ARTICLES
The latest articles and news items
PODCAST: ABOUT THE NERVOUS SYSTEM:
With Rick Richey On this episode, NASM Master Instructor Rick Richey helps you better understand the nervous system. What about the central nervous system helps make you a better trainer? Let Rick map it all out for you. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts...
FOAM ROLLING: APPLYING THE TECHNIQUE OF SELF-MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
By Stacey Penny Foam rolling is a self-myofascial release (SMR) stretching technique that has been embraced throughout the fitness industry. This effective and simple to do technique delivers positive, feel good results. Foam rollers have become easily accessible,...
EXPLORING EXCESS POST-EXERCISE OXYGEN CONSUMPTION (EPOC): ‘BURN BABY BURN!’
BY GEOFF LECOVIN EPOC is the acronym for Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption. Many refer to it as the "afterburn." To better understand how EPOC works, let's review the basics of energy systems. Note: If you wanting to eventually transition into a career as a...
OVERTRAINING: WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO IDENTIFY IT
By LAURA QUAGLIO Are you giving workouts your all but getting less in return—or even backsliding? Does it seem like you’re always battling bronchitis, tendonitis, or another “itis”? Or maybe your usual over-the-top enthusiasm for workouts has faded to “barely there.”...
AN EXPLANATION OF THE NEW UPDATES TO THE OPT™ MODEL
By Brian Sutton , MA, MS, CSCS, NASM-CPT, CNC, CES, PES Creating and modifying exercise programs for clients can be complicated because there are many variables to consider, including the client’s goals, tolerance for exercise, and unique physical abilities and...
FIVE WAYS TO SPEED YOUR METABOLISM
By Geoff Lecovin Are you feeling sluggish? Are you having difficulty losing weight? Maybe you should SPEED your metabolism. This blog post will show you 5 ways to do exactly that with the acronym SPEED, which stands for Sleep, Psychological Stress, Environment,...
THE ANATOMY OF A PUSH-UP: EXPLORING PROPER PUSH-UP FORM AND TECHNIQUE
By ANNIE MALAYTHONG A push-up is an exercise you can do anytime, anywhere, but only if you learn the how, what, when, and why of it. Incredibly, this ONE exercise can help you torch calories, build and tone muscle, gain strength, and positively impact your overall...
TIPS FOR WORKING OUT AT HOME: MAKING AT-HOME WORKOUTS WORK FOR YOU
By KERIDON MCMAHON NAVIGATING A NEW NORMAL In 2020, during the COVID-19 global pandemic, people worldwide had to instantaneously pivot from known daily routines and best practices to protect themselves and others. Exercise for the benefit of physical and mental health...
HYPERTROPHY: BACK TO THE BASICS
By DeWayne Smith, MS, NASM-CES, PES, CNC Gains don’t happen overnight. It takes your muscles time to respond and adapt to stimuli. Discover the resistance training program variables that will develop the strength gains and growth you or your client may be looking for....
HOW TO CONDUCT A FITNESS CONSULTATION: ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
By KINSEY MAHAFFEY The first initial consultation that I conducted was nerve-racking. As a brand new trainer, I stressed over making sure that I covered all of my bases in gathering the right amount of information during this initial session. It felt like so much...
LOWER CROSSED SYNDROME: STARTING FROM THE CENTER
By Ken Miller Lower crossed syndrome is one of the most common compensatory patterns. It is characterized by an anterior tilt to the pelvis (arched lower back). In recent years, we’ve heard a lot about the ill effects of prolonged sitting. Articles, blog posts and TV...
STRENGTH TRAINING PRINCIPLES: HOW TO EDUCATE NEW CLIENTS EFFECTIVELY
By Dana Bender As trainers and fitness professionals, it is essential to remember that every client and member we work with starts their strength training journey with a different baseline and understanding of strength training principles and best practices. Many...