INTRODUCTION Have you ever stood in the gym and felt overwhelmed by the next steps in your quest to build muscle and strength? You’re not alone if it feels like cracking a complex code to create a weight training routine that works. Common questions can bounce around in your head, such as: How many sets? What reps? Which exercises actually work? How often should I even train? […]

Dealing with “pulled” muscles and strains At one point in our lives, almost all of us have felt that odd pulling sensation in a muscle, followed by an uncomfortable spasm when performing an exercise or movement. Often, at the time, it feels awkward, tight, or even slightly painful, but we figure we can continue with what we were doing, only to find later on that […]

Using EMG Analysis to Improve Performance Surface EMG analysis, also known as surface electromyography, records how muscles activate when the nervous system sends a signal to the muscle to contract, allowing it to move, stabilize, or decelerate a joint.  The small electrodes, similar to ECG electrodes, are placed directly on the skin above the targeted muscle to measure the electrical signal generated by the movement […]

Problem Mid-section? “Mirror, Mirror, on the wall….” It is usually after a holiday season has passed that people notice with some dismay that certain changes have taken place in their bodies. The numerous parties, hectic schedules, and an abundance of food all to often result in a bigger bulge here and a softer touch there. Fortunately, your body has a truly amazing ability to change […]

What is a personal trainer? A personal trainer is a coach that works one-on-one with their clients to help them achieve a certain fitness goal by teaching proper exercise technique, intensity, and creating training program tailored to their needs. For example, some are interested in losing body fat, increasing strength, firming up certain body parts, building muscle, improving general health or training for sport to […]

Although coaches, instructors, fitness trainers, and physiologists often differ on the terminology of the different aerobic training methods, generally one can divide the training into the following sections. Training zone determination can be performed by measuring lactic acid levels, heart rate in relation to power production, and/or changes in EMG amplitude and muscle fatigue at various points through a progressive stage test. From this information, […]

You’ve just finished your aerobic workout, you’re breathing hard and heavy, and your legs are weak and are burning like their on fire. ‘That fat is going to be burned up like crazy’ you think to yourself. What you might not know is that you may have just sabotaged your fat-burning quest because of the high lactic acid levels you have generated from your hard workout.

The 5 W’s of Getting Fit Who can start a fitness routine? Anyone of any age can start increasing their activity level however, it is important to first get medical clearance from your doctor before starting a new fitness routine. Your doctor will assess your current health status to make sure you are ready to start exercising. This will make sure that you get started […]