When we speak of designing safe and effective workouts for a client who has never set foot in a fitness center, we face many more challenges than simply the choice of exercises. Embarking on a fitness journey can, for those new to a gym, represent an empowering...
The use of tart cherry (TC) juice seems to have experienced a surge in popularity, within the general public as well as elite athletic circles. Over the last decade, researchers have begun to investigate cherry juice's potential effects on such varied parameters as...
Creating an effective exercise routine for any client who falls into the category of “special populations” requires an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges and needs of each group. Clients living with any physical/developmental challenge have twice the...
Beta-alanine, a non-essential amino acid naturally produced in the body, also ranks as one of the most highly sought-after supplements among serious athletes. Prudent marketing efforts have convinced the public that beta-alanine supplementation might hold the key to...
The human body derives energy from food in order to fuel exercise movement as well as every essential bodily function. As ingeniously created machines, our bodies can manufacture energy in a variety of ways. Read on to learn about different sources of energy utilized...
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...
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...
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, 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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...