When personal trainers hear the word “Pilates” specific images may be conjured up, such as a quiet room full of women extending their bodies in any variety of positions, or perhaps teetering on reformers as they strive to improve their balance, posture, and core...
Cathleen Kronemer
Cathleen Kronemer is an NFPT CEC writer and a member of the NFPT Certification Council Board. Cathleen is an AFAA-Certified Group Exercise Instructor, NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer, ACE-Certified Health Coach, former competitive bodybuilder and freelance writer. She is employed at the Jewish Community Center in St. Louis, MO. Cathleen has been involved in the fitness industry for over three decades. Feel free to contact her at trainhard@kronemer.com. She welcomes your feedback and your comments!
Can Cartilage be Regenerated?
Personal training clients may, from time to time, report some degree of cartilage damage or injury, frequently caused by overzealous participation in sports-related endeavors. Fortunately, there are various approaches to fostering new cartilage growth, and may prove...
Grip Strength: The New Biomarker of Longevity and Quality of Life
Business professionals often equate a firm handshake with an individual’s level of confidence. Research now shows that a powerful grip also correlates to longevity. Learn how incorporating grip strength into clients’ workout programs can foster a longer, healthier...
How Able is the Cable? Understanding Pulley Systems and Resistance
There are many ways to route cables through pulleys, offering both pros and cons in terms of mechanical advantage. Understanding the various types of pulley/cable-based fitness machines can help trainers select the right equipment to match every client’s needs. Making...
How Veggie-Based Nitrates Enhance Muscle Function
Could dark green leafy vegetables soon join the list of elite pre/post-workout muscle fuel? Read on to learn how natural sources of nitrates can foster better muscle contractile properties, lower blood pressure, and so much more! Biological Breakdown: Nitrates vs...
Bring on the Tension: Understanding Leverage vs. Compression Movements
Throughout any given day, our muscles perform both big and little movements which help shape our mobility. Tension always plays a role, but tension can be applied in different manners having various impacts. Learn about the different types of tension and how to...
Ankle Instability and its Effects on Balance
Balance refers to an even distribution of weight on any surface. Adequate balance allows one to remain upright and steady. Balance plays an important role in preventing injuries, maintaining mobility and supporting good posture. Training that specifically addresses...
Exercise and the Gastrointestinal System: How Digestion is Affected by Movement
Clients and athletes who experience diarrhea and/or other digestive problems after an intense training session often ask us the reason for this unpleasant intestinal interruption. Learn about the causes and the many ways to prevent or mitigate these situations, and...
Redirecting Non-compliant Clients
To a large extent, our daily lineup of clients often dictates our frame of mind. While we strive to uphold professionalism and treat each person as an individual with unique needs and goals, all trainers work with “that person”: the individual who just never seems...
Encouraging Exercise with Chronic Kidney Disease
The association between physical exercise and the overall health of patients with chronic renal failure shows great promise. As a trainer, could you recognize whether a new client might suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD)? While not displaying overt signs, this...
How Nitric Oxide Improves Muscular Contractions
Though the exact method remains somewhat unclear, dietary nitrate (a source of nitric oxide or NO) appears to improve the contractile properties of human muscle. Find out how athletes utilize this supplement to enhance performance! Boosting Blood Flow The...
Chakra Energy and Spiritual Healing
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.” ~ Helen Keller Unlike lean muscle mass and a sculpted body, traditional yoga is rooted in the notion of a subtle energy body that exists within each...
Gym Membership Deductions Personal Trainers Should Know
“Is my gym membership fee tax-deductible?” This inquiry pops up more often than one would think and personal trainers can be prepared to answer. Before giving clients an automatic answer, it may help to brush up on current tax laws that govern the world of fitness and...
Mighty Warriors of Muay Thai
The ancient martial art of Muay Thai, practiced the world over, definitely qualifies as a most intense exercise experience. Learn what this powerful sport entails, so that you may present a clear picture to any interested clients. Fighting with 8 Limbs Viewed as the...
The Air Pressure is On: Running Against the Barometer
For years, athletes both recreational and professional have accepted the fact that running at higher elevations poses a unique challenge. The air density diminishes at high elevations, rendering the oxygen molecules necessary to fuel the lungs fewer in quantity....
Oxidative Stress: Fighting the Free Radical Damage
Both scientific and anecdotal evidence consistently indicates that more active individuals tend to experience greater longevity and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and many forms of cancer. A regular, moderate exercise routine leads to higher natural...
Meal Prepping for Success
Prudent planning ensures the best possible outcome when embarking upon affordable, nutritious, and tasty meal prepping. The time invested pays off tenfold! Follow these steps to simplify the process. Selecting Menus in Advance When helping clients navigate the...
Classroom Movement Benefits Cognition and Focus
What if regular physical exercise possessed the ability to improve cognition and mental health along with payoffs in body composition? If parents and educators promote exercise in childhood, even in the classroom, imagine the payoff in terms of academic performance!...