March 2009 - Page 2 of 2 - IDEA Health & Fitness Association

Core 360º

By Becky Langton, MA | March 4, 2009 |

Integrating core moves can be challenging, given all the other work that needs to be done in a 45- to 60-minute class. Sometimes instructors skip core training or inadvertently leave it out because of time constraints and/or lack of preparation. Integrate this important element within the framework of your class after completing lower-body work. In…

Creative Classes That Inspire

By Joy Keller | March 4, 2009 |

China’s Community Approach to Fitness

By Alexandra Williams, MA | March 4, 2009 |

China is enthusiastically embracing the past and the future in its approach to fitness. “There are many ancient exercises with over a thousand years of history, such as tai chi, qigong, martial arts and so on,” states Kenny Wong, president of the Asian Academy for Sports and Fitness Professionals. He describes a modern “community” approach…

Protein Quality, Form & Function

By Natalie Digate Muth, MD, MPH, RD | March 4, 2009 |

High-protein diets—and their promises of muscle gain, weight loss and improved health—appeal to a wide diversity of people, from athletes to dieters. But how much and what kind of protein is best? More important, does the scientific research support the potential health benefits of this macronutrient?

A Yoga Sequence for Runners

By Kelly McGonigal, PhD | March 4, 2009 |

Kristi Peacock, a 23-year-old account executive in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, was preparing for her first marathon. The intense training was strengthening her body but also taking a toll. As the miles racked up, so did the strain to her iliotibial band, Achilles tendons and back.

Coping With Poor Health

By April Durrett | March 4, 2009 |

As a fitness professional, you expect to be healthy in order to perform well in your job—and your life. What happens when you become extremely ill, get injured or learn that you have a disease? How do you work with management so you can keep your job? How do you address your new limitations? Find…

2009 Nutrient Trend Alert

By Jenna A. Bell, PhD, RD | March 4, 2009 |

Some nutrient trends are like the hemlines of women’s skirts: they come and go from one season to the next and quickly fall out of favor. One trend that appears to be here to stay is that Americans are (or at least want to be) eating to improve their health. In fact, a 2008 consumer attitude survey shows that two out of three Americans (67%) are willing to change their diet specifically to improve their health (International Food Council [IFIC] 2008).

Let’s Go Team … Teach!

By Peggy Gregor, AFAA, ACE | March 4, 2009 |

Do you need a recipe for an incredible group fitness experience?

Sample Class: Fat-Free Step

By Fred Hoffman, MEd | March 4, 2009 |

Two decades after its introduction, step training remains a viable cardiovascular activity. Fitness centers worldwide continue to offer step on their schedules, it’s still a big draw at industry conventions, and thousands of videos posted on YouTube testify that it is thriving.

IDEA’s Value Proposition

By IDEA Authors | March 4, 2009 |

this month on www.ideafit.comBad news about the economy is omnipresent. But even through these challenging times, we would like to offer you one certainty in the midst of all the doubt. Please know that everyone here at IDEA is committed to optimizing the value of your IDEA membership.

Plyometric Progressions for Athletes

By Peter Twist, MSc | March 4, 2009 |

Sport mimics life in that both are dynamic and ever-changing. Athletes are always preparing to meet the demands of their sport while also working to elevate their performance thresholds to new levels. In sports, as in most things in life, athletes need the ability to read and react in an
environment of organized chaos.

Back to Basics: Nutrient-Rich Foods

By Jennie McCary, MS, RD, LD | March 4, 2009 |

Consumers are bombarded with nutrition information on a daily basis—from food and beverage packaging as well as television, magazines and the Internet. Faced with a plethora of food choices and conflicting dietary advice, it’s a wonder that the average person can decipher enough to make the best decisions.

“Slow Medicine” Movement Gains Ground

By Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA | March 4, 2009 |

A growing number of medical leaders are calling for “Slow Medicine.” We’ve heard
of the Slow Food^® movement, originating
in Italy—a reaction against fast food and

Running Toward Success

By Ryan Halvorson | March 4, 2009 |

Subject: Jason Karp, PhD
Company: RunCoachJason.com
Location: San Diego, California

Q&A: Do you feel a personal trainer must look the part in order to be successful?

By IDEA Authors | March 4, 2009 |

Yes; it is extremely important for trainers to look the part. There is a reason why physicians, bankers, lawyers and other professionals dress well and possess good hygiene habits. There is a reason why we look down on the unkempt and slovenly and up to the well-dressed and fit. Being fit, well-dressed and clean
indicates a level of self-respect, self-
sufficiency and seriousness about the field in which the individual is engaged. There is no denying this. And it is the world view.

Maximal Aerobic Power and Functional Independence in Older Adults

By Len Kravitz, PhD | March 4, 2009 |

Maximal aerobic power is a useful, meaningful and motivational physiological measurement that all types of fitness professionals use to track their clients’ progress. It is also associated with the performance of vigorous bouts of exercise in competitive cardiorespiratory events.

Ab Prep

By STOTT PILATES | March 1, 2009 |

STARTING POSITION

Supine, pelvis and spine neutral. Knees flexed, feet on mat, shoulder distance apart. Fitness Circle® resistance ring between thighs. Arms long by sides, palms down, scapulae stabilized.