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Joyce Hayes
June 2, 2016

I caught up with FiTOUR® ProTrainer Joyce Hayes shortly after her Primary Group Exercise Certification Workshop to get her take on succeeding with fitness.  As a veteran ProTrainer, Joyce has helped hundreds of instructors get their start and nurtured their professional development.  Her positive energy and motivating spirit are evident to anyone who meets her. 

MV How long have you been in fitness and what are your certifications?

Three for Thursday Cycle Playlist
May 26, 2016

It’s official – summer is here!  It always seems like a rush at the gym, similar to the New Year’s Resolution rush.  New faces pop up in class, the weight room is full of college kids, and the parking lot is packed.  Today Cycle and Sculpt class was full; folks were asking bring extra bikes in!  As with any fitness class, safety comes first.  Form is critically important to keep participants safe; beyond that, though, the environment of the class matters.  Today the room got hot and sweaty and the floor became slippery.  It is important to cue for ca

Top 12 Frustrations of Managing Group Fitness Instructors
May 20, 2016

What are the expectations and subsequent frustrations of managing a team of Group Fitness Instructors?  Let’s look at the TOP 12 FRUSTRATIONS of Managing Group Fitness Instructors:

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Combination IV
May 18, 2016
Balance is a vital component of an exercise plan.  It is often overlooked, much like flexibility, because working on balance or flexibility does not yield “results” in the same way many seek results.  However, improving flexibility and balance through Yoga will provide the body suppleness and limberness that will truly be of value with age. How many times has an older aunt or uncle fallen, breaking a hip or severely injuring the knee?  Or a relative who can no longer bend or move as they once did?  
 
Cycle playlist of Flo Rida and Pitbull; plus tip on eliminating low back pain during indoor cycle class.
May 17, 2016

One of the troubles often encountered during an indoor cycle class is low back pain.  This is likely because the handlebar is too low relative to the saddle height.  A simple fix is to raise the handlebar one or two inches.  Engaging the core muscles throughout the ride is also of the utmost importance.  Safety is critical to a good ride; be sure the bike is set for a comfortable and safe ride every time.

Personal Training: Should You Certify?
May 12, 2016

If you’ve held a Group Fitness Certification (GFI) Certification for any number of years, chances are you are asking yourself, what’s next?  A likely progression within the fitness industry is to add a Personal Training Certification.  You may wonder if it is the right job for you?  What exactly are the responsibilities and possibilities with a Personal Trainer Certification?

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Combination III
May 11, 2016

The Yoga Combination III focus is on flexibility.  Often, because busy schedules limit time for exercise, flexibility is overlooked.  With regard to aging, though, maintaining flexibility is of the utmost importance.  Flexibility is part of our everyday activities:  bending to unload the dishes, tie our shoes, picking up kids, even getting out of bed.  Flexibility training allows for continued mobility and helps prevent back pain.  The more active and flexible an individual remains the better the body will age. 

happy indoor cycle
May 10, 2016

Love indoor cycling but suffer from numbness or soreness in the feet while cycling?  With a few minor adjustments indoor cycle can be a happy place!  There are a number of issues that might cause numbness or soreness in the feet while cycling: inappropriate or soft soled shoes, toe straps are too tight, or feet are pushed too far into the cage.  These issues each have simple fixes.  First, be sure to cycle in a shoe with a stiff sole.  Loosen the toe strap and ensure that the ball of the foot is over the center of the pedal. 

Group Fitness Instructor Top Ten
May 6, 2016

While I love and appreciate my job teaching fitness, I wonder what the participants in the rooms of Group Fitness Instructors expect.  What drives them to group fitness and why do they keep coming back?  I asked my nearest and dearest this question:  WHAT MAKES A GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR GREAT? 

TOP 10 List of a GREAT Fitness Instructor

10. Do not over-talk.  You needn’t fill the void with babble.

Personal Training: Youth Athletes
May 3, 2016

Many young athletes want to acquire that special edge over the summer that sets them up for a successful season in their fall or winter sport; this is an ideal opportunity for Personal Trainers with Sports Conditioning experience.  With summer fast approaching, now is the time to consider adding youth athletes to your client base. 

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