The meniscus, also known as the "shock absorber" cartilage of the knee, provides stability and cushioning to the knee joint. It consists of two C-shaped tissues, one on the inner (medial) side and...
CEC Articles
Category for NFPT CEC articles (continuing education credits) containing information for NFPT-certified personal trainers to earn CECs.
Bone up on Stress Fractures and Prevent the Pain
If you've ever suffered a stress fracture, then you know that pain: the aching, often stabbing sensation in the shins, reminding us we overdid it on the trail running and high-impact aerobics, or...
Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics: The Symbiosis of Genetics, Nutrition and Fitness
As science draws ever closer to the reality of personalized nutrition for optimal performance, nutrigenomics --- the study of the interplay between nutrition/bioactive food compounds and gene...
What is Cellulite and Why Do Women Get It?
As a woman and a fitness professional, I have both "suffered" with and fielded countless questions about cellulite. If you as a personal trainer serve women in your practice, I guarantee this topic...
Understanding Quadratus Lumborum: What Personal Trainers Need to Know
The Quadratus Lumborum (QL) muscles, a common source of lower back pain, are located on either side of the lumbar spine. While they are situated at the lower back between the pelvis and the lowest...
Hiking Rim-to-Rim in a Single Day: Conquering the Grand Canyon
With the new year getting into full swing at gyms across the country, personal trainers may hear from clients who have set their sights on potentially arduous challenges in 2022. Hiking through the...
Amino Acids and Muscle Tissue: What Personal Trainers Need to Know
After amino acids have been taken up into muscle tissue, they serve two basic purposes with respect to muscle conditioning.
Balancing the Omega Fatty Acid Ratio in the Standard American Diet
Most health and fitness professionals have come to accept the premise that more omega-3 fatty acids in the diet can help control inflammation and heart health. However, the picture gets muddied when...
Blood Clots and Anticoagulants: Training Clients on Blood Thinners
As personal trainers, our training renders us well-versed in the subtleties of tweaking clients’ workouts to accommodate a variety of chronic health issues, of which understanding and recognizing...
Myostatin: Medical Breakthrough May Lead Athletes Astray
Any serious athlete knows that good results take time: dedication to training, proper nutrition, adequate rest, all of these things are strong contributors to any successful outcome. Some athletes choose to add a variety of natural supplements to their training regimen; yet even with this boost, there is no single “magic pill“ that can instantly transform the physique. Or is there?