Research & Resources
Building a Holiday Wellness Survival Kit
The holiday season brings joy, tradition, and togetherness, but it also brings disruption. Your training routine, nutrition goals, sleep schedule and mental calm can be challenged by extra social obligations,…
Running Never Gets Old
Running is perhaps one of humanity’s most primal movements. Our ancestors ran chasing prey, fleeing danger and traversing terrain. Today it remains one of the simplest and most accessible forms…
Exercise Activates Brain-Protective Cells
Study identifies mechanisms for how physical activity may prevent Alzheimer’s disease. New research reveals why exercise protects brain health. It activates specific brain cells in the hippocampus, the brain’s center…
Integrating Exercise into Clinical Mental Health Care
In recent years, the role of exercise in mental health treatment has gained significant attention. Beyond its physical benefits, regular physical activity is now recognized as a valuable component in…
IDEA Career Success Workshop: Staying in the Fitness Game
How do you succeed in the fitness profession? Whether you’ve just gotten certified, you’re returning to a fitness career or you’re an experienced pro who wants to develop new skills, the answer is the same: keep learning. Continuing education is a career necessity that becomes increasingly important as the fitness industry grows more sophisticated, diverse, specialized and evidence-based.
Understanding Zero Drop, Minimalist, and Barefoot Shoes
Footwear has come a long way from simple leather sandals to highly engineered athletic shoes. In recent years, there has been growing interest in alternatives to traditional cushioned shoes, namely…
The Nature Prescription
It’s easy to feel stressed, distracted, or even disconnected with today’s uncertainties and fast-paced society. But there’s one powerful solution that doesn’t cost anything and is right outside your door:…
A Comprehensive Approach to Lasting Wellness through Holistic Health
In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals seek more than just physical fitness—they crave complete well-being. Holistic health offers a transformative approach that integrates the mind, body, and spirit, helping people…
Empowering Mental Wellness Through Charitable Fitness Initiatives
As fitness professionals and wellness educators, we possess a unique opportunity to harness the power of exercise not only for individual health but also as a catalyst for community well-being….
Exercise and Its Impact on Mental Well-Being
The Impact of Exercise on Mental Well-Being Exercise is widely known for its physical benefits, but its impact on mental well-being is just as significant. Whether it’s a brisk walk,…
Athletes Have Better Working Memory
Better sports performance is consistently linked with superior working memory performance, according to findings published in Memory. Researchers from University of Jyvaskyla, in Jyväskylä, Finland, conducted a meta-analysis of 21…
Mentorship in Action: Introducing IDEA’s Fitness Mentor Network
The fitness industry is ever-evolving, presenting new challenges and opportunities for growth. Professionals in this field must stay ahead by continuously learning and adapting to changes in training techniques, coaching…
Children’s Fitness Levels and Teen Brain Fitness and Mental Health
Higher levels of motor and aerobic fitness in childhood are linked with better cognitive performance and mental health in adolescence, as reported in Sports Medicine (2024). Researchers from University of…
November Knowledge: Earn CECs & Advance Your Expertise with IDEA
This month at IDEA Health & Fitness Association, we’re all about YOUR education! Are you in need of CEC credits to renew your certification? Would you like to learn more…
Physical Fitness and Teen Attention Span
New research shows more fit teens have better attention span and concentration abilities. Teenagers between 15 and 18 years of age with higher overall fitness show better performance on concentration,…
Yoga for Diabetes
Prologue – From the moment she was diagnosed with diabetes, Alyssa’s life revolved around regular checkups, timely medication and rigorous dietary restrictions. As a person with a chronic metabolic condition,…
More Exercise—Better Sleep
New research shows value of exercise in promoting good quality sleep Physical training can make the difference between a good night of restorative sleep or tossing and turning, according to…
The Dimensions of Wellness: A 360° View of Wellness
Dimensions of wellness bring together key areas that need attention to ensure that health is not primarily centered on one area.
Mental Health in Children: Yoga to the Rescue
Poor mental health is detrimental to the development and well-being of children. Can yoga for children help improve symptoms?
Sleep Benefits for Exercise and Nutrition Goals
Here is more support for explaining to your clients why it’s important to get a good night’s sleep regularly and how sleep benefits them.