Music that Moves: Building a Playlist that Hits
Anyone who has taken or taught a group exercise class knows the important role that music plays. The playlist sets the tone and tempo for the class, and it can greatly impact how much students enjoy the experience. Studies have shown that music can impact how hard students work during a class (intensity) and how long they […]
Cardiac Adaptation to Endurance and Resistance Training
In our Studies of Twin Responses to Understand Exercise THerapy (STRUETH) trial, we recruited monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs and supervised them through three months of endurance training and three months of resistance exercise training. Each twin pair exercised together, at matched exercise prescriptions, and all subjects undertook both forms of exercise. We measured many […]
How to Build a Bike-Friendly Community
Cycling is an ideal form of transportation and recreation: More physically engaging than driving and far more mechanically efficient than walking or running, it’s the perfect balance of convenience and exercise. It’s better for our health, and better for the environment. There’s a sticking point, though: Many communities lack the necessary infrastructure for safe cycling. […]
Racial, Ethnic, and Nativity-Based Differences in Physical Activity Behaviors
As exercise professionals ranging from clinicians to personal trainers to researchers, we know that most adults in the United States are not getting enough moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity (MVPA). It is important for us to understand who may be at especially high risk of physical inactivity. Prior studies have shown that there may be […]
Q&A with New ACSM President Stacy Fischer
Anastasia “Stacy” Fischer, M.D., FACSM, was installed as president of ACSM during last month’s annual meeting in San Diego. SMB editor Lenny Kaminsky, Ph.D., FACSM, asked Dr. Fischer several questions that may be of interest to ACSM members. We appreciate Dr. Fischer taking the time to provide the following answers. Q: What can you say about ACSM’s annual meeting, the […]
Making the Business Case for CEPs
The influence of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (CR) participation on desirable patient outcomes is well established. Moreover, the role clinical exercise physiologists (CEP) and exercise physiologists serve in such programs is becoming better understood and desirable in many health care settings. Less understood, and perhaps more vital for substantiating the CEP’s role in health care, are the […]
Reconsidering the Importance of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Early Adulthood
Cardiorespiratory fitness reflects integration of several body systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems. It helps optimize heart health and is an important predictor of adverse health outcomes, including premature death, heart attack and heart disease. Indeed, the American Heart Association suggests that cardiorespiratory fitness should be measured as a vital sign during a doctor’s visit. […]
5 Skills of High Performers in the Fitness Industry
Public health is having a moment right now, and the fitness industry must rise to the occasion. The truth is, the fitness industry is uniquely positioned to improve many public health outcomes through promotion of regular physical activity. Positioning physical activity as part of the health care continuum — as an accessible, integral part of […]
How Being Dual Credentialed Can Improve Your Hiring and Salary Potential
Whether you are a seasoned fitness professional or a new trainer entering the field, it’s more important than ever to be versatile and competent in working with a variety of clientele. As our industry shifts with the needs and demands of the public, we want to be educated and experienced working with clients one on […]
Air Pollution Diminishes the Benefits of Physical Activity for Brain Health
Physical activity is recognized as one of the key healthy lifestyle behaviors that reduces the risk of developing dementia late in life. Physical activity requires increased rates of respiration. Thus, in areas with high levels of air pollution, physical activity may increase exposure to particulate matter and gases that are linked with higher risk of […]