Archive for December 2012
Pilates for an Aspiring Ballet Dancer
As I prepared to transition out of my dance career, I opened my own Pilates studio. Ballet students were drawn to the opportunity to use Pilates to make their own dance dreams a reality. This case study explores how Pilates transformed one young dancer.
Read MorePilates Exercises Improve Back Health
Many clients come to you with low-back pain, a condition that affects 80% of Americans. In contrast, chronic low-back pain—defined as persistent pain and disability lasting longer than 3 months—affects approximately 2%-8% of Americans.
Read MoreInner IDEA® Conference Explores Range of Topics
Pilates instructors and enthusiasts left their studios behind for a weekend to delve into the evolving body of Pilates education presented at the 7th annual Inner IDEA Conference at La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, California, October 25-28, 2012.
Read MoreExercise Intensity vs. Volume: Which Is Better for Heart Health?
According to a study from the British Medical Journal, (2012; doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001711), a daily power walk offers more heart health benefits than a leisurely stroll, even if the stroll lasts longer.
As part of The Copenhagen City Heart Study, the researchers followed 10,135 men and women aged 21–98 for 10 years. The purpose was to find links between leisure-time physical activity and risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
Read MoreSitting Is a Death Trap
Lower Caloric Expenditure = Better Weight Loss Results?
The phrase “Eat less, move more” is often used as a simple direction for weight loss seekers. Recent study findings present a provocative challenge to the “move more” part of that equation.
Read MoreTRX® and 24 Hour Fitness Help Military Charity
On October 6 and 7, during San Francisco Fleet Week, 24 Hour Fitness and TRX teamed up to offer fitness challenges and classes to honor U.S. military personnel. Workouts were open to the military and the San Francisco Police Department. Nearly 250 personnel participated, making it the largest TRX workout to date.
Read MoreRegular Exercise Improves Quality of Life in Stroke Patients
According to the National Stroke Association, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in America and a leading cause of adult disability. A stroke can significantly impact quality of life and reduce functional capacity. However, research presented at the Canadian Stroke Congress in October suggests that stroke patients who engage in regular exercise can improve function.
Read MoreCustomer Service How-Tos
With savvy customers often looking for that little bit extra when they invest in fitness, customer service skills can make or break a business.
“It is the personal, little things that make a difference,” says Nicki Anderson, owner of Healthy Innovations Inc., in Naperville, Illinois. “You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on advertising [to draw clientele]. You simply have to care, bring value to your clients and always go a step beyond their expectations.”
Here are Anderson’s top tips for providing tip-top customer service for your clients and facility members:
Sitting Linked to Kidney Disease
In case your clients need more reason to get up every hour or so for a glass of water or a quick walk: Long sitting spells have now been linked to kidney disease.
Read MoreClinically Severe Obesity Rates Climb
Clinically severe, or morbid, obesity entails being 100 or more pounds overweight. A recent report suggests that rates of morbid obesity have been rising faster than those of moderate obesity.
Read MoreIHRSA 2012 Health Club Consumer Report
Curious about fitness facility activity, usage and trends among consumers?
Read MoreKids’ Fitness Interventions Failing
Childhood obesity, inactivity and poor food choices are taking a toll on today’s youth. In some cases, structured exercise is encouraged for weight management. Unfortunately, this approach doesn’t seem to be working.
Read MoreKettlebells improve strength, Power
Kettlebell training has experienced a resurgence of late. Going by the physical improvements the training can offer, is its popularity warranted? The answer is yes, according to a study published recently in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research (2012; 26 [8], 2228–33).
The scientists’ goal was to determine what effects the kettlebell swing had on maximal and explosive strength. They employed half-squat
1-repetition maximum and vertical jump height as assessment markers.
Come On, Get Happy
Cultivate Happiness
What helps someone become happier depends on the person, says researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky. “However, when we research strategies, the two that are often at the top of the list are physical activity and acts of kindness,” she says. “They seem to work better because they’re more tangible.”
Read MoreWeaving Mindfulness Into Movement
The October issue asked readers for examples of how they are integrating mindfulness practices into classes [Mind-Body-Spirit News]. I work at a university and run a variety of programs in fitness and wellness. One series we are doing this semester is a “Reflective Hike to Yoga” series.
Read MoreCreative Ideas That Inspire
20/20 FUNKtion in Wethersfield, Connecticut, combines two unique workouts into one 40-minute class. Participants choose classes such as Kickin’ Core, a combination of kickboxing and an abdominal workout, and Gentle Grace, a class that merges low-impact aerobics, flexibility, balance and stability exercises for a full-body workout.
Read MoreSample Class: Kids’ Kickboxing
Kids naturally love to move. Why not take advantage of their innate urge to wiggle? This kickboxing class not only helps kids strengthen their muscles and hearts; it also teaches body awareness, coordination and balance. You’ll even provide an environment that builds self-confidence; however, students won’t know that! They’ll just remember how much fun they had and will spend the rest of the day showing everyone the cool moves they learned in class.
Read MoreThe Proper Preparation
When it comes to warm-ups, indoor cycling instructors often fall victim to the “oatmeal effect”—good for you, but not very memorable. It’s easy to just jump on a bike and ride. However, with a little creativity and skillful instruction, you can engage participants from the start. Be prepared, connect with riders and add a little ingenuity. Begin with a warm welcome and a short introduction, and then ride into one of the following warm-ups.
Read MoreTricks of the Trade
As a stay-at-home mother of two, I offer only online training at this time. I find it fits well with my schedule and still allows me to work in the fitness industry, which I love. I offer both personalized training plans and a virtual boot camp open to a larger group of participants. In my…
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