Spring's Favorite Pastime...Gardening
Listening to the concerns of my clients for almost 10 years has given me sympathy for all who struggle to live a balanced day-to-day life incorporating enough time for work, family and healthy endeavors like exercise. As a trainer, it is my job to provide my client with encouragement, fresh ideas and opportunities to guarantee that time for exercise is set aside. I have always believed that more people would exercise if they could easily include it into their daily routines. For example during the Fall and Winter months my husband is prohibited from going near a rake or shovel because I find both raking and shoveling exhilarating exercises that do not trap me indoors. So, as Spring '09 ushers in I am forced to think about how even I will fit more of these hours into my busy week. Thus I ask you this question, have you ever thought about how gardening can produce a healthier you? Read More>
The Next Generation In Group Training
Move over Richard Simmons! Gone are 1970's and 80's that spawned the era of group "aerobics". (I have to break out my leg warmers just to type the word.) “Aerobics” meaning, high impact, freestyle dance ala Jane Fonda, is about 30 or so minutes of cardio, followed by 30 minutes of calisthenics for toning. Unfortunately, day after day of aerobics left alot of exercise enthusiasts with overuse injuries especially in the knee; Thus the birth of “low impact aerobics.” Jump to 1989 when step aerobics made its debut. Step was created by Gin MIller who invented it to work around her own knee injury.
In the 2000's aerobics became "group fitness". The name changed because these classes had become so much more than "aerobics" classes. Instructors began to use interval type training taking the heart rate up into its anaerobic zone mixed with intervals at a lower heart rate. The goal of this was to push the participants to burn more calories and to increase cardiovascular fitness. Instructors started using barbells and dumbbells then incorporated medicine balls, jump ropes, resistance bands, rope ladders, you name it! There is now kickboxing, kettlebell only classes, stability ball classes, water aerobics, yogaloties, core conditioning, suspension training and boot camps out there! Such classes have or will infiltrate most workout facilities large and small...and for good, no great reason. These classes compliment one-on-one training perfectly! Group training should build upon strength and proper form learned through personal training. In 2009, now thirty years later, group training is stronger than ever… though there is nothing “low impact” about it! Read More>
The American College of Sports Medicine recently finished their online survey of 1,540 professionals certified by ACSM predicting next year's fitness trends. And, if you are reading this article you are likely familiar with many of the trends listed in the results…so I thought I’d list a few you may not know:
- Children and Obesity. Fitness programs will continue to address childhood obesity; a top trend for the third year in a row in the ACSM survey.
- Comprehensive Health Programming at Work. This trend is about improving employees' health -- and lowering employers' health care costs. Some employers are even giving their workers incentives to make healthy changes!
- Wellness Coaching. Wellness coaches support clients in making behavior changes for better wellness.
- Outcome Measurements. This trend is about accountability and measuring progress toward fitness goals.
- Reaching New Markets. Thompson estimates that 80% of the U.S. public doesn't have an exercise routine or a place to exercise! Read More>
Schussing Into Shape
Skiing and Snowboarding are two activities for the brave at heart. While so many people dread being outside during the winter months there are those of us who have not forgotten all of the wonderful benefits that we gain from the crisp fresh air and heart pounding nature of outdoor activities. Skiing and snowboarding are two of the most invigorating and challenging activities that come to mind. Read more >
A Hike By Any Other Name Would Be As Sweet!
Picture it, Ravello, Italy. The small hilltop town is known for its exceptional gardens and stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Perched 1,100 feet above the coastal towns of the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is reachable by tour bus for the masses and via thousands of steps for the brave (or just crazy). I must emphasize "step" after step...after step (see picture). Recently my husband and I decided to be crazy and hike to the top of this beautiful town along steep pathways dotted with olive groves and laced with grapevines.
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Why Yoga? Why You?
It will come as no surprise to anyone that we live in an over stimulated and overworked society. It is difficult to make the mind and body relax. Yet yoga is essentially just that, mental and physical release. For me, a personal trainer and very active woman, yoga makes me come to a grinding halt. There are many types of yoga but I enjoy Bikram yoga. Yes, that's yoga whose poses are done in a very hot room. Bikram allows me to feel challenged yet totally relaxed. Read more >
Running Out Of Summer
No one likes to "run out" of a good thing, unless of course we are running into the arms of something better. The ushering in of the Fall season means our Summer is running out and even as adults we are hard-wired to think that this means relaxation is no longer an option. We are now required to gear up for our normal regimen of stress, schedules and the usual juggling of day-to-day obligations. Wouldn't it be nice to run out of this feeling? We can't, but we can counter-act it. So what I'm suggesting is that we continue running...well into Fall...and gain all of its wonderful benefits! Read more >