Does Your Personal Trainer Know Squat?

Is your personal trainer qualified? How experienced are they? How can you know before committing to a long-term agreement? These are all questions that clients looking to hire a personal trainer have or should have.

Personal trainers hold a great deal of responsibility in their hands, as they "direct" their clients how to exercise safely and effectively. Personal training can be a lucrative career too, with some trainers charging as much if not more than doctor or lawyer consultation rates.

It is unlikely that you would hire a lawyer or a doctor strictly on heresy, popularity or if they "looked the role" but rather you would spend a good deal of time researching his or her credentials, track record and education. So why if you're going to pay a personal trainer equivalent fees should choosing an exercise professional be any different?

Rather than re-hash the details of the typical "How to Choose a Personal Trainer" cliche, this article provides the lay consumer just two helpful pieces of information to help when deciding on how to choose a personal trainer.

Grade the trainer's qualifications

A personal trainer is an exercise professional so their credentials should demonstrate this. Check to see if the trainer has had a formal education in exercise science, physiology or sports medicine.

Exercise is about science and is grounded firmly in the fields of anatomy, physiology and nutrition. Each field complements and builds on the other. Even the most experienced (or well-built!) personal trainer cannot fake knowledge he does not have. A thorough understanding of these fields is essential to effective and safe exercise instruction and is unlikely to be gained in a weekend or even a multiple week study course.

The client looking to hire a personal trainer should also check the certifying organization. Currently the most respected credentials are offered by the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) and ACE (American Council on Exercise).

Some certifying bodies such the NSCA require certain educational requirements to be completed before sitting for the exam. An example is the NSCA's Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), which requires a bachelors degree in a related field to sit for the exam.

Grade the trainer's experience

An experienced and well-educated exercise professional can easily recognize others on par with themselves simply by observing the manner in how they work with their client and by watching the client's exercise technique.

But what about the casual exerciser who knows nothing of exercise or fitness? How can they discern the small details that give clues to a trainer's experience and quality of instruction? After all, certification only means that the personal trainer passed a written exam.

The answer is that it is very tricky for a layperson to judge personal trainers themselves from simple observation and as a result, may rely too heavily on the opinion of others.

Don't get me wrong there is nothing more valuable to a personal trainer than a good reputation and "word of mouth", but an informed consumer looking for a quality exercise professional should do a little more homework.

While there may be dozens of time consuming and complicated ways to assess a personal trainer's instruction quality and experience, this article describes a single test that will give the client a basic insight before committing to a contract or agreement. A client should not be embarrassed or scared to use this test; it is the full right and privilege of the client to interview and consult with the trainer before committing on a long-term or contractual basis.

The importance of the squat

The squat is a very functional movement that mimics everyday tasks such as lifting and getting out of the seated position. The squat is also quite a complex movement to both learn and teach and must be performed correctly with optimal technique to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Consider the importance of instructing safe technique in the squat. A loaded bar resting on a client's back places them in a compromising position, opening the door to the possibility of a crippling injury. A personal trainer then needs to be particularly attentive to detail when their client performs such an exercise.

The squat test then is a good means of roughly assessing the trainer's instructional ability and experience.

How can I use the squat test for grading my personal trainer?

If you can do it before signing with the trainer, try to observe him or her instructing other clients in the performance of a squat. Does the trainer carefully observe the client's technique (in a mirror if spotting) and offer pointers if necessary or does he or she look around or out the window and seem indifferent? As I mentioned, a squat can be a dangerous exercise to perform, especially for the inexperienced exerciser so attentiveness to detail is essential here.

If you are unable to observe the personal trainer's technique beforehand, request a free consultation and during this time have him or her instruct you in the performance of a body weight squat (even if you hate squats and never plan on doing them as part of an exercise routine, request that the trainer observe your technique and offer pointers as if it were a barbell loaded squat).

In either situation, if the observed client's technique demonstrates the following pointers, or if the personal trainer confidently makes mention of most or all of them, it indicates a good working knowledge in how to teach and ensure safety and correct form in the squat.

If the trainer passes the squat test, the experience and skill they demonstrate will most likely transfer to the instruction of other exercises too.

Here are some of the most important pointers for safe and effective performance of the back squat:

· The bar rests on a platform base of the lower neck and shoulders

· The feet shoulder/hip width apart and very slightly toed out; the heels should only be placed on blocks if the instructor observes the heels rising off the floor in the decent (tight calf muscles)

· The lifter inhales before the descent and holds his/her breath (kudos if the instructor mentions avoiding the "Valsalva Maneuver"* here)

· The legs "buckle" under control - like "sitting down in a chair"

· As the knees bend, they remain directly in line with the toes and do not move past the toes

· The spine remains straight and very close to vertical throughout the entire movement (a slight "hole" is allowed in the lower back, but it is essential that the upper back does not "round")

· The chest remains up and out (extra points if the instructor mentions keeping the gaze straight ahead or slightly above to prevent spinal rounding)

· The back of the head remains approximately parallel to a vertical line from the back of the heels - which remain flat on the floor

· The bar tracks a near vertical line throughout the movement while "pressing with the heels"

· The client exhales through the "sticking point" **

(Your flexibility may limit the performance of a perfect squat but the pointers are still valid).

While a client must consider the other attributes of a personal trainer such as personality and rapport, it is important to have some means of measuring his or her experience and credentials before making a decision to commit to a contract or long-term agreement. Hopefully this article has provided some very basic information for the lay fitness consumer to be a slightly more "informed" one.

* Valsalva maneuver - when a lifter "holds his breath" and strains against a closed glottis. This maneuver is acceptable for experienced lifters, but performing it leads to great increases in blood pressure and chest cavity compression.

** Sticking point - the transition point from descending into the squat and ascending out of it.

Private Labeled Bottled Water for Sporting Events and Participants

Sports and athletics are such a pervasive force in American culture that few people can avoid their impact. Memories of an important game, event, score, or sports outing are often long lasting whether they are at the institution, team or individual level.

Personalized bottled drinking water is an excellent way to create lasting memories and produce high quality messages. Branding messages are available for teams, institutions and individuals.

Private label water is also an ideal vehicle for fund raising by schools, teams and individuals. Sales revenue through personalized bottled water sales at school sporting events helps ease current budget restrictions.

Sports in America

America is a sporting country with a substantial amount of time and resources devoted to the enjoyment of competitive sporting activities. Sports go hand in hand with a health and wellness life style and competitiveness is an important element in building character in our country's youth and future leadership.

From childhood until post retirement, sports and athletics serve to entertain and create role models as part of programs of exercise and healthy living. As children and young adults combine competition with sound programs of academics and extra curricular activities character and integrity are created. Continuing through adulthood, middle age and retirement athletics are a constant factor in American life. Many retirees spend a great deal of their free time pursuing sports based healthy lifestyles.

Sports in America is a major multi-billion dollar industry. Professional teams represent the major cities in America and engage in all major sports. Colleges base a significant amount of their activities and fund raising on sports and this approach permeates high schools, middle schools and grammar schools throughout the nation. Club teams and private leagues can be found in many towns and cities. Suppliers of sports products rank among the Fortune 500 of companies.

In addition to team sports, almost every family in the country is engaged in some form of sports activity with such sports as golf, skiing, water sports, bowling, outdoor events and others ranking high on the list of family oriented activities.

The Value of Memorable Events

Pleasant memories of unique performance or events are the result of many sporting activities. Often the powerful memories of a winning season for a local team, the big game that a child participates in, the unforgettable birdie, eagle or hole in one on the golf course and other memories remind one time and again. Many people derive significant pleasure from these memories.

Over time however, even the most powerful memories fade and memorabilia are often valuable as reminders. These reminders take many forms but serve to create continuity and continued interest in the healthy lifestyle of sports and athletic competition. Since individual and team performance is often the result of many hours of practice and hard work, a reminder of accomplishment is often valuable.

Personalized Bottled Water Memories

Personalized bottled water is an excellent way to preserve the memory of important sporting events. With a custom designed label for each and every occasion, water can be consumed at the event or at a later date. In addition, personalized bottled water is ideal for team sports or individual participants and is an effective vehicle for fund raising events.

The technology is available to create a cost effective, high quality personalized label that imparts a lasting message. Application of a custom designed label to a quality water bottle adds a powerful individualized advertising component to a high quality refreshment drink.

Often referred to as consumable advertising, personalized bottled water can include graphics and pictures as well as text that can refer to a specific event and can often be modified for subsequent events. Designed labels can be stored for future use and other occasions.

An additional feature of personalized bottled water is the fact that water bottles can be stored for future occasions and for extended periods if the water contains no minerals or contaminants. An important feature of branded drinking water is the long term nature of the message. Many people who receive private label water tend to retain the bottles because of the uniqueness of the message and quality of the label.

Create a Personal Message and Brand

Although brand creation has been identified with businesses, individuals can create their own brand image related to their interest in sports. Private labeled water for the golfer, hunter, fisherman or sports car enthusiast can convey a personal message or one related to an individual's club or organization. Personalized branding can create interest and enjoyment at later events or family gatherings.

The key to the creation of an effective message is the development of a focused, crisp, unique message that is simple yet powerful. As a result, care must be taken during label design to stay on message and keep the communication simple

For those individuals that are involved in sports and athletics as a business, personalized bottled water can provide a powerful brand image and message and complement marketing and business development efforts.

An Ideal Fund Raiser

Personalized bottled water is ideal for events and fund raising with a custom designed label prepared for the particular event. Often, bottles of water can be sold at these events at a profit and represent a wholesome, effective way of raising funds for booster clubs and other organizations.

Private labeled water is flexible for fund raising because the basic label can be modified for other sporting events at a later date. In addition, schedules and other information pertinent to sporting events can be easily added or altered.

Today, many schools are under significant budget reduction pressure and sporting events for schools offer new ways to increase revenue. Sales of water with a branding message attached in the form of custom label have proved very popular and water can be sold at a profit at events. Further, when the label is retained by the school or the supplier, modifications for latter events are easy and fast.

Water is a major component of a healthy life style and, compared to other fund raising products like candy, pizza and sugar laden soft drinks, offers a quality alternative to the consumer.

Personalized Bottled Water for the Individual

For many individuals sports like golf, sport fishing, running and other outdoor activities represent important parts of their lives and private labeled drinking water can serve as a reminder of their enjoyment with the sport.

Specific uses include boat outings, golf weekends, hunting parties, bowling teams and leagues and many other sports applications that are made more memorable and enjoyable with personalized water for the individual or occasion. The applications are only limited by the user's imagination.

Some bottled water companies can create a custom background label that serves as a template for many different types of events or sports activities. Some vendors include standard templates that an individual can use for their own message. The best suppliers have technology that gives the individual, team or institution the ability to design their own labels. .

The Element of Quality

An overriding feature in the creation of personalized bottled water is the consideration of quality in three areas:

o Quality of water

The basic element of private labeled bottled water is, of course, water and there are many differences in the quality of bottled water. Ultra pure bottled water produced by a combination distillation/filtration/ozonation process is considered by many to be the best quality because it does not contain minerals, contaminants or bacteria.

o Quality of packaging

Since personalized bottled water combines health, refreshment and advertising, the packaging component of the mix must make a quality statement. Substandard bottle quality will seriously compromise the strength of the message.

o Quality of labeling design, printing and application

The label is the element that states the message and the message must be communicated in the strongest and clearest possible way. The label should be developed by a graphics designer or with technology that will aid the consumer in developing their own quality image. Printing is especially critical and the printing process should allow labels are guaranteed to have the same quality of any top-shelf brand in your grocer or quality food store.

All labels should be water proof and preferably laminated to ensure a long service life.

What to Look For In Private Label Water

Personalized bottled water has become increasingly popular for sporting events, teams and participants. This is particularly true with the advent of e-commerce that allows users the ability to design a label and purchase water online through the internet.

Quality is the critical issue because the label serves as a statement for the team, institution or individual. If any portion of the water/package/label mix contains substandard quality, then the entire message is compromised.

Dealing with a reputable vendor with a reputation for quality, customer service and the ability to design labels and place orders on line will guarantee customer satisfaction.

Health, Fitness and Beauty

No matter how careful we are with our skin, from time to time flare ups of an unsightly nature can occur. Modern life with its skin-drying accessories of central heating and air conditioning can have an unhealthy impact on the skin, and even the weather can wreak havoc with even a usually flawless complexion. But instead of frowning at ourselves in the mirror, take action! Beat the beauty blues with these 100% natural quick fixes. For guaranteed gorgeousness the organic way.

1. The problem: Lank hair

The solution: Hair guacamole. When hair gets lank and greasy it is tempting to try to dry it out, but often it needs a boost in the form of some fatty acids and proteins. Give your locks some super-nourishment in the form of a simple avocado.

How to: Mash up a nice ripe avocado with a tablespoon of olive oil and apply to damp hair, leave on for at least 20 mins then wash out thoroughly. It may take more than one wash to remove every trace of lovely green avocado.

2. The problem: Flaky skin on the body

The solution: Silky sugar body polish. When legs and other body parts start resembling crocodile skin it's time to treat yourself to a low-cost yet indulgent body polish. This will slough off the flaky bits and smooth the skin all over to leave you glowing and gorgeous.

How to: In a bowl mix up two tablespoons of fine white organic sugar with two tablespoons of organic unrefined sunflower oil. Finely grate the outer skin of an orange into the blend for a zesty smell. Massage the sugar scrub gently into damp skin and rinse off in the shower. Pat the skin dry to retain all that nourishing oil and enjoy silky flake free skin.

3. The problem: Dull complexion

The solution: Go live with yoghourt. The face, especially in the winter months, can develop a dull patina. A super quick and easy fix is plain simple yoghourt. Due to the presence of lactic acid yoghourt has a very mild bleaching effect and evens out skin tone making for a brighter healthier glow.

How to: Pat two tablespoons of plain live organic yoghourt over the face and neck, avoiding the eyes, leave for 5-10 minutes then rinse off. Pat the skin dry gently and look in the mirror to see a healthy complexion revealed before your eyes.

4. The problem: Puffy eyes

The solution: Chamomile tea. Waking up to eyes that resemble two wrinkly raisins pushed into uncooked bread dough can be a depressing sight. Luckily chamomile tea is a great friend to the eyes. Chamomile, rich in healing properties, is anti-inflammatory and so helping to reduce puffiness. Chamomile is also great for when the eyes are sore, red, itchy or tired.

How to: Simply make a cup of chamomile tea with two organic chamomile tea bags, leave to cool then fish out the bags and wring them out so that they're not dripping. Lay back for 10 minutes with a bag on each eye. Rinse off afterwards and enjoy sparkling eyes.

5. The problem: Eczema and other sensitive flare-ups

The solution: Porridge oats. Itchy eczema can be maddening to those who suffer from it; it can look unsightly as well as itch like crazy. It is almost impossible not to scratch it and when scratched it bleeds and flakes. However, soothing silky oats can offer relief.

How to: Cut a section from an old pair of thin nylon tights and tie up at one end to make a fabric container. Into the tights put a large handful or two of organic porridge oats and tie up the remaining end so that you have a closed pouch of oaty tights. This may seem odd but trust me, it really does work. Use this oat bag in the bath or shower to wash with and soak in, the warm water will cause the oats to turn mushy and they will release a milky liquid which cleanses the skin beautifully and soothes the soreness of eczema.

For really acute areas of eczema, make up a porridge pack; mix a tablespoon of organic oats with enough warm water to form a thick sticky mush. Apply this to the area affected and leave for 10-20 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Repeat this twice a day or more for a really simple soothing solution.

6. The Problem: Sunburn (the mild type)

The solution: Witchhazel and lavender. Tight pink skin from an accidental sun exposure can cause lots of damage to the underlying tissues of the skin and makes you look permanently embarrassed too. It is imperative to take the heat out of the area as soon as possible. Lavender has long been used for all types of burns and is also skin-repairing as well as antiseptic. Witchhazel offers a wonderfully cooling and astringent helping hand.

How to: Buy a bottle of witchhazel and add 30 drops of pure essential oil of lavender to it. Keep this bottle in the fridge and at the first suspicion of mild sunburn, shake it up and douse the skin liberally. Reapply every half an hour at least until the heat has been taken out of the skin.

7. The problem: Pimples

The Solution: Lemons and steam. Just when you thought it was safe to come out, a dreaded red angry spot appears somewhere glaringly obvious (and it is always somewhere very obvious, like on the end of the nose) to spoil your day. A spot is really just a blocked pore and will need to be treated the night before so that it has time to heal. But it is possible to banish these pimples with simple lemon juice and a pore-cleansing facial steam.

How to: When you can feel a spot brewing under the skin apply fresh lemon juice to it before bed, the next day when it has come to a head it can be gently steamed to loosen it up. Half fill a large heatproof bowl with very hot water just off the boil (never use boiling water as the steam will damage the skin), chuck in 5 chamomile tea bags and lean over the bowl so that the steam gently wafts against the face. Ensure that the spot is getting a fair dose of the steam. Keep steaming for at least 10 minutes and then massage the area around the pimple. Applying gentle pressure around the spot helps the skin to unblock the pore but never directly squeeze a spot! After the spot has been purged dab once more with fresh lemon juice to close up the pore and keep it clean.

8. The problem: Chapped lips
The Solution: DIY healing lip balm. Sore cracked lips are no fun and most commercial lip balms offer little in the way of real healing as they are mostly made from petroleum jelly which just coats the lips, smothering them. A natural handmade version containing nourishing oils and lip-protecting beeswax is the best cure and preventative.

How to: Making your own lip balm is very simple and takes no time at all. All the ingredients below should be easy to find in health food shops.

Ingredients:
20g Natural Beeswax
25ml Organic cold-pressed Sunflower oil
10ml Cold-pressed wild/organic Honey

Method:
Chop up the beeswax roughly and melt together honey, wax and oil in a glass bowl over a pan of simmering water (like melting chocolate) Remove carefully from heat and pour the molten lipbalm into small pots then leave to cool. Once cool put on the lip and label them. These balms will keep for a year.

9. The problem: Un-sweet feet

The solution: Bicarbonate of Soda. It's one of those embarrassing issues isn't it; no one likes to be told that their tootsies smell offensive. Nylon socks, plastic trainers and even diet all can contribute to the problem. It is always beneficial to the feet ton allow them some daily naked time, so kick off those shoes and socks and enjoy the feeling of freedom. Afterwards treat your toes to this footbath daily. Bicarb is one of nature's great odour absorbers and is cheaply available too.

How to: Half fill a large bowl with warm water and add a heaped tablespoon of Bicarbonate of Soda, soak the feet for at least 20 minutes daily. You can also sprinkle Bicarb into your shoes and leave overnight to absorb odours there. Just remember to tip out the powder in the morning before putting on the shoes.

10. The problem: Greasy skin.

The solution: Rosewater. Distilled rose petals make a simple skin tonic to alleviate shiny oily skin. Rosewater is gentle enough not to cause the skin to over-compensate by producing even more oil. Use rosewater to cleanse the skin, do not use harsh cleansers or soaps. Find pure rosewater in health food shops.

How to: Soak natural cotton pad in the rosewater and gently wipe over the skin to cleanse. Use as often as is necessary. This beautiful cleanser allows you to wake up and smell the roses!

Search Results

Fat-burning techniques and fitness equipment technology have become so advanced that obesity may very well become a thing of the past. The main missing component is that of a willing, moving spirits!

With any fat-burning technique such as physical activity, the annihilation of fat becomes accelerated to such an extent that obesity obliteration isn't a far-fetched concept at all. New home gym equipment and health club technology cater for every age group, from kids to seniors. The fitness machines target individual comfort zones and areas of interest, sport specialties, and at the same time exercise ego's when the gratifying results are paraded in front of full-length mirrors.

Males and females enjoy displaying well-defined upper body muscles. The Fortex air-resistance trainer targets this area successful. This simple, compact trainer works on muscle tone and strength in all 9 major upper body muscle groups. The fat-burning technique tones, trims and develops the upper back, shoulders, chest, and arms. Satisfying results are seen when using the system for just a few minutes per day, four days a week. Lithe ladies who continue to battle to tame that exasperating, pendulous upper arm flab, will experience a marked improvement with this resistance trainer.

Life Fitness Well Versed In Fat-Burning Techniques

The well-known Life Fitness Equipment company used their expert exercise scientists to design a unique, specialized circuit to facilitate well-rounded activity, mobility and flexibility in the senior population. In 2006, this development received an Industry Equipment Innovator Award.

With its 11 strength-training machines, featuring a patented Lifeband Resistance System, the Life Fitness circuit has become popular for its efficiency and incorporated fat-burning techniques. The circuit has been engineered to keep starting resistance at a low level, while building strength in small increments. This characteristic makes it highly accessible for people of all fitness levels.

The Life Fitness Circuit System is particularly favored in the hospitality industry. A number of scientifically designed training plans are incorporated into the system. If you want to brush up on fat-burning techniques, this circuit can be highly effective and will coordinate well with a sensible weight loss program. It will also help you to maintain a healthy weight.

Turn Your Golf Game Into A Geared-Up Fat-Burning Technique

If your golf game is your major pleasure in life, how does a gym workout combined with a marked improvement in your golf swing sound? When World Gym introduced the innovative Butch Harmon Golf Fitness Training Program, golf lovers took notice. Any sport-specific fitness training is usually accompanied by a high level of motivation. While working on weight loss or fat-burning techniques, aerobic conditioning and muscle fitness, you will be seeing an improvement in the technique behind your golf swing, your strength will increase, and you will become more flexible.

The Butch Harmon Golf Fitness program include ground-breaking devices such as the FreeMotion Fitness system, and the ProFlex Stretching system. The main benefit will be seen in the user's range of motion.

Phenomenal Fat-Burning Technique Of Life Fitness Elliptical CrossTrainer 95Xi

If you want to target fat-burning techniques while using your home gym equipment, you can scarcely do better than employing an Elliptical Cross-Trainer. This fat-burning phenomenon and total-body trainer incinerates calories at an astonishing rate. The Life Fitness company is known for its powerfully researched designs in space-age scientific laboratories. This industry leader recently introduced the new Life Fitness 95Xi Elliptical Cross-Trainer, sporting an impressive vault of expertly compiled programs.

This piece of new, fat-burning technology features one of the best monitoring systems, a state-of-the-art feedback console, and an EZ-TV Console or an attachable entertainment center. This superb exercise and weight loss solution, much more effective than a recumbent exercise bike, sports a comfortable 20" stride length.

Time-Tested Fat-Burning Techniques

New technology never negates the value in time-tested equipment and exercise programs. At Activity-Sports-Fitness.com your fat-burning technique can include working on firming up and motivating flabby brain cells, by digesting refreshing articles on a wealth of fitness equipment subjects, from Winsor Pilates, to recumbent exercise bikes, and taking trusted old home treadmills for test-runs.

Go and munch energetically on the creatively compiled consumer information. You may just get the inspiration you need to join the bulk bashing masses by making informed buying decisions and stocking up on the latest fat-burning techniques.

Interesting Sports Fit Camp

People find less time to do regular exercises and have balanced diet throughout. When a person fails to take care of his health, it ultimately results in body illness and overweight. Weight loss boot camp are conducted especially for the people who finds less time in enjoying the fun over their. Sports are one of the good ways of getting healthier and fitter. Most of the people have specific goal in their life time and they act accordingly with some sort of inspiration.

Sports & fitness are related to each other where people used to do exercise, so that it helps clients to be fit and healthier. More number of institutions is coming forward to offer the fitness retreat courses to the clients revolving around the world. The charges claimed for the program provided will be differed accordingly to the type of institution offering the service. Special fitness & sports camps are conducted all over the world to encourage the people to define themselves and to reduce the over weight caused due to over accumulation of fats presented in the body.

Here in sports fitness center, special exercise will be provided to the people initiating with more number of regular stuffs which helps not to strain their body too much. Good health, physical condition enhances long live to human and increases the life duration with healthier life. Different kinds of sports activities will be coached to the clients to make them sensible, enjoying and come up with reduction of body weight. Special weight loss boot trainers will be employed in the institution where the service is offered to the people.

Well experienced, qualified and knowledgeable trainers are appointed, so that individual attention will be paid and service will be offered. Make sure that you have joined the best weight loss institutions where you can come across more number of matters. The special program is specially designed and offered for the kids, women and men who find better result by reducing their weight without losing of body energy. So, join the sports fitness camp offered and enjoy the benefit.

Health and Fitness of Nations - Where is Money Best Spent When it Comes to Fitness?

It was interesting to see an editorial in the Vancouver Sun Newspaper questioning the spending of Canadian taxpayers money on Olympic sports. The Winter Olympics were a great success both in a logistical sense for Canada and in terms of medals. The Canadian Olympic Committee (C.O.C.) asked for an additional $11 million per year on top of the current $47 million.

The paper suggested that the C.O.C. had wanted to act quickly whilst the glow of success was still fresh in peoples' minds. The same situation has occurred after summer Olympics in Australia and I suspect these issues come up in other countries too.

The paper noted that several medal winning athletes had said they could not have succeeded without funding. It then made the key point "...we have been buying medals. We know now that we can do it. But should we do it? Maybe the money should be spread around to give kids across the country more chances to ski, skate, hockey, curl and even bobsleigh."

Last year an Australian Government report suggested funding for Olympic sports are reduced and monies directed more to sports with greater participation. It has been estimated that each Olympic gold at Beijing cost Australia about $15million.

Not surprisingly this call brought howls of protest from Olympic officials and athletes who not only do not want funding cut, they want more funding. One former medalist was quoted in the paper as saying how disappointed she would be if youngsters were not able to achieve their dreams because of lack of funds.

Now it is great for people to have dreams and go for them. However why should certain dreams be supported by taxpayers and others not be? If your dream is to be an Olympic athlete then significant money may be directed your way in terms of training and other support. What about if your dream is to be a musician or to be a scientist or anything other than an Olympic athlete, you have to manage on your own. Keep in mind also that Olympic medals are actually won by individuals not countries, even though medal counts are done by country.

More importantly is the issue of how government money should be spent. Given the demands on "health" dollars from lifestyle related conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and even forms of cancer, all of which are in part improved or reduced by exercise, is pouring millions into elite sports a good investment compared to putting money into facilities for more people to do sport and exercise. There is not a "trickle down" effect of fitness.

There is another aspect to this, which I saw at close quarters last year. The Australian Institute of Sport (A.I.S.) is the training ground for Olympic athletes in Australia. On a Tuesday morning tour at around 10 am there were two six year old children doing gymnastics. I asked the guide why they were not in school? Apparently they have a compressed school day of four hours from 11 till 3 sandwiched between training for six hours per day. The families are moved to Canberra so that the children are not separated from parents. The children are "picked " as young as three for their potential in the sport.

Exactly when do these children play and whom do they play with? What if their potential is not as great as the talent scouts thought? If certain Key Performance Indicators are not met then they will be ejected from the institute. The Australian community pays for this. I know some countries are much worse than this in their quest for gold but this does not make it any better.

Putting six year old children in an institute away from their friends and robbing them of a childhood is close to child abuse in my book. The carrot of a gold medal does not change this.

If individuals want to pursue dreams, be it sport or anything else that is great. If they are able to get external support, that is great too. Governments have a responsibility to the entire community. With 75% of the disease burden being lifestyle related conditions do we really want to buy gold medals for a handful of people or do we want to use money to build facilities and provide support in communities so more children (and adults) can be physically active and encouraged to be.

How many sports balls could be bought and how many community fitness trainers could be employed for a year, for the cost of a gold medal. Being active is vital for good health. Nations will get healthier if more people do a bit of sport or exercise than if a few do a lot.

The benefits of regular exercise are many and varied. You only get the benefit if you do it. Governments, which are supposedly interested in the health of the people they serve need to think long and hard about the best way to spend their dollars.

Is Your Health/Fitness Sinking or Swimming

Did you know that when you are eating properly & have enough fiber in
your diet that your waste will float in the toilet. Are you floating
or sinking?

The eating of plenty of fresh raw fruits & vegetables will not only
provide life-producing enzymes for health maintenance, but the
vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, & fibers for a healthy colon. When
you go to the bathroom, it should only be a long trip if you want to
steal away for some quiet time away from the family or some moments
of peace of mind or reading - not because you need the time to
eliminate. Your solid waste elimination process can & should be just
as quick as the process of urination, & it should be at least 1 or
more times a day.

There are some people who eliminate waste only once or twice a week
or even a month. These people need a serious overhaul of their eating
habits & /or their colon.

If you are having an elimination problem, try natural sources of help
like prunes, prune juice, psyllium or senna tablets. Psyllium is a
natural fiber that can help with the elimination process. Senna
provides a gentle stool-softening effect rather than the harsh effect
of some laxatives. Natural foods & remedies should always be our first
choice of action. You should try your local health food store & /or
try a naturapathic doctor for advice on foods & other remedies & make
some lifestyle changes vs. quick fixes might help for the short run.
If you keep on doing what you're doing, you will keep on getting what
you're getting.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, & the Life (John 14:6) & when we seek
Him w/our whole hearts, we will find the truth & the help that we
need for every area of our life.

Cordially,

Karen

the Way, Truth & Life Club
www.thewtlclub.com [http://www.thewtlclub.com]

Wii Personal Trainer Reviews - What Others Had to Say!

What happens when you combine one of the top game console manufacturers, and the top sports game developer? You have an unbeatable team! That is exactly what EA Sports has brought to the table, err Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit. The top developer of sports games brings their unique expertise to the Nintendo Wii entertainment system and the result is nothing less than fantastic.

When anyone thinks hockey or football, they think EA (Electronic Arts). After getting beat by Sega's ESPN NFL 2K5, EA signed major licensing deals with the NFL, ESPN and CLC for exclusive rights to content. Strong licensing deals, combined with fantastic game play helped propel EA to the forefront of sports gaming along with games in other categories.

EA Sports publishes all the realistic sports-based titles, including FIFA Football, Madden NFL, Tiger Woods PGA, NASCAR and Rugby to name a few.

It's no surprise then that EA Sports Active has been a hit with gamers. Amazon purchasers have given this title four starts out of five - that is 768 customer reviews, so it holds quite a bit of relevance. In fact within the sports category this title is rated number 10 for well over one year since it has been introduced.

What makes EA Sports Active one of the most talked about games? The answer to that is simple. One of the key game features are the 20-minute circuits that target the upper and lower body as well as cardio. Like a real gym, you start off with a light jog, work through bicep curls and then really get your heart beating with cardio boxing.

If you want to start quickly, the 30-day challenge allows you to track calories, intensity and your progress through 20-minute workouts that are tailor made and that you follow for 30-days. Many user reviews praise this feature and say it's the quickest way to get started with EA Sports Active.

The other key feature is that you get the benefit of a virtual personal trainer. The trainer will give you feedback throughout your workout, helping you stay on track to reach your fitness goals.

While the Wii will never be able to compete with a real-life personal trainer, the software is progressing and what is now available will help those that are unable to gain the advantage of a personal trainer. Using the Wii allows individuals to exercise and get feedback to help them progress naturally.

Factors to Consider in Hiring a Personal Trainer

If you have been out of shape for a while and wish to embark on a serious exercise program, hiring a personal trainer would be a very sensible decision. A good trainer can give you excellent advice on what routines to do or not do, and he can provide the motivation you need to keep going. What are the things to look for in a trainer? How do we weed out the poseurs from the real guys? Here are some factors to consider when looking for one:

1. Certification - Just like other occupations, the fitness industry offers certification programs for personal trainers. A certification program ensures the trainer has passed the minimum skills and competence required for the job. Most of these certifications expire after a year of two unless the trainer gets continuing education classes, so make sure that your trainer's certification is current.

Some the best organizations that provide trainer certification are the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), American Council on Exercise (ACE), International Sports Science Association (ISSA), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA). In addition, there are organizations that provide certification for specialized courses like yoga, Pilates, and kickboxing. Many colleges and universities also offer their own certification programs.

2. Educational background - Look for trainers who have a degree in a fitness-related course, like exercise physiology, physical therapy, exercise science, sports medicine, physical education, or occupational therapy.

3. Experience - Hire someone who has at least 2 years' experience either on his/her own, or at a club. Feedback is valuable; get opinions and recommendations from other people.

4. Brochures and/or Web site - A printed brochure and/or a web site reveal a high degree of professionalism. Be sure to check out critical details like fees, payment terms, and cancellation policies.

5. Interview - Find out if you are compatible with your prospective trainer's style or temperament. Things may look good on paper so be sure to validate by asking questions.

6. Fees - Call gyms or ask friends in order to find out the usual fees for a trainer in your city. Be wary of those who charge too low as this may mean the person is less than qualified. If you belong to a health club, it would be best to hire through them as clubs usually keep a close tab on their trainers.

7. Liability insurance - Lastly, make sure that the trainer has liability insurance in case problems occur. Although you are asked to sign a waiver, it does not necessarily absolve the trainer in case of gross ignorance or negligence on his or her part.

Make Money in the Health & Fitness Industry

Did you know that the Health & Fitness Industry is one of the largest producers of revenue online and off? From potions, to lotions, to pills and fitness equipment, it seems everywhere you look the focus is on health, beauty and fitness.

If you are a health and fitness professional, this news can be good AND bad. The good news is that there is plenty of money within the industry for everyone to take their share. The unfortunate side is that everyone is taking their share and some are getting more of the profits than others. As a health and fitness professional, it is imperative that you stand out in the crowd.

In hopes of cornering your piece of the market, you've posted your business card on gym bulletin boards, you've hounded all your friends, and you can't go anywhere without mentioning your skills and services. That's a great start, but soon you find yourself with expended resources and you're telling the same people (friends and family) about your service and you are not really extending your reach.

So, what next? What makes some health and fitness professionals successful doing what they love while others spend all their time doing what they hate (trying desperately to market one's self).

Exposure is the key to success in just about any industry, but in an industry as lucrative and flooded with opportunities and opportunists, it is extremely important to get more exposure than your competition.

In hopes of getting more exposure, you've posted your business card on gym bulletin boards, you've hounded all your friends, and you can't go anywhere without mentioning your skills and services. That's a great start, but soon you find yourself with expended resources and you're telling the same people (friends and family) about your services and you are not really extending your reach.

Sound familiar?

The cyclic nature of marketing can be overwhelming. Think of a tornado's vortex. If you are close to the bottom of the funnel, your "circles or cycles" are much shorter, too fast to keep up with, and you end up doing more damage than good.

If you are at the top of the tornado's vortex your cycle is much longer, smoother and easier to manage. Best of all, you reap all the rewards of those doing all the damaging work at the bottom, as houses and cars and everything else comes easily your way.

So how do you move UP the vortex and reap all the rewards of those doing all the work?

Many of the biggest players in the industry do this through strong marketing campaigns and costly marketing. Vying for the same ad space as the bigger industry leader is futile as their pockets are much bigger and can ALWAYS spend more than you can for exposure. In fact, the more you spend competing with the bigger fish, the more they appreciate your efforts, because you are acting like the bottom of the vortex... doing damage to your own checkbook and overall business model, while the industry giants at the top scoop up all the potential clients you excited.

While spending money on advertising is one of the best things you can do for your business, many small business owners do not have the cash flow to continually market their products or services. So, you end up spending a few hundred or a few thousand on a short lived marketing campaigns that leave you discouraged and broke. As soon as your marketing starts to work for you, you run out of cash to continue the efforts. What a bummer!

Again, you are getting the crowd (customers and clients) buzzing and interested in your product or service. But just when they are ready to purchase, they look for your ad in the most recent newspaper or periodical and you are no longer there. Your ad expired and you don't have the cash to renew, even if clients are interested and waiting to purchase from you.

So, that person who picks up the local paper ends up going with the company that purchases its ad space year round. You did the work, they got the reward. This won't work for very long at all.

So how do you turn it around? How do you make it so others are doing the work and YOU are reaping the benefits?

Online marketing and advertising are a good choice, as the prices are much lower than print or TV advertising and if your web site process orders, your clients are always one click away from purchasing your product or service.

Remember, when purchasing ad campaigns, stay within your budget. Make sure you can afford to pay for 6 months to a year or it might not be worth the return on investment. Just as in the traditional advertising scenario above, if you let your ad campaign run out, you stand to LOSE money, while others who leave their campaigns active reap the rewards.

Return on investment is the most important thing to consider as a small business owner whether in the health and fitness industry or any other. That's why it's IMPERATIVE that you operate within your means. This means that if you do not have the cash flow to advertise on a web site, newspaper or TV spot for more than six months, you might want to try a grass roots approach to your marketing campaign.

In hopes of saving money and starting your grass roots campaign, you've posted your business card on gym bulletin boards, you've hounded all your friends, and you can't go anywhere without mentioning your skills and services. That's a great start, but soon you find yourself with expended resources and you're telling the same people (friends and family) about your services and you are not really extending your reach.

That's right; we've come full circle once again. Will it ever end?

To stop the cycle, you MUST MAKE CHANGE. I suggest you start your own gorilla / grassroots marketing campaign.

Here's my short list of effective gorilla marketing campaigns:

1. Post your product or service on free sites like http://www.craigslist.org
(make sure to post appropriately, or you WILL be removed from their site)

2. Post your PROFILE on FREE niche web sites like http://www.exercisefriends.com
(the more active you are on the site, the more exposure you receive)

3. Be active on forums and comment boards. Become a leader by example.
Helping others on FREE forums and message boards can really help to increase your visibility and credibility (again be sure to post according to web site rules).

craigslist.org has a broad range of forums and exercisefriends.com has one of the largest & most active health and fitness forums on the web.

4. If you have the time to write... you can quickly become an "expert" in your industry by writing e-zines and e-books. http://www.ezinearticles.com is a GREAT place to submit your work, as well as exercisefriends.com.

What ever you do, what ever you decide, make sure that your marketing efforts don't go wasted. Make sure that any advertisement campaigns that you purchase are AFFORDABLE to you. Just because Gold's Gym is advertising in a particular spot, does not mean that you can. While you may be able to afford a one time ad placement or a short run campaign, it will be very difficult to compete dollar for dollar with them.

So beat them with your time, energy, personal knowledge and experience.

Fitness Tech and Training Q and A w/ Team USA Strength and Conditioning Coach Rob Schwartz

I recently was given the opportunity to interview Rob Schwartz, a Team USA Strength & Conditioning Coach for Acrobat & Combat Sports. Rob currently works with Olympic athletes competing in gymnastics, boxing, tae kwon do, judo, fencing, wrestling, synchronized swimming and diving. I wanted to pick his brain and gain some insight into how sports fitness technologies (heart rate, calorie intake, calories burned, sleep monitoring, distance and time tracking, VO2 recording, total vertical gained, etc.) are being utilized in Olympic athlete training and how Mr. Schwartz foresees consumer adoption of similar technologies in the future.

Q. Living in Denver and have previously toured the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, I remember the amount of gadgets and devices monitoring and tracking athlete progression in training. Could you explain the type of fitness technologies that are currently being utilized by your athlete's and how big of a role they play in your daily workout preparation?

A. For daily training activities we mostly utilize video feedback, both in the weightroom and the practice setting. In Strength and Conditioning we are always trying to gauge our athlete's state of preparedness, so we measure power outputs using Tendo units and force plates; this gives us feedback on how intensely we can train each athlete on a given day. At pre-determined times of the year the Sports Dietician tests athletes blood lactate levels during "live" practices to evaluate the physiological demands they face in competition. We've even had some Wrestler's get their blood lactate tested immediately following actual matches. We are currently developing an app for athlete's phones to monitor nutritional, psychological, training and recovery status. This is a short list; we have many other modes of technology we use as well.

Q. It seems as if Olympians have been using technology in their training programs long before the recent consumer craze, would you say that many of today's fitness gadgets are a result from what has been tested and proven in the Olympic arena?

A. Not that I am aware of, when training world class athletes for Olympic competition we simply don't have the time to field test technologies that have not been tested and proven in the field. We will receive some emerging technology from companies such as Nike and Samsung, but are confident when they hit our desk they have been proven effective.

Q. Do you believe emerging fitness and health applications and gadgets will improve our nation's health outcomes and help citizens become more informed and active participants in their personal health?

A. I hope so; it mainly depends on the person and their goals. If the consumer is serious about getting in shape, I suggest they do their research and ensure they are purchasing equipment from reputable companies that are proven in the market.

Q. One last question, any basic tips for those looking to begin personal strength and conditioning training?

A. I would start by joining your local 24 hour fitness and getting some personal training sessions. There is nothing better than an experienced trainer to provide feedback and steps for improvement. It is not suggested to surf the Internet for training advice or tips as there is no professional feedback and the information you are receiving may not be credible or suitable for your personal goals.

I am also a firm believer in video feedback for athletes, as with a current world champion boxer that I train when the fight is over the first thing we do on our plane flight home is review video on our smart phone and begin preparation for the next fight.

To learn more about the United States Olympic Training Center or to plan a tour visit them at TeamUSA.org and possibly rub elbows with America's premier Olympic athletes and coaches.

Sports Medicine Physicians - What You Need To Develop To Be One

While everybody loves a sports star, there is a regular group of support professionals such as sports medicine physicians and personal trainers not to mention PR persons who help the star handle their career just right, in a customized manner so as to ascertain success with every step they take. However, at times, the steps taken by many bright and promising sports stars are stopped in their tracks due to sports injuries, improper equipment use or not taking the right precautions during work-outs etc. and these situations can be minimized by correct role-play and responsibilities undertaken by a dedicated sports medicine physician or coach.

Technically, an interdisciplinary medicinal sub-specialty, sports medicine physicians taking to this career are required to deal with the treatment and preventive care of athletes, sports persons and sometimes even certain non-athletes who may have injured themselves during the course of exercise, training or routine work-outs or even as accident victims.

This field is especially reserved for medical health support staff or paramedics trained in preventing, controlling, diagnosing and treating cases under their scope of work as they work in the capacity of personal, fitness or sports trainers and even as health guides sometimes.

Some of the most important aspects of the job that a sports medicine physician may be required to do include having the necessary educational qualifications, aptitude, emergency reactionary skills and training to meet with night shifts and time zone changes, especially if the job requires them to travel outside the country or continent.

Main eligibility criterion for being considered as a potential candidate for the sports medicine physician job, then, includes specialization in sports psychology, adequate medical knowledge to diagnose illnesses and disorders, including injury prevention and counseling for the same, being aware of techniques, treatment options and management methods for various kinds of medical issues as well as psychological ones players/patients may have and the ability to handle special athlete groups.

The last may include senior athletes, disabled players and women etc. and thus, beyond passing physical examinations and having excellent communication skills to get their knowledge across to the affected persons, a capable sports medicine physician needs to also be a good psychologist with patience, understanding and necessary counseling skills to tackle cases of uncontrolled anger, depression, substance abuse, ego-problems besides effectively handling various athletics related issues of sports-persons having medical and surgical problems to attend to.

Beyond the above mentioned basics, other points a person aspiring to be a sports medicine physician needs to keep in mind is that he or she manages to get the minimum required accreditations for a rising career, not just be able to match the eligibility criteria for a basic job; being far-sighted in the various levels of the career is very important to knowing which documents and certificates to acquire and keep as ready references for getting a better job. This includes getting good referrals, having answers ready to address the concerns of individual clients/employers and keeping abreast of latest medical news and developments in the chosen field of sports medicine.

How Do Sports and Supplements Come Together

Sports and supplements when combined correctly in line with your objectives can prove to be a powerful partnership in your development, whether it be from a perspective of amateur or professional competition. Although some of the supplementation products may well have to be used carefully and in line with what professional sporting bodies dictate in terms of allowing the use of these products. One such product is that of creatine, which although is not presently illegal, a French authoritative body has proposed the banning of the substance as a performance enhancer, this is still at the proposal stage and is not in force yet. As a professional athlete you would however have to remain up to date in terms of the legalities and use of these supplements.

People have even begun to use products for their specific sport and supplements that have become exceptionally popular include the likes of whey protein, as well as the previously mentioned creatine, which currently enjoys over ten percent of the sport and supplements market. The whey protein products are quite popular amongst those that are building mass, as well as those that wish to lose weight or at the very least control their intake of specific foods. This form of protein has undergone significant testing and provides a by far superior source of protein. People who are building muscles essentially use the product as a source of fuel for their muscle groups, which also provide a recovery aspect in aiding the muscles to repair quicker after the strenuous workouts. In the case of creatine many people use this product from a strength perspective, which allows them to train harder and normally for longer too.

Sports and supplements go further than that of mere whey protein, creatine and so forth, but rather can be ventured further in terms of glutamine, essential fatty acid products, meal replacement products, prohormones, thermogenic products, testosterone boosters and so much more. Each of these products can be utilised in terms of your goals and objectives with respect to your relevant sport and supplements regime. Even these products are then broken down into specific and more specialized so called sub products, with more specific types being used by the various levels of the body builder, sportsperson or fitness enthusiast.

Therefore it would really depend upon sports and supplements goals you have and what you wish to achieve in utilising these products, as each has a specific function, and should be taken in accordance not only with the instructions, but within a balanced diet and workout and exercise program to ensure that the maximum results are achieved.

On Top of Your Game - Dental Health in Sports

In some sports, injuries are accidents that can be prevented with care and precision. But in other sports, those equally maligned and celebrated "contact sports", getting injured and recovering from injury aren't just inevitable- they're a part of the game. All sports are physical, but what separates the dangerous contact sports from their placid counterparts is that for the athlete, inflicting pain and injuries (and receiving it) are tactics to achieve a victory.

If you are an athlete in a sport such as martial arts, football, hockey, or lacrosse, you need to be aware of the risks, the prevention methods, and the recovery options involved with serious physical contact as it pertains to dental health.

Mostly overlooked in contact sports as an area of concern, dental health during and after a match is more than just a cosmetic issue. Ironically, it is due to its aesthetic appeal when left unchecked that preoccupation with dental health is relegated to an inferior, pusillanimous concern. Among boxers and hockey players, who is not intimidated by a seasoned veteran entering the arena with a mouth full of gaps and cracked teeth- a proclamation of toughness?

At least among boxers, it has long been a tradition that fighters with unscarred faces were to be either regarded as neophytes or cowards, a stigma that can be a serious tactical disadvantage for the aforementioned "pretty-boys" when it comes time to fight. However, what a fighter or player in any sport may lack in intimidation force with a full head of teeth, they can make up for in physical performance and stability.

Consider this, irresponsible protection of the jaw and teeth can lead to a disorder known as TMJ. TMJ causes locking in the jaw and reduced range of muscle movement. In the ring or on the field, TMJ can impair an athlete's ability to talk and breathe through their mouth. For a boxer, an inability to breathe correctly can spell doom during a match, whether or not their chipped front teeth are fearful to their opponent.

As an athlete it is wisest to trust your victory to your own abilities and strengths rather than to hope for a failure on the part of your opponent. Proper dental health can be ensured through following the safety rules first established when you began your sport: wear a mouth-guard, protect your head, and refrain from grinding or clenching your teeth. It's contrary to an athlete's expectation, but easing up the muscle tension in your face (rather than increasing and flexing the muscles of the face) is key to preventing a broken jaw or a disorder from getting hit.

Contact sports are made to test an athlete's dedication, valor, and toughness. Stay in the game longer and play better by knowing the dangers of dental injury and its' methods of prevention. By fighting carelessness, you put yourself in a better position to win and to continue dominance in your sport of choice.

Recipe to Good Health - Sports and Tips!

Pursuing sports as your hobby is good for your Health as well as for your personal life. Look at the host of benefits in playing cricket, table tennis and Golf. It lets you overcome your chronic disease, just some time out a day will help you. Play a game of table tennis in the morning and you will soon see how you can take control of your heart disease and breathing ailments.

Any game which involves cardiovascular exercise will be good for those suffering from cardiac problems. Build resistance and great stamina for a healthy living. Your recipe to good health is a game of sport. Build up your muscles with some physical activity every day. If you think you get exhausted very soon if you go for jogging, you can try out simpler games which are fun filled. They don't give you the feeling of exercise instead you would enjoy playing it and simultaneously work your way to good health. For instance, playing cricket makes you feel refreshed and at the same time is a good exercise tip for you.

It also has host of psychological benefits. It acts as a mood elevator to those who often suffer from depression. A good physical activity will help reduce the symptoms of depression. A depressive patient can soon see improvement with in a short span of time. Table tennis improves eye hand co-ordination, it helps your motor and visual skills. These are suggested to those with poor motor and visual skills. Besides this, it is good to catch up with friends every day.

American College Of Sports Medicine Programs - All That Aspiring Students Need To Know

The American College of Sports Medicine, an institution held in high esteem the world over, specialises in exercise science and sports medicine. A leader in its field as well as the biggest of its kind, it has pioneered research in the diagnosis, prevention and cure of sports injuries and new developments in exercises.

Services provided by the American College of Sports Medicine

The departments at this institution offer a wide spectrum of services in the discipline of healthcare. Athletes, players of various sports, and cosmonauts besides ordinary people with physical challenges, have all benefited from the services of American College of Sports Medicine. The motto of the American College of Sports Medicine is to facilitate and integrate research, learning and practical usage of sports medicine with exercise science towards increased physical output, overall health and better quality of life.

Certificate courses

The certification courses offered by the American College of Sports Medicine are of a wide range, in keeping with its rich experience in sports medicine and related services, and reputation. The certifications at the American College of Sports Medicine are open to any person that qualifies for them.

The most popular certification programs as well as the category of applicants they are suitable for, are listed as follows:
- Health Fitness Certification
- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
This course is meant for fitness trainers who wish to offer individualised fitness programs to their clients.
- ACSM Health / Fitness Instructor
Instructors conducting corporate, community and commercial programs on health and fitness will benefit from this certification.
- Clinical Certifications
- ACSM Exercise Specialist
Certificate course for professionals conducting exercise tests and training the people suffering from cardiovascular, metabolic or pulmonary ailments, for better health through exercise.
- ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist
People facilitating exercise management programs for patients of chronic ailments or any form of disability go through this certification.
Research Endowments
The ACSM Foundation and the Office of Research Administration and Programs, an offshoot of the American College of Sports Medicine, has on offer grants for research for ACSM student members as well as researchers. The funding can be utilised for research in:
- Injury prevention
- Space physiology
- Weightlessness
- Factors influencing exercise and disease risk
- Exercise and aging
- Exercise and heart rate response

The Research Administration and Programs department is also a reliable source of scientific information for several National Center departments.

Publications of the American College of Sports Medicine

General public can access information and research studies on sports medicine, exercise science, fitness and health through the publications, books and video products of the American College of Sports Medicine. These include four journals, namely:
- Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
- ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal
- Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews
- Current Sports Medicine Reports

Besides these, the institution also publishes a bimonthly newsmagazine.

Properly Preparing Your Child for Sports

Playing a sport is, quite often, a healthy part of childhood. It doesn't matter which particular sport a child plays (soccer, football, basketball, just to name a few), the majority of children take part in at least one. Even though sports are a healthy aspect of childhood, it is critical for young children (and their coaches) to understand the importance of injury prevention and proper nutrition. As athletes grow and develop - and as their sports become increasingly competitive - spinal adjustments, likewise, have become popular.

Engaging in youth athletics is fundamentally positive for a child. Even so, without adhering to the proper safety precautions, injury could occur. Before encouraging a child to play sports, it is important to pay close attention to the tyke's physical development. Each sport has particular requirements and demands - these factors cannot be overlooked.

Some sports, such as the highly competitive wrestling or physically demanding gymnastics, need special attention; parents and coaches must do their part to prepare each child for the inherent demands of each. Focus on building a solid routine of training, which should consist of strength training, stretching, and warm-up protocols.

It's important to teach children about each sport they participate in - and especially about how to prep their bodies for athletic action. Warm ups generally start with light movement - jogging in place and or jumping rope - and moves on to more specifically target exercises, depending on the sport.

The following are some tips which will help you to be confident that your little athlete is learning the proper protocol to reach fitness success. With a little practicality, your child will be safeguarded against injury and be ready for competition!

Make sure you obtain the correct equipment: Without the proper protection - such as helmets, shoes, and pads - additional injury could occur. Do whatever it takes to maintain and/or replace equipment every step of the way.

Eat smart: Insist that your child adhere to the food pyramid (avoiding foods high in sugar, overly processed products, and empty calories. It's best for a young athlete to consume lean meats, veggies, whole grains and legumes to achieve prime physical condition.

Keep track of your weight: Not all sports - like figure skating and gymnastics - require strict dieting but regardless, the pressure to be thin is universally felt. Make sure you teach your child about proper nutrition, including the necessary amount of calories needed to ensure optimal athletic performance - AND look and feel well.

Get enough water: It isn't a myth; water is essential to athletics. Young children need about five glasses of water, while adults require as many as ten.

Drink milk: Stress the importance of milk consumption, both for young athletes and weekend warriors alike. Children above the age of two should no longer drink whole milk - give them low-fat milk, such as 1 percent, instead.

Avoid consuming caffeinated, carbonated, or sugary beverages: Choose water, first and foremost, and then consider replenishing the body with a sports drink, especially if the sport is endurance based, as is the case with track and field.

Warm up: Do not neglect this fundamentally essential aspect of exercise. Have your child jump rope, jog slowly, or lift light weights in order to loosen the muscles and get them ready to be effectively - and safely - stretched.

Rest: Maintain an average of eight hours of sleep, no matter what may be going on in your (or your child's) life. Without adequate recharge time, your body will be unable to compete at its optimal level.

Chiropractic care is one of the ways to maintain your competitive edge. Many Olympic athletes seek the regular counsel of a chiropractor. A doctor of chiropractic is a trained professional and will be readily equipped to help your child remain ready for peak performance.

Athletes at this level are keenly aware of the benefits of chiropractic care. Chiropractors utilize a whole body approach to wellness, making sure that each aspect of proper health is being addressed. Those athletes who make use of such adjustments are not strangers to the multitude of benefits often associated with chiropractic care.

Chiropractors are especially trained to treat patients at the neuromuscularskeletal level. A chiropractor is readily available to treat athletes, regardless of their level, so seek out a doctor of chiropractic when you or your child is ready for a comprehensive approach to good health.

How to Prevent Sport Injuries

Sports and other forms of physical workout offer many wellness benefits for athletes of all ages. Health professionals unanimously hold that regular physical exercise is essential for good health. But, regrettably, sport involvement sometimes causes injury, and every athlete (indeed, every person) is at some chance of injury. Adventure of injury should not be taken lightly, as some injuries are serious enough to cause long-term limitations in your physical activity level.

Mere bad luck causes large amount of injuries. One moment you are okay, and the next you land wrong and tear a ligament. But some elements that increase injury chance are under your control. The following will help you trim your chance of sports injuries.

Use right equipment and footwear. Use whatever safety equipment is recommended for your exercise: eye protection for racquet sports, helmets for cycling and so forth. Be sure the equipment suits you comfortably, and hold it in good condition. Replace equipment as required. Good footwear prevents harm as well. Shoes should fit well and meet the needs of your sports.

Think of the exercise environment. Take out or think of possible dangers. Slippery or sticky playing surfaces many need accommodation. Altitude and hot environments call for acclimation. Weather many present challenges in the form of heat, humidity, cold or lightening. Take environmental ingredients into consideration when training and playing.

Train wisely. A well-designed training program should both condition and for peak performance and prevent hurt. Work Load should be cut to your personal fitness and activity levels as much as possible, although this is often tough in a team training condition. Workload should be raised gradually to prevent injury. Work with your coach, if you have one, to set work loads, if necessary.

Some athletes take core training as part of their physical conditioning to strengthen the muscles that stabilize the body and prevent back injury. Many athletes also include polymeric and other jump training routines in their sports conditioning programs to enhance power and agility, and improve lower-body mechanics. This type of exercise may help prevent knee and leg injuries.

Listen to warning signs. Overuse harms come to gradually, and by listening to previous warning signals, you can prevent more troublesome harms from developing. Previous signals of overuse injury include pain at right that disappears during activity, as well as daytime pain, joint swelling, muscle fatigue, numbness and tingling. Look For advice from your athletic trainer, physical therapist or healthcare provider if you experience these troubles.

Take care of minor injuries, and don't return to exercise before they are healed. Remember that admitting you are injured is not a sign of weakness, but of intelligence. Sports injury is not a personality flaw, but a fact of life for most athletes at different times throughout their sport careers.

Offer yourself enough breaks and recovery. Rest and recovery are crucial factors of well-designed sports training programs. The body needs rest to respond to a training stimulus and become stronger. Inadequate recovery hurts performance and gain risk of injury.

Maintain good health. Good health is important for top performance. Follow guidelines for good sports nutrition, consuming a well-balanced diet that includes enough protein, carbohydrate and fluid. Rest when you are sick so you will recovery more rapidly. Keep off substances that interfere with good health, such as drugs or too much (or any, if you are underage) alcohol.

The Necessity of Sports Supplements

Every sports man or woman needs to do everything possible in order to achieve the best results in his or her sports career. Among the very many areas to look at, the issue of feeding stands as the most vital. When you're poorly fed as a sports person, you're sure to be bidding good-bye to your sports career. Your feeding ought to be properly taken care of in order to ensure your continued participation in sporting events. One way to enhance your feeding is by adding quality sports supplements to your sports diet always.

Why You Need Sports Supplements

You need supplements for various reasons. First, you need to improve the standard of your feeding as a sports person. When you have adequate sport supplements added to your meals, you're sure of improving your overall sports health.

Again, you need sports supplements to improve your optimal performance in your game. If for instance, you're an athlete, you need to use adequate sports supplements that can improve your sprinting ability. If you don't go for such supplements, you may never win any suitable position in your athletic competitions. Again, if you're a weight lifter, there are specific supplements you need to be taking every day. Such supplements help you a lot to maintain your stamina and your overall health. They also help you to achieve the best results you can during any game session.

Simply put, supplements are very vital for your overall performance in your sports career. They also help a lot in safeguarding your health which is very necessary for your continued performance in sports.

The Necessary Sports Supplements you need

Generally, supplements showcase in form of vitamins, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals and even herbs. They are known as nutritional supplements which must not be lacking in your meals every now and then. Oftentimes, they are also known as dietary supplements.

In the area of sports, supplements are not different from the regular ones being used all over the world. There are pre-workout and post workout supplements meant for every sports man or woman. Each category of the supplements consists of specific supplements meant for every sports person. Among them include creatine, caffeine, proteins, glucosamine and some others. Creatine for instance is very vital for your muscles. It helps a lot in producing the required energy you need for your sports. Caffeine and Glucosamine are also needed to boost your energy while Protein supplements are meant for the nourishment of your entire body.

These supplements mentioned above do come in a variety of ready-made products. You can always locate them from medical shops and even from reliable online dealers.

Indeed, sports supplements are very necessary for the provision of the required energy and stamina you need to carry on with your sports career. They are also needed for your daily body fitness. You need to take time to go for the best. You can't just be using the supplements just because your sports friends are making use of them. You need to be properly guided by your doctor before you use any of them. This protects you from making wrong decisions when it comes to picking the right supplement.

Athletic Trainer Profession and Salary Information

Sports and the Athletic industry have become big business ventures. Sports and all the related businesses that surround it propose some serious athletic trainer professional chances. Naturally, the focus is on the athletes in sports however a full basic network has been made surrounding the athletes, therefore the system and the business goes forward to create and preserve a high level of interest, as well as make a profit.

Vocations as an Athletic Trainer allow persons the chance to serve not to mention staying in excellent physical condition. Athletic trainers advise, assess and care for athletes as well as assist them to stay in topnotch physical shape. If you are a sports fan and desire to be of service to others, a sports trainer's career may be the ideal job for you. To be allowed to be hired as an sports trainer you need a bachelors degree given by a traditional university or online university as well as being certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association. (NATA) People are choosing online universities for to pursue their degree with some reasons could be, to enable them to continue their work, study for certification and do college work simultaneously.

Fitness trainers must also complete a course in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and should will have a 2 year intern period under the guidance of a NATA trainer. You can also be certified by NATA by having an online undergraduate degree in any field and have 1800 hours of on-the-job-training under a certified member of NATA.

Athletic Trainer Earnings

Once you have been certified as an athletic trainer, you can you can be employed as a sports trainer in an educational facility, or at a health club. Athletic trainers salaries can top $32,000 the first year they are employed. As the fitness trainer is more experienced that wage may develop into to $40,000, after the 5 year mark and over $45,000 after 10 years. Athletic trainers who have over 20 yrs job experience may make over $50,000 a yr depending on where they live. An fitness trainers profession is undeniably a service as well as a special means to be employed and indulge in sports concurrently.

Health & Fitness Is Not A 12 Week Program

Not long ago, one of the members of my health club poked her head in my office for some advice. Linda was a 46 year old mother of two, and she had been a member for over a year. She had been working out sporadically, with (not surprisingly) sporadic results. On that particular day, she seemed to have enthusiasm and a twinkle in her eye that I hadn't seen before.

"I want to enter a before and after fitness contest called the "12 week body transformation challenge." I could win money and prizes and even get my picture in a magazine."

"I want to lose THIS", she continued, as she grabbed the body fat on her stomach. "Do you think it's a good idea?"

Linda was not "obese," she just had the typical "moderate roll" of abdominal fat and a little bit of thigh/hip fat that many forty-something females struggle with.

"I think it's a great idea" I reassured her. "Competitions are great for motivation. When you have a deadline and you dangle a "carrot" like that prize money in front of you, it can keep you focused and more motivated than ever."

Linda was eager and rarin' to go. "Will you help me? I have this enrollment kit and I need my body fat measured."

"No problem," I said as I pulled out my Skyndex fat caliper, which is used to measure body fat percentage with a "pinch an inch" test.

When I finished, I read the results from the caliper display: "Twenty-seven percent. Room for improvement, but not bad; it's about average for your age group."

She wasn't overjoyed at being 'average'. "Yeah, but it's not good either. Look at THIS," she complained as again she grabbed a handful of stomach fat. "I want to get my body fat down to 19%, I heard that was a good level."

I agreed that 19% was a great goal, but it would take a lot of work because average fat loss is usually about a half a percent a week, or six percent in twelve weeks. Her goal, to lose eight percent in twelve weeks was ambitious.

She smiled and insisted, "I'm a hard worker. I can do it"

Well, indeed she was and indeed she did. She was a machine! Not only did she never miss a day in the gym, she trained HARD. Whenever I left my office and took a stroll through the gym, she was up there pumping away with everything she had. She told me her diet was the strictest it had ever been in her life and she didn't cheat at all. I believed her. And it started to show, quickly.

Each week she popped into my office to have her body fat measured again, and each week it went down, down, down. Consistently she lost three quarters of a percent per week - well above the average rate of fat loss - and on two separate occasions, I recall her losing a full one percent body fat in just seven days.

Someone conservative might have said she was overtraining, but when we weighed her and calculated her lean body mass, we saw that she hadn't lost ANY muscle - only fat. Her results were simply exceptional!

She was ecstatic, and needless to say, her success bred more success and she kept after it like a hungry tiger for the full twelve weeks.

On week twelve, day seven, she showed up in my office for her final weigh-in and body fat measurement. She was wearing a pair of formerly tight blue jeans and they were FALLING OFF HER! "Look, look, look," she repeated giddily as she tugged at her waistband, which was now several inches too large.

As I took her body fat, I have to say, I was impressed. She hadn't just lost a little fat, she was "RIPPED!"

During week twelve she dropped from 18% to 17% body fat, for a grand total of 10% body fat lost. She surpassed her goal of 19% by two percent. I was now even more impressed, because I had only seen a handful of people lose that much body fat in three months.

You should have seen her! She started hopping up and down for joy like she was on a pogo stick! She was beaming... grinning from ear to ear! She practically knocked me over as she jumped up and gave me a hug - "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"Don't thank me," I said, "You did it, I just measured your body fat."

She thanked me again anyway and then said she had to go have her "after" pictures taken. Then something very, very strange happened. She stopped coming to the gym. Her "disappearance" was so abrupt, I was worried and I called her. She never picked up, so I just left messages.

No return phone call.

It was about four months later when I finally saw Linda again. The giddy smile was gone, replaced with a sullen face, a droopy posture and a big sigh when I said hello and asked where she'd been.

"I stopped working out after the contest... and I didn't even win."

"You looked like a winner to me, no matter what place you came in" I insisted, "but why did you stop, you were doing so well!"

"I don't know, I blew my diet and then just completely lost my motivation. Now look at me, my weight is right back where I started and I don't even want to know my body fat."

"Well, I'm glad to see you back in here again. Write down some new goals for yourself and remember to think long term too. Fitness isn't a just 12 week program you know, it's a lifestyle - you have to do it every day - like... forever."

She nodded her head and finished her workout, still with that defeated look on her face. Unfortunately, she never again come anywhere near the condition she achieved for that competition, and for the rest of the time she was a member at our club, she slipped right back into the sporadic workout pattern.

Linda was not an isolated case. I've seen the same thing happen with countless men and women of all ages and fitness levels from beginners to competitive bodybuilders. In fact, it happens to millions of people who "go on" diets, lose a lot of weight, then "go off" the diet and gain the weight right back.

What causes people to burn so brightly with enthusiasm and motivation and then burn out just as quickly? Why do so many people succeed brilliantly in the short term but fail 95 out of 100 times in the long term? Why do so many people reach their fitness goals but struggle to maintain them?

The answer is simple: Health and fitness is for life, not for "12 weeks."

You can avoid the on and off, yo-yo cycle of fitness ups and downs. You can get in great shape and stay in great shape. You can even get in shape and keep getting in better and better shape year after year, but it's going to take a very different philosophy than most people subscribe to. The seven tips below will guide you.

These guidelines are quite contrary to the quick fix philosophies prevailing in the weight loss and fitness world today. Applying them will take patience, discipline and dedication. But remember, the only thing worse than getting no results is getting great results and losing them.

1) Don't "go on" diets.

When you "go on" a diet, the underlying assumption is that at some point you have to "go off" it. This isn't just semantics, it's the primary reason most diets fail. By definition, a "diet" is a temporary and often drastic change in your eating behaviors and/or a severe restriction of calories or food, which is ultimately, not maintainable. If you reach your goal, the diet is officially "over" and then you "go off" (returning to the way you used to eat). Health and fitness is not temporary; it's not a "diet." It's something you do every day of your life. Unless you approach nutrition from a "habits" and "lifestyle" perspective, you're doomed from the start.

2) Eat the same foods all year round.

Permanent fat loss is best achieved by eating mostly the same types of foods all year round. Naturally, you should include a wide variety of healthy foods so you get the full spectrum of nutrients you need, but there should be consistency, month in, month out. When you want to lose fat, there's no dramatic change necessary - you don't need to eat totally different foods - it's a simple matter of eating less of those same healthy foods and exercising more.

3) Have a plan for easing into maintenance.

Let's face it - sometimes a nutrition program needs to be more strict than usual. For example, peaking for a bodybuilding or fitness contest requires an extremely strict regimen that's different than the rest of the year. As a rule, the stricter your nutrition program, the more time you must allow for a slow, disciplined transition into maintenance. Failure to plan for a gradual transition will almost always result in bingeing and a very rapid, hard fall "off the wagon."

4) Focus on changing daily behaviors and habits one or two at a time.

Rather than making huge, multiple changes all at once, focus on changing one or two habits/behaviors at a time. Most psychologists agree that it takes about 21 days of consistent effort to replace an old bad habit with a new positive one. As you master each habit, and it becomes as ingrained into your daily life as brushing your teeth, then you simply move on to the next one. That would be at least 17 new habits per year. Can you imagine the impact that would have on your health and your life? This approach requires a lot of patience, but the results are a lot more permanent than if you try to change everything in one fell swoop. This is also the least intimidating way for a beginner to start making some health-improving lifestyle changes.

5) Make goal setting a lifelong habit.

Goal setting is not a one-time event, it's a process that never ends. For example, if you have a 12 week goal to lose 6% bodyfat, what are you going to do after you achieve it? Lose even more fat? Gain muscle? Maintain? What's next? On week 13, day 1, if you have no direction and nothing to keep you going, you'll have nothing to keep you from slipping back into old patterns. Every time you achieve a goal, you must set another one. Having daily and weekly short term goals means that you are literally setting goals continuously and never stopping.

6) Allow a reasonable time frame to reach your goal.

It's important to set deadlines for your fitness and weight loss goals. It's also important to set ambitious goals, but you must allow a reasonable time frame for achieving them. Time pressure is often the motivating force that helps people get in the best shape of their lives. But when the deadline is unrealistic for a particular goal (like 30 pounds in 30 days), then crash dieting or other extreme measures are often taken to get there before the bell. The more rapidly you lose weight, the more likely you are to lose muscle and the faster the weight will come right back on afterwards. Start sooner. Don't wait until mid-May to think about looking good for summer.

7) Extend your time perspective.

Successful people in every field always share one common character trait: Long term time perspective. Some of the most successful Japanese technology and manufacturing companies have 100 year and even 250-year business plans. If you want to be successful in maintaining high levels of fitness, you must set long term goals: One year, Ten years, Even fifty years! You also must consider the long term consequences of using any "radical" diet, training method or ergogenic aid. The people who had it but lost it are usually the ones who failed to think long term or acknowledge future consequences. It's easy for a 21 year old to live only for today, and it may even seem ridiculous to set 25 year goals, but consider this: I've never met a 40 or 50 year old who didn't care about his or her health and appearance, but I have met 40 or 50 year olds who regretted not caring 25 years ago.

Copyright 2005 Tom Venuto

7 Quotes From Neuroscientists That Will Revolutionize Brain And Mind Health, Fitness And Wellness

Interested in improving your attention, memory, thinking skills, ability to manage stressful situations? Good news: "Recent research in neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to change in response to information and new activities - shows that brain cells and new pathways continue to develop throughout life...", say mainstream newspapers like the New York Times, who are increasing their coverage on the growing movement of "brain training" games and technologies.

An article titled "Mind Over Matter, With a Machine's Help" provides a great overview on how to combine cognitive therapy with fMRI (an advanced neuroimaging technique that enables movie-like visual feedback on what areas of the brain are getting activated). Another article, titled "Calisthenics for the Older Mind, on the Home Computer", reviews a number of commercial software packages.

I have interviewed 10 neuroscientists and experts in cognitive and emotional training to better understand the research behind this field and the implications for our lives. Let me share with you some of my favorite quotes:

1) "Learning is physical. Learning means the modification, growth, and pruning of our neurons, connections-called synapses- and neuronal networks, through experience...we are cultivating our own neuronal networks."- Dr. James Zull, Professor of Biology and Biochemistry at Case Western University.

2) "Exercising our brains systematically ways is as important as exercising our bodies. In my experience, "Use it or lose it" should really be "Use it and get more of it".- Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg, neuropsychologist, clinical professor of neurology at New York University School of Medicine, and disciple of the great neuropsychologist Alexander Luria.

3) "Individuals who lead mentally stimulating lives, through education, occupation and leisure activities, have reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's symptoms. Studies suggest that they have 35-40% less risk of manifesting the disease"- Dr. Yaakov Stern, Division Leader of the Cognitive Neuroscience Division of the Sergievsky Center at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York.

4) "What research has shown is that cognition, or what we call thinking and performance, is really a set of skills that we can train systematically." - Dr. Daniel Gopher, Professor of Cognitive Psychology and Human Factors Engineering at Technion Institute of Science.

5) "Elite performers are distinguished by the structuring of their learning process...You need to protect and optimize that practice, learning time... It is important to understand the role of emotions: they are not "bad". They are very useful signals. It is important to become aware of them to avoid being engulfed by them, and learn how to manage them." - Dr. Brett Steenbarger, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Medical University, and author of Enhancing Trader Performance.

6) "We have shown that working memory can be improved by training" - Dr. Torkel Klingberg, Professor at Karolinska Institute, and Director of the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, part of the Stockholm Brain Institute.

7) "I don't see that schools are applying the best knowledge of how minds work. Schools should be the best place for applied neuroscience, taking the latest advances in cognitive research and applying it to the job of educating minds." - Dr. Arthur Lavin, Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Case Western School of Medicine, pediatrician in private practice.

If you are interested in learning more about this exciting field of "brain fitness" and "brain exercise", please keep tuned. Over the next weeks we will publish new interviews with:

- Dr. Judith S. Beck, Director of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research, and author of The Beck Diet Solution: Train Your Brain to Think Like a Thin Person.

- Dr. Robert Sylwester, Emeritus Professor of Education at the University of Oregon. His most recent book is The Adolescent Brain: Reaching for Autonomy. The Education Press Association of America has given him two Distinguished Achievement Awards for his syntheses of cognitive science research.

Now you know: Nutrition, Physical Exercise and Stress Management are very important to your brain health and fitness, but you can also exercise and improve your "Mental Muscles"!