Contributed by: Michaela Scroggins, M.S., NASM-CPT In the past if we injured our back it was encouraged to do no exercising, or lifting, and just rest for a couple of weeks until the pain is reduced. As more research is produced we are finding out that inactivity is one of the worst things you can …
Author Archives: Julia Karlstad
What is the Big Deal About Exercise?
Contributed by: Michael Devon, NASM-CPT The benefits of exercise go way beyond weight management and changing your body composition, although these are both a plus! Moderate intensities of daily exercise can help to regulate blood sugar, decrease anxiety, improve circulation, improve strength, increase energy, decrease depression, improve heart health, improve bone health, decrease the risk …
Genetics and Disease
Contributed by: Laurel Dierking, M.Ed., NFPT, 200YT Did you know that you can influence your susceptibility to certain diseases with the very next bite of food you take? Most people know the importance of a well-balanced diet and its role in sustaining our health, energy levels, immunity, and overall functioning of the body. However, to …
Soy is Not a Health Food
Contributed by Carol Kline (referenced from Mercola.com) There is much debate about the health properties of soy. One thing is certain — soy products contain phytic acid, which has anti-nutritive properties. Phytic acid binds with certain nutrients, such as iron, to inhibit their absorption. This is a direct, physical effect that takes place in your …
Supplement Use in High School Athletes
Contributed by Amanda Albiar High school athletic programs, especially football, are bigger than ever and athletes are looking to gain any potential edge to win a state championship or earn a college scholarship. Research from the Taylor Hooton Foundation indicates 35% of middle school and high school athletes are using protein supplements. What’s more alarming …
Weight Loss; Follow the 80/20 Rule
Contributed by Michael Devon A core component for successful weight loss is maintaining a caloric deficit with a daily goal of burning more calories than you consume. A caloric deficit can be achieved through diet, exercise, or a balance of both. It is important to remain consistent with your diet, reminding yourself of the 80/20 …
How Food Builds the Body
Contributed by: Laurel Dierking The human body is made up of over 25 trillion cells. Each cell has a specific duty and lifespan; they are created, designed to accomplish a particular purpose in the body, and once their mission is complete, the cell dies. Every day the body is at work to remove old, damaged, …
Keep Exercise Fun
Contributed by: Michael Devon When you hear the word exercise, what comes to mind? Hopefully it’s a positive thought, but do you envision yourself having to run for hours on a treadmill or lifting weights everyday? That sounds mundane and unnecessary. Now, when you hear the words TRX training, calisthenics, kettlebell training, medicine balls, battle …
2015 Fitness Trends
Contributed by Julia Karlstad, M.Ed., CSCS, SFN-ISSA The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) had identified the top fitness trends for 2015. You can go to this link to see the top 20: http://journals.lww.com/acsm-healthfitness/Fulltext/2014/11000/WORLDWIDE_SURVEY_OF_FITNESS_TRENDS_FOR_2015_.5.aspx. This survey has been conducted for 9 consecutive years and of the 3,403 responses, over half were given by people who …
Honey – A Good Alternative Sweetener?
Contributed by Carol Kline Is Honey a Healthy Sweetener? Eating high-quality honey is beneficial because it contains natural antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Unfortunately, most of the honey eaten today has been heavily processed. Like most foods that have been chemically refined, many of the healthful benefits have been reduced or eliminated. Commercial …