The fusion of technology and the fitness industry continues at warp speed. This brings both excitement and concern, with users around the world waiting for the release of the new iPhone 6, new iOS 8 and the closely guarded Apple iWatch. Rumors suggest the devices will be both fashionable and practical. Wall Street has also…
Walking doesn’t make the hottest workout lists or yearly trend reports, but all fitness professionals should be talking about it—even to clients who are avid exercisers. Why? Because even a daily gym session may not be enough to protect them from our sedentary culture. Most Americans are sitting more than ever thanks to desk jobs,…
Flexibility—the ability to move joints at their full range of motion (ROM)—is important for several reasons. Without enough flexibility, daily routines become difficult and, over time, the body compensates movement positions because of reduced mobility. Maintaining a flexible body decreases physical pain and prevents injury. Scientific evidence suggests that the risk of injury is reduced…
A desire to lose weight is top of both mind and wallet for millions of people, responsible for about $60 billion in spending annually. Despite promises of a quick fix and a buff body in 21 days or less, most weight-loss gimmicks are simply that—slick marketing and little-to-no substance. To get a better sense of…
It seems as if food allergies and intolerances have become increasingly common. While one in three people make dietary modifications for perceived reactions to certain foods, only about 5 percent of children and 4 percent of teens and adults have clinically proven food allergies. Many more, however, have intolerance to foods. Although the symptoms of…
As trainers, coaches and nutritionists, many of us have been making a significant mistake with our clients by focusing primarily on what to eat. I’ve made this mistake for more than 10 years. I’ve raved about the “eat this, not that” approach, used food models, calculated macros and figured out how to cut 500 calories…
For clients who are athletes or simply active all year, it’s important to eat for success, which may look different depending on the season. Many believe that eating according to the seasons is essential for good health and balance, which also translates to better performance. In colder weather, warming foods become the focus; in warmer…
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…
In my role as a health coach, I have supported adults of all ages and backgrounds on their journeys to get fitter and healthier. My coaching practice focuses on helping people shed excess weight or quit tobacco. Over the years, I have grown comfortable with the reality that there is no simple formula for achieving…
Becoming a micro-influencer is a slow and steady process, but worth the intentional development and effort. It’s a new form of social support that has the potential to positively propel your clients’ behavior-change efforts and incite a journey of change for others. Clients as Micro-influencers Micro-influencers are individuals who craft content around a certain market,…