A recent television commercial advertised the wonders of a new type of cat litter. The scenes transition from a woman in a parking lot loading her car after shopping, who throws the cat litter to a man on a bicycle, who then throws it to the person in the next scene and so on. How…
Summer Boot Camp finishes up with the final workout of this three-part series: core conditioning. A toned and tight tummy can make you appear taller and slimmer, but more importantly a strong torso helps improve your posture and enhance athletic performance. Gain the confidence to rock your summer attire with the help of these exercises…
July is always a crazy month for fitness pros. Holiday cookouts, vacations and super-hot weather all lead to erratic attendance for even the most die-hard fitness enthusiasts. As instructors and trainers, this time of year can definitely take its toll. With lower numbers, cancellations nearly every day, absence of your favorite front-row diva that always…
On the list of most coveted body parts, a set of rock hard abs ranks at the top. While a six-pack is certainly attractive, its importance goes far beyond vanity. The stronger our core, the more functional our bodies will be in our daily lives (and not just on the beach!). A solid core is…
We have all seen countless ads for exercise programs that promise a “flat belly.” Unfortunately, the promise of a flatter abdomen misses the mark when it comes to a fit mid-section, which functions to support your spine and promote good posture, among other things. In fact, upon further consideration, a flat belly isn’t really what…
One of the things that I love to do when I have the opportunity to travel and work out at different gyms is to read the biographies of the trainers that are typically posted on the wall of each facility. One common theme many trainers share in their bios is the fact that they teach…
It’s summer, which is the perfect time to hit the great outdoors with your clients to enjoy one of the best types of workouts! Research has shown that exercising outdoors improves mood, so why not help your clients feel better while getting stronger? Boot camps have high success rates because they can be designed for…
“I wasn’t born with good balance.” I hear those words often while training clients. I usually respond with, “Were you born able to ride a bicycle with two wheels, or did you train yourself how to depend less on four wheels and balance yourself?” Balance, or the ability to engage muscles in communication to hold…
For many, the glutes are an important asset when it comes to beachside beauty or looking good in jeans, but these muscles actually serve a greater purpose when it comes to balance and remaining injury-free. When matched with a healthy diet, regular strength training and the right swim suit the gluteals will be primed for…
Function: It is the newest addition the ACE Integrated Fitness TrainingTM (ACE IFTTM) Model continuum and is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Without function, we are unable to perform activities of daily living, leaving us dependent on others for assistance and unable to work toward other goals in health, fitness and performance. To…