-
The many levels of strength
Years ago, when I was starting out in the fitness industry as a trainer, I considered working at a gym that required that all trainers complete a standardized fitness test every six months. There were many reasons I didn’t end up working there (none of which had to do with me being unable to meet those requirements) but I remember thinking that it was ridiculous that every trainer—both men and women in a wide age range—had to meet the same blanket fitness requirements to be considered qualified to train clients. A person who has achieved a certain level of strength and endurance does not magically become a good trainer. Experience,…
-
Wearable devices connect community through exercise
The other day when I hit my step goal, my accomplishment was cheered by quite a few of my clients and friends. Yet no one was waiting at the end of a finish line for me to step across. It all occurred virtually, because we’re all owners of a Fitbit product, and consequently part of our own little connected fitness community. Some of us don’t tend to have any problems getting out and exercising. In my case, because of my work, I’ve made it an integral part of my daily routine. Yet most of us struggle to carve out time and energy to exercise regularly and for a long enough…
-
Get Strong, Stay Strong
Everyone needs to strength train. It’s the single most important component in physical conditioning. Even cardiovascular exercise is simply not as crucial in developing and maintaining long-term health and well-being. I’m not advocating giving up walking, running or any other form of cardio to lift weights instead. A balance is ideal. But even in this day and age, with endless knowledge available at our fingertips, the amount of people who don’t strength train is staggering! Not only does adding muscle equate to more strength for navigating daily life, muscle also burns more calories than fat, boosting your metabolism on a daily basis for weight loss. Being stronger supports your functionality…
