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The Biggest Assessment Mistakes Personal Trainers Make
After 30 years in the fitness industry, I’ve seen the same assessment mistakes repeated again and again. Many personal trainers overcomplicate the process with endless screens and diagnostics. In this article, I explain the most common assessment mistakes and how trainers can simplify their approach while still gathering the information they need.
The Value of Isometric Training
Few stories highlight the power of isometric (static) training better than The Spiritual Journey of Joseph L. Greenstein: The Mighty Atom by Ed Spielman. In
5 Exercise Problems and Solutions
There are certain exercises that are simply too uncomfortable or seem to fatigue everything but the target muscle. Usually, you just stay away from them,
Parallel-Bar Dips for Females: How to Get a Positive Outcome from a Negative Action
Many females struggle with parallel-bar dips much like they do with chin-ups. If you perceive that you’re unable to do an exercise, sure enough, you’ll
Negative-Only Parallel-Bar Dips
Many women struggle with parallel-bar dips, but that can change quickly with the right approach. Negative-only training is a powerful method to build the necessary
Force Results with Triple Split Training
In strength training, it’s best to coax or nudge adaptation, or so we’re told. The body can only adapt at a certain rate and trying
Keeping Up with Current Research (September 2016)
Staying up to date with scientific research can give you a competitive edge as a personal trainer. Here are some recent findings that can enhance
One PlateMate, an Offset Grip, and Two Arm Exercises
Did you know that simply shifting your grip on a dumbbell can change muscle activation? Using an offset grip—where you hold the dumbbell closer to
What Do Females and Endurance Athletes Have in Common?
Ever notice that women and endurance athletes can perform more reps at a given intensity than the average guy? That’s because they typically have a
3 Warm-Up Methods for More Strength
Want to lift heavier? Try tricking your nervous system with these three advanced warm-up strategies: 1. Postactivation Potentiation (PAP) for Strength Gains Gradually ramp up
A Compliment, Sort Of
Every personal trainer has heard this line a thousand times: “I need to start working out. I’m going to come see you.” Most people never
Update Your iPhone iOS and Sleep Better
Bright blue light is great during the day—but at night, it can disrupt your sleep. One solution is orange-tinted glasses (see Why I Wear My
Get in Shape with Push-Ups
Grade 9 was quite an experience—a new school, new classmates, and new teachers. But one teacher stood out more than the others: Mr. Carter, our
Don’t Leave a Presentation Before the Q&A
Sometimes the best learning moments happen after a presentation—during the Q&A session. Take, for example, a talk given by Dr. Christopher Gardner, titled “The Battle
Intense Sunlight Promotes Deep Sleep
I’m a stickler for sleep hygiene. When I say my room resembles a cave, I’m not joking! The temperature is cool, there’s no sound, and
The 30-Minute Digital Time Rule
My 6-year-old son has become a wizard on digital devices. Hand him an iPhone, iPad, or iMac, and he’s right at home. Of course, I’m
How to Bring Pasteurized Sauerkraut Back to Life
I take a probiotic every day, but not in pill or powder form. Instead, I get my daily dose from sauerkraut, a fermented vegetable packed
Set Your Alarm Clock for Bed
You should set your alarm not only to wake up in the morning but also to go to bed at night. Going to sleep and
Physical Attributes and Testing Procedures for Athletes
The following is part of an interview that Maximum Fitness Magazine conducted with me many years ago. I was asked about the physical attributes and
Training on an Empty Stomach
Listen in as I explain why training on an empty stomach can be detrimental and how to solve the problem. For a potent anti-catabolic and
Strength Training During Pregnancy
Maternal exercise during pregnancy offers numerous benefits: it can improve fitness, control weight gain and glucose levels, boost energy and mood, ease labor, enhance postpartum