Program Trends
A Yoga-Based Finish
Sun salutations integrate strength, endurance, flexibility, controlled breathing and mindfulness. This cycle of postures is traditionally used in many yoga classes to warm up the body, as the sequence addresses all major joints and muscle groups while increasing blood flow and circulation. However, it also helps to release stress on the spine and promote relaxation, a perfect combination for a cool–down!
Sample Class: Kids’ Beach Boot Camp
Kids don't usually line up to do squats and lunges, but they'll happily walk like a crab or run faster than a wave! Trick your littlest clients (aged 3—12) into getting a great workout with this quick–moving format packed with cleverly themed exercises.
Kids' Beach Boot Camp Details Goal: to engage kids and keep them moving while they have fun and feel successful Total time: 55—60 minutes Equipment needed:
Learning, Growing and Thriving for 35 Years
For nearly a decade, Robyn Krueger, MS, owner of Core Synergy Fitness in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, has traveled to the IDEA World Convention in pursuit of personal and professional advancement.
What’s Hot in Equipment: Fitness Pro Favorites
Fitness professionals like their equipment—from "tried-and-true" to "oh, so new." And equipment companies like to fill convention halls with fresh gear to help trainers and clients hit their goals. Of course, fitness pros also enjoy new gadgets for the pure thrill of them—and will sometimes go for equipment that targets a fun goal over a hypertrophy goal, for example.
Comparing Periodization Strategies for Women
Study reviewed: Bartolomei, S., et al. 2015. Block vs. weekly undulating periodized resistance training programs in women. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29 (10), 2679—87.
If your clientele includes women looking to boost their muscular strength within a specific time frame, creating periodized weight–training programs for them is a great idea. The question is: How should you structure the program? Bartolomei and colleagues' study published in 2015 offers guidance on two possibilities.
Reducing CVD Risk in Older Adults Who Are Obese
Exercise may protect against cardiovascular disease regardless of body mass index, according to researchers from Erasmus University Medical Centre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
They examined the health records and activity levels of 5,344 adults aged 55—97. Participants were categorized as normal weight, overweight or obese and were also classified by activity level. The study's purpose was to understand associations among weight, physical activity levels and CVD risk.
Movement Helps Kids’ Arteries
It's been documented that active kids tend to perform better in school, are less likely to gain excess weight, develop stronger muscles and bones, and much more. A new report published in Pediatric Exercise Science (2017. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/pes.2016–0168) adds improved arterial health to the list of benefits.
Exercise and Pain Perception in Older Adults
Can physical activity help us modulate pain? 2017 findings from Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis suggest that physical activity could offer some relief. The study, published in PAIN (2017; 158 [3], 383—90), aimed to determine if physical activity levels could predict how the nervous system interprets and perceives pain. Fifty–one adults aged 60—77 were recruited to participate. Prior to testing, each wore an accelerometer for 7
days to measure activity levels.
Is Exercise an Ineffective Tool for Weight Management?
Being physically active is a primary way to lose or manage weight—right? And sedentary behavior is largely to blame for
current rates of obesity? Well, let's slow down. Findings from
a study conducted at Loyola University Chicago challenge both those statements.
Resistance Training and the Cardiorespiratory Response
We know that resistance training improves strength, but can it also challenge the cardiorespiratory system? In a study published in The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research (2017; 31[3], 644—52), researchers analyzed the effects of three exercises performed three different ways, to determine the cardiorespiratory response to each.
Brief Bouts of Stair Climbing Boost Fitness Levels
Lack of time and no access to fitness equipment are two of the most common responses given by people who do not exercise. Researchers at McMaster University and Queens University, in Ontario, have released a report suggesting a workaround to those responses. The scientists have found that very short bouts of stair climbing can help people get in better shape.
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.
Overcoming the Fear of Change
client: Erin | personal trainer: Don Bahneman, MS, CSCS, general manager, fitness director and master personal trainer, The Energy Club | location: Arlington, Virginia
Fear of change. Erin, a member of The Energy Club, was searching for a new personal trainer in 2014. The one she had been working with was leaving for medical school, and Erin still had sessions remaining. After observing the trainers in the gym, she zeroed in on general manager and master personal trainer Don Bahneman.
The Foundation of a Fulfilling Future
Las Vegas has a reputation for secrets. As they say, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." This July, more than 10,000 professionals will break that cardinal rule because what happens at the 2017 IDEA World Convention will be shared with millions of people worldwide. With more than 335 workshops, lectures and workouts, plus tons of special events planned to celebrate IDEA's 35th anniversary, it will be impossible to keep quiet about the career-changing experiences and top-level knowledge offered at this year's event.
Older Adults Will Walk for Money, Charity
Want to motivate older adults to move more? Try offering them financial or charitable-giving incentives.
Fewer Repetitions Means Better Results?
Short-duration workouts have become popular over the past several years as the time-crunched seek out effective ways to exercise. Recent research adds more support for the benefits of fast workouts and indicates that less may even be more, provided you have appropriate equipment.
