Sample Classes
Weak Thighs May Lead to Knee Problems in Women
Research suggests that women are more likely than men to develop knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Improving thigh muscle strength may be one way to get a leg up on reducing or preventing the condition, according to a new study.
This study compared muscle anatomical cross–sectional areas &lpar:ACSAs) and isometric extensor and flexor muscle strength in 161 KOA patients against the same factors in 186 individuals without the condition. The researchers also looked at BMI as a possible contributor to knee osteoarthritis.
The Latest in Water Fitness: Research Update
Melis "Mel" Edwards, MS, creator of the H.I.T. Method™ (Hydrofit Interval Training), has spent the past 20 years promoting water fitness training both for athletes and as an athlete herself. Edwards, group fitness instructor and director of admissions at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, has trained both professional and recreational athletes.
Creative Ideas That Inspire
H.I.I.P. Hype (High-Intensity Interval Painting) in New York challenges body, mind and creativity. Ninety–minute sessions begin with a warm-up followed by short intervals of high-intensity body-weight exercises interspersed with periods of painting. The energy participants generate while exercising helps them express themselves more freely when they paint, according to organizers. The last 15 minutes of class are reserved for a cool-down, as well as painting presentations. Mats and art materials are provided.
The Tabata-Inspired Water Workout
Why not take one of your higher-intensity classes into the pool and see just how different, fun and healing it can be? This Tabata-inspired workout will create new raving fans.
3 Steps to Help Clients Unplug
Use the warmup to create a bridge from digital distraction to full, present engagement.
Creative Ideas That Inspire
Rock Steady Boxing is offered at TITLE Boxing Club in Carlsbad, California. The program is based on professional boxing training but is geared to people with Parkinson's disease. The noncontact boxing techniques allow participants to enjoy a boxer's workout without sparring or fighting. The method's goal is to "attack" the vulnerable neurological points of Parkinson's by increasing balance and decreasing instability, rigidity and tremors. The class is open to men and women of all ages and fitness levels.
A High-Intensity Cardio Class With Strength and Step Intervals
This class alternates high–intensity step combinations and drills with strength training exercises, using an interval format to create a fun and challenging workout. Cardio sections include easy–to–follow step moves, while strength segments use the step to add intensity. This format is sure to please step fans and high–intensity enthusiasts.
Step It High, Tone It Down Details
GOAL/EMPHASIS: to provide a total–body workout with a new take on a traditional step format
Training the Pelvic Core
"I wish someone had told me this could happen to my body after having a baby!" . . . "Why did my doctor tell me I could return to exercise at my 6–week checkup?"
Sample Class: Body-Weight Barrage
When was the last time you taught a class based solely on using the body as a "machine"? Body–weight exercises are often undervalued and underused. Many people want to advance rapidly, and they end up neglecting important functional (and foundational) movement patterns. Body–Weight Barrage blends popular strength training moves with cutting–edge training methods in a way that challenges clients at any fitness level without using barbells, dumbbells or any other equipment.
Creative Ideas That Inspire
Floatfit®, offered at facilities worldwide, is a 30–minute HIIT workout on water. Participants utilize the aquabase®, an inflatable floating platform made of military–grade PVC fabric that provides a water–top platform for exercise. The full–body workout includes moves like burpees, lunges, squats and aquaclimbers, with an added balance challenge for training on the water's surface. Instructors also incorporate stretching into this dynamic half hour.
The Group Fitness Trifecta
Measure your progress with a three-pronged approach to metrics.
Pilates For Postmenopausal Women?
Can Pilates mat exercises help early postmenopausal women to gain strength and flexibility and reduce menopausal symptoms? Korea University researchers wanted to find out, as little research exists on this group.
Do Kids Get a Passing Grade for Exercise in 2016?
The 2016 United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth has been released, and it’s clear our kids did not make the “movement honor roll.” In overall activity participation, 6- to 19-year-olds earned a dismal D-, with only 21.6% of them achieving the recommended 60 minutes of activity per day on most days of the week.
The report card is produced as part of the U.S. National Physical Activity Plan, which assesses activity levels and offers solutions for improvement.
Thriving After a Stroke
client: Gary | personal trainer: Tracy Markley, owner, Tracy's Personal Training | location: Florence, Oregon
Surviving a stroke. In May 2014, 65–yearold Gary had a stroke so severe his doctors were skeptical he'd survive it. Fortunately they were wrong, but he suffered so much damage that physical therapists were initially convinced he'd be wheelchair–bound for life.
3 Rowing Workouts to Boost Strength, Endurance, and Aerobic Capacity
Don’t forget about the rowing machine—it’s a perfect tool to help client improve all areas of fitness.
The 4 Most Common Running Injuries and How to Address Them
Use corrective exercise to help clients stay on track with their mileage goals.
6 Ways to Help Clients Rediscover the Joy in Exercise
Getting people to move more begins with shifting the fitness conversation from tomorrow’s gains to today’s joy, experts say.
Researchers Warn Seniors: Avoid High-Intensity Exercise
High-intensity exercise is all the rage these days. But for some—particularly, older adults—too much intensity may do more harm than good, warns a new study.
The study’s primary purpose was to understand the effects of various forms of leisure-time physical activity on the cardiovascular health and mortality rates of older adults. To determine these effects, researchers studied the records of 3,298 individuals. Their average age at enrollment was 69, and the median follow-up period was 17 years.
Sample Class: HIIT Remix
If your members enjoy amazing results from HIIT workouts but crave a more gentle approach to burning calories, HIIT Remix is the solution. This class takes the results-focused challenge of a traditional high-intensity conditioning class and presents it in mellow, low-impact versions of favorite interval drills. Participants will appreciate the change of pace and the opportunity to cross-train. HIIT Remix Details
Creative Ideas that Inspire
Barrelesque at Rock in Opposition, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a mash–up of various dance styles, Pilates and yoga. It includes barre techniques, but it also spices things up with burlesque–style dance movements. Open to all levels, this class provides a dynamic workout in a playful environment.
Games at My House Fitness® in Winter Springs, Florida, is a school recess–inspired experience for adults.