Exercise Program Design
The 10,000 Steps Myth: Do You Really Need That Many?
The “10,000 steps a day” benchmark has become a cultural fitness mantra, but its origins trace back to a Japanese marketing campaign in the 1960s rather than scientific evidence. Recent…
Social Fitness Boosts Your Health
Why Social Connections Matter Humans are wired to connect. When we have strong relationships, we not only feel happier, we actually get healthier.Research shows that people with meaningful social connections…
Living Well Matters More Than Just Living Long
When people talk about longevity, the conversation often centers on lifespan, the number of years someone lives. But a longer life does not always mean a better one. Imagine adding…
A Career Path for Pilates Instructors in 2025
With 8.6 million participants, Pilates is the fastest-growing exercise activity in the United States, according to a recent report from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (Rovell 2010). The 2010 IDEA Fitness Programs & Equipment Trends report found that 90% of facilities represented in the survey offer Pilates, up from 63% in 2002 (Schroeder 2010). What’s more, many facilities provide both group and private training, as well as fusion formats (e.g., Pilates-yoga). So it’s not surprising that Pilates instructors today have many career options.
How to Become a Yoga Teacher in 2025
If you are enthusiastic about yoga and have seen its transformative effect in your own life, it’s natural to want to share that with others. And if you are comfortable in front of a group but also know how to connect one-on-one, teaching yoga may be a perfect fit.
Pilates and Yoga Instructor Salary and Compensation Guide
Pilates or Yoga Instructors: Job Description & Stats
Pilates or yoga instructors teach classes and have specialized training in yoga or Pilates
Source: 2010 IDEA Fitness Industry Compensation Trends Report
Cardio Exercise Zones: A Guide for Fitness Professionals
Understanding and applying cardio exercise zones can significantly elevate a fitness professional’s ability to design smart, personalized programs. These zones, based on heart rate percentages, allow for targeted training that…
How Zone 2 Cardio Can Support Fat Loss and Maintenance While Using GLP-1 Medications
If you’re taking GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) for weight loss or diabetes management, you already know how powerful these drugs can be in helping…
Implementing a Zone 2 Cardio Workout into Your Routine
What Is Zone 2 Cardio? Zone 2 cardio refers to exercising at a low to moderate intensity where your heart rate is elevated but you can still hold a conversation….
Don’t Let AI Be Your Only Coach
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…
Understanding Cardio Exercise Zones
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…
Getting Started with Functional Fitness
If you’ve ever wished your workouts made daily life feel easier—like lifting groceries, climbing stairs, or playing with your kids—then functional fitness might be exactly what you’re looking for. This…
New Trends in Functional Fitness
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…
The Bender Ball: Crunch-less Core
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,…
Understanding the Difference Between Muscle Hypertrophy and Muscular Strength
More Than Just Building Muscle When most people start a resistance training program, they usually have a goal in mind: getting stronger, looking more toned, or building bigger muscles. But…
The Efficacy of Deep Core and Transverse Abdominal Exercises
In the world of fitness and rehabilitation, the concept of “core training” has evolved far beyond basic sit-ups and crunches. The current trend focuses on deep core muscles, particularly the…
The Science and Resurgence of Metabolic Training
Metabolic training is enjoying a notable comeback in fitness culture, driven by a blend of evidence-based benefits, consumer demand for efficient workouts, and the evolution of fitness technology. Described by…
The Benefits of Olympic Weightlifting in Older Populations
Olympic weightlifting, often associated with younger and elite athletes, is increasingly recognized for its benefits across various age groups, including older populations. As individuals age, they face a gradual decline…
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:…
Time Spent Outdoors Boosts Health, Fitness, and Well-Being
In an increasingly digital and fast-paced world, the call of the wild is more than poetic—it’s essential to human health. Emerging research shows that spending time outdoors is a profoundly…