A resistance training program with single sets of repetitions is almost as effective in maintaining muscle strength, endurance and body composition as a program with three sets of repetitions, according to a new study (Reuters Health, Feb. 25, 2000). Researchers measured body fat, muscle mass, endurance and strength in 42 men and women aged 20 to 50 both before and after the 13-week study. Participants lifted weights regularly for a minimum of one year prior to the study, and performed single sets of repetitions three times a week for an average of six years. (more…)
February 14, 2012
February 7, 2012
Body Hype
Since 1989, NSP has been marketing GlanDiet, a meal-replacement program based mainly on the book, “Dr. Abravanel’s Body Type and Lifetime Nutrition Plan” (1983), by Elliot B. Abravanel, M.D., and his spouse, Elizabeth King. The book maintains that there is a “dominant gland” at the root of every weight problem and that soothing the errant gland and moderating its cravings can control weight. (more…)
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January 30, 2012
Inspiring the Lazy Ones
Inevitably there are people who join your facility because they get momentarily inspired or they are scared, feel guilty, hope that if they pay they will stick to their program, are told they must by their physician or are dragged in (or given a gift) by a caring friend or relative. These people are the most likely to drop out and give up quickly. (more…)
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January 13, 2012
The Need for Cross Training and its Benefits
According to the specificity and the S.A.I.D. principles, then, the human body is very proficient at adapting to the stresses it experiences. After repeating the same exercise time and time again, the neuromuscular system becomes stronger and better coordinated, which ultimately makes the body more energy-efficient at that activity. This causes the exerciser to reach a plateau. While this can be desirable for a competitive athlete whose goal is to win, it can be a source of frustration for exercisers with fat-loss goals. (more…)
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November 2, 2011
The Journey… What Does It Take? Part 2
Once I realized that I needed to leave this job, giving my notice to leave was the easiest thing to do. I didn’t know where I would be working when I left this job. The week after this job ended, I didn’t work anywhere, but the following week I was reemployed.
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The Journey… What Does It Take? Part 1
It does not need to be a major accident or tragedy for you to make a lifestyle change. Lots of people wait for a crisis to happen before they look at changing their life style. So if you’re leading an unhealthy life style, what is it going to take for you to change your ways? (more…)
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September 23, 2011
The Breaststroke Add It to Your Workouts Post 2
The breathing works in along with the pull. It is very common for people to breath too late in the stroke. Remember the power phase of the pull is when you are pulling down and out and squeezing in, so this is where you want to have your head up taking your breath. That means your head starts to lift the same time that your arm starts to pull. Your head should be going down when your hands are starting to move forward. This takes a bit of practice, but you can do it. It is important to remember that you need to exhale while your face is in the water, so you have time to inhale when your head is up. (more…)
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September 16, 2011
The Breaststroke Add It to Your Workouts Post 1
The breaststroke is a beautiful and graceful stroke, but is also very complicated. Once you get it down it is a great addition to your workout, as it can be very restful but also very high intensity. While most of the strokes involved a complicated upper-body pull and most of the power of the stoke comes from the arms, the breaststroke utilizes the legs much more. The complication for this stroke comes from the timing of the pull and the kick. We will get into that in more detail later. (more…)
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August 16, 2011
Kudos for Aerobic Students Who Venture Into Dance Class Post 2
I warm up my students who are true to traditional dance class form by performing large breathing movements where one has to reach and bend from the head to the toe. This gets their blood moving in every direction and it targets the spine and the neck, which is essential when one is performing dance steps that are intricate or when the timing is altered from the usual 4/4 tempo. (more…)
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August 12, 2011
Kudos for Aerobic Students Who Venture Into Dance Class Post 1
I am a professional dancer who has performed and taught all styles of dance for over a decade. As well, I have been involved in the fitness industry — personal training and immersed in the cult of aerobicizing — for as long.
Currently, I teach hip-hop classes at urban fitness clubs in my city. Most of the members are between the ages of 20 and 55, and their fitness levels and coordination abilities vary. Almost all of them have a zest for life and a zest for learning, and if my classes are indicative of the general population in my city, then there are lots of jolly people out there in the workforce! (more…)
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