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The reformer, the most asked about and widely used piece of Pilates equipment, has come a long way since Joseph Pilates conceived it many years ago using ropes, pulleys and a moving platform (carriage) to “resist . . . movements in just the right way so those inner muscles really have to work against it” (The Pilates Center 1999-2003).
Read MoreThat dreaded time of year has come again. You have to justify exactly why your boss should open up her tightly wrapped wallet to increase your pay. Some employees see this as an anxiety-filled experience, while others view it as an opportunity to showcase their talent and worth.
Read MoreAs a member of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, I will be guided by the best interests of the client and will practice within the scope of my education and knowledge. I will maintain the education and experience necessary to appropriately teach classes; will behave in a positive and constructive manner; and will use truth, fairness and integrity to guide all my professional decisions and relationships.
Read MoreWhen personal training was a new industry, many trainers did not have mentors because they were the pioneers. Now, times are different. Savvy personal trainers know that good mentors can boost their careers. (See “The Mentoring Pathway” on page 34 of the March 2003 IDEA Personal Trainer.)
Read MoreThe IDEA mission to Inspire the World to FitnessTM begins with each of you. Your expertise in integrating equipment and fitness activities is the key to attracting and retaining exercisers.
The more people are attracted to—and retained by—your programs and facilities, the more people will exercise. Their participation helps build your business, which enables you to provide more programs and equipment. That is a circle of fitness worth completing for everyone.
idea fitness managerCustomer Profile
Percentages in this section are likely the respondents’ estimates or observations. Respondents may not have had reference data.
The estimated percentages do not equal 100% because of rounding.
Read MoreToday’s older adults are a frisky and diversified bunch, according to a recent poll conducted by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. Here’s a look at the most popular sports and athletic activities (based on participation frequency) among Americans 55 and older, for the year 2002:
Read MoreIn the June issue, I sketched out the first phases of setting up your own personal training business, based on my own experiences. The steps outlined in the June article showed you how to assess the market for your services, write a business plan, secure the necessary financing and find a suitable location. Now here…
Read MoreLike many other group fitness instructors, I am making the transition to personal training (while keeping my classes). However, I am sensing resistance from the personal trainers at the club where I work. They act as though I have no knowledge, skills or industry longevity. What can I do to climb the wall dividing “trainers”…
Read MoreHow many of you took group fitness classes in the 1980s? Do you remember exercises that mimicked the “downward dog” and “plough” poses? During those years, many fitness instructors—specifically those who taught aerobics when it was associated with veterans Jacki Sorensen and Jane Fonda—used yoga- and Pilates-based movements in their classes without knowing it. Today,…
Read MoreIf you own a PFT business, take advantage of free access to an online classroom of business courses, workshops, information resources, learning tools and counseling assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s E-Business Institute Web site.
Read MoreDid you know that experts are noticing an increase in eating disorders among middle-aged and older people? The Remuda Ranch, a treatment center for females with eating disorders in Phoenix is seeing more middle-aged and senior women with such problems for the first time. The center gives the following reasons for the rise in eating disorders among this age group:
a dramatic increase in youth consciousness compared
to 20 years ago
The number one question I get from convention participants is “How do I become a presenter?” Oprah Winfrey said it best: “Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.” Although I was lucky to partner with Reebok early in my career, I had paid my dues long before this relationship began. When I worked in…
Read More1. Understand How Yoga Benefits Athletes. The postures, breathing and inner focus of yoga can help balance, strengthen and restore overtaxed muscles, joints and ligaments. In addition to elongating tight, fatigued and shortened muscles, yoga helps calm and clear the mind.
Read MoreTo the well-being of your participants, deep relaxation is as important as regular exercise and is therefore a logical addition to your class cool-downs. Daily stresses can trigger physical and emotional tension that, if unmanaged, can harm health. Progressive relaxation and guided imagery are easy skills to learn and great services to add to your…
Read MoreNo two ways about it: Functional balance training is hot. This progressive concept has permeated all aspects of fitness, sports and elite athletic training and often brings with it a prop or two. Whether you are the type of person who hops on the balance trainer without a second thought or the type who prefers…
Read MoreFear of failure stops many people from exercising or trying new activities. According to David E. Conroy, PhD—assistant professor of kinesiology and director of the sport psychology lab at Pennsylvania State University, University Park—they may specifically fear the shame and embarrassment that come with failure. They may be afraid that they won’t fulfill their ideal self-image. The thought of not doing well at exercise may make them anxious that they are not as competent as they believed and lower their self-esteem.
Read MoreWe work hard as personal trainers. Many of us invest a great deal of not only our time but also our hard-earned money in our chosen profession; expenses such as certifications, uniforms, CPR training, continuing education credits, business cards and fitness equipment really add up. The good news is that a significant portion
of the costs of doing business can be itemized as deductions. The bad news is that, because personal training is still a young profession, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) doesn’t always readily understand our deductions.
Feeling stressed? Maybe you can’t get to sleep, worry more than before, suffer from shoulder tension or feel overwhelmed? Although the best response to stress may be to juggle fewer activities, you can’t always cut down on what you do. You can, however, trick your stress alarm system into thinking you are doing less. Use these tips from Janet Lapp, PhD, professional speaker, author of Plant Your Feet Firmly in Mid-Air and publisher of The Change Letter, to help alleviate stress.
Read MorePersonal training is a popular activity because it helps clients achieve their goals. Although a new membership package may include several personal training sessions, over time the client pays extra for personal training. Often, businesses split the fee with the trainer.
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