Archive for October 2012
Shorter Workouts Better for Health?
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that adults exercise for at least 150 minutes per week to maintain good health. The organization supports breaking up that time however the individual chooses. Now a new study suggests that multiple short workouts might provide better health benefits than a single longer session.
Read MoreStrength Training Reduces Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Here’s another great benefit to including strength training in your clients’ fitness programs. A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine (doi: 10.1001/archinternmed.2012.3138) has reported that men who regularly lift weights may reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Read MorePilates Improves Balance and Stability for People With MS
Pilates-based mat exercises show promise as a way of helping people with multiple sclerosis (MS) improve both balance and stability. Impaired balance and loss of confidence with walking are common consequences of MS. Core stability training would seem a good candidate for complementary therapy, but till now, little scientific evidence has supported its effectiveness.
Researchers from several hospitals in England, Scotland and Wales conducted a multicenter series of case studies to evaluate the influence of Pilates-based mat exercises on balance and gait in ambulant people with MS.
Read More6 Ways to Renew Client Commitment
Attracting new clients is an ongoing challenge for fitness and wellness professionals. Keeping clients motivated long-term can be even harder. A client might begin training with a strong intention to lose 40 pounds, run a 10K or reverse her prediabetic condition. But the best intentions may not be enough to sustain exercise interest and intensity over time.
Read MoreThe Not-So-Good News About “Good” Cholesterol
Study reviewed: Voight, B.J., et al. 2012. Plasma HDL cholesterol and risk of myocardial infarction: A mendelian randomization study. The Lancet, 380 (9841), 572–80.
Reducing the Risks of Bad Cholesterol
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Therapeutic Lifestyle Program (TLP) offers these guidelines for limiting the risks of high LDL-C:
Read More2012 Women’s Health Research Review
Scientists are perpetually uncovering new insights that can help exercise professionals improve the health of female (and male) clients. However, navigating one’s way through research reports can be overwhelming—and often contradictory.
Read MoreTraining Through the Transition
Menopause is different for each woman. Although the average age of natural menopause is 52, some women start the transition as soon as their early 40s. It is estimated that 39 million women in the United States are between the ages of 45 and 64 years old and about 2 million more will reach menopause…
Read MoreOvercoming Challenges in Gym-Based Pilates
As a popular boutique fitness experience, Pilates has shown a lot of staying power, which has led to amazing growth and diverse offerings. When teaching or managing Pilates programs, have you noticed a divide between people who experience Pilates in a dedicated studio and those who try a mat class in a fitness facility?
Read More3 Pilates-Inspired Moves for Runners
Running has long been a favorite fitness activity for millions of people. It’s an accessible cardiorespiratory exercise, a fun social event and a natural antidepressant. However, as more people catch the running bug, more also succumb to common overuse injuries.
Read MoreTaking Care of the Teacher
What steps do you take to maintain wellness, balance and perspective? We asked instructors to talk about their self-care strategies and why they matter for career success.
Read MoreAutumn Recipes
Myra Goodman, founder of Earthbound Farm, the largest grower of organic produce in the United States, shares two of her favorite fall recipes, Chopped Autumn Salad and Oatmeal, Carrot and Apple Breakfast Squares, with IDEA Fitness Journal readers. Both are vegan. The salad uses some of fall’s best bounty: apples, pears and persimmons.
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