Archive for February 2015
Americans’ Snacking Habits Sneak Up on Them
Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes
Did you know that diabetes affects nearly one-tenth of the U.S. population—a widening epidemic with more than 5,000 new cases per day (ADA 2013)? Type 2 diabetes, formerly called non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes, accounts for about 90% of diabetes cases (IDF 2014).
Read MoreGROOMing Habits, Part One
Unless you’re extremely fortunate, quality instructors are not knocking down your door begging for work. Instead, you likely find yourself cycling through recently certified fitness pros who have little or no experience. They come, they go and you start over. The amount of time and attention you invest in staffing can take your eyes off the bigger picture, which is to help people get fit and healthy.
Read MoreNine Traits That Top Trainers Look For in Managers
As an owner or a manager, could you be putting off talented trainers without knowing it? We asked some top fitness pros what they look for when seeking employment. What they have to say may help you become the type of manager that the best-quality trainers yearn to work for.
Read MoreInspired Business, Part Five: Staff Buy-In
At an inspired fitness facility, people are encouraged and motivated to generate a “positive vibration.” This business model makes members feel special, and it motivates people not only to join your facility but also to thrive in your fitness community. What happens when your employees are treated as well as your members?
Read MoreLessons From the Trenches, Part One: The Leader Within
Many fitness professionals aspire to take their careers to the next level. Whether the goal is to become a better personal trainer or coach or to become the chief operating officer of a large fitness chain, great leadership is the underlying theme.
Read MoreHow to Cope With Change
Change is inevitable. Organizations restructure, fitness facility ownership turns over and managers come and go. Although change can be positive, for many people the mere thought of it breeds anxiety and fear. During times of job stress, productivity declines; in addition, the rumor mill ramps up, morale may deteriorate and valued employees may look for other opportunities. As a manager, you are responsible for guiding employees through these potentially difficult times.
Read MoreA New Voice for Fitness Entrepreneurs
For almost 30 years, Fitness Manager has kept fitness managers, owners and directors informed and engaged in an industry that has grown exponentially. Readers have benefited from the many insights from experts who have shared insider information on sales and marketing, operations, leadership and technological advances. Now, it is time to transition to a new content experience for an evolving market and readership.
Read MoreFirst, Do No Harm
A longtime athlete who found himself constantly falling prey to injury, Greg Roskopf, MA, created a new approach to recovery called Muscle Activation TechniquesTM. The process, which helps to identify unique causes of muscle tightness and weakness in order to remedy them, has been used by professional athletes playing for the Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets, as well as a wide range of other clients.
Read MoreSocial Media Love
Diving Deeper Into the Affordable Care Act
The article by Natalie Digate Muth, MD, MPH, RD, FAAP, on components of the Affordable Care Act was informative and valuable [“10 Things Fitness Pros Need to Know About the Affordable Care Act,” November–December 2014]. A few additional considerations for fitness professionals entail working with physicians and insurance providers.
Read MoreCreative Ideas That Inspire
At Danser Studio in Tucson, Arizona, members get into the groove with the POUND Rockout. Workout.™; a full-body cardio-jam session that combines simulated drumming with Pilates, isometric movements and plyometric and yoga-based poses.
Read MoreSample Class: Cycle Diversion
You spend so much time making play- lists and designing your indoor cycling classes, but there are days when the creativity doesn’t flow or you’re asked to sub last minute. The following class not only demonstrates the power of cuing and careful drill selection; it also helps you multitask. For example, mix and match this ride by taking one stage and adding it to a preexisting class. Other options: Use two of the stages for 30-minute classes, or use all three for a complete ride.
Cycle Diversion Details
Read MoreWake Up Your Glutes!
It’s a sad fact of modern life that the gluteus maximus, the largest muscle in the body, often becomes inhibited and “turns off.” Ironically, this inhibition can be the culprit behind some cases of back and knee pain.
Read MoreHow to Make HIIT a Hit for Everyone
High-intensity interval training has been riding a wave of popularity, and it seems everyone wants to give it a try. However, intense interval training is nothing new. Group fitness instructors have been teaching HIIT for a long time. Fartlek training, for example, was big in the 1970s. The 1980s brought us high-impact classes, and the 1990s introduced indoor cycling (think repeat hill training). HIIT is a fantastic workout and an effective way to train energy systems; build muscle; lose weight; enhance strength, power and agility; and prevent adaptation.
Read MoreRECIPE FOR HEALTH: Garden Pea Soup
We are on the cusp of the vernal equinox, which means that in many parts of the country spring peas are about to bust out of their pods. But don’t worry if you don’t yet have access to the fresh emerald orbs that herald this season of renewal—frozen peas will work as well in this easy recipe from Vitamix’s Whole Food Recipes cookbook (2010 VitaMix® Corporation). Add lush color and fresh, lively flavor to your lunch or to a light dinner by pairing a bowl of this simple soup with a salad or a sandwich.
Read MoreAsk the RD
Question: I have a couple of questions regarding eggs. Specifically, what is the best way to store them, and how long do I have
to consume them? My understanding is that the date stamped on the egg carton is the sell-by date, and I have about a week or so after that date to con- sume the eggs. My sister believes the date is an expiration date and says the eggs should not be eaten after that day. Also, my husband, who grew up in Europe, feels it’s okay to store eggs on the kitchen counter, and I’m not sure that is safe. Can you clarify these issues?
Click Your Way to Local Produce and Health Food
Online food shopping is coming into its own. A few companies launched click-and-ship grocery models
at the peak of the dot-com frenzy, but they failed pretty spectacularly. The market was not yet ready.
Today, it’s a different story. Check out these two innovative models, which could add the crucial convenience factor that you or your clients may need to keep you on track with your nutritional health.
Farmers’ Market—Overstock.com
Read MoreFascia and Function in a Changing World
Some personal trainers have an insatiable appetite for knowledge and growth opportunities. 2015 IDEA Personal Trainer Institute™ East, held in Alexandria, Virginia, February 25-27, offered an “educational buffet” complete with all the requisite “nutrients” a growing fitness professional needs.
Read MoreTraining Clients for the Workplace
Fitness professionals may be missing a large piece of the training puzzle if they aren’t addressing clients’ work-related training needs. While most clients may not be professional athletes, they are in fact “occupational athletes,” meaning they spend 40 or more hours a week on the job.
Read MoreSmall-Group Training: Tricks of the Trade
Five small-group training experts answer questions about this burgeoning trend. Topics include working simultaneously with clients at different skill levels; training people with special needs (whether they are athletes or clients with disabilities); handling no-shows; and teaching warm-ups.
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