Vivian Griggs
IDEA Editorial Staff
Article Archive
October is National Physical Therapy Month, a time to highlight the essential role physical therapists play in injury prevention, recovery, and long-term wellness. One of the most common tools PTs use is movement screening, which helps identify mobility limitations and strength imbalances that could contribute to injuries (Cook et al., 2006). Even simple at-home checks…
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Autumn’s Nutrient-Rich Harvest Pumpkin and other fall produce are more than seasonal favorites. They are nutrient powerhouses that bring color, flavor, and health benefits to the table. Pumpkin, in particular, is rich in beta-carotene, a compound the body converts to vitamin A, which supports eye health and strengthens immunity (Burri et al., 2011). Its seeds,…
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The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) marked a pivotal moment for global health policy. Governments, UN agencies, advocacy groups, industry leaders and youth organizations gathered in New York to negotiate a new political declaration on non‑communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health. The statistics underpinning the discussions were stark: non‑communicable diseases such as…
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As the weather cools and pumpkin takes over the season’s menus, this Turkey Pumpkin Curry Soup in spired by Jar of Lemons, delivers everything you want in a fall meal – warmth, comfort, and a burst of nourishing flavor. Combining lean ground turkey, creamy pumpkin purée, and fragrant curry spices, this dish is as satisfying…
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A Lifelong Love of Movement For Siri, the spark for fitness ignited early at just 3 years old while following along to her mom’s Jane Fonda workout tapes. “I was instantly hooked,” she recalls. By the time she reached college, that passion had evolved into a career path. Encouraged by her group fitness director (now…
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The gluteal muscles and hip stabilizers play a central role in human movement, posture, and athletic performance. Often referred to as the powerhouse of the body, the glutes provide strength, stability, and alignment for movements ranging from walking and running to jumping and lifting. For fitness professionals, understanding glute activation and hip stability is essential…
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Bone health is a critical foundation for human movement, athletic performance, and long-term well-being. The skeletal system provides structure, protects vital organs, stores minerals, and produces blood cells. Without a resilient skeleton, even the most powerful muscles and efficient cardiovascular system cannot function optimally. For fitness professionals, bone health is more than a background concern,…
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Fall allergies, particularly from ragweed and mold, can make outdoor exercise uncomfortable. Symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes can limit performance and deter activity. Timing workouts earlier in the morning, when pollen counts are lower, may help reduce symptoms (D’Amato et al., 2015). Exercisers can also benefit from checking daily air quality and…
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October is widely recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, reminding us of the importance of early detection and healthy lifestyle habits. Regular exercise is linked with reduced risk of breast cancer and can also support recovery during and after treatment (McTiernan, 2008). Physical activity improves hormone regulation, immune function, and body composition—all factors associated with…
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The skeletal system is the framework of the human body, composed of 206 bones in adults. Beyond structure, bones provide vital functions: protecting organs, storing minerals, facilitating movement, and producing blood cells (Clarke, 2008). Far from being static, the skeleton is a living, adaptive tissue. Bone remodeling is an ongoing process that balances bone formation…
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When the weather cools down, many people forget about hydration. The truth is dehydration is just as likely in fall and winter as in the summer months. Cold air is often drier, increasing fluid loss through respiration. On top of that, the body’s thirst response diminishes in cooler temperatures, meaning you may not feel thirsty…
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Home-prepared meals play an important role in shaping children’s nutrition. Studies consistently link family cooking with higher diet quality, including more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods, though evidence that it prevents obesity is mixed (Mills et al., 2020; Utter et al., 2016). Even so, hands-on cooking programs for kids help build food preparation skills, confidence…
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When training ramps up in cooler weather, what you eat can be just as important as how you move. Seasonal produce offers a nutrient-packed boost for muscles working hard during fall workouts. Pumpkin, for example, is rich in vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and replenish glycogen after exercise (Kim et al.,…
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Kids often mirror the habits they see. When parents make time for exercise, choose to walk instead of drive, or celebrate effort over performance, children are more likely to grow up valuing movement. National guidance underscores this modeling effect, urging families to co-create routines that make physical activity the easy default. That is what makes…
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For many weekend warriors, fall sports mean dusting off the cleats, joining recreational leagues, or jumping into pickup games. But without preparation, these spurts of activity can put stress on muscles, tendons, and joints. Research shows that resistance training is one of the best tools for reducing sport-related injuries by improving muscle balance, stability, and…
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For Immediate Release September 18, 2025 IDEA® Health & Fitness Association, the world’s leading organization for fitness and wellness professionals, announced today that it has appointed Active Aid Fitness Academy (AAFA) of New Delhi, India, as an official reseller of its IDEAfit+ Membership. Through this partnership, fitness professionals in India can now enroll in IDEAfit+, gaining access to unlimited…
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Gamification applies game design elements like points, badges, and challenges to everyday activities, and research shows it can meaningfully increase physical activity. When paired with wearable technology that delivers immediate feedback, gamification taps into our natural motivation for progress and recognition. Systematic reviews indicate that gamified programs lead to small-to-moderate improvements in activity levels and…
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Strong kids move better. Research shows that youth resistance and neuromuscular training can significantly improve sprinting, jumping, and change-of-direction skills, while also lowering the risk of sport-related injuries when paired with proper warm-ups and coaching (Behm et al., 2017). These gains are not just about building muscle; they enhance movement quality, coordination, and long-term athletic…
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Recovery has always been a fundamental, though at times underappreciated, element of physical training. While much attention has historically been focused on strength, endurance, and mobility exercises as the cornerstones of fitness programming, it is during recovery that the body truly adapts, repairs, and grows stronger. Without intentional recovery, even the most well-designed training plans…
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As a fitness professional—whether you’re a personal trainer, studio owner, or online coach – you’re not just shaping bodies; you’re managing legal responsibility. One minor accident or paperwork oversight can lead to lawsuits, financial loss, or reputational damage. Let’s walk through the most critical legal areas – from liability and contracts to insurance and data…
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