Archive for September 2004
the science of self-monitoring
Over two centuries ago, Benjamin Franklin used detailed grids to measure his progress toward the 13 goals he had set for himself (yes, that’s why the popular organizer is called a Franklin Planner). He believed
this logging process deepened his self-understanding and enhanced his efforts to modify his behavior. As he put it, “I was surprised to find myself so much fuller of faults than I had imagined, but I had the satisfaction of seeing them diminish.”
Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia Go Hand in Hand
Disadvantaged
Dilemma
73% of adults in poor
families do not engage
in periods of vigorous physical activity during leisure time, compared with 53% of adults in families that are not poor.
Older Adults Benefit From Doctor Referral Program
Older Adults Benefit From Doctor Referral Program
The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have formed a relationship to boost physical activity among older adults. The ICAA Age-Friendly Facility Locator and Patient Referral Program connects participating family physicians with ICAA-approved facilities, programs and services that “have gone above and beyond in their design, staffing, programming, marketing and operations” for the older-adult market.
Read MoreTricks of the Trade
There have been several occasions on which I have refused to work with a specific client. Once, I was meeting with a potential client and discovered that her goal was to lose 15 pounds in the next month. There was no talking this client out of this goal and into a more sensible, slower weight loss plan. She was adamant that if I just gave her the exercise plan,
Read Morecooking quick, healthy meals at home
Does your car practically steer itself to the nearest fast-food joint when you’re driving home from work? Are you on a first-name basis with the counter staff at your local hamburger haven? If so, take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone in the fast-food lane. These days, we’re all short on time and suckers for a quick meal—your clients included.
Read MoreImproving Health in the Heartland
Subject: Lisa D. Bell, RN, MBA
business: Bell Bodies Fitness, Newburgh, Indiana
Her Clientele. Bell specializes in training beginners, women and deconditioned individuals. Her clients range mainly from 30 to 65 years old, although she’s trained and taught men and women of all ages.
Read Morethe joy of the at-home spa day
You’re relaxed.
No, wait, you’re not just relaxed; you’re gloriously, refreshingly relaxed. You feel like you’re floating on a cloud; your muscles are loose as Jell-O; all your tensions, anxiety and fatigue are gone. You feel fresh, vibrant and alive. Where your mind was once frenetically bouncing among appointments, errands and to-do lists, you now feel quiet and clear. You’re ready to face tomorrow with joy, calm and confidence.
The Shoulder, Part IV
The past three Fine Anatomy articles have examined movements of the shoulder and the shoulder girdle. Because the shoulder is an immensely complex structure, personal trainers must invest a significant amount of time and effort learning its “functional pathologies” and understanding basic anatomy in order to create sound exercise program design.
Read Moretomato and white bean soup
1⁄2 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon (tsp) olive oil
1⁄2 cup thinly sliced celery
1⁄2 cup thinly sliced carrot
1 tsp finely chopped garlic
1 can (28 ounces)
diced tomatoes in juice
2 1⁄2 cups water
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1⁄2 tsp dried cumin
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 can (15 ounces) white
(cannellini or Great Northern) beans,
rinsed and drained
Market Now or Forever Hold Your Speech
Do you have a knack for public speaking? Statistics on obesity and inactivity prove that as a fitness professional, you have knowledge that people need! Can you also connect with an audience through your humor or personal stories? If so, or if you are willing to learn, you could join the ranks of fitness professionals reaping the many marketing benefits of speaking as a fitness expert.
Read MoreDignity Before Diets
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has announced a new Medicare coverage policy that could make it easier for beneficiaries to receive weight loss treatment. Under the plan, anti-obesity interventions would be made available “if scientific and medical evidence demonstrate their effectiveness in improving . . . health outcomes.”
Read Morewrite right
All fitness professionals need to write a cover letter or short document at some point. Your abilities as a trainer, teacher or manager are judged by your written words. But are your cover letters making the best possible impression? Do you know how to fashion a document to get the response you want from your readers? Are you as confident with your writing as you are with your fitness skills? If not, take heart! This article provides tips for increasing the effectiveness and readability of your written communication.
Read Moreexercising with arthritis
Do you have arthritis? You’re not alone. Approximately 42.7 million Americans have arthritis, as well as millions of people around the world. Doctors now commonly prescribe exercise to alleviate arthritis symptoms. However, it can be confusing to know what type of exercise to do and how much is helpful.
Read MoreSuper Fantastic!
Y’all ready for this?Attitude was
everything at
the 2004
IDEA World
Fitness Convention®.
“Repeat after me!”
commanded 2004 IDEA World Fitness Convention
keynote speaker Keith Harrell.
“Gimme the good news!” he led. With spirit, the crowd followed suit.
“When you change your attitude, you change feelings,” he yelled. The volume of the room’s collective answer grew.
using imagination improves adherence for older adults
Using visualization techniques helps older adults remember to take their medications and follow medical advice. Older adults who spent a few minutes imagining how they would test their blood sugar were 50% more likely to perform the tests as directed than people who used other memory techniques, according to a study published in Psychology and Aging (2004; 19 [2], 318–25).
Read Moretai chi reduces falls in high-risk elderly by 25%
Frail older adults who practiced tai chi reduced their risk of falling,
according to a study conducted at Emory University Medical School
in Atlanta.
Researchers noted that adults in their 70s, 80s and 90s—some of whom could not walk without assistance—who participated in weekly tai chi for 48 weeks had fewer falls than subjects who participated in wellness education, according to results published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (2003; 51 [12], 1804–5).
greater body awareness tied to sensitivity to negative emotions
People with higher levels of body awareness may experience more feelings of anxiety and other negative emotions. Results of a small study published in Nature Neuroscience (2004; 7 [2],102–3) showed that subjects who were more aware of their own heart rate levels also felt more anxiety than subjects who lacked awareness of their own physical states.
Read More9th Annual 2004 IDEA Fitness Programs & Equipment Survey
Percentages in this section are likely the respondents’ estimates or observations. Respondents may not have had reference data.
The estimated percentages do not equal 100% because of rounding.
Read MoreTrendsetting
Public-health officials and the press talk about good health and weight loss, but dedicated fitness professionals are doing the work of inspiring people to exercise. Using creative ideas, good science and great personal rapport, the fitness community is purposefully working behind the headlines to change lives.
Read MoreTime Wounds All Heels
The foot is divided into three regions: rearfoot, midfoot and forefoot. The top of the foot is referred to as the dorsum or dorsal surface; the sole of the foot is referred to as the plantar surface. There is a fair amount of overlap among the regions, with some structures originating proximal and traversing distal. As a result, injury to a proximal (close) structure may result in distal (distant) symptoms.
Read More