Technology
Ownership of Certain Devices Linked to Obesity, Diabetes
Perhaps it’s no surprise that people who own computers, televisions and cars tend to be less active and may be more vulnerable to obesity-related diseases than people without these possessions. Now, researchers from Simon Fraser University in Canada and more than 20 other institutions around the world have collaborated to determine the level of risk that ownership of certain devices presents.
Battling Big Media
The frustrating thing about these headlines is that, to the letter, they are not untrue. To date, there have not been any large, randomized studies that have shown that reducing sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams per day (as is advised for certain special populations) has a positive outcome. But it is clear that the majority of Americans are getting far more than the 2,300 mg per day that has been found to correspond with certain disease risk factors.
Announcing the IDEA Workout Builder
IDEA members asked, “Can you create a tool for us to put together workouts, with videos of each exercise online?” Yes! You asked for it; you got it! The new IDEA Workout Builder.
The IDEA Workout Builder allows you to quickly customize, save and share workouts—with over 1,000 videos at your disposal! The videos IDEA pro- vides show top educators progressing and regressing exercises to make them appropriate for most of your clients.
The IDEA Workout Builder gives you the ability to:
How to Prioritize Your Schedule for Greater Productivity
If I asked you how you are doing, what would your answer be? Crazy? Busy? We all have managed to fill every minute of every day with a task, a chore or an obligation. But that doesn’t mean we’re truly productive. Now ask yourself the following questions: Do you spend your days the way you want to? Or is most of your time spent reacting to the influx of emails, social media and people who want your time? Do you book your days from wake to sleep with appointments, and leave no time for yourself or for growing other parts of your business?
The Best Social Media Platforms for Business Owners
Pros
Cons
Facebook has lots of active users.
Generating good content can be time-consuming.
There are many useful features, like event management, special tabs and the ability to schedule posts.
Social Networking for the Pilates Pro
In this age of social networking, it is imperative to connect with clients outside your facility via the Internet. Gone are the days of relying only on fliers and posters to tell clients about your offerings and events—now it’s all about engaging with clients on your blog, your Twitter feed or your Facebook page.
Breathalyzer Signals Fat Burn?
Have you ever wished for a quick way to test whether a client is burning fat? Scientists from Researchers Laboratories in Yokosuka, Japan, believe they have found an answer—in the form of a portable breath analyzer device.
The researchers developed the device to measure acetone, “a metabolite derived from fat-burning [and] produced in the blood, that is expelled through alveoli of the lungs during exhalation.”
Self-Monitoring on the Rise
According to a recent survey from the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, health- and fitness-related self-monitoring is a popular practice among U.S. adults.
The survey, which included data from 3,014 respondents nationwide, found that 69% of adults use some form of tracking for themselves or someone they love.
Here are a few other survey tidbits:
“Digital Distractions” Feature Earns Applause
Shirley Archer, JD, MA, has written another high-quality article (“Digital Distractions,” June). The piece had a thoughtful premise; it had a clear research focus; it was well-organized; and it provided stimulating discussion as well as a variety of insights and perspectives.
Three Easy Ways to Build Your Own Website
The Internet has given consumers one of their most powerful resources: the ability to research a product and poll their friends about it online before making a purchase. Not having a website means that you are potentially missing out on that online search traffic. As a personal training business owner, not only do you need to be online, but you’ve got to present yourself in the best light possible.
Using LinkedIn for Financial Success
LinkedIn calls itself the world’s largest professional network. Launched in 2003, it has over 225 million registered users in more than 200 countries and territories. LinkedIn can be a very effective marketing and networking tool for your business if you follow these basic steps.
Develop a Client-Focused Profile
Virtual Reality and Weight Loss
Can watching a virtual-reality avatar help someone lose weight? Scientists from George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, in Washington, DC, think so.
Protect Your Online Reputation
It’s great when a client or a member tweets a positive comment (that gets retweeted!), or when you get new business thanks to good reviews on Yelp. Unfortunately, however, that isn’t always the case. Angry or otherwise unhappy customers use the Internet as an instant outlet for their gripes.
Are Video Games Good Medicine For Seniors?
Your older clients are no doubt interested in complementing a fit body with a fit mind. Well, new study evidence suggests they can slow cognitive impairment by playing a few hours of “brain fit” video games designed to speed up and improve mental processing.
As the human brain ages, its executive function skills—which include perception, attention, memory, abstract thinking and problem solving—tend to diminish. Since many of us are living longer lives, scientists are motivated to identify ways to prevent this loss.
USDA App Tracks Food & Activity
If you’re looking for another empowerment tool to help clients monitor progress and enhance their accountability, the USDA’s nutrition SuperTracker might be worth evaluating.
NIH Launches Dietary Supplement Label Database
Do you research dietary supplements before you use them? Do you encourage clients to look before they leap into buying these products? A new database may save you a trip to the store by providing the essential facts you seek online.
Technology and Sleep Disturbance
Experts often recommend keeping smartphones and tablets out of the bedroom to improve sleep quality. While this practice may be optimal, it’s likely many people remain connected up until bedtime. Are they doomed to a life of inadequate sleep? Maybe not, say scientists from the Mayo Clinic.
Blogging for Financial Success
Blogging can provide a host of benefits for personal trainers and athletic coaches. It is a simple way to position yourself as an expert, and it’s an inexpensive means to boost your brand identity. You can also boost your income by using your blog to generate saleable content for booklets, minibooks, articles, manuals, eBooks and printed books. Apply these 15 simple recommendations, and build a blog that leads to business and financial success.
5 Essentials for Top-Notch iPhone Videos
You don’t need fancy camera equipment to capture quality video, explains Chris Savage, founder and CEO of Wistia, a video hosting tool for marketers. He offers five essentials for shooting professional-grade content using your iPhone:
Escape the Time-For-Money Trap With Online Products
?Jason is a busy fitness professional. He generally leads 35 one-on-one sessions and five group training hours per week, splitting his time between two fitness facilities. Jason also runs a Sunday boot camp at the local park. In his spare time he develops client and group fitness programs, answers emails, returns phone calls and tries to keep up with a weekly blog. Jason is married and has a young son, but time with his family is limited owing to his busy schedule. Despite his efforts, he struggles to pay his bills each month.
