April 24, 2008 by PFI
We have had such a great time this week- between Speed and Agility training in the park on Monday, the pool on Tuesday, and the adventure course on Wednesday it’s definitely hard to pick a favorite from this week! Boot Camp week always starts out with a little bit of nervousness- everyone is so focused on taking the NSCA exam, but the students quickly realize that there is so much more to the week than the test. If there was just one thing that I could recommend for every student to bring to boot camp, it would be an open mind. Not everything that we do and say at boot camp is going to fit with your training philosophy, but take the things that make sense to you and use them in your practice. Use this as an opportunity to challenge yourself and challenge your knowledge- that is the best way to grow as a personal trainer, and as an individual.
April 15, 2008 by PFI
Recently, the Early Show on CBS ran a segment investigating the personal training industry. While I do not agree with everything presented in this segment (I have not ever come across a gym that will hire a personal trainer with a second rate certification, nevermind someone who has no certification whatsoever), the report does bring up a good point. Not all certifications are worth the paper that they are printed on. There are four certifications that are well respected in the fitness industry: NSCA, ACSM, NASM, and ACE. If your certification does not come from one of these industry leaders you have wasted your time and your money.
Even with a certification through one of these organizations, a 2002 study showed that education (not experience) in the fitness industry is the major predictor of a trainer’s ability to develop a safe and effective exercise program.
Certification and education are important factors when considering your personal training career. The educational program offered through Professional Fitness Institute and our partner institutions concentrates on the art and science of personal training. Through the program, students learn anatomy, physiology, psychology, business, and exercise prescription. Also, PFI students take the NSCA certified personal trainer exam- one of the most well-respected credentials in the fitness industry. So, if you are looking for a CAREER in the fitness industry, and you care about helping people pursue health and fitness, you are the student that we’re looking for.
April 1, 2008 by PFI
Hyponatremia (abnormally low levels of sodium in the blood associated with excess water consumption) has received a lot of attention in the media lately, particularly after the article “10 medical myths” was published in the British Medical Journal. In the article, the authors state that the 8 glasses of water per day standard is a myth created in the 1940’s that gained popularity after it was supported by a well-known nutritionist. The authors further state that “Existing studies suggest that adequate fluid intake is usually met through typical daily consumption of juice, milk, and even caffeinated beverages. But drinking excess amounts of water can be dangerous, resulting in water intoxication, hyponatremia, and even death.” These two sentences have led to a rash of dire reports regarding the “dangers of drinking water”. What are we to do as fitness professionals?
The truth is that hyponatremia is a very rare condition that develops partially due loss of electrolytes through sweating and through excess rehydration with water only (i.e. no sports drinks!). Symptoms of hyponatremia include headache, malaise, nausea, and vomiting. In very rare instances, an individual can develop this condition through consumption of water alone, but the sheer volume of water that the person would have to consume is mind-boggling. In actuality the risks associated with dehydration after exhaustive exercise are much more common than those seen with excess hydration after exercise. The NSCA recommends that athletes rehydrate with 16 oz. of fluid per pound lost during the exercise session. Other drinks, such as gatorade and powerade, should be considered depending on the specific goals of the client.
