Vivian Griggs
Article Archive
Let’s get real for a minute. You’ve read the behavior change articles, taken a CEC course or two, maybe even dabbled in behavior change science and psychology. You know what the research says, you’ve written great programs and you’re ready to help clients succeed. So why do they still disappear after three weeks? Knowledge isn’t…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE IDEA Health & Fitness Association (IDEA), the world’s leading organization for fitness and wellness professionals, is pleased to announce the creation of IDEA ASIA, a new licensing agreement that builds on the success of the IDEA Korea partnership. From 2020 to 2025, IDEA worked with Korean partners to produce the IDEA Korea Convention and IDEA…
With longer days and warmer weather, more people are taking their workouts outside—and strength training is no exception. Parks, beaches and open spaces provide opportunities to use body weight, resistance bands or portable equipment. Outdoor training can also increase motivation, reduce perceived effort and add variety to your routine. From a programming perspective, the fundamentals…
Protein has always been essential for muscle repair and recovery, but the conversation around when to consume it is evolving. Rather than focusing only on post-workout shakes, current guidance emphasizes distributing protein intake more evenly throughout the day. This supports muscle protein synthesis and helps maintain lean mass—especially for active individuals. For many people, this…
Summer heat brings a renewed focus on hydration, but the conversation has evolved. It’s no longer just about drinking more water—it’s about hydrating effectively. When you sweat, you lose not only fluid but also electrolytes like sodium. Replacing both can help maintain energy, performance and overall well-being—especially during long outdoor workouts or travel. This doesn’t…
If your workouts have felt overly intense or hard to sustain, you’re not alone. This summer, more people are shifting toward Zone 2 cardio—a lower-intensity approach that supports endurance, fat metabolism and recovery. Zone 2 refers to a heart rate range where you can still hold a conversation while exercising. Think brisk walking, easy cycling…
The squat is one of the most effective lower-body exercises—but only when it’s performed with sound technique. Poor form doesn’t just reduce results; it increases the risk of injury and reinforces inefficient movement patterns. It Ensures the Right Muscles Do the Work A well-executed squat primarily targets the glutes, quadriceps and hamstrings. When form breaks…
We’re heading into summer, which means more time away from home—for vacations, long weekends and spontaneous trips. The challenge isn’t just staying “on track,” but doing so in a way that still lets you relax and enjoy the experience. Instead of relying on basic tips alone, a smarter approach is to plan for flexibility while…
Interest in testosterone health has surged in recent years, but the conversation is shifting. Rather than focusing narrowly on supplements or quick fixes, current best practice emphasizes lifestyle-driven testosterone optimization. This is a multidimensional approach grounded in training, recovery, nutrition and metabolic health. Why Testosterone Still Matters Testosterone plays a central role in muscle protein…
Each year, our community comes together to celebrate the people who are moving the fitness industry forward. Those who inspire, educate, and lead with purpose. At the 2026 NIRSA+IDEA World Expo and Conference in National Harbor, MD, we proudly honored this year’s outstanding award recipients. We’re thrilled to announce Dr. Judi Brown Clark as the recipient…
Meal timing remains a topic of interest, particularly among clients balancing training with demanding schedules. While timing can influence performance and recovery, rigid protocols often prove impractical. Current discussions emphasize adaptability, focusing on spacing meals to support energy rather than hitting precise windows. Fitness professionals can help clients view meal timing as a supportive tool,…
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…
Starting a fitness routine can be overwhelming, especially with all the technical lingo. One term you might come across is “cardio zones.” Don’t worry! It’s simpler than it sounds and can actually help you get better results without working out harder than you need to. Cardio zones are just different levels of intensity during your…
Imagine increasing your daily activity not through the gym or planned workouts, but simply by shifting when you go to bed. According to a recent PNAS‑cited study featured in Real Simple, researchers at Monash University found that going to bed earlier was strongly associated with higher next‑day physical activity, even for people who weren’t exercising…
In today’s tech-centric world, it’s tempting to ask an AI chatbot for a personalized fitness plan. However, while AI tools can offer ideas and structure, relying solely on them comes with serious risks. Here’s what you should know – and why certified fitness professionals still deserve your trust. Generic Advice, Not Proper Personalization AI tools…
Creatine is a naturally occurring nitrogen‑containing compound synthesized in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas from the amino acids glycine, arginine, and methionine. Approximately 95% of the body’s creatine and phosphocreatine is stored in skeletal muscle, with the remainder in tissues like the brain and testes. It plays a critical role in high-intensity energy production by…
Cardio workouts are one of the best things you can do for your heart, lungs, and overall well-being—but not all cardio is created equal. You’ve probably heard terms like “fat-burning zone,” “target heart rate,” or “HIIT workouts.” These all tie into cardio zones—specific heart rate ranges designed to guide your intensity and help you achieve…
Functional fitness has evolved from a niche training philosophy into one of the most influential paradigms in exercise science. Initially embraced by physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists, functional fitness now forms the foundation of many general population and athletic training programs. Today, it continues to expand with new trends, modalities, and technologies that support holistic,…
Why Magnesium Matters Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It plays a critical role in supporting muscle and nerve function, regulating blood pressure, producing energy, maintaining bone density and supporting sleep quality. Despite its importance, more than half of the U.S. population does not meet the…
Leslee Bender has worked in the fitness industry for over four decades and has been a pioneer in creative, functional training since the early years of her career. In 2000, while teaching in Germany, she discovered a small ball that would ultimately revolutionize the way core training is approached. Introducing it to the traditionally classical…