvorson
Physical education (PE) teachers, parents and administrators may want to bone up on injury prevention tactics. According to a recent study published in the August 3 online iss...
By Ryan Halvorson
Recently, IDEA Fitness Journal reported on a study that stated that mental fatigue can limit physical performance. Another, more recent study has linked mental fatigue with an...
By Ryan Halvorson
The International Health, Racquet
& Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) has announced that the California Personal Trainer Certification Bill will not move forward in 2009. I...
By Ryan Halvorson
Have you ever wondered if specific races were more prone to weight gain and the development of type 2 diabetes? A study published in the August issue of Diabetes Care (2009; 3...
By Ryan Halvorson
Vocal cord damage can be a bane for group fitness instructors. Since the voice is a primary component in cuing, instructors who teach multiple classes daily may be at great ri...
By Ryan Halvorson
As if Inspiring the World to Fitness® weren’t enough, here’s
evidence that fitness professionals also inspire each other and are more like family members tha...
By Ryan Halvorson
When the economy began to take a turn for the worse, many business owners likely felt pressure to tighten purse strings. Such practice only seems logical as consumers go from ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Kevin
Personal Trainer: Bret Bondlow, owner of Compelling Fitness
Location: Hanover, Massachusettes
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Heidi
Personal Trainer: Laura Gideon, MS, owner of Bamboo Balance
Location: Los Angeles
First Impressions. Heidi was physically active as a dancer during ...
By Ryan Halvorson
As obesity increases globally, so too does money spent on weight management systems. This trend is expected to continue as analysts theorize that the global weight loss market...
By Ryan Halvorson
Jon A. Kaplan is helping at-risk young adults adopt healthy lifestyles while learning the ins and outs of a career in fitness. According to information on his website (www.bmo...
By Ryan Halvorson
The American College of Sports Medicine’s American Fitness Index™ Report has recently named Washington, DC, as the fittest of America’s 50 most populous metr...
By Ryan Halvorson
Do your clients or exercise students enjoy taking walks during their gym-free hours? If so, you might suggest they pick up some Nordic walking poles to help improve caloric ex...
By Ryan Halvorson
Meet the Rollin’ Couch Potatoes, one of the more than 1,600 walking teams that
recently completed the 2009 Green Steps Challenge, organized by RR Donnelley, which prin...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in three adults aged 65 and older falls each year. Seniors are hospitalized 5 times more often for fall-related injuries than...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the Center for Women’s Business Research, women own 40% of the privately owned firms in the United States. The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclu...
By Ryan Halvorson
As the popularity of reality television dance programs increases, it seems dancing for fitness is following suit. This increase in popularity may provide fitness professionals...
By Ryan Halvorson
IDEA member John Platero, director of
education for the National Council for Certified Personal Trainers, won four medals (three gold, one silver) at the California Senior G...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to various studies, 70% of runners sustain some form of running-related overuse injury, with 80% of injuries occurring at or below the knee.
A report published in ...
By Ryan Halvorson
It is not uncommon for those suffering chronic pain to also experience depression. According to the Harvard Medical School’s website, people with chronic pain are three ...
By Ryan Halvorson
In a bid to set an example for companies nationwide, President Obama is looking to help federal employees adopt healthier behaviors. To this end, he sat down with CEOs of comp...
By Ryan Halvorson
Saudi Arabia is seeking closure of
unlicensed women-only gyms, states information courtesy of Reuters and The Guardian. Fitness facilities have historically been segregated ...
By Ryan Halvorson
In recognition of the growing demand for certified group fitness instructors, West Virginia University’s College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences now offers a min...
By Ryan Halvorson
Is your young female client having difficulty increasing muscle mass? According to a study presented at the 122nd Annual Meeting of the American Physiological Society in April...
By Ryan Halvorson
Overweight teens, and teens who view themselves as overweight, may be at heightened risk of attempting suicide, stated a recent study. Published online
in the Journal of Ado...
By Ryan Halvorson
Have the recent headlines highlighting health concerns got you paranoid? Here are top practices to keep you healthy in the gym, courtesy of IDEA member Linda LaRue, RN, MEd, A...
By Ryan Halvorson
Networking—whether to increase your client base or develop colleague contacts—is an essential aspect of business development. Yet how many times have you attended ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Fitness professionals often suggest to clients that a benefit of exercise is its capacity to boost metabolic function. A recent study, however, has put that suggestion to task...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to a recent report, people who live near activity-friendly areas are more likely to engage in physical activity than those who do not. The study, published in the Ju...
By Ryan Halvorson
Yet another complaint about widely held interpretations
of body mass index (BMI) measurements has been lodged. A study presented in June at The Endocrine Society’s 91s...
By Ryan Halvorson
Enter most fitness facilities and you’ll likely see a healthy mix of males and females sweating toward fitness goals. Upon closer
examination, though, you might notice...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Paige
Personal Trainer: Jonathan Ross,
owner of Aion Fitness and 2006 ACE
Personal Trainer of the Year
Location: Bowie, Maryland
By Ryan Halvorson
Many people suffer from back pain, but the most commonly used pain-relief methods come up short, suggests information from a recent study. The study, which was published in th...
By Ryan Halvorson
To cut down on noxious emissions, amp up daily physical activity and reduce traffic congestion, some Italian students have taken to the streets. Dubbed the piedibus—Ital...
By Ryan Halvorson
United Airlines passengers who do not meet specific size limits may be forced to shell out a bit more cash—or remain grounded, according to information posted on the com...
By Ryan Halvorson
For the fifth year in a row, IDEA Health & Fitness Association’s publications team has been awarded the prestigious Maggie award. Dubbed “the Oscars® of th...
By Ryan Halvorson
Research reports often tout the beneficial effects of exercise on mental performance, but can the opposite be true when a cerebral task is performed before
exercise? Yes, sa...
By Ryan Halvorson
Although many people look to cycling as a no-impact means of improving health and fitness, a recent study implies that this very element may negatively affect long-term riders...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, millions of women experience urinary incontinence. “Some women may lose a few drops of ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Here’s another addition to the growing list of positive benefits of regular exercise. A study published online in the February 10 issue of the British Journal of Cancer ...
By Ryan Halvorson
As people age, the potential for mobility limitation and the threat of disability increase. A recent study found that those who gain weight early in life may be at greater ris...
By Ryan Halvorson
Enormous discussion has revolved around the many financial pitfalls that loom during a struggling economy. However, there is hope for motivated self-starters interested in sta...
By Ryan Halvorson
Do you have clients who suffer from migraines? A recent study claims to link high body mass index (BMI) with the painful
condition. The researchers measured BMI
in 22,211 ...
By Ryan Halvorson
On March 15, IDEA Health & Fitness Association was honored with an induction into the National Fitness Hall of Fame. Award recipients are chosen based on their efforts to ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Thom
Personal Trainer: Holly Kouvo, owner of Fitting Fitness In™
Location: Stow, Massachusetts
By Ryan Halvorson
In more philanthropic news, Philadelphia-area personal trainer Matt Sgro has challenged fellow fitness professionals nationwide to donate their time to raise money for charity...
By Ryan Halvorson
When financial woes hit schools,
concerned Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) administrators
often look to bake sales or similar
activities to raise funds. Blankn...
By Ryan Halvorson
Have you ever wondered which exercise method is most effective for helping older adults improve functional capacity and reduce insulin resistance? A study published in the Jan...
By Ryan Halvorson
Although research continues to emerge regarding the many mental and emotional benefits of exercise, much of it focuses only on adults. A recent study published in the November...
By Ryan Halvorson
Athletes are often thought of as specimens of advanced health and fitness; however, a recent study has found that those eager to gain size for their sport might also increase ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Training and continuing education are paramount to the success of personal trainers and group exercise instructors. But what about fitness managers? According to a recent surv...
By Ryan Halvorson
Obese women thinking of becoming pregnant may want to make body composition improvements prior to conceiving, suggests recent research. A study published in the February 11 is...
By Ryan Halvorson
Challenging times can initiate feelings of distress and unease among employees. But instead of operating from fear, suggests
Terry Barber, vice president and senior strategis...
By Ryan Halvorson
What do you get when you cross a group of shy gym members with an out-of-the-way, seldom-used room filled with old cardiovascular equipment?
By Ryan Halvorson
If you have an iPhone, it might be time to give it a healthy upgrade. iTMP Technology Inc., a hardware and software developer for iPhone, has created new technology that allow...
By Ryan Halvorson
A Canadian review has confirmed what most fitness and wellness professionals have been thinking: kids need more physical activity. While schools may receive high marks for sch...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, back problems accounted for 139 million doctor visits in the United States in 200...
By Ryan Halvorson
Whether you’d like to increase exposure in your community or network with possible clients, teleseminars are fast becoming the go-to way for professionals to share their...
By Ryan Halvorson
Those who undergo knee replacement surgery may also receive an exercise prescription from their doctors, if wind of a study makes its way to the
orthopedic wing. The Arthrit...
By Ryan Halvorson
With its low cost and accessibility, running is often the exercise modality of choice. Those looking to drop pounds and gain
By Ryan Halvorson
Does your busy female client’s chaotic home life preclude carving out time for her own health and fitness?
By Ryan Halvorson
Are you having trouble getting your sedentary older-adult clients to go for that Sunday walk? Perhaps parting with
a little green might encourage them to take to the nearest...
By Ryan Halvorson
Men seeking longevity may want to trade their running shoes for a pair of swimming goggles. A study published in the International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education (2...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Becky
Personal Trainer: Jade Teta, ND, CSCS, co-owner of Metabolic Effect
Location: Winston-Salem,
North Carolina
By Ryan Halvorson
Imagine a world where good fitness and nutrition programs are available to everyone. Sound far-fetched? Perhaps not,
By Ryan Halvorson
IDEA member Marc Lebert of Mississauga, Ontario, is looking to inspire others to get shipshape. Lebert will board the Carnival Cruise ship Destiny in early April to teach clas...
By Ryan Halvorson
New York City residents may be forced to endure an increase in fitness facility membership fees if a proposal by New York Governor David Paterson is passed. As stated on the N...
By Ryan Halvorson
Do you have clients who suffer from peripheral artery disease (PAD)? A recent report may suggest a link between treadmill walking and condition improvements.
By Ryan Halvorson
The scale of obese versus overweight people in the United States has tipped toward obesity. A recent report produced by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the National Centers for Sports Safety, 3.5 million children ages 14 and under receive medical treatment for sports-related injuries each year. Of those injuries,...
By Ryan Halvorson
As the many benefits of health and fitness programs continue to emerge, greater numbers of doctors suggest that patients increase physical activity for health improvements. Un...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to a press release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “community-based physical activity interventions
designed to promote more active life...
By Ryan Halvorson
Do your overweight or obese male clients need a bit of extra motivation to return to the gym on a daily basis? Explain that regular exercise and weight loss may help them avoi...
By Ryan Halvorson
The secret to getting fit may simply involve a bit of teamwork. According to a study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (2009; 36 [...
By Ryan Halvorson
Activities such as therapeutic horseback riding, treadmill work and group exercise programs have proven beneficial for developmentally disabled kids, according to
a recent r...
By Ryan Halvorson
A recent article posted on Forbes.com may have caused fitness professionals nationwide to breathe a big sigh of relief. Despite broadening financial woes, it appears that cons...
By Ryan Halvorson
Client: Elyce
Personal Trainer: Justin Price, MA,
Co-owner of The BioMechanics
Location: San Diego
By Ryan Halvorson
Continued financial stress and belt-tightening have led health- and fitness–conscious consumers to take greater advantage of free online resources, states Jas Singh, fou...
By Ryan Halvorson
To help United States citizens reduce stress during difficult economic times, Les Mills offered interested participants a free class at varying health and fitness facilities d...
By Ryan Halvorson
New York State schools outside New York City have joined the fight against childhood obesity.
In response to state legislation passed in 2007, students will
be required to...
By Ryan Halvorson
Do your clients or class participants complain that they have trouble keeping track of workouts?
By Ryan Halvorson
Body mass index has been widely used to determine level of physical fitness and obesity-related health risk factors. Scientists at the German Institute
of Human Nutrition Po...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the American Stroke Association (www.strokeassociation.org), “a stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either b...
By Ryan Halvorson
Need another carrot to help clients achieve weight loss success? Especially considering the tumultuous economic environment, a financial “stimulus” plan may offer ...
By Ryan Halvorson
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends that the general population achieve at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five times per week. Fitness p...
By Ryan Halvorson
Need a list of reasons to help keep your “resolution” clients from dropping off the
fitness bandwagon? Here’s a list of medically based reasons to keep an ...
By Ryan Halvorson
As the popularity of Nintendo’s exergaming console Wii continues to rise, tales of Wii-
related chronic and acute injuries follow suit. While no hard research has been ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Time constraints and financial burdens have led consumers to search for cost-
effective and efficient methods for achieving health and fitness goals. One modality creating in...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Jason Karp, PhD
Company: RunCoachJason.com
Location: San Diego, California
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Bill Sonnemaker, MS
Company: Catalyst Fitness
Location: Kennesaw, Georgia
By Ryan Halvorson
Fitness facility chain 24 Hour Fitness is using its own members to inspire others to become more active. Using a reality television–style marketing campaign, 24 Hour Fit...
By Ryan Halvorson
In an effort to Inspire the World to Fitness®, IDEA member Kimberly Van Rooy, group fitness manager at the Mayo Clinic’s Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center (DAHLC), a...
By Ryan Halvorson
Have you ever thought of adding phone coaching to your current repertoire? According to recent research, phone coaching may help clients lose weight. The study, which was publ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Today’s unsteady economy is causing many fitness facility managers and owners to shift the way they do business. As new-member dollars decrease and training revenues...
By Ryan Halvorson
Metabolic syndrome is a group of symptoms that places people at increased risk of coronary heart
disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, states information on the Ameri...
By Ryan Halvorson
Adults prone to memory problems may have a more “active” method for keeping mentally fit. A study printed in the September 3, 2008, issue of The Journal of the Ame...
By Ryan Halvorson
CONDUCTORCISE®, created by IDEA member David Dworkin, has recently been named as one of North America’s most innovative programs by the International Council on Acti...
By Ryan Halvorson
As obesity rates continue to increase, so too does the prevalence of bariatric,
or weight loss, surgery. The American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (www.asmb...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Lisa Coors, MBA
Company: Coors Core Fitness LLC
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
By Ryan Halvorson
It appears that the many efforts to highlight the dangers of childhood obesity are paying off. According to scientists from the CDC, no significant change in BMI was reported ...
By Ryan Halvorson
As the overweight/obesity epidemic continues to spread, many countries have stepped up to develop programs in hopes of curbing it. One such country is Mexico.
By Ryan Halvorson
The United States Department of Health and Human Services recently released its guidelines for physical activity, supported by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACS...
By Ryan Halvorson
The November-December 2008 issue of IDEA Fitness Journal (2008; 5 [10], 16) reported on proposed legislation that would require personal trainers in Washington, DC, to regis...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Lauren Loper
Company: Your Mobile Gym
Location: Smyrna, Georgia
By Ryan Halvorson
As costs continue to increase, businesses look to find creative and
inexpensive methods of informing potential consumers about products or services. The term guerilla market...
By Ryan Halvorson
To gear up for the elections, presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama headed to New York Sports Clubs (NYSC) on August 26 for a voter-themed workout. Well, so...
By Ryan Halvorson
In an attempt to break habitual couch potatoes of excessive lounging, the group at Virgin Active health clubs has developed a website dedicated to couch destruction. Users can...
By Ryan Halvorson
IDEA presenter Chuck Wolf, MS, director of Human Motion Associates in Orlando, Florida, believes current methods for addressing thoracic kyphosis (aka upper-cross syndrome) ma...
By Ryan Halvorson
Balance and gait disorders in older adults may be directly related to changes in the brain, according to a research report published in the March 18 issue of Neurology (2008; ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Worksite wellness continues to move to the forefront of employers’ concerns as sick days and injuries hamper productivity and damage bottom lines. Now, more than ever, c...
By Ryan Halvorson
In our June issue, we reported on a tariff that would increase music licensing fees paid by Australian fitness facilities.
By Ryan Halvorson
Fitness and sports equipment manufacturer Power Systems’ Charity Warehouse Sale has raised more than $20,000 for Special Olympics Tennessee. Originally started in 2005, ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Clay and Elizabeth Burwell
Company: High Performance
His Story. At the age of 16, Clay Burwell was introduced to the world of boxing, which he believes laid ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Extra vigilance might help your clients avoid weekend slumps in weight loss efforts. According to a study published in Obesity (2008; published online ahead of print July 1), ...
By Ryan Halvorson
In a time of mortgage slumps, greenback-gouging gas pumps and other financial woes, consumers look to conserve cash flow. One strategy that is gaining popularity is leaving th...
By Ryan Halvorson
Two former graduates of West Point have teamed up to provide U.S. soldiers a program designed to ease their transition from active duty to civilian life. Called Destination Fi...
By Ryan Halvorson
As the potential of the digital world expands, many fitness professionals look to
By Ryan Halvorson
Thong-style flip-flop sandals are often a summertime staple; however, many people choose them as a year-round option. According to a recent study led by biomechanics doctora...
By Ryan Halvorson
Want to challenge your clients to see how they rate against exercisers throughout the United States? The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sport has unveiled a...
By Ryan Halvorson
Largely thought of as a female disease, osteoporosis currently affects 2 million men
in the United States. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), an estima...
By Ryan Halvorson
What’s the secret to dropping weight and keeping it off? According to a study published in the April issue of the International Journal of Obesity (2008; [32], 700&ndash...
By Ryan Halvorson
More than ever, girls are “going out for the team”; however,
overall activity levels are down, according to a study from the University of Minnesota Tucker Cente...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Gregg Miele
Company: New York Strength & Conditioning Inc.
Career Orientation. Like many fitness professionals, Gregg Miele—owner of New York Strengt...
By Ryan Halvorson
Approximately 1.5 million Americans suffer from Parkinson’s disease (PD), with an estimated 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year (www
By Ryan Halvorson
Pain can detract significantly from regular exercise and diminish quality of life. Unfortunately, pain is rampant among today’s population. A survey-based study publishe...
By Ryan Halvorson
A significant selling point for getting people to move more is the possibility of reducing heart disease. But inspiring sedentary overweight or obese women to fitness may beco...
By Ryan Halvorson
Sharing your hard-earned knowledge with peers can be rewarding and lucrative. But stepping into the spotlight can also pose significant challenges, especially if your public s...
By Ryan Halvorson
Have you ever wondered if the effects of strength training differ between men and women, and among people of various races? Researchers in the School of Public Health at the...
By Ryan Halvorson
Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts advocate massage for enhancing resistance exercise performance. Some people cite improved circulation and lymphatic drainage as factors i...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the Alzheimer’s Association website (www.alz.org), an estimated 5.2 million people in the United States are living with the disease. It is also estimated that 1...
By Ryan Halvorson
Lumbar supports have often been used in the fight against back pain; now, researchers are taking another look at the effectiveness of the brace. Authors for the Cochrane Datab...
By Ryan Halvorson
Experts often tout the benefits of regular exercise for healthy, active women during pregnancy. But what happens to the fetus during physical activity? A pilot study in The FA...
By Ryan Halvorson
The dangers of inactivity in children just became more grave. A study published in Dynamic Medicine (2008; 7 [5]) has found that sedentary kids, compared with their active cou...
By Ryan Halvorson
The perception that people of “normal weight” are necessarily healthier than their overweight cohorts is wearing thin. According to a press release from the Mayo Clinic, a...
By Ryan Halvorson
Would you like to know how you can assist clients who are dealing with cancer-related fatigue? Simply help them keep moving, with their doctor’s clearance. According to a st...
By Ryan Halvorson
Fitness professionals often work at several locations, which can entail a lot of driving. These days, that means high gasoline bills. Here, courtesy of www.howtoadvice.com, ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Are you thinking of becoming an independent contractor, but you’re not sure what to expect? Navigating the ins and outs of this path can be tricky. Here are tips from Nolo...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to the 2008 IDEA Personal
Training Programs & Equipment Survey, personal training continues to rank
highest among health and fitness programs offered (Schr...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Greg
Kirk Jr.
Company: Fitness
Training Unlimited
...
By Ryan Halvorson
It’s never too
early to get kids thinking about body image and diversity, say facilitators of
a project developed by Louisiana State University’s (LSU) Child Develop...
By Ryan Halvorson
Women
suffering from both breast cancer and obesity may have a more severe prognosis
than breast cancer patients with a healthier body mass index (BMI). A study
publish...
By Ryan Halvorson
Having trouble
getting clients to exercise on their own time? Perhaps a little technology can
help. Two studies have found that proactive use of telephone reminders and
...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to a study published in the January issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine (162 [1], 23–28), adolescent girls who perceive themselves as u...
By Ryan Halvorson
Androgen
deficiencies, including a reduction in testosterone levels, are often
acknowledged as a natural aspect of aging among males; however, the vast array
of treatme...
By Ryan Halvorson
Fitness
professionals are aware that clients who can’t adhere to an exercise program
risk gaining weight, but a study conducted recently by Paul T. Williams of the
U....
By Ryan Halvorson
On May 7, a
leading organization seeking to “educate children about the importance of
lifelong fitness, and to end the negative stereotype that children are
physicall...
By Ryan Halvorson
Despite
concerns over a faltering economy, business appears to be booming for health
clubs, states the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association
(IHRSA) ...
By Ryan Halvorson
San Marcos Middle School in Southern California has taken the typical school gym to the next level. “Club 49” gives students access to stationary bicycles, elliptical trai...
By Ryan Halvorson
Do you have
clients in search of the fountain of youth? Tell them they can find it in the
gym! Scientists have recently discovered that people engaging in regular
physi...
By Ryan Halvorson
With the slogan “Join Us on the Trail,” the American Hiking Society (AHS) plans to celebrate 16 years of National Trail Day, “a long-standing celebration of America’s ...
By Ryan Halvorson
The
International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) has determined that Baby Boomers
will continue to reshape the landscape of aging and has released its list of
“eight ...
By Ryan Halvorson
More and more employers are realizing the benefits of keeping employees healthy to enhance workplace morale and cut costs associated with sickness and injury. One such emplo...
By Ryan Halvorson
Low-income
Latinas are more likely to experience high rates of inactivity compared with
other members of the population, according to a study published in the
January/F...
By Ryan Halvorson
A fourth-year kinesiology student at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is putting a bit of bounce into kids’ workouts. Instead of employing more traditional exer...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
Fitness professionals
have long advocated the use of pedometers to measure and improve daily physical
activity, and now there is solid evidence to back this up. A study publ...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
While many
professionals advocate the inclusion of varying ranges of motion and grip
widths to improve strength and muscular hypertrophy, new evidence suggests that
suc...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
Lawmakers in Illinois are trying to
support fitness initiatives for children. House Bill 4408 was introduced in the
Illinois House of Representatives on January 11 and wou...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
Should your doctor prescribe exercise to you?
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Medical
Association (AMA) think so. Toward that end, the or...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett is on a
mission. After his city made the Forbes.com top-20 list of America’s most obese
cities, Cornett decided it was time for a ch...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
Your
older-adult client’s fitness level may be more important than his or her level
of body fat, according to a study in the December 5 issue of The Journal of the Ame...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
Core
conditioning has become a staple of many workout programs in hopes that
strength improvements will result in better overall function. What about
cyclists? Scientis...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
According to the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), prostate cancer took the lives of more than 27,000 men last year, and an
estimated 220,000 new cases were identifie...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
Have you ever wondered if there really is a difference between fixed
and freeform resistance equipment when it comes to improving strength? Data
collected for the Januar...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Anthony
Carey, MA
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
The Nintendo
Wii is being marketed as a way to “get people off the couch and into the
action.” But does it really have significant fitness value? Justin White, a
fo...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
According to
an article in the January 15 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism (2008; 59 [1], 84–91), neck pain is
now the second most common musculoskeletal disorder a...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
According to a Consumer Reports survey, some
pricey national health club chains don’t fare as well as private yoga, dance or
Pilates studios. Gyms at local community c...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Nicki
Anderson
Company: Reality
Fitness
From Shakespeare to Shaping Up.
Many years ago Nicki Anderson, owner of Reality Fitness in Naperville,
...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
It takes a
certain amount of self-awareness to realize you are resting on your laurels. If
you’ve been teaching the same combinations in slightly different ways for th...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
While the American College of
Sports Medicine recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week
for “significant health benefits,” emerging research su...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Annette Lang, MS
Company: Annette Lang Education Systems
The Spark. When Annette Lang first entered into the fitness industry, personal training as a career...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
Exercise may
reduce, and even reverse, bone loss caused by hormone and radiation therapies
used to treat localized prostate cancer, according to a study presented last
...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
A recent study out of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore found evidence that at least 522 lives can be saved annually in the United States and Canada...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
Leslie Geddes,
a biomedical engineer at Purdue University, in West Lafayette, Indiana, has
developed a new way to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This CPR
...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
Researchers are spending more time
finding out what kinds of things will make children more likely to move their
bodies. One recent study, conducted at the University of...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
Did you build your own website from a template, and are you now wondering where all your visitors are? According to Yodle.com, an “online lead generator,” trying to build ...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
In an effort to bridge the gap
between the medical and fitness professions, Club Fit in Westchester County,
New York, has created “HelpRx,” a physicians’ referral ...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
Map Your
Route
Are your
clients ready to get off the treadmill and hit the road after a long winter?
Here’s an online tool that will help them track their runni...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
A study
published in the November 12 , 2007, issue of Archives of Internal Medicine (2007; 167 [20], 2192–2200) offers
encouraging news about exercise and fibromyalgia...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
… … Speedminton, ...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
From flashy sports cars to name-brand clothing, when the numbers on the price tag skyrocket, it is often assumed that value follows. Not necessarily true for running shoes, sa...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subjects: Dawn and Tom Terwilliger
Company: Terwilliger Fitness
A Winning Partnership. Years ago as Tom Terwilliger prepared to shoot an episode of Muscle Sport USA for Fo...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
According to an article from Fortune Small Business magazine, reprinted online by CNNMoney.com, a Midwestern hospital operator assesses $5 per paycheck in extra insurance copa...
By Ryan Halvorson
When I began my journey as a personal fitness trainer (PFT), I was clueless about what to do first. Though I’d successfully completed my exam, I quickly realized there w...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
How much exercise does it take to make a difference in blood pressure readings? A small study in the August issue of Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health (2007; 61, 77...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
In a survey conducted by the Society for Women’s Health Research, a Washington, DC–based advocacy organization, 79% of women knew how much they weighed in high sch...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
When crafting your corporate wellness programs, consider adding a monetary incentive for participants. A study in the September 2007 issue of the Journal of Occupational &...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
According to an article published in the September 18 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine (2007; 147 [6], 357–69), previous studies of the effectiveness of exercise...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
Patients undergoing hemodialysis to manage end-stage renal disease (ESRD) generally experience significant muscle wasting, which can impair strength, muscle mass and quality o...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
A recent systematic review published in The Cochrane Library has found that, for patients suffering from hip or knee osteoarthritis, doing cardiovascular and stretching exerci...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
Giving kids health information is not enough to get them in better shape. However, programs that provide active guidance specifically aimed at changing eating and exercise beh...
By Ryan Halvorson
Do your clients complain of skin conditions related to physical activity? According to a dermatologist who spoke at the American Academy of Dermatology’s SKIN academy in...
By Joy Keller, Ryan Halvorson
Here’s some positive news about the average American’s ability to lose weight and keep it off. In a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ...
By Ryan Halvorson
A study released last November by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that the number of women who are obese in the United States seems to have hit ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Todd Durkin, MACompany: Fitness Quest 10The Business of Energy. I’ve had the opportunity to visit the Fitness Quest 10 facility on a number of occasions, and ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Unstable equipment designed to enhance core activation has steadily made its way into fitness and therapy settings across the globe. So far, evidence for the effectiveness of ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Despite national awareness campaigns, obesity rates in 31 U.S. states increased in the past year, according to the “F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America,...
By Ryan Halvorson
There is much discussion over the most effective method for helping athletes improve maximal muscular strength. One theory is that forced repetitions—helping athletes perfor...
By Ryan Halvorson
The great outdoors has long been a favored exercise destination for those who prefer sunshine to fluorescent lighting; researchers caution, however, that exercising in heavily...
By Ryan Halvorson
While cardiovascular exercise is well recognized as a primary method of losing and managing weight, new research suggests that a particular type of resistance training also p...
By Ryan Halvorson
SUBJECT: Irene Lewis-McCormick, MS, CSCSCOMPANY: Fitness for Living, Ankeny, IowaEducation and Injury Prevention. Irene Lewis-McCormick works with a variety of clients who lo...
By Ryan Halvorson
The stability ball is among the most offered pieces of equipment in fitness facilities today. Is all the buzz unbalanced, or does the hype hit the mark? According to researc...
By Ryan Halvorson
The old belief that hard work reaps grand rewards may not be entirely true, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Applied Physiology (2007; 103, ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Girls and boys are innately different in more ways than one. For example, it is fairly well known that boys possess greater potential than girls to develop muscular tissue. An...
By Ryan Halvorson
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage can significantly impact an athlete’s future participation in sports. While a lot of ACL injuries result from external impact, many t...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Lori PattersonCompany: Boot Camp ChallengeTaking the Plunge. Lori Patterson, creator of Boot Camp Challenge™ (BCC) based in St. Peters, Missouri, has been inv...
By Ryan Halvorson
While it may not be exactly fair, older adults who exercise are viewed more favorably than their sedentary cohorts, according to an article published in the June issue of the ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Mom always said that when she was young she had to walk 5 miles to and from school, uphill both ways. The same can’t be said for kids these days. As confirmed by a study pub...
By Ryan Halvorson
Obtaining a full client load is a crucial aspect of a personal trainer’s job, but getting those clients can often seem the most laborious and difficult task of all. Whether ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Vito La FataCompany: Fitness Evolution“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change....
By Ryan Halvorson
This year’s batch of nominees was full of serious competition, however Lisa Druxman, Bill Sonnemaker and Fred Hoffman were honored with the industry’s most prestigious awa...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Trina Lambe
Company: Train by Trina
Messages in the Malt. After finishing a career
in professional figure skating, Trina
Lambe changed directions and went t...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Meredith Nelson, MEd
Company: PrimeTime Fitness Inc.
The Participant Becomes the Professional. Meredith Nelson has always been...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Bruno Bosardi
Company: The Body Alchemist
Heal Thyself. Bruno Bosardi, Pilates and Gyrotonic® exercise trainer in San Diego, happened upon these two traini...
By Ryan Halvorson
The newly certified personal fitness trainer (PFT) is much like a college student soon after graduation day. The anticipation of finally being “set free” to move t...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Rochelle Rice, MA
Company: In Fitness & In Health
Finding Her Calling. To speak with Rochelle Rice is an inspiring experience. A New Yorker through and thr...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Curtis Jackson
Company: Curtis Jackson’s
Fitness Studios
The First Time. Curtis Jackson once aspired to join the ranks of such celebrities as Tom Hanks ...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Karen Jashinsky, MBA
Company: O2 MAXsm, Los Angeles.
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Brian Buturla
Company: Brian Buturla Private Studio Personal Training, Norwalk, Connecticut
Metamorphosis. Brian Buturla’s journey into health and wellness ...
By Ryan Halvorson
According to a report in the July issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry (2006; 163, 1280–82), persons suffering from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) are 45 times mo...
By Ryan Halvorson
Subject: Jon Hinds
Company: Monkey Bar Gym, Madison, Wisconsin
In the Beginning. “At the age of 6, I began learning how to work out from my dad (Bobby “Sugar&r...
By Ryan Halvorson
Getting Started. Diana Rochon was an avid sports enthusiast growing up in Canada. “I was fortunate enough to have two awesome coaches. Besides encouraging me to be...
By Ryan Halvorson
In true Las Vegas style, the stars came out early for this year’s IDEA Health & Fitness Awards presentations. The magic tricks performed by The Majestix before t...
