Over the past decade, foam rollers have become a ubiquitous piece of exercise equipment, found almost anywhere people like to sweat. In general, foam rollers are cylindrical sections of hard foam, approximately 6 inches in diameter, and available in a variety of textures and lengths. Softer foam rollers are pliable and mold to the shape…
There is a huge cultural shift taking place today as many states consider allowing the legal use of marijuana as a recreational drug. In 1996, California was the first state to allow the medicinal use of marijuana, and since then 24 other states and the District of Columbia have followed suit. Currently, four states allow…
There are three components of exercise: resistance training, flexibility (actually, it’s more appropriate to call it “mobility,” but that’s a subject for another blog on another day) and cardiorespiratory training. Resistance-training exercises help improve both muscle strength, which can elevate resting metabolism (the number of calories burned while at rest), and functional performance in a…
Ice is often recommended as the first course of action for a minor muscle-related injury because it can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow to the affected tissue. As a health and fitness professional, you can recommend the use of ice along with rest to reduce discomfort in a sore muscle, but what about…
With Alzheimer’s disease ranking as the fifth leading cause of death in people over the age of 65 in the United States, it is no wonder it’s one of the most significant health concerns for older adults. It is anticipated that the number of cases worldwide will almost triple to 131.5 million by the year…
Most people perform cardiovascular and strength training in the same session because it seems to achieve multiple goals at the same time. Yet scientists and trainers continue to ask whether or not this approach really achieves multiple goals or is, in fact, counterproductive. The answer seems to lie in the fact that our muscles are…
Have you ever noticed how shockingly painful a paper cut can be? How is it these sorts of experiences can be so painful, yet the moment professional surfer Bethany Hamilton lost her arm to a 14-foot tiger shark she described feeling no pain at all? How is that even possible? How can an individual lose…
Fat is not a four-letter word, although many still consider it a dirty word when it comes to nutrition, fitness and exercise. Those who lived through the ‘90s undoubtedly remember when the food industry marketed everything as “low-fat” in the guise that it was a healthier option. While it’s true that having high levels of…
The ketogenic diet is a hot topic in nutrition today. Keto recipes are everywhere and everyone knows someone who has at least tried the keto diet. But what exactly are “exogenous ketones,” where are they found, and how do they impact health and performance? What are Ketones? Ketones (also referred to as ketone bodies) are…
Most of us have experienced the overwhelming grouchiness that takes over when we’ve gone too long without food. Turns out, there’s some science to explain why this happens. Here’s what you need to know and how you can help your clients cope when hanger strikes. The official definition of hanger is “a feeling or showing…