Diving into Health: Aquatic HIIT for Older Women
Recent public health guidelines emphasize the importance of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) as an effective strategy for improving cardiometabolic health, particularly among older adults. While land-based HIIT (L-HIIT) has gained popularity, it may not be the best fit for everyone, especially elderly individuals struggling with deconditioning and joint issues. This is where aquatic high-intensity interval […]
Physical Activity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Over the nine short months of pregnancy, a woman will grow a new life (or two, or three!) along with a complex organ called the placenta. During this period of rapid change, a pregnant woman’s body also adapts to become progressively insulin resistant, ensuring there is sufficient glucose in the bloodstream to direct to the […]
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Platelet Reactivity
Low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has long been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), and platelets are key mediators in atherosclerotic CVD and thrombosis. However, few prior studies have examined associations between fitness and platelets, the majority exploring platelet reactivity after acute exercise bouts and showing a transient platelet hyperreactivity phase. Studies that have looked at chronic […]
Exercise, Good for Your Bones?
For too long, bones were viewed merely as inert structural components of the body, and there was little appreciation for their broader biological functions and responsiveness to stimuli. Today, however, we know that bones are dynamic, biologically active tissues with the innate ability to respond and adapt to various individual and environmental stimuli. Bone tissue […]
From Activity to Sleep: A Balanced Lifestyle Approach to Brain Health
Dementia is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide, and modifiable lifestyle factors may be critical for preventing up to 45% of all-cause dementia occurring after age 65. Two key modifiable risk factors associated with reduced dementia risk and improved brain health are regular physical activity and good quality sleep. Physical activity […]
Post-Games Recovery: Lessons from Olympic Athletes
Now that the 2024 Paris Olympics have come to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible performances we were privileged to witness. Over 10,500 of the best athletes in the world from 184 nations competed in 329 medal events over 16 days. As I have experienced with previous Games, I left feeling inspired by the Olympians […]
Ultramarathons and the Heart-Lung Interface
The popularity of ultramarathon trail running has increased rapidly in recent years, with thousands of events now held annually around the world. Ultramarathons are broadly defined by an event distance that exceeds the traditional marathon (42.195 km) and typically range from ~45 to 170 km. In contrast to the traditional marathon, ultramarathon events are frequently […]
Getting to Know the ACSM Foundation
The ACSM Foundation is organizationally structured as independent from ACSM but with the objective of supporting and advancing the mission and strategic plan of ACSM. To accomplish this goal, the foundation shepherds 25 funds, with a total value over $3.2 million. Over the past two years, the ACSM Foundation has updated all governance documents (bylaws and constitution) […]
Is Healthy Weight Gain in Athletes Realistic?
As a dietitian in the United States Army, many soldiers have sought nutritional advice from me with the goal of gaining muscle or bulking up before going to Ranger School. Many professional and recreational athletes likewise want to intentionally gain weight for reasons that include increased strength or power or being at a heavier body […]
Summertime and the 24-Hour Day: Get Teens Moving!
Everyone looks forward to the summer, especially teens. In the United States, this two- to three-month period is typically characterized by sleeping in, catching up on shows and taking part in assorted adventures. But today’s adventures may be different than those of the past. Just in case parents of today’s teens needed a reminder, we […]