IDEA Editorial Staff
IDEA Editorial Staff
Article Archive
The “10,000 steps a day” benchmark has become a cultural fitness mantra, but its origins trace back to a Japanese marketing campaign in the 1960s rather than scientific evidence. Recent research challenges the universality of this target, showing that substantial health benefits, including reduced mortality risk, can be achieved at lower thresholds. For many adults,…
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Integrating physical activity into the school day is increasingly recognized as a way to enhance, not detract from, academic achievement. Short “brain breaks” and physically active lessons can provide students with opportunities to recharge, helping them sustain attention and self-regulation. Research demonstrates that movement-based classroom interventions elevate time-on-task and strengthen executive control, all without compromising…
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Regular movement in childhood is one of the most effective “vaccines” we have against lifelong disease. When children consistently meet daily activity guidelines, they experience improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, stronger bones, and healthier body composition. Just as importantly, these early habits lower risk factors for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease later in life.…
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For almost three decades, Melanie Lewis has dedicated her career to helping others discover strength, resilience, and confidence through fitness. From her early days in a neighborhood gym to founding her own business in Houston, she has shaped a path defined by passion, mentorship, and community. As a longtime IDEA member, she credits the organization…
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Labor Day provides a unique opportunity for fitness enthusiasts: an extra day to choose between rest and training. Both approaches can be beneficial, depending on recent training load and recovery status. Active recovery options such as light cycling, yoga, or walking stimulate blood flow, reduce muscle soreness, and promote relaxation. For athletes who have trained…
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When people talk about longevity, the conversation often centers on lifespan, the number of years someone lives. But a longer life does not always mean a better one. Imagine adding a decade to your life, but spending those extra years in pain, struggling with daily tasks, or dependent on others for care. That is where…
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Understanding and applying cardio exercise zones can significantly elevate a fitness professional’s ability to design smart, personalized programs. These zones, based on heart rate percentages, allow for targeted training that aligns with specific client goals, whether that’s improving cardiovascular endurance, optimizing fat loss, or supporting overall health. What Are Heart Rate Zones? Heart rate zones…
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If you’re taking GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) for weight loss or diabetes management, you already know how powerful these drugs can be in helping reduce appetite and shed excess pounds. But here’s something you might not know: pairing your medication with Zone 2 cardio can take your fat loss…
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What Is Zone 2 Cardio? Zone 2 cardio refers to exercising at a low to moderate intensity where your heart rate is elevated but you can still hold a conversation. This zone primarily uses aerobic metabolism, relying heavily on fat as a fuel source, making it ideal for: Zone 2 Heart Rate Estimate: Use this…
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If you’ve spent any time scrolling through health forums or chatting with friends about wellness trends, you’ve probably heard someone mention intermittent fasting (IF). For a while, it seemed like the ultimate solution: skip breakfast, follow a strict eating window, and the pounds would melt away while your energy skyrocketed. But as more people try…
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Why Fish Deserves Its Place at the Center of the Plate Across cultures and centuries, fish has been celebrated as one of nature’s most nourishing foods. From the Mediterranean coast to coastal Asia and the Pacific Islands, it has been a staple in diets renowned for promoting long life and robust health. Modern science now…
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We might not be quite there yet but we’re close. As the blazing heat of summer starts to fade and cooler fall temperatures roll in, there’s no better time to take your cardio routine outside. Not only does exercising outdoors in the late summer and fall feel refreshing—it may also offer unique physiological, psychological, and…
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Prevention is one of the most effective strategies for reducing the risk of chronic disease and enhancing long-term quality of life. While genetics play a role in health outcomes, lifestyle choices often have the most impact and are within our control. Here are four science-backed preventative measures that individuals can take to promote lasting wellness.…
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Sacramento, CA – July 18, 2025 – IDEA® Health & Fitness Association proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 IDEA® Fitness Awards. These prestigious accolades recognize top professionals across the fitness landscape whose contributions, leadership, and innovation continue to elevate the global health and wellness industry. Each recipient was selected by a panel of independent…
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In 2025, wearable fitness technology has officially taken center stage. Topping global fitness-related search trends, the topic now dominates not just consumer curiosity, but industry conversations, innovation pipelines, and user expectations. With smartwatches, fitness trackers, biometric apparel, and even AI-powered rings saturating the market, people are more interested than ever in how these devices can…
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IDEA® Health and Fitness Association is hosting globally-renowned industry and health experts speaking on a variety of topics designed to motivate, elevate, and inspire fitness and wellness leaders and enthusiasts in the, “IDEA Expert Spotlight Series” at the 2025 IDEA® World Convention, in Sacramento, California, on July 18-19, 2025. Free and open to the public…
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In any profession—and in life—success is often measured by return on investment (ROI). For today’s fitness professionals, that ROI goes far beyond financial gain. It encompasses improved client outcomes, professional credibility, creative fulfillment, and long-term career viability. The key to unlocking these multifaceted returns? Intentional, ongoing learning. In an industry shaped by science, technology, and…
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How long have you been an IDEA member? I have been a member for 40 years … I joined IDEA in 1984, while managing a workout center and serving as a Corporate & Community Wellness Supervisor at Johnson County Park & Recreation District (suburbs of Kansas City, MO). Why did you join IDEA and what…
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Footwear has come a long way from simple leather sandals to highly engineered athletic shoes. In recent years, there has been growing interest in alternatives to traditional cushioned shoes, namely zero drop shoes, minimalist shoes, and barefoot shoes. Each of these categories emphasizes a more natural foot movement and closer connection to the ground—but they…
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Why In-Race Nutrition Matters For anyone participating in long-distance endurance activities like marathons, triathlons, or extended cycling events, fueling during the event—commonly referred to as in-race or intra-workout nutrition—is critical for maintaining performance and avoiding fatigue. Unlike short workouts, where stored glycogen and hydration can usually suffice, prolonged endurance events place considerable demands on the…
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