Contributed by: Amanda Albiar, NSCF-CPT Not ALL Fats Are BAD If you are like most people, and trying to lose weight in some capacity, chances are you are cringing when you hear the word “fat.” This is not a bad word in the fitness and nutrition industry. For most, it’s because they do not quite understand the importance …
Author Archives: Julia Karlstad
Yoga for Chronic Pain & Fatigue
Contributed by: Kimberly Black, 200YT Yoga For Chronic Pain & Fatigue Have you added yoga to your training regimen yet? Yoga aids in increased flexibility, stress relief, as well as several cardiovascular and strength benefits. Yoga has also been found to be beneficial for pain management, especially for those suffering with chronic pain or fatigue. …
Mental Benefits of Exercise
Contributed by: Bethany Reynolds, AAFA-CPT Mental Benefits of Exercise Studies show that making time for exercise provides some serious mental benefits. Get inspired to exercise with these unexpected ways that working out can benefit mental health and lead to a healthier and happier life. 1. Reduces stress: Exercise increases the concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that can positively …
Understanding Recovery
Understanding Recovery Contributed by: Dustin Gonzalez, NASM-CPT We eat, sleep, train, repeat—constantly striving to get bigger, stronger, faster or slimmer—but is there a point where too much becomes harmful? Many recognize the need for recovery after exercise, but do we understand what it takes to fully recover and whether we have actually achieved that state? We …
Essential Oils
Essential Oils Contributed by: Carol Kline Essential oils can provide therapeutic benefits in very small amounts. For example, patchouli and rose oil can stimulate sympathetic nervous system activity. Jasmine oil can uplift your mood and help improve depression. Consider adding aromatherapy to your plan of overall health. Aromatherapy is where you place a couple of …
Did You Make That Change?
Did You Make That Change? Contributed by: Ciara Floyd, NSCF-CPT, NSCA-CSCS Every January New Year’s resolutions are made and every March many of us look back and ponder our progress. Common resolutions may have sounded something like… “I am going to start exercising 5 days a week.” “I am going to add more protein to …
Does Gluten Free Equal Healthy?
Does Gluten Free Equal Healthy? Contributed by: Michael Devon, NASM-CPT Eating gluten free has a number of health benefits which may include decreased inflammation: great for managing autoimmune disorders, decreased GI discomfort, and the opportunity to substitute healthy gluten free alternatives in your food. Gluten consumption in some individuals triggers an immunologic response in which …
Clean & Clear Skin
Clean & Clear Skin Contributed by: Amanda Albiar, NCSF-CPT When it comes to clear, healthy skin, everyone is looking for the perfect answer. Whether it’s a cleanse, detox, trendy face mask or good old fashioned exfoliating, everyone and their mom is willing to try the next big thing to eliminate acne. According to Dr. Trevor …
Crunches vs. Planks
Crunches vs. Planks Contributed by Bethany Reynolds, CPT Are you building strength doing crunches/curl-ups? Crunches are an effective way to strengthen the muscles of your abdomen, specifically the rectus abdominis or what is known as the “six-pack” of your abs. The purpose of the rectus abdominis is to tilt the rib cage and the pelvis …
Why Women Should Weight Train
Why Women Should Weight Train Contributed by: Shawn Dassie,M.S., NASM-CPT, NSCA-CSCS It’s about time we talked about the brilliant benefits of weight training for women—because way too many women are missing out on them. Traditionally, women often shy away from lifting weights for a number of reasons, from fear of bulking up to thinking they’re …