Protein ranks number one in terms of nutrients essential for maintaining optimal health. The word originates from the Greek word protos, meaning "first", further underscoring its all-important status. Protein contributes to the building of lean muscle mass, explaining...
Cathleen Kronemer
The Power of Routine: Helping Clients Stay Focused and Resilient
Routines represent more than just a series of repetitive actions in which we engage on a daily basis. They form the backbone of a balanced and productive existence. By incorporating routines into our lives, we can foster a sense of stability and familiarity, even when...
Getting to the “Sole” of the Debate: Squatting With or Without Shoes
A majority of fitness centers across the country require members to wear closed-toed athletic shoes when lifting weights and engaging in other aerobic-type endeavors. Whether a matter of safety (protecting delicate bones in the feet in case someone nearby drops a...
Biohacking Offers a Pathway to Achieving Personal Goals
Biohacking, an emerging term and trend these days, refers to incremental shifts we can make in order to “hit the reset button” on both body and lifestyle. Biohacking involves making small, strategic changes to current habits and behaviors, while also encompassing...
New Year Resolutions ~Using Behavioral Psychology to Boost Client Adherence and Motivation
Decades of research on what defines success in terms of adherence to a medication schedule revealed a multitude of factors. This same social-behavioral science research can apply to individuals who cannot, or will not, seem to prioritize the importance of physical...
Can Technology Replace Humans? Pro’s, Cons and Ethics in the Fitness Industry
As we discussed in a recent article, the advent of fitness-related wearable technology seems to have exploded. Taking this a step further, some tech companies have devised ways of tapping into the potential of artificial intelligence, or AI, for use in the fitness...
The Future of Fitness: Eyes Open to Emerging Trends and Technologies
We all recall the images and stories surrounding fitness pioneer Jack LaLanne. In his day, staying fit focused almost solely upon movement, muscle mass and clean nutrition. While these remain priorities for today’s fitness professionals, our ever-changing world of...
Steroids and Diabetes: The Potentially Lethal Duo
In almost all gyms and fitness centers across the country, trainers will find individuals who choose to take anabolic steroids as part of their training regimen. As fitness professionals, we cannot pass judgment one way or the other on the athletes’ choices. However,...
Modifications to Contraindicated Exercises: Playing It Safe in the Gym
Many of the traditional exercises which we either learned en route to getting certified, or along the way from various industry leaders and professionals, have the potential to cause injury. While controversy does exist among professionals, biomechanical research...
Readjusting the Scales: Striking a Balance Between Body Neutrality and Body Positivity
At this time of year, many individuals begin thinking of getting into better shape to kick off the New Year. While this always remains a laudable goal, it often goes awry, leading some down a dangerous path of disordered eating and/or striving for a potentially...
Strength in Balance: Innovative Techniques to Enhance Stability and Prevent Injuries
Image Options: 109497998 174949772 194667969 43951860 180638554 We require a stable sense of balance to successfully execute every movement of daily life, from standing to walking, cycling to raking leaves, getting out of bed, and even reaching for an item on a top...
Pre-Workout Kitchen Science: Homemade Alternatives for Exercise Energy
In a previous article, we presented varying viewpoints on the necessity of pre-workout supplementation. Here we explore a more holistic approach to pre-workout nutrition. Read on to learn some of the research on this topic as well as some delicious energy-packed and...
Pre-Workout Checklist: Is Supplementation Necessary?
As the name would imply, pre-workout supplements claim to boost energy levels, improve strength and endurance, and increase focus prior to engaging in a tough workout. Some supplements market themselves as geared toward building muscle, while others might aim to stave...
Embracing The Skin You’re In: Eating and Training for Body Types
Each individual arrives at the gym with his own unique somatotype, or body shape. Optimizing training and nutritional intake to match genetic physical predisposition can help our clients progress from “just working out” to successfully creating the fit physiques they...
Thinking of Branching Out? Learn About BCAA Supplementation
In September of 2024, we presented an article highlighting the pro’s and cons of creatine use for serious bodybuilders. This month, we continue our series on sports supplementation with a detailed look at branched-chain amino acids, more commonly referred to as BCAAs....
The Unique Exercise Needs of Breast/Ovarian Cancer Survivors
In the United States alone, 3 million individuals have survived breast cancer; experts predict this number will increase by another million survivors within the next ten years. Healthy lifestyle habits, with an emphasis on regular physical activity, positively...
Understanding the Consequences of #fitspiration – How Influencers’ Use of Social Media Can Negatively Impact Body Image
Insufficient physical activity remains a major public health concern, heightening the risk of a multitude of health concerns as well as negatively impacting mental health. Many far-reaching public health campaigns attempt to promote physical activity. Online social...
Beyond Anatomy: Preparing New Trainers to Tackle Common Client Questions
After receiving any nationally-recognized Personal Trainer Certification, most burgeoning fitness professionals feel prepared to take on the world…or at least their very first client. Seasoned professionals have already learned some of the best-kept secrets of the...