By KINSEY MAHAFFEY Strength training research points to the importance of training to muscle failure to maximize exercise-induced muscle hypertrophy (Willardson 2007). Many gym-goers use a standard horizontal load system, also known as a straight-set, to reach this goal.This system…
By Brian Sutton Of the various components that comprise a client’s total physical fitness program, cardiorespiratory endurance is probably the most misunderstood and underrated. In order to understand how to perform cardiorespiratory training in the most effective and efficient way,…
By Nicole Golden “The gym is mostly for grandma; she belongs there more than the rest of us do. We are doing this for recreation, she is doing this to sustain her independent way of life.” (Isratel, 2021) Regular exercise…
By Nicole Golden It is somewhat shocking to look at statistics on death and chronic illnesses in the United States only to realize that many of these diseases are entirely preventable by lifestyle choices. Metabolic disorders (i.e., dyslipidemia and type…
By Brad Dieter Personal training can be one of the most rewarding careers an individual can pursue. You get to connect with people on a meaningful level, you positively impact their lives, and you can work in a field that…
By JACQUELINE KAMINSKI Protein, Protein, Protein. By this point, most of us are aware of protein’s muscle-enhancing benefits — especially regarding exercise. But does attaining the highest levels of fitness require the addition of protein powders to your diet? For…
By KINSEY MAHAFFEY There are endless tech options available when it comes to tracking intensity levels during a workout, but technology sometimes requires a learning curve, and it can be expensive. While these products do provide tons of helpful information…
By JACQUELINE KAMINSKI First things first: food gives you energy. Without energy, you can’t perform. As in any sport, food powers your workouts and helps you recover afterwards. Without proper nourishment, you will fail to improve any aspect of your…
Core stability and strength, while an important component of any person’s fitness profile, is critical for the health and well-being of older adults. Conditions such as balance and coordination deficits, back pain, poor muscle endurance overall can be significantly improved…
By KINSEY MAHAFFEY Whether you’re preparing for an athletic competition or a weekend pick-up game, the way that you prepare your body for training or competition can make or break your performance. While it’s tempting to just jump into play after…
by Stacey Penney Before we can begin to answer the question of how much activity is enough, we need to consider what fitness means. Fitness is synonymous with health, our physical condition and even our ability to complete the tasks…
By TRX Workouts Designed With Everyone In Mind Whether you’re a Navy SEAL, a septuagenarian with bad knees, or anywhere in between, you can use the TRX Suspension Trainer. Suspension Training® is accessible: anyone, at any fitness level—including people with…
By Stacey Penney The mere mention of sweet potatoes brings memories of a Thanksgiving table to mind. These nutritional tuberous all-stars have found their way onto everyday menus and, in some cases, have even bumped the traditional white potato out…
By Dana Bender With the multitude of workouts available on the internet, it can feel overwhelming to get started. Also, beginner exercisers, or those just getting back into it after a break, might not know the best place to start…
By ANDREW PAYNE Do you have trouble losing body fat, yet seem to gain it after even the smallest slip up with your diet? Or does it feel like you can eat for days without gaining an ounce? It could…
By Nicole Golden Spare tire, breadbasket, muffin top, Jello pudding pack, and love handles are all terms synonymous with abdominal (belly) fat. “What should I eat to get rid of this muffin top?” “I heard that XYZ workout program will…
By JACQUELINE KAMINSKI As times change, so do new ways of thinking. With that, many new philosophies surrounding food and diet culture emerge. One of those beliefs use to be that a high-fat diet was the cause of many diet-related…
By Nicole Golden Blood flow restriction (BFR) training was initially developed in Japan in the 1960s and is also referred to as Kaatsu training. At first glance, BFR may appear to be an experimental and perhaps fringe training practice, yet…
By JACQUELINE KAMINSKI It’s easy to become a victim to misinformation on the internet when thousands of hits populate every time you type a question into google. Unfortunately, when it comes to nutrition everyone thinks they are an expert —…
By Allison Brager Veganism has been a tremendously growing movement in recent years. Best-selling books & plant-based protein start-up companies, products, and nutrition courses have fueled its growth. Every kind of nutritional plan has its benefits and costs. Today, I…
By KINSEY MAHAFFEY Cutting weight may not be the answer for long-term weight loss goals, but if you’re looking to lose body fat and increase muscle mass for an event that’s 2-4 months away, then doing a cut might be…
by JACQUELINE KAMINSKI Iron is a mineral you often hear nutrition coaches and sports nutrition coaches advocate to get more of to avoid the risk of deficiency. But why? Why is this mineral so important and why should you make…
KINSEY MAHAFFEY Welcome to part 5 of our push-ups series! If you’ve been following along, then you’ve already read about the importance of form and how to perform a push-up, ways to program and progress the push-up in Phases 1-3…
KINSEY MAHAFFEY Can pushups build muscle mass and be incorporated into strength training? Yes! In part 3 of this series, we explored different variations of the push-up and how to progress the push-up in Phase 1 of the OPT Model,…
KINSEY MAHAFFEY In case you missed it, in part 1 of this series, we discussed the proper set-up and form for push-ups, as well as the muscles used in the movement. This article, part 3, will explore a few variations…
TONY AMBLER-WRIGHT If you were able to try out the standard push-up stated in our first article of this series and found it to be more challenging than what you’ve been doing, this is excellent news! Most often, when the…
By JACQUELINE KAMINSKI “Make sure you stretch!” – Something we often hear before or after we participate in any sort of exercise. But is stretching that good for you? What exactly are the benefits of having a regular stretching routine?…
By Dana Bender As a coach, we are always looking at tools we can use with our clients to help them develop and gain personal insights that can propel them into taking future actions. In the realm of coaching, we…
BY dr ALLISON BRAGER Avocados are not just for Millennials. Avocados, much like coffee, are one of the most exported goods across Central America, and there’s a reason for it. Avocados are a healthy source of fats and essential nutrients…
JACQUELINE KAMINSKI “Make sure you stretch!” – Something we often hear before or after we participate in any sort of exercise. But is stretching that good for you? What exactly are the benefits of having a regular stretching routine? Let’s…
DR. ALLISON BRAGER You may have heard that abs are built in the kitchen. While this is partially true, it’s not the full story. While a healthy dose of body fat is a sign of overall health and wellness, body…
By Andre Adams Have you ever wondered how elite trainers leverage periodization and programming to maximize results? In this blog, we will explain the underlying principles that drive planning, periodization, cycles, and phases to help you improve program effectiveness -…
Three strategies you probably haven’t tried. By Krista Scott-Dixon, Ph.D., Alex Picot-Annand, PN2, Holistic Nutritionist SHARE Reviewed by Jennifer Martin, PhD It’s 3:17 am, and you’re awake. Your bedroom is a cool 65° F, and inky black thanks to your blackout…
By KINSEY MAHAFFEY You have likely seen food labels that say, “High in fiber!” These types of advertisements seem to suggest that something high in fiber must be healthy, but why? Does fiber matter? Am I getting enough of it…
By Dr Alison Brager Six years ago, I had an incredible experience. I had the opportunity to visit one of the largest banana plantations in the world: The Dole Plantation in Costa Rica. I visited during the peak heat of…
By Justin Kompf One of my biggest interests in health and fitness is behavioral coaching. Many chronic health issues boil down to decisions people make day in and day out. Coaching is both an art and a science that can…
Dr Allison Brager Exercise should not be stressful. I repeat exercise should not be stressful. Exercise should alleviate stress. Before I get into the biological explanation as to why exercise should and ought to alleviate stress, let’s briefly discuss how…
By Kinsey Mahaffey An athlete can eat a vegan or vegetarian diet without sacrificing their performance or body composition, but it takes planning and intentional food choices to be successful. This article will help to serve as a nutrition guide…
By Mel Siff The process of muscle contraction is central to all fitness, strength and sports training, yet there are many aspects of this apparently well-known phenomenon that are not adequately understood even at a more popular level. For a…
By KINSEY MAHAFFEY I’ve had many a client come into their workout in a panic because they seemingly gained 3-5 pounds overnight. The conversation goes something like this: “I can’t believe I put on 3 extra pounds yesterday,” says the…
By Brad Dieter Supplements have been at the heart of athletes for millennia. There are reports of athletes consuming non-traditional food items before the competition to improve performance as far back as the original Olympic Games. Over the millennia, the…
By Dana Bender Many organizations have started asking their employees to return to work onsite after they had been working remotely during the last year and a half due to the pandemic. While very few companies have transitioned to a…
By DR. ALLISON BRAGER Newton had it right all along: For every action, there is [indeed] a reaction. In 2021 this means that however hard we work towards our fitness goals, wellness goals, and professional goals, we must work that…
By Jace Fuchs In previous articles, we examined the first four phases of the Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model. We are now onto the last level and phase of the OPT model: Phase 5 Power Training. Before jumping into the…
By Jace Fuchs The Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model is a proven training system for CPTs that can help any client reach any goal safely and effectively. It is a system based on human movement science and integrated training principles…
BY NASM Moving along in our discussion of the different phases of the Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model, next, we have Phase 3 Muscular Development Training. Phase 3 is the second phase of the Strength Level of the OPT model…
By Andrew Mills As explained in the NASM-CPT 7 course, there are several types of muscle actions which are utilized to produce human movement; however, when most people think of exercise, they likely picture isotonic muscle actions. Isotonic muscle actions…
By KINSEY MAHAFFEY If you’ve worked out with a personal trainer or in a group fitness class, you may have heard the term ‘pelvic tilt’. A fitness professional may have even told you that you have a pelvic tilt, but…
By NASM Continuing our discussion of the different phases of training from the Optimum Performance Training (OPT) Model, next, we will be covering Phase 2 of the OPT Model titled Strength Endurance Training. This phase acts as a bridge between…
By Chris Frederick In a previous blog that compared static vs dynamic stretching, the NASM OPT model delineates what type of stretching is used at specific levels of training clients. This is especially important to know if you’re a Stretching…
By KINSEY MAHAFFEY A regular stretch routine will help you increase your flexibility, move better overall, and it’s also a great way to de-stress. As a beginner, it’s great to start with basic stretches that don’t require any crazy contortions…
By Brad Dieter Low carbohydrate diets have become a very popular tool for weight loss over the last several decades. While much of the scientific rationale behind why they are utilized for weight loss, such as the carbohydrate-insulin hypothesis, have…
By Neal Spruce Creatine monohydrate is currently the most effective performance enhancement supplement for persons seeking to improve their high-intensity exercise capacity (i.e., acute performance enhancement including the quality of each training session and production on game/competition day), and/or increase…
By KINSEY MAHAFFEY I have vivid memories of joining my dad as he laid on the ground with his legs elevated after a long run or intense biking session. “What are you doing, dad?” I asked as I wiggled in…
By TRX Recovery—aka what you do to help the body and mind manage the strain of physical activity and stress—isn’t a new concept. Those flimsy white foam rollers have been floating around physical therapy offices for decades. Believe it or…
By NICHOLAS A. DINUBILE It’s been said, that if all the benefits of exercise could be placed in a single pill, it would be the most widely prescribed medication in the world. Scientific evidence continues to mount supporting the numerous…
By Andre Adams With any training regimen the body is always in a state of adaptation. To continuously improve performance over time, your training must be modified to increase the acute variables and progressively overload the muscles. In this blog…
By KINSEY MAHAFFEY Functional training has been a popular training term for decades, and you’ve likely seen the term used recently in gym advertisements, fitness magazines, and social media videos. Unfortunately, sometimes in the fitness industry, a term meant to describe…
DR. SCOTT CHEATHAM Your client has just recovered from COVID-19 and is cleared by the medical professional to return to exercise. The client contacts you to schedule a training session. After scheduling the client, you begin to think of the…
By Julie King 10 Tips for Managing Stress in Difficult Seasons If there was ever a question about whether a universal difficult season existed, 2020 has proven that it does. Given the significant challenges of COVID-19 and the fallout that…
By Kevin Williamson There has been an increasing shift from unstructured play to more specialized forms of training for kid athletes. Whether they should participate in strength training, what age they should begin, and what the best training methods are…
By Brad Dieter The glycemic index is one of the most popular tools used in nutrition, especially in weight loss, glycemic control, and sports Nutrition. When you Google the term “Glycemic Index,” you will return almost 26 million hits, meaning…
By Dana Bender With the multitude of workouts available on the internet, it can feel overwhelming to get started. Also, beginner exercisers, or those just getting back into it after a break, might not know the best place to start…
By Lauren Doss Congratulations! You’ve begun your journey to motherhood (or perhaps adding to the family!) and are looking to make the most of the next nine months. While prepping for the nursery, you may be wondering what you can…
By COLLEEN BRIDGES Determined, consistent, and tenacious are just a few words I like to use to describe my Parkinson’s Disease “fighters.” I call them “fighters” because instead of lying down and giving up, they have chosen to take charge…
By JACQUELINE KAMINSKI Have you ever worn a hat during your workout and later noticed white stains all over it? Well, those aren’t necessarily stains, but the dried electrolytes from your sweat! Electrolytes (and hydration) is an important subject for…
By KINSEY MAHAFFEY There are many reasons why someone might decide to start lifting weights, but one of the most common reasons is to lose weight. Consistent exercise, good nutrition, and adequate sleep are critical components of any weight loss…
By JACQUELINE KAMINSKI Intermittent Fasting… something that everyone wants to try when it comes to losing weight. But does it work? Are there any real health benefits to doing it? If so, what’s the best way to navigate it? WHAT…
By Nicole Golden Exercise during pregnancy can be quite beneficial though there are many myths and concerns surrounding safe exercise practices during this time. A well-planned training program can provide benefits such as reduction in the risk of gestational diabetes,…
Posted by Aaron Laurence Combining Core Strength With Abdominal Exercises to Get Those 6-Pack Abs We’re all familiar with the standard exercises everyone recommends for getting 6-pack abs: barbell rack squats, Supermans, bicycle crunches, and everyone’s favorite — forearm planks…
DR. SCOTT CHEATHAM The COVID-19 virus can have a significant impact on an individual’s health and ability to exercise. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has noted 11 main COVID-19 symptoms: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty…
By Lauren Doss In the summer of 2016, I was preparing to give birth to my son and was eager to rejoin my friends at my CrossFit gym. Having kept up a regular prenatal exercise routine throughout my pregnancy, I…
BYJACQUELINE KAMINSKI What is the most effective way to calculate caloric expenditure from physical activity? Well, unless you are in a research lab and have access to a metabolic cart, you will never get an exact value. However, we are…
By Christine M Conti Offer up these simple tips to aid arthritic clients reduce flare-ups, decrease symptoms, and experience more pain-free days!In 2020, COVID-19 changed the world. Businesses closed, social gatherings ceased, isolation grew, and the fear of catching the…
By Bojana Galic Competitive athletes know every slight edge over a rival can make a big difference on the field, court, or track. That edge makes it worth the extra time running through drills, strength training, or zeroing in on…
By Angie Miller MS If you’re an NASM-CPT, fitness instructor, or other health professionals, you know that one of our biggest challenges is getting prospective and current clients to listen to what we have to say. No matter how educated…
By KINSEY MAHAFFEY The term “circuit training” is widely used by fitness professionals, magazines, gyms, and fitness classes. If you did a google search to find circuit training classes in your area, no two classes would likely look precisely the…
By Dana Bender Feelings of stress can manifest in different ways for different people. In some cases, internal tension emerges because situations in our lives do not match our internal expectations, or because things do not go as per our…
By Brad Dieter Collagen supplements have become a significant contender in the protein supplement market and are quickly rising to the top of the list regarding what supplements people are buying. Despite the rise in popularity, there are many questions…
By Portia Page Since mid-March, most of the country has been dealing with social distancing rules, stay-at-home orders, business closures, overcrowded hospitals and limited health services. Consequently, many people are feeling isolated and lonely and may be hurting emotionally and…
By ANGIE MILLER, MS Communication is the largest single factor that determines the quality of our relationships. As trainers, instructors, and other health professionals, our ability to communicate effectively will drive our careers’ success. Sometimes communication is simple, and it flows…
By KINSEY MAHAFFEY Squats are a staple exercise in any workout. From bodyweight squats to barbell squats and everything in-between, you can find a squat variation that uses almost any equipment type. Not only is the squat one of the most…
By Fabio Comana Stress stimulates appetite, it increases abdominal fat, it increases risks for disease and it can even play a role in our intimate relationships. The list could keep going, but what exactly is stress and how is it…
By KINSEY MAHAFFEY After hours of sitting at your desk, sitting behind the wheel, and sitting on the couch, the glutes can become underactive. Over time, our bodies adapt to long hours of sitting, resulting in unwanted back pain and…
By Dana Bender I have often heard clients, fitness center members, and friends share their weight loss journey through improved nutritional habits over my fifteen years as a fitness and behavioral change professional. Most of these examples and stories are…
By JACQUELINE KAMINSKI When it comes to embarking on a weight loss journey, or even if you’re looking to make some minor changes in your diet and create more stability and consistency, planning ahead is always going to be helpful! Remember,…
By Melissa Hatton Do you remember the recent social media “planking” fad where individuals would perform planks in some precarious and curious places? While some were photoshopped to express creativity and superhuman strength, when performed correctly, he plank is an…
By KINSEY MAHAFFEY As a behavior change specialist, many of our clients like to set new goals for the New Year. By this time of the year, however, it’s estimated that a large majority of people who set New Year’s…
By Nicole Golden Weight-lifting was historically an exercise modality that women shied away from for fear of being “too masculine” or “getting too big.” Female strength sports did not become fully recognized until the 1970s and 1980s with the recognition…
By NICOLE GOLDEN Ideal protein (PRO) intake is a topic of much debate in the fitness community as the benefits and recommended intakes can vary greatly depending on the source. Likewise, PRO needs can be considerably different depending on an…