As personal trainers, our training renders us well-versed in the subtleties of tweaking clients’ workouts to accommodate a variety of chronic health issues, of which understanding and recognizing the signs of blood clots fall under this umbrella. While some health situations can be easily observed, others are much more difficult to identify or recognize. As such, it is incumbent upon us to perform our “due diligence” and ascertain any potential health-related pitfalls during an initial client assessment. Blood clots and pulmonary emboli, for example, typically remain masked and silent until th ..read more

As a personal trainer, you may have heard of the weight loss drugs that have hit the market in the last few years and have been surging in popularity, like Wechovie and Ozempic. The more you know about these pharmaceutical interventions, the better prepared you are to advise and guide your clients who may be interested in exploring them. The “Why” Behind Weight Loss Drugs The pursuit of the “ideal body” is not an unfamiliar goal to clients (or many professionals in our field). Clients are exposed to (and sometimes subscribe to) rampant photo editing, fit-fluencers, fads, and fanatical dogma pr ..read more

The Kabuki Strength Transformer Bar is a safety squat bar that uses adjustable loading positions to change how the lift feels during use. It is a must-have due to its adaptability, core-bracing facilitation of the handles, and the variation in exercise selection it offers.  It has held up well in our personal training studio, and we have found many uses that help cater to our clients’ individual needs and programming. Clients who experience limitations with traditional barbells or want more training variety will love this piece of equipment. The following review will explain how the Kabuk ..read more

Aerobic exercise, an integral part of every personal trainer’s programming for apparently healthy individuals, can take on many forms. Knowing how much aerobic exercise to suggest ( in addition to resistance training) depends in large part on each client’s current health status as well as his fitness goals. Whether working with a fairly sedentary individual or a world-class athlete, trainers and clients together establish fitness goals upfront. Recommendations can vary from specific muscles to whole-body training; regardless, trainers strive to find movements that feature measurable aspects to ..read more

Volume, frequency, and load all factor into a successful resistance training program. Many personal training clients ask how often they should work out, how intensely, balancing cardio and weight training…but so much more comes into play. The gaining of lean muscle mass, or hypertrophy, does not proceed along a “cookie-cutter” format for all of our clients. Similarly, no one-size-fits-all recommendation exists for an ideal number of sets to execute, regardless of the workout regimen. Below we will discuss the most recent research on the impact of training volume on muscle growth to better info ..read more

As we step into 2024, the fitness industry landscape continues to evolve, and with it comes the question: How much are personal trainers making in the current year? Whether you’re intrigued by the prospect of helping others achieve their fitness goals or simply curious about the financial aspects of a career in personal training, this article will delve into the factors influencing the money personal trainers make in 2024.  Get ready to explore the potential income, industry trends, and critical considerations for those interested in becoming a personal trainer. What Personal Trainers Mak ..read more

Meet Stacey Mercure, a passionate fitness enthusiast with a remarkable journey spanning 21 years as a dedicated NFPT trainer. At the age of 53, she defied age stereotypes by becoming a competitive NPC Wellness Competitor. Her love for fitness led her to open her own fitness studio in 2006, where she continues to inspire and empower others to lead healthier lives. With a heart full of dedication and a spirit that never wavers, Stacey truly loves what she does, making a positive impact on countless lives through the power of fitness. Stacey, how long have you been certified with NFPT, and what ..read more

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in achieving fitness goals, and understanding how to read a nutrition facts panel is a crucial skill for anyone on a fitness journey. As a personal trainer, empowering your clients with the knowledge to interpret these labels can contribute significantly to their overall well-being. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the history of the nutrition facts panel, or nutrition label, its key elements, and provide insights on how to teach clients to make informed choices. The Historical Perspective on the Nutrition Label To provide a quick reference to the evolu ..read more

Collateral damage refers to any unintended side effects that may result from an initially positive endeavor. Bodybuilding and resistance training programs carry the potential for damage at the cellular and vascular levels. Here we explore the physiology of various aspects of weightlifting and how to capture the upside of collateral damage. The collateral vascular damage inflicted by weight training occurs regardless of one’s specific intentions and to varying degrees based on training intensity, duration, frequency, and volume. Fortunately, it is possible to optimize the benefits of this  ..read more

As we step into 2024, the landscape of health and fitness continues to evolve, driven by a growing awareness of holistic well-being and technological advancements. The fusion of ancient practices with modern innovations is reshaping how we approach our health. Let’s explore some of the top 2024 health and fitness trends that are set to make waves, to share with our personal training clients. 8 Top 2024 Health and Fitness Trends Mindful Movement In a world buzzing with constant activity, the importance of mindful movement is gaining prominence. Fitness enthusiasts are shifting their focus from ..read more