Health and Fitness Articles

The customer service, information technology, sales and medical industries rely upon employee training because it improves performance, reduces costs and increases revenue. Intel Corporation, Pfizer Inc., Ritz-Carlton and The Harley-Davidson Motor Company are only a few examples of thriving companies who use training to improve the performance of their most valued assets: their employees.

Each year IDEA Health & Fitness Association recognizes inspirational industry leaders, but we need your help. If you or someone you know has made tremendous contributions to the fitness world and beyond, visit www.ideafit.com and complete an application or nomination for the 2012 IDEA World Fitness Awards. The deadline for all applications is December 1, 2011. Apply today!

Kettlebells, while not new, are quickly becoming the go-to training method for elevating functional workouts for a wide variety of clients. As long as both trainer and participant receive proper instruction, kettlebells can provide a safe, effective, time-efficient workout that engages multiple muscle groups, including the core. No muscle can escape a “swing” workout, so pick up a kettlebell when you have a chance! Kettlebell Safety

Before creating The Original Boot Camp, I spent many sleepless nights trying to figure out how to launch what would become Canada’s first fitness boot camp. Since I had no other business models to learn from, our operations procedure was based on trial, error and many sleepless, stressful nights of research. I’m happy to say my company has turned six-figure annual sales and found hundreds of contented customers since its 2001 debut, in addition to creating an incredibly rewarding career for yours truly. But man, I wished someone had told me back then what I’m about to tell you now.

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 2005 and cost $17.6 billion. With such a prevalence of back pain, it’s more than likely that fitness professionals will come across those suffering from the condition. But research suggests personal trainers may be able to help clients relieve pain with strength training.

By Natalie Digate Muth, MPH, RD CEC APPROVED HYPONATREMIA: THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HYDRATION STORY Should you drink as much as you can tolerate when exercising? Or is this time-honored advice all wet? H YPERCONSCIOUS OF THE DETRIMENTAL health and performance effects of dehydration, health and fitness experts have long warned recreational exercise enthusiasts and athletes alike to hydrate contin...

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 along the park’s winding paths. However, the park is far from quiet. Cast your eye around and you will likely see a group of sweaty individuals working for the weekend. Some groups stay put, while others travel along the bay’s expanse. The 2005 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, Todd Durkin, MA, and his team chant loudly as they sprint by a group of women performing squats with strollers nearby.

The fitness industry’s reach extends far and wide. In venues ranging from small studios in large cities to huge recreational centers in small towns, scores of people rely on fitness professionals for guidance. While personal trainers bring in considerable revenue, group exercise (GX) instructors, on average, might actually “touch” more people. With this in mind, why aren’t there more opportunities for instructors to teach full-time? The answer is not that simple.