Targeting the gluteals and abdominals in a training session is a popular goal for many fitness seekers, but what about training for balance? Do you regularly seek out strategies for improving balance in your exercise routines? Considering that balance training has been shown to reduce the risk of falls (especially in older adults) and improve…
For many trainers, the holidays can be a frustrating time. While there’s nothing better than going home for the holidays and spending time with loved ones, this time of year can put a wrench in your clients’ workout routines. Many of you have spent a significant amount of time helping your clients work toward their…
Planks are essential for training core stabilization and promoting strength and stability throughout the scapulothoracic region. While it is common to progress this exercise by holding it for longer periods of time, there are more efficient—and effective—methods of progressing a plank, including adding movement using gliders. Gliders provide a dynamic challenge by incorporating extremity movement…
Integrate the five functional movement patterns into your next workout with this powerful circuit created by ACE. Squat, lunge, push, pull and rotate your way to a total-body burn using portable equipment you can easily use in a gym or at home. Improve your strength, balance, power and mobility using resistance bands, dumbbells, battle ropes,…
Agility is the ability to move quickly in any direction, particularly as you stop abruptly from moving on one path to start again on a different one. When agility skills are mastered, you can accurately and rapidly change course, which involves the application of acceleration, stabilization and deceleration, all at the appropriate times. Agility training…
While research clearly indicates that joint range of motion is improved acutely and chronically following flexibility exercises, flexibility training continues to be one of the most overlooked aspects of most people’s fitness programs. With a growing focus on functional training to adequately prepare the body to perform optimally, not only when completing exercises in the…
The thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrate located between the seven cervical and five lumbar vertebrate. This region of the spine consists of a posterior curve in the spine and requires mobility for flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotational movements of the torso. Therefore, the thoracic spine is meant to be mobile, while the lumbar…
When correcting improper form, a personal trainer will usually verbally and/or visually cue the client to achieve correct form. Although the client may mentally understand the concept, it is possible for the physical body to continuously execute improper form, which may lead to frustration for both trainer and client. In this situation, when movement quality…
These eight apps and gadgets may very well change the way you approach fitness, nutrition and overall health in 2015. 1. ResMed s+ This system essentially monitors everything going on in your room—and in your body—that affects your sleep. It detects breathing patterns, ambient light, noise, temperature,and how much you toss and turn. Record what…
The BOSU® Balance Trainer, now a staple in nearly every fitness facility, has been around for nearly 15 years. While the product can be easily integrated into all areas of fitness, core remains the number one use for this popular piece of equipment. The unique design and unstable surface enables you to work your core in…