The anatomical term āposteriorā refers to the backside of the body. Thus, the phrase, āposterior chain,ā refers to the muscles of the backside of the body, specifically the low back, gluteals, hamstrings and calf muscles. Posterior-chain exercises involve contracting and lengthening the muscles in a chain-like manner. This is important for athletic movements that require…
Partner exercises are a great way to add some creativity to your workouts, as well as offer possibilities for small group and group training. Check out this fun and unique partner workout, which includes exercises that are done during a jiu-jitsu class to help improve strength, balance and coordination. THE WORKOUT (Perform 2 rounds) Fireman…
Chronically tight hips not only can make certain yoga poses difficult to execute, they can also cause chronic discomfort. Although the reason varies, most people lack hip mobility because of sedentary lifestyles, past injuries or scar tissue from surgeries. Furthermore, according to certain yoga lineages, the hips are the storage center for unresolved emotions; therefore,…
The stability ball was originally used as a physical therapy aid for postural re-education and orthopedic rehabilitation. Today, you can find these large, air-filled balls in a variety of sizes in just about any fitness setting. They are used by exercise professionals in personal training and group fitness as a way to add interest and…
Hereās a fun Halloween-inspired workout to get your blood flowing! This is a superset workout, so pair the exercises together with no rest in between sets. This gives you an opportunity to save time, increase intensity, make things interesting and overload your muscles. Set a timer or watch the clock for 45 seconds each exercise….
Military fitness training is, first and foremost, warrior fitness and focuses on four key components. Each of these components is necessary to develop a total, well-trained and prepared warrior: Physical training creates strength and stamina, Emotional and mental training instills desire, follow through and motivation. Technical training brings in knowledge and skill of execution. Basic…
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,…
The BOSUĀ®Ā 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…
Plateaus are a common obstacle in any kind of fitness program. After weeks and weeks of training, the body adapts and what was once hard is now easy. Exercise programs need to be changed regularly to continue to see progress and results, but it can be difficult to learn a new series of exercises and…
When working with beginning exercisers, sticking to basic strength-training principles is a good approach to help them begin adapting to a new stimulus. Getting comfortable in a workout routine and paying attention to technique and execution is key to these clients seeing and feeling gains in strength, endurance and body awareness.Ā But over time, the…