Archive for June 2010
IDEA Fitness Fusion Conferenceโข Feedback
This year, my goal [at Fusion] was to try as many of the โnewโ group formats that were offered, while fine-tuning my personal training and management skills. With that being said, I took Indo-Rowยฎ, Step-Tonicโข and Beamingโข. I really enjoyed the rowing class for the theory and the presenters. I enjoyed Step-Tonic and think theโฆ
Read Moregreen tea & ginger granita
What could be more refreshing on a sultry summer day than a frozen, no-fat, low-calorie ice treat made from healthy green tea and ginger? Finish this delightful dessert with a garnish of thinly sliced lemons. You can also use other types of brewed tea for this recipe. 3 cups boiling water 4 regular-sized green tea bags
Read Moreask the RD
Question: I am a vegetarian who is anemic and taking iron supplements prescribed by my doctor. But I hate the side effects and would rather get my iron through whole foods. Which are the best plant sources of iron, and how often should I eat these foods each day? Answer: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)โฆ
Read Morethe benefits of basil
Did you know that there are more than 60 types of basil, all members of the mint family? This fresh herb is a powerhouse of flavor that can be used in myriad ethnic cooking styles, from Italian to Asian dishes. While sweet green basil is the most ubiquitous in markets, spicy purple and peppery Thai varieties are becoming more popular in America.
Read Moretop kidsโ food trends
Marketing experts who studied current food trends among children say that โnaturalโ foods are โhere to stayโ and that kids today have become more independent in their food choices. According to the market research organization Mintel, there has been โa huge amount of activityโ in terms of foods being promoted directly to kids; this is particularly true in terms of the candy and soda products that are now available to children. A senior analyst at Mintel reported these other notable food trends affecting kids:
Read Morealcohol & insulin levels
Adding to the literature on the potential health benefits of alcohol is a new study suggesting that drinking may improve insulin sensitivity. While this was a small-animal study, the results are interesting.
Read Morefrozen diet foods improve in taste
If frozen diet dinners tasted better, would more people avail themselves of these products? According to the editors at Consumer Reports, food manufacturers have made great inroads in improving the taste of prepared diet entrรฉes while still maintaining their low-calorie profile.
Read Moredo junk food taxes work?
There has been a lot of talk recently about whether levying taxes on sodas and other unhealthy foods would help Americans make better food choices. The reasoning behind โjunk foodโ taxation is that putting their money where their mouth is may entice people to eat a more healthful diet. However, with scant research to dateโฆ
Read MoreIDEA Codes of Ethics
As a member of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, I will be guided by the best interests of the client and will practice within the scope of my education and knowledge. I will maintain the education and experience necessary to appropriately teach classes; will behave in a positive and constructive manner; and will use truth, fairness and integrity to guide all my professional decisions and relationships. 1. Always be guided by the best interests of the group, while acknowledging individuals.
Read More2010 IDEA World Fitness Awards Finalists
IDEA members help people everywhere live their best lives by encouraging them to pursue health in body, mind and spirit. The IDEA World Fitness Awards recognize professionals who go above and beyond to guide and inspire clients, communities and the fitness industry. Join us as we honor the accomplishments of the 2010 finalists at theโฆ
Read MoreBeating Procrastination
According to Websterโs Dictionary, procrastination means to put off intentionally and habitually things that should be done. In the simplest terms, proscrastination means putting off the important, essential tasks we need to do today and filling our time with distractions.
Read MoreMeeting the Challenge of Problem Clients
Weโve 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 frustration, and wake you with anguish in the pit of your stomach. They are your problem clients. It doesnโt seem to matter what you do, problem clients can make a 60-minute session feel like a 3-hour root canal. Each week, the struggle simply to survive the session increases, and you wonder whether itโs time to throw in the towel. Have heart; all is not lost.
Read MoreSpace for Change: Time Planning for a Better, Happier Life
I grew up with lots of space around me, and I loved and cherished it. We had a small house in the country on the outskirts of Grapevine, Texas, surrounded by my grandfatherโs 125-acre farm. My brother and sister and I could hardly wait to get outside after school. We would disappear to the back pasture and play and scream at the top of our lungs, knowing that no one else could hear us.
Read MorePlanning Successful Staff Retreats
How cohesive and harmonious is your workplace culture? Does your staff share a unified vision? Are employees on board with the systems you have in place? Do they know they have a voice in your organization? Would you say your company has soul?
Read MoreCreate and Market a Client Brag Book
In the world of marketing, many devices and activities fall under the broad category of โpromotions,โ and not all are created equal. Samples, coupons, cash refund offers (rebates), price packs, loss leaders, patronage awards, free trials, POP (point of purchase) promotions and demonstrations are all promotional activities.
Read MoreMaximizing your social media investment
In the last decade, the social media revolution has transformed the online landscape by changing the way fitness professionals communicate and engage with colleagues and clients. The functionality of popular social media tools like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube has opened the doors to new business-marketing strategies in the digital age.
Read MoreThe Pilates Phenomenon: Where do we go from here?
This spring, CNBC reported that Pilates is the nationโs fastest-growing activity, with 8.6 million participants, up more than 450% since 2000, based on the most recent report from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (Rovell 2010). In reality, participation may have peaked mid-decade (American Sports Data Inc. reported 10.5 million participants in 2004), but clearly Pilates has staying power. The 2010 IDEA Fitness Programs & Equipment Trends report (see page 22) found that Pilates continues to grow while several other mind-body formats are declining.
Read More2010 IDEA Fitness Programs & Equipment Trends
The first time we surveyed members for the annual IDEA Fitness Programs & Equipment Trends report, in 1995, personal training was just beginning to emerge as an affordable exercise option for most consumers and as a viable career choice for fitness professionals. Pilates had been around for decades; however, relatively few exercise professionals knew much about it. Zumbaยฎ What-a? Never heard of it.
Read MoreIDEA Home Study (Take CEC/CEU Test Online Now!)
A Strong Presence: Memories of Kathy Grant
Pilates Master Kathy Grant died on Thursday, May 27, 2010, at 89 years old. A student and protรฉgรฉ of Joseph Pilates, Grant taught the Pilates Method for more than 50 years. Grant was trained and certified by Joseph Pilates in a program sponsored by the State of New York, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
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