The gluteus maximus gets a lot of attention, not only because it’s a prime mover for exercises like squatting, hip hinging and running, but because of its derriere-shaping effects. There is, however, another often-overlooked gluteal muscle deserving of your attention. The gluteus medius is responsible for abduction, internal and external rotation of the hip, and…
While the term athlete “athlete” has generally been used to describe people who compete in individual or team sports, a new category of athlete has emerged in recent years that doesn’t involve competition. Today, members of the military, law enforcement and first responders such as firefighters or paramedics are often described as “tactical athletes” because…
Impact and intensity are two terms that are often mistakenly interchanged within the fitness industry. While impact and intensity may sound similar, the words have very different meanings. While impact describes the amount of force the body must endure, intensity refers to the level of difficulty (i.e., your exertion or the amount of power you…
Strengthening the core is an excellent way to help your clients improve posture, move more efficiently and reduce their risk of injuries. Ideally, the muscles of the trunk and pelvis and the joints at the hip, lumbar spine (low back), thoracic spine (mid back) and shoulder work synergistically to create effective movement patterns. If your…
“Think of the magic of the foot, comparatively small, upon which your whole weight rests. It’s a miracle and dance is a celebration of that miracle.”  Martha Graham  Isn’t it fascinating that 26 small bones are able to carry the body weight of a human being? Often taken for granted, the coordination and integrated strength of…
In some cases, any movement is better than none. In most cases, however, combining imbalanced and misaligned movement with resistance eventually leads to discomfort and injury. As a health and exercise professional, you can help your clients avoid this pitfall by knowing how to cue both inner-body awareness and outer movement when guiding your clients…
Do you tell your clients to “squeeze those glutes” or “tighten that core” during the execution of an exercise? These cueing techniques are spoken everywhere from physical therapy clinics to high-performance facilities across the globe. Presumably, the goal is to ensure that the participant is appropriately using the target movers and/or stabilizers for the task…
To help your clients get the most out of their time in the gym, practice these three programming tips: Use foundation lifts. Use complex training. Use recovery as a training tool. Foundation Lifts Foundation lifts are resistance exercises that work the major muscle groups. Because they target the largest muscle groups and increase metabolism, they…
Foam rollers are everywhere, so why not use them for everything? While they are typically considered a warm-up and/or recovery tool, you might be surprised to learn that they can be used to create a challenging workout as well. What’s That For? Part of the fun of fitness is discovering new ways to challenge your…
Most people think strongman exercises are just about extreme heavy lifting, which isn’t surprising given the types of exercises associated with these competitions, such as deadlifting various objects and carrying them over a distance, pushing and pulling various items, and pressing things overhead. All of these types of movements, however, can be modified to suit…