Tai Chi, the well-known and widely-practiced exercise hailing from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a great introduction to its lesser-known, ancient cousin, Qigong (Pronounced, chee-gung).…
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Category: Exercise Science, Biology, and Research
Best Mode of Resistance Training: Machines or Free Weights?
A long-debated topic among certified personal trainers is deciding the mode of resistance training that yields the greatest benefits. One camp believes machine weights are…
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Menopause and Exercise: Training the Change
Menopause is the time frame following a year-long cessation of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Perimenopause, not nearly as easy to recognize, refers to the few…
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The Deep Squat: The Healthier Way to Rest
A seated position, that familiar 90-degree angles in which we spend hours –driving, doing computer work, watching television –places undue stress on lower body muscles.…
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Muscle Tightness: Understanding Overactive and Underactive Muscles
As a fitness professional specializing in corrective exercise, I have become increasingly sensitive to the colloquialisms we use as trainers, the ones that our clients…
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The Value of Suspension Training
I can still recall my first impression of seeing a suspension trainer back in 2009. It consisted of two nylon straps webbed together and anchored…
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Cinnamon: More Than Just a Flavor to Savor
Cinnamon tops the list of most widely consumed spices the world over. It gained popularity not only for the rich, aromatic flavor it adds to…
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Molecular Magic: Behind-the-Scenes Benefits of Exercise
Clients often inquire about the value of a short workout when schedules and commitments must take precedence over their usual training session. After finding out…
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BCAAs: Paradoxical Effect on Metabolism
Can a diet rich in Branched-Chain Amino Acids, or BCAAs, provide benefit or inflict harm with regard to stabilizing insulin levels? If the answer is…
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Magnesium and Physical Performance
Magnesium, zinc, and chromium are mineral elements required in modest amounts to maintain health and optimize physiologic function. For very active persons, such as personal…
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Improve Dorsiflexion by Strengthening This Muscle
Why should trainers care about ankle dorsiflexion (DF)? After all – the DF muscles aren’t ones we often consider training much, if at all, and…
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Protecting Bones and Joints (PB&J)
It’s your job as an NFPT Trainer to help your clients reduce their lifestyle-related risk factors, which includes protecting bones and joints. Fit pros should…
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