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IDEA Editorial Staff

IDEA Editorial Staff

Article Archive

Protein Timing Revisited

December 29, 2025

Protein intake remains a central topic in fitness nutrition, yet recent research continues to challenge the emphasis on precise timing strategies for most active adults. While post-exercise protein consumption supports muscle protein synthesis, evidence increasingly suggests that total daily intake and consistent distribution across meals play a more meaningful role in supporting recovery, lean mass…

Fueling Participation: Why Energy Availability Still Matters

December 29, 2025

Low energy availability continues to be an underrecognized barrier to consistent training participation across populations. While traditionally associated with athletes, recent research suggests that recreational exercisers and general fitness clients may also experience subtle forms of energy deficiency that undermine training quality and adherence. Studies published over the past several years indicate that insufficient caloric…

Professional Perspective: Where Do You Draw the Line?

December 29, 2025

As nutrition messaging becomes increasingly complex, fitness professionals are often asked to weigh in on supplements, dietary trends, and health claims circulating on social media. Determining when to provide guidance and when to redirect to qualified nutrition professionals remains an ongoing challenge. This raises an important professional question: How much nutrition guidance is appropriate within…

Day Eleven – Barefoot Training Specialist® + Lower-Extremity Bundle

December 18, 2025

Strengthen Movement From the Ground Up Today’s bundle focuses on the science and strategy behind foot-to-core sequencing, stability, and lower-body mechanics. Taught by founder, Dr. Emily Splichal, the Barefoot Training Specialist® Certification gives you the skills to return client’s mobility, to ease pain and pave the way for a more active future. The two supporting…

Day Ten – Reignite Your Professional Momentum for 2026

December 17, 2025

Whether you’re teaching, training, or leading a facility, attending a 2026 IDEA event is one of the strongest career-building decisions you can make. Renowned speakers, presenters, industry leaders, and fitness experts come together once a year to share with you the motivational, the inspirational, the foundational and career-advancing information you need to succeed. Register now…

When Do I Report a Claim or Incident? 

December 16, 2025

Fitness professionals face significant risks in their careers, particularly related to malpractice claims that can affect their finances, reputation and mental health. Even with careful instruction and strong client relationships, injuries and allegations can arise.  Timely reporting of any incident, big or small, is crucial, as it allows your insurer to assess the situation and…

Day Nine – Leslee Bender Functional Longevity & Core Training Bundle

December 16, 2025

Train for Longevity, Mindful Movement & Core Intelligence This bundle brings together two of Leslee Bender’s most impactful trainings—centered on functional longevity, mindful movement, and core strength. Join this Master instructor as she shows how to become ageless through movement. What’s Inside: Why It Matters:These programs help you support clients who want strength, confidence, and…

Day Eight – Client Retention Roadmap eBook and your World-Class Event Experience

December 15, 2025

Grow Your Career With Events + Client Retention Tools We’ve saved one of the most exciting offers for today.For Day 8, new members get $50 off IDEAfit+, unlocking full access to unlimited CECs, 800+ courses, and the tools that keep your business running smoothly all year. This is the kind of offer that sets the…

Day Seven – Squat Mastery + Mobility & Mechanics Bundle

December 14, 2025

Help Clients Move Better With Expert Movement Coaching Movement quality is the foundation of every successful program. Today’s bundle gives you the tools to assess, coach, and progress movement with confidence. You’ll learn from the best in You Don’t Know Squat, an advanced level biomechanics course. It’s All in the Hips and Rotator Cuff Problems…

Day Six – Step Into 2026 With Hands-On Education

December 13, 2025

Today’s spotlight brings you face-to-face with the professionals and educators shaping the future of fitness.  2026 NIRSA + IDEA® World Conference & Expo  is built to help you expand your skills, confidence, and impact. Hands-on learning will include>>>> What You’ll Gain: Why It Matters:Live learning builds momentum — and helps you enter the new year…

Day Five – Mental Wellbeing & Behavior Change Coaching Bundle

December 12, 2025

Support Clients With Skills That Create Lasting Change Today’s featured bundle blends mental wellbeing education with behavior-change coaching techniques that help you guide clients more effectively and compassionately. What’s Inside: Why It Matters:Clients don’t just need workouts. They need support, empathy, and coaching that honors the whole person. This bundle helps you develop skills that…

Day Four – Marketing Minute

December 11, 2025

Build the Business Side of Your Fitness CareerYour expertise matters and today’s resources help you make sure the world sees it. This Marketing Minute set includes practical tools that help you get clear, confident, and consistent in how you present your brand. What’s Included: Why It Matters:Visibility is essential to building a sustainable career. These…

Day Three – Coaching HIIT: Complete Programming & Instruction Bundle

December 10, 2025

Transform Your HIIT Coaching With Evidence-Based Skills Today’s bundle is built for coaches who want to deliver safe, effective, and progressive HIIT training grounded in science and clear communication. What’s Inside: Why It Matters:Better programming and purposeful cueing help you lead inclusive, enjoyable sessions for every fitness level — advancing your reputation as a thoughtful,…

Day Two – Advance Your Career With 2026’s Leading Fitness Event

December 9, 2025

Today’s feature highlights the learning experiences that define excellence in our field. IDEA World and NIRSA bring you hands-on education, expert guidance, and the community support you need for long-term success at  2026 NIRSA + IDEA® World Conference & Expo . What You’ll Gain: Why It Matters:Live learning accelerates professional growth and strengthens your ability to…

Cognitive Load in Group Fitness: How to Teach With Clarity, Focus and Participant Success

December 9, 2025

Understanding how the brain processes information during movement helps instructors design smarter classes, reduce confusion and elevate member experience. Cognitive load science offers practical insights that keep sessions engaging, safe and enjoyable for all participants. Group fitness instructors juggle many variables at once: music, tempo, timing, safety, choreography, equipment transitions and the energy of an…

Anti-Inflammatory Eating for Joint Health & Longevity

December 9, 2025

Chronic, low-grade inflammation can quietly influence many aspects of wellbeing from metabolic efficiency to joint comfort and daily mobility. Research links persistent inflammation with slower recovery, reduced movement capacity and changes in metabolic health over time (van den Brink et al. 2). For clients who want to stay active, strong and independent, nutrition becomes a…

Day One – SculptXV Certification + Standout Instructor Skills

December 8, 2025

Become the Instructor Everyone Remembers This powerful Day One bundle brings together the skills you need to strengthen your teaching presence, refine your class identity, and deliver a high-energy SculptXV experience backed by professional development support PLUS the skills to be a stand-out group fitness instructor. What’s Inside: Why It Matters:Stronger teaching skills translate into…

Gut–Brain Connection: Nutritional Support for Mood & Motivation

December 4, 2025

The gut and brain communicate through a dynamic two-way system that researchers increasingly recognize as central to digestion, emotional wellbeing and metabolic health (Harvard Health Publishing 2025). This relationship; often referred to as the gut–brain axis, involves hormones, neurotransmitters, immune signaling and the vast community of microbes that live in the gastrointestinal tract. When the…