Personal/Fitness Training Blog – Trifocus Fitness Academy https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za Fitness Academy Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:17:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.5 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-tfa_favicon-32x32.png Personal/Fitness Training Blog – Trifocus Fitness Academy https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za 32 32 How to Prevent and Treat Personal Training-Related Injuries https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-prevent-and-treat-personal-training-related-injuries/ Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:00:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39850 The post How to Prevent and Treat Personal Training-Related Injuries appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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While personal training is vital to reaching exercise goals, incorrect techniques, overtraining and insufficient recovery can cause injuries. Regardless of your training experience level, knowing how to prevent and treat personal training injuries is essential to enjoying long-term fitness and performance. After all, injury prevention is not suitable for everyone as it can stop progress in its tracks, slow results, and lead to frustration. Therefore, exercise injury prevention becomes critical in any personal training program.

They may also suffer from common personal training-related injuries, such as muscle strains, joint pain, tendonitis, and overuse injuries. Many of such problems stem from bad form, a lack of warm-up, lack of rest, or overtraining! However, structured workout planning, recovery strategies and professional guidance can minimise or eliminate your chances of injury.

Effective Injury Prevention Strategies in Personal Training

Issues such as proper technique, warm-ups, recovery and optimised workouts, avoiding injuries, and personal training are complex. On the other hand, introducing proper injury prevention practices allows people to play at a higher level of performance while decreasing their likelihood of a common workout injury.

Good exercise form is perhaps the single most important thing you can do to prevent injury. Avoid using incorrect posture and movement patterns because they will make you more likely to have muscle strain, joint stress, and overuse injuries. A qualified personal trainer can ensure that exercise is completed in good form, minimising chances of injury and increasing the efficiency of every workout closely tied to your unique goals.

This includes using a structured warm-up routine, which plays an additional key role in preventing injuries. Dynamic stretching, mobility drills, and light cardio exercises warm up the muscles, joints, and nervous system for movement. The best warm-up increases flexibility and circulation and reduces muscle stiffness, making personal training workouts more effective and less injury-prone.

As a personal trainer, you are trained on the principle of progressive overload, which is essentially the idea that you should aim to add incrementally more difficulty to your workouts, week-on-week, to achieve your strength and endurance goals. But adding weight, reps or intensity too fast can result in injury. Strains and overexertion are best avoided when gradual adaptation and enough time for musculature adaptation are part of your training plan.

Rest and recovery are just as vital to include in a training plan. Burnout, fatigue, and a higher likelihood of injuries may result from overtraining and lack of recovery. To help promote muscle repair and overall recovery, personal training programs should include rest days, proper hydration and adequate sleep.

Listening to the body is another factor that plays a role in injury prevention. Aching, tenderness, or drop in performance can be signs of over-use or stress. This will lead to an exacerbation of injuries and a prolonged recovery. Adjusting workouts or taking rest days as necessary helps prevent minor problems from progressing into major injuries.

Implementing these injury prevention techniques can better equip individuals to maximise their training sessions, maintain regimen consistency, and remain immune to the setbacks that preventable injuries pose.

Common Personal Training-Related Injuries and Their Causes

Personal training can cause injuries if the workouts are not balanced or safety measures are not considered. However, knowing the most common injuries associated with it and what causes them can give people the tools they need to take preventative steps.

Muscle strain is a common type of injury in personal training. Strains happen when a muscle is overstretched or torn, often due to improper form, sudden movements or lifting weights that are too heavy. Muscle strains can be limited when performed with appropriate warm-ups and proper technique.

In personal training, knee pain (among other joint issues, such as shoulder and lower back pain) is standard. These injuries are typically caused by poor alignment, excessive impact, or repetitive stress on the joints. Strengthening and stabilising muscles, increasing flexibility and wearing the proper shoes can help protect the joints during exercise.

Another injury often linked to personal training is tendonitis. It happens when tendons become inflamed from repetitive motion or overuse and typically affects the elbows, shoulders, and knees. Tendonitis can be prevented with rest, appropriate stretching, and avoiding repetitive strain.

A common problem many people with personal training programmes face, particularly those lifting heavy loads in poor form or doing so with core workouts, is lower back pain. Lower back injuries occur due to poor posture, core instability, and increased loading on the spine. Core-strengthening, neutral spine, and not overusing the weight can avoid low back pain.

Overuse injuries, such as shin splints and stress fractures, occur when insufficient recovery occurs and excessive repetitive stress is placed on the body. These injuries commonly arise from overuse through running, jumping, or high-impact exercise. Tight Progressing gradually, cross-training, and allowing for adequate rest can help to avoid overuse injuries.

Best Treatment Approaches for Personal Training Injuries

This information can speed up the recovery process and prevent more serious issues. While the injury type and severity dictate the appropriate approach, the following treatments are shared for personal training-related injuries.

The R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is a well-known treatment for acute injuries, including sprains, strains, and swelling. To avoid further injury, you should rest the affected area, and using ice can help reduce inflammation. Compression with a bandage reduces swelling, and elevation helps manage blood flow and alleviate pain.

Personal fitness trainers can help improve some injuries with physical therapy. A trained physical therapist can help create specific exercises to increase flexibility, strengthen weaker muscles, and restore mobility. Physical therapy is also helpful in correcting imbalances and preventing injuries from recurring.

Massage therapy and foam rollers help in muscle recovery and higher levels of injury prevention. These methods promote blood flow, eliminate muscle stiffness, and relieve soreness. Foam rollers, massage tools, and regular self-myofascial release can improve mobility and help prevent chronic muscle imbalances.

Personal training injuries can result in pain and inflammation that can be better managed with anti-inflammatory treatments like over-the-counter pain relievers or natural remedies such as turmeric and ginger. Medications are used only under professional guidance to prevent dependency.

In extreme cases, medical treatment such as corticosteroid injection, surgery, or rehabilitation programs may be needed. If an injury does not respond to self-care treatments, seeking a healthcare professional is important to understand the next steps.

With these treatment strategies, people could successfully manage and recover from personal training-related injuries to return to their training schedules safely and successfully.

Long-Term Recovery and Injury Prevention Strategies

After overcoming a personal training injury, you must learn how to avoid other injuries and keep your body in good shape for a long time. By factoring in appropriate recovery strategies and incorporating long-standing injury-prevention methods, sustainable levels of fitness progression can occur.

An injury should be accompanied by a rehabilitation plan to completely heal. In the healing phase, a gradual return to movement and mobility exercise, instead of high-impact activities, can help prevent re-injury. A series of sessions with a personal trainer or a physical therapist may offer guidance on which modifications would be safe.

Accelerating Injury Prevention: When we work to develop sufficient muscle stability, the joints will be supported by the ligaments and muscles surrounding them. Personal training also strengthens weakened muscles, corrects overdeveloped muscle groups, and encourages functional exercises, tailoring a program to make the whole body more resilient, thus causing less strain on inhibited areas.

Accessibility and joint mobility are other significant components of preventing injury in the long term. D. Regular stretching, yoga, or mobility drills maintain supple joints and muscles, prevent stiffness, and improve range of motion. Dynamic warm-ups before workouts and static stretching after sessions ensure muscle elasticity and prevent tightness after workouts.

With these long-term recovery and injury prevention methods, personal training enthusiasts can experience sustainable fitness progress, lessen injury risks, and engage in a robust, active lifestyle.

Conclusion

Pursuing fitness can be met with minor setbacks like personal training-related injuries. People can improve their performance with proper warm-up protocols, correct exercise mechanics, and sufficient recovery while lowering the risk of different injuries. Understanding the frequent types of injuries and what leads to them allows personal training students to protect themselves from injuries. If injuries develop, proper treatment techniques, including the R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation), physical therapy and mobility movements will facilitate recovery and prevent additional damage. Training, flexibility, and rehabilitation are integral to an extended, sustainable plan for continued progress without injury.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Personal Training Course that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Personal trainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some shared personal training injuries include tendonitis, joint pain, muscle strains, and lower back injuries. They can be caused by poor form, overuse, lack of a proper warm-up, or simply working too hard. Making sure that the technique was carried out throughout the exercises while using adequate weights and inserting warm-ups and cool-downs in each session are the first steps for prevention. Building stabilising muscles, enhancing flexibility and working along the principles of progressive overload can also help reduce injury risks. Ensure the muscles and joints have time to recover by listening to the body and not overtraining. Refining exercise execution with a certified personal trainer also significantly reduces the likelihood of injury.

In personal training, warm-up and cool-down are essential to injury prevention. “A proper warm-up, with dynamic stretching, mobility drills, and light cardio, prepares muscles, joints and the nervous system for exercise,” he says. It reduces stiffness, increases blood circulation, improves flexibility and lowers the risk of strains or tears. Cooling down to help restore the heart rate to homeostasis and static stretching and deep breathing to avoid muscle tightness. Not doing warm-ups and cool-downs can lead to injury and delayed recovery, which is essential to personal training programs.

Suppose you sustain an injury while training; stop exercising immediately to avoid aggravating the injury further. The R.I.C.E method — Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation — can help reduce swelling and pain. Do not apply pressure and get it checked if there is pain. Mild injuries usually heal with rest and mobility exercises, while more severe cases may need physical therapy. Seeking advice from a personal trainer or physiotherapist can allow you to establish the safest means of returning to a training regime without further irritating the injury. Going back to your workout routines too early can cause you to reinjure yourself, so rehabilitation is key.

In this training, you always focus on your form, avoid too many training loads, add recovery strategies, and do a lot more to improve your personal training routine and prevent injuries. High-impact movements should be reduced, controlled repetitions should be used, and loads should be adjusted based on the strength level to avoid overuse injuries. Cross-training — mixing up the types of exercise you do — helps prevent muscle imbalances. Recovery strategies such as foam rolling, stretching and hydration also prevent injury. Having a trainer means workouts are planned safely, while progression is gradual, making it less likely that injuries will occur.

In personal training, proper recovery focus is key to injury prevention. It enables muscles to repair and strengthen, reducing strain and overuse injuries. Sleep (followed by hydration and a nutrient-dense diet to promote muscle repair) is also hitched to recovery. Initiating a rest day into training schedules will help prevent exhaustion and enable the body to recover completely. Light active recovery (like gentle stretching or yoga) can help open tight spots and maintain circulation. Neglecting recovery leads to higher risks of injuries and prolonged setbacks, which is why recovery management is crucial for sustainable progress.

Overtraining can yield signs such as prolonged muscle soreness, lower performance, exhaustion, and injury rate. Other symptoms are sleep issues, mood swings and a lack of desire to train. However, overtraining can be disastrous, resulting in burnout and significant injuries. Take measures such as managing the intensity of workouts, scheduling a few rest days, and observing the body’s reactions to the exercises to avoid overtraining. Mixing in lighter stuff (like mobility work and recovery-based movements) and the higher intensity sessions will help you avoid overdoing it. Personal trainers can help guide people on structuring workouts, keeping them safe and consistent.

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Functional Personal Training Exercises for Everyday Movement Patterns https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/functional-personal-training-exercise-for-everyday-movement/ Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:00:55 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39847 The post Functional Personal Training Exercises for Everyday Movement Patterns appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Functional personal training focuses on building strength, mobility, and coordination for movements performed during daily activities. Functional exercises are progressive movements that are repetitive and stimulating all over the body rather than just one target like traditional weightlifting. These movements are important to any Fitness Training program as they reflect natural patterns of movement (bending, lifting, twisting, pushing, and pulling) and facilitate the ability to function in the real world.

Functional Fitness Training helps develop balance, reduce risks of injury, and improve sports performance. These exercises enhance core stability, joint mobility, and muscular endurance, making them valuable for everyone from athletes to older people. Whether carrying groceries, chasing your kids around, or trying to up your game in a performance sport, functional training helps your body be ready for everyday life.

Lower-Body Functional Personal Training Exercises

In this type of degree, students learn to use tools and analytical methods to create and implement useful programs. As most of our day-to-day moves involve the legs and hips, training the muscles associated with these areas promotes mobility and may help prevent injuries. They also work the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves while recruiting the core for stability.

Squats are one of the best functional exercises for the lower body. They replicate the motion of sitting down and standing up, making them super functional for everyday life. Bodyweight squats, dumbbell squats, or squats with resistance bands help increase lower body strength and improve balance and coordination.

Another key personal training exercise is lunges, which mimic the motion of stepping forward, backward, or to the side. Lunges build quadriceps, glutes, and hamstring strength while also improving balance and stability. You can also modify this area and add variations like extra walking lunges and reverse lunges to make this exercise functional.

The step-up is a phenomenal exercise for conditioning the lower body for movements such as climbing stairs or ascending onto a taller surface. A step-up with bodyweight or added resistance on a sturdy bench or step platform can enhance leg strength and coordination. This type of movement is perfect for older adults who want to remain independent.

Another common exercise and functional Fitness Training staple is the deadlift, which mimics lifting objects from the ground. Deadlifts with weights or resistance bands promote proper lifting, advance muscular development of the hamstrings, lower back, and core, and reduce injuries associated with incorrect lifting.

Implementing these lower body functional exercises in a Fitness Training routine enables the client to move through life quickly and efficiently. This makes daily movements like walking/running, bending, and stepping easier and less likely to cause injury.

Upper Body Functional Personal Training Exercises

Functional personal training exercises for the upper body increase strength, endurance, and mobility in daily movements. Upper body strength is essential for functional fitness, from lifting to pushing to pulling to carrying. Developing these muscle groups can make everyday pursuits—carrying groceries, lifting things, doing household chores—easier.

The push-up is one of the best upper-body functional movements. It works the chest, shoulders, and triceps and requires the core for stability. Push-ups build the strength and endurance of these muscle groups since pushing movements are integral to daily activities like opening doors or moving objects.

Wrongs are also a fundamental movement pattern for personal training. Dumbbell or resistance band bent-over rows strengthen the back muscles for pulling and lifting. This movement helps open the upper back, strengthening those postural muscles, relieving back pain, and improving grip strength for pulling-type movements.

The overhead press resembles many real-life activities, like putting things on high shelves. By using dumbbells or resistance bands, one can do overhead presses that greatly enhance the strength of the shoulders and triceps and improve upper body mobility and stability.

Carrying exercises, like the farmer’s walk, are also great for grip strength and core stabilisation. Walking with weights in each hand tests balance and endurance, making everyday lifts easier. It also helps to improve posture, making it a great exercise for injury prevention.

Dips, as a bodyweight exercise, help strengthen the triceps, shoulders, and chest. This movement is useful for helping one push oneself up from the ground or off a seated position.

Functional upper body exercises within a Fitness Training program can help build strength, mobility, and endurance. These exercises also prime people for activities of daily living that require them to lift, pull, push, and carry, making them incredibly useful for functional fitness.

Core and Stability Functional Personal Training Exercises

You must develop your core strength and stability for better posture, balance, and body control. A strong core supports the spine, lowers risks for injury and improves athletic performance. Building core strength through functional personal training exercises allows individuals to perform daily activities more stably and efficiently.

The plank is one of the best core exercises. It works the entire core: the abdominal muscles, lower back, and shoulders. Asserting a plank position also helps build endurance and improves overall stability, which translates to better posture and movement control in everyday activities.

Another great functional training movement for core stability is dead bugs. This action strengthens the deep core muscles responsible for supporting spinal alignment and coordination. Dead bugs promote control and help prevent lower back pain related to poor posture or weak abs.

Rotational movements—think Russian twists or woodchoppers—help build strength in the obliques and enhance functional rotation. Since many daily activities, such as vacuuming, involve twisting motions, training the core with rotational exercises can improve agility and mobility.

Balance exercises, such as single leg stands or exercises on stability balls, improve coordination and prevent falls. These movements work the core while increasing proprioception, the body’s capacity to sense movement and position.

The glute bridge is an equally important core exercise for building strength in your lower back, hips, and glutes. It helps maintain posture, eases strain on the lower back, and enhances movement efficiency, which is particularly helpful for those who work in a sedentary position.

Core and stability exercises, when included in a Fitness Training program, enable individuals to improve their overall posture, coordination, and movement efficiency. Strengthening your core is key to enhancing physical performance and preventing injuries, leading to a healthier and more functional body.

Full-Body Functional Personal Training Exercises

Functional personal training exercises are whole-body exercises, which means they work for more than one muscle group at a time, helping improve strength, coordination, and endurance. Functional Training enhances movement patterns similar to those in real life and improves how the body functions, making us perform daily tasks faster and easier.

The squat-to-press is a multi-joint, full-body movement that benefits your lower and upper body. This exercise involves a squat followed by an overhead press, which mimics activities like picking things up off the floor and putting them on a shelf. Squat-to-press builds strength, coordination, and endurance.

Another awesome, full-body, functional training exercise is kettlebell swings. This movement develops explosive strength in the hips, glutes, and core and builds cardiovascular endurance. Kettlebell swings mimic the action of picking things up and carrying them, making them useful for everyday strength and conditioning.

Burpees offer a high-energy, total-body exercise that boosts speed, longevity, and coordination. They are a combination of squats, push-ups, and jumps, thus effectively enhancing functional fitness and cardiovascular health.

Medicine Ball Slams: These whole-body exercises build power and coordination. They replicate actions such as throwing or lifting objects with great force while building strength in the core, shoulders, and legs.

Battle ropes provide a useful functional conditioning workout that helps build grip strength, stamina, and overall body coordination. Engaging in alternating waves or slams with battle ropes enhances upper body strength and cardiovascular fitness.

A Fitness Training program should include full-body functional exercises to improve movement patterns and overall fitness. These drills mimic the tasks of the real world, training the body for everyday mount with full-body conditioning and resilience.

Conclusion

Functional personal training exercises are critical to improving movement efficiency, reducing injury risk, and enhancing overall strength. He explained how functional moves from the lower body, upper body, core, and total body can help build endurance, stability, and co-ordination as part of a Fitness Training routine. These prep the body for tasks, facilitating everyday activities and preventing injuries. Squats, lunges, push-ups and kettlebell swings are all examples of functional training, which improves overall fitness by moving the body in daily life patterns. Functional Fitness Training is invaluable for sustainable long-term health and fitness success, from enhancing balance to adding strength to bestowing mobility.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Personal Training Course that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Personal trainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Functional Exercise Training emphasises exercises that improve movement patterns you use in real life, such as squatting, bending, pushing, pulling and twisting. Functional training, however, engages multiple muscle groups all working together, improving your functional strength, coordination and stability, unlike traditional weight training, which isolates specific muscles. Such training enhances body mechanics, which helps prevent injuries and improves balance, posture, and mobility. Functional personal training, after all, is the key to being functional. Functional Exercise Training is highly beneficial for all since even if you are an athlete, you must train for Performance. If not, as a degree, older people will always want to be independent. Exercises including squats, lunges, and deadlifts build muscles that support movements for walking, lifting and carrying objects, and easing daily living tasks.

Functional personal training helps you build the muscles you need to perform daily tasks, leading to better mobility, balance, and coordination. Exercises such as squats, lunges, pushes, pulls, and rotations are included in workouts to replicate movements often undertaken in real life, such as lifting groceries, rising from a chair or reaching overhead. Drills based on these movement patterns help individuals learn better control of their bodies, which can minimise the risk of injury and make basic tasks easier and more efficient. For example, squats build the legs and core, allowing a person to quickly sit down and stand up. Lunges are great for balance and walking stability, for instance, and overhead presses help make it easier to get things up onto a high shelf. Functional Exercise Training also builds flexibility and joint stability, making movement easier.

Functional Exercise Training provides complex movements that reinforce various muscle groups, which translates into being more efficient and stronger overall. The main muscle groups that work are our core, lower body, and upper body. Another key exercise targeting the core muscles is the plank, with some access to the abdominals, obliques, and lower back muscles to provide stability of the body and postural support. A strong core promotes balance, prevents lower back pain and makes daily movements more workable. Functional exercise (like squats, lunges, and step-ups) heavily activates the lower body muscles (quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves). Strengthening these muscles makes walking, running and lifting more efficient. Push-ups, rows, and overhead presses work the upper body — shoulders, chest and arms — and improve the strength of the pushing and pulling used in everyday life.

Yes, Functional personal training can help prevent injury by improving your muscle strength, mobility and the stability of real-life movement patterns. Injuries are often the result of improper form, muscle imbalances, and poor posture; therefore, when the body is trained to move correctly, it can make the necessary adjustments that lead to the muscle strength, joint stability, and endurance required for everyday performance and exercise with minimised risk of injury. For instance, a strong core can help stabilise the spine, reducing the risk of lower back pain. Lunges and squats help balance and strengthen the legs, reducing the risk of falls. Functional training also promotes flexibility, which helps to prevent muscle strains and stiffness around the joints.

Functional personal training is excellent because it requires little equipment and comes with the benefit of being suitable for all kinds of clients. It usually includes dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, stability and medicine balls. These tools strengthen muscles and improve balance and flexibility, maximising movement efficiency. “That means dumbbells and kettlebells are great for squats, deadlifts and overhead pressing, too, which build functional strength.” Resistance bands also provide variable resistance to movements like rows and lunges, enhancing mobility and flexibility. Stability balls promote core strength and balance with exercises like planks and bridges.

Everyday personal training is lengthy and depends on the eye, the extent of experience, and the fitness of the whole body. When starting, performing functional exercises 2 to 3 times a week helps to develop the body, reducing the risk of overtraining. Exercising 3–5 times per week can improve strength, endurance, and mobility as people grow. A functional personal training workout needs to include lower body, upper body and core movements to help balance out the body. It enhances overall movement economy by pairing resistance training with flexibility and mobility work. This can complement active recovery days (light stretching, walking, swimming, etc.) and functional training routines.

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Healthy Snack Ideas for Personal Training Enthusiasts https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/healthy-snack-ideas-for-personal-training-enthusiasts/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:00:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39844 The post Healthy Snack Ideas for Personal Training Enthusiasts appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Fitness nutrition is an essential aspect of physical health for personal trainers, and there is an optimal fuel for performance, recovery, and overall health. Snacking is critical for boosting energy and aiding muscle recovery, but it can be mundane and make us feel sluggish or get results at the workout. Healthy snacking is a part of sustaining stamina, muscle recovery, and general well-being. Such energy-dense snacks help maintain strength, endurance, and concentration for personal training.

Optimising these snack options between training sessions, during steady-state cardio, or when fueling up for the next workout can help reach Fitness Training goals. With mindful snacking strategies, Fitness Training aficionados can boost performance, support muscle development, and maintain their fitness progress over time.

Best Pre-Workout Snacks for Personal Training Enthusiasts

Eating before personal training is vital to optimise energy levels throughout the session. To maximise your workout performance, experts say a good pre-workout snack should give you the right amount of quick carbs for energy, some protein to fuel muscle support, and healthy fats to keep you going as long as you need. The primary reason for picking the best snacks before a workout is because, as personal training lovers, one needs all the energy and power to carry out workout sessions smoothly.

A banana with almond butter is one of the best pre-workout snacks. Bananas are loaded with fast-digesting carbohydrates for immediate energy, and almond butter is a source of healthy fats and protein for endurance support. Another option is Greek yogurt with granola; it offers protein to support muscle and complex carbohydrates to keep your energy levels high.

Another excellent food choice for fueling your workout is oatmeal with berries. Oats deliver slow-releasing carbohydrates for long-lasting energy, and berries add antioxidants and vitamins that help reduce inflammation and promote muscle function. Fruit and Spinach (with protein powder) Personal training-goers can also enjoy a smoothie with protein powder, spinach, and whatever personal flavors they want to support them in providing energy to get started with pre-training.

Whole-grain toast with avocado and a boiled egg can also be a great and nutritious snack. Avocados supply healthy fats, eggs high-quality protein, and whole grains complex carbohydrates for energy over time. By integrating these nutrient-dense snacks into their daily routine, those dedicated to Fitness Training can maximise results, elevate performance levels, and avoid crashes throughout exhaustive training.

Post-Workout Snack Ideas for Muscle Recovery in Personal Training

Recovery is an essential aspect of personal training, and the ideal post-workout snack can facilitate muscle repair, replenish energy stores, and help prevent muscle soreness. After a workout, the body requires protein to repair muscle fibers and carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores. Adequate post-workout snacking promotes muscle-facilitated recovery and is essential for Fitness Training aficionados to maintain muscle mass and proper energy levels.

A good post-workout snack is a protein shake of whey or plant protein, almond milk, and a banana. This duo provides speedy protein for muscle repair and carbohydrates for glycogen replenishment. Likewise, a turkey and hummus wrap with a whole wheat tortilla provides a protein-rich, nutrient-dense snack to aid recovery.

Another good option for recovery after a workout is cottage cheese with pineapple. Cottage cheese is high in casein protein, which keeps muscles repairing longer, and pineapple is rich in bromelain, an enzyme helpful for digestion and reducing inflammation. Another option for gym-goers is boiled eggs with whole-grain crackers, as this provides protein and complex carbohydrates needed for longer sustained recovery.

A quinoa and chickpea salad yields a high-protein, fiber-rich alternative for vegetarian diners. Quinoa is a complete protein, and chickpeas add more nutrients for muscle repair. A few nuts (unsweetened) mixed with dried fruit as a park run snack is also a winner for refueling and always provides healthy fats, proteins, and natural sugars.

Select post-training bites can help personal training aficionados recover faster, reduce muscle breakdown, and prime the body for the next round of exercise. Good snacks can be nourishing and support your ability to maintain current levels of strength, endurance, and fitness with your fitness training.

Quick and Convenient Healthy Snacks for Personal Training Enthusiasts

Many people who do personal training have hectic lifestyles and need quick and convenient snacks that can be grabbed and taken out the door. These snacks should be healthy, fast, simple to prepare and full of all the good stuff to help them achieve their fitness goals. By selecting portable pickups appropriate for their needs, personal coaching enthusiasts can enhance their energy levels and keep muscles working during workouts all day long.

Trail mix made with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit is one of the best convenient snacks. Almonds, cashews, and walnuts offer healthy fats and protein, while the dried fruit delivers natural sugars to get you back on your feet. Protein bars are another amazing option because they are space-saving, protein-rich foods on this list that maintain muscles energised and also prevent hunger pangs between meals.

Another great snack for personal trainers is hard-boiled eggs. They are also rich in protein and essential amino acids, which aid in muscle recovery and help you feel full. Eggs paired with whole-grain crackers for fiber and complex carbohydrates help stabilise energy. Greek yogurt cups drizzled with honey and topped with granola make for a primo on-the-go snack that packs protein, probiotics , and wholesome carbs into a grab-and-go package.

The combination of hummus and veggie sticks is a nutrient-dense snack packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein. Hummus with carrot, celery, and bell pepper slices creates an outstanding balance . Cottage cheese with fruit is another favorite among personal trainers; it provides a powerful protein and nourishes our body with sugars so that our energy level does not drop.

If you are a fan of smoothies and are in a hurry, combining almond milk, protein powder, berries, and chia seeds will yield a nutrient-dense, thirst-quenching beverage that stimulates recovery and builds muscle. It is also essential for personal training enthusiasts to have some quick and healthy snacks around, making it easier to refuel and stay energised, which will help maintain strength and endurance throughout the day.

Homemade Snack Ideas for Personal Training Enthusiasts

Homemade snacks are great for those who love personal training—they can be made using different ingredients to optimise nutrition without processed additives. Making snacks in advance makes snacking more available while encouraging a healthier lifestyle compatible with fitness goals.

You can even make something like protein energy balls, which are oats, nut butter, honey, and protein powder combined into one great snack. Packed with sustained energy, beneficial fat, and muscle-building protein, these little morsels are a tremendous pre- and post-workout snack. Baked sweet potato fries are another relatively easy homemade snack, providing a natural source of carbohydrates and fiber without other unhealthy additives.

Another healthy alternative for Fitness Training fans is homemade granola bars with nuts, seeds, honey and dark chocolate. They are wholesome bars rich enough in protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars to keep your energy up throughout the day. Homemade Greek yogurt parfaits with fresh fruit, granola, and chia seeds are also possible, such as a protein-packed snack rich in fiber that aids digestion and recovery.

Savory roasted chickpeas are great crunchy bites filled with plant-based protein and fiber. Just by seasoning them with olive oil, garlic, and paprika and then popping them in the oven, a snack that’s so crunchy yet satisfying can be made to munch on whenever Fitness Training fans wish to do so. Homemade avocado toast with whole grain bread and a sprinkle of hemp seeds also offers healthy fats, fiber and protein for steady energy.

Homemade snacks allow individuals participating in Fitness Training to monitor their nutrition intake, eliminate artificial preservatives, and regulate the meal components to boost their training efforts. Nutritious homemade snacks provide the right fuel for sustained energy, muscle recovery and performance, making them the perfect complement to the personal training lifestyle.

Conclusion

Nutrition is a topic in sports that you do not want to be skimping on if you are into personal training to reach your goals and achieve your results. Whether fueling before a workout, replenishing post-training or quick healthy options throughout the day, intelligent snacking promotes fitness goals and improves endurance! Adding nutrient-rich snacks like protein shakes, trail mixes, Greek yogurt, and homemade energy balls will help Fitness Training enthusiasts replenish energy stores, assist in muscle recovery, and achieve fitness goals in the long term. Packing healthy snacks ahead of time helps fitness-conscious people to choose wisely instead of eating processed foods. As Fitness Training experts, you can educate your clients about the importance of macronutrients and whole foods in boosting their performance and achieving their fitness goals.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Personal Training Course that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Personal trainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

A pre-workout snack is the most definitive way to keep your energy up throughout and maximise performance within Personal Training. The best snacks will have a combination of carbohydrates for quick energy, protein for muscle maintenance, and healthy fats for stamina. Bananas with almond butter, a fast-digesting carb and healthy fat combo, are excellent! Greek yogurt and granola also provide a good mix of protein and complex carbohydrates to sustain energy levels. Oatmeal topped with berries provides slow-releasing carbs and antioxidants that help reduce muscle inflammation and improve performance.

After personal training sessions, post-workout nutrition is essential because it aids in muscle recovery and replenishes energy. The ideal post-workout snacks are rich in protein to help repair muscle and contain carbohydrates to replenish glycogen. A whey or plant-based protein shake mixed with almond milk and a banana is a fast and effective option. Turkey and hummus wraps made with whole-wheat tortillas offer lean protein and fiber to help muscles recover. Cottage cheese with pineapple is an equally good option because it is a source of casein protein that stays longer in your stomach for repairing muscle tissues. In contrast, the pineapple fibre produces bromelain, which helps reduce inflammation. Boiled eggs and whole-grain crackers: Combining high-quality protein with complex carbohydrates.

Yes, Protein bars are a fantastic snack option for personal training, but you must know which is right for you. These bars contain high-quality protein to complete your daily nutrient requirements with healthy fats and carbs, making them suitable for pre-workout energy or post-workout recovery. They are a quick, on-the-go solution for busy people who want complete nutrition without preparing a meal. Choosing a protein bar with about 10-20 grams of protein is always best. Steer clear of bars with added sugars, artificial ingredients and unhealthy fillers. More nutritious choices include naturally occurring ingredients like nuts, seeds and whole grains.

Alongside these busy, personal training enthusiasts need the right snacks that are quick, easy and provide sustained energy and essential nutrients. “Some excellent choices are trail mix with nuts, seeds and dried fruit — all provide balance from heart-healthy fats, protein and natural sugars. Hard-boiled eggs are also quick, providing high-quality protein and amino acids that help repair muscles post-exercise. Other great portable snack options that keep energy levels high during the day are protein bars and Greek yogurt with granola. Veggie sticks and hummus: This offers fiber, vitamins and plant-based protein, and it’s a filling, nutrient-dense choice.

Absolutely! Making peanuts at home ensures personal trainer enthusiasts have complete control over components, allowing for top-quality detergent without the incorporation of synthetic ingredients. Homemade snacks can be fortified with nutritious ingredients (think: whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins) that help provide staying power and muscle-repair time. One simple homemade snack includes protein energy balls made with oats, nut butter, honey and protein powder. These snacks help sustain energy and provide amino acids. Homemade nut and seed granola bars drizzled with dark chocolate combine healthy fats, fiber and protein.

Healthy snacking is essential for personal training enthusiasts to optimise energy and performance. Meal-prepping snacks ahead of time is one of the best ways to stay on track. Bounds-only trail mix, protein balls, or individual cups of Greek yogurt parfaits keep healthy choices at the forefront of mind and accessible, averting the temptation to opt for something unhealthy. Keep healthy snacks out of sight and within reach at home, in the car, or at work. Regular reminders to consume balanced snacks throughout the day ensure that energy is sustained and that meals do not become excessive feasts.

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Personal Training for Busy Professionals: Time-Saving Tips and Workouts https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/personal-training-time-saving-workouts-for-professionals/ Tue, 11 Mar 2025 07:00:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39838 The post Personal Training for Busy Professionals: Time-Saving Tips and Workouts appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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For many busy professionals, carving out time for fitness can seem daunting. Exercise often falls to the wayside, from gruelling work hours to family responsibilities to social commitments. However, staying active is vital to being healthy, productive, and well in the long run. Time is everything, and exercise coaching is geared to save that essential commodity while working towards fitness goals. For busy professionals, personal training offers the convenience of tailored exercise plans, high-intensity intervals or circuit workouts, and flexible scheduling, allowing them to make fitness a consistent part of their lifestyle.

The Benefits of Personal Training for Busy Professionals

If you are a busy professional struggling to find time to work out, then personal training provides you with many benefits. Individual training provides a detailed and personalised approach so that no minute spent exercising is wasted, and you are constantly training towards a specific aim. While general workout plans can do wonders, personal training offers prescribed workouts that solidify efficiency — making decisions for you on what exercises will yield the most results in the least amount of time.

Accountability- One of the most significant benefits of exercise coaching for healthcare workers is accountability. When juggling work deadlines and individual responsibilities, it can be easy to miss a workout or lose motivation. A personal trainer ensures clients stay on track with their fitness goals, by arranging sessions, tracking improvement and providing continual motivation.” Such accountability helps busy professionals stay consistent, even on the busiest days.

Exercise coaching also allows you to personalise workouts according to fitness goals and time, among other factors. Most working-class people work on desks, resulting in bad posture, backache and stiffness. A personal trainer will create programs targeting these issues while building strength, endurance, and flexibility. Furthermore, exercise coaching involves time-saving workout approaches such as HIIT, circuit training, and functionality workouts to ensure that experts can exercise their bodies quickly.

Fitness also has excellent mental and emotional benefits, and exercise coaching has much to contribute. Increased productivity Staying active can help combat stress and improve cognitive functioning. If you are a busy professional with regular personal training sessions, you will observe better focus, decision-making, and energy levels throughout the work day. They can enjoy a healthy work-life balance while keeping their bodies and minds at peak job performance by optimising their fitness routine through personal training.

Time-Saving Strategies for Personal Training Success

busy working professionals, time is of the question with personal training. The good news is that with the right strategies in place, it doesn’t have to derail a regular fitness schedule. Data: Are you kidding me? Time-saving techniques designed to maximise workouts to fit into the lives of busy professionals are unforgiving.

Scheduling workouts as your most important meeting is one of the best ways to save time in personal training. Scheduling time for movement makes it non-negotiable during the day. Many busy professionals opt for workouts in the early morning to energise the day or avoid schedule conflicts. Others discover that midday or post-work exercise sessions work better with their schedules. The secret is to find a reliable time block and prioritise it.

You can also save time through high-intensity interval training (HIIT). HIIT workouts consist of short periods of high-intensity exercise followed by a brief rest, which suits busy professionals who wish to maximise their results in the least amount of time. The beauty of a HIIT workout is that it gives you all the benefits of a longer workout in just a fraction of the time (a well-planned HIIT session can do it all in 20-30 minutes — seriously!) Wondering how? Read: How to Recover Effectively After A HIIT Workout. Exercise coaching sessions with HIIT help professionals torch calories, build muscle and improve cardiovascular health all without spending hours in the gym.

Another great time-savvy example of exercise coaching is circuit training. This approach performs several exercises consecutively with little rest, addressing multiple muscle areas simultaneously. Circuit training burns calories, builds strength, and improves endurance in a short amount of time. A personal trainer can help professionals design their circuit workouts to be effective, targeted to their desired outcomes, and efficient in using time.

Another time-saving strategy is using technology. Virtual personal training, mobile workout apps and online coaching are great ways to stay active for busy professionals who travel often or work unpredictable hours. From gymless workouts to skipping the smog traffic, such digital solutions help people to keep fit from anywhere without having to commute to a gym. And as you can apply these time-saving strategies in personal training, busy professionals can easily make fitness a part of their routine without compromising their work.

Efficient Workouts for Busy Professionals in Personal Training

Workouts need to be effective and time-efficient for busy professionals. Personal training teaches how to get the most out of workout sessions, which add necessary exercises that target different muscle groups, improve cardiovascular fitness, and increase overall strength. More efficient workout styles are used in personal training for working professionals with limited time.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is the best workout method for busy professionals. You can burn as many calories in a 20-minute HIIT workout as possible in an hour of moderate-intensity exercise. Personal trainers create HIIT sessions using exercises such as burpees, jump squats, kettlebell swings, and mountain climbers to increase heart rate, enhance metabolism, and develop endurance. As the name suggests, HIIT’s short but intense nature makes it an excellent option for those with tight schedules.

Another fundamental aspect of exercise coaching for professionals is known as strength training. Prioritise compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and pull-ups to work multiple muscle groups simultaneously. A simple 30-minute strength workout can set up professionals with lean mass and better posture to avoid injuries from sitting all day. Personal trainers can ensure that strength workouts are tailored to fit time commitments and still have maximum benefits.

Functional training and great fitness for everyone is getting a workout with low and maximum impact, which is fantastic for professionals. Functional exercises help you to improve balance, coordination, fitness and overall mobility as they mimic real-life movements. Exercises such as lunges, planks and medicine ball rotations work those core muscles, building strength and stability that make it easier to do daily activities and decrease the risk of injury. Integrating yoga and functional fitness into exercise coaching programs offers busy professionals a highly efficient and functional approach to staying strong and agile.

One that works well is supersets, where two exercises involving different muscle groups are completed one after the other with little to no break. Minimising downtime between sets translates to a more efficient workout approach. Personal trainers commonly combine exercises like the bench press with rows or lunges with shoulder presses to get better results in less time. The purpose of personalised exercise is that the stress on your professional is on effective exercise methods; thus, an expert in good shape doesn’t have to dedicate buggy hours at the gym.

Balancing Work, Life, and Personal Training

Few are as challenging for busy professionals as juggling career, family life, and fitness. Read More: Exploring Different Personal Training Methods and Their Benefits Exercise coaching: Structured Solutions Personal training fills the gap in structured solutions. With innovative health and planning, professionals can adapt to regular exercise while mastering other careers.

Mastering Your Schedule to Balance Your Weightlifting With Your Work and Personal Life Developing a weekly workout plan and treating it like a crucial business meeting helps maintain consistency. Professionals who work strictly follow workout schedules during lunch breaks, before work, or just after office hours so that they do not revert to canceling workouts at the last minute.

Part of what personal trainers do is work with their clients to set realistic fitness goals that are compatible with their busy lives. Rather than long, time-consuming workouts, professionals can focus on short, high-impact sessions. A structured 30-minute workout three to four times weekly yields far better results than occasional hours-long gym sessions. With realistic expectations, professionals can carve out sustainable fitness habits with reduced stress.

Another great way to balance both is to incorporate movement throughout the day. Taking stairs instead of elevators, walking around when on phone calls, and doing desk exercises can add up. Many personal training programs include suggestions for incorporating movement throughout the day so that professionals can get plenty of movement even when not working out.

Do, at all costs, prioritise recovery and wellness. One must find ways to stay energised, avoid burnout with sleep, and stay hydrated and nourished. They assist with recovery techniques and strategies so professionals can maintain their course without losing effectiveness at the office. ACTA – A Comprehensive Approach to Exercise coaching for Busy Professionals: By adhering to a structured yet balanced personal-training journey, busy professionals can thrive with health, productivity, and work-life balance.

Conclusion

Personal training helps busy professionals balance their work-life-fitness. In short, prioritising structured, time-efficient workouts such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, and strength training allows working adults to attain their desired fitness level without compromising precious time. Establishing realistic goals, allocating time to work out, scheduling essential meetings and using technology to your advantage toward flexibility can help make fitness and workout a part of an ever-demanding lifestyle. Also, personal training helps with accountability, motivation, and expert direction, guaranteeing that each workout is efficient and customised to individual requirements. Building a fitness regimen is paramount to physical health, mental acuity, energy and productivity. This way, a busy professional can stay active, engage in a healthy work-life balance with exercise coaching, and keep each aspect of their life in fine form — work, home, health, and state of mind.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Personal Training Course that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Personal trainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not only does personal training help them stay consistent — workout structure, accountability, motivation — this demographic needs help balancing the demands of their schedule with their fitness needs. With busy work schedules and personal schedules, many working professionals find it difficult to stay committed to a fitness routine. Having a personal trainer will help schedule workouts, personalize them to your needs, and make them more efficient so it is easier to commit to working out regularly.Accountability is one of the most important things about personal training. Professionals are more likely to attend scheduled workouts when they are with a trainer, preventing missed sessions. Also, personal trainers are constantly monitoring progress and adjusting workout routines, so workouts remain fun and challenging, minimizing burnout and plateau.

One such field is personal training; which includes numerous time-saving workout approaches that maximize results in a short time frame, making it perfect for busy professionals. These could include high-intensity interval training (HIIT) which combines short sessions of vigorous exercise with short intervals of rest. The same cardiovascular and strength benefits are provided by HIIT workouts that can be done in 20-30 minutes.Circuit training is another popular and effective method employed in personal training. It consists of performing what we call a circuit of exercises one after the other with little rest in between to keep working several muscle groups in a single hitting session. It helps in building endurance as well as burning calories and strength in a very efficient way.

Yes, personal training can be very effective if done properly a few sessions a week. Therefore, the quality of workout becomes the crucial point to consider here as people don’t have time to go to the gym every day. A good personal training program delivers maximum results with only 2–3 sessions per week. Training shall be personal session, training shall be full body workout that we make maximum input of training. Individuals build strength, endurance, and flexibility in a short amount of time through high-intensity training, strength circuits, and functional exercises. They also advise clients on how to stay in shape at home, or how to fit in additional workouts if they’re not seeing the trainer consistently.

If you’re a busy professional looking to make fitness part of your everyday life, virtual personal training could be the answer to your prayers. Virtual sessions allow for individuals to train from home, the office or even when away, saving both time in commuting and scheduling conflicts. This availability allows professionals to work out irrespective of their busy jobs.Personalized coaching is another major upside of virtual personal training. Instead, trainers develop bespoke workout plans, offer feedback in real-time and keep motivation levels high via video calls, checking each movement that clients perform is the most effective version of itself. This level of guidance keeps you accountable regardless of being in the gym.

Nutrition is one of the most vital parts of personal training for professionals, providing the energy necessary for optimal performance, aiding recovery, and maintaining health and fitness at all times. It can be hard for busy professionals to maintain regular eating patterns, which can lead to energy crashes and underperformance in the gym. A proper diet allows them to fuel high-intensity workouts and focus all day long.Adequate protein consumption is critical for muscle repair and recovery, particularly following strength workouts. Lean proteins (meats, eggs, dairy and plant-based) maintain muscle mass and stave off fatigue. Carbs fuel the energy needed to maintain a level of exercise intensity, while healthy fats help power the brain and keep joints healthy.

By improving physical fitness, mental clarity, and overall well-being, personal training greatly boosts work performance, leading to increased energy and productivity. Fitness promotes heart health, muscle endurance, and strength enabling busy professionals to stay energised all day long. A structured PT program can reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality and improve posture thus helping to introduce better focus and productivity in work.While the methods influence outcomes, you will also lookup cognitive role through engaging in personal Training. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, improving mental alertness and enhancing memory and problem-solving skills. Endorphins released during exercise can lower anxiety levels and improve mood, thus increasing motivation and resilience in professional situations.

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Maintaining Health and Vitality for Aging in Personal Training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/health-vitality-for-aging-with-personal-training/ Mon, 10 Mar 2025 07:00:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39834 The post Maintaining Health and Vitality for Aging in Personal Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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The health you have achieved is as precious as possible, and nothing is more important than taking care of yourself to continue with a healthy spirit. This is where Fitness coaching can be vital in helping older adults remain active, which prevents the onset of age-related disease processes and also improves their general health and well-being. With the addition of structured exercise regimens, nutrition, and health strategies, Fitness coaching can keep older adults strong, mobile, and independent. Personal training for older people: Why does it matter? Fitness programs, personal trainer

The Role of Personal Training in Aging Wellness

Personal training becomes a fantastic way to keep our bodies healthy, strong, and functional as we age. Physically, as we age, we lose muscle mass, decrease bone density, slow our metabolism, and face stiffening joints. These increase the likelihood of falls, injuries and chronic diseases. Personal trainers can create tailored exercise programs that can improve the quality of life & address these dilemmas of its fair share.

An adequately structured Fitness coaching program emphasises resistance training to prevent muscle loss, cardiovascular exercise for cardiovascular health and flexibility training to ensure mobility. Moreover, personal trainers can help evaluate an individual’s fitness level, medical history, and specific goals to design safe and effective exercise programs. However, personal training can help improve your physical form and promote better mental health by encouraging social contacts, enhancing self-esteem and reducing stress. Older adults can have a better quality of life and maintain their independence with regular personal training into older age.

Two of the most critical aspects of Fitness coaching are accountability and motivation. Older adults face challenges with regular exercise, perhaps because of fatigue, lack of motivation, or injury concerns. As a sonic guide, a personal trainer knows how to guide the client, motivate them to push through each session and make it productive and in line with the client’s potential. Fitness coaching sessions are very flexible; if someone suffers from an injury or health issue, it is still possible to adapt exercises to fit their needs. This is crucial for aging adults who wish to remain healthy and active, making Fitness coaching a vital tool.

However, personal training also has things that you learn as a benefit. Trainers also provide valuable information on posture, breathing techniques, and movement mechanics that can minimise injury risk and increase the effectiveness of workouts. This helps prepare seniors to exercise safely, even away from their scheduled sessions. In conclusion, personal training develops a sustainable fitness routine for aging individuals that contributes positively to their physical and mental health, allowing them to lead healthier and more independent lives.

Essential Exercise Components for Aging Adults

Older people need a balanced program that, like an adult regimen, involves strength training, aerobic conditioning, flexibility, and balance. Personal training guarantees that it meets these needs as it is tailored individually for older clients to enhance their overall vitality and minimise age-related deterioration.

Strength works as the foundation of personal training for older adults. As you age, muscle mass naturally declines, as does strength, good posture and joint stability; resistance training helps counter some age-related changes. Fueled by the above research, personal trainers may supplement muscular endurance with bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, free weights, and machines to achieve positive fitness results with a lower injury guarantee. Research indicates that regular strength training effectively slows sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss), improves bone density, and lowers the risk for osteoporosis and fractures.

Aging adults also benefit extensively from cardiovascular fitness, a far more critical feature personal trainers offer. Exercises such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or low-impact aerobics benefit heart health, circulation and endurance. A personal trainer could create moderate-intensity cardio workouts that keep older adults active without pushing their bodies too far. Better cardiovascular health also significantly decreases the risk of diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and stroke.

Flexibility and balance exercises are key for preventing falls and improving mobility. Yoga, dynamic stretching, and balance drills should be part of Fitness coaching programs to aid coordination, posture, and range of motion. Quirky but fatigued, like old someones’ inside a similarly creaky body, exercise like single-leg stands, heel-to-toe walking and stability ball workouts can all enable aging dudes to improve their balance — key to maintaining assurance in everyday movements for older people.

To get the most out of these exercises, Fitness coaching sessions should be planned so that we can allow for recovery and progress. Because overtraining can lead to injury, aging people should follow a program with rest days and active recovery methods, such as gentle stretching and mobility drills. Personal trainers can also help clients use appropriate form and technique, minimising the risk of strains and overuse injuries. Fitness coaching takes a holistic approach by keeping older adults strong, functional, and independent well into their golden years through strength, cardio, flexibility, and balance training.

Nutrition and Recovery Strategies in Personal Training for Aging Individuals

An ideal personal training program for older adults would include proper nutrition and recovery methods. Exercise is not enough; energy levels will fall without adequately fueling the body and resting enough to allow muscle recovery and limit inflammation.

Older people need customised nutrition in personal training programs. This can be beneficial for muscle preservation and recovery as protein is  essential. Include lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes and dairy products in every meal to help repair muscles. Taking healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and olive oil can help lower joint inflammation and heart disease.

Another component of aging wellness is hydration. As people age, their perception of thirst worsens, and dehydration is prevalent. It is essential that personal trainers educate their clients on the role that water plays in supporting digestion, helping to avoid joint pain, and maintaining energy throughout the day.

The recovery method is as vital as Fitness coaching for senior citizens. Rest days, practising active recovery methods and getting good sleep are essential for your well-being. Gentle stretching, foam rolling, and deep breathing exercises can promote blood flow and relaxation of the muscle. Sleep hygiene should also be encouraged by personal trainers, and it is vital that the client is made aware of the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding stimulants in the hours before sleep and creating a restful environment.

Nutrition and recovery are linked. Clients should be booked around meal planning when they are grumpy from cooking dinner and hungry after working out. Much of the same can be said for supplements, such as calcium, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids that may support joint health and reduce inflammation. Because it can be better than the exercise itself, exercise coaching combined with sound nutrition and recovery strategies can maximise the effects and ensure that older adult individuals can achieve their fitness, vitality, and health goals for the future.

Mental and Emotional Well-Being in Personal Training for Aging Clients

Personal training is not just physical; it is also vital for ageing humans’ mental and emotional health. Regular exercise is known to lower stress and elevate cognitive performance while lifting one’s mood, so personal training is a great method for maintaining mental health on all fronts.

With advancing age come challenges like loneliness, depression, and anxiety. By participating in a structured personal training program, seniors are given a sense of purpose, motivation, and social interaction. Group fitness classes, one-on-one training sessions, and virtual coaching can connect aging individuals and keep them engaged for many hours of the day, thereby decreasing isolation.

Cognitive health is also an essential component of healthy aging. Studies have shown that regular exercise may lower the risk of both Alzheimer’s and dementia, both neurodegenerative diseases. Memory-enhancing exercises, coordination drills, and even mindfulness practices are key components of exercise coaching programs designed to help older adults keep their minds sharp.

Personal trainers can promote an optimistic mindset in their older clients through goal-setting, remaining mindful of small steps in progress, and encouraging a growth mindset towards fitness. Teaching them to build up their self-esteem is a way to make them more independent so they can accept an active and healthy lifestyle as they age.

Conclusion

Stay healthy and active as you age with the right strategy for Personal training. Older adults can maintain their physical function and independence with strength training, cardiovascular exercises, flexibility routines, and balance drills. Adequate nutrition, hydration and recovery strategies complete the holistic picture. Other advantages of personal training include mental and emotional ones, as personal training reduces stress, improves cognitive function and provides community. An aging body will not limit your ability and opportunities to train; instead, it will allow you to take a proactive approach to training. With the help of exercise coaching, seniors can lead healthier lifestyles, avoid chronic illnesses, and stay strong well into their later years. Personal trainers can educate aging exercisers in safe, effective, enjoyable exercise programming for lifelong health and wellness.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Personal Training Course that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Personal trainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the aging population, exercise coaching provides customised workout plans that consider their unique requirements to keep them strong, mobile, and independent. Muscle mass diminishes naturally, and bone density and joint stiffness develop. Staying active as you age is essential. Most Exercise coaching addresses these issues via resistance, cardio or flexibility training. A certified personal trainer evaluates an individual’s fitness level, goals and medical history to create a safe and effective workout regimen. Personal training also promotes consistency, accountability, and motivation — all vital for enduring success.

An effective personal training program for older adults will incorporate strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility and balance. Strength training can help counteract muscle loss, maintain bone density and support joint stability, lowering the risk of falls and fractures. A personal trainer will often utilise resistance bands, free weights and bodyweight exercises, which safely build muscle. Aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling promote heart health, circulation, and endurance. (Flexibility and mobility exercises such as yoga and stretching also maintain range of motion and help with stiffness.) Balance activities, such as single-leg holds and stability ball drills, improve coordination and reduce fall risk. A certified personal trainer can adapt exercises to an individual’s fitness level while maintaining safety and effectiveness.

As people age, there is less muscle mass, stiffer joints and slower reaction times, all of which raise fall risk. Resistance exercises, such as those offered in personal training, help mitigate these issues by conditioning the muscles of the legs. This, in turn, encourages better stability and coordination. Exercises enhancing balance, such as heel-to-toe walking, single-leg stands, and motions that strengthen our core, will promote better proprioception and control of our body. Flexibility regimes such as stretching and yoga encourage joint mobility and minimise stiffness and the risk of falls. Moreover, personal trainers teach clients correct movement patterns, how to correct their posture, and fall-prevention techniques to keep clients safer in everyday life.

The benefits of personal training for aging adults extend beyond physical fitness. Regular exercise releases endorphins, which minimise stress, anxiety and depression and create a sense of well-being. Personal training fosters social interaction, whether it be through group workouts or one-on-one sessions, which can help fight feelings of loneliness and isolation experienced by many aging individuals. Furthermore, personalised training plans can also improve mental performance by boosting your memory, attention and problem-solving skills. Research suggests that engaging in regular physical activity can reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Motivation, goal setting , and tracking progress from personal trainers help achieve milestones and increase self-confidence.

This is achieved through a careful balance of what to eat and when to eat, which, combined with personal training, will help achieve people’s goals regardless of age, as the focus shifts towards maintaining strength as people age rather than just building it. Since protein consumption is necessary to repair muscles and recover from an injury, seniors should include lean meats, eggs, fish, legumes, and dairy in their diet. Healthy fats from nuts, avocados and olive oil reduce inflammation and promote joint health. Hydration is also key because older adults are more likely to become dehydrated. Adequate water intake facilitates digestion, circulation, and energy. In addition, eating nutrient-dense foods with vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, helps to maintain immunity and bone strength.

The most effective frequency you want to train at varies per level of fitness, beginners may be best suited training two to three sessions per week to ensure a good foundation is built, with the more active involved in four to five personal training sessions a week as a good balance. Strength training, which should cover all major muscle groups, should be done at least twice a week to preserve muscle mass and bone density, and cardiovascular exercise should be done three to five times a week to keep the heart healthy. Incorporate flexibility and balance exercises daily to improve mobility and reduce fall risk. The body has time to heal and adapt to workouts — just as important as the workouts themselves.

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Group Exercise for Children & Teens: Building Healthy Habits https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/group-exercise-for-children-and-teens/ Fri, 21 Feb 2025 07:00:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39529 The post Group Exercise for Children & Teens: Building Healthy Habits appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Getting kids and tweens to exercise in groups is one of the best ways to instil a lifelong commitment to health and fitness. In an era characterised by elevating screen time and sedentary living, it has become progressively vital to engage a youthful demographic in physical activity in a gratifying, social, and wholesome manner that mutually benefits their comprehensive evolution. Not only does participating in group exercise keep children and teens active, but it also encourages teamwork, discipline, and self-confidence.

Group fitness classes are often more stimulating and enjoyable than solo workouts, making participants more likely to participate. Still, they provide a springboard for physical fitness, social, and emotional skills with team sports, dance classes, martial arts, or structured fitness programs. In addition, developing healthy habits from a young age sets the stage for better long-term fitness and lifestyle decisions.

The Benefits of Group Exercise for Children and Teens

Working out in a group has many physical, mental, and social benefits for kids and teens. Muscle strength and coordination through structured physical activities also build cardiovascular capacity. Group exercise cushions the feeling of managing childhood obesity and related health disorders like diabetes and heart disease. When kids and teens practice active habits, they will likely carry them into adulthood.

In addition to the physical benefits, group exercise promotes better mental health. Endorphins are released through physical activity and can enhance mood and decrease stress, anxiety, and depression. With new academic and social pressures, kids and teens need stress-relieving group exercise where they can have fun, laugh, and practice mental acuity. They also learn discipline, goal setting, and perseverance through the structured approach of group fitness classes, an essential aspect of life.

Societally, group training develops teamwork, cooperation, and communication skills. When children play in group sports, dance or fitness classes, they also learn how to work with peers, support each of them and form a sense of camaraderie. That interaction enhances self-esteem and teaches valuable social skills that translate into fitness and beyond. In addition, group-based activities foster accountability in which children and teens are more inclined to commit to fitness with peers who share similar goals.

Not only do they keep active and in shape, but young people such as these develop social and emotional skills learned during group exercises that will serve them well throughout life. Yet, to keep people coming back, some strategies to make moving enjoyable are needed; we will cover that next.

Encouraging Children and Teens to Stay Active

Exercise should be fun and engaging as this will create a lifetime association with fitness. Mixing up and getting creative with workouts is one of the best ways to do this. Children and teens love dynamic, interactive activities like dance, obstacle courses, relay races and interactive sports games, rather than traditional exercise routines. Such activities break the monotony and give you something exciting to do outdoors.

Another great strategy is allowing the kids to pick their favourites. Some people love team sports like soccer or basketball, while others would prefer swimming, martial arts, gymnastics, etc. Providing options can help them feel a greater sense of autonomy over their fitness experience, which tends to lead to greater adherence.

Technology can also motivate people to get more physical activity. Fitness apps and workout video games, along with activity challenges that use wearable fitness trackers, are making exercise more interactive and rewarding. Setting smaller, achievable goals—tracking steps taken or completing a set number of workouts a week —is motivating and even fun.

It’s also important for parents and schools to get involved. Parents can model behaviour, too—making exercise a family event, whether that means walking, biking, or playing outdoor games together. To ensure that students have sufficient opportunities to participate in group exercise, schools can institute more structured physical education programs and extracurricular sports. Even peer engagement, like being involved with group sports activities or fitness challenges, builds a sense of community and encouragement in the workplace.

A well-structured youth fitness program can help the next generation view group exercise as a natural and enjoyable part of their lives by creating a supportive, fun environment. However, exercise isn’t sufficient—proper nutrition is also imperative for these puppies’ growth and development, and that will be our next point of discussion.

The Role of Nutrition in Supporting Group Exercise for Youth

Proper nutrition is essential for children and teens participating in group fitness. It fuels performance, improves recovery, and maintains overall health. A good diet supplies the necessary vitamins and minerals for energy, muscle building, and brain function, allowing young people to do their best work.

Carbs are the primary energy source for kids and teens engaged in team workouts. Eating complex carbs, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, boosts energy and prevents tiredness. Young athletes may feel sluggish and have reduced endurance without sufficient carbs, making it challenging to keep up with workouts during team practices and fitness classes.

Protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, is another key nutrient. Whether children participate in strength-based training, running, or sports, consuming lean protein sources, including chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, and plant-based sources, supports muscle building and maintenance. After group fitness classes, Greek yoghurt with fruit, peanut butter on whole-grain toast or a smoothie can help muscle recovery and replenishment.

Hydration is just as important, and dehydration can result in fatigue, muscle cramps, and decreased concentration. To avoid dehydration, Kids and teens should drink plenty of water prior to, during, and after exercise to replenish fluids lost via sweat. Individuals engaged in heavy physical exertion may benefit from electrolyte-containing beverages like coconut water or diluted fruit juice.

Promoting nutritious, well-balanced meals that contain all required nutrients helps guarantee that young people have the requisite energy, stamina, and endurance to maintain regular participation in group exercise. It is up to schools and parents to educate children on eating habits so they understand nutrition as part of physical performance.

How Parents and Educators Can Support an Active Lifestyle

one way to help ensure kids and teens stick to group exercise  is to build an active, fitness-friendly environment. Parents and educators are key to building lifelong health. Building physical activity into your daily routine is one of the most effective ways to stay active. Walking or biking to school, playing outside and doing family workouts reinforce the importance of movement to kids.

Educators can encourage group exercise through physical education programs, school sports, and active play sessions as part of the daily routine. Sets of challenges, work team challenges, and school-wide events that are focused on activity can foster a sense of healthy competition and camaraderie. Parents can help by signing kids up for swimming lessons, dance classes , or martial arts so they are active outside of school.

This is how you can introduce kids to fun and engaging outdoor sports; once screen time is reduced, and intellectual games and activities are promoted, kids will no doubt opt to explore physical fitness and well-being. Forming an active and supportive environment—at home, in the family, in school, and in society—fosters a positive relationship with fitness in children and teens.

Through regular group exercise and a lifetime of healthy habits, parents and educators instil the values of discipline, teamwork, and overall well-being in individuals, ensuring that the benefits of physical and mental health continue for years to come.

Conclusion

Getting kids and teens to exercise in groups is one of the best ways to establish healthy behaviours in the long term. Physical activity isn’t only important for getting fit but essential for mental health, social development, and emotional resilience. By making activities fun, stimulating, and social, young people are more likely to be active and build movement into their daily lives into adulthood.Grouping up to do exercise keeps you accountable and forms a tight bond of community, which is one of the best parts of group exercise. Through team sports, fitness classes, or recreational activities, youth gain a strong work ethic and teamwork, communication, and perseverance skills. Forming a core backbone for oneself that consists of confidence, leadership and discipline, which translates into being successful in life through fitness.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Group Exercise courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Group Exercise Specialist.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

Exercise in a group setting is critical for physical, mental, and social child and adolescent development. It helps to increase strength, coordination and cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of obesity and related health concerns. However, group exercises are  physically beneficial and enhance mood, ease stress, and build confidence. On a social level, they instil essential life skills, such as teamwork, collaboration and accountability, in young people. Structured engagement in fitness classes, team sports or dance programs fosters consistent habits regarding exercise, allowing them to stay active and healthy as they mature.

Group exercise activities that are appropriate for kids and teens must be fun, engaging, and interactive. Proposed activities may cover soccer, basketball, or even volleyball, dance classes, martial arts, yoga, or structured fitness programs. Young people remain engaged through activities that promote movement, coordination, and teamwork. Exercise can also be fun with fitness programs like kid HIIT, obstacle courses, or group cycling classes.” It’s important to let kids try various activities to discover what they enjoy most since that will help increase the odds that they stick with physical activity over the long haul.

A haphazard approach to nutrition can drastically undermine energy, stamina and muscle development in the group exercise setting. Carbs fuel you quickly, and protein helps your muscles grow and recover. Healthy fats keep your energy up during workouts. Proper nutrition includes balanced meals like oatmeal and fruit, chicken with rice and vegetables, or smoothies with yoghurt and nuts. Hydration is equally essential — sipping on water before, during and after exercise prevents fatigue and muscle cramps. Good nutrition supports athletic performance and helps children and teens develop healthy eating patterns.

Group exercise can be indirectly encouraged by encouraging physical activity, making it fun and accessible. Also, they should engage in family workouts, have children participate in sports programs, and lead by example when promoting an active lifestyle. Providing options—be it dance, martial arts, swimming or team sports—enables children to find something they like doing. They are motivated when we set small goals and celebrate their achievements. And cutting back on screen time and supporting outdoor play encourages even more there. It can inspire you to exercise in a healthy environment and excite children so they see exercise as pleasurable rather than forced.

Exercise in a group reduces mental issues such as anxiety and depression by impacting the excretion of some hormones (endogenous opioids). It boosts concentration, brain power, and self-esteem, instilling discipline and endurance. Socially, it allows youth to practice teamwork, leadership, and other communication skills through peer interaction in a nurturing atmosphere. Its social involvement in group fitness helps young individuals meet friends and encourages them to stay active. Those benefits go past fitness; they also benefit academic performance and emotional well-being.

Health experts recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily for children and teens. This can include formal exercise in groups, sports or active play. Get some friends together to go for a brisk walk, ride a bike with the kids or start taking group aerobics or strength training classes — these will help get your heart rate up, build muscle tone, and increase flexibility and balance. Shorter, more intensive bursts — like HIIT workouts or circuit training — can be adequate substitutes. In the case of young people, group exercise is the most fun way to break the boredom of exercising alone and develop a lifestyle of being active, which is key to long-term health.

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Group Exercise for Bodyweight Training & Calisthenics https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/group-exercise-for-bodyweight-training-and-calisthenics/ Thu, 20 Feb 2025 07:00:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39530 The post Group Exercise for Bodyweight Training & Calisthenics appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Group exercise is one of the best ways to build strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination without using equipment. It is a popular choice for individuals training with body weight and callisthenics. Callisthenics workouts improve muscle tone, functional fitness, and overall athletic performance by using the body’s weight as resistance. Combined with group exercise’s motivational atmosphere, these workouts become more engaging, supportive, and results-focused.

Pumping iron alone is one thing, but callisthenics group exercise combines strength training, cardio, and flexibility with community and accountability in one package. Conducted in outdoor parks, gyms, or as part of corporate wellness initiatives, these workouts inspire participants to push themselves and one another to master bodyweight movements.

The Benefits of Group Exercise for Bodyweight Training and Calisthenics

Calisthenics Group exercise has many other benefits besides those linked with physical fitness. In contrast, bodyweight training builds functional strength, contributing to daily tasks, posture, and coordination. In contrast to traditional weightlifting, callisthenics recruits multiple muscle groups simultaneously, resulting in more excellent balance, mobility, and functional strength.

One significant benefit of bodyweight training in a group setting is motivation/accountability. Exercise: Working out in a group setting is designed to push you to the limits, keep you persistent, and keep you involved. Whether in a fitness class, boot camp or outdoor callisthenics park, the energy and support of fellow participants who exercise with you turn workouts into more enjoyable and effective social occasions.

Another advantage of group calisthenics workouts is their versatility and accessibility. As no equipment is required, they can be done from anywhere, making them the perfect low-cost, flexible fitness option. Participants can perform full-body workouts at home that improve strength, endurance, and flexibility—with no need to sign up for a gym.

Group exercise based on callisthenics also helps you feel connected and teamwork. Working out with friends, coworkers, or exercise communities fosters an atmosphere of support and progress. Group exercise classes are often more enjoyable than working out alone, making participants more likely to adhere to a routine.

Including group exercise in bodyweight training encourages better technique, increased motivation, and a less rhythmic workout experience. We’ll cover the best group callisthenics workout moves for strength and endurance.

Best Bodyweight Exercises for Group Calisthenics Workouts

A good callisthenics Group exercise should include exercises that work for all major muscle groups while incorporating strength, endurance, and flexibility. Here are several popular bodyweight exercises used in group training classes.

Strength Exercises for the Upper Body:

  • Push-ups (Standard, Wide, Diamond or Plyometric) – Work chest, shoulders and triceps.
  • Triceps dips (Using Parallel Bars or Benches) — Engages triceps, shoulders and chest
  • Pull-ups or Chin-ups – Excellent exercise for back and biceps development.
  • Handstand Holds or Pike Push-ups – Build shoulder and upper body stability.
  • Lower Body Strength—lower body strength exercises:
  • Squats (Bodyweight, Jump or Pistol Squats) – Build quad, hamstring and glute strength.
  • Lunges (Forward, Reverse, or Side Lunges) – Increases leg balance, coordination and endurance.
  • Step-ups (On Benches or Elevated Surfaces) — Train lower body and pump up heartbeat.

Core and Full Body Workouts:

  • Planks (Forearm, Side, or Dynamic Planks) – Core, shoulders, and back strength
  • Burpees – Give you full body strength and cardio conditioning.
  • Mountain Climbers – Work the core while raising the heart rate.
  • Leg Raises or Hanging Knee Tucks – Works the lower abdominals.

Incorporating these callisthenics movements into group workouts allows participants to develop functionality, strength, and endurance while benefiting from the encouragement of team training. The following section discusses how group motivation improves bodyweight training performance.

The Role of Group Motivation in Calisthenics Training

Perhaps the best thing about group callisthenics workouts is the motivation and accountability that they provide to others! Group exercise, which includes classes and training with friends, encourages motivation, social support, and enjoyment, making the experience more effective than exercising alone when self-discipline is essential to staying on schedule.

Unless you push yourself harder than you would have otherwise, group motivation helps you perform better. No one likes to put their head down when working towards a thunderous start goal when their peers work for the same thing. The collaboration and support of group members push for progressive overload, allowing participants to achieve personal bests in new numbers for things like push-ups, squats, pull-ups, and other bodyweight goals.

In addition, group settings create automatic accountability. It is harder to skip a workout if people expect you to show up, leading to greater consistency and long-term success. This sense of responsibility is why many people turn to group callisthenics training vs solo workouts.

A key other component of group fitness success is the presence of certified instructors or group leaders. Certified trainers keep poses in check, lead participants through pre-designed sessions and make things easier or harder to suit different abilities. This prevents injuries and allows for consistent improvement — which is particularly important for novices.

Finally, training in a group sprinkles in a bit of camaraderie and friendly competition. Bodyweight training can be entertaining and engaging through fitness challenges, partner workouts, and team-based activities. Whether you’re trying to hold a plank for longer, do more reps or master a new movement skill, the energy of a group propels you to work harder and get better results.

Since fitness success is greatly determined by group motivation, the best way to structure effective group callisthenics workouts is to ensure constant engagement of the participants, who can then carry this interest into concrete fitness gains.

Structuring an Effective Group Calisthenics Workout

A good callisthenics group exercise needs to be designed with a powerful focus while addressing individuals on endurance, strength, and flexibility levels. Here’s a Sample Effective 45-minute Group Bodyweight workout:

  1. Warm-Up (5-10 Minutes)
  • Dynamic stretches: Spinal twists, leg swings, arm circles
  • Mobility work: Hip openers, shoulder rolls
  • Cardio — Jumping jacks, high knees or jogging in place

 

  1. Includes cardio work, which you can complete in 20-25 minutes.
  • Push-ups (30 seconds)
  • Squats (30 seconds)
  • Plank holds (30 seconds)
  • Jump lunges (30 seconds)
  • Burpees (30 seconds)
  • (3-4 sets, 30 seconds rest in between rounds)

 

  1. 10-Minute Partner or Team Workout
  • Partner push-ups (high-five at the top)
  • Wall sit challenge (hold while a medicine ball is passed)
  • Team plank relay (switch partners every 30 seconds)

 

  1. Cool Down & Stretching (5 or 10 Minutes)
  • Folds forward while seated, stretches hips, twists spine
  • Relaxation breathing techniques, such as controlled deep breathing

 

Overall, you get progressive overload, balanced training, and are still effectively engaged

for all levels.

Conclusion

Bodyweight Training, Calisthenics Structured callisthenics workouts help individuals achieve all-around fitness, enhancing their functional strength, mobility, and mental endurance. Group training brings motivation, accountability, and camaraderie to workouts, making fitness more enjoyable and sustainable. Group exercise Natural Calisthenics Training helps in productive consistency, sustained motivation for progress, enhanced skill, and a cultivated sense of community. Extensive group bodyweight workouts are a practical and dynamic fitness experience, regardless of whether they are taking place in parks, gyms, or corporate wellness programs, and participants at all levels reap the rewards.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Group Exercise courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Group Exercise Specialist.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

The group exercise, strength, endurance, and mobility-based exercise program can also encourage people as they are more likely to care for themselves in a group setting. Participants get structured workouts, instruction and competition with others, which drives them forward faster. However, group fitness is a dynamic that creates teamwork and social interactivity that can come together to build a supportive community where everyone pushes those around them to do their best! Because callisthenics works on functional fitness, these workouts help to improve movements typically done in daily life, posture and coordination, making it a full-body workout that can be adapted to nearly any fitness level.

A good callisthenics group exercise combines some strength, endurance, and mobility work. Everyday upper-body movements include push-ups, pull-ups and dips, which target the chest, shoulders, and arms. Moves for the lower body, such as squats, lunges and step-ups, help build leg strength and stability. Exercises that target this area directly, like planks, leg lifts, or mountain climbers, enhance balance and core strength. Dynamic moves such as burpees and jumping lunges bring cardio conditioning. Bringing a series of these exercises together as part of an organised circuit or group challenge enables participants to maximise results whilst being immersed in a motivating team environment.

Group exercise increases motivation, ensures consistency and helps you work harder. Working out creates a social contract in which participants are less inclined to miss workouts. The power of the group encourages people to push themselves further and stay in the moment, which allows for faster gains in strength, stamina and skills. Further still, group training adds an element of healthy competition and teamwork that helps spur members to work harder than they otherwise would. Instructor-led classes maintain Correct lines and techniques, preventing injury and maximising results. The motivational space of group fitness ensures that workouts are more fun, enjoyable, and sustainable in the long term.

Beginners should begin at a basic level of callisthenics and may start with bodyweight squats, push-ups, planks, and lunges, progressing to more advanced exercises. Plenty of group exercise classes include modifications for all fitness levels so participants can build strength at their own pace. Focusing on good form and controlled movements instead of speed is crucial. With instructor-led workouts, you get guidance and can correct your skills. In addition, group fitness offers a supportive and motivating environment, which can help newcomers find that extra motivation to keep going. Eventually, as strength and confidence increase, participants can work pull-ups, dips, and explosive movements such as burpees.

Yes, group bodyweight training can be as effective as traditional gym workouts, depending on fitness goals. Calisthenics builds full-body strength, mobility, endurance and coordination without using weights or machines. Exercises such as pull-ups, push-ups, squats and core work are muscle and functional strength builders. Calisthenics-style workouts at high intensity can also yield cardiovascular improvements, providing a perfect gym alternative. Fitness classes help you stay motivated, break the monotony with new exercises, and give structure to the workout. While weights may be necessary for working toward specific muscle-building goals, pulled bodyweight training provides a whole-body, effective workout for most fitness levels.

Callisthenics group exercises 3 to 5 times a week together allow consistent progress while giving muscles time to recover for best results. This progressive training should also be balanced with strength, endurance, and mobility sessions to avoid overuse injuries, wasting your efforts, and achieving the benefits you are after. Beginners can start with up to two or three weekly sessions, increasing frequency as they gain endurance. Adding rest days or active recovery (think stretching or yoga) allows the muscles time to recover and helps prevent injury. Regular practice helps patients increase their strength, flexibility, and overall fitness through group exercise.

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Group Exercise and Preparing for Fitness Events https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/group-exercise-and-preparing-for-fitness-events/ Wed, 19 Feb 2025 07:00:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39531 The post Group Exercise and Preparing for Fitness Events appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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After all, fitting into fitness events like running marathons, obstacle courses, triathlons, and team challenges takes sweat, structured training, endurance, and a strong mindset. Individual training is more effective with group exercise as it enables motivation, accountability, and camaraderie and boosts physical performance. Training in a group setting prevents boredom, fuels friendly competition, and pushes athletic limits.

The flexibility of group exercise programs enables them to be customised to the specific requirements of certain fitness events, allowing for a combination of strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, agility drills, and endurance-building routines. The encouraging environment of group exercise also enables individuals to maintain regularity in shaping up and becoming their best selves ahead of the event.

The Benefits of Group Exercise for Fitness Event Training

Preparing yourself for a fitness event can be mentally challenging and physically demanding, but group exercise gives you the guidance to stay focused. Group exercise offers a ton of accountability. You feel responsible for the team, and you show up to work out because you are committed to the people you are working out with. Knowing that many others are also training with you helps you build a strong support system as you get motivated on tough days.

Sara R. / Senior Blogger or Writer Another considerable positive is increased motivation and healthy competition. Get inspired to push harder: In a group setting, you tend to push yourself harder when you see others do the same. From sprinting faster to lifting more or doing more cycles, being in a group spurs you to make yourself. Moreover, working out with people who are also training for the event fosters camaraderie and motivation, which are critical for maintaining inspiration throughout your journey leading to the event.

Also, exercising as a group helps with technique and lowers injury risk. Group exercises are frequently led by certified trainers or experienced athletes, ensuring correct form and movement mechanics. This allows attendees to train safely and reduces the risk of injury leading to the big day. Strength training, endurance exercises, interval workouts, and recovery techniques may all be included to create balanced preparation, and group exercises help to maintain variety and flexibility.

In addition to physical comfort groups and physical achievements, group exercise increases mental strength. Mental toughness, discipline, and brilliant pacing are all essential for fitness events. Training in a motivating and supportive environment creates the confidence  to tackle obstacles on event day. Group exercise packages customised for specific fitness events can help individuals achieve their optimum potential to perform at their best and achieve overall success.

Key Training Strategies for Fitness Events Using Group Exercise

In the context of team training, well-organized team sessions guarantee that all users will want energy and endurance ahead of exercise competitions. Unlike traditional motivational principals that  rely on the individual athlete in isolation, competition provides the added ingredient of motivational lift, which goes beyond the self and provides a personal competitor in the running.

Apparent Strength and Resistance training is one of the best preparation methods for an event. Full-body strength training workouts—squats, lunges, push-ups, deadlifts—improve muscle endurance, which is essential for activities requiring sustained physical effort. Group circuit training shines in this regard—workouts can be kept dynamic and challenging, while motivational but competitive peer environments provide participants with needed strength through brawn.

In addition to strength training, cardio and endurance conditioning are vital components of fitness event preparation. These come more from group runs, related high-mileage group cycling rides, and stair workouts, which increase stamina and enable participants to achieve that workout intensity for longer.

Alternatively, interval training (HIIT) is another superweapon since it improves cardiovascular fitness and speed, essential for racing and endurance-based events. Other activities — like rowing, swimming and jump rope drills — bring variety and work different sets of muscles, providing a more holistic workout.

Athletes with events that involve quick reflexes and speed need aerobics and speed-oriented exercises. Ladder drills, shuttle runs, and plyometrics are used to develop reaction time and explosive power. However, together, training becomes much easier with group obstacle course training, which is highly beneficial for authentic endurances: Spartan Races and Tough Mudders. You can incorporate hill sprints, as well as resistance bands, to help develop your acceleration and power as well.

Finally, recovery and mobility work are important in all contexts to help you avoid injuries and maintain long-term performance. For muscle recovery, group yoga sessions, foam rolling, and mobility drills are recommended.

Having scheduled active recovery days (as opposed to rest days) with light jogging or walking ensures that participants will be consistent but not overtraining. If an event is coming up, applying all of them will put a person at an outstanding fitness level, with a balanced mind and body, to perform the maximum on the event day.

How to Stay Motivated While Training for a Fitness Event

Consistency is imperative in training for a fitness-related event or competition, and group exercise ensures you keep your fire burning on the road to mastery. Here are a few ways to stay engaged, focused and inspired while training:

  1. Establish Clear and Attainable Goals
  • Set targeted training goals , such as dropping speed, volumes, or work.
  • Set long-term goals but also small, interim achievements, celebrating progress along the way.

 

  1. Train with a Supportive Group
  • Find a group of people who have fitness goals similar to yours.
  • Engage in team challenges, relay workouts or competitive drills for added fun.

 

  1. Monitor and Celebrate Success
  • Apps, journals, or wearable trackers can record progress.
  • Major achievements like getting a new personal best or a new level of fitness (Hit an all-time high on the bench press, Cross)

 

  1. Find training partners to stay accountable
  • Working with a training partner or a group prevents habit discontinuation and reinforces participation.
  • “It’s more fun to work out together, to cheer everyone on and be cheered on.

 

  1. Mix Things Up in Your Workouts
  • Alternate strength, cardio, flexibility and agility-focused workouts for variety.
  • Feature workouts like the team obstacle course challenge, partner workouts, or group exercise contests

With these motivational strategies, participants stay disciplined and consistent with event preparation.

Preparing for Race Day: Final Steps and Tips

With race day or the day of an event approaching, finalising your training, nutrition, and recovery is essential to cater to your best performance. The final days before an event should focus on tapering, resting, and practising appropriate fueling to ensure adequate energy and muscle readiness.

The tapering phase (where training volume is reduced one to two weeks before the event) is among the most crucial steps in getting ready. This makes space for recovery from previous intense workouts and keeps mobility and technique up through lighter training. Avoid high-intensity workouts; focus on stretching, low-impact movements, and mental preparation to keep your mind sharp without straining yourself.

Endurance and performance are greatly influenced by nutrition and hydration. Pre-events include increasing carbohydrate intake or supplementing carbohydrates, which helps to give the body enough glycogen stores for prolonged energy. Even some dehydration negatively impacts performance, so drinking water and electrolyte-rich fluids helps avoid it.

Avoid alcohol and excess caffeine, which can lead to dehydration. Sleep and rest are other essential components. In the week leading up to the event, strive to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night. Sleep aids in muscle recovery, cognitive performance, and general readiness. Gentle types of movement, like yoga, dynamic stretching, or foam rolling, may also prevent stiffness and keep muscles limber.

Race day logistics are as critical as training during the preparation process. You need to get to the venue with plenty of time to warm up, walk the course, and get in the mental space you need. Dress for the weather and ensure your shoes and gear are comfortable and ready to perform. Following these steps will help you perform at your best, feeling confident and prepared to complete your fitness event.

Conclusion

No matter what group exercise events you’re preparing for, group exercise is the most effective approach to increase performance and motivation while providing accountability and structure for an effective training strategy. Training with a network of gentle, like-minded, supportive, crazy people builds strength, endurance, agility, and mental endurance — all necessary to compete successfully.  Whether prepping for a marathon, obstacle course, triathlon or strength competition, group exercise provides the support, challenge and encouragement to help you perform at your best.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Group Exercise courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Group Exercise Specialist.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

Group exercise offers more structure, motivation, and accountability than solo workouts when preparing for a fitness event. All group exercises and competitions lift participants to new heights in competition and fitness through teamwork and healthy competition. It also guarantees a range of workouts, from strength training, conditioning with endurance, agility drills, and recovery work, all vital to fitness events. More importantly, group sessions help break the monotony of working out alone and provide you with tips for refinement of techniques and a cheerleader-cardio-friendly atmosphere to hold individuals accountable and motivated through their workout reps and onto the fight of the event.

Resistance training, bodyweight exercises and HIIT workouts build overall strength. Endurance comes from running clubs, stair climbs and cycling sessions, ladder drills, sprints and obstacle course training to improve agility and coordination. They have group yoga and stretching classes to help with flexibility and recovery. Simulating event conditions, these varying group training sessions ensure diverse preparation for races, triathlons, marathons, and obstacle-based fitness events, such as Tough Mudder or Spartan Race.

For best results, train in a group setting 3–5 days weekly. This balances strength work, endurance building, agility drills, and recovery sessions. More cardio-based training for endurance or strength-based work for competitions may involve heavier resistance. About my rest or active recovery day: Resting at least once a week helps avoid overtraining and injury. The secret sauce is accountability: progress is guaranteed on race day with a team.

Have something with complex carbs and lean protein before a group training session. Some options include oatmeal topped with fruit, whole-grain toast with peanut butter, or a protein smoothie. Stay hydrated with plenty of water or electrolyte-rich drinks. Like pre-exercise, post-exercise nutrition should recommence the replenishment of muscle glycogen stores with protein and carbohydrates, grilling chicken with quinoa, eggs with whole-grain toast, or Greek yoghurt with nuts. Proper pre-and post-workout nutrition will help fuel recovery and improve endurance for your next workout session.

Group training makes it easier to set goals, track progress, and be held accountable to a team, all of which can help keep you motivated. Acknowledge short-term milestones heading toward the event, like increasing speed, strength or movement skill. Working out with a better half or a group motivates them to stay consistent. Team challenges, fitness app workouts, and progress rewards keep the motivation coming. Or mixing up training styles — from endurance runs to HIIT to recovery yoga — keeps workouts fresh. The social energy of group training makes fitness preparation a more joyous and fulfilling endeavour.

Avoiding injuries is a matter of balance through conditioning work, mobility, and recovery. During warm-ups before every group session, implement dynamic stretches and activation drills to prepare the body for lifting. “Strength training will also increase muscular endurance, which reduces the strain on your joints. Cross-training with activities such as swimming, cycling, or yoga reduces the risk of overuse injuries. Pay attention to your body — rest when you need to, and don’t push through pain. Foam rolling, stretching, and hydration help with post-workout recovery. With its rest days and mobility work, that structured group exercise program minimises injury risk and maximises performance.

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Group Exercise for Corporate Team Building Settings https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/group-exercise-for-corporate-team-building/ Tue, 18 Feb 2025 07:00:52 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39532 The post Group Exercise for Corporate Team Building Settings appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Organisations must create a united, cooperative, and energised team to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving job market. Fire Up Team Spirit: Group exercise classes have become a favourite staff-building activity for corporate companies and a corporate wellness parameter to score, as employees can boost their physical health by improving communication, teamwork, and morale. Bringing fitness activities into the workplace creates a more engaged and productive workforce with less stress, better mental clarity, and stronger interpersonal relationships.

Chastising employees and strictly enforcing punctuality may work in the short term, but it will not help create a culture of well-being. Workplace wellness programs, corporate fitness challenges, team-building exercise events, etc., can promote such activities, essential in creating a workplace culture that boosts teamwork and employee performance.

The Benefits of Group Exercise for Corporate Team Building

Group exercise in corporate settings allows employees to socialise outside their usual work environment. Working out promotes teamwork, strengthens bonds, and encourages collaboration—ingredients vital to building a positive workplace culture. Unlike conventional team-building events, which may be contrived or simulated, group fitness offers an authentic and interactive avenue for coworkers to connect and uplift one another.

Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of group exercise is decreased stress. Work-related stress is commonplace, leading to burnout and diminished productivity and morale. Exercise stimulates endorphin release, the body’s natural stress reliever, leading to a more energetic and positive work environment. Exercise leads to a better mood, improved concentration, and greater satisfaction, keeping workers healthy and happy.

Group workouts also encourage teamwork and accountability.” Employees feel a sense of shared goals and comradeship when they exercise together. Whether through yoga sessions, corporate fitness boot camps or office step challenges, participating in an exercise with others helps create a collaborative spirit and camaraderie. 700 employees who motivate and coach one another, fostering a culture of togetherness that extends well beyond the sweat to the rest of the workday.

Increased energy and overall productivity are other significant benefits of group exercise within the corporate environment. Regular physical activity enhances mental clarity, focus, and creativity, allowing employees to be at their best. Employees who participate in fitness programs experience increased stamina and energy rather than the typical mid-afternoon lethargy.

Including group exercise in corporate wellness, strategies can promote positive social dynamics among people in the workplace and foster a healthier, more engaged workforce that collaborates efficiently. This results in enhanced morale, boosted productivity, and greater happiness at work.

Implementing Effective Group Exercise Programs in the Workplace

Offering group exercise programs in business environments is a delicate balance that should be planned and delivered in the best way possible to meet health and wellness goals. However, the focus should be on developing fitness programs that allow everyone to feel included, get a good workout, and afford the training.

The most effective way for workplace fitness programs is to have on-site or virtual group workout sessions. For example, companies can hire certified fitness instructors to lead weekly yoga, HIIT, or strength training classes in the office or host virtual classes for remote employees. Employees will find participating easy, meaning that group fitness encourages a work culture that makes it the norm.

Fitness Challenges Another common type of competition you can do is called corporate fitness challenges. These challenges can be based on step count competitions, cycling challenges, and organization-wide movement goals that can motivate employees to integrate physical activity into the workday. Establishing group goals and providing incentives—from prizes, recognition, or fitness rewards—keep employees motivated and involved.

Solution #1: Establishing partnerships with local gyms or fitness studios: Offer employees discounted access to group exercise classes at nearby locations — an excellent way for an organisation with less space to maximise employee fitness options. According to this initiative, the company supports the employees’ well-being and gives them the flexibility to engage in any workout they prefer.

A great way to incorporate group fitness into corporate environments is to promote active breaks during the workday. Organising short movement breaks, stretch sessions, or outdoor walking meetings could break up long bouts of sitting, helping employees stay energised and focused.

To aid sustainability, businesses should promote workplace fitness initiatives via internal newsletters, team emails, and company-wide announcements. Leadership should also be involved—when managers and executives join group workouts, employees are likelier to participate, reiterating a company culture that encourages health and wellness.

Strategies to Encourage Employee Participation in Group Exercise

Group exercise is a positive start in workplaces, but its success lies in employee participation. Organisations must communicate strategically, stay flexible, and offer incentives to drive participation in workplace fitness programs.

One of the best ways to increase participation is to keep fitness fun and accessible. Various options allow employees to find what they like, as not everyone will feel comfortable in traditional workout settings. So encourage everything from Zumba, yoga, or Pilates to outdoor team sports as a group fitness option. Giving employees choices catered to their preferences and fitness levels increases the likelihood of their participation.

Workplace wellness incentives can provide additional motivation. Companies might provide rewards for regular participation, such as gift cards, wellness stipends, additional break time, and recognition programs. Healthy competition works, too— livening up team-based challenges with good-natured contests is an effective way to spur excitement.

A key aspect of boosting team exercise is making it part of the company schedule. Companies can organise training sessions before work, during lunchtime, or after office hours, providing employees with the convenience to join in. Some corporations even create “Wellness Wednesdays” or “Fitness Fridays,” wherein group activities are conducted weekly to make participation easier for employees with a more flexible schedule.

Finally, we need a culture of encouragement and inclusion to learn from mistakes. When executives and managers participate in group workouts, everyone feels inspired to join and get sweating—leadership involvement in fitness programs can have a profound effect. This guarantees employees at all fitness levels are comfortable participating in workplace fitness endeavours, creating a non-threatening and supportive environment.

With simple group exercise experiences that are fun and incentivised, employee participation rates will increase exponentially, leading to long-term success for corporate wellness programs.

How Group Exercise Enhances Workplace Collaboration and Productivity

Outside of the physical benefits of exercise, group assistance breeds healthy workplace collaboration and improves productivity. Corporate fitness programs challenge members to work together, leading to stronger teamwork, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all contributing to a more pleasant work environment.

Another way that group exercise contributes to cooperation, collaboration, and teamwork is that it helps break down workplace hierarchies. She adds that team workouts or wellness challenges give employees from various departments and ranks a relaxed environment in which to interact outside of work. This strengthens relationships, fosters open dialogue and connection in the workplace, and enhances the overall culture.

Regular group exercise enhances focus, problem-solving, and job performance . A ton of research shows how exercise helps with cognitive function and creativity. As the day goes on, people can become fatigued and less productive. Individuals who participate in workplace fitness programs tend to take fewer sick days and experience lower levels of stress and higher levels of engagement, all of which contribute to both employee and bottom-line health.

Corporate group workouts can significantly improve employee morale and job satisfaction. So, a workplace that encourages team building, well-being, and fitness is a positive work catalyst that helps increase retention and build a long-lasting team.

In conclusion, incorporating group exercise into corporate wellness initiatives promotes a healthier and happier workforce. It fosters teamwork and camaraderie, enhances productivity, motivation, and job satisfaction, and contributes to the organisation’s and its employees’ long-term success.

Conclusion

Employees and Organizations through Group Exercise  in corporate cultures bring many advantages to employees and the company. From catapulting physical and mental health to encouraging teamwork, motivation, and meetings, group fitness boosts workplace relationships and enhances general business culture.Structured workplace wellness programs, fun fitness challenges, and a culture of support can help employees build healthy habits while increasing workplace morale and job satisfaction. In conclusion, by incorporating the importance of group fitness, you can develop a successful workplace wellness initiative for your company.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Group Exercise courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Group Exercise Specialist.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

Group exercise promotes team building, cooperation, communication, and employee camaraderie in corporate settings. So, when coworkers do fitness-related activities collectively, it helps foster trust, cheer each other, and forge stronger ties. Unlike team-building exercises that have been used in the past that feel forced, group workouts create an organic, more relaxed environment where employees can work out together while getting to know each other better. Group Exercise also works to break down hierarchical divides — letting employees from various departments and management levels interact in an informal environment. That is the basis for inclusivity, which breeds a sense of belonging and unity for better organisational teamwork. Physical activity lowers stress and increases morale, making the workers feel more motivated and energetic.

When looking for the best group exercise activities for your corporate team building, you must ensure they are inclusive enough to ensure participation from all team members regardless of fitness levels. Popular choices are yoga classes, strength training, functional fitness classes, Zumba, and group cycling. Corporate step challenges, team obstacle courses and boot camp workouts all foster teamwork while being electric and enjoying chirpy activity. For those who might be space-constrained, firms could consider offering virtual fitness sessions or subsidising memberships to local gyms and studios that can deliver group exercise classes. Outdoor activities like hiking, running clubs, and even company sports leagues encourage social interaction and allow employees to get some exercise outside the office.

Now, let’s talk about why group exercise is the key to getting employees — even the most inactive — to join your workplace fitness program. Many people today fear being judged, and that fear is even more rampant when it comes to exercise. Yoga is a great way to expand your audience and attract people of all fitness levels to your gym. For instance, while some employees may relish yoga or dance-based workouts, others prefer strength training or cardio-centric sessions. Wellness incentives can also help encourage participation. Staff who attend a predetermined number of sessions in a month might get gift cards, extra break time, or wellness stipends. Team-based fitness challenges and friendly competition also contribute to motivation.

Group exercise at work also leads to enhanced focus, energy levels and cognitive capacity that, in turn, improve employer productivity. Corporate fitness programs also help employees feel more mentally clear and less stressed in their personal lives, allowing them to work at a higher productivity level. Research has proven that exercise naturally increases the release of endorphins, so it only makes sense to say exercise makes for a happier workplace. Training peer challenges strengthen employer-employee working relations that foster communication and organisation. Employees foster mutual trust by opening up to each other as a workout partner, which extends into the workplace, where collaboration makes job-specific tasks easier.

These fun and engaging activities help employees stay active while also building team spirit and motivation, and corporate fitness challenges and competitions keep the workplace buzzing with excitement. These challenges promote friendly competition and accountability while encouraging employees to meet individual and team-based fitness-related goals. Step counts, company-wide running events, weight loss challenges and team-based obstacle courses are among the most popular corporate fitness challenges. Sabbaticals are incentives — prizes, recognitions, and wellness are great motivators for employees to stay consistent with their goals. The challenge benefits physical health and supports team bonding and cooperation.

Organisations must discover methods to involve remote employees in corporate wellness programs as remote work grows. An impactful way to give is by running online group exercise classes through Zoom or other virtual spaces. These sessions can be yoga, bodyweight workouts or guided meditation — all designed to help remote employees be able to join in from home. You may also consider implementing step challenges, virtual fitness challenges, or movement-based wellness goals to connect with remote workers. Tracking workouts via fitness apps and completing company-wide challenges help employees stay active and plugged into the corporate wellness culture.

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Group Exercise & Nutrition: Best Strategies for Optimal Fitness https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/group-exercise-for-community-charity-events-2/ Mon, 17 Feb 2025 07:00:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39526 The post Group Exercise & Nutrition: Best Strategies for Optimal Fitness appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Besides working out, you can achieve fitness goals through a comprehensive approach that involves group exercises and a balanced diet. Group exercise promotes motivation, accountability, and consistency, but nutrition is also a major driver in maintaining performance, recovery, and total well-being. Discordant benefits by themselves but together create a synergy that maximises results while promoting lifelong health.

Developing cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility through a planned group workout program is a structured approach to obtaining benefits. Still, progress toward impressive results can be limited if the body is not adequately fuelled through scheduled meals. Nutrition supplies the energy, protein, and nutrients needed for muscle recovery, fat loss, and continued performance. Whether your goal is to lose weight, build muscle, or get fit, knowing how the two go hand in hand will ensure you do your best.

The Benefits of Group Exercise for Fitness and Motivation

This source of community and support for your fitness progress can be seen in group exercise. In contrast with solo exercise, group classes offer structure, motivation, and accountability, making it easier to stick new fitness into a routine. Many are not consistent, but you are more likely to adhere long-term when you exercise in a group, as a social and motivational element makes most individuals stick with it.

A significant benefit of group exercise is motivation. Knowing others are nearby encourages people to try harder and participate more fully in the workout, allowing for an enjoyable experience. A high-energy HIIT class, strength, cycling , and dance workouts all have the brilliance of group energy, which creates a stimulating environment to motivate participants to push their limits.

Group workouts also bring with them the benefit of accountability. If you know that people count on you to show up, you’re less likely to skip workouts. This responsibility makes it easy for people to adhere to their fitness regime through discipline and consistency. Group workouts also reduce feelings of isolation and contribute to mental well-being and social connections.

Group workouts are also varied and led by experts. Programs designed by certified instructors feature a structured approach that includes a variety of training modalities to foster balanced workouts that enhance endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Group workouts keep the workouts fun and engaging, whether it’s yoga, pilates, boot camp or functional training.

But even as pandemic-era exercise classes are, once again, thriving, they need to be combined with a solid nutrition plan. Without sufficient energy, energy plummets, muscle recovery is impaired, and performance suffers. The following section will explore how nutrition works with group workouts and overall fitness.

The Role of Nutrition in Supporting Group Exercise

Nutrition is one of the most critical factors boosting overall group exercise performance, endurance, and optimal recovery. A balanced diet fuels energy, keeps fatigue at bay, and repairs muscles after a strenuous workout. Similar to a vehicle, which needs the correct fuel to operate at its best, the body needs suitable nutrition to keep up with exercise and achieve optimal outcomes.

When exercising as a group, carbohydrates are the body’s principal energy source. Complex carbohydrates—from sources such as whole grains, oats, fruits, and vegetables—offer slow energy release and prevent mid-workout fatigue. When you don’t have enough and  start to break down muscle, you give up speed and take longer to recover, which isn’t ideal.

Proteins are essential for muscle recovery and growth. Eating quality sources of lean protein, such as chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, or plant-based protein after a group exercise session, helps rebuild the ripped muscle fibres after exercise fatigue and reduces post-workout muscle soreness. Protein is also crucial for preserving muscle during weight loss, so it is a key component of any fat-loss plan (one that seeks to retain muscle tissue while losing fat).

Healthy fat keeps us full in the long term and aids vitamin absorption. Source: Avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil to get helpful fatty acids that protect overall health. Along with eating the right foods, staying hydrated is equally crucial. Fatigue, muscle cramps, and decreased performance can all be attributed to dehydration, making it vital to consume adequate amounts of water before, throughout, and after exercising.

When combined with effective nutrition, this offers massive benefits for performance, endurance, and recuperation, allowing you to increase your true potential while keeping everything on track for the long term. So, let’s discuss pre-workout nutrition strategies that “set the stage” to energise group workouts!

Fueling Your Body for Group Exercise: Pre-Workout Nutrition

As a group exercise professional, I know that pre-workout nutrition optimises energy, endurance, and focus! Choosing the right foods to eat before working out prevents fatigue, helps improve stamina, and provides the body with sufficient nutrients to perform optimally.

Eating a balanced pre-workout meal containing carbs for energy, protein for muscle assistance, and healthy fats for long-lasting fuel is best. The timing of pre-workout meals is also key — consuming them 30 to 90 minutes before exercise gives the body time to digest and absorb nutrients.

Some good options for your pre-workout meal would be:

  • Banana and almond oatmeal — complex carbs, fibre and healthy fats for sustained energy
  • Yogurt—Greek yoghurt with honey and berries combines protein, natural sugars, and antioxidants to support muscle work and energy.
  • Two pieces of whole-grain toast with peanut butter spread and one small sliced banana on top—This is a fast and effective energy-boosting snack.
  • Chicken and quinoa with steamed veggies—This is a balanced meal for longer workouts when endurance is needed.

Aside from food, make sure to be hydrated before group exercise. Drinking 500ml of water one hour before your workout will help your muscles and circulation work best. Avoiding heavy, greasy, or high-sugar foods prevents digestive issues and energy slumps during workouts.

Good pre-workout nutrition enhances endurance and reduces the risk of fatigue while prolonging muscle performance, making workouts more effective and enjoyable. Following group exercise, the emphasis turns to post-workout recovery nutrition, essential for repairing and replenishing energy stores within the muscle.

Post-Workout Recovery: Maximizing the Benefits of Group Exercise

The body needs the right stuff to recover, rebuild muscle, and refuel energy levels after vigorous group exercise. Adopting this practice without diligent post-workout recovery leads to fatigue, ineffective muscle repair, and a decline in performance in future sessions. Getting adequate recovery requires that you maintain proper nutrient timing in feeling your body heal and adapt to the stress of exercise.

The golden window (30 to 60 minutes after exercise) is when the body is most receptive to absorbing nutrients. This window is essential for glycogen restoration and muscle fibre repair. The best post-workout meal includes protein to help rebuild muscle and recover energy with carbohydrates. Good fuel options after your workout include a protein smoothie with banana, almond milk, and whey protein, a quick and easily digestible post-workout recovery.

Protein-rich grilled salmon paired with healthy carbs of quinoa and roasted vegetables is a great way to fuel energy and muscle recovery. A breakfast of scrambled eggs with whole-grain toast and avocado packs key nutrients to help you recover the minerals you lost during activity. At the same time, cottage cheese with mixed berries and nuts delivers protein and antioxidants to help decrease muscle inflammation.

Staying well-hydrated is just as important as recovery. Consuming fluids, whether plain water or electrolyte-rich drinks, replenishes the fluids lost in sweat and avoids dehydration. In addition, active recovery techniques such as stretching, foam rolling, or light yoga alleviate muscle soreness and improve flexibility. Focusing on post-workout nutrition and recovery will help individuals get the most out of group exercise, dull fatigue, get results, and make progress!

Conclusion

Combining group exercise and adequate nutrition will fasten you towards fitness goals efficiently. So, although group workouts offer motivation, accountability and a structured group training regime, nutrition is the fuel you need for performance, muscle recovery and prolonged endurance. To maximise the benefits from your workout in a group setting, pay careful attention to pre-workout nutrition for energy before the session, post-workout meals for recovery after and hydration between workouts. Adding balanced meals, nutrient timing, and hydration can help individuals maximise their workout efforts, minimise fatigue and have long-term health benefits.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Group Exercise courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Group Exercise Specialist.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

The benefits of exercise in a group setting include motivation, framework, and social support, which make it easier to stick to your fitness goals. Working out in a group setting promotes accountability and inspires participants to give more than they would in isolation. Strength training, HIIT, yoga, you name it, and group exercise offers variety, which can make working out more stimulating. It also encourages mental health by lowering anxiety levels and fostering a sense of community. While group workouts alone can yield positive outcomes, pairing them with adequate nutrition can optimise energy consumption, enhance muscle recovery, and contribute to long-term fitness results.

The correct pre-exercise nutrition for group exercise will keep your energy levels sustained and your performance at its peak. Pairing complex carbs with lean protein fuels muscles and helps maintain endurance. Good pre-workout meal choices include oatmeal with banana, Greek yoghurt with honey and berries or whole-grain toast with peanut butter. Ideally, you want to eat 30 to 90 minutes before exercise because it allows food to be broken down in your digestive system to prevent discomfort when working out. Staying hydrated is equally essential — drinking at least 500ml of water before a session makes blood move around the body better and stops us from feeling tired.

Post-workout nutrition is critical after group exercise for muscle repair, glycogen replenishment, and decreasing fatigue. Within the first 30-60 minutes after a workout, consuming protein and carbohydrates is key to restoring muscle fibres and energy levels. Good post-workout meals include a protein smoothie, grilled salmon with quinoa and vegetables, or eggs with whole-grain toast and avocado. Staying hydrated is also essential — if we are losing fluid, we must replace it with water or electrolyte drinks to avoid dehydration. Making post-workout nutrition a priority ensures you recover from one session faster, do better the next time, and, in the long run, make sure you make progress with any group exercise regime.

Nutrition is critical in supporting performance and endurance in group exercise. Carbohydrates supply quick energy, protein helps repair muscle, and healthy fats provide steady fuel. Without what they need, fatigue, muscle soreness and sluggish performance can result. In addition, strength, endurance, and overall workout efficiency will improve by eating balanced meals before and after workouts. Hydration, too, is vital — dehydration causes muscle cramps and diminished output. Group fitness is also an enjoyable way to meet your fitness goals day after day, but a well-rounded diet supports long-term adherence to your fitness program with optimal results.

The motivation to be consistent with group exercise and nutrition pays off over the long term. Treating workouts like appointments guarantees attendance while meal-prepping healthy foods will keep you from relying on unhealthy choices. However, gathering for fun group exercise formats—like HIIT, dance or Pilates—makes workouts fun. Having similar fitness partners around you enhances accountability, motivation, and push. A journal also allows for tracking the results of what you are doing so you can adjust accordingly. This all fits into a balance of exercise, nutrition, and recovery, allowing a sustainable routine that means continued fitness and general well-being success.

Hydration contributes to better stamina, endurance and recovery in a group exercise setting. It is known that dehydration causes muscle cramps, dizziness, and lower energy levels, all of which impair performance. Hydrate well by drinking at least 500ml of water before exercise, sip water during exercise, and replace the loss of fluids in your body after exercise. For endurance or prolonged workouts, electrolyte-rich beverages help replenish sodium and potassium levels.” Keeping hydrated also improves circulation and muscle function, making for a more efficient workout while reducing fatigue and preventing overheating in group exercise workouts.

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Exploring Sports Nutrition Essential Knowledge for Personal Training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exploring-sports-nutrition-essential-knowledge-for-personal-training/ Fri, 14 Feb 2025 07:00:47 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39506 The post Exploring Sports Nutrition Essential Knowledge for Personal Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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The relationship between performance and recovery drives home the importance of sports nutrition in personal training. Your trainer, however, needs to know the key elements of nutrition that can help your clients level up their energy, endurance, and muscle gain. Exercise practice is one aspect of fitness, while nutrition serves as the fuel that nurtures physical activity, from muscle recovery to mental focus.

Nutrition is the body’s primary fuel for being healthy and avoiding fatigue before, during, and after workouts. Personal trainers must understand the basics of macronutrients (proteins, carbs, and fats), micronutrients, hydration, and meal timing to create individualised fitness plans. Nutrition guidance is a critical component of a comprehensive training program, as each client will have different nutritional needs based on their training intensity, body goals, and metabolic rate.

Sports nutrition also helps prevent injuries and facilitates repairs, keeping inflammation and muscle breakdown minimal. Teaching clients about balanced nutrition, nutrient timing , and hydration keeps them consistent and keeps them from burnout when achieving their goals. This article provides an overview of these principles, including macronutrient balance, hydration strategies, supplement considerations, and meal planning for personal training clients. Integrating scientific sports nutrition into personal training positively impacts client performance and stamina and prevents health diseases in the long run.

Macronutrients and Their Role in Personal Training

Macronutrients—protein, carbohydrates, and fats—are the operational stakes of an athlete’s diet, and each one serves a unique function for performance and restoration. By recognizing what these macronutrients do, personal trainers can create balanced nutrition plans that help build muscle, provide energy, and support health.

Proteins the Basics Muscle Building Block

Protein is essential for repairing, recovering, and building muscle. For clients undertaking strength training and/or high-intensity training, a dietary intake of enough protein and/or essential amino acids is necessary to promote muscle protein synthesis and to avoid muscle breakdown. Good protein sources are lean meat, eggs, dairy, fish, legumes, and plant-based protein alternatives like tofu and quinoa. For a coach, suggest a daily protein amount from 1.2 to 2.0 g/kg body weight for active individuals and the client’s specific purpose.

Carbohydrates: The Main Source of Energy

Carbs serve as the body’s primary fuel source, driving both endurance and high-intensity workouts. What Are The Smart Cards? Simple carbohydrates, like fruits and dairy, give you an immediate boost, while complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, provide longer-lasting energy. Trainers need to time carb intake around workouts to promote the most glycogen storage and better endurance. For clients who do heavy training, carbohydrate loading may be beneficial before an endurance event to ensure adequate fuel in the body.

A Fats: Important for hormone balance and endurance

Healthy fats tend to get little attention but are important to hormone production, joint health, and sustained energy. Personal trainers must teach clients about healthy fats (avocados, nuts, seeds, fish) versus unhealthy fats (trans fats and overly saturated fats). Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, and fatty acids can improve cardiovascular health, which is very helpful with care and performance.

A shift in the proportion of macronutrients in a client’s diet optimises energy and muscle performance during activity and post-exercise recovery, so macronutrient education is an essential aspect of personal training.

Hydration Strategies for Optimal Performance

Of all the elements of sports nutrition, hydration is the most underappreciated. It has a considerable influence on performance, endurance, and recovery. Similarly, if you are a personal trainer, equipping your clients with the knowledge to celebrate the importance of hydration is critical to helping them achieve their goals and avoid dehydration and breakdown during workouts.

Why Personal Trainers Should Hydrate

Water is essential for thermoregulation, muscle function, and nutrient transport, among other physiological processes. Even mild dehydration (losing as little as 2% of body fluids) can cause fatigue, diminished strength and compromised cognitive function. Personal trainers must stress that water intake should happen throughout the day, even if you are not working out! The general recommendations are 2.7 litres/per day for women and 3.7 litres per day for men, but how much they need may vary based on how active they are, where they live, and how much they sweat.

Hydration Pre-Workout and Intra-Workout

Hydration is important for endurance and performance, particularly before and during exercise. Clients should consume 16-20 ounces of water 2-3 hours before a workout and 8 ounces 30 minutes before a workout. When exercising, particularly in high-intensity or prolonged sessions, personal trainers recommend sipping 4-8 ounces every 15-20 minutes to replace lost fluids. Clients undertaking longer endurance workouts could benefit from electrolyte-enhanced drinks to help restore sodium, potassium, and magnesium lost through sweat.

Hydration and Recovery After Workout

Power Up Your Electrolytes After a Workout: Rehydrate with Gatorade and Poptarts. Regarding hydration, the recommendation is to drink 16-24 ounces of water per pound if you’re up drinking. Drinks like coconut water, electrolyte drinks, and water-rich foods such as watermelon and cucumbers can help replenish lost fluids.

Hydration strategies boost endurance, prevent dehydration-related injuries, and improve overall health and well-being. Therefore, proper hydration strategies are reinforced when trainers use them in personal training programs.

Supplements and Meal Planning for Personal Training Clients

Although whole foods should always form the basis of a sports nutrition strategy, supplements can help fill in nutritional gaps and boost performance if combined with a well-balanced diet. Personal trainers must know at least about common supplements and their potential effectiveness.

Common Anti-Doping Suspected Supplements

Protein Powders: Great for clients who cannot hit their daily protein goals using whole foods. Muscle recovery and growth can be supported using whey, casein and various plant-based protein powders.

Creatine: One of the most studied supplements, creatine improves strength, power, and muscle mass, making it appropriate for clients involved in resistance training.

Branched-chain amino Acids (BCAAs) Help with recovery after exercise and minimise fatigue , particularly for endurance athletes.

Electrolyte supplements are good for clients doing long-duration exercise or working out in hot climates to avoid cramping and dehydration.

— Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Heart health, decrease inflammation and enhance joint mobility—invaluable for clients with high-intensity workout regimens

Planning Clients’ Meals with Ingredients

Personal training includes meal planning, which is crucial for getting clients their recommended nutrients and assisting them in achieving their fitness goals. Personal trainers must encourage clients to eat balanced meals consisting of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats at regular intervals throughout the day. Pre-workout meals should contain mainly carbs and protein for long-lasting energy, and post-workout meals should concentrate on protein and topping up glycogen stores.

At this point, clients should be educated on portion control, nutrient timing, and meal frequency, aiding in the creation of sustainable eating habits to be paired with their training. An effective and well-planned nutrition strategy promotes performance, muscle recovery, and reaching goals.

Conclusion

Sports nutrition is an essential aspect of personal training, which affects performance, endurance and recovery. To maximise their clients’ fitness outcomes, personal trainers must know about macronutrients, hydration strategies, supplements, and meal planning. Trainers also help their clients learn about proper nutrition, allowing them to fuel their bodies effectively, improving their workout efficiency and reducing the risk of injury.

By understanding the importance of balanced nutrition and hydration, trainers can develop customised fitness programs tailored to every client’s unique lifestyle and fitness goals. From muscle generation to fat reduction to metabolic progression, using sports nutrition perspectives helps your clients obtain durable victories.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Sports nutrition is crucial in personal training as it affects performance, recovery, and overall health. Proper nutrition fuels workouts, boosts endurance, helps build muscle, and prevents fatigue and injury. Fitness trainers must educate clients about macronutrients ( proteins, carbs, and fats), hydration, and nutrient timing to effectively attain fitness goals. Even the most effective exercise routines without proper nutrition won’t help you get the desired results. In addition, a solid sports nutrition approach prevents injuries and allows them to recover much faster to continue training consistently.

These three macronutrients – proteins, carbohydrates, and fats – are the building blocks of an effective sports nutrition plan in personal training. Protein is essential for repairing and building muscle and is especially vital in the wake of a bout of strength training. Clients should eat lean protein like chicken, fish, and eggs and plant-based proteins such as quinoa and tofu. Carbohydrates are the body’s primary energy source; they’re needed to give your body energy for intense exercise and to replenish glycogen stores. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables provide sustained energy, which trainers should recommend. Healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and olive oil support hormonal equilibrium, joint mobility, and endurance.

Hydration is a key factor in personal training; even mild dehydration can provoke fatigue, muscle cramps, and decreased performance. Water is critical for thermoregulation, nutrient transport, and muscle function. Depending on sweat loss and workout intensity, clients need to drink at least 2.7 L (female) to 3.7 L (male). After that, an additional 16-20 oz of water for pre-workout nourishment 2-3 hours before workout, then 8 oz again just 30 min before training. Trainers should instruct clients to drink water 15-20 minutes between workouts to replenish fluid loss. Electrolyte drinks are helpful during endurance training, such as running, cycling, swimming, or other high-intensity exercises lasting more than an hour. Rehydrating after exercise helps recover muscle and avoids fatigue caused by dehydration.

Though whole foods must always form the basis of sports nutrition, sports supplements can improve performance and recovery, focusing on personal training. Protein powders (i.e. whey, casein, or plant-based) assist the client in achieving their protein intake goals throughout the day, particularly regarding muscle recovery. Creatine can support strength, power, and endurance, which is excellent for those clients who do resistance training. When supplemented, branched-chain amino Acids (BCAAs) have been shown to minimise muscle fatigue and promote recovery in endurance athletes. Electrolyte supplements replace sodium, potassium, and magnesium lost in sweat during strenuous workouts and help avoid cramps and slips due to dehydration. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements promote joint health, decrease inflammation and support heart health.

Strategies for Meal Planning in Sports Nutrition — This component of personal training allows clients to focus on fuelling their bodies in a way conducive to achieving their fitness goals. It helps avoid nutrient deficiencies, encourages recovery, and improves performance. “I tell my clients, you want to be eating balanced meals, lean proteins, complex carbs and healthy fats, multiple times throughout the day” Carbs combined with proteins are essential in the meal before the workout session because they will help you obtain long-term energy. In contrast, post-workout meals should focus more on protein and replenishing glycogen in the muscle. When to eat: Meal timing has critical aspects since eating less than an hour before workouts can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, while waiting too long after physical activity can delay muscle recovery. Clients must also be taught how to properly control portions, nutrient timing, and hydration strategies by personal trainers to induce habitual sustainable nutrition.

Long-term change in personal training requires sustainable nutrition habits, and crash diets and extreme restrictions will lead to failure and frustration. Equipping customers with knowledge of how to perceive food equitably, rather than encouraging rigid eating patterns, should be the function of private trainers. To promote a positive relationship with food, you can recommend portion control, mindfulness, and whole-food-based meals. Trainers can also stress what Lindseth calls habit stacking — finding ways to incorporate small dietary changes into what is already happening in life — to make nutrition changes more manageable and more sustainable. “Realistic goals can give clients success without frustration. Also, teaching clients how to listen to their bodies and identify hunger cues keeps these systems in mind, reinforcing a more sustainable long-term approach to eating nutrient-dense foods.

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Exploring Exercise Psychology Insights for Personal Training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exploring-exercise-psychology-insights-for-personal-training/ Thu, 13 Feb 2025 07:00:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39496 The post Exploring Exercise Psychology Insights for Personal Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Understanding exercise psychology is an essential aspect of personal training, affecting the way a client remains motivated, adheres to, and participates in their exercise program. While physical training may help people build strength, endurance, and flexibility, the psychological components are what keep clients committed to their workout plans for the long haul. Some well-known psychological aspects like low motivation, anxiety, and low self-confidence result in day-to-day fluctuation in the proper training. By understanding exercise psychology principles, personal trainers can adapt strategies to their clients, enabling them to push through barriers, strengthen their mental fortitude, and form a healthy association with fitness. Trainers can thus use goal-setting techniques, behaviour modification strategies, and mental toughness training by integrating these components to improve a client’s overall well-being and performance.

Exploring Exercise Psychology Insights for Personal Training

Research indicates that exercise psychology is one of the most valuable tools used in a personal training setting, as it addresses the mental and emotional factors influencing a client’s motivation, compliance, and experience as a whole with fitness. Working as a personal trainer involves not just the physical side of the body; you would also need to study the psychology behind innovating the clients. Physical training can build strength, endurance, and flexibility, but the psychological aspect keeps clients on course. According to exercise psychology, that knowledge helps personal trainers assist clients with roadblocks, such as the barriers of lack of motivation, stress, and mental fatigue.

No wonder it is estimated that 80% of the population quits after just two months of trying to be active since many struggle with psychological inactivation, such as fear of failing, lower self-efficacy, or bad experiences. The role of a personal trainer in personal training goes beyond designing workout plans; they also need to be in tune with a client’s feelings, mental state, and behavioural habits to put in place strategies that facilitate long-term success. Strategies that motivate, set goals, and change behaviour will help keep clients invested in their training program.

There are many facets to exercise psychology, including the physiological effects of exercise, which demonstrate its positive influence on mental health, including reduced anxiety, improved mood, and increased cognitive ability . This may lead clients to become more involved in their workouts once they realise these psychological benefits. Through a combination of scientific expertise and empathetic intent, personal trainers in personal training can tap into mind-body awareness to develop a holistic, not just physical, approach to fitness, which can improve mental resilience and general well-being.

The Psychology of Motivation and Exercise Adherence

As personal trainers, one of the most challenging aspects of personal training is getting clients to stay consistent with their training. An exercise plan is something many people begin with the best intentions but lose the motivation to continue with as time goes by. Once trainers can better understand psychological motivation theories, they can devise strategies to keep clients engaged.

Motivating Factors: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic

Motivation can be divided into two main types: intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is when you exercise for its own sake, for the joy of it, its own inherent satisfaction, and challenge. Intrinsically motivated members tend to develop a lifestyle of fitness for life because they enjoy physical movement for the joy of it. Intrinsic motivation comes from within, while extrinsic motivation is fueled by outside factors, like losing weight, looking better in a dress, or getting a compliment from a friend.

On the other hand, extrinsic rewards can yield results in the short term but will not be sustained without intrinsic motivation. As fitness professionals, personal trainers can also redirect that pressure by reminding their clients that internal rewards—including improved strength, mood, and energy, to name a few—outweigh external benefits when it comes to finding enjoyment in movement.

The Importance of Goal Setting

Setting smart goals is one of the many exercise psychology principles that improve adherence. Working with your personal trainers, you can set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals to have a clear direction and purpose. Setting a specific goal is much better, such as “I want to run a 5K in three months and train three times a week.” Reaching these small milestones gives one a sense of achievement and keeps them motivated and committed to their goals.

Breaking Down the Barriers to Exercise

Clients’ Psychological barriers include time constraints, fear of failure, and self-perception. Examples of behaviour modification techniques personal trainers can use include self-monitoring, habit stacking, and positive reinforcement, all aimed at integrating some fitness workout into a client’s busy day. It’s also crucial to encourage self-efficacy or the belief in one’s ability to succeed. With small yet noticeable achievements, trainers can enforce confidence in clients, which is vital in helping them commit to their day-to-day results in their fitness journey.

Building Mental Resilience and Discipline in Personal Training

To achieve fitness goals, mental resilience is as crucial as physical endurance. Most clients deal with setbacks, fatigue, or mental blocks that prevent progress. Some personal trainers in personal training know the right strategies to integrate mental toughness into their approach to coaching clients.

Growth Mindset: The Little Engine That Could

According to psychologist Carol Dweck’s growth mindset theory, individuals who believe their strengths can improve through effort and learning are more likely to achieve their goals. Personal trainers in personal training can help clients adopt a growth mindset by reframing bad experiences as lessons rather than failures. Instead of labelling a skipped workout as a failed attempt, trainers can guide clients to evaluate what triggered the barrier to success and see what they need to do differently next time. It cultivates resilience, persistence, and long-term commitment.

Dealing with Workout Burnout and Plateaus

Finding motivation in less motivation and lack of progress is one of the most common psychological challenges in personal training. Clients can become disheartened when they no longer see progression or are burnt out from high-intensity workouts. Trainers should introduce periodisation strategies, including rest days, active recovery, and varied training styles, to prevent burnout and mental fatigue. Encouraging clients to measure their progress beyond weight loss—such as improvements in strength, endurance, or energy levels—can also help sustain motivation during plateaus.

Fostering a Positive Mindset in Personal Training

This is where self-discipline becomes essential: we all want to be healthy and fit, but consistency makes the difference between our goals and what we achieve. Personal trainers in personal training can assist their clients with developing better routines, reminders, and accountability systems to build up discipline. Encouraging clients to treat their workouts like any other necessary appointment in their schedule makes exercise a non-negotiable part of their daily lives.

Conclusion

Exercise psychology is critical in personal training as an opportunity to motivate clients, get the client to adhere to the program, and build mental resilience. Knowing the key limiting psychological pathways to exercise behaviour, trainers can design personalised motivation strategies, goal-setting processes, and mental resilience training that develop sustainability in erosive content behaviour.

Using motivation theories, changing how they work to support behaviour changes, and applying mental toughness to help develop overviews, personal trainers can support clients in overcoming common barriers and maintaining consistency and a growth mindset. Plus, by getting clients to focus on the psychological and emotional health benefits of exercise — such as reducing stress and increasing self-confidence — they are even more committed to working out, she says.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Exercise psychology is the science of working with the psychological and emotional aspects of exercise behaviour, motivation, and adherence. In personal training, it serves as a vital component for clients to remain engaged, break through mental barriers, and foster a sense of fitness. Psychologically, it can be challenging for many clients to stay consistent with low motivation, fear of failure, or stress, to name a few. Knowledge of exercise psychology enables personal trainers to utilise behaviour change strategies, incorporate motivational techniques, and provide mental resilience training to assist clients better. It also helps trainers educate clients on the mental health benefits of exercise, including reduced stress levels, better mood, and higher self-esteem.

Motivation matters greatly in succeeding in training clients; extrinsic and intrinsic motivation are the two types of motivation. Intrinsic motivation is internal, meaning clients love exercising for its inherent rewards, such as feeling energised or accomplished. Meanwhile, extrinsic motivation is fueled by outside factors such as weight loss targets, social approval, or prizes. Since both forms of motivation will get us to stick to something, intrinsic motivation is a much stronger and longer-lasting motivator. Goal Setting, Small Milestones, and Social Connections to Improve Motivation This is where personal trainers can help improve client motivation by setting realistic goals, celebrating small milestones, and changing the trainer atmosphere of their training environment.

Various mental blocks — such as the excuses that you don’t have the time, you’re not very confident, you think you’re doomed to fail, or you had some bad experiences in the past with exercising — can keep someone from committing to a fitness regimen. Some clients have a crisis of faith in themselves or deal with extremes, both of which create problems in how they handle disappointments and/or deferments, which, in turn, either results in frustration or, at worst, drop out from fitness plans. In addition, stress, mental fatigue, and the demands of everyday life often mean that exercising can feel like an undesirable distraction. Some of the implements to counter these barriers that personal trainers can use in this case are habit stacking, self-monitoring and positive reinforcement with achievable goals.

Mental resilience means pushing through challenges, setbacks, and self-doubt and focusing on fitness goals. Personal trainers can inspire mental toughness by fostering a growth mindset in clients, framing obstacles as opportunities to learn instead of defeat. When sessions don’t go well, trainers should put challenges in a positive light and remind clients of their amount of success. Creating structure and accountability also reinforces resilience by establishing habitual behaviours towards exercise and movement. To help clients remain motivated and confident, trainers can introduce them to progress tracking, visualisation techniques, and self-affirmations.

There is a strong link between exercise, stress relief, and mental wellness. Exercise releases endorphins or “feel-good” hormones, which help you fight stress, anxiety, and depression. Cortisol levels are controlled from becoming too high and running the risk of building up too much stress, thanks to exercising regularly. Personal trainers can highlight these mental health benefits so clients understand they need exercise as a self-care rather than a task. Many fitness classes employ mindfulness techniques to amplify their stress-relief effects, including deep breathing exercises and yoga-inspired cooldowns. A structured workout also improves sleep quality, cognitive function and emotional stability, helping clients feel more in control for the rest of their lives.

If you enjoy the process, you will likely stick with it long-term. A successful personal trainer should help clients build confidence, focus on progress and keep workouts interesting. Clients come out of the session feeling good and with a more successful mindset, and encouragement and positive reinforcement help instil it. Also, tailoring workouts to what clients want (music, workouts they like, fun challenges) is a lot of fun. As part of this effort, trainers need to instil a healthy relationship with exercise by focusing on progress rather than perfection, encouraging clients to recognise their body and all its capabilities, and meeting appearance-related goals. Providing a positive, fun and non-judgmental atmosphere in which to work, personal trainers motivate, reduce intimidation and encourage clients to look at health as a way of life, not a phase.

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Personal Training for Beginners: Starting Your Fitness Journey https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/personal-training-for-beginners-starting-your-fitness-journey/ Wed, 12 Feb 2025 07:00:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39501 The post Personal Training for Beginners: Starting Your Fitness Journey appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Starting on a fitness journey is a daunting experience and takes a first step. That’s where many people get stuck, not knowing where to begin, how to do the exercises correctly and how to stay motivated. And that’s why personal training is a total lifesaver. For a novice, a personal trainer brings guidance, structure, and accountability to keep the process from overwhelming. Whether the goal is to lose weight, build muscle, develop cardiovascular endurance, or improve health and fitness, personal training ensures that the individual is fortunate enough to take a safe and effective road to success.

The biggest problem, especially for a beginner, is consistency. Enthusiasm is usually high but dies down quickly when no progress or plan exists. Personal trainers also help clients stay engaged in the exercise experience by designing workouts that are goal-oriented, fun, and tailored to the individual. With their knowledge of correct form, nutrition tips, and goal strategies, personal trainers encourage newbies to create lasting healthy habits that yield lasting fitness results.

The Importance of Personal Training for Beginners

Beginners may find it challenging to kickstart their fitness journey, and personal training provides a comprehensive and practical approach to achieving fitness goals safely and quickly. Many newbies struggle to figure out where to begin, (&) which exercises to do, and (&) how to avoid getting hurt. If a beginner exercises without a proper plan, one can easily pull themselves, which is why personal trainers are available to guide, motivate, and, best of all, ensure you follow up with a proper plan.

For many people, personal training involves much more than lifting weights or running on a treadmill—its components include goal setting, exercise programming, nutritional guidance, and accountability. From weight loss to muscle gain to endurance and general health, a personal trainer connects beginners with what they need to accomplish their goals.

One of the most significant obstacles for fresh students is consistency — the motivation to stay at it. Many drop out after just a few weeks because they feel confused or disheartened. One of the reasons clients show up with a positive attitude is that a personal trainer creates workout routines that are effective yet fun. Moreover, trainers instruct proper exercise form and technique, minimising the risk of injuries — a common deterrent that stops many newcomers from progressing.

Staying accountable is another great advantage of the personal trainer. Just like with any other kind of exercise, beginners who schedule their sessions are more likely to stick to their workout. Trainers monitor progress, adjust, and set milestones to ensure steady progress.

As anyone new to a gym will tell you, investing in personal training can be the most significant factor in long-term fitness success. The right trainer likes to plan and provides support and motivation to complete and maintain results sustainably and in the long term. In this article, we will cover some essential aspects of personal training you need to remember when you start your journey: goal setting, exercise programming, proper technique, and motivation.

Setting Realistic Fitness Goals with a Personal Trainer

The one for considering fitness goals, even in personal training for a beginner, is setting clear, realistic, achievable fitness goals. Most novices begin their fitness journey with muted or unrealistic expectations, resulting in tribulations. Such a trainer works with clients to establish realistic, attainable, and time-based goals commensurate with how they eat, exercise, and live.

In personal training, the SMART goal-setting method is extensively applied:

  • Specific —Make a goal clear and defined, e.g., “I want to lose 10 pounds” instead of “I want to lose weight.”
  • Measurable – Monitor progress through metrics, such as weight, strength levels or improvements in endurance.
  • Attainable – Goals must be challenging but sufficient for the beginner’s fitness level.
  • Relevant – Goals must be connected to why you want them, for example, better heart health or more energy.
  • Time-bound — A realistic timeframe for accomplishing the goal, such as “I will lose 10 pounds within three months.”

Before creating a plan, personal trainers evaluate a client’s current fitness level, medical history, and lifestyle habits. They spot potential pitfalls and set realistic expectations to keep clients motivated and invested.

Another principle of setting up your goals is realising that it’s a process which takes time. One of the most common misconceptions for any individual attempting to get into better shape is to think that you must see almost instantaneous results. Still, personal trainers always note that consistency and gradual improvement over time are key. A beginner trying to put on size, while not going to see the scale move immediately, should see strength gains in weeks with the proper program.

Trainers also help clients identify non-scale victories, like more energy, better sleep and improved overall health. These aspects motivate novices even when the scale doesn’t immediately reveal progress. When beginners set realistic fitness goals, they are more likely to remain committed and motivated to achieve their personal training goals, which sets the stage for lasting success.

Creating an Effective Beginner Workout Plan

An organised workout plan is necessary for beginners to gain strength, endurance, and confidence in their fitness journey. Personal training creates personalised programs according to the client’s fitness level, goals, and pre-existing conditions. An effective beginner workout plan usually covers cardio, strength training, flexibility, and recovery strategies.

Cardiovascular Training

As a result, they were training on data until October 2023. Beginners may engage in low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming. However, a personal trainer can still incorporate interval training to gradually build intensity over time and increase gradual endurance without leaning towards energy overload.

Strength Training

Resistance Training: Resistance training is essential for gaining muscle, enhancing metabolism, and increasing total strength. Beginners should begin with bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups before adding weights. This is important to avoid injury and ensure that their workout is as effective as possible.

Flexibility and Mobility

Accordingly, stretching and mobility exercises enhance the range of motion, help combat stiffness, and reduce the risk of injury. Trainers lead novices through dynamic warm-ups and stretch after workouts to improve flexibility and muscle recovery.

Recovery and Rest Days

Rest is an essential element of any novice workout regimen. Overtraining can result in fatigue, soreness, and injuries. Personal trainers also help clients balance exercise and recovery, allowing muscles to repair and grow.

For example, a personal trainer continually updates the workout plan according to the client as they grow stronger and can handle more physically demanding routines, challenging the client while avoiding the risk of injury. Training beginners with structure and balance helps them develop confidence and build a regular training routine.

Staying Motivated and Overcoming Challenges in Personal Training

Staying motivated is one of the most significant hurdles when just starting your fitness journey, and a personal training is an essential ally to keep clients inspired and accountable. Most people join a gym with high hopes only to lose interest from slow results, hectic lifestyles, or low self-esteem. Trainers have numerous tricks they call upon to keep you on track.

Accountability and Consistency

Having your training sessions scheduled creates a commitment and accountability. Knowing that a personal trainer is waiting for them makes clients more likely to attend their programs. Trainers also check in regularly to ensure clients progress and adjust accordingly.

Making Workouts Enjoyable

For beginners, exercise is seen as a task to complete, which can create a sense of apathy and boredom. These were just some examples of what a good personal trainer should do and how they could mix things up with circuit training, group workouts, or outdoor exercise to keep workouts entertaining.

The Importance of Tracking Progress and Celebrating Small Wins

You are only concerned with progress, however small, which is crucial for motivation. Trainers keep track of performance advances, endurance builds, and non-scale wins to prove to clients how far they’ve come.

Addressing Mental Barriers

Many new practitioners struggle with self-doubt, fear of failure, or lack of confidence. This is the most important aspect for clients new to fitness, and personal trainers will provide emotional support, encouragement, and mindset coaching to impart a positive attitude toward fitness.

Training for beginners must be much more related to motivation, consistency, and a positive experience that keeps one doing it.

Conclusion

Fitness is not easy for everyone, which is why personal training caters to beginners. It offers them guidance, structure, and motivation to begin and maintain a successful fitness journey. They create personalised programs to achieve attainable goals with realistic workouts and motivation.

Personal training is essential to a beginner’s fitness success. They teach proper exercise techniques, provide accountability, and emphasise long-term consistency. Whether the objective is shedding pounds, enhancing muscle development, or achieving better health, personal training provides the resources and motivation that lead to long-lasting progress.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Trainers will show total beginners the ropes when the fitness world can be overwhelming and can ensure they progress safely and correctly. One of the biggest challenges beginners face is knowing where to start, how to perform steps correctly and how not to get injured. A personal trainer creates personalised workout routines tailored to the client’s goals, fitness level, and existing conditions. In turn, this creates a safe, effective and enjoyable fitness experience. Another great benefit of personal trainers is that they encourage beginners to stay consistent and motivated, minimising the chances of quitting a few weeks in. The best part is reading nutritional guidance, progress tracking, and corrective feedback to ensure continuous improvement.

This is why goal setting is one of the most crucial things to have in place for personal trainers of beginners. Many people embark on their fitness journey with broad, unrealistic goals — and end up disillusioned. When personal trainers work with clients to set their objectives, they often use a way of setting SMART goals — which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. Instead of setting a general goal such as “I want to get fit,” a trainer might help a client set a more specific goal: “I want to lose 10 pounds in three months by exercising three times a week and eating healthy.” This methodical approach offers guidance, inspiration, and tangible advancement.

A good beginner’s personal training program balances cardiovascular exercise, strength training, flexibility and recovery strategies. Cardio, like walking, biking or doing interval workouts, all help with heart health and endurance. Resistance training builds muscle, boosts metabolism, and increases overall strength; a beginner training regime starts with bodyweight exercises and moves toward using weights. Flexibility and mobility work, such as stretching and foam rolling, improve the quality of movement and lower the risk of injury. Recovery also plays a vital role since rest days give muscles time to repair and grow. Personal trainers will slowly ramp up the intensity and complexity so the client continues to progress without being overwhelmed.

One of the most significant difficulties for newcomers is that they can become unmotivated, but personal training helps keep the client involved and committed. One big reason is accountability — the fact that a trainer expects them to attend an appointment makes them more committed. Trainers also tap into variety and fun workouts so you don’t get bored, and the idea of working out doesn’t feel like a chore. Another driver is progress tracking; visibly tracking measurable improvements, whether through strength or improved endurance, inspires clients to put in the effort. Trainers celebrate non-scale victories like mood improvements, better sleep, and new energy. Another significant aspect of personal training is combating mental barriers like self-doubt and fear of failure.

This can lead to injuries, frustration, or lack of progress — common mistakes for new practitioners. One typical blunder is improper exercise technique, which could lead to stress or injury in the long run. Having a personal trainer can guarantee correct form, which lowers the risk of injury while increasing the exercise to work best for you. A common mistake is overtraining or undertraining — some people jump into things too hard and burn out, and others just don’t go hard enough. A trainer finds the balance between intensity and recovery, allowing clients to train correctly. On the nutrition side, newbies also overlook the importance of healthy eating, thinking that exercise alone will do the trick. They teach clients about balanced diets and the time of meals so they get sustainable results. Most are not consistent either, skipping or changing workouts too often.

Timeframe to Achieve Results from Personal Training—from a week to a few months to a year. After two to four weeks, most new exercisers will see the first signs of progress — endurance and energy. Usually, strength improvement and muscle tone become visible after six to eight weeks of regularly working out. Weight loss success varies based on caloric consumption, activity level, and metabolism. Still, most people will see audible results in five to eight weeks with regular exercise and a healthy diet. Personal trainers will tell you that fitness is a long-term goal and that the work you put in determines the results you get. Visible physical changes take time, but other benefits, like a better mood, flexibility and greater confidence, come more quickly.

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Exercise Prescription Principles and Guidelines for Personal Training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercise-prescription-principles-and-guidelines-for-personal-training/ Tue, 11 Feb 2025 07:00:48 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39498 The post Exercise Prescription Principles and Guidelines for Personal Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Exercise prescription is intrinsic in the context of personal training, allowing fitness professionals to understand how to structure programs to fit the needs of the individual, to name a few. It refers to the intentional, appropriate, and practical design of exercise forms, loads, times, frequencies, and progress rates to achieve positive fitness effects and reduce the incidence of injury. To devise an exercise regimen, however, personal trainers must consider different factors: a client’s fitness level, health conditions, goals and preferences.

A well-designed exercise intervention is aimed to promote cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, flexibility, and general health. Structured evidence-based fitness plans created by personal trainers are based on crucial principles like specificity, overload, progression, and individualisation.

Exercise prescription is an important concept not only for fitness professionals but also for our clients to understand so that they remain invested in their fitness journey. Customising exercises to someone’s needs and abilities increases the chances of getting better outcomes from long-term practice.

Key Principles of Exercise Prescription in Personal Training

There are foundational exercise science principles that personal trainers implement to create a successful exercise program for a client to maximise results and help keep their client safe. Through these principles, every fitness program can be based on and adjusted to fit whatever the client needs.

Specificity

This concept is known as specificity, meaning training must be specific to individual goals. For example, if a client wants to improve endurance, their exercise program should consist of aerobic activities like running or cycling. So, a sound resistance training program is critical. Another key aspect of specificity is ensuring that workouts are targeted to the desired fitness outcome.

Overload

Personal trainers use the overload principle to encourage the body through muscle adaptation and cardiovascular improvements. This means incrementally pushing the intensity, volume, or resistance past the client’s typical level. For instance, a strength training client will progressively lift weights to stimulate muscle adaptation.

Progression

The key to keeping improving is progressive overload. Trainers slowly manipulate factors like workout intensity, time spent, or complexity over time to make clients work harder. A sudden increase leads to injuries; systematic progression results in a steady increase in fitness.

Individualisation

Each client has different fitness levels, health conditions, and individual goals. There is no one-size-fits-all in personal training. To ensure safety and efficacy, trainers must tailor exercise prescriptions according to age, mobility, prior injuries and medical history.

Recovery and Adaptation

Muscle repair and performance improvement require rest and recovery. Personal training includes rest days and active recovery exercises to avoid overtraining and injury. Adaptation represents the favourable response of the body during exercise stress, leading to improvements in strength, endurance, and flexibility.

Reversibility

It emphasises that halting training can cause gains. Their strength and endurance will decrease if a client has not exercised for a long time. Personal trainers instil the importance of consistency and help clients form habits for sustainable life activities for long-term change.

By embedding these principles into fitness programmes, personal trainers ensure that clients train efficiently, safely, and with durability. These fundamentals provide a structure for trainers to create periodic workout plans that help improve performance in objective, sustainable ways.

Exercise Prescription Guidelines for Personal Trainers

Personal trainers operate under evidence-based guidelines, which maintain the effectiveness and safety of exercise programs and are aligned with scientific research and industry standards. Such guidelines aid clinicians in prescribing the appropriate type and volume of exercise depending on an individual’s requirements and fitness status.

Aerobic Condition – The Training for Endurance

Cardio fitness is equally important for heart health, endurance and burning calories. Aerobic exercise is typically prescribed using the FITT principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type), which most personal trainers utilise:

How often: More sessions (3-5 sessions per week)

Type: Moderate to vigorous intensity (60-85% of maximum heart rate)

Time: 150–300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise or 75–150 minutes of high-intensity exercise

Type: Thursday — aerobic. Running, swimming, cycling, rowing and all other aerobic εταιρίες

Strength Training

Resistance training is essential for muscle growth, strength and metabolic health. In essence, strength programs should include:

Time: Minimum 2-3 days a week, with muscle recovery between sessions

Volume: 3-6 sets of 6-12 reps per exercise

Volume: 2–4 sets, 8–12 reps per set per muscle group

Type of Exercises: Both compound and isolation exercises focusing on each major muscle group

Flexibility and Mobility Training

Flexibility and mobility work will improve your movement efficiency (so less energy expenditure!), help prevent injury over time, and make recovery easier. Some guidelines for stretching are as follows:

Frequency: No less than 2-3 days a week

Intensity: Stretching to the point of mild discomfort but not pain

Time: 15-60 seconds per stretch

Static stretching, dynamic stretching, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)

Pilates, Boxing and Mobility Training

Functional training enhances coordination, stability, and the quality of movements in general. Personal trainers use exercises that mimic everyday activities (especially the ones that shouldn’t be considered exercises) to improve core strength, posture, and injury prevention.

Monitoring and Evaluating Progress in Exercise Prescription

Tracking your clients´ progress can help keep them on track and allow you to adjust their exercise programs as necessary. Fitness assessments: Personal trainers offer different types of tests, including VO2 max for cardiovascular endurance, strength tests to track muscular gains, and flexibility measurements to improve mobility.

These assessments provide quantitative data that help trainers adjust exercise programs according to a client’s performance. Reviewing your performance from prior workouts, including the volume of reps, weights done, or duration spent, is another critical component of assessing progress.

By consistently logging these details, trainers can identify clear patterns to better understand what needs to be adjusted. It is also critical to change intensity and workload as our clients progress over time. To continue providing progressive overload to the client through ceiling effects, trainers will need to modify the exercises to maintain a challenging yet achievable task.

Another critical aspect of personal training is assessing client feedback. Knowing  clients’ feelings about their exercise experience helps trainers customise programs to keep motivation high and burnout low. If a client is feeling pain or struggling with specific exercises, the necessary adjustments to the workout should be made to improve their experience while still attaining fitness goals.

Through progress tracking and data-driven adjustments, trainers can develop a well-structured, safe, and enjoyable program that is geared toward long-term success. This ultimately allows personal trainers to keep clients focused and progressing for a massed, sustainable amount of time.

Conclusion

To effectively and safely reach your client’s goals, a well-structured exercise prescription is integral to successful personal training. Personal trainers design structured programs by implementing essential principles, including specificity, overload, progression, and individualisation, to meet each client’s unique needs.

Trainers follow scientific guidelines for cardiovascular fitness, strength training, flexibility, and functional movement, which helps them create balanced but results-oriented workouts. This also includes adapting programs to a person’s individual fitness level, medical condition, and body response to exercise, as well as special populations and special nutrition programs for people with disabilities.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Exercise prescription in personal training refers to a systematic approach to creating workout plans tailored to an individual’s fitness level, goals, and health conditions. Describe the type, intensity, duration, and frequency of exercise needed to promote and maintain fitness safely and effectively. These principles include specificity, overload, progression, and individualisation, which personal trainers employ to design client workouts. The objective is to improve cardiovascular efficiency, strength, endurance, flexibility, and general well-being with the least risk of injury. Exercise is also prescribed according to age, medical history, and movement efficiency, so each workout is specific to the client.

Exercise prescription is essential to personal training, as it helps ensure that workouts are goal-focused, safe, and effective. Without a specific method, for example, customers could come up with exercises that are both simple, too extreme, or not even consistent with their exercise targets, therefore leading to nothing or damage. Stimulating effort with an optimal exercise prescription requires progressive overload, individualised programming, and adequate recovery to elicit the most significant adaptations in performance. It also helps log progress, keep people accountable, and revise workouts to better suit the client’s needs. It also helps prevent overtraining, muscle imbalances, and workout plateaus.

Exercise Prescription General Principles: Specificity, Overload, Progression, Individualization, Recovery, Reversibility Specificity refers to the fact that training should be targeted to the goals set up by the client; e.g. for runners, it’s endurance training, and for bodybuilders, it’s strength training. Overload is where you progress with intensity or volume to challenge your muscles, and when the body is forced to adapt, advance fitness levels. Progression gradually increases the workload to make sure you are always getting better. Individualisation means adjusting the programs according to each client’s background, fitness level, health conditions and preferences. Recovery helps your muscles repair and become stronger, preventing injuries and burnout.

Using data such as fitness level, fitness goals, age, personal medical history, movement efficiency and background lifestyle, personal trainers provide personalised context to follow prescribed physical activity programs. They perform fitness tests, including strength tests, flexibility tests and cardiovascular endurance tests, to establish a baseline for a client. From the results, trainers choose appropriate exercises, intensity levels, and progressions. On the beginner side, trainers may rely on basic movements and techniques, where advanced clients are put through progressive overload strategies. But when you are programming for special populations — older adults, pregnant women, those with an injury — those principles need to be adapted to be safe and effective.

Personal trainers apply the FITT principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type) for cardiovascular endurance training. Suggest that your clients get 3-5 sessions of 150-300 minutes of aerobic work each week, with them working at 60-85% MHR, which could be something like running, cycling, swimming, etc. There is consensus among personal trainers that resistance training should be done 2-3 times a week minimum, completing 8-12 reps in a set to gain muscle, which is termed hypertrophy or heavier weights low reps (3-5 reps) to gain strength. A complete program should include a blend of compound and isolation exercises that train all major muscle groups. Also, trainers add diet, activity, flexibility, and mobility exercises 2-3 times/week to maintain range of motion, improve posture, prevent injuries, etc.

Personal trainers track client progress by utilising fitness assessments, monitoring performance during workouts, adjusting intensity, and evaluating member feedback. They perform periodic assessments such as VO2 max tests, strength metrics and flexibility measurements to gauge improvements. Trainers also log reps, weight lifted, time and workout intensity to monitor your progress. The required progressions of intensity and workload for them to exist must be considered, as some clients will require progressive overload to progress. Furthermore, trainers assess client feedback to tackle obstacles like fatigue, discomfort, or lack of motivation, adjusting their approach accordingly.

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Dynamic vs. Static Stretching: Best for Fitness Exercise https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/dynamic-vs-static-stretching-best-for-fitness-exercise/ Mon, 10 Feb 2025 07:00:17 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=39493 The post Dynamic vs. Static Stretching: Best for Fitness Exercise appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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It is an essential component of any exercise practice. Understanding the differences between dynamic and static stretching can help you do your warm-ups and cool-downs in a manner that is best for your body and your workout goals. For exercise and to protect yourself from pain, you need to know when and how to use each type of stretching to get the most benefit out of it.

Understanding Dynamic Stretching for Optimal Warm-Up

Dynamic stretching is a great way to warm up before a fitness workout. It consists of active movements that take your muscles and joints through their full range of motion. Active stretching increases body temperature, heart rate, and blood flow because you want your body prepared for intense physical activity.

Examples include walking lunges, arm circles, and leg swings, which target multiple joints and muscle groups and prepare your muscles for bending and steady movement.

Dynamic movement is beneficial in many aspects of exercise. It prepares you to be less stiff, which is essential prior to strenuous and multidirectional tasks, such as sports or running. Research shows that it not only prepares the body after learning but also helps to reduce the risk of sprains and improves flexibility.

Quickly moving causes oxygenated blood to develop in muscles, which accelerates their performance. Stretching prepares the body for productive work and the mind for productive work by helping the mind be more focused on the task at hand and using multiple muscle groups in a similar fashion.

Dynamic stretching will prepare your muscles and joints for action. Excellent for pre-exercise routines that can involve movement-based exercises. It can be life-changing for athletes and exercise enthusiasts to perform at their best and reduce the likelihood of injury.

The Role of Static Stretching in Recovery and Flexibility

In contrast, passive stretching means holding for 15–60 seconds. This type of stretching is an everyday post-fitness exercise routine to relax, loosen and recover. Passive stretching gradually lengthens and stretches the muscle, increases flexibility in the long term, enhances posture, and lowers muscular tension. Examples of Passive stretching: Hamstring, Quadriceps, Shoulder, and more

Benefits of Static Stretching

  • Improved Flexibility: Regularly stretching muscles extend them, making them more flexible. This aids in mobility, balance, and posture every day.
  • Decreased Muscle Soreness — Stretching post-exercise allows your muscles to relax and recover.
  • Injury Prevention—Passive stretching can help make muscles more flexible and pliable and prepare them to withstand sudden movements or loads.
  • Enhanced Circulation: Static stretches, which are held for a fair amount of time, increase circulation to the surrounding muscles and thus help recovery by supplying nutrients and removing garbage.
  • If you stay in a stretch and concentrate on it, it can help relax and relieve tension.

Passive stretching involves a period of rest and lengthening of muscle after an exercise. Apart from exercises, it can also be used as part of a stretching protocol to improve flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness.

When to Incorporate Static Stretching in Your Routine

If you’re going to do idle stretches, consider the time of day and your workout goal. Static stretching in fitness exercise is beneficial when the following situations occur:

Best time: After a workout: The ideal time to perform static stretches is after working out, when you can use warm and supple muscles to loosen up and gain flexibility. Stretching post-exercise can also be beneficial as it can reset the muscles and make such workouts less painful, helping rapidly recover my lesions.

On Days Off: You don’t need to limit passive stretching to days you’re working out. On days off, these will help you keep your flexibility and circulatory strength, particularly for employees stuck in a job that lacks movement.

The third recommendation targets flexibility, so if your goal is to improve flexibility, dedicate time to performing active stretching multiple times a week. This is a great method for gradually increasing your range of motion because holding a stretch for long periods of time allows the muscle to adapt to its new position.

Passive stretching is an evening habit that promotes relaxation and stress relief, which can contribute to better sleep. This stretch is relaxed and straightforward, making it perfect to ease into bed.

Passive stretching should rarely be performed in a warm-up, as it can reduce muscle strength and stability if performed before an intense exercise session. However, if you know when to use it, it can be one of the most beneficial elements of your exercise practice.

Critical Differences Between Dynamic and Static Stretching

Idle stretches should be done during your workout based on the time and goal. Static stretching is especially beneficial when these scenarios occur:

Recommended Timing: After exercise. Sustained Stretching should be performed post-exercise when the muscles are warm, pliable, and ready to loosen and stretch. Stretching after exercising can also aid in resetting the muscles so they feel less sore and heal faster and more efficiently.

Days Not Training: You don’t just have to perform passive stretching on days you train. If you work a job that offers little to no movement, doing motionless stretches on rest days can really keep you loose and assist with circulation.

If your primary focus is on flexibility, schedule active stretching three or four times per week. This is one of the best ways to gradually improve your range of motion, as holding stretches for a number of breaths allows the muscles to adapt.

Passive stretching is one of those activities that can help you relax and release the tension of the day. As part of your night routine, it naturally allows you to sleep better. It is light and calming, so it is perfect for doing while going to sleep.

In most cases, Sustained Stretching should not be included as part of a warm-up since it can decrease muscle strength and stability when performed prior to a high-intensity fitness workout. However, if you know when to do it and when not to, Sustained Stretching can be a great addition to your exercise practice—and you will get the most out of it!

How to Combine Dynamic and Static Stretching for Maximum Benefits

If you want to get the most out of your fitness exercise, active and static stretches can be beneficial. Begin with a clear practice involving both types of stretches, starting with a “Warm-Up” part.

Run for five to ten minutes or perform jumping jacks to warm your body and your heartbeat. Then, perform dynamic stretches. Dynamic Warm: Every Workout Targets Muscles that will be Heavily Used, So Make Sure They are Warmed Up and Ready to Go.

At this point, you can choose to begin your Workout, whether that’s running, doing Strength training, or both. After you finish the main workout, initiate a “cool-down” period and stretch while standing for a few minutes. Aim to hold each one for 15 to 30 seconds and concentrate on tight and overused muscle groups.

Perform only Sustained Stretching or static/active stretching on Flexibility Days, a minimum of 1–2 per week. In this way, you are more flexible and mobile without training as hard as you typically do. Deep breathing while standing and stretching is how to integrate some Mindful Breathing techniques. This enables your body to relax, promote circulation, and maximise each stretch.

This offers a comprehensive practice in that it warms up the body for exercise and helps it be well-rested to heal the body afterwards. It also enhances flexibility and overall enhances physical fitness progress.

Conclusion

The dynamic stretches improve training performance in fitness exercise; the static stretches — properties improve flexibility but also increase some aspects of muscle recovery related to health. Using these two approaches, stretching at the correct times may maximise fitness, reduce injury risk, and enhance sports performance in athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and beginners.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Dynamic and static stretches are needed for different purposes in a gym routine. In dynamic stretching, you perform exercises to get your muscles firing and increase your heart rate. So, this prepares the human body for exercise. It is predominantly performed in the warm-up to a workout. On the other hand, sustained stretching involves holding a stretch for an extended period while minimising movement. This helps your muscles to be fluid and movable. You should stretch out this way to cool down from a workout. It might aid your muscle recovery and will chill you out.

Passive Stretching is best done before or after a workout or as part of a stand-alone flexibility routine. A static stretch, sitting in a position for a little while, is perfect for increasing flexibility and relaxing sore muscles. When you finish exercising, your muscles are warm and loosened. When you do not train, passive Stretching will also allow you to maintain your flexibility without forcing your muscles to work too high. By performing static stretches using 1 or 2 muscle groups at a time, you can hold for approximately 15 to 30 seconds, allowing the body to heal, the muscles to rest, and the muscle fibres to elongate.

Yes, Holding stretches for an extended period allows muscle fibres to lengthen slowly. This increases flexibility and allows for more range of motion. However, you will change if you do passive Stretching regularly (post-exercise or as part of a unique flexibility practice). Flexibility change occurs over time with long-term static stretching. On top of that, the extra flexibility means typically that you will carry on a lot more freely, saving you against damage and getting a single position. Static stretching takes a little bit more time to work (ideally, more than once per week).

Yes, stretching can alleviate soreness during an intense workout. It is also a part of returning to standard practice, where static stretching moves blood back into the hardened muscles. It circulates nutrients and disposes of waste, aiding the repair process. One thing everyone loves to hear about is stretching to relieve muscle tightness, reduce stress, or feel less tightness at some point after exercise. Static stretching is better used while days aid diet and water to repair muscles.

Pre-exercise static stretching, particularly if vigorous, can destabilise and weaken the muscles you soon want to use. If you stretch your muscles long, they might relax a little, complicating their ability to tighten quickly. Muscle loss can be detrimental to performance, particularly in power, speed, and quickness-dominant sports! This is where dynamic stretching, which uses vigorous moves to prepare the body for performance, is typically recommended before exercise. Non-kinetic stretching is best practised at the end of a workout.

Body-Body Static stretching before exercise, especially high-voiced intensity activity, may reduce muscle stability and strength output. When muscles are stretched and held, they start to lose some of their stiffness. For this reason, tightening may become more complex quickly. The loss of muscular response can undermine performance, particularly in sports that rely on explosive, speed, and agility.

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Fitness Endurance Training for Long-Distance Running or Cycling https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/fitness-endurance-training-for-long-distance-running-or-cycling/ Tue, 24 Dec 2024 07:00:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38834 The post Fitness Endurance Training for Long-Distance Running or Cycling appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Endurance Periodization for Athletes and Influencers in Long-Distance Running and Bicycling improves cardiovascular efficiency, muscular endurance, and mental stamina so you can perform at your peak for longer.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Fitness Endurance Training

Fitness Endurance training focuses on increasing your body’s ability to sustain long stretches of physical activity. It is more than the behaviour of the moment; it addresses aerobic capacity, an effort of your heart, lungs and muscles working well over time. Fitness Training protocols for endurance events such as long-distance running or cycling are essential for building endurance, reducing the feeling of fatigue and decreasing the risk of injury.

Resilience training is based on aerobic exercise, which increases your heart rate without upsetting it. Steady-state running, cycling, and swimming at an easy, sustainable effort build cardiovascular fitness and an aerobic base. Regular training can help your body use oxygen more efficiently and delay fatigue, so consistency is a big part.

Cross-training exercises such as weightlifting and yoga are also included in Resilience training to help avoid structural imbalances and improve overall fitness. These workouts improve core stability, flexibility, and strength, which are key to keeping good form on long outings.

This knowledge will help you design a Resilience training plan based on your level and experience. With a solid base, you’ll be prepared to tackle the demands of distance running or cycling and reach your performance goals.

Key Components of an Effective Fitness Endurance Training Plan

When properly implemented, a good Fitness training plan has a few components that work together to maximise energy, improve performance, and decrease the risk of injury. These components ensure that long-distance training is fair and accumulative.

Long rides or runs are the defining elements of endurance exercise; you can maintain sustainable progress for longer if you gradually build the distance or duration of running or walking. So, Take Your Time. Increase Your Pace Gradually to Avoid Overtraining

Interval training: Mixing in high-intensity bursts, like runs or hill climbs, can also help you get faster and use more oxygen. For runners, this might mean transitioning from a venous run to a recovery jog; for bikers, it means transitioning from heavy pedalling to easy spins.

Recovery days: Rest is very essential in training the body. Integrate low-level days or rest days to allow your muscles to heal and adapt. This will reduce the risk of injury or stress.

Cross-training: Swimming, strength training, or yoga are good ways to increase balance, core strength, and flexibility in addition to your primary endurance workouts.

Food and water: Eating before, during, and after a workout gives your body the energy it needs and allows it to recover. Eat healthy fats, lean proteins, complex carbs, water, and vitamins to stay hydrated.

By including these in your resilience training plan, you create a comprehensive one that boosts your strength, speed, and stamina, preparing you for long-term success and growth.

Common Challenges in Fitness Endurance Training and How to Overcome Them

It can be difficult to build up to running or biking for long distances. Realising these problems and knowing how to deal with them can help you make steadier and fewer mistakes.

Fatigue and overtraining: You might become fatigued if you exercise too much without allowing enough healing time for your body and mind. This can lead to injuries. Stick to a structured plan with rest days and listen to your body.

Plateaus in Progress: Hitting a performance plateau is a common experience among endurance athletes. To overcome plateaus, have a few speedwork sessions, vary your routes, and increase your workout volume.

No Motivation: A long-distance activity does not always keep the endorphins flowing. When you create definitive goals, such as completing a run or beating your best time, you remain focused. Working out with someone or being part of a group can help you stay motivated, too.

Injuries: Pain in the knee or shin splints from overtraining can prevent you from training. To prevent injury, keep good form, wear proper shoes, and incorporate cross-training and power routines into your plan.

Time management: Physical training can be challenging regarding work and home life. Right the first act and draft a feasible plan by specifying important meetings while getting room for manoeuvre.

Following a Fitness Endurance training plan designed to withstand these issues will be the key to reaching your ultimate long-distance running or cycling goals!

Tips for Maximizing Results in Fitness Endurance Training

Taking advantage of Fitness Endurance training requires consistency, thoughtful planning and attention to detail. To help you improve and achieve your long-distance goals:

Gradual Progression: Resist the temptation to add miles or effort quickly. Then there’s the 10% rule to prevent overtraining and injury: Do not increase your weekly total training time by more than 10%.

Focus on your technique: good form conserves energy and reduces stress. For walkers, maintain a straight back, contact the ground midfoot, and walk steadily. Concentrate on smooth pedalling and having a properly fitting bike.

Recovery is your Number 1 goal. Rest is just as important as a workout. Healing methods such as foam rolling, stretching, and sleep can help your body repair and adapt to the rigours of Resilience training.

Use technology. You can enable heart rate monitors, fitness apps, and GPS devices to assist you in tracking improvements and adjusting your training plan when necessary.

Mindset: Endurance races take a toll on the mind, not just the body. Visualisation, small achievable goals whilst working out, and a positive attitude are ways to keep you motivated.

Race Simulation: Many begin training for a race, so practice under race conditions for some of your long runs or walks. Practice pace, fuelling and thinking strategies to build your confidence.

Pair these tips with your fitness training to prepare better and be confident enough to face the challenges of long-distance riding or running.

Conclusion

The cornerstone of any successful long-distance riding or running is Fitness Endurance training. There will be considerable gains in your energy, output and confidence by reading it, customising it to fit it into what you believe you need to be doing, forcing your way through barriers and getting as much as possible out of your training schedules. A well-planned and consistent Resilience training schedule prepares your body for the physical demands of long distances and prepares your mind for adversity.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Endurance training aims to equip your body to stay active for long periods. It improves your maximal oxygen uptake, muscle endurance, and circulatory efficiency, all critical to long-distance running or cycling. When you do Resilience training consistently, you develop the energy required to push through fatigue and maintain performance through hours-long efforts. For people looking to conquer endurance events like a run or a bike race or get fit, the answer is Endurance training.

A good Endurance training program includes long runs or long rides to build endurance, intensity training to improve speed and lung capacity, and rest days to help ward off overtraining. Cross-training activities — such as swimming or strength training — make you fitter overall and keep your muscles from becoming unbalanced. What you eat and drink can play a huge role in fuelling your body for more extended efforts and helping it recover from exercising. Combining these ensures your long-distance capabilities for running or biking are balanced.

It would be best if you also had a recovery plan between those sessions. Otherwise, you will be tired or, even worse, over-trained. You are pumping blood to your muscles and lungs, but at the same, you should take low-intensity rest days and listen to what your body is saying to you —after all, you don’t want to push yourself too hard. Gradually add miles or effort so your body has time to adapt without getting overly tired. Eating right, getting proper hydration and catching up on sleep all work toward restoring energy and assisting healing in the body. If you put balance first, you can maintain stamina training and not become exhausted while achieving long-lasting success.

Common issues of stamina training are fatigue, bottlenecks, lack of motivation, and getting injured. Having specific goals helps keep you focused, add, take rest days and mix up your workouts to overcome these issues. If you lose your bounce, do speed training or try a different route to break your plateaus. You have the right power with your routines, warm-ups and cool-downs to avoid getting hurt. It helps to stay motivated by joining a group or working with a partner. You will make consistent progress in long-distance bike riding or running by attending to those issues.

Resilience training must gradually increase your difficulty level, be done correctly, and be carried out frequently to improve. Train short and weak while constantly maintaining good form to save energy. Things that can influence overall efficiency are pace, breathing, and rhythm. Install acceleration exercise application programs and earnings beat displays, which can help you record pursuit & as well as soon upgrade your training day’s design. Consistency in training up for workouts about healing will allow you to build strength for your performance to do your long runs/rides.

Getting your mind ready is a key part of Endurance training because covering long distances — whether running or riding — requires concentration, determination and stamina. Visualisation can improve self-confidence and prime your mind for success. Break workouts or races into less daunting sections and set small goals for yourself to stay motivated when the going gets tough. Be positive and enjoy the process; remember, success takes time. Strengthening your mind is a way out of fatigue, a way through difficult times and a way to reach physical training goals.

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Different Types of Exercise and Their Impact on Fitness Training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/different-types-of-exercise-and-their-impact-on-fitness-training/ Mon, 23 Dec 2024 07:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38831 The post Different Types of Exercise and Their Impact on Fitness Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Once we talk about fitness coaching, not every exercise is the same. The exercise mould covers many aspects of health, like power, perseverance, adaptability, and balance. Understanding these factors is crucial to designing a well-rounded exercise training regimen that serves your objectives and supports your overall well-being.

Strength Training: Building Muscle and Enhancing Fitness Training

Strength training, in contrast, emphasises muscle growth, strength, and mineral density. It also features strength-training exercises that overload the muscles with weights, resistance bands, or progressive body-weight movements. Common power exercises are squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and push-ups.

Strength training is definitively essential in the world of fitness training. Not only does it help build muscle mass, but it also increases metabolism, allowing your body to burn more calories when it is at rest. This proven fact makes it integral for weight management and overall fitness.

It also increases joint stability and lowers the risk of injury in other physical activities. Plus, it improves functional fitness by simulating everyday movements — like lifting or pushing — that make day-to-day tasks easier and safer.

Strength training should be included in your fitness training routine 2–3 times a week, training different muscle groups each session. Progressive overload, gradually increasing the resistance or intensity, is essential to ongoing improvement. Weighted training is at the heart of all fitness training worldwide and catalyses physical strength training, endurance training, and, thus, long-term physical health.

Cardiovascular Exercise: Boosting Endurance and Fitness Training

Cardiovascular exercise, or cardiovascular exercise, is an exercise type that can help you build heart health, energy, and overall strength. It includes activities such as swimming, dancing, running, and riding that cause your heart to beat faster over an extended period.

Cardio is an important aspect of fitness training, particularly for individuals who want to increase their energy levels and improve their heart health. A consistent workout strengthens the heart and lungs, improves circulation, and delivers more oxygen to the muscles. This not only makes you better at sports, but it also reduces your chances of getting chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

It was also good for burning calories or for those who wanted to lose weight. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a new type of practice where short bursts of vigorous action are combined with rest periods. This means you can burn more calories and get fitter quickly.

Exercise can be included in your workout practice three to five times a week. Whether you prefer steady-state running or lively group classes, cardio should make up a regular segment of your workout routine. It will improve your endurance and heart health and give you more energy.

Flexibility and Mobility: Enhancing Recovery and Fitness Training

People often forget how necessary flexibility and movement workouts are, but they are an integral aspect of any fitness routine. These workouts are meant to help increase bodily balance, range of motion, and joint health. Many ways to improve flexibility include stretching, yoga, and Pilates.

Flexibility and movement training have many health benefits. Increased flexibility prepares muscles and joints for action and reduces the risk of injury. Mobility work enhances functional fitness by ensuring your body can move seamlessly and rapidly. This has great applications in sports and for people recovering from physical injuries.

Flexibility training also helps speed recovery by loosening and relaxing sore muscles. Stretching after a workout allows blood to reach sore muscles and speeds up the healing process. In addition to their physical benefits, yoga and Pilates are also good for your mental health in that they allow you to rest and relieve stress.

Flexibility and movement workouts can be added to your fitness practice at least twice or thrice weekly. Even a few minutes of stretching after a workout can significantly improve healing and performance. It would be best to exercise like this regularly to remain healthy and injury-free.

Balance and Coordination: Supporting Functional Fitness Training

Balance and coordination exercises focus on your body’s ability to remain steady and control its movements. As part of these exercises, you may work your core and stabiliser muscles, which builds better balance and prevents falls. Examples include Tai Chi, single-leg exercises, and stability ball workouts.

Many people are unaware that balance and rhythm can play an essential role in their workouts. Better balance allows you to perform better when you’re playing sports because it enables you to move with more precision and confidence. Preserving balance—and lowering the risk of falling—is especially important for older adults.

This type of training is also beneficial with other types of aerobic exercise, such as cardio and strength training, because it stabilises your body during complex movements. For instance, balance exercises could help you develop a solid core, which helps you maintain proper form when lifting weights or running, reducing your risk of injury.

Even adding balance and coordination movements to your workout just one or two times a week can make a big difference. You can practice these skills with activities that require strategic thinking, like yoga or certain drills in sports training. Adding balance and coordination exercises will help promote a more healthy and functional body for a complete fitness training program.

Conclusion

A complete fitness training program would include strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, etc in the routine. Cardio benefits heart health and builds energy; strength training develops muscle and boosts metabolism; flexibility promotes healing and mobility; and balance allows meaningful movement and stability. Incorporating these activities into your routine will keep you on the path to healthily achieving your fitness goals. Begin varying your exercise regimen today and experience how a balanced workout plan could transform your life.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The recommended way to ensure you keep your health and performance in line is to vary the exercise you use in fitness training. Strength training builds muscle mass and metabolism, cardio builds heart health and endurance, flexibility increases range of motion and healing time, and balance increases steadiness and ability to move throughout the day. With these exercises, you have an entire workout plan that can help you achieve several fitness goals, decrease your risk of injury, and even help improve your health over time.

Strength training is a key part of physical activity since it strengthens bones, builds muscle and boosts metabolism. Lifting weights, doing push-ups and using resistance bands are all forms of strength-training exercise that can stave off the muscle losses that come with age. Strength training enhances functional fitness by making ordinary tasks less difficult and dangerous. Including two to three strength training classes per week as part of your workout routine will qualify you to grow safely, improve your overall performance, and secure your health in the long term.

Cardio activities like swimming, riding, and running are suitable for the heart and can burn calories. In Exercise training, cardio strengthens the heart and lungs, which leads to improved circulatory efficiency. This assists muscles in getting air more readily. Regular exercise reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease and increases overall endurance. It can also help you lose weight since it burns calories during and after exercise. Being realistic, three to five weekly exercise workouts help keep your fitness routine on track and increase energy and endurance.

Explains the importance of being flexible and mobile to reduce the risk of damage, promote healing and improve the overall efficiency of movement. Stretching, yoga, and Pilates are fitness routines that prepare your muscles and joints for action. It prevents them from becoming stiff and sore. Your flexibility also improves your range of motion, which helps you perform workouts as intended. Incorporate two or three rounds of flexibility or movement work as an addition to your weekly plan, and you will perform better, heal faster and remain fit for the long run.

Balance training is also an essential type of exercise since it aids in increasing stability, improving your posture, and helping you with your balance. Core and stabiliser muscle strength: Single-leg exercises, yoga, and workouts using a stability ball. This will ensure you Maintain Good Posture while Running or Pulling Weights. It improves players’ precision and control, which are key performance factors. It reduces the risk of falls among older adults and enables them to maintain functional independence. Including balance exercises in your fitness regimen ensures a comprehensive workout that keeps you safe and helps you maintain stability.

Designate specific days for different types of exercise to create a more balanced fitness routine. To gain muscle, perform two to three strength-training sessions per week, three to five aerobic activities to boost your stamina and two to three mobility or flexibility-focused workouts to aid your body’s recovery and expand its range of motion. Balance movements should be done one or two days a week for better flexibility and overall fitness. Switch up your exercises so that you’re not putting too much strain on the same muscle groups all the time, and take rest days to recover.

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Designing an Effective Fitness Training Workout Routine https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/designing-an-effective-fitness-training-workout-routine/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 07:00:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38828 The post Designing an Effective Fitness Training Workout Routine appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Designing an effective workout routine is crucial to achieving your fitness goals, be they muscle gain, weight loss, or improving overall health. When done right, a fitness training plan offers balance, consistency, and progress.

The Importance of Setting Goals for Fitness Training Success

Before you begin creating an exercise program, it’s key to determine your fitness goals. Your fitness training will be successful if you determine your plans whenever clear goals are set. Goals can range from cardiovascular endurance to strength to fat loss. Whatever they are, they should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Don’t say, “I want to get stronger,” but write a specific goal such as, “I want to deadlift 150 pounds in three months.” Use action verbs and actually set goals so your intent is clearer and find a way to track progress. Setting goals that consider your current fitness level helps avoid burnout and injury.

Once you know your goals, you can create a fitness training regime that complements them. For example, if you want to lose weight, focus on a combination of cardio and strength training. To build muscle, prioritise resistance training (with progressive overload).

Setting goals also keeps you motivated. Tracking achievements, such as running faster miles or lifting heavier weights, reminds you of your progress and keeps you committed. Laying a solid foundation for a fitness training routine that produces real results starts by defining clear goals.

Key Components of an Effective Fitness Training Workout Routine

A good exercise regime has several essential components that work on all aspects of health. They work together to strengthen you, make you more durable and versatile, and make you healthier.

Warm-up: To prepare your body for every workout, perform an active warm-up at the start. Light running, jump-downs, and movement drills all boost blood flow, ease muscles, and reduce the chance of injury.

Strength training: Exercises with resistance, such as lifting weights, performing exercises with your body, or using resistance bands, increase muscle and bone resistance. These compound lifts target major muscle groups: squats, deadlifts, and push-ups.

Exercise for the heart and lungs Cardio: Cardio is good for your heart, burns calories, and strengthens you. To ensure variety and the greatest benefit, vary your practice with running, cycling, swimming, and HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training).

Being flexible and mobile: Stretching and movement exercises make you more adaptable, help your balance, and prevent stiffness. Incorporating yoga, Pilates, or specific stretching classes into your exercise program would be best.

Cooldown: At the end of your workout, cool down to allow your body to recuperate. Active stretches or easy moves to relax your muscles.

Incorporating these into your fitness training plan creates one that promotes all aspects of fitness, which leads to growth and success in the long term.

How to Structure a Weekly Fitness Training Schedule

Having a weekly plan keeps you consistent and prevents overtraining. Step one is deciding how many days a week you can realistically train for exercise. A good plan—depending on your goals and your experience level—should include three to six workout days.

Divide your workouts by goal: Give separate days for different workouts. As an example:

Strength training should be performed two or three days a week to strengthen your major muscle groups. Cardio should be done two to three times per week for heart health and stamina.

Flexibility and mobility: one or two times a week to help with your recovery and avoid injuries.

Schedule time for rest: Rest days are critical for recovery and dealing with stress. Schedule at least one day off per week when you can rest or practice gentle yoga or walking to help your body heal.

Alternate between muscle groups: Do not work the same muscle groups 2 days in a row. For instance, alternate upper and lower body power and resistance endurance training workouts to allow your muscles time to recover.

Vary your intensity: to help avoid burnout and balance out your body, do high-intensity workouts (HIIT, for example) and intermediate or low-intensity ones.

Be flexible: Given life’s uncertainty, pivot plans when necessary. It’s more important to be consistent than to be perfect. Mapping out your weekly exercise workouts will help you progress while prioritizing healing and long-term success.

Tips for Optimizing Your Fitness Training Routine

How can you get the most out of your fitness training once you have already planned them out for yourself? This advice can help you stay organised and get more done.

Track your progress: Monitor your workouts, weight lifting, and performance data (whether in a fitness app, notebook, or spreadsheet). Tracking the development allows you to identify what could be improved and what is already working.

Prioritise nutrition and hydration: The right fuel is vital for energy and healing. You need good Fat, lean meat, and vitamins, all in a proper meal. Hydrate before, during, and after exercise.

Listen to your body. Look for signs that you are tired, sore, or uncomfortable. If necessary, reduce the pressure or take days off so that you don’t hurt or burn yourself.

Mix it up: Explore workouts, tools or lessons that keep your practice fresh. Different things prevent you from getting bored and are new work for your body.”

Think about form: Using the correct technique is crucial to prevent injury and get excellent results. Work with an instructor or watch how-to videos to ensure you’re using the proper form.

Get yourself started: set small-term goals and reward yourself when you reach them. Accountability — Get people around you who will cheer for you, or find a workout partner.

Celebrate each step: Be proud of your steps, no matter how small. Big wins to celebrate mean you can carry on and maintain healthy habits.

Conclusion

To succeed in the long run, you must find an fitness training program that suits your goals, habits and personal preferences. You have to make a program that works by being clear on expectations- such as what parts of your workout are necessary, planning every week, and adapting best practices to enhance your plan. Exercising is as much about working smart as it is about working hard.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Goal setting is a fundamental part of fitness training because it provides you with focus, direction, and drive. Specific goals such as losing weight, getting fit, or getting stronger will help you create a workout schedule that benefits you. Having goals means you can track your progress and understand where you stand, which makes staying motivated over time more leisurely. For example, if your goal is “to run a 5K in eight weeks,” you can distil that into tangible actions, such as establishing specific weekly running goals. Setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals ensures that your exercise training is purposeful and productive.

Warm-ups, power training, jogging, flexibility and movement work, and cool-downs are some of the most crucial aspects of a solid fitness practice. Warm-ups prepare the body for activity and reduce the chance of injuries. Cardio strengthens the heart and builds stamina, while strength training increases muscle and strengthens bones. Mobility and flexibility movements aid healing and range of motion. Ultimately, cool-downs decrease your heart rate and also bring about relaxation. This all works together to create a comprehensive and versatile training regimen for longevity and long-term health.

The first step in laying out a weekly fitness training plan is to decide the number of days you could work out. Schedules workouts targeting different health aspects — running, strength training, flexibility. Switch between muscle sessions for lower, upper and lower — and do exercise on days you’re not working out for muscle—schedule rest days to allow for healing and prevent burnout. Again, do both high- and low-intensity workouts as part of your weekly routine to ensure you have a mix of workouts. Your fitness training works and lasts because of the balance and stability provided by a well-planned routine.

Monitoring your fitness training progress is essential for evaluating your success and maintaining motivation. Record your workouts and the weights you lift and performance metrics like running times or endurance improvements in a fitness diary, app or spreadsheet. If you have short-term goals, such as doing more reps or improving your form, you can appreciate your progress. Imagining your success is a way of teaching yourself what you could improve on and enables you to stay focused and motivated on hitting your exercise targets. Regularly reviewing your success will help keep your fitness training focused on your goals and obtaining results.

Recovery is essential to working out; it allows your body to rebuild itself and adapt to physical stress. Not resting enough leads to accidents and slows progress. Schedule days off and use active yet healing activities, such as yoga or light walks, to help your muscles heal and recover from tiredness. Eating well and staying hydrated can go a long way toward regaining strength and allowing the body to recover. Sleep is also crucial because it repairs muscles and enhances your overall health. Placing healing first means your training will be effective and sustainable.

Developing personal training objectives, a good mix of exercises, and a supportive environment will help keep you motivated when exercising. Stay motivated with achievable goals and small wins. Experiment with new routines, fitness classes, or pieces of equipment to vary your workouts. To be held accountable, surround yourself with people who will celebrate your victories (e.g., workout buddies or a fitness community). Track your progress and consider what you did well to remind yourself how far you’ve come.

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CrossFit Training: Pros, Cons for Fitness Training Success https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/crossfit-training-pros-cons-for-fitness-training-success/ Thu, 19 Dec 2024 07:00:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38825 The post CrossFit Training: Pros, Cons for Fitness Training Success appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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CrossFit training, which combines elements of weightlifting, gymnastics, cardio, and functional movements, helps clients gain all-around fitness. But like any fitness program, it has its pros and cons.

The Pros of CrossFit Training for Fitness Success

CrossFit training offers many advantages, which is why so many fitness training enthusiasts choose it. A major benefit of beat matching is the variation it introduces to all workouts. Every workout, however, always involves a combination of weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and cardio, meaning every session is different and never boring. This variety helps develop overall fitness, including strength, endurance, agility, and flexibility.

One massive benefit of this is the sense of community. CrossFit gyms, or “boxes,” emphasise camaraderie, nurturing an environment where members hype each other up. The group creates a certain level of accountability and consistency vital to success in any fitness objective.

CrossFit also emphasises functional fitness or performing exercises that relate to daily life—such as squatting, lifting, and jumping. These movements build strength and mobility and prevent injury in everyday life.

Like the other part of the equation, Functional fitness training is scalable, too! Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced athlete, the program can be customized to fit your needs and help you progress at your own pace. CrossFit training is a great option if you are looking to achieve holistic fitness, as it emphasises variety, community, and functional fitness.

The Cons of CrossFit Training to Consider

CrossFit is a great training choice with its excellent features, but you should be aware of the bad side of Functional Fitness training before getting into it. One concern is the risk of injury. CrossFit workouts are generally very intense, and if you’re not careful with form or drive through the zip too hard, you can injure or strain yourself. This risk is due to fear in humans, so beginners should keep practising good skills and slow down their energy.

Additionally, some CrossFit gyms have a very competitive vibe, which is not recommended. Many people are motivated by competition, but it can also make you do more than you possibly can, which can lead to overtraining or injury.” “Do not compare yourself to others; it is better to concentrate on your own development.

Cost is another factor that can hold you up. Due to the specialised instruction and community aspect, CrossFit memberships are often more pricey than traditional gym memberships. Look at your budget to see if your exercise goals fit.

The high intensity of CrossFit may not be right for everyone. CrossFit might be too intense for people with some medical problems or who want less-impact workouts. Before starting up an exercise program, it’s essential to be evaluated by a doctor or a nurse.

However, the potential cons of Functional fitness training can be mitigated with good coaching, ensuring safe practice, and listening to your body along the way. Armed with copies of these, I figured you should be able to go and do CrossFit to the greatest benefit and the least risk.

How to Get Started with CrossFit Training

To start CrossFit training, you must plan, study a little, and dedicate much time to your fitness goals. First, research CrossFit gyms, known as “boxes,” in your community to find one that meets your needs. Find teachers with tons of experience, a crowd that will support you, and a place where safety and growth are prioritised.

Before beginning, determine your fitness training and consult a professional if you have health concerns. Most CrossFit clubs offer dedicated classes or ” on-ramps ” programs explicitly geared for sports newcomers. These lessons cover fundamental moves like squats, deadlifts and kettlebell swings. That way, you know you’re doing them correctly before progressing to more challenging workouts.”

You can also help by buying the right gear. If you wear your clothes and shoes too quickly, your performance will be hampered, so wear comfortable and functional garments, especially for training and agility. Bringing a water bottle and monitoring your progress with an exercise app or a journal are also great ways to stay motivated.

Take it slow; perfect your form before slowly ramping up the pressure. Don’t succumb to the temptation of lifting heavier weights or completing your workouts faster than you are capable of. Functional fitness training is progressive in nature; physical success comes from improvement over time.

Lastly, enjoy the group part. Meet other Cross Fitters, do group workouts with them, and share your achievements. CrossFit’s community is probably the most potent way to stay motivated and hold yourself accountable throughout your fitness journey.

Tips for Long-Term Success in CrossFit Training

You need all these to succeed at CrossFit in the long run. Create a sensible plan that allows you to rest and heal and commit to regularity as a top priority. Overtraining will wound or fatigue you, so it’s essential to balance effort with slumber.

Be mindful of your consumption to assist your workouts and meet your fitness training goals. A balanced diet rich in lean proteins, complex carbs, healthy fats, and essential nutrients can enhance performance and increase recovery. Cross Fitters are likely to be fans of the Zone or Paleo diet. Find a diet that is best for your body and tastes.

Tracking your progress is another vital component of long-term success. Log your workout times, personal bests and goals with a journal or fitness app. Reflection on your improvement fuels inspiration and shows you where you might make strides for even more improvement.

Do your workouts according to what your body says. Some days, you might have to ease up or take a day off. Prioritising health over success will allow you to maintain your Functional fitness training.

Find new goals while trying new workouts and attending events or games in your area. Keep things fresh: To keep progress coming, ensure your training is varied and fun so you can continue striving for improvement. If you keep these tips in mind, CrossFit training can be an effective way to get fit and maintain your fitness training whilst having a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

Conclusion

CrossFit is a unique fitness training approach that merges multiple fitness styles, practical exercises, and a tight-knit community. There are drawbacks—the risk of injury and the higher expense—but for most people, the benefits of increased strength, endurance, and camaraderie outweigh the inconveniences. Knowing the benefits and drawbacks, preparing in advance, and implementing strategies for long-term achievement will help maximise your experience with CrossFit.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

Frequently Asked Questions

CrossFit exercises include weightlifting, gymnastics, running, and other beneficial moves. They centre on varied, high-intensity full-body workouts designed to enhance general fitness. This contrasts traditional fitness training, concentrating on a single routine or specific goals. Its group-based environment fosters community and competition, making it more engaging for most participants. CrossFit also emphasises functional fitness, aka exercise, which mimics tasks you perform in daily life for improved strength, movement, and endurance.

Functional fitness training has numerous advantages, including diversity, helpful exercise, and talent from the remainder of the community. There’s a variety of workouts, making lessons enjoyable, and it improves fitness by focusing on power, endurance and flexibility. CrossFit’s emphasis on implementation moves refines functional physical skills, reducing your odds of killing well while doing everyday mentality. In CrossFit clubs, the friendly, helpful community promotes all, and it is SO much easier to make it a habit. CrossFit workouts are also scalable — so they can be modified for anyone, no matter their fitness level. This helps both Odyssey newcomers and experienced marathoners improve and achieve.

CrossFit has many advantages, but it comes with some potential risks, such as injury from performing exercises with poor form or overtraining. The program’s pace can be challenging, particularly for beginners or those not accustomed to performing some movements. Some are competitive and feel the need to outwork everyone else. Sticking to good form, starting with slowed-down workouts and listening to your body, can mitigate these risks. A better and more effective way of exercising is to select a fitness centre with knowledgeable instructors who stress safety and progress.

For people who have never done CrossFit, we recommend starting at a decent CrossFit gym, or “box,” where they have a beginner program. The classes show basic moves and instruct how to conduct yourself to safeguard everyone. If you haven’t yet, you must gauge your current fitness and talk to a doctor or nurse about beginning a new exercise regimen. Stock up on proper clothing and strength shoes to make your exercise more manageable. Before you throw energy into the mix, make sure you are used to practice good form and have a stable base.

Yes,CrossFit is for everyone—if you scale the workouts to different fitness levels. They are adaptable to everyone’s abilities. Novices, for example, might use lighter weights or more straightforward moves, while more experienced athletes take on more complex work. A veteran instructor usually leads scaled workouts at CrossFit gyms to ensure everyone in the class can progress safely and effectively. Whether you’re brand new to fitness or an avid CrossFit, CrossFit is meant to challenge you to accomplish your goals at your own pace.

A long-term successful CrossFit fitness programme needs consistency, healing and goals. To avoid hurting or stressing yourself, plan what is based on reality and combine energy and rest. Emphasise lean meats, complex carbs, and healthy fats [because] these are a great way to fuel your workouts and aid recovery. Tracking your progress in a journal or exercise app will allow you to notice significant gains and appreciate smaller increments. Setting new goals, attending community events, and pursuing new workouts are all promising avenues for staying engaged.

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Applying Practice with Evidence-Based Fitness Training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/applying-practice-with-evidence-based-fitness-training/ Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:00:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38822 The post Applying Practice with Evidence-Based Fitness Training appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Practical application: Adapting to this ever-changing sphere would allow for favourable advantages in a realm that threatens to see overnight results. It integrates science, experience, and need and creates individual programs with measurable results.

What is Evidence-Based Fitness Training?

This computerized evidence-based fitness training program considers the best available research and personal experience from personal trainers to design workouts specific to the client. Findings from our training are based on traditional methods, which may be based on trends or anecdotal evidence; this process prioritizes scientifically proven practices to improve safety, efficiency, and outcomes.

Three fundamental pillars help to support evidence-based Exercise training: research evidence, practitioner expertise, and individual preference. Research evidence is validated data that can tell us whether the exercises and programming strategies (recovery, sets, reps, etc.) you are performing are benefiting or detracting from growth.

These practitioners have the expertise to implement the knowledge practically and appropriately for various fitness ranges. Diversity in potential gains Ultimately, individual preferences and goals ensure that the program product fits the individual’s need for motivation.

For example, it suggests that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a particularly efficient way to promote cardiovascular health. In such a case, a trainer might include HIIT in a client’s workout routine, adjusting its intensity and frequency according to their fitness level.

This is where evidence-based Exercise training comes in—it establishes a line from science to practice, framing adaptive methods toward fitness goals.

The Benefits of Evidence-Based Fitness Training

Evidence-based fitness training has many advantages; everyone who wants to see results will benefit most from it. One significant upside is that it enhances safety. Based on scientifically proven methods, these techniques minimise your risk of harm through proper technique, effort, and healing routines.

The other advantage is better speed. With fact-based fitness training, you no longer spend time on routines that don’t work or are outdated. Research-based strategies ensure that every element of your workout routine — from the exercises you select to the time you are resting — contributes to your goal achievement.

Another big plus point is that it can be personalised. Evidence-based programs also consider your unique exercise history, goals, and preferences to develop a plan tailored to you. This level of personalisation will improve long-term effectiveness and engagement.

Evidence based Exercise training also increases confidence. It’s comforting to know that you’re working in alignment with science and established methodologies and that your program is based on it. This faith propels you forward, and you begin to have faith in the process.

Algorithms that actually work are the basis of this approach, which leads to a stronger, more effective, and exceptionally personalised process in your fitness training and can help you achieve success.

How to Incorporate Evidence-Based Practices into Your Fitness Training

To apply evidence-based techniques to your fitness training, you have to learn about the latest study, and then you have to convert that into actions that you can take. Here is how to formulate a scientific workout plan:

Educate Yourself: Some quality articles in exercise studies by reputable organisations, magazines and qualified professionals exist. Believing that knowledge of physics, diet and exercise chemistry will enable better decision-making.

Notice the basics: Evidence-based fitness training includes specialisation, progressive overload, and recovery. More precisely, progressively overloading the weights you use, meaning making them heavier or more numerous over time, causes you to become stronger, and ensuring your workouts are tailored to your goals (specificity) ensures you will improve.

Tailor Your Plan: Create an exercise schedule appropriate for your fitness level and goals based on what you’ve learned in your research. For example, according to some studies, the best way to get the most results is to exercise and do strength training. But you can adapt this to your tastes.

Put techniques first: When working on an exercise in an evidence-based way, you can not afford to get sloppy. Employ movement rules provided by research to ensure you move safely and effectively.

Monitor your progress: Frequently check how you’re doing and adjust your routine based on what you see. Fitness Coaching Based on Evidence encourages the generalisation of changes you can make to stay in progress and not hit a plateau.

Get help from a professional. Trained professionals, such as certified trainers, who use proven tactics, can advise and hold you accountable.

Following these steps allows you to apply strategies proven effective in fitness, ensuring that your workouts are effective and scientifically vetted.

Common Misconceptions About Evidence-Based Fitness Training

The merits of evidence-based Fitness training are even going unheeded. These false beliefs can be removed in order to be able to make smart decisions regarding your workout routine.

All the Science is for Professionals — Only: Some assume training science is only for elite athletes and exercise scientists. And research-scientific methods can benefit everyone. These techniques are for anyone, whether you are a beginner or already a fitness guru.

It appears to be very difficult because it’s evidence-based exercise training, but it is, in fact, straightforward. It is very easy to understand and use; everything is based on basic rules like using correct grammar and tried and true computing ways.

“Trends Are Always Better”: Fads in fitness often spread rapidly but may not be scientifically supported. Evidence-based training is a type of training based on study that can be shown to produce good results. It ensures that your activities are both safe and effective. And following trends without evidence can lead you to do things that may waste your time or harm yourself.

Some also believe that evidence-based training is not flexible at all, but in fact, the opposite is true. Programs are tailored to individual wants and goals, which ensures a tailored approach that promotes long-term adherence.

“It Kills Creativity”: Evidence-based training doesn’t have to be boring and rote. It emphasises tried-and-true approaches and allows for creativity within a defined framework, keeping workouts from stale.

Debunking these myths will get you started on endurance Exercise training, which you can enjoy the rewards of in a manner that fits your lifestyle and goals.

Conclusion

Evidence-based fitness training is where research meets the real world. It allows more effective and individualised approaches to help participants attain their fitness goals. If you know how it works, the benefits of it, and how to use it, then you can create a workout plan that achieves your goals and produces the most effective results. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned player, relying on proven techniques will allow you to train more pragmatically, stay motivated and achieve long-term success.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

Frequently Asked Questions

If you pursue evidence-based fitness training, your workout plans will be based on scientific research, the expertise of professionals, and gentle attention to your body. Rather than following fads or modern hype like many forms of fitness that can take these forms, evidence-based fitness centres around what is tried and tested are safe for the long run and deliver results. For example, it resorts to time-tested techniques such as increasing overload and specific exercise choices to ensure that it works. This way, the risk of injury is reduced, time is maximised, and the exercise training becomes more consistent and structured, thus making success more likely over the long term.

Evidence-based Exercise training employs scientifically proven methods that make workouts more effective and achieve better results. It ensures that each workout, effort level and rest time is best for your goals, be they weight loss, building muscle, or improving fitness. This method performs better while minimising the risk of injury through safe technique, progressive overload and recovery. Personalisation, the ability to adapt workouts according to a person’s fitness level and preferences, also helps them remain motivated and consistent. With evidence-based fitness training, you can be confident that the work you are putting in has been backed by research, and as a result, you will experience authentic and sustainable outcomes.

Some key concepts in evidence-based exercise training are progressive stress, specialisation, and healing. Progressive overload is a principle of exercise that involves increasingly adding to the workload of physical activity. Specificity is ensuring your workouts are aligned with your fitness goals. For instance, if muscle building is your goal, you might specialise in strength training, while a person who aims to lose weight might specialise in running. Recovery allows your body the time it needs to repair and adapt, which helps you avoid overtraining and burnout. Research shows these principles form a foundation for effective and long-lasting fitness training.

A beginner can understand the basics of exercise training with an evidence-based approach by laying down the foundational concepts and building from there. You can begin with simple workouts and work: squats using your body weight, push-ups, or walks for cardio. Gradually increase the speed and duration of your workouts according to your results (progressive overload). Reading reputable exercise books or attending classes can also help you keep your knowledge current​1​ . Anyone can incorporate evidence-based practices into their daily routine if they start small and prioritise consistency.

Yes, evidence-based exercise training is something for everyone, no matter their fitness level or previous experience. This highly adaptable method means workouts can be tailored to the individual’s needs, preferences and goals. Someone starting might begin to include a light strength routine, for example, and an experienced athlete might add short, high-intensity sprints. As evidence-based exercise training is individualised, plans are designed according to everyone’s needs. This means virtually anyone who wants to improve their health, performance, or overall well-being can and will.

Read credible sources (e.g. quality peer-reviewed documents, coaches with proper qualifications or reputable Fitness organisations) to stay updated about proven Exercise training methods. You can subscribe to newsletters and attend workshops or classes to learn more about diet and exercise science. Fitness apps and social media webpages are frequently populated with content from reputable experts who provide evidence-based ways to get into shape.

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Group Exercise for Community Engagement Charity Events https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/group-exercise-for-community-engagement-charity-events/ Mon, 09 Dec 2024 07:00:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38735 The post Group Exercise for Community Engagement Charity Events appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Group exercise classes have always presented a unique opportunity to engage the community and, I believe, help people stay fit and active. Fitness Classes can come to life and be more effective when organisations incorporate them into charity events and fundraisers. Promoting social awareness for a noble cause: It also provides examples of various event ideas and guidance for you to host your own successful charity fundraisers with a fitness twist.

The Benefits of Group Exercise for Community Engagement

Multidisciplinary workout is not only a choice of fitness; it is also the best medium for befriending new people. This sense of belongingness makes it ideal for kickstarting community engagement initiatives.

  • Top Reasons Group Exercise is Effective for Charity Events: Networking for Individuals congregates around a shared purpose, strengthening community ties. Members of fitness events are staying fit and supporting a good cause!
  • Creating Awareness: Attracting a mass Fitness Class event on an issue ensures that more people are aware of something that needs to be addressed.
  • Adjustable Inclusivity: Fitness classes can be modified to suit individuals with a range of different powers so everyone can attend.

Combining health and giving back to the community, group exercise events benefit participants and the community.

Creative Ideas for Group Exercise Charity Events

Group exercise has some enjoyable and unique ways to host charity events! These fundraisers can stick and be successful when people get creative. Encourage fundraising through a yoga-a-thon, Zumba marathon or spin class challenge.

Players raise more cash the longer the task. A theme-based workout is also another fun option. Some kind of twist—an 80s aerobic workout party, superhero exercise event, or holiday-themed fitness class—always attracts more people.

Outdoor boot camps are also popular, as they take fitness classes out to a park and pair fitness stations with events like raffles or donation drives to raise cash. The internet also allows us to take fitness classes and fundraise for good causes, enabling virtual fitness events to bring people together globally.

Finally, family-friendly events such as dance fitness classes or family yoga get the whole clan in on the reward. By considering your audience and bringing creativity to the Fitness Classes charity ideas, one can ensure that their fitness causes become meaningful and fun while forming a community helping the local necessities.

Organising a Successful Group Exercise Fundraiser

A charity event for group exercises is no different—it requires a team effort to work out all the details. Decide on event objectives like increasing finances, awareness, or community activities. Establish measurable goals so that you can track the progress and outcomes.

This determines a place to work in a group. Accessible community centres, gyms, or outdoor venues are great but try to find one that has the capacity for the number of people you anticipate. Competent group exercise instructors bring unique energy and emotion to the event.

Proper promotion of our event is vital. Get the word out on social media, via email, hang fliers, and partner with local businesses. To boost attendance, highlight the cause and benefits of attending. Interest can be heightened with raffle prizes, branded items, or drinks post-workout.

Provide entry fees, sponsorships, and crowdsourcing to maximise fundraising by making it easier for donors who cannot be present to contribute. An influential Fitness Classes charity event will generate funds for important causes and foster an unforgettable, purposeful experience that enhances the community.

Success Stories: Inspiring Group Exercise Charity Events

These examples of successful Fitness Classes and charity events can inspire your own. Here are some of the stories that show what fitness-based fundraisers can do:

Spin for a Cure: The local fitness studio co-hosted a spin-a-thon for cancer research. Teams of participants cycled and were sponsored for their riding or given donations. It was high-intensity workouts wrapped around emotional storytelling in a firestorm of meaning.

Yoga for Mental Health Awareness: Donation yoga (it could be anything for mental health organised by a local studio). Against the placid backdrop of nature, with good friends near or far and views to reward every effort, this race appealed to all walks of fitness as it raised funds and awareness for the cause.

Dance for Hunger: A Zumba instructor partnered with a food bank to hold a dance fitness event. Entry was a can of food, uniting fitness with a real contribution to the local community.

Virtual Fitness Challenge: An influencer organised an online group workout session, with registration proceeds going to pandemic frontline workers. From online workouts to social media campaigns, participants proved that you can be fit anywhere and raise money for a cause.

These stories showcase the ability of group exercise to rally communities around making a positive impact.

Conclusion

An added layer of community engagement is group exercise increases, which is especially relevant when paired with initiatives leading to benefits such as land preservation or fundraising events supporting local charities. Creative but structured plans for Fitness class activities can enhance health, movement and community impact! MVP can also be (theme workouts, fitness challenges or any virtual events) interactive and decentralised Fitness Classes fundraisers which are inclusive as everyone can join

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Group Exercise courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Group Exercise Specialist.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

Group training for charity events combines fitness and socialising to unite the community and get more people involved. It brings everyone together for a good cause, where you are all working towards something which builds bonds and promotes health and happiness. Group Training is open to all fitness levels, and anyone can contribute. Those excited run away from the fundraising events, so it is natural for this to develop with Group Training alone, as its energetic, active, engaging and fun structure makes a fundraiser interactive and memorable, thus boosting its influence and exposure.

Creatively host a Group Training event for charity, such as fitness marathons, themed workouts and outdoor boot camps — or do it virtually through a challenge on the internet. Everybody, from children to adults, has every single stroke and hue of yoga or Zumba class, which looks suitable for all ages. They mix fun, fitness, and service to create an experience that brings people together in their communities while generating funds and awareness for worthwhile causes.

When organising a group training event, you must identify your objective or cause and select an ideal venue. Recruit good teachers to run interesting classes and promote the event on social media, in flyers and in your local community. To increase participation, give prizes such as company-branded items or draw tickets. To collect the maximum amount of donations and ensure that your event goes well, you must provide multiple ways for donations to be made (entry fees, grants, crowdfunding sites).

Organising group training with a fundraiser is a smart way to promote good causes in your community and be healthy. These moments create a Touchpoint, a safe place where people congregate for shared ambitions. Fundraising becomes a fun and memorable event where people donate money while engaging in activities that are healthy and beneficial for them together, such as group exercises.

Yes, Coaches change exercises to be easy for beginners and difficult for advanced athletes. Whether a beginner or a seasoned professional, there are options for yoga, dance fitness, and circuit training at these events, where anyone can participate and raise the badge of support.

This means anyone from anywhere in the world can take part in virtual group training events, and thus more money is raised. This may include anything from live-streamed classes to recorded sessions or an exercise challenge. The event draws people because they donate time or money online, and social media helps attract more attendees. They are also an ideal way to combine fundraising with helping you keep fit and be flexible and functional — enter virtual group training events.

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Group Exercise and Low-Impact Workouts for Joint Health https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/group-exercise-and-low-impact-workouts-for-joint-health/ Fri, 06 Dec 2024 07:00:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38731 The post Group Exercise and Low-Impact Workouts for Joint Health appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Exercise in groups is one of the best ways to stay physically healthy and occupied and benefit from overall health. Those who want to preserve or gain joint mobility benefit greatly from low-impact workouts. These movements alleviate stress on the joints and allow you to build strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular function. Get fit with low-impact workouts through group exercise’s fun and social power.

The Benefits of Group Exercise for Joint Health

That being the case, group exercise is ideal for those who need to build/maintain their joint new-found flexibility because it combines structure with motivation.

Group training Provides Unique Benefits for Joint Health.

  • Low-Impact Options: Many group exercises take spot comprise motions that are easy on the joints, so the knees, hips and other weak areas do now not have to work too hard.
  • Expert Guidance: The classes have certified teachers who maintain the correct posture and technique to avoid joint injury.
  • Motivation and Consistency: People are more likely to hold themselves accountable when they join a group for fitness, helping them remain consistent with their regimen.
  • Social: Exercising alongside others brings a sense of community, and it is more enjoyable to partner with someone. You can also encourage each other to stick with the workout.
  • Class modifications: Various classes may provide changes for various needs regarding joint care.

Doing it with a group is better for your joints and helps you feel like you are part of a community. It gives you a sense of support and control over your fitness.

Low-Impact Group Exercise Classes for Joint Health

Those with knee problems are also advised to gradually increase strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness through low-impact exercises. Because they are simple but effective, these moves are often found in many group exercise classes, which tend to be safe and inclusive for everyone.

Water aerobics is a low-impact, total-body exercise that takes place in a pool. It uses water resistance to minimise joint pain significantly more than dry-land methods do, making it excellent lightweight training.

Gentle yoga lessons focus on balance, flexibility, and joint mobility and facilitate freer movement throughout the body. Another effective core/stability training is pilates, especially if you have alignment issues, as it will help reduce excess stress on your joints.

Zumba Gold & Others Dance exercise classes, particularly low-impact ones like Zumba, are a great way to get in your cardio while being gentle on the joints.

Chair yoga, which consists of exercises performed in a seated position, is a cost-effective choice for those who have difficulty getting around or performing larger movements due to joint pain. Resistance bands are another option for strength training to help build muscle and maintain healthy joints.

Group classes can be modified to achieve a range of exercises. Professionally designed group exercise classes have a lower impact whilst receiving all the health benefits. This is why they are an optimal solution for all fitness levels who want to preserve joint health.

How Group Exercise Enhances the Benefits of Low-Impact Workouts

Group exercise combines the benefits of low-impact workouts with a social, fun and consistent way to stay in shape.

  • What Makes Group Training Effective for Low-Impact Workouts: Support from the Community: Other members’ guidance and cheers help keep individuals going.
  • Guided Exercise: Instructors guide participants on a low-impact activity, ensuring the participant uses proper form and posture to avoid injury.
  • Changes for Everyone: Group mobility classes typically offer a variation for everyone from the lowest to the strongest person in the centre due to their encompassing spectrum of fitness levels and greater diversity among patrons with achy joints.

Schedule classes are a slightly more controlled way of getting people to work out to help them maintain a clean workout regimen, which is part and parcel of being accountable. They are delightful and exciting due to the music, group interaction, and many routines.

The gentle approach of low-impact exercises combined with the social benefits of group exercise gives people the perfect opportunity to stay fit by working those joints without overdoing it and have just as much fun doing it.

Tips for Maximizing Joint Health in Group Exercise Classes

It is essential to be intentional about planning for and engaging in group exercise, both separately and through group training, particularly when prioritising joint health. Select joint-friendly, low-impact classes such as yoga, Pilates, or water aerobics.

All these selections incorporate super simplistic exercises that you shouldn’t strain your joints but attempt to exercise your entire body. If you have any issues with one of your joints, do be sure to tell your teacher, as they can adapt and provide you with individualised guidance to suit your needs.

Your form and alignment are equally critical. The correct technique safeguards your joints and ensures you execute exercises properly and effectively. Purchase some good shoes with lots of cushioning as well to facilitate an even more significant reduction in stress during workouts and protect your joints.

Between your workouts, ensure adequate rest and recovery to prevent your joints from becoming overworked. This will allow them to heal and build strength. Perhaps even more importantly than any of the other factors listed, consistency pays off regarding long-term joint health.

Regular group training classes can help your body adapt in strength, flexibility, and functional ability at specific joints. By following these tips, people can safely enjoy the mental and physical benefits of group exercise while still preventing and managing joint problems.

Conclusion

Joint mobility and overall wellness-based moves are the ideal counterbalance to circuit-style or other low-impact workouts. Engaging in healthy sessions like yoga, Pilates or water aerobics will enhance flexibility, build muscular strength and guard the joints from tension. Training with others encourages you, especially because one can always find someone nearby to share a workout and provide the support one needs to stay focused on—the ride to health. The proper guidance, group exercise can be a safe and sustainable joint rehabilitation method.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Group Exercise courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Group Exercise Specialist.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

Low-impact exercises help develop strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness, but they have a limited impact on the joints, which is ideal for older adults. Again, these moves reduce injury risk and are great for those with arthritis, joint pain or a reduced range of motion. Low-impact workouts focus on slow, gentle movements that put less pressure on your joints and improve stability and range of motion while strengthening muscles around the joints.

Yes, beginners are welcome in group exercise classes for low-impact workouts. These classes are usually designed for everyone, regardless of their fitness levels, and the instructor modified them so everyone could participate safely. The group exercise can be water aerobics, mild yoga, or any type of fitness routine where one can start afresh safely in an encouraging environment.

Water aerobics, yoga, and Pilates are excellent group training classes for total joint health — if they are in a beginner-friendly setting between an experienced instructor and participants who fall into higher injury risk populations of age or stability ability level. Some further examples would include chair-based fitness courses or low-impact dance classes. These classes emphasise slow, gentle movements that do not strain joints while enhancing strength, flexibility, and mobility. You also strengthen muscles that stabilise your joints when you use resistance bands or attend low-impact strength classes.

For the greatest joint-health benefits, attend group training classes two to three times per week. This helps ensure joint strength, mobility, and flexibility are developed in a progressive manner while minimising the risk of overuse. Because these workouts are high-impact, they should be balanced with rest days and recovery-promoting activities (such as yoga or stretching) to protect your joints in the long run.

Group exercise classes are modified by limiting range of motion, eliminating jumping or high-impact moves, and using support such as chairs or resistance bands. Instructors usually make these modifications, so feel free to ask for adjustments that support your joint health.

It is safe and beneficial for people with arthritis or joint pain. Low-impact classes like water aerobics, yoga or Pilates can help loosen stiff joints, build strength and move better without increasing pain. Always meet with a doctor or nurse before beginning any new exercise program.

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The Different Types of Group Exercise Classes https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-different-types-of-group-exercise-classes/ Thu, 05 Dec 2024 07:00:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38535 The post The Different Types of Group Exercise Classes appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Group exercise classes are an ideal way to get in shape, socialise and perform various exercises within a safe environment. Since there are multiple group workout classes, one size fits all. You could quickly discover a course that best suits your interests and abilities regardless of age, fitness level, or personal objectives.

Strength Training Group Exercise Classes

Strength exercise is among the best techniques for developing muscle, restoring energy, and improving strength globally. Group Exercise  classes specifically focusing on strength are still not simply cardio in nature. Because most classes use weights, resistance bands, or your body weight alone, they are suitable for people of all skill levels.

Popular strength workout formats include Body Pump, which targets all major muscle groups using a barbell; circuit training, which combines strength and cardio in rotating stations; and kettlebell workouts, which focus on dynamic moves for building strength and power.

Strength training group exercise classes have many advantages. They strengthen the structure of your muscles, increase bone density, and decrease your risk of diseases such as osteoporosis.

The atmosphere is still good, and they have experienced professionals who walk students through the proper steps and what makes for a safe experience. If you enjoy exercising in a structured, support group setting and want to gain strength, group exercise classes are the perfect answer for reaching your fitness goals.

Cardio-Based Group Exercise Classes

Group Exercise classes are designed to elevate your heart rate, strengthen your heart, and burn calories. Often, these high-energy classes engage people by using timed sequences and choreographed movements.

Most Common Cardio Classes:

  • Zumba incorporates Latin and other worldwide music with dancing.
  • Spin classes are indoor spinning workouts similar to biking outdoors with varying intensity levels.
  • HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training): Involves alternating short durations of intense physical activity with rest periods.

What are the advantages of doing cardio group activities:

  • It strengthens your heart and boosts your stamina.
  • Supports weight loss and burns more calories.
  • It brings the vibe of positivity alive in the space.

Cardio classes are an option for those who want to build endurance and enjoy working out in a group environment.

Mind-Body Group Exercise Classes

Mind-body group exercise classes are a distinct training concept that combines the benefits of physical exercise and meditation techniques. They offer a holistic approach to well-being.

These classes target flexibility, balance, and stress relief, making them ideal for individuals looking to enhance their general well-being. They include yoga, Pilates, and tai chi. They incorporate basic stretches, mindful breathing, and observation.

Yoga classes are  beneficial to both body and mind. Pilates is the practice of core strength, stability, and controlled movement. Tai Chi is a soft fighting style featuring slow and secure motions that enable balance, coordination, and rest. Physical group workout classes focus on the mind more than physical fitness.

These are super effective in helping relieve stress and clearing the mind, allowing a person to handle daily challenges better. These classes help with balance, flexibility and core strength, and they also benefit the body as a whole. These meetings are also an excellent place for taking care of yourself and reflecting on your life because they are calm and friendly.

Specialty Group Exercise Classes

A customised group exercise class format is designed to meet the needs and interests of members in specific populations and those seeking to achieve particular fitness goals. Generally, these classes have ways of doing things to suit specific demands or preferences. One such speciality class that has gained a lot of popularity is aqua aerobics.

It is an excellent, low-impact workout performed in water for adults or people recovering from injuries. Prenatal exercise classes are designed to promote active safety and address the changes occurring during pregnancy.

Dance fitness classes are a fun way to work out effectively while being creative. Hip-hop dance fitness, Bollywood-style dance fitness, and dancing imaginary fitness are more names for some active classes you can join in studios.

Martial arts fitness workouts, such as kickboxing and karate, combine cardio with self-defence movements to help you gain mental and physical toughness.

Here are a few benefits of speciality Group workout classes:

Unique needs: Each speciality class meets the specific needs of its patient group because it offers something different and tailored, such as fall prevention exercises, mental and cognitive stimulation with gentle movement, fun activities, or proper practice for learning basic motor/movement skills full-stop without modifications, deviations, and penalties.

There is a class for everyone that suits the needs and wishes of each at their fitness level. These classes are ideal for those who seek a change or need a more individualised experience. Whether recovering from an injury, trying out a new dance genre, or even preparing for motherhood, speciality Group workouts cater to all.

Choosing the Right Group Exercise Class for You 

Choosing the right one can get you lost in this crowd of group exercise classes. We have some tips for you to select an exact fit:

  • Choose a class that suits your fitness goals: If you want to gain strength, lose weight, or increase flexibility, choose the one that fits your goals.
  • Factor in Your Fitness Ability: Many classes have options for the less fit, and if you are a beginner or just getting back to exercise, this is fine.
  • Test and Taste: Sample classes to see which you prefer.
  • Get Professional Guidance: Consult with teachers or gym staff for a suggestion according to your interests

With some trial and error, you will discover a course you enjoy, which will motivate you to move your body.

Conclusion

Group Exercise classes range from cardio to mind-body routines and speciality formats, so something is available for everyone. There are many classes, each helping individuals reach their fitness goals and be active. Whether you seek to lose weight, boost your heart health or achieve peace of mind, there is a Group workout class for everyone. By looking into these options and discovering the right opportunity that fits your lifestyle, you can engage in a rewarding workout journey that benefits your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Group Exercise courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Exercise coach.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common Group workout classes include Cardio Strength, Mind-body, Speciality Dance fitness, and Aqua aerobics. These classes can accommodate a range of fitness goals: strength, cardiovascular, flexibility, and pregnancy-specific. Group exercises provide a chance to experience new forms of exercise while being motivated and socialising with others.

Many strength-training Group workout classes focus on causing hypertrophy and increasing participants’ strengths. These classes often include strength workouts with kettlebells, weights, or just body weight. They also improve bone density, tone muscles, and overall strength. Professionals usually lead group strength training classes to ensure participants follow proper techniques and remain motivated in a safe environment.

Cardio Group workout classes aim to elevate your heart rate and improve your cardiovascular health. They offer a few classes where you can Zumba, spin, and HIIT your way to weight loss, strength, and more. The high-energy workouts create a fun vibe and motivate people to continue exercising. Working out with others in a supportive environment allows people to challenge themselves and become more fit.

Mind-body Group Exercise classes integrate mental well-being with physical activity. These include yoga, Pilates, and tai chi, promoting balance, flexibility, and relaxation. By taking these classes, people can enhance their posture, core strength, and mental clarity. These mind-body routines, offered in Group workout classes, provide a calm and friendly atmosphere conducive to self-care and holistic fitness.

Many group exercise classes are designed for all ability levels, from novices to up. Classes such as water aerobics, prenatal fitness and dance fitness are frequently modified for safety and comfort. Speciality group exercise classes allow beginners to experiment with various workout modalities in a supportive, community-oriented space that meets their needs.

Before selecting a group exercise class, note your fitness goals, such as building strength, improving flexibility, or doing longer workout sessions. Consider how fit you are and check if classes offer extra assistance for beginners. Experiment with all variations of group fitness and see what you enjoy the most. Bring up ideas with your teachers, experiment with different formats, and look for what keeps you engaged and motivated.

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Group Exercise and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/group-exercise-and-high-intensity-interval-training-hiit/ Wed, 04 Dec 2024 07:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38532 The post Group Exercise and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Group exercise has always been an excellent option for staying fit because it provides a motivating environment. However, the new HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) has an instant promo since it is a quick and effective regimen to get your workout on point. The truth is that a less time-consuming benefit provides an optimum payoff-to-payoff ratio. Pair group workouts with HIIT intensity, and you have a unique fitness experience that works for every fitness level.

The Benefits of Combining Group Exercise and HIIT

When combined, group exercise and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are already powerful on their own, but they are also a joint powerhouse!

Main Advantages: Group Dynamics Motivation: Exercising with a group is more motivating because of the support and motivation of others.

For individuals who are always on the go and have no time to spare, HIIT is highly recommended. HIIT involves short periods of intense exercise with a lot of rest between intervals, which causes you to burn your likely highest number of calories while getting fit.

Here are five benefits of fitness classes:

Scalability: Fitness classes provide modifications for participants at both extremes of the fitness spectrum.

The structure of group exercise classes encourages people to stick with their fitness goals.

Fostering Community: A group punch brings people together and gives them some sense of belonging.

HIIT with group exercise classes is the fastest and most fun way for people to meet their fitness goals.

How Group Exercise Enhances the HIIT Experience

Making HIIT a group exercise multiplies its benefits, creating an atmosphere where people can feel motivated, challenged and encouraged. HIIT workouts are quick, but doing them in a group makes them even more extreme.

Part of this is because the collective excitement you feel from everyone in your group energises you further. This keeps everybody engaged and motivated throughout the high-energy environment.

Another key component is “good competition.” The components of helpful competition denoted in a group set-up urge individuals to push themselves even more so they can take advantage of each session.

HIIT fitness classes have instructors to lead and guide participants, ensuring proper form and modification for fitness levels. This expertise ensures that all athletes, even beginners and professionals, win without injury.

Having classes on a schedule encourages people to develop a habit and make their exercise plan consistent, which helps them achieve long-lasting results.

Finally, when teachers and fellow pupils bring together a community that encourages its members to give their all in the peak times and is there to help push people through as best they can at the struggling moments, it allows people to reach their full capabilities. The group fully enables HIIT to be intense and motivating in a local exercise format. Hence, it keeps individuals devoted and motivated as they seek to accomplish their fitness-related aims.

Popular Group Exercise HIIT Class Formats

HIIT Exercise can complement many kinds of group training, meaning there is something for everyone regardless of fitness level.

  • Traditional HIIT Classes alternate periods of high-intensity exercise, such as sprints or aerobic activities, with low-intensity recovery to stimulate full-body fitness.
  • HIIT Circuit: This circuit consists of multiple stations for core, cardio, and power work so participants can quickly transition from one interval to the next.
  • Strength HIIT: This type (similar to the last) integrates weightlifting with HIIT, including resistance-style exercises like deadlifts and squats, while also utilising short running intervals for a balanced workout.
  • Dance HIIT: Increases HIIT intervals to exercise routines, creating a fun but challenging workout that holds your interest
  • Aqua HIIT: this incorporates water resistance with HIIT, so it is accessible on the joints and has low impact.
  • Yoga HIIT Fusion: pairs the slow, intentional movements of yoga with the fast-paced nature of HIIT for an innovative approach to flexibility work and cardio.

This variety of group exercises ensures everyone may enjoy and engage in HIIT’s advantages.

Tips for Success in Group Exercise HIIT Classes

If group HIIT exercise classes do not work for you, there are some things that you can try and change to get the most benefits from them, but it works on prior planning.

Start at your level. And don’t be deterred by how hardcore it is; most classes will have adaptations available for beginners to help you ease into the workout. Focus on your form and not speed so that you don’t get hurt and get the most work out of each move.

A correct approach is truly important for the development of strength and stamina. HIIT workouts allow you to get your rest periods in, recover, take deep breaths, and prepare for the next challenging circuit. Another key component is consistency.

Attending HIIT classes with others regularly can make you stronger and fitter, feel more confident, and have more stamina over time. While this is all-important, do not forget to stay nourished and refreshed. Stay hydrated and have a balanced meal before and after the exercise to maintain your gauge.

Finally, do not hesitate to speak with your teacher. Let them know if you’re a beginner or if you have any concerns. This way, they can adjust and custom-tailored recommendations for you. These tricks will increase the degrees of performance, reduce the chances of injury risk for the individuals performing HIIT group exercise sessions, and help achieve fitness goals effectively, safely and healthily.

Conclusion

Group exercise paired with HIIT yields optimal results in a supportive and motivating environment. Integrating the intensity & efficacy of HIIT with a framework of fitness classes allows people to achieve their fitness goals sooner and enjoy the journey more. For athletes of any level, Group HIIT lessons provide a fun and inclusive way to stay consistent, improve endurance, and get intense strength training. Jump into becoming fitter with these classes for the energy, the fellowship, and, more so, the signed-up role.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Group Exercise courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Group Exercise Specialist.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

The effectiveness of HIIT in a group exercise environment also comes from the energy and camaraderie that individual participants gain from exercising together, as it encourages them to push themselves harder than they would alone. The group dynamic encourages you to bring your best during hip intervals while teachers ensure everyone is practising proper form and alter workouts for varying fitness levels. It also holds people accountable as there is a social aspect, thus making them return to work.

Yes, even for HIIT virgins, you can enter any group lesson. Each exercise will typically have a modified option, so folk can begin at their own pace and gradually increase the challenge when feeling more assertive and confident. Working out together tends to make them feel more supported and welcomed as they learn to get a feeling for the HIIT basics.

HIIT and group training are a win-win because they hold people accountable, motivate them, maximise efficiency and more. HIIT is effective for burning calories quickly and getting fit faster, while group workouts help you become a local community member. They combine to deliver an energetic workout that benefits the body and mind.

HIIT group training classes can include dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, medicine balls and jump ropes. Other classes are equipment; you do bodyweight exercises, including pushups, squats, and burpees.) The tools used depend on the class structure and the teacher’s needs.

Aim for two to three days per week of HIIT group classes to see results. At this frequency, you can get the optimal amount of strenuous exercise interspersed with days off, which is essential to preventing overtraining and making your workouts as effective as possible. An exercise such as HIIT paired with something like yoga or power training can improve physique.

Yes, HIIT classes are suitable for everyone at any fitness level. Instructors modify and build on each practice so students of all levels can participate. You can tailor the workout to your taste in a friendly, group environment regardless of your skill level as an athlete.

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Group Exercise and Group Dynamics Building Connections https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/group-exercise-and-group-dynamics-building-connections/ Tue, 03 Dec 2024 07:00:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38528 The post Group Exercise and Group Dynamics Building Connections appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Group fitness is not simply a method of exercising; it is an outlet for socialising that assembles people, energises individuals and fosters mental well-being. The power of group dynamics in a fitness context extends beyond just physical health. Groups establish spaces for people to meet and support one another while working towards shared goals.

The Benefits of Group Exercise for Social Connections

Group Exercise classes are excellent for people of all fitness capacities since they help you fit and meet others. The group setting of group exercise enhances your workout experience, so it doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned pro or a beginner.

The great thing about group exercise is that it allows you to work towards similar objectives with other people. Friendship is built between like-minded individuals, and the people on the journey together want to support each other.

Furthermore, its built-in support system compels people to push one another, and everyone is in a positive environment. Talking to other people becomes easy and makes you more occupied in socialising; you will quickly feel at ease and make friends, which is the desired outcome.

The accountability that comes with a Group Training class is critical to maintaining a plan because everyone has to come every day. In other words, people are more inclined to keep pushing because they can work out with others instead of feeling isolated when bored or exhausted.

This approach creates a friendly environment where exercise is not something a person can do alone. These individuals simultaneously benefit from being inspired to achieve their goals while working best in the company of those who share their drive and inspiration.

How Group Dynamics Enhance the Group Exercise Experience

The success of group exercise classes is mainly due to how people relate to one another. They create an environment that inspires people to work harder and be their joy.

The Influence of Group Dynamics on Group Exercise

  • Collective Enthusiasm: Being in a group where everyone is excited about the exercise creates and promotes an energetic atmosphere that helps everyone try their best. This category includes partner drills and team challenges, anything that gets some players working together, which builds trust (through communication) and teamwork.
  • Healthy Competition: The group may push others to do more through friendly competition that develops among friends.
  • forging a stronger connection: Sharing experiences with a group allows people to relate and connect on an emotional level, creating a sense of empathy that strengthens your bonds as players.

Instructors are essential to the group’s functioning, nurturing openness and inclusion and developing participation and sociability.

Types of Group Exercise Classes for Building Connections

Group exercise classes work particularly well at developing relationships and enhancing group cohesion, which makes them the social side of fitness prowess. As boot camp or functional exercise sessions often involve a partner/group task for attendees, these classes help them communicate and work as a single unit towards their goal while improving their bond, too.

Dance-based exercise classes, such as Zomba dance, hip-hop dance or Bollywood-style workouts, bring joy and energy to the room while providing an excellent opportunity for individuals to connect through a shared love of rhythm and movement.

Yoga and mindfulness groups are perfect for individuals looking for a more reflective experience. They create connections through shared practices and strengthen the community through discussions or group exercises.

A small group training session is more personal because there are fewer people, and everyone bonds well and gains one-on-one attention. Lastly, online group classes allow individuals to join from anywhere worldwide and form a digital exercise community without physical barriers.

These forms enable participants to interact, support each other, and connect in a lasting manner. In a well-designed Group Training class that matches individual hobbies and tastes, people can reap physical fitness benefits while enhancing their emotional health through authentic social connections.

Tips for Maximizing Group Dynamics in Group Exercise

Getting the most out of Group Exercise and group dynamics means joining in with all the regulars. Here are some tips to get the most out of your time:

  • Choose the Right Class: Choose Group Training classes appropriate for your fitness level and interests. Classes with relationship-building components (for example, partner drills) are essential.
  • Arrive a little earlier than usual: Go to class a few minutes earlier to meet other students and the teacher — it helps you feel more comfortable.
  • Seek Engagement: Seize the opportunities to interact with others, whether through pair or team activities or simply smiling and sharing words of encouragement.
  • Stay with it: Regular attendance helps you get to know your group and develop a sense of community.
  • Attend classes with a social component: Many group Training classes have social events outside of class. These events can increase bonds and group dynamics.

You can extend your time and have more fun from Group Training, boost your confidence, and drive through partaking with the rest of the group members.

Conclusion

Group exercise is a combination of fitness and group interaction. Group workout sessions build togetherness, motivate each other, and have a common goal. This community support structure offers guidance to keep students from falling off track, pushing beyond their limits, and participating in a joyful celebration of accomplishment. While some prefer boot camps that include the whole team, others thrive in dance fitness programs, yoga, or small group training sessions. These classes allow people in different geographical regions to connect and form fitness communities, albeit virtually.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Group Exercise courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Exercise coach.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

One great way to find good people, such as potential friends, among those groups of familiar faces because that means they are drawn together through similar experiences. Individuals with common objectives will collaborate and motivate each other, forming a community. Since fitness classes are somewhat organised, they allow people to come together and communicate without talking. That way, individuals create genuine social contacts while pursuing their fitness goals.

Group dynamics is another way to help people stay fit by creating a supportive and energetic environment. They breed good energy within the group that inspires people to plug themselves into encore mode, and both collaboration and some good-natured competition between each other play a part in audience performance. On the other hand, developing emotional connections with other group members motivates more outstanding goal commitment. It increases the chances that individuals will persevere in pursuit of their plans. Exercising with a group makes workouts more pleasant, which benefits your physical and mental health.

Some of the best fitness classes for meeting new people are team-based boot camps, dance fitness classes (such as Zumba), mindfulness-oriented yoga and small-group training. Such formats create a connecting and working environment for the people to unite and bond, creating a strong sense of community. Another great way to connect online is by participating in virtual classes and teaching group exercises.

Yes, the group workout dynamic is excellent for folks getting started. The members themselves, however, are comforting and encouraging to each other, and the spirit of friendship is enough motivation to continue. Group exercise instructors frequently modify classes to accommodate the varying levels of those in the room so beginners can participate and work at their own pace on their fitness growth. The social aspect also eliminates some of the fear when it comes to exercising and instead replaces it with an excellent experience in which moving your body is fun.

It helps instructors create a friendly atmosphere where everyone can collaborate and boost the group’s functioning by means of accessibility. Let people talk to each other through partner drills, team tasks, or common objectives. Acknowledging everyone and celebrating group successes encourage motivation and bonding. Similarly, teachers can organise social activities outside of class to allow students to interact with one another and build a stronger community.

Yes, an internet group course can connect you with new people today, especially if you are unable to manufacture it in humans. These allow people in various locations to work out together, creating community. Live chats, video chats, and shared objectives facilitate interaction by which individuals meet one another and develop connections. This makes virtual group exercise an amazing approach to socialising and getting fit.

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Group Exercise and Functional Training for Athletes https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/group-exercise-and-functional-training-for-athletes/ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 07:00:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38524 The post Group Exercise and Functional Training for Athletes appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Functional training and group exercise are essential for athletes who want to enhance their performance, minimise injuries, and have a solid foundation before they play the sport. Performance training consists of practical exercises performed with a group of people. It is a way to train for stamina, power, and agility that keeps the athlete in top form compared to their opponents.

 The Benefits of Group Exercise for Athletes

Athletes hoping to improve their training and performance and those interested in getting fit can both take advantage of group exercise. It can be incorporated into an athlete’s routine, adding a diversity of options, buy-in, and professionalism.

You might also like the best of both worlds. Training with other people breeds camaraderie and good competition, which makes athletes more likely to keep training and stay consistent.

Group training classes are programmed, with every class well-rounded and designed around achieving specific fitness goals, be they strength, endurance, or mobility. When athletes have the opportunity to work with skilled instructors, they are less likely to be injured because of overuse or improper form and technique.

Finally, by offering a variety of workouts and routines, group training helps people enjoy their exercises and thus not get bored with them. An environment where athletes can focus on developing crucial skills, improving their sport-specific ability, and meeting new people while training with peers is beneficial.

By integrating group exercise into their practice, athletes can train and meet fitness goals while enjoying a fun and supportive environment.

How Functional Training Complements Group Exercise for Athletes

Functional training is all about doing movements that mirror real-life actions to become stronger, more coordinated, and more mobile. In reality, it actually does wonders for their play on the field, court, or track when they utilise it as part of team training.

Benefits of Performance training for athletes:

  • Functional movements train muscles and actions that athletes use in their sport.
  • Function training: Function training strengthens and stretches the muscles that support you, lowering the likelihood of injury.
  • Functional workouts correctly identify the two most critical elements of athletic success: core and balance.
  • Increased Endurance: Performance training fuses cardio and strength, allowing athletes to maintain functionality over the long haul.

Such functional training exercises performed by athletes in group classes include:

  • Kettlebell swings Will Make You Strong and Fast
  • Balance: One-leg Deadlifts—Deadlifting on one leg is an exercise with immense power that helps you develop your strength physique and is a solution for stiff legs eating away at your performance areas.
  • Act like a bunch of sickies. Throwing balls: Develop your rotatory strength and power
  • Agility Drills: Boost your agility and stability.

Functional training is a way of exercising that supplements the group exercise experience and focuses on performance and injury prevention aspects for athletes.

Types of Group Exercise Classes for Functional Training

From there, the group exercise class options available for athletes are backed by functional training. They are designed to hit aspects of fitness that target peak athletic performance. These functional fitness classes are all about techniques and moves unique to the sport, like squats, lunges, and overhead presses.

Movement like this will help support better strength, mobility, and overall performance. Circuit training is a vibrant workout method since you switch from station to station with strength, endurance, and flexibility exercises. It’s a quick and entertaining way to get fit.

HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training): Working in short bursts and resting, HIIT develops muscle strength, power and explosiveness. By addressing muscle imbalances in yoga or dynamic stretching classes, athletes can increase their range of motion and decrease their risk of injury.

Group workouts are centred around core work, such as strength and stability. This benefits sports injuries and balance, stabilising you when playing. These classes help athletes stay motivated and make friends because they are getting focused training.

Athletes can discover these options and match them to their sport-focused workouts. This will allow them to enhance their performance and remain motivated while achieving fitness goals with fun in a nurturing atmosphere.

Tips for Athletes to Maximize Group Exercise and Functional Training

Athletes can benefit from group exercise provided it is done correctly with a focus on functional training. To maximise the benefit of each lesson, check out these tips:

Take Courses Related to Your Sport:

  • Join group training classes that incorporate movements relevant to your sport. For example, football players may perform agility drills, swim, and do core exercises.
  • Put recovery first: Because Performance training can be brutal, include classes that emphasise recovery in your program (like yoga or stretching) as a counterbalance.
  • Talk to your teachers about compliance with athletic objectives you need to work on. Tell your trainers what they are so they can modify their suggestions or offer added assistance to meet your requirements.
  • Mind your form: the right way to do it is vital to preventing harm and attaining results. Not Quantity but Quality Urge to Pay Attention What Your Teacher/ Mentor Said
  • Monitor Your Progress: Record your strength, speed, and endurance increasing; this way, you will see how practical your training is.

This ensures that Performance and group exercise primarily benefit performance during a game or race and in the long term; tip: Use Unilateral Exercises Appropriately.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Group Exercise courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Exercise coach.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

Group exercise gives athletes an environment that boosts competitiveness on top of their regular exercises. There will be professional teachers in these classes who can guide students on the correct way to do things, so the risk of getting injured is decreased. For the athletes, a group will make them motivated and more consistent. Additionally, the various kinds of group training ensure that athletes are able to train in all aspects of fitness, such as strength, endurance, and flexibility. This helps maintain the quality and variety of workouts.

Functional training enhances your capacity for athleticism by emphasising movements more similar to what you experience in life or sports. Such exercises strengthen stabilising muscles, work out the core better, and enhance balance. All of these things dictate your sports file success. Performance training also reduces the risk of injury by addressing muscle weaknesses and increasing flexibility. Combined with group training, it is a complete fitness package that increases endurance, strength and agility so that players can maximise performance.

Some of the best group training classes for functional exercise are functional fitness classes, circuit training, HIIT (high-intensity interval training) lessons, mobility and flexibility classes, and core-focused workouts. Circuit training combines strength with endurance exercises, and functional fitness classes emphasise movements used in sports. Whether you love some muscular HIIT burns or cardio, these classes come in handy for building strength and endurance. The movement classes help with your mobility to move better. These options, in turn, allow athletes to make a class that aligns with their needs and aspirations within reach.

Yes, Most classes are accessible to beginners and advanced exercisers, with instructors offering modifications as necessary. Speak with the teacher regarding your past, if applicable, and your goals; this way, they can cater for the experience you get from it. Through a group environment that allows beginners to progress from basic moves, beginners will increase their strength, confidence, and skill level in safe increments.

Athletes should aim to perform Performance training 2-3 times per week depending on their sport and exercise goals. This cadence ensures they can become more powerful and mobile and rectify muscle imbalances without overtraining. Performance training is vital for peak performance, but sport-specific practice and healing sessions are also critical, so be sure to strike a balance to prevent burnout designed for your fast lane.

Athletes need to prioritise recovery, pay attention to feedback from their bodies and incorporate scheduled rest days into their routines to avoid overtraining in group exercise classes. To make sure the rigged classes are not getting too stressed, always opt for a class that supplements training and not substitute them. In addition, athletes should discuss with their instructors when to modify activities if necessary and how to concentrate on appropriate forms to mitigate the risk of injury. Recovery classes such as yoga or stretching should also be part of their routine to balance the schedule.

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Group Exercise and Exercise Modifications for Beginners https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/group-exercise-and-exercise-modifications-for-beginners/ Fri, 29 Nov 2024 07:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38521 The post Group Exercise and Exercise Modifications for Beginners appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Group exercise gives you something to do, a chance to socialize and an opportunity to keep yourself accountable while striving toward any health-oriented goal. For someone who has never been to a Fitness Classes class but may be nervous walking in to experience it for the first time when more seasoned individuals are around. The positive news for this is that in almost every group class, different movements are performed at various levels to accommodate everyone, so you can work with others and progress at whatever pace suits your fitness level.

Why Group Exercise is Perfect for Beginners

Group exercise classes are ideal for novices of group fitness. They are well-organised and supportive environments. If you just started or tend to stop at any movement toward doing some exercises, it is very tough for a long time without motivation.

This Is why Fitness Classes is excellent for beginners:

  • Guided Workouts: A teacher guides the class to help ensure that everyone is practising proper technique and style.
  • Accountability and Motivation: The energy of a group keeps you accountable and motivated.
  • Socialising: When in a group, individuals get acquainted with one another and develop a sense of unity. Things like yoga, cardio, or power training can vary your workout.
  • Built-in modifications: Many Fitness classes have built-in modifications to make certain exercises less challenging for new exercisers.

Group exercise is a great way for beginners to build confidence, get fit, and actually have fun, all in a safe environment.

Joint Exercise Modifications in Group Exercise Classes

Exercise modifications are adjustments that can be made to an exercise to make it easier to perform without sacrificing its effectiveness. In group exercise classes, the instructor commonly provides these to ensure that everyone can participate in a way that is safe and appropriate for their own body.

Common Changes (examples of changes include the following):

  • Push-Ups: can be modified for beginners by doing push-ups on their knees or using a wall.
  • Squats: Chair-assisted squats allow individuals to hold onto the support, helping balance and stability.
  • Plank: A core workout that is more manageable to attempt on your knees or upright against a surface.
  • Cardio Moves: Anything that requires you to jump, like jumping jacks or high knees, can be modified by eliminating the jumping and making step jacks.
  • Lunges: Reduce the depth of your lunges or cling to a firm object for stability
  • Burpees: Break the move up into smaller chunks—for example, step back to a plank instead of jumping.

The alterations ensure that even those new to fitness can perform the exercises correctly, gradually building strength and endurance.

Tips for Beginners in Group Exercise Classes

Joining group exercise classes can be intimidating, but with the right mindset and some planning, you will enjoy every moment. Choose beginner-friendly classes, such as restorative yoga, Pilates for beginners, or low-impact aerobics. They are designed for everyone, regardless of their fitness level.

Get there a little early to meet the teacher, let them know your fitness level, and discuss any adjustments you may need. The extra time gives you the flexibility to prepare due to the unfamiliarity of the class, which helps create a comfortable setting.

Work on your technique, not your intensity; focus on strategies that prevent injuries and maximise every workout. Never hesitate to reach out to the teacher with questions or concerns. Listen to your body and take breaks as necessary.

Remember that Fitness Classes are about you making progress and not beating other people! Many lessons utilise props like yoga blocks, resistance bands, and dumbbells. Use lighter weights or tools that will help you adapt to the workouts.

When you can hold a plank longer or master that hard move, celebrate small victories to keep your motivation alive. These tips should help you ease into Fitness Classes and build some confidence, enabling you to create a lifelong foundation in fitness.

How Group Exercise Builds Confidence Through Modifications

An even better thing about group exercise is that it enhances confidence, which is vital for beginners because exercise changes are accessible to all people and make them feel powerful. The workout has to be performed by anyone; he or she should be able to do it easily; therefore, modifications should be made for ease.

Someone can begin where they are, at a level of comfort and capacity, and then progress in intensity as their strength increases. This impresses the individual with a sense of completion. Another benefit is safety; the right changes reduce the risk of injury, especially if you are learning new moves.

These changes are essential to create an environment where members do not judge and help each other. Seeing other people shift positions makes it feel normal, allowing the new person to relax.

Instructors also contribute significantly by reinforcing their positive feedback and encouraging participants to improve themselves rather than continuously directly comparing themselves with others.

Beginners gradually become more proficient and advanced in the modified workouts, gaining sufficient confidence to try more challenging ones and setting up an experience cycle for them, which will even further channel greater confidence along with progress that they become earlier than later.

Making changes and participating in fitness classes will get beginners off to a safe, effective, and energising start! Besides making you healthier, it is also a great way to build self-confidence. Fitness Classes can be revolutionary for newbies.

Conclusion

Group exercise sessions are suitable for beginners looking to help them through a room of other people. These classes are open to anyone, as the routines can easily be modified with or without a fitness background. Group classes are the perfect way to take new people through their paces while helping them achieve their goals, building their confidence along the way, and having fun at the same time. To accomplish this, select beginner-friendly classes that emphasise form.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Group Exercise courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Exercise coach.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

Beginners benefit from the structure of group training, which provides a controlled and supportive environment. Instructors demonstrate how to do each move correctly, making adjustments for all fitness levels. The group energy keeps newbies consistent and engaged, which builds motivation for accountability. A social component of group exercise also fosters a sense of community, making working out more enjoyable and less intimidating.

In group training classes, knee push-ups, chair-assisted squats, and elevated planks are often modified to make the exercises easier to perform. Step jacks are converted from quick, dirty power exercises like jumping jacks, and lunges are modified to reduce the depth or use of support. All of these changes create space for newcomers to build power safely together in some kind of group setting.

Choose a class that is labelled all-levels or beginner-friendly to prepare yourself for your first group exercise class. You want to arrive a bit early so that you can meet the teacher and discuss any adjustments you’ll need. Focus far more on maintaining the proper form than how hard you push through the workout and do not feel bad about resting when necessary. You can begin with lighter weights or less challenging versions to assist you in developing confidence and getting acquainted with the workout.

Yes, changes can benefit you at any stage of your fitness journey. Group training instructors incorporate modifications to ensure every participant can exercise safely and successfully. Beginners often use changes to make stronger and increased ends, while elite athletes use them to recover or test new techniques. Changing the structure allows you to customise your workout and go at your own pace.

Group training classes are a great confidence booster because everyone is in the same boat of not being judged. This means that you or someone just starting can begin at a level that they are comfortable with and then increase the difficulty as they improve. When first-timers receive praise from coaches and build friendships with peers, they tend to focus on self-achievements rather than comparison. Performing different modified movements and then advancing to more challenging exercises over time is a more refreshing feeling than any other achievement.

Yes, group exercise classes are designed and implemented so that people of all fitness levels can attend and be safe. They teach you how to do things properly and adapt to your skill level. Get Beginners To Listen To Their Bodies Rest As Needed Factor In Form Over Forces The group environment encourages fun and effective exercise while emphasising safety.

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Group Exercise and Circuit Training Efficient Workouts https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/group-exercise-and-circuit-training-efficient-workouts/ Thu, 28 Nov 2024 07:00:47 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38516 The post Group Exercise and Circuit Training Efficient Workouts appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Group exercise, circuit training, and other fitness routines offer a combination of structure and variety, but most importantly, one thing: social contact truly represents some of the best ways to stay fit because they provide fun and effective workouts. Forms that can be adapted to different goals and abilities make good options for beginners and experienced athletes.

What Makes Group Exercise a Great Choice?

Most exercise methods involve group exercise, which means working out collectively with an instructor. Group exercise features many types of classes, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to other strength-training genres. These classes are designed to work you out and connect you with people.

Advantages of Group Workouts: Motivation and Accountability: Exercising in a group setting can encourage you to stick with it and keep going.

Expert Guidance: Someone else is leading the class, so they can ensure everyone is using the correct form and provide modifications and scalability depending on fitness level.

Variety: Group exercise, which spans everything from Zumba to strength training, adds variety to workouts and prevents them from getting stale.

Sense of Community: Exercising as part of a group is a great way to meet other people and creates an enjoyable social component.

Group workout is a structured and informal approach that motivates workouts for beginners who may require assistance or seasoned fitness warriors seeking a challenge.

Understanding Circuit Training in Group Exercise

In this way, Cross-training routines are the favourite of fitness fanatics due to their culture of being active and ecological. In this workout, you will exercise one spot after another, focusing on different areas of the body or fitness factors such as cardio strength and core.

Each station is performed for a designated time with brief rest between variations, ensuring an intense and efficient workout. Circuit training’s flexibility and usability make it so desirable.

Ideal for busy bees, it’s strength and cardio in one class. The frame provides a full-body exercise, working all the body’s key muscle groups. Each exercise increases the difficulty by allowing different levels of fitness, enabling participants to expand their own capabilities.

Joint exercises found in a cardiovascular circuit include push-ups for upper body strength, jump squats for lower body power, plank holds to maintain core stability, burpees for endurance, and easily performed dumbbell rows with sets of repetitions to strengthen the back and arms in Exercise.

Cross-training routines in a group exercise setting are also social, as people support and inspire each other during the workout. Cross-training routines are your best bet for fitness goals, as they are fast, effective, and fun.

How to Maximize Efficiency in Group Exercise and Circuit Training

We all want to fulfil our fitness goals and stay in shape, and the most important thing for that is efficient workouts, which says you do not have to waste hours in a gym. Now, here are ways to get the most out of group exercise and circuit training:

Plan Your Goals: Determine the type of training you want to do, whether it is strength-based, endurance-based, or flexibility-based. This will narrow down the kind of Group workout class or circuit training focus you need to pick.

Prioritise Proper Form: All Group workout instructors are there to ensure you do not injure yourself. Be mindful of your form to avoid injury, and the class works.

Use Modifications Wisely: Many Group workout classes and circuits offer different fitness levels and modification options. Some adaptations are easier, so begin at a level appropriate for your fitness and workup.

Focus on Intensity: Circuit training is the most efficient form if you give all you have into each station. Keep the pace hard, but listen to your body.

Stay Consistent: To maintain an even progression, one should do group workouts or circuit training once in a while. Try to incorporate at least 3-4 sessions a week to get the best results.

With these tips, participants can have beneficial yet effective Group workouts and circuit training sessions.

Choosing the Right Group Exercise and Circuit Training Program

Selecting an appropriate group exercise and circuit training could be challenging with so many options. Focus on features to narrow the possibilities and sign up for the best program that suits your fitness ambitions.

First, evaluate your fitness. Dipping your toes into yoga or water aerobics will fit the beginner; HIIT or circuit training is perfect if you know something about moves. Address your goals. Taking classes focusing on bodybuilding, such as BodyPump or Circuits with Resistance, may be better.

Zumba and spin classes help with shedding pounds and cardio, which are next to the class structure. Dance and functional training are about creativity and pleasure, while some group fitness classes emphasise routine and repetition.

If you take a group or circuit format of any kind, ensure your instructors are trained and experienced in Group workout or circuit training and take proper safety precautions to provide an effective workout.

Lastly, look at the community and environment; a friendly bunch will help with motivation and enjoyment when working out. Experiment with different sessions or talk to instructors to find a program that supports your fitness adventure and keeps you engaged.

Conclusion

Circuit training or Group Exercise will undoubtedly do the trick if you are looking for a way to squeeze in a quick, effective, and fun workout. When you attend group exercises, you have structure, diversity, and a community to be part of. In contrast, a Cross-training routine is a fast-paced workout that engages the whole body and can be modified to suit your ability level. Through education and options, men and women can discover suitable choices for their fitness journeys.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Group Exercise courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Exercise coach.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

These group exercises are usually more helpful because they keep you motivated and provide qualified expert guidance so you can go home to work out. Working out with others helps them stay on track and achieve their fitness goals. With instructors setting the workouts and modifying them as needed for every level, anyone can perform routines. The Group workout adds variety to how they work, thus keeping them fit and free from boredom. Aside from physically training individuals, they introduce individuals to one another, making working out exciting.

Cross-training routines are one Group workout type consisting of various workouts at different locations. Different stations focus on muscle groups and exercise elements, like core stability, cardio or strength. Every one of the members goes in a flash from one to the next place, with an intermission just over and again. This style ensures you work all your body while keeping the class short and sweet. Cross-training routines naturally encourage people to pick each other up and help during the workout!

That is why Cross-training routines and Fitness classes are so practical; they do the most you can do in such a short amount of time. One way is through group exercise, with sessions led by teachers that provide structure, variety, and expert guidance. Cross-training routines, however, are a form of workout that combines cardio and strength in one class, addressing more than one aspect of your fitness. Each exercise flows seamlessly into the next one at a given period, but everyone works to their level of intensity, which guarantees equal time on the workout floor. Both options are ideal for people looking to get in shape with minimal time commitment amidst their hectic schedules.

Yes, beginners who exercise can also do group classes like circuits. Most of the time, they modify their workouts so anyone, regardless of fitness level, can participate. Yoga, low-impact cardiovascular, and other Fitness class groups are good starting points. But for a new exerciser, Cross-training routines allow you to move at your own pace. You will feel welcome as a newcomer in fitness classes because they are a very welcoming environment, and your teachers will guide you throughout the lesson.

Before you start searching for a fitness class, determine your health goals. To build strength, look for classes such as BodyPump or resistance-based workouts. If you are focused on losing weight or improving your fitness, classes like Zumba, spin, and HIIT (high-intensity interval training) are practical. Consider how much you exercise and what types of classes you enjoy. Some prefer yoga or other low-impact courses; others are high-energy. Explore the different types and find one that excites you as it challenges you.

Ideally, you would want 3-4 group exercises or Cross-training routine weekly sessions to see some gradual progress. This workout plan ensures enough workouts to remain fit and allows sufficient time for your body to recover. Balance is important. Combine strength, cardio and flexibility classes to address all aspects of your fitness. Group classes provide social support that may keep you consistent with your workouts by going more frequently. At the same time, circuit training is an efficient way to squeeze a quality workout into a hectic life.

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Inclusive and Welcoming Environment in Group Exercise Classes https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/inclusive-and-welcoming-environment-in-group-exercise-classes/ Wed, 27 Nov 2024 07:00:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38512 The post Inclusive and Welcoming Environment in Group Exercise Classes appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Group exercise programs are designed to appeal to everyone from a broad spectrum of demographics, talents and physical abilities, creating community wellness. When people are appealed to in a manner that makes them feel like they belong, they tend to exercise on a more sustainable notion and achieve their fitness goals. In this post, we will cover how group workout classes can be designed to be more welcoming and inclusive, especially with some diverse-friendly strategies that may enhance the experience.

Understanding the Importance of Inclusivity in Group Exercise

Group Exercise also provides the social aspect of a group workout, allowing individuals to remain active and engaged while working out. However, as compelling as these activities might be, many people might go along but will not because of fears of being judged, represented, or intimidated.

The presence of such barriers may limit individuals’ physical, mental, and emotional benefits from group exercises. By prioritising inclusion, instructors create a space where participants of all fitness levels, abilities, and backgrounds can feel welcome and encouraged to participate.

Inclusiveness can benefit each program participant and the program itself. Involving everyone raises participation, which in turn leads to more active and engaging sessions. Moreover, a diverse and inclusive community inspires people to meet and connect with one another on a deeper level, which creates a culture of belonging.

In addition, when people feel respected and valued, they become more consistent, so retention levels are high. The program, also known as the “Hindsight Program,” benefits from this added inclusion through its bolstered reputation, which attracts a larger and varied audience.

Suppose some strategies regarding accessibility, representation, and individual needs are incorporated. In that case, group workout classes can evolve into an environment that enables all participants to feel a sense of (aiding) presence as they pursue their fitness goals. The effect of this transformation is reflected not only in the positive results we see among the participants but also in the program’s success as a whole.

Strategies for Designing Accessible Group Exercise Classes

Accessibility is essential in group exercises so that everyone can feel safe and secure while participating. Instructors and gym managers must address tangible, social, cultural, and psychological barriers to participation.

The most crucial first step is to have a workout that is applicable to people of all abilities. Providing changes allows strangers, experienced attendees, and folks with physical limitations to participate at their own pace.

Tools support better peoples’ ability to get into these practices, e.g., different kinds of chairs (the rocking chair and swing prove popular), resistance bands—anything that makes the exercise easier or more accessible. Accessibility in a setting also means that people can communicate well with each other.

We need to stop suggesting (and assuming) that people either have or lack certain levels of fitness and ability in the way we speak as instructors. This will ensure that people are respected and feel accepted. Visual aids or examples help further accessibility in situational experience, especially for those with impaired hearing and/or speaking.

Finally, ensuring inclusive spaces that are accessible and usable by the vast majority of individuals is crucial. There should be sufficient space between mats and implements for people who use wheelchairs to manoeuvre.

Bathrooms and changing rooms should also be easily accessible to accommodate all. Collectively, these steps ensure that Group workout classes remain accessible, adaptable, and enjoyable for everyone while providing a supportive environment to all individuals pursuing their fitness journey.

Building a Welcoming Culture in Group Exercise Classes

Establishing an inclusive environment in group exercise classes goes beyond accessibility to the class. It also means ensuring inclusivity and comfort among everybody. And you need somewhere that no one can judge anyone.

This will redirect people’s attention towards their zone rather than comparing them with others. You naturally feel a bit of yourself filled up, and success in learning even one small move or finishing a class is motivating in such ways.

Getting people to mingle is also vital to creating an inclusive environment. Icebreakers at the beginning of a meeting can lower barriers and allow people to meet and build relationships.

If the fitness challenge is team-based or group-based, it creates friendships that grow even deeper. Exercise classes are a venue for eventual Collaboration—not only within the team but across as well. It also matters to establish the proper mood.

Greet everyone by name, maintain a positive attitude, and greet everyone in the group with warmth so that everyone feels motivated to become someone who needs to be valued.

These elements help ensure that Group workout classes are about more than just the workout. They become spaces that make people of all abilities and backgrounds feel welcomed, empowered, and equipped to tackle their fitness journey.

Diversity and Representation in Group Exercise

Representation is one of the many things to consider when trying to be welcoming in group exercise classes. Some would feel more included if they saw teachers and participants from diverse backgrounds.

Employing a Broad Set of Subject Matter Experts: Trainees should come from different backgrounds, such as the type of women and men, race, or fitness level. Ongoing diversity training should be offered to ensure that all staff are sensitive to the needs of all attendees.

The All-Inclusive Music and Themes: Select songs and subjects that silently appeal to many people. Never select any song or message that will turn off vast demographics! Consider conducting classes geared toward culture to include and celebrate diversity.

Feedback and Areas of Improvement: Feedback from participants should be sought periodically to determine how the class can cultivate a more welcoming environment. As a general rule, use anonymous surveys to flush out issues and feedback that warrant intervention rather than implementing proposals.

Conclusion

This is not only an invitation for more individuals to enroll in Group Exercise classes but also a manner of establishing social belonging, which is, therefore, conscious that all and sundry feel inclusivity. Fitness professionals can ensure that everyone is welcomed to the group and feels supported in establishing fitness goals through a focus on accessibility, representation and community.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Group Exercise courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Exercise coach.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

Group workout classes welcome all, regardless of background, fitness level and skill. More will likely return and engage because this builds community and encourages participation. With inclusive Group workout classes, there is no fear of judgement – participants can concentrate on their journey rather than comparing themselves to others. It helps boost the overall experience and positively contributes to the reputation of the fitness program by accommodating multi-diverse spectrums of people. A third related goal is to make fitness accessible for all of us. To ensure everyone can experience group exercise’s physical, mental, and social benefits.

Group workout instructors can create a feeling of nearness in the space by greeting people with kindness, learning names and maintaining a positive, upbeat tone. Changes to routines ensure that everyone can do it at their tempo. Being in an atmosphere of no judgment and where progress is celebrated makes participants feel supported. Use inclusive language, do not presume students’ fitness & organise activities or challenges for the group that connects people. This creates a sense of community and ensures everyone feels welcomed. We all know that Group workouts can be fun and inspire you.

If group exercise classes are to be accessible for all, teachers should provide variations on each exercise so participants can adjust how they move to feel comfortable. Those limited in mobility can be provided with alternative means, such as chairs or resistance bands. If communicated clearly — with visuals and examples — people with hearing or speaking incapacity will be able to follow along. Lastly, the exercise space should be accessible for those in wheelchairs, have clear pathways for people to walk and services such as bathrooms and change rooms nearby. These two changes will make group training fun and accessible to everyone.

Diversity and representation are necessary within these group fitness classes so that the environment feels inviting and all personalities, ethnicities and body types recognise their importance in the space. You can appeal to everyone by hiring teachers with different backgrounds, genders, and fitness levels to give everybody a role model. It gets even better with inclusive music and themes—sure to keep the mood going for people of all ages. When there are culturally-themed classes — and private schools boast a rich diversity — people feel more connected to the school. We’re constantly searching for ways to improve the group exercise experience so it’s ever evolving and still a workout most can participate in with regular feedback from attendees.

You can only take indirect experience into account to a certain degree, so honest feedback is essential in ensuring that group exercise classes are welcoming. The sooner you can gather feedback from consulting surveys or having individual conversations, the better, as it will help to identify potential barriers to participation, such as inaccessible facilities, inappropriate language and inadequate adjustments. Responding to this kind of feedback demonstrates to the person giving it that you listened and took them seriously, which builds trust and loyalty between your brand and audience. Feedback is a continuous cycle, and it makes sure group exercise classes remain welcoming and meet the needs of every person who walks through the doors.

Other marketing methods gyms can use to support diversity besides group exercises are using diverse pictures in advertisements and offering new members an introductory session. Community business engagements, such as local group collaborations and open-house programming, could also help with attendance. Providing staff with ongoing training in inclusivity further ensures the entire facility is a welcoming space for all. Gyms foster a sense of belonging that extends past the group exercise class when all spaces become available; this includes not only the equipment design but also how locker rooms are designed, which improves the overall experience for all members.

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Different Workouts for Group Exercise and Cross-Training Combining https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/different-workouts-for-group-exercise-and-cross-training-combining/ Tue, 26 Nov 2024 08:00:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38508 The post Different Workouts for Group Exercise and Cross-Training Combining appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Two of the more exhilarating approaches to workout instruction are group exercise and cross-training. They involve different workouts to maximise your workouts and keep you from getting bored with your routine. This allows an individual to become more powerful, stronger, faster / endurance, and flexible, along with increased overall fitness.

The Benefits of Combining Cross-Training with Group Exercise

Cross-training means doing more than one form of exercise in a single workout. This exercise tires multiple muscle groups and helps build strength overall.

The sum of all these factors multiplied by group exercise—even more effective—produces a dynamic training experience and full-body workout. It can also help you fit in a more well-rounded fashion, which is one of the benefits of cross-training in group exercise.

Participants rotate through cardio, strength training, and flexibility routines to nurture aspects of their physical health in a balanced manner. Changing up your workout will obviously reduce the chance of injury, as different muscle groups will not be constantly worked and overworked.

The accountability and friendship that groups provide allow individuals to push themselves harder. Cross-training also helps overcome fitness plateaus because the body is always facing new challenges. Groups also make workouts fun and interesting, which is a great way to stay committed to working out.

Their group energy and support are the welcoming front end of things that most would know, motivating for all. This ensures that all individuals achieve their exercise targets while having fun. Now, doing cross-training as a Group Training program enhances the workout experience and offers health benefits for both the body and mind.

Popular Types of Cross-Training Group Exercise Classes

As such, many group exercise classes have cross-training elements that everyone can do. Select from these classic options to consider:

  • Supplemental Classes: These challenging classes combine functional movement, cardio and strength training. As folks move from station to station or drill to drill, a full-body workout is all but guaranteed.
  • Several moves are made at various stations, targeting different muscle areas, a.k.a. circuit training. This approach is a balanced blend of strength training and endurance exercise.
  • HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) employs intense exercise and short rest periods. Class Format HIIT Group Training classes often combine both cardio and bodyweight movements.
  • Functional fitness classes: These classes focus on movements that mimic those you would do in your daily life. They are designed to help you gain strength, coordination, and mobility. These classes often use resistance bands, kettlebells, and bodyweight workouts.
  • Yoga Fusion: This exercise combines yoga with other workout modalities like Pilates or strength training for flexibility, core stabilisation and focus.
  • Aqua Cross-Training: These low-impact group classes performed in water combine strength and resistance training. They are well-suited to all ages and fitness levels.

Through all these choices, anyone may find team workouts that meet their goals and exercise wishes.

How to Optimize Your Cross-Training Group Exercise Routine

Cross-training applies to doing more than one type of exercise during a workout; It helps tone multiple muscles and improves your fitness level. Combined with group exercise, it will amplify all the benefits and make it a much more potent experience overall.

Cross-training in Group Training is one of the best ways to get fit. Group training combines cardio, strength, and flexibility workouts so participants can develop all aspects of their physical health simultaneously.

Plus, offering a variety of exercises reduces the chance of injury by allowing muscle systems to not be stressed over and over again with the same response. Exercise in a group provides responsibility and comradeship, which increases motivation and motivates people to cross their threshold limit.

Cross-training also helps to shatter fitness plateaus due to the variety of bodily challenges that it provides. The various activities also make the workouts fun and interesting, thus promoting adherence.

The energy and encouragement of the others make it a great environment to work towards your exercise goals or just to have fun doing so. Gerard Reilly Cross-training from Group Training truly takes the workout to another level, offering both physical and mental health benefits.

The Social and Psychological Benefits of Group Exercise with Cross-Training

While the physical benefits of cross-training are obvious, nothing beats the social and mental health benefits of group exercise. Being part of a group provides people with emotional support that reduces stress and improves motivation.

  • Community: Exercising with a community gives you that sense of belonging. Making the journey together with others helps you hold yourself accountable and establish relationships that are effective beyond the training.
  • Stress Control: Cross-training’s diversity keeps the mind and body busy, which helps to reduce stress and enhance mental concentration. Activities such as yoga fusion or functional exercise can also help improve relaxation and mindfulness.
  • Boosted Confidence: people become well through taking on additional tasks and getting fitter. Working out with a group gets people out of their comfort zones more.
  • Cool Things: Since cross-training classes are varied, the workout never gets dull; therefore, it becomes a fun-filled, healthy thing to do every day. It’s more fun to be in a group.

Group and cross-training are healthy because they promote bonding, improve mental reactions, and build strength.

Conclusion

The one hybrid fitness concept that recalls a fun, efficient and effective workout regimen is the fit of group exercise and cross-training. An effective combination of training styles will help everyone meet their general fitness goals and stay uninjured and interested. There’s a Group Training class for everyone, from boot camps, circuit training, and yoga fusion to (and you get the picture). It also encourages socialising and a sense of community. If done carefully and with the necessary precautions, group cross-fit can be a rewarding, sustainable lifestyle.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited Group Exercise courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional Exercise coach.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

Frequently Asked Questions

As is evident in the above summarisation, combined cross-training and Group Training comprise a complete workout routine. It results in enhanced strength, resilience, and flexibility. The rest of the movements leave the body guessing and doing different stuff. They mitigate the speaker’s chance of being injured while functioning through cross-training. It is also why they learn faster; in group training, others push one to urge the instructor’s teaching. Together, both are beneficial for maintaining the quality of the workout, which would result in one continuing their workout.

Group exercises include boot camp, circuit training, HIIT (high-intensity interval training), functional fitness, yoga fusion, and water cross-training. These classes combine cardio, strength, and flexibility training to focus on various aspects of your fitness. This Robo Arm range also provides warmth and an ideal workout for individuals of all fitness levels, keeping people engaged.

Yes, those new to exercising can still participate in cross-training group classes. It also means instructors adapt the workouts so they can be done by anyone regardless of fitness level. Higher-impact styles are great for those who have general experience in group fitness. In contrast, lower-impact, fusion-style classes (how about yoga fusion or low-impact circuit work?) can be good options for people just getting started. With a supportive group atmosphere, those who partake can learn at their own speed and enhance their skill level and confidence.

Attend cross-training group sessions three to four times a week for optimum benefits. This allows you to recover faster between power training, cardio, and stretching. Incorporating various class formats in your plan ensures diversity and prevents overtraining.

Cross-training Fitness Classes may use equipment such as strength bands, kettlebells, dumbbells, yoga mats, and stability balls. For aqua cross-training, you might use water bars or pool noodles to build strength. Each class uses different tools to keep the workouts fresh and impactful.

Cross-training is best achieved in a dynamic group environment. They benefit from having a teacher to guide them, talking with others, and working toward a shared objective. The group format helps to hold you accountable and adds an element of fun and community around working out.

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Fasting and Fitness Exercise: Pros and Cons of Working Out https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/fasting-and-fitness-exercise-pros-and-cons-of-working-out/ Thu, 07 Nov 2024 07:00:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38108 The post Fasting and Fitness Exercise: Pros and Cons of Working Out appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Fasting and exercise are the two most potent tools in the arsenal of health and fitness. Each has its benefits. However, what occurs when you combine them? Working out on an empty belly—known as a “fasted workout”—has taken the fitness world by storm, as many think it could be a powerful weight-loss and fat-burning strategy. However, there are essential points to remember because it is not always the best option.

Understanding Fasted Fitness Exercise: What Does it Mean?

If you do fitness exercise without eating for a few hours—for example, for 8 to 12 hours, as in the morning before food—this is called “fasted fitness exercise.” The energy stored in your body for such exercises (primarily fat) is utilized to fuel the workout.

Fasting exercise is generally considered aerobic workouts, such as running, biking, or walking. Depending on the individual’s fitness level and goals, strength training can also be involved.

Some research suggests exercising on an empty stomach may speed up fat loss, but exactly how it works in your body is unclear. Fasting also lowers your insulin level, which in turn means your muscles and liver don’t store as much glucose, which is carb energy.

As such, your body receives most of its energy from fat. However, fasted workouts are not always the ideal option. In other words, it varies by workout type, intensity, and purpose.

Pros of Fasted Fitness Exercise for Fat Burning and Metabolism

One of the most important arguments for fasting exercise is that it can increase fat oxidation and metabolic flexibility. Look more closely at some of the benefits.

More fat that is burned:

As no more glycogen is present in the body after fasting, the body may utilise fat stores for energy, increasing fat burning. Schofield, Dr, are talking about the fasted state The time of burning fats is fasted aerobic exercise This implies it could assist individuals in reducing their percentage of body fat. This is very effective for long-duration, low-intensity aerobic activities, such as riding, running, or brisk walking.

Better insulin sensitivity:

Intermittent fitness exercise has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which is vital for metabolic health. When there is less need for stored carbs, the body will tend to make muscle more sensitive to insulin. This helps stabilise blood sugar levels. More effective insulin sensitivity can assist you in maintaining your weight and may reduce your risk for metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

Saves time for busy mornings:

Many people can slip a hungry workout into their morning schedule and do not need to delay doing this after breakfast. Working out first thing in the morning will save time, and some folks find it easier to develop a routine when they work out ahead of meals and other activities for the day. Morning workouts can boost serotonin as well, allowing you to concentrate and improve your energy level throughout the day.

Cons of Fasted Fitness Exercise: Risks and Drawbacks to Consider

So, if you want to spice up your exercise routine, pay heed to what type of workout you opt for so that you do not get the desired outcome yet do not tire your muscles. This is true for some fitness activities, which are best performed in a fasted state when you have not eaten for longer than 8 hours before the workout. This is especially the case for reasonably challenging endurance-based daily workouts (replacing the day with one meant to serve the body).

Dancing lightly: Even fitness activities like walking, running, and riding a bike can be performed in a high-intensity, intensive form. These workouts provide great heart-healthy benefits due to their long, slow-burn potential since they rely on burning fat for fuel instead of quickly burning through all available carbs.

While you’re out of food, you can stretch and do yoga too. These dozen fitness exercises realign the body, loosen up muscle rigidity and increase the blood circulation around the body promoted without food. It is ideal for those who do a morning workout in a balanced way.

You can also see results with light weights strength training (light weights) or your own body in general workouts. But this type of strength training increases your muscles without sending your blood sugar sky-high, as heavy lifting can do. It allows you to exercise in a more controlled and concentrated manner.

The Best Fitness Exercise Types for Fasted Training

Call it fasted fitness exercise, but it can also have the opposite effect on some people — especially if you are doing high-intensity workouts or strength training. The reason skipping food before working out isn’t ideal for everyone.

Reduced endurance and exercise capacity:

If the body does not have access to carbs, it will not perform (especially for high-intensity exercise) very well. High-intensity fitness exercises like sprinting and gymnastics, which require constant energy over a short time, often use glycogen as rapidly available fuel. Your muscles power out quickly, and your stamina dwindles, causing bad workouts and limited fitness improvement when you come to exercise too fast.

The chance of losing muscle:

If workouts are long or intense and done while tired, muscle protein breakdown can exceed muscle protein synthesis and decrease muscle mass. When there is no longer any glucose, the body might need to use amino acids as fuel, in which case it will start to break down muscles. For those trying to lose fat, but maintain or gain muscle, working out after a fast might not be the best idea unless there is a proper adequate protein and good diet post work-out.

More likely to become fatigued and lightheaded:

Exercising on an empty stomach can leave you feeling light-headed, fatigued or nauseated, at least if you’re not accustomed to the practice. Some people experience less focus and lower energy because of lower blood sugar levels. These symptoms are more common in new fasters or those with intensive fitness such as HIIT or circuit training.

Balancing Fasted Fitness Exercise with Nutrition for Optimal Results

If you participate in short fitness exercise sessions as part of your schedule, you must ensure you eat healthy to fuel your body for suitable energy levels and achieve results. But after a workout—when you might be famished—eat well.

A balanced meal, rich in protein and complex carbohydrates, aids in muscle repair and replenishes energy stores. Carbs prevent muscle breakdown, and protein heals muscle tissues. This will ensure your workout results last over time.

Finally, staying hydrated —especially if you are fasting and hardly drinking— is crucial, as dehydration makes you feel even more fatigued and negatively affects your performance. Water intake is essential before, during and after workouts. Boosting vitamin-centrists can also keep you hydrated, and during runs or workouts longer than 60 minutes, it is very crucial!

Your body is sending you signs, so listen. Listen to how you feel during and after hungry sessions. If you notice that you feel light-headed and fatigued or that your performance is suffering, you may want to eat a small breakfast (a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts, or something similar) before your workout. If you hit a set of challenging lifts or a long run, this additional energy could impact you.

Conclusion

A fast fitness workout has its benefits and negatives. Whether it works for you depends on your fitness level, goals, and body response. Fasted training is mainly beneficial for those seeking to burn more fat, improve their insulin sensitivity, and achieve an excellent workout in a shorter time frame. But that might not be ideal for everyone, particularly those who want to gain muscle or are doing high-intensity exercise.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A fast workout simply means to work out without eating, usually in the morning after waking up. This type of exercise is performed after starvation (usually overnight). Hence, when glycogen stores deplete during fasting, the body relies mainly on fat as an energy source. A lot of people work out in a fast state because they believe it will ultimately lead to more fat burning. Because low levels of insulin and sugar allow the body to utilise stored fat. Fatigued exercise is often moderate to low-intensity aerobic or cardio exercises. But other people mix in some light strength training. Still, you have to choose workouts according to the body’s energy.

Fasted training has its place but is mainly for low- to moderate-intensity exercises which utilise fat as a fuel source and are not demanding in terms of glycogen resynthesis requirements. Walk, jog, or cycle to burn that fat off and not get tired so soon. Fasted training is ideal for flexibility workouts such as yoga because it requires little energy but promotes blood flow and flexibility. Depending on fitness level, some people may be well trained to do a 10-15 min HIIT bout (high-intensity interval training), as tolerated during a fast. Selecting the proper fast training can burn fat without fatigue or muscle loss.

Yes, Reduced fitness could work nicely to shed pounds, specifically fat. On an empty stomach, the body burns fat stores for energy, which can lead to reduced body fat. Replenishing glycogen requires carbs, which sets the body to eat up its stored fat, assisting in the calorie-controlled domain of weight loss. Remember that sustained weight loss takes exercise, proper food and relaxation. Fasting exercise provides the most favourable effects when combined with a balanced diet and various workouts.

There are both good and bad sides to fast fitness. Low performance is a significant problem for high-intensity fitness exercises that use glycogen stores as an energy source. Running low on glycogen can drain you, reducing the intensity you can put into your training and endurance. This can come from muscle as an energy source rather than glycogen-producing muscle breakdown in prolonged exercises. Working out on an empty belly can lead to lightheadedness, fatigue, and even nausea. If you find fasted training damaging to your body, adjust the intensity and timing of your activity.

It needs to be re-established after fasting fitness training, as you cannot fast without fear of muscle breakdown, have to eat to replace energy and know that you have to support muscle repair. An entire dish should have protein and intricate sugars. Protein repairs muscle fibres, and carbs are stored as glycogen to fuel future sessions. Good options after a workout include a protein shake with fruit, Greek yoghurt with berries, or a plate with lean protein, whole grains, and vegetables. Do not forget to replace the lost electrolytes and fluids after intensive exercise. To maximise recovery, eat within an hour of your workout.

Whether or not fasting fitness training is proper for you is reliant on your targets, degree of fitness, and a way to respond to fasting. That study showed that fast exercise could play a positive role in fat loss and insulin sensitivity. In the case of exercise-induced muscle development or high-intensity exercise performance, it is warranted that more incredible dietary energy is supplied to optimise the exercise response. Try a walk or light jog in the fasted state. If you feel fatigue, light-headedness, or poor exercise performance, change your approach or have a small pre-workout snack to help save energy.

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Benefits of Regular Fitness Classes for Physical and Mental Health https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/benefits-of-regular-fitness-classes-for-physical-and-mental-health/ Tue, 05 Nov 2024 07:00:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38070 The post Benefits of Regular Fitness Classes for Physical and Mental Health appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Exercise improves your health in many ways, such as physical and mental. Exercise also plays a significant role in a balanced, healthy lifestyle. In a fitness class, students learn the art of exercise and how a commitment to fitness can dramatically impact health. Exercise classes explain the science and psychology of things like exercise, which makes you stronger physically and more mentally resilient, as well as the creative details so that you can design your solutions for a lifetime of health.

Physical Health Benefits of Exercise Covered in Fitness Courses

Fitness classes show students the direct link between moving and your body getting better and go into great detail about the physical benefits of exercise. It lowers blood pressure, lifts mood, and improves weight control, muscle strength and endurance, flexibility/mobility, and bone health.

Consistent physical activity strengthens the heart and enables blood to flow better, reducing the risk of heart problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Fitness classes usually incorporate cardio (aka aerobic) exercise, which increases your heart rate and includes aerobics, sprint workouts or endurance workouts.

They are all designed to strengthen the heart and dilate the arteries, which is a long-term cardiovascular benefit. This is primarily because planned group workouts help you burn calories, improve your metabolism, and increase your lean muscle mass, which helps you shed extra pounds. And because group lessons teach you how to eat right and exercise, group lessons are a complete method of shedding pounds.

Resistance training, wrestling, and bodyweight moves can increase muscle strength and endurance. While the average person knows squats and push-ups boost power, they also help improve stability and joint stability. Elasticity-enhancing exercises maintain healthy joint mobility, significantly improve the flexibility of stiff joints and lower injury risk.

Mental Health Benefits Emphasized in Fitness Courses

However, it emphasises mental as well as bodily health through exercise lessons that aid in stress aid, temper, sleep, and mind function. Exercise causes the body to release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. How about reducing worry and anxiety? Exercise can help with that, too.

Many of the exercise classes do wait. For instance, yoga, Pilates, and mindfulness may be beneficial for coping with stress. Meditation techniques can be developed through rhythmic exercises with a lower emphasis on constraining principles or codes of conduct, such as running, cycling, and swimming.

Exercise has a positive effect on mood and reduces sadness. In fitness groups, individuals perform together and communicate in a friendly, encouraging, and casual environment. Exercise makes your mind resilient, and you will find it easier to face the stresses and failures of everyday life.

Exercise also boosts blood flow to the brain, improving memory, attention, and decision-making. Many fitness classes, such as dance and martial arts, also help improve mental and physical wellness.

Exercise improves the quality of sleep and allows people to go to sleep with more maturity and relax more deeply. Creating a balanced schedule ensures that you will not work out late at night and interrupt your sleep. Last but not least, exercise classes improve confidence and body image. Seeing the physical benefits gives participants a boost in their self-esteem. A genuine focus on achieving discipline goals will increase the confidence meter and help relationships and career prospects, too.

Building a Routine for Lifelong Health in Fitness Courses

Fitness Classes assist students in developing a schedule that breeds discipline and consistency. Fitness is a lifetime health and well-being practice, not a short-term goal.

A fitness class motivates students to set attainable goals and track their performance. When students set goals to attend a certain number of classes weekly or improve fitness metrics, they tend to be more engaged. Accountability is enforced in groups where teaching and peer support push each other to meet their goals.

A proper fitness program includes aerobics, strength, adaptability, recovery, and recuperation. This comprehensive approach to addressing all aspects of physical health helps to minimise overuse injuries and encourages balance and resilience. It is an ideal approach to fitness that incorporates weight training, cardio, and yoga or stretching—everything a person would want to do in a week.

Fitness classes blend several training methods to keep things fresh and versatile. Offering variety, such as HIIT, Pilates, or dance fitness, helps participants avoid exercise fatigue and encourages them to stay active. Experimenting with different routines may also help individual users figure out what works for them, increasing buy-in at home.

You also learn proper form and how to minimise injuries for specific movements to reduce stress and injuries while working out in fitness classes. This information is important to help keep you safe in the gym or at home so you can maintain an active fitness journey long-term and healthily.

The Long-Term Impact of Fitness Courses on Health and Wellness

Fitness classes will help the students build a routine that promotes discipline and stability. Fitness is not a task with a deadline but a lifestyle with choices that promote health and well-being throughout life.

They aid participants in creating strategies and, most importantly, keeping records of their progress. Setting targets such as attending a set number of lessons a week or improving fitness statistics is linked to greater pupil motivation. Groups help with accountability, where teachers and peers support one another in their goals.

The fitness programs successfully include aerobic, strength, flexibility, and recuperation workouts. This approach addresses all aspects of physical health to mitigate the risk of overuse injury while working towards a more balanced and stable state. A balanced weekly routine might include some form of weightlifting, cardio, and yoga or stretching to facilitate movement.

Fitness classes will also utilise various training methods to spice up the routines and enhance the versatility aspect of the workout. That post-exercise tedium is avoided, allowing participants to try everything from HIIT to Pilates to dance fitness, and it also avoids post-exercise exhaustion. Trying different ways of working out to determine what sticks with someone and which workouts they keep returning to.

Conclusion

Fitness Classes — Getting care of physical or mental well-being, the positive aspects of these courses are built quickly since you will be taking workouts and instruction on the schedule. The lessons learnt from these courses go beyond the gym, teaching you skills that encourage a more holistic approach to fitness and long-term well-being. That makes fitness classes an excellent resource for improving health and quality of life: advice, accountability, and a holistic approach. Realising the benefits of exercising consistently allows people to make permanent changes.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Fitness lessons are scheduled with control and regularity — two vital aspects of being healthy. The sessions feature a variety of music and strength training, jogging, stretching, and recovery workouts. This ensures everything in the field of fitness is taken care of. Which ultimately results in better general health. Supplementary Information Exercise groups also have another benefit: They show people how to set achievable goals and work towards them, such as building strength or attending class more regularly. This way delivers long-term changes rather than short-term trends and habits.

Exercise groups provide a structure emphasising control and consistency, necessary for sustained health. They touch on various topics and address all pillars of health, from cardio, strength training, and flexibility training to healing. This is good in terms of overall health. Having specific goals — like becoming stronger or attending class more frequently — will give people something to strive for. Most of these make last a lifetime, if not more. Course style also includes accountability and group support. These both lead to participants being more likely to adhere to their routines. It makes challenging long-term exercise goals more straightforward to achieve and enjoyable.

Fitness classes offer several health advantages, including improved cardiovascular fitness, stronger muscles, and increased flexibility. Cardio exercises boost the efficiency of the heart and lungs, so the risk of heart disease is reduced. It helps you control your weight and stay healthy by building lean muscle mass while reducing the resting day-to-day metabolism. The flexibility workouts improve the mobility of your joints and lower the chances of getting injured. Many fitness classes incorporate healing movements that strengthen participants while preventing injuries from overdoing. These classes tone up your body correctly to a correct shape, but one where they can efficiently perform daily living tasks and prevent lifestyle-related health problems in the future.

Fitness classes are structured, frequent exercises that help with calorie burning, increased metabolism and lean muscle, all essential to sound weight management. Typically, teachers guide students through balanced routines incorporating cardio, strength and flexibility elements targeting various fitness components. Fitness classes usually have a breeding ground for eating, allowing the participant to fully understand the relationship between food and exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. By learning and understanding how their day-to-day lifestyles can foster or hinder their ability to achieve a healthy weight, this comprehensive approach assists NHS patients in attaining their desired weight effectively and sustainably.

People who take fitness classes learn the best way to exercise because they pay attention to form. Instructors guide learners in maintaining the correct posture while exercising, which reduces the likelihood of sprains and other injuries. Most also provide some form of movement or stretching-based flexibility activity, keeping joints and a full range of joint motion. A structured workout program, with intervals between strength, cardio and recovery segments, also prevents muscle groups from experiencing overuse injuries by providing sufficient recovery time. Fitness courses illustrate the correct way to do things and avoid injury within your workouts and encourage us to do so safely and effectively.

Exercise classes can also assist people in meeting their fitness objectives, such as becoming more robust or flexible, making them feel better about their self-image. Pride increases when people experience progress over months and years, like lifting heavier weights, more extended sets, or better conditioning, which feeds self-esteem. Likewise, the fitness classes had an all-together energetic yet helpful atmosphere, depicting a need for individuals to come together to celebrate little wins and self-improvement. Watching your body change — having more defined muscles or feeling more mobile — can also improve your feelings about yourself. Enhancing self-esteem can also impact other aspects of your life; with self-confidence and a positive perspective on one’s body, an individual may see personal growth and have a stronger belief in themselves.

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10 Effective Study Strategies for Excelling in Fitness Classes and Courses https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/10-effective-study-strategies-for-excelling-in-fitness-classes-and-courses/ Mon, 04 Nov 2024 08:00:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=38062 The post 10 Effective Study Strategies for Excelling in Fitness Classes and Courses appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Whether fitness is something they enjoy or a career they want to pursue in the future, more and more people are choosing exercise science, personal training, sports nutrition, or fitness groups. However, for exercise science, there are still people who know and understand the theory, can put it into practice, and are good with science-based subjects.

  1. Building a Solid Foundation in Fitness Class Theory

Most people who teach exercise lessons have a deep knowledge of biomechanics, science, and human anatomy. Initially, you must start with theory. Be diligent about taking notes on terminology and concepts, the components of muscle, energy systems, and the principles of fitness exercise physiology. Flashcards are also incredibly easy to review, which is key to retention. You may also need to decompose each idea as simple as possible, before secondarily proceeding to the complex one.

Active memory is a compelling method to reiterate this fundamental content. Will you study notes and question yourself about what you learnt? For example: “List three types of muscle contractions and state what they do.” This enables you to remember key concepts even better, which is a critical element of fitness education.

  1. Incorporating Visual Learning for Fitness Class Anatomy

Studying anatomy is difficult because of how complex muscle groups, bones, and connective parts are. With fitness classes, you often need to know a lot about how the various pieces of the anatomy work together. If you study visually, you may find this knowledge easier to recall.

You would use apps, anatomy models, fun websites where you can examine 3D models of the body or games that simulate physiology. Several apps allow you to rotate and zoom into body parts, giving you a clear view of each muscle, tendon, and bone. You should instead use diagrams, flowcharts, and colour-coded notes, which will help you with quick revision and better recall during the exam.

  1. Fitness Goal-Setting Techniques for Time Management

The ratio of study time to training time must also be balanced in exercise education. Time management is essential for fitness classes, requiring theory and hands-on practice. A way to study is to establish clear goals and use time-blocking techniques.

Set weekly study objectives related to specific subjects you must identify, such as diet, exercise, and/or anatomy. This could mean your goal is to complete a section by mid-week and spend the following days reviewing and practising the concepts. Next, have blocks of time to study, practice, and review everything you have learned. An organised approach reduces anxiety, prevents last-minute cramming and ensures that you cover all essential topics adequately and in a balanced manner.

Study with the Pomodoro Technique to increase focus and produce more work. Work 25 minutes with the most complex minds, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat this process four times, then take a more extended rest. This technique really helps you zone in and settle in for long periods of studying.

  1. Leveraging Fitness Simulations and Practical Sessions

fitness classes frequently have real lessons inside them, but you can all unwind for other opportunities to practice. If you are taking an online course, try searching for exercises, movies, or internet-based preparation sites that offer virtual help. You can practice your moves with family, friends, or training partners accustomed to it.

Note the challenging aspects for you and what you gained from these exercises. Tracking your progress helps you stay motivated and test your strengths and weaknesses.

  1. Mastering Nutrition Concepts in Fitness Classes

Another critical aspect of fitness is nutrition, and you also need to know about macronutrients, what foods you need, and how they impact exercise capacity. While you study, create mind maps showing how different nutrition ideas are connected, like how sugars provide energy or how proteins help repair muscles.

This will help you understand these concepts in a much deeper sense. Break the periods aside macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals and ask how each contributes to achieving your exercise targets. You can also recreate usable things from what you learn to solidify information in your long-term memory, so just create a fake meal plan for some type of workout routine using fictitious goals.

  1. Group Study for Fitness Exam Preparation

You will sometimes find that even the hardest topics in physics and sports science are made so much simpler by listening to others’ perspectives and answers when studying with others. Group discussions can be beneficial for complex topics and clarifying doubts while preparing for exam prep for fitness classes.

Assign each person a topic to discuss, then trade it off and share the teaching duties. The very act of teaching requires you to say it clearly — providing details that help fill in gaps — such that the teaching forces you to understand your subject thoroughly. Fitness classes can also have discussions related to practical applications, questions that mimic those on examinations, and scenario-based learning, which is ideal for preparation for practical life.

  1. Fitness-Specific Practice Exams and Quiz Apps

Taking this test, again and again, is usually something you should utilise to find out that you simply would possibly perceive higher and the place you want each different help. Many exercise classes include quizzes or practice tests in the lessons, which is an excellent tool to measure your progress.

Consider also searching a quiz app or a flashcard site like Quizlet to get or create sets of cards specific to your course subject. Regular testing of this knowledge helps you retain the information and demonstrates what you need to study more, allowing you to spend your time and energy in a more targeted way. Practice tests as closely as possible to the real thing and try to get your timing down.

  1. Developing Emotional Resilience in Fitness Classes

Fitness classes can take a toll on your body and mind. To do that, you must learn to cope with worry and develop mental strength to keep your head in the game and position yourself to get things done. When gaining certification as a fitness professional, one must perform under pressure, whether teaching others or passing a few exams.

When you study for long periods of time, do mindfulness activities such as deep breathing, meditation, or brief mental breaks to reduce stress and improve focus. Fitness classes are another stress buster, as they help you retain your learning and refresh you. Incorporating these methods can help create more holistic exercise studies, which are beneficial for mental and physical health.

  1. Fitness-Based Journaling for Progress Tracking

Fitness classes can take a toll on your body and mind. To do that, you must learn to cope with worry and develop mental strength to keep your head in the game and position yourself to get things done. When gaining certification as a fitness professional, one must perform under pressure, whether teaching others or passing a few exams.

When you study for long periods of time, do mindfulness activities such as deep breathing, meditation, or brief mental breaks to reduce stress and improve focus. Exercising is another stress buster, as it helps you retain your learning and makes you feel refreshed. Incorporating these methods can help create more holistic exercise studies, which are beneficial for mental and physical health.

  1. Fitness Study Breaks and Recovery Strategies

Just like the body recuperates after exercising, so does the mind after extensive research.

Regular breaks after compact study sessions through stretches or light workouts will make you feel refreshed and active. There is no burnout, and the material is broken down into manageable bits and pieces to make it easy for you to remember. As with any other form of bulking up through fitness classes, your approach to rest and study should be balanced, too.

Conclusion

Not enough to pass the exercises, though, you must study. You also need a blend of theory and practice to be efficient with your time and to stay physically and mentally fit. With these ten studying tips for fitness classes, you’ll be more set to grasp challenging fitness concepts, retain what you study, and perform well on exams and real life. From there, you must continually research and practice wherever possible and, ideally, take responsibility for your development and the development of the people you will be helping.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Establish a solid foundation in fitness class theory — you should become acquainted with fundamental concepts in exercise science, anatomy, and physiology. Ascending from elementary to extravagant concepts teaches you a great deal. Use worksheets to learn about muscle groups, energy systems, physics, and other such things to help memorise a few keywords and descriptions. You will learn much more if you try to recall what you learnt without looking at your notes. This is called active memory.

This is a massive benefit since muscle, bone, and process anatomy from exercise activity are often best learned visually. Use anatomy models, apps, or interactive tools to explore 3D models of the body. This can enable you to learn more about how body parts function and relate to one another. Drawing maps or colour-coding maps also help with memorisation. For fitness class students, anatomy is imperative; it aids in understanding functional exercise and the body’s response to exercise.

To get the most from your fitness classes, you need to perceive clear study targets, plan time slots and a solid blend between speculative and sensible actions. The Pomodoro technique is about working 25 minutes and taking a 5-minute break. Repeat this process as many times as you like to practice keeping your focus. As with food or anatomy, you can do the same by staying on top of specific training topics, so set some low-pressure weekly goals. You can alternate between the theory and practical aspects of your fitness learning if you manage your time appropriately.

Actual training is crucial in fitness classes because it will allow you to apply what you have learned in the classroom in real-life scenarios, such as teaching clients how to perform exercises and ensure they do them correctly. When you get hands-on training for what you have learnt in class, you tend to remember things better and use the knowledge you gained while writing exams or facing clients during their sessions. Put in Practice: You can practice with family, friends, or study groups and supplement your in-person preparation with online activities.

Nutrition is essential to fitness classes because it directly affects health, performance, and healing. Fitness students learn about macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals to help people reach their goals, whether to lose weight, build muscle, or get more energy. Making sample meal plans or fake diets based on your exercise goals can help you understand these ideas better. Nutrition information also lets you make intelligent choices about how food can help fitness training, which improves your skills as a fitness worker and the results for your clients.

When fitness students study in a group, they acquire new skills, increase their understanding of challenging concepts, and can build on each other’s abilities. Peer Discussion — Peers help each other grasp challenging subject matter, like some of the coursework for physics or kinesiology, and accelerate the learning process. It makes sense to prepare yourself for situations you may encounter, and teaching someone else about something helps you understand it, too. Then there are the group studies, which allow for a more critical level of simulated learning, where the group simulate client exchanges, and others test their fitness knowledge. This adds a layer of fun and utility to erudition for exams.

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Functional Personal Training: Training Your Body For Everyday Movement https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/functional-personal-training-training-your-body-for-everyday-movement/ Wed, 18 Oct 2023 05:00:37 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=35015 The post Functional Personal Training: Training Your Body For Everyday Movement appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Functional personal training is a fitness approach that focuses on improving an individual’s ability to perform everyday activities effectively and safely. It tailors workouts to enhance functional movements, emphasizing strength, flexibility, and balance. This holistic approach aims to enhance overall well-being and functional fitness for daily life.

 

Training for everyday movements is crucial for enhancing functional fitness, enabling individuals to perform daily tasks with ease and reduced risk of injury. It improves strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance, which are essential for activities like lifting, bending, walking, and reaching, ultimately leading to a higher quality of life and independence.

 

Why Functional Personal Training Matters:

Traditional gym workouts often focus on isolated muscle groups and lack functional relevance to everyday activities. They may lead to muscle imbalances and neglect overall functional fitness. Repetitive movements and inadequate variety can also result in boredom and decreased adherence. Additionally, some individuals may find traditional gyms intimidating or inconvenient.

 

Functional training readies the body for real-life activities by emphasizing movements and exercises that mimic everyday tasks. It enhances strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, improving the body’s ability to perform tasks like lifting, bending, squatting, and reaching safely and efficiently. This prepares individuals for the challenges of daily life and reduces the risk of injury.

 

Functional training enhances overall functionality by improving specific movements used in daily life. Examples include:

 

  • Squats and lunges for better leg strength and balance.
  • Core exercises for improved stability and posture.
  • Resistance band exercises for enhanced upper body strength and flexibility.
  • Balance drills for reducing the risk of falls.
  • Multi-joint exercises for increased overall functional strength and endurance.

 

Key Principles of Functional Personal Training

 

Movement Patterns

Training fundamental movement patterns such as squats, lunges, pushes, pulls, twists, and bends significantly enhances everyday activities by improving functional fitness. Squats bolster leg strength and mobility, aiding in tasks like rising from a chair or lifting heavy objects safely. Lunges enhance balance, crucial for activities like walking, climbing stairs, or navigating obstacles. Pushing exercises boost upper body strength needed for tasks such as pushing heavy doors or carrying objects. Pulling movements strengthen the back and shoulders, assisting in tasks like opening doors or handling luggage. Twisting exercises build core strength, beneficial for activities like turning while driving or reaching for items. Finally, bending exercises increase flexibility and core strength, facilitating activities like tying shoelaces or picking up objects from the ground. In sum, training these patterns elevates functional fitness and facilitates the execution of daily tasks with ease and reduced injury risk.

 

Core Strength and Stability

 A strong core is pivotal in functional fitness as it serves as the body’s powerhouse, stabilizing the spine and facilitating movements in daily activities. It supports better posture, balance, and prevents lower back pain. Core-focused exercises include planks, which engage the entire core, and side planks that work on lateral stability. Russian twists enhance rotational core strength, while leg raises strengthen lower abdominals. The bird-dog exercise improves balance and spinal stability. The bicycle crunch combines twisting and leg movement to engage the entire core. Incorporating these exercises into a fitness routine not only enhances core strength and stability but also boosts overall functional fitness, making everyday tasks more manageable and injury resistant.

 

Balance and Coordination

Balance and coordination are vital aspects of functional training, essential for daily movement and injury prevention. Exercises that bolster these skills include single leg stands, which enhance stability and proprioception, Bosu ball exercises that challenge balance during various movements, Tai Chi with its flowing motions to improve balance and coordination, agility ladder drills for quick footwork and coordination, and practices like Yoga and Pilates that emphasize body awareness and balance. Incorporating these exercises into a fitness routine enables individuals to markedly enhance their balance and coordination, ultimately leading to improved functional fitness and greater everyday agility, while reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

 

Multi-Planar Movements

Multi-planar movements encompass exercises and activities that activate the body in various planes of motion, such as the sagittal (forward and backward), frontal (side-to-side), and transverse (rotational) planes. By incorporating exercises that address all these planes, individuals enhance their overall functional fitness and agility. Notable examples include lunges with rotation, engaging both the sagittal and transverse planes, side planks targeting the frontal plane, medicine ball slams involving all three planes, and woodchoppers, a diagonal twisting movement activating the transverse and frontal planes. These exercises foster a well-rounded and adaptable fitness regimen, ultimately translating to improved daily mobility and a reduced risk of injury.

 

Integration of Muscle Groups

 Training multiple muscle groups simultaneously is vital for efficient and functional strength development. Compound exercises engage multiple muscles and joints, mirroring real-life movements and enhancing overall fitness. They also increase calorie burn and time efficiency. Examples of compound exercises include squats, which work the legs, core, and back; deadlifts, engaging the lower back, hamstrings, and grip strength; push-ups, targeting the chest, shoulders, and triceps; and pull-ups, activating the back, biceps, and core. Incorporating these compound movements into a workout routine not only promotes muscle integration but also enhances functional strength, making daily activities easier and reducing the risk of imbalances and injuries.

 

Designing an Effective Functional Personal Training Routine:

Structuring a comprehensive functional training program involves integrating bodyweight exercises, resistance training, and functional equipment. Bodyweight movements like squats, push-ups, and planks establish fundamental strength and mobility. Resistance training using free weights or resistance bands hones specific muscle groups. Functional equipment such as stability balls, kettlebells, and TRX straps adds variety and challenges balance and coordination. A typical functional training workout routine might entail a warm-up (5-10 minutes of light cardio), bodyweight exercises (3 sets of 12-15 reps each), resistance training (3 sets of 10-12 reps each), functional equipment exercises (3 sets of 12-15 reps each), and a cool-down (5-10 minutes of stretching and flexibility work). This well-rounded regimen optimizes overall functional fitness, priming the body for daily tasks.

 

Benefits of Functional Personal Training:

Functional training offers several advantages over traditional workouts by emphasizing real-life movements and multi-planar exercises. It promotes better posture by strengthening the core and stabilizer muscles, aiding in proper alignment during daily activities. This approach also reduces the risk of injuries by addressing muscle imbalances, enhancing joint stability, and improving overall body awareness. Functional training enhances functional fitness as it directly targets movements essential for daily tasks, such as lifting, bending, and reaching. By engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously, it fosters a holistic and balanced approach to fitness, translating into improved daily functionality and a reduced risk of injuries associated with isolated training methods.

 

Functional personal training represents a holistic and effective approach to fitness. By focusing on enhancing the body’s ability to perform everyday activities safely and efficiently, it not only improves functional fitness but also contributes to better posture and injury prevention. The emphasis on fundamental movement patterns, core strength and stability, balance and coordination, multi-planar movements, and the integration of multiple muscle groups makes functional training a well-rounded and versatile fitness regimen. Compared to traditional workouts, it offers numerous benefits that directly translate into improved daily functionality and a reduced risk of injuries, making it a valuable choice for those seeking a more balanced and functional approach to fitness.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Personal Training For Seniors: Staying Active And Healthy In Your Golden Years https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/personal-training-for-seniors-staying-active-and-healthy-in-your-golden-years/ Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:00:28 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=35013 The post Personal Training For Seniors: Staying Active And Healthy In Your Golden Years appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is vital for seniors as it enhances physical and mental well-being, fosters independence, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Personalized personal training plays a crucial role by tailoring exercise routines to seniors’ specific needs and abilities, ensuring safe and effective workouts that support long-term health and vitality.

 

Understanding Senior Fitness

 As people age, several physiological changes occur, impacting fitness. Muscle mass decreases, leading to reduced strength and metabolism. Bone density decreases, increasing the risk of fractures. Cardiovascular function may decline, affecting endurance. These changes can limit mobility, increase the risk of chronic diseases, and impact overall well-being. However, regular exercise can mitigate these effects significantly. It improves muscle strength, bone density, and cardiovascular health. Seniors who exercise experience enhanced mobility, reduced risk of cognitive decline, and an improved quality of life. Physical activity also promotes social engagement and emotional well-being, emphasizing its crucial role in senior health and vitality.

 

Tailoring Exercise Programs for Seniors

 Individualized training plans for seniors are paramount, considering their unique needs and abilities. For those with limited mobility, chair exercises like seated leg lifts can improve lower body strength. Seniors with joint issues can benefit from low-impact activities like swimming or stationary cycling. Balance exercises, such as standing on one leg, are essential for fall prevention. Resistance bands can be used to adapt strength training for various fitness levels. For those with chronic conditions like arthritis, gentle range-of-motion exercises can alleviate pain. Customizing routines ensures seniors receive safe, effective workouts, addressing their specific health conditions, and optimizing their fitness journey, promoting overall well-being and longevity.

 

 Cardiovascular Health and Endurance

 Cardiovascular exercises suitable for seniors include walking, swimming, and low-impact aerobics. These activities are gentle on the joints while providing an effective cardiovascular workout. Maintaining cardiovascular fitness is crucial for seniors as it significantly reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Regular aerobic exercise improves heart and lung function, lowers blood pressure, and enhances circulation. It also helps manage weight, reduces the risk of stroke, and boosts overall endurance. By incorporating these activities into their routines, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life, improved longevity, and a reduced likelihood of chronic health issues.

 

Strength and Balance Training

 Strength training is vital for seniors to preserve muscle mass and bone density. As aging leads to muscle loss and decreased bone strength, resistance exercises like weightlifting and bodyweight workouts help counter these effects. Maintaining muscle mass supports functional independence and metabolic health. Additionally, balance exercises are crucial for seniors to enhance stability and prevent falls, a common concern. These exercises, such as standing on one leg or practicing tai chi, improve proprioception and core strength, reducing the risk of accidents. Combining strength training and balance exercises in a fitness routine empowers seniors to lead healthier, more active lives as they age, promoting vitality and well-being.

 

Flexibility and Mobility

 Stretching and mobility exercises are essential for seniors to maintain joint health and flexibility. Regular stretching helps improve range of motion, reduce stiffness, and alleviate joint pain associated with aging. Seniors can incorporate gentle stretches into their daily routines, including calf stretches, neck stretches, seated hamstring stretches, and shoulder stretches. Yoga and tai chi are also excellent practices that combine stretching and mobility exercises while promoting relaxation and balance. These routines enhance joint mobility, flexibility, and overall quality of life, enabling seniors to move with ease, reduce the risk of injury, and enjoy an active lifestyle as they age.

 

Nutrition and Hydration for Senior Fitness

 Dietary considerations for seniors are crucial for overall health. Adequate protein intake is essential for maintaining muscle mass and preventing age-related muscle loss. Staying hydrated is equally vital as aging diminishes the sensation of thirst. Common nutritional challenges include decreased appetite, dental issues, and limited mobility. Practical tips include incorporating lean protein sources like poultry, fish, and legumes into meals, opting for fibre-rich foods to support digestion, and selecting foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Smaller, more frequent meals can combat reduced appetite. Moreover, seniors should consult a healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized dietary guidance, ensuring their nutritional needs are met as they age.

 

 Managing Chronic Conditions

 Personal trainers working with seniors with chronic conditions must prioritize safety and individualization. For clients with arthritis, low-impact exercises, gentle stretching, and joint-friendly activities are ideal. Those with diabetes benefit from regular, moderate-intensity exercise to improve insulin sensitivity, with blood sugar monitoring before and after workouts. Clients with heart disease require gradual progression and close monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure during exercise. Trainers should be aware of medications and potential side effects. Communication with healthcare providers is essential. Overall, exercise modifications, gradual progression, and consistent monitoring ensure safety and effectiveness, helping seniors manage chronic conditions and improve their quality of life.

 

Mental Well-being and Cognitive Fitness

 The link between physical activity and mental health in seniors is profound. Regular exercise not only enhances physical health but also supports cognitive function and emotional well-being. Activities such as walking, dancing, and yoga promote cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain, enhancing memory, and reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Exercise also triggers the release of endorphins, improving mood and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Social activities like group fitness classes additionally foster emotional well-being by reducing loneliness and increasing social connections. Engaging in a combination of physical and social activities can significantly boost mental health and overall quality of life for seniors.

 

 Creating a Supportive Environment

 Social interaction and community involvement are vital for senior fitness. They provide motivation, reduce feelings of isolation, and enhance overall well-being. Trainers can foster a supportive atmosphere by promoting group fitness classes or social exercise sessions. Encourage clients to bring friends or family members to workouts, creating a sense of camaraderie. Organize fitness challenges or events within the community to enhance engagement and motivation. Empathetic communication, active listening, and creating an inclusive environment are essential for building trust and ensuring seniors feel comfortable and supported. A sense of belonging and social connection not only motivates seniors to stay active but also significantly contributes to their overall health and happiness.

 

Monitoring Progress and Adapting Programs

 Regular progress assessments and adjustments to training plans are crucial for ensuring clients achieve their fitness goals effectively and safely. Assessments track improvements, identify areas that need attention, and motivate clients by showing tangible results. Methods include measuring body composition changes, monitoring strength gains through weightlifting, assessing cardiovascular improvements with endurance tests, and evaluating flexibility through range-of-motion assessments. Additionally, client feedback and subjective assessments of energy levels and overall well-being are valuable. Based on these assessments, trainers can modify exercise routines, adjust intensity, or refine nutritional plans, ensuring clients continually progress towards their goals and avoid plateaus or overtraining.

 

Empowering Seniors for Long-Term Success

 Key takeaways for seniors to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle include regular physical activity, including cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and balance exercises. Adequate protein intake and hydration are essential, and seeking personalized dietary guidance is beneficial. Prioritizing social interaction and community involvement enhances motivation and emotional well-being. Seniors should engage in regular progress assessments, modify their training plans as needed, and stay updated with research-backed practices. Ongoing engagement with personal training and wellness practices is essential for preserving physical and mental health, promoting independence, and enjoying a fulfilling and active life in the senior years.

 

Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is paramount for seniors, as it positively impacts physical and mental well-being, fosters independence, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Personalized personal training plays a pivotal role in tailoring exercise routines to seniors’ specific needs, ensuring safe and effective workouts that support long-term health and vitality. Seniors should engage in a balanced fitness regimen, including cardiovascular exercise, strength training, balance exercises, and flexibility routines. Adequate nutrition, hydration, and social engagement further enhance their overall well-being. Regular progress assessments and adjustments to training plans are essential to ensure continual progress and avoid plateaus. By staying committed to personalized wellness practices, seniors can enjoy a fulfilling and active life in their golden years.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Advanced Personal Training Science To Practice: Applying The Latest Research In Your Training Programs https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/advanced-personal-training-science-to-practice-applying-the-latest-research-in-your-training-programs/ Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:00:22 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=35005 The post Advanced Personal Training Science To Practice: Applying The Latest Research In Your Training Programs appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Incorporating the latest research into personal training is crucial for trainers to stay updated with evidence-based practices. It ensures clients receive the most effective and safe training methods, leading to better results, reduced injury risk, and enhanced client satisfaction. For trainers, it enhances credibility, attracts more clients, and fosters professional growth.

 

Understanding the Latest Research Trends

In the ever-evolving field of fitness and exercise science, several trends and breakthroughs have emerged. Metabolic conditioning, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and metabolic resistance training, optimizes calorie burn and cardiovascular health. Neuroplasticity studies highlight the brain’s adaptability, revealing how mental exercises can enhance physical performance. Recovery optimization focuses on techniques like cryotherapy and sleep enhancement to accelerate post-exercise recovery. Wearable fitness technology, like smartwatches, allows real-time tracking and data analysis, empowering individuals to monitor their progress. Nutritional genomics explores the role of genetics in personalized nutrition plans. These trends collectively contribute to a more holistic and personalized approach to fitness and wellness.

 

Bridging the Gap: From Research to Real-World Application

Translating research findings into practical training strategies presents challenges due to scientific complexity and client variability. Effective strategies for trainers include staying updated with current research, individualizing programs based on clients’ unique attributes, simplifying complex concepts, and implementing regular assessments. By integrating scientific knowledge with a client-centred approach, trainers can craft personalized, effective training programs that produce optimal results.

 

 Customizing Training Programs Using Science

 

Research-driven training, when tailored to individual needs, can yield remarkable client results. In a case study, a client struggling with weight loss benefitted from high-intensity interval training (HIIT), backed by research showing its effectiveness for fat loss. However, the trainer adapted the program by considering the client’s knee injury, replacing high-impact exercises with low-impact alternatives. Another case involved a client with hypertension. Research suggested that resistance training could lower blood pressure, but individualization was crucial to ensure safe progression. By monitoring and adjusting intensity, the client experienced significant improvements. These cases underscore how individualization and adaptation play a vital role in integrating research findings and achieving exceptional client outcomes.

 

Incorporating Advanced Training Techniques

 

Exploring specialized techniques like blood flow restriction training (BFR), periodization models, and advanced strength protocols reveals the science underpinning their benefits. BFR utilizes cuffs to partially restrict blood flow, inducing metabolic stress and muscle growth even with lighter loads, making it ideal for rehabilitation and minimizing joint strain. Periodization organizes training into phases, optimizing long-term progress by promoting muscle adaptation and strength gains while preventing plateaus and overtraining. Advanced strength protocols, such as cluster sets, eccentric training, and velocity-based training, customize workouts to maximize power, strength, and athletic performance, targeting specific adaptations for superior results.

 

Nutrition and Recovery: A Scientific Approach

Recent research highlights the crucial role of nutrition in training outcomes. Studies emphasize nutrient timing, with pre-workout carbohydrates enhancing energy, and post-workout protein intake stimulating muscle repair and growth. Additionally, personalized nutrition plans, considering factors like genetics and training goals, are gaining traction. Evidence-based recovery strategies include cryotherapy, cold water immersion, and compression garments to reduce muscle inflammation and accelerate recovery. Sleep optimization, too, is paramount, as it aids hormone regulation and tissue repair. Proper hydration and stress management further prevent overtraining, emphasizing a holistic approach to peak performance and injury prevention in sports and fitness.

 

Monitoring Progress and Fine-Tuning

Tools and technologies for tracking client progress and optimizing training plans have advanced significantly. Wearable fitness trackers provide real-time data on metrics like heart rate, steps, and sleep patterns, enabling trainers to monitor daily activity and recovery. Body composition analysers and mobile apps offer precise measurements and progress visualization. Additionally, digital platforms allow trainers to communicate with clients and adjust routines remotely. Ongoing assessment is paramount, as new research continuously informs best practices. By leveraging these tools and staying updated with scientific advancements, trainers can offer more personalized, effective, and adaptive training programs, promoting better outcomes and long-term fitness success for their clients.

 

Addressing Client Questions and Concerns

Trainers can effectively communicate complex scientific concepts by simplifying language, using relatable metaphors, and visual aids. Providing real-life examples and analogies can make abstract ideas more understandable. Encourage open dialogue and active listening to address client doubts. To tackle misconceptions, offer clear explanations and evidence-based reasoning. Showcasing research studies and success stories can instil confidence. Continually educate clients through newsletters, workshops, or informative sessions. Foster a supportive environment where questions are welcomed, and misconceptions are addressed with patience and respect. Empowering clients with knowledge enhances their commitment and trust in the training process, resulting in better adherence and results.

 

Staying Current: Navigating the Sea of Information

Trainers can stay updated with the latest research through reputable sources like peer-reviewed journals (e.g., Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research), academic institutions, and professional organizations (e.g., ACSM, NASM). Online databases such as PubMed provide access to a wealth of studies. When evaluating research, consider factors like sample size, methodology, and funding sources. Peer-reviewed studies carry more weight, and those conducted by respected institutions are generally more reliable. Cross-referencing findings with multiple studies and seeking expert opinions can help discern credible information. Staying critical and discerning ensures trainers rely on evidence-based practices, enhancing the quality of their training programs.

 

Incorporating the latest research into personal training is paramount for trainers to provide clients with effective, evidence-based practices that lead to better results, reduced injury risk, and enhanced satisfaction. Staying updated with the evolving fitness landscape is essential, as evidenced by trends like metabolic conditioning, neuroplasticity, and personalized nutrition. However, translating research into practical training strategies requires individualization and adaptation. Real-world case studies demonstrate the power of research-driven training when tailored to the client’s unique needs.

 

Additionally, advanced techniques like blood flow restriction training and periodization models offer scientifically validated approaches for optimizing performance. Nutrition, recovery, and progress monitoring further contribute to comprehensive, evidence-based training programs. Effective communication, critical thinking, and discernment of reliable sources are crucial in delivering successful training experiences. By embracing the science behind fitness, trainers can empower clients with knowledge, ultimately fostering adherence and trust in their training process. Staying current with reputable research sources ensures trainers continue to offer the most effective and up-to-date fitness solutions, promoting overall health and wellness.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Adapting HIIT Workouts for Specific Goals: Endurance, Strength, and Beyond https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/adapting-hiit-workouts-for-specific-goals-endurance-strength-and-beyond/ Mon, 16 Oct 2023 05:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=35006 The post Adapting HIIT Workouts for Specific Goals: Endurance, Strength, and Beyond appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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High-Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, has garnered immense popularity in recent years due to its efficiency in delivering remarkable fitness results. HIIT workouts are known for their intensity, combining short bursts of vigorous exercises with brief rest periods. While HIIT is incredibly effective, it becomes even more powerful when adapted to specific fitness goals.

 

High-Intensity Interval Training Workouts – A Versatile Fitness Tool:

High-intensity interval Training workouts are like a chameleon in the fitness world, incredibly adaptable to cater to specific fitness objectives. HIIT can be customised to meet your needs, whether you aim to enhance endurance, build strength, or achieve any other fitness goal.

 

Adapting High-Intensity Interval Training for Specific Goals:

Endurance Training: If your objective is to boost cardiovascular endurance, adapt your HIIT routine by incorporating longer work intervals. Focus on exercises like jumping jacks, mountain climbers, or sprints. Lengthen your work intervals and shorten rest periods to challenge your heart and lungs.

 

Strength Training:

To harness the power of High-Intensity Interval Training for muscle building, integrate resistance exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups. Combine these with short bursts of high-intensity cardio like burpees or box jumps. This fusion creates a customised High-Intensity Interval Training routine for strength and muscle development.

 

Customised High-Intensity Interval Training Routines:

Tailoring your High-Intensity Interval Training sessions to your fitness objectives is essential. Set clear fitness goals and design your workouts accordingly. Define your intervals, exercises, and recovery periods to align with your needs.

 

Achieving Your Fitness Objectives:

The adaptation of HIIT allows you to set goal-oriented workouts. Whether targeting enhanced performance, cardiovascular endurance, muscle building, or any other fitness objective, a customised HIIT routine can help you progress efficiently.

 

Performance Improvement and Fitness Goal Achievement:

As you continue to adapt and fine-tune your HIIT workouts to meet your fitness objectives, you’ll experience consistent performance improvement. Whether you want to increase your cardiovascular endurance, build strength, or achieve a specific fitness goal, customised HIIT routines can be your key to success.

 

HIIT workouts can be adapted to cater to specific fitness goals, including endurance training, strength training, or any other fitness objective. By customising your HIIT routines, you’ll embark on a path to enhance performance, achieve your fitness goals, and experience the extraordinary benefits of high-intensity interval training.

 

Maximising Endurance with HIIT

Endurance is a vital fitness element, representing the capacity to maintain physical effort over an extended duration. While long, steady-state workouts like distance running or cycling have traditionally been associated with endurance training, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has become a powerful method for optimising endurance.

 

HIIT is generally characterised by quick bursts of high-intensity exercise separated by short breaks or recovery periods. This unique approach enhances cardiovascular fitness and can be remarkably effective for those seeking to maximise endurance.

 

The Science Behind HIIT and Endurance:

HIIT stimulates the cardiovascular system and muscles to efficiently boost oxygen utilisation and strengthen the heart’s pumping capacity. This translates into improved endurance over time.

 

Adapting HIIT for Endurance:

To adapt HIIT for endurance, focus on exercises and work-rest intervals that push your cardiovascular system to its limit. For example, running sprints or cycling at maximum effort for 20-30 seconds, followed by a 10-15 second recovery, can be an effective endurance-building HIIT routine.

 

Benefits of Endurance-focused HIIT:

Time Efficiency:

HIIT workouts are generally shorter than traditional endurance training, making them ideal for individuals with busy schedules.

 

Caloric Burn:

The intensity of HIIT results in a significant calorie burn during and after the workout, contributing to weight management.

 

Versatility:

HIIT can be adapted for various fitness levels and goals, offering a dynamic approach to endurance training.

 

Incorporating Endurance HIIT into Your Routine:

Add an endurance-focused HIIT session to your fitness routine to maximise endurance. Ensure you gradually increase the intensity and duration of your HIIT intervals as your fitness level improves.

 

HIIT is not just for those seeking quick, intense workouts; it’s also a valuable tool for individuals looking to maximise endurance. By adapting HIIT for endurance training, you can efficiently enhance your cardiovascular fitness, achieve more incredible stamina, and reap the benefits of this versatile and time-efficient approach to endurance.

 

Building Strength through HIIT

When we think of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), we often associate it with cardiovascular benefits and fat-burning. However, HIIT can also be a potent tool for building strength. Traditionally, Strength Training and resistance exercises are considered the primary methods for increasing muscle strength, but HIIT can deliver remarkable results when tailored for power.

 

The Science Behind High-Intensity Interval Training and Strength:

HIIT consists of brief intervals of vigorous exercise succeeded by short recovery periods. This form of training activates both slow and fast-twitch muscle fibres during the intense phases, promoting muscle development and increased strength. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to build strength.

 

Adapting High-Intensity Interval Training for Strength:

To adapt HIIT for building strength, focusing on resistance exercises and engaging multiple muscle groups is essential. You can effectively include squats, deadlifts, kettlebell swings, and push-ups in your HIIT regimen to efficiently work on various muscle groups.

 

Benefits of Strength-focused High-Intensity Interval Training:

Time Efficiency:

HIIT workouts are typically shorter than traditional Strength Training routines, making it an excellent option for individuals with limited time.

 

Metabolic Boost:

HIIT elevates your heart rate, which can lead to a significant metabolic boost. This can help with muscle development and fat loss.

 

Functional Strength:

HIIT can improve functional strength by focusing on movements that mimic real-life activities. This can be especially beneficial for overall fitness.

 

Incorporating Strength HIIT into Your Routine:

If you want to build strength through HIIT, consider adding a strength-focused HIIT session to your weekly workout plan. As your strength progresses, gradually adjust to intensify and add resistance to your exercises.

 

High-intensity interval Training is not limited to cardiovascular fitness and weight loss; it’s also a valuable tool for building strength. By adapting HIIT for stability, you can efficiently engage your muscles, promote muscle growth, and enjoy the time-efficient benefits of this versatile approach to strength development.

 

Unlocking New Horizons with HIIT

In the ever-evolving fitness world, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a trendsetter that unlocks new horizons for fitness enthusiasts. It represents a dynamic exercise method that melds quick and intense bursts of physical activity with short recovery intervals. It’s not just a workout; it’s a gateway to achieving your fitness objectives more efficiently and effectively.

 

Time Efficiency:

 

One of the critical attractions of HIIT is its time efficiency. In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals find it challenging to dedicate long hours to exercise. HIIT offers a solution by providing potent workouts in a fraction of the time compared to traditional exercise routines. These concise yet powerful sessions make it easier to commit to regular exercise, fitting into even the busiest schedules.

 

Cardiovascular Endurance:

HIIT is celebrated for its ability to enhance cardiovascular endurance. It elevates your heart rate rapidly and sustains it throughout the workout, boosting your cardiovascular fitness. Improved endurance translates to better stamina, making daily activities less taxing and helping you excel in sports and other physical endeavours.

 

Muscle Building:

While HIIT is recognised for its cardiovascular benefits, it’s not limited to burning calories. HIIT routines often incorporate resistance exercises that engage muscle groups, leading to strength gains and muscle development. The combination of cardiovascular endurance and muscle building makes HIIT a holistic approach to fitness.

 

Customised Workouts:

HIIT offers exceptional flexibility, permitting you to tailor your workouts to suit and align with your fitness objectives. Whether you’re striving for fat loss, muscle gain, or performance improvement, HIIT can be adapted to suit your needs. Goal-oriented workouts ensure you stay motivated and achieve tangible results.

 

Diversity and Fun:

HIIT encourages variety in your workouts. It’s easy to incorporate different exercises and styles, preventing boredom and keeping your fitness journey exciting and enjoyable.

 

High-intensity interval Training isn’t merely a workout trend; it’s a revolutionary approach to achieving your fitness aspirations. With its time efficiency, cardiovascular endurance benefits, muscle-building potential, and customizability, HIIT unlocks new horizons for fitness enthusiasts, making it a valuable addition to any fitness regimen.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on learning more about HIIT training then you need to do our HIIT and Functional Trainer Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

High-intensity interval Training is a fitness regimen that intertwines brief, vigorous exercise bouts with short recovery intervals. Its acclaim stems from its ability to produce impressive fitness outcomes within a condensed timeframe, making it an efficient choice for many.

High-intensity interval Training is incredibly versatile and can be customised to cater to various fitness objectives, including endurance training, strength building, and more.

To adapt High-Intensity Interval Training for endurance, focus on exercises challenging your cardiovascular system. Incorporate longer work intervals with exercises like sprints or mountain climbers.

Endurance-focused HIIT offers time efficiency, significant calorie burn, and versatility, making it ideal for busy individuals seeking improved stamina and cardiovascular fitness.

To adapt HIIT for strength, include resistance exercises like squats, deadlifts, and push-ups into your routine. Combine these with short bursts of high-intensity cardio for a custom strength-building workout.

Strength-focused High-Intensity Interval Training improves time efficiency, metabolic boost, and functional strength. It’s an excellent option for individuals who build muscle and enhance overall fitness.

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Maximising Fat Burn with HIIT Workouts https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/maximising-fat-burn-with-hiit-workouts/ Fri, 13 Oct 2023 05:00:09 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34998 The post Maximising Fat Burn with HIIT Workouts appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has revolutionised the pursuit of efficient fat loss and improved overall fitness. This dynamic fitness routine has gained immense popularity for its ability to maximise fat burn while offering many metabolic benefits.

 

HIIT workouts are designed to push your exercise intensity to the limit, alternating between short bursts of all-out effort and brief recovery periods. This high-intensity approach creates a powerful fat-burning furnace within your body.

 

Fat Burn: At the core of HIIT’s appeal is its exceptional fat-burning capacity. The intense effort during the workout prompts your body to burn more calories during the session and in the following hours. This phenomenon is often referred to as the “afterburn effect” or scientifically termed as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). HIIT workouts stimulate your metabolism, motivating your body to utilise stored fat for energy, even post-workout.

 

Metabolic Benefits: HIIT helps you shed excess pounds and provides various metabolic benefits. Regular HIIT sessions can improve insulin sensitivity, regulate blood sugar levels, and enhance cardiovascular health. It’s a comprehensive approach that goes beyond fat burn.

 

Weight Loss: The combination of intense exercise, calorie burn, and improved metabolic rate makes HIIT workouts incredibly effective for weight loss. These routines enable you to achieve more in less time, making them ideal for those with busy schedules.

 

Endurance: Your endurance levels increase as you progress with HIIT—the ability to sustain high-intensity efforts during workouts transfers to everyday activities, improving your overall fitness.

 

Fitness Goals: HIIT is highly customisable, tailoring your workouts to meet specific fitness goals. Whether you want to focus on fat loss, cardiovascular health, or endurance, HIIT can be adapted to suit your objectives.

 

HIIT Workouts Benefits: HIIT’s benefits extend far beyond fat burn. They encompass improved fitness, enhanced cardiovascular health, and efficient calorie burn. HIIT workouts are versatile and can be tailored to suit people with diverse fitness levels and objectives, making them inclusive and customisable.

 

Adding HIIT to your exercise regimen can significantly boost your fat-burning potential and help you reach your fitness milestones. The combination of high-intensity exercises, metabolic improvements, and successful fat reduction makes HIIT a valuable addition to any workout plan. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or a beginner, HIIT provides an effective and efficient route to a healthier, more fit you.

 

The Science Behind HIIT and Metabolic Benefits

 

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has taken the fitness world by storm, hailed as an efficient and effective way to maximise fat burn and achieve metabolic benefits. But what’s the science behind this fitness phenomenon?

 

HIIT sessions involve brief but intense intervals of exercise, followed by short recovery breaks. This unique structure prompts various physiological responses in the body, resulting in both immediate and long-term metabolic advantages.

 

Your body requires significant energy during high-intensity intervals, leading to a substantial calorie burn. This intense effort elevates your heart rate and increases oxygen consumption, contributing to the “afterburn effect.” After completing a HIIT session, your body continues to burn calories at an elevated rate, sometimes for hours, to restore oxygen levels and repair muscle tissues. This is a critical factor in HIIT’s fat-burning prowess.

 

Additionally, scientific studies have demonstrated that HIIT can enhance insulin sensitivity, aid in controlling blood sugar levels, and lower the likelihood of metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, HIIT contributes to improved cardiovascular well-being through enhanced heart function, reduced blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels.

 

The science behind HIIT’s metabolic benefits lies in its ability to challenge and push your body to its limits. This intensity sparks physiological adaptations that boost your metabolism, promote fat burn, and enhance overall fitness. Whether your goal is to shed excess pounds or improve your cardiovascular health, HIIT offers a scientifically backed approach to achieving your fitness aspirations.

 

HIIT vs. Traditional Cardio: Which Is More Effective?

 

In the realm of cardiovascular exercises, two well-recognized choices emerge: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and the conventional, steady-state cardio. Both offer distinct approaches to improving cardiovascular health and burning calories, but which one is more effective?

 

HIIT has gained fame for its brief but intense exercise intervals, which are interspersed with short periods of rest or low-intensity activity. These sessions can be as short as 15-20 minutes, making it an efficient choice for those with busy schedules. The intensity of HIIT workouts significantly elevates the heart rate, promoting calorie burn and metabolic benefits. Research shows that HIIT can enhance endurance, boost fat burn, and improve cardiovascular health relatively quickly.

 

On the other hand, traditional cardio involves sustained, moderate-intensity exercise for an extended period, typically 30 minutes or longer. Activities like jogging, cycling, or swimming fall into this category. While traditional cardio effectively burns calories during the workout, it may not provide the same post-exercise calorie burn or metabolic improvements as HIIT.

 

The effectiveness of these two approaches depends on your fitness goals. If your primary aim is to maximise fat burn, HIIT may be the better choice due to its capacity to elevate your heart rate and trigger the “afterburn effect.” However, traditional cardio can be effective if you prefer longer, steady workouts and want to build endurance gradually.

 

HIIT and traditional cardio have their merits, and the choice between them depends on your fitness preferences and goals. Incorporating a combination of both into your fitness routine can provide a well-rounded approach to cardiovascular health and fitness, offering you the best of both worlds. In the end, the workout that proves most effective is the one that you find enjoyable and can maintain over the long haul.

 

Incorporating HIIT into Your Fitness Routine for Optimal Results

Are you looking to revamp your fitness routine and achieve optimal results? Consider adding High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to your workout regimen. HIIT is a powerful and efficient way to boost your fitness level, torch calories, and enhance your overall health.

 

HIIT consists of brief intervals of highly intensive physical activity interspersed with short breaks or periods of lower-intensity exercise. The key to its effectiveness lies in the intensity and variety it brings to your workouts. Here are some tips for incorporating HIIT into your fitness routine:

 

Start Slowly:

If starting with HIIT, you should initiate shorter workout sessions and progressively enhance both the intensity and length as your fitness level advances. This approach will aid in preventing excessive strain and lowering the likelihood of injuries.

 

Mix It Up:

HIIT is incredibly versatile. You can incorporate it into various forms of exercise, such as running, cycling, bodyweight exercises, or even swimming. This variety keeps your workouts engaging and prevents boredom.

 

Set Clear Goals:

Define your fitness goals: weight loss, improved endurance, or increased muscle tone. Tailor your HIIT workouts to align with your objectives for maximum effectiveness.

 

Consistency Is Key:

To see significant results, consistency is essential. Aim for at least three HIIT sessions per week, combined with other forms of exercise, to maintain a balanced fitness routine.

 

Listen to Your Body:

Pay attention to your body’s signals and adjust your HIIT workouts accordingly. Push yourself, but don’t overexert or neglect proper warm-up and cool-down routines.

 

Monitor Progress:

Keep track of your progress by recording workout details, such as exercise duration, intensity, and how you felt during and after each session. This will help you stay motivated and make necessary adjustments.

 

Integrating HIIT into your regular fitness regimen can assist you in efficiently reaching your fitness objectives. It’s time-efficient nature makes it accessible for even the busiest schedules. Consider a fitness professional or healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise program, especially if you have underlying health concerns. With dedication and the right approach, HIIT can be a game-changer on your fitness journey.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on learning more about HIIT training then you need to do our HIIT and Functional Trainer Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

HIIT is a workout strategy involving brief, intense exercise intervals followed by short rest periods. Its efficacy in enhancing fat burn stems from its ability to elevate heart and metabolic rates, resulting in increased calorie expenditure during and after the workout.

HIIT provides several metabolic benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity, better blood sugar regulation, and enhanced cardiovascular health. These benefits are conducive to fat burn and contribute to overall metabolic efficiency.

HIIT facilitates weight loss primarily by promoting fat burn. It combines high-intensity exercise, calorie consumption, and elevated metabolic rates, making it a potent tool for those aiming to shed excess pounds.

HIIT workouts can improve endurance by challenging the body to sustain high-intensity efforts. This endurance enhancement complements the fat burn, leading to improved overall fitness.

HIIT is highly versatile, allowing customisation to various fitness objectives, with fat burn being prominent. Whether you aim for fat loss, cardiovascular health, or overall fitness, HIIT can be tailored to meet your specific goals.

Prior athleticism is optional to begin HIIT workouts. Beginners can initiate their journey with shorter, less intense sessions, gradually progressing in intensity and duration. This adaptability makes HIIT an inclusive fitness option for individuals of all levels.

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HIIT for Beginners: Tips and Workouts to Get Started https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/hiit-for-beginners-tips-and-workouts-to-get-started/ Thu, 12 Oct 2023 05:00:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34992 The post HIIT for Beginners: Tips and Workouts to Get Started appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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High-Intensity Interval Training, commonly known as HIIT, is a powerful and efficient workout method that can help beginners kickstart their fitness journey. If you’re new to HIIT or exercise in general, this article will provide the essential tips and beginner HIIT workouts to get you started on the right track.

 

Introduction to HIIT:

High-intensity interval Training is a fitness approach characterised by alternating brief, high-intensity exercise intervals with short periods of either rest or low-intensity activities. It’s known for burning calories, boosting metabolism, and improving cardiovascular fitness in less time than traditional steady-state cardio.

 

Getting Started with HIIT:

Before commencing any fitness program, consult with a healthcare expert, especially if you have preexisting medical conditions or underlying health factors. After receiving approval, take these HIIT recommendations into account as you start your journey as a beginner:

 

Start Slow:

Start your workouts with shorter time frames of high-intensity exercise, and over time, as your fitness progresses, incrementally raise both the intensity and the duration of your activities.

 

Proper Warm-Up:

Always warm up before HIIT to prevent injury. Include dynamic stretches and light cardio for about 5-10 minutes.

 

Form Matters:

Focus on maintaining proper Form during exercises to avoid injuries.

Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds and adjust the intensity or exercises accordingly.

 

Rest:

Adequate rest between workouts is crucial. Allow your body to recover before your next HIIT session.

 

Beginner-Friendly HIIT Workouts:

Here are a couple of beginner high-intensity interval workouts to get you started:

 

  1. Tabata-style high-intensity interval: 20 seconds of high-intensity exercise (e.g., jumping jacks) followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for 4 minutes.
  2. 30-Second Intervals: 30 seconds of exercise (e.g., bodyweight squats), followed by 30 seconds of rest for 10-15 minutes.

 

High-intensity interval:

Start with 10 seconds of exercise, then increase by 10 seconds each round, followed by the same amount of rest.

High-intensity interval for beginners can be a game-changer in your fitness journey. Remember to stay consistent, gradually increase intensity, and enjoy the benefits of improved fitness, increased energy, and a healthier you.

 

Whether aiming for weight loss, building strength, or enhancing your endurance, High-intensity interval is a highly effective method to help you achieve your goals efficiently. By integrating these beginner High-intensity interval routines into your regimen, you’ll be on the path to a healthier and more physically fit lifestyle.

 

Understanding HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)

 

HIIT, or High-Intensity Interval Training, has become widely renowned in the fitness community due to its remarkable efficiency and effectiveness in helping individuals attain their fitness objectives. This training method involves short bursts of intense exercise alternated with brief periods of rest or lower-intensity activity. Let’s delve deeper into why HIIT is such a game-changer in fitness.

 

HIIT elevates your heart rate quickly, pushing your body to work at or near its maximum capacity during high-intensity interval training. These intervals are typically short, ranging from 20 seconds to 1 minute, followed by periods of active Recovery or complete rest.

One of the notable advantages of HIIT is its capacity to efficiently enhance cardiovascular fitness and calorie burning within a relatively brief workout duration. Research has shown that HIIT can boost metabolism, enhance endurance, and promote fat loss more effectively than traditional steady-state cardio workouts.

 

Additionally, High-intensity interval training is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to various fitness levels and preferences. Whether you’re just starting or a highly experienced athlete, HIIT routines can be customised to your specific requirements by modifying the intensity, duration, and choice of exercises.

 

Understanding HIIT opens the door to a time-efficient fitness regimen that yields remarkable results. It is a powerful resource for individuals seeking weight loss, muscle strength development, and overall physical fitness enhancement. High-intensity interval might perfectly fit an effective and dynamic workout routine.

 

Essential Tips for Beginners in High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

 

Starting a High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) routine can be an exciting step towards achieving your fitness goals. Still, it’s essential to approach it with care, especially if you’re a beginner. To help you get started on the right foot, here are some critical tips to keep in mind:

 

Consult a Healthcare Professional: It’s essential to consult with a medical professional, particularly if you have preexisting health conditions or any health-related worries, before commencing any new exercise regimen. They can offer guidance and ensure HIIT is safe for you.

 

Start Slow:

  1. Take your time with high-intensity workouts.
  2. Begin with shorter intervals and lower-intensity exercises.
  3. As your fitness level progresses, incrementally enhance both the intensity and the length of your workouts.

Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down:

Always start your HIIT session with an excellent warm-up to prepare your muscles and reduce the risk of injury. Following your exercise session, participate in a cooldown routine to gradually reduce your heart rate and minimise the likelihood of muscle soreness.

 

Focus on Form: 

Correct Form is crucial during HIIT exercises. Ensure you’re performing each exercise correctly to prevent injuries and maximise the effectiveness of your workout.

 

Listen to Your Body: 

Pay attention to how your body responds during HIIT. If you experience excessive pain, dizziness, or discomfort, you must stop immediately and rest. Exerting disproportionate effort can result in overtraining and an increased risk of sustaining injuries.

 

Stay Hydrated: HIIT can be intense and cause you to sweat a lot. Stay hydrated by drinking water before, during, and after your workout.

 

Rest and Recovery:

Adequate rest between HIIT sessions is crucial for Recovery. Your body needs time to repair and build strength. Avoid doing HIIT workouts on consecutive days.

 

Variety is Key:

Keep your workouts interesting by incorporating various exercises. This not only prevents boredom but also challenges different muscle groups.

 

Consistency is King:

Consistency is the key to success in any fitness program. Stick to your High-Intensity Interval Training routine to see significant improvements in your fitness level over time.

 

Set Realistic Goals:

Define your fitness goals and set realistic expectations. High-intensity interval Training can help you achieve various purposes, such as weight loss, strength gain, or improved endurance, but it takes time and dedication.

By following these essential tips, beginners can embark on their HIIT journey with confidence and safety. HIIT can be a highly effective and rewarding form of exercise, helping you achieve your fitness goals efficiently.

 

Beginner-Friendly HIIT Workouts: Start Your Fitness Journey Strong

 

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is an excellent way to kickstart your fitness journey, and the best part is that it’s accessible to everyone, including beginners. These beginner friendly HIIT workouts help you build strength, improve endurance, and burn calories efficiently while keeping things manageable and enjoyable.

 

Bodyweight HIIT Circuit:

  1. Start with simple, practical bodyweight exercises like jumping jacks, squats, push-ups, and mountain climbers.
  2. Execute each exercise for 30 seconds, followed by a 30-second rest interval before moving on to the next activity.
  3. Complete the circuit for 15-20 minutes.

 

Tabata Intervals: 

Tabata represents a widely embraced HIIT format with 20 seconds of maximum exertion, succeeded by a 10-second interval of rest. You can choose exercises like burpees, high knees, or bicycle crunches. Repeat each exercise for four minutes before moving on.

 

30-30 HIIT: 

Alternate between 30 seconds of exercise and 30 seconds of rest. Suitable activities for beginners include jumping lunges, planks, and bodyweight squats. Aim for 10-15 minutes of this routine.

 

Pyramid HIIT:

  1. Start with 10 seconds of exercise and a 10-second rest.
  2. Increase the exercise duration by 10 seconds for each round.
  3. Once you reach 60 seconds, decrease by 10 seconds per round until you’re back at 10 seconds.

This workout provides an excellent progression and keeps things interesting.

 

Low-Impact HIIT:

If you prefer low-impact workouts, focus on seated leg lifts, standing side leg lifts and standing knee raises. These exercises are gentle on the joints but still provide practical training.

 

Ensure you initiate your exercise session with an adequate warm-up and conclude it with a cool-down to safeguard against injuries and facilitate recovery. Beginners should also pay close attention to Form and listen to their bodies. As you progress, you can gradually increase the intensity and complexity of your workouts. These beginner-friendly HIIT routines will help you build a solid foundation for your fitness journey and set you on the path to a healthier, stronger you.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on learning more about HIIT training then you need to do our HIIT and Functional Trainer Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

HIIT stands for High-Intensity Interval Training. It’s a workout method that alternates short bursts of intense exercise with brief rest periods. It’s great for beginners because it’s efficient and adaptable to different fitness levels, helping you see results without spending hours at the gym.

Yes, High-intensity interval training can be safe for beginners, but starting slowly and gradually increasing intensity is essential. Seek advice from a medical expert before commencing a new workout regimen, especially if you have any health-related apprehensions or uncertainties.

Beginner High-intensity interval training sessions can range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your fitness level. Start with shorter intervals and progressively extend the duration as you become more comfortable.

Common mistakes include going too intense too quickly, neglecting proper warm-up and cool-down, and sacrificing Form for speed. It’s crucial to listen to your body and prioritise safety.

It’s recommended to do High-intensity interval training only sometimes, especially for beginners. Allow your body time to recover by spacing out your HIIT sessions with rest days in between. Aim for 2-3 sessions per week.

Results vary from person to person, but with consistency, you can expect to see improvements in your fitness level, energy, and possibly weight loss within a few weeks. Remember that progress takes time, so stay committed to your routine.

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Overcoming Plateaus in Muscle Growth: Advanced Techniques for Continued Progress https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/overcoming-plateaus-in-muscle-growth-advanced-techniques-for-continued-progress/ Wed, 11 Oct 2023 05:00:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34984 The post Overcoming Plateaus in Muscle Growth: Advanced Techniques for Continued Progress appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Achieving consistent muscle growth is a fitness enthusiast’s goal, but sooner or later, many face the frustrating phenomenon of muscle growth plateaus. These plateaus can be discouraging, but with advanced muscle-building techniques and strategies, you can break through these barriers and continue progressing toward your muscle-building goals.

 

Identifying Muscle Growth Plateaus:

Muscle growth plateaus are periods when your body stops responding to your training efforts. You may notice that your strength gains stall and your muscles no longer seem to grow as they once did. Recognizing these plateaus as they occur is essential because they signal the need for change in your routine.

 

Advanced Training Strategies:

You’ll need to employ advanced training strategies to overcome muscle growth plateaus. Progressive overload techniques, such as increasing weights and adjusting rep ranges, can shock your muscles into growth. Periodization, where you cycle through different training intensities and volumes, can also help prevent plateaus and stimulate muscle development.

 

Muscle Hypertrophy Methods:

Explore various muscle hypertrophy methods, such as drop sets, supersets, and pyramids, to challenge your muscles in new ways. These techniques can increase muscle fibre recruitment and stimulate growth even when you think you’ve hit a plateau.

 

Optimizing Nutrition and Recovery:

Advanced nutrition for muscle growth is essential. Ensure you’re consuming enough protein to support muscle repair and growth. Add supplements like creatine to your regimen, enhancing your workout performance and muscle recovery. Additionally, prioritize recovery strategies like proper sleep and active rest days to aid muscle repair and overall progress.

 

Resistance Training Advancements:

Experiment with advanced resistance training equipment and techniques. Implementing resistance bands, chains, or different resistance machines can add new challenges to your workouts and break through plateaus.

 

Muscle Building Plateaus Solutions:

Continued muscle progress requires adapting your training and nutrition to your evolving needs. Remember that muscle growth is a journey, and plateaus are temporary setbacks. By implementing advanced techniques and staying committed to your goals, you can overcome plateaus and achieve the desired muscle gains.

 

Identifying Plateaus in Your Muscle Growth Journey

Embarking on a muscle growth journey is an exciting endeavour, but it can sometimes be a linear path. Along the way, you may encounter plateaus – those moments when it feels like your progress has hit a roadblock. Identifying these plateaus is crucial to continue making strides in your muscle-building efforts.

 

Plateaus manifest in various ways. Your strength gains have stalled, your muscle size seems to have plateaued, or your workouts no longer leave you with that satisfying soreness. These are all signs that you’ve reached a point where your body has adapted to your current training regimen.

 

To identify plateaus effectively, keep a detailed workout journal. Track your lifts, repetitions, and sets, along with the weights you’re using. Take note of how your body feels during and after workouts. Are you feeling challenged, or has the routine become comfortable?

 

Additionally, monitor your body composition. It could indicate a plateau if you’re not seeing the desired changes in muscle size or body fat levels.

 

Recognizing plateaus is the first step in overcoming them. Once identified, you can implement advanced training techniques like progressive overload, periodization, and muscle hypertrophy to break through these barriers. Plateaus are not permanent; they’re merely challenges to conquer on your journey toward achieving your muscle growth goals.

 

Advanced Training Strategies to Break Through Plateaus

Plateaus in your fitness journey can be incredibly frustrating. You’ve been working hard, making progress, and suddenly, it seems like you’ve hit a wall. The good news is that plateaus are not the end of the road; they are merely obstacles to overcome. To continue gaining muscle growth, you’ll need to employ advanced training strategies that challenge your body in new ways.

 

Progressive Overload: This is a fundamental principle in muscle growth. Gradually increase the resistance or weight you’re lifting to break through plateaus. This forces your muscles to adapt and grow more robust to handle the added load.

 

Periodization: Periodization involves planning your workouts in cycles, often varying intensity, volume, and exercises over time. This strategy prevents your body from getting used to a specific routine, keeping it in constant adaptation.

 

Advanced Exercise Variations: Incorporate advanced exercise variations to target muscle groups from different angles. For example, if you’ve been doing traditional squats, try front squats or Bulgarian split squats to shock your muscles into growth.

 

Negative Repetitions: Focus on the exercise’s eccentric (lowering) phase. Slowly reduce the weight, emphasizing the muscle lengthening phase. This technique can lead to muscle fibre damage, which prompts growth during the repair process.

 

Drop Sets and Supersets: These techniques involve performing multiple sets with little to no rest in between. Drop sets include reducing the weight as you fatigue, while supersets pair two different exercises targeting the same muscle group.

 

Advanced Nutrition: Review your nutrition plan. Ensure you’re consuming enough calories and protein to support muscle growth. Add supplements like creatine or branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to your regimen.

 

Recovery Strategies: Pay attention to recovery. Incorporate techniques like active recovery days, foam rolling, and adequate sleep to allow your muscles to repair and grow.

 

Breaking through plateaus requires dedication, patience, and A readiness to venture beyond your familiar territory. By incorporating these advanced training strategies, you can revitalise your muscle growth journey and continue making significant progress towards your fitness goals. Remember, plateaus are temporary setbacks on the road to success.

 

Optimising Nutrition and Recovery for Sustained Muscle Growth

Achieving sustained muscle growth requires more than just lifting weights in the gym. Your nutrition and recovery strategies ensure that your muscles have the fuel and rest they need to grow effectively.

 

Nutrition for Muscle Growth:

Dietary protein: Plays a crucial role as the foundational component for muscle development. Ensure you consume enough high-quality protein sources like lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and plant-based options like beans and tofu. Aim for a consistent protein intake throughout the day.

 

Caloric Surplus: To promote muscle growth, it’s essential to maintain a surplus of calories, indicating that you consume an excess of calories compared to what your body spends. This provides the energy necessary for muscle repair and growth.

 

Balanced Diet: A well-rounded diet with carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats is essential. Carbohydrates provide energy for workouts, while fats support overall health and hormone production.

 

Timing Matters: Consider consuming protein and carbohydrates after your workout to help with muscle recovery and replenish glycogen stores.

 

Hydration: Remember hydration. Dehydration can hinder muscle performance and recovery. Drink enough water throughout the day.

 

Recovery Strategies:

 

Ensuring adequate and restorative sleep is vital. During sleep, your body undergoes repairs and muscle tissue development. Strive for a duration of 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.

 

Active Recovery: Incorporate light activities like walking or gentle yoga on rest days to promote blood flow and reduce muscle soreness.

 

Foam Rolling and Stretching: These techniques can help alleviate muscle tension and improve flexibility, aiding recovery.

 

Massage and Bodywork: Consider getting regular massages or bodywork to release muscle knots and improve recovery.

 

Nutrient Timing: As mentioned earlier, post-workout nutrition is crucial. To optimise recovery, consume a balanced meal or shake within a couple of hours after training.

 

Supplements: Some supplements like creatine, BCAAs, and collagen may support muscle growth and recovery. Consult with a healthcare professional before adding accessories to your routine.

 

By optimizing your nutrition and recovery strategies, You establish conditions that facilitate your muscles’ ability to thrive and adjust to the challenges presented by your training. Remember that consistency is critical, and results may take time. Be patient, stay committed, and you’ll see sustained muscle growth over time.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Training plateaus are phases where your body no longer responds to your workouts. Strength gains stall and muscle growth slows down.

Advanced techniques like progressive overload, periodization, and varied exercises can be effective in breaking through training plateaus.

Nutrition is vital for your fitness journey. Adequate protein, a caloric surplus, and a balanced diet are essential. Timing meals and hydration also help.

Recovery is crucial for your journey. Quality sleep, active rest, foam rolling, and nutrient timing support progress. Consider supplements like creatine and BCAAs.

Advanced techniques like negative reps, drop sets, and exercises can challenge your body and revive progress.

You can achieve continued progress in your fitness journey with dedication, identifying plateaus, advanced methods, optimized nutrition, and prioritized recovery.

The post Overcoming Plateaus in Muscle Growth: Advanced Techniques for Continued Progress appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Exploring the Benefits of Natural Steroids for Muscle Growth and Recovery https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exploring-the-benefits-of-natural-steroids-for-muscle-growth-and-recovery/ Wed, 11 Oct 2023 05:00:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34976 The post Exploring the Benefits of Natural Steroids for Muscle Growth and Recovery appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In fitness and bodybuilding, achieving significant muscle growth and ensuring a swift recovery after intense workouts are top priorities. Many individuals have turned to natural steroids to optimise these processes, and for good reason. Natural steroids, also known as plant-based steroids, offer numerous benefits that support muscle growth and enhance Recovery.

 

Natural Steroids and Their Anabolic Effects:

Natural steroids are compounds found in various plants that mimic the effects of anabolic steroids. In contrast to synthetic steroids, natural steroids originate from plants and can contribute to muscle growth without the negative consequences typically linked to synthetic variations.

 

Promoting Muscle Growth and Recovery:

Natural steroids’ primary benefit is their ability to stimulate muscle growth. They do this by promoting protein synthesis, which is crucial for muscle repair and development. This results in increased muscle mass, improved strength, and enhanced performance during strength training exercises.

 

Hormonal Balance and Muscle-Building Supplements:

Natural steroids also help maintain hormonal balance, particularly testosterone levels. Testosterone plays a crucial role in facilitating both muscle development and the process of healing. Natural steroids create an optimal environment for muscle development by supporting healthy testosterone production.

 

Performance Enhancement and Recovery Supplements:

Athletes and bodybuilders often use natural steroids as performance-enhancing supplements. These compounds aid in quick Recovery from strenuous workouts, reducing muscle soreness and fatigue. This enables individuals to train harder and more frequently, improving muscle gains.

 

Bodybuilding Benefits:

Natural steroids offer various benefits, including increased muscle growth, improved Recovery, and enhanced performance during strength training. Their plant-based origin makes them a safer alternative to synthetic steroids, as they don’t carry the same risk of adverse side effects. For those seeking to maximise their bodybuilding efforts naturally, incorporating natural steroids into their fitness regimen can be a valuable strategy. When considering adding a new supplement to your routine, seeking advice from a healthcare expert or fitness specialist is crucial. This ensures that the supplement aligns with your fitness objectives and general well-being.

 

The Science Behind Natural Steroids

Natural steroids, often derived from plants, have garnered significant attention in recent years for their potential benefits in various fields, including fitness, sports, and medicine. The fascination surrounding these compounds lies in their ability to mimic the effects of synthetic anabolic steroids while minimising the associated risks and side effects. Let’s delve into the science behind natural steroids to understand how they work and why they are gaining recognition.

 

Plant-Based Powerhouses:

Natural steroids are bioactive compounds found in certain plants. They are classified as phytoecdysteroids, and one of the most well-known examples is ecdysterone. These plant-based steroids are structurally like human steroid hormones, particularly testosterone.

 

Hormonal Harmony:

The human body has a complex endocrine system that regulates various physiological processes, including muscle growth and metabolism. Natural steroids interact with this system by binding to androgen receptors. By doing so, they influence hormonal balance, particularly testosterone levels. Heightened testosterone levels are linked to an enhanced process of muscle protein synthesis, which is pivotal for developing and expanding muscle tissue.

 

Anabolic Effects:

The anabolic effects of natural steroids revolve around their ability to enhance protein synthesis within muscle cells. This results in accelerated muscle repair and development, making them valuable tools for athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts seeking to optimise their muscle-building potential.

 

Safe and Effective:

One of the critical advantages of natural steroids is their safety profile. They do not pose the same health risks and side effects as synthetic steroids, which can lead to various issues, including hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular problems, and liver damage.

 

In conclusion, the science behind natural steroids reveals their potential to support muscle growth, enhance Recovery, and improve overall athletic performance. As research continues to shed light on their mechanisms and benefits, natural steroids remain a promising area of exploration for those looking to achieve their fitness goals safely and effectively.

 

Role of Plant-Based Compounds in Muscle Building

Achieving significant muscle growth is a primary goal for many individuals in strength training, bodybuilding, or fitness. While exercise and nutrition are crucial in this process, plant-based compounds must be considered. These compounds, derived from plant sources, have gained popularity as effective supplements to support muscle building. Let’s explore their significant role in promoting muscle growth.

 

Mimicking Anabolic Effects:

Plant-based compounds, also known as phytoecdysteroids, share structural similarities with human steroid hormones, such as testosterone. This similarity enables them to engage with androgen receptors within the body, ultimately resulting in anabolic outcomes. Anabolic processes involve building muscle tissue, and plant-based compounds can help stimulate these processes.

 

Enhancing Protein Synthesis:

One of the fundamental mechanisms through which plant-based compounds promote muscle growth is enhancing protein synthesis. Protein synthesis is the cellular process of combining amino acids to form new proteins, crucial for repairing and building muscle tissue. Plant-based compounds help increase the protein synthesis rate, resulting in faster muscle recovery and development.

 

Hormonal Balance:

Maintaining hormonal balance is essential for muscle growth. Plant-based compounds can influence hormonal balance by increasing testosterone production, a hormone known for its muscle-building properties. Elevated testosterone levels lead to more remarkable muscle protein synthesis and increased muscle mass.

 

Safe and Legal:

Unlike synthetic anabolic steroids, which have various health risks and legal complications, plant-based compounds are generally safe and legal. They do not cause the same adverse side effects associated with synthetic alternatives.

 

Plant-based compounds play a vital role in muscle building by mimicking anabolic effects, enhancing protein synthesis, and promoting hormonal balance. Natural, safe, and effective supplements offer a valuable option for individuals looking to optimise their muscle-building efforts responsibly and sustainably. When incorporated into a well-rounded fitness and nutrition plan, plant-based compounds can be a powerful tool in achieving muscle growth goals.

 

Incorporating Natural Steroids into Your Fitness Routine

 

When focusing on improving muscle growth and optimising your fitness progress, exploring various supplements and strategies to help you reach your goals is essential. Natural steroids, derived from plant sources, have emerged as a popular and effective option for those looking to boost their muscle-building efforts. Here’s how you can incorporate natural steroids into your fitness routine:

 

Research and Select Reputable Products: Start by researching and choosing high-quality natural steroid supplements from reputable brands. Look for products backed by scientific evidence and with positive reviews from users.

 

Prioritise a Consultation with a Healthcare Expert: Before incorporating any new supplement into your fitness regimen, it’s recommended to prioritise a consultation with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian. They can provide valuable insights on appropriate dosage, potential interactions, and tailored advice based on your health condition.

 

Follow Recommended Dosage: Following the recommended dosage instructions on the supplement packaging is crucial. Overconsumption of any supplement can have adverse effects, so moderation is key.

 

Combine with a Balanced Diet:  Natural steroids work best when complemented by a balanced diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Ensure you’re meeting your daily calorie and macronutrient needs.

 

Incorporate into Your Exercise Regimen: To maximise the effectiveness of natural steroids, integrate them into your regular strength training and resistance workouts. Concentrate on compound exercises that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously.

 

Track Your Advancements: Monitor your fitness journey, including muscle development and recovery changes. Adjust your supplement intake and workout routine based on your results and goals.

 

Emphasise the Importance of Healing: Make sure to prioritise recovery in your routine. Get sufficient sleep, effectively manage stress, and give your muscles time to repair and grow.

 

Incorporating natural steroids into your fitness routine can be a valuable addition to your muscle-building efforts. However, it’s essential to approach their use responsibly, consult with healthcare professionals when necessary, and prioritise overall health and well-being throughout your fitness journey.

 

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Plant-based steroids, called phytoecdysteroids, are bioactive compounds in certain plants. They emulate the effects of synthetic anabolic steroids but are sourced from natural origins.

Plant-based steroids interact with androgen receptors in the body, stimulating anabolic processes. They enhance protein synthesis, which is crucial for muscle repair and development, increasing muscle mass.

Yes, plant-based steroids are generally considered safe and legal supplements. Unlike synthetic steroids, they do not carry the same risks of adverse side effects or legal complications.

Yes, plant-based steroids can aid in muscle recovery. They reduce muscle soreness and fatigue, enabling individuals to recover more quickly after strenuous workouts.

Yes, many athletes and bodybuilders use plant-based steroids as performance-enhancing supplements. By promoting muscle growth and Recovery, they can improve overall athletic performance.

To incorporate plant-based steroids into your fitness routine, select reputable products. Consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on dosage and potential interactions. Follow recommended dosages, maintain a balanced diet, integrate them into your workout routine, monitor your progress, and prioritise adequate recovery.

The post Exploring the Benefits of Natural Steroids for Muscle Growth and Recovery appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Exploring Gender-Specific Hypertrophy Training: Unravelling Muscle Growth Gender Disparities https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exploring-gender-specific-hypertrophy-training-unravelling-muscle-growth-gender-disparities/ Tue, 10 Oct 2023 05:00:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34975 The post Exploring Gender-Specific Hypertrophy Training: Unravelling Muscle Growth Gender Disparities appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the world of hypertrophy training, recognizing the distinctions between men and women’s physiological responses and requirements is essential. These disparities play a pivotal role in customizing workout routines and attaining peak performance. In this blog, we’ll delve into the intricacies of hypertrophy training for men and women, delving deep into the sex-based dissimilarities in muscle development and the most effective strategies for each gender.

Gender-Specific Hypertrophy Training

Gender-specific hypertrophy training is a methodology that acknowledges the inherent physiological disparities between men and women. These variations influence the approach individuals should adopt regarding muscle building.

Muscle Growth Gender Disparities

One of the primary differentiators lies in the potential for muscle growth. Typically, males enjoy elevated levels of testosterone, a hormone that is vital for fostering muscle growth. This hormonal advantage contributes to their propensity for larger and stronger muscles. In contrast, women possess higher levels of estrogen, which can influence how they accumulate and retain muscle.

Hypertrophy Training for Men and Women

To address these disparities effectively, hypertrophy training programs are tailored differently for men and women. The approach to male vs. female hypertrophy training may involve variations in workout intensity, volume, and exercise selection. Gender-specific workout routines are meticulously designed to optimize results by taking these hormonal influences into account.

Training Adaptations by Gender

Studies have demonstrated that men and women may respond differently to resistance training. Men typically experience more significant muscle hypertrophy, whereas women might achieve greater improvements in muscular endurance. Understanding these gender-specific adaptations is pivotal for setting realistic fitness goals and expectations.

Gender and Muscle Response to Exercise

Sex-based distinctions also extend to how muscles respond to exercise. While both men and women can benefit from hypertrophy training, appreciating these subtleties allows individuals to tailor their workout regimens for enhanced results.

Gender-specific hypertrophy training recognizes the biological disparities between men and women, offering customized approaches to muscle building. By acknowledging the impact of sex differences on muscle development, individuals can craft effective hypertrophy training programs that harmonize with their fitness objectives and physiological makeup. Whether it’s hypertrophy training for males or females, a personalized strategy can lead to optimal results and a stronger, healthier physique.

Biological Variations and Muscle Growth: Understanding the Science

Muscle growth, scientifically known as hypertrophy, is a multifaceted process influenced by an array of biological factors. Grasping these physical variations is paramount for anyone aiming to optimize their muscle-building endeavors.

The Role of Genetics

Genetics plays a significant role in muscle development. Some individuals possess genetic predispositions that make it easier for them to build larger and stronger muscles. This genetic diversity can explain why certain people appear to gain muscle effortlessly, even with comparable training and nutrition regimens.

The Hormonal Influence

Hormones, particularly testosterone, are pivotal in the realm of muscle growth. Men generally have elevated testosterone levels compared to women, providing them with a biological advantage when it comes to building muscle. Nevertheless, women can still achieve substantial muscle growth through targeted training and proper nutrition.

 

The Impact of Age

Age is another biological factor that influences muscle growth. Younger individuals typically experience more rapid muscle development due to higher metabolic rates and growth hormone levels. As individuals age, muscle growth becomes more challenging, necessitating adjustments in training and nutritional strategies.

Nutrition and Muscle Growth

Diet and nutrition play a pivotal role in muscle growth. Consuming adequate protein, calories, and essential macronutrients is crucial to support muscle repair and growth. The body’s metabolism, influenced by biological variations, impacts how efficiently nutrients are utilized for muscle development.

Biological variations, encompassing genetics, hormones, age, and metabolism, are instrumental in the process of muscle growth. By comprehending these factors, individuals can tailor their training and nutrition plans to maximize their muscle-building potential, irrespective of their unique biological makeup.

Training Considerations for Men: Unlocking Optimal Muscle Growth

Men and women often have distinct considerations when it comes to achieving their fitness goals, especially regarding muscle growth. Understanding these nuances can assist men in customizing their workout routines for exceptional results.

Leveraging the Testosterone Advantage

Men possess a natural advantage in the form of higher testosterone levels—a hormone crucial for muscle growth. Capitalizing on this advantage involves incorporating compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses into their routines. These compound movements engage multiple muscle groups, sparking more significant muscle growth.

Embracing Progressive Overload

To effectively stimulate muscle growth, men should embrace the principle of progressive overload. This entails gradually increasing the resistance they lift over time. Progressive overload challenges the muscles to adapt and grow. Regularly adding weight to exercises or intensifying workouts promotes muscle development.

Meeting Protein Requirements

Protein is the building block of muscles. Men engaged in muscle-building workouts must ensure they consume sufficient protein to support muscle repair and growth. A recommended guideline is targeting a daily protein intake ranging from 1.2 to 2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight.

Balancing Nutrition and Caloric Surplus

Men should maintain a caloric surplus to fuel muscle growth. Consuming slightly more calories than the body burns provides the energy required for muscle repair and growth. Maintaining a well-rounded diet that includes an adequate supply of carbohydrates and healthy fats is essential.

Prioritizing Rest and Recovery

Overtraining can hinder muscle growth. Men must allow their muscles sufficient time to recover between intense workouts. Incorporating rest days into their training schedule and ensuring they get adequate quality sleep are integral aspects of this process.

Individualization

Recognizing that not all men are the same is vital. Each person possesses unique genetics, body types, and fitness goals. Tailoring a training program to individual needs and adapting it based on progress and feedback is a crucial part of optimizing muscle growth.

In summary, men can optimize their muscle growth by acknowledging their biological advantages, embracing a well-structured training program, and paying attention to their nutritional and recovery needs. A holistic approach combining these considerations can result in substantial gains in muscle size and strength.

Training Considerations for Women: Building Strength and Confidence

Women have their own set of fitness and strength training considerations that significantly impact their training journey. Tailoring workouts to these considerations enables women to effectively achieve their fitness goals while enhancing overall health and well-being.

Embracing Resistance Training

Contrary to misconceptions, resistance training is not synonymous with bulking up. It is a valuable component of any training plan for women, as it helps build lean muscle, improve metabolism, and achieve a toned physique.

Varying Intensity and Volume

Women may discover that their bodies respond differently to varying training intensities and volumes. Experimenting with different approaches, such as high-repetition, low-weight workouts and lower-repetition, higher-weight workouts, can help women identify what works best for them.

Prioritizing Nutrition

Proper nutrition is fundamental for achieving any fitness goal. Women should concentrate on maintaining a balanced diet that includes essential protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Adequate protein intake supports muscle repair and growth, while proper nutrition ensures sufficient energy levels for workouts and recovery.

Hormone Cycle Awareness

Women experience hormonal changes during their menstrual cycle, which can impact their energy levels and overall performance. Being mindful of these hormonal fluctuations allows women to adjust their training intensity and recovery strategies accordingly.

Embracing Body Positivity

Setting realistic fitness goals and embracing body positivity are essential for women. Acknowledging progress, focusing on overall health and strength, and avoiding the pursuit of unrealistic body ideals are key aspects of a successful fitness journey.

Core and Pelvic Floor Strength

Strengthening the core and pelvic floor muscles should be a top priority for women. This contributes to overall well-being and helps reduce the risk of injury, particularly for those who have undergone childbirth.

 Quality Over Quantity

Prioritizing the quality of movement over the quantity of exercises or repetitions is crucial. Proper form not only prevents injuries but also ensures that the intended muscles are effectively targeted.

Conclusion

Women can achieve remarkable results in strength and fitness by tailoring their training programs to their unique considerations. Embracing resistance training, maintaining a balanced diet, and being mindful of their bodies’ changes are critical elements of a successful fitness journey. Remember, fitness is not just about aesthetics; it’s about building strength, confidence, and overall well-being.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Gender-specific hypertrophy training is an approach to muscle-building workouts that takes into account the physiological differences between men and women. It tailors training programs to optimize muscle growth based on sex-specific factors.

Men typically enjoy an edge in terms of muscle size and strength due to their naturally elevated levels of testosterone, a hormone that plays a pivotal role in promoting muscle development. On the other hand, women have higher estrogen levels, which can affect how they gain and maintain muscle.

Yes, male vs. female hypertrophy training can involve intensity, volume, and exercise selection variations. These differences aim to optimize results by considering hormonal influences and adapting the training approach accordingly.

Studies have shown that men and women may adapt differently to resistance training. Men typically experience more significant muscle hypertrophy, while women may achieve greater gains in muscular endurance. Recognizing these adaptations is crucial for setting realistic goals.

Absolutely. Women can embrace resistance training to build lean muscle, improve metabolism, and achieve a toned physique. Contrary to the misconception that lifting weights will lead to bulking up, it can help women achieve their fitness goals effectively.

Body positivity promotes a healthy and realistic outlook on fitness. It encourages women to appreciate their progress, focus on being healthy and robust, and avoid striving for unrealistic body ideals. A positive mindset is essential for long-term fitness success.

The post Exploring Gender-Specific Hypertrophy Training: Unravelling Muscle Growth Gender Disparities appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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The Importance of Sleep for Muscle Growth https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/importance-of-sleep-for-muscle-growth/ Mon, 09 Oct 2023 05:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34964 The post The Importance of Sleep for Muscle Growth appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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When aiming to reach your fitness objectives and enhance muscle development, the primary emphasis typically revolves around attending the gym regularly and adhering to a balanced diet. While these aspects are undeniably crucial, sleep is another overlooked factor that can significantly impact your muscle-building journey. In this blog, we’ll explore the critical role of sleep in muscle growth and delve into various aspects, including sleep quality, duration, and its influence on anabolic hormones.

Muscle Growth and Sleep

uscle growth, scientifically known as muscle hypertrophy, is how muscle fibres repair and rebuild after resistance training. This repair process relies heavily on protein synthesis, a fundamental mechanism during sleep. Hence, sleep is a critical factor in muscle growth.

 

Sleep Quality and Duration

High-quality sleep is paramount for muscle recovery and growth. Deep sleep stages are the prime time your body undergoes restorative processes that facilitate muscle repair and development. The quality of your sleep is intricately linked to its duration. Strive to secure 7-9 hours of undisturbed sleep every night to optimize the recuperation of your muscles.

 

Anabolic Hormones and Sleep

Anabolic hormones, including testosterone and growth hormone, play a pivotal role in muscle growth. These hormones are predominantly released during deep sleep, particularly in the initial sleep cycles of the night. Ensuring you get sufficient sleep is essential to optimize the secretion of these hormones, thereby enhancing your muscle-building potential.

 

Circadian Rhythm and Muscle Repair

Your body’s circadian rhythm, called the internal biological clock, regulates various physiological processes, including muscle repair and growth. Disrupting this rhythm due to irregular sleep patterns or sleep deprivation can adversely affect muscle recovery and overall fitness progress.

 

Sleep Deprivation and Muscle Growth

Lack of sleep can result in heightened levels of the stress hormone cortisol, potentially hindering muscle growth and even causing muscle loss.Furthermore, inadequate sleep can impair cognitive function and motivation, making adhering to your fitness routine and dietary choices more challenging.

Sleep is an indispensable component of the muscle-building process. Prioritizing sleep quality and duration can significantly optimize muscle recovery, stimulate protein synthesis, regulate anabolic hormones, and maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. Remember that a refreshing night’s sleep is as crucial as your time in the gym and dietary decisions when striving for gains.

 

 Understanding the Role of Recovery in Building Muscles

When it comes to building muscle, it’s not solely about the time spent lifting weights in the gym or the intensity of your workouts. Recovery plays a pivotal role in the entire process. Having a thorough understanding of how the process of recovery contributes to muscle growth is vital for effectively and safely reaching your fitness goals.

 

Muscle Breakdown and Repair

During strength training, your muscles undergo microscopic tears, resulting in muscle breakdown. However, during the recovery phase, these muscles repair and rebuild, becoming more robust and substantial. This repair process is driven by various physiological mechanisms, primarily protein synthesis.

 

Rest and Replenishment

Recovery entails more than rest; it encompasses proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep. Adequate sleep is indispensable for muscle recovery since it’s during deep sleep stages that your body’s repair processes are most active.

 

Hormonal Balance

Recovery also plays a pivotal role in maintaining hormonal balance, particularly in releasing anabolic hormones like testosterone and growth hormone, promoting muscle growth. Inadequate recovery, such as overtraining or insufficient rest between workouts, can disrupt this delicate hormonal balance and hinder your muscle-building efforts.

 

Injury Prevention

Another vital aspect of recovery is injury prevention. Pushing your muscles to their limits without allowing adequate time for recuperation raises the likelihood of injuries such as strains and sprains. These injuries can substantially impede your progress, underscoring the importance of placing recovery as a top priority.

In summary, muscle recovery is not a passive phase but an active and indispensable component of building muscle effectively and safely. To optimize muscle growth, incorporate adequate recovery strategies into your fitness routine. This includes focusing on proper nutrition, hydration, sleep, and providing your muscles with the rest they need between workouts. By understanding and respecting the role of recovery, you can achieve your muscle-building goals while minimizing the risk of injury and burnout.

 

Sleep Deprivation and Its Impact on Muscle Recovery

In pursuing improved physical performance and muscle growth, many emphasise their workout routines, dietary choices, and supplements. However, one critical element often gets overshadowed: Your sleep patterns, both in terms of how well you sleep and the duration of your sleep, can have a significant influence on your body’s capacity to recuperate and construct muscle effectively.

 

The Role of Sleep in Muscle Recovery

Sleep is a vital period during which your body repairs and rebuilds muscle tissue. Deep sleep stages facilitate the release of growth hormones essential for muscle repair and growth. Additionally, sleep supports protein synthesis, the process through which your body constructs new muscle proteins to replace damaged ones. Without adequate sleep, these crucial processes are disrupted, hampering muscle recovery.

 

Sleep Deprivation and Hormones

A key outcome of not getting enough sleep is a disturbance in hormonal balance. Individuals who suffer from sleep deprivation frequently experience elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This elevation in cortisol can lead to muscle breakdown and hinder the process of muscle growth. Furthermore, insufficient sleep can lead to a decrease in the synthesis of anabolic hormones like testosterone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). These hormones are pivotal for the processes of muscle repair and growth.

 

Energy and Performance Impact

The consequences of sleep deprivation extend beyond muscle recovery. It can also significantly impact your energy levels and workout performance. Fatigue from inadequate sleep can reduce strength, endurance, and overall exercise performance. This compromises the effectiveness of your workouts and increases the risk of injury.

 

Recovery Strategies

To optimize muscle recovery and growth, it’s essential to prioritize sleep as an integral part of your fitness routine. Strive to achieve 7-9 hours of restful sleep nightly, create a soothing bedtime regimen, and stick to a regular sleep timetable. Furthermore, steer clear of caffeine and refrain from using electronic devices before bedtime to enhance the quality of your sleep.

Sleep is a critical factor in muscle recovery and growth. Neglecting the importance of sleep can lead to hormonal imbalances, reduced workout performance, and hindered progress in achieving your fitness goals. It’s imperative to prioritise sleep in your training regimen to ensure that your hard work in the gym pays off effectively and efficiently.

Optimizing Your Sleep Patterns for Enhanced Muscle Growth

For individuals committed to building lean muscle and achieving their fitness objectives, optimizing sleep patterns should be just as crucial as adhering to a balanced diet and a rigorous exercise regimen. Quality sleep is when your body engages in repair and growth processes, making it an indispensable component of muscle development. Here’s how you can harness the power of sleep to enhance your muscle growth:

 

Prioritize Sleep Duration

Strive to secure a continuous 7-9 hours of sleep every night.This duration allows your body to complete multiple sleep cycles, including essential deep sleep stages crucial for muscle repair and growth.

 

Consistency Matters

Create a consistent sleep routine by retiring to bed and arising at the same times daily, including weekends. Consistency helps regulate your body’s internal clock, ultimately optimizing sleep quality.

 

Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Make your sleep environment conducive to rest. Ensure that your room is dark, quiet, and maintained at a comfortable temperature.

Improving the quality of your sleep involves investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows.

 

Limit Stimulants Before Bed

Steer clear of caffeine, nicotine, and large meals in the vicinity of bedtime, as they can disrupt your capacity to both fall asleep and maintain sleep throughout the night.

Wind Down Before Bed

Establish a calming bedtime routine. Engage in activities like reading, gentle stretching, or meditation to signal to your body that it’s time to relax.

Minimize Screen Time

The blue light emanating from your mobile gadgets, tablets, and computers has the potential to disturb the body’s natural generation of melatonin. a hormone that governs the sleep-wake cycle. Consequently, it is recommended to abstain from using screens for at least an hour before bedtime.

 

Stay Hydrated

While staying adequately hydrated throughout the day is essential, try to reduce liquid intake an hour or so before bedtime to minimize nighttime awakenings.

Optimizing your sleep patterns is a potent tool for enhancing muscle growth. By prioritizing sleep duration consistency and creating a sleep-friendly environment, you can ensure that your body has the best muscle recovery and development conditions. A restful night’s sleep can be the missing piece in your fitness journey, helping you achieve your goals more effectively.’

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sleep’s significance in muscle growth lies in its facilitation of essential processes, This encompasses activities such as protein synthesis and the secretion of anabolic hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone.These mechanisms are essential for muscle repair and development.

Strive to attain 7-9 hours of continuous sleep each night to optimize the recuperation of your muscles. The duration allows your body to complete multiple sleep cycles, including crucial deep sleep stages.

High-quality sleep is essential for muscle recovery. Deep sleep stages support restorative processes that aid in muscle repair and growth. A comfortable sleep environment, including a dark, quiet room, improves sleep quality.

Yes, irregular sleep patterns or sleep deprivation can disrupt your circadian rhythm, lead to an imbalance in hormones (such as increased cortisol levels), and hinder muscle growth. It can also result in reduced workout performance.

Establishing a calming bedtime routine, minimizing screen time before bed, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime can help signal your body that it’s time to relax and promote better sleep quality.

Sleep is vital not just for muscle development but also for comprehensive physical and mental health. It affects energy levels, cognitive function, motivation, and recovery from all physical activities, making it a critical component of achieving your fitness goals.

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The Role of Supplements in Hypertrophy: What Works and What Doesn’t? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-role-of-supplements-in-hypertrophy-what-works-and-what-doesnt/ Mon, 09 Oct 2023 05:00:22 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34958 The post The Role of Supplements in Hypertrophy: What Works and What Doesn’t? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Proper nutrition, consistent training, and recovery are essential when achieving significant muscle hypertrophy. Many fitness enthusiasts turn to supplements to enhance their muscle growth efforts. However, not all accessories are created equal, and understanding what works and what doesn’t is crucial for maximising your results.

Muscle Hypertrophy and Nutrition:

Muscle hypertrophy, the muscle growth process, is heavily influenced by nutrition. It is essential to intake the correct nutrients in appropriate amounts for the repair and growth of muscles. This is where dietary supplements come into play.

Supplements for Muscle Growth:

Supplements for muscle growth are designed to complement your diet and training regimen. They often contain specific ingredients that can enhance muscle hypertrophy.

Certain supplements have been extensively studied and proven effective for muscle growth. Creatine, for example, is a widely recognised supplement that increases muscle size and strength when combined with resistance training. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are another group of accessories that can support muscle repair and growth.

On the other hand, not all supplements live up to their claims. Some products in the market may promise incredible muscle gains but lack scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. It’s essential to be cautious and research before investing in such supplements.

Supplement Effectiveness:

The effectiveness of hypertrophy supplements varies from person to person. Genetics, diet, training intensity, and other factors can influence how well a supplement works for you. Therefore, consulting with a healthcare professional or a fitness expert is crucial to determine which supplements suit your specific goals.

The realm of muscle-building science is in a constant state of development. Scientists are actively researching to gain deeper insights into how different supplements impact muscle hypertrophy. Staying informed about the latest research findings can help you decide which supplements to include.

Supplements can support muscle hypertrophy but are not a magic solution. Effective hypertrophy supplements, such as creatine and BCAAs, can aid your muscle growth journey when combined with proper nutrition and training. However, it’s crucial to approach supplements cautiously and rely on scientific research to make informed choices. Remember that individual factors can influence supplement effectiveness, so tailor your approach to your unique needs and goals.

Understanding Hypertrophy and Muscle Growth

Muscle growth, scientifically known as hypertrophy, is a fascinating process in our bodies when subjected to the right stimuli. Whether you’re an aspiring bodybuilder, an athlete looking to improve performance, or someone who wants to increase muscle mass for health reasons, grasping the fundamentals of hypertrophy is essential.

What Is Hypertrophy? Hypertrophy is the physiological response of muscle tissue to resistance training. When you participate in resistance training, you cause tiny injuries to your muscle fibres. In response, your body initiates a repair process. This process involves fusing damaged fibres to form new, thicker muscle protein strands, increasing muscle size and strength over time.

There exist two main categories of hypertrophy: myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic. Myofibrillar hypertrophy focuses on increasing the number of contractile protein units within muscle fibres, leading to enhanced strength. On the other hand, Sarcoplasmic hypertrophy increases the volume of the fluid (sarcoplasm) within muscle cells, contributing to muscle size and endurance.

The Role of Nutrition

For effective muscle growth, your body needs a sufficient supply of vital nutrients, particularly protein. Protein supplies the necessary amino acids crucial for repairing and growing muscles. Ensuring a balanced diet with enough calories and macronutrients supports hypertrophy.

Training Principles:

Resistance training, characterised by lifting weights or using resistance bands, is the primary stimulus for hypertrophy. A fundamental principle is progressive overload, gradually increasing resistance or intensity. This guarantees that your muscles consistently face challenges, stimulating their growth.

 Rest and Recovery:

Adequate rest and recovery are vital for hypertrophy. Muscles repair and grow during rest periods, so allowing your body time to recuperate between workouts is crucial.

Understanding hypertrophy and muscle growth is critical to achieving your fitness goals. Whether you aim to build strength, increase muscle size, or enhance performance, a combination of proper nutrition, strategic training, and adequate rest is essential. Remember that consistency and patience are crucial in this journey toward a stronger, more muscular you.

Effective Supplements for Muscle Hypertrophy

Building muscle through resistance training and proper nutrition is a well-established approach, but many individuals also turn to supplements to support their muscle hypertrophy goals. Although accessories can enhance your routine, it’s crucial to identify those that are genuinely effective and backed by scientific studies. In this blog, we’ll explore supplements promising in promoting muscle growth.

Protein Supplements:

Protein is the fundamental building block for muscle development. Protein supplements like whey, casein, and plant-based alternatives such as pea protein offer convenient means to fulfil your daily protein requirements. They provide essential amino acids crucial for muscle repair and growth.

Creatine is one of the most thoroughly researched and potent supplements for promoting muscle hypertrophy. It helps increase muscle phosphocreatine levels, enhancing high-intensity, short-duration activities like weightlifting. This leads to greater training volume and potential muscle growth.

 Weight Loss Supplements:

 Numerous weight loss supplements pledge rapid outcomes, yet they frequently include stimulants or other components that can result in unfavourable effects such as heightened heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and addiction. Always consult a healthcare provider before trying weight loss supplements.

 Pre-Workout Supplements:

 Pre-workout supplements often contain high doses of caffeine and other stimulants to boost energy and performance. Excessive intake can lead to jitteriness, heart palpitations, and sleep disturbances. It’s essential to use these supplements sparingly and follow recommended dosages.

Herbal Supplements:

Herbal supplements can vary widely in quality and purity. Some may interact with medications or have unintended side effects. Be cautious and thoroughly research herbal supplements before use, and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns.

 Hormonal Supplements:

 Supplements that claim to boost testosterone or growth hormone levels can have unpredictable effects on the body. Disruptions in hormonal balance can give rise to various health concerns, making it prudent to approach these supplements carefully and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

 

High-Dose Vitamins and Minerals:

Overconsumption of specific vitamins and minerals can result in imbalances and potential toxicity. It’s generally best to get your nutrients from a balanced diet, and if supplementation is needed, do so under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

While supplements can be helpful, they should be approached with caution. Always read labels carefully, stick to recommended dosages, and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any doubts or specific health concerns. A well-balanced diet and lifestyle should remain the foundation of your health and wellness journey, with supplements used as necessary and safely.

 

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Supplements can complement your diet and training regimen by providing specific nutrients and compounds that may enhance muscle growth. However, they are not a substitute for proper nutrition and training.

No, not all supplements are equally effective. Some have been extensively studied and proven to support muscle hypertrophy, while others lack scientific evidence. It’s crucial to be cautious and research before trying new supplements.

Effective supplements for muscle growth include creatine, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), protein supplements, beta-alanine, citrulline malate, and HMB. These supplements have demonstrated the potential to promote muscle growth with proper nutrition and resistance training.

The effectiveness of supplements can vary based on individual factors such as genetics, diet, and training intensity. For personalized advice on choosing accessories that align with your particular goals, Seeking advice from a healthcare professional or a fitness expert is a prudent course of action.

Supplements should enhance a comprehensive strategy encompassing a well-balanced diet abundant in vital nutrients, a structured resistance training program, and adequate rest and recovery. These factors are the foundation of successful muscle growth.

Yes, some supplements, such as weight loss, pre-workout, herbal, hormonal, and high-dose vitamins and minerals. Supplements include to be cautious when considering these supplements because they may carry risks and potential side effects. Before adding these supplements to your routine, consulting with a healthcare provider is a wise step.

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The Role of Compound Exercises in Muscle Hypertrophy https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-role-of-compound-exercises-in-muscle-hypertrophy/ Fri, 06 Oct 2023 05:00:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34946 The post The Role of Compound Exercises in Muscle Hypertrophy appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Integrating compound exercises into your fitness regimen can be a game-changing strategy for muscle-building and attaining hypertrophy. These multi-joint movements engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making them highly effective for muscle growth. Let’s delve into the significance of compound exercises and their benefits for muscle hypertrophy.

Compound Exercises for Muscle Growth: Compound exercises are at the forefront of muscle growth strategies. They involve multiple joints and muscle groups in a single movement. Examples include squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and pull-ups. These exercises engage a multitude of muscle fibres, resulting in more substantial improvements in both muscle size and strength.

Muscle Hypertrophy Benefits of Compound Movements: Compound exercises trigger a cascade of muscle fibre activation. This leads to larger muscles and improved muscle definition and overall strength. Incorporating compound movements into your routine can help you achieve balanced muscle development.

Compound vs Isolation Exercises: While isolation exercises target specific muscles, compound exercises work multiple muscle groups simultaneously. While both have their place in a well-rounded routine, compound exercises are efficient for overall muscle hypertrophy and functional strength.

Practical Compound Exercises: To maximize muscle growth, include compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, overhead presses, and rows. These movements target major muscle groups and stimulate hypertrophy.

Muscle-Building Compound Workouts: Designing workouts around compound exercises is a strategic muscle-building approach. For example, a full-body workout with squats, deadlifts, and bench presses can provide comprehensive muscle stimulation.

Compound Exercises and Hypertrophy Gains: Compound exercises facilitate progressive overload, a fundamental principle for muscle hypertrophy. As you progressively increase the weight or resistance, your muscles adapt and grow to handle the load.

Compound Exercises in Strength Training: Strength training often revolves around compound movements due to their ability to enhance muscle size and functional strength simultaneously.

Muscle Hypertrophy and Compound Lifts: Compound lifts like the squat and deadlift are known for their significant impact on lower body muscle development. They target the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and lower back muscles, fostering impressive hypertrophy.

Compound Exercise Benefits for Bodybuilding: Bodybuilders frequently incorporate compound exercises into their training programs to achieve a balanced and well-developed physique.

Compound Movements for Muscle Development: Compound exercises are vital for developing muscle groups like the chest, back, legs, and shoulders, providing a foundation for a powerful physique.

Muscle Hypertrophy and Compound Exercise Routines: Structuring your routine around compound movements optimises muscle growth potential.

Progressive Overload with Compound Exercises: To continually challenge your muscles and promote hypertrophy, focus on progressive overload when performing compound exercises. Gradually increase the weight, reps, or sets to keep your muscles adapting.

Compound exercises are essential for muscle hypertrophy. They engage multiple muscle groups, foster balanced development, and facilitate progressive overload. Integrating impactful compound exercises into your strength training regimen can be the cornerstone for reaching your muscle-building objectives and nurturing a sturdy and finely sculpted physique. So, make compound exercises a cornerstone of your workout routine, and watch your muscles grow and thrive.

Isolation Exercises: Precision in Hypertrophy Training

In the quest for muscle hypertrophy and a well-sculpted physique, precision matters. Isolation exercises, often overlooked in favour of their compound counterparts, are pivotal in targeting and fine-tuning specific muscle groups. Let’s explore the significance of isolation exercises in hypertrophy training.

Isolation exercises are specifically designed to target a single muscle group, and they typically involve motion at just one joint. Instances of such practices encompass bicep curls, tricep extensions, leg extensions, and lateral raises. Examples include bicep curls, triceps extensions, leg extensions, and lateral raises. While compound exercises are fantastic for overall muscle engagement and functional strength, isolation exercises allow you to relax on muscles.

Precision in Muscle Targeting: Isolation exercises enable you to isolate and target specific muscles precisely. This is particularly valuable when you want to correct muscle imbalances, bring lagging muscle groups up to par, or enhance the definition of a particular muscle.

Balanced Muscle Development: Combining compound and isolation exercises in your training regimen helps achieve balanced muscle development. Compound movements lay the foundation for strength and overall growth, while isolation exercises refine and sculpt individual muscles.

Enhanced Definition: Isolation exercises are excellent for enhancing muscle definition. Whether you’re looking to chisel your biceps, sculpt your calves, or define your shoulders, isolation exercises are your go-to tools.

Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention: Isolation exercises are often used in rehabilitation programs to target specific muscles affected by injury. They aid in strengthening weakened or injured muscles and preventing future injuries.

Mind-Muscle Connection: Isolation exercises foster a solid mind-muscle connection. By concentrating on a single muscle group, you can develop better control and awareness of that muscle, leading to more effective hypertrophy.

Incorporating isolation exercises into your hypertrophy training provides a well-rounded approach to muscle development. They offer precision, help balance muscle groups, enhance definition, aid in rehabilitation, and promote a stronger mind-muscle connection. So, while compound exercises lay the foundation for your strength, remember to underestimate the importance of precision in hypertrophy training through isolation exercises.

Maximal Hypertrophy: Balancing Compound and Isolation Exercises

Finding the right balance between compound and isolation exercises is crucial when achieving maximal muscle hypertrophy. Both exercise types have unique advantages and integrating them effectively into your training regimen can help you reach your muscle-building goals more efficiently.

The Power of Compound Exercises: Compound exercises are the foundation of any muscle-building routine. These multi-joint movements, like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and pull-ups, engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. They are fantastic for building overall strength, promoting functional fitness, and laying the groundwork for muscle growth.

Muscle Hypertrophy Benefits of Compound Movements: Compound exercises induce substantial muscle hypertrophy due to the weight they allow you to lift. Lifting heavy weights in conjunction with compound exercises stimulates the production of anabolic hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone, both of which play pivotal roles in driving muscle growth.

Effective Compound Exercises: To maximize hypertrophy, incorporate compound exercises that target different muscle groups into your routine. This ensures comprehensive muscle development. For example, squats and deadlifts emphasize the lower body, while bench presses and pull-ups focus on the upper body.

The Role of Isolation Exercises: Isolation exercises, on the other hand, offer precision in targeting specific muscle groups. Movements like bicep curls, tricep extensions, and leg curls allow you to fine-tune and sculpt individual muscles.

Balancing Act for Hypertrophy Gains: To achieve maximal hypertrophy, strike a balance between compound and isolation exercises. Begin your workouts with compound movements to stimulate muscle growth and increase strength. Then, follow up with isolation exercises to target specific muscles and refine their definition.

Progressive Overload with Compound Exercises: Progressive overload is vital for hypertrophy. Compound exercises are excellent for progressively increasing the resistance and challenging your muscles to grow. As you become stronger, gradually increase your weights during compound exercises to stimulate muscle growth.

Achieving maximal hypertrophy involves a strategic balance between compound and isolation exercises. Compound exercises provide the foundation for strength and overall muscle growth, while isolation exercises offer precision and help refine specific muscle groups. You can unlock your full muscle-building potential by integrating both into your training regimen and focusing on progressive overload.

Achieving Muscle Hypertrophy: Choosing the Right Exercises

electing the right exercises is paramount to your success when you aim to pack on muscle mass. The right combination of movements can maximize muscle hypertrophy, helping you build strength and size effectively. Here’s how to make the best exercise choices to achieve your muscle-building goals:

Multi-Joint Movements for the Win: Multi-joint movements, such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and pull-ups, should form the foundation of your muscle-building routine. By involving several muscle groups at once, these movements enable you to handle increased weights, ultimately promoting more substantial muscle growth. They also trigger the release of anabolic hormones like testosterone, further promoting hypertrophy.

Precision with Isolation Movements: While multi-joint movements are essential, isolation exercises have their place in a well-rounded routine. Movements like bicep curls, triceps extensions, and leg curls zero in on specific muscle groups, providing you with the accuracy needed to enhance and Mold individual muscles. Use isolation exercises strategically to improve definition and symmetry.

Full-Body vs. Split Routines: You can opt for full-body workouts or split routines. Full-body exercises engage your entire body in one session, providing frequency for muscle growth. Split ways divide muscle groups across different activities, providing more focused training. The choice depends on your preferences and recovery abilities.

Progressive Overload: Progressive overload is critical to muscle hypertrophy regardless of your chosen exercises. Gradually increase the resistance or weight you lift to challenge your muscles continually. This forces them to adapt and grow over time.

Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s signals. Ensure proper form to prevent injuries, and don’t overtrain. Muscles need adequate rest and recovery to grow optimally.

Nutrition and Rest: Remember that adequate food and high-quality sleep are vital in muscle hypertrophy. Ensure you intake sufficient protein and calories to facilitate muscle growth and prioritise restful sleep to assist in the recovery process.

Muscle hypertrophy hinges on selecting the right exercises, strategically incorporating compound and isolation movements, focusing on progressive overload, and maintaining a balanced approach to training, nutrition, and recovery. You can gain substantial muscle size and strength with the right exercise choices and a holistic approach.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Compound movements involve several muscle groups simultaneously, enabling you to handle heavier weights and encourage more substantial muscle growth. They also trigger the release of anabolic hormones like testosterone, further promoting hypertrophy.

Multi-joint exercises induce substantial muscle hypertrophy due to the amount of weight they allow you to lift. Heavyweights, combined with multi-joint movements, trigger the release of anabolic hormones, critical drivers of muscle growth.

While not essential, isolation exercises offer precision in targeting specific muscle groups. They help refine the definition of individual muscles and balance muscle development.

Start your workouts with multi-joint exercises to stimulate muscle growth and increase strength. Then, incorporate isolation exercises to target specific muscles and enhance their definition.

Progressive overload, achieved by gradually increasing the resistance or weight you lift, is vital for muscle hypertrophy. It challenges your muscles to adapt and grow over time.

Nutrition provides the necessary fuel for muscle growth, and rest allows your muscles to recover and repair. Proper sleep and nutrition are essential components of a successful muscle-building strategy.

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The Science of Periodization: Optimizing Training Cycles for Sports Performance https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-science-of-periodization-optimizing-training-cycles-for-sports-performance/ Fri, 06 Oct 2023 05:00:09 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34957 The post The Science of Periodization: Optimizing Training Cycles for Sports Performance appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In strength training and sports performance, achieving peak results demands a well-structured and systematic approach. Enter “periodization,” a scientifically validated methodology transforming how athletes and fitness enthusiasts plan their training cycles. In this blog, we will delve into the intricacies of periodization, exploring how it maximizes gains in strength, endurance, and sports performance.

 Understanding Periodization

 Periodization is more than a trendy term; it’s a systematic and evidence-based approach to training. It involves dividing your training regimen into distinct cycles or phases, each with a specific focus and goal. These cycles, known as microcycles, mesocycles, and macrocycles, work harmoniously to ensure continuous progress and prevent plateaus.

 The Training Cycles

 Microcycles: These are typically short periods, lasting one to four weeks, during which training intensity and volume are adjusted to target specific fitness aspects.

Mesocycles: Mesocycles span several weeks to a few months. They consist of a series of microcycles with a shared objective, such as building strength or enhancing endurance.

Macrocycles: Macrocycles encompass the entire training plan, often spanning a year or more. They provide the overarching structure and purpose for your training.

 Periodization Models

 Various periodisation models exist, tailored to specific goals and sports. Popular models include linear periodization, where intensity gradually increases over time, and undulating periodization, which varies power and volume within shorter cycles.

 The Science Behind It

 Periodization capitalizes on the principles of adaptive resistance and progressive overload. The body adapts to stress over time, making continuous improvement challenging. By altering training parameters within each cycle, periodization keeps the body guessing and promotes sustained progress.

 

Sports Performance and Beyond

 While periodization is integral to sports performance, its benefits extend to all fitness enthusiasts. It enhances muscle growth, cardiovascular endurance, and overall athleticism. Whether you’re an athlete preparing for a competition or an individual striving for personal fitness goals, periodization can help you reach your peak potential.

 Incorporating periodization into your fitness programming is a strategic move that maximizes your training efforts. By embracing this science-backed approach, you can achieve continuous progress, prevent plateaus, and ultimately reach new heights in strength, endurance, and sports performance.

 

 Building Muscle: Proven Strategies for Hypertrophy

 Building muscle, scientifically referred to as hypertrophy, is a common goal among fitness enthusiasts, bodybuilders, and athletes. Achieving substantial muscle growth requires a combination of practical strategies and a consistent training regimen. This blog’ll explore critical systems to help you on your path to hypertrophy.

 

 Resistance Training

 The foundation of muscle growth is resistance training. Engaging in weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, or resistance bands stimulates muscle fibres, leading to hypertrophy. Place your emphasis on compound exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses to promote comprehensive muscle growth and development.

 

Progressive Overload

 To encourage muscle growth, you must progressively increase the resistance or intensity of your workouts. Gradually adding more weight or performing additional repetitions challenges your muscles and stimulates growth.

 

Proper Nutrition

 dequate nutrition plays a pivotal role in hypertrophy. Consume a protein-rich diet to provide essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth. Carbohydrates provide energy for intense workouts, while healthy fats support overall health.

 

Sufficient Rest and Recovery

 Muscles undergo growth during periods of recovery, not exclusively during exercise sessions. Ensure you sleep enough and allow your muscles to recover adequately between training sessions. Overtraining can hinder muscle growth.

 

Variation in Exercises

 Include a diverse range of exercises to engage and work various muscle groups.This prevents plateauing and ensures well-rounded development.

 

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

 HIIT workouts can enhance hypertrophy by increasing muscle fibre recruitment and promoting fat loss, revealing your muscle definition.

 

Nutrient Timing

 Timing your meals around your workouts can optimize muscle protein synthesis. Consuming protein and carbohydrates before and after your workout can provide significant advantages.

 

 Hydration

 Staying hydrated is vital for muscle function and recovery. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and hinder your progress.

 

Consistency

Consistency is vital in hypertrophy training. Stick to your workout plan, maintain a balanced diet, and prioritize recovery for the best results.

 Building muscle through hypertrophy is achievable with the right strategies and dedication. Combine resistance training, progressive overload, proper nutrition, and rest to maximize muscle growth potential. Remember, patience and consistency are your allies on the path to a stronger, more muscular physique.

 

Creating a Year-round Training Blueprint

 Embarking on a fitness journey or pursuing athletic excellence requires more than just hitting the gym randomly. To make consistent progress, it’s essential to have a well-structured and sustainable year-round training plan. We will delve into the components of crafting a comprehensive training plan to assist you in staying on course and reaching your fitness objectives.

 

Set Clear Goals

 Start by defining your fitness objectives. Whether building muscle, improving endurance, or enhancing sports performance, clear goals guide your training plan.

 

Periodization

 Implement periodization, a structured approach to training that involves breaking your year into phases. These phases can include macrocycles (annual plans), mesocycles (monthly or quarterly plans), and microcycles (weekly or daily plans). Each step focuses on specific aspects of fitness and gradually progresses toward your goals.

 

Training Cycles

Incorporate different training cycles to prevent plateaus and overtraining. Examples include hypertrophy cycles for muscle growth, strength cycles for increased power, and endurance cycles for improved stamina.

 Progressive Overload

 Continuously challenge your body by increasing the intensity of your workouts. This can involve lifting weights, increasing repetitions, or reducing rest periods.

 

 Balance and Variation

 Maintain a well-rounded workout regimen that addresses major muscle groups and incorporates diverse exercises. Avoid focusing excessively on one specific area to minimize the risk of imbalances or overuse injuries.

 

Recovery

 Incorporate scheduled rest days into your fitness plan to give your body the opportunity to recuperate and adjust. Think about participating in active recovery pursuits such as mild stretching and low-intensity exercises on your rest days, as they can provide extra advantages.

 

Nutrition

 Create a dietary strategy aligned with your objectives. Ensuring the right intake of macronutrients, staying adequately hydrated, and timing your meals around your workouts can have a substantial influence on your advancement.

 

Monitoring and Adjustments

Regularly assess your performance and adjust as needed. If you need to see the desired results, consider modifying your training or nutrition plan.

 

Cross-Training

 Incorporate cross-training activities to prevent burnout and enhance overall fitness. Activities like yoga, swimming, or cycling can complement your primary training.

  Seek Professional Guidance

 Consider consulting with a fitness coach or personal trainer who can help you create a tailored year-round plan, ensuring it aligns with your goals and abilities.

Remember that consistency is critical to success. A well-structured year-round training blueprint helps you reach your fitness goals and ensures long-term health and sustainable progress. It’s your roadmap to a healthier, more assertive, and more accomplished you.

 

Unlocking the Power of Progressive Overload in Your Fitness Journey

When striving to achieve your fitness objectives, there’s a single fundamental principle that stands out as a game-changer: the concept of progressive overload. Whether you’re on a mission to build muscle, increase strength, or boost your overall fitness, comprehending and applying progressive overload can be the linchpin to ongoing improvement.

Progressive overload is a concept rooted in the gradual escalation of the physical demands placed on your body during exercise. You trigger adaptation and growth by consistently challenging your muscles and cardiovascular system. Here’s the breakdown:

 Incremental Intensity Elevation: As your body becomes accustomed to a specific exercise routine, it becomes necessary to intensify the challenge to continue making strides. This could entail lifting heavier weights, performing more repetitions, or introducing additional resistance.

 Muscle Adaptation: When subjecting your muscles to increasing resistance or load, they respond by becoming more robust and extensive. This adaptation process is the bedrock of hypertrophy (muscle growth).

 Cardiovascular Enhancement: The principle of progressive overload extends to cardiovascular workouts. Over time, you should strive to run faster, cycle longer distances, or crank up the resistance on your elliptical machine.

 Warding Off Plateaus: Without progressive overload, your body can reach a plateau where improvements taper off. Continually pushing your boundaries ensures that your fitness journey remains dynamic and productive.

 Harmonizing with Your Body: While embracing progressive overload is pivotal, remaining attuned to your body’s signals and removing overtraining or injuries is equally important. Gradual progression is the linchpin; avoid prematurely rushing into heavyweights or excessive volume.

 Embracing Diversity: To fend off adaptation plateaus and mitigate the risk of repetitive strain injuries, infuse diversity into your workouts. Periodically switch up your exercises, rep schemes, or workout modalities.

Crafting workouts incorporating progressive overload is a deliberate and strategic approach to fitness. It mandates diligent progress tracking, establishing well-defined goals, and an unwavering commitment to pushing your boundaries. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a newcomer embarking on your fitness odyssey, wholeheartedly embracing progressive overload ensures that you continue to challenge yourself, realize your objectives, and bask in the myriad advantages of a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Hypertrophy is the scientific phrase used to describe the growth of muscles. It entails the enlargement and expansion of muscle fibers.

Practical strategies for hypertrophy include resistance training (weightlifting), incorporating progressive overload (gradually increasing resistance), maintaining proper nutrition (especially protein intake), focusing on adequate rest and recovery, including exercise variation, and staying consistent with your training routine.

Progressive overload is pivotal because it continually challenges your muscles, sparking adaptation and growth. With this gradual increase in resistance and intensity, your muscle development may stay on track.

Indeed, hypertrophy training goes beyond muscle growth. It enhances overall strength, improving daily activities and sports performance. Additionally, it contributes to achieving a lean and well-toned physique.

Muscle growth timelines vary among individuals. However, you can typically expect noticeable results after a few weeks to a few months of consistent hypertrophy-focused training, especially when incorporating the principle of progressive overload.

Maintaining proper nutrition is indispensable for muscle growth through hypertrophy and progressive overload. Adequate consumption of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, along with staying well-hydrated, is essential to support muscle repair and development effectively.

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Hypertrophy Training: Unlocking Muscle Growth with Volume, Intensity, and Frequency https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/hypertrophy-training-unlocking-muscle-growth-with-volume-intensity-and-frequency/ Thu, 05 Oct 2023 05:00:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34938 The post Hypertrophy Training: Unlocking Muscle Growth with Volume, Intensity, and Frequency appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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For numerous individuals engaged in strength training and resistance workouts, achieving muscle hypertrophy, which signifies an enlargement in muscle size, stands as a primary objective. Understanding and optimising training volume, intensity, and frequency is essential to achieve significant muscle growth.

Training volume encompasses: The entirety of work completed during a workout session, usually determined by multiplying the number of sets by the number of repetitions and further multiplying it by the weight lifted. In hypertrophy workouts, a moderate to high training volume is often employed to induce muscle growth. More sets and repetitions with adequate weight challenge your muscles, promoting hypertrophy.

Training Intensity: Training intensity measures the load or weight you lift relative to your one-repetition maximum (1RM). For muscle hypertrophy, training intensity often falls within 60-75% of your 1RM range. This range balances muscle tension and metabolic stress, which are critical for muscle growth.

Training frequency: pertains to the regularity with which you engage in exercises targeting specific muscle groups. Consistent stimulation ensures that your muscles have an opportunity to grow and recover.

Progressive overload: Involves steadily raising the level of challenge in your training, whether it’s through an increase in training intensity, volume, or a combination of both, as time progresses. This principle is fundamental for sustained muscle growth. As your muscles adapt to the stress, progressively increasing the challenge ensures continued hypertrophy.

Repetition Ranges: Hypertrophy workouts often involve repetition ranges of 6-12 repetitions per set. This range induces muscle fatigue and metabolic stress, key muscle growth factors.

Muscle Recovery: Rest and recovery are vital for muscle hypertrophy. Muscles grow during recovery, so allowing repair and adaptation time is crucial.

Muscle hypertrophy is achievable through optimised training volume, intensity, and frequency. Employ progressive overload, focus on resistance training, and pay attention to your exercise frequency and recovery to unlock the full potential of your muscle growth journey. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned lifter, understanding these principles will help you maximise your hypertrophy workouts and achieve your muscle growth goals.

The Importance of Volume in Hypertrophy Training

 When it comes to hypertrophy training, understanding the concept of volume is crucial. Volume is the total amount of work you perform in your workouts, and it plays a pivotal role in promoting muscle growth. Here’s why volume is so vital in hypertrophy training.

Muscle Overload: To stimulate muscle growth, subject your muscles to a sufficient stress level. This stress is created by lifting weights or performing resistance exercises. Increasing your training volume means lifting more weight, performing more sets, or doing more repetitions, contributing to more significant muscle overload.

Time Under Tension: Volume dictates the amount of time your muscles spend under tension during a workout. Longer time under pressure is associated with increased muscle damage and metabolic stress, which trigger muscle hypertrophy. Performing more repetitions or additional sets can extend your muscles’ working time, maximising these hypertrophic signals.

Progressive overload is a vital concept for consistently pushing your muscles to adapt and grow. Achieving this involves gradually ramping up the demands of your workouts over time, which can be done by slowly adding additional weight, raising the number of sets and repetitions, or even implementing a combination of these strategies.

Individualization: Volume can be tailored to suit your fitness level and goals. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced lifter, you can adjust your training volume to meet your specific needs and ensure a balanced approach to muscle hypertrophy.

Volume is a fundamental aspect of hypertrophy training. By understanding and effectively managing training volume, you can create muscle overload, time under tension, and progressive overload required for optimal muscle growth. Irrespective of whether you aim to enhance strength, increase size, or pursue both objectives, gaining proficiency in controlling training volume will play a pivotal role in reaching your hypertrophy aspirations.

 

 Understanding Intensity in Muscle Hypertrophy Workouts

 Regarding muscle hypertrophy workouts, intensity is a critical factor that can make or break your progress. Intensity refers to the level of effort and resistance you apply during your training sessions, and it plays a pivotal role in driving muscle growth. Here’s a closer look at the significance of intensity in muscle hypertrophy workouts.

Balancing Act: Finding the right balance of intensity is critical. You want to challenge your muscles enough to stimulate growth but not to the point of injury or overtraining. For muscle hypertrophy, training intensity typically falls within the range of 60-75% of your one-repetition maximum (1RM).

Muscle Tension: Intensity is closely linked to muscle tension. Higher intensity levels require your muscles to generate more force to overcome resistance. This sustained tension within the muscle fibres is a primary stimulus for hypertrophy.

Metabolic Stress: Training at moderate to high intensities also induces metabolic stress, another crucial factor for muscle growth. It leads to the accumulation of metabolites within the muscles, contributing to cell swelling, hormonal responses, and increased muscle protein synthesis.

Variation: It’s important to vary the intensity of your workouts. Periodically changing the power, such as incorporating high-intensity intervals or heavy lifting phases, can prevent plateaus and keep your muscles adapting, leading to continued hypertrophy.

Progressive Overload: progressive overload is essential as your muscles adapt to a given intensity level. Gradually increasing the intensity by lifting heavier weights or increasing resistance ensures that your muscles are continually challenged and stimulated for growth.

Understanding and properly managing intensity in your muscle hypertrophy workouts are essential for achieving your growth goals. Balancing muscle tension, metabolic stress, and progressive overload while varying your training intensity will keep your muscles engaged and responsive, helping you unlock your full hypertrophy potential and build the strength and size you desire.

 

Optimizing Training Frequency for Muscle Growth

Regarding muscle growth, the right training frequency is a critical factor. Finding the balance between training often enough to stimulate muscle growth and allowing enough time for recovery is essential for optimizing your gains. Here’s how to optimise your training frequency for muscle growth.

Train Muscle Groups Multiple Times a Week: For hypertrophy, it’s generally recommended to train each major muscle group 2-3 times per week. This frequency ensures you’re regularly stimulating muscle growth without overworking your muscles.

Split Your Workouts: Splitting your workouts by muscle groups can help you manage training frequency effectively. Common splits include upper body and lower body or push and pull routines. This approach enables you to focus on particular muscle groups while affording ample recovery time to others.

Listen to Your Body: How your body responds to training. If you’re experiencing excessive soreness, fatigue, or a decline in performance, it may be a sign that you need more recovery time between workouts.

Progressive Overload: As you increase the training frequency, remember to progressively overload your muscles by increasing the weight or intensity of your exercises. This ensures that your muscles continue to adapt and grow.

Adequate Rest: Sleep and nutrition are crucial for recovery and muscle growth. Secure 7-9 hours of restorative sleep every night and maintain a nutritionally balanced diet that aligns with your training objectives.

Deload Weeks: Incorporate deload weeks into your training schedule every few months. During these weeks, reduce the intensity and volume of your workouts to allow for complete recovery.

Conclusion 

Optimizing training frequency for muscle growth involves finding the right balance between stimulating your muscles and giving them adequate time to recover. Through the practice of training specific muscle groups multiple times within a week, heeding your body’s signals, gradually increasing the challenge, and giving ample attention to rest and recuperation, you can align your training frequency with your aspirations for muscle growth, all the while reducing the chances of overtraining or injury.

 

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Muscle hypertrophy denotes the augmentation in the dimensions of muscle tissue. It is crucial in strength training because larger muscles often equate to increased strength, power, and overall athletic performance.

Training volume is calculated as assets multiplied by repetitions multiplied by the weight lifted. It’s crucial in hypertrophy training because a higher training volume stimulates excellent muscle adaptation by increasing the workload on your muscles.

Training intensity is the level of effort and resistance during workouts. A moderate to high training intensity (typically 60-75% of your 1RM) is ideal for optimal adaptation. It induces muscle tension and metabolic stress, both essential for growth.

For optimal muscle adaptation, training each major muscle group 2-3 times per week is recommended. Consistent stimulation ensures adaptation and recovery.

Progressive overload is essential because it gradually increases the challenge of your workouts. This progression ensures that your muscles continue to adapt and develop, a key factor in sustained adaptation

Yes, overtraining can hinder adaptation. To prevent it, listen to your body for signs of excessive soreness or fatigue, progressively overload your muscles, prioritize rest and recovery, and incorporate deload weeks into your training schedule.

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The Impact of Nutrient Timing on Muscle Growth https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-impact-of-nutrient-timing-on-muscle-growth/ Thu, 05 Oct 2023 05:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34947 The post The Impact of Nutrient Timing on Muscle Growth appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Nutrient timing is critical to maximising muscle growth and recovery in fitness and bodybuilding. Properly timed nutrition can make a substantial difference in the effectiveness of your training efforts. The significance of nutrient timing and how it affects muscle growth, considering the essential terms we’ve emphasised.

Nutrient Timing for Muscle Growth: Nutrient timing is the science of when and what to eat to support your muscle-building goals. It revolves around optimising the delivery of nutrients, primarily carbohydrates and protein, to your muscles during specific periods, such as before, during, and after workouts.

Exploring the Anabolic Window: The idea of the anabolic window, frequently called the “golden hour,” is crucial in understanding nutrient timing’s significance. It represents the time right after your workout when your muscles are exceptionally responsive to nutrient absorption. During this time, your body is primed for protein synthesis and muscle repair, making it the perfect opportunity to provide the necessary nutrients for growth.

Protein Intake and Synthesis: Protein intake plays a pivotal role in muscle growth and repair. Intaking top-notch protein sources after your workout guarantees that your muscles receive the essential amino acids required for optimal protein synthesis, ultimately resulting in gradual muscle mass gains.

Carbohydrate Timing: Carbohydrates are essential for replenishing muscle glycogen, which provides energy for workouts. Proper carbohydrate timing before and after exercise helps maintain energy levels during training sessions and aids muscle recovery.

Nutritional Strategies for Muscle Recovery: Effective nutrient timing doesn’t end after your workout. Your post-workout nutrition should include a combination of protein and carbohydrates to jumpstart recovery, reduce muscle soreness, and promote hypertrophy.

Training Adaptations and Optimal Nutrition: Training adaptations are the body’s response to consistent exercise. Pairing your workouts with optimal nutrition through nutrient timing can enhance these adaptations, increasing muscle size and strength.

Nutrient timing is a valuable strategy for those seeking to maximise muscle growth. Focusing on the anabolic window, protein intake, carbohydrate timing, and other nutritional systems can accelerate muscle recovery, increase protein synthesis, and optimise training adaptations. Incorporating nutrient timing into your fitness regimen can help you reach your muscle growth goals more efficiently.

Strategies for Nutrient Timing in Hypertrophy Training

Regarding hypertrophy training, the timing of your nutrient intake can significantly impact your results. Proper nutrient timing ensures your body receives the essential fuel to build muscle and recover effectively. We will discuss the crucial strategy for nutrient timing in hypertrophy training.

Pre-Workout Nutrition: Fueling your body before a workout is crucial for energy and muscle preservation. Enjoy a well-rounded meal with carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats about 1-2 hours before your training session. Carbohydrates provide power, while protein helps prevent muscle breakdown during your workout.

Intra-Workout Nutrition: For more prolonged or more intense workouts, consider intra-workout nutrition. A carbohydrate and electrolyte-rich drink can help sustain energy levels and prevent muscle fatigue during extended training sessions.

The Anabolic Window: After your workout, during the post-exercise phase, commonly known as the “anabolic window,” your muscles are in their prime state to absorb nutrients. To maximise muscle recovery and growth, it’s advisable to have a meal or shake rich in protein and carbohydrates within the 30-minute to two-hour timeframe following your workout.

Protein Intake: Ensure you meet your daily protein intake goals to support muscle protein synthesis. Spreading your protein intake throughout the day, including pre-and post-workout meals, can promote consistent muscle repair and growth.

Bedtime Nutrition: Consuming a slow-digesting protein source before bed, such as casein amino acid, can provide your body with a sustained release of amino acids overnight, supporting muscle recovery and minimising muscle breakdown during sleep.

Incorporating these nutrient timing strategies into your hypertrophy training regimen can enhance muscle growth, reduce muscle soreness, and improve overall performance. Remember that individual needs may vary, so finding a nutrient-timing routine that works best for your body and training goals is essential.

Optimising Nutrient Timing for Tissue Recovery

 Tissue recovery is a pivotal aspect of any fitness routine, and an often overlooked yet practical approach to enhancing it is precise nutrient timing. When you provide your body with the appropriate nutrients at specific intervals, you can expedite the repair and growth of bodily tissues. In this blog, we will delve into how to refine nutrient timing for tissue recovery.

Post-Activity Nutrition: The Anabolic Period: The immediate phase following your physical activity, frequently termed the “anabolic window,” is when your tissues are most amenable to nutrient absorption. During this timeframe, consuming a blend of carbohydrates and protein is imperative. Carbohydrates aid in replenishing glycogen stores, while protein supplies the essential amino acids required for tissue repair and development. To maximise advantages, consume a post-activity meal or beverage within 30 minutes to two hours post-exertion.

*Protein Synchronization: Protein serves as the fundamental building material for various bodily tissues, and synchronising your protein intake prudently can stimulate tissue protein synthesis. Distribute your protein consumption evenly throughout the day, encompassing pre- and post-activity meals, to provide a steady influx of amino acids for tissue rehabilitation.

Pre-Activity Nourishment: Consuming a balanced meal comprising carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats one to two hours before physical activity guarantees that your body possesses the requisite energy and nutrients to sustain your training session.

Intra-Activity Nutrition: For extended or more demanding activities, contemplate ingesting a carbohydrate and electrolyte-enriched beverage to preserve energy levels and deter tissue fatigue while exercising.

Bedtime Refreshment: Consuming a slow-digesting amino acid source before retiring, such as Greek yoghurt or cottage cheese, facilitates a gradual release of amino acids throughout the night. This can assist in minimising tissue breakdown and endorsing nighttime tissue recovery.

You can amplify tissue recovery, diminish soreness, and elevate your overall physical performance by fine-tuning nutrient timing within your dietary regimen. Remember that individual requirements may fluctuate, so it’s essential to adapt your nutrient timing strategy according to your specific fitness objectives and your body’s response. With the correct approach, you’ll be well on your way to expediting and optimising tissue recovery.

Nutrient Timing Essentials for Maximized Hypertrophy

 

In hypertrophy, which aims to enhance muscle growth, nutrition is equally as crucial as your exercise regimen. An aspect of food that is sometimes neglected is the timing of nutrients. One often overlooked aspect of food is nutrient timing. To maximise hypertrophy, you must give your muscles the proper nutrients at the correct times. Here are some essential nutrient timing strategies for achieving optimal muscle growth:

Before your workout, you must provide your body with the necessary fuel. Ensure you consume a well-balanced meal with carbohydrates to supply energy and amino acids for muscle repair. Try to have this meal 1-2 hours before your workout to guarantee your body receives the essential nutrients for optimal performance.

The Anabolic Window: The period immediately after your workout, often called the “anabolic window,” is when your muscles are most receptive to nutrients. During this time, prioritise a post-workout meal rich in carbohydrates and protein to replenish glycogen stores and kickstart muscle recovery.

Protein Timing: Distribute your protein intake evenly throughout the day. Include protein in each meal, including pre-and post-workout. Amino acid is essential for muscle repair and growth, and consistent information ensures a steady supply of amino acids.

Intra-Workout Nutrition: For more prolonged or intense workouts, consider sipping on a carbohydrate and electrolyte-rich drink to maintain energy levels and combat muscle fatigue.

Bedtime Protein: Consuming a slow-digesting amino acid source before bedtime, such as casein protein or cottage cheese, provides a steady release of amino acids overnight. This helps prevent muscle breakdown during sleep.

Incorporating these nutrient-timing essentials into your dietary regimen can significantly enhance hypertrophy results. Remember that individual needs may vary, so it’s essential to tailor your nutrient timing strategy to your specific goals and workout routine. When you combine these strategies with a well-designed workout plan, you’ll be on the path to maximising muscle growth and achieving your hypertrophy goals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Nutrient timing for tissue growth is strategically planning when and what you eat to support the development of bodily tissues. It involves optimising nutrient delivery, particularly carbohydrates and protein, during specific periods, such as before, during, and after activities.

The anabolic window, also known as the “golden hour,” is the period immediately following your activities when your tissues are most receptive to nutrient absorption. During this time, your body is primed for protein synthesis and tissue repair, making it crucial to provide the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.

Pre-activity nutrition provides your body with the necessary energy and nutrients to support your physical activities, helping you perform at your best. It promotes tissue preservation and recovery by supplying carbohydrates and protein.

The anabolic window is the period following your activities when your tissues are highly receptive to nutrients. During this window, consuming a post-activity meal rich in carbohydrates and Amino acids helps replenish energy stores and kickstarts tissue recovery and growth.

Intra-activity nutrition is beneficial for longer or more intense activities. During such activities, consuming a carbohydrate and electrolyte-rich drink helps maintain energy levels and prevents tissue fatigue.

Consuming a slow-digesting protein source before bedtime, such as Greek yoghurt or cottage cheese, gradually releases amino acids throughout the night. This aids in minimising tissue breakdown and promoting nighttime tissue recovery.

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Understanding Hypertrophy: The Basics of Muscle Growth https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/understanding-hypertrophy-the-basics-of-muscle-growth/ Wed, 04 Oct 2023 05:00:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34937 The post Understanding Hypertrophy: The Basics of Muscle Growth appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Muscle hypertrophy, the scientific term for muscle growth, is a fascinating process in our bodies when we engage in hypertrophy training. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or embarking on your fitness journey for the first time, grasping the fundamental principles of muscle growth can enhance your ability to reach your fitness objectives more efficiently.

Muscle Hypertrophy Explained: Musculature hypertrophy is the increase in the size of tissue fibres, which leads to tissue growth and development. Resistance training, including weightlifting or bodyweight workouts, predominantly triggers this mechanism. It occurs as the body naturally adjusts to the strain imposed on the muscles during these physical activities.

Muscle Fiber Types: Muscles consist of fibre types, primarily categorised as Type I (slow-twitch) and Type II (fast-twitch) fibres. Type II fibres are more involved in hypertrophy training, as they have a higher potential for growth.

Anabolic Processes and Protein Synthesis: The body initiates anabolic processes during resistance training. These processes involve musculature protein synthesis, creating new proteins to repair and strengthen muscle fibres. Sufficient protein consumption plays a vital role in facilitating this process of growth.

Progressive Overload: To stimulate muscle hypertrophy effectively, you need to overload your muscles progressively. This means gradually increasing the resistance or intensity of your workouts over time. It pushes your muscles beyond their comfort zone, compelling them to adjust and expand.

Resistance Training and Muscle Recovery: Hypertrophy training primarily relies on resistance training, including weightlifting and bodyweight exercises, as its foundational component. It causes micro-tears in muscle fibres, which lead to tissue growth when repaired during rest and Recovery.

Hypertrophy Nutrition: Nutrition is a critical factor in musculature growth. Consuming adequate protein and a balanced diet ensures your body has the nutrients it needs for Recovery and growth.

Muscle-Building Exercises: Specific exercises, like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and various isolation exercises, target different muscle groups and contribute to overall muscle hypertrophy.

Understanding the basics of muscle hypertrophy is essential for anyone looking to build muscle and enhance their physique. It involves resistance training, anabolic processes, proper nutrition, and progressive Overload. Incorporating these elements into your fitness routine can promote tissue growth and achieve your fitness goals. So, whether you’re aiming for increased strength, a more toned appearance, or improved athletic performance, harness the power of muscle hypertrophy to sculpt the body you desire.

 

The Science Behind Muscle Hypertrophy

Muscle hypertrophy, the biological phenomenon underlying muscle growth, is a complex and fascinating process rooted in physiological science. Understanding the science behind muscle hypertrophy is essential for optimising their fitness journey.

At its core, muscle hypertrophy involves the enlargement of individual muscle fibres in response to external stimuli, primarily resistance training. You stress your muscles during weightlifting, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises. This stress induces microscopic damage to muscle fibres, triggering cellular events.

Anabolic processes, particularly muscle protein synthesis, are initiated to repair and reinforce these damaged muscle fibres. This repair process involves the creation of new muscle proteins, making the muscle fibres thicker and more robust.

Several key factors influence the degree of muscle hypertrophy, including the intensity and volume of resistance training, the number of sets and repetitions, and the frequency of training sessions. The gradual increase in resistance or power of progressive Overload is pivotal in driving muscle growth.

Proper nutrition is equally critical.Rest and recuperation also hold significant importance in the context of muscle hypertrophy.

Rest and recuperation play crucial roles in the process of muscle hypertrophy as well. Muscles need time to heal and adapt to the stress during training.

Muscle hypertrophy is a scientifically intricate process driven by resistance training, anabolic processes, nutrition, and Recovery. By understanding the underlying science, individuals can tailor their fitness routines and lifestyles to maximize muscle growth, strength, and overall physical performance.

 

Effective Training Strategies for Strength Gain

 Achieving significant strength gain, or hypertrophy, requires a well-structured training program focusing on specific strategies to stimulate strength development. Whether a beginner or an experienced lifter, these effective training strategies can help you maximise your strength potential.

Progressive Overload, a core principle in achieving strength gains, is one of the fundamental tenets. This involves continually increasing the resistance or intensity of your workouts over time. As your body adapts to the stress, it becomes stronger. Gradually increase your exercise’s weight, repetitions, or power to keep challenging your strength.

Compound Exercises, like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and pull-ups, activate numerous muscle groups concurrently. They are highly effective for building overall strength as they create a significant demand on your body, triggering strength gain.

Proper Form: Maintaining adequate form during exercises is crucial for strength gain and injury prevention. Focus on controlled, full-range movements to target the muscles effectively. Consider working with a trainer to ensure your form is correct.

Volume and Frequency: To promote strength gain, increase the total training volume, the total amount of weight lifted in a workout. You can achieve this by increasing the number of sets and repetitions. Additionally, training each muscle group multiple times weekly can accelerate strength development.

Rest and Recovery: Muscles grow more robust during rest and Recovery, not workouts. Ensure you get enough sleep and allow sufficient time for muscle repair. Overtraining can hinder strength gain, so balance your training with adequate rest.

Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for strength gain. Consume enough calories, including adequate protein, to support muscle repair and growth. Consider a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Variation: Periodically change your workout routines to prevent plateaus and continuously challenge your strength. Try different exercises, rep ranges, and training methods to keep your muscles adapting.

Track Your Progress: Keep a training journal to record your workouts, sets, reps, and weights used. Tracking your progress helps you identify areas for improvement and ensures you’re consistently pushing yourself.

Incorporate these effective training strategies into your fitness regimen to optimise strength gain. Remember that consistency is critical, and results may take time. By following a well-structured training program and paying attention to these vital factors, you can achieve your desired strength and progress toward your fitness goals.

 

Nutrition and Recovery for Maximizing Hypertrophy

Achieving significant hypertrophy tissue growth goes beyond just lifting weights. Proper nutrition and Recovery play equally crucial roles in maximising your tissue-building potential.

 

Nutrition:

Protein is the fundamental component for constructing tissues. To support tissue repair and growth, consume adequate protein daily. Aim for lean sources like chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef, eggs, and plant-based options like tofu and legumes.

Caloric Surplus: To fuel tissue growth, you need to be in a caloric surplus, meaning you consume more calories than you burn. However, this surplus should come from nutritious sources, not empty calories.

Carbohydrates and Fats: Carbohydrates provide energy for intense workouts, while healthy fats support hormone production. Include complex carbohydrates like whole grains and healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil.

Micronutrients: Ensure you get essential vitamins and minerals through a balanced diet or supplements if necessary. These micronutrients support various biochemical processes in your body, including tissue growth.

 

Recovery:

Sleep: Quality sleep is vital for tissue recovery. The body undergoes various restorative processes during deep sleep, promoting tissue development. Strive to achieve a consistent, uninterrupted sleep duration of 7-9 hours each night.

Active Recovery: Incorporate light activities like walking, yoga, or stretching on rest days to improve blood flow and reduce tissue soreness.

Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial for tissue function and Recovery. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and hinder performance.

Rest Days: Give your tissues time to recover between intense workouts. Overtraining can lead to injury and impede tissue growth.

Massage and Foam Rolling: These techniques can help reduce tissue soreness and improve blood circulation, aiding Recovery.

Balancing nutrition and Recovery is essential for maximising hypertrophy. Consistency in dietary choices and recovery practices is critical to achieving your tissue-building goals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Tissue hypertrophy is the enlargement of individual tissue fibres in response to external stimuli, primarily resistance training. While organ hypertrophy specifically refers to organ tissue growth, tissue hypertrophy can encompass other types of tissues, such as tendons and ligaments.

Type I (slow-twitch) and Type II (fast-twitch) fibres can be distinguished by their different characteristics, such as contraction speed and endurance. Type II fibres are more involved in tissue hypertrophy as they have a higher growth potential than Type I fibres.

Anabolic processes initiate tissue protein synthesis during resistance training, creating new proteins to repair and strengthen tissue fibres. Adequate protein intake is crucial to support this growth.

Progressive Overload involves gradually increasing the resistance or intensity of workouts, challenging tissues to adapt and grow. This principle is essential for effective tissue hypertrophy.

Yes, resistance training can stimulate hypertrophy in various tissues, including tendons and ligaments. Strengthening these tissues can enhance overall physical performance and reduce the risk of injuries.

Nutrition:

 

Consume adequate protein daily to support tissue repair and growth.

Maintain a caloric surplus from nutritious sources.

Include complex carbohydrates and healthy fats in your diet.

Ensure you get essential vitamins and minerals through a balanced diet or supplements if necessary.

 

Recovery:

Target getting 7-9 hours of restful sleep every night.

Incorporate active recovery activities like walking and stretching on rest days.

Stay well-hydrated to support tissue function and Recovery.

Allow sufficient rest between intense workouts and consider massage and foam rolling techniques to aid Recovery.

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Mechanical Tension vs. Metabolic Stress: Unpacking Muscle Growth Triggers https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/mechanical-tension-vs-metabolic-stress-unpacking-muscle-growth-triggers/ Wed, 04 Oct 2023 05:00:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34923 The post Mechanical Tension vs. Metabolic Stress: Unpacking Muscle Growth Triggers appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Understanding the mechanisms behind muscle growth triggers is crucial when building muscle and achieving that chiselled physique. Mechanical Tension and Metabolic Stress are two key pivotal factors in this process. Explore these concepts and see how they influence muscle hypertrophy during resistance training.

Mechanical Tension: Mechanical tension is the force acting on your muscles during resistance training exercises. Think of it as the stress your muscles experience when lifting weights or performing bodyweight exercises. This tension is a primary driver for muscle growth, forcing your muscle fibres to adapt and become stronger. As you gradually increase the load and intensity of your workouts, your muscles are subjected to more mechanical tension, which stimulates hypertrophy—the growth of muscle fibres.

Metabolic Stress: Metabolic stress, on the other hand, is all about what happens within your muscles during high-repetition, high-volume workouts. It occurs when your muscles work intensely and struggle for adequate oxygen supply. This leads to the accumulation of metabolites like lactate, which contributes to that “burning” sensation during a challenging set.

Metabolic stress plays a crucial role in muscle growth by triggering anabolic pathways within the muscle cells. These pathways are responsible for protein synthesis and cellular adaptations that result in muscle hypertrophy.

Balancing mechanical tension and metabolic stress is essential to achieve optimal muscle growth. Resistance training programs incorporating heavy lifting to maximize pressure and high repetition sets to induce metabolic stress are the most effective.

Strength training, exercise physiology, and various training variables also come into play when tailoring a workout program that optimizes muscle hypertrophy. Factors like exercise selection, rest intervals, and volume play significant roles in manipulating these muscle growth triggers.

Achieving significant muscle growth involves understanding and strategically using mechanical tension and metabolic stress. By incorporating resistance training techniques that encompass these elements, you can unlock your body’s potential for muscle hypertrophy and enhance your strength and physique.

 

The Role of Mechanical Tension in Muscle Development

Muscle Development, scientifically known as hypertrophy, is a subject that has intrigued fitness enthusiasts and athletes for generations. One of the fundamental factors that drive this process is mechanical tension.

What Is Mechanical Tension?

Mechanical tension is the force that muscles experience when they are stretched or contracted during resistance exercises. It’s the sensation of strain that you feel when lifting weights or performing bodyweight exercises. This tension occurs as muscle fibres are elongated or shortened under load.

 

How Does It Promote Muscle Development?

When you participate in resistance training, tiny tears form in your muscle fibers as a result of the strain exerted during weightlifting or resistance exercises. In response to this damage, your body initiates a repair process. This repair process involves synthesizing new muscle proteins and the fusion of satellite cells to existing muscle fibres, making them thicker and more robust.

Mechanical tension plays a vital role in this process by triggering specific cellular signalling pathways, such as mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin), that promote muscle protein synthesis. In simpler terms, it signals your body to build more muscle to adapt to the imposed load.

Mechanical tension is a crucial driver of muscle growth. Incorporating resistance exercises that challenge your muscles and progressively increase the load is essential for maximizing the benefits of mechanical tension in your fitness journey. Understanding this principle can help you design effective strength training routines that yield impressive muscle growth.

Understanding Metabolic Stress as a Growth Trigger

Many factors come into play regarding enhancing size and achieving those sought-after gains. One of the lesser known yet crucial aspects of growth is metabolic stress. Let’s delve into metabolic stress and how it can serve as a potent growth trigger.

 

What is Metabolic Stress?

Metabolic stress occurs during high-repetition, high-volume resistance training exercises. It’s that burning sensation and fatigue you feel when you push your limits. This sensation results from the metabolic byproducts that accumulate in your body during intense workouts, such as lactic acid.

 

How Does Metabolic Stress Contribute to Development?

Metabolic stress is more than just an uncomfortable sensation; it plays a pivotal role in hypertrophy or growth. Here’s how:

Cellular Signalling: Metabolic stress triggers specific cellular signalling pathways that stimulate growth. These pathways include releasing development factors like IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) and activating mTOR, essential for protein synthesis.

Hormonal Response: Intense resistance training that induces metabolic stress can increase anabolic hormones like testosterone and growth hormone, further promoting development.

Cell Swelling: Metabolic stress causes cells to swell with blood and fluids. This cell swelling stimulates growth by creating mechanical tension within the fibres.

Fibre Recruitment: High-repetition sets and metabolic stress can activate a broader spectrum of fibres, including fast-twitch fibres with high growth potential.

To harness the benefits of metabolic stress, consider incorporating techniques like drop sets, supersets, and high-repetition training into your routine. These methods can help you induce metabolic stress and optimise growth.

Metabolic stress is a vital trigger for growth that should be noticed. By strategically incorporating workouts that induce this stress, you can stimulate hypertrophy, improve endurance, and work towards achieving your fitness goals effectively.

 

How to Optimize Tissue Growth with a Balanced Approach

Enhancing tissue growth is a multifaceted endeavour requiring a well-rounded approach for optimal results. Here are key strategies to maximize tissue growth effectively:

Progressive Overload: To stimulate tissue growth, consistently challenge your tissues with increasing resistance or intensity. Gradually elevate the weight you lift or the difficulty of your exercises to create the necessary stimulus for growth.

Compound Movements: Concentrate on compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and pull-ups. These exercises engage multiple tissue groups simultaneously, amplifying tissue activation and growth potential.

A well-balanced diet abundant in vital nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats plays a crucial role in supporting the development of tissues. Protein supplies the building blocks (amino acids) needed for tissue repair and growth.

Recovery and Rest: Tissues grow during rest periods, not just during workouts. Prioritize adequate sleep and allow your body to recover fully between training sessions. Overtraining can impede progress.

Varied Repetition Ranges: Integrate a variety of repetition ranges into your workouts. Lower repetitions (3-6) with heavy resistance develop strength, whereas higher repetitions (8-12) with moderate resistance focus on hypertrophy.

Consistency: Consistency is paramount. Adhere to a well-structured workout program and maintain a balanced diet over time. Tissue growth is a gradual process that requires commitment.

Proper Technique: Execute exercises with precise techniques to effectively target the intended tissue groups. This diminishes the likelihood of harm and guarantees the most effective involvement of tissues.

Periodisation: Periodize you’re training by cycling through distinct phases: strength, hypertrophy, and endurance. This prevents stagnation and keeps your tissues adapting.

Dietary Additions: Although they should not replace a well-rounded diet, dietary additions such as creatine and whey protein can enhance tissue development when incorporated as part of a comprehensive strategy.

In conclusion, optimising tissue growth demands a holistic and well-balanced strategy that incorporates progressive resistance, proper nutrition, adequate recovery, and intelligent training practices. By consistently applying these principles, you can achieve your tissue-enhancing goals and progress significantly in your health and fitness journey.

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To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

This blog discusses two primary tissue development triggers: Mechanical Tension and Metabolic Stress.

Mechanical tension is the force that acts on tissues during resistance training. It stimulates tissue development by creating micro-tears in tissue fibres, triggering a repair process that increases tissue size and strength.

Metabolic stress occurs during high-repetition, high-volume resistance training. It promotes tissue development through cellular signalling pathways, hormonal responses, cell swelling, and the recruitment of various tissue fibre types.

Consider incorporating heavy lifting to maximise tension and high repetition sets to optimise tissue development to induce metabolic stress into your resistance training routine.

Strength training and exercise physiology are crucial aspects of tissue development. Strength training exercises and understanding how your body responds to resistance training are essential for designing effective workout programs.

Factors like exercise selection, rest intervals, volume, and periodisation are essential training variables when tailoring a workout program for tissue hypertrophy. These variables help manipulate tissue development triggers effectively.

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What Are The Differences Between Hang Cleans And Power Cleans In Olympic Lifting? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-differences-between-hang-cleans-and-power-cleans-in-olympic-lifting/ Mon, 02 Oct 2023 05:00:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34909 The post What Are The Differences Between Hang Cleans And Power Cleans In Olympic Lifting? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the realm of Olympic lifting, precision and technique are paramount. Two of the most iconic and challenging exercises that exemplify this are the Hang Clean and the Power Clean. Both are fundamental components of any weightlifter’s repertoire, demanding strength, speed, and skill. But what sets them apart?

In this article, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of “What Are The Differences Between Hang Cleans And Power Cleans In Olympic Lifting?” We’ll delve into the nuanced mechanics, training benefits, and practical applications of each exercise, providing you with a clear understanding of their distinctions and helping you make informed choices in your training regimen. Whether you’re a seasoned lifter seeking refinement or a novice just venturing into the world of Olympic lifting, join us on this journey to uncover the intricacies that set these two iconic exercises apart.

Hang Cleans Vs. Power Cleans: Which Olympic Lifting Variation Is Right For You?

The choice between Hang Cleans and Power Cleans in Olympic lifting hinges on individual goals, capabilities, and training preferences. Hang Cleans, where the bar starts from a hang position above the knees, are renowned for their focus on explosiveness, shrugging power, and hip extension. They’re an excellent choice for athletes looking to enhance their performance in sports requiring rapid power production. On the other hand, the latter category of Cleans, starting from the floor, emphasize full-body strength, speed, and coordination. They offer a more comprehensive workout and are favoured by those aiming for overall muscle development. The decision ultimately boils down to your specific objectives and your willingness to master the nuances of each technique.

Exploring Olympic Lifting Variations: Beyond The Basics

Delving into the world of Olympic lifting reveals a realm brimming with intriguing variations beyond the fundamental techniques. While the Snatch and Clean and Jerk are the core movements, the sport offers an array of nuanced variations that cater to different needs and skill levels.

One captivating variation is the Hang Snatch, where lifters initiate the lift from a hang position, typically above the knees. This variation emphasizes explosive power and technical precision. Alternatively, the Hang Clean focuses on strengthening the transition from the pull to the catch, refining form and stability.

Further exploration might lead to the Power Snatch, which involves a dynamic lift from the floor to an overhead position with no squat. Similarly, the Power Clean offers an abbreviated range of motion compared to the full Clean, targeting explosiveness and speed.

As one’s proficiency grows, venturing into these variations can inject new challenges and dimensions into Olympic lifting training, ensuring continued progress and mastery of the sport’s intricacies.

Clean Techniques Comparison: Hang Cleans Vs. Power Cleans

The comparison of Hang Cleans and Power Cleans in Olympic lifting centres on their starting positions and technique nuances. In Hang Cleans, the lifter initiates the lift from a position above the knees, emphasizing hip extension, shrugging, and an explosive finish. This variation demands precise timing and coordination.

On the other hand, Power Cleans commence from the floor, requiring a full range of motion that includes the pull from the ground. They prioritize strength, speed, and a quick catch in the power position. Power Cleans engage the entire body, with a focus on developing raw power and speed.

Choosing between the two depends on your training goals and proficiency level. Hang Cleans hone explosive power, while Power Cleans offer a comprehensive full-body workout. Selecting the right technique involves understanding your strengths and objectives in the world of Olympic lifting.

Mastering Olympic Lifting: A Deep Dive Into Weightlifting Exercises

Mastering Olympic lifting is an endeavour that demands unwavering dedication and a profound understanding of the intricate weightlifting exercises that define the sport. The journey begins with the Snatch, a swift and technically demanding lift where the lifter elevates the barbell from the ground to overhead in one fluid motion. It emphasizes speed, precision, and mobility.

Parallelly, the Clean and Jerk introduces a dynamic blend of two movements. It begins with the Clean, where the bar is lifted from the floor to the shoulders, demanding explosive power and technique. Then, the Jerk propels the bar overhead, demanding split-second timing and stability.

Exploring these exercises unveils a world of variations, from Hang Snatches to Power Cleans, each offering unique benefits and challenges. Mastering Olympic lifting necessitates disciplined practice, honing technique, and progressively increasing weight. It’s a journey of strength, agility, and mental fortitude, where athletes push their boundaries to achieve unparalleled feats of power and grace.

Clean And Jerk Variations: From Hang Cleans To Power Cleans And Beyond

Clean and Jerk variations are integral to Olympic lifting, offering athletes a range of challenges and training opportunities. The Hang Clean, starting above the knees, refines explosiveness and technique in the initial pull. In contrast, Power Cleans entail lifting the bar from the floor with an emphasis on raw strength and speed. Furthermore, variations like the Push Jerk and Split Jerk introduce diverse overhead techniques, fostering stability and coordination. Beyond these, the Squat Clean delves deeper into leg strength and mobility. Each variation adds layers of complexity, enabling lifters to target specific aspects of their performance and progressively master the intricacies of the Clean and Jerk, an iconic and multifaceted Olympic lifting movement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference is in the starting position. Hang Cleans start from a position above the knees, while Power Cleans start from the floor.

In Hang Cleans, the lifter must generate power without the initial momentum from the floor, requiring a strong hip extension and shrug. Power Cleans, starting from the floor, involve a full-range pull, emphasizing speed and strength.

Both lifts can enhance explosiveness but Hang Cleans often place a greater emphasis on explosiveness due to the need to generate power from a dead stop.

Power Cleans are often more suitable for beginners as they provide a more straightforward starting position and a fuller range of motion, making them easier to learn.

Absolutely. Hang Cleans are beneficial for improving the second pull and hip explosion, while Power Cleans offer a more comprehensive full-body workout. The choice depends on individual goals and desired training outcomes.

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What Is The Connection Between Foam Rolling And Improved Posture? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-connection-between-foam-rolling-and-improved-posture/ Mon, 02 Oct 2023 05:00:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34924 The post What Is The Connection Between Foam Rolling And Improved Posture? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In today’s fast-paced world, the quest for improved posture has become increasingly vital as people spend extended hours hunched over screens and desks. Amid this pursuit of better alignment and reduced discomfort, the practice of foam rolling has gained significant attention. But what exactly is the connection between foam rolling and improved posture?

This article embarks on an enlightening journey to unravel the intricate relationship between these two elements of physical well-being. We will explore the mechanisms through which rolling influences posture, delve into the science of myofascial release, and provide practical insights on how incorporating rolling techniques into your routine can lead to enhanced posture, reduced muscle tension, and a more comfortable daily life. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, desk-bound professional, or anyone seeking an improved posture, join us in uncovering the transformative potential of foam rolling in your quest for better alignment.

The Role Of Foam Rolling In Posture Correction

Rolling plays a pivotal role in posture correction by addressing the intricate web of muscles, fascia, and tension patterns that influence how we hold ourselves. By utilizing self-myofascial release techniques, rolling targets areas of muscle tightness and imbalance, which are often the root causes of poor posture. It promotes the release of tension, increases blood flow, and enhances flexibility in muscles and fascia, contributing to improved alignment. Regular foam rolling sessions can alleviate discomfort, ease muscular imbalances, and encourage the body to adopt a more natural and upright posture. It’s a valuable tool in the journey towards a healthier, more aligned, and pain-free posture.

Myofascial Release Techniques For Improved Posture

Myofascial release techniques have emerged as a potent strategy for achieving and maintaining improved posture. Myofascial release targets the fascia, a connective tissue that envelops muscles and plays a pivotal role in our posture. When the fascia becomes tight or restricted due to factors like stress, inactivity, or poor ergonomics, it can lead to postural imbalances and discomfort.

By employing myofascial release methods, such as foam rolling, trigger point therapy, or massage, individuals can effectively release tension and adhesions within the fascia. This process promotes greater mobility, flexibility, and pliability in the fascial network, allowing for more effortless postural adjustments.

Moreover, myofascial release can target specific muscle groups known to influence posture, like the hip flexors, chest, and upper back. By releasing tension in these areas, individuals often experience an immediate improvement in their posture, with reduced rounding of the shoulders, decreased forward head posture, and enhanced spinal alignment.

Foam Rolling For Muscle Tension Relief And Better Posture

Rolling serves as a dynamic tool for alleviating muscle tension and promoting better posture. This practice involves applying pressure to specific muscle groups, stimulating self-myofascial release. As we navigate daily routines, stress, and physical activities, our muscles can accumulate tension and imbalances that compromise posture. Rolling targets these areas of tightness, increasing blood flow and flexibility while breaking down adhesions in the muscles and fascia. By relieving muscle tension and restoring muscle length, rolling encourages improved postural alignment. Regular sessions can result in reduced discomfort, enhanced spinal support, and a greater awareness of body positioning, culminating in a more comfortable and upright posture.

How Myofascial Release Enhances Postural Alignment

Myofascial release, a powerful therapeutic technique, wields a profound influence on postural alignment. The fascia, a dense connective tissue enveloping muscles and organs, plays a pivotal role in maintaining our posture. When this fascial network becomes tight or restricted, often due to stress, repetitive movements, or injuries, it can pull the body out of alignment, leading to poor posture and discomfort.

Myofascial release methods, ranging from manual therapy to foam rolling, specifically target these fascial restrictions. By applying sustained pressure and stretching techniques, they encourage the fascia to release its grip on muscles and tissues. As a result, muscles regain their natural length and elasticity, allowing for more effortless adjustments in postural alignment.

Moreover, myofascial release can address muscle imbalances, a common contributor to poor posture. By relaxing overactive muscles and enhancing the function of underused ones, it promotes a more balanced musculoskeletal system.

Incorporating Foam Rolling Into Your Posture Improvement Routine

Incorporating rolling into your posture improvement routine is a transformative approach to enhancing alignment and comfort. Regular rolling sessions, targeting specific muscle groups known to influence posture, can help release tension and reduce muscle imbalances. By applying self-myofascial release techniques, such as foam rolling, you can alleviate tightness in areas like the upper back, chest, and hip flexors—common culprits of poor posture. This process increases blood flow, restores muscle length, and encourages better spinal support. When used in conjunction with posture-focused exercises and mindfulness, foam rolling becomes a valuable tool for fostering lasting postural improvements. It promotes body awareness, reduces discomfort, and empowers individuals to maintain a more upright and comfortable posture in their daily lives.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about foam rolling then you need to do our Foam Rolling Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Rolling alleviates muscle tension and imbalances, facilitating improved postural alignment. By targeting specific muscle groups, it promotes flexibility and supports proper posture.

Key areas include the upper back, chest, hip flexors, and shoulders, as these muscles play a significant role in maintaining posture.

Consistency is key. Performing foam rolling exercises a few times a week, in conjunction with other posture-focused activities, can yield visible improvements over time.

While rolling is a valuable tool, severe postural issues may require professional assessment and a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for effective correction.

Yes, techniques that target the muscles and fascia contributing to poor posture, such as the thoracic spine mobility exercises, can be particularly beneficial for postural improvement when combined with regular foam rolling.

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How Do I Create A HIIT Workout Plan Tailored To My Fitness Goals? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-i-create-a-hiit-workout-plan-tailored-to-my-fitness-goals/ Fri, 29 Sep 2023 05:00:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34908 The post How Do I Create A HIIT Workout Plan Tailored To My Fitness Goals? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Embarking on a fitness journey is a personal odyssey, and your chosen path should align with your unique aspirations. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) stands as a versatile and effective tool for those seeking dynamic, efficient workouts. However, to unlock its full potential, you must forge a HIIT workout plan tailored precisely to your fitness goals.

In the world of fitness, one size does not fit all. Your journey may involve weight loss, muscle gain, improved endurance, or a combination of these objectives. The beauty of a HIIT workout plan lies in its adaptability, allowing you to customize routines that cater to your specific ambitions.

This article is your guide to crafting a HIIT workout plan that resonates with your fitness aspirations. Whether you’re a beginner looking to shed kilos, an athlete striving for peak performance, or anyone in between, the key to success lies in creating a personalized HIIT workout plan that aligns with your goals, motivates your journey, and delivers transformative results. Join us on this exploration of tailoring HIIT to your unique fitness destiny.

Crafting Your Ideal HIIT Workout Plan

Creating an ideal HIIT workout plan is the gateway to fitness success. Begin by defining your objectives—whether it’s torching calories, building muscle, or boosting endurance. Next, select exercises that resonate with your goals, focusing on both cardiovascular and strength-based movements. Determine your work-to-rest ratio, ensuring intensity and recovery periods suit your fitness level.

Variation is key, so regularly switch up exercises in your HIIT workout plan to prevent plateaus. Consistency is equally vital, as results emerge over time. To maximize benefits, incorporate proper warm-up and cooldown routines. Lastly, track progress and adjust your plan as you evolve. With a well-crafted HIIT workout plan, you’re poised to achieve your fitness aspirations and relish the rewards of a healthier, stronger you.

Aligning HIIT Workouts With Your Fitness Goals

The power of a HIIT workout plan lies in its adaptability to various fitness objectives. To harness this potential, it’s crucial to align your HIIT workouts with your specific fitness goals. Whether you’re aiming to shed excess kilos, build lean muscle, enhance endurance, or achieve a blend of these ambitions, tailoring your HIIT routine is the key to success.

Weight loss seekers can benefit from longer sessions in a HIIT workout plan with bodyweight exercises and shorter rest periods to maximize calorie burn. Those focusing on muscle building should incorporate strength-based HIIT exercises like squats and push-ups.

For improved endurance, include longer intervals and gradually increase HIIT workout plan duration. A holistic approach involves setting clear goals, tracking progress, and adjusting your routine as needed. By aligning your HIIT workouts with your fitness goals, you empower yourself to embark on a transformative fitness journey tailored to your aspirations, ensuring that every interval counts toward achieving your desired results.

Designing A Customized HIIT Routine For Success

Designing a customized HIIT workout plan is your compass on the path to fitness success. It begins with a clear understanding of your fitness objectives, whether they entail weight loss, muscle gain, or enhanced cardiovascular endurance. Your personalized HIIT routine should reflect these goals.

Choose exercises that align with your ambitions and create a sequence that challenges you progressively. The work-to-rest ratio should suit your fitness level, gradually intensifying as you grow stronger. Incorporate variety into your routine to keep both your mind and body engaged. Implement warm-up and cool-down exercises to prevent injuries.

Ultimately, the key to a successful customized HIIT workout plan lies in consistency. Stick to your plan, track your progress, and be ready to adjust as you evolve. With a tailored HIIT regimen, you unlock the potential for transformative fitness results, bringing you closer to your health and wellness aspirations.

Creating Your Personalized HIIT Workout Plan

Your fitness journey becomes uniquely yours when you embark on the path of creating a personalized HIIT workout plan. Tailoring your HIIT plan to your individual needs, aspirations, and fitness level ensures that every workout brings you closer to your goals.

Begin by defining your objectives—whether it’s shedding pounds, sculpting lean muscle, or enhancing overall endurance. Select exercises that resonate with your goals, incorporating both cardio-intensive and strength-based movements. Carefully determine the work-to-rest ratio, ensuring it suits your fitness capacity while progressively challenging you.

Variety is the cornerstone of an effective HIIT program, so regularly switch up exercises to prevent plateaus and boredom. Incorporate a thorough warm-up and cooldown routine to enhance safety and performance.

To stay on track, monitor your progress, and don’t hesitate to adjust your program as you grow stronger. With your personalized HIIT training program, you empower yourself to embrace the journey of fitness with tailored precision, ensuring that each interval propels you closer to your desired outcomes.

Goal-Oriented HIIT Workouts: A Blueprint For Achievement

In the realm of fitness, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) emerges as a potent blueprint for achieving your goals. The essence lies in aligning each heart-pounding interval with your specific fitness aspirations. Whether you’re striving for weight loss, muscle definition, or cardiovascular endurance, goal-oriented HIIT workouts are your path to success.

Every session becomes a purposeful step towards your objectives. Weight loss seekers benefit from high-intensity intervals that torch calories, while muscle builders engage in strength-focused routines. For endurance enthusiasts, longer intervals push boundaries.

Consistency is key; the structured nature of HIIT ensures you stay committed. Regularly monitor your progress, fine-tune your routine, and celebrate your accomplishments. With goal-oriented HIIT workouts, you’re not just exercising—you’re crafting a journey towards personal triumph, where every interval takes you closer to realizing your fitness dreams.

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If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Start by defining your specific fitness objectives, whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, or improved endurance. Your goals will guide exercise selection, intensity, and duration.

For weight loss, focus on high-intensity intervals that elevate your heart rate and incorporate bodyweight exercises. Ensure shorter rest periods between intervals to maximize calorie burn.

Absolutely. To build muscle, incorporate strength-based exercises into your HIIT routine, such as squats and push-ups. Adjust your work-to-rest ratio to allow for adequate recovery between sets.

For improved endurance, include longer intervals and gradually increase workout duration. Balance high-intensity intervals with sufficient recovery periods to build stamina over time.

Begin at a level that suits your current fitness capacity, progressively intensify workouts, and prioritize proper warm-up and cooldown routines. Regularly assess your progress and make adjustments as needed to continue challenging yourself safely.

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Can Kettlebell Exercises Help Improve Posture And Reduce Back Pain? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-kettlebell-exercises-help-improve-posture-and-reduce-back-pain/ Fri, 29 Sep 2023 05:00:17 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34898 The post Can Kettlebell Exercises Help Improve Posture And Reduce Back Pain? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the quest for a healthier, pain-free life, the significance of good posture and a strong, resilient back cannot be overstated. Many individuals find themselves grappling with the twin challenges of poor posture and nagging back pain, often seeking effective ways to address both issues simultaneously. Enter kettlebell exercises—a dynamic and holistic approach to fitness that has garnered attention for its potential to not only sculpt muscles but also transform posture and alleviate back discomfort.

This article delves into the fascinating synergy between kettlebell exercises and the pursuit of improved posture and reduced back pain. Can swinging a kettlebell or performing controlled lifts truly make a difference? As we explore the science, techniques, and expert insights, you’ll uncover the compelling reasons why kettlebell workouts have become a promising solution for those looking to stand taller, move with ease, and bid farewell to backaches. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, someone recovering from back issues, or simply curious about enhancing your well-being, join us on this journey to discover how kettlebell exercises might hold the key to a healthier spine and a more confident, pain-free you.

Unlocking The Benefits Of Kettlebell Exercises For Posture Improvement

Kettlebell exercises are emerging as a potent tool in the quest for better posture. These dynamic workouts engage a myriad of muscle groups, fostering balance and alignment. The functional movements in kettlebell exercises help strengthen the core, which plays a pivotal role in supporting an upright posture. By honing stability and promoting spinal alignment, kettlebell routines counteract the effects of prolonged sitting and slouching. They encourage a natural, upright stance that reduces stress on the spine and enhances overall postural awareness. As you swing, press, and lift with kettlebells, you’re not just building strength; you’re unlocking the doorway to a more confident, poised, and pain-free posture.

Kettlebell Exercises: Your Path To Back Pain Reduction

For those plagued by persistent back pain, kettlebell exercises offer a promising avenue towards relief and recovery. Kettlebells are versatile tools that engage both strength and mobility, addressing the underlying factors contributing to back discomfort. Through controlled swings, squats, and lifts, these exercises improve core strength, a critical component in providing spinal support. A strengthened core helps maintain proper alignment, reducing strain on the back muscles.

Kettlebell workouts also enhance flexibility, promoting greater range of motion in the hips and shoulders. This newfound flexibility alleviates tension in the lower back and upper body, common areas of discomfort. Additionally, the dynamic nature of kettlebell movements stimulates blood flow, delivering vital nutrients to injured or tense muscles, accelerating the healing process.

As you embark on your kettlebell journey, you’ll discover that these exercises not only build resilience in your back but also empower you to move with greater ease and confidence, ultimately reducing the burden of chronic back pain.

Achieving Postural Alignment Through Kettlebell Workouts

Kettlebell workouts offer a transformative path to postural alignment. By engaging in these dynamic exercises, you embark on a journey of self-discovery and enhanced well-being. Kettlebell movements, such as swings and Turkish Get-Ups, foster a heightened awareness of your body’s alignment. They promote a strong, stable core—a key element in maintaining proper posture. As you lift and swing the kettlebell, your body learns to find its centre, reducing the strain on the back, shoulders, and neck.

Furthermore, kettlebell routines enhance mobility and flexibility, releasing tension in muscles that may contribute to poor posture. With consistent practice, you’ll not only stand taller but also move with grace and ease. Kettlebell workouts empower you to take charge of your posture, offering the priceless gift of a more comfortable and confident daily life.

Spinal Health And Kettlebell Exercises: A Comprehensive Guide

The health of your spine is paramount to overall well-being, and kettlebell exercises have emerged as a comprehensive solution for nurturing spinal health. These exercises target the core muscles responsible for supporting the spine, building strength that can help alleviate back pain and discomfort. Kettlebell swings, for instance, engage the erector spinae and deep abdominal muscles, stabilizing the spine and fostering a healthy, neutral alignment.

Moreover, kettlebell workouts promote flexibility and mobility in the hips and shoulders, reducing tension and strain that can lead to spinal issues. They encourage better posture, mitigating the effects of prolonged sitting and hunching.

This comprehensive guide delves into the symbiotic relationship between kettlebell exercises and spinal health. Explore the science behind these dynamic movements, discover targeted exercises, and learn how to incorporate kettlebells into your routine to safeguard your spine’s well-being. With the right knowledge and consistent practice, you can take significant steps toward a healthier, pain-free, and more agile spine.

Harnessing Kettlebell Workouts For Improved Posture And Reduced Back Pain

Kettlebell workouts offer a dual benefit—enhancing posture and diminishing back pain. The multifaceted movements of kettlebell exercises actively engage core muscles, strengthening the body’s support structure. This newfound core strength promotes a natural, upright posture, easing the strain on the back muscles and aligning the spine.

Kettlebell routines also foster flexibility, particularly in the hips and shoulders, areas often associated with posture issues. By increasing mobility and releasing tension in these regions, kettlebell exercises help you stand taller and move more comfortably. Additionally, improved circulation and muscle activation contribute to pain reduction.

Incorporating kettlebell workouts into your fitness regimen empowers you to take control of your posture and experience the relief of reduced back pain. These dynamic exercises offer a holistic approach to well-being, ensuring that you not only look more confident but also feel stronger and healthier in your daily life.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become a kettlebell instructor? If you do then you need to do our Kettlebell Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Kettlebell exercises strengthen core muscles, including the back and abdominal muscles, which play a crucial role in maintaining an upright posture. By enhancing core stability, kettlebell workouts promote proper spinal alignment, reducing the risk of poor posture.

Yes, kettlebell exercises can help reduce back pain. They target and strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, which can alleviate strain and discomfort. Additionally, improved posture resulting from kettlebell training can minimize back pain caused by poor alignment.

Kettlebell exercises like swings, deadlifts, and Turkish Get-Ups are effective for strengthening the core and back muscles, ultimately aiding in posture improvement and back pain reduction.

Consistency is key. Aim for at least two to three kettlebell workouts per week to experience noticeable improvements in posture and a reduction in back pain. Start gradually and gradually increase intensity and duration.

Kettlebell exercises can be adapted for individuals with back issues. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional or fitness expert to ensure that you choose appropriate exercises and maintain proper form to prevent exacerbating existing conditions.

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What Are Some Effective Battle Rope Exercises For Improving Endurance? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-some-effective-battle-rope-exercises-for-improving-endurance/ Thu, 28 Sep 2023 05:00:58 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34893 The post What Are Some Effective Battle Rope Exercises For Improving Endurance? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Endurance is the cornerstone of many athletic pursuits, whether you’re a runner looking to increase your mileage, an athlete seeking improved performance, or an individual aiming to enhance overall fitness. While traditional cardio workouts have their place, there’s a dynamic and engaging way to boost your endurance – battle rope exercises.

Battle rope exercises have surged in popularity as a versatile tool for improving cardiovascular endurance, strength, and stamina. They offer a unique combination of cardio and strength training that can benefit individuals of all fitness levels.

In this article, we’ll explore a selection of effective battle rope exercises specifically designed to enhance endurance. From high-intensity intervals that push your cardiovascular limits to sustained routines that build muscular stamina, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help you incorporate battle ropes into your endurance training regimen.

Whether you’re an athlete aiming for peak performance or someone simply looking to increase your staying power, the battle rope exercises are a dynamic addition to your fitness arsenal. Let’s dive in and discover how these exercises can elevate your endurance to new heights.

Effective Battle Rope Exercises For Boosting Cardiovascular Endurance

Battle rope exercises offer a potent means to supercharge cardiovascular endurance. These high-intensity workouts engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, raising your heart rate and pushing your lungs to work harder. Incorporate exercises like “Wave Slams” to maintain a sustained rhythmic movement that enhances aerobic capacity. “Alternating Waves” challenge your coordination and cardiovascular system, while “In & Out Waves” intensify the effort with quick bursts of energy. “Double Wave Burpees” combine strength and endurance, pushing you to the limit. Lastly, “Battle Rope Sprints” replicate sprinting while emphasizing muscular endurance. These exercises form a robust toolkit to elevate your cardiovascular stamina and overall fitness level.

Endurance Training With Battle Ropes: A Comprehensive Guide

To embark on this journey, it’s crucial to understand the principles and techniques involved. Begin with the fundamentals, mastering the foundational moves like “Alternating Waves” and “Double Wave Burpees.” These exercises form the building blocks of your endurance training.

Progress to interval training, alternating between periods of high-intensity effort and active recovery. For example, “Battle Rope Tabatas” involve 20 seconds of all-out effort followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated over several rounds. This approach not only improves cardiovascular endurance but also torches calories.

Explore circuit workouts, combining various battle rope exercises to target different muscle groups and energy systems. Consider “Wave Slams,” “Side-to-Side Waves,” and “Power Lunges” in your routines to diversify the challenge.

As you advance, focus on consistency and gradually increase workout duration and intensity. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll develop the endurance needed to excel in sports, reach fitness milestones, and conquer new physical challenges.

Stamina-Building Exercises To Enhance Your Endurance With Battle Ropes

Stamina-building exercises with battle ropes are a potent pathway to elevating your endurance levels. These workouts demand both physical and mental resilience, cultivating the stamina needed to excel in various athletic pursuits. “Battle Rope Circles” challenge your core and upper body while maintaining a continuous rope movement, building muscular and cardiovascular stamina simultaneously.

“Jumping Jack Slams” combine a classic calisthenic move with battle rope intensity, enhancing both endurance and coordination. “Squat Presses” target lower body strength and stamina, offering a well-rounded workout. The endurance benefits of these exercises extend beyond the gym, empowering you with greater vitality and staying power for everyday activities and sports alike.

Mastering Battle Rope Endurance Workouts: Tips And Techniques

Mastering battle rope endurance workouts requires a combination of strategy, technique, and mental fortitude. To elevate your endurance to new heights, start with proper form. Maintain a stable stance with knees slightly bent, engage your core, and grip the ropes firmly but not excessively. This foundation ensures efficiency and minimizes the risk of injury during extended sessions.

Interval training is a key strategy. Alternate between high-intensity bursts and brief recovery periods to gradually increase stamina. For example, “On-the-Spot Sprints” push your limits, followed by “Resting Wave Holds” for active recovery.

Consistency is vital. Set a regular training schedule and progressively increase the workout duration or intensity. Challenge yourself with complex movements like “Lateral Waves” and “Double Arm Slams” to keep workouts engaging and demanding.

Mental endurance is equally crucial. Stay focused, maintain proper breathing, and visualize your goals during challenging sets. Battle rope endurance workouts not only enhance your physical capacity but also bolster mental resilience, making you better prepared for any endurance challenge life throws your way.

Exploring The Benefits Of Battle Rope Exercises In Endurance Training

Battle rope exercises offer a multitude of benefits when integrated into endurance training routines. These dynamic workouts improve cardiovascular endurance by elevating heart rate and enhancing lung capacity. The rhythmic waves and vigorous movements engage major muscle groups, fostering muscular endurance essential for long-lasting performance.

Moreover, battle ropes boost metabolic rate, facilitating calorie burn and weight management. They also enhance overall functional strength, enabling athletes to sustain exertion for extended durations. The versatility of battle ropes allows for adaptable workouts, making it accessible for individuals of various fitness levels.

The mental aspect is equally important; battle rope training builds mental resilience, teaching individuals to push through physical discomfort and fatigue, a valuable skill in endurance sports and everyday challenges. Overall, battle rope exercises serve as a multifaceted tool for elevating endurance and reaping the rewards of improved fitness and vitality.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a battle ropes expert? If you do then it is very important to do our Battle Ropes Course. Follow this link to find out more.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Exercises like “Wave Slams,” “Alternating Waves,” and “On-the-Spot Sprints” are excellent choices. They elevate heart rate and challenge your stamina.

Exercises like “Power Lunges” and “Double Wave Burpees” blend strength and endurance, providing a well-rounded workout.

“Continuous Alternating Waves” and “Low-Intensity Wave Circles” are beginner-friendly options that help build endurance progressively.

Yes, you can tailor your battle rope routines by adjusting intensity, duration, and exercises to align with your specific endurance objectives.

A balanced approach is key. Aim for 2-3 sessions per week, gradually increasing intensity and duration as your endurance improves.

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What Are The Primary Reasons Individuals Choose EMS Training As Part Of Their Fitness Routine? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-primary-reasons-individuals-choose-ems-training-as-part-of-their-fitness-routine/ Thu, 28 Sep 2023 05:00:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34899 The post What Are The Primary Reasons Individuals Choose EMS Training As Part Of Their Fitness Routine? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the ever-evolving landscape of fitness, individuals are continually seeking innovative ways to enhance their workouts and achieve their health goals more efficiently. One such cutting-edge method that has gained remarkable traction in recent years is Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) training. It’s a fitness technique that harnesses the power of electrical impulses to activate and engage muscles, offering a time-efficient and highly effective workout experience.

But what exactly draws people to incorporate EMS training into their fitness routines? The answer lies in a diverse range of compelling reasons, each resonating with different individuals based on their fitness aspirations and lifestyles.

In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the primary motives that drive individuals to embrace EMS training as an integral part of their fitness journey. From rapid muscle development and time-saving advantages to targeted training and injury rehabilitation, we unveil the multifaceted appeal of EMS training. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a fitness enthusiast looking for a new approach, understanding these reasons may just inspire you to integrate EMS into your own fitness routine. Join us as we uncover the motivations behind this transformative fitness trend.

Unlocking Ems Training Benefits: Why It’s A Game Changer

EMS training stands out as a game-changing approach to fitness. It leverages electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions, providing a full-body workout in minimal time. Its benefits are manifold, including accelerated muscle development, strength gains, and enhanced endurance. EMS efficiently targets both superficial and deep muscle fibres, fostering balanced growth.

One of its key advantages is time efficiency—a 20-minute EMS session can equate to several hours of conventional training. Additionally, it’s adaptable for various fitness levels and ages, making it inclusive. EMS also aids in injury rehabilitation and alleviates back pain.

In this transformative fitness realm, EMS training emerges as a timesaving, effective, and versatile game changer.

Enhancing Your Fitness Routine With EMS: The Ultimate Guide

Enhancing your fitness routine with EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) offers a dynamic path to achieving your health and fitness goals. This comprehensive guide unveils the transformative potential of EMS training, which is increasingly recognized for its efficiency and effectiveness.

EMS engages your muscles through low-frequency electrical impulses, intensifying your workouts and recruiting more muscle fibres than traditional training alone. The benefits are remarkable: accelerated muscle development, increased strength, improved endurance, and enhanced overall fitness.

What sets EMS apart is its time efficiency. A 20-minute EMS session can yield the results of several hours of conventional training, making it perfect for busy individuals. Whether you aim to build lean muscle, shed excess fat, or improve your athletic performance, EMS adapts to your needs.

Muscle Stimulation Advantages: How EMS Takes Your Workout To The Next Level

EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) is the secret weapon that elevates your workout to extraordinary levels. Its unique advantage lies in its ability to activate muscle contractions more effectively than traditional training. By sending electrical impulses directly to your muscles, EMS engages both superficial and deep muscle fibres, ensuring a comprehensive workout.

The result? Rapid muscle development, increased strength, and enhanced endurance. EMS also refines muscular coordination and balance, reducing the risk of injury.

Another standout feature is its time efficiency. In just a fraction of the time you’d spend on conventional workouts, EMS delivers comparable or superior results. This efficiency is a game-changer for individuals with busy schedules. Whether you’re an athlete seeking performance gains or someone pursuing overall fitness, EMS has the power to take your workout to the next level, unlocking your full potential.

Top Reasons For Choosing EMS Workout: A Comprehensive Overview

The choice to embrace EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) workout is driven by a compelling array of reasons, making it a fitness revolution. Firstly, EMS training stands out for its efficiency. In today’s fast-paced world, time is a precious commodity, and EMS offers a condensed yet highly effective workout. A single 20-minute session can yield results equivalent to hours of traditional training.

Another key driver is its versatility. EMS is suitable for individuals of varying fitness levels and ages. Whether you’re an elite athlete seeking performance gains, a fitness enthusiast aiming to sculpt your physique, or someone on a journey to enhance overall health, EMS adapts to your needs.

Targeted training is another advantage. EMS allows for precise muscle activation, addressing specific areas and imbalances. It’s a rehabilitation tool as well, aiding recovery and alleviating pain.

Intriguingly, EMS enthusiasts appreciate its ability to intensify workouts, facilitating rapid muscle development, improved strength, and enhanced endurance. This comprehensive overview reveals why EMS continues to be a preferred choice for those seeking efficient, effective, and personalized fitness solutions.

Exploring Electrostimulation Fitness: What Sets EMS Apart

Electrostimulation fitness, specifically EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation), is revolutionizing the fitness landscape with its distinctive attributes. Unlike traditional workouts, EMS directly stimulates muscles through low-frequency electrical impulses. This precise targeting activates both superficial and deep muscle fibres, ensuring a comprehensive workout.

What sets EMS apart is its remarkable time efficiency. A brief 20-minute session offers results equivalent to extensive conventional training. It accommodates diverse fitness levels and goals, from muscle building to rehabilitation.

EMS doesn’t just amplify muscle development; it enhances strength, endurance, and coordination. Its versatility caters to athletes seeking performance gains, fitness enthusiasts striving for a sculpted physique, and individuals focused on health improvement.

Intriguingly, EMS effectively reduces workout time without compromising effectiveness, making it a game-changer for busy modern lifestyles. Exploring electrostimulation fitness reveals a unique approach that maximizes results, redefining fitness potential.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become an EMS trainer then you need to do our EMS Trainer Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Many choose EMS training for its time efficiency. A 20-minute EMS session can provide the same benefits as hours of conventional exercise, making it ideal for those with busy schedules.

EMS training accelerates muscle development due to its ability to target both superficial and deep muscle fibres. This attracts individuals aiming for rapid strength and tone improvements.

Yes, EMS is versatile. It suits those seeking muscle toning, weight loss, strength gains, and enhanced endurance. It also aids rehabilitation, making it appealing for injury recovery.

EMS allows for precise muscle activation, making it suitable for addressing imbalances and rehabilitating injuries effectively.

Absolutely, EMS is inclusive. Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and those looking to improve their overall health can all find value in EMS workouts, thanks to its adaptability.

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What Is The Role Of Technology And Apps In Wellness Coaching? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-role-of-technology-and-apps-in-wellness-coaching/ Tue, 26 Sep 2023 05:00:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34884 The post What Is The Role Of Technology And Apps In Wellness Coaching? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In an age where technology permeates nearly every aspect of our lives, it comes as no surprise that it has also found a profound place in the realm of wellness coaching. The marriage of technology and wellness coaching has opened up a world of possibilities, transforming how individuals embark on their journeys toward healthier and happier lives. From the convenience of health and wellness apps to the power of digital wellness tools, and the accessibility of virtual wellness coaching, technology is reshaping the landscape of personal well-being.

In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the dynamic role that technology and apps play in wellness coaching, uncovering how they empower individuals to take charge of their health, set and achieve goals, and embrace positive lifestyle changes like never before. Join us as we navigate the digital frontier of wellness coaching and discover the tools that are revolutionizing the way we nurture our well-being.

Wellness Coaching Technology: Transforming Personal Health

Wellness coaching technology is revolutionizing the way individuals approach and prioritize their personal health and well-being. With the advent of innovative digital tools and apps, the traditional coaching model has evolved, becoming more accessible and tailored to individual needs. These technological advancements offer real-time tracking, personalized fitness plans, nutritional guidance, and instant connectivity to certified coaches. Individuals can now take charge of their health on their terms, whether it’s monitoring fitness goals, managing stress, or improving sleep patterns. The transformative power of wellness coaching technology empowers people to make informed decisions, track progress, and achieve sustainable lifestyle changes, ultimately fostering a healthier and happier life journey.

Exploring Health And Wellness Apps For Your Journey

Health and wellness apps have emerged as indispensable companions on our journeys toward well-being. These apps offer a vast array of tools, guidance, and resources designed to support individuals in their pursuit of healthier lifestyles. Whether you’re striving to improve fitness, manage stress, track nutrition, or prioritize mental well-being, there’s an app to cater to your unique needs. From exercise tracking and meal planning to meditation and sleep analysis, these apps provide convenience and accessibility, putting the power of personal health management at your fingertips.

Many health and wellness apps offer personalized experiences, tailoring recommendations and goals to your specific preferences and objectives. With user-friendly interfaces, intuitive features, and regular updates, they foster engagement and accountability. Moreover, they often sync seamlessly with wearable devices, ensuring accurate data tracking.

Digital Wellness Tools: Empowering Your Lifestyle Choices

In the era of digital empowerment, a new wave of digital wellness tools has emerged, granting individuals the ability to take active control of their lifestyle choices and overall well-being. These tools encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from fitness trackers and smart scales to mindfulness apps and sleep monitors. What unites them is their shared mission: to provide users with real-time insights, data-driven feedback, and actionable strategies for healthier living.

Digital wellness tools empower individuals by offering instant access to information and personalized recommendations. They inspire accountability, motivation, and a deeper understanding of one’s habits and health metrics. Whether it’s tracking steps, monitoring heart rate variability, or guiding meditation sessions, these tools have the potential to reshape daily routines and encourage positive choices.

Mobile Health Solutions: Wellness In The Palm Of Your Hand

In our increasingly mobile-centric world, the fusion of healthcare and technology has birthed a revolution known as mobile health solutions. These innovative applications and platforms bring wellness and healthcare right to the palm of your hand, ushering in a new era of accessible, personalized, and convenient healthcare management. Whether you seek to monitor chronic conditions, track fitness progress, or access medical advice on-the-go, mobile health solutions cater to a wide spectrum of needs.

These solutions leverage the power of smartphones and wearables, transforming them into portable health hubs. With features like health data tracking, medication reminders, and telehealth consultations, they empower individuals to proactively manage their health anytime, anywhere. The real-time data collection and analysis enable users to make informed decisions and maintain a closer connection with their healthcare providers.

Virtual Wellness Coaching: Bridging The Gap With Technology

Virtual wellness coaching leverages technology to bridge geographical and logistical gaps, making expert guidance and support accessible to anyone, anywhere. Through video calls, messaging apps, and online platforms, individuals can connect with certified wellness coaches in the comfort of their homes. This approach enables personalized coaching sessions, goal setting, and progress tracking, fostering accountability and motivation. Moreover, virtual wellness coaching offers flexibility, accommodating busy schedules and diverse lifestyles. It breaks down barriers to entry, ensuring that individuals from various backgrounds can benefit from expert guidance to optimize their health and well-being. The result is a transformative wellness journey empowered by technology and personalized support.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Technology and apps provide individuals with accessible tools for tracking progress, receiving personalized guidance, and staying motivated throughout their wellness journey. They offer convenience and accountability.

Health and wellness apps cater to a wide range of goals, including fitness improvement, stress reduction, sleep optimization, weight management, and nutrition tracking.

While most reputable apps prioritize user privacy, it’s essential to review their privacy policies and settings to ensure your data remains secure.

Apps and platforms often include messaging features and video calls, enabling seamless communication and remote coaching sessions, breaking down geographical barriers.

Yes, many apps provide ongoing support and tracking, helping individuals sustain the positive habits and changes they’ve developed during their coaching journey.

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What Is The Relationship Between Exercise And Metabolic Rate? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/what-is-the-relationship-between-exercise-and-metabolic-rate/ Fri, 22 Sep 2023 05:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34877 The post What Is The Relationship Between Exercise And Metabolic Rate? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the realm of health and fitness, the connection between exercise and metabolic rate is a subject of great intrigue and importance. As individuals strive to achieve their fitness goals, a fundamental question often arises: How does physical activity influence the body’s metabolic processes? The answer lies in the intricate interplay between exercise and metabolic rate, a relationship that impacts not only weight management but also overall health and well-being.

In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the science behind this dynamic interaction. We’ll uncover how different types of exercise, from cardio workouts to strength training, can rev up or stabilize metabolic rate, shedding light on practical strategies for harnessing this knowledge to optimize fitness routines and support broader health objectives. Join us on this journey to unravel the secrets of how exercise and basal metabolism are inherently entwined, offering valuable insights for anyone on a quest for a healthier, more active life.

Understanding Metabolic Rate And Exercise

To comprehend the intricate relationship between metabolic rate and physical activity, it’s essential to start with the basics. Basal metabolism, often referred to as metabolism, is the sum of all chemical reactions occurring within the body to maintain life. This includes processes like breathing, digesting food, and even resting. Exercise, on the other hand, introduces a surge in energy expenditure, stimulating the metabolic machinery. Regular physical activity not only burns calories during the workout but also has a lasting impact by elevating the resting basal metabolism. This means that individuals who engage in consistent movement tend to burn more calories even when at rest, making it a pivotal component in weight management and overall health. Understanding this connection empowers individuals to make informed choices about the type, duration, and intensity of their workouts, aligning their fitness routines with their metabolic goals.

The Effects Of Exercise On Metabolism

The influence of movement on metabolism is a dynamic and multifaceted interplay. When you engage in physical activity, your body’s energy demands surge. To meet this increased need, your metabolism accelerates, resulting in several noteworthy effects.

Firstly, movement leads to immediate calorie expenditure. During a workout, your muscles contract and require energy, predominantly in the form of glucose and fat. This process burns calories and contributes to weight management.

Furthermore, the benefits of exercise extend beyond the workout itself. Regular physical activity triggers adaptations in the body, leading to an elevated resting metabolic rate. In simpler terms, you continue to burn more calories even when you’re at rest. This is partly due to the muscle tissue’s higher basal metabolism compared to fat tissue. As you build and maintain lean muscle through physical activity, your body becomes more efficient at calorie utilization.

Moreover, physical activity promotes increased insulin sensitivity, enabling better glucose control and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it can enhance mitochondrial function, which is vital for efficient energy production within cells.

Physical activity is a potent tool for optimizing metabolism, offering both immediate calorie-burning benefits and long-term improvements in resting basal metabolism and overall metabolic health.

Metabolism And Physical Activity: Unpacking The Connection

The connection between metabolism and physical activity is fundamental to understanding how our bodies manage energy. Metabolism encompasses all the chemical processes that occur within the body to maintain life, including the conversion of food into energy. Physical activity plays a pivotal role in this equation.

When you engage in physical activities like jogging, weightlifting, or even just walking, your muscles demand more energy. To meet this increased demand, your metabolism ramps up, burning calories derived from carbohydrates and fats. This elevated metabolism doesn’t stop when your workout ends; it can linger for hours, contributing to post-movement calorie burn.

Consistent physical activity not only burns calories but also helps build lean muscle mass. Muscle tissue is metabolically active and requires more energy to maintain than fat. Thus, as you develop more muscle through movement, your resting metabolic rate increases, resulting in more efficient calorie utilization even at rest.

Assessing The Impact Of Exercise On Metabolic Rate

Assessing the impact of exercise on basal metabolism is crucial for understanding how physical activity affects our energy expenditure and overall health. Basal metabolism, often referred to as metabolism, is the rate at which our bodies convert food and stored energy into usable energy for various bodily functions. Exercise has a profound influence on this process.

During movement, especially activities that raise heart rate and engage large muscle groups, metabolic rate increases significantly. The body requires more energy to fuel the muscles at work. This demand triggers the burning of calories derived from carbohydrates and fats, resulting in an immediate boost in metabolic rate.

Furthermore, regular exercise has a long-term effect on metabolism. Building lean muscle mass through activities like strength training elevates the resting basal metabolism, meaning you burn more calories even when at rest. This muscle-driven metabolic boost contributes to sustainable weight management and better overall metabolic health.

Assessing the impact of physical activity on basal metabolism involves measuring factors such as oxygen consumption, heart rate, and calorie expenditure. These assessments provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of various physical activity routines and their influence on metabolic processes. Ultimately, incorporating regular physical activity into one’s lifestyle is a powerful strategy for optimizing metabolic rate and promoting overall well-being.

How Metabolic Rate Changes With Exercise

Metabolic rate undergoes dynamic changes with movement, reflecting the body’s response to increased energy demands. When physical activity begins, basal metabolism surges to supply muscles with the energy needed for movement. This acute rise in metabolism, often referred to as the “afterburn” effect, continues even after movement ends as the body works to restore equilibrium.

Additionally, regular movement can lead to lasting adaptations in basal metabolism. Engaging in activities that build muscle mass, such as resistance training, can elevate resting metabolic rate. Muscle tissue consumes more energy at rest compared to fat, so a higher proportion of lean muscle results in increased calorie burning.

The type, intensity, and duration of exercise influence these changes. Aerobic exercises like running or swimming stimulate immediate metabolism, while strength training promotes long-term effects. Understanding how basal metabolism fluctuates with physical activity is crucial for designing effective fitness routines tailored to individual goals, whether it’s weight management or improving overall health.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Exercise can significantly increase metabolic rate by requiring more energy to support physical activity. The body burns calories to fuel physical activity, and this increased calorie expenditure can persist even after the physical activity session ends.

High-intensity activities like interval training and resistance training tend to have a greater impact on metabolic rate than low-intensity workouts. Building muscle through resistance training can lead to a higher resting metabolic rate.

While metabolic rate does decrease after exercise, it doesn’t always return to the exact baseline immediately. The afterburn effect, known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), means the body continues to burn calories as it recovers.

Yes, regular exercise can lead to lasting adaptations in metabolic rate. Strength training, in particular, can increase muscle mass, which elevates resting metabolic rate over time.

Individuals with higher fitness levels often have more efficient metabolisms. Regular exercise can enhance metabolic efficiency, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight and overall metabolic health.

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What Are The Best Practices For Sports Conditioning In Water-Based Sports? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-practices-for-sports-conditioning-in-water-based-sports/ Wed, 20 Sep 2023 08:37:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34854 The post What Are The Best Practices For Sports Conditioning In Water-Based Sports? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the world of sports, athletes are constantly pushing the boundaries of human performance, seeking new challenges, and striving for excellence. Among the diverse array of sporting disciplines, water-based sports occupy a unique and demanding space. From competitive swimming to water polo, synchronized swimming to open water races, athletes in aquatic domains face distinctive physical and physiological challenges.

This article delves deep into the realm of sports conditioning in water-based sports, unveiling the best practices that propel athletes to success in the water. We explore the science of aquatic training, the nuances of swimming fitness, and the dynamic world of hydrodynamic workouts. Whether you’re a coach, an aspiring athlete, or simply curious about the secrets behind aquatic excellence, our guide will equip you with the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate the waters of sports conditioning effectively.

Join us as we dive into the intricacies of water-based sports and discover the best practices that transform athletes into champions in this captivating and demanding arena.

Water-Based Sports: A Unique Realm Of Athletic Excellence

Water-based sports represent a distinctive realm of athletic excellence, where the laws of physics merge with the fluidity of human movement. In these aquatic domains, athletes navigate a dynamic medium, challenging both their physical prowess and mental resilience. Whether it’s the precision of synchronized swimming routines, the sheer endurance of long-distance swims, or the strategic prowess of water polo, each discipline demands a unique set of skills. Water’s buoyancy and resistance present both challenges and opportunities, requiring athletes to harness its properties for maximum performance.

Success in water-based sports hinges on meticulous sports conditioning, hydrodynamic efficiency, and mastering the art of swimming fitness. Athletes in this realm are a testament to the human spirit’s adaptability and resilience, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the ever-shifting world of water-based athleticism.

Sports Conditioning Strategies For Aquatic Training

Sports conditioning strategies for aquatic training are a pivotal component of success in water-based sports. Unlike land-based disciplines, athletes in aquatic realms face the unique challenges of water’s resistance and buoyancy. To excel, they must employ specialized conditioning techniques that enhance strength, endurance, and hydrodynamic efficiency.

Interval training, a cornerstone of aquatic conditioning, alternates bursts of high-intensity efforts with periods of active recovery, promoting cardiovascular fitness and power. Strength training, both in and out of the water, targets specific muscle groups crucial for aquatic performance, such as the core and shoulders.

Additionally, flexibility and mobility exercises aid in preventing injuries and improving range of motion, ensuring optimal performance in water. Mental conditioning is equally important, as athletes must maintain focus and composure amidst the dynamic aquatic environment.

Balancing land-based and aquatic workouts creates a well-rounded conditioning regimen. Sports conditioning strategies for aquatic training are not only about building physical prowess but also honing the adaptability and mental fortitude required to conquer the ever-shifting aquatic challenges.

Maximizing Swimming Fitness Through Effective Workouts

Maximizing swimming fitness hinges on crafting effective workouts tailored to the demands of this water-based sport. Swimming, renowned for its full-body engagement, requires a blend of endurance, power, and technique. Workouts often incorporate a mix of strokes, distances, and intensities to target different aspects of fitness.

Aerobic endurance is honed through sustained, rhythmic swimming, while sprint intervals build explosive power. Drills focus on stroke refinement, enhancing technique for efficiency. Dryland exercises, including strength training and flexibility routines, complement in-pool workouts.

Structured training plans, progression tracking, and periodization ensure steady improvement. Regular assessment of swimming fitness through timed swims and performance metrics is crucial. Ultimately, effective swimming workouts are the compass guiding athletes toward peak physical condition in this challenging aquatic discipline.

Hydrodynamic Workouts: Unleashing The Power Of Water

Hydrodynamic workouts are the secret weapon in the arsenal of aquatic athletes, offering a unique path to harnessing the power of water for physical conditioning. In water-based sports, understanding and mastering hydrodynamics is the key to enhanced performance. These workouts leverage the properties of water, such as its resistance and buoyancy, to provide both challenge and support to athletes.

Hydrodynamic exercises are designed to improve swimming technique, increase strength, and boost endurance while minimizing stress on the joints. Water’s natural resistance acts as a formidable force, engaging muscles throughout the body in every movement. Aquatic resistance also offers a gentle yet effective form of conditioning, making it suitable for athletes of all levels.

From water sprints and resistance band drills to dynamic movements against water currents, hydrodynamic workouts create an environment where athletes can push their limits, refine their strokes, and build the strength necessary to excel in water-based sports. These workouts not only unleash the power of water but also unlock the potential for peak performance, helping athletes glide toward success in the fluid realm of aquatic competition.

Key Tips For Achieving Peak Performance In Water-Based Sports

Achieving peak performance in water-based sports requires a multifaceted approach that blends athleticism, technique, and unwavering commitment. A fundamental aspect of excelling in these dynamic disciplines is mastering the unique properties of water. Athletes must learn to embrace and harness hydrodynamics, understanding how to minimize resistance and maximize propulsion with efficient strokes. This understanding becomes the cornerstone of their success as they navigate the fluid realm of aquatic competition.

Effective sports conditioning tailored specifically to the demands of their chosen discipline is another critical component. Athletes should craft workout regimens that incorporate a variety of elements, including intervals, strength training, and technique drills. Striking the right balance between in-pool and dryland exercises is vital for developing the strength, endurance, and technical finesse required for peak performance.

Nutrition and hydration play pivotal roles in an athlete’s journey to excellence. Staying well-fuelled and adequately hydrated is essential to maintaining energy levels and promoting efficient recovery after rigorous training sessions. Mental resilience is equally vital. Athletes must cultivate the mental fortitude to stay focused, composed under pressure, and adept at visualizing success.

Recovery should not be underestimated. It’s crucial to prioritize rest, engage in stretching routines, and employ relaxation techniques. Sufficient recovery time is essential for athletes to consistently perform at a high level.

Consistency in training is the key to progress. Athletes should adhere to a consistent training schedule, tracking their metrics and making data-driven adjustments to their plans when needed. Seeking feedback from coaches and peers is another crucial aspect of improvement. A willingness to learn, adapt, and grow is essential for maintaining high-level performance.

Setting clear, achievable goals is a cornerstone of success. Athletes should establish both short-term milestones and long-term aspirations to provide a sense of direction and purpose. Adaptability is also essential in the unpredictable aquatic environment, where conditions like currents, waves, and weather can change rapidly.

Cultivating a deep passion for the sport is a driving force behind peak performance. Passion fuels motivation, inspires resilience, and keeps athletes committed to their journey in water-based sports.

 

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited sports conditioning courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional conditioning coach.

If you would like to know more about our courses, feel free to visit our website today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sports conditioning in water-based sports is vital for enhancing performance, preventing injuries, and building the strength and endurance needed to excel in aquatic disciplines.

Athletes in water-based sports must contend with water resistance, buoyancy, and the need for specialized techniques, making their conditioning unique and demanding.

Dryland training, which includes strength and flexibility exercises performed outside the water, complements in-pool workouts and helps build core strength and overall fitness.

Proper nutrition is essential for fuelling workouts, promoting recovery, and sustaining energy levels during training sessions and competitions.

Effective sports conditioning programs should be designed with the sport’s demands in mind, incorporating a mix of aerobic conditioning, strength training, technique drills, and recovery practices, all tailored to the athlete’s needs and the unique challenges of water-based sports.

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What Equipment Is Commonly Used In Bootcamp Workouts? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-equipment-is-commonly-used-in-bootcamp-workouts/ Tue, 19 Sep 2023 05:00:56 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34848 The post What Equipment Is Commonly Used In Bootcamp Workouts? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Bootcamp workouts are renowned for their intensity, delivering a high-octane fitness experience that challenges both the body and mind. Central to the effectiveness of these bootcamp workouts is the arsenal of equipment employed to maximize results. Whether you’re a seasoned bootcamp enthusiast or just venturing into this exhilarating fitness journey, understanding the tools of the trade is crucial.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of bootcamp workouts, unveiling the common equipment that fuels these dynamic workouts. From battle ropes to kettlebells, resistance bands to agility cones, we’ll explore each piece of gear’s role in enhancing strength, agility, and overall fitness. Whether you’re a bootcamp instructor seeking to revitalize your routines or a newcomer eager to embark on this fitness adventure, this article is your gateway to discovering the essential equipment that powers bootcamp workouts to new heights of physical excellence.

Exploring Essential Bootcamp Equipment

Exploring essential bootcamp exercises equipment unveils the arsenal that elevates these intense workouts. Battle ropes, a staple, enhance upper body strength and cardio endurance. Kettlebells provide versatile weight training, targeting multiple muscle groups. Resistance bands offer a portable solution for strength and flexibility exercises. Agility cones sharpen agility and speed in bootcamp exercises. Medicine balls combine strength and coordination training. Dumbbells bolster muscular endurance and toning. TRX suspension trainers challenge balance and core stability. Plyo boxes build explosive power. The versatility of these tools empowers trainers and enthusiasts to craft diverse bootcamp routines, ensuring each session maximizes fitness gains. Understanding these essentials is key to delivering effective, well-rounded bootcamp workouts.

Common Bootcamp Gear: What You Need To Know

Common bootcamp gear forms the backbone of high-intensity workouts that push boundaries and deliver exceptional fitness results. Understanding these tools is essential for anyone looking to partake in these dynamic fitness sessions.

Battle ropes, known for their versatility, enhance upper body strength and cardiovascular endurance, while kettlebells provide multifaceted weight training, engaging various muscle groups for a comprehensive workout. Resistance bands offer a portable means of engaging in strength and flexibility exercises, making them perfect for bootcamp workouts on the go.

Agility cones, a fundamental tool, enhance agility and speed, honing athletic performance in terms of bootcamp workouts. Medicine balls combine strength and coordination training, while dumbbells contribute to muscular endurance and toning. TRX suspension trainers provide an innovative challenge in bootcamp workouts by emphasizing balance and core stability, while plyo boxes add an element of explosive power.

Knowledge of these common bootcamp gear items empowers trainers and participants alike to design well-rounded, effective workouts that cater to diverse fitness goals, ensuring each session is a stepping stone towards a healthier, stronger self.

Selecting The Right Exercise Equipment For Bootcamps

Selecting the right exercise equipment for bootcamp workouts is paramount to crafting engaging and effective fitness routines. The choice of gear should align with the specific goals and intensity levels of your bootcamp workout sessions. Consider versatile options like kettlebells and resistance bands, which cater to both strength training and agility work. Battle ropes are excellent for boosting cardiovascular endurance and upper body strength. Agility cones and plyo boxes aid in agility and explosive power development. Medicine balls and dumbbells offer diverse training options for muscle toning and coordination. TRX suspension trainers enhance core stability and balance. Tailoring your equipment selection to your bootcamp’s objectives ensures that each workout maximizes participant engagement and fitness gains.

Fitness Tools For Effective Bootcamp Workout

Bootcamp workouts have surged in popularity due to their high-energy, full-body approach to fitness. Central to their success are the diverse fitness tools that help participants push their limits, promoting strength, endurance, and teamwork. This comprehensive guide explores the array of fitness tools commonly employed in bootcamp sessions, offering insight into how they enhance the effectiveness of these challenging workouts.

  • Battle Ropes: Battle ropes provide an intense cardio and upper-body workout, making them ideal for boosting cardiovascular fitness and strength. Various wave and slam exercises engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously.
  • Kettlebells: Kettlebells are versatile free weights that combine strength and cardio training, emphasizing functional movements like swings and snatches.
  • Resistance Bands: Portable and versatile, resistance bands add resistance to bodyweight exercises, enhancing muscle engagement.
  • Agility Cones: Agility cones are essential for agility and speed drills, improving coordination and explosiveness.
  • Medicine Balls: Medicine balls offer full-body workouts, improve balance and coordination, and are great for partner exercises.
  • Dumbbells: Dumbbells are classic strength training tools, allowing targeted muscle isolation and a wide range of exercise options.
  • TRX Suspension Trainers: Suspension trainers leverage body weight for strength, flexibility, and stability training, emphasizing core engagement.
  • Plyo Boxes: Plyo boxes are platforms for explosive jump-based exercises, building power and lower-body conditioning.
  • Cones and Markers: Cones and markers create boundaries, designate stations, and ensure organized bootcamp sessions.

Each of these fitness tools plays a unique role in enhancing bootcamp workouts, helping participants achieve their fitness goals while enjoying the camaraderie and motivation of group training. Understanding how to use these tools effective

How To Choose The Best Bootcamp Workout Gear

Selecting the best bootcamp workout gear is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of your fitness routines. Begin by assessing the specific goals and fitness levels of your participants. Consider the versatility of each piece of equipment and how it aligns with your workout objectives. Tailor the gear to accommodate different fitness levels within your group, ensuring it challenges participants without compromising safety. Pay attention to the portability and storage of equipment, especially for outdoor bootcamps. Prioritize proper form and technique when choosing gear to minimize the risk of injury. The right selection of bootcamp workout gear can elevate your fitness sessions, providing variety, challenge, and results that keep participants motivated and engaged.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The core equipment includes battle ropes, kettlebells, resistance bands, agility cones, and medicine balls.

Battle ropes enhance cardiovascular endurance and upper body strength, making them a versatile tool for high-intensity workouts.

Kettlebells offer versatile full-body workouts, combining strength and cardiovascular training through dynamic movements like swings and snatches.

Resistance bands are portable, versatile tools that add resistance to bodyweight exercises, allowing for targeted muscle engagement and variety in workouts.

Agility cones are essential for improving agility, speed, coordination, and explosive power through various cone-based drills, enhancing overall athletic performance.

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How Do I Adapt Boxing Exercises For Different Skill Levels? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-i-adapt-boxing-exercises-for-different-skill-levels/ Tue, 19 Sep 2023 05:00:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34840 The post How Do I Adapt Boxing Exercises For Different Skill Levels? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Boxing, often dubbed the “sweet science,” is a sport that demands a unique blend of skill, strength, and stamina. Whether you’re a seasoned pugilist or someone stepping into the ring for the first time, the key to successful boxing training lies in adaptability. One size does not fit all when it comes to honing your boxing skills and improving your fitness. The art of adapting boxing exercises to suit different skill levels is not only a testament to the sport’s versatility but also a strategic approach to ensure progression and avoid plateaus.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of boxing exercises and explore how you can tailor your training routines to accommodate varying skill levels, from absolute beginners to experienced fighters. Whether you’re a trainer seeking to accommodate diverse clients or an individual eager to optimize your boxing journey, understanding these adaptive techniques is your path to success in the ring.

Boxing Exercises: Tailoring Workouts For Varied Skill Levels

Boxing exercises are a dynamic means to boost both physical fitness and combat prowess. However, the key to effective training lies in adapting these workouts to cater to varying skill levels. Novice boxers may focus on fundamental boxing exercises techniques, footwork, and building core strength, while advanced practitioners seek to refine their techniques, speed, and power. Intermediate fighters benefit from a balanced mix of both. Tailoring boxing workouts ensures maximum benefit while reducing the risk of injury and burnout. Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned pugilist, understanding how to adjust your training regimen is crucial for honing skills, improving fitness, and enjoying the art of boxing to its fullest.

Adapting Boxing Workouts To Different Skill Levels

Adapting boxing exercises to cater to diverse skill levels is a fundamental aspect of effective training in this demanding combat sport. Boxing is not a one-size-fits-all discipline; instead, it thrives on personalization and progression. Novices typically begin with basic techniques like jabs, crosses, and defensive moves, emphasizing form and foundational skills. As individuals advance, their workouts evolve to include more complex combinations, advanced footwork, and defensive strategies.

Intermediate boxers find themselves at a critical juncture, where they build upon their basics and start sparring to apply their newfound knowledge in real situations. Tailored boxing exercises strike a balance between refining existing skills and introducing new challenges.

For seasoned fighters, workouts become high-intensity sessions designed to enhance speed, power, and fight-specific conditioning. These athletes focus on tactical sparring, advanced drills, and mental preparedness.

Instructors play a pivotal role in guiding this adaptation process, ensuring that each boxer progresses at a suitable pace, minimizing the risk of injury and burnout. Whether you’re a coach or a boxer on your journey to mastery, recognizing the importance of adjusting training routines is essential for long-term success and safety in the world of boxing.

Training Progression In Boxing: Advancing Through Skill Levels

In the realm of boxing, training progression is the compass that guides fighters through the intricate landscape of skill development. As pugilists embark on their journey, they traverse distinct skill levels, each demanding a tailored approach to training. Novices commence with the fundamentals, honing their stance, basic punches, and defensive manoeuvres. With dedication and practice, they ascend to the intermediate stage, delving into advanced combinations, ring awareness, and controlled sparring. Mastery, reserved for the most dedicated, involves intricate techniques, elusive footwork, and strategic prowess. Throughout this progression, trainers play a pivotal role in sculpting fighters, ensuring they navigate this intricate path safely and effectively. Training progression in boxing is not just a climb through the ranks; it’s a testament to dedication, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence in the sweet science.

Enhancing Fitness Levels With Adapted Boxing Exercises

Enhancing fitness levels through adapted boxing exercises offers a dynamic and exhilarating path to improved physical well-being. Boxing is not solely reserved for the ring; it serves as a potent fitness regimen accessible to individuals of all skill levels. By tailoring boxing workouts to individual fitness levels, participants can experience a multitude of benefits.

For beginners, boxing serves as a full-body workout that boosts cardiovascular health, enhances agility, and strengthens muscles. These foundational exercises focus on form and build stamina, making them ideal for those new to the sport.

Intermediate enthusiasts can explore more complex combinations and footwork, increasing their aerobic capacity and challenging their coordination. It’s a transition that adds a layer of intensity while refining boxing skills.

Advanced fitness enthusiasts embrace the high-intensity workouts of seasoned fighters. These routines emphasize power, speed, and agility, pushing the limits of endurance.

Adapted boxing exercises not only promote physical fitness but also mental fortitude, as participants learn focus, discipline, and self-control. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a seasoned athlete, boxing exercises provide an exhilarating route to a healthier, fitter you.

Optimizing Skill Development: A Guide To Boxing Training Progression

Optimizing skill development is the cornerstone of a successful boxing journey, and navigating the stages of training progression is the compass to that destination. Novice boxers embark on their path by mastering the fundamentals – footwork, jabs, and defensive tactics. As they advance, intermediate training introduces intricate combinations, sparring, and ring strategy. At the pinnacle, advanced fighters sculpt their expertise with lightning-fast punches, evasive manoeuvres, and mental acumen.

Boxing training progression is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour. It requires personalization, as each boxer evolves at their own pace. Coaches play a pivotal role, ensuring that fighters are challenged yet not overwhelmed, fostering steady improvement and minimizing the risk of injury.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a boxing instructor, then you need to do our Boxing Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Beginners should start with basic punches, footwork, and defensive drills to build a solid foundation. As they progress, they can gradually incorporate more complex techniques.

Intermediate boxers should focus on refining their existing skills, incorporating advanced combinations, and gradually increasing the intensity of their training.

Advanced boxers can explore specialized drills, spar with more experienced opponents, and fine-tune their techniques to reach peak performance.

Yes, agility ladder drills, cone drills, and shadowboxing with a focus on footwork can be adapted to enhance agility for boxers of all skill levels.

Coaches play a crucial role in assessing a boxer’s abilities and tailoring workouts to match their skill level, ensuring safe progression and skill development.

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Can Kettlebell Training Help With Rehabilitation After Joint Surgeries Or Injuries? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-kettlebell-training-help-with-rehabilitation-after-joint-surgeries-or-injuries/ Mon, 18 Sep 2023 05:00:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34839 The post Can Kettlebell Training Help With Rehabilitation After Joint Surgeries Or Injuries? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Recovery after joint surgeries or injuries can be a challenging journey, often requiring a combination of patience, determination, and effective rehabilitation strategies. In this pursuit of healing and regaining mobility, an unexpected ally has emerged in the fitness world: kettlebell training. Beyond its reputation for strength and conditioning, kettlebell exercises are increasingly recognized for their potential to aid in the rehabilitation process.

This article explores the intriguing connection between kettlebell training and joint surgery or injury recovery. Can swinging a weighted ball with a handle truly contribute to healing and renewed functionality? Join us on a journey that delves into the science, benefits, and practical applications of kettlebell exercises in rehabilitation. Whether you’re recovering from a joint surgery or rebounding from an injury, the insights here may offer a unique perspective on how kettlebell training can become a valuable tool on your path to renewed strength and well-being.

Kettlebell Rehabilitation: A Path To Joint Surgery Recovery

Kettlebell rehabilitation offers a promising path to joint surgery recovery. These versatile weights, with their unique design and dynamic movements, can play a pivotal role in regaining strength, mobility, and overall joint health. Kettlebell exercises engage the entire body while targeting specific muscle groups and joints, making them suitable for tailored rehabilitation programs. They aid in improving joint stability, range of motion, and muscle strength, which are often compromised after surgery. Whether you’re recovering from a knee, hip, or shoulder procedure, incorporating kettlebell workouts under professional guidance can expedite your journey to joint surgery recovery, helping you regain functionality and a higher quality of life.

Injury Rehabilitation And Post-Surgery Fitness With Kettlebell Exercises

Injury rehabilitation and post-surgery fitness are challenging but vital aspects of one’s recovery journey. Kettlebell exercises have emerged as a versatile and effective tool in this realm, offering a path to not only regain lost strength but also rebuild resilience and mobility.

Kettlebell exercises are adaptable to various injury types and post-surgery scenarios. They provide a holistic approach by engaging multiple muscle groups while enhancing joint stability and flexibility. This is particularly beneficial in the rehabilitation process, where the restoration of strength and mobility is a primary goal.

The controlled and progressive nature of kettlebell workouts allows individuals to tailor their routines to suit their specific needs and physical limitations. Whether you’re recovering from orthopaedic surgery, managing chronic injuries, or rehabilitating sprains and strains, kettlebell exercises can be customized to address your unique challenges.

Moreover, the functional movements of kettlebell exercises mimic real-life activities, helping individuals regain not only their physical abilities but also their overall confidence. By embracing kettlebell workouts as a part of their rehabilitation and post-surgery fitness regimen, individuals can embark on a journey towards renewed strength, improved mobility, and a higher quality of life.

Effective Kettlebell Exercises For Joint Surgery Recovery

Effective kettlebell exercises can be instrumental in joint surgery recovery. These exercises facilitate a holistic approach to rehabilitation by enhancing strength, stability, and range of motion. For individuals recuperating from joint surgeries, such as knee replacements or shoulder procedures, tailored kettlebell workouts can expedite the healing process.

Low-impact kettlebell exercises are gentle on the joints while targeting specific muscle groups surrounding the surgical area. Movements like kettlebell swings, goblet squats, and Turkish get-ups can aid in rebuilding muscle strength and joint stability.

The controlled nature of kettlebell workouts allows gradual progression, accommodating various fitness levels and recovery stages. Under the guidance of a qualified fitness professional or physical therapist, individuals can safely incorporate kettlebell exercises into their post-surgery rehabilitation plan, helping them regain functionality and mobility with confidence.

Maximizing Post-Surgery Fitness Through Kettlebell Rehabilitation

Maximizing post-surgery fitness through kettlebell rehabilitation is a transformative journey towards renewed strength, mobility, and overall well-being. After surgery, whether it’s for joint replacement or repair, the body often needs targeted exercises to recover effectively. Kettlebell rehabilitation emerges as a valuable tool in this process.

Kettlebell exercises engage the entire body while focusing on specific muscle groups and joints. They foster joint stability, increase flexibility, and promote balanced muscle development, essential elements in the rehabilitation journey. Kettlebell swings, lunges, and presses can be tailored to suit individual needs and limitations, allowing for a gradual and safe progression in post-surgery fitness.

The versatility of kettlebell workouts extends beyond physical healing; it nurtures mental resilience by providing achievable milestones and a sense of accomplishment. Under the guidance of a qualified fitness professional or physical therapist, individuals can harness the power of kettlebell rehabilitation to expedite their post-surgery recovery and regain not just physical strength but also the confidence to embrace an active and fulfilling life once more.

Tailored Kettlebell Exercises For Injury Rehabilitation And Recovery

Tailored kettlebell exercises are a valuable resource in injury rehabilitation and recovery. Whether you’re dealing with sprains, strains, or more severe injuries, kettlebell workouts can be adapted to address your specific needs. These exercises focus on strengthening weakened muscles, improving joint stability, and promoting functional movement patterns, crucial aspects of the recovery process.

Kettlebell movements like halos, clamshells, and windmills can be modified to accommodate various injury types and limitations. Their controlled nature allows for gradual progression, ensuring safety during rehabilitation. Additionally, the dynamic nature of kettlebell exercises promotes full-body engagement, making them an efficient choice for overall recovery.

Under the guidance of a knowledgeable fitness professional or physical therapist, individuals can customize their kettlebell routines to support injury rehabilitation and regain physical functionality, confidence, and an enhanced quality of life.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become a kettlebell instructor? If you do then you need to do our Kettlebell Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, kettlebell training can be a valuable component of post-surgery rehabilitation, provided it is done under the guidance of a qualified fitness professional or physical therapist.

Kettlebell exercises can help by targeting specific muscle groups, enhancing joint stability, and promoting overall strength and mobility, which are essential for recovery.

Yes, kettlebell exercises can be tailored to accommodate different types of joint injuries, offering a versatile approach to rehabilitation.

Effective kettlebell exercises may include swings, squats, and Turkish get-ups, which can be adapted to meet the specific needs and limitations of individuals in recovery.

Yes, it is highly recommended to seek guidance from a qualified professional who can design a customized kettlebell rehabilitation program tailored to your specific condition, ensuring safe and effective recovery.

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Can Indoor Cycling Improve Flexibility And Range Of Motion? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-indoor-cycling-improve-flexibility-and-range-of-motion/ Mon, 18 Sep 2023 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34790 The post Can Indoor Cycling Improve Flexibility And Range Of Motion? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the realm of fitness and exercise, indoor cycling has gained immense popularity for its cardiovascular benefits and calorie-burning prowess. However, beyond its well-known advantages, a question arises: Can spinning also enhance flexibility and expand one’s range of motion? This article delves into the intriguing intersection of spinning and flexibility, exploring whether this high-intensity workout can contribute to increased suppleness and improved mobility.

While spinning is renowned for its ability to torch calories and build leg strength, its impact on flexibility has been a subject of curiosity among fitness enthusiasts. Join us on this journey as we uncover the science behind indoor cycling’s potential benefits for flexibility and delve into practical tips to maximize its impact. Whether you’re a dedicated cyclist or someone considering incorporating spinning into your fitness routine, the insights here will shed light on how this dynamic workout can influence not just your endurance but also your body’s flexibility and range of motion.

Unlocking Spinning Benefits For Flexibility Improvement

Unlocking the benefits of indoor cycling for flexibility improvement is a multifaceted journey. While cycling primarily engages the lower body muscles, consistent practice can positively impact overall flexibility. The pedalling motion encourages the lengthening and contraction of leg muscles, promoting improved leg flexibility. Additionally, maintaining proper posture and form during indoor cycling sessions can engage the core and upper body, enhancing upper body flexibility.

To optimize flexibility gains, it’s essential to complement spinning with stretching routines that target various muscle groups. Incorporating dynamic stretches pre-ride and static stretches post-ride can effectively increase flexibility. By harnessing the power of spinning and combining it with a strategic stretching regimen, individuals can achieve a balanced, supple physique that supports enhanced range of motion in daily activities.

Range Of Motion Enhancement Through Indoor Cycling

Range of motion enhancement through indoor cycling is a valuable facet of this dynamic exercise regimen. While cycling predominantly engages the leg muscles, its repetitive and controlled motion serves as an excellent way to improve joint mobility and overall flexibility. The continuous pedalling action encourages the knees, hips, and ankles to move through a full range of motion, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals looking to increase their flexibility.

Furthermore, the low-impact nature of spinning is gentle on the joints, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals, including those with joint issues or prior injuries. As cyclists gradually increase the intensity and duration of their rides, they often find that their joints become more limber and adaptable.

To maximize range of motion enhancement, it’s advisable to incorporate specific stretching exercises before and after spinning sessions. These stretches can target the muscles and joints used during cycling, facilitating greater flexibility gains. In essence, spinning not only provides a cardiovascular workout but also supports the body in moving more freely and comfortably in daily life, promoting overall well-being.

Cycling For Flexibility: How Spinning Can Help

Cycling for flexibility is a compelling avenue, and indoor cycling can play a crucial role in achieving enhanced suppleness. The continuous pedalling action, involving a full leg extension, promotes joint mobility and muscle flexibility. This low-impact exercise is gentle on the joints, making it accessible for individuals of varying fitness levels and ages. Furthermore, the engagement of core muscles during indoor cycling contributes to overall body flexibility.

To capitalize on these benefits, incorporating stretching routines into your spinning regimen is key. Pre-ride dynamic stretches prepare muscles for the workout, while post-ride static stretches facilitate muscle recovery and increased flexibility. Embracing spinning as a means to enhance flexibility not only contributes to a well-rounded fitness routine but also fosters improved joint health and greater freedom of movement in everyday life.

Exploring The Connection Between Indoor Cycling And Exercise Mobility

Exploring the connection between indoor cycling and exercise mobility uncovers a symbiotic relationship that extends beyond cardiovascular fitness. Indoor cycling, with its repetitive pedalling motion, directly contributes to enhanced exercise mobility. As cyclists engage their leg muscles in a controlled and rhythmic fashion, they experience increased joint mobility in the knees, hips, and ankles. The cyclical leg movement encourages a full range of motion, which can be especially advantageous for individuals looking to improve their exercise flexibility.

Moreover, spinning’s low-impact nature makes it accessible to a wide range of individuals, including those with joint issues or previous injuries. This inclusivity allows people to engage in a joint-friendly workout that gradually increases their exercise mobility.

To optimize exercise mobility gains, it’s advisable to complement spinning with targeted stretching routines. These stretches can be performed both before and after cycling sessions, focusing on the muscles and joints involved during the workout. By recognizing the interplay between spinning and exercise mobility, individuals can harness the benefits of increased flexibility and joint health for a more balanced and active lifestyle.

Maximizing Indoor Cycling Benefits For Range Of Motion Enhancement

Maximizing indoor cycling benefits for range of motion enhancement requires a deliberate and well-rounded approach. Indoor cycling, with its consistent leg movements and controlled rotations, aids in the improvement of joint mobility and flexibility. Cyclists experience heightened range of motion in key areas like the knees, hips, and ankles, thanks to the continuous pedalling action. Additionally, spinning’s low-impact nature makes it accessible to a wide range of individuals, including those with joint concerns.

To maximize range of motion gains, it’s essential to complement spinning with stretching routines. Incorporating dynamic stretches before a cycling session and static stretches afterward can effectively increase flexibility. By embracing a holistic approach that combines spinning with targeted stretches, individuals can optimize their range of motion, fostering a more agile and adaptable body for various physical activities and daily life.

Conatct Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become an indoor cycling instructor, then you need to do our Indoor Cycling Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, spinning can contribute to improved flexibility, especially in the leg muscles and joints, due to the continuous pedalling motion.

Spinning is accessible to a wide range of individuals and can be beneficial for those seeking to increase their joint mobility and range of motion.

Complement your spinning routine with stretching exercises targeting the muscles and joints involved in cycling. Incorporating both dynamic and static stretches before and after your session can be effective.

The full leg extension and rhythmic pedalling in spinning naturally engage and promote flexibility in the knees, hips, and ankles.

Yes, spinning’s low-impact nature makes it a joint-friendly exercise, allowing those with joint concerns or injuries to participate and potentially improve their range of motion over time

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What Should I Eat Before An Aerobics Class? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-should-i-eat-before-an-aerobics-class/ Fri, 15 Sep 2023 05:00:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34789 The post What Should I Eat Before An Aerobics Class? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the pursuit of a healthy and active lifestyle, aerobic exercise classes have gained immense popularity. These high-energy sessions, whether it’s a heart-pounding dance class or a rhythmic cycling session, offer an excellent way to enhance cardiovascular fitness, burn calories, and boost overall well-being. However, to make the most of your aerobics class, it’s essential to consider what fuels your body before you hit the gym or studio. What you eat in the hours leading up to your workout can significantly impact your performance and energy levels.

In this article, we’ll explore the art of pre-aerobics class nutrition. We’ll delve into the foods that can provide you with the energy, stamina, and focus you need to excel in your aerobics class. Whether you’re an early bird hitting a morning class or squeezing in a session after work, these dietary tips will help you maximize the benefits of your aerobics class and keep you feeling energized from start to finish. Let’s dive in and discover how to fuel your body for aerobics success!

Choosing The Right Pre-Workout Nutrition

Selecting the proper pre-workout nutrition is pivotal to optimize your aerobics class performance. Carbohydrates, often deemed the body’s primary energy source, should constitute a significant portion of your pre-aerobics class meal. Opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These provide a steady release of energy. Proteins, on the other hand, aid in muscle repair and growth. Lean sources like chicken, fish, or plant-based options such as tofu are excellent choices. Consider including a moderate amount of healthy fats like those found in avocados or nuts for sustained energy.

Moreover, hydration is critical. Drink water to prevent dehydration but avoid excessive amounts immediately before aerobics class to prevent discomfort. Lastly, keep portion sizes moderate to prevent digestive issues during your aerobics session. Remember, the ideal pre-aerobics meal is a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, tailored to your body’s unique needs and your aerobics class’s intensity.

Fuelling Up For Your Aerobics Class

To maximize your energy levels and performance in your upcoming aerobics class, it’s crucial to make smart fuelling choices. Begin by hydrating adequately, drinking water throughout the day to stay well-hydrated. Opt for a balanced pre-aerobics class meal or snack about 1-2 hours prior to exercising. Focus on complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables for sustained energy. Incorporate lean proteins, such as chicken, tofu, or yogurt, to support muscle function and recovery. Keep fats in moderation to prevent digestive discomfort during your workout.

Avoid heavy, high-fat, or overly spicy meals immediately before aerobics class to prevent stomach upset. For a quick snack option closer to class time, consider a banana or a granola bar for a quick energy boost. Remember to listen to your body; everyone’s digestive system is different, so find what works best for you. Lastly, post-class, rehydrate and refuel with a balanced meal or snack to aid in recovery and muscle repair. Fuelling up properly will help you make the most out of your aerobics class and leave you feeling energized and ready to conquer your fitness goals.

Top Energy-Boosting Snacks Before Aerobics

Bananas are a quick and convenient option, loaded with natural sugars and potassium, they provide rapid energy and help stave off muscle cramps. Another protein-rich choice is Greek Yogurt, low in sugar and high in protein, supporting muscle recovery while sustaining your energy levels. If you prefer something heartier, consider Whole Grain Toast with Peanut Butter; the complex carbohydrates in the toast combined with the protein-rich peanut butter make for an ideal pre-aerobics class snack.

For a warm and satisfying choice, opt for a bowl of Oatmeal topped with berries and a sprinkle of nuts. It’s rich in fibre, vitamins, and provides long-lasting energy. Trail Mix, comprising nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, strikes a balance between nutrients and fuels your aerobics class effectively.

Cottage Cheese with Pineapple combines easy-to-digest protein with the natural sweetness of pineapple, making it perfect for a pre-exercise snack. For a veggie-packed option, try Hummus and Veggies. The fibre in vegetables, paired with the protein in hummus, ensures a steady source of energy.

For a combination of healthy fats and carbohydrates, go for Rice Cakes with Avocado, creating a satisfying pre-aerobics class snack. A nutrient-rich Smoothie, blending spinach, banana, and protein powder, offers a convenient, on-the-go option. Lastly, when selecting an Energy Bar, prioritize options with balanced nutrients, low sugar content, and simple ingredients for a quick and effective energy boost.

Smart Aerobics Class Meal Planning For Enhanced Performance

Smart aerobics meal planning is essential for enhancing your performance and reaping the maximum benefits from your workout sessions. Prioritize a balanced approach that fuels your body effectively. Start by hydrating well throughout the day to ensure optimal performance and prevent dehydration during exercise.

Your pre-aerobics meal should consist of complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables for sustained energy release. Include lean proteins such as chicken, tofu, or beans to support muscle function and recovery. Limit fats to avoid digestive discomfort. About 1-2 hours before your workout, opt for a well-rounded meal or snack.

After aerobics, focus on replenishing lost nutrients with a post-workout meal rich in proteins and carbohydrates to aid in muscle repair and recovery. Tailor your meal planning to your individual needs, listening to your body’s cues, and you’ll be on your way to enhanced aerobics performance.

The Benefits Of Nutrient-Rich Pre-Exercise Foods

Nutrient-rich pre-exercise foods offer a multitude of benefits for individuals seeking to optimize their physical performance. These foods serve as the body’s fuel, providing essential nutrients that enhance endurance, strength, and overall exercise efficiency.

First and foremost, these foods supply a readily available source of energy. Complex carbohydrates, found in foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, break down into glucose, the body’s primary energy source. This sustained energy release ensures endurance during aerobic activities, preventing premature fatigue.

Protein-rich pre-exercise foods aid in muscle repair and growth. They contain amino acids that support the body’s ability to recover and adapt to the demands of exercise. Lean proteins from sources like chicken, fish, and plant-based options like tofu or legumes can help maintain and build muscle mass.

Additionally, nutrient-rich foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation induced by exercise. These compounds enhance overall health and reduce the risk of injury.

Finally, proper pre-exercise nutrition supports digestion and minimizes gastrointestinal discomfort during workouts. By selecting nutrient-dense foods tailored to your specific needs, you can unlock your full athletic potential and enjoy a more productive and comfortable exercise experience.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Aim to eat a balanced meal or snack 1-2 hours before your aerobics class to allow for digestion and energy release.

Opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. They provide sustained energy for your workout.

Yes, including lean protein sources like chicken, tofu, or yogurt can support muscle function and recovery during your aerobics class.

While fats should be limited to prevent digestive discomfort, incorporating healthy fats in moderation, such as those from avocados or nuts, can provide a well-rounded pre-aerobics meal.

It’s best to avoid heavy, high-fat, or overly spicy meals immediately before your class to prevent digestive issues. Stick to easily digestible, nutrient-rich options for optimal performance.

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Are There Sports Psychology Techniques For Managing Stress And Pressure During Competitions? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/are-there-sports-psychology-techniques-for-managing-stress-and-pressure-during-competitions/ Wed, 13 Sep 2023 05:00:58 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34732 The post Are There Sports Psychology Techniques For Managing Stress And Pressure During Competitions? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the world of sports, the thrill of competition is undeniable. Athletes of all levels dedicate countless hours to perfecting their skills and striving for excellence on the field, court, or track. Yet, amidst the exhilaration of the game, there exists an often-overlooked adversary: stress and pressure. The moments leading up to a crucial match, race, or performance can be laden with anxiety, and the ability to manage these emotions can make all the difference between victory and defeat.

This brings us to a pivotal question: “Are there sports psychology techniques for managing stress and pressure during competitions?” The answer, as we shall discover, is a resounding yes. Sports psychology, a field dedicated to the mental aspects of athletic performance, offers a treasure trove of strategies and insights to help athletes not only cope with pressure but also harness it as a source of strength.

In this article, we embark on a journey through the realm of sports psychology, exploring the techniques and practices that athletes employ to conquer the mental challenges of competition. From visualization and mindfulness to goal-setting and pre-game routines, we delve into the arsenal of tools that empower athletes to thrive in high-pressure moments. So, join us as we uncover the invaluable knowledge that can transform stress into a stepping stone toward sporting success.

Effective Sports Psychology Techniques For Managing Stress

Effective sports psychology techniques for managing stress are the foundation upon which athletes build their mental resilience. These techniques encompass a spectrum of strategies, including mindfulness practices that enable athletes to stay present in the moment, visualization exercises that mentally prepare them for competition, and controlled breathing techniques to calm nerves. Setting clear, achievable goals and developing pre-game routines also play a pivotal role in stress management, allowing athletes to channel their energy positively. Through the guidance of sports psychologists and coaches, athletes learn to embrace pressure as a motivator rather than a hindrance, ultimately enhancing their ability to perform at their best under even the most demanding circumstances.

Pressure In Competitions: Sports Psychology Insights

Pressure in competitions is a formidable adversary that can affect athletes of all levels, from novices to seasoned professionals. It’s the sensation that arises when the stakes are high, and the outcome is uncertain. Sports psychology provides invaluable insights into understanding and managing this pressure effectively.

Athletes often experience performance anxiety when facing important competitions. This anxiety can manifest as nervousness, self-doubt, or fear of failure. Sports psychologists delve into the roots of such anxiety and employ various techniques to mitigate its effects. Visualization is one such method, allowing athletes to mentally rehearse their performance and build confidence. Goal setting helps provide a sense of direction, while pre-game routines establish familiarity and control.

Moreover, mindfulness practices teach athletes to stay present, reducing anxious thoughts about the future. Breathing techniques offer a calming influence in high-pressure moments. With the guidance of sports psychologists, athletes can transform pressure into a catalyst for peak performance, using it as a source of motivation and focus rather than a hindrance. In doing so, they unlock their full potential and rise above the challenges of competitive sports.

 Performance Anxiety Solutions: Athlete Mental Preparation

Performance anxiety, a common challenge in the world of sports, finds its solutions in athlete mental preparation. Sports psychologists equip athletes with a range of tools to conquer this mental obstacle. Visualization, a cornerstone of mental preparation, allows athletes to mentally rehearse their performance, fostering confidence and familiarity with the competition environment. Setting clear, achievable goals provides a roadmap for success, reducing anxiety about the unknown. Pre-game routines create a comforting sense of consistency and control. Controlled breathing techniques soothe nerves and enhance focus in high-pressure moments. Through structured mental preparation guided by sports psychologists, athletes cultivate the resilience needed to thrive under the scrutiny of competition, transforming anxiety into a source of motivation and performance excellence.

Mastering Stress Management In Sports: Sports Psychology Techniques

Mastering stress management in sports is an essential component of athletic success, and sports psychology techniques serve as a beacon of guidance in this pursuit. Stress, a double-edged sword, can either elevate performance or hinder it. Sports psychologists equip athletes with a toolkit to harness stress as a positive force. One of the key techniques is mindfulness, which encourages athletes to stay grounded in the present moment, minimizing worry about the past or future. Visualization empowers athletes to mentally prepare for competition, fostering self-assurance. Goal setting not only provides direction but also helps break down the enormity of a challenge into manageable steps.

Furthermore, pre-game routines establish a comforting sense of familiarity, offering a buffer against the unknown. Controlled breathing techniques act as a calming anchor during high-pressure situations. Athletes learn to view stress as a motivator, a catalyst for focused performance. With the guidance of sports psychologists, they master the art of stress management, turning adversity into an opportunity for growth and excellence in the arena of sports.

Athlete Mental Preparation: Sports Psychology Strategies For Pressure

Athlete mental preparation, enriched by sports psychology strategies, stands as a formidable bulwark against the pressures of competitive sports. These strategies empower athletes to embrace high-pressure situations with poise and confidence. Visualization techniques allow athletes to mentally rehearse their performances, cultivating a sense of familiarity and self-assuredness. Goal setting provides a clear path forward, breaking down the enormity of challenges into manageable steps. Pre-game routines instil consistency and control, offering a reassuring anchor in the face of uncertainty. Controlled breathing techniques act as a calming force during pivotal moments, enhancing focus and composure. Guided by sports psychologists, athletes learn to view pressure as a catalyst for excellence, leveraging it to unlock their full potential and thrive in the crucible of competition.

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Do you want to become a sports psychologist? If you do then you need to do our Sports Psychology Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The primary goal of sports psychology techniques is to help athletes cope with and channel stress and pressure positively, ultimately enhancing their performance and mental resilience.

Sure, some examples include visualization, goal setting, mindfulness practices, pre-game routines, and controlled breathing techniques.

Visualization allows athletes to mentally rehearse their performance, reducing anxiety and increasing confidence. It helps them become more comfortable with the competition environment.

Yes, sports psychology techniques are beneficial for athletes of all levels, helping them manage stress and pressure regardless of their experience.

Athletes can access sports psychology support through sports psychologists, coaches trained in sports psychology, or self-help resources such as books, apps, and online courses.

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How Do Gym Instructors Stay Updated On The Latest Fitness Trends And Techniques? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-gym-instructors-stay-updated-on-the-latest-fitness-trends-and-techniques/ Wed, 13 Sep 2023 05:00:56 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34746 The post How Do Gym Instructors Stay Updated On The Latest Fitness Trends And Techniques? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the ever-evolving realm of fitness, where health-conscious individuals strive for peak physical well-being, gym instructors stand as beacons of guidance and expertise. They play a pivotal role in shaping the fitness journeys of countless individuals, helping them achieve their goals and stay motivated. However, in an industry marked by continuous innovation and evolving trends, the question naturally arises: “How do gym instructors stay updated on the latest fitness trends and techniques?”

This question lies at the heart of our exploration as we embark on a journey into the world of instructors and their commitment to remaining at the forefront of fitness knowledge. In this article, we delve deep into the strategies, practices, and dedication that enable instructors to not only keep pace with the ever-changing fitness landscape but also lead the way.

From ongoing education and professional development to networking and firsthand experience, we uncover the multifaceted approach that empowers instructors to stay informed, adapt to emerging trends, and enhance their ability to guide clients towards healthier lives. So, join us as we unveil the secrets behind the continuous evolution of instructors and their unwavering commitment to promoting fitness excellence.

The Key Players In Fitness Trends

Gym instructors are indisputably pivotal in driving and shaping fitness trends. They serve as the bridge between the ever-evolving fitness industry and individuals seeking to adopt healthier lifestyles. These professionals are at the forefront of identifying emerging trends and techniques, often incorporating them into their training programs. By attending workshops, seminars, and fitness expos, instructors gain firsthand exposure to the latest innovations. Their role extends beyond instruction; they inspire and motivate clients to embrace new trends, ensuring their fitness routines remain fresh and effective. Instructors not only follow trends but also influence them, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and helping clients achieve their fitness goals in sync with the latest industry advancements.

Embracing The Latest Techniques

Embracing the latest techniques is an inherent trait of effective gym instructors who lead the way in the fitness industry. These professionals are not content with the status quo; they actively seek and adopt cutting-edge techniques to enhance their clients’ experiences. By attending advanced training courses and workshops, instructors stay updated on novel exercise methodologies, nutrition insights, and wellness practices.

Their role goes beyond personal development; they act as conduits of innovation, introducing clients to the benefits of these modern approaches. Whether it’s incorporating functional training, high-intensity interval workouts, or mindfulness practices, instructors infuse fresh elements into their training regimens. Their adaptability and willingness to embrace change create an environment where clients can explore new horizons in fitness.

Gym instructors, through their leadership and openness to the latest techniques, not only provide effective fitness guidance but also inspire individuals to embark on transformative fitness journeys that align with the most current industry developments. Their commitment to continuous learning and improvement sets the stage for both personal and client success.

Continuing Education For Gym Instructors: Staying Ahead Of The Curve

Continuing education is the cornerstone of a gym instructor’s career, allowing them to stay ahead of the fitness curve. In an ever-evolving industry, instructors recognize the paramount importance of staying informed about the latest fitness trends, scientific research, and innovative techniques. They dedicate themselves to attending workshops, webinars, and accredited courses to expand their knowledge base continually. This commitment not only deepens their expertise but also ensures that they can provide clients with the most up-to-date and effective fitness guidance. By embracing ongoing education, gym instructors stand as trusted sources of cutting-edge fitness information, empowering their clients to achieve their health and wellness goals with the latest evidence-based practices.

Professional Development: Elevating Gym Instructors To Fitness Leaders

Professional development serves as the cornerstone for elevating instructors to the status of fitness leaders. These dedicated professionals understand that to truly inspire and guide clients, they must continuously evolve and expand their expertise. Through pursuing certifications, advanced degrees, and specialized training, instructors embark on a journey of growth and refinement. This investment not only enriches their knowledge but also refines their teaching skills, enabling them to communicate complex fitness concepts effectively.

Beyond academic pursuits, gym instructors engage in mentorship programs and seek guidance from experienced colleagues. They embrace leadership roles within fitness communities and organizations, contributing to the collective wisdom of the industry. This commitment to professional development positions them as leaders who can shape and advance the fitness landscape.

In becoming fitness leaders, instructors extend their influence beyond the gym floor. They inspire clients to adopt healthier lifestyles, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and embody the very essence of what it means to be a dedicated fitness professional.

Navigating The Dynamic Landscape Of Fitness Trends And Techniques

Navigating the dynamic landscape of fitness trends and techniques is both a challenge and an opportunity for instructors. In an industry characterized by constant evolution, staying attuned to shifts in fitness paradigms is essential. Gym instructors achieve this by actively engaging in research, attending industry conferences, and subscribing to reputable fitness publications. They adapt their teaching methodologies to align with emerging trends, seamlessly integrating the latest techniques into their fitness programs. By maintaining this dynamic approach, instructors not only cater to the diverse needs of their clients but also inspire them to embrace innovation in their fitness journeys. This agility and commitment to progress enable instructors to lead the way in an ever-changing fitness landscape, ensuring that their clients receive the most effective and up-to-date guidance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Instructors utilize a combination of strategies, including attending workshops, seminars, and fitness expos, subscribing to industry publications, participating in online forums, and pursuing continuing education courses to stay updated.

Staying current is vital because it allows instructors to provide clients with effective, evidence-based guidance, adapt to changing client needs, and maintain their credibility as fitness professionals.

While it’s not always required, many gym instructors choose to pursue ongoing education and certifications voluntarily to enhance their knowledge and skills continually.

Gym instructors carefully evaluate new trends and techniques, considering their efficacy and safety. They then modify their training programs to incorporate these innovations while ensuring they align with clients’ goals and abilities.

Networking allows instructors to exchange knowledge with peers and mentors, share experiences, and gain insights into emerging trends. It fosters a sense of community and collaboration within the fitness industry.

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Do Strength And Conditioning Coaches Provide Guidance On Sports-Specific Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/do-strength-and-conditioning-coaches-provide-guidance-on-sports-specific-training/ Tue, 12 Sep 2023 05:00:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34711 The post Do Strength And Conditioning Coaches Provide Guidance On Sports-Specific Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the world of sports and athletics, the pursuit of peak performance is an ongoing journey, driven by dedication, hard work, and strategic training. Athletes, whether aspiring or seasoned professionals, understand the importance of honing their skills and fitness levels to excel in their chosen sports. To achieve this, many turn to the expertise of strength and conditioning coaches, professionals who specialize in enhancing athletic performance. However, a fundamental question often arises in this realm: “Do strength and conditioning coaches provide guidance on sports-specific training?”

In this article, we delve into the dynamic relationship between strength and conditioning coaches and athletes, exploring the extent to which these professionals offer tailored guidance for sports-specific training. We’ll uncover the valuable insights and strategies that strength and conditioning coaches bring to the table, ultimately contributing to athletes’ success on the field or court.

The Role Of Strength And Conditioning Coaches In Sports Training

Strength and conditioning coaches play a pivotal role in the world of sports training, serving as architects of physical excellence. They bridge the gap between athletes’ aspirations and their full potential by providing expert guidance and personalized regimens. These coaches are well-versed in the biomechanics and physiology of various sports, enabling them to design training programs tailored to an athlete’s specific needs. They focus on building strength, speed, endurance, and agility while minimizing the risk of injury. Moreover, they constantly adapt and refine training protocols to align with the evolving demands of a particular sport. In essence, strength and conditioning coaches are essential partners in the pursuit of peak athletic performance.

Sports-Specific Training: Tailoring Workouts For Athletic Excellence

Sports-specific training stands at the heart of athletic excellence, and strength and conditioning coaches are the architects behind this precision-driven approach. These coaches specialize in tailoring workouts that align with the unique demands of a particular sport, recognizing that every discipline has its distinct set of physical requirements. Whether it’s the explosive power needed in sprinting, the endurance required for distance running, or the agility essential in basketball, strength and conditioning coaches craft training programs that optimize an athlete’s performance.

Their expertise extends beyond general fitness, delving deep into the biomechanics, physiology, and movements specific to each sport. This knowledge allows them to design workouts that enhance the athlete’s strength, speed, endurance, and agility while reducing the risk of injury. Sports-specific training isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s a meticulously tailored regimen that fine-tunes an athlete’s body and skills for peak performance in their chosen field. As athletes aim for excellence, strength and conditioning coaches are their dedicated partners, ensuring they reach their fullest potential and excel in the arena.

Athletic Performance Coaching: Elevating Your Game

Athletic performance coaching is a dynamic partnership between athletes and coaches focused on elevating performance to its zenith. These coaches are the driving force behind an athlete’s journey to excellence, equipped with the knowledge and strategies to optimize physical and mental capabilities. They understand that success in sports goes beyond raw talent; it requires rigorous training, refined techniques, and unwavering determination.

Athletic performance coaches analyse an athlete’s strengths and weaknesses, crafting personalized training programs that address specific areas for improvement. They emphasize not only physical conditioning but also mental resilience, offering guidance on mental toughness, focus, and goal setting. With their expertise, athletes are empowered to reach new heights, break personal records, and compete at the highest level. Athletic performance coaching is the catalyst for transforming dedication and potential into exceptional achievements on the field, track, court, or any sporting arena.

Designing Effective Sports Training Programs

Designing effective sports training programs is a meticulous process that balances science and art. Coaches specializing in sports-specific training possess the expertise to create tailored regimens that optimize athletic performance. These programs consider the unique demands of each sport, focusing on improving strength, speed, agility, endurance, and sport-specific skills.

Coaches analyse an athlete’s current abilities and set specific, measurable goals. They then structure training sessions, incorporating a variety of exercises, drills, and periodization techniques. Sports training programs evolve over time, progressively challenging athletes to prevent plateaus and enhance performance continually.

The effectiveness of these programs lies in their ability to bridge the gap between potential and excellence, helping athletes reach their peak performance levels while reducing the risk of injury. Through meticulous planning and ongoing evaluation, coaches ensure that each training program aligns with an athlete’s goals, ultimately leading to success in their chosen sport.

The Benefits Of Specialized Fitness Guidance For Athletes

Specialized fitness guidance for athletes offers a multitude of benefits that can elevate their performance and overall well-being. Coaches who focus on sports-specific training understand the intricacies of each sport, enabling them to tailor workouts to an athlete’s unique needs.

These coaches provide personalized attention, ensuring that athletes perform exercises with correct form, reducing the risk of injuries. They also design training programs that target sport-specific skills, enhancing an athlete’s competitiveness.

Furthermore, specialized fitness guidance fosters discipline, accountability, and motivation. Coaches set clear goals, track progress, and adjust training plans as needed. This individualized approach empowers athletes to push their limits, break through plateaus, and reach peak performance levels. Overall, the guidance of a specialized coach can make a significant difference in an athlete’s journey to excellence.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Closing the curtains on this exploration of tailored athletic excellence, the partnership between strength and conditioning coaches and individual athletes shines brilliantly. With a deep understanding cultivated at Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Strength and Conditioning Coach course, these coaches craft bespoke journeys. Each stride towards peak performance reflects the harmony between science and individuality. It’s a symphony where strengths amplify, weaknesses dissolve, and athletic brilliance finds its rightful stage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many strength and conditioning coaches provide specialized training programs tailored to the unique demands of various sports.

Sports-specific training helps athletes improve their performance by targeting the specific skills, movements, and conditioning required for their chosen sport.

Yes, professional athletes often rely on strength and conditioning coaches to optimize their physical abilities and prevent injuries.

Absolutely, sports-specific training can benefit athletes of all levels, enhancing their skills, endurance, and overall performance.

Athletes should seek coaches with experience in their sport, a track record of success, and the ability to create tailored training programs to meet their specific goals and needs.

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What’s The Importance Of Setting Fitness Goals In Personal Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/whats-the-importance-of-setting-fitness-goals-in-personal-training/ Tue, 12 Sep 2023 05:00:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34731 The post What’s The Importance Of Setting Fitness Goals In Personal Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the realm of personal fitness and wellness, the journey toward improved health and vitality often begins with a simple yet powerful concept: goal-setting. Whether you’re embarking on a fitness transformation, seeking to shed excess weight, or striving to enhance your overall well-being, setting clear and achievable goals is the cornerstone of personal training success.

The title of this article, “What’s The Importance Of Goal-Setting In Personal Training?” beckons us to delve into the profound significance of this practice. It prompts us to explore not only why setting fitness goals matters but also how it can shape our entire wellness journey. From the perspective of both trainers and clients, this article will illuminate the crucial role that goal-setting plays in personal training, offering insights into how it can drive motivation, structure training plans, and ultimately lead to remarkable health and fitness transformations. Join us on this enlightening exploration of why goal-setting is the compass that guides us toward our fitness aspirations.

 Setting Personal Training Goals: The Foundation Of Success

Setting personal training goals is the bedrock upon which successful fitness journeys are built. It’s the pivotal moment when individuals articulate their aspirations, whether it’s shedding a few pounds, running a marathon, or achieving peak physical performance. These goals serve as the compass, providing direction and purpose to every workout and dietary choice. They infuse motivation, focus, and a tangible sense of accomplishment into each fitness session. Goals are more than mere intentions; they become roadmaps, allowing individuals to measure progress and adjust their course as needed. In personal training, these well-defined objectives bridge the gap between dreams and reality, turning fitness ambitions into concrete achievements.

Goal-Setting In Fitness: A Roadmap To Health And Wellness

Goal-setting in fitness isn’t merely a process; it’s a roadmap to health and wellness. It’s the deliberate act of defining what you want to achieve with your workouts and lifestyle choices. These goals serve as powerful motivators, instilling a sense of purpose and direction into your fitness journey. They provide a framework for action, helping you plan your workouts, nutrition, and overall wellness strategy.

Moreover, setting fitness goals offers a sense of achievement and progress. As you work towards your objectives, whether they involve weight loss, muscle gain, improved endurance, or enhanced overall health, you can measure your advancement. This feedback loop reinforces your commitment and keeps you engaged.

In the realm of personal training, goal-setting takes on a more structured form. Trainers work collaboratively with clients to identify specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. This approach ensures that the objectives set are realistic and achievable within a defined timeframe. The guidance of a personal trainer can be invaluable in this process, helping clients set meaningful goals and design customized fitness programs to reach them.

The Crucial Importance Of Fitness Goals

The importance of fitness goals cannot be overstated; they are the driving force behind every successful health and wellness journey. Fitness goals provide focus and direction, serving as a clear destination to strive for. They help individuals define what they want to achieve, whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, increased endurance, or overall health improvement.

Setting specific, measurable, and achievable goals empowers individuals to track their progress and celebrate their accomplishments. Moreover, fitness goals instil motivation and commitment, pushing individuals to stick to their workout routines and make healthier choices in their daily lives.

In the realm of personal training, the role of fitness goals becomes even more critical, as trainers use them to tailor workouts and nutrition plans to their clients’ needs. Ultimately, fitness goals are the compass that guides individuals toward a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

Achieving Health Objectives Through Targeted Training

Achieving health objectives is the ultimate aim of targeted training in personal fitness. When individuals set specific health and wellness goals, they create a roadmap for their fitness journey. These objectives might include weight management, improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle strength, or enhanced flexibility.

Targeted training programs, designed by personal trainers, align with these goals, ensuring that every exercise and dietary choice contributes to the overall objective. Such focused training optimizes results, making workouts efficient and effective. Moreover, it fosters a sense of accomplishment as individuals witness their progress toward improved health and well-being.

The synergy between health objectives and targeted training empowers individuals to take charge of their fitness, leading to not only physical transformation but also a boost in confidence and overall quality of life.

Personal Trainer Guidance: Your Partner In Goal Attainment

Personal trainers play a pivotal role in guiding individuals towards their fitness goals, making them invaluable partners in the journey to a healthier lifestyle. Their expertise and personalized approach ensure that clients receive tailored guidance, which is essential for goal attainment.

These fitness professionals start by assessing a client’s current fitness level, health status, and specific objectives. With this information, they create a structured plan that includes exercise routines, dietary recommendations, and a timeline for reaching milestones. This plan not only serves as a roadmap but also offers motivation and accountability.

Personal trainers closely monitor progress, adjusting strategies as needed to maximize results. They provide essential guidance on exercise techniques, nutrition, and lifestyle choices, ensuring clients make informed decisions that support their goals.

Furthermore, personal trainers are a source of motivation, pushing clients to surpass limitations and stay committed to their fitness journey. Their expertise not only enhances physical well-being but also fosters a sense of empowerment and confidence, making them invaluable partners on the path to goal attainment.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Goal-setting is crucial in personal training because it provides a clear direction and purpose for workouts, helping clients stay motivated and focused on their fitness journey.

Fitness goals serve as benchmarks for progress. They help clients track their achievements, assess their performance, and make necessary adjustments to ensure they reach their desired outcomes.

Setting specific goals allows clients to tailor their workouts and nutrition plans to meet their unique needs. This personalized approach increases the likelihood of success.

Without clear goals, clients may lack direction, lose motivation, and struggle to see measurable progress, which can lead to frustration and a higher likelihood of giving up on their fitness journey.

Personal trainers are instrumental in assisting clients in setting realistic and achievable fitness goals. They provide expert guidance, track progress, and make necessary adjustments to ensure clients stay on the path to success.

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What Are Some Good Clean And Jerk Progressions For Beginners? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-some-good-clean-and-jerk-progressions-for-beginners/ Mon, 11 Sep 2023 05:00:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34710 The post What Are Some Good Clean And Jerk Progressions For Beginners? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Embarking on the journey of Olympic weightlifting can be both thrilling and intimidating, especially for beginners. Among the two primary lifts in Olympic weightlifting, the clean and jerk stands out as a complex yet rewarding exercise. It not only demands strength and power but also precision and technique. If you’re a novice eager to venture into the world of clean and jerk progressions, you’re in the right place. In this article, we will explore a range of effective clean and jerk progressions tailored specifically for beginners. Whether you’re new to lifting or seeking to refine your form, these step-by-step guidelines and techniques will set you on the path to mastering this impressive lift. So, let’s delve into the world of clean and jerk progressions and equip you with the knowledge you need to excel on your weightlifting journey.

Clean And Jerk Progressions For Novices

As novices, mastering the clean and jerk progressions can be a challenging yet exhilarating experience. The key to success lies in well-structured progressions that gradually build strength, coordination, and technique. Start with the fundamentals: the deadlift, front squat, and overhead press. These exercises lay the foundation for the clean and jerk. Focus on proper form and gradually increase weights to build confidence and muscle memory. Once comfortable, introduce the power clean, a simplified version of the clean, to refine your pulling and catching techniques. As you progress, the full clean and jerk will become more attainable. Remember, consistency and patience are your allies; don’t rush the process. Progressions are the key to unlocking the full potential of this dynamic lift and ensuring both safety and success on your weightlifting journey.

Mastering Beginner Clean and jerk progressions Techniques

Mastering beginner clean and jerk progressions techniques is a rewarding endeavour that requires dedication and a systematic approach. As a novice, it’s crucial to lay a strong foundation in both the clean and the jerk components of this lift. Begin with the clean: focus on your setup, ensuring the barbell starts close to your shins, maintain a neutral spine, and engage your lats. Practice the first pull to above the knee, emphasizing a strong hip extension. As the bar reaches your hips, explode upwards, initiating the second pull. Timing is key; coordinate your hip and knee extension for a powerful triple extension.

Once you’ve conquered the clean, shift your attention to the jerk. Begin with the push jerk, perfecting your dip and drive while keeping the bar close to your body. As you progress, introduce the split jerk to refine your footwork and balance. Maintain an upright torso and focus on stability overhead. Consistent practice and gradual progression are vital. Record your lifts, seek feedback, and work on your weaknesses. The journey to mastering the clean and jerk progressions as a beginner may be challenging, but the satisfaction of a well-executed lift is worth every effort.

A Guide To Learning Clean And Jerk For Newcomers

Navigating the clean and jerk as a newcomer can be a daunting yet exhilarating venture into the world of Olympic weightlifting. To embark on this journey, a comprehensive guide is your ally. Begin with the foundational principles of the lift: grip width, stance, and bar placement. Master the initial pull from the floor, ensuring the bar stays close to your body and your back remains flat. As you progress, focus on the transition into the catch position, where agility and speed play a pivotal role. Learning the jerk component involves perfecting your dip, drive, and split or push technique. Video analysis and coaching can be invaluable tools for refining your form. Stay patient and dedicated; progress may be incremental, but with consistent effort and the guidance of this comprehensive guide, you’ll find yourself steadily mastering the clean and jerk progressions.

Step-By-Step Clean And Jerk Guide For Beginners

A step-by-step clean and jerk guide for beginners is your roadmap to conquering this dynamic and challenging Olympic lift. Step one: grasp the importance of proper setup. Ensure the barbell is positioned over your midfoot, maintain a hip-width stance, and grip the bar just outside your knees. As you initiate the pull from the floor, keep the barbell close to your body, engage your lats, and extend your hips and knees simultaneously, known as the first pull.

Step two focuses on the explosive second pull, where you aggressively extend your hips, knees, and ankles, shrugging your shoulders to bring the bar close to your body. Now, for the clean, rapidly descend under the bar into a front squat position, catching it in the rack position.

Transitioning to the jerk, step three involves mastering the dip and drive phase. Slightly bend your knees and then explosively extend them to drive the bar overhead. Finally, in step four, either split or push your legs into a stable receiving position. Practice, consistency, and patience are your allies on this journey, and with this step-by-step clean and jerk guide, you’ll steadily build the skills and confidence needed to excel in this exhilarating lift.

Tips For Improving Clean And Jerk Form As A Novice

Improving clean and jerk form as a novice involves refining your technique, developing strength, and building confidence. Firstly, prioritize mobility and flexibility; ensure your shoulders, hips, and ankles are supple to execute the movements effectively. Secondly, break down the lift into its components. Focus on perfecting your clean before progressing to the jerk. Thirdly, consistency is key. Practice regularly with lighter weights to ingrain proper form. Recording your lifts and seeking feedback can help pinpoint areas for improvement.

Furthermore, mental cues play a vital role. Visualize a smooth, fluid motion during the lift, and concentrate on explosive power. Don’t rush; maintain control throughout the entire movement. Lastly, consider seeking guidance from a coach or experienced lifter to receive personalized feedback and adjustments. The clean and jerk progressions are a challenging but immensely rewarding lift, and these tips will undoubtedly aid in your journey toward mastering it as a novice lifter.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen to learn more about Olympic lifting, then you need to do our Olympic Lifting Course. Find out more by following this link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Beginners should start with mastering the deadlift, front squat, and overhead press to build the necessary strength and technique for clean and jerk progressions.

Novices can begin by learning the power clean, a simplified version of the clean, to refine pulling and catching techniques before progressing to the full clean.

Focus on consistency, patience, and gradual progression. Record your lifts, seek feedback, and practice regularly with proper form to see improvement over time.

Yes, well-structured progressions emphasize proper technique and gradual strength development, reducing the risk of injuries that can occur with hasty or improper lifting.

Beginners should start by dedicating specific training sessions to clean and jerk progressions, gradually increasing complexity and weight as they become more proficient in the movements.

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What Are Some Foam Rolling Exercise For Improving Posture And Spinal Alignment? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-some-foam-rolling-exercise-for-improving-posture-and-spinal-alignment/ Mon, 11 Sep 2023 05:00:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34700 The post What Are Some Foam Rolling Exercise For Improving Posture And Spinal Alignment? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy for our bodies to fall victim to poor posture and misaligned spines. Whether it’s long hours at a desk, the stress of daily life, or the toll of physical activities, these factors can take a toll on our musculoskeletal health. But fear not, there’s a simple and effective tool at your disposal – the foam roller. While foam rolling is often associated with post-workout muscle relief, it offers so much more, particularly in the realm of posture improvement and spinal alignment.

In this article, we will delve into the world of foam rolling exercises specifically designed to enhance your posture and promote better spinal alignment. These exercises are not only accessible but can also become an integral part of your daily routine. Whether you’re seeking relief from nagging back pain or aiming to stand taller and straighter, read on to discover how foam rolling can be your key to achieving a more aligned and comfortable life.

Foam Rolling For Posture: Techniques And Benefits

Foam rolling exercises for posture offers a multifaceted approach to improving the way we carry ourselves through daily life. These techniques involve targeting key muscle groups that influence our posture, such as the thoracic spine, chest, and hip flexors. By applying controlled pressure and rolling motions, you can release tension and knots that may be pulling your body out of alignment. Regular foam rolling not only increases flexibility and range of motion but also helps counteract the effects of prolonged sitting and poor posture. The benefits of foam rolling exercises extend beyond aesthetics, as improved posture contributes to reduced discomfort, enhanced breathing, and a greater sense of confidence and well-being in your daily activities.

Thoracic Spine Foam Rolling: A Key To Improved Posture

Foam rolling exercises, specifically targeting the thoracic spine, stands as a pivotal technique in the quest for improved posture. The thoracic spine, often referred to as the upper back, plays a critical role in maintaining an upright stance and shoulder positioning. However, the demands of modern life, including prolonged periods of sitting and digital device usage, can lead to stiffness and rounded shoulders. Thoracic spine foam rolling can counteract these effects.

By rolling along the upper back, you not only release tension in the muscles surrounding the thoracic spine but also enhance spinal mobility and extension. This increased mobility allows you to stand taller, with your shoulders pulled back and down, promoting a more open chest and better alignment. Moreover, the benefits extend to reduced back pain and improved breathing capacity. Incorporating thoracic spine foam rolling into your routine can become a cornerstone of your posture improvement journey, empowering you to stand taller, breathe easier, and face each day with greater confidence.

Lower Back Pain Relief Through Foam Rolling

Foam rolling exercises are not only a valuable tool for addressing tight muscles but also a potent remedy for lower back pain. The lumbar region, prone to stiffness and discomfort due to factors like poor posture and muscle imbalances, can find relief through targeted foam rolling exercises. By gently applying pressure to the lower back muscles and the surrounding fascia, you can release tension, improve blood circulation, and alleviate pain. These exercises can effectively address common issues like tight hip flexors and overworked lower back muscles, which often contribute to discomfort. When incorporated into a consistent routine, foam rolling for lower back pain offers a natural, non-invasive approach to reducing discomfort and promoting a healthier, more pain-free daily life.

Spinal Alignment Exercises: Incorporating Foam Rolling Into Your Routine

Incorporating spinal alignment exercises into your daily routine can be a game-changer for your overall well-being, and foam rolling is a versatile and effective tool for achieving this goal. These exercises target key muscle groups that influence your spinal alignment, helping you stand taller and more upright. By releasing tension in areas like the thoracic spine and hip flexors, foam rolling promotes better posture and minimizes the risk of chronic misalignment issues.

Incorporating foam rolling into your daily routine doesn’t have to be a time-consuming endeavour. A few minutes dedicated to targeted foam rolling exercises can yield significant benefits over time. When used in conjunction with other posture-improving exercises, foam rolling becomes a powerful ally in your quest for spinal alignment. The best part is that it’s accessible to individuals of various fitness levels, making it an inclusive and adaptable approach to enhancing your posture and spinal health. Whether you’re looking to reduce discomfort, breathe easier, or simply project confidence through better posture, incorporating foam rolling into your routine can help you achieve these objectives effectively and sustainably.

Precautions For Foam Rolling: Safely Enhancing Posture And Alignment

While foam rolling can be a highly beneficial practice for improving posture and spinal alignment, it’s essential to exercise caution and adhere to certain precautions to ensure your safety. Firstly, avoid rolling directly over bony areas or the spine to prevent injury. Maintain controlled movements and gentle pressure, gradually increasing intensity as your body adapts. Secondly, if you have any underlying medical conditions, particularly musculoskeletal or spinal issues, consult a healthcare professional or physical therapist before beginning a foam rolling regimen. They can offer guidance on which exercises are safe for your specific condition. Additionally, if you experience sharp or prolonged pain during foam rolling, stop immediately and seek advice from a healthcare provider. By adhering to these precautions, you can harness the benefits of foam rolling while minimizing the risk of injury and safely enhancing your posture and spinal alignment.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about foam rolling then you need to do our Foam Rolling Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Foam rolling can release tension in key muscle groups, such as the upper back and hip flexors, which influence posture and spinal positioning.

Yes, exercises like thoracic spine foam rolling can help alleviate stiffness and promote a more upright posture.

Absolutely, foam rolling the lower back and surrounding muscles can relieve tension, potentially reducing discomfort and improving lumbar spine alignment.

Aim to include foam rolling exercises 2-3 times a week, complementing other posture-enhancing activities for best results.

It’s crucial to avoid rolling directly on the spine and exercise caution with pressure and movements. Consult a healthcare professional if you have underlying medical conditions or experience severe pain during foam rolling.

The post What Are Some Foam Rolling Exercise For Improving Posture And Spinal Alignment? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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How Do I Perform Kettlebell Exercises With Proper Form To Avoid Injury? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-i-perform-kettlebell-exercises-with-proper-form-to-avoid-injury/ Fri, 08 Sep 2023 05:00:58 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34699 The post How Do I Perform Kettlebell Exercises With Proper Form To Avoid Injury? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Kettlebell exercises are a dynamic and effective way to build strength, enhance endurance, and boost overall fitness. However, in the pursuit of these fitness gains, one crucial element often overlooked is form. Performing kettlebell exercises with proper form is not just about reaping the maximum benefits; it’s about safeguarding yourself from potential injuries. Kettlebells, with their unique shape and versatility, can be both friend and foe, depending on how they’re wielded.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the world of kettlebell workouts, unveiling the secrets of correct form that can make all the difference in your fitness journey. Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast looking to refine your technique or a newcomer eager to explore the benefits of kettlebell training, this article is your essential roadmap to performing kettlebell exercises with precision, minimizing the risk of injuries, and unlocking your full fitness potential. So, let’s embark on this enlightening journey to master the art of kettlebell exercise form and keep injuries at bay.

Kettlebell Exercise Form: The Foundation For Injury-Free Workouts

Kettlebell exercise form stands as the bedrock of injury-free workouts, holding the key to unlocking the immense potential of these versatile tools. The unique design of kettlebells demands precise movements, making proper form non-negotiable. It ensures that each swing, press, or squat not only targets the intended muscle groups but also guards against strain, sprains, or more serious injuries. Whether you’re swinging, lifting, or carrying, the foundations of kettlebell exercise form provide a safeguard, enabling you to harness the full benefits of these exercises without the fear of setbacks. By mastering the art of form, you not only enhance the effectiveness of your workouts but also embark on a path of safe and sustainable fitness progression.

Kettlebell Safety Tips: Ensuring Your Workout Is Injury-Proof

Kettlebell safety tips are the guardians of your workout journey, ensuring that your pursuit of fitness remains injury-proof and rewarding. These compact, iron-cast weights are remarkable tools for sculpting strength and enhancing endurance, but they demand respect and awareness. To embark on a journey of injury-free kettlebell workouts, it’s imperative to prioritize safety from the outset. Begin by selecting an appropriate kettlebell weight that matches your fitness level and gradually progress as your strength grows.

Furthermore, maintaining a firm grip on the kettlebell handle, using proper breathing techniques, and maintaining a stable core are fundamental safety measures. Never sacrifice form for quantity; it’s the precise execution of each movement that yields the best results while minimizing the risk of injuries. Additionally, incorporating proper warm-ups, cooldowns, and flexibility exercises into your routine ensures that your muscles are adequately prepared and recovered.

These kettlebell safety guidelines are the gatekeepers to a fulfilling and safe fitness journey, ensuring that each swing and lift takes you closer to your goals while keeping potential injuries at bay.

Avoiding Kettlebell Injury: Vital Strategies For Safe Workouts

Avoiding kettlebell injury is paramount to ensure safe and effective workouts. Kettlebells, with their unique design and swinging motions, can offer a dynamic and challenging fitness experience. However, without the right precautions, they can also pose a risk of injury. To safeguard your well-being during kettlebell workouts, vital strategies come into play.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to learn proper technique and form. This includes understanding the mechanics of each exercise, maintaining a stable core, and ensuring a secure grip on the kettlebell handle. Always start with a weight that matches your current strength level and gradually progress. Additionally, prioritizing controlled movements over speed or quantity reduces the risk of accidents.

Furthermore, incorporating proper warm-up routines and post-workout stretches enhances flexibility and minimizes strain on muscles and joints. Lastly, paying close attention to your body’s signals, such as pain or discomfort, and addressing them promptly is key to preventing injuries. By embracing these strategies, you can fully enjoy the benefits of kettlebell workouts while keeping injury concerns at bay.

Mastering Proper Kettlebell Technique: The Key To Effective Exercises

Mastering proper kettlebell technique is the cornerstone of unlocking the true potential of these versatile fitness tools. Kettlebells offer a wide range of dynamic exercises that engage multiple muscle groups, making technique paramount for both safety and effectiveness. It’s not just about lifting the weight; it’s about the precision of each swing, snatch, or press. Correct technique ensures that the intended muscle groups are targeted while minimizing the risk of strains or injuries. Focusing on form also optimizes the efficiency of your workouts, maximizing the benefits you reap from every rep. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned kettlebell enthusiast, investing time and effort into mastering proper technique is the key to achieving your fitness goals and enjoying injury-free exercises.

Kettlebell Exercise Guidelines: Your Path To Safe And Effective Workouts

Kettlebell exercise guidelines serve as your compass on the path to safe and effective workouts, ensuring that you reap the full rewards of this dynamic fitness regimen. To embark on this journey, it’s crucial to begin with the right kettlebell weight that matches your current fitness level. Gradual progression is essential to build strength and minimize the risk of injuries.

Additionally, prioritize form and technique in every movement. Correct posture and controlled motions not only optimize results but also safeguard against strains and mishaps. Proper warm-ups and cooldowns are equally essential to prepare your muscles and joints for the demands of kettlebell exercises and aid in recovery.

Furthermore, creating a well-rounded workout routine that incorporates a variety of exercises helps prevent overuse injuries and keeps your workouts engaging. Lastly, listen to your body, heed warning signs of discomfort or pain, and adjust your routine accordingly. By adhering to these kettlebell exercise guidelines, you pave the way for workouts that are not only effective but also safe, allowing you to harness the full potential of kettlebell training.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become a kettlebell instructor? If you do then you need to do our Kettlebell Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Performing kettlebell exercises with proper form not only maximizes the effectiveness of your workout but also significantly reduces the risk of injuries. It ensures that you target the intended muscle groups while avoiding strains, sprains, or other potential injuries.

Learning and maintaining proper form requires practice and guidance. Consider working with a certified kettlebell instructor or watching instructional videos from reputable sources. Focus on form during each repetition, prioritize controlled movements, and gradually increase weight as your technique improves.

Common mistakes include using improper grip, relying on momentum rather than controlled movements, and neglecting core stability. Additionally, lifting weights that are too heavy for your current strength level can lead to injuries.

To prevent injuries, start with the right kettlebell weight, prioritize proper technique, warm up before your workout, cool down afterward, and include flexibility exercises. Regularly assess your form and listen to your body, adjusting your routine as needed.

Some kettlebell exercises, like the kettlebell swing, can pose risks if performed incorrectly. To perform them safely, ensure a strong core, hinge at the hips, and keep the spine neutral. Seek guidance from a qualified trainer to master these exercises safely.

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Can I Take A Battle Ropes Course If I’m New To Fitness? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-i-take-a-battle-ropes-course-if-im-new-to-fitness/ Thu, 07 Sep 2023 05:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34684 The post Can I Take A Battle Ropes Course If I’m New To Fitness? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Starting a fitness journey can be an exhilarating yet daunting prospect, especially if you’re new to the world of exercise. With a multitude of fitness options available, it’s crucial to find an activity that not only suits your fitness level but also keeps you engaged and motivated. One such option that has been gaining popularity is the battle ropes course, a workout regimen known for its intensity and effectiveness in building strength and stamina. But the question remains: Can you embark on a battle ropes course if you’re a newcomer to fitness?

In this article, we will explore the exciting world of battle ropes, dissecting the benefits, considerations, and strategies for beginners looking to take on this challenging yet rewarding fitness endeavour. Whether you’re looking to kickstart your fitness journey or add a new dimension to your workouts, join us on this exploration of whether the battle ropes course is the right choice for fitness newcomers.

Battle Ropes Course: A Unique Choice For Those New To Fitness

For those venturing into the realm of fitness as beginners, this type of course presents a unique and invigorating option. While it might seem intimidating at first glance, battle ropes offer an accessible entry point for individuals looking to kickstart their fitness journey. These heavy, long ropes provide a full-body workout that’s both engaging and effective. The beauty of battle ropes lies in their simplicity; you control the intensity and pace of your workout, making it adaptable to your fitness level. By incorporating a variety of movements, from waves to slams, you can build strength, boost endurance, and enhance cardiovascular fitness. Additionally, the low impact nature of battle ropes makes them an ideal choice for those concerned about joint strain or injuries, providing an exciting pathway for newcomers to achieve their fitness goals.

Exploring Beginner Fitness Activities: Is A Battle Ropes Course Right For You?

Exploring the world of beginner fitness activities can be an exciting journey, and one option that’s worth considering is the battle ropes course. Before diving in, it’s natural to wonder if this intense and dynamic workout is the right fit for you. The answer? It very well could be. Battle ropes offer a unique blend of benefits that cater to fitness newcomers. These thick, heavy ropes provide an engaging full-body workout that builds strength, stamina, and cardiovascular fitness. What makes them particularly appealing for beginners is the level of control they offer – you dictate the pace and intensity, ensuring that you’re always within your comfort zone.

Moreover, battle ropes are low impact, reducing the risk of strain or injury, which can be a crucial consideration for those new to fitness. Their versatility allows you to gradually increase the challenge as you progress, making it an accessible and adaptable option for individuals at any fitness level. So, if you’re eager to explore a beginner fitness activity that combines effectiveness with adaptability, this type of course may be the exhilarating choice you’ve been looking for.

Fitness For Beginners: How To Begin Your Journey With A Battle Ropes Course

Embarking on a fitness journey as a beginner can be both exciting and daunting. It’s essential to find an activity that not only suits your fitness level but also keeps you motivated. Consider the battle ropes course as your starting point. This dynamic workout is ideal for beginners, offering a powerful introduction to fitness. Battle ropes provide a low-impact, full-body workout that builds strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. As a beginner, you have control over the intensity and pace, ensuring a comfortable start. The versatility of battle ropes allows you to tailor the workout to your fitness level, making it an accessible choice for those new to fitness. With dedication and guidance, this type of course can be your gateway to a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Starting A Fitness Journey: Why Consider A Battle Ropes Course As A Beginner

Embarking on a fitness journey is a commendable step towards a healthier and more active lifestyle, but as a beginner, it’s crucial to choose activities that are both effective and enjoyable. This is where the battle ropes course comes into play. While it might sound intimidating, it’s an excellent choice for newcomers for several reasons.

Firstly, battle ropes offer a full-body workout that’s easy to adapt to your fitness level. As a beginner, you have control over the intensity and pace of your workout, allowing you to start at a comfortable level and progress at your own speed. Secondly, these ropes are gentle on the joints, minimizing the risk of injury – a significant concern for beginners. Moreover, the dynamic nature of battle ropes keeps the workout engaging and helps prevent workout boredom, a common challenge for newcomers. Lastly, the rapid calorie burn and visible results make it a motivating option for those starting their fitness journey. So, if you’re contemplating your entry into fitness, consider the battle ropes course as an exciting and effective starting point.

Navigating The Battle Ropes Course As A Newcomer To Fitness

Navigating the battle ropes course as a newcomer to fitness can be both exhilarating and transformative. These thick, heavy ropes offer a unique workout experience that caters to beginners looking to kickstart their fitness journey. What makes them particularly appealing is the level of control they provide. As a newcomer, you dictate the pace and intensity, ensuring that you’re always within your comfort zone. The rhythmic waves and dynamic slams engage multiple muscle groups, promoting strength, endurance, and improved cardiovascular fitness. Furthermore, the low-impact nature of battle ropes minimizes the risk of joint strain, making it an accessible option for those new to physical activity. So, if you’re seeking a fitness adventure that combines effectiveness, adaptability, and motivation, stepping onto the battle ropes course might just be the exhilarating start you need on your path to fitness.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a battle ropes expert? If you do then it is very important to do our Battle Ropes Course. Follow this link to find out more.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

A battle ropes course involves using thick, heavy ropes in dynamic movements to provide a full-body workout. It differs from traditional activities by offering versatility and adaptability to various fitness levels.

Yes, battle ropes can be safe for beginners. They are low-impact and allow beginners to control the intensity, making them an accessible option while minimizing the risk of injury.

Battle ropes build strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. They also offer a motivating and engaging workout experience that can help beginners stay committed to their fitness goals.

No prior experience is required, and minimal equipment is needed. This makes battle ropes courses an excellent choice for beginners looking to start their fitness journey.

To begin, find a reputable fitness facility or trainer offering battle ropes classes. Start with basic movements, gradually increase intensity, and ensure you maintain proper form. A certified instructor can guide you through the process and help tailor the workout to your fitness level.

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How Do I Incorporate Functional Fitness Into My Existing Workout Routine? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-i-incorporate-functional-fitness-into-my-existing-workout-routine/ Thu, 07 Sep 2023 05:00:17 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34690 The post How Do I Incorporate Functional Fitness Into My Existing Workout Routine? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the realm of fitness, the pursuit of strength, endurance, and aesthetics often takes centre stage. But what about the practicality of our physical prowess? Functional fitness, a concept that has gained considerable traction in recent years, sheds light on the importance of not just looking good, but also feeling strong and capable in our everyday lives. It’s about more than just lifting heavy weights or logging miles on a treadmill; it’s about enhancing your body’s ability to perform real-world activities with ease and confidence. So, if you’re looking to bridge the gap between the gym and the demands of your daily routines, it’s time to explore how to seamlessly integrate functional fitness into your existing workout regimen.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the principles, exercises, and strategies that will help you make functional fitness an integral part of your fitness journey. Get ready to take your training to the next level and experience the tangible benefits of functional fitness in your daily life.

Enhancing Your Workout Routine With Functional Fitness Integration

Functional fitness integration is the key to elevating your workout routine from the realm of mere aesthetics to a realm of real-world strength and capability. Beyond the mirror, it’s about mastering movements that mimic daily activities, enhancing your body’s functional abilities. By incorporating exercises that improve balance, flexibility, and core strength, you’ll be better prepared for life’s physical challenges, whether it’s carrying groceries, playing with your kids, or simply navigating your day with vitality and confidence. This approach not only fosters a holistic fitness experience but also minimizes the risk of injury. So, if you’re ready to make your workouts purposeful and practical, it’s time to embrace functional fitness as a vital component of your exercise regimen.

Adding Functional Exercises: A Key To Workout Routine Enhancement

Incorporating functional exercises into your workout routine is a transformative approach to fitness enhancement. Unlike conventional workouts that often prioritize isolated muscle groups, functional exercises emphasize movements that mimic real-life activities. These exercises engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, fostering a more holistic and well-rounded approach to fitness. By focusing on balance, stability, flexibility, and core strength, functional fitness helps you develop the physical prowess needed for everyday tasks and activities.

One of the standout benefits of incorporating functional exercises is injury prevention. These movements improve joint mobility and enhance muscle coordination, reducing the risk of injury during both workouts and daily activities. Whether you’re lifting heavy grocery bags, chasing after your kids, or simply navigating the challenges of daily life, functional fitness equips you with the strength and endurance necessary to do so with ease and confidence.

Moreover, functional exercises often require little to no equipment, making them accessible to individuals of all fitness levels. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or a beginner, integrating functional exercises into your routine can provide the variety and effectiveness needed to keep your workouts engaging and productive. So, if you’re seeking to enhance your workout routine and improve your overall quality of life, functional exercises are a key component worth incorporating.

Incorporating Functional Movements For Improved Fitness

Incorporating functional movements into your fitness regimen is a strategic step toward overall improvement. Functional fitness is all about enhancing your body’s ability to perform everyday tasks efficiently and safely. By focusing on exercises that mirror real-life movements, such as squatting, lifting, twisting, and reaching, you not only build strength but also develop a practical skill set. These movements engage multiple muscle groups and promote balance and coordination, providing a comprehensive fitness experience that transcends the confines of the gym. Whether you’re looking to boost your athletic performance, prevent injuries, or simply enjoy a more active and pain-free daily life, integrating functional movements into your routine is a powerful way to achieve those goals while redefining your approach to fitness.

The Power Of Fitness Routine Modification Through Functional Training

The concept of functional training holds immense power when it comes to modifying and enhancing your fitness routine. Unlike traditional workouts that often isolate specific muscle groups, functional training emphasizes dynamic movements that mirror real-life activities. These exercises challenge your body in a way that promotes overall strength, balance, and coordination, allowing you to perform daily tasks with ease and grace.

By incorporating functional training into your routine, you can break through fitness plateaus and achieve a well-rounded level of physical preparedness. These movements target the muscles you use in everyday life, making them more adaptable and resilient. Whether it’s lifting heavy grocery bags, playing sports, or navigating challenging terrains, functional training equips you with the skills and endurance needed to excel.

Furthermore, the versatility of functional training makes it accessible to individuals of all fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, incorporating functional movements can provide a refreshing and effective way to challenge your body. It’s a holistic approach that not only enhances your athletic performance but also reduces the risk of injuries by improving joint mobility and overall stability. So, if you’re looking to unlock the full potential of your fitness routine, consider harnessing the transformative power of functional training.

Achieve Your Fitness Goals By Adding Functional Exercises

To achieve your fitness goals effectively, consider the remarkable impact of integrating functional exercises into your routine. Functional exercises focus on enhancing your body’s ability to perform practical, real-world movements. These workouts engage multiple muscle groups, improving core strength, balance, and flexibility, which are essential for daily activities and sports performance. By incorporating exercises like squats, lunges, kettlebell swings, and planks, you not only sculpt your physique but also develop functional strength that translates seamlessly into your everyday life. Whether you aim to lose weight, build muscle, or enhance your overall fitness, functional exercises offer a versatile and efficient pathway to success, allowing you to reap the benefits of improved functionality and endurance while pursuing your fitness aspirations.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover additional information about functional strength training then we recommend that you do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Functional fitness emphasizes exercises that mimic real-life movements, enhancing your body’s ability to perform everyday tasks with ease and reducing the risk of injury during daily activities.

You can seamlessly integrate functional fitness into your existing routine by incorporating functional exercises and modifying some aspects while keeping your core workouts intact.

Functional exercises include squats, deadlifts, lunges, planks, kettlebell swings, and medicine ball throws, all of which engage multiple muscle groups and improve overall body strength and stability.

To strike a balance, allocate specific days or sessions for functional exercises within your weekly workout plan while maintaining your traditional strength training sessions.

Incorporating functional fitness enhances your everyday life by improving your physical capabilities, reducing the risk of injury, and fostering a more well-rounded and practical approach to fitness that complements your existing workout routine.

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How Does Exercise Affect Blood Pressure And Heart Rate https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-does-exercise-affect-blood-pressure-and-heart-rate/ Mon, 04 Sep 2023 05:00:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34479 The post How Does Exercise Affect Blood Pressure And Heart Rate appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the realm of well-being and cardiovascular health, the symbiotic relationship between exercise, blood pressure, and heart rate takes centre stage. As we embark on a journey to unravel the intricacies of this connection, a profound understanding emerges of how our bodies respond to physical activity. The pulsating rhythm of our heart and the ebb and flow of arterial pressure become intertwined with the rhythms of workouts. In this article, we delve into the physiological dance that unfolds within our bodies during workouts, exploring how different types of workouts influence arterial pressure and heart beat. Join us as we navigate through the heart’s responses, uncover the underlying mechanisms, and shed light on the pivotal role that physical activity plays in maintaining cardiovascular health.

Understanding How Physical Activity Affects Blood Pressure And Heart Rate

Understanding how workouts affect arterial pressure and heart beat is a key step in comprehending the intricate interplay between workouts and cardiovascular health. When we engage in workouts, our heart works tirelessly to pump oxygen-rich blood to muscles, leading to an increase in heartbeat. Simultaneously, blood vessels dilate, enabling improved blood flow and potentially reducing arterial pressure. Different exercise intensities and durations evoke unique responses, influencing these vital physiological markers. By unravelling these mechanisms, we gain insights into the impact of workouts on our cardiovascular system, ultimately guiding us toward informed choices that promote heart health and overall well-being.

The Impact Of Physical Activity On Cardiovascular Health: Blood Pressure And Heart Rate

The profound impact of workouts on cardiovascular health is exemplified by its influence on arterial pressure and heart beat. Engaging in regular physical activity prompts a cascade of beneficial responses within the body. Physical activity, whether moderate or vigorous, stimulates the heart to pump more efficiently, leading to an increased heartbeat. This heightened activity not only strengthens the heart muscle but also enhances its ability to circulate oxygenated blood throughout the body. Additionally, workouts contributes to the dilation of blood vessels, promoting improved blood flow and potentially leading to reduced blood pressure levels. Understanding these dynamics unveils exercise’s role as a potent tool for maintaining cardiovascular health. By encouraging heart efficiency and facilitating healthy blood pressure, physical activity emerges as a cornerstone in safeguarding against cardiovascular ailments and promoting overall well-being.

Exploring The Relationship Between Physical Activity And Heart Rate

Exploring the intricate relationship between workouts and heart rate unveils the body’s remarkable adaptability to workouts. As we engage in physical activity, our heart beat escalates to meet the increased demand for oxygenated blood delivery to working muscles. This physiological response is tightly intertwined with the type, intensity, and duration of physical activity. Aerobic activities often lead to a steady elevation in heartbeat, while interval training and endurance exercises may induce fluctuations. Understanding this connection sheds light on the cardiovascular system’s resilience and adaptability, illustrating how tailored exercise regimens can harness these responses for optimal heart health.

Tips For Cardiovascular Health

Effectively managing arterial pressure through workouts offers a proactive approach to enhancing cardiovascular health. Engaging in regular workouts contributes to the maintenance of healthy arterial pressure levels by promoting improved circulation and overall heart function. Aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling stimulate the heart, encouraging it to pump blood more efficiently. Consistent exercise routines help reduce excess weight, a significant contributor to elevated arterial pressure. Incorporating strength training further enhances the cardiovascular system’s efficiency by increasing muscle mass and metabolic rate. It’s essential to start gradually and consult a healthcare professional before commencing any physical activity regimen, especially for individuals with preexisting conditions. By integrating workouts into daily routines and adopting a well-rounded approach, individuals can take proactive steps toward managing blood pressure and fostering lasting cardiovascular well-being.

Exercise Intensity And Its Influence On Heart Rate And Arterial Pressure

Physical activity intensity plays a pivotal role in shaping heart rate and blood pressure responses. As exercise intensity increases, so does heartbeat, reflecting the body’s effort to deliver oxygenated blood to muscles in demand. Simultaneously, blood vessels dilate to accommodate heightened blood flow, potentially leading to reduced arterial pressure levels during and after workouts. Activities with varying intensities evoke distinct physiological responses; moderate-intensity exercises like brisk walking maintain a steady increase in heart beat and promote healthy arterial pressure, while high-intensity interval training triggers rapid fluctuations. Understanding this correlation between workouts intensity, heart rate, and arterial pressure empowers individuals to tailor their workouts for optimal cardiovascular benefits, promoting a harmonious relationship between fitness and health.

In the exploration of the intricate relationship between physical activity, blood pressure, and heart rate, we unearth a symphony of physiological responses that underscore the profound connection between workouts and cardiovascular health. The rhythm of our heart intertwines with the cadence of workouts, as blood vessels dilate in harmony with our efforts. This journey has illuminated how different physical activity types and intensities play a role in sculpting our heart rate and arterial pressure patterns, ultimately impacting our overall well-being.

By understanding these intricacies, we’ve come to realize the pivotal role that exercise plays in maintaining optimal cardiovascular health. From the pulsating tempo of heartbeats to the ebb and flow of arterial pressure, our bodies engage in a dance that echoes the significance of making informed choices for our well-being. As we conclude this exploration, let us carry forward this newfound knowledge, recognizing that physical activity is not merely a physical pursuit but a proactive investment in the vitality of our hearts and the harmony of our lives.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Physical activity prompts the heart to beat faster, increasing heart rate to deliver oxygen-rich blood to muscles. It also leads to blood vessel dilation, potentially reducing arterial pressure by improving blood flow.

Physical activity intensity influences heart rate and blood pressure responses. Higher-intensity activities elevate heart rate and may cause a temporary rise in blood pressure, while moderate exercises maintain steadier levels.

Aerobic exercises like jogging, cycling, and swimming have notable impacts on heart rate and blood pressure due to their sustained effort, promoting cardiovascular health.

Regular physical activity strengthens the heart, making it more efficient. This, along with improved blood vessel function, contributes to maintaining healthy heart rate and arterial pressure levels.

Yes, regular physical activity can help manage high arterial pressure by promoting better blood vessel function and reducing stress, which in turn may lead to improved heart rate and blood pressure control. Always consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your exercise routine.

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How Do Environmental Factors Influence The Design Of Sports Conditioning Programs? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-environmental-factors-influence-the-design-of-sports-conditioning-programs/ Thu, 31 Aug 2023 05:00:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34421 The post How Do Environmental Factors Influence The Design Of Sports Conditioning Programs? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the pursuit of peak athletic performance, the meticulous design of sports conditioning programs plays a pivotal role. However, the efficacy of these programs isn’t solely determined by exercise regimens and techniques. Environmental factors, often overlooked but incredibly influential, weave a complex tapestry that significantly shapes the blueprint of these programs. From altitude and temperature variations to the very terrain athletes train on, the dynamic interplay of environmental elements holds the potential to redefine the efficacy and outcomes of sports conditioning.

This exploration delves into the profound ways in which environmental factors wield their influence on the design of sports conditioning programs. By understanding how altitude, climate, geography, and more interact with an athlete’s physiological response, coaches and trainers can tailor programs to enhance performance and adaptability. Join us as we unravel the layers of influence that environmental factors exert, unravelling the science behind their impact and revealing strategies that pave the way for finely tuned athletic conditioning.

Understanding The Impact Of Environmental Factors On Sports Conditioning Programs

In the realm of sports conditioning, a comprehensive grasp of environmental factors is paramount. The influence of altitude, climate, terrain, and other variables on athletes’ physiological responses is pivotal in designing effective programs. Altitude, for instance, challenges oxygen uptake and endurance, while varying climates demand tailored hydration and recovery strategies. The very terrain athletes train on shapes muscle development and movement patterns. Understanding these influences allows coaches and trainers to optimize programs, harnessing environmental factors as allies in performance enhancement. This exploration unravels the intricate interplay of environmental dynamics, unlocking a deeper comprehension of their role in sculpting athletes’ resilience, adaptability, and ultimate success.

Crafting Effective Sports Conditioning Programs: The Role Of Environmental Factors

Crafting sports conditioning programs transcends exercise routines; it’s an artistry that interweaves environmental factors into the very fabric of success. The role of these factors extends far beyond mere backdrop; they’re integral in tailoring programs for optimal performance. The altitude an athlete trains at can induce physiological adaptations, challenging aerobic capacity and enriching endurance. Climate nuances dictate hydration strategies and demand acclimatization measures. Terrain choice shapes muscular development and cultivates sport-specific movement patterns. By harnessing environmental cues, coaches and trainers create programs that harmonize with nature’s influence. It’s a symphony where altitude, climate, and terrain conduct an intricate dance, refining athletes’ abilities. This exploration delves into the orchestration of sports conditioning programs, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between nature’s forces and human potential, unveiling the profound outcomes derived from aligning athletic pursuits with the rhythms of the environment.

Environmental Factors’ Influence On The Design Of Athletic Training Programs

The design of athletic training programs isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavour; it’s a delicate balance between science and surroundings. Environmental factors hold a commanding influence in shaping training regimens that optimize performance. Altitude, a quintessential player, challenges aerobic thresholds and spurs physiological adaptations that elevate endurance. Climate nuances, from heat to cold, dictate hydration protocols and necessitate tailored preparation techniques. The very terrain an athlete manoeuvres upon shapes strength development and fine-tunes movement mechanics. By embracing environmental factors, coaches and trainers infuse training plans with adaptive wisdom, forging a synergy between athlete and surroundings. This exploration delves into the intricate interplay between environmental influences and athletic training, spotlighting the profound implications of synchronizing human ambition with the rhythms of nature, thereby amplifying the efficacy of training programs and unlocking enhanced performance horizons.

Strategic Influence: How Environmental Factors Shape Sports Conditioning Program Design

The design of sports conditioning programs unfolds as a strategic endeavour, where the influence of environmental factors takes centre stage. These factors, ranging from altitude to climate, serve as architects guiding the blueprint of effective training. Altitude, for instance, triggers adaptations that challenge cardiovascular thresholds and elevate endurance capacity. Climate intricacies dictate hydration strategies and necessitate acclimatization measures for optimal performance. Terrain, a silent partner, sculpts muscle development and ingrains sport-specific movement mechanics. By embracing the strategic role of environmental factors, coaches and program designers create harmonious synergy between athlete and surroundings. This exploration unveils the art of program design, showcasing the meticulous interplay between human aspirations and the cues bestowed by nature. The outcome? Athletes empowered with tailored regimens that capitalize on the strategic influences of the environment, unlocking performance prowess that resonates with strategic brilliance.

Balancing Performance Optimization: Incorporating Environmental Factors In Sports Conditioning

In the pursuit of performance optimization, the fusion of science and environment is key. Sports conditioning isn’t confined to gym walls; it’s a delicate equilibrium where environmental factors exert their influence. Altitude shapes athletes’ physiological responses, elevating endurance capacities and refining aerobic thresholds. Climate intricacies necessitate tailored hydration strategies and acclimatization protocols, ensuring peak performance under varying conditions. The very terrain athletes train on dictates movement mechanics and fine-tunes muscle development. By striking a balance between training techniques and the environment’s cues, coaches and trainers craft conditioning programs that harmonize with nature’s wisdom, unlocking the potential for holistic performance excellence. This exploration delves into the harmonious union of science and surroundings, elevating sports conditioning to an art form that transcends boundaries and embraces the power of nature.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited sports conditioning courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional conditioning coach.

If you would like to know more about our courses, feel free to visit our website today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Environmental factors, such as altitude, climate, and terrain, significantly impact athletes’ physiological responses. These factors influence the way athletes adapt, perform, and recover, shaping the customization of conditioning programs for optimal results.

Altitude introduces lower oxygen levels, triggering adaptations like increased red blood cell production. This influences the intensity and duration of training sessions, allowing coaches to craft specialized programs that enhance aerobic capacity and endurance.

Climate factors like temperature and humidity affect hydration needs and recovery strategies. Coaches tailor training schedules, fluid intake recommendations, and acclimatization protocols to ensure athletes perform optimally in specific climates.

Terrain influences muscular development and movement mechanics. Different surfaces challenge stability, agility, and power, prompting coaches to integrate sport-specific drills and exercises that enhance athletes’ adaptability to varying terrains.

Environmental factors directly impact athletes’ performance and recovery capabilities. Ignoring these factors can lead to suboptimal results or increased risk of injury. By aligning conditioning programs with the environment, coaches maximize athletes’ potential, helping them excel in diverse conditions.

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Why Personal Training Is Important https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-personal-training-is-important/ Thu, 31 Aug 2023 05:00:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34436 The post Why Personal Training Is Important appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the pursuit of a healthier and fitter lifestyle, many individuals find themselves seeking guidance and support to achieve their fitness goals effectively. This is where personal training steps in as a transformative and vital aspect of one’s fitness journey. Personal training holds immense importance in providing tailored and expert guidance to individuals of all fitness levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to kickstart your fitness routine or an experienced athlete aiming to push your limits further, personal training offers personalized workout programs, nutritional advice, and motivation to keep you on track. In this article, we delve into the reasons why personal training is important, exploring the numerous benefits it brings to individuals seeking to unlock their full potential and embrace a healthier and more active lifestyle.

The Significance Of Personal Training For Achieving Fitness Goals

The significance of personal training in achieving fitness goals cannot be overstated. Personal training provides individuals with the expertise and guidance they need to design a tailored workout program that aligns with their specific objectives. A skilled personal trainer assesses the individual’s fitness level, health considerations, and aspirations, crafting a personalized plan that maximizes results and minimizes the risk of injury. Moreover, personal trainers serve as motivators and support systems, pushing clients beyond their limits and providing the encouragement needed to stay dedicated to their fitness journey. With the accountability and expertise of a personal trainer, individuals can overcome obstacles, break through plateaus, and achieve their fitness goals efficiently and effectively.

Importance Of Personal Training In Enhancing Health And Wellness

Personal training plays a pivotal role in enhancing health and wellness by providing individuals with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to achieve optimal well-being. A personal trainer takes a comprehensive approach to health, considering not only physical fitness but also mental and emotional aspects. They conduct thorough assessments to understand an individual’s current health status, fitness level, and wellness goals. With this information, a personalized fitness and nutrition plan is devised to address specific needs and aspirations.

Personal training enhances health by promoting regular physical activity, improving cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility. Additionally, it fosters better posture, balance, and coordination, lowering the risk of injuries and enhancing overall mobility. Beyond physical benefits, personal training supports mental wellness by reducing stress, anxiety, and boosting mood through exercise-induced endorphins.

Personalized Workout Programs: Tailored Solutions For Fitness Success

Personalized workout programs are the key to fitness success as they offer tailored solutions that cater to individual needs and goals. These programs take into account factors like fitness level, medical history, preferences, and aspirations, ensuring that each exercise plan is uniquely suited to the individual. By customizing workouts, personal trainers can optimize efficiency, effectiveness, and safety, helping clients achieve their desired results efficiently. The personalized approach ensures that individuals stay motivated, engaged, and committed to their fitness journey. Whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, or overall well-being, personalized workout programs provide the roadmap to success, maximizing progress and empowering individuals to reach their full fitness potential.

Achieving Fitness Goals Through Personal Training

Achieving fitness goals through personal training is a transformative and empowering journey that can lead to remarkable results. Personal trainers serve as dedicated partners, guiding individuals step by step towards their desired fitness objectives. By understanding each client’s unique goals, fitness level, and challenges, personal trainers design customized workout programs tailored to address specific needs. They provide expert guidance on proper exercise techniques, ensuring safety and optimal results. Through ongoing motivation and accountability, personal trainers keep clients focused and committed to their fitness journey, pushing them beyond their perceived limits.

The personal training process involves regular assessments to track progress and make necessary adjustments to the workout plan. This dynamic approach ensures continued growth and keeps individuals motivated throughout their fitness journey. Personal trainers also offer valuable insights into nutrition and lifestyle choices, complementing the exercise regime for comprehensive well-being.

Health And Wellness: The Impact Of Personalized Workout Programs

Personalized workout programs have a profound impact on health and wellness, as they are tailored to meet individual needs and goals. By customizing exercise routines based on specific fitness levels, preferences, and challenges, personalized programs maximize the effectiveness of workouts. They help individuals achieve optimal results while minimizing the risk of injuries. Personalized workout programs are designed to address various aspects of health and wellness, such as improving cardiovascular fitness, building strength and endurance, enhancing flexibility, and promoting overall well-being. With the guidance of a personal trainer, individuals can experience major improvements in their physical health, mental clarity, and energy levels, leading to a balanced and healthier lifestyle.

Personal training plays a vital role in the journey towards a healthier, fitter, and more fulfilling life. The significance of personal training lies in its ability to provide customized guidance, motivation, and support tailored to individual needs and goals. With the expertise of a personal trainer, individuals can design personalized workout programs that maximize results and address specific health and wellness objectives. From achieving fitness goals and enhancing overall health to promoting mental well-being, personalized training programs offer tailored solutions for success. By partnering with a personal trainer, individuals can overcome challenges, stay accountable, and push past limitations on their fitness journey. The impact of personalized workout programs extends beyond physical fitness, positively influencing mental and emotional well-being. Embrace the transformative power of personal training to unlock your full potential and take onboard a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Personal training provides expert guidance and personalized workout programs that are tailored to individual needs, maximizing results and efficiently helping individuals achieve their fitness objectives.

Personal training takes a comprehensive approach to health, addressing physical fitness, mental well-being, and emotional balance through exercise, reducing stress, and promoting better overall health.

Personalized workout programs offer tailored solutions that cater to an individual’s fitness level, preferences, and goals, ensuring maximum efficiency, effectiveness, and motivation.

Personal trainers serve as dedicated partners, providing ongoing motivation, support, and accountability, pushing clients beyond their limits and keeping them focused on achieving their fitness goals.

Personalized workout programs positively impact overall well-being, leading to improved physical health, mental clarity, increased energy levels, and a more balanced and healthier lifestyle.

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Who Should Become A Personal Trainer? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/who-should-become-a-personal-trainer/ Wed, 30 Aug 2023 05:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34402 The post Who Should Become A Personal Trainer? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the world of fitness and wellness, the role of a personal trainer holds immense significance. These dedicated professionals are the guiding force behind countless fitness journeys, helping individuals achieve their health and wellness goals. However, not everyone is cut out to become a personal trainer. This article delves into the question, “Who should become a personal trainer?” and explores the traits, qualities, and passion required to excel in this rewarding profession. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast contemplating a career change or a health-conscious individual aspiring to inspire others, understanding the key attributes and qualifications necessary for this role can set you on the path to becoming a very successful and impactful personal trainer. Let’s uncover the characteristics that make a person well-suited for this dynamic and fulfilling profession.

Personal Trainer Career: A Rewarding Path For Fitness Enthusiasts

Embarking on a personal trainer career can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding path, especially for fitness enthusiasts passionate about helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. As a personal trainer, you have the change to make a positive and lasting impact on people’s lives, guiding them towards improved fitness, confidence, and overall well-being. Your knowledge of exercise techniques, nutrition, and motivation becomes a valuable tool in designing customized workout programs tailored to individual needs. Building strong and trusting relationships with clients, you become a source of support and encouragement throughout their fitness journey. With dedication and a genuine desire to make a big difference, a personal trainer career can lead to a profoundly satisfying and meaningful profession.

Qualifications For Personal Trainers: Steps To Becoming A Fitness Coach

Becoming a fitness coach and pursuing a career as a personal trainer involves a series of essential qualifications and steps that ensure you are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to excel in this rewarding field. First and foremost, obtaining a nationally recognized certification from reputable organizations is crucial. These certifications validate your understanding of exercise science, anatomy, and program design, providing a strong foundation for your coaching journey.

Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships or shadowing experienced trainers can enhance your skills and confidence. Pursuing specialized certifications, such as in nutrition or group fitness instruction, further adds value to your expertise and expands your potential clientele.

Embarking On A Personal Training Profession: Skills And Opportunities

Embarking on a personal training profession opens up a world of opportunities to make a positive impact on others’ lives while pursuing a fulfilling and rewarding career. As a personal trainer, you’ll need a diverse set of skills, including excellent communication, motivation, and the ability to build a very strong relationships with clients. Understanding individual needs and tailoring personalized fitness programs is essential for helping clients achieve their goals effectively. The personal training profession offers flexibility, whether working independently or within fitness centres, gyms, or health clubs. With the mounting emphasis on health and wellness, there is a high demand for skilled personal trainers, presenting a promising pathway for fitness enthusiasts passionate about helping others on their journey to better health and fitness.

Fitness Enthusiasts Turned Personal Trainers: A Journey Of Passion

The journey of fitness enthusiasts turned personal trainers is a testament to the power of passion and dedication in pursuing a rewarding career. For many fitness enthusiasts, their love for physical activity, health, and wellness becomes the driving force behind their decision to become personal trainers. Inspired by their own transformative experiences and a desire to help others, they embark on a journey to share their knowledge and expertise. As they pursue professional certifications and qualifications, these fitness enthusiasts learn the science and art of designing personalized workout programs, understanding human anatomy, and motivating clients to achieve their fitness goals.

Becoming A Fitness Coach: Exploring The Path To Personal Training Success

Becoming a fitness coach is an exhilarating journey that leads to personal training success and the fulfilment of helping others achieve their fitness goals. The path to becoming a fitness coach begins with a passion for health, wellness, and physical activity. Aspiring fitness coaches often start as fitness enthusiasts themselves, seeking to share their love for fitness with others and make a positive impact on their lives.

The journey involves obtaining the necessary qualifications and certifications, delving into the science of exercise, nutrition, and human anatomy. Through reputable training programs, fitness coaches develop a deep understanding of designing customized workout plans, assessing clients’ needs, and providing motivation and support.

The road to personal training success also includes gaining practical experience through internships, mentorships, and hands-on practice with clients. As they progress, fitness coaches refine their coaching skills, communication, and leadership abilities, building a strong foundation for a successful career.

Embracing continuous learning and staying updated with the latest fitness trends and research allows fitness coaches to evolve and adapt their methods, ensuring they provide the most effective and innovative training techniques to their clients.

Becoming a fitness coach offers not only a promising career path but also a sense of purpose and fulfilment by empowering individuals to lead healthier, happier lives through the power of fitness. The journey of becoming a personal trainer is a transformative one, fuelled by passion, dedication, and an actual desire to make a positive impact on others. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast turned personal trainer or someone looking to embark on a personal training profession, the opportunities are vast, and the rewards are immeasurable.

By embracing the qualities and skills necessary for this dynamic and fulfilling role, you can pave the way for personal training success and become a guiding force in helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. As the world emphasizes the importance of health and well-being, the demand for skilled personal trainers continues to grow, making it an ideal path for those seeking a career that makes a difference in people’s lives. So, take the leap, follow your passion, and embark on a journey of personal training success as you inspire and transform lives through the incredible world of fitness coaching.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Personal trainers should possess excellent communication skills, empathy, motivation, and a passion for fitness and wellness. Being a good listener and having the ability to build strong relationships with clients are also essential traits.

While prior fitness experience can be beneficial, it is not an absolute requirement. Aspiring personal trainers can obtain the necessary qualifications and certifications through reputable training programs to build their knowledge and expertise.

To become a personal trainer, individuals typically need to complete a nationally recognized certification program offered by reputable fitness organizations. These programs cover topics such as exercise science, program design, and anatomy.

Absolutely! Fitness enthusiasts who have a genuine passion for health and wellness are well-suited to become personal trainers. Their love for fitness can serve as a driving force in helping others achieve their fitness goals.

Certified personal trainers have a wide range of career opportunities, including working independently, within fitness centres, gyms, health clubs, and even in corporate wellness settings. With the growing emphasis on health and well-being, there is a demand for skilled personal trainers across various industries.

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Who Should Get A Personal Trainer? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/who-should-get-a-personal-trainer/ Wed, 30 Aug 2023 05:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34420 The post Who Should Get A Personal Trainer? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the dynamic realm of health and fitness, the role of a personal trainer transcends mere exercise instruction. The question of “Who Should Get a Personal Trainer?” sparks a journey into the realm of tailored fitness guidance and transformative wellness.

While fitness enthusiasts of all levels can benefit from a trainer’s expertise, this article delves into the nuances of this question, exploring the diverse individuals who can greatly reap the rewards of professional coaching. From beginners seeking a solid foundation to advanced athletes aiming to reach new heights, the spectrum is wide. Join us as we uncover the compelling reasons and myriad benefits behind the decision to enlist the services of a trainers.

Exploring Personal Trainer Benefits: How They Can Transform Your Fitness Journey

Exploring the world of personal trainer benefits unveils a spectrum of transformative possibilities for your fitness journey. Trainers are not just exercise instructors; they serve as your allies, guides, and motivators. Their expertise lies not only in crafting effective workouts but in understanding your unique goals, limitations, and aspirations. Through individualized guidance, they maximize your efforts, optimize your technique, and ensure your safety. Beyond physical gains, trainers empower you mentally, instilling discipline, confidence, and resilience. They tailor workouts that evolve as you progress, preventing plateaus and fostering continuous growth. By investing in a trainers, you invest in a holistic transformation—where every session is a step toward your healthiest, strongest, and most vibrant self.

Fitness Guidance And Beyond: Why You Should Consider A Personal Trainer

Fitness guidance takes on new dimensions when you consider the invaluable role of a trainers. Beyond just telling you which exercises to do, a trainers becomes your fitness strategist, confidant, and source of unwavering support. They dive deep into your health goals, crafting a roadmap that aligns with your aspirations and limitations. The personalized attention ensures every workout is efficient, safe, and effective. But it doesn’t stop at the physical realm. A trainers nurtures your mental resilience, transforming perceived barriers into stepping stones. They celebrate every victory, no matter how small, and keep you accountable when motivation wanes. With a trainers, you’re investing in a comprehensive partnership that transcends exercise routines, fostering a holistic transformation that enriches your body, mind, and overall well-being.

Achieving Your Health Goals: The Role Of Personal Trainers In Wellness

Personal trainers are the architects of your health journey, sculpting the path towards your wellness aspirations. Their expertise extends far beyond just guiding workouts; they become your allies in the pursuit of health goals. With a very deep understanding of exercise science and nutrition, they design customized plans that align with your individual needs. Their guidance empowers you to overcome plateaus, adjust strategies, and stay on course. Moreover, trainers offer unwavering support and motivation, transforming your health objectives from distant dreams into tangible achievements. Through their knowledge, dedication, and encouragement, trainers play a pivotal role in shaping your wellness destiny and ensuring your success in reaching your health goals.

Customized Success: Individualized Workouts With A Personal Trainer

Unlocking your full fitness potential is a journey best undertaken with a trainers. Their hallmark is the art of tailoring workouts to your unique needs. Personal trainers craft exercise regimens that align with your fitness level, preferences, and goals. This customized approach ensures every movement is purposeful and effective, minimizing the risk of injury while maximizing results. They meticulously design routines that challenge you in the right measure, ensuring progression and preventing plateaus. These personalized workouts evolve as you do, adapting to your changing strengths and aspirations. Through this finely tuned approach, trainers not only guide you in the present but also pave the way for your future fitness success. With their expertise, your fitness journey becomes a pathway of individualized success, leading you towards a healthier and stronger you.

Unlocking Your Potential: The Impact Of Professional Coaching With A Personal Trainer

Professional coaching through a trainers has the remarkable ability to unlock your true fitness potential. Their guidance extends beyond the physical realm, encompassing motivation, accountability, and expertise. A personal trainer acts as a mentor, providing insights, setting goals, and tracking your progress. Their presence elevates your workouts, pushing you beyond self-imposed limits and instilling a sense of discipline. With their support, you tap into newfound strengths, both physical and mental. This partnership transcends exercise, fostering a holistic transformation that goes beyond the gym. As you unlock your potential with a trainers, you embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and lasting fitness achievements.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone seeking dedicated guidance, motivation, and tailored workouts to attain their fitness goals can benefit from a personal trainer.

People of all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes, those with specific health concerns, or anyone looking to optimize their workout routine, can benefit.

No, personal trainers cater to various fitness goals, including weight loss, muscle gain, improved cardiovascular health, flexibility, and overall well-being.

Personal trainers with knowledge of rehabilitation and special considerations can design safe and effective exercise plans to accommodate health limitations or injuries.

Yes, personal trainers can create time-efficient workouts that align with your schedule, making fitness achievable even amidst a busy lifestyle.

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What Makes A Good Personal Trainer? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-makes-a-good-personal-trainer/ Tue, 29 Aug 2023 05:00:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34403 The post What Makes A Good Personal Trainer? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the world of fitness, a good personal trainer can be the driving force behind transformative journeys toward health and well-being. The question that often arises is, “What Makes a Good Personal Trainer?” Beyond just facilitating workouts, a great personal trainer embodies a blend of skills, knowledge, and qualities that empower individuals to achieve their fitness goals.

This article delves into the essential attributes that set exceptional trainers apart. From effective communication and motivational prowess to deep expertise in exercise science and tailored coaching, we explore the multifaceted qualities that contribute to a personal trainer’s success. By understanding what truly makes a good personal trainer, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right guide on your fitness journey.

Personal Trainer Qualities: Traits That Define Excellence

Personal trainer qualities are the bedrock of excellence in the fitness industry. These traits go beyond mere physical prowess and encompass a holistic approach to coaching. Effective communication skills enable trainers to connect, listen, and understand clients’ goals and concerns. Empathy and motivational prowess foster a supportive environment, inspiring individuals to push boundaries. Expertise in exercise science and nutrition equips trainers to design customized plans for optimal results. Adaptability allows them to tailor strategies to diverse needs. Patience and dedication ensure progress over time, while leadership guides clients toward success. Ultimately, a good personal trainer embodies a fusion of physical prowess, knowledge, empathy, and communication, shaping a transformative fitness journey for their clients.

Effective Fitness Coaching: Elevating Your Workout Experience

Effective fitness coaching is the cornerstone of an elevated workout experience that transcends the ordinary. A good personal trainer doesn’t just oversee exercises; they orchestrate a journey of transformation. Their guidance navigates beyond sets and reps, encompassing motivation, accountability, and technique refinement. With personalized attention, trainers identify individual strengths, weaknesses, and goals, sculpting a tailored regimen that optimizes results. Their expertise ensures safe and efficient workouts, minimizing the risk of injuries and setbacks.

Moreover, effective fitness coaching is a potent blend of inspiration and education. Trainers not only ignite motivation but also impart knowledge, empowering clients to understand the science behind their efforts. They cultivate mental resilience, encouraging clients to overcome obstacles and surpass limitations. Through attentive guidance, trainers keep workouts dynamic and engaging, fostering consistency and enthusiasm. The mark of a skilled fitness coach lies in their ability to create a symbiotic relationship between guidance, education, and empowerment, culminating in a transformative fitness journey.

 Becoming A Skilled Fitness Instructor: Pathways To Expertise

Becoming a skilled fitness instructor requires a dedicated journey along pathways to expertise. It starts with a deep-rooted passion for health and wellness, coupled with a commitment to continuous learning. Formal education, such as certifications and degrees in exercise science or related fields, lays a strong foundation. However, true expertise is cultivated through hands-on experience, mentoring, and staying current with industry trends.

Mastery involves not only understanding exercise mechanics but also honing communication skills, empathy, and adaptability. Effective fitness instructors prioritize client goals, adjust strategies as needed, and offer unwavering support. They immerse themselves in ongoing education, attending workshops and seminars, and participating in professional networks. This multifaceted journey transforms enthusiasts into skilled instructors capable of guiding individuals toward their fitness aspirations.

Qualifications For Trainers: Steps Toward Fitness Excellence

Qualifications for fitness trainers pave the path toward excellence in the dynamic realm of health and wellness. Attaining these qualifications involves a strategic blend of education, experience, and industry recognition. Formal education, such as degrees in exercise science, kinesiology, or related fields, provides a strong foundation of anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical knowledge.

Acquiring certifications from reputable organizations further validates expertise and ensures adherence to industry standards. These certifications cover a range of specialties, from personal training to group fitness instruction, catering to diverse client needs. Additionally, trainers gain valuable hands-on experience by working with various populations, honing their coaching skills and adapting strategies to meet individual goals.

An essential aspect of qualifications is staying updated with the latest research, trends, and best practices in the fitness industry. Continuous learning through workshops, conferences, and networking enhances a trainer’s ability to provide cutting-edge guidance. The amalgamation of education, certifications, practical experience, and ongoing learning equips trainers with the qualifications needed to excel in their role and make a lasting impact on clients’ fitness journeys.

Professional Fitness Guidance: Navigating The Role Of A Personal Trainer

Professional fitness guidance stands as the cornerstone of a successful fitness journey, with a personal trainer assuming a pivotal role in this process. Beyond crafting workout routines, a skilled trainer becomes a mentor, motivator, and source of unwavering support. Their expertise extends to assessing individual needs, setting realistic goals, and tailoring strategies that align with each client’s unique circumstances. By monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments, trainers ensure consistent growth and optimize results. The ability to offer personalized guidance, expert advice, and a holistic approach distinguishes a professional trainer. Their commitment to helping clients navigate obstacles, achieve milestones, and cultivate a sustainable healthy lifestyle underscores the importance of their role in fostering lasting fitness success.

 

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

A good personal trainer embodies a combination of strong communication skills, deep fitness knowledge, empathy, adaptability, and a genuine passion for helping clients achieve their goals.

Effective fitness coaching goes beyond exercise routines. It involves tailoring workouts to individual needs, providing motivation, and offering expert guidance, ensuring clients stay engaged, progress, and enjoy a positive training journey.

Becoming a skilled fitness instructor involves acquiring relevant certifications, continuous education, practical experience, and developing strong interpersonal skills to effectively connect with and guide clients.

Essential qualifications include recognized certifications from reputable organizations, proficiency in fitness assessment and program design, knowledge of anatomy and physiology, together with an understanding of nutrition and exercise science.

A personal trainer provides professional guidance by assessing individual goals, creating customized workout plans, offering nutritional advice, tracking progress, and adapting strategies as needed to ensure clients achieve optimal results in a safe and sustainable manner.

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What To Look For In A Personal Trainer Certification? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-to-look-for-in-a-personal-trainer-certification/ Tue, 29 Aug 2023 05:00:17 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34390 The post What To Look For In A Personal Trainer Certification? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Embarking on a journey towards becoming a personal trainer is a noble and exciting endeavour, and choosing the right path is essential. A pivotal step in this pursuit is selecting a reputable and suitable personal trainer certification. With the fitness industry flourishing and evolving, the demand for knowledgeable and skilled trainers is higher than ever. But the question arises: “What To Look For In A Personal Trainer Certification?” This question delves into the heart of the matter, as aspiring fitness professionals seek guidance on navigating the myriad certification options available.

In this article, we unravel the key factors that should influence your decision-making process. From certification criteria and accreditation standards to qualification requirements and industry credentials, we provide a comprehensive guide to assist you with making an informed choice in your personal trainer certification journey.

Understanding Personal Trainer Certifications

Personal trainer certifications are pivotal credentials that signify expertise and competence in the fitness industry. These certifications encompass a diverse range of knowledge, from anatomy and physiology to exercise programming as well as nutrition. Understanding personal trainer certifications involves recognizing the various organizations that offer them, each with distinct curriculum and examination processes. Seek certifications that align with recognized industry standards and accrediting bodies, ensuring credibility and quality. Evaluating certification criteria, such as prerequisites and renewal requirements, is crucial. A reputable certification should equip trainers with the skills needed to create effective workout plans, provide nutritional guidance, and ensure clients’ safety. Aspiring personal trainers must consider these factors to choose certifications that best reflect their commitment to excellence.

Evaluating Certification Criteria For Personal Trainers

Evaluating certification criteria is a vital step in choosing the right personal trainer certification program. These criteria define the foundation of a trainer’s knowledge and abilities. Look for programs that require prerequisites such as a high school diploma or equivalent, as this ensures a basic level of education. Consider the comprehensiveness of the curriculum, covering anatomy, physiology, exercise techniques, program design, and client interaction. Accreditation by reputable organizations adds credibility to the certification. Renewal requirements indicate a commitment to staying updated with industry advancements. A well-rounded certification should provide practical experience, either through internships or hands-on assessments. Trainer-to-student ratio in practical sessions impacts the quality of learning. Ultimately, a robust certification criteria should ensure trainers are equipped not only with theoretical knowledge but also practical skills to excel in their role, promoting clients’ safety and effective fitness outcomes.

Navigating Accreditation Standards In Personal Trainer Certifications

Navigating accreditation standards is crucial when selecting a personal trainer certification. Accreditation ensures that a certification program meets industry-recognized quality standards. Look for certifications accredited by reputable organizations. Accreditation signifies that the certification aligns with recognized fitness industry guidelines and upholds a high level of credibility. It assures employers and clients that trainers have received education and training that adhere to industry standards. When evaluating certification options, prioritize those backed by credible accreditations to ensure that your chosen program is respected and valued within the fitness industry.

Meeting Qualification Requirements For Personal Trainer Certification

Meeting qualification requirements is a pivotal step in pursuing a personal trainer certification. These requirements establish the foundation for your competence and expertise as a fitness professional. Typically, certifications have prerequisites like a Matric or equivalent, as well as a minimum age requirement. Moreover, many certifications demand CPR certifications, highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness in a fitness setting. Some programs may also recommend or require prior fitness-related experience or education. These prerequisites ensure that candidates enter the certification process with a baseline level of knowledge and readiness. When considering a certification, thoroughly review the qualification requirements and assess if you meet them. Fulfilling these prerequisites not only sets you on the path to certification but also reflects your commitment to professional development and the safety of your future clients.

Exploring Fitness Industry Credentials In Personal Training

Exploring fitness industry credentials within personal training is crucial for both professional advancement and client trust. These credentials encompass specialized certifications that demonstrate expertise in various fitness domains, such as group training, specialized populations, or advanced exercise techniques. Acquiring additional credentials beyond a basic certification showcases a commitment to continuous learning and a diverse skill set. Reputable fitness organizations offer a range of these credentials, allowing personal trainers to tailor their expertise to specific client needs. By holding industry-recognized credentials, trainers not only expand their knowledge but also instil confidence in clients seeking specialized guidance. Such credentials exemplify dedication to staying current with fitness trends and fostering a deeper understanding of fitness nuances, elevating the quality of training provided.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When choosing a personal trainer certification, consider factors such as accreditation, reputation, curriculum, and the organization’s recognition within the fitness industry.

Accreditation is vital as it ensures the certification program meets industry standards and is recognized by fitness professionals, employers, and clients.

The curriculum should cover essential topics such as exercise science, anatomy, program design, and client assessment, providing a well-rounded education for trainers.

Yes, organizations like ACSM, NASM, ACE, and ISSA are highly respected and offer certifications that are well-regarded within the fitness community.

Research the certification organization’s history, industry affiliations, and reviews from certified trainers to ensure credibility and authenticity.

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Can Personal Trainers Recommend Supplements? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-personal-trainers-recommend-supplements/ Mon, 28 Aug 2023 05:00:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34378 The post Can Personal Trainers Recommend Supplements? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the realm of health and fitness, trainers are pivotal figures who guide individuals on their journey toward optimal well-being. With the increasing popularity of dietary supplements, a pertinent question arises: “Can Personal Trainers Recommend Supplements?” This query delves into the intersection of fitness guidance and nutritional supplementation, exploring the extent to which trainers can offer advice on these products.

In this article, we will navigate the complex landscape of supplements within the realm of personal training, unravelling the considerations, responsibilities, and ethical aspects associated with offering dietary advice. By examining the potential benefits, risks, and limitations, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role trainers play in providing guidance regarding nutritional supplements.

Personal Trainers’ Role In Recommending Supplements

Personal trainers wield a significant influence over their clients’ health and fitness journeys, making their role in recommending supplements a topic of interest. While trainers are experts in fitness guidance, their expertise in nutritional supplements can vary. Trainers often have a foundational understanding of basic supplements like vitamins and minerals, but their ability to provide detailed advice might be limited. It’s crucial for trainers to prioritize evidence-based recommendations and avoid promoting unverified or potentially harmful products. While trainers can offer general dietary guidance, they should be cautious when delving into the realm of supplements due to the complex and individualized nature of nutritional needs. Collaborating with registered dietitians or nutritionists can enhance their ability to provide comprehensive guidance to clients seeking supplement recommendations.

Understanding Supplements: Guidance From Fitness Professionals

In the world of fitness, the topic of whether personal trainers can recommend supplements sparks a multifaceted discussion. While trainers excel in guiding clients through workouts and lifestyle changes, their role in offering supplement advice is nuanced. Many trainers possess a foundational knowledge of common supplements, such as protein powders or multivitamins, and can provide general insights. However, delving into specific recommendations demands caution. The field of supplements is intricate and ever evolving, with varying impacts on individuals based on factors like health status and goals. As such, trainers must tread carefully, prioritizing evidence-based guidance and collaborating with registered dietitians or nutrition experts when necessary. By fostering this partnership, trainers can provide more holistic support, offering clients well-rounded fitness and nutritional advice that aligns with their individual needs and aspirations.

Dietary Advice And Nutritional Supplements: Personal Trainers’ Perspective

Within the realm of fitness and well-being, trainers play an incredibly important role in assisting clients with achieving their goals, encompassing not only exercise routines but also dietary choices. While personal trainers can offer general dietary advice, their expertise regarding nutritional supplements may vary. As fitness professionals, they often possess knowledge of common supplements and their potential benefits. Yet, it’s important to acknowledge that personalized supplement recommendations require a more comprehensive understanding of clients’ individual needs, health conditions, and goals. To ensure the best outcomes, trainers may collaborate with registered dietitians or nutritionists, creating a collaborative approach that empowers clients with well-rounded guidance for both dietary choices and nutritional supplement considerations.

Fitness Guidance And Supplement Recommendations By Personal Trainers

Fitness guidance by trainers extends beyond exercise routines, encompassing dietary choices and potential supplement recommendations. While personal trainers can provide general insights into supplements, their expertise may vary based on their training and knowledge. They often emphasize obtaining essential nutrients from whole foods as the basis of a healthy lifestyle. When considering supplements, personal trainers typically focus on common ones like protein powder, multivitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids.

It’s crucial to note that personalized supplement recommendations require an in-depth understanding of an individual’s health status, goals, and lifestyle. Personal trainers may encourage clients to consult registered dietitians or healthcare professionals for tailored advice. Collaborating with experts ensures that supplement choices align with individual needs, optimizing health and performance. The integration of fitness guidance and informed supplement suggestions forms a comprehensive approach to helping individuals achieve their desired health and fitness outcomes.

Navigating Nutritional Supplements: Insights From Personal Trainers

Navigating the realm of nutritional supplements requires a balanced perspective, and trainers play a pivotal role in providing insights. While personal trainers aren’t licensed dietitians, many possess knowledge about basic supplements and their potential benefits. They emphasize that supplements should complement a well-rounded diet and active lifestyle, not replace them. Personal trainers often advocate for whole foods as the primary source of nutrients, while acknowledging that certain supplements might fill nutritional gaps. They stress the importance of transparency in labelling and avoiding unregulated products. However, trainers advise clients to consult registered dietitians or healthcare professionals for tailored guidance, ensuring safety and appropriateness. The expertise of trainers adds value to clients’ journeys toward optimal health and fitness.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Trainers can provide general information about supplements, but they aren’t licensed to prescribe them. It’s best for clients to consult registered dietitians or doctors for personalized advice.

Personal trainers can offer basic information about supplements, emphasizing their role in a balanced diet. They can suggest clients consult healthcare professionals before making supplement choices.

Trainers often receive basic education on supplements as part of their certification. However, they don’t have the in-depth knowledge of registered dietitians or nutritionists.

Yes, personal trainers prioritize whole foods and dietary changes to meet clients’ nutritional needs. They recommend focusing on balanced meals before considering supplements.

Clients should openly discuss their health goals and any supplements they’re considering with their personal trainers. Trainers can provide general guidance but may encourage clients to seek specialized advice from healthcare professionals.

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How Can A Personal Trainer Help Me? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-a-personal-trainer-help-me/ Mon, 28 Aug 2023 05:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34389 The post How Can A Personal Trainer Help Me? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the quest for improved fitness, achieving specific health goals, and leading a healthier lifestyle, many individuals seek the expertise of a personal trainer. A personal trainer can be a game-changer in your fitness journey, providing personalized guidance, motivation, and support tailored to your bespoke needs and aspirations. From designing a customized exercise program to offering nutritional advice and tracking your progress, a trainer plays a pivotal role in helping you attain your fitness objectives efficiently and effectively. This article explores the various ways a personal trainer can assist you in attaining your fitness goals, empowering you to unlock your full potential and embrace a healthier, happier lifestyle.

The role Of A Personal Trainer In Achieving Your Fitness Goals

A trainer plays a critical role in guiding and empowering individuals to achieve their fitness goals. With their expertise and knowledge, they create personalized exercise programs tailored to individual needs, abilities, and aspirations. Personal trainers provide motivation and accountability, ensuring clients remain on track and committed to their fitness journey. They offer guidance on proper exercise techniques, helping to prevent injuries and maximize results. Additionally, trainers provide nutritional advice and support, addressing dietary concerns to complement the workout routine. Through regular assessments and tracking progress, they adapt and modify the program as needed, ensuring continuous improvement. Ultimately, a personal trainer serves as a dedicated partner in the pursuit of improved fitness and overall well-being.

Designing An Effective Exercise Program With A Personal Trainer

Designing an effective exercise program with a trainer is a transformative experience that sets individuals on the path to attaining their fitness goals. Personal trainers bring their skills and knowledge to the table, conducting thorough assessments of clients’ fitness levels, health history, and aspirations. Based on this comprehensive understanding, they craft personalized exercise programs tailored to specific needs and objectives. These programs incorporate a variety of exercises, from cardiovascular workouts and strength training to flexibility and balance exercises, ensuring a well-rounded approach to fitness. Trainers also consider any existing injuries or limitations, adapting the program to prevent further strain and promote safe progress.

Beyond just providing exercise routines, trainers serve as motivators, ensuring clients stay focused and committed to their journey. They offer continuous support, guidance, and encouragement, empowering people to push beyond their limits and achieve results they once deemed unattainable. Through regular assessments and progress tracking, trainers fine-tune the exercise program, making adjustments to maintain steady improvement. This dynamic and individualized approach to exercise makes trainers invaluable partners in the pursuit of improved health and overall well-being.

Prioritizing Health And Wellness With Personal Training

Prioritizing health and wellness with personal training is a transformative journey that empowers individuals to take charge of their overall well-being. Trainers serve as dedicated partners, guiding clients through a comprehensive approach to health that encompasses physical fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. They assess individual needs and create customized fitness programs that align with specific health goals. Through personalized coaching, trainers provide valuable insights into proper exercise techniques, nutritional choices, and stress management strategies. By prioritizing health and wellness with personal training, individuals gain the tools and motivation to lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle, fostering long-term vitality and happiness.

Tracking Your Fitness Progress With A Personal Trainer

Tracking your fitness progress with a trainer is an essential aspect of achieving your health and fitness goals. Personal trainers play a very important role in helping you monitor and assess your fitness journey, ensuring that you stay on track and make significant progress. They employ various methods to track your fitness, such as regular assessments, body measurements, and performance evaluations. By keeping a close eye on your progress, trainers can identify areas of improvement, adjust your exercise program, and celebrate your successes. Additionally, tracking your fitness progress provides you with tangible evidence of your hard work and dedication, boosting motivation and confidence. Personal trainers offer valuable support and guidance throughout the process, encouraging you to push past limitations and reach new heights of fitness and well-being. With their expertise and personalized approach, trainers become your partner in success, helping you stay focused and committed to achieving lasting results.

Why Hiring A Personal Trainer Can Enhance Your Fitness Journey

Hiring a trainer can significantly enhance your fitness journey by providing personalized guidance, motivation, and expertise. A trainer creates a tailored exercise program based on your particular goals, fitness level, and preferences, ensuring maximum effectiveness and safety. They offer constant support, pushing you beyond your limits and helping you overcome plateaus. With their knowledge of proper form and technique, trainers reduce the risk of injury and optimize your workouts. They act as a source of accountability, ensuring you stay committed to your fitness routine. Moreover, a trainer can educate you about nutrition and lifestyle choices, complementing your exercise efforts. With their encouragement and dedication to your success, a personal trainer becomes a valuable ally on your path to achieving a healthier and fitter lifestyle.

A personal trainer can be a valuable tool on your journey to improved fitness and overall well-being. From designing customized exercise programs to offering nutritional guidance and tracking your progress, personal trainers play a crucial role in assisting you with achieving your health goals efficiently and effectively. They provide motivation, support, and accountability, empowering you to push beyond your limits and embrace new challenges. With their expertise and personalized approach, personal trainers become dedicated partners in your pursuit of a healthier and fitter lifestyle. By prioritizing health and wellness, and tracking your progress, personal training becomes a transformative experience that empowers you to take full charge of your physical and mental well-being. Embracing the guidance of a personal trainer can enhance your fitness journey, leading to lasting results and a happier, healthier you.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A personal trainer can put together a tailored exercise program based upon your goals, fitness level, and preferences, ensuring maximum effectiveness and progress.

Yes, a personal trainer serves as a constant source of motivation and support, motivating you to conquer challenges and remain committed to your goals.

Personal trainers provide hands-on guidance and feedback, lowering the risk of injury and optimizing the efficiency of your workouts.

Absolutely, many personal trainers offer nutritional guidance and lifestyle advice to complement your exercise efforts and enhance overall well-being.

Besides physical fitness, personal trainers can improve your mental well-being, boost your confidence, and help you develop sustainable habits for long-term health.

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How Do Boxing Exercises Contribute To Improved Upper Body Mobility? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-boxing-exercises-contribute-to-improved-upper-body-mobility/ Fri, 25 Aug 2023 05:00:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34377 The post How Do Boxing Exercises Contribute To Improved Upper Body Mobility? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In a world often constrained by sedentary routines, the importance of upper body mobility resonates more than ever. Enter boxing exercises – not only renowned for their cardiovascular benefits but also for their potential to revolutionize upper body movement. This exploration takes us into the realm where boxing and mobility intersect, unravelling the ways in which these exercise contribute to improved upper body mobility. Join us as we delve into the science and strategies behind this dynamic approach to fitness and unveil a path to a more agile and adaptable you.

Enhancing Upper Body Mobility Through Boxing Exercises

Incorporating boxing exercises into your fitness repertoire isn’t just about building strength and endurance – it’s a doorway to amplified upper body mobility. The controlled movements and rhythmic punches engaged in boxing routines effectively stretch and strengthen muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These actions promote joint flexibility and an expanded range of motion, resulting in improved mobility. As you jab, hook, and weave, you’re not only honing boxing skills but also fostering fluidity in daily movements. This article explores the science behind how these exercise bolster upper body mobility, empowering you to reach for, and attain, a new level of flexibility and freedom.

Effective Boxing Exercises for Improved Range of Motion

When it comes to achieving exceptional range of motion, boxing exercises offer a dynamic and effective solution. The deliberate and controlled actions involved in boxing techniques stretch and engage a wide array of muscles throughout the upper body. As you practice jabs, crosses, and uppercuts, your shoulders, arms, and torso undergo comprehensive stretching, enhancing their flexibility and extension capabilities. This results in increased joint mobility and improved muscle elasticity, allowing you to perform everyday tasks with newfound ease and grace.

Shadow boxing, for instance, encourages full extension of your limbs, promoting shoulder mobility and spinal rotation. Speed bag workouts engage the wrists, forearms, and shoulders, boosting joint flexibility. Incorporating these exercises into your routine not only refines your boxing prowess but also revitalizes your body’s innate capacity to move freely. By embracing the rhythmic cadence of effective exercises, you’re not only optimizing physical performance but also enriching your life with the beauty of unrestricted motion.

A Dynamic Approach to Boost Joint Flexibility

Boxing exercises offer more than just a way to build strength – they serve as a dynamic pathway to elevate joint flexibility. The intricate motions involved in boxing routines extend your joints through their full range of motion, actively stretching and strengthening the connective tissues. As you throw punches and weave, your shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints experience controlled tension and release. This deliberate stress fosters increased elasticity, enabling your joints to move smoothly and effortlessly. By integrating these exercise into your regimen, you’re not only refining your boxing skills but also empowering your body to enjoy newfound flexibility and adaptability in all your movements.

Incorporating Boxing Exercises into Your Fitness Training Routine

Elevate your fitness regimen by weaving in the dynamism of boxing exercises. Beyond the conventional workouts, boxing introduces an invigorating blend of cardio, strength, and agility training. Shadow boxing becomes a dance of precision, engaging muscles across your upper body while boosting endurance. Heavy bag sessions meld power with technique, intensifying your core engagement and refining your stance. Pad work not only sharpens your reflexes but also transforms your routine into a spirited full-body workout.

The beauty lies in the versatility – these exercise seamlessly complement your existing fitness plan. By stepping into the boxing realm, you infuse variety and excitement while targeting muscle groups that might have been overlooked. This fusion elevates your cardiovascular health, refines your muscle tone, and amplifies your coordination. So, seize the gloves and add a punch of intensity to your routine; the amalgamation of fitness and boxing will sculpt a more resilient, powerful, and agile version of you.

Unlocking Upper Body Mobility: The Role of Boxing Exercises in Joint Flexibility

The journey to improved upper body mobility finds a formidable ally in boxing exercises, renowned for their transformative impact on joint flexibility. As you execute punches, hooks, and defensive manoeuvres, your shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints experience deliberate and controlled stretching. These actions dynamically engage the connective tissues, enhancing their pliability and contributing to a broader range of motion. By conditioning these joints through boxing’s rhythmic patterns, you’re cultivating resilience and adaptability in the intricate mechanisms that govern movement.

Boxing exercises don’t merely foster strength and coordination; they work synergistically to liberate your upper body’s potential for fluid, unencumbered motion. This article delves into the science behind boxing’s influence on joint flexibility, illuminating how each jab and weave contributes to your journey of unlocking and embracing the full spectrum of upper body mobility.

In a modern era marked by sedentary routines, the value of upper body mobility has surged. Enter these exercise – a gateway not only to cardiovascular health but also a revolution in upper body movement. Through dynamic motions, boxing cultivates joint flexibility, revealing a path to agility.

From shadow boxing’s rhythmic stretches to the intricacies of bag work, each move becomes a step towards liberating joints. This isn’t just about physical prowess; it’s about empowering the body to move harmoniously. So, whether a boxing enthusiast or fitness explorer, the fusion of motion and technique paves the way for an agile, more empowered self.

This journey into boxing’s world underscores that each punch is more than force; it’s an embodiment of fluidity, vitality, and progress. As boxing and mobility merge, we unveil a chapter of resilience and strength that’s both invigorating and transformative.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a boxing instructor, then you need to do our Boxing Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Boxing exercises promote upper body mobility through controlled movements that stretch and strengthen muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These exercises involve various punches, hooks, and weaving motions that engage the shoulders, elbows, and wrists, thereby increasing joint flexibility and range of motion.

Yes, certain boxing exercises are particularly effective for enhancing upper body mobility. Shadow boxing encourages full extension of limbs, enhancing shoulder mobility and spinal rotation. Speed bag workouts engage wrists, forearms, and shoulders, boosting joint flexibility.

Boxing exercises subject joints to deliberate tension and release as you execute punches and movements. This controlled stress promotes increased elasticity in connective tissues, enabling joints to move more smoothly and effortlessly.

Absolutely. Boxing exercises can be seamlessly incorporated into fitness routines, providing an engaging blend of cardio, strength, and agility training. Shadow boxing, heavy bag sessions, and pad work enhance muscle tone, coordination, and cardiovascular health while contributing to improved upper body mobility.

The exploration reveals that boxing exercises offer more than just physical strength – they empower individuals to achieve enhanced upper body mobility. By embracing the controlled movements and techniques of boxing, individuals can tap into a dynamic avenue for greater flexibility, agility, and overall physical well-being.

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Can Bootcamp Workouts Be Incorporated Into A Weightlifting Routine? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-bootcamp-workouts-be-incorporated-into-a-weightlifting-routine/ Fri, 25 Aug 2023 05:00:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34370 The post Can Bootcamp Workouts Be Incorporated Into A Weightlifting Routine? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the ever-evolving world of fitness, where diverse workout routines cater to various goals, the question of integrating bootcamp workouts into a weightlifting regimen has gained substantial attention. As fitness enthusiasts seek comprehensive approaches to achieve their goals, the prospect of combining these two distinct training styles has sparked curiosity and discussion. Bootcamp workouts, known for their high-intensity, full-body approach, stand in contrast to the controlled, strength-focused nature of weightlifting routines. However, the idea of incorporating bootcamp elements into a weightlifting routine presents an exciting opportunity for a holistic fitness experience.

This article delves into the realm of fitness fusion, exploring the potential benefits, challenges, and considerations of blending these workouts into a weightlifting regimen. As we navigate through the realms of incorporation, fitness fusion, and training synergy, we aim to unravel the science and strategies behind achieving a harmonious balance between these two dynamic training methods.

Enhancing Your Weightlifting Routine With Bootcamp Workouts

Elevate your weightlifting routine by infusing the dynamic intensity of bootcamp workouts. The combination of precision strength training and high-energy bootcamp exercises offers a multifaceted approach to fitness. By incorporating bootcamp elements, you introduce agility, cardiovascular endurance, and functional movements that complement the controlled nature of weightlifting. This fusion not only enhances muscle development but also challenges your body in new ways, breaking plateaus and boosting overall athleticism. From compound lifts to circuit-style drills, this hybrid approach fosters a balanced physique and amplifies results. Embrace the synergy of these distinct training methodologies and propel your fitness journey to new heights.

Achieving Fitness Fusion: Incorporating Bootcamp Workouts Into Your Weightlifting Routine

Achieving fitness fusion through the seamless integration of bootcamp workouts into your weightlifting routine heralds a transformative approach to physical conditioning. This dynamic blend marries the precision of weightlifting’s muscle-targeting exercises with the invigorating vigour of bootcamp’s high-intensity interval training. By infusing your regimen with bootcamp elements, you inject variety that keeps your body engaged, prevents monotony, and ignites metabolic response.

The incorporation of bootcamp’s functional movements, plyometrics, and cardiovascular challenges bolsters your endurance and agility, synergizing with the strength gains from weightlifting. This fusion stimulates new muscle fibres, accelerates calorie burn, and enhances overall athleticism. It’s a fusion that dismantles traditional boundaries, granting you a holistic fitness experience that transcends limitations. As you navigate between deadlifts and agility drills, you unlock a versatile arsenal that forges a resilient physique. Fitness fusion, underpinned by this unique amalgamation, propels you towards comprehensive growth, both in strength and dynamic prowess.

Maximizing Training Synergy: How To Blend Bootcamp Workouts And Weightlifting Routines

Maximizing training synergy involves skilfully intertwining these workouts with weightlifting routines, creating a powerhouse regimen that taps into the benefits of both disciplines. By strategically combining bootcamp’s explosive movements, endurance challenges, and cardio-intensive drills with the focused strength-building of weightlifting, you foster a harmonious balance. The alternating intensity triggers muscle confusion and prevents adaptation plateaus, accelerating gains. This holistic approach addresses diverse fitness aspects, from muscular development to cardiovascular health. The strategic infusion of bootcamp elements into a weightlifting routine optimizes time, pushing boundaries, and nurturing a well-rounded fitness journey that thrives on the dynamic coalescence of strength, agility, and stamina.

The Power Of Incorporating Bootcamp Workouts Into Your Weightlifting Routine

Unleash the power of fitness evolution by seamlessly weaving these workouts into your weightlifting routine. This fusion transcends conventional training, harnessing the dynamic energy of bootcamp sessions to augment the precision of weightlifting. By interlacing strength-focused lifts with bootcamp’s intense circuit training, you harness the best of both worlds. The power-packed combination not only amplifies muscle development but also turbocharges metabolism and cardiovascular endurance. Bootcamp’s functional exercises and high-octane drills complement weightlifting’s controlled movements, creating a symphony of growth and vitality.

As you integrate these disciplines, your body adapts dynamically, breaking monotony and enhancing overall athleticism. The versatility in training ensures well-rounded progress, maximizing muscle engagement, and refining agility. With each squat, each sprint, you redefine your limits, capitalizing on the synergy of these methodologies. This fusion amplifies results and fuels a holistic transformation that stands as a testament to the potent power of uniting two diverse training realms.

Exploring The Fitness Benefits Of Combining Bootcamp Workouts And Weightlifting Routines

Delve into a realm of fitness innovation by exploring the myriad benefits of fusing these workouts with weightlifting routines. This journey ventures beyond traditional boundaries, merging high-intensity bootcamp drills with the precision of weightlifting techniques. This unique combination enhances muscle growth, bolsters cardiovascular endurance, and ignites metabolism. The synergy ignites calorie burn long after the workout ends. As you squat, press, and lunge alongside explosive circuits and agility drills, your body adapts dynamically, cultivating a resilient, agile physique. This synergy sparks a comprehensive transformation that transcends individual disciplines, catapulting you into a realm where strength, stamina, and vitality coalesce for optimal fitness outcomes.

The fusion of bootcamp workouts with weightlifting routines offers a transformative approach to fitness. By seamlessly blending these methodologies, we unlock the potential for holistic growth. Elevating weightlifting with high-energy bootcamp elements introduces variety, while integrating explosive drills with focused strength-building achieves a harmonious balance. This synergy stimulates muscle diversity, boosts endurance, and redefines limits. The power of combining these disciplines amplifies results and propels us towards a realm where strength, agility, and vitality converge for comprehensive fitness.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on becoming a bootcamp instructor? If you are then check out our Bootcamp Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, these workouts can complement a weightlifting routine exceptionally well. The combination of strength-focused weightlifting exercises with high-intensity bootcamp elements creates a balanced and comprehensive fitness regimen.

Bootcamp workouts infuse variety, agility, and cardiovascular challenges into a weightlifting routine. This enhances overall athleticism, prevents plateaus, and accelerates metabolic response.

These workouts add functional movements, explosive drills, and cardiovascular endurance challenges, which complement the controlled muscle-building of weightlifting. This synergy stimulates muscle growth, calorie burn, and overall fitness.

Yes, beginners can gradually integrate bootcamp workouts into their weightlifting routine. Starting with moderate intensity and progressively increasing the bootcamp elements allows for a seamless transition and gradual adaptation.

Consulting a fitness professional is recommended, especially for those new to either bootcamp workouts or weightlifting. They can provide personalized guidance to ensure proper form, prevent injury, and tailor the fusion to individual fitness goals.

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How Do I Avoid Overtraining With Indoor Cycling? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-i-avoid-overtraining-with-indoor-cycling/ Thu, 24 Aug 2023 05:00:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34369 The post How Do I Avoid Overtraining With Indoor Cycling? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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As indoor cycling gains popularity as an invigorating and effective fitness routine, it’s essential to strike a harmonious balance between enthusiasm and caution. While pushing your limits is commendable, the risk of overtraining can’t be overlooked. “How Do I Avoid Overtraining With Indoor Cycling?” delves into this crucial aspect, guiding both beginners and experienced enthusiasts on navigating the fine line between progress and burnout. In this article, we’ll explore actionable strategies to help you make the most of spinning while preventing the pitfalls of overtraining. From understanding the signs of overtraining to establishing training balance, you’ll gain insights that empower you to optimize your fitness journey and safeguard your well-being.

Understanding Overtraining: Balancing Indoor Cycling And Fitness Goals

Mastering the intricate balance between pushing the boundaries of one’s physical capacity and sidestepping the perils of overtraining is of utmost importance in the realm of indoor cycling, where aspirations of achieving fitness milestones are intertwined. Overtraining, a widely recognized pitfall, can usher in debilitating consequences such as fatigue, compromised performance levels, and even physical injuries. The essence of this article lies in its deep dive into the multifaceted nature of overtraining, with a specific focus on its relevance within the spinning arena. As we navigate the uncharted waters of this phenomenon, we illuminate the telltale signs, dissect the underlying causes, and vividly paint the portrait of its potential aftermath. Equipped with these insights, readers are poised to adopt a more judicious and enlightened approach, embracing practical methodologies that emphasize the equilibrium between intensiveness and strategic recuperation. In this harmonious interplay, the pathway to unlocking optimal strides in fitness advancement unveils itself.

Navigating Avoidance And Sustainable Training

Navigating the intensity of indoor cycling holds the key to achieving sustainable training outcomes while steering clear of overtraining. Striking the right balance between pushing limits and practicing avoidance is an art that requires understanding and strategy. This article delves into the intricacies of managing spinning intensity for long-term success. By examining the fine line between challenging oneself and overexertion, readers will gain insights into recognizing warning signs of overtraining. Furthermore, actionable tips for adjusting intensity levels, incorporating adequate recovery, and fostering mental resilience will be explored. Armed with this knowledge, individuals can optimize their spinning routines for enduring progress, enhancing their fitness goals, and maintaining a harmonious relationship with their bodies.

Achieving Training Balance: Strategies To Prevent Overtraining In Indoor Cycling

Finding the delicate balance between pushing the boundaries of one’s capabilities and circumventing the risks associated with overtraining is an essential focal point for those immersed in the world of indoor cycling. This article delves into actionable strategies crafted with precision, functioning as a shield against the potential hazards of overexertion. The core emphasis lies in the recognition of gradual advancement, prudent integration of rest intervals, and an acute sensitivity to the body’s cues. As we navigate through this comprehensive exploration, readers are poised to uncover the art of harmonizing their passion for spinning with informed training methodologies. This pursuit transcends mere exertion, evolving into a finely calibrated regimen that orchestrates not only progress but also endurance, culminating in the holistic well-being of the enthusiast.

Mastering Fitness Progress: Effective Avoidance Of Overtraining In Indoor Cycling

Mastering fitness progress in the realm of indoor cycling requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes effective avoidance of overtraining. This article delves into the art of achieving sustained growth while safeguarding against the risks of pushing too hard. By dissecting the factors that contribute to overtraining, such as inadequate recovery, improper periodization, and ignoring warning signs, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of training moderation.

The Art Of Training Balance: Integrating Indoor Cycling For Optimal Fitness Without Overtraining

The art of training balance lies in seamlessly integrating indoor cycling to achieve optimal fitness without succumbing to overtraining. This article dives into the intricate interplay between pushing limits and preserving well-being. By delving into the science behind overtraining and its impact on performance and health, readers will glean insights into the significance of strategic recovery, tailored training plans, and mindful adjustments. The piece explores how spinning can serve as both a dynamic workout and a tool for holistic fitness when approached with an eye for moderation. By mastering this equilibrium, enthusiasts can unlock the transformative power of spinning while nurturing their overall fitness and vitality.

In the world of indoor cycling, finding the delicate balance between pushing your boundaries and preventing overtraining is essential for your fitness journey’s success. As this article concludes its exploration into the strategies to avoid overtraining, it’s clear that the harmony between intensity and recovery is the cornerstone of optimal progress. Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced enthusiast, understanding the signs of overtraining, adapting your training intensity, and listening to your body’s cues are vital. By embracing these insights, you’re empowered to make the most of your indoor cycling endeavours while safeguarding your well-being. Remember, achieving your fitness goals is a journey that demands a balance of enthusiasm, smart training, and self-care.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Overtraining occurs when you exceed your body’s ability to recover from the stress of intense indoor cycling sessions. It can lead to decreased performance, fatigue, and even injuries.

Watch out for persistent fatigue, decreased motivation, disrupted sleep, and unexplained performance plateaus. These could be indicators of overtraining.

Gradually increase workout intensity, incorporate rest days for recovery, listen to your body, adjust your training volume, and cross-train to give specific muscle groups a break.

Absolutely. Adequate nutrition supports your body’s recovery and energy levels. Focus on a balanced diet rich in nutrients, staying hydrated, and consuming sufficient protein.

It’s crucial to follow a well-structured training plan that includes progressive overload, adequate rest, and variety in your workouts. Listen to your body’s signals and be open to adjusting your routine when needed.

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Can Kettlebell Exercises Help With Alleviating Lower Back Pain? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-kettlebell-exercises-help-with-alleviating-lower-back-pain/ Thu, 24 Aug 2023 05:00:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34364 The post Can Kettlebell Exercises Help With Alleviating Lower Back Pain? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Lower back pain is a common ailment that affects people of all ages and lifestyles. Whether it stems from sedentary habits, poor posture, or strenuous activities, finding effective ways to alleviate this discomfort is a priority for many. In recent years, kettlebell exercises have gained recognition not only for their ability to build strength and endurance but also for their potential to provide relief from back pain. This article delves into the intriguing question: Can kettlebell exercises truly help in alleviating lower back pain? By exploring the principles of kettlebell workouts and their impact on back health, we aim to uncover whether this fitness approach could offer a promising solution for those seeking relief from persistent back discomfort.

Effective Kettlebell Exercises For Alleviating Lower Back Pain

Effective kettlebell exercises have emerged as a promising solution for alleviating back pain. By targeting core muscles and enhancing spinal stability, these exercises help in reducing strain on the back. Kettlebell swings, deadlifts, and Turkish get-ups engage muscles that support the spine, promoting improved posture and flexibility. The controlled movements involved in kettlebell workouts contribute to muscle balance and alleviate pressure on the back. When executed with proper form and technique, these exercises not only strengthen the body but also offer a potential avenue for finding relief from persistent back discomfort.

Exploring Kettlebell Workouts For Lower Back Health

Exploring kettlebell workouts unveils a promising avenue for nurturing lower back health. Kettlebell exercises, known for their dynamic and holistic approach, engage various muscle groups, including those crucial for supporting the back. Incorporating exercises like kettlebell swings, which emphasize the hip hinge movement, promotes strong glutes and core muscles, vital for maintaining spinal alignment and reducing stress on the back. Additionally, movements like Turkish get-ups foster improved proprioception and stability, contributing to better posture and enhanced back health. The controlled nature of exercises encourages muscle balance and flexibility, fostering a protective shield for the spine. By delving into kettlebell workouts designed with proper technique and gradual progression, individuals can potentially find a pathway to strengthen their back and alleviate discomfort, supporting overall spinal wellness.

Utilizing Kettlebell Exercises For Natural Back Pain Relief

Harnessing the power of kettlebell exercises offers a natural approach to back pain relief. Kettlebell workouts engage the core, glutes, and stabilizing muscles, addressing imbalances that often contribute to back discomfort. Movements like kettlebell swings promote proper hip mechanics and strengthen the posterior chain, reducing strain on the back. By enhancing overall core strength and promoting spinal alignment, these exercises provide a foundation for natural pain alleviation. The controlled nature of exercises also encourages gradual progression, minimizing the risk of exacerbating existing pain. Incorporating exercises into a well-rounded fitness routine may serve as a holistic strategy to mitigate back pain and support a healthier, pain-free back.

Improving Lower Back Health With Targeted Kettlebell Workouts

Elevating lower back health becomes attainable through tailored kettlebell workouts. These exercises offer a strategic approach to strengthening muscles that play a pivotal role in maintaining spinal integrity. Kettlebell swings, for instance, engage the hip hinge movement, bolstering the glutes and core while enhancing lumbar stability. The controlled momentum in exercises fosters improved muscle coordination and balance, which are essential for a resilient back. Turkish get-ups, another cornerstone of kettlebell training, encourage full-body engagement and functional mobility, aligning with back wellness. By executing these targeted movements with proper technique, individuals can cultivate a robust foundation of core strength, flexibility, and posture alignment. Integrating kettlebell workouts into a comprehensive fitness regimen could potentially pave the way for better back health and contribute to a life free from persistent discomfort.

Kettlebell Workouts: A Promising Approach To Alleviate Lower Back Pain

Kettlebell workouts present a promising avenue for tackling lower back pain. These workouts offer a comprehensive approach, focusing on strengthening core muscles, improving posture, and enhancing spinal stability. Exercises like kettlebell swings and deadlifts engage the entire posterior chain, alleviating stress on the back. The controlled movements inherent in kettlebell workouts contribute to muscle balance and flexibility, reducing the likelihood of strain. By adopting proper form and gradually increasing intensity, individuals may discover relief from persistent back discomfort. This holistic approach to fitness not only addresses immediate pain but also fosters a foundation of strength and stability that supports overall spinal health and longevity.

In the pursuit of alleviating back pain, the potential of exercises emerges as a beacon of hope. The exploration into the realm of kettlebell workouts reveals a multifaceted approach that addresses not only the symptoms but also the underlying factors contributing to discomfort. By targeting core strength, spinal stability, and overall muscle balance, exercises offer a holistic solution to those grappling with persistent back pain. As we delve into the benefits of these dynamic movements, it becomes evident that their controlled nature and strategic focus can play a pivotal role in supporting spinal health. While individual results may vary, the concept of utilizing kettlebell exercises as a valuable tool in the journey toward relief from back pain remains a promising avenue worth exploring.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, kettlebell exercises can be effective in alleviating back pain. They engage core muscles, promote spinal stability, and improve overall muscle balance, which can contribute to reduced strain on the lower back

Kettlebell exercises like swings, deadlifts, and Turkish get-ups are particularly beneficial. These movements target key muscles that support the spine, helping to improve posture and reduce stress on the back.

Kettlebell exercises promote back health by strengthening core muscles, enhancing flexibility, and encouraging proper movement mechanics. This combination of factors contributes to improved spinal alignment and reduced discomfort.

Yes, it’s important to start with an appropriate weight, maintain proper form, and progress gradually. If you have existing back issues, consider consulting a fitness professional or healthcare provider before beginning a kettlebell exercise routine.

While kettlebell exercises can be a helpful component of a holistic approach to managing lower back pain, they might not replace other forms of treatment entirely. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended to determine the most suitable approach for your specific condition.

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Can Aerobic Exercises Help Improve My Sleep Quality? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-aerobic-exercises-help-improve-my-sleep-quality/ Wed, 23 Aug 2023 05:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34356 The post Can Aerobic Exercises Help Improve My Sleep Quality? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In our quest for better health and well-being, the role of sleep quality cannot be underestimated. Amid the hustle and bustle of modern life, ensuring a restful and rejuvenating slumber has become a priority. The question that emerges, “Can Aerobic Exercises Help Improve My Sleep Quality?” delves into the intriguing interplay between physical activity and our nightly rest. As we explore the dynamic relationship between aerobic exercises and sleep enhancement, we embark on a journey to uncover the potential benefits, mechanisms, and insights that lie at the intersection of fitness and sleep. This article delves into the fascinating world of sleep improvement through exercises, shedding light on how regular movement can positively influence our sleep patterns and contribute to overall well-being.

Energizing Your Sleep Routine

Aerobic exercises, known for their invigorating impact on physical fitness, hold the potential to not only elevate your daytime energy levels but also transform your sleep routine. Engaging in regular aerobic activities stimulates the cardiovascular system, increases lung capacity, and promotes the release of endorphins that uplift mood. Beyond these well-documented benefits, exercises have shown promise in improving quality of sleep. By reducing stress, anxiety, and restlessness, they pave the way for a more peaceful and restorative slumber. This article delves into the science behind how exercises contribute to better sleep, highlighting their role in regulating circadian rhythms, promoting relaxation, and fostering an overall sense of well-being, ultimately leading to more refreshing and revitalizing nights.

Unlocking Better Sleep: How Aerobic Exercises Improve Sleep Quality

Unlocking better quality of sleep is a goal that many seek, and the path to achieving it might lie in the realm of aerobic exercises. These dynamic workouts, encompassing activities like running, cycling, and dancing, have been linked to a multitude of health benefits, including improved sleep. Engaging in regular exercises can positively impact sleep patterns and duration. By raising your heart rate and boosting circulation, these activities facilitate the release of endorphins and reduce stress hormones, contributing to a more tranquil state of mind conducive to sleep. Moreover, exercises have been shown to regulate circadian rhythms, aligning your body’s internal clock with natural sleep-wake cycles. As you embark on your journey to better sleep, consider incorporating exercises into your routine to unlock the potential for enhanced quality of sleep and a rejuvenated waking life.

Exploring The Sleep Benefits Of Aerobic Exercises

Exploring the sleep benefits of aerobic exercises reveals a powerful connection between physical activity and restful slumber. Engaging in regular aerobic workouts has been shown to promote better sleep quality by facilitating both falling asleep and staying asleep. These exercises contribute to the reduction of stress and anxiety, factors that often disrupt sleep patterns. Additionally, aerobic activities elevate body temperature during exercise, and as your body cools down afterward, it induces a drowsy state conducive to sleep. By embracing exercises, you can potentially experience improved sleep duration, efficiency, and overall sleep satisfaction, making it an essential component of a holistic approach to enhancing your quality of sleep.

The Connection Between Physical Activity And Sleep Quality

The connection between physical activity and sleep quality is a profound aspect of overall well-being. Engaging in regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercises, has been linked to significant improvements in sleep patterns and quality of sleep. The relationship between exercise and sleep is multifaceted: aerobic activities help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression – all of which can interfere with sleep. Exercise also aids in regulating the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, contributing to a more consistent sleep schedule. Furthermore, exercises stimulate the release of endorphins, promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being that can positively impact sleep. As you embark on your fitness journey, consider the substantial sleep benefits that exercises offer, and recognize how prioritizing physical activity can contribute to a more restful and rejuvenating sleep experience.

Enhancing Sleep Quality Through Regular Exercise: A Closer Look

Enhancing sleep quality through regular exercise is a holistic approach to achieving restorative rest. Engaging in consistent physical activity, particularly through regular aerobic exercises, can have a transformative impact on sleep patterns. Exercise promotes the release of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and relaxation, leading to improved sleep initiation and maintenance. Additionally, aerobic workouts elevate body temperature, enhancing the subsequent drop in temperature post-exercise, which is conducive to sleep. Incorporating exercise into your routine not only contributes to physical fitness but also supports the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, fostering a deeper and more rejuvenating slumber. This symbiotic relationship between exercise and sleep underscores the importance of a well-rounded approach to overall health and well-being.

In the pursuit of optimal well-being, quality sleep is paramount. The question, “Can Aerobic Exercises Help Improve My Sleep Quality?” delves into the connection between physical activity and rest. As we explore the potential benefits of exercises for sleep, we uncover a pathway to better sleep quality. Exercises offer more than physical fitness; they promote relaxation, reduce stress, and regulate circadian rhythms, all contributing to improved sleep. As you embark on your wellness journey, consider incorporating exercises to unlock the potential for enhanced sleep quality, revitalizing your body and mind. Embrace the synergy between exercise and sleep for a more rejuvenating and balanced life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, engaging in regular exercises has been shown to positively impact sleep quality by reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and regulating sleep-wake cycles.

Aerobic exercises release endorphins that reduce stress and anxiety, facilitating a more peaceful state of mind that can aid in falling asleep and staying asleep.

Activities like running, cycling, swimming, and dancing are effective exercises that can positively influence sleep patterns and duration.

Yes, exercises can help align your body’s internal clock with natural sleep-wake cycles, leading to more consistent and restful sleep.

Engaging in exercises for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week can lead to improvements in sleep quality over time. However, individual results may vary.

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How Do Strength And Conditioning Coaches Tailor Programs To Individual Athletes? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-strength-and-conditioning-coaches-tailor-programs-to-individual-athletes/ Tue, 22 Aug 2023 05:00:37 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34355 The post How Do Strength And Conditioning Coaches Tailor Programs To Individual Athletes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the realm of sports and fitness, where each athlete possesses unique strengths, weaknesses, and goals, the art of customization becomes paramount. Enter strength and conditioning coaches, the architects behind tailored training programs that cater to the specific requirements of athletes. As athletes strive to push their limits and achieve peak performance, these coaches play a pivotal role in optimizing training regimens.

This article delves into the intricate process by which strength and conditioning coaches adeptly customize programs to suit individual athletes. By combining scientific knowledge with a deep understanding of an athlete’s physique and aspirations, these professionals craft training routines that address weaknesses, enhance strengths, and ultimately foster athletic excellence. Join us as we unravel the methodologies that pave the way for athletes to reach their full potential through personalized training strategies.

Expertise Of Strength And Conditioning Coaches

The knowhow of strength and conditioning coaches is a cornerstone in the realm of athletic training. These professionals possess a profound understanding of biomechanics, physiology, and performance optimization. With a keen eye for individual nuances, they tailor training programs to cater to athletes’ unique needs, goals, and physical attributes. By assessing strengths and identifying areas for improvement, they design targeted workouts that enhance performance, prevent injuries, and promote overall well-being. Their guidance extends beyond physical training, encompassing nutrition, recovery strategies, and mental conditioning. In an athlete’s journey toward excellence, the expertise of strength and conditioning coaches is the compass that navigates the path to reaching full athletic potential.

Crafting Tailored Programs For Individual Athletes

Crafting tailored programs for individual athletes is a meticulous process that merges scientific precision with a deep appreciation for an athlete’s uniqueness. Strength and conditioning coaches meticulously assess an athlete’s physical condition, performance goals, and potential areas of improvement. This comprehensive evaluation allows them to design customized training regimens that align with an athlete’s aspirations. By targeting specific strengths and weaknesses, these coaches create a roadmap to optimize performance and prevent injuries. The tailored approach extends beyond exercise selection; it encompasses nutrition, recovery strategies, and mental conditioning tailored to the athlete’s needs. As athletes vary in body composition, fitness levels, and sport-specific demands, these personalized programs amplify the effectiveness of training. Through this personalized journey, athletes are empowered to transcend their limits, unlocking their full potential in a way that generic training templates simply cannot achieve.

Maximizing Athletic Performance Through Personalized Training

Maximizing athletic performance through personalized training is the cornerstone of achieving peak excellence. Strength and conditioning coaches meticulously analyse an athlete’s strengths, weaknesses, and objectives to curate targeted training regimens. By tailoring exercises, intensity, and recovery protocols to the individual’s needs, coaches optimize progress while minimizing the risk of injury. This approach harnesses an athlete’s unique biomechanics, enabling them to push boundaries and realize their full potential. Whether enhancing strength, speed, or agility, personalized training sharpens skills and fosters progression, setting the stage for remarkable achievements in sports.

Individualized Approach: Strength And Conditioning For Athletes

The individualized approach in strength and conditioning is a transformative paradigm that recognizes the distinctive qualities of each athlete. It emphasizes tailoring training strategies to suit an athlete’s specific physique, goals, and performance requirements. This methodology begins with a thorough assessment, enabling coaches to pinpoint strengths and areas for enhancement. By customizing exercises, intensity levels, and recovery techniques, coaches construct a roadmap that optimizes progress and minimizes injury risks. This approach acknowledges that athletes are not uniform entities; their bodies respond uniquely to stimuli. The result is an elevated training experience that taps into an athlete’s full potential, refining their skills and elevating performance to new heights. In the pursuit of athletic excellence, the individualized approach stands as a catalyst for unparalleled growth and achievement.

Achieving Optimal Results With Tailored Training Programs

Achieving optimal results hinges on the power of tailored training programs, meticulously crafted to align with an athlete’s distinctive attributes and goals. Strength and conditioning coaches personalize every facet of the regimen – from exercises and intensity to recovery strategies. By pinpointing an athlete’s strengths and weaknesses, these programs maximize efficiency and mitigate the risk of overuse injuries. This tailored approach optimally engages an athlete’s potential, driving progress toward peak performance. As a result, athletes experience accelerated skill development, improved endurance, and heightened physical capabilities. Tailored training programs stand as a testament to the fusion of science and individuality, guiding athletes on a path toward surpassing their limits and achieving remarkable, customized results.

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Closing the curtains on this exploration of tailored athletic excellence, the partnership between strength and conditioning coaches and individual athletes shines brilliantly. With a deep understanding cultivated at Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Strength and Conditioning Coach course, these coaches craft bespoke journeys. Each stride towards peak performance reflects the harmony between science and individuality. It’s a symphony where strengths amplify, weaknesses dissolve, and athletic brilliance finds its rightful stage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Strength and conditioning coaches analyse an athlete’s unique attributes, goals, and needs to design customized training programs that optimize performance.

Assessment helps coaches identify an athlete’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, forming the foundation for a personalized training approach.

These programs consider an athlete’s biomechanics and limitations, adjusting exercises and intensity to minimize injury risks while enhancing performance.

Tailored training addresses an athlete’s specific areas of growth, allowing for efficient skill development, improved strength, agility, and overall performance enhancement.

Individualized programs harness an athlete’s unique characteristics, optimizing progress and achievement by focusing on their specific strengths, weaknesses, and goals.

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How Do Sports Psychologists Assist Athletes In Maintaining A Healthy Work-Life Balance? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-sports-psychologists-assist-athletes-in-maintaining-a-healthy-work-life-balance/ Tue, 22 Aug 2023 05:00:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34341 The post How Do Sports Psychologists Assist Athletes In Maintaining A Healthy Work-Life Balance? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the dynamic world of sports, athletes are not only challenged physically, but also mentally and emotionally. Striving for excellence on the field while juggling the demands of everyday life can frequently lead to a precarious work-life balance. This is where the invaluable expertise of sports psychologists comes into play. These professionals are not just focused on enhancing athletic performance; they also play a crucial role in safeguarding an athlete’s overall well-being. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted ways psychologists contribute to athletes’ lives, shedding light on how they provide guidance, strategies, and psychological support to help athletes maintain a healthy equilibrium between their sporting pursuits and personal lives.

Sports Psychologists: Enhancing Athlete Well-Being And Performance

Sports psychologists play a pivotal role in elevating both the well-being and performance of athletes. By addressing the psychological aspects of training, competition, and daily life, they empower athletes to navigate challenges effectively. These professionals offer strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and pressure, fostering mental resilience. Through personalized approaches, athletes learn to maintain a healthy work-life balance, ensuring their overall welfare. By enhancing self-confidence, focus, and motivation, psychologists enable athletes to unlock their full potential. This holistic support not only leads to improved performance but also contributes to athletes’ long-term psychological health and success on and off the field.

Achieving Optimal Work-Life Balance: Insights From Sports Psychologists

In the demanding world of sports, achieving an optimal work-life balance is a challenge that athletes face alongside their rigorous training regimens. Sports psychologists provide invaluable insights that extend beyond improving athletic performance. These professionals understand the delicate interplay between an athlete’s career and personal life, offering tailored strategies to harmonize the two. By fostering time management skills, stress reduction techniques, and effective communication strategies, psychologists empower athletes to navigate their commitments with equilibrium. They acknowledge that a well-balanced life contributes to overall well-being, leading to enhanced performance on the field. Through personalized guidance, athletes learn to prioritize self-care, manage expectations, and set boundaries, ensuring that their athletic pursuits don’t overshadow other important aspects of their lives. The lessons shared by sports psychologists serve as a blueprint for individuals across various domains striving to attain a harmonious work-life balance.

Strategies For Sports Performance And Psychological Support

Strategies for sports performance and psychological support are essential components of athletes’ success. Sports psychologists employ a range of techniques to optimize athletic achievement and mental well-being. Through goal setting, visualization, and mindfulness, athletes enhance focus and confidence. Psychological support involves addressing performance anxiety, stress, and setbacks. By teaching coping mechanisms, these professionals cultivate resilience. Tailored approaches, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, help athletes manage emotions and overcome mental hurdles. The synergy between sports performance and psychological well-being is evident: a strong mental state positively influences physical prowess. By equipping athletes with these strategies, psychologists empower individuals to triumph over challenges and unlock their peak potential in both sports and life.

Athlete Well-Being: The Role Of Sports Psychologists In Balancing Life And Sports

Athlete well-being is a multidimensional facet that extends beyond physical fitness, encompassing mental and emotional harmony. Sports psychologists play a pivotal role in this arena, guiding athletes in balancing the demands of their sporting careers and personal lives. These professionals recognize that a holistic approach is vital for sustained success. They offer personalized strategies to manage stressors, mitigate burnout, and nurture mental resilience. By fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation, psychologists empower athletes to navigate challenges effectively. They provide a safe space for athletes to address performance anxieties, pressures, and setbacks. Through cognitive reframing and relaxation techniques, athletes develop coping mechanisms, enhancing their overall well-being. Ultimately, the role of sports psychologists in athlete well-being lies in their expertise to harmonize the rigors of sports with the pursuit of a fulfilling, healthy, and balanced life.

Navigating Work-Life Balance For Athletes: Expert Psychological Support

Navigating work-life balance in the realm of athletics demands expert psychological support, a cornerstone offered by psychologists. These professionals understand the unique challenges athletes face in managing rigorous training schedules and personal commitments. Through tailored interventions, they equip athletes with resilience tools to manage stress and prevent burnout. By fostering effective time management, setting realistic goals, and promoting self-care, sports psychologists empower athletes to excel in both their sports careers and personal lives. Their guidance assists athletes in crafting a sustainable equilibrium that not only enhances performance but also nurtures overall well-being. In the journey of balancing athletic pursuits and life outside sports, expert psychological support serves as a compass, guiding athletes toward success and fulfilment.

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Do you want to become a sports psychologist? If you do then you need to do our Sports Psychology Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sports psychologists assist athletes by providing strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, helping them manage the demands of both their sports career and personal life.

Athletes often struggle with time management, performance pressures, and integrating personal commitments. Sports psychologists offer tailored solutions to address these challenges.

Sports psychologists teach athletes stress reduction techniques, effective time management, and self-care practices, fostering mental resilience and preventing burnout.

Sports psychologists guide athletes in communicating their needs and boundaries effectively to coaches, teammates, and loved ones, facilitating a balanced lifestyle.

The guidance of sports psychologists equips athletes with coping strategies, time management skills, and self-awareness, enabling them to maintain their mental, emotional, and physical well-being while excelling in their sports endeavours.

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What Is A Kinesiologist? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-kinesiologist/ Fri, 18 Aug 2023 05:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34319 The post What Is A Kinesiologist? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the realm of health and wellness, the field of kinesiology stands as a cornerstone of understanding the intricate mechanisms that drive human movement and well-being. The term “kinesiologist” might be relatively unfamiliar to some, yet its significance cannot be understated. This article aims to shed light on the multifaceted world of kinesiology and answer the question: “What is a kinesiologist?” Through a journey into the realms of human motion, exercise science, and physical rehabilitation, we will unravel the role and impact of a kinesiologist in promoting holistic health and facilitating optimal physical function. Delving into the science behind the discipline, we’ll explore how a kinesiologist contributes to enhancing our understanding of the human body’s capabilities, limitations, and potential for transformation.

Exploring Human Movement in Kinesiology

Exploring human motion within the realm of kinesiology unveils a fascinating tapestry of the body’s intricate mechanics. Kinesiologists delve deep into the nuances of how muscles, bones, and joints harmonize to create motion. This exploration goes beyond the surface, delving into the complexities of biomechanics and motor control. By studying the mechanics of walking, running, and various physical activities, a kinesiologist deciphers the mechanics that propel our bodies. Their insights are integral to understanding not only how movement impacts daily life but also how it can be optimized for performance, rehabilitation, and overall well-being. Through their expertise, kinesiologists illuminate the hidden symphony of human motion, enhancing our grasp of our physical capabilities.

Promoting Health and Wellness Through Kinesiology

Promoting health and wellness lies at the core of kinesiology, a discipline that embraces the holistic approach to human well-being. Kinesiologists are champions of optimizing physical health, employing their expertise to enhance the quality of life. By understanding the intricate interplay between motion and health, they create tailored strategies to prevent injury, manage chronic conditions, and foster overall well-being. Through personalized exercise prescriptions, lifestyle recommendations, and ergonomic advice, a kinesiologist empowers individuals to take charge of their health journey.

The foundation of kinesiology rests upon the belief that movement is medicine. By addressing physical limitations, improving posture, and facilitating functional movement patterns, kinesiologists enable clients to navigate their daily activities with ease and confidence. Their interventions extend to various populations, from athletes seeking peak performance to individuals managing chronic pain. Ultimately, kinesiology serves as a bridge between motion and well-being, guiding individuals towards a healthier and more vibrant life.

The Science Behind Kinesiology: Exercise Science Explained

At the heart of kinesiology lies the intricate science of exercise. Exercise science, a fundamental component of kinesiology, delves into the physiological and biomechanical principles that govern human motion. Kinesiologists harness this science to design effective exercise programs that cater to diverse goals, whether it’s building strength, improving cardiovascular fitness, or enhancing flexibility. By understanding how the body responds to different types of exercise, kinesiologists tailor workouts to maximize benefits while minimizing the risk of injury. This scientific approach ensures that each movement prescribed is backed by evidence, contributing to holistic health enhancement and overall well-being.

Kinesiology and Physical Rehabilitation: Restoring Movement and Function

In the realm of kinesiology, a crucial role is played in physical rehabilitation, where the focus shifts to restoring motion and function. Kinesiologists apply their expertise to assist individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries, aiming to regain optimal physical capabilities. Through a comprehensive assessment of movement patterns and biomechanics, kinesiologists develop tailored rehabilitation plans. These plans may include targeted exercises, stretches, and functional movements that promote healing and restore strength. By working closely with patients, kinesiologists monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed, ensuring a gradual return to normal activities. With a deep understanding of anatomy and the body’s mechanics, kinesiologists facilitate a holistic recovery journey. Their interventions not only address the physical aspects but also contribute to the emotional well-being of individuals as they regain independence and resume their daily lives.

In a world where health and wellness take centre stage, the role of a kinesiologist shines as a beacon of understanding and empowerment. This article embarked on a journey to unravel the essence of kinesiology and provide a comprehensive answer to the question: “What is a kinesiologist?” Through an exploration of human movement, exercise science, physical rehabilitation, and the promotion of holistic well-being, we have delved into the multifaceted nature of this field. Kinesiologists stand as experts who bridge the gap between movement and health, crafting individualized paths to better living. Their scientific approach, backed by evidence, transforms exercise into a powerful tool for improvement. From enhancing athletic performance to guiding individuals on the road to recovery, kinesiologists exemplify the fusion of knowledge, compassion, and innovation. As guardians of movement, they not only optimize physical capabilities but also inspire a profound appreciation for the human body’s incredible potential.

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To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Kinesiologists play a vital role in promoting health and wellness by leveraging their expertise in human movement and exercise science. They design tailored exercise programs, offer ergonomic advice, and help prevent injuries, contributing to an individual’s overall well-being.

Yes, kinesiologists are instrumental in physical rehabilitation. They work closely with individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries, creating personalized rehabilitation plans. Through targeted exercises and movement assessments, they help restore optimal physical function and movement patterns.

Kinesiologists contribute to sports performance enhancement by analysing biomechanics and movement patterns. They design specialized training programs to improve strength, flexibility, and overall athletic performance, maximizing an athlete’s potential.

While both professionals focus on exercise and movement, a kinesiologist holds a broader understanding of human movement, biomechanics, and exercise science. They are equipped to work with various populations, including those managing medical conditions or undergoing physical rehabilitation.

No, kinesiology is relevant for people of all backgrounds and fitness levels. Kinesiologists cater to a wide range of individuals, including those seeking to improve overall health, manage chronic conditions, or recover from injuries. Their expertise extends to anyone looking to enhance their movement and well-being.

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What To Consider When Choosing A Boxing Instructor Certification? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-to-consider-when-choosing-a-boxing-instructor-certification/ Fri, 18 Aug 2023 05:00:25 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34328 The post What To Consider When Choosing A Boxing Instructor Certification? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the dynamic world of boxing, the role of a skilled instructor is paramount in nurturing aspiring pugilists and guiding them towards excellence. As the demand for quality boxing training continues to rise, the importance of choosing the right path to becoming a certified boxing instructor cannot be overstated. The journey towards imparting effective boxing skills and knowledge starts with a crucial decision: selecting the most suitable boxing instructor certification program. This article aims to serve as your guide in navigating this pivotal choice. Delving into the intricate aspects of what to consider when choosing a boxing instructor certification, we explore the qualifications, program content, accreditation, practical training, and overall benefits that contribute to a successful and fulfilling career in boxing instruction.

Exploring Boxing Instructor Certification Options

Exploring boxing instructor certification options unveils a diverse landscape of programs tailored to aspiring trainers. From comprehensive courses to specialized modules, the choices are abundant. Consider your current knowledge level, background, and career goals when selecting a program. A well-rounded curriculum encompassing boxing techniques, safety guidelines, coaching methodologies, and business aspects is crucial. Delve into the program’s reputation within the boxing community and its accreditation status. Some programs might offer online or in-person formats; select the one which suits your learning style and schedule. Practical training, such as shadowing experienced trainers or assisting in actual classes, can greatly enhance your skills. Investigate the ongoing support and resources the program provides post-certification. By thoroughly exploring your options, you can make an informed choice that not only builds your expertise but also paves the way for a rewarding boxing instructor career.

Choosing The Right Certification Program

Choosing the right boxing instructor certification program is the cornerstone of a successful career in the pugilistic world. The program you select significantly influences the depth of your knowledge, the effectiveness of your teaching, and your overall credibility. Look for programs that align with your goals and aspirations, covering essential topics like boxing techniques, safety protocols, and coaching strategies. Accreditation by reputable boxing organizations adds a layer of authenticity to your certification. Practical training opportunities provide hands-on experience, translating theory into real-world application. Evaluating the program’s curriculum, reputation, and alignment with your career goals ensures you embark on a journey that equips you to excel as a certified boxing instructor.

Essential Qualifications For Aspiring Boxing Instructors

Becoming a successful boxing instructor requires a blend of essential qualifications that ensure your competency and effectiveness in guiding aspiring boxers. While a high school diploma or equivalent educational background is typically a minimum requirement, a genuine passion for boxing and a strong desire to inspire and teach are equally important. Pursuing a recognized boxing instructor certification program is fundamental, as it imparts essential knowledge in boxing techniques, safety protocols, injury prevention, and coaching methodologies. Many programs also include practical training, which is invaluable for hands-on experience and skill development. Additionally, possessing excellent communication and interpersonal skills is essential for building rapport with students and effectively conveying instructions. Being physically fit and embodying a commitment to the sport not only sets an example but also gains respect from students. CPR and first aid certifications are often prerequisites due to the safety responsibilities associated with the role. Ultimately, a combination of education, practical training, genuine enthusiasm for boxing, and strong communication skills forms the foundation for a successful career as a boxing instructor.

Comprehensive Boxing Coach Training Programs

Comprehensive boxing coach training programs play a pivotal role in shaping skilled and knowledgeable instructors. These programs offer a structured curriculum that covers various aspects of boxing, including techniques, strategies, fitness, and safety protocols. Through a combination of theoretical lessons, practical exercises, and hands-on training, aspiring coaches gain a deep understanding of the sport. They learn how to effectively teach boxing fundamentals, refine techniques, and tailor training regimens to individual needs. Instructors also explore psychology and motivation to enhance their ability to connect with and inspire their students. With an emphasis on safety, injury prevention, as well as proper coaching ethics, these programs empower individuals to become well-rounded and capable boxing instructors, ready to guide students on their boxing journeys.

Becoming A Certified Boxing Trainer: Steps And Benefits

Becoming a certified boxing trainer is a fulfilling journey that requires dedication and a passion for the sport. The steps to achieving this goal involve several key components. Firstly, choosing a reputable and accredited certification program is paramount. These programs offer comprehensive training in boxing techniques, coaching methodologies, safety measures, and more. Practical experience is often included, allowing aspiring trainers to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals become certified boxing trainers, equipped with the expertise to guide and train boxers of all levels.

The benefits of becoming a certified boxing trainer are numerous. Certification not only confirms your skills and knowledge but also enhances your credibility as a professional. It opens doors to various career opportunities, from working in gyms to coaching amateur and professional boxers. Certified trainers can make a positive impact on their clients’ lives by assisting them with achieving their fitness goals, enhancing their boxing skills, and promoting a healthier lifestyle overall.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

When choosing a boxing instructor certification, consider the program’s reputation, accreditation, curriculum, practical training, and cost. Researching these aspects ensures you receive quality education and recognition.

Accreditation ensures that the certification program meets industry standards and is recognized by reputable fitness and boxing organizations. It adds credibility to your qualification and improves your employability.

A comprehensive curriculum should cover boxing techniques, safety protocols, coaching strategies, anatomy, nutrition, and client communication. A well-rounded curriculum prepares you to effectively train and guide boxers.

Yes, practical training is essential. Hands-on experience allows you to apply theoretical knowledge, refine coaching techniques, and understand how to work with diverse individuals effectively.

Cost is a factor to consider, but it should not be the sole determinant. While affordable options exist, prioritize quality and the value of the education you’ll receive to ensure a successful career as a certified boxing instructor.

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What To Look For In A Fitness Instructor Certification? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-to-look-for-in-a-fitness-instructor-certification/ Thu, 17 Aug 2023 05:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34312 The post What To Look For In A Fitness Instructor Certification? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Embarking on a journey toward a career as a personal trainer is an exciting endeavour. As the health and wellness industry continues to thrive, the demand for knowledgeable and skilled fitness professionals is ever-growing. However, the path to becoming a qualified personal trainer begins with a crucial decision: choosing the right certification program. With a plethora of options available, understanding what to look for in a fitness instructor certification becomes paramount. This article serves as your guide, shedding light on the key factors that should influence your decision-making process. From evaluating the qualifications and curriculum to considering accreditation and practical experience, we delve into the essential aspects that will empower you to make an informed choice about your fitness instructor certification journey.

Exploring Fitness Instructor Certification Programs

Exploring personal trainer certification programs is a pivotal step in your journey towards becoming a qualified fitness professional. These programs offer a structured curriculum that equips you with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the field. From anatomy and exercise physiology to instructional techniques and program design, certification courses cover a wide spectrum of essential topics. As you research various programs, consider their comprehensiveness, reputation, and alignment with your career goals. Accreditation by reputable fitness organizations adds credibility to your certification. Ultimately, selecting a program that offers a well-rounded education and practical experience will empower you to confidently guide individuals on their fitness journeys.

Essential Qualifications For Becoming A Fitness Instructor

Becoming a personal trainer requires a blend of essential qualifications that ensure your competency and effectiveness in guiding individuals towards their fitness goals. Firstly, a high school diploma or equivalent educational background is typically required. However, a passion for fitness and a genuine desire to help others achieve healthier lifestyles are equally crucial. Pursuing a recognized fitness instructor certification program is fundamental, as it imparts knowledge in exercise science, program design, safety protocols, and client interaction. Many programs also include practical training, which is invaluable for hands-on experience.

Additionally, possessing excellent communication and interpersonal skills is essential for building rapport with clients and effectively conveying instructions. Being physically fit and embodying a healthy lifestyle not only sets an example but also demonstrates your commitment. CPR and first aid certifications are often prerequisites due to the safety responsibilities associated with the role. Ultimately, a combination of education, practical training, personal dedication, and strong communication skills forms the foundation for a successful fitness instructor career.

Navigating The Process Of Choosing Fitness Trainer Programs

Choosing the right fitness trainer program is a pivotal step in your journey toward becoming a certified fitness instructor. Start by assessing the program’s accreditation and reputation, ensuring it meets industry standards. Consider the program’s curriculum, covering exercise science, anatomy, program design, and client interaction. Practical training opportunities – for example internships or hands-on workshops, provide valuable real-world experience. Flexibility and delivery mode, whether online or in-person, should align with your learning style and commitments. Look for programs that offer ongoing education and professional development opportunities to keep current in the ever-evolving fitness industry. Ultimately, selecting a comprehensive and reputable fitness trainer program sets the stage for your successful career.

Comparing The Best Fitness Instructor Courses

Comparing the best fitness instructor courses is a vital step in your pursuit of a successful fitness career. Begin by researching renowned institutions and organizations that offer comprehensive courses. Look for programs which cover a wide range of topics, including exercise physiology, nutrition, injury prevention, and client communication. Course duration and flexibility are important, as they should fit your schedule and learning pace. Read reviews and testimonials from previous participants so that you can gauge the course’s effectiveness and the support provided. Consider the mode of delivery, whether it’s in-person, online, or a hybrid approach, based on your preferences and circumstances. Above all, prioritize programs that offer recognized certifications, ensuring your qualification is respected within the fitness industry. Comparing these factors will help you make an informed decision and embark on a path to becoming a proficient and respected fitness instructor.

Understanding The Importance Of Credentials For Fitness Coaching

Understanding the importance of credentials for fitness coaching is paramount in establishing credibility and ensuring quality in your practice. A reputable certification not only signifies your expertise but also demonstrates your commitment to upholding professional standards. Possessing recognized credentials instils trust in clients, assuring them of your knowledge and skills to guide them safely and effectively. It reflects your dedication to ongoing learning and staying updated with the latest fitness trends. Moreover, many fitness facilities and employers require certified coaches, making it a prerequisite for career opportunities. By investing in credible credentials, you position yourself as a competent and reliable fitness coach, ready to make a positive impact on clients’ health and well-being.

In the dynamic realm of fitness instruction, the quest for excellence begins with the right certification. “What To Look For In A Fitness Instructor Certification” serves as your compass in navigating this pivotal decision. As the fitness industry thrives, the demand for qualified professionals is on the rise. From exploring certification programs to understanding essential qualifications, this article illuminates the path toward becoming a proficient fitness instructor. Delving into the intricacies of program comparison and the significance of credentials, we empower you to make informed choices. With a blend of education, practical training, and dedication, you’re poised to embark on a rewarding journey shaping healthier lives through fitness. Your journey as a certified fitness instructor begins with the right foundation – the right certification.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Unlock your potential and shape a healthier future by obtaining your Fitness Instructor Certification from Trifocus Fitness Academy. Join our dynamic program to gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to inspire and guide others on their fitness journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right fitness instructor certification is crucial as it determines your credibility, knowledge, and effectiveness as a fitness professional. It lays the foundation for your career and influences your ability to guide individuals toward their fitness goals.

When exploring certification programs, consider factors like program accreditation, curriculum comprehensiveness, practical training opportunities, reputation, and alignment with your career goals.

Essential qualifications for becoming a fitness instructor include a high school diploma or equivalent, a genuine passion for fitness, completion of a recognized fitness instructor certification program, strong communication skills, physical fitness, CPR and first aid certifications, and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Navigating the process involves assessing program accreditation, curriculum coverage, practical training options, flexibility, delivery mode, ongoing education opportunities, and the program’s reputation. It’s about finding a program that aligns with your learning style and future goals.

Recognized credentials are crucial for establishing credibility, building trust with clients, and showcasing your expertise. They demonstrate your commitment to professionalism, reflect your ongoing learning, and open doors to career opportunities within the fitness industry.

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What Is An Exercise Physiologist? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-an-exercise-physiologist/ Wed, 16 Aug 2023 05:00:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34297 The post What Is An Exercise Physiologist? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Exercise physiologists are not just fitness enthusiasts; they are experts who bridge the gap between science and exercise, helping individuals achieve their fitness goals, recover from injuries, and enhance overall well-being. In this article, we embark on a journey to uncover the intricacies of exercise physiology, exploring the education, skills, and pivotal role these practitioners play in shaping healthier lives. Whether you’re seeking to comprehend this profession’s significance or considering a career in the field, join us as we unravel the multifaceted world of exercise physiology.

Understanding The Role Of An Exercise Physiologist

Understanding the role of an exercise physiologist unveils a vital link between science and physical well-being. These professionals possess a deep comprehension of how the body responds to exercise, enabling them to design tailored fitness regimens for diverse needs. With expertise in exercise science, they guide individuals in achieving fitness goals, optimizing performance, and managing conditions through evidence-based strategies. Beyond gyms, exercise physiologists contribute to clinical rehabilitation, aiding recovery from injuries and chronic health issues. Their holistic approach considers physiological, biomechanical, and psychological factors, ensuring comprehensive wellness. Exploring the role of these experts illuminates the transformative impact they have on enhancing physical fitness, health, and overall quality of life.

Promoting Physical Fitness Through Exercise Physiology

Promoting physical fitness through exercise physiology encapsulates a comprehensive approach to well-being. Exercise physiologists, armed with scientific understanding of the body’s mechanics, customize fitness plans that align with individual goals and health conditions. Their expertise extends beyond routine workouts; they delve into the intricate interplay of muscles, cardiovascular systems, and metabolism to optimize performance and health. These professionals empower individuals to embark on journeys towards enhanced fitness, whether it’s weight management, cardiovascular health, or muscle strength.

Their guidance doesn’t stop at exercise; they emphasize the importance of balanced nutrition, rest, and mental wellness in achieving holistic fitness. By blending scientific knowledge with practical strategies, exercise physiologists facilitate lasting transformations. Their role bridges the gap between science and action, fostering physical fitness that transcends aesthetics and becomes a focal point of a vibrant, healthy lifestyle.

Enhancing Health And Wellness With Exercise Physiology

Enhancing health and wellness through exercise physiology offers a comprehensive path to vitality. Exercise physiologists employ their deep understanding of human physiology to craft tailored wellness programs that target diverse health objectives. These experts not only focus on physical fitness but also consider factors like cardiovascular health, flexibility, and stress management. By integrating exercise science principles with individualized guidance, they empower clients to achieve optimal well-being. Through structured exercise routines, nutritional advice, and lifestyle adjustments, exercise physiologists guide individuals toward improved physical health and mental balance. Their holistic approach ensures that wellness becomes a sustainable journey, fostering a robust foundation for a life of vitality and overall health.

The Science Behind Exercise: Exploring Exercise Physiology

The science of exercise, known as exercise physiology, delves into the intricate mechanisms underlying our physical activities. This multidisciplinary field blends physiology, biomechanics, and biochemistry to unravel how our bodies respond to various forms of movement. Exercise physiologists study the intricate interplay between muscles, bones, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and metabolism during exercise. By comprehending these physiological responses, they design tailored exercise regimens to optimize health and performance. Whether aiming to enhance endurance, build strength, or facilitate clinical rehabilitation, exercise physiologists apply evidence-based strategies. From VO2 max measurements to lactate threshold assessments, they utilize advanced techniques to tailor exercise programs to individual needs. This scientific approach ensures that exercise becomes a strategic tool for achieving diverse health goals, fostering not only physical well-being but also overall vitality and quality of life.

Exercise Physiology In Clinical Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Approach

Exercise physiology takes on a crucial role in clinical rehabilitation, offering a comprehensive approach to recovery. These professionals blend scientific expertise with tailored exercise programs to aid individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. By understanding the intricacies of the human body, exercise physiologists design regimens that rebuild strength, improve mobility, and enhance overall function. Collaborating with medical teams, they ensure that exercise complements medical interventions, fostering safe and efficient recovery. Whether for cardiac rehabilitation, orthopaedic recovery, or chronic disease management, exercise physiology brings evidence-based strategies to the forefront, supporting patients on their journey towards restored health and improved quality of life.

Exercise physiologists are instrumental in bridging the gap between science and fitness, guiding individuals towards their wellness goals through tailored exercise programs. Their multidisciplinary approach encompasses physiology, biomechanics, and psychology, ensuring comprehensive well-being. From promoting physical fitness and enhancing health to aiding clinical rehabilitation, their expertise empowers individuals to lead healthier, more vibrant lives. As we navigate the intricacies of exercise physiology, we uncover a profession that not only transforms bodies but also empowers minds, fostering a holistic approach to wellness that transcends boundaries and limitations.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

An exercise physiologist is a specialized health professional who possesses a deep understanding of how the human body responds to exercise as well as physical activity. They use their knowledge of physiology, anatomy, and exercise science to design customized fitness programs for individuals to improve their overall health, fitness levels, and well-being.

The role of an exercise physiologist involves assessing an individual’s physical condition, health goals, and any underlying medical conditions. Based on this evaluation, they create personalized exercise plans that consider factors such as cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility. They may work in various settings, including fitness centres, clinics, and rehabilitation centres, guiding clients through exercises that enhance their physical fitness and promote optimal health.

In clinical rehabilitation, exercise physiologists play a vital role in helping individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. They design rehabilitation programs that focus on rebuilding strength, improving mobility, and enhancing functional abilities. By tailoring exercises to each patient’s needs and monitoring progress, they ensure safe and effective recovery, often collaborating closely with medical professionals to ensure a holistic approach to healing.

While both exercise physiologists and personal trainers are dedicated to enhancing fitness, exercise physiologists have a more in-depth understanding of the science behind human physiology and how it responds to exercise. They often work with clients who have specific health conditions or goals, such as managing chronic diseases, recovering from injuries, or improving athletic performance, relying on evidence-based strategies to achieve these objectives.

Exercise physiologists contribute to overall well-being by creating fitness plans that address not only physical health but also mental and emotional aspects. Their customized programs can improve cardiovascular health, enhance muscle strength, aid in weight management, and reduce stress. By promoting a balanced lifestyle that includes exercise, proper nutrition, and self-care, exercise physiologists empower individuals to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

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How Do Personal Training And Life Coaching Intersect? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-personal-training-and-life-coaching-intersect/ Wed, 16 Aug 2023 05:00:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34311 The post How Do Personal Training And Life Coaching Intersect? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the world of holistic well-being, two transformative disciplines, personal training and life coaching, converge to create a dynamic synergy. The title “How Do Personal Training and Life Coaching Intersect?” beckons us to explore the remarkable fusion of physical fitness expertise and personal development insights. As individuals strive for comprehensive growth, this intersection offers a unique approach that addresses both the body and the mind. Today’s article embarks on a journey to unravel the intricate interplay between personal training and life coaching, delving into how these disciplines harmonize to empower individuals on their paths toward optimal health and holistic self-improvement.

Understanding the Intersection: Exploring How Personal Training and Life Coaching Converge

The intersection of training and life coaching represents a dynamic fusion that goes beyond physical transformation. This intriguing collaboration combines the expertise of personal trainers in optimizing physical health with the holistic insights of life coaches into personal development and goal attainment. The convergence of these disciplines empowers individuals to achieve comprehensive well-being. By integrating physical fitness goals with mental resilience strategies, this approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of body and mind. This article delves into how personal training and life coaching converge, unveiling a multifaceted approach that nurtures not only physical prowess but also inner growth and empowerment.

Personal Training Techniques for Holistic Well-Being: Integrating Coaching Approaches

The realm of personal training has evolved beyond just physical fitness, embracing a holistic approach that encompasses both body and mind. Integrating coaching techniques within training strategies has emerged as a powerful paradigm for nurturing holistic well-being. By synergizing personalized workout regimens with coaching methodologies, individuals not only sculpt their physique but also enhance their mental resilience and overall quality of life. This transformative fusion tailors fitness routines to individual goals while fostering a positive mindset, self-awareness, and motivation. Whether it’s setting achievable fitness milestones or conquering personal obstacles, this approach recognizes that a healthy body and a confident mind are interdependent. This article delves into the integration of coaching within training, highlighting how this convergence empowers individuals to embark on a comprehensive journey towards holistic well-being.

Life Coaching Principles in Personal Training: A Comprehensive Approach

Blending life coaching principles with personal training introduces a transformative dimension to fitness journeys. This comprehensive approach acknowledges that physical health and mental well-being are intricately linked. By infusing life coaching techniques, personal trainers empower individuals to overcome psychological barriers, set meaningful goals, and cultivate self-discipline. This synergy involves not only sculpting the body but also nurturing confidence, resilience, and motivation. Coaches guide clients through challenges, helping them discover their inner strengths and sustain long-term changes. From fostering self-awareness to promoting positive habits, this article explores how life coaching principles seamlessly intertwine with training, creating a holistic path towards optimal health and personal growth.

Maximizing Results: The Synergy of Personal Training and Coaching Techniques

The fusion of training and coaching techniques presents a potent synergy that elevates results in the pursuit of health and self-improvement. Personal trainers armed with exercise expertise collaborate with life coaches versed in motivation, goal setting, and mindset shifts. This dynamic combination addresses not only physical fitness but also the psychological facets that influence success. By delving into clients’ aspirations, life coaches enhance adherence and resilience, while personal trainers fine-tune workout plans for optimal physical progress. The result is a holistic approach that caters to the body and mind.

Navigating the Intersection: Strategies for Effective Personal Training with Life Coaching

The intersection of training and life coaching demands a strategic approach that harmonizes physical transformation with holistic well-being. Effective collaboration involves personal trainers incorporating coaching principles to address clients’ goals, motivations, and potential barriers. This entails empathetic listening, goal alignment, and ongoing accountability. Combining tailored workout plans with coaching techniques cultivates a comprehensive journey towards optimal health. By navigating this fusion, personal trainers elevate their ability to guide clients not only in reaching physical milestones but also in fostering enduring lifestyle changes.

From understanding the underlying connection to delving into coaching techniques within training, we have explored the intricate ways in which these disciplines complement and enrich each other. This synergy exemplifies the transformative power of a well-rounded approach to health and well-being. As the fields of training and life coaching continue to evolve, their intersection offers a pathway for individuals to achieve their physical and personal growth aspirations in harmony.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The intersection between personal training and life coaching represents a harmonious blend of physical fitness expertise and personal development insights. It combines strategies for achieving optimal health with techniques for enhancing mental well-being and personal growth.

The synergy empowers individuals to achieve comprehensive well-being via addressing both physical and mental aspects. Personal training focuses on physical fitness, while life coaching provides tools for setting meaningful goals, overcoming obstacles, and fostering self-discipline.

Coaching techniques enhance personal training by addressing clients’ psychological barriers, motivations, and mindset shifts. Coaches guide clients through challenges, promote self-awareness, and help them sustain long-term lifestyle changes.

Effective collaboration involves personal trainers incorporating coaching principles such as empathetic listening, goal alignment, and ongoing accountability. This holistic approach ensures clients’ physical milestones align with enduring lifestyle changes.

The ultimate goal is to provide individuals with a widespread approach to health and well-being, recognizing that a healthy body and a confident mind are interdependent. This intersection empowers individuals to embark on a holistic journey towards optimal health and personal growth.

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Does Personal Training Involve Nutrition Advice? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/does-personal-training-involve-nutrition-advice/ Fri, 11 Aug 2023 05:00:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34254 The post Does Personal Training Involve Nutrition Advice? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle and improved fitness, the relationship between exercise and nutrition stands as a cornerstone. As individuals strive to achieve their wellness goals, the question arises: Does personal training involve nutrition advice? This intriguing inquiry delves into the integral connection between personalized fitness guidance and the role of nutrition in achieving holistic well-being. In this article, we will explore the significance of nutrition within the realm of personal training, unravelling the ways in which fitness professionals provide valuable insights, guidance, and strategies to optimize both physical performance and dietary choices. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world where fitness and nutrition seamlessly intertwine to pave the way for a healthier and more vibrant life.

The Role Of Personal Training In Enhancing Health And Wellness

Personal training plays a pivotal role in enhancing overall health and wellness by providing tailored fitness guidance, motivation, and support. With a focus on individual goals and needs, personal trainers create comprehensive workout plans that target specific fitness objectives, whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, or improved endurance. Beyond exercise, they also recognize the essential connection between physical activity and proper nutrition. Personal trainers often offer valuable insights into dietary choices, ensuring that clients make informed decisions to complement their fitness journey. Through continuous monitoring, adjustments, and personalized attention, personal training fosters holistic well-being, promoting a balanced lifestyle that nourishes the body and revitalizes the spirit.

Incorporating Nutrition Advice: A Vital Component Of Personal Training

Incorporating nutrition advice into personal training is a vital and transformative aspect of achieving holistic health and fitness goals. While exercise is a cornerstone of well-being, the synergy between fitness and proper nutrition is undeniable. Personal trainers, equipped with knowledge about dietary principles, collaborate with clients to develop nutritional strategies that align with their fitness objectives. They assess individual needs, preferences, and dietary restrictions to create customized meal plans that optimize energy levels, support muscle recovery, and aid in weight management. This integration of nutrition guidance elevates the effectiveness of workouts, as proper fuelling enhances performance and accelerates results. By nurturing a well-rounded approach that encompasses both physical activity and nourishment, personal trainers empower individuals to make viable lifestyle changes that lead to optimal health, vitality, and long-term wellness.

Synergizing Fitness And Nutrition For Optimal Health

Synergizing fitness and nutrition creates a powerful framework for achieving optimal health. The combination of tailored exercise regimens and strategic dietary choices amplifies the benefits of each component. Personal trainers, armed with expertise in both fitness and nutrition, guide individuals to make mindful food choices that complement their fitness goals. This symbiotic approach enhances energy levels, accelerates metabolism, and promotes overall well-being. By harnessing the synergistic effects of proper nutrition and targeted workouts, individuals can unlock their full potential, experience greater vitality, and embark on a sustainable journey towards a healthier and more vibrant life.

Personal Trainer Nutrition: Guiding Clients Towards Wellness

The role of a personal trainer extends beyond sculpting bodies; it encompasses fostering comprehensive wellness. Nutrition advice offered by personal trainers plays a pivotal role in this pursuit. By integrating dietary guidance into fitness regimens, personal trainers empower clients to embark on a holistic journey towards well-being.

Personal trainers equipped with nutritional expertise understand the symbiotic relationship between fitness and food. They create personalized nutrition plans tailored to individual goals and needs, whether it’s weight management, muscle building, or enhanced energy levels. Educating clients about macronutrients, portion control, and the importance of hydration enables them to make informed dietary choices.

Moreover, personal trainers are uniquely positioned to address behavioural aspects of nutrition. They guide clients in overcoming unhealthy eating patterns and cultivating a positive relationship with food. By instilling long-lasting habits, personal trainers contribute to clients’ overall health and longevity.

Unlocking The Benefits Of Fitness And Nutrition In Personal Training

The fusion of fitness and nutrition within personal training creates a powerful synergy that propels clients towards holistic well-being. Personal trainers armed with both fitness and nutritional knowledge are uniquely positioned to guide clients on a comprehensive wellness journey. By tailoring exercise routines and dietary plans to individual goals, trainers maximize results and optimize health. The integration of these two pillars addresses not only physical prowess but also mental clarity, energy levels, and overall vitality. Through this harmonious approach, clients unlock a balanced and sustainable lifestyle that fuels their success and vitality.

The symbiotic relationship between personal training and nutrition advice is a cornerstone of achieving holistic health and wellness. The collaboration between tailored exercise plans and strategic dietary choices amplifies the benefits of each aspect. Personal trainers, armed with expertise in both fitness and nutrition, guide individuals towards making informed food choices that align with their fitness goals. This holistic approach enhances energy levels, accelerates metabolism, and promotes overall well-being. By harnessing the power of proper nutrition and targeted workouts, individuals unlock their full potential, experience greater vitality, and embark on a sustainable journey towards a healthier and more vibrant life. The integration of nutrition advice within personal training showcases the profound impact that the right guidance can have on achieving optimal health and wellness.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Personal training involves both exercise guidance and nutrition advice to create a comprehensive wellness approach.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in personal training as it complements exercise to achieve holistic health and fitness goals.

Personal trainers tailor nutrition advice to individual needs, aligning dietary choices with clients’ fitness objectives.

Yes, personal trainers offer valuable insights into dietary habits, portion control, and meal planning to optimize clients’ wellness journey.

Yes, the synergy between fitness and nutrition is integral to personal training, enhancing overall well-being and results for clients.

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How To Qualify As A Personal Trainer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-qualify-as-a-personal-trainer/ Fri, 11 Aug 2023 05:00:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34246 The post How To Qualify As A Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Becoming a personal trainer is a journey that combines a passion for fitness with a commitment to helping others achieve their health goals. In today’s health-conscious society, the demand for qualified personal trainers is on the rise. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast looking to turn your passion into a profession or someone dedicated to guiding individuals toward a healthier lifestyle, the path to qualifying as a trainer involves essential steps and considerations. From acquiring the necessary certifications to mastering fitness training techniques, this guide will take you through the process of becoming a proficient and certified personal trainer. Discover the qualifications required, the training avenues available, and the valuable insights you need to embark on a fulfilling career in the fitness industry.

Your Path To A Rewarding Fitness Career

Embark on a transformative journey to craft a rewarding fitness career that not only nourishes your passion for health and wellness but also empowers others to achieve their wellness goals. By pursuing the path of a certified personal trainer, you’ll delve into the art of sculpting healthier lives through targeted exercise routines and tailored guidance. Acquiring the right qualifications, such as personal trainer certifications and fitness training credentials, will equip you to inspire, motivate, and transform lives. As you navigate this dynamic landscape, you’ll discover the fulfilment of helping individuals break barriers and surpass fitness limits. Your dedication will not only shape bodies but also empower futures.

Steps To Achieve Your Professional Personal Trainer Certification Goal

Embarking on the journey to achieve your professional personal trainer certification is an exciting and rewarding endeavour. To reach this goal, a strategic approach is essential. Begin by researching reputable certification programs that align with your aspirations and the industry’s standards. Consider factors like program content, credibility, and recognition. Once you’ve chosen a program, immerse yourself in the coursework, absorbing knowledge about exercise science, anatomy, nutrition, and training methodologies.

Next, focus on practical experience through internships, workshops, and hands-on training sessions. This hands-on exposure will refine your skills and deepen your understanding of real-world fitness challenges. Study diligently and prepare for the certification exam, which serves as a testament to your expertise. Don’t forget to stay updated with industry trends and research.

Maintain a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Your journey to studying to become a certified personal trainer is not just about achieving a title; it’s about continually improving and making a lasting impact on clients’ lives. With dedication, perseverance, and a hunger for knowledge, you’ll confidently step into the role of a knowledgeable and inspirational personal trainer.

Essential Requirements For Personal Trainers

Personal trainers play a vital role in promoting health and fitness, requiring a blend of knowledge, skills, and qualities. Education is crucial, with most employers seeking a certification from reputable organizations. A strong grasp of exercise science, anatomy, nutrition, and client assessment techniques is essential. Beyond the technical, effective communication skills are key to understanding clients’ goals and tailoring plans. Patience, empathy, and motivation are traits that create a positive client-trainer relationship. Adaptability is vital to cater to diverse clients and their needs. Remaining current with industry trends ensures trainers offer the latest insights and techniques.

Your Journey To Expertise In Fitness Instruction

Embarking on a journey toward expertise in fitness instruction is both rewarding and transformative. Aspiring fitness professionals undergo comprehensive training to master the art and science of effective exercise guidance. This journey encompasses learning exercise techniques, understanding human physiology, and delving into nutrition principles. Practical experience, gained through internships or hands-on training, is invaluable in honing instructional skills and client interaction. Continuous education and staying updated with industry trends are essential for maintaining expertise. Cultivating a passion for helping individuals achieve their fitness goals fuels this journey, making it a fulfilling endeavour that empowers both trainers and clients on the path to healthier lives.

Building Credibility As A Qualified Personal Trainer

Building credibility as a qualified personal trainer is paramount for a successful career. It begins with obtaining recognized certifications and fitness training qualifications, showcasing your commitment to expertise. Consistently delivering effective training, tailored to clients’ goals, establishes trust and results. Open communication, active listening, and adapting programs strengthen client relationships and showcase professionalism. Keeping updated with industry trends and continuously learning bolsters your knowledge. Creating1 a strong online presence through a professional website or social media underscores your expertise. As clients achieve their fitness goals, your credibility grows, leading to client referrals and a solid reputation as a trusted and skilled personal trainer.

The journey to qualify as a personal trainer is a fulfilling endeavour that requires dedication, education, and continuous growth. By obtaining the right certifications and credentials, mastering fitness training techniques, and cultivating essential qualities, you will be able to begin a very rewarding career in the fitness industry. As a certified personal trainer, you have the chance to make a really positive impact on people’s lives, helping them achieve their health and wellness goals. Through effective communication, tailored guidance, and a commitment to excellence, you can build credibility, establish trust, and create a lasting legacy in the realm of fitness. Embrace this journey and let your passion for fitness and dedication to professional growth pave the way for a successful and impactful career as a qualified personal trainer.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Frequently Asked Questions

The first step is to research and enrol in a reputable certification program that aligns with industry standards and your career goals.

Personal trainers need to acquire recognized certifications from organizations. A strong understanding of exercise science, nutrition, and client assessment techniques is also crucial.

Hands-on experience gained through internships, workshops, and practical training sessions helps refine skills, deepen understanding, and prepare for real-world challenges.

Good communication skills are essential for understanding clients’ goals, needs, and concerns. Personal trainers must tailor their guidance to each individual’s unique requirements.

Continuous learning is essential to stay updated with industry trends, advancements in fitness science, and evolving client needs. It demonstrates commitment to professional growth and expertise.

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How Does Personal Training Help Runners? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-does-personal-training-help-runners/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 05:00:37 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34226 The post How Does Personal Training Help Runners? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the pursuit of becoming stronger, faster, and more efficient athletes, runners often seek ways to boost their performance as well as achieve their fitness goals. This is where personal training steps in as a valuable resource, providing tailored guidance and expertise to support runners in their journey. Whether you’re a beginner aiming to complete your first 5K or an experienced marathoner striving for a personal best, personalized training can make a significant difference in your running experience. In today’s article, we will explore the ways in which personal training can benefit runners of all levels, from enhancing endurance and technique to preventing injuries and overcoming plateaus. Let’s delve into the world of personal training and discover how it can unlock your full running potential.

Tailored Programs For Enhanced Performance

Personal training offers a customized approach to help runners achieve peak performance and surpass their fitness goals. With personalized programs designed specifically for runners, this training method takes into account individual strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. Experienced personal trainers provide expert guidance on improving running techniques, increasing endurance, and optimizing training routines. By tailoring workouts to address unique needs, personal training enhances overall performance and minimizes the risk of injuries. If you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your running journey, personalized training empowers you to reach new heights in your running endeavours. Unlock the full potential of your running abilities with a personal training program designed for you.

Fitness Coaching For Runners: Reaching Your Peak Performance

Fitness coaching for runners is a game-changer when it comes to reaching your peak performance. As a runner, you may have specific goals, whether it’s running faster, increasing distance, or conquering challenging terrains. A fitness coach specializes in tailoring training programs to suit your unique needs, abilities, and aspirations. They analyse your running form, identify areas for improvement, and design workouts to enhance your strengths and overcome weaknesses. With expert guidance, you’ll optimize your running technique, boost endurance, and prevent injuries.

Fitness coaching goes beyond physical training; it includes mental and emotional support to keep you motivated and focused. Your coach will keep you accountable, track your progress, and adjust your program as you advance. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned runner, a fitness coach will elevate your running game and help you surpass your personal bests. Embrace the power of fitness coaching to unlock your full running potential and reach new heights in your athletic journey.

Personalized Fitness Training: Optimizing Runners’ Performance

Personalized fitness training is a game-changer for runners looking to optimize their performance. With tailored workout programs designed to meet individual needs and goals, runners can take their training to the next level. A fitness coach analyses running techniques, identifies strengths, and addresses weaknesses to improve overall performance. The personalized approach ensures that runners receive the right training, focusing on areas that require attention and avoiding generic workouts. By incorporating personalized fitness training, runners can enhance endurance, speed, and agility, while minimizing the risk of injuries. Embrace the power of personalized training to unlock your full running potential and achieve remarkable results.

Coaching For Runners: Elevating Fitness And Endurance

Coaching for runners is a transformative experience that elevates both fitness levels and endurance. With a skilled coach by your side, you can tap into your full potential, surpassing previous limitations, and achieving new milestones. A running coach assesses your current fitness level, designs personalized training plans, and provides valuable insights to enhance running techniques. Through consistent guidance and support, runners can improve their cardiovascular capacity, muscular strength, and overall performance. Coaches also offer motivation and accountability, keeping runners on track and focused on their goals. Whether you’re a novice looking to build a foundation or a seasoned athlete aiming for a breakthrough, coaching unlocks the keys to success. Embrace the journey with a running coach and witness the remarkable transformation in your fitness and endurance levels, enabling you to conquer new challenges with confidence and determination.

Performance-Oriented Personal Training For Runners: Achieving Your Goals

Performance-oriented personal training for runners is a dynamic approach focused on achieving your goals and maximizing athletic potential. Tailored to individual needs, this training method hones in on specific areas for improvement, such as speed, endurance, and strength. A qualified personal trainer designs comprehensive workout plans, implements effective techniques, and provides ongoing support to ensure progress. By emphasizing proper form and technique, runners can prevent injuries and enhance overall performance. With a performance-oriented training program, you can break barriers, set new personal records, and conquer your running objectives. Elevate your running game and propel yourself toward success with the guidance of a dedicated personal trainer.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Personal training offers customized workout plans tailored to runners’ specific needs, optimizing performance and addressing individual goals.

Yes, personal trainers focus on correcting running form and technique, lowering the risk of injuries and enhancing efficiency.

Personal trainers assess runners’ weaknesses and imbalances, designing exercises to strengthen vulnerable areas, minimizing the chance of injuries.

Personalized training programs incorporate progressive workouts, interval training, and cardio exercises to boost endurance and stamina levels.

Yes, personal training can benefit beginners, recreational runners, and competitive athletes alike, adapting workouts to match each runner’s abilities and goals.

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What Does A Fitness Coach Do? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-does-a-fitness-coach-do/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 05:00:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34235 The post What Does A Fitness Coach Do? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the pursuit of a healthier and fitter lifestyle, many individuals turn to fitness coaches for expert guidance and support. But what exactly does a fitness coach do? A fitness coach, also known as a personal trainer, plays a pivotal role in helping individuals achieve their fitness goals and improve overall well-being. From crafting personalized exercise programs to providing motivation and accountability, fitness coaches offer tailored solutions that cater to each individual’s unique needs. In today’s article, we will explore the diverse responsibilities of a fitness coach, the benefits of working with one, and how they can empower you to get to new heights in your fitness journey. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, understanding the role of a fitness coach can make a major difference in your path to a healthier and far more active lifestyle.

Your Guide To Achieving Your Fitness Goals

Embarking on a journey to achieve your fitness goals can be both exciting and challenging. If your goal is ultimately to lose weight, build muscle, improve endurance, or simply lead a healthier lifestyle, having a well-defined plan and expert guidance is crucial for success. From understanding the principles of exercise and nutrition to staying motivated and overcoming obstacles, you will discover valuable insights to stay on track and achieve the results you desire. Get ready to transform your fitness journey and unlock your full potential for a healthier, happier you.

Personal Training: Tailored Programs For Optimal Health And Wellness

Personal training offers a highly personalized and effective approach to achieving optimal health and wellness. With a tailored program designed specifically for your needs, goals, and fitness level, personal training takes into account your unique body composition, strengths, and limitations. A certified fitness coach will be there to guide you through targeted exercises, ensuring correct form and technique to maximize results while – at the same time – minimizing the risk of injury. Additionally, personal training encompasses personalized nutrition advice, helping you develop healthier eating habits and support your fitness journey. The one-on-one attention and accountability from a dedicated fitness coach empower you to stay motivated, focused, and on track toward your wellness objectives. Whether you’re a beginner seeking to establish a solid foundation or a seasoned athlete looking to push boundaries, personal training is your key to unlocking your full potential and enjoying a healthier, more vibrant life.

Enhancing Health And Wellness: The Role Of A Fitness Coach

A fitness coach plays a pivotal role in enhancing health and wellness by providing expert guidance and support to individuals on their fitness journey. With a deep understanding of exercise science and nutrition, a fitness coach creates personalized workout plans tailored to individual needs and goals. They offer motivation, encouragement, and accountability, helping clients stay consistent and focused. A fitness coach ensures proper form and technique during exercises, reducing the risk of injury while maximizing results. Moreover, they offer valuable insights into nutrition, lifestyle changes, and behaviour modification to foster a holistic approach to health and wellness. With a fitness coach by your side, you can achieve lasting improvements in your physical fitness and overall well-being.

Effective Exercise Programs

A fitness coach plays a crucial role in helping individuals succeed in their exercise programs. They bring expertise and knowledge to create effective and personalized workout plans that align with individual goals, fitness levels, and preferences. By conducting thorough assessments, a fitness coach identifies strengths and areas for improvement, tailoring exercises to target specific needs. They provide ongoing support, motivation, and accountability, keeping clients on track and committed to their fitness journey. Additionally, a fitness coach ensures correct form and technique during exercises, lowering the risk of injury and enhancing overall performance. With their guidance, individuals can optimize their workouts, make consistent progress, and overcome plateaus. A fitness coach empowers clients with knowledge about exercise science, nutrition, and lifestyle changes, enabling them to develop sustainable habits for long-term success. With this dedicated support, individuals can achieve their fitness goals and enjoy improved health and well-being.

Mapping Your Path To Success

Setting goals with a fitness coach is a transformative process that paves the path to success and personal growth. Through in-depth consultations, a fitness coach gains a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s aspirations, capabilities, and limitations. They help define clear, realistic, and measurable fitness objectives, breaking them down into manageable milestones. This strategic approach empowers clients to stay focused, committed, and motivated throughout their fitness journey. A fitness coach guides clients in creating personalized action plans, encompassing workout routines, nutrition guidelines, and lifestyle adjustments. Regular progress assessments and adjustments ensure that goals remain attainable and relevant. Moreover, the accountability and encouragement provided by a fitness coach foster discipline and resilience, empowering clients to overcome challenges and setbacks. As clients witness their progress, self-confidence and determination flourish, leading to enhanced physical and mental well-being. With a fitness coach as a supportive ally, individuals embark on a transformative journey toward achieving their health and fitness aspirations.

A fitness coach plays a critical role in guiding people on their journey to better health and fitness. By offering personalized training programs, expert guidance, and ongoing support, fitness coaches empower clients to achieve their goals and unlock their full potential. With their knowledge of exercise science, nutrition, and behaviour modification, fitness coaches help individuals develop sustainable habits for long-term success. The accountability and motivation provided by a fitness coach ensure that clients stay focused and committed to their fitness journey. Through setting clear and achievable goals, individuals can track their progress, overcome challenges, and witness positive transformations in their physical and mental well-being. Embrace the power of a fitness coach and take the very first step towards a healthier, happier you.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Frequently Asked Questions

A fitness coach plays a crucial role in providing expert guidance, support, and personalized training programs to people seeking to improve their health and fitness levels.

Fitness coaches create tailored workout plans, consider individual strengths and limitations, offer motivation and accountability, and provide valuable insights into nutrition and lifestyle changes to support clients in achieving their fitness objectives.

Unlike exercising alone, a fitness coach brings expertise in exercise science, form correction, and personalized training, which boosts results and minimizes the risk of injuries.

Yes, fitness coaches cater to individuals of all fitness levels, whether beginners seeking to establish a foundation or experienced athletes looking to push their boundaries and reach new heights

By focusing on exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle changes, fitness coaches foster a holistic approach to health and well-being, empowering clients to make lasting improvements in their physical fitness and overall wellness.

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Does Personal Training Help With Weight Loss? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/does-personal-training-help-with-weight-loss/ Fri, 04 Aug 2023 05:00:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34203 The post Does Personal Training Help With Weight Loss? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the pursuit of a healthier and fitter lifestyle, many individuals seek effective solutions to achieve their weight loss goals. While there are numerous approaches to shedding those extra pounds, the role of personal training has gained significant attention in recent times. Personal training offers a tailored and expert-guided approach to fitness, focusing on individual needs and objectives. This article aims to explore the question, “Does personal training help with weight loss?” We delve into the benefits, insights, and success stories surrounding the integration of personal training in weight loss journeys. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or someone looking to embark on a weight loss transformation, understanding the impact of personal training on achieving weight loss goals can be the stepping stone to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Personal Training: A Key Element In Achieving Your Weight Loss Goals

Personal training serves as a key element in achieving your weight loss goals by providing personalized guidance and support throughout your fitness journey. With the expertise of a certified personal trainer, you receive a tailored exercise program that aligns with your specific needs and fitness level. Trainers not only design effective workouts but also offer valuable insights into nutrition and lifestyle choices, maximizing the efficiency of your weight loss efforts. They keep you motivated, accountable, and help you break through plateaus to achieve lasting results. Personal training empowers you with the knowledge and tools to make sustainable lifestyle changes, ensuring your weight loss success and overall well-being.

The Role Of Personal Training In Promoting Weight Loss And Fitness

Personal training plays a crucial role in promoting weight loss and overall fitness by providing personalized guidance and support. With the help of a certified personal trainer, individuals can embark on a journey tailored to their specific needs, fitness levels, and weight loss goals. Trainers conduct comprehensive assessments, considering factors like health conditions and fitness history to design a customized exercise program. They focus on maximizing calorie burn, increasing metabolism, and building lean muscle mass to facilitate weight loss effectively.

Moreover, personal trainers are not just fitness experts; they also offer nutritional guidance, helping individuals make informed choices to support their weight loss efforts. The one-on-one attention and motivation provided by personal trainers create accountability and keep clients dedicated to their fitness journey.

Beyond weight loss, personal training enhances overall fitness by improving cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and endurance. It also helps individuals develop healthy habits, boosts confidence, and fosters a positive mindset towards fitness and well-being.

Setting And Achieving Your Fitness Goals

Setting and achieving fitness goals is essential for a successful and fulfilling wellness journey. Begin by defining clear and realistic objectives that align with your aspirations, whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, improved endurance, or overall well-being. Break down bigger goals into smaller, achievable milestones to stay motivated and track progress effectively. Create a well-rounded workout plan that incorporates cardiovascular exercises, strength training, flexibility work, and rest days for recovery. Consistency is key, so set a routine that fits your lifestyle and commit to it. Seek guidance from fitness professionals, like personal trainers, to ensure your goals are attainable and to receive the support needed to overcome challenges. Celebrate every achievement, no matter how small, and stay determined on the path to success.

Enhancing Health And Wellness

Enhancing health and wellness is a holistic journey that encompasses a number of different aspects of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It involves making conscious lifestyle choices that prioritize self-care and balance. Regular physical activity, for example cardio exercises, strength training, and yoga, contributes to improved cardiovascular health, increased flexibility, and overall fitness. Correct nutrition, including a balanced diet rich in nutrients, supports optimal body function and provides essential energy for daily activities. Mental and emotional well-being are equally vital; practicing mindfulness, meditation, and stress-reduction techniques can reduce anxiety and promote mental clarity.

Additionally, fostering positive social connections and maintaining a support network nurtures emotional health. Prioritizing quality sleep ensures sufficient rest and rejuvenation for the body and mind. Embracing hobbies and activities that bring joy and fulfilment further enhances overall wellness.

Designing An Effective Exercise Program

Designing an effective exercise program requires careful planning and consideration of individual goals, fitness levels, and preferences. Begin by setting clear and achievable objectives, whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, or improved overall fitness. Assessing current fitness levels helps determine a starting point and tailor exercises accordingly. Choose a diverse range of exercises that target different muscle groups and include cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Progression is key; gradually increase intensity and difficulty as fitness improves. Incorporating rest days is essential to allow muscles to recover and prevent injury. Stay consistent, track progress, and be open to adjusting the program as needed to ensure continued growth and success.

The integration of personal training in weight loss journeys proves to be a vital element in achieving successful and sustainable results. As individuals seek effective solutions for a healthier and fitter lifestyle, the personalized guidance and support provided by certified personal trainers prove invaluable. With tailor-made exercise programs and valuable insights into nutrition and lifestyle choices, personal training maximizes the efficiency of weight loss efforts. Beyond shedding pounds, personal training promotes overall fitness by improving cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and endurance. It empowers individuals with the knowledge and tools to make lasting lifestyle changes, fostering a positive mindset towards fitness and well-being. By setting clear and achievable fitness goals, embracing a holistic approach to health and wellness, and designing effective exercise programs, individuals can embark on transformative fitness journeys, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Personal training plays a crucial role in weight loss success by providing personalized guidance and support throughout the fitness journey. Certified personal trainers design customized exercise programs tailored to individual needs, maximizing calorie burn and building lean muscle mass for effective weight loss.

Yes, personal trainers are not just fitness experts; they also offer valuable nutritional guidance. They help individuals make informed choices and adopt healthy eating habits in order to promote their weight loss efforts.

Personal training goes beyond weight loss and enhances overall fitness. It improves cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and endurance, helping individuals develop a healthier lifestyle and boost confidence.

Personal trainers provide one-on-one attention and motivation, keeping clients accountable and focused on their goals. They help clients overcome plateaus and celebrate every achievement to maintain motivation.

Absolutely, personal training is tailored to individual needs, regardless of fitness levels or health conditions. Trainers conduct comprehensive assessments to ensure safe and effective exercise programs for all clients.

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How To Become A Personal Trainer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-become-a-personal-trainer/ Fri, 04 Aug 2023 05:00:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34208 The post How To Become A Personal Trainer appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Becoming a fitness trainer is a rewarding and fulfilling career path for fitness enthusiasts who have a passion for assisting others to attain their health and wellness goals. As the demand for qualified fitness professionals continues to grow, individuals interested in pursuing this career may find themselves wondering, “How to become a personal trainer?” This comprehensive guide explores the essential steps and considerations on the journey to becoming a certified personal trainer. From acquiring the necessary qualifications and certifications to developing practical skills and building a thriving career in the fitness industry, we delve into the key aspects that aspiring personal trainers need to know. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast with a zeal for guiding others or seeking a career change into the dynamic world of fitness, this article will give you valuable insights and actionable steps to kickstart your path to becoming a successful personal trainer.

A Step-By-Step Guide To The Personal Training Journey

Embarking on the journey to become a personal trainer can be both exciting and rewarding. This step-by-step guide is designed to provide aspiring fitness professionals with a comprehensive roadmap to pursue their passion for assisting others achieve their fitness goals. Starting from the initial considerations of why personal training appeals to you, we explore the various education and certification options available to become a qualified trainer. Discover the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in this field, along with practical tips on gaining hands-on experience and building a strong client base. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to enhance your existing fitness career, this guide will equip you with the tools and knowledge to succeed as a certified personal trainer.

Training Essentials For Aspiring Fitness Trainers

Aspiring fitness trainers must equip themselves with vital knowledge and skills to achieve in their career journey. Understanding anatomy, physiology, and exercise principles lays the foundation for effective training programs. Learning about different fitness modalities, such as strength training, cardiovascular exercises, and flexibility work, empowers trainers to design well-rounded routines for their clients. Moreover, grasping the importance of proper form and technique ensures safe and injury-free workouts.

Communication and interpersonal skills are equally vital as trainers interact with diverse clients. Effective communication builds trust, rapport, and understanding, enabling trainers to tailor programs to individual needs and preferences. Empathy and motivation play crucial roles in inspiring clients to remain committed to their fitness goals.

Staying updated with industry trends and research enables trainers to provide evidence-based practices and innovative training methods. Additionally, pursuing certifications and continuing education enhances credibility and expertise.

Becoming A Certified Personal Trainer: The Journey Ahead

Becoming a certified personal trainer is a very exciting and rewarding journey that awaits aspiring fitness enthusiasts. This career path requires dedication, commitment, and a passion for assisting others attain their health and fitness goals. The journey typically starts with gaining a solid foundation in anatomy, exercise science, and nutrition through relevant courses and education. Pursuing certification from accredited organizations is essential to demonstrate credibility and expertise in the field. Hands-on experience and internships provide valuable practical knowledge and build confidence in working with clients. As trainers continue to grow, staying updated with industry trends and continuous learning are vital to ensure they deliver effective and safe training programs. Embrace the journey ahead and become a certified personal trainer ready to inspire and transform lives through fitness.

Fitness Trainer Certification: What You Need To Know

Obtaining a fitness trainer certification is a crucial step for individuals aspiring to embark on a career in the fitness industry. This certification not only enhances credibility but also equips trainers with the knowledge and skills to effectively guide clients towards their fitness goals. Before pursuing certification, it’s essential to research and choose a reputable and accredited certification program. Look for programs that cover comprehensive topics such as exercise science, anatomy, physiology, program design, and client assessment. Additionally, consider whether the certification is recognized by fitness organizations and gyms worldwide to broaden career opportunities. Dedicate time and effort to study and prepare for the certification exam, as it serves as a validation of expertise in the field. Once certified, continue to expand knowledge through workshops, seminars, and staying updated with industry trends to provide clients with the best fitness guidance possible.

Mastering The Art Of Personal Training: Tips For Success

Mastering the art of personal training requires dedication, expertise, and a genuine passion for fitness. First and foremost, focus on continuous learning and stay updated with the very latest fitness trends, research, and techniques. Develop quite strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively connect with clients, understand their needs, and provide tailored guidance. Be adaptable and creative in designing workout programs that suit individual abilities and preferences. Highlight the importance of proper form and technique to prevent injuries and maximize results. Cultivate a supportive and motivating training environment to keep clients engaged and committed. Set realistic goals and track progress to celebrate achievements and keep clients motivated on their fitness journey. By combining knowledge, empathy, and a client-centred approach, personal trainers can find success in transforming lives through fitness.

Embarking on the journey to become a personal trainer is a rewarding and fulfilling endeavour for fitness enthusiasts passionate about helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. This step-by-step guide provides aspiring fitness professionals with a comprehensive roadmap to pursue their dream career. From understanding the essential qualifications and certifications to developing practical skills and building a successful career in the fitness industry, this article covers the key aspects aspiring personal trainers need to know. Whether you’re starting from scratch or seeking to enhance your existing fitness career, this guide equips you with invaluable understandings and actionable steps to thrive as a certified personal trainer. Embrace the journey ahead and inspire positive transformations in the lives of your clients through the power of fitness coaching.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Frequently Asked Questions

To become a personal trainer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers and certification organizations also require CPR and AED certifications. Additionally, pursuing a fitness-related degree or certification from accredited organizations can boost your credibility and expertise in the field.

The time it takes to become a certified personal trainer varies depending on your chosen certification program and study pace. Some programs offer self-paced learning, while others have set schedules for in-person or online classes. On average, it may take a few months to complete the necessary coursework and pass the certification exam.

Getting certified as a personal trainer offers several benefits. It enhances your professional credibility and increases your chances of being hired by reputable fitness facilities. Certification provides you with a rock solid foundation in exercise science, anatomy, program design, and client assessment, making you better equipped to develop effective training plans and provide personalized guidance to clients.

Yes, hands-on experience is crucial for becoming a successful personal trainer. While obtaining a certification equips you with essential knowledge, practical experience allows you to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. Internships, volunteer work, or shadowing experienced trainers can provide invaluable practical insights and build your confidence in working with clients.

Personal trainers should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to connect with clients, understand their needs, and provide motivational support. Strong organizational skills are essential for planning and tracking clients’ progress. Adaptability and creativity are valuable for designing customized workouts that suit individual abilities and goals. Empathy and patience are vital in understanding clients’ challenges and providing empathetic guidance throughout their fitness journey. Finally, staying updated with industry trends and continuous learning helps trainers deliver the most effective and innovative fitness coaching.

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Is Personal Training Worth It? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/is-personal-training-worth-it/ Wed, 02 Aug 2023 05:00:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34193 The post Is Personal Training Worth It? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Are you contemplating the idea of enlisting the services of a personal trainer to kickstart or elevate your fitness journey? The question that often arises in the minds of many is, “Is Personal Training Worth It?” With the abundance of fitness resources and information available today, making the decision to invest in a personal trainer can be a thought-provoking process. Fitness training offers a tailored and guided approach to achieving your fitness goals, addressing your unique needs, challenges, and aspirations.

In this article, we will delve into the world of personal training to explore its true value and benefits. Discover how the expertise of a certified personal trainer can propel you towards success, optimize your workouts, and unlock your full potential in the pursuit of a fitter, healthier, and happier lifestyle. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast looking to break barriers or a beginner seeking the right path, find out if fitness training is indeed worth the investment.

Achieving Your Fitness Goals With Personal Training

Achieving your fitness goals becomes a rewarding and transformative journey with the guidance of fitness training. A certified personal trainer serves as your dedicated ally, crafting a customized workout program tailored to your specific aspirations and fitness level. With their expertise, you gain access to personalized attention, proper form instruction, and motivation, ensuring your workouts are efficient and effective. Fitness training provides accountability, helping you stay committed to your fitness journey and surpassing limitations. If your goal is losing weight, muscle gain, improved endurance, or overall well-being, a personal trainer empowers you to stay focused and disciplined. With their support, you can unlock your full potential, experience incredible progress, and attain the lasting results you’ve been striving for.

Enhancing Health And Wellness Through Personal Training

Enhancing health and wellness through fitness training is a transformative and empowering experience. Personal training offers a holistic approach to well-being, focusing on physical fitness, mental resilience, and emotional balance. A certified personal trainer designs personalized workout programs that align with your health goals, taking into account your unique needs and fitness level. The trainer provides expert guidance, ensuring proper form during exercises and minimizing the risk of injuries. The integration of cardiovascular workouts, strength training, flexibility exercises, and mindfulness techniques fosters a well-rounded fitness routine that enhances overall health.

Beyond physical gains, fitness training also addresses mental and emotional aspects. The trainer offers motivation and support, helping you overcome obstacles and cultivate a positive mindset. As you progress on your fitness journey, you build confidence and self-esteem, boosting your overall well-being.

Unveiling The Worth Of Fitness Training: Benefits Explored

Unveiling the worth of fitness training reveals a plethora of benefits that make it a valuable investment in one’s fitness journey. Fitness training offers a tailored approach to achieving fitness goals, with certified trainers customizing workout programs to individual needs. The expert guidance and personalized attention during exercises ensure correct form and minimize the risk of injuries. Additionally, personal trainers provide motivation, accountability, and support, helping clients remain focused and committed to their fitness journey. Whether seeking weight loss, strength gain, or improved overall health, personal training empowers individuals to achieve tangible results efficiently and effectively. The worth of fitness training lies in its ability to unlock potential, transform lifestyles, and foster lifelong habits for a healthier, happier self.

Maximizing Training Benefits: Is Personal Training The Key?

Maximizing training benefits is a paramount consideration for individuals looking to optimize their fitness journey, and fitness training emerges as a compelling solution. With its tailored approach, personalized guidance, and expert support, fitness training holds the key to unlocking one’s full potential and achieving fitness aspirations. Certified personal trainers play a pivotal role in crafting individualized workout programs that align precisely with specific goals and fitness levels, ensuring optimal results.

They offer invaluable insights into proper form and technique, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing the effectiveness of workouts. Moreover, personal trainers act as motivators, keeping clients accountable and focused on their objectives even during challenging times. The dynamic interaction and continuous feedback during training sessions foster a deeper understanding of personal capabilities and limitations, propelling clients towards success. For those seeking transformative outcomes and a well-rounded approach to health and wellness, personal training stands as a key to maximizing training benefits and unlocking a healthier, fitter, and happier version of oneself.

The question of whether fitness training is worth it is met with a resounding affirmation of its value and benefits. Personal training goes beyond just exercise guidance; it encompasses a comprehensive approach to health and wellness, addressing physical, mental, and emotional aspects. With certified personal trainers by your side, achieving your fitness goals becomes a rewarding and transformative journey. Their expertise allows for tailored workout programs that cater to individual needs and aspirations, optimizing your workouts and progress. The worth of fitness training lies in its ability to unlock your full potential, elevate your overall well-being, and foster lifelong healthy habits. From enhancing health and wellness to maximizing training benefits, personal training is the key to unlocking a fitter, better, and happier version of yourself. Invest in fitness training, and embark on a transformative fitness journey that will elevate every aspect of your life.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, personal training is worth the investment as it offers personalized guidance, expert support, and tailored workout programs to help you with achieving your fitness goals efficiently and effectively.

Personal training provides numerous benefits, including accountability, motivation, reduced risk of injuries, customized workouts, and the ability to unlock your full potential in your fitness journey.

Absolutely! Personal training is ideal for beginners as it offers a safe and supportive environment with certified trainers who can create a workout program tailored to the individual’s fitness level and goals.

Yes, personal training is highly beneficial for individuals with health concerns or limitations. Certified trainers can adapt exercises and routines to accommodate specific needs and work in tandem with healthcare professionals to promote overall well-being.

Personal training stands out as a superior choice compared to other fitness options because of its personalized approach, expert guidance, and continuous support, which can result in more effective and sustainable fitness results.

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Will Personal Training Help Me? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/will-personal-training-help-me/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 05:00:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34188 The post Will Personal Training Help Me? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Are you wondering, “Will Personal Training Help Me?” If you’ve ever contemplated this question while striving to achieve your fitness goals, you’re not alone. Fitness training is a transformative and dynamic approach to fitness that has helped countless individuals, from fitness enthusiasts to beginners, on their health and wellness journeys. In this article, we will delve into the world of fitness training to explore how it can be the key to unlocking your full potential and transforming your fitness aspirations into reality. Whether you’re seeking to lose weight, build strength, improve endurance, or enhance overall well-being, personal training offers a personalized and guided path to success. Get ready to discover the multitude of benefits that fitness training can bring to your health, fitness, and quality of life.

Fitness Training: Your Path To Achieving Fitness Goals

Fitness training serves as your dedicated path to achieving fitness goals with expert guidance and support. A certified personal trainer customizes workout programs to align with your unique aspirations and fitness level, ensuring optimal results. Through comprehensive assessments and continuous monitoring, the trainer tailors exercises to suit your strengths and challenges, reducing the risk of injuries. They offer motivation and accountability, keeping you focused on your fitness journey and pushing you to surpass limitations. If you aim to lose weight, build muscle, increase flexibility, or enhance overall well-being, personal training empowers you to reach your objectives efficiently and effectively, unlocking your full potential and transforming your fitness aspirations into reality.

The Benefits Of Personal Training For Your Health And Wellness

Fitness training offers a plethora of benefits that significantly contribute to your health and wellness journey. With a certified personal trainer by your side, you gain access to personalized guidance and support tailored to your specific needs and goals. The trainer conducts thorough assessments, taking into account your fitness level, health history, and aspirations, to design a customized workout program that optimizes results and ensures safety.

The individualized attention and proper form instruction during exercises help reduce the risk of injuries while maximizing the efficiency of your workouts. Moreover, the ongoing motivation and accountability provided by your trainer keep you on track, even when faced with challenges or plateaus.

Beyond physical gains, fitness training can have a positive impact on your mental and emotional well-being. It boosts confidence, enhances self-esteem, and reduces stress levels through the release of endorphins during exercise.

Creating A Customized Workout Program With Personal Training

Fitness training offers the unique advantage of creating a customized workout program tailored specifically to your individual needs and fitness goals. A certified personal trainer begins the process by conducting a detailed assessment, understanding your fitness level, health history, and aspirations. With this information, they design a personalized workout plan that factors in your strengths, challenges, and preferences. The program may include a variety of exercises, from strength training and cardiovascular workouts to flexibility and balance training, all aimed at optimizing your results and ensuring a well-rounded approach to fitness. With a customized workout program, fitness training empowers you to embark on a transformative fitness journey that is efficient, effective, and perfectly suited to your unique requirements.

How Fitness Training Can Assist You With Reaching Your Fitness Goals

Fitness training serves as an invaluable ally on your fitness journey, providing the guidance and support needed to reach your fitness goals. With the expertise of a certified personal trainer by your side, you will get access to a wealth of knowledge and personalized attention. The journey begins with a thorough assessment, where the trainer gains insights into your fitness level, health history, and aspirations. Based on this information, they craft a tailored workout plan designed to address your specific needs and objectives. Throughout the training process, the trainer monitors your progress, making necessary adjustments to keep you challenged and motivated. They provide guidance on proper form and technique, lowering the risk of injury and maximizing the effectiveness of your workouts. Additionally, personal trainers offer continuous support and encouragement, keeping you accountable and motivated to push past obstacles and achieve your desired fitness milestones. With the assistance of fitness training, you can unlock your full potential and experience transformative outcomes in strength, endurance, and overall well-being.

Unlocking The Benefits Of Personal Training For Your Health And Wellness Journey

Fitness training unlocks a myriad of benefits on your health and wellness journey, making it a transformative and enriching experience. With the guidance of a certified personal trainer, you gain access to a tailored workout program designed to suit your personal needs and goals. The trainer’s expertise ensures proper form and technique, minimizing the risk of injury and increasing results. Moreover, they provide continuous motivation, support, and accountability, empowering you to stay focused and committed to your journey. Through personalized attention, you can overcome obstacles, surpass limitations, and achieve optimal fitness levels. Personal training enhances your overall health and wellness, fostering a stronger, more confident, and healthier version of yourself.

The question “Will Personal Training Help Me?” can be confidently answered with a resounding “Yes!” Fitness training offers a transformative and personalized approach to achieving fitness goals, regardless of your current fitness level or aspirations. With the expertise and guidance of a certified personal trainer, you gain access to a customized workout program tailored to suit your unique needs and objectives. The numerous benefits of fitness training extend beyond physical gains, positively impacting your mental and emotional well-being as well. From weight loss and muscle building to boosted flexibility and overall well-being, personal training empowers you to reach your full potential and experience transformative outcomes in your health and fitness journey. Embrace the power of fitness training and unlock a fitter, healthier, and happier you.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Personal training is a guided fitness program led by a certified trainer that is tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Absolutely! Personal training is ideal for beginners as it provides personalized guidance and support to build a strong foundation and avoid injuries.

Yes, personal training can be effective for weight loss. A certified trainer will create a customized workout and nutrition plan to support your weight loss goals.

Yes, personal training is ideal for individuals with specific fitness objectives. The trainer will design a tailored program to help you achieve your desired results.

Personal training offers one-on-one attention and a personalized approach, while group fitness classes are typically more general and cater to larger groups with varied fitness levels.

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How Does Personal Training Work? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-does-personal-training-work/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 05:00:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34166 The post How Does Personal Training Work? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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If you’ve ever wondered, “How Does Personal Training Work?” you’re about to embark on an enlightening journey. Personal training is a dynamic approach to achieving fitness goals, designed to cater to your unique needs and aspirations. In today’s article, we will explore the intricacies of personal training, understanding the role of a dedicated trainer, and uncovering the personalized exercise techniques that propel you towards success. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast looking to elevate your performance or a beginner taking the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle, personal training holds the key to unlocking your full potential. Get ready to discover how this specialized approach can transform your fitness journey and lead you towards a fitter, healthier, and happier you.

Personalized Fitness Plans: How Personal Training Works

Personalized fitness plans are at the core of how fitness training works, providing individuals with a tailored roadmap to achieve their specific fitness goals. A certified personal trainer begins the process by conducting a comprehensive assessment, understanding the client’s current fitness level, health history, and aspirations. Based on this information, the trainer designs a customized workout program that factors in individual preferences, strengths, and challenges. Throughout the training journey, the trainer closely monitors progress, making necessary adjustments to keep the workouts effective and engaging. This one-on-one approach ensures exercises are appropriate and safe, maximizing results and preventing injuries. With personalized fitness plans, personal training empowers individuals to achieve their unique fitness milestones and embark on a transformative and sustainable path to a healthier lifestyle.

Understanding The Role Of A Personal Trainer In Your Fitness Journey

A personal trainer plays a pivotal role in guiding and supporting you on your fitness journey, serving as a knowledgeable mentor, motivator, and advocate for your success. They are trained professionals who possess expertise in exercise science, anatomy, and physiology, enabling them to design personalized fitness plans that align with your goals and abilities. Your personal trainer begins by conducting a thorough assessment, gaining insights into your fitness level, health history, and any limitations or preferences. With this information, they craft a tailored workout program that challenges and empowers you, while considering your unique strengths and challenges. During training sessions, the personal trainer ensures proper form and technique, minimizing the risk of injury and maximizing results. Beyond physical guidance, they provide continuous support, encouragement, and accountability, keeping you motivated and committed to your fitness goals. Their extensive knowledge and passion for wellness make them invaluable partners on your journey towards improved health, enhanced fitness, and a positive lifestyle transformation.

Exercise Techniques In Personal Training: Maximizing Your Workout

Exercise techniques in fitness training are carefully selected and customized to optimize your workout and achieve the best possible results. A certified personal trainer employs their expertise to design exercises that align with your fitness goals and target specific muscle groups effectively. They focus on proper form and technique to ensure safety and prevent injuries, while also challenging you to push your limits and make progress. By incorporating a variety of exercises, from strength training to cardiovascular workouts, they keep your routine dynamic and engaging. With personalized exercise techniques, fitness training takes your fitness journey to the next level, enabling you to maximize your workout and reach new heights of strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

The Benefits Of Personalized Fitness Training Programs

Personalized fitness training programs offer a multitude of benefits that elevate your fitness journey to extraordinary heights. Unlike generic workout plans, these tailored programs are designed by certified personal trainers to match your unique needs, preferences, and goals. With a comprehensive assessment of your fitness level and health history, the program is carefully crafted to optimize results and cater to your strengths and challenges. The personalized approach ensures that exercises are suitable for your body, reducing the risk of injury and discomfort. Moreover, the constant guidance and support from your trainer keep you motivated, accountable, and on track towards achieving your desired outcomes. As you progress, the trainer adjusts the program, introducing new challenges to avoid plateaus and foster continuous growth. The result is a fitness journey that is efficient, effective, and enjoyable, empowering you to surpass your limitations and experience transformative results in strength, endurance, and overall well-being.

How Personal Training Enhances Your Fitness Goals

Personal training is a powerful catalyst that enhances your fitness goals and propels you towards success. With a personalized approach, a certified personal trainer tailors every aspect of your workout program to align with your specific objectives, whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, or overall fitness improvement. They create targeted exercises that challenge and push you to achieve optimal results. The trainer’s expertise ensures that you perform exercises with correct form and technique, reducing the risk of injury and maximizing efficiency. Moreover, the continuous guidance, motivation, and support from your trainer keep you focused and committed, elevating your dedication to achieving your fitness milestones. Through personal training, you unlock your full potential, surmounting obstacles, and embracing a healthier, fitter, and more confident version of yourself.

Personal training is a transformative and empowering approach to achieving your fitness goals. With personalized fitness plans and expert guidance from a certified personal trainer, you embark on a journey towards improved health, enhanced physical performance, and a positive lifestyle transformation. The role of a personal trainer goes beyond physical guidance, as they become your mentor and motivator, ensuring you stay on track and committed to your aspirations. Through carefully selected exercise techniques, fitness training maximizes the effectiveness of your workouts, helping you surpass limitations and reach new heights of strength and endurance. The benefits of personalized fitness training programs are abundant, providing you with a tailored roadmap to success and minimizing the risk of injury. By embracing personal training, you enhance your fitness journey and unlock your full potential, propelling yourself towards a fitter, healthier, and happier you.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Personal training is a specialized approach to fitness where an individual works one-on-one with a certified fitness professional, known as a personal trainer, to achieve specific health and fitness goals.

Personal training offers a personalized and customized workout plan tailored to the individual’s unique needs, goals, and fitness level, whereas regular gym workouts are often generic and not tailored to specific requirements.

A typical personal training session includes a combination of exercises, including strength training, cardiovascular workouts, flexibility exercises, and more, all designed to target the individual’s goals and areas of improvement.

A personal trainer conducts an initial assessment, which may include health history, fitness level, body composition analysis, and goal-setting discussions, to create a personalized exercise program that aligns with the client’s objectives.

Yes, personal training can benefit individuals at all fitness levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete, a personal trainer will adapt the workout program to suit your current abilities and help you progress towards your desired fitness outcomes.

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Strength And Conditioning Explained https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/strength-and-conditioning-explained/ Mon, 31 Jul 2023 05:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34157 The post Strength And Conditioning Explained appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Achieving peak physical performance and overall fitness requires a well-rounded approach that combines both strength and conditioning. These two pillars of fitness play a crucial role in enhancing athletic abilities, improving health, and optimizing daily life activities. Whether you’re an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or someone looking to lead a healthier lifestyle, understanding the concepts of strength and conditioning is fundamental to unlocking your full potential.

Strength Training: Explained For Optimal Fitness Gains

Strength training, an essential component of fitness, involves exercises focused on building muscle strength and endurance. This form of training targets various muscle groups, utilizing resistance through weights, resistance bands, or body weight. The primary goal is to challenge the muscles, causing them to adapt and grow stronger over time. Strength training offers numerous benefits, including increased muscle mass, improved bone density, enhanced metabolism, and injury prevention. It is a versatile discipline, accommodating various fitness levels and goals, from beginners seeking overall fitness gains to athletes aiming to enhance their performance. Understanding the science behind strength training is crucial for designing effective workout routines and optimizing fitness gains for a stronger and healthier body.

Conditioning Workouts: Explained For Enhanced Fitness Performance

Conditioning workouts are a vital aspect of fitness, designed to improve cardiovascular endurance, stamina, and overall performance. These workouts involve repetitive, high-intensity exercises that elevate heart rate and challenge the body’s energy systems. Conditioning aims to enhance the body’s ability to sustain physical effort, allowing individuals to push through fatigue and achieve peak performance levels.

Workouts can take various forms, such as interval training, circuit training, as well as high-intensity interval training (HIIT). These workouts not only improve cardiovascular health but also boost metabolism, burn calories, and enhance athletic performance in sports and activities.

Exploring the science behind conditioning workouts provides valuable insights into the physiological adaptations that occur, helping individuals optimize their training strategies. Incorporating these workouts into a fitness routine can lead to increased energy levels, improved endurance, and better recovery times.

Whether you’re an athlete seeking to excel in your sport or an individual aiming to enhance overall fitness, conditioning workouts offer a pathway to achieve enhanced fitness performance and unlock your full potential. Understanding the principles and benefits of conditioning empowers individuals to craft effective workout routines tailored to their goals, promoting a fitter, stronger, and more resilient body.

Fitness Conditioning: The Explained Guide To Achieve Your Goals

Fitness conditioning is a comprehensive guide to reaching your fitness goals through systematic training and preparation. It involves a holistic approach to improving overall physical performance, including strength, endurance, flexibility, and agility. By incorporating various workout routines, such as strength training, cardio exercises, and flexibility exercises, fitness conditioning ensures a well-rounded approach to achieve optimal results. This explained guide offers valuable insights into the science behind fitness conditioning, helping individuals understand the importance of progressive training, rest and recovery, and nutrition. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, embracing fitness conditioning can propel you towards your goals, enhancing your overall fitness levels and empowering you to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Explained: The Role Of Strength In Fitness And Everyday Life

Strength plays a crucial role in both fitness pursuits and everyday life, impacting various aspects of physical well-being. In fitness, strength training is fundamental to building and toning muscles, enhancing bone density, and improving overall athletic performance. It aids in increasing metabolism, supporting weight management, and reducing the risk of injuries. Beyond the gym, strength is essential for daily activities like lifting objects, carrying groceries, and maintaining proper posture. It also promotes independence and functional mobility as we age. Understanding the role of strength in fitness and everyday life empowers individuals to prioritize strength training in their exercise routines. It is not just about achieving a sculpted physique; it is about fostering a stronger and more resilient body, allowing for an active, healthy, and balanced life. By embracing strength training, individuals can unlock the transformative power of physical strength, positively impacting their overall health and well-being.

Comprehensive Training: Strength And Conditioning Explained

Comprehensive training that combines strength and conditioning is a holistic approach to optimizing fitness and athletic performance. Strength training focuses on building muscle strength, power, and endurance, while conditioning targets cardiovascular health and endurance. By integrating both elements, individuals can achieve well-rounded fitness gains, enhancing overall physical capabilities and resilience.

Strength and conditioning form the bedrock of achieving peak physical performance and overall fitness. Understanding the concepts and science behind these two pillars empowers individuals to unlock their full potential in both athletic pursuits and everyday life.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Strength and conditioning refer to a comprehensive approach to fitness that combines strength training, focused on building muscle strength and endurance, with conditioning workouts aimed at improving cardiovascular health and endurance.

Strength training promotes increased muscle mass, improved bone density, enhanced metabolism, and injury prevention, leading to better athletic performance and overall physical capabilities.

Conditioning workouts, such as interval training, circuit training, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), elevate heart rate and challenge energy systems, improving cardiovascular endurance, stamina, and calorie burn.

Yes, both beginners and seasoned fitness enthusiasts can benefit from strength and conditioning. Customized workout routines can be tailored to individual goals and fitness levels.

Combining strength training and conditioning ensures a well-rounded approach to fitness, enhancing muscle strength, cardiovascular health, and overall physical performance, resulting in a fitter, stronger, and more resilient body.

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Can Resistance Training Be Used For Heart Health? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-resistance-training-be-used-for-heart-health/ Fri, 28 Jul 2023 05:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34145 The post Can Resistance Training Be Used For Heart Health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the pursuit of overall well-being, heart health stands as an essential cornerstone. The heart, tirelessly pumping blood throughout our bodies, sustains our very existence. As medical research delves deeper into the realms of exercise science, traditional views on cardiovascular health have expanded to encompass various forms of physical activity. While aerobic exercises like running and cycling have long been championed for their cardiovascular benefits, there’s another contender on the rise – resistance training.

The Impact Of Resistance Training On Heart Health

Resistance training, once primarily associated with building muscle and strength, has shown profound implications for heart health. Engaging in regular resistance exercises can enhance cardiovascular fitness, leading to improved endurance, lowered blood pressure, and increased heart rate variability.

It assists with reducing the risk of hypertension and atherosclerosis by promoting healthy blood flow, strengthening arteries, and improving endothelial function. Resistance training also positively impacts lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation markers, crucial factors in heart disease prevention. By boosting cardiac output and oxygen delivery, it fortifies the myocardium, reducing the chances of heart failure and ischemic events. Embracing resistance training as part of a comprehensive fitness regimen demonstrates cardioprotective benefits, empowering individuals to foster optimal heart health.

Maximizing Heart Health With Cardiovascular Exercise

Maximizing heart health through cardiovascular exercise is a paramount endeavour. Cardiovascular exercises, such as running, cycling, swimming, and brisk walking, have been proven to be instrumental in maintaining a strong and healthy heart. These activities elevate heart rate and engage large muscle groups, promoting efficient blood circulation and enhancing cardiac output. Regular cardiovascular exercise bolsters endurance, improving the heart’s capacity to pump blood and deliver oxygen to the body’s tissues.

Moreover, engaging in such exercises helps manage blood pressure, reducing the risk of hypertension and atherosclerosis. It also fosters favourable lipid profiles, elevating HDL cholesterol levels and lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. By improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, cardiovascular exercise plays a vital role in diabetes prevention and management.

Furthermore, cardiovascular workouts stimulate the release of endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety, which are significant contributors to heart disease. The enhanced oxygen flow during exercise supports the growth of new blood vessels, increasing vascular efficiency. Regular cardiovascular training contributes to weight management, reducing excess strain on the heart and preventing obesity-related cardiovascular issues.

It is crucial to tailor cardiovascular exercise to individual fitness levels and preferences to ensure consistency and adherence. Whether it’s jogging, dancing, or using exercise equipment, incorporating regular cardiovascular exercise into one’s lifestyle significantly improves heart health, promoting longevity and a higher quality of life.

Exploring Strength Training Benefits For A Healthy Heart

Exploring strength training benefits reveals a surprising connection to heart health. While typically associated with building muscle and enhancing physical performance, strength training offers remarkable advantages for the heart. Engaging in regular strength exercises, such as weightlifting or bodyweight workouts, increases cardiac output and strengthens the myocardium, fortifying the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. It also improves blood flow and arterial flexibility, reducing the risk of hypertension and atherosclerosis. Strength training positively influences cholesterol levels, insulin sensitivity, and blood pressure, all crucial factors in maintaining cardiovascular wellness. By integrating strength training into a comprehensive fitness routine, individuals can unlock the potential for a healthier heart and improved overall well-being.

Heart-Healthy Workouts: Incorporating Resistance Training

When it comes to heart-healthy workouts, incorporating resistance training opens new avenues for cardiovascular well-being. While traditional cardiovascular exercises are valuable, combining them with resistance training offers unique benefits. Resistance workouts elevate heart rate, enhancing cardiac output and strengthening the heart. It promotes better blood flow, which helps reduce the risk of hypertension and improves arterial function. Resistance training also fosters muscle growth, aiding weight management and reducing stress on the heart. With increased muscle mass, the body becomes more metabolically efficient, positively impacting lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity. By integrating resistance training into heart-healthy routines, individuals can elevate their fitness levels while safeguarding their heart health.

A Comprehensive Guide To Cardiovascular Exercise And Heart Health

A comprehensive guide to cardiovascular exercise and heart health is a roadmap to a stronger, healthier heart. Cardiovascular exercises, ranging from brisk walking and running to swimming and cycling, hold immense benefits for the cardiovascular system. Engaging in regular aerobic activities elevates heart rate and strengthens the heart muscle, improving its efficiency and endurance. Enhanced blood circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, promoting overall wellness.

Consistent cardiovascular exercise is pivotal in managing blood pressure, reducing the risk of hypertension, and maintaining arterial health. It aids in achieving a favourable lipid profile, lowering LDL cholesterol levels while elevating HDL cholesterol. Moreover, cardiovascular workouts enhance insulin sensitivity, supporting diabetes management and prevention.

Beyond its physiological advantages, cardiovascular exercise aids weight management, reducing the burden on the heart. It also boosts mood, reducing stress and anxiety, both of which can impact heart health.

A well-rounded cardiovascular exercise routine, tailored to individual fitness levels and preferences, forms a cornerstone for a healthy heart and an overall improved quality of life. Embracing the principles of cardiovascular exercise outlined in this guide is a powerful step towards nurturing heart health and reaping the countless rewards of an active and vibrant life.

The exploration of resistance training’s impact on heart health reveals a compelling and multidimensional relationship. Alongside traditional cardiovascular exercises, resistance training emerges as a valuable component in fostering optimal heart health. Its potential to enhance cardiovascular fitness, reduce blood pressure, and promote arterial health showcases the far-reaching benefits it holds.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Resistance training positively impacts heart health by enhancing cardiovascular fitness, improving endurance, reducing blood pressure, and increasing heart rate variability. It promotes healthy blood flow, strengthens arteries, and enhances endothelial function, reducing the risk of hypertension and atherosclerosis.

While resistance training offers unique heart health benefits, it is not a complete substitute for traditional cardiovascular exercises. Both forms of exercise are valuable and complementary. Cardiovascular exercises elevate heart rate and enhance overall endurance, while resistance training focuses on strength and muscle development.

Various types of resistance exercises can benefit heart health. Weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and resistance band workouts are all effective. Compound movements like squats and deadlifts engage multiple muscle groups and stimulate the cardiovascular system, making them particularly beneficial.

Yes, incorporating resistance training into a fitness routine can aid in preventing heart-related diseases. Regular resistance exercise contributes to improved lipid profiles, better insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation markers, all of which are crucial factors in heart disease prevention.

It is essential for individuals with existing heart conditions to consult their healthcare provider before starting any exercise regimen, including resistance training. In many cases, resistance training can be safe and beneficial under professional supervision. The intensity and type of exercises may need to be tailored to an individual’s specific condition and capabilities.

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How Does Strength And Conditioning Help Athletes? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-does-strength-and-conditioning-help-athletes/ Thu, 27 Jul 2023 05:00:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34138 The post How Does Strength And Conditioning Help Athletes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the world of sports and athletics, the pursuit of excellence is a constant endeavour. Athletes continually seek ways to enhance their performance, push their limits, and achieve new heights. This relentless quest for improvement has led to the widespread adoption of strength and conditioning programs as a cornerstone of athletic development. But what exactly is strength and conditioning, and how does it contribute to the success of athletes? This article delves into the intricacies of this essential training approach, exploring how it empowers athletes to reach their full potential, optimize their physical capabilities, and excel in their chosen sports. From building power and agility to preventing injuries and maximizing endurance, the benefits of strength and conditioning are undeniable, making it an indispensable component of an athlete’s journey to greatness.

Strength And Conditioning Techniques For Athletes

These techniques are fundamental for athletes seeking to elevate their performance and excel in their respective sports. These specialized training methodologies focus on building muscular strength, power, endurance, and agility, enabling athletes to achieve peak physical condition. Through a combination of resistance training, plyometrics, agility drills, and cardiovascular exercises, athletes can enhance their overall athletic capabilities. Additionally, strength and conditioning programs aid in injury prevention, promoting proper biomechanics and mobility. Personalized training plans tailored to specific sports and individual needs ensure optimal results. Whether it’s improving speed on the track, increasing explosiveness on the field, or building endurance for long-distance events, these techniques are invaluable in unlocking an athlete’s full potential.

Enhancing Sports Performance Through Strength And Conditioning

Enhancing sports performance through strength and conditioning is a multifaceted approach that empowers athletes to reach new heights in their respective disciplines. This comprehensive training methodology focuses on developing key physical attributes such as strength, power, speed, agility, and endurance, all of which are vital for excelling in sports. By incorporating resistance training, plyometrics, functional movements, and cardiovascular exercises, athletes can maximize their athletic potential and gain a competitive edge. Moreover, these types of programs are tailored to suit specific sports and individual athlete needs, ensuring targeted improvements in performance.

Beyond physical gains, strength and conditioning also contribute to mental toughness, discipline, and self-confidence. Athletes learn to push their limits, overcome challenges, and embrace the journey of continuous improvement. Furthermore, these programs prioritize injury prevention, emphasizing proper technique and biomechanics to reduce the risk of injuries.

By integrating strength and conditioning into their training regimen, athletes can optimize their sports performance, achieve personal bests, and elevate their competitive standing in their chosen sports.

Fitness Training Strategies For Athletic Development

Fitness training strategies play a pivotal role in athletic development, laying the foundation for peak performance and long-term success. Tailored specifically to the needs of athletes, these strategies encompass a holistic approach that encompasses strength, power, agility, endurance, and flexibility training. By focusing on sport-specific movements, athletes enhance their functional capabilities and movement efficiency. Periodization, a key element, involves planned training cycles to optimize progress and prevent overtraining. Additionally, recovery and injury prevention strategies are integrated to ensure athletes stay in optimal condition. Fitness training strategies for athletic development empower athletes to excel in their sports, reaching new levels of achievement and fulfilling their athletic potential.

The Role Of Strength And Conditioning In Improving Athlete Performance

This type of coaching plays a vital role in improving athlete performance across various sports and disciplines. By targeting specific physical attributes, such as strength, power, speed, agility, and endurance, athletes can enhance their overall athletic capabilities and excel in their respective fields. Strength training builds muscle mass and increases force production, enabling athletes to generate more power and explosive movements.

Conditioning, on the other hand, improves cardiovascular fitness and stamina, allowing athletes to sustain high-intensity efforts for longer durations. The combination of strength and conditioning helps athletes optimize their athletic potential, reduce the risk of injuries, and enhance recovery. Moreover, these training methods promote better body mechanics, posture, and movement efficiency, leading to improved sports-specific skills and performance. Whether in team sports, individual disciplines, or high-level competitions, a well-structured strength and conditioning program is essential for athletes to reach peak performance and achieve their competitive goals.

Effective Strength And Conditioning Programs For Athletes

Effective programs for athletes are tailored to individual needs and sports-specific demands. These programs focus on developing the key physical attributes required for peak performance, such as strength, power, speed, agility, and endurance. They involve a combination of resistance training, plyometrics, speed drills, and cardiovascular exercises. The programs are periodized to ensure progressive overload and prevent overtraining. Moreover, they include proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and recovery strategies to optimize athletic development and reduce the risk of injuries. Effective strength and conditioning programs are designed by qualified professionals who consider an athlete’s current fitness level, goals, and the demands of their sport, ensuring optimal results and long-term success.

Strength and conditioning coaching is indispensable components of an athlete’s journey to greatness. These specialized training methodologies empower athletes to reach their full potential, optimize their physical capabilities, and excel in their chosen sports. By building power, agility, endurance, and preventing injuries, strength and conditioning techniques lay the foundation for peak performance and long-term success. Tailored to suit specific sports and individual athlete needs, these programs ensure targeted improvements in performance. Beyond physical gains, strength and conditioning also foster mental toughness, discipline, and self-confidence. By integrating strength and conditioning into their training regimens, athletes can optimize their sports performance, achieve personal bests, and elevate their competitive standing in their chosen sports. It is a transformative journey that empowers athletes to embrace the pursuit of excellence and unlock their true potential on and off the field.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Strength and conditioning coaching programs enhance athletes’ physical attributes, such as strength, power, speed, agility, and endurance. This results in improved sports performance, reduced risk of injuries, and increased overall athletic capabilities.

A comprehensive strength and conditioning coaching program includes resistance training, plyometrics, speed drills, and cardiovascular exercises. It is tailored to an athlete’s specific needs and sports demands, ensuring targeted improvements in performance.

This type of coaching increases muscle mass and force production, enabling athletes to generate more power and perform explosive movements. This leads to improved performance in various sports and activities.

Conditioning improves cardiovascular fitness and stamina, allowing athletes to sustain high-intensity efforts for longer durations. It enhances endurance and recovery, enabling athletes to perform at their best throughout the game or event.

A well-designed program ensures progressive overload, proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and recovery strategies. It targets specific physical attributes and aligns with an athlete’s goals, ultimately maximizing their performance and achieving long-term success in their chosen sport.

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What Makes A Good Strength And Conditioning Coach? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-makes-a-good-strength-and-conditioning-coach/ Wed, 26 Jul 2023 05:00:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34139 The post What Makes A Good Strength And Conditioning Coach? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the world of sports and fitness, the job of a strength and conditioning coach is vital in helping athletes and individuals reach their peak performance. But what exactly makes a good strength and conditioning coach stand out from the rest?

Strength And Conditioning Coach: Exploring The Role And Responsibilities

A strength and conditioning coach plays a crucial role in enhancing athletic performance and overall fitness levels. Their main responsibility is to design and implement tailored training programs that align with the specific needs and goals of athletes and individuals. They assess physical capabilities, create personalized workout routines, and monitor progress to ensure continuous improvement. These coaches are experts in various exercise techniques, including strength training, conditioning, and flexibility exercises. Beyond the physical aspects, they also provide motivation, support, and guidance to boost athletes’ mental resilience. Moreover, they may collaborate with sports teams or fitness facilities to optimize training strategies and contribute to athletes’ success on and off the field.

What Makes A Good Strength Coach: Key Attributes To Look For

A good strength coach possesses a unique set of key attributes that set them apart as exceptional leaders in the fitness industry. First and foremost, expertise and knowledge in strength training techniques and exercise physiology are paramount.

They should have a deep understanding of biomechanics, nutrition, and injury prevention to design effective and safe workout programs. Communication skills are equally vital, as they need to effectively convey instructions, motivate clients, and build strong relationships.

Adaptability is another essential quality, as every individual’s needs and goals are different, and a good coach tailors their approach accordingly. Empathy and emotional intelligence play a significant role in understanding clients’ struggles and providing unwavering support.

Moreover, a good strength coach leads by example, embodying a healthy lifestyle and continuous self-improvement. Their passion for fitness and commitment to helping others achieve their goals make them an invaluable asset in guiding individuals towards success on their fitness journey.

Traits That Define An Exceptional Strength And Conditioning Coach

Exceptional strength and conditioning coaches possess a unique blend of traits that elevate their coaching to a higher level. One key trait is their in-depth knowledge and expertise in exercise science, biomechanics, and sports performance. They are excellent communicators, adept at conveying complex concepts in a clear and motivating manner. These coaches display adaptability, tailoring training programs to meet individual needs and goals.

Empathy and strong interpersonal skills foster trust and a positive coaching relationship with their clients. Exceptional coaches are also dedicated lifelong learners, continuously staying updated with the latest research and trends in the fitness industry. Their passion for empowering others to achieve their peak potential makes them true assets in guiding athletes and individuals towards success and improved performance.

Becoming An Effective Conditioning Coach: Tips For Success

Becoming an effective conditioning coach requires a combination of dedication, knowledge, and skills to propel athletes and clients towards optimal performance. First and foremost, gaining a strong foundation in exercise science, physiology, and sports conditioning is essential. Pursuing relevant certifications and continuing education courses enhances expertise and credibility.

Effective coaches understand the importance of individualized training programs, tailoring workouts to suit each client’s specific needs and goals. They prioritize open communication and actively listen to clients’ feedback to make necessary adjustments. Cultivating strong motivational and leadership skills helps inspire athletes to push their boundaries and attain new heights.

Consistency and patience are crucial, recognizing that progress takes time and consistent effort. Building a network of support and mentorship within the fitness community fosters growth and continuous improvement. Embracing a growth mindset and staying current with industry advancements equips coaches to deliver cutting-edge training methods and achieve lasting success in their role as effective conditioning coaches.

Developing Proficiency As A Strength And Conditioning Coach

Developing proficiency as a strength and conditioning coach requires a multi-faceted approach focused on continuous learning and practical experience. First, acquiring a solid educational background in exercise science, anatomy, and sports performance forms the foundation. Hands-on experience working with athletes and clients is invaluable for honing coaching skills and adapting to diverse needs. Building strong communication and interpersonal skills fosters effective coaching relationships and motivates athletes to excel. A commitment to remaining updated with the latest research and industry trends ensures coaches provide cutting-edge training methods. Embracing mentorship opportunities and seeking feedback from experienced peers facilitates personal growth and development. Ultimately, a passion for fitness, dedication to excellence, and unwavering commitment to clients’ success are the hallmarks of a proficient strength and conditioning coach.

A good strength and conditioning coach is a crucial asset in the world of sports and fitness, guiding athletes and individuals towards peak performance and overall well-being. The key attributes that define an exceptional coach include expertise in exercise science, effective communication, adaptability, empathy, and continuous self-improvement. These traits enable coaches to design personalized training programs, provide unwavering support, and foster positive coaching relationships with their clients. Becoming an effective conditioning coach requires dedication, knowledge, and a commitment to continuous learning. By developing proficiency in exercise science and gaining practical experience, coaches can excel in their role and make a significant impact on their clients’ fitness journeys. With a passion for empowering others and a dedication to excellence, a good strength and conditioning coach can elevate athletes and individuals to new heights of performance and achievement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A good strength and conditioning coach should possess a relevant bachelor’s degree in exercise science, sports science, or a related field. Additionally, certifications from reputable organizations such as NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) or CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) add credibility to their expertise.

Communication skills are crucial for a good strength and conditioning coach. They need to effectively convey instructions, provide feedback, and motivate athletes and clients to achieve their fitness goals.

Empathy is essential for understanding athletes’ and clients’ needs, struggles, and aspirations. A good coach empathizes with their clients’ challenges and provides unwavering support and encouragement throughout their fitness journey.

A good coach tailors training programs to suit each client’s specific goals, fitness levels, and limitations. They understand that individualized approaches yield better results and adjust workout routines accordingly.

An exceptional coach combines in-depth knowledge of exercise science with outstanding communication and leadership skills. They continuously seek to expand their expertise, stay updated with industry trends, and genuinely care about their clients’ success and well-being.

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Can Indoor Cycling Help With Improving Lung Capacity? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-indoor-cycling-help-with-improving-lung-capacity/ Mon, 24 Jul 2023 05:00:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34100 The post Can Indoor Cycling Help With Improving Lung Capacity? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Indoor cycling can help improve lung capacity. During an indoor cycling session, your heart rate increases, and you engage in aerobic exercise that requires continuous oxygen intake. This sustained cardiovascular activity helps to strengthen the muscles involved in breathing, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. As you consistently participate in indoor cycling and challenge your respiratory system, your lung capacity can increase over time, allowing you to take in more oxygen and improve your overall respiratory efficiency.

What Are The Cardiovascular Benefits Of Indoor Cycling?

Indoor cycling offers a wide range of cardiovascular advantages that can significantly improve your overall health and well-being. By engaging in regular indoor cycling sessions, you can experience improved heart health, increased stamina and endurance, effective calorie burning for weight management, and a lowered risk of cardiovascular diseases for example heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Additionally, indoor cycling helps enhance lung capacity, lower resting heart rate, decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes, and promote stress reduction and mental well-being. Embrace the rhythmic nature of indoor cycling and enjoy the immersive workout experience while reaping these remarkable cardiovascular rewards.

Indoor cycling offers several cardiovascular benefits, including:

  • Improved Heart Health: Regular indoor cycling sessions elevate your heart rate, promoting cardiovascular endurance and strengthening your heart muscle. This increased heart rate helps improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery throughout your body.
  • Increased Stamina and Endurance: Consistent indoor cycling workouts challenge your cardiovascular system, leading to improved stamina and endurance. As you gradually increase the intensity and duration of your sessions, your cardiovascular capacity expands, allowing you to sustain higher levels of activity for longer periods.
  • Calorie Burning and Weight Management: Indoor cycling is an effective calorie-burning exercise that can aid in weight management. A high-intensity indoor cycling session can help you burn a significant number of calories, contributing to weight loss and improved body composition.
  • Lowered Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases: Regular cardiovascular exercise, such as indoor cycling, can help reduce the risk of developing various cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. It promotes healthy blood pressure levels, lowers bad cholesterol (LDL), and increases good cholesterol (HDL).
  • Enhanced Lung Capacity: Indoor cycling can improve lung function and capacity. The sustained aerobic activity involved in cycling helps strengthen the respiratory muscles, enhances oxygen uptake, and promotes efficient oxygen utilization by the body.
  • Reduced Resting Heart Rate: Consistent indoor cycling can lead to a lowered resting heart rate, indicating an improved cardiovascular fitness level. A lower resting heart rate signifies that your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain normal functions, which is an indicator of better overall cardiovascular health.
  • Lowered Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise like indoor cycling can help lower the risk of you developing type 2 diabetes. Cycling improves insulin sensitivity, allowing your body to effectively regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the likelihood of insulin resistance.
  • Stress Reduction and Mental Well-being: Indoor cycling stimulates the release of endorphins, which are also known as “feel-good” hormones, promoting a sense of well-being and reducing stress levels. The rhythmic nature of cycling and the immersive workout experience can also help clear your mind and improve mental clarity.

Does Indoor Cycling Contribute To Improved Joint Health And Flexibility?

Indoor cycling can contribute to improved joint health and flexibility to a certain extent. While indoor cycling is a low-impact exercise that puts minimal stress on the joints as compared to activities like running or high-impact sports, its primary focus is cardiovascular fitness rather than joint flexibility. However, the repetitive motion of pedalling can help promote some range of motion in the hips, knees, and ankles, which can contribute to improved joint mobility over time. Additionally, regular cycling can help strengthen the muscles around the joints, providing stability and support. To further enhance joint health and flexibility, it’s beneficial to incorporate stretching and flexibility exercises into your fitness routine in addition to indoor cycling.

Indoor cycling offers numerous cardiovascular benefits, including improved heart health, increased stamina and endurance, effective calorie burning for weight management, and a lowered risk of cardiovascular diseases. It also enhances lung capacity, lowers resting heart rate, reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, and promotes stress reduction and mental well-being. While indoor cycling may contribute to improved joint health and some degree of flexibility, its primary focus is on cardiovascular fitness. To optimize joint health and flexibility, incorporating stretching and flexibility exercises alongside indoor cycling is recommended. Embrace the full range of benefits that indoor cycling provides and enjoy a well-rounded approach to your fitness journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, indoor cycling can help improve lung capacity. The sustained aerobic activity involved in cycling strengthens the respiratory muscles, enhances oxygen uptake, and promotes efficient oxygen utilization by the body.

Indoor cycling elevates your heart rate and engages in continuous aerobic exercise, which requires increased oxygen intake. This sustained cardiovascular activity strengthens the muscles involved in breathing, such as the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, leading to improved lung capacity over time.

Improved lung capacity allows you to take in more oxygen and improves your overall respiratory efficiency. This can enhance your endurance during physical activities, improve athletic performance, and contribute to better overall health and well-being.

Consistency is key. To see improvements in lung capacity, it’s recommended to engage in regular indoor cycling sessions, ideally at least 2-3 times per week. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workout sessions to challenge your respiratory system and continue to improve over time.

Indoor cycling can be beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma. It helps strengthen the respiratory muscles and improves lung capacity, which can enhance breathing efficiency and reduce symptoms associated with asthma. However, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional prior to starting any new exercise program, especially if you have a respiratory condition, to ensure it’s safe for you and to receive personalized guidance.

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Are Kettlebell Exercises Effective For Targeting The Hip Flexors? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/are-kettlebell-exercises-effective-for-targeting-the-hip-flexors/ Mon, 24 Jul 2023 04:00:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34101 The post Are Kettlebell Exercises Effective For Targeting The Hip Flexors? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Kettlebell exercises can be effective for targeting the hip flexors. The hip flexors are a collection of muscles which are located at the front of the hip joint that are responsible for flexing the hip and bringing the thigh towards the torso. Kettlebell exercises that involve movements like lunges, step-ups, and kettlebell swings can engage the hip flexors, helping to strengthen and tone these muscles. By incorporating kettlebell exercises that specifically target the hip flexors into your workout routine, you can improve their strength, flexibility, and overall function.

Which Kettlebell Exercises Are Best For Targeting The Hip Flexors?

Some kettlebell exercises that are effective for targeting the hip flexors include:

  • Kettlebell Lunges: Perform forward lunges or reverse lunges while holding a kettlebell in one or both hands. This exercise engages the hip flexors as you step forward or backward and return to the starting position.
  • Kettlebell Step-Ups: Step onto an elevated platform or bench with one foot while holding a kettlebell in one or both hands. The hip flexors work to lift the leg and bring it up onto the platform.
  • Kettlebell Swings: This dynamic exercise targets multiple muscle groups, including the hip flexors. The explosive hip hinge movement activates the hip flexors as you swing the kettlebell between your legs and thrust your hips forward.
  • Kettlebell High Pulls: Hold the kettlebell in one or both hands and perform a pulling motion, bringing the kettlebell up towards your chest or shoulder height. This exercise engages the hip flexors as you initiate the movement with a hip hinge and pull the kettlebell towards you.
  • Kettlebell Mountain Climbers: Assume a high plank position with your hands on the kettlebell handles. Alternately drive your knees towards your chest, engaging the hip flexors as you bring each knee forward.

How Often Should I Include Hip Flexor Kettlebell Exercises In My Workout Routine?

The frequency of including kettlebell exercises for the hip flexors in your workout routine depends on various factors, including your fitness level, overall goals, and the intensity of your kettlebell workouts. However, a general guideline is to aim for 2-3 sessions per week with at least one day of rest in between to allow for muscle recovery.

It’s important to listen to your body and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your kettlebell workouts over time. If you’re a beginner, start with 1-2 sessions per week and gradually progress as your strength and conditioning improve.

Additionally, it’s essential to have a well-rounded exercise routine that includes exercises targeting other muscle groups and incorporates different types of training, such as cardiovascular exercise and strength training.

What Are The Benefits Of Strong Hip Flexors?

Strengthening the hip flexors can offer several benefits for your overall health and fitness. Here are some key advantages:

  • Improved Posture: Strong hip flexor muscles help maintain proper posture by supporting the alignment of your pelvis and spine. When your hip flexors are weak, it can lead to imbalances and postural issues such as anterior pelvic tilt. Strengthening these muscles helps promote a more aligned and upright posture.
  • Enhanced Hip Mobility: The hip flexors play a crucial role in hip mobility. By strengthening these muscles, you can increase your range of motion (RoM)and flexibility in your hips, allowing for smoother and more efficient movement during various activities such as walking, running, and squatting.
  • Better Core Stability: The hip flexors are interconnected with the muscles of the core, including the abdominal and lower back muscles. Strengthening the hip flexors contributes to better core stability and overall core strength, which is essential for maintaining proper spinal alignment and providing support during functional movements.
  • Improved Athletic Performance: Strong hip flexors are beneficial for athletes and active individuals. They contribute to better performance in activities that require explosive movements, such as sprinting, jumping, and kicking. Strengthening the hip flexors can enhance your power, speed, and agility.
  • Reduced Risk of Injuries: Weak hip flexors can contribute to imbalances and compensations in the body, increasing the risk of injuries in the lower back, hips, and knees. By strengthening these muscles, you can improve the stability and alignment of the pelvis and reduce the strain on surrounding structures, thereby lowering the risk of injuries.
  • Enhanced Functional Movements: The hip flexors are involved in various everyday movements, such as walking, climbing stairs, and bending forward. Strengthening these muscles can improve your ability to perform these movements efficiently and with greater ease, enhancing your overall functional fitness.

How Long Does It Take To See Results In Hip Flexor Strength From Kettlebell Exercises?

The time it takes to see results in hip flexor strength from kettlebell exercises can vary depending on several factors, including your current fitness level, frequency and intensity of training, consistency, and individual factors such as genetics and recovery ability. Generally, with regular training and proper technique, you may start to notice improvements in hip flexor strength within a few weeks to a couple of months.

Consistency is key, so it’s important to stick to a well-rounded training program that includes targeted kettlebell exercises for the hip flexors. Over time, as you progressively increase the intensity and challenge of your workouts, you can expect to see further improvements in strength, stability, and overall hip flexor function. Remember to listen to your body, allow for proper recovery, and consult with a fitness professional if you have any specific concerns or goals.

Kettlebell exercises can be highly effective for targeting the hip flexors. Specific exercises such as lunges, step-ups, swings, high pulls, and mountain climbers engage and strengthen the hip flexor muscles.

By including these exercises into your workout routine, you can improve the strength, flexibility, and overall function of your hip flexors. Consistency and proper technique are key to seeing results. Remember to listen to your body, gradually increase the intensity, and allow for proper recovery.

Speak to a fitness professional for guidance and to tailor the exercises to your specific needs and goals. Strengthening the hip flexors can have numerous benefits, including improved posture, enhanced hip mobility, better core stability, improved athletic performance, reduced risk of injuries, and enhanced functional movements. Embrace kettlebell exercises as a valuable tool in your fitness journey and enjoy the benefits of stronger hip flexors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Some kettlebell exercises that target the hip flexors include lunges, step-ups, swings, high pulls, and mountain climbers.

It is recommended to include hip flexor kettlebell exercises 2-3 times per week, with at least one day of rest in between sessions to allow for muscle recovery.

Yes, kettlebell exercises that engage the hip flexors can contribute to improved hip flexibility and range of motion over time.

Kettlebell exercises that target the hip flexors can help alleviate hip flexor tightness and discomfort by strengthening the muscles and improving flexibility in the hip area.

Yes, incorporating kettlebell exercises for the hip flexors can be beneficial for individuals with sedentary lifestyles or desk jobs as it helps counteract the prolonged sitting position and promotes hip mobility and strength

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Are Aerobics Classes Suitable For Beginners? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/are-aerobics-classes-suitable-for-beginners/ Fri, 21 Jul 2023 05:00:52 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34087 The post Are Aerobics Classes Suitable For Beginners? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Aerobics classes are generally suitable for beginners. Many aerobics classes offer options and modifications for different fitness levels, including beginners. Instructors are trained to provide guidance and support to individuals who are new to aerobics or exercise in general. Beginners can start at their own pace, gradually increasing intensity and difficulty as they become more comfortable and confident. It’s important to communicate with the instructor beforehand to ensure they can accommodate beginners and provide appropriate modifications if needed.

What Should I Expect As A Beginner Attending Aerobics Classes?

As a beginner attending aerobics classes, you can expect a dynamic and energetic workout that combines cardio exercises with rhythmic movements. Here’s what you can generally expect:

  • Warm-up: Classes usually start with a warm-up session to prepare your body for the workout. This typically involves gentle stretching, mobility exercises, and light cardio movements.
  • Cardiovascular Exercises: Aerobics classes focus on increasing your heart rate and improving cardiovascular fitness. You can expect a variety of cardio exercises such as jumping jacks, high knees, grapevines, and aerobic dance routines.
  • Rhythmic Movements: Aerobics classes often incorporate rhythmic movements, choreographed sequences, and dance-inspired routines. These movements are designed to engage multiple muscle groups while keeping the energy levels high.
  • Strength and Toning Exercises: Many aerobics classes include segments that target strength and toning. These exercises may involve bodyweight movements, resistance bands, or light weights to help sculpt and tone your muscles.
  • Modifications for Beginners: Instructors understand that beginners may need modifications or lower-impact options. They typically provide variations of exercises to accommodate different fitness levels, allowing you to progress at your own pace.
  • Cool-down and Stretching: Classes typically end with a cool-down segment that involves slower movements and stretches to help your body gradually return to a resting state. This aids in preventing muscle soreness and promotes flexibility.
  • Positive and Supportive Environment: Aerobics classes often foster a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. You can expect encouragement from the instructor and fellow participants, creating a supportive environment for beginners.

What Are Some Tips For A Beginner To Prepare For Their First Aerobics Class?

If you’re a beginner preparing for your first aerobics class, it’s important to take certain steps to ensure a smooth experience. Consulting with a healthcare professional is a good starting point, especially if you have underlying health concerns or medical conditions. They can provide personalized guidance to ensure your safety during the exercise program.

Choosing the right class is crucial. Look for beginner-friendly aerobics classes that cater explicitly to individuals at your fitness level. This ensures that the instructor will provide appropriate modifications and guidance to help you ease into the workout. You can explore options at local fitness centres, community centres, or online platforms.

Dressing comfortably is essential for an enjoyable experience. Opt for workout attire that allows for a full range of movement and consider using moisture-wicking fabrics to stay cool and comfortable throughout the class. Additionally, make sure to wear supportive shoes that provide cushioning and stability to protect your feet during the workout.

Hydration is key, so ensure you drink water leading up to the class and bring a water bottle to remain hydrated during the workout. Adequate hydration helps maintain energy levels and prevents dehydration, especially during a physically demanding activity like aerobics.

Arriving a few minutes early allows you to acclimate to the studio environment, meet the instructor, and set up any necessary equipment. This extra time also gives you the opportunity to mentally prepare and relax before the class begins.

Communication with the instructor is crucial. Inform them that you’re a beginner and share any specific concerns or limitations you may have. This allows the instructor to provide modifications or alternate exercises tailored to your needs. Feel free to ask questions or look for clarification during the class if needed.

Pacing yourself is important as a beginner. Listen to your body and go at your own pace. Don’t feel pressured to keep up with more experienced participants. It’s perfectly acceptable to take breaks when needed, gradually increasing the intensity as you build stamina and confidence.

Focus on maintaining proper form throughout the exercises. Pay attention to the instructor’s cues and guidelines to prevent injuries and ensure you’re maximizing the benefits of each movement.

Having realistic expectations is crucial. Understand that as a beginner, it takes time to build endurance, coordination, and familiarity with the routines. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small milestones along the way to keep yourself motivated.

Beginners attending aerobics classes can expect a dynamic and energetic workout that combines cardio exercises with rhythmic movements. The classes typically include a warm-up, cardiovascular exercises, rhythmic movements, strength and toning exercises, and a cool-down and stretching segment. Instructors often provide modifications for beginners to accommodate different fitness levels. To prepare for their first aerobics class, beginners should consult with a healthcare professional, choose a suitable class, dress comfortably, stay hydrated, arrive early, communicate with the instructor, pace themselves, focus on proper form, and have realistic expectations. By following these tips, beginners can have a positive and enjoyable experience while gradually improving their fitness and skills in aerobics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, aerobics classes can be suitable for beginners. Many classes offer options and modifications to accommodate different fitness levels, including beginners. Instructors are trained to provide guidance and support, making the classes accessible and enjoyable for newcomers.

Aerobics classes cater to individuals of various fitness levels, including beginners. Instructors often provide modifications and lower-impact options for those who are new to the activity. You can start at your own pace and gradually increase intensity as you build stamina and confidence.

Aerobics classes are designed for people of all experience levels, including those with no prior background in aerobics or fitness. Instructors will guide you through the exercises, teach proper form, and offer modifications to ensure a safe and effective workout experience.

Aerobics classes generally foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Instructors and fellow participants are often supportive and encouraging, creating a welcoming environment for beginners. Remember that everyone starts somewhere, and the focus is on personal progress and enjoyment.

To make the most of aerobics classes as a beginner, communicate with the instructor about your fitness level and any concerns you may have. Listen to your body, take breaks when needed, and gradually increase intensity over time. Enjoy the process, have realistic expectations, and celebrate your progress along the way.

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Why Pursuing an Accredited Personal Trainer Certification Is Important for Your Fitness Career? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/why-pursuing-an-accredited-personal-trainer-certification-is-important-for-your-fitness-career/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 06:49:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34088 The post Why Pursuing an Accredited Personal Trainer Certification Is Important for Your Fitness Career? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Welcome to the thriving world of the fitness industry, where the demand for skilled and experienced personal trainers is skyrocketing. With people becoming more health conscious and looking for professional guidance to achieve their fitness goals, the role of qualified trainers has never been more crucial.

In this article, we will explore the significance of obtaining an accredited personal trainer certification, which is a vital step towards building a successful fitness career. We will answer the burning question: “How do I get a personal trainer certification?” Moreover, we will delve into the invaluable benefits and unparalleled value of pursuing a top personal training certification from a reputable institution like Trifocus Fitness Academy. So, let’s embark on this journey to discover why investing in your future as a certified personal trainer is an essential decision.

Understanding the Role of a Personal Trainer

What is a Personal Trainer?

A personal trainer is a fitness professional who specialises in guiding individuals through personalised exercise and fitness programmes to help them achieve their health and fitness goals. They provide expertise, motivation, and accountability to their clients, tailoring workouts and offering guidance based on individual needs, preferences, and limitations.

Here are the responsibilities of personal trainers:

  • Assessment and Goal Setting: Personal trainers conduct initial assessments to evaluate clients’ fitness levels, health history, and goals. In their personal training business, they use this information to create customised workout plans that address specific objectives such as weight loss, strength gains, or improved athletic performance.
  • Designing and Monitoring Exercise Programmes: Personal trainers develop exercise routines tailored to their clients’ goals, preferences, and abilities. In terms of how online personal training works, trainers demonstrate proper exercise techniques, provide feedback on form, and adjust programmes as clients progress.
  • Motivation and Support: Personal trainers serve as a source of motivation and support, helping clients stay committed to their fitness journey. They offer encouragement, track progress, and celebrate achievements to keep their clientele engaged and motivated.
  • Instruction and Education: Personal trainers educate clients on proper exercise techniques, safety precautions, and the science behind different workouts. They provide guidance on nutrition, lifestyle habits, and overall wellness to enhance clients’ understanding of holistic fitness.
  • Adaptation and Progression: Personal trainers modify exercise programmes as clients’ fitness levels improve. They introduce new exercises, increase intensity, and vary training methods to ensure continuous progress and prevent plateaus.

Personal trainers have a massive impact on clients’ fitness journeys:

  • Personalised Approach: A personalised approach maximises results and minimises the risk of injury.
  • Accountability and Motivation: Personal trainers hold clients accountable for their fitness goals, providing consistent support, and motivation. They help clients overcome obstacles, stay focused, and maintain consistency in their workout routines.
  • Proper Technique and Safety: Personal trainers ensure clients perform exercises with proper form and technique to prevent injuries. They provide guidance on using equipment safely and effectively, reducing the risk of accidents during workouts.
  • Goal Achievement: Personal trainers help clients set realistic and achievable goals. By monitoring progress, providing feedback, and adjusting programmes, trainers facilitate steady progress towards clients’ desired outcomes.
  • Education and Empowerment: Personal trainers empower clients by sharing knowledge and teaching them about fitness principles. Clients gain a deeper understanding of their bodies, exercise techniques, and healthy habits so enabling them to make informed decisions about their well-being.
  • Lifestyle Transformation: Personal trainers can have a profound impact on clients’ overall lifestyles. They inspire positive changes beyond the gym, encouraging healthy habits, improved nutrition, stress management, and self-care practices.

 Why is Personal Training a Lucrative Career Choice?

 The fitness industry is experiencing a surge in demand for personal trainers, making it a highly lucrative career choice. As we’ve said before, with more people becoming health conscious and prioritising their well-being, the need for qualified personal trainers has never been greater. As people seek professional guidance to achieve their fitness goals, personal trainers are positioned to capitalise on this growing market.

One of the key factors that make personal training a lucrative career choice is the potential for career growth and financial success. As personal trainers gain experience and build a reputation, they have the opportunity to expand their client base and command higher rates for their services. Additionally, personal trainers can explore various avenues for career advancement, such as specialising in specific fitness areas, working with elite athletes, or even branching out into fitness entrepreneurship.

Beyond financial rewards, personal training offers the satisfaction of helping clients achieve their fitness goals. The role of a personal trainer is not just about designing workout programmes; it involves building relationships, providing motivation, and witnessing clients transform their lives. The rewarding nature of seeing clients make progress, overcome obstacles, and improve their health and well-being is a significant aspect that adds fulfilment to a personal trainer’s career.

The Importance of Accreditation

What is Accreditation and Why Does it Matter?

 Accreditation – especially the top personal training certifications – plays a crucial role in the realm of personal trainer certifications. It serves as a validation and assurance of the quality, credibility, and industry recognition of a learning programme. It ensures that a certification meets specific standards set by reputable governing bodies or accrediting agencies within the fitness industry.

Choosing an accredited certification programme offers several benefits. Firstly, it provides confidence to both personal trainers and their clients that the certification is comprehensive, up to date, and aligned with industry best practices. The top personal training certifications often undergo rigorous evaluation processes, ensuring that they meet established standards of quality and relevance.

Moreover, accredited certifications hold greater value and recognition in the industry. They enhance the credibility and marketability of personal trainers, making them more attractive to potential clients and employers. These programmes can open doors to better career opportunities, as employers often prefer candidates who hold certifications from reputable and recognised institutions.

How Does Accreditation Ensure Quality and Credibility?

 Accreditation plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and credibility of the best online personal training certifications. These undergo a rigorous evaluation process to meet established standards and criteria set by reputable governing bodies or accrediting agencies within the fitness industry.

The standards for accreditation encompass various aspects, including the content and curriculum of the certification programme, the qualifications and expertise of the instructors, the examination process, and ongoing support for certified personal trainers. These standards are designed to ensure that the certification programme covers essential knowledge, skills, and competencies required to train clients effectively.

By choosing an accredited certification, personal trainers gain validation and recognition within the industry. These certifications are often recognised by fitness organisations, employers, and clients as a mark of quality and professionalism. This recognition enhances the credibility of personal trainers, as they are seen as meeting industry standards and adhering to best practices.

Personal trainers with accredited certifications also enjoy increased trust from clients as they feel more confident in working with trainers who have undergone a rigorous certification process, knowing that their trainers have the necessary knowledge and skills to guide them effectively. The validation provided by accreditation builds trust and credibility, which can positively impact client retention and referral rates.

Furthermore, accredited certifications often offer ongoing support, continuing education opportunities, and access to resources. This ensures that personal trainers stay updated with the latest industry trends, research, and techniques. The continuous professional development facilitated by accredited programmes further enhances the quality and credibility of personal trainers.

Choosing the Right Certification Programme

Researching Accredited Certification Programs

 When embarking on the journey of becoming a certified personal trainer, thorough research is essential to identify reputable certification programmes that align with your career goals. Consider the following key factors when making an informed decision:

  • Accreditation: For your personal training business, look for certification programmes that are accredited by recognised governing bodies or accrediting agencies. Accreditation ensures that the programme meets industry standards and is also widely recognised and respected.
  • Curriculum: Evaluate the curriculum offered by different programmes. Look for comprehensive content that covers essential topics such as exercise science, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, client assessment, programme design, and coaching techniques. A well-rounded curriculum sets a strong foundation for your career.
  • Learning Formats: Consider the learning formats available, such as in-person workshops, online courses, or a combination of both. Choose a format that suits your learning style, schedule, and accessibility. Online programmes should provide interactive elements, instructor support, and practical components to enhance your learning experience.

When researching reputable certification programmes, Trifocus Fitness Academy stands out as a leading educational institution. With its credentials and commitment to excellence, Trifocus has established itself as a trusted name in the fitness industry. The academy offers accredited certification programmes with a robust curriculum that covers all aspects of personal training. Their flexible learning options, including online courses and practical workshops, cater to diverse learning preferences.

Trifocus Fitness Academy’s industry recognition and partnerships demonstrate their commitment to providing quality education and preparing individuals for successful careers in fitness. By choosing Trifocus, you can be confident that you will receive a comprehensive education that meets industry standards and positions you for success in the dynamic field of personal training.

 Benefits of Pursuing an Accredited Personal Trainer Certification

Enhancing Knowledge and Skills

 Certification programmes play a crucial role in expanding the knowledge and skills of aspiring personal trainers. These offer comprehensive education in exercise science, anatomy, and nutrition, enabling trainers to develop a deep understanding of the human body and its response to exercise.

Through hands-on training, the top online personal training certifications provide practical skills that are essential for success in the field. Trainers learn how to assess clients, design tailored workouts, and apply effective coaching techniques. Practical experience allows trainers to gain confidence and proficiency in applying their knowledge to real-life scenarios.

Staying updated with industry trends and research is another key benefit of certification programmes. The fitness industry is dynamic and constantly evolving, with new techniques, studies, and best practices emerging regularly. Certified trainers are encouraged to engage in continued learning, attend workshops, conferences, and webinars, and stay informed about the latest research findings. This commitment to staying current ensures that trainers provide the most effective and evidence-based guidance to their clients, helping them achieve optimal results.

 Building Trust and Credibility

 Trust and credibility are paramount in the personal training industry, where clients rely on trainers to guide them towards their fitness goals. Obtaining an accredited certification is a crucial step in establishing trust and credibility as a personal trainer.

An accredited certification demonstrates expertise and a commitment to upholding high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct. It signifies that a trainer has undergone rigorous training and has met the industry’s recognised criteria for knowledge and skills. This validation enhances the trainer’s credibility in the eyes of clients, as they feel assured that their trainer has the necessary qualifications and competence to guide them effectively.

Gaining clients’ trust is essential for securing long-term success in the personal training field. Trust fosters strong client-trainer relationships, leading to increased client satisfaction, loyalty, and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Clients are more likely to adhere to a trainer’s guidance and recommendations when they have confidence in their trainer’s expertise and professionalism. This trust also facilitates open communication, allowing trainers to understand clients’ needs, preferences, and limitations better, and tailor their training programs accordingly.

 Networking and Professional Development

In the dynamic field of personal training, expanding career opportunities often go hand in hand with networking, continuous professional development, and reputable educational institutions like Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Networking with industry professionals is invaluable for personal trainers looking to broaden their career horizons. Building connections with fellow trainers, fitness facility managers, fitness industry organisations, and allied health professionals opens doors to new job opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship. Networking allows trainers to stay updated on industry trends, gain insights into emerging areas of specialisation, and tap into the collective knowledge and experiences of seasoned professionals.

How Online Personal Training Works

Exploring the World of Online Personal Training

In recent years, online personal training has revolutionised the fitness industry, offering unique benefits and opportunities for trainers and clients alike. This innovative approach to personal training utilises digital platforms and tools to provide remote fitness guidance and support.

Online personal training offers a range of benefits that traditional in-person training may not always provide. One key advantage is the flexibility it offers. Trainers can work with clients from anywhere in the world, breaking down geographical barriers and expanding their reach. Similarly, clients have the convenience of accessing personalised training programmes and guidance without being restricted by time or location. This flexibility allows trainers and clients to work together at mutually convenient times, making it easier to accommodate busy schedules and travel arrangements.

The convenience of online personal training extends beyond scheduling flexibility. Trainers can develop and deliver customised training programmes, track progress, and provide real-time feedback through digital platforms. Clients, on the other hand, have the convenience of accessing their training materials, videos, and communication with their trainers from the comfort of their homes or on-the-go. This level of accessibility ensures that clients can stay committed to their fitness goals without the constraints of physical proximity.

 Advantages of Obtaining an Online Personal Training Certification

 Getting an online personal training certification offers a range of benefits that can significantly enhance a fitness professional’s career prospects and expand their client base. With the growing popularity of online training, having the necessary credentials and expertise in this digital realm is becoming increasingly valuable.

One of the key advantages of obtaining an online personal training certification is the expanded client reach it offers. With online training, trainers are not limited by geographical boundaries and can connect with clients from around the world. This opens up opportunities to work with people who may not have access to local fitness facilities or prefer the convenience of online guidance. By reaching a global clientele, trainers can significantly expand their potential market and increase their earning potential

Adapting to the latest trends and technologies is essential in the fitness industry. Obtaining an online personal training certification demonstrates a trainer’s ability to navigate and excel in the digital realm. Clients increasingly expect trainers to have the knowledge and skills to provide effective online training experiences. By acquiring the necessary certification, trainers can showcase their expertise in leveraging digital platforms, utilising online tools, as well as delivering engaging and effective virtual training sessions. This adaptability to digital trends not only enhances a trainer’s credibility but also ensures they remain competitive in an evolving industry.

 Pursuing an accredited personal trainer certification is of paramount importance for anyone aspiring to build a successful fitness career. The article sheds light on the multifaceted role of a personal trainer, emphasising their responsibilities in designing personalised workout plans, providing motivation, education, and support to clients, ultimately guiding them towards their fitness goals.

The fitness industry’s booming demand for qualified personal trainers makes it a lucrative career choice with abundant opportunities for growth and financial success. As more individuals prioritise their well-being and seek professional guidance, certified personal trainers are well-positioned to capitalise on this expanding market.

Accreditation emerges as a critical factor in the realm of personal trainer certifications, ensuring that the programmes meet industry standards, offer comprehensive education, and are recognised and respected within the fitness community. An accredited certification not only enhances a trainer’s credibility and marketability but also instils confidence in clients, knowing they are working with a qualified and competent professional.

Selecting the right certification programme becomes crucial for aspiring personal trainers, with an emphasis on researching reputable programs aligned with their career goals. By considering accreditation, curriculum, and learning formats, people can make informed decisions that set a strong foundation for their fitness career.

The benefits of pursuing an accredited personal trainer certification extend beyond acquiring knowledge and skills. Trainers gain trust and credibility, which are vital for fostering strong client-trainer relationships, increasing client satisfaction, and encouraging long-term commitment. Moreover, the certification opens doors to a myriad of career opportunities, providing avenues for specialisation and continuous professional development through networking and affiliating with esteemed educational institutions.

In the evolving landscape of the fitness industry, online personal training emerges as a revolutionary approach that offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience. Trainers can reach clients from all over the world, breaking geographical barriers and expanding their clientele. Obtaining an online personal training certification is crucial to demonstrate proficiency in the digital realm, enabling trainers to leverage technology, online tools, and virtual training sessions effectively.

Take your fitness career to new heights by exploring the certification options offered by Trifocus Fitness Academy. With their comprehensive programmes and industry-recognised accreditations, Trifocus is committed to helping you become a successful personal trainer.

Visit Trifocus Fitness Academy’s website to discover their flexible learning formats, which allow you to study at your own pace and convenience. Their dedicated assessors are there to provide personalised support and guidance throughout your learning journey, ensuring you have the resources and assistance you need to succeed.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills further. Trifocus Fitness Academy’s extensive library of fitness and nutrition resources is readily available to deepen your understanding and expand your professional development. Take advantage of these valuable resources to stay up to date with industry trends and improve your expertise.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Visit Trifocus Fitness Academy’s website today and embark on a rewarding fitness career. With their commitment to quality education, flexible learning options, and ongoing support, Trifocus is your gateway to becoming a certified and highly respected personal trainer.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Frequently Asked Questions

A personal trainer is responsible for conducting assessments, designing personalised exercise programmes, providing motivation and support, educating clients, and adapting programmes for continuous progress.

Personal training is a lucrative career choice owing to the increasing demand for professional guidance in achieving fitness goals. As people become more health conscious, the need for qualified personal trainers grows, offering potential for career growth and financial success in the fitness industry.

Accreditation matters in personal trainer certifications because it offers confidence to both trainers and clients. Accredited certifications enhance credibility and marketability, ensuring that the programme meets industry standards and provides quality education.

Aspiring personal trainers should consider accreditation, curriculum, and learning formats when choosing a certification programme. It is important to research reputable programmes that align with their career goals to make an informed decision.

Pursuing an accredited personal trainer certification enhances the knowledge and skills of trainers, builds trust and credibility with clients, and opens up a wide range of career opportunities. It also emphasises the importance of networking and continuous professional development for long-term success in the fitness industry.

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Finding The Perfect Personal Training Academy: A Guide To Choosing The Best Programme For You https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/finding-the-perfect-personal-training-academy-a-guide-to-choosing-the-best-programme-for-you/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 06:04:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34075 The post Finding The Perfect Personal Training Academy: A Guide To Choosing The Best Programme For You appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Are you ready to take your fitness career to new heights? If so, it all starts with selecting the right personal training academy. The choice you make can have a profound impact on your future success and professional growth.

Enrolling in a reputable personal training programme offers numerous benefits. It provides you with the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to stand out in a competitive industry. A respected personal training academy not only enhances your credibility but also opens doors to exciting career opportunities.

Now, let’s dive into the main purpose of this blog post: guiding you on how to choose the best personal training programme. We understand that with so many options available, the decision can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to provide you with valuable insights and expert advice to help you make an informed choice.

Understanding Your Goals and Needs

Assessing Your Personal Training Goals

Before you embark on your journey to choosing the best personal training programme, it’s crucial to define your goals. What is it that you hope to achieve? Are you aspiring to become a personal trainer and help others transform their lives? Or maybe you’re looking to advance your current career in the fitness industry? Perhaps you simply want to enhance your fitness knowledge for personal growth and well-being.

No matter what your goals are, it’s essential to align them with the programme you choose. Each personal training academy has its own strengths and areas of focus. By understanding your objectives, you can find a programme that not only meets your educational needs but also supports your long-term aspirations.

If your goal is to become a personal trainer, look for a course that provides comprehensive training in exercise science, anatomy, physiology, and client assessment. Seek out opportunities for practical experience and mentorship to develop your skills further.

If career advancement is your aim, consider programmes that offer specialised certifications or advanced courses in areas such as sports performance, rehabilitation, or nutrition. These additional qualifications can set you apart and open doors to exciting career opportunities.

For those looking to expand their fitness knowledge, prioritise programmes that offer in-depth curriculum and resources in areas of interest to you. Look for access to a variety of courses, workshops, and resources that allow you to continually enhance your expertise.

 Identifying Your Learning Preferences

Online learning offers the flexibility of studying from anywhere at any time. With online programmes, you can access course materials, lectures, and assignments through a virtual learning platform. This format allows you to set your own pace and study at a time that suits your schedule. Online learning provides the convenience of fitting your education around other commitments and responsibilities. It’s a great option for people with busy schedules or those who prefer a self-paced learning style.

When choosing a learning format, consider your lifestyle, availability, and preferred learning style. If you thrive in a structured environment and value real-time interaction, in-class learning might be the best fit. If flexibility and self-paced learning are important to you, online learning offers convenience and accessibility. Blended learning provides a middle ground for those who desire a mix of both.

Researching Personal Training Programmes

Gathering Information on Accreditation and Recognition

 Accreditation plays a crucial role in personal training programmes as it ensures that it meets specific quality and excellence standards. It provides validation and recognition of the programme’s credibility, giving confidence to both trainers and clients:

  • Quality Assurance: Accreditation ensures that a personal training programme has undergone a rigorous evaluation process by an external accrediting body. It verifies that the programme meets certain standards of education, curriculum, and instructional quality. Choosing an accredited programme ensures that you are receiving a high-quality education that aligns with industry standards.
  • Credibility and Marketability: Accreditation adds credibility to your personal training certification. It signifies that you have completed a programme that is recognised and respected within the fitness industry. Accredited certifications are often preferred by employers and clients as they indicate that you have received comprehensive training and possess the necessary knowledge and skills.
  • Industry Recognition: Accreditation provides industry recognition and demonstrates that the programme is keeping up with current trends and best practices. It reflects the programme’s commitment to staying relevant in a rapidly evolving field. Being associated with an accredited programme can enhance your professional reputation and open up more career opportunities.

Exploring Programme Curriculum and Course Offerings

 A comprehensive personal training curriculum encompasses a range of key components that provide trainers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively work with clients. These components typically include exercise science, anatomy, nutrition, and client assessment:

  • Exercise Science: Understanding exercise science is fundamental for personal trainers. It involves learning about the physiological and biomechanical principles underlying exercise and how they apply to different populations and fitness goals. Topics covered may include energy systems, muscle physiology, cardiorespiratory training, and exercise programming principles.
  • Anatomy: An in-depth knowledge of anatomy is essential for personal trainers to understand the structure and function of the human body. This includes learning about major muscles, bones, joints, and the nervous system. Understanding anatomy enables trainers to design safe and effective exercise programmes and adapt them to individual client needs.
  • Nutrition: Personal trainers often provide guidance on nutrition to support their clients’ fitness goals. A comprehensive curriculum should include basic nutrition principles, macronutrients, micronutrients, hydration, and dietary considerations for various populations. Trainers should learn how to provide general nutrition recommendations and when to refer clients to registered dietitians or nutritionists for specialised advice.
  • Client Assessment: Effective assessment is crucial for developing personalised fitness programmes and tracking client progress. A personal training curriculum should cover various assessment techniques, including fitness assessments, body composition analysis, movement screening, and health risk assessments. Trainers need to understand how to interpret assessment results and use them to design tailored exercise and wellness plans.

When selecting a personal training programme, it is important for readers to review its syllabi and course descriptions. This allows them to evaluate whether the curriculum covers the necessary topics mentioned above. Syllabi provide an overview of the course content and learning objectives, while course descriptions offer insights into the specific areas of study.

 Assessing the Programme’s Reputation and Reviews

 Reputation holds significant importance in the fitness industry, as it serves as a measure of the programme’s quality and effectiveness. When choosing a personal training programme, it is crucial to consider the reputation of the academy or institution offering the certification:

  • Credibility and Recognition: A programme with a solid reputation is more likely to be recognised and respected within the fitness industry. Employers, fitness facilities, and clients often prefer trainers who have graduated from reputable programmes, as it signifies that they have received quality education and training.
  • Quality of Education: Programmes with a good reputation typically uphold high education standards. They employ knowledgeable instructors, develop comprehensive curricula, and maintain updated course materials. Choosing a programme with a strong reputation increases the likelihood of receiving a well-rounded education that equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel as a personal trainer.
  • Industry Connections and Opportunities: A programme’s reputation can also impact your networking and career opportunities. Renowned programmes often have established relationships with fitness facilities, industry experts, and potential employers. These connections can provide valuable internship opportunities, job placement assistance, and industry insights that can help kickstart your fitness career.

To gauge the quality and effectiveness of a personal training programme, it is advisable for readers to look at reviews and testimonials from current and past students. By doing so, they can gain insights into the experiences of others who have gone through the programme. Look for reviews that highlight its strengths, such as the quality of instruction, practical hands-on training, and post-graduation support.

Additionally, look for testimonials from trainers who have successfully pursued their careers after completing the programme. Their success stories can serve as evidence of its effectiveness in preparing graduates for real-world challenges and opportunities.

 Evaluating Programme Features and Support

Examining Learning Resources and Materials

 Comprehensive learning resources play a vital role in personal training education as these provide students with the necessary knowledge and support to excel in their studies and future careers:

  • Depth of Knowledge: Personal training requires a solid understanding of various subjects, including exercise science, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and client assessment. Comprehensive learning resources, such as textbooks, online materials, and video tutorials, provide in-depth coverage of these topics, allowing students to develop a thorough understanding of the subject matter. Access to diverse resources ensures that students can explore different perspectives and theories, enhancing their overall knowledge base.
  • Flexible Learning: Different individuals have different learning preferences. Some may excel through reading textbooks, while others may prefer interactive online materials or video tutorials. By offering a range of learning resources, personal training academies cater to various learning styles, making education more accessible and engaging for all students. It allows individuals to choose the format that best suits their learning preferences, maximising their understanding and retention of the material.
  • Continuous Professional Development: The fitness industry is constantly evolving, with new research, trends, and techniques emerging regularly. Comprehensive learning resources provide ongoing access to up-to-date information, allowing personal trainers the opportunity to stay current with industry advancements. By having access to a wide range of resources,, trainers can continue their professional development even after completing their initial certification.
  • Personal training academies, like Trifocus Fitness Academy, understand the importance of comprehensive learning resources. They often provide students with an extensive library of resources to support their studies and professional development. Trifocus Fitness Academy, for example, offers a comprehensive online learning platform that includes a vast array of resources such as e-books, articles, video tutorials, and webinars.

By having access to such resources, students can dive deeper into specific subjects, reinforce their understanding of key concepts, and broaden their knowledge beyond the core curriculum. This access to additional materials empowers students to become well-rounded and knowledgeable personal trainers.

 Assessing Student Support

 The value of dedicated student support personnel in personal training education cannot be overstated. Having knowledgeable and accessible support staff is crucial for guiding and assisting students throughout their learning journey:

  • Personalised Guidance: Dedicated student support personnel, often experienced personal trainers themselves, understand the challenges students may face during their studies. They can provide personalised guidance and advice, tailoring their assistance to meet individual needs. Whether students have questions about course materials, need clarification on specific topics, or require study tips, support personnel are there to help.
  • Motivation and Encouragement: Pursuing a personal training certification requires commitment and effort. Student support personnel play a vital role in motivating and encouraging students to stay on track with their studies. They can provide positive reinforcement, share success stories of past students, and offer strategies to overcome obstacles. This encouragement fosters a supportive learning environment, boosting students’ confidence in their abilities.
  • Clarification of Concepts: In the field of personal training, grasping certain concepts may require additional explanation or examples. Student support personnel can offer further clarification on complex topics, ensuring that students have a clear understanding of the material. This level of assistance enhances the learning experience and prepares students for success in their exams and practical assessments.
  • Accessibility and Responsiveness: Student support personnel are generally available through various communication channels, such as email or chat. They aim to be responsive to student inquiries, providing timely and helpful assistance whenever needed. This accessibility ensures that students do not feel alone in their learning journey and can seek help whenever challenges arise.

 Considering Flexibility and Accessibility

 Flexible learning options play a very important role in enabling individuals with busy schedules to pursue personal training education without compromising their existing commitments. Online learning programmes offer several advantages that make them particularly suitable for those seeking flexibility:

  • Convenience and Accessibility: Online learning gives people the opportunity to access course materials, lectures, and resources from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility eliminates the need for physical attendance at a specific location, making it convenient for individuals with work, family, or other responsibilities. Whether you’re studying from home, a coffee shop, or while traveling, online learning provides the accessibility needed to fit education into a busy lifestyle.
  • Study at Your Own Pace: Online learning programmes offer the flexibility to study at your own pace. This feature is invaluable for people with demanding schedules as it allows them the opportunity to adjust their learning according to their availability. Whether you prefer to dive into intensive study sessions or spread your learning over an extended period, online programmes accommodate diverse learning styles and time constraints.
  • Time and Location Independence: With online learning, there are no set class schedules to adhere to. Instead, you have the freedom to choose when and where you engage in your studies. This flexibility gives you the opportunity to allocate time for learning during periods that work best for you, whether it’s early mornings, late evenings, or weekends. You can seamlessly integrate your personal training education into your existing routine without major disruptions.
  • Access to a Wealth of Resources: Online learning programmes often provide a wealth of digital resources that are available 24/7. This lets you revisit topics, reinforce your understanding, and delve deeper into specific areas of interest. The ability to access a wide range of materials enhances the learning experience and facilitates comprehensive understanding of the curriculum.
  • Interactive Learning Experience: Online learning platforms increasingly incorporate interactive elements, such as quizzes, simulations, and multimedia presentations, to enhance engagement and knowledge retention. These interactive features simulate real-world scenarios and practical applications, providing a dynamic and immersive learning experience. Additionally, online discussion forums and collaborative projects let students to connect with peers, share insights, and engage in meaningful discussions.
  • Supportive Learning Environment: Despite the absence of physical classrooms, online learning programmes often foster a supportive virtual learning environment. Instructors and support staff are readily available through email, chat, or discussion boards to provide guidance, clarification, and feedback. This support system ensures that students receive the necessary assistance and feel connected to the learning community, despite studying remotely.

 Comparing Personal Training Rates and Packages

Understanding Pricing Structures

 Personal training programmes may employ different pricing models to accommodate the financial needs and preferences of individuals. Here are two common pricing models used:

  • Upfront Fees: Some personal training programs require payment of the full programme fee upfront. This means that you would pay the entire cost of the programme at the beginning of your enrolment. Upfront fees are often associated with discounts or incentives offered by the programme. Paying upfront can be advantageous if you have the financial means to do so and prefer to have the program’s cost settled from the start.
  • Instalment Plans: Many personal training programs offer instalment plans that allow you to spread the cost of the programme over a defined period. Instead of paying the entire programme fee upfront, you make regular payments in smaller instalments. These can be monthly, quarterly, or according to a schedule determined by the programme. Instalment plans provide a more manageable financial commitment and allow you to budget your payments over time.

When comparing personal training programme rates, it’s important to consider your budget and financial capabilities. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:

  • Affordability: Assess your financial situation and determine how much you can comfortably allocate toward your personal training education. Consider your income, expenses, and any other financial obligations you may have. It’s essential to choose a programme that aligns with your budget and does not cause undue financial strain.
  • Value for Money: Evaluate the value you will receive from the programme relative to its cost. Look for programmes that offer a comprehensive curriculum, experienced instructors, support services, and additional resources. A higher-priced programme may provide more extensive content or additional benefits that justify the cost.
  • Payment Flexibility: Consider the flexibility of the payment options offered by the programme. If paying upfront is challenging for you, instalment plans can provide the flexibility needed to manage your payments more comfortably. Assess the terms of the plan, such as the duration and frequency of payments, to ensure they align with your financial capabilities.

Taking your fitness career to new heights starts with selecting the right personal training academy. The choice you make can significantly impact your future success and professional growth. By enrolling in a reputable personal training programme, you gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to stand out in the competitive fitness industry. A respected academy enhances your credibility and opens doors to exciting career opportunities.

Trifocus Fitness Academy is an excellent example of a reputable personal training academy that provides accredited programmes, a comprehensive curriculum, extensive support, and flexible learning options. As a leading fitness education provider, Trifocus Fitness Academy is dedicated to delivering high-quality training that meets industry standards and equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to excel in the field of personal training.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in personal training or expanding your fitness knowledge, I encourage you to explore Trifocus Fitness Academy’s website. There, you can find detailed information about their personal training programmes, including course modules, accreditation details, and the support they offer to their students.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy and their personal training programmes, please visit their website at www.trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za. Take the first step towards a rewarding career in personal training by discovering the opportunities and resources available through Trifocus Fitness Academy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right personal training academy is crucial as it can greatly impact the quality of your education, your career prospects, and your overall success as a personal trainer.

Factors to consider include the programme’s accreditation, curriculum, learning formats, reputation, student support services, and pricing options.

Start by clearly defining your goals, whether it’s becoming a personal trainer, advancing your career, or expanding your fitness knowledge. Then, review the program’s offerings and assess if they align with your specific aspirations.

Flexible learning options, such as online or blended learning, allow you to study at your own pace, access materials from anywhere, and fit your education around your busy schedule. This flexibility can greatly enhance your learning experience.

Reviews and testimonials provide insights into the experiences of current and past students. They can help you gauge the programme’s quality, effectiveness, and the level of support provided. Reading reviews can give you a better understanding of what to expect and help you make an informed decision.

The post Finding The Perfect Personal Training Academy: A Guide To Choosing The Best Programme For You appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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The Benefits Of Part-time Personal Training Courses: Balancing Education With Work And Life https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-benefits-of-part-time-personal-training-courses-balancing-education-with-work-and-life/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 05:00:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34089 The post The Benefits Of Part-time Personal Training Courses: Balancing Education With Work And Life appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Are you passionate about fitness but struggling to find the time to pursue your dreams of becoming a certified personal trainer? You’re not alone. With the growing demand for flexible and part-time education options in the fitness industry, as well as the surge in personal training options. more and more people are seeking ways to balance their work and life commitments while still pursuing their passion for fitness. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of pursuing a certified personal trainer programme and delve into the concept of part-time learning. Specifically, we’ll shed light on the advantages of part-time personal fitness training courses for individuals who are juggling various responsibilities.

 Understanding Part-time Personal Training Courses

What Are Part-time Personal Training Courses?

 Part-time personal training courses are educational programmes designed for people who have limited time availability owing to work, family, or other commitments. These short fitness courses offer a flexible learning structure that allows students study at their own pace and fit their education into their busy schedules.

The structure and duration of part-time personal training courses may vary depending on the academy or institution offering the program. Typically, these courses are designed to be completed over an extended period, ranging from several months to a year or more. The duration can be adjusted based on the student’s preferred study pace and availability.

The curriculum of part-time personal training courses covers essential topics related to fitness, exercise science, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, client assessment, programme design, and more. The courses often combine theoretical knowledge with practical application to provide a comprehensive learning experience.

To cater to people with busy schedules and commitments, part-time personal training courses offer several features and benefits:

  • Flexible Learning Options: These courses provide flexible scheduling options, allowing students to choose when and where they study. Whether it’s early mornings, evenings, weekends, or during lunch breaks, students can fit their coursework around their existing commitments.
  • Self-Paced Study: Part-time courses enable students to progress through the material at their own pace. This flexibility allows people to dedicate more time to challenging topics or allocate extra time when needed, ensuring a thorough understanding of the course content.
  • Online Learning: Many part-time personal training courses are offered online, providing convenience and accessibility. Online platforms give students the opportunity to access course materials, lectures, and assignments from anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating the need for physical attendance at a specific location.
  • Ongoing Support: Reputable fitness academies offering part-time courses often provide extensive support to their students.
  • Practical Experience: These opportunities allow students to gain real-world experience and apply their knowledge under the guidance of industry professionals.

 The Rise of Flexible Education Options

 In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the demand for flexible education options across various industries, including the fitness industry. This growing trend can be attributed to several factors, such as the changing nature of work, evolving career paths, and the need for individuals to balance multiple responsibilities. Part-time learning, in particular, has become a popular choice for working professionals or individuals with other responsibilities owing to the following benefits:

  • Flexibility: One of the primary advantages of part-time learning is its flexibility. It allows individuals to pursue education while managing their work, family, or personal commitments. With part-time programmes, students have the freedom to choose when and where they study, enabling them to create a schedule that suits their needs and lifestyle.
  • Career Advancement: Part-time learning provides an opportunity for working professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge without interrupting their careers. By pursuing further education in their field or exploring new areas of interest, people can gain a competitive edge, increase their marketability, and open doors to career advancement opportunities.
  • Practical Application: Part-time learning often integrates practical application, allowing students to immediately apply what they learn in real-world settings. This hands-on approach enables individuals to bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing their ability to solve problems and make informed decisions in their professional lives.
  • Personal Development: Engaging in part-time learning not only enhances professional skills but also contributes to personal growth. It provides people with the opportunity to explore new subjects, develop critical thinking abilities, and expand their knowledge base, ultimately leading to personal fulfilment and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Up-to-Date Knowledge: Industries, including fitness, are constantly evolving and adapting to new trends, technologies, and research. Part-time learning ensures that people stay up to date with the latest advancements in their field. This knowledge can be valuable in providing better services, staying competitive, and meeting the changing needs of clients or employers.

 

  • Work-Life Balance: Part-time learning recognises the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It allows individuals to pursue their educational goals while still dedicating time to their families, hobbies, or other personal commitments. This balance is crucial for overall well-being and can contribute to reduced stress levels and increased job satisfaction.

Advantages of Part-time Personal Training Courses

Balancing Education With Work and Life

 In the fast-paced world we live in, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for overall well-being and personal fulfilment. Thankfully, part-time personal training courses provide people with the opportunity to pursue their passion for fitness and obtain a valuable certification without sacrificing their work or other commitments.

By choosing a part-time personal training course, people can enjoy the following benefits that contribute to a healthy work-life balance:

  • Flexible Schedule: Part-time courses offer the flexibility to design a study schedule that fits around work hours, family responsibilities, or other commitments. This flexibility allows people the opportunity to allocate time for learning without disrupting their regular routines.
  • Self-Paced Learning: Many part-time courses provide self-paced learning options, allowing individuals the option to progress through the curriculum at their own speed. This flexibility ensures that people can dedicate time to learning when it is most convenient for them, whether it’s early mornings, evenings, or weekends.
  • Online Learning: Part-time personal training courses often utilise online platforms, making education accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. This eliminates the need for commuting to a physical classroom, saving time and providing the convenience of studying from the comfort of home or any preferred location.
  • Personalised Support: Despite studying part-time, individuals can still receive comprehensive support from the course providers. Reputable academies often offer access to experienced instructors, mentors, and student support services. This ensures that individuals have the guidance they need to succeed in their studies while juggling other responsibilities.
  • Networking Opportunities: Engaging in part-time courses allows individuals the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of peers who share similar interests and aspirations. Collaborating with like-minded individuals during online discussions, group projects, or in-person workshops can not only enhance the learning experience but also provide valuable networking opportunities.
  • Well-Rounded Development: Pursuing a personal training course part-time enables individuals to not only gain fitness knowledge but also develop other important skills. Balancing work, personal life, and education requires effective time management, self-discipline, and organisational skills. These transferable skills can benefit individuals in various aspects of their lives.

 Flexibility in Learning Schedule

 One of the significant advantages of choosing a part-time personal training course is the ability to design a learning schedule that suits personal preferences and availability. This flexibility allows individuals to have control over the learning process and study at their own pace. Here are some benefits of this approach:

  • Personalised Learning Experience: When studying part-time, people have the freedom to structure their learning schedule according to their personal preferences and availability. This means they can allocate more time to topics they find challenging or interesting and move through familiar material at a faster pace. Having control over the learning process allows individuals the option to tailor their education to their specific needs, enhancing the overall learning experience.
  • Work-Integration: For working professionals or individuals with other commitments, part-time learning offers the opportunity to seamlessly integrate education into their existing schedule. By choosing when and where to study, people can strike a balance between their work or other responsibilities and their personal training course. This integration reduces the stress of trying to manage competing demands, allowing individuals to focus on their education without compromising their work or personal life.
  • Optimal Time Management: Pursuing a part-time personal training course requires individuals to develop excellent time management skills. With the ability to choose their study hours, people can identify the most productive and focused times of the day for learning. This level of control allows them to optimise their learning experience and make the most efficient use of their available time. It also promotes discipline and self-motivation, essential qualities for success in both education and professional life.
  • Reduced Pressure and Stress: The ability to study at one’s own pace alleviates the pressure and stress associated with strict deadlines and a fixed learning schedule. Part-time learners can progress through the course material in a way that feels comfortable to them, ensuring a deeper understanding of the content. This reduced pressure promotes a positive and enjoyable learning experience, which ultimately enhances knowledge retention and application.
  • Accommodating Other Commitments: Life is filled with various commitments, such as work, family, and personal obligations. Choosing a part-time learning schedule allows people to accommodate these commitments more effectively. They can dedicate time to their personal training course without feeling overwhelmed or neglecting other important aspects of their lives. This flexibility promotes a sense of balance and harmony, contributing to overall well-being.
  • Long-Term Commitment: Some people may find it challenging to commit to a full-time education programme owing to the duration and intensity of the course. Part-time learning offers the advantage of extended duration, allowing individuals to spread their learning over a more manageable timeframe. This makes it easier to sustain long-term commitment and motivation, as individuals can progress steadily without feeling overwhelmed.

 Opportunity for Practical Application

 Gaining practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge is of utmost importance in the field of personal training. While theoretical understanding provides the foundation, it is the practical application that truly hones one’s skills and prepares them for real-life scenarios. Part-time personal training courses recognise the significance of practical experience and offer opportunities for students to apply their learning while working:

  • Real-Life Application: Part-time personal training courses provide students with the chance to immediately apply their theoretical knowledge in real-life settings. As they continue to work while studying, they can directly implement what they learn in their workplace or with their clients. This hands-on experience reinforces their understanding, allows them to see the practical implications of their knowledge, and bridges the gap between theory and practice.
  • Client Interaction: The ability to work with clients while studying is a significant advantage of part-time personal training courses. It provides the opportunity to gain exposure to different types of clients, understand their unique requirements, and practise effective communication and interpersonal skills. By working with a diverse range of clients, individuals can learn to adapt their coaching style, understand client motivations, and provide personalised guidance to achieve optimal results.
  • Networking and Professional Development: Engaging in practical work while pursuing a personal training course allows people the opportunity to expand their professional network and establish valuable connections within the fitness industry. Through client interactions and workplace experiences, they can connect with fellow trainers, mentors, and industry experts who can offer guidance, support, and potential career opportunities. Building these connections and engaging in professional development while studying part-time can significantly benefit one’s career advancement.

 Networking and Collaboration Opportunities

 Networking with peers and industry professionals during part-time personal training courses offers numerous benefits and plays a crucial role in personal and professional development:

  • Collaborative Learning: Part-time personal training courses often bring together individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Engaging with peers allows for collaborative learning, where students can share their knowledge, exchange ideas, and learn from each other’s unique insights. This collaborative environment fosters a rich learning experience, encourages critical thinking, and expands one’s understanding of different training approaches and techniques.
  • Peer Support and Motivation: Building connections with fellow students who are pursuing similar goals can provide valuable support and motivation throughout the course. Peers can offer encouragement during challenging times, share study resources and techniques, and provide a sense of camaraderie. This support system can help individuals stay motivated, overcome obstacles, and maintain a positive mindset throughout their personal training education journey.
  • Career Opportunities: Networking with industry professionals can open doors to potential career opportunities. Establishing connections with trainers, fitness facility owners, or industry leaders may lead to referrals, internships, or even job offers. Industry professionals often appreciate the dedication and commitment of individuals who are pursuing personal training education alongside their other responsibilities, making networking an effective way to gain visibility and create future employment prospects.

Choosing the Right Part-time Personal Training Course

Researching Accredited Programmes

Choosing an accredited personal training course is of the utmost importance to ensure the quality and validity of your education. Here’s why accreditation matters and some guidance on researching and identifying reputable institutions like Trifocus Fitness Academy:

  • Quality Assurance: Accreditation is a process through which an external organisation evaluates and verifies that an educational institution meets certain standards of quality and excellence. By choosing an accredited personal training course, you can have confidence that the curriculum, faculty, and overall educational experience have been assessed and meet industry standards. This ensures that you receive a high-quality education that is recognised and respected within the fitness industry.
  • Industry Recognition: Accreditation adds credibility and legitimacy to your personal training qualification. Employers, fitness facilities, and clients often prefer personal trainers who have completed accredited programmes, as it indicates that you have received comprehensive training and are well-prepared to meet industry requirements. Holding an accredited certification can enhance your professional reputation and increase your employability.

To research and identify reputable institutions like Trifocus Fitness Academy, consider the following steps:

  • Review Websites: Visit the websites of potential institutions to gather information about their accreditation status, programmes, curriculum, and support services. Reputable institutions will prominently display their accreditation information and provide detailed programme descriptions.
  • Check Accreditation Directories: Accreditation agencies often maintain directories or lists of accredited institutions on their websites. Check these directories to see if the institutions you are considering are listed as accredited.
  • Research Institution Reputation: Look for reviews, testimonials, and success stories from students and graduates of the institutions you are interested in. Consider reaching out to alumni or professionals in the fitness industry to gather their opinions and experiences.
  • Support and Resources: Evaluate the level of support and resources offered by the institution. Reputable institutions like Trifocus Fitness Academy provide comprehensive support to their students, including access to experienced trainers, online learning platforms, study materials, and ongoing assistance.
  • Contact the Institution: If you have specific questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the institution directly. Contact their student support team and inquire about their accreditation, programme details, and any other information you may need to make an informed decision.

 Assessing Curriculum and Learning Resources

 A comprehensive curriculum that covers essential topics in personal training is of great significance when choosing a personal training course. A comprehensive curriculum ensures that you receive a well-rounded education in personal training. It covers essential topics such as anatomy, physiology, exercise science, nutrition, client assessment, programme design, and more. By studying a diverse range of subjects, you gain a deep understanding of the human body, exercise principles, and the science behind effective training methods. This knowledge equips you with the skills and expertise needed to develop safe and effective exercise programs and provide valuable guidance to your clients.

A curriculum that includes practical application components allows you to apply the theoretical knowledge you gain in real-life scenarios. This hands-on experience is invaluable for developing practical skills, refining your technique, and understanding how to work with clients effectively. Look for personal training courses that offer practical components such as practical workshops, gym-based training, or opportunities for internships or work placements. These experiences provide you with practical exposure and help bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Reputable personal training academies understand the importance of providing comprehensive learning resources and materials to support your education. These resources may include textbooks, study guides, online learning platforms, video tutorials, and interactive materials. Such resources enhance your learning experience by offering different ways to engage with the content, reinforce your understanding, and apply the concepts you learn. They provide you with ongoing access to valuable information even after completing the course, serving as a reference as you continue to grow in your personal training career.

Personal training academies that offer a variety of learning resources and materials provide flexibility and convenience to students. Whether you prefer reading textbooks, watching instructional videos, or engaging in interactive online modules, having a range of resources allows you to tailor your learning experience to suit your preferred learning style. Additionally, online platforms and digital resources enable you to study at your own pace and re-visit materials as needed, accommodating your personal schedule and commitments.

A reputable personal training academy will provide ongoing support to students throughout their learning journey. This may include access to qualified trainers or instructors who can answer questions and provide guidance, online forums or communities for peer interaction and collaboration, and dedicated student support teams to address any concerns or queries you may have. This support system ensures that you have the resources and assistance you need to succeed in your personal training studies.

When choosing a personal training course, consider the comprehensiveness of the curriculum and the availability of learning resources and materials provided by the academy. Institutions like Trifocus Fitness Academy prioritise the development of a comprehensive curriculum and offer a wide range of learning resources to support your education. By selecting a course with a comprehensive curriculum and ample learning materials, you can enhance your learning experience, deepen your knowledge, and become a well-rounded and competent personal trainer.

 

In today’s fast-paced world, part-time personal training courses offer a valuable opportunity for individuals to balance their education with work and life commitments. These courses provide flexibility, self-paced learning options, online accessibility, ongoing support, and practical experience, all of which contribute to a healthy work-life balance.

The rise of flexible education options, including part-time learning, has become a popular choice for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge while managing multiple responsibilities. Part-time learning offers flexibility, career advancement opportunities, practical application, networking prospects, personal development, and up-to-date industry knowledge.

Part-time personal training courses specifically cater to individuals with busy schedules, allowing them to design their own learning schedules, integrate education seamlessly into their lives, and develop optimal time management skills. By choosing part-time courses, individuals can pursue their passion for fitness without compromising their work or personal life.

The opportunity for practical application in part-time personal training courses is invaluable, as it allows students to immediately apply their theoretical knowledge in real-life settings. It enhances their skills, provides client interaction opportunities, fosters networking, and boosts problem-solving abilities. Practical experience gained through part-time courses also adds significant value to resumes, making individuals more competitive in the job market.

Networking and collaboration opportunities in part-time personal training courses offer advantages such as collaborative learning, peer support and motivation, knowledge exchange, mentorship and guidance, career prospects, and ongoing professional development. By actively engaging with peers and industry professionals, individuals can broaden their understanding of the field and create valuable connections that may lead to future opportunities.

Trifocus Fitness Academy is renowned for its commitment to excellence in fitness education. They offer a range of part-time personal training courses that are designed to accommodate your busy schedule while providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the fitness industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your existing qualifications, Trifocus Fitness Academy has a programme that’s tailored to your needs.

By enrolling in one of their part-time personal training courses, you’ll gain a deep understanding of exercise science, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and client assessment. You’ll learn from experienced instructors who are experts in their field and passionate about helping you succeed. With a strong focus on practical, hands-on training, Trifocus Fitness Academy ensures that you’ll be well-prepared to work with clients in real-world scenarios.

What sets Trifocus Fitness Academy apart is their commitment to ongoing support and professional development. Their courses are designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to not only launch your fitness career but also thrive in the long term. You’ll have access to a wealth of resources, including study materials, online learning platforms, and dedicated support from their team of fitness professionals.

By choosing Trifocus Fitness Academy, you’ll join a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for fitness and personal growth. You’ll have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, participate in workshops and seminars, and stay up to date with the latest trends and research in the field.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

So, if you’re ready to turn your passion for fitness into a fulfilling career, don’t wait any longer. Explore Trifocus Fitness Academy’s part-time personal training course options today and take the next step towards achieving your fitness career goals. Invest in your future and unlock the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of others through health and fitness.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Part-time personal training courses allow individuals the opportunity to pursue their education without sacrificing their work or other responsibilities. This flexible learning option enables them to balance their studies with their professional and personal commitments.

Part-time courses offer the flexibility to choose study hours that fit personal preferences and availability. By allowing individuals to study at their own pace, these courses ensure that they can allocate time for work, family, and other activities, promoting a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Part-time courses provide individuals with the ability to study at their own pace and set their learning schedule. This control over the learning process allows students to focus on areas they find challenging, review materials as needed, and fully grasp the concepts, enhancing their understanding and knowledge retention.

Part-time courses often incorporate practical components such as workshops, internships, or work placements. These experiences allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-life settings, gaining valuable hands-on experience that prepares them for their future career as personal trainers.

Part-time courses foster a collaborative learning environment where students can network with peers and industry professionals. These connections provide opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, leading to valuable professional relationships that can support and enhance their career in the fitness industry.

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How Can Sports Psychology Help Athletes Overcome Performance Slumps And Regain Confidence? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-sports-psychology-help-athletes-overcome-performance-slumps-and-regain-confidence/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 05:00:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34064 The post How Can Sports Psychology Help Athletes Overcome Performance Slumps And Regain Confidence? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Sports psychology can be instrumental in helping athletes overcome performance slumps and regain confidence through various techniques and strategies. Here’s how sports psychology can assist in this process:

  • Identifying and addressing underlying issues: A sports psychologist can work closely with athletes to identify any psychological factors contributing to the performance slump. This may include exploring self-doubt, fear of failure, or perfectionism. By addressing these underlying issues, athletes can gain a better understanding of their mental barriers and develop strategies to overcome them.
  • Developing positive self-talk and belief systems: Sports psychologists help athletes reframe negative thoughts and develop positive self-talk. This involves replacing self-defeating statements with affirmations and constructive self-statements. By cultivating positive beliefs and reinforcing them through self-talk, athletes can boost their confidence and overcome self-doubt.
  • Goal setting and action planning: Setting clear, specific, and achievable goals is a crucial aspect of sports psychology. By working closely with a sports psychologist, athletes can set performance goals that are meaningful and relevant to their specific situation. Breaking these goals down into smaller, actionable steps helps athletes regain focus, motivation, and confidence in their ability to succeed.
  • Visualization and imagery techniques: Imagery and visualization are powerful tools used in sports psychology to enhance performance and build confidence. Athletes are guided to vividly imagine themselves performing at their best, overcoming challenges, and achieving their goals. This mental rehearsal helps reinforce positive neural pathways and instil confidence in the mind and body.
  • Building resilience and coping skills: Sports psychologists help athletes develop resilience and effective coping mechanisms to navigate challenges and setbacks. This includes teaching athletes strategies to manage stress, regulate emotions, and bounce back from failures. By learning how to handle adversity and setbacks, athletes can regain confidence and perform at their best.
  • Performance routines and rituals: Establishing pre-competition routines and rituals can provide a sense of control and familiarity, boosting confidence and reducing anxiety. A sports psychologist can help athletes develop personalized routines that incorporate mental preparation techniques, such as deep breathing, visualization, and positive affirmations.
  • Enhancing focus and concentration: Sports psychology techniques can improve athletes’ ability to maintain focus and concentration during competition. Athletes learn strategies to block out distractions, stay in the present moment, and maintain a clear and focused mind. This heightened focus contributes to improved performance and confidence.
  • Providing ongoing support and motivation: Sports psychologists serve as a source of support and motivation for athletes, offering guidance and encouragement throughout their journey. They help athletes maintain a positive mindset, stay motivated, and navigate any challenges that may arise during the process of overcoming a performance slump.

What Techniques And Strategies Does Sports Psychology Use To Help Athletes Regain Confidence?

Sports psychology incorporates a range of techniques and strategies to assist athletes in rebuilding their confidence. These methods include goal setting, where athletes establish specific and achievable objectives to concentrate on their progress. Positive self-talk is encouraged to replace negative thoughts and foster a positive mindset. Visualization and mental imagery techniques help athletes imagine successful performances, reinforcing their confidence and readiness for success.

Reflecting on past accomplishments and recognizing strengths and achievements are key aspects of performance reflection. This exercise aids athletes in acknowledging their capabilities and building confidence based on their prior achievements. Building resilience is another essential aspect, teaching athletes to view setbacks as opportunities for growth, developing coping mechanisms for stress and pressure, and maintaining a positive outlook in challenging situations.

Pre-performance routines contribute to a sense of consistency and familiarity, preparing athletes mentally, reducing anxiety, and enhancing confidence before competitions. Focus and concentration techniques, such as mindfulness and attentional control exercises, train athletes to stay present and focused, enabling them to perform at their best and bolster their confidence.

Receiving constructive feedback from sports psychologists allows athletes to identify areas for improvement while acknowledging their progress. This feedback loop supports athletes in recognizing their strengths and building confidence in their abilities. Skill mastery, attained through deliberate practice and refining specific skills, contributes to increased confidence as athletes focus on technical development and strive for mastery in their respective sports.

The importance of a strong support network is emphasized, as athletes are encouraged to seek support from coaches, teammates, family, and friends. This support provides encouragement, motivation, and positive reinforcement, creating an environment conducive to building and maintaining confidence.

Are There Specific Exercises Or Practices In Sports Psychology That Target Performance Slumps?

Sports psychology utilizes specific exercises and practices to address performance slumps and help athletes regain their optimal performance levels. Some of these targeted interventions include:

  • Performance Analysis: Athletes work with sports psychologists to analyse their performance during slumps. They identify patterns, triggers, and areas of improvement to gain insight into the fundamental factors contributing to the slump.
  • Reframing Negative Thoughts: Sports psychologists help athletes reframe negative thoughts and beliefs that may be adding to the performance slump. By challenging and replacing negative self-talk with positive and empowering thoughts, athletes can shift their mindset and regain confidence.
  • Mental Reset Techniques: Athletes learn techniques to reset their mental state and refocus during a performance slump. This may involve strategies such as deep breathing, visualization, or using specific cues to interrupt negative thought patterns and regain mental clarity.
  • Performance Planning: Sports psychologists assist athletes in creating comprehensive performance plans. These plans outline specific strategies and actions to address the factors contributing to the slump and establish a roadmap for getting back on track.
  • Skill Refinement: Athletes focus on refining specific skills that may have been affected by the performance slump. Sports psychologists help athletes break down the skills into smaller components, identify areas for improvement, and design targeted practice routines to regain proficiency.
  • Goal Realignment: Working with sports psychologists, athletes reassess and realign their goals to ensure they are realistic, attainable, and relevant. This process helps athletes regain focus, establish achievable milestones, and rebuild confidence through a sense of progress.
  • Performance Visualization: Athletes utilize visualization techniques to mentally rehearse successful performances and overcome the slump. By vividly imagining themselves performing at their best and experiencing positive outcomes, athletes can enhance confidence and regain a positive mindset.
  • Motivation and Self-Regulation Strategies: Sports psychologists help athletes develop motivation and self-regulation strategies to maintain consistency and discipline during a performance slump. This may involve setting daily or weekly goals, establishing reward systems, or implementing self-monitoring techniques to track progress.
  • Psychological Support: Athletes receive ongoing psychological support from sports psychologists to address emotional challenges that may arise during a performance slump. This includes managing anxiety, building resilience, and developing coping strategies to navigate setbacks and maintain a positive mindset.
  • Performance Feedback and Evaluation: Regular feedback and evaluation from sports psychologists provide athletes with valuable insights and guidance to address areas of improvement. Constructive feedback helps athletes identify specific actions and adjustments needed to overcome the performance slump.

Sports psychology offers various techniques and strategies to help athletes regain confidence and overcome performance slumps. Through goal setting, positive self-talk, visualization, and performance reflection, athletes can develop a positive mindset and reinforce their belief in their abilities. Building resilience, establishing pre-performance routines, and enhancing focus and concentration contribute to improved performance and confidence.

The support of sports psychologists, along with skill refinement, feedback, and evaluation, aids athletes in identifying areas for improvement and tracking progress. By utilizing these targeted exercises and practices, athletes can overcome performance slumps and regain their confidence to perform at their best.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a sports psychologist? If you do then you need to do our Sports Psychology Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Goal setting is a crucial aspect of sports psychology in assisting athletes with performance slumps. Setting specific, attainable goals helps athletes regain focus, motivation, and confidence as they accomplish each milestone.

Positive self-talk is a powerful technique in sports psychology. By replacing negative thoughts with encouraging and constructive statements, athletes can cultivate a more optimistic mindset, build self-belief, and enhance confidence in their abilities.

Visualization and mental imagery are effective tools in sports psychology. Athletes are guided to vividly imagine themselves performing at their best, overcoming challenges, and achieving their goals. This mental rehearsal helps reinforce positive neural pathways and instil confidence in the mind and body.

Building resilience is essential in sports psychology. It involves reframing failures as learning opportunities, developing coping strategies to manage stress and pressure, and maintaining a positive mindset in challenging situations. Resilience enables athletes to bounce back from setbacks, regain confidence, and perform at their best.

Pre-performance routines provide a sense of consistency and familiarity for athletes. These routines incorporate mental preparation techniques, such as deep breathing, visualization, and positive affirmations. By engaging in these rituals, athletes reduce anxiety, enhance focus, and boost confidence before competitions.

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How Do Personal Trainers Incorporate HIIT Into Workout Routines? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-personal-trainers-incorporate-hiit-into-workout-routines/ Wed, 19 Jul 2023 05:00:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34065 The post How Do Personal Trainers Incorporate HIIT Into Workout Routines? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into workout routines is a valuable tool for personal trainers to help clients achieve their fitness goals. HIIT involves varying periods of intense exercise with short recovery periods, maximizing calorie burn, and improving cardiovascular fitness. Personal trainers can implement HIIT in various ways to create effective and engaging workouts.

Personal trainers can incorporate HIIT into workout routines in several ways:

  • Designing Circuit Workouts: Personal trainers can create circuit-style workouts that alternate between high-intensity exercises and short rest periods. Clients perform a series of exercises targeting different muscle groups, maximizing calorie burn and cardiovascular benefits.
  • Tabata Training: Tabata is a popular form of HIIT that involves performing an exercise at maximum intensity for 20 seconds followed by a 10-second rest. This pattern is repeated for multiple rounds, typically totalling four minutes. Personal trainers can incorporate Tabata intervals into cardio exercises like sprints, burpees, or jumping jacks.
  • Interval Training on Cardio Machines: Personal trainers can prescribe interval training on cardio machines, such as treadmills, stationary bikes, or rowing machines. This involves varying between short bursts of high-intensity effort and recovery periods, improving cardiovascular fitness and calorie burn.
  • Incorporating Plyometric Exercises: Plyometric exercises, such as box jumps, squat jumps, or medicine ball slams, can be integrated into a workout routine to add explosive and high-intensity movements. These exercises engage multiple muscle groups and elevate heart rate, making them ideal for HIIT
  • Implementing Supersets: Personal trainers can create supersets, where clients perform two exercises back-to-back without rest. By combining compound movements, such as squats and push-ups, clients can experience the benefits of HIIT while challenging different muscle groups.
  • Utilizing Timed Intervals: Personal trainers can set specific time intervals for clients to perform exercises at high intensity, followed by a short recovery period. This allows clients to push their limits and increase their overall fitness level.
  • Incorporating Functional HIIT Workouts: Personal trainers can design HIIT workouts that focus on functional movements like kettlebell swings, battle ropes, or bodyweight exercises. These exercises simulate real-life activities and engage multiple muscle groups, providing a full-body workout.
  • Customizing Work-to-Rest Ratios: Depending on the client’s fitness level and goals, personal trainers can adjust the work-to-rest ratios in HIIT workouts. This customization allows for progressive overload and ensures the workout is challenging yet manageable.
  • Monitoring and Adjusting Intensity: Personal trainers closely monitor clients during HIIT workouts to ensure proper form and safety. They can modify exercises or adjust intensity levels based on individual needs, making the workouts effective and suitable for all fitness levels.
  • Progression and Variety: Personal trainers continually progress HIIT workouts by increasing the intensity, duration, or complexity of exercises over time. They also incorporate variety by introducing new exercises and formats to keep the workouts engaging and prevent plateaus.

What Are The Benefits Of Incorporating HIIT Into My Workout Routine?

Integrating HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) into your workout routine offers numerous benefits. Firstly, HIIT workouts are time-efficient, allowing you to achieve maximum calorie burn and fitness gains in a shorter duration compared to traditional cardio exercises. Additionally, the intense bursts of activity during HIIT elevate your heart rate and metabolism, resulting in increased calorie burn even after the workout. This makes HIIT effective for weight loss and improving body composition.

Moreover, HIIT challenges your cardiovascular system, enhancing your aerobic and anaerobic capacity and improving overall cardiovascular fitness. It also assists with preserving lean muscle mass while burning fat, promoting muscle growth and strength development. HIIT stimulates the creation of human growth hormone (HGH), which supports muscle development, fat burning, and metabolism.

Regular HIIT training can also improve endurance and stamina, benefiting performance in various physical activities and sports. The flexibility and variety of HIIT workouts prevent boredom and promote long-term adherence to exercise. HIIT can be modified to suit different fitness levels, making it accessible to individuals of varying abilities. Furthermore, HIIT can lead to metabolic adaptations such as improved insulin sensitivity, efficient oxygen utilization, and enhanced fat oxidation. Lastly, HIIT workouts release endorphins, boosting mood, reducing stress levels, and increasing energy levels, contributing to an overall sense of well-being.

How Often Should I Do HIIT Workouts To See Results?

The frequency of HIIT workouts required to see results depends on various factors, including your fitness level, goals, and overall training routine. As a general guideline, incorporating two to three HIIT sessions per week can be effective for most individuals. This allows for adequate recovery between sessions while still providing enough stimulus to elicit fitness gains.

It’s important to note that HIIT workouts are highly intense and place significant stress on your body. Therefore, it’s crucial to listen to your body and allow for proper recovery between sessions. Recovery days or low-intensity workouts can be included in your weekly routine to give your body the necessary rest and prevent overtraining.

Additionally, the duration of each HIIT session can vary depending on your fitness level and the specific exercises and intervals used. Typically, a HIIT session ranges from 20 to 30 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down periods. However, shorter or longer sessions can be customized based on individual needs and preferences.

Incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into your workout routine offers numerous benefits. Personal trainers can implement HIIT in various ways, such as circuit workouts, Tabata training, interval training on cardio machines, plyometric exercises, supersets, timed intervals, functional HIIT workouts, and customization of work-to-rest ratios. These strategies help maximize calorie burn, improve cardiovascular fitness, preserve muscle mass, enhance metabolism, increase endurance and stamina, provide flexibility and variety, and offer metabolic and mental benefits. To see results, it is recommended to incorporate HIIT workouts two to three times per week, allowing for proper recovery between sessions. Remember to listen to your body, gradually progress your workouts, and consult with a qualified fitness professional for personalized guidance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

HIIT involves varying between short bursts of intense exercise and brief recovery periods. Personal trainers incorporate HIIT into workout routines by designing circuit workouts, utilizing Tabata training, incorporating interval training on cardio machines, implementing plyometric exercises, and utilizing timed intervals.

Incorporating HIIT into workout routines offers benefits such as time efficiency, increased calorie burn, improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle preservation, enhanced metabolism, increased endurance and stamina, flexibility and variety, accessibility, metabolic adaptations, and mental benefits.

The frequency of HIIT workouts depends on factors like your fitness level, goals, and overall training routine. Generally, incorporating two to three HIIT sessions per week can be effective. It’s important to allow for adequate recovery between sessions and listen to your body to prevent overtraining.

Yes, HIIT workouts can be modified to suit different fitness levels. Personal trainers can customize the work-to-rest ratios, intensity levels, and exercise selection to ensure the workouts are challenging yet manageable for individuals of varying abilities and experience.

Personal trainers closely monitor clients during HIIT workouts to ensure proper form and safety. They can modify exercises, adjust intensity levels, and provide guidance based on individual needs and abilities. This ensures that the workouts are effective and suitable for each client’s fitness level.

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What Do Strength And Conditioning Coaches Do? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-do-strength-and-conditioning-coaches-do/ Tue, 18 Jul 2023 05:00:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34057 The post What Do Strength And Conditioning Coaches Do? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Strength and conditioning coaches play an extremely important role in helping athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and people – who are looking for improved physical performance – achieve their goals. Their expertise lies in designing and implementing specialised training programmes that enhance strength, conditioning, and overall athletic performance.

Whether you’re an athlete looking to excel in your sport or someone who wants to improve their overall fitness level, understanding what strength and conditioning coaches do can shed light on the valuable guidance and support they provide.

In this article, we will delve into the multifaceted world of strength and conditioning coaches. We will explore their core responsibilities, the principles they apply, and the impact they have on athletes and people striving for peak physical performance. From strength training and conditioning exercises to personalised fitness programmes and optimising athletic performance, we will uncover the essential aspects of their profession.

Strength And Conditioning Coaches: Exploring Their Vital Role In Athletic Training

Strength and conditioning coaches play a very important role in athletic training, working closely with athletes to optimise their physical performance and overall fitness levels. These coaches are knowledgeable professionals who specialise in designing and implementing training programmes tailored to the specific needs of athletes. By focusing on strength, power, endurance, and other physical attributes, they aim to enhance athletic abilities and maximise performance potential.

H2: Enhancing Athletic Abilities: The Role Of Strength And Conditioning Coaches

Strength and conditioning coaches play a pivotal role in enhancing athletic abilities across various sports and disciplines. Their expertise lies in developing comprehensive training programmes that focus on improving physical attributes, optimising performance, and reducing the risk of injuries. Through their guidance, athletes are able to reach new levels of strength, speed, agility, endurance, and overall fitness.

Key Responsibilities Of Strength And Conditioning Coaches In Sports Training

Strength and conditioning coaches play a significant role in sports training, with a range of key responsibilities. As we’ve said before, their expertise lies in developing and implementing specialised training programmes aimed at enhancing athletes’ physical performance and overall conditioning.

One of the primary responsibilities of strength and conditioning coaches is assessing athletes. They conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine athletes’ physical abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. These assessments provide valuable insights that inform the design of individualised training programmes tailored to meet the specific needs of each athlete.

Based on the assessment results, strength and conditioning coaches design training programmes that are structured, progressive, and target specific areas such as strength, power, speed, agility, endurance, and flexibility. These are customised to align with the demands of the specific sport and the athlete’s position within it.

During training sessions, strength and conditioning coaches provide guidance and supervision. They ensure that athletes perform exercises correctly, utilising proper form and technique, and maintain safety throughout their workouts. They offer feedback and make necessary corrections to optimise performance and prevent injuries.

Monitoring athletes’ progress is another crucial responsibility of strength and conditioning coaches. They closely track performance metrics, measure physical improvements, and analyse relevant data. By using tools such as strength tests, speed assessments, and body composition measurements, coaches evaluate the effectiveness of the training programmes. They then make adjustments and modifications as needed to maximise performance gains.

The Impact Of Strength And Conditioning Coaches On Athlete Development

Strength and conditioning coaches are knowledgeable professionals who specialise in designing and implementing training programmes tailored to the specific needs of athletes. By focusing on strength, power, endurance, and other physical attributes, they aim to enhance athletic abilities and maximise performance potential.

Effective Training Programmes By Strength And Conditioning Coaches

Strength and conditioning coaches play a crucial role in enhancing the athletic performance of individual athletes or teams. They are responsible for designing and implementing training programmes that are tailored to address the specific needs and goals of each athlete. These programs are carefully crafted to optimise physical conditioning, improve performance, prevent injuries, and support overall athlete development.

Here are the key components of effective programmes designed by strength and conditioning coaches:

  • Goal Setting: These coaches work closely with people to establish specific fitness goals. They help clients define realistic and measurable objectives, such as improving strength, endurance, or agility.
  • Individualized Training Programmes: Effective sports and conditioning coaches create customised programmes tailored to each person’s needs and abilities. They assess clients’ current fitness levels, medical history, and training preferences to design plans that address their unique requirements.
  • Proper Technique and Form: Coaches emphasise the importance of proper technique and form. They teach clients correct exercise execution to maximise efficiency, prevent injuries, and ensure optimal results. Regular feedback and corrections help clients maintain proper form throughout their training sessions.
  • Progressive Overload: Strength and conditioning coaches employ principle of progressive overload, gradually increasing training intensity, duration, or resistance over time. This approach challenges the body to adapt and improve, preventing plateaus and promoting continuous progress.
  • Periodisation: Sports and conditioning coaches utilise periodisation techniques to structure training programmes into distinct phases. This helps to optimise performance and prevent overtraining.

 

Strength and conditioning coaches play a vital role in helping people achieve their fitness goals and optimise their athletic performance. Their expertise lies in designing and implementing specialised training programmes that focus on strength, conditioning, and overall fitness.

By incorporating key components such as goal setting, individualised training programmes, proper technique, progressive overload, and periodisation, these coaches ensure effective fitness training.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Strength and conditioning coaches are professionals who design and implement training programmes to enhance a person’s physical performance and overall fitness. They focus on developing strength, power, endurance, agility, and other physical attributes to optimise athletic abilities.

These coaches conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate an athlete’s physical abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. These assessments may include strength tests, movement screenings, flexibility assessments, and performance evaluations specific to the sport or activity.

They design individualised training programmes tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of athletes. These programmes may include strength training exercises, conditioning drills, speed and agility work, flexibility training, and injury prevention strategies.

While both strength and conditioning coaches and personal trainers focus on fitness and physical training, there are some key differences in their roles and areas of expertise.

A strength and conditioning coach primarily works with athletes or people who have specific performance goals, such as improving athletic performance or excelling in a particular sport. They design and implement training programmes that target specific physical attributes and address the demands of the sport or activity.

On the other hand, a personal trainer typically works with a broader range of clients, including those who aim to improve general fitness, lose weight, or enhance overall health. Personal trainers focus on creating individualised exercise programmes, providing guidance on proper form and technique, and offering support and motivation to help clients reach their fitness goals.

These coaches use various methods to monitor an athlete’s progress. They track performance metrics such as strength gains, speed improvements, and endurance levels. They may also use body composition measurements, movement analysis, and regular assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the training program and make necessary adjustments.

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What Are Some Effective Ways To Incorporate Strength Training With Aerobics Exercises? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/some-effective-ways-to-incorporate-strength-training-with-aerobics-exercises/ Mon, 17 Jul 2023 05:00:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34043 The post What Are Some Effective Ways To Incorporate Strength Training With Aerobics Exercises? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Incorporating strength training with aerobics exercises can take your fitness routine to the next level. By combining these two elements, you can enhance your cardiovascular fitness while building strength and toning your muscles. There are various effective ways to merge strength training with aerobics, providing a well-rounded workout that targets both your cardiovascular system and your muscular strength.

Here are some effective ways to combine strength training and aerobics:

  • Circuit Training: Create a circuit workout that alternates between aerobic exercises and strength exercises. For example, perform a set of jumping jacks or high knees followed by a set of squats or lunges. Repeat this sequence for multiple rounds to target both cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength.
  • Interval Training: Combine aerobic intervals with strength intervals during your workout. Alternate between high-intensity aerobic exercises such as sprints or burpees and strength exercises like push-ups or dumbbell curls. This method keeps your heart rate elevated while challenging your muscles.
  • Bodyweight Exercises: Incorporate bodyweight exercises into your aerobics routine. Exercises like push-ups, squats, planks, and lunges engage multiple muscle groups and provide strength-building benefits. Perform these exercises in between aerobic movements to work on muscle strength and endurance.
  • Resistance Bands: Utilize resistance bands during your aerobic exercises to add resistance and strengthen your muscles. For example, you can perform bicep curls, lateral raises, or rows while incorporating resistance bands into your cardio routine. This helps improve muscle tone and strength.
  • Weighted Vest or Hand Weights: Add extra resistance to your aerobic exercises by wearing a weighted vest or holding hand weights. This increases the intensity and engages your muscles more effectively. Examples include jogging or jumping rope while wearing a weighted vest or incorporating dumbbell exercises into your aerobic routine.
  • Combination Exercises: Perform exercises that combine aerobic movements with strength exercises. Examples include squat jumps, lunge kicks, or mountain climbers with push-ups. These exercises challenge both cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength simultaneously.
  • HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training): HIIT workouts involve short bursts of intense aerobic exercises combined with strength exercises. For instance, perform a series of exercises like jump squats, kettlebell swings, or medicine ball slams followed by brief rest periods. Repeat this cycle to elevate your heart rate while building strength.
  • Group Fitness Classes: Join group fitness classes that incorporate both aerobic and strength training elements. Classes like boot camp, CrossFit, or cardio kickboxing often combine cardio exercises with bodyweight exercises or equipment-based strength training for a comprehensive workout.
  • Functional Training: Focus on functional exercises that mimic everyday movements while incorporating strength training. Exercises like squats with overhead presses, walking lunges with bicep curls, or planks with rowing motions engage multiple muscle groups and improve overall strength.

What Are Some Examples Of Circuit Training Routines That Incorporate Both Strength Training And Aerobics Exercises?

Circuit training routines that incorporate both strength training and aerobics exercises offer a well-rounded workout, targeting cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength simultaneously. Here are some examples of circuit training routines that effectively combine these elements.

Cardio Circuit

One example is the Cardio Circuit, where you alternate between aerobic exercises and strength exercises. For instance, you can begin with one minute of jumping jacks to get your heart rate up, followed by a set of push-ups to work your upper body. Then, move on to one minute of high knees for a cardio burst and follow it with a set of squats to engage your lower body. Repeat this sequence for multiple rounds to challenge your entire body.

Full-Body Circuit

Another option is the Full-Body Circuit, which incorporates exercises targeting different muscle groups alongside aerobic movements. Start with a set of burpees to elevate your heart rate and activate your entire body. Then, transition to strength exercises such as lunges, dumbbell curls, shoulder presses, and planks. Perform each exercise for a designated number of repetitions before moving on to the next. Repeat the circuit for a comprehensive full-body workout.

Resistance

You can also incorporate resistance bands into your circuit training routine. Begin with a resistance band rowing exercise to engage your back muscles and simultaneously perform jumping jacks or mountain climbers to elevate your heart rate. Continue with resistance band squats or lunges to work your lower body and finish the circuit with tricep dips or bicep curls using the bands for upper body strength. This variation adds resistance and challenges your muscles further.

Plyometric Circuit

For those seeking a higher intensity workout, a Plyometric Circuit is an option. This circuit combines explosive, plyometric exercises with strength exercises. Begin with box jumps or jump squats to enhance power and explosiveness. Then, switch to exercises like push-ups, burpees, kettlebell swings, and jumping lunges to target muscle strength. Repeat the circuit with appropriate rest intervals between exercises to maximize your workout.

Core and Cardio Circuit

The Core and Cardio Circuit focuses on strengthening your core while incorporating aerobic movements. Start with core exercises like planks, Russian twists, or bicycle crunches to engage and stabilize your core muscles. Then, perform aerobic exercises such as jumping rope, high knees, or running in place to elevate your heart rate. Alternate between core exercises and cardio bursts to challenge your core strength and improve cardiovascular fitness.

Are There Specific Bodyweight Exercises That Are Effective For Combining Strength Training With Aerobics?

there are several bodyweight exercises that are highly effective for combining strength training with aerobics. These exercises engage multiple muscle groups, increase your heart rate, and provide a challenging workout without the need for equipment. Here are some specific bodyweight exercises you can incorporate:

  • Burpees: Burpees are a full-body exercise that combines cardio and strength training. Start in a standing position, drop into a squat, kick back your legs into a plank pose, perform a push-up, jump your feet back to the squat position, and finish with an explosive jump. This exercise targets your legs, core, chest, and arms while elevating your heart rate.
  • Mountain Climbers: Mountain climbers are a dynamic exercise that works your core, shoulders, and legs while providing an aerobic challenge. Begin in a high plank position and alternate bringing your knees towards your chest as if running. Maintain a quick and controlled pace to keep your heart rate up.
  • Jump Squats: Jump squats are an explosive exercise that strengthens your lower body and engages your cardiovascular system. Start with a regular squat and explode upwards into a jump, then land softly and immediately go into the next squat. This exercise targets your quads, glutes, and calves while increasing your heart rate.
  • Plyometric Lunges: Plyometric lunges combine the benefits of lunges with explosive movements. Start in a lunge pose with one leg forward and the other leg back. From there, explosively switch legs in mid-air, landing with the opposite leg forward. This exercise concentrates on your leg muscles, including your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, while providing a cardiovascular challenge.
  • Jumping Jacks: Jumping jacks are a classic aerobic exercise that engages your entire body. Start with your feet together and arms by your sides, then jump while spreading your legs out to the sides and simultaneously raising your arms above your head. Jump back to the starting position and repeat. This exercise increases your heart rate while working your leg muscles and shoulders.
  • Plank Jacks: Plank jacks combine the core-strengthening benefits of planks with a cardiovascular element. Start in a high plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart. Jump both feet out to the sides and back in, similar to the motion of a jumping jack. Maintain a stable core throughout the exercise.

These bodyweight exercises can be performed in a circuit format or integrated into a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout to combine strength training with aerobics effectively. Remember to maintain proper form, start at a comfortable intensity, and gradually increase the difficulty as your fitness level improves. Combining these exercises into your fitness routine can provide a well-rounded workout, improve your cardiovascular endurance, and strengthen your muscles without the need for equipment or a gym.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! You can incorporate both elements by performing circuit training, interval training, or combining exercises that target both cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength.

Examples of bodyweight exercises that effectively combine strength training with aerobics include burpees, mountain climbers, jump squats, plyometric lunges, and jumping jacks.

Yes, circuit training routines, HIIT workouts, and group fitness classes such as boot camp or CrossFit often incorporate both strength training and aerobic exercises for a comprehensive workout.

Absolutely! Resistance bands can be incorporated into your aerobic exercises to provide resistance and strengthen your muscles. Similarly, wearing a weighted vest or holding hand weights can add extra resistance and intensity to your aerobic movements.

The frequency of incorporating strength training with aerobics exercises depends on your fitness goals and overall workout routine. Aim for at least two to three days a week of dedicated strength training alongside your regular aerobic workouts for optimal results.

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Can Personal Training Help With Improving Mental Focus And Concentration? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-personal-training-help-with-improving-mental-focus-and-concentration/ Thu, 13 Jul 2023 05:00:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34010 The post Can Personal Training Help With Improving Mental Focus And Concentration? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Personal training can indeed help improve mental focus and concentration. While personal training primarily focuses on physical fitness and strength, the benefits extend beyond the physical realm and positively impact cognitive functions as well.

Physical Activity And Brain Function

Engaging in regular physical activity, such as the exercises prescribed by a personal trainer, has been shown to have incredibly positive effects on brain health and cognitive function. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, promotes the release of hormones and neurotransmitters that enhance brain function, and stimulates the growth of new neurons.

Stress Reduction

Physical activity, including personal training sessions, is an effective way to manage and reduce stress. Regular exercise has been found to decrease anxiety and depression while improving mood and overall mental well-being. By reducing stress levels, personal training can create an environment conducive to improved focus and concentration.

Cognitive Engagement

Personal training often involves a variety of exercises, techniques, and movements that require focus, coordination, and mental engagement. Learning new exercises, mastering proper form, and following workout routines demand concentration, which can improve mental focus and attention.

Goal Setting And Accountability

Working with a personal trainer involves setting specific goals and creating a structured plan to achieve them. Personal trainers help clients establish realistic targets and provide accountability throughout the process. This goal-oriented approach can foster a sense of purpose and motivation, enhancing mental focus and concentration to stay on track.

Mind-Body Connection

Personal training emphasizes the connection between the mind and body. Through exercises like yoga, Pilates, or mindfulness practices incorporated into training sessions, individuals can enhance their mind-body awareness and develop techniques for mental focus, concentration, and mindfulness. This can carry over into various aspects of life beyond the training sessions.

Improved Sleep Quality

Regular exercise, which is a crucial component of personal training, can improve sleep quality and duration. Sufficient and restful sleep is crucial for cognitive function, including focus and concentration. By promoting better sleep, personal training indirectly supports mental focus and concentration during waking hours.

How Long Does It Take To See Improvements In Mental Focus Through Personal Training?

The time it takes to see improvements in mental focus and concentration through personal training can vary dependent on a number of different factors, including the individual’s starting point, frequency of training, consistency, and overall lifestyle. It is important to note that everyone’s response to exercise and the timeline for improvements can differ. However, here are some general considerations:

  • Short-term effects: Engaging in a single bout of exercise, including personal training sessions, can have immediate positive effects on mental focus and concentration. Exercise boosts blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, leading to temporary enhancements in cognitive function and mental clarity. These effects can be experienced shortly after the exercise session and may last for a few hours.
  • Medium-term effects: With consistent participation in personal training, typically over a period of a few weeks to a couple of months, individuals may start to notice more sustained improvements in mental focus and concentration. Regular exercise has been associated with structural and functional changes in the brain, such as increased neural connections and improved neurotransmitter function. These adaptations can lead to enhanced cognitive performance and better mental focus over time.
  • Long-term effects: Long-term engagement in personal training, typically over several months or more, can result in more profound and lasting improvements in mental focus and concentration. Regular physical activity has been linked to neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections. Over time, this can lead to enhanced cognitive function, including improved attention, concentration, and mental performance.

Are There Specific Exercises That Are Particularly Effective For Enhancing Mental Focus?

There are particular types of exercises and training methods that have been found to be particularly effective in enhancing mental focus and concentration. Mindfulness meditation is one such method that involves directing attention to the present moment and cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts, sensations, and surroundings. Regular practice of mindfulness has been shown to improve attention control, cognitive flexibility, and overall mental focus.

Yoga, which combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation, is another practice that can enhance mental focus and concentration. The deliberate movements, controlled breathing, and focused attention involved in yoga contribute to improved mindfulness, concentration, and mental clarity.

Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art characterized by slow and fluid movements accompanied by deep breathing, promotes relaxation, body awareness, and concentration. The mindful nature of Tai Chi practice enhances mental focus and clarity.

Interval training, which is a form of exercise that involves alternating between high-intensity periods and periods of rest or lower intensity, challenges the mind by requiring focus and mental resilience during intense bursts of activity. This type of training can significantly enhance mental focus and concentration.

Engaging in exercises that require coordination and balance, such as certain dance styles or activities like slacklining, also contribute to improved cognitive skills. These exercises demand mental engagement and concentration, leading to enhanced focus, attention, and coordination.

Dual-task training, which involves performing physical exercises while simultaneously engaging in a cognitive task, is another effective method for enhancing mental focus and concentration. This type of training challenges the brain to multitask, resulting in improved attention, focus, and cognitive performance.

Finally, outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running, or nature walks offer benefits for mental focus and concentration. The combination of physical activity, exposure to natural environments, and fresh air has been shown to positively impact cognitive function.

Personal training can be a very valuable tool for improving mental focus and concentration. Through physical activity, stress reduction, cognitive engagement, goal setting, and the mind-body connection fostered by personal training, individuals can experience positive effects on their mental faculties. While the timeline for seeing improvements may vary, consistent engagement in personal training over time can lead to sustained enhancements in mental focus and concentration.

Additionally, specific types of exercises and training methods such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, interval training, coordination and balance exercises, dual-task training, and outdoor activities have been found to be particularly effective in sharpening mental focus and concentration. By incorporating these practices into a well-rounded fitness routine, individuals can optimize their cognitive abilities and enjoy the numerous benefits that come with heightened mental acuity.

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If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Personal training combines physical exercise with cognitive engagement, goal setting, and stress reduction, leading to improved blood flow to the brain, enhanced cognitive function, and reduced stress levels, all of which contribute to improved mental focus and concentration.

Yes, exercises such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, interval training, and coordination and balance exercises have been found to be particularly effective in enhancing mental focus and concentration.

Yes, personal training can be beneficial for individuals with attention deficit disorders, as it promotes structured routines, goal setting, and cognitive engagement, all of which can improve attention control, mental focus, and concentration.

The time frame for improvements can vary depending on factors such as starting point, frequency of training, consistency, and overall lifestyle. Short-term effects can be experienced immediately, while more sustained improvements are typically observed over weeks to months of consistent personal training.

Personal training can play a significant role in enhancing mental focus and concentration, but it is important to remember that overall lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress management, and mental wellness practices also impact cognitive function. Incorporating a holistic approach will yield the best results.

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Can Suspension Training Be Used For Rehabilitation Purposes? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-suspension-training-be-used-for-rehabilitation-purposes/ Wed, 12 Jul 2023 05:00:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34011 The post Can Suspension Training Be Used For Rehabilitation Purposes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Suspension training, such as TRX, has gained recognition as a versatile and adaptable tool for a variety of fitness goals. However, its benefits extend beyond traditional workouts. Did you know that suspension training can also be used for rehabilitation purposes? With its unique instability and adjustability, suspension trainers offer an effective means of rehabilitating injuries and improving mobility.

It allows for adjustable levels of difficulty, making it suitable for individuals at different stages of rehabilitation. It can be used to improve stability, range of motion, muscular strength, and endurance in targeted areas. The ability to adjust the angle and position of the body during exercises enables individuals to modify the intensity and challenge according to their specific needs.

For example, someone rehabilitating from a shoulder injury can perform exercises that isolate and strengthen the rotator cuff muscles using suspension training. Similarly, individuals recovering from lower limb injuries can work on improving balance, stability, and leg strength through exercises such as single-leg squats or lunges with the support of suspension straps.

When using suspension training for rehabilitation purposes, it is important to work with a qualified healthcare professional or a certified trainer who can develop a customized program tailored to your specific injury and rehabilitation goals. They can guide you through appropriate exercises, monitor your progress, and ensure proper form and technique to avoid further injury.

Are There Specific Exercises For Rehabilitating Knee Injuries Using Suspension Training?

There are specific exercises using suspension training that can be beneficial for rehabilitating knee injuries. Here are a few examples:

  • Assisted Squats: Utilize the suspension straps for support while performing squats. This exercise helps strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes while reducing impact on the knees.
  • Single-Leg Balance: Stand on one leg while holding onto the suspension straps for balance support. This exercise improves stability in the knee joint and works on proprioception.
  • Hamstring Curls: Lie down flat on your back with your heels in the foot cradles of the suspension straps. Lift your hips off the ground and bend your knees, pulling your heels towards your glutes. This exercise targets the hamstrings and helps restore strength and flexibility.
  • Step-ups: Place one foot in a suspension strap and step onto a platform or raised surface with the other leg. Step back down and repeat with the other leg. This exercise focuses on quadriceps strength and stability.
  • Terminal Knee Extensions: Attach the suspension straps to a low anchor point and secure them around your ankles. Stand facing away from the anchor point with your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly extend your knees while maintaining tension on the straps. This exercise targets the quadriceps and aids in rebuilding knee stability.

How Does Suspension Training Help Improve Balance And Proprioception During Rehabilitation?

Suspension training offers several mechanisms through which it enhances balance and proprioception during rehabilitation. Firstly, the instability challenge presented by suspension training requires constant adjustments and stabilization from muscles and joints, thereby engaging the proprioceptive system. This engagement improves the body’s ability to sense its position in space and respond accordingly.

Additionally, suspension exercises demand core activation to maintain stability, as the straps create an unstable base. This activation of the core muscles, including the deep stabilizers, promotes better connections between the core, lower body, and upper body, ultimately enhancing overall balance and proprioception.

Moreover, suspension training involves multi-planar movements that activate multiple joints simultaneously. These dynamic movements require coordination and proprioceptive feedback from various muscle groups and joints, which contributes to improved balance and proprioception. The adjustable difficulty levels in suspension training allow for progressive challenge, enabling individuals to modify exercises by changing angles or leverage to match their balance and proprioceptive abilities. By continually adapting and advancing, individuals can enhance their balance and proprioceptive capacities over time.

Suspension training also fosters a strong mind-body connection, as individuals must focus on maintaining stability and proper form while performing exercises. This heightened focus and concentration further improve proprioceptive awareness and control. Lastly, suspension training often incorporates movements that simulate real-life functional activities. By training balance and proprioception in a functional context, individuals develop the stability and control needed for everyday tasks such as walking, running, and sports. This, in turn, reduces the risk of falls or re-injury. To ensure safe and effective rehabilitation, it is very important to work with a qualified health-care professional or a certified trainer who can tailor suspension exercises and progressions to meet the specific rehabilitation needs and goals of each individual.

Suspension training proves to be a valuable tool for rehabilitation purposes. Its unique characteristics, including instability, adjustability, and multi-planar movements, contribute to improved balance and proprioception during the rehabilitation process. By engaging the proprioceptive system, activating core muscles, and challenging the body’s coordination, suspension training enhances the body’s ability to sense its position in space and respond effectively.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Suspension training is adaptable, providing adjustable levels of difficulty and accommodating various stages of rehabilitation. Its instability engages multiple muscles and joints, promoting functional movements and strengthening the body in a controlled manner.

Suspension training improves stability, range of motion, muscular strength, and endurance in targeted areas. It allows for modification of the angle and position of the body, enabling individuals to adjust the intensity and challenge based on their specific needs during rehabilitation.

Yes, suspension training can be beneficial for rehabilitating a range of injuries. For example, exercises can be tailored to isolate and strengthen the rotator cuff muscles for shoulder rehabilitation or improve balance and stability for lower limb injuries.

Yes, it is important to work with a qualified healthcare professional or certified trainer who can develop a customized rehabilitation program. They can guide individuals through appropriate exercises, monitor progress, and ensure proper form and technique to prevent further injury.

Suspension training enhances balance, proprioception, stability, and functional movement patterns during rehabilitation. By challenging the body’s sensory systems, it promotes improved control, strength, and mobility, helping individuals regain confidence and accelerate their recovery.

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Are There Any Specific Bootcamp Exercises For Improving Speed And Agility? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/are-there-any-specific-bootcamp-exercises-for-improving-speed-and-agility/ Wed, 12 Jul 2023 05:00:28 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=34004 The post Are There Any Specific Bootcamp Exercises For Improving Speed And Agility? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Speed and agility are essential attributes for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. If you’re looking to enhance your quickness, coordination, and reactive movements, incorporating specific bootcamp exercises into your training regimen can be highly effective. These exercises are designed to improve foot speed, agility, and overall athleticism. Whether you’re an athlete aiming to outmanoeuvre opponents or simply seeking to boost your overall fitness level, these exercises can help you reach your goals.

In today’s article, we will explore a range of bootcamp exercises that specifically target speed and agility. By focusing on quickness, coordination, and reactive movements, these exercises will help you move with greater efficiency and fluidity. From agility ladder drills that enhance foot speed and coordination to cone drills that improve quick changes of direction, we will uncover a variety of effective exercises that you can incorporate into your workouts.

There Are Several Specific Bootcamp Exercises That Can Help Improve Speed And Agility

These exercises focus on enhancing quickness, coordination, and reactive movements. Here are some examples:

  • Agility Ladder Drills: Performing various footwork patterns through an agility ladder helps improve foot speed, coordination, and agility. Exercises like ladder hops, lateral shuffles, and high knees can be incorporated.
  • Cone Drills: Set up cones in different patterns or distances and perform quick changes of direction around them. Examples include the T-drill, 5-10-5 drill (also known as the pro agility drill), and the shuttle run.
  • Plyometric Exercises: Plyometric movements like box jumps, lateral bounds, and squat jumps help develop explosive power, which translates into improved speed and agility.
  • Speed Sprints: Incorporate interval sprints into your bootcamp workouts. Focus on short bursts of maximum effort followed by rest or recovery periods. You can perform straight sprints, shuttle sprints, or hill sprints for added intensity.
  • Reaction Drills: Use partner or coach cues to initiate quick reaction movements. For example, the coach can call out directions, and you have to react by sprinting in that direction or performing a specific movement.
  • Lateral Agility Drills: Exercises that emphasize lateral movement and change of direction are crucial for improving agility. Side shuffles, lateral lunges, and lateral cone hops are effective options.
  • Hurdle Hops: Set up a series of small hurdles or obstacles and practice jumping over them with quick and explosive movements. This exercise helps improve coordination, speed, and lower body power.
  • Zigzag Sprints: Set up a series of cones in a zigzag pattern and sprint through them, making sharp turns while maintaining speed. This drill enhances agility and quick changes of direction.
  • Tuck Jumps: Perform explosive jumps while bringing your knees up towards your chest. This exercise improves lower body power, explosive strength, and helps with quick take-offs and landings.
  • Mirror Drills: Partner up with someone and take turns mirroring each other’s movements. This exercise challenges reaction time, coordination, and agility.

How Often Should I Incorporate Speed And Agility Exercises Into My Bootcamp Workouts?

The frequency of incorporating speed and agility exercises into your bootcamp workouts depends on your current fitness level, training goals, and overall program design. However, for most individuals, it is generally recommended to include speed and agility exercises at least 1-2 times per week. This frequency allows for proper stimulus and adaptation while also providing enough recovery time.

To maximize the benefits, you can dedicate a specific portion of your bootcamp workout session solely to speed and agility training. This focused approach allows you to give adequate attention to developing these skills without compromising other aspects of your training.

In addition to the dedicated speed and agility sessions, you can also integrate elements of speed and agility into your regular workouts. For example, you can include short bursts of sprinting or agility ladder drills as part of your warm-up or incorporate quick change-of-direction movements during circuit training.

It’s important to listen to your body and avoid overtraining, especially when it comes to high-impact activities like speed and agility exercises. Allow for sufficient rest and recovery between sessions to prevent injuries and promote optimal performance.

Keep in mind that individual factors, such as your current fitness level, training history, and specific goals, may influence the ideal frequency of speed and agility training. It can be beneficial to consult with a qualified fitness professional or coach who can assess your needs and design a personalized training program that includes the appropriate frequency of speed and agility exercises.

What Precautions Should Be Taken To Avoid Injuries While Performing These Exercises?

When performing speed and agility exercises, it is crucial to follow certain precautions to minimize the risk of injuries. Here are some important considerations:

  • Warm-up: Begin your workout with a proper warm-up that includes dynamic stretches and light cardio exercises. This boosts blood flow, enhances flexibility, and prepares your body for the exercises.
  • Proper Technique: Focus on maintaining correct form and technique throughout each exercise. This involves maintaining good posture, using the appropriate footwork, and engaging the right muscles. Incorrect technique can increase the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries.
  • Gradual Progression: Start with exercises that match your current fitness level and gradually increase intensity, difficulty, and volume over time. Avoid pushing yourself too hard too soon, as this can lead to overuse injuries or muscle strains.
  • Adequate Rest and Recovery: Allow sufficient rest between sets and workouts to give your body time to recover. Overtraining or insufficient recovery can raise the risk of injuries and hinder performance.
  • Appropriate Footwear: Wear suitable athletic shoes that offer adequate support, cushioning, and traction for the specific training surface. Ill-fitting or worn-out shoes can contribute to foot and ankle injuries.
  • Surface and Environment: Select a safe training surface that is free from hazards or obstacles. Be mindful of the terrain and potential risks in your training environment to minimize accidents or falls.
  • Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any pain, discomfort, or signs of fatigue during your training. If you experience sharp or persistent pain, it is important to stop the exercise and seek appropriate medical attention if necessary.
  • Hydration and Nutrition: Maintain proper hydration before, during, and after your workouts. Fuel your body with balanced nutrition to support energy levels and muscle recovery.
  • Cross-Training and Rest Days: Incorporate cross-training activities and rest days into your overall training program. This helps prevent overuse injuries, promotes muscle balance, and allows for adequate recovery.
  • Seek Professional Guidance: If you are new to speed and agility training or have specific concerns or pre-existing injuries, consulting with a qualified fitness professional or coach is beneficial. They can offer guidance on proper form, exercise selection, and customized training progressions to suit your needs.

Specific bootcamp exercises can be highly effective for improving speed and agility. Incorporating exercises like agility ladder drills, cone drills, plyometrics, speed sprints, and reaction drills into your bootcamp workouts can enhance your quickness, coordination, and reactive movements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Some specific bootcamp exercises for improving speed and agility include agility ladder drills, cone drills, plyometric exercises, speed sprints, and reaction drills.

Agility ladder drills involve performing various footwork patterns through an agility ladder. They enhance foot speed, coordination, and agility, making you more agile and quicker on your feet.

Yes, cone drills are effective for improving quick changes of direction and agility. By setting up cones in different patterns or distances and performing quick changes of direction around them, you can enhance your ability to manoeuvre and change direction rapidly.

Plyometric exercises, such as box jumps, lateral bounds, and squat jumps, develop explosive power. This translates into improved speed and agility, as these exercises focus on quick and powerful movements.

Speed sprints, which involve short bursts of maximum effort followed by rest or recovery periods, are highly effective for improving speed and agility. They enhance your ability to accelerate quickly and maintain high-speed movements.

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How Do I Transition From The Clean To The Jerk Smoothly In Olympic Lifting? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-i-transition-from-the-clean-to-the-jerk-smoothly-in-olympic-lifting/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 05:00:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33974 The post How Do I Transition From The Clean To The Jerk Smoothly In Olympic Lifting? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Transitioning smoothly from the clean to the jerk in Olympic lifting requires proper technique and coordination. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve a seamless transition:

  • Secure the bar: Once you have completed the clean and caught the barbell in the front rack position, ensure that the bar is secure and stable on your shoulders. Maintain a firm grip and position your elbows high.
  • Footwork: Position your feet in the correct split jerk stance. The front foot should be in line with the shoulder of the same side, while the back foot is positioned slightly behind and diagonally.
  • Dip and drive: Initiate the jerk by performing a slight dip, bending your knees while maintaining an upright torso. Use the power generated from your legs to drive the barbell upward. This upward force should be explosive and controlled.
  • Split: As you drive the barbell upward, simultaneously split your legs by extending one foot forward and the other backward. The front foot should land with the heel down and the knee slightly bent, while the back foot lands on the ball of the foot with the knee slightly bent.
  • Lockout: As you split, press the bar overhead by extending your arms fully. The barbell should be positioned directly overhead, aligned with your ears, while your shoulders and hips are stacked in a vertical line.
  • Stabilize and recover: Once you’ve achieved the lockout position, stabilize your body by engaging your core and maintaining an upright posture. Keep your weight balanced between your front and back legs. Recover by bringing your feet back together in a controlled manner, returning to a standing position.

Key tips:

  • Practice proper footwork and positioning to ensure a stable base for the jerk.
  • Focus on a strong and explosive drive from the legs to generate upward momentum for the barbell.
  • Maintain a tight core throughout the entire movement to provide stability and control.
  • Practice the timing and coordination of the split, aiming for a smooth and fluid transition.
  • Gradually increase the weight as you become more comfortable and confident with the movement.

How Can I Improve The Timing And Coordination Between The Clean And Jerk Movements?

Improving the timing and coordination between the clean and jerk movements in Olympic lifting requires practice and attention to specific aspects of the lift. Here are some tips to help you enhance your timing and coordination:

  • Break down the movements: Start by focusing on each individual lift separately—perform cleans and jerks as standalone exercises. This allows you to refine the technique and develop a solid foundation for each movement before integrating them together.
  • Establish a consistent setup: Develop a routine for your starting position, grip, and foot placement in both the clean and jerk. Consistency in your setup will help establish a familiar starting point and facilitate a smoother transition between the two lifts.
  • Practice the transition: Dedicate specific training sessions to practice the transition from the clean to the jerk. Slowly increase the speed and fluidity of the movement, aiming for a seamless connection between the two lifts. Focus on maintaining control and stability as you transition.
  • Enhance your proprioception: Proprioception, or body awareness, plays a crucial role in timing and coordination. Incorporate exercises that improve your proprioceptive abilities, such as balance drills, single-leg exercises, and coordination exercises like ladder drills or agility ladder work.
  • Utilize pause variations: Implement pause variations in both the clean and the jerk. For example, perform a clean pull or clean high pull and pause at various positions (e.g., mid-thigh, above the knee) before transitioning into the jerk. This helps reinforce the timing and coordination required for a smooth transition.
  • Focus on the transition points: Pay close attention to the critical points where the clean transitions into the jerk. This includes the moment the bar reaches the rack position and the initiation of the jerk. Practice these transition points repeatedly, gradually increasing the speed and intensity.
  • Video analysis: Record your clean and jerk attempts from different angles to assess your timing and coordination. Analyse the footage to identify any inconsistencies or areas for improvement. This visual feedback can be invaluable in refining your technique.
  • Seek coaching and feedback: Work with an experienced weightlifting coach who can provide guidance, correct technical errors, and offer personalized cues to improve your timing and coordination. Their expertise will be instrumental in refining your technique and optimizing the transition.
  • Develop overall strength and stability: Strengthening your core, legs, and shoulders will contribute to better timing and coordination in the clean-to-jerk transition. Include exercises like squats, lunges, overhead presses, and core stability exercises to enhance your overall strength and stability.

The Most Common Mistakes People Face When Transitioning From The Clean To The Jerk

When transitioning from the clean to the jerk in Olympic lifting, there are several common mistakes and challenges that people often encounter. Here are some of them:

  • Rushing the transition: One common mistake is rushing the transition from the clean to the jerk. This can result in a lack of stability and coordination between the two movements. It’s important to take the time to establish a solid starting position and smoothly execute the transition.
  • Poor footwork: Footwork is crucial in the jerk, and improper foot placement can hinder the transition. Some common footwork mistakes include landing with the feet too close together or failing to achieve a balanced split position. These errors can affect stability and make it challenging to recover from the split jerk.
  • Insufficient leg drive: Another challenge is not generating enough leg drive during the jerk. Insufficient leg power can result in a weak or incomplete extension, making it difficult to achieve a solid lockout position overhead. Focus on explosiveness and utilizing the power from your legs to drive the barbell upward.
  • Unstable front rack position: A common mistake in the clean-to-jerk transition is having an unstable or improper front rack position. If the bar is not securely positioned on the shoulders, it can affect the timing and coordination of the jerk. Ensure a firm grip, keep the elbows high, and create a solid shelf for the barbell.
  • Lack of upper body stability: Insufficient upper body stability can lead to a loss of control during the jerk. This can result in a missed lift or an inefficient transition. Strengthen your shoulders, back, and core to maintain stability and support the weight overhead.
  • Timing issues: Timing plays a crucial role in the clean-to-jerk transition. Poor timing can lead to mistimed leg drive or barbell trajectory, affecting the overall fluidity of the movement. Focus on the timing of your dip and drive, as well as the timing of your footwork and split.
  • Inadequate practice and repetition: Transitioning smoothly from the clean to the jerk requires practice and repetition. Insufficient time dedicated to specifically practicing this transition can hinder progress. Incorporate targeted drills and focused practice sessions to improve the coordination between the two lifts.
  • Lack of flexibility or mobility: Limited flexibility and mobility can present challenges in achieving proper positions during the clean and jerk transition. Adequate mobility in the ankles, hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders is essential for optimal technique. Address any mobility restrictions through targeted exercises and stretches.
  • Mental focus and confidence: Transitioning from the clean to the jerk can be mentally demanding. Lack of focus, confidence, or hesitation can affect the timing and coordination of the movement. Develop a positive mindset, visualize successful transitions, and cultivate mental resilience.

To transition smoothly from the clean to the jerk in Olympic lifting, it’s important to focus on proper technique, timing, and coordination. Take the time to establish a secure front rack position and ensure proper footwork in the split jerk stance. Practice the transition specifically, paying attention to the critical points where the clean transitions into the jerk. Utilize pause variations, enhance your proprioception, and seek feedback from a coach to refine your timing and coordination.

Address common mistakes such as rushing the transition, poor footwork, insufficient leg drive, unstable front rack position, lack of upper body stability, timing issues, inadequate practice, flexibility or mobility limitations, and mental focus. With dedicated practice, attention to detail, and guidance, you can improve the smoothness and efficiency of the clean-to-jerk transition in Olympic lifting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The key is to establish a stable front rack position during the clean, maintain proper footwork, and execute a controlled split jerk with proper timing and coordination.

Practice drills that focus on footwork, such as split jerk footwork drills and split stance exercises. Consistency in foot placement and balance between the front and back foot are essential for a smooth transition.

Yes, some cues to consider are “drive through the legs explosively,” “maintain a firm grip on the bar,” and “lead with the front foot during the split jerk.”

Focus on a strong front rack position by keeping your elbows high, maintaining a firm grip on the bar, and engaging the upper back muscles to support the weight during the clean and transition.

Timing and coordination are crucial for a smooth transition. Practice the timing of the dip and drive, the transition from the clean to the jerk, and the split footwork to develop fluidity and efficiency in the movement.

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Can Foam Rolling Be Used For Alleviating Symptoms Of Sciatica? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-foam-rolling-be-used-for-alleviating-symptoms-of-sciatica/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 05:00:48 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33993 The post Can Foam Rolling Be Used For Alleviating Symptoms Of Sciatica? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Foam rolling can potentially be used to alleviate symptoms of sciatica. Sciatica refers to pain, numbness, or tingling that spreads along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down the legs. While foam rolling may not directly address the underlying causes of sciatica, it can help relieve muscle tension and tightness in the surrounding areas, potentially providing temporary relief. Here are some foam rolling techniques that may help with sciatica:

  • Piriformis Foam Rolling: The piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttocks, can sometimes compress the sciatic nerve. By foam rolling the piriformis, you may be able to release tension in this muscle. Sit down on the foam roller with one leg crossed over the other and roll back and forth along the outside of the gluteal area.
  • Glute Foam Rolling: Rolling the larger glute muscles can also help alleviate tension that may contribute to sciatica symptoms. Sit on the foam roller with one buttock and roll back and forth to target different areas of the glutes.
  • Hip Flexor Foam Rolling: Tight hip flexor muscles can contribute to imbalances and increased pressure on the lower back, potentially aggravating sciatica. Lie face down on the foam roller with one hip flexor resting on it and roll back and forth along the front of the hip.

How Long And How Frequently Should I Foam Roll For Sciatica Relief?

The duration and frequency of foam rolling for sciatica relief can vary depending on individual needs and preferences. Here are some general guidelines to consider:

  • Duration: When foam rolling for sciatica relief, aim for a minimum of 1-2 minutes per muscle group or targeted area. This allows sufficient time to apply pressure and encourage muscle release and relaxation. You can gradually increase the duration as needed, based on your comfort level and response to the foam rolling.
  • Frequency: Foam rolling can be done daily or as needed, depending on the severity of your symptoms and your body’s response. Start with 1-2 sessions per day and adjust based on your comfort and symptom relief. Some individuals may find benefit from more frequent foam rolling, while others may find relief with less frequent sessions.
  • Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body responds to foam rolling. If you experience any discomfort, pain, or increased sciatica symptoms during or after foam rolling, it’s important to modify or discontinue the activity. Be mindful of your body’s limits and respect any pain signals.
  • Combine with other strategies: Foam rolling is just one component of a comprehensive approach to managing sciatica. It can be beneficial to combine foam rolling with other strategies such as stretching, strengthening exercises, physical therapy, and posture correction. Work with a healthcare professional to develop a well-rounded treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
  • Individualize your routine: Adjust the duration and frequency of foam rolling based on your personal comfort, schedule, and response to the technique. Experiment with different muscle groups, techniques, and durations to find what works best for you.

Are There Any Foam Rolling Techniques For The Lower Back That May Benefit Sciatica?

there are foam rolling techniques for the lower back that may benefit individuals with sciatica. While it’s important to be cautious and gentle when foam rolling the lower back due to its sensitivity, there are some techniques that can help relieve muscle tension and potentially provide relief for sciatica symptoms. Here are a few techniques to consider:

  • Thoracic Spine Mobilization: Lie down with the foam roller positioned horizontally beneath your upper back, at the level of your shoulder blades. Support your head with your hands, keep your knees bent, and gently roll back and forth, targeting the middle to upper back region. This technique can help improve mobility in the thoracic spine, which may alleviate pressure on the lower back and potentially reduce sciatica symptoms.
  • Glute Roll: Sit on the foam roller with your feet flat on the ground and your knees bent. Cross one ankle over the opposite knee, creating a figure-four position. Lean slightly towards the side of the crossed leg, placing your weight on the gluteal area. Roll back and forth, focusing on the glute muscles. This technique can indirectly target the lower back and provide relief by releasing tension in the gluteal muscles, which can contribute to sciatica symptoms.
  • Latissimus Dorsi Release: Lie on your side with the foam roller positioned under the armpit area. Keep the bottom arm extended overhead and use your legs and top arm for support and stability. Roll along the side of your torso, from the armpit to just above the hip. This technique can help release tension in the latissimus dorsi muscle, which connects to the lower back and may indirectly alleviate discomfort associated with sciatica.
  • Quadratus Lumborum Release: Lie on your side with the foam roller positioned just below the ribcage, targeting the area around the lower back. Support your head with your hand and use your top leg for stability. Roll back and forth along the muscle, focusing on the quadratus lumborum. This technique can help relieve tension in this deep lower back muscle, which may contribute to sciatica symptoms.

Foam rolling can be potentially used as a complementary approach to alleviate symptoms of sciatica. While it may not directly address the underlying causes of sciatica, foam rolling can help release muscle tension and tightness in the surrounding areas, potentially providing temporary relief. When foam rolling for sciatica relief, it’s important to consider the duration and frequency based on individual needs and comfort level.

Listening to your body, combining foam rolling with other strategies, and personalizing your routine are key aspects. Additionally, there are foam rolling techniques for the lower back, such as thoracic spine mobilization, glute roll, latissimus dorsi release, and quadratus lumborum release, which may indirectly target the lower back and contribute to sciatica relief. It’s crucial to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional if you have severe or persistent sciatica symptoms to ensure appropriate management and guidance.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about foam rolling then you need to do our Foam Rolling Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Foam rolling can help alleviate muscle tension and provide temporary relief for sciatica symptoms. However, it may not directly address the underlying causes of sciatica. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.

The frequency of foam rolling for sciatica relief varies based on individual needs. Start with 1-2 sessions per day and adjust based on your comfort and symptom relief. Some individuals may find benefit from more frequent foam rolling, while others may find relief with less frequent sessions.

While foam rolling can provide relief, certain exercises may exacerbate sciatica symptoms. It’s generally advisable to avoid direct pressure on the spine and to use caution when rolling over sensitive areas. Consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on specific exercises to avoid in your case.

Yes, foam rolling done incorrectly or with excessive pressure can potentially worsen sciatica pain. It’s important to use gentle pressure, listen to your body, and avoid any movements that cause discomfort or increased pain. Seek guidance from a healthcare professional or a qualified trainer to ensure proper technique.

Foam rolling can be safe for pregnant individuals with sciatica, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting any foam rolling exercises. They can provide personalized advice and modifications to ensure the safety and efficacy of the foam rolling routine during pregnancy.

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Can Kettlebell Exercises Be Effective For Improving Sports Performance? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-kettlebell-exercises-be-effective-for-improving-sports-performance/ Fri, 07 Jul 2023 05:00:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33976 The post Can Kettlebell Exercises Be Effective For Improving Sports Performance? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Kettlebell exercises can be effective for improving sports performance. Here’s how:

  • Enhanced Functional Strength: Kettlebell exercises, such as swings, snatches, and cleans, engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, mimicking real-life movements. This functional strength development can improve overall athleticism and performance in sports that require explosive power, agility, and coordination.
  • Improved Power and Explosiveness: Kettlebell exercises involve dynamic movements that require generating force quickly. The explosive nature of exercises like kettlebell swings and snatches can enhance power production, which is essential for sports that involve jumping, throwing, or sprinting.
  • Increased Core Stability: Many kettlebell exercises, such as Turkish get-ups and windmills, require significant core engagement for stability and control. Strengthening the core muscles through kettlebell training can enhance balance, posture, and overall body control, contributing to improved sports performance.
  • Better Grip Strength: Kettlebell exercises, particularly exercises like farmer’s carries and kettlebell swings, challenge grip strength and forearm muscles. This can be beneficial for sports involving holding or controlling equipment, such as tennis, basketball, or rock climbing.
  • Improved Endurance: Kettlebell training often involves high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or circuit-style workouts, which can improve cardiovascular endurance and stamina. This enhanced endurance can be advantageous for sports that require sustained effort over extended periods, such as soccer, basketball, or distance running.
  • Enhanced Mobility and Flexibility: Kettlebell exercises often involve movements that require an extremely wide range of motion, promoting mobility and flexibility. Improved joint mobility and flexibility can enhance sports performance by allowing athletes to move more freely and perform sport-specific movements with greater ease.
  • Injury Prevention: Kettlebell exercises focus on functional movements and strengthen stabilizer muscles, which can help prevent injuries. By improving overall body strength, stability, and movement mechanics, kettlebell training can reduce the risk of sports-related injuries and enhance long-term athletic performance.

Which Kettlebell Exercises Are Most Beneficial For Enhancing Speed And Agility In Sports?

Several kettlebell exercises can be beneficial for enhancing speed and agility in sports. Here are a few examples:

  • Kettlebell Swings: This exercise targets the posterior chain, including the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. It helps improve hip explosiveness, which is crucial for generating power and speed in sports movements.
  • Single-Leg Deadlifts: Single-leg deadlifts with kettlebells challenge balance, stability, and core strength while targeting the hamstrings, glutes, and hip stabilizer muscles. This exercise enhances proprioception and helps improve agility and stability during dynamic movements.
  • Lateral Lunges with Kettlebell Reach: Lateral lunges with a kettlebell reach focus on lateral movement patterns, which are essential for sports involving quick changes in direction. It targets the inner and outer thighs, glutes, and core muscles, improving lateral strength and agility.
  • Kettlebell High Pulls: Kettlebell high pulls are explosive movements that engage the hips, upper back, and shoulders. They help develop power, speed, and coordination, benefiting sports that require quick bursts of acceleration and upper body strength.
  • Kettlebell Mountain Climbers: This exercise combines the benefits of traditional mountain climbers with kettlebell placements. It improves core strength, shoulder stability, and cardiovascular endurance while simulating the fast-paced movements often seen in sports like soccer or basketball.
  • Kettlebell Turkish Get-Ups: Turkish get-ups with kettlebells promote full-body strength, stability, and mobility. This exercise improves coordination, body control, and overall athleticism, contributing to enhanced speed and agility in sports.

Can Kettlebell Exercises Help Increase Vertical Jump Height In Sports Like Basketball?

kettlebell exercises can be beneficial for increasing vertical jump height in sports like basketball. Here’s how:

  • Kettlebell Swings: Kettlebell swings are a dynamic exercise that engages the posterior chain muscles, including the glutes and hamstrings. The explosive hip extension motion involved in swings can enhance lower body power, which is crucial for generating upward force during a vertical jump.
  • Goblet Squats: Goblet squats with a kettlebell provide an effective way to strengthen the lower body, particularly the quadriceps, glutes, and core muscles. By improving leg and core strength, goblet squats can contribute to a more powerful and explosive vertical jump.
  • Single-Leg Deadlifts: Single-leg deadlifts with kettlebells target the posterior chain and challenge balance and stability. They help improve hip strength and stability, which are crucial for maintaining proper body alignment and generating force during a vertical jump.
  • Kettlebell Step-Ups: Step-ups with kettlebells work the lower body muscles, including the quadriceps, glutes, and calves. This exercise helps develop leg strength and power, which can translate to improved jump height.
  • Kettlebell Thrusters: Kettlebell thrusters combine a squat and overhead press movement, engaging both the lower body and upper body muscles. They improve overall strength and power, which can positively impact vertical jump performance.
  • Kettlebell Jump Squats: Jump squats with kettlebells add resistance to the explosive jumping motion. This exercise helps develop leg power and the ability to generate force quickly, contributing to increased vertical jump height.

Can Kettlebell Exercises Help Improve Endurance For Long-Distance Running Or Cycling?

Kettlebell exercises can help improve endurance for long-distance running or cycling. While kettlebell training is often associated with strength and power, it can also provide cardiovascular benefits and enhance endurance through specific training protocols. Here’s how kettlebell exercises can contribute to improved endurance:

  • High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Kettlebell HIIT workouts involve very short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief recovery periods. These workouts can improve cardiovascular fitness, increase aerobic capacity, and enhance endurance. Performing exercises like kettlebell swings, snatches, or cleans in a HIIT format can challenge the cardiovascular system and improve endurance for long-distance activities.
  • Full-Body Engagement: Many kettlebell exercises involve multiple muscle groups and require coordination and stabilization throughout the body. By engaging large muscle groups simultaneously, kettlebell exercises elevate heart rate and improve overall cardiovascular fitness, which is essential for endurance activities.
  • Strength and Muscular Endurance: Kettlebell exercises, such as kettlebell squats, lunges, and Turkish get-ups, target major muscle groups, including the legs, core, as well as upper body. By improving muscular endurance and strength, these exercises can enhance overall performance and delay the onset of fatigue during long-distance running or cycling.
  • Core Stabilization: Kettlebell exercises often require core engagement and stability. A strong and stable core helps maintain proper posture, improve running or cycling efficiency, and reduce the risk of injuries. Enhanced core stability translates into improved endurance as the body can maintain proper form and efficiently transfer energy during prolonged activities.
  • Grip Strength and Endurance: Kettlebell exercises challenge grip strength and endurance due to the nature of the kettlebell’s handle. Improved grip strength can be particularly beneficial for activities like cycling or long-distance running, where maintaining a strong grip is essential.

Kettlebell exercises can be an effective tool for improving sports performance. They enhance functional strength, power, core stability, endurance, and mobility, which are all crucial for athletic success. By incorporating specific kettlebell exercises tailored to the demands of a particular sport, athletes can enhance their speed, agility, vertical jump height, and endurance, ultimately improving their overall performance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Kettlebell exercises can be effective for improving sports performance, but they are most beneficial when combined with a well-rounded training program that includes sport-specific drills, conditioning, and skill development.

Kettlebell exercises can benefit a wide range of sports, including but not restricted to basketball, soccer, tennis, martial arts, baseball, and track and field. They can improve overall athleticism, power, agility, and coordination, which are essential in many sports.

Kettlebell exercises enhance sports performance by developing functional strength, improving power and explosiveness, increasing core stability, enhancing grip strength, improving endurance, promoting mobility and flexibility, and helping prevent injuries.

Kettlebell exercises alone cannot replace sport-specific training. While they provide numerous benefits, it’s important to incorporate sport-specific drills and techniques into the training regimen to develop the specific skills required for the sport.

Kettlebell exercises can be adapted to accommodate athletes of all levels, from beginners to advanced. It’s essential to start with proper technique, progress gradually, and seek guidance from a qualified trainer or coach to ensure safety and optimize the effectiveness of the exercises for individual athletes.

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Does Functional Training Improve Joint Stability? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/does-functional-training-improve-joint-stability/ Fri, 07 Jul 2023 05:00:22 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33975 The post Does Functional Training Improve Joint Stability? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Functional training can improve joint stability. These types of exercises often involve multi-joint movements that engage multiple muscle groups and challenge the stability of the joints. By performing exercises that mimic everyday movements and activities, functional training helps strengthen the muscles around the joints, improves proprioception (awareness of body position), and enhances neuromuscular control. This, in turn, can improve joint stability and reduce the risk of injury. Functional training exercises that focus on balance, core strength, and proper alignment can be particularly effective in promoting joint stability.

Are There Specific Exercises In Functional Training That Target Joint Stability?

Functional training incorporates various exercises that specifically target joint stability. Here are a few examples:

  • Single-Leg Balance Exercises: Balancing on one leg engages the muscles around the ankle, knee, and hip joints, promoting stability and proprioception. Examples include single-leg balances, single-leg squats, and single-leg deadlifts.
  • Bosu Ball Exercises: Performing exercises on a Bosu ball or other unstable surfaces challenges balance and activates the stabilizer muscles around the joints. Examples include squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks on the Bosu ball.
  • Stability Ball Exercises: Using a stability ball for exercises like ball squats, ball bridges, or stability ball planks requires the engagement of core muscles and promotes joint stability.
  • Resistance Band Exercises: Incorporating resistance bands into exercises adds variable resistance, which helps activate and strengthen the stabilizer muscles around the joints. Examples include lateral band walks, clamshells, and standing hip abduction with bands.
  • Functional Movements with Weighted Implements: Performing functional movements, such as farmer’s carries, kettlebell swings, or medicine ball throws, with weighted implements challenges balance, coordination, and joint stability.
  • Multi-Planar Movements: Functional training often involves movements in multiple planes of motion, such as rotational exercises like woodchops or cable twists. These exercises challenge joint stability and improve overall movement coordination.
  • Plyometric Exercises: Plyometric exercises like box jumps, lateral bounds, or depth jumps enhance neuromuscular control and joint stability through explosive movements.

How Does Functional Training Differ From Traditional Strength Training?

Functional training and traditional strength training are two different approaches to fitness and exercise. Here are some key differences between the two:

  • Movement Patterns: Functional training focuses on exercises that mimic real-life movements and activities, such as pushing, pulling, squatting, bending, and rotating. It aims to improve the body’s ability to perform everyday tasks efficiently. Traditional strength training, on the other hand, often involves isolated muscle exercises targeting specific muscle groups.
  • Muscle Integration: Functional training emphasizes the integration of multiple muscle groups working together, simulating the coordination required for daily activities. It aims to enhance overall movement patterns rather than isolating individual muscles. Traditional strength training often isolates specific muscles or muscle groups to build strength in those areas.
  • Core Engagement: Functional training places a strong emphasis on core stability and strength, as the core muscles play a vital role in maintaining correct movement and stability during functional movements. Traditional strength training may focus less on core engagement as the primary goal is often to build strength in specific muscles.
  • Balance and Stability: Functional training incorporates exercises that challenge balance and stability, as these factors are crucial for daily activities and injury prevention. Traditional strength training may not place as much emphasis on balance and stability unless specifically incorporated.
  • Functional Adaptation: Functional training aims to improve functional fitness, which is the ability to perform tasks and activities with ease and efficiency. It focuses on training movements that directly translate to real-life activities. Traditional strength training may have a more specific focus on building muscle size and strength without necessarily targeting functional movement patterns.
  • Equipment and Tools: Functional training often utilizes a variety of equipment and tools, such as stability balls, resistance bands, medicine balls, and balance trainers, to add variety and challenge to exercises. Traditional strength training typically involves more traditional gym equipment like dumbbells, barbells, and weight machines.
  • Goal Orientation: Functional training is often geared towards improving overall functional movement, enhancing athletic performance, and preventing injuries. Traditional strength training may have a primary focus on building muscle size, increasing strength in specific muscle groups, or achieving specific aesthetic goals.

Can Functional Training Help Prevent Joint Injuries?

Functional training can be beneficial in helping to prevent joint injuries. Here’s how:

  • Improved Joint Stability: Functional training emphasizes movements that mimic real-life activities and challenges the stabilizer muscles around the joints. By strengthening these muscles, functional training can enhance joint stability, reducing the risk of injuries caused by joint instability or excessive joint movement.
  • Balanced Muscle Development: Functional training often involves compound movements that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This helps in developing balanced strength and coordination among various muscle groups, which can alleviate stress on the joints and lower the risk of imbalances that may lead to injuries.
  • Enhanced Proprioception: Proprioception refers to the body’s awareness of its position and movement in space. Functional training exercises that require balance, coordination, and body awareness can improve proprioception. This heightened proprioceptive ability can help individuals better control their movements, react to sudden changes, and avoid movements that could potentially strain or injure the joints.
  • Corrective Exercises: Functional training often incorporates corrective exercises that address muscular imbalances and movement dysfunctions. By identifying and addressing these imbalances, functional training can help correct faulty movement patterns and reduce the risk of joint injuries that may occur due to compensatory movements.
  • Increased Flexibility and Range of Motion: Many functional training exercises involve dynamic movements that promote flexibility and boost the range of motion in joints. By incorporating exercises that challenge mobility and flexibility, functional training can help prevent joint injuries associated with limited range of motion and muscle tightness.
  • Injury Prevention Programming: Functional training programs can be tailored to address specific joint vulnerabilities or areas of concern. By focusing on strengthening and stabilizing the joints that are prone to injuries, functional training can provide targeted support and reduce the likelihood of joint-related injuries.

Can Functional Training Help With Sports Performance?

Functional training can be beneficial in helping to prevent joint injuries. Here’s how:

  • Improved Joint Stability: Functional training emphasizes movements that mimic real-life activities and challenges the stabilizer muscles around the joints. By strengthening these muscles, functional training can enhance joint stability, reducing the risk of injuries caused by joint instability or excessive joint movement.
  • Balanced Muscle Development: Functional training often involves compound movements that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This helps in developing balanced strength and coordination among various muscle groups, which can alleviate stress on the joints and lower the risk of imbalances that may lead to injuries.
  • Enhanced Proprioception: Proprioception refers to the body’s awareness of its position and movement in space. Functional training exercises that require balance, coordination, and body awareness can improve proprioception. This heightened proprioceptive ability can help individuals better control their movements, react to sudden changes, and avoid movements that could potentially strain or injure the joints.
  • Corrective Exercises: Functional training often incorporates corrective exercises that address muscular imbalances and movement dysfunctions. By identifying and addressing these imbalances, functional training can help correct faulty movement patterns and reduce the risk of joint injuries that may occur due to compensatory movements.
  • Increased Flexibility and Range of Motion: Many functional training exercises involve dynamic movements that promote flexibility and boost the range of motion in joints. By incorporating exercises that challenge mobility and flexibility, functional training can help prevent joint injuries associated with limited range of motion and muscle tightness.
  • Injury Prevention Programming: Functional training programs can be tailored to address specific joint vulnerabilities or areas of concern. By focusing on strengthening and stabilizing the joints that are prone to injuries, functional training can provide targeted support and reduce the likelihood of joint-related injuries.

Functional training can improve joint stability through various mechanisms. By incorporating exercises that mimic real-life movements and activities, functional training strengthens the muscles around the joints and enhances proprioception, leading to improved joint stability. The focus on balance, core engagement, and proper alignment in functional training also contributes to joint stability. Additionally, functional training can help prevent joint injuries by promoting balanced muscle development, addressing muscular imbalances, improving flexibility and range of motion, and offering injury prevention programming. By incorporating functional training into a well-rounded fitness routine, individuals can enhance joint stability and reduce the risk of joint-related injuries, ultimately improving their overall physical well-being.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Functional training is a type of exercise that focuses on movements and exercises that mimic real-life activities and tasks. It aims to improve overall functional fitness and enhance the body’s ability to perform daily movements efficiently.

Functional training improves joint stability by engaging multiple muscle groups and challenging the stabilizer muscles around the joints. The multi-joint movements and balance exercises in functional training enhance muscle coordination, proprioception, and neuromuscular control, leading to improved joint stability.

Some exercises in functional training that target joint stability include single-leg balances, Bosu ball exercises, stability ball exercises, resistance band exercises, and functional movements with weighted implements. These exercises challenge balance, engage core muscles, and activate stabilizer muscles around the joints.

Yes, functional training can help prevent joint injuries. By improving joint stability, promoting balanced muscle development, enhancing proprioception, addressing muscular imbalances, and increasing flexibility and range of motion, functional training reduces the risk of joint injuries caused by instability, imbalances, or limited mobility.

Functional training varies from traditional strength training in that it emphasizes movements that replicate real-life activities and focus on overall movement patterns rather than isolating specific muscles. Traditional strength training often targets individual muscles or muscle groups, while functional training engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, promoting better coordination and joint stability.

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Can EMS Training Improve Muscle Endurance And Stamina? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-ems-training-improve-muscle-endurance-and-stamina/ Thu, 06 Jul 2023 05:00:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33955 The post Can EMS Training Improve Muscle Endurance And Stamina? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Yes, EMS training can contribute to improvements in muscle endurance and stamina. During EMS training, electrical impulses are delivered to the muscles, causing them to contract and engage more intensely than during traditional voluntary contractions. This high-intensity muscle activation can lead to increased fatigue resistance and improved endurance over time.

EMS training stimulates a larger percentage of muscle fibres simultaneously compared to regular workouts, which can help recruit and strengthen muscle fibres that are often not fully engaged during voluntary exercises. By targeting a greater number of muscle fibres, EMS training can enhance muscle endurance and stamina.

Moreover, EMS training allows for specific targeting of muscle groups, enabling focused training on areas related to endurance and stamina, such as the legs for running or the core for maintaining stability and posture during prolonged activities. By applying resistance and intensity through EMS, individuals can train their muscles to sustain contractions for longer durations, leading to improved endurance capabilities.

However, it’s important to note that EMS training should be used in conjunction with a well-rounded fitness routine that includes cardiovascular exercises and other forms of training specific to endurance and stamina development. Combining EMS training with aerobic activities like running, cycling, or swimming can further enhance overall endurance and stamina improvements.

Can EMS Training Be A Beneficial Addition To Endurance-Focused Sports Training?

EMS training can be a beneficial addition to endurance-focused sports training. Here’s why:

  • Enhanced Muscle Activation: EMS training activates a higher percentage of muscle fibres compared to traditional training methods. This increased muscle activation can lead to improved muscular endurance, allowing endurance athletes to sustain repetitive movements for longer durations.
  • Targeted Muscle Recruitment: EMS training enables specific muscle groups to be targeted, allowing athletes to focus on strengthening areas essential for their respective endurance sports. For example, runners can concentrate on their leg muscles, cyclists on their quadriceps and hamstrings, and swimmers on their upper body muscles.
  • Time Efficiency: EMS training can provide a time-efficient workout by stimulating multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial for endurance athletes who often have limited training time and need to maximize their efficiency.
  • Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation: EMS training can be used for injury prevention and rehabilitation in endurance-focused sports. By strengthening muscles and enhancing neuromuscular coordination, athletes can lower the risk of injuries caused by muscle imbalances or weaknesses.
  • Increased Intensity and Overload: EMS training allows athletes to train at higher intensity levels without putting excessive strain on joints and ligaments. This can lead to greater physiological adaptations, improved cardiovascular efficiency, and enhanced endurance performance.
  • Supplemental Training: EMS training can complement traditional endurance training methods, such as running, cycling, or swimming. By incorporating EMS sessions into their training routine, athletes can add variety, challenge different muscle groups, and break through plateaus.
  • Mental Focus and Endurance: EMS training can help athletes develop mental resilience and focus, which are essential for enduring long-duration endurance activities. The intensity of EMS contractions can simulate the mental demands of sustained effort, preparing athletes for the mental challenges they may face during their sport.

How Often Should I Do EMS Training Sessions For Optimal Results?

The frequency of EMS training sessions for optimal results can vary depending on individual factors, fitness goals, and the intensity of the sessions. However, here are some general guidelines to consider:

  • Beginner Level: If you are new to EMS training, it is recommended to start with one or two sessions per week. This allows your body to adapt to the training stimulus and recover adequately between sessions.
  • Intermediate Level: As you become more accustomed to EMS training and your fitness level improves, you can gradually increase the frequency to two to three sessions per week. This frequency allows for more consistent stimulation and progress in strength and endurance.
  • Advanced Level: Advanced individuals who have developed a solid foundation of strength and conditioning may benefit from three to four EMS training sessions per week. However, it’s important to listen to your body and ensure proper recovery between sessions to prevent overtraining and minimize the risk of injury.
  • Recovery and Active Rest: In addition to regular EMS training sessions, incorporating recovery and active rest days is crucial. These days allow your muscles to repair and regenerate, supporting overall performance and preventing overuse injuries. It is recommended to have at least one or two days of complete rest or low-intensity activities per week.

Remember that individual responses to EMS training can vary, and it’s important to assess your own recovery capacity, listen to your body, and adjust the frequency accordingly. Working with a qualified EMS trainer or fitness professional can provide personalized guidance and help tailor the training frequency to your specific goals and needs.

Can EMS Training Be Used As A Supplement To Traditional Endurance Workouts?

EMS training can be used as a supplement to traditional endurance workouts. Here’s how EMS training can complement and enhance your endurance training:

  • Muscle Activation and Strength: EMS training activates a higher percentage of muscle fibres compared to traditional training methods. By incorporating EMS sessions alongside your endurance workouts, you can target and strengthen specific muscle groups that are crucial for your endurance sport. This can result in improved muscular endurance and efficiency during your endurance activities.
  • Time Efficiency: Endurance training often requires long-duration sessions to achieve desired cardiovascular adaptations. EMS training can provide a time-efficient option by stimulating multiple muscle groups simultaneously, allowing you to maximize your training time. By adding EMS sessions to your training routine, you can effectively target muscles and enhance their endurance without significantly increasing your overall training duration.
  • Improved Neuromuscular Coordination: EMS training enhances neuromuscular coordination by stimulating muscle contractions through electrical impulses. This improved coordination can translate to better movement efficiency and form during your endurance workouts. It can help you maintain proper technique and reduce the risk of fatigue-induced form breakdown, leading to improved performance.
  • Variety and Challenge: Adding EMS training to your endurance routine brings variety and additional challenge to your workouts. The intensity and nature of EMS contractions can provide a new stimulus for your muscles, breaking through plateaus and helping you push your limits. This can be particularly beneficial if you have been following a similar endurance training routine for an extended period.
  • Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation: EMS training can aid in injury prevention and rehabilitation for endurance athletes. By strengthening muscles and improving neuromuscular coordination, EMS can address muscle imbalances and weaknesses that may lead to overuse injuries. It can also be used as a low-impact training option during periods of injury recovery or active rest to maintain muscle activation and prevent detraining.

EMS training can be a valuable supplement to traditional endurance workouts. It offers unique benefits such as enhanced muscle activation, targeted muscle recruitment, time efficiency, injury prevention, variety, and challenge. By incorporating EMS training strategically into your endurance training program, you can optimize your results and take your endurance performance to the next level. Remember to consult with a qualified trainer or sports professional to ensure proper integration and customization based on your individual needs and goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

EMS training stimulates high-intensity muscle contractions, activating a larger percentage of muscle fibres. This leads to increased fatigue resistance and improved endurance over time.

Yes, EMS training allows for targeted muscle recruitment, making it effective for strengthening specific muscle groups related to endurance sports, such as the legs for running or the core for stability during prolonged activities.

The frequency of EMS training sessions varies, but starting with one to two sessions per week and gradually increasing to two to three sessions for intermediate athletes can help optimize endurance gains.

Absolutely, EMS training can be a beneficial addition to traditional endurance training. It complements and enhances endurance workouts by improving muscle activation, neuromuscular coordination, and overall performance.

Yes, EMS training offers benefits such as time efficiency, injury prevention, variety, and challenge. It can address muscle imbalances, provide a new stimulus to break through plateaus, and contribute to a well-rounded training program for improved endurance and stamina.

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What Is The Ideal Diameter For Battle Ropes? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-ideal-diameter-for-battle-ropes/ Thu, 06 Jul 2023 05:00:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33977 The post What Is The Ideal Diameter For Battle Ropes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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The ideal diameter for battle ropes can vary depending on personal preference, fitness goals, and the individual’s strength and grip ability. Generally, battle ropes come in various diameters, commonly ranging from 1.5 inches to 2 inches (3.8 cm to 5 cm). Thicker ropes tend to provide more grip challenge and require greater strength to manoeuvre, making them suitable for advanced users or those seeking a higher intensity workout. Thinner ropes, on the other hand, may be more manageable for beginners or individuals with smaller hands. It is recommended to try different diameters and select the one that feels comfortable yet challenging for your specific needs and goals.

Does The Diameter Of Battle Ropes Affect The Effectiveness Of The Workout?

The diameter of battle ropes can indeed affect the effectiveness of the workout to some extent. Thicker battle ropes generally require more grip strength and forearm engagement, making the exercises more challenging. As a result, using thicker ropes can potentially increase the intensity and difficulty of the workout, leading to greater muscle activation and overall strength gains. Thicker battle ropes also tend to create more wave amplitude, which can enhance core stability and coordination.

On the other hand, thinner battle ropes may be more manageable for beginners or individuals with smaller hands, allowing them to focus on proper technique and gradually build strength and endurance. Thinner ropes may provide a slightly different feel and range of motion compared to thicker ropes but can still deliver an effective workout when used correctly.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of the workout is influenced by various factors, including the individual’s fitness level, intensity of effort, exercise selection, and overall workout design. While the diameter of battle ropes is one aspect to consider, it’s essential to focus on maintaining proper form, challenging yourself appropriately, and progressively increasing the intensity and complexity of exercises over time to maximize the effectiveness of your workout.

What Are The Advantages Of Using Thicker Battle Ropes?

Using thicker battle ropes offers several advantages in a workout:

  • Increased Grip Challenge: Thicker battle ropes require a stronger grip to hold onto, which enhances grip strength development. As you work out with thicker ropes, your forearms and hand muscles are engaged more intensely, leading to improved grip strength and endurance.
  • Greater Intensity: Thicker battle ropes create more resistance and weight, resulting in a higher intensity workout. The increased thickness adds difficulty to the exercises, demanding greater muscular effort and energy expenditure. This can lead to improved strength gains, muscle development, and cardiovascular conditioning.
  • Enhanced Muscle Activation: Thicker battle ropes engage a larger number of muscle fibres throughout the arms, shoulders, and upper back. The added thickness increases the resistance against which these muscles must work, resulting in greater muscle activation and recruitment. This can contribute to improved muscle development and overall functional strength.
  • Increased Core Stability: The thicker diameter of battle ropes challenges your core muscles to stabilize your body during exercises. As you create waves or perform rotational movements, the core muscles are engaged to maintain balance and control. This can help improve core strength and stability, leading to better posture, balance, and injury prevention.
  • Improved Durability: Thicker battle ropes are generally more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They can withstand rigorous training sessions, frequent use, and outdoor environments without fraying or breaking easily. Investing in thicker ropes can ensure longer-lasting equipment and reduce the need for replacements.
  • Enhanced Wave Amplitude: Thicker battle ropes tend to produce larger and more pronounced waves as they move. This increased wave amplitude requires greater force production and coordination, providing a more challenging workout for the entire body, especially the core and upper body muscles.

Are Thinner Battle Ropes Easier To Handle For Beginners?

Yes, thinner battle ropes are generally easier to handle for beginners. Thinner ropes typically have a smaller diameter, which makes them more manageable for individuals who are new to battle rope exercises or those with smaller hands or weaker grip strength.

Here are a few reasons why thinner battle ropes can be more beginner-friendly:

  • Reduced Weight: Thinner ropes are lighter compared to thicker ropes. This lighter weight can make it easier for beginners to initiate the waves or perform other battle rope exercises without feeling overwhelmed or fatigued too quickly.
  • Increased Flexibility: Thinner ropes tend to have more flexibility and are easier to manipulate. They offer a greater range of motion, allowing beginners to focus on mastering proper technique and form without the added challenge of dealing with a thicker and less flexible rope.
  • Improved Grip Comfort: Thinner ropes are often more comfortable to grip, especially for individuals with smaller hands. Beginners may find it easier to maintain a secure grip on thinner ropes, reducing the risk of slipping or losing control during exercises.
  • Progressive Skill Development: Starting with thinner ropes allows beginners to gradually progress and build strength, endurance, and technique. As their proficiency improves, they can then transition to thicker ropes to add more challenge and intensity to their workouts.

Can The Diameter Of Battle Ropes Affect Grip Strength Development?

Yes, the diameter of battle ropes can have an impact on grip strength development. Thicker battle ropes require a stronger grip to hold onto, leading to increased grip strength gains over time. Here’s how the diameter of battle ropes can affect grip strength:

  • Increased Grip Challenge: Thicker ropes provide a greater grip challenge due to their larger diameter. Holding onto a thicker rope requires more hand and forearm strength to maintain a secure grip throughout the exercises. As a result, the muscles in your hands, wrists, and forearms are engaged more intensely, leading to improved grip strength development.
  • Forearm and Finger Activation: The thicker diameter of battle ropes necessitates greater activation of the muscles in the forearms and fingers. These muscles, such as the flexor and extensor muscles, are responsible for gripping and controlling the rope. The increased demand placed on these muscles during exercises with thicker ropes can lead to improved grip strength and endurance.
  • Progressive Overload: Thicker battle ropes offer a way to progressively overload your grip strength training. As you become proficient with thinner ropes, transitioning to thicker ropes provides a new challenge for your grip, allowing you to continue developing and strengthening your grip muscles. This progressive overload is important for continual improvement in grip strength.
  • Transfer to Other Activities: Developing a stronger grip through training with thicker battle ropes can have positive carryover to other activities and exercises that require grip strength, such as weightlifting, rock climbing, or carrying heavy objects. The increased grip strength developed from thicker ropes can boost performance and lower the risk of grip-related limitations.

The ideal diameter for battle ropes can vary based on individual preferences, fitness goals, and strength levels. Thicker ropes offer advantages such as increased grip challenge, greater intensity, enhanced muscle activation, improved core stability, improved durability, and enhanced wave amplitude. Thinner ropes, on the other hand, are often more beginner-friendly, with reduced weight, increased flexibility, improved grip comfort, and progressive skill development. The diameter of battle ropes can affect grip strength development, as thicker ropes provide a greater grip challenge, activate forearm and finger muscles more intensely, and offer progressive overload for continual improvement. Regardless of the diameter chosen, focusing on proper form, gradual progression, and incorporating a variety of exercises can maximize the effectiveness of battle rope workouts and grip strength development.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The ideal diameter for battle ropes typically ranges from 1.5 inches to 2 inches (3.8 cm to 5 cm).

Yes, thicker battle ropes provide a greater challenge due to the increased grip strength required, making the workout more intense.

Yes, thinner battle ropes are generally more beginner friendly as they are lighter, more flexible, and easier to handle for individuals new to battle rope exercises.

Absolutely! The diameter of battle ropes can be tailored to individual preferences and fitness goals, allowing for customization and progression as strength and proficiency increase.

When selecting the diameter of battle ropes, it’s important to consider personal comfort, grip strength, and desired challenge level. It’s recommended to start with a diameter that feels comfortable yet provides a reasonable level of difficulty and gradually progress from there.

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What Is The Relationship Between Nutrition And Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-relationship-between-nutrition-and-exercise/ Wed, 05 Jul 2023 05:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33962 The post What Is The Relationship Between Nutrition And Exercise? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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The relationship between nutrition and exercise is highly interconnected and plays a vital role in overall health and well-being. Here are some key points regarding this relationship:

  • Fuelling the Body: Proper nutrition provides the necessary fuel to support physical activity and exercise. Consuming a well-balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats helps supply the energy needed for optimal performance during exercise.
  • Energy Balance: The balance between energy intake (calories consumed) and energy expenditure (calories burned) is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. Nutrition and exercise work together to achieve and maintain this balance.
  • Performance Enhancement: The right nutrition can enhance exercise performance. Consuming appropriate nutrients, such as carbohydrates for sustained energy, protein for muscle repair and growth, together with adequate hydration, can improve endurance, strength, and recovery.
  • Muscle Development and Repair: Adequate protein intake is essential for muscle development and repair. Protein supplies the necessary amino acids for building and repairing muscle tissues, which is crucial for athletes and individuals engaging in strength training.
  • Nutrient Timing: Proper nutrient timing involves consuming the right types and amounts of nutrients before, during, and after exercise to maximize performance and recovery. For example, consuming carbohydrates before exercise can provide readily available energy, and consuming protein after exercise aids in muscle repair.
  • Hydration: Proper hydration is vital for maintaining performance and preventing dehydration during physical activity. It is important to drink enough fluids before, during, and after exercise to replace the water and electrolytes lost through sweat.
  • Weight Management: The combination of nutrition and exercise plays a key role in weight management. Regular physical activity, paired with a balanced diet, helps to create an energy deficit, leading to weight loss. Conversely, consuming excess calories without adequate exercise can contribute to weight gain.
  • Overall Health: Nutrition and exercise are both essential for overall health. A healthy diet, which is very rich in fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, along with regular physical activity, can lower the probability of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, as well as specific cancers.

What Are The Best Pre-Workout Foods To Eat For Energy?

The best pre-workout foods to eat for energy are those that provide a combination of carbohydrates, protein, and a reasonable amount of healthy fats. Here are some examples:

  • Banana: A quick and easily digestible source of carbohydrates that also provides potassium for muscle function.
  • Oats: A complex carbohydrate that provides sustained energy release, along with fibre and some protein.
  • Greek yogurt: Rich in protein and also contains carbohydrates for energy. Opt for plain yogurt and add fruits or nuts for added flavour and nutrients.
  • Whole grain toast or rice cakes: Provides easily digestible carbohydrates for quick energy without feeling too heavy on the stomach.
  • Nuts and nut butter: A very small handful of nuts or a spread of nut butter on whole grain toast can provide a combination of healthy fats and protein for sustained energy.
  • Trail mix: A mix of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds offers a balanced combination of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein for energy.
  • Smoothie: Blend fruits, a source of protein (such as Greek yogurt or protein powder), and a liquid base (such as almond milk) for a refreshing pre-workout drink.
  • Energy bars: Look for bars that are made with natural ingredients and provide a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
  • Chicken or turkey breast: If you prefer a more substantial option, lean protein sources like chicken or turkey can provide amino acids for muscle repair and maintenance.
  • Quinoa: A nutrient-dense grain that offers complex carbohydrates, protein, and fibre for sustained energy.

What Nutrients Are Most Important For Muscle Recovery After Exercise?

Several nutrients are crucial for muscle recovery after exercise. Here are some of the most important ones:

  • Protein: Protein is very important for muscle repair and growth. It offers amino acids, the building blocks of muscle tissue. Eating an adequate amount of protein after exercise helps promote muscle recovery and synthesis. Fantastic sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, legumes, and plant-based protein sources like tofu and tempeh.
  • Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the chief fuel source for your muscles during exercise. Consuming carbohydrates after a workout replenishes glycogen stores, which can become depleted during intense physical activity. Opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to provide a steady release of energy.
  • BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids): BCAAs, including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are specific amino acids that play a significant part in muscle protein synthesis and recovery. They can be found in protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. BCAA supplements are also available for those who may have difficulty meeting their needs through food alone.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids boast anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in reducing exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation. Amazing sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish (such as salmon as well as sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and omega-3 supplements like fish oil or algae oil capsules.
  • Antioxidants: Intense exercise can lead to the production of free radicals, which could very well cause oxidative stress and muscle damage. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants helps combat this oxidative stress. Colourful fruits and vegetables, such as berries, spinach, kale, and bell peppers, are excellent sources of antioxidants.
  • Water: Hydration is crucial for optimal muscle recovery. Adequate fluid intake helps maintain optimal muscle function, aids in nutrient delivery to cells, and assists in the removal of metabolic waste products. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise to stay properly hydrated.

It’s important to note that individual nutritional needs may vary depending on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and specific health conditions. Consulting with a nutritionist can provide personalized guidance on how to optimize nutrition to support exercise and overall health goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Nutrition plays a critical role in exercise performance. Proper nutrition provides the necessary fuel and nutrients to support energy production, enhance endurance, and optimize muscle function during physical activity.

It’s important to consume a balanced meal or snack containing carbohydrates, protein, and a small amount of healthy fats before exercising. This combination provides sustained energy, promotes muscle repair and growth, and helps prevent fatigue during workouts.

Yes, nutrition is crucial for post-workout recovery. Eating a mix of carbohydrates and protein after exercise helps replenish glycogen stores, repair muscle damage, and stimulate muscle protein synthesis, promoting optimal recovery.

Yes, certain foods can enhance exercise endurance. Complex carbohydrates, for example whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, provide a sustained release of energy. Additionally, foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, can help reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress and improve endurance.

Proper hydration is essential for optimal exercise performance. Dehydration can lead to decreased endurance, muscle cramps, and impaired cognitive function. It’s important to drink enough water before, during, and after exercise to maintain proper hydration levels and support overall performance.

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Do Exercise And Nutrition Coaches Offer Group Coaching Or Only One-On-One Sessions? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/yoga-blog/do-exercise-and-nutrition-coaches-offer-group-coaching-or-only-one-on-one-sessions/ Tue, 04 Jul 2023 05:00:44 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33939 The post Do Exercise And Nutrition Coaches Offer Group Coaching Or Only One-On-One Sessions? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Exercise and nutrition coaches may offer both group coaching and one-on-one sessions, depending on their expertise and the preferences of their clients. Here are some points to consider.

  • Group Coaching: Exercise and nutrition coaches may conduct group coaching sessions where they work with multiple individuals simultaneously. Group coaching offers a supportive environment where participants can interact, share experiences, and benefit from the collective motivation and accountability. It can be a cost-effective option and may involve group workouts, group discussions, and group goal setting.
  • One-on-One Sessions: Exercise and nutrition coaches also offer personalized one-on-one sessions. These sessions allow for a more individualized approach, where the coach can tailor the program to meet the specific needs, goals, and preferences of the client. One-on-one coaching provides focused attention, direct feedback, and customized guidance to address personal challenges and optimize results.
  • Hybrid Models: Some coaches offer a combination of group coaching and one-on-one sessions, providing the benefits of both approaches. This hybrid model allows clients to have individualized attention during one-on-one sessions while also benefiting from the support and camaraderie of a group setting during certain aspects of the program.
  • Considerations: When deciding between group coaching and one-on-one sessions, individuals should consider their personal preferences, goals, budget, and the level of attention and support they require. Group coaching can foster a sense of community and shared experiences, while one-on-one sessions offer a more personalized focus. It’s important to communicate with the coach and discuss which option aligns best with the individual’s needs and preferences.

How Does Group Coaching Compare To One-On-One Sessions In Terms Of Cost?

The cost comparison between group coaching and one-on-one sessions can vary depending on the specific coach and their offerings. Here are some points to consider when comparing the costs of these two options.

Group Coaching:

  • Cost Efficiency: Group coaching sessions tend to be more cost-effective than one-on-one sessions since the coach’s time and expertise are distributed among multiple participants. The cost per individual is usually lower due to the shared expenses.
  • Shared Resources: In group coaching, participants often benefit from shared resources such as educational materials, group discussions, and group support. These shared resources contribute to the overall value of the program.
  • Competitive Pricing: Group coaching is sometimes priced competitively to attract more participants. Coaches may offer discounted rates or special package deals for group sessions to make them more accessible and affordable.

One-On-One Sessions:

  • Personalized Attention: One-on-one sessions offer the advantage of personalized attention from the coach. The coach can focus solely on the individual’s needs, goals, and progress, providing tailored guidance and feedback. This personalized attention often comes at a higher cost due to the exclusivity of the sessions.
  • Customization: One-on-one sessions typically involve customized workout plans, meal plans, and strategies that align specifically with the individual’s preferences and requirements. The level of personalization adds value but may also contribute to a higher price point.
  • Time and Availability: One-on-one sessions may require more scheduling flexibility to accommodate the individual’s availability, which can impact the cost. The coach’s availability for individual sessions may be limited compared to group sessions, potentially affecting the price.

How Do Exercise And Nutrition Coaches Ensure The Confidentiality Of Personal Information In A Group Coaching Setting?

Exercise and nutrition coaches take several measures to ensure the confidentiality of personal information in a group coaching setting. Here are some common practices.

  • Clear Privacy Policies: Coaches establish clear privacy policies that outline their commitment to maintaining confidentiality. These policies explain how personal information is collected, stored, and used, and provide assurances that personal information will not be shared without consent.
  • Informed Consent: Prior to participating in a group coaching program, individuals are typically required to provide informed consent regarding the sharing of personal information within the group setting. Coaches communicate the importance of confidentiality and ensure that participants understand the implications of sharing personal information with the group.
  • Group Guidelines and Agreements: Coaches establish group guidelines and agreements that emphasize the importance of confidentiality. Participants are encouraged to respect each other’s privacy and to refrain from sharing any personal information disclosed within the group setting outside of the designated sessions.
  • Emphasis on Trust and Safety: Coaches create a safe and trusting environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences, concerns, and goals. This atmosphere fosters a sense of trust within the group and promotes the understanding that personal information shared during sessions should be kept confidential.
  • Anonymity and Pseudonyms: Some group coaching programs may allow participants to use pseudonyms or anonymous identities to further protect their privacy. This can provide an additional layer of confidentiality, especially in online group coaching settings.
  • Secure Communication Channels: Coaches may use secure communication channels, such as encrypted messaging platforms or private group forums, to ensure the confidentiality of information shared within the group. These platforms offer added protection against unauthorized access to personal data.
  • Professional Ethical Standards: Exercise and nutrition coaches adhere to professional ethical standards, which include maintaining client confidentiality. They are committed to upholding the privacy rights of their clients and are aware of the legal and ethical obligations regarding the handling of personal information.

Ultimately, the availability of group coaching or one-on-one sessions will depend on the specific coach and their offerings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many exercise and nutrition coaches offer both group coaching and one-on-one sessions to cater to different preferences and needs.

Group coaching provides a supportive community, shared experiences, and lower costs. It offers the opportunity to learn from others and gain motivation and accountability from the group dynamic.

Group coaching sessions may not provide the same level of personalization as one-on-one sessions since the focus is distributed among multiple participants. However, coaches often tailor group sessions to address common goals and provide general guidance.

It depends on the coach and their offerings. Some coaches allow clients to switch between group coaching and one-on-one sessions based on their preferences or specific needs. Communication with the coach is key to determine if this option is available.

The choice between group coaching and one-on-one sessions depends on your individual preferences, budget, and goals. If you prefer personalized attention and customization, one-on-one sessions may be the better fit. If you enjoy a sense of community and learning from others, group coaching can be a valuable choice. Assess your needs and discuss with the coach to make an informed decision.

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How Does Exercise Impact Sleep Quality And Overall Sleep Patterns? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-does-exercise-impact-sleep-quality-and-overall-sleep-patterns/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 05:00:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33912 The post How Does Exercise Impact Sleep Quality And Overall Sleep Patterns? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Exercise has a significant impact on sleep quality and overall sleep patterns. Regular physical activity has been demonstrated to improve both the duration and quality of sleep. Here’s how exercise influences sleep.

Sleep Duration

Engaging in regular exercise can help increase the total duration of sleep. People who exercise consistently often report sleeping longer than those who lead sedentary lifestyles.

Sleep Quality

Exercise promotes deeper and more restorative sleep. It helps individuals transition through sleep cycles, including reaching the important REM (rapid eye movement) stage associated with dreaming and cognitive restoration.

Sleep Onset

Exercising regularly can decrease the time it takes to fall asleep, known as sleep onset latency. Physical activity promotes fatigue and helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, making it far easier to fall asleep at night.

Sleep Efficiency

Exercise improves sleep efficiency, which refers to the amount of time spent asleep compared to the total time spent in bed. Those who exercise tend to have higher sleep efficiency, meaning they spend a larger portion of their time in bed asleep.

Sleep Disorders

Exercise has been shown to relieve symptoms of certain sleep disorders, such as insomnia. It can help individuals fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and experience fewer disruptions during the night.

Mental Health

It is well known that exercise is known to have positive effects on mental health, lowering symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. By addressing these underlying factors, exercise indirectly improves sleep quality and promotes more restful sleep.

Circadian Rhythm

Regular exercise helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, the internal biological clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles. By aligning with natural light-dark cycles, exercise supports a more consistent sleep pattern.

How Much Sleep Should You Get?

The suggested amount of sleep varies depending on age, with other factors such as individual needs and lifestyle also playing a role. Here are the general guidelines for sleep duration:

  • Adults (18-64 years old): Most adults require 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night to function optimally. However, individual variations exist, and some individuals may feel refreshed with slightly more or less sleep.
  • Older Adults (65 years +): Older adults may need slightly less sleep, averaging around 7-8 hours per night. However, individual needs and health conditions should be taken into consideration.
  • Teenagers (14-17 years old): Teenagers typically need 8-10 hours of sleep to support their growth, development, and overall well-being.
  • School-Aged Children (6-13 years old): Children in this age group generally require 9-11 hours of sleep to support their physical and cognitive development.
  • Preschoolers (3-5 years old): Preschoolers need 10-13 hours of sleep, which may include naps, to support their growth and development.
  • Toddlers (1-2 years old): Toddlers generally need 11-14 hours of sleep, including naps, to support their rapid growth and learning.
  • Infants (4-11 months old): Infants require 12-15 hours of sleep, including naps, to support their growth, development, and brain maturation.

 

What Are Some Other Ways Of Improving Your Sleep?

There are a number of ways – besides exercise – that you can improve your sleep. Here are some of these:

  • Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Set a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and then waking up at the same time every single day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it far easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.
  • Create a Calming Bedtime Routine: Develop a relaxing routine before bed to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. This may involve activities such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, or listening to calming music.
  • Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Make your bedroom a sleep-friendly environment. Keep the room cool, dark, and quiet, and invest in a very comfortable mattress, pillows, and bedding. Use curtains or blinds to block out excess light and consider utilising earplugs or a white noise machine to drown out any disturbing sounds.
  • Limit Exposure to Electronic Devices: The blue light that is emitted by electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets – as well as computers – can interfere with sleep. Avoid using these devices at least one hour before bed or use blue light filters or apps that reduce the blue light emission.
  • Avoid Stimulants: Limit your consumption of stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine, particularly in the evening. These substances can affect your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Opt for decaffeinated beverages and avoid smoking or using nicotine products close to bedtime.
  • Manage Stress: High levels of stress can disrupt sleep. Explore stress management techniques such as mindfulness, journaling, or speaking with an entrusted friend or therapist. Engaging in relaxation exercises before bed can help calm the mind and promote a more peaceful sleep.
  • Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment: Pay attention to your sleep environment to make it as comfortable as possible. Make sure that your mattress and pillows are supportive and comfortable for your specific needs. Consider using breathable bedding materials and adjusting the temperature to suit your preferences.
  • Avoid Heavy Meals and Excessive Fluid Intake: Eating a heavy meal near the time that you go to bed can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep. Similarly, consuming excessive fluids before bed may result in frequent trips to the bathroom. Try to have your last meal at least a few hours before bedtime and limit fluid intake in the evening.
  • Limit Daytime Napping: If you have trouble sleeping at night, limit daytime napping or avoid it altogether. If you must nap, keep it short (around 20-30 minutes) and avoid napping too close to bedtime.

It’s important to note that individual responses to exercise and sleep can vary. It’s recommended to engage in moderate-intensity exercise earlier in the day, as high-intensity exercise close to bedtime may have stimulating effects that interfere with sleep. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice regarding exercise and sleep management.

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Frequently Asked Questions

High-intensity exercise right before bed can stimulate the body and make it more difficult to fall asleep. It’s best to finish exercise at least a few hours before bedtime for optimal sleep quality.

Regular exercise can lead to improvements in sleep quality within a few weeks. Consistency is key, as long-term exercise habits yield more significant benefits to overall sleep patterns.

Yes, exercise can be beneficial for individuals with insomnia. It helps reduce anxiety and promotes relaxation, making it far easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Exercising earlier in the day is generally recommended for better sleep. This allows for ample time for the body to wind down before bed, and the natural post-exercise drop in body temperature promotes sleepiness.

Yes, exercise can positively affect sleep disorders like sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. It can help regulate breathing patterns and reduce the frequency of leg movements, leading to improved sleep quality.

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What Are The Benefits Of Kettlebell Exercises For Endurance Athletes? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/benefits-of-kettlebell-exercises-for-endurance-athletes/ Thu, 29 Jun 2023 05:00:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33878 The post What Are The Benefits Of Kettlebell Exercises For Endurance Athletes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Kettlebell exercises offer a wide range of benefits for endurance athletes, helping them enhance their performance, build strength, and improve overall conditioning. Incorporating kettlebell training into an endurance athlete’s workout routine can provide specific advantages that contribute to their success in endurance activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and long-distance events. In today’s article, we will explore the benefits of kettlebell exercises for endurance athletes in detail.

Full-Body Conditioning

One of the primary benefits of kettlebell exercises for endurance athletes is the ability to engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, providing a comprehensive full-body workout. Kettlebell movements, such as swings, snatches, cleans, and presses, involve the activation of the core, upper body, lower body, and stabilizer muscles. This comprehensive conditioning helps athletes develop overall strength, power, and muscular endurance required for endurance activities.

Enhanced Cardiovascular Fitness

Endurance athletes rely heavily on cardiovascular fitness to sustain prolonged activity. Kettlebell exercises, with their dynamic and explosive nature, elevate heart rate and engage the cardiovascular system, leading to improved cardiovascular endurance. Movements like kettlebell swings and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) routines incorporating kettlebells can increase aerobic capacity, allowing athletes to perform at a higher intensity for longer durations.

Improved Strength And Power

While endurance athletes focus primarily on cardiovascular fitness, neglecting strength training can lead to imbalances and increased risk of injury. Kettlebell exercises provide an effective way to improve strength and power without compromising endurance performance. The swinging, pressing, and snatching motions require the activation of fast-twitch muscle fibres, enhancing muscular power and explosiveness, which can translate into improved sprinting ability and faster race times.

Core Stability And Postural Strength

A strong core and proper posture are essential for endurance athletes to maintain efficiency and prevent injuries. Kettlebell exercises heavily involve the core muscles, including the abdominals, obliques, and lower back. Movements like Turkish get-ups, windmills, and kettlebell carries challenge the core’s stability, coordination, and strength, improving posture and reducing the risk of fatigue-related form breakdown during long-distance efforts.

Functional Movements And Joint Stability

Endurance activities require repetitive movements and place significant stress on the joints. Kettlebell exercises focus on functional movements that mimic real-life activities, helping athletes develop better movement patterns and joint stability. The swinging and ballistic movements improve hip mobility, while exercises like lunges and squats enhance knee and ankle stability, reducing the risk of overuse injuries and enhancing overall joint health.

Mental Focus And Concentration

Endurance events often require mental resilience and concentration to push through fatigue and maintain a steady pace. Kettlebell training challenges athletes both physically and mentally, requiring focus, coordination, and concentration to execute proper technique and maintain rhythm. Regular practice of kettlebell exercises can enhance mental toughness, discipline, and the ability to overcome mental barriers during endurance activities.

Time Efficiency

Endurance athletes often have limited time for additional training due to the demands of their primary sport. Kettlebell exercises offer a time-efficient solution by providing a highly effective full-body workout in a short period. Incorporating kettlebell movements into circuit training or interval workouts allows athletes to maximize their training time, simultaneously working on strength, power, cardiovascular fitness, and endurance.

Injury Prevention And Rehabilitation

Endurance athletes are prone to overuse injuries due to repetitive movements and high training volume. Kettlebell exercises can help prevent these injuries by targeting weak areas, improving muscular imbalances, and enhancing overall strength and stability. Additionally, kettlebell training can be a valuable rehabilitation tool for athletes recovering from certain injuries, as it allows for controlled movements and progressive loading of affected muscles and joints

Cross-Training And Variety

Repetitive training in a single endurance discipline can lead to monotony and plateau in performance. Incorporating kettlebell exercises into an endurance athlete’s training routine adds variety and introduces new movement patterns, stimulating the body and mind. Cross-training with kettlebells can prevent training plateaus, improve overall fitness, and provide a fresh and enjoyable training experience.

Injury Resilience And Athletic Longevity

By improving strength, stability, and overall conditioning, kettlebell exercises help endurance athletes develop injury resilience and promote long-term athletic longevity. The increased strength and stability gained from kettlebell training can enhance an athlete’s ability to withstand the repetitive stress of endurance activities, reduce the risk of common overuse injuries, and support continued participation in endurance sports for years to come.

Incorporating kettlebell exercises into the training regimen of endurance athletes can provide a multitude of benefits. From full-body conditioning and improved cardiovascular fitness to enhanced strength, power, and mental focus, kettlebell training offers a well-rounded approach to support endurance performance. By adding variety, preventing injuries, and promoting overall fitness and resilience, kettlebell exercises can be a valuable addition to an endurance athlete’s toolkit, helping them reach new levels of success and achieve their performance goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Kettlebell exercises provide a comprehensive full-body workout, enhance cardiovascular fitness, improve strength and power, promote core stability and postural strength, and help prevent injuries.

Kettlebell exercises elevate heart rate, engage the cardiovascular system, and increase aerobic capacity, allowing endurance athletes to perform at a much higher intensity for longer durations.

Kettlebell exercises activate fast-twitch muscle fibres, enhancing muscular power and explosiveness, which can translate into improved sprinting ability and faster race times.

Kettlebell exercises heavily involve the core muscles, challenging their stability, coordination, and strength. This improves posture and reduces the risk of fatigue-related form breakdown during long-distance efforts.

Kettlebell exercises focus on functional movements that improve joint stability and mobility, reducing the risk of overuse injuries and enhancing overall joint health in endurance athletes.

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What Equipment Is Needed For Boxing Exercises? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-equipment-is-needed-for-boxing-exercises/ Thu, 29 Jun 2023 05:00:09 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33911 The post What Equipment Is Needed For Boxing Exercises? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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The equipment needed for boxing exercises may vary depending on the specific workout routine and individual preferences. However, here are some common equipment options.

Boxing Gloves

When engaging in boxing exercises, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and protection of your hands. The equipment that plays a significant role in safeguarding your hands during punches and strikes is none other than boxing gloves. These gloves are specially designed to absorb impact, lower the risk of injury, and boost overall performance.

Selecting the right boxing gloves is essential to ensure proper fit and adequate padding. Ill-fitting gloves can cause discomfort, restrict movement, and increase the likelihood of hand injuries. Conversely, gloves that provide appropriate padding offer sufficient cushioning to minimize the impact on your hands and wrists.

To find gloves that fit properly, it is recommended to try them on before making a purchase. This allows you to assess the glove’s size, snugness, and overall comfort. Remember that a snug fit is preferable to prevent excessive movement within the glove, which can lead to discomfort and less effective punches.

Hand Wraps

Hand wraps are an essential piece of equipment when it comes to boxing exercises, as they provide additional support and protection to the wrists and knuckles. Wearing hand wraps is highly recommended to minimize the risk of injuries and enhance overall hand stability during punches and strikes.

The primary function of hand wraps is to secure and stabilize the bones and joints in the hands and wrists. They help prevent excessive movement and alignment issues that can lead to strains, sprains, or even fractures. By offering an added layer of support, hand wraps contribute to the overall integrity and strength of the hands, allowing boxers to perform with confidence and reduced risk of injury.

When properly wrapped, hand wraps also act as a barrier between the skin and the boxing gloves, helping to absorb sweat and reduce friction. This not only enhances comfort but also helps prevent skin irritations and blisters that can occur during intense training sessions or prolonged periods of glove usage.

Punching Bag

A heavy bag or a speed bag is commonly used for practicing punches, combinations, and improving technique. Ensure the bag is securely mounted or suspended.

Jump Rope

Jump rope is a versatile and essential piece of equipment used in boxing exercises for various purposes, including warm-ups, conditioning, and improving footwork and agility. Incorporating jump rope exercises into your training routine can bring numerous benefits, such as cardiovascular endurance, coordination, and overall athleticism.

When selecting a jump rope, it is important to consider the appropriate length based on your height. Choosing the right length ensures that the rope is properly sized for your body, allowing for efficient and comfortable jumping.

To determine the suitable length, follow these general guidelines:

  • Stand in the centre of the rope with one foot.
  • Pull the handles upward and ensure that they reach approximately armpit level.
  • Adjust the length of the rope accordingly. Most jump ropes have adjustable mechanisms or can be easily trimmed to achieve the desired length.

By having the jump rope at the correct length, you can maintain an optimal jumping rhythm and avoid tripping over an excessively long rope or constantly adjusting a rope that is too short.

Focus Mitts

Focus mitts, also known as punch mitts or target pads, are essential equipment used in boxing exercises for practicing punches and combinations with a training partner or coach. These handheld targets provide a dynamic and interactive training experience, helping boxers improve their accuracy, speed, and coordination.

The primary purpose of focus mitts is to simulate realistic striking scenarios while providing a target for boxers to aim at. They are typically made of durable materials such as synthetic leather or foam padding, designed to absorb the impact of punches and protect the hands of the person holding them. The trainer or partner wears the mitts on their hands, allowing them to manoeuvre and position the targets to challenge the boxer’s skills and create realistic training scenarios.

Medicine Ball

Medicine balls are versatile fitness equipment that can be used to build core strength and power, making them an ideal addition to boxing workouts. These weighted balls come in various sizes and weights, allowing boxers to incorporate them into their training routines for added intensity and effectiveness.

Speed Bag

A speed bag, also known as a speedball, is a small and lightweight bag that hangs from a platform or ceiling. It is a vital tool in boxing training and is used to enhance various aspects of a boxer’s skills, including hand-eye coordination, rhythm, and timing.

The speed bag consists of a small bladder enclosed in a durable leather or synthetic material. When struck, it rebounds quickly, requiring the boxer to maintain a consistent rhythm and timing to keep the bag moving. This constant motion challenges the boxer’s coordination and reflexes, making it an essential component of training for fighters at all skill levels.

Boxing Shoes

Boxing shoes are specialized footwear designed to meet the unique demands of boxing workouts. These lightweight and supportive shoes play a crucial role in enhancing a boxer’s performance by providing traction, stability, and agility during training sessions and fights.

Here are some key aspects and benefits of boxing shoes:

 

  • Lightweight Construction: Boxing shoes are designed to be lightweight to minimize additional weight on the boxer’s feet. The reduced weight allows for quicker movements and footwork, enabling boxers to swiftly change direction, pivot, and dodge punches with ease. The lighter footwear enhances overall speed and agility, providing a competitive edge in the ring.

 

  • Optimal Support: While boxing shoes are lightweight, they also offer excellent support to the feet and ankles. They feature a snug fit and provide ankle support through high-top or mid-top designs. This support helps stabilize the feet and ankles, reducing the risk of injuries such as sprains or twists during rigorous training sessions or bouts.

 

  • Traction and Grip: Boxing shoes have specialized outsoles that provide superior traction on various surfaces, including boxing rings and training mats. The outsoles are often made of rubber or non-marking materials that offer excellent grip, allowing boxers to maintain stability and control their movements effectively. The enhanced traction ensures quick pivoting, smooth lateral movements, and solid foot planting for powerful punches.

 

Protective Gear

Depending on the intensity of the training, additional protective gear for example headgear, mouthguard, and groin guard may be needed, especially for sparring sessions.

It’s important to note that while these equipment options are commonly used in boxing exercises, beginners can start with minimal equipment and gradually add more as they progress. It’s recommended to consult with a trainer or coach to determine the specific equipment needed based on individual goals and training requirements.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a boxing instructor, then you need to do our Boxing Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

To start boxing exercises, you will need a few essential pieces of equipment. These include boxing gloves, hand wraps, a punching bag, a jump rope, and a mouthguard.

Boxing gloves are essential to protect your hands during punches and strikes. They provide cushioning and support, reducing the risk of injuries to your hands and wrists.

Hand wraps are worn under the boxing gloves to provide additional support and protection to the wrists and knuckles. They help stabilize the hand, reducing the risk of sprains or fractures.

A punching bag allows you to practice and develop your punching technique, power, and accuracy. It also serves as a great tool for cardiovascular workouts and building upper body strength.

A jump rope is used for warm-ups, conditioning, and improving footwork and agility. Jumping rope enhances cardiovascular endurance, coordination, and quickness, all of which are crucial in boxing.

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What Are Some Tips For Staying Motivated During Bootcamp Workouts? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-some-tips-for-staying-motivated-during-bootcamp-workouts/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 05:00:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33889 The post What Are Some Tips For Staying Motivated During Bootcamp Workouts? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Staying motivated during bootcamp workouts can sometimes be challenging, but here are some tips to help you stay on track.

Set Clear Goals

Setting specific and achievable goals is crucial for staying motivated during bootcamp workouts. When you have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish, it becomes easier to remain focused and committed to your fitness journey. Here are some tips to help you define and maintain your goals:

  • Be Specific: Instead of setting vague goals like “getting in shape,” be specific about what you want to achieve. For example, you can aim to increase your maximum push-up count, reduce your mile run time by a certain number of seconds, or lose a specific amount of weight. Specific goals provide clarity and allow you to track progress more effectively.
  • Make Them Achievable: While it’s great to challenge yourself, make sure your goals are realistic and attainable within a given timeframe. Setting impossible goals can lead to frustration and loss of motivation. Consider your current fitness level, available time for workouts, and any physical limitations when defining your goals.
  • Set Short-term and Long-term Goals: Break up your larger fitness goals into smaller, manageable milestones. Short-term objectives can be achieved within a few weeks or months, while long-term goals may take several months or even years. Short-term goals keep you motivated by providing a sense of accomplishment along the way, while long-term goals help you remain focused on the bigger picture.

Find An Accountability Partner

Pairing up with a friend or joining a bootcamp class with like-minded individuals can provide accountability and support. You can motivate and challenge each other to stay consistent and push through tough workouts.

Mix Up Your Routine

To avoid getting bored and maintain motivation during bootcamp workouts, it’s important to incorporate variety into your training routine. Trying different exercises, changing up the intensity, and exploring new training methods not only keeps things interesting but also challenges your body in different ways. Here are some tips to help you add variety to your bootcamp workouts:

  • Mix Up Exercises: Instead of sticking to the same set of exercises, incorporate a wide range of movements that target different muscle groups. Include cardio exercises like running, jumping jacks, or high knees, as well as strength-building exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks. You can also include equipment-based exercises using resistance bands, medicine balls, or kettlebells.
  • Try Interval Training: Intervals involve alternating between high-intensity exercises and periods of active recovery. This method not only boosts cardiovascular fitness but also adds an element of challenge to your workouts. For example, you can alternate between sprinting and walking or perform circuit-style training where you move quickly from one exercise to another.
  • Incorporate Bodyweight Exercises: Bodyweight exercises are an effective way to add variety to your bootcamp workouts, as they can be done anywhere without any equipment. Include exercises like burpees, mountain climbers, jumping lunges, and plank variations. These exercises engage multiple muscle groups, improve strength and endurance, and can be modified to suit different fitness levels.

Track Your Progress

Keep a record of your workouts, noting the exercises, duration, intensity, and any improvements you notice. Tracking your progress helps you see how far you’ve come and provides a sense of accomplishment, motivating you to keep going.

Celebrate Milestones

Celebrating your achievements along the way is a crucial aspect of staying motivated during bootcamp workouts. It’s important to acknowledge and appreciate the progress you make, whether it’s reaching a weight loss goal, lifting heavier weights, or completing a challenging workout. Recognizing your milestones and rewarding yourself with something meaningful can provide a boost of motivation and reinforce positive behaviour. Here are some tips for celebrating your achievements during bootcamp workouts:

  • Set Milestones: Break down your larger fitness goals into smaller, achievable milestones. For example, if your goal is to lose a certain amount of weight, set smaller targets along the way, such as losing a certain number of pounds or inches. This allows you to track your progress and celebrate each milestone as you reach them.
  • Track Your Progress: Maintain a record of your workouts, measurements, and achievements. This can be done through a fitness journal, smartphone app, or even a simple spreadsheet. Seeing your progress visually can be incredibly motivating and provide a sense of accomplishment.
  • Reward Yourself: As you reach each milestone, reward yourself with something meaningful. It could be treating yourself to a new workout outfit, buying a fitness-related gadget or equipment, or indulging in a spa day or massage. Choose rewards that align with your interests and make you feel excited and appreciated for your hard work.

Focus On The Benefits

Remind yourself of the positive impact that bootcamp exercises have on your overall health and well-being. Recognize the increased energy, improved mood, and enhanced fitness levels that come with regular participation.

Visualize Success

Celebrating your achievements along the way is a crucial aspect of staying motivated during bootcamp workouts. It’s important to acknowledge and appreciate the progress you make, whether it’s reaching a weight loss goal, lifting heavier weights, or completing a challenging workout. Recognizing your milestones and rewarding yourself with something meaningful can provide a boost of motivation and reinforce positive behaviour. Here are some tips for celebrating your achievements during bootcamp workouts:

  • Set Milestones: Break down your larger fitness goals into smaller, achievable milestones. For example, if your goal is to lose a certain amount of weight, set smaller targets along the way, such as losing a certain number of pounds or inches. This allows you to track your progress and celebrate each milestone as you reach them.
  • Track Your Progress: Maintain a record of your workouts, measurements, and achievements. This can be done through a fitness journal, smartphone app, or even a simple spreadsheet. Seeing your progress visually can be incredibly motivating and provide a sense of accomplishment.
  • Reward Yourself: As you reach each milestone, reward yourself with something meaningful. It could be treating yourself to a new workout outfit, buying a fitness-related gadget or equipment, or indulging in a spa day or massage. Choose rewards that align with your interests and make you feel excited and appreciated for your hard work.

Seek Professional Guidance

If you’re struggling to stay motivated, consider working with a certified personal trainer or coach who specializes in bootcamp exercises. They can provide guidance, tailor workouts to your needs, and offer the support you need to stay motivated.

Stay Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes down to maintaining motivation. Schedule your bootcamp workouts in advance and make them a non-negotiable part of your routine. Treat them as important appointments that you can’t miss.

Stay Positive And Have Fun

Approach your bootcamp workouts with a positive mindset and a sense of enjoyment. Remember that you’re investing in your health and well-being, and each workout is an opportunity to challenge yourself and become stronger.

By implementing these tips, you can stay motivated, committed, and achieve your fitness goals through bootcamp exercises.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on becoming a bootcamp instructor? If you are then check out our Bootcamp Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When you feel tired, remind yourself of your goals, focus on the progress you’ve made, and draw inspiration from others in the bootcamp class. Also, vary your workouts, set small achievable goals, and reward yourself for your accomplishments to maintain motivation.

To stay committed, find a workout buddy or join a supportive community, track your progress, mix up your routine to prevent boredom, set realistic goals, and remind yourself of the benefits you’ll gain from regular participation.

Practice positive self-talk, focus on your strengths and achievements, surround yourself with supportive people, break down your goals into manageable steps, and visualize success to overcome mental barriers and boost motivation.

Rediscover your motivation by trying new exercises or classes, participating in fitness challenges, seeking professional guidance, exploring different workout environments, and finding ways to make your workouts enjoyable and fun.

Remember that progress takes time, focus on non-scale victories like increased energy and improved mood, track your progress through measurements and photos, set realistic expectations, and celebrate small milestones along the way to stay motivated during your fitness journey.

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What Are The Potential Benefits Of Joining A Group Indoor Cycling Class? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/potential-benefits-of-joining-a-group-indoor-cycling-class/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 05:00:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33890 The post What Are The Potential Benefits Of Joining A Group Indoor Cycling Class? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Joining a group indoor cycling class can offer numerous benefits beyond simply pedalling away on a stationary bike. Beyond the physical advantages, such as improved cardiovascular fitness and calorie burning, group indoor cycling classes provide a supportive and motivating environment that can enhance your overall workout experience. In this article, we will have a look at the potential benefits of joining a group indoor cycling class in detail.

Motivation And Accountability

Group indoor cycling classes provide a motivating atmosphere where participants are encouraged to push themselves and reach their fitness goals. The energy and enthusiasm of the group can be contagious, inspiring you to work harder and stay committed to your workout routine. The presence of an instructor leading the class and guiding you through various challenges adds an extra level of accountability, ensuring that you stay on track and give your best effort.

Social Interaction And Community

Group indoor cycling classes offer the chance to connect with like-minded people who share a common interest in fitness and cycling. The supportive and friendly environment fosters a sense of community, where participants can build friendships and find encouragement from their fellow riders. The camaraderie created in these classes can be a powerful motivator and can help make your workouts more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Variety And Structure

Indoor cycling classes often follow a structured format that includes warm-up, intervals, hill climbs, and cool-down periods. The pre-planned routines designed by the instructor ensure a well-rounded and balanced workout. This structured approach eliminates the need to plan your own workouts, saving time and effort. Additionally, instructors often incorporate a variety of music and choreography into the class, making it more engaging and exciting.

Expert Guidance And Coaching

Instructors in group indoor cycling classes are typically certified professionals who have widespread knowledge and experience in cycling and fitness. They are trained to guide and motivate participants, ensuring proper form and technique during the workout. Their expertise can help you maximize the benefits of your workout, prevent injuries, and achieve your fitness goals more effectively.

Performance Tracking And Goal Setting

Many group indoor cycling classes use specialized bikes equipped with performance tracking features. These bikes can measure metrics such as distance, speed, power output, and heart rate. Tracking your progress and seeing real-time data can be incredibly motivating and allows you to set specific goals and monitor your improvement over time. Some classes even offer challenges and competitions that further enhance the fun and motivation.

Time Efficiency

Group indoor cycling classes typically have fixed durations, often ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. This structured timeframe allows you to fit an effective workout into your busy schedule. With no time wasted on planning or setting up equipment, you can arrive at the class, jump on your bike, and get started right away. This time efficiency makes it easier to prioritize your fitness and ensures that you make the most of your workout session.

Adaptability For All Fitness Levels

Group indoor cycling classes are designed to accommodate members of all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced riders. The resistance on the bikes can be adjusted to match individual capabilities, allowing everyone to ride at their own pace and intensity. If you’re just beginning your fitness journey or looking to challenge your limits, the inclusive nature of group classes ensures that everyone can participate and benefit from the workout.

Stress Relief And Mental Well-Being

Engaging in a challenging workout surrounded by supportive individuals can provide an excellent outlet for releasing stress and tension. The endorphins released during exercise contribute to an improved mood and increased overall well-being. The rhythmic pedalling, music, and positive atmosphere in group indoor cycling classes create a stress-free environment that can help you escape from the pressures of daily life and focus on your own physical and mental health.

Weight Loss And Body Toning

Group indoor cycling classes can be an effective component of a weight loss or body toning program. The intense cardiovascular workout, coupled with the resistance training offered by adjusting the bike’s tension, can help burn calories and building lean muscle mass. Regular participation in these classes, combined with a balanced diet, can contribute to weight loss, improved body composition, and increased overall fitness.

Cross-Training Benefits

Indoor cycling serves as an excellent cross-training activity that complements other forms of exercise. It provides a low-impact option for individuals recovering from injuries or looking to reduce the strain on their joints. Incorporating group indoor cycling classes into your overall fitness routine can enhance your cardiovascular endurance, strengthen your lower body muscles, and improve your overall fitness level, which can benefit other physical activities you enjoy.

Joining a group indoor cycling class provides a broad range of advantages that extend beyond the physical aspects of exercise. The motivation, support, and camaraderie of the group environment, combined with expert guidance and structured workouts, can elevate your fitness journey to new heights. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, the inclusive nature of these classes ensures that everyone can participate and enjoy the numerous advantages they offer. So, hop on a bike, join a class, and experience the transformative benefits of group indoor cycling firsthand.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become an indoor cycling instructor then you need to do our Indoor Cycling Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Joining a group indoor cycling class can significantly improve cardiovascular fitness by providing a high-intensity cardiovascular workout that increases heart rate, strengthens the heart, and improves overall endurance.

Group indoor cycling classes can aid in weight loss by burning a significant number of calories during each session. The combination of intense cardio exercise and resistance training helps boost metabolism and promote fat loss.

Group indoor cycling classes involve pedalling against resistance, which targets and strengthens the leg muscles, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Additionally, the standing positions and variations in speed and resistance engage the core muscles, contributing to overall muscle toning and strength building.

Yes, group indoor cycling classes can have positive effects on mental well-being. The release of endorphins during exercise assists with reducing stress and improve mood. The supportive and motivating atmosphere of the class, along with the sense of accomplishment after completing a challenging workout, can boost self-confidence and enhance overall mental well-being.

Group indoor cycling classes create a community of like-minded people who share a common interest in fitness and cycling. The camaraderie and encouragement from fellow participants and instructors can foster a supportive environment that motivates you to remain committed to your fitness goals and enjoy a sense of belonging.

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Are There Any Specific Warm-Up And Cool-Down Exercises For Aerobics? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/are-there-any-specific-warm-up-and-cool-down-exercises-for-aerobics/ Tue, 27 Jun 2023 05:00:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33803 The post Are There Any Specific Warm-Up And Cool-Down Exercises For Aerobics? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Before diving into an energizing aerobics session, it’s crucial to prepare your body properly with a warm-up routine. Similarly, after an intense workout, giving your body time to cool down and recover is essential. Incorporating specific warm-up and cool-down exercises into your aerobics routine can enhance your performance, reduce the risk of injury, and promote overall well-being.

Warm-Up Exercises For Aerobics

  • Jog in Place: Start with a light jog in place for 3-5 minutes to increase your heart rate and warm up your muscles.
  • Jumping Jacks: Perform a set of jumping jacks to engage your entire body and increase circulation.
  • Arm Circles: Stand with your feet shoulder-distance apart and then stretch your arms out to the sides. Make small circles with your arms, slowly increasing the size of the circles. Repeat in the opposite direction.
  • High Knees: March or jog in place while lifting your knees as high as possible. Focus on engaging your core and maintaining an upright posture.
  • Butt Kicks: March or jog in place while kicking your heels up towards your glutes. This exercise helps warm up the muscles in your lower body.
  • Torso Twists: Stand with your feet shoulder-distance apart and place your hands on your hips. Rotate your torso from side to side, keeping your core engaged.
  • Leg Swings: Stand next to a wall in the studio for support and swing one of your legs forward and backward, gradually increasing the range of motion. Repeat with the other leg.
  • Shoulder Rolls: Move your shoulders forward in a round motion, gradually increasing the size of the circles. Repeat in the opposite direction.
  • Side Lunges: Take a wide step to the side, keeping your toes pointed forward. Bend your knee and lower your body into a lunge position. Alternate sides.
  • Ankle Circles: Sit on the floor or a mat and extend one leg in front of you. Rotate your ankle in a circular motion, then switch to the other ankle.

Cool-Down Exercises For Aerobics

  • Slow March or Walk: After completing your aerobic workout, gradually reduce the intensity by slowing down your movements. March in place or take a leisurely walk to bring your heart rate back to normal.
  • Standing Quad Stretch: Stand tall and bring one heel towards your glutes, grabbing it with the corresponding hand. Hold for between 20 and 30 seconds and repeat with the other leg.
  • Standing Hamstring Stretch: Extend one leg in front of you with your toes pointing upward. Lean forward from your hips and reach towards your toes. Hold for between 20 and 30 seconds and repeat with the other leg.
  • Standing Calf Stretch: Place one foot behind you, keeping it straight. Lean forward while keeping your back leg grounded, feeling the stretch in your calf muscle. Hold for between 20 and 30 seconds and repeat with the other leg.
  • Overhead Triceps Stretch: Extend one arm overhead and bend your elbow, placing your hand behind your head. Use your other hand to gently pull your elbow towards the opposite side. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat with the other arm.
  • Shoulder Stretch: Extend one arm out across your chest and utilise your other arm to gently pull it closer to your body. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat with the other arm.
  • Standing Side Bend: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and interlace your fingers above your head. Lean to one side, feeling the stretch along the opposite side of your body. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
  • Deep Breathing: Take a couple of moments to focus on your breath and slow it down. Breathe in deeply through your nose and then fill up your lungs, and exhale slowly through your mouth. This helps relax your body and mind.

Remember, warming up and cooling down are essential parts of any workout routine, including aerobics. They help prepare your body for exercise and prevent injury. Incorporate these exercises into your aerobics sessions to optimize your performance and promote post-workout recovery.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’d like to become an aerobics instructor then you should check out our Aerobics Instructor Course. Follow this link for more information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Warm-up exercises are essential before aerobics because they increase your heart rate, warm up your muscles, and to prepare your body for physical activity. They help prevent injuries, improve performance, and optimize the benefits of your workout.

Some specific warm-up exercises for aerobics include jogging in place, jumping jacks, arm circles, high knees, butt kicks, torso twists, leg swings, shoulder rolls, side lunges, and ankle circles. These exercises target various muscle groups, increase blood flow, and enhance flexibility.

Warm-up exercises benefit the body by increasing the heart rate and blood flow, raising core body temperature, and loosening up muscles and joints. They improve flexibility, range of motion, and coordination, while also mentally preparing you for the upcoming aerobic workout.

Cool-down exercises after aerobics serve to gradually lower your heart rate, bring your body back to a resting state, and promote recovery. They help prevent dizziness or fainting, reduce muscle soreness, and aid in the removal of metabolic waste products from the muscles.

Examples of cool-down exercises for aerobics include slow marching or walking, standing quad stretches, standing hamstring stretches, standing calf stretches, overhead triceps stretches, shoulder stretches, standing side bends, and deep breathing. These exercises promote relaxation, flexibility, and a gradual return to normalcy after intense exercise.

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Can Personal Training Help With Improving Mental Health? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-personal-training-help-with-improving-mental-health/ Thu, 22 Jun 2023 05:00:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33774 The post Can Personal Training Help With Improving Mental Health? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Maintaining good mental health is critical for overall well-being. In recent years, the relationship between physical fitness and mental health has garnered significant attention. Personal training, a form of one-on-one fitness coaching, has emerged as a valuable tool for not only enhancing physical fitness but also improving mental health. In today’s article, we will explore the ways in which personal training can positively impact mental health, provide practical tips for incorporating exercise into a wellness routine, and shed light on the scientific evidence supporting the mental health advantages of personal training.

The Connection Between Exercise And Mental Health

Regular exercise has been shown to have a profound impact on mental health. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and well-being. In addition, exercise enhances blood flow to the brain, improves cognitive function, reduces stress hormones, and enhances sleep quality. These physiological changes contribute to improved mental health and can assists with alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Personal Training And Motivation

One of the significant advantages of personal training is the built-in motivation and accountability it provides. Many individuals find it challenging to stay motivated when exercising alone. Personal trainers serve as a source of encouragement, setting goals and providing ongoing support. They tailor workouts to individual needs and preferences, making the exercise experience enjoyable and engaging. This personalized approach increases adherence to the fitness routine and enhances motivation, leading to better mental health outcomes.

Structured Exercise Programs

Personal trainers develop structured exercise programs tailored to the particular goals and needs of their clients. When it comes to improving mental health, certain types of exercise have proven to be particularly beneficial. Aerobic exercises, for example running, cycling, or swimming, have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Resistance training, including weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, can boost self-esteem and body image, positively impacting mental well-being. Personal trainers incorporate a variety of exercises into their programs, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to mental health improvement.

Stress Reduction And Mindfulness

Engaging in regular physical activity through personal training can assist with reducing stress levels and promote mindfulness. Exercise acts as a healthy outlet for pent-up stress and tension, allowing individuals to release negative emotions and improve their mood. Personal trainers often incorporate stress-reducing techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness practices, into their training sessions. This combination of physical activity and mindfulness techniques can have a deep impact on mental well-being, helping individuals better manage stress and improve overall mental resilience.

Social Support And Connection

Loneliness and social isolation can have detrimental effects on mental health. Personal training sessions provide an opportunity for social interaction and support. Personal trainers create a supportive and non-judgmental environment, fostering connections and encouraging clients to share their experiences and challenges. The presence of a personal trainer and the camaraderie with fellow clients can alleviate feelings of isolation and promote a sense of belonging, positively impacting mental health.

Personal training is not only beneficial for physical fitness but also has significant positive effects on mental health. Through structured exercise programs, motivation and accountability, stress reduction techniques, and social support, personal training can boost mood, lessen symptoms of anxiety and depression, and enhance overall well-being. Incorporating regular exercise with the guidance of a personal trainer into one’s wellness routine is a powerful step toward achieving optimal mental health and enjoying a fulfilling life

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If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Personal training plays a significant role in improving mental health by providing several key benefits. Regular exercise, which is an essential component of personal training, stimulates the release of endorphins, known as “feel-good” hormones, that can elevate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, personal training offers structure and accountability, which can help individuals establish and maintain a consistent exercise routine, leading to better mental well-being.

Personal trainers incorporate various exercises and techniques to improve mental health. Aerobic exercises, for example running, swimming, or cycling, are known to boost mood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Resistance training, including weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, can enhance self-esteem and body image, positively impacting mental well-being. Personal trainers may also introduce stress reduction techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, or yoga, to promote relaxation and improve mental resilience.

Yes, personal training can be an effective stress and anxiety management tool. Engaging in physical activity during personal training sessions allows individuals to release tension and pent-up stress. Regular exercise has been demonstrated to reduce levels of stress hormones, for example cortisol, and increase the production of endorphins, which can help alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety. Additionally, the supportive and motivating environment provided by personal trainers can further contribute to stress reduction.

Personal trainers offer valuable support and motivation, which can significantly impact an individual’s adherence to exercise routines and, consequently, their mental health. They work closely with clients to set achievable goals, track progress, and provide ongoing encouragement. The personalized attention and guidance from a personal trainer create a sense of accountability, making individuals more likely to remain committed to their exercise program. This increased motivation and consistency can lead to better mental health outcomes.

Yes, personal training can provide an avenue for social support and help improve social connections, which positively influence mental health. Personal training sessions often involve group workouts or interactions with other clients, creating a supportive and inclusive environment. The presence of a personal trainer and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, promoting a sense of belonging and enhancing overall mental well-being.

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Can Personal Training Help With Reducing Body Fat? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-personal-training-help-with-reducing-body-fat/ Thu, 22 Jun 2023 05:00:25 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33773 The post Can Personal Training Help With Reducing Body Fat? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Personal training can indeed be an effective tool in reducing body fat and achieving a healthier body composition. With the guidance and expertise of a qualified personal trainer, individuals can benefit from a tailored exercise program, nutritional guidance, and ongoing support to help them reach their fat loss goals. In this article, we will explore how personal training can aid in reducing body fat, the key factors involved in fat loss, and the strategies that personal trainers employ to maximize results.

Understanding Body Fat

Before diving into how personal training can assist in reducing body fat, it’s important to understand what body fat is and its significance. Body fat refers to the adipose tissue stored in the body, and it serves various functions such as energy storage, insulation, and hormone regulation. However, excessive body fat can lead to health issues and impact overall well-being.

Customized Exercise Programs

One of the primary benefits of personal training is the creation of customized exercise programs. A personal trainer will assess an individual’s current fitness level, body composition, and fat loss goals to design a program that is specifically tailored to their needs. This program may include a combination of cardiovascular exercises, resistance training, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to maximize calorie burn and promote fat loss.

Resistance Training And Metabolism

Resistance training, which is also known as strength training or weightlifting, plays a crucial role in reducing body fat. Personal trainers incorporate resistance exercises into the program to build lean muscle mass. Muscle is metabolically active tissue, meaning it burns more calories at rest compared to fat. By increasing muscle mass through resistance training, individuals can boost their metabolism and increase their overall calorie expenditure, even during periods of rest.

Cardiovascular Exercise And Fat Burning

Cardiovascular exercises, for example running, cycling, or swimming, are essential for burning calories and promoting fat loss. Personal trainers incorporate various forms of cardio into the training program to create a calorie deficit, which is necessary for losing body fat. They may use interval training, steady-state cardio, or a combination of both to optimize fat burning and improve cardiovascular fitness.

Nutritional Guidance

In addition to exercise, nutrition plays a vital role in reducing body fat. Personal trainers provide valuable guidance on developing healthy eating habits, creating a calorie deficit, and making sustainable dietary changes. They may educate individuals about macronutrients, portion control, meal timing, and the importance of a well-balanced diet. By aligning nutrition with the exercise program, individuals can optimize fat loss and improve overall health.

Accountability And Motivation

One of the key advantages of personal training is the accountability and motivation it provides. Personal trainers serve as coaches and mentors, offering consistent support and encouragement throughout the fat loss journey. They help individuals stay on track, set realistic goals, and overcome obstacles. This personalized guidance fosters a positive mindset, enhances adherence to the program, and increases the chances of long-term success.

Monitoring Progress And Adjustments

Personal trainers closely monitor individual progress, regularly assessing body composition, measurements, and fitness improvements. They use this data to make necessary adjustments to the exercise program and nutrition plan, ensuring continuous progress and addressing any plateaus. Personal trainers may also incorporate advanced techniques such as metabolic conditioning, circuit training, or progressive overload to further enhance fat loss results.

Long-Term Lifestyle Changes

Personal training goes beyond short-term fat loss goals. A good personal trainer emphasizes the importance of sustainable lifestyle changes to maintain results in the long run. They educate individuals about the principles of healthy living, provide strategies for managing stress, improving sleep, and creating a balanced approach to exercise and nutrition. By adopting these habits, individuals can sustain their fat loss achievements and enjoy lasting health benefits.

Personal training can be an effective means of reducing body fat by providing customized exercise programs, nutritional guidance, accountability, and ongoing support. By combining resistance training, cardiovascular exercise, and proper nutrition, individuals can create a calorie deficit, boost metabolism, and promote fat loss. Working with a personal trainer offers the advantage of tailored guidance, continuous monitoring, and the motivation needed to achieve and maintain a healthier body composition.

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If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Personal training can be an extremely valuable tool for reducing body fat, but it’s important to mix it with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle habits for optimal results. Nutrition and exercise go hand in hand when it comes to fat loss.

The frequency of personal training sessions depends on a number of different factors such as your fitness level, goals, and availability. Generally, a combination of 2-3 sessions per week, along with additional physical activity on non-training days, can yield significant fat loss results.

Personal trainers often include a mix of resistance training and cardiovascular exercises in their programs. Resistance training helps build lean muscle mass, which increases metabolism and aids in fat burning. Cardiovascular exercises, such as HIIT or steady-state cardio, help create a calorie deficit and promote fat loss.

Yes, many personal trainers offer nutritional guidance as part of their services. They can educate you on healthy eating habits, portion control, and creating a calorie deficit. They may also provide meal plans or recommend resources to help you make sustainable dietary changes.

The timeline for fat loss results varies among people and depends on factors such as starting body composition, adherence to the program, and lifestyle habits. With consistent effort and a well-designed program, individuals can start seeing noticeable changes in their body composition within a few weeks to a few months.

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How Long Does It Take To Learn Proper Olympic Lifting Techniques? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-learn-proper-olympic-lifting-techniques/ Wed, 21 Jun 2023 05:00:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33765 The post How Long Does It Take To Learn Proper Olympic Lifting Techniques? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Learning proper Olympic lifting techniques requires time, dedication, and consistent practice. While the duration may vary depending on individual factors such as athleticism, coordination, and prior experience, it generally takes several months to a year or more to develop proficiency in Olympic lifting. This article will delve into the process of learning Olympic lifting techniques, the factors that influence the learning timeline, and essential tips for efficient progress.

Understanding The Basics Of Olympic Lifting

To start the journey of learning Olympic lifting, it is vital to gain a solid understanding of the fundamental movements involved, including the snatch and the clean and jerk. Familiarize yourself with the terminology, biomechanics, and key points of each lift. Learning from qualified coaches, watching instructional videos, and studying reputable resources can provide a strong foundation.

Assessing Individual Readiness And Physical Condition

Everyone starts at a different point in terms of physical readiness and conditioning. Factors such as strength, flexibility, mobility, and body awareness play a significant role in Olympic lifting. Assessing your current fitness level and addressing any limitations or weaknesses through targeted exercises and training can expedite the learning process.

Finding A Qualified Coach Or Training Programme

Working with a knowledgeable coach or participating in a structured training program is crucial for learning Olympic lifting techniques safely and effectively. A qualified coach can provide personalized guidance, correct form errors, and tailor training programmes to suit your specific needs. Look for coaches certified by reputable organizations such as USA Weightlifting or the International Weightlifting Federation.

Breaking Down The Movements Into Progressions

Learning Olympic lifting involves breaking down complex movements into manageable progressions. Starting with basic variations and gradually progressing to full lifts allows for skill development, muscle memory, and technique refinement. Progressions may include practicing the snatch or clean and jerk with a PVC pipe, gradually adding light weights, and gradually increasing the complexity of the movements.

Emphasizing Technique And Quality Repetition

Quality over quantity is paramount when learning Olympic lifting. Focusing on proper technique, body positioning, and timing is essential to develop sound movement patterns. Performing repetitions with lower weights and prioritizing form allows for neural adaptation, muscle recruitment, and coordination. Gradually increasing the intensity and load while maintaining good technique is crucial for long-term progress.

Incorporating Strength And Mobility Training

Developing strength and mobility in specific muscle groups is vital for Olympic lifting. Exercises such as squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, and mobility drills can enhance the necessary muscle strength, stability, and range of motion. Balancing Olympic lifting training with supplemental strength and mobility exercises creates a solid foundation for performance and injury prevention.

Consistency And Patience

Learning Olympic lifting techniques requires consistency and patience. Regular training sessions and dedicated practice are essential for skill acquisition and improvement. Be prepared for ups and downs along the learning journey and embrace the process rather than focusing solely on the end result. Celebrate small victories and stay motivated by setting realistic goals and tracking progress over time.

Video Analysis And Feedback

Recording your lifts and analysing them through video playback can provide valuable insights into form, technique, and areas for improvement. Seek feedback from your coach or knowledgeable lifters to identify any issues and make necessary adjustments. Visual feedback can be a powerful tool for refining your technique and enhancing performance.

Competing And Seeking Coaching Opportunities

Participating in weightlifting competitions or seeking coaching opportunities, such as attending clinics or workshops, can accelerate your learning progress. Competing allows you to apply your skills under pressure and gain valuable experience. Coaching opportunities provide opportunities to learn from experienced lifters and coaches, expanding your knowledge and understanding of Olympic lifting.

Long-Term Skill Development And Mastery

Learning Olympic lifting techniques is an ongoing process that extends beyond the initial learning phase. Continuous refinement, technical adjustments, and striving for mastery are necessary to excel in Olympic lifting. Embrace a growth mindset, seek ongoing education, and remain open to feedback and new approaches to continually develop your skills.

Learning proper Olympic lifting techniques is a journey that requires time, commitment, and structured training. By understanding the basics, working with qualified coaches, focusing on technique, and incorporating supplementary exercises, you can progress steadily in your Olympic lifting journey. Remember to be patient, stay consistent, and enjoy the process of developing strength, power, and skill in this dynamic sport.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen to learn more about Olympic lifting, then you need to do our Olympic Lifting Course. Find out more by following this link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The time it takes to learn Olympic lifting techniques varies depending on several factors, including individual athleticism, prior experience, and consistent practice. Generally, it takes several months to a year or more to develop proficiency in Olympic lifting.

While it’s possible to learn some aspects of Olympic lifting on your own, working with a qualified coach is highly recommended. A coach can provide personalized guidance, correct form errors, and tailor training programmes to accelerate your learning process and ensure safety.

Consistency is crucial when learning Olympic lifting techniques. Regular training sessions and dedicated practice allow for skill acquisition, muscle memory development, and overall progress. Aim for consistent training to optimize your learning timeline.

There are no strict prerequisites for learning Olympic lifting, but having a foundation of strength, flexibility, mobility, and body awareness can aid in the learning process. Assessing your current fitness level and addressing any limitations or weaknesses can help expedite progress.

Patience is key when learning Olympic lifting techniques. It’s essential to understand that progress takes time and that it’s normal to face challenges along the way. Embrace the learning process, stay motivated, and focus on gradual improvements rather than expecting immediate mastery.

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What Should I Be Expecting During A Sports Massage Session? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-should-i-be-expecting-during-a-sports-massage-session/ Wed, 21 Jun 2023 05:00:49 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33768 The post What Should I Be Expecting During A Sports Massage Session? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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During a sports massage session, you can expect a series of techniques and approaches designed to address specific needs and goals related to athletic performance and recovery. Whether you’re a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply engaged in regular physical activity, sports massage can play a significant role in enhancing your overall well-being and optimizing your athletic potential.

Here is a detailed description of what you should expect during a sports massage session.

Initial Assessment

The session will typically begin with an initial assessment where the massage therapist will discuss your medical history, previous injuries, current concerns, and specific goals for the session. This assessment helps the therapist understand your individual needs and tailor the massage accordingly.

Pre-Massage Preparation

After the assessment, the therapist will provide you with privacy to undress and lie down on the massage table. Depending on your comfort level, you may choose to undress completely or leave on undergarments. The therapist will ensure that you are properly draped with sheets or towels to maintain your privacy and keep you comfortable throughout the session.

Communication

Effective communication is essential during a sports massage session. You should feel free to communicate any discomfort, pain, or areas of focus that you would like the therapist to address. It’s important to provide feedback to ensure that the therapist can customize the massage to meet your specific needs.

Massage Techniques

  • Sports massage incorporates various techniques to address different aspects of athletic performance and recovery. These techniques may include:
  • Swedish Massage: This technique involves long, flowing strokes to warm up the muscles and boost circulation.
  • Deep Tissue Massage: It focuses on the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues to release tension and promote muscle recovery.
  • Myofascial Release: This technique focuses on releasing restrictions in the fascia, the connective tissue which surrounds muscles, to enhance mobility and flexibility.
  • Trigger Point Therapy: It targets specific trigger points, which are tight knots in muscles, to alleviate pain and improve range of motion.
  • Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises: The therapist may incorporate passive stretching or active movements to enhance flexibility and joint mobility.
  • Cross-Fiber Friction: This technique involves applying pressure across the muscle fibres to break down scar tissue and improve tissue healing.

Focus Areas

The therapist will pay close attention to the areas of your body that are most affected by your athletic activities or areas of concern you have mentioned. Common focus areas include the legs, hips, shoulders, back, and neck. The therapist will apply specific techniques to these areas to release tension, improve circulation, and promote recovery.

Pressure And Sensations

The therapist will adjust the pressure of the massage based on your feedback and comfort level. You may experience a range of sensations during the massage, including deep pressure, stretching sensations, and some level of discomfort in areas of tension or adhesions. It’s important to communicate any sensations that feel uncomfortable or painful, as the therapist can adjust their approach accordingly.

Hydration And Self-Care

Sports massage can release toxins and metabolic waste from your muscles. It is advisable to hydrate well before and after the session to flush out these toxins from your body. The therapist may also provide recommendations for self-care, such as stretching exercises, icing or heating specific areas, or using foam rollers or other self-massage tools.

Post-Massage Assessment

After the massage session, the therapist may conduct a post-massage assessment to evaluate your response to the treatment. They may ask about any changes in your symptoms, improvements in range of motion, or overall feelings of relaxation or rejuvenation. This assessment helps both you and the therapist gauge the effectiveness of the session and make any necessary adjustments for future treatments.

Recommendations And Follow-Up

Based on the assessment and your individual needs, the therapist may provide recommendations for follow-up sessions, additional self-care practices, or any other complementary therapies that could benefit your overall athletic performance and well-being.

A sports massage session offers a targeted approach to address the specific needs and goals of athletes and active individuals. By combining various techniques, focus areas, and personalized care, sports massage aims to enhance athletic performance, promote recovery, prevent injuries, and support overall physical well-being.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become a sports massage therapist, then you need to do our Sports Massage Course. Click on this link in order to find out more and to register.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The duration of a sports massage session can vary depending on your needs and preferences. Generally, sessions can range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes. It’s important to discuss your desired session length with the massage therapist beforehand.

The level of undressing is entirely up to your comfort level. Some people prefer to undress completely, while others choose to leave on their undergarments. The massage therapist will ensure your privacy and only expose the areas being worked on at any given time.

Sports massage can involve deep pressure and targeted techniques that may cause some discomfort, especially in areas of tension or adhesions. However, the level of pressure and intensity can be adjusted to your comfort level. It’s important to communicate with the therapist and provide feedback to ensure a beneficial and comfortable experience.

It’s important to communicate any pain or discomfort you may experience during the session. The therapist can adjust their techniques, pressure, or focus areas accordingly. Remember, sports massage should not be excessively painful, so providing feedback helps the therapist tailor the session to your needs.

After a sports massage session, you may experience various responses depending on your body’s individual reaction. It’s common to feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and a sense of relief from muscle tension. Some people may also experience temporary soreness, similar to post-exercise soreness, which typically subsides within a day or two. Hydrating well and engaging in self-care practices recommended by the therapist can help optimize your post-massage experience.

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Can EMS Training Replace Traditional Strength Training Workouts? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-ems-training-replace-traditional-strength-training-workouts/ Tue, 20 Jun 2023 05:00:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33754 The post Can EMS Training Replace Traditional Strength Training Workouts? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the realm of fitness and exercise, traditional strength training workouts have long been the go-to method for building muscle, increasing strength, and improving overall fitness. However, with the advent of technological advancements, alternative training methods such as EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) have gained popularity. EMS training involves the use of electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions, providing a unique approach to muscle activation. This raises the question: Can EMS training replace traditional strength training workouts? In today’s article, we will explore the benefits and limitations of EMS training compared to traditional strength training, allowing you to make an informed decision about incorporating EMS into your fitness routine.

Understanding Traditional Strength Training

Traditional strength training primarily involves exercises performed with resistance, such as weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, or the use of resistance machines. These exercises target specific muscle groups, imposing a mechanical load that stimulates muscle fibres to adapt and grow stronger over time. Traditional strength training emphasizes progressive overload, gradually increasing the resistance or intensity to promote muscle growth and strength gains. It also enhances neuromuscular coordination, joint stability, and bone density.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) Training

EMS training, on the other hand, utilizes electrical impulses delivered through electrodes placed on the skin to activate muscles. The electrical impulses mimic the signals generated by the central nervous system, causing muscle contractions. EMS can be used as an additional modality to complement traditional training or as a standalone workout method. During an EMS session, multiple muscle groups can be simultaneously targeted, allowing for a time-efficient full-body workout. The strength of the electrical stimulation can be adjusted according to individual fitness levels and goals.

The Benefits of EMS Training

  • Enhanced Muscle Activation: EMS training can activate a higher percentage of muscle fibres compared to traditional strength training. The electrical impulses reach deep muscle tissue, including fast-twitch muscle fibres that are often challenging to target with conventional exercises alone. This enhanced muscle activation can lead to increased muscle growth and strength gains.
  • Time Efficiency: EMS training sessions are typically shorter than traditional strength training workouts. Since multiple muscle groups can be stimulated simultaneously, a full-body EMS session can be completed in as little as 20 minutes. This makes EMS training an attractive option for individuals with time constraints or those seeking efficient workouts.
  • Joint-Friendly: EMS training can be particularly beneficial for individuals with joint issues or injuries. Since the electrical impulses directly stimulate the muscles without imposing excessive mechanical stress on the joints, it provides a low-impact alternative to traditional strength training exercises. This makes EMS training suitable for individuals with joint conditions or those undergoing rehabilitation.
  • Targeting Specific Muscles: EMS training allows for precise targeting of specific muscle groups. By adjusting the electrode placement and intensity, specific muscles can be isolated and activated more effectively. This can be beneficial for individuals with muscle imbalances or asymmetries, as well as those looking to enhance the development of specific muscles.

Limitations Of EMS Training

  • Lack of External Load: One of the limitations of EMS training is the absence of external load or resistance. Traditional strength training utilizes weights or resistance equipment to progressively overload the muscles, promoting strength gains and hypertrophy. While EMS can induce muscle contractions, it may not provide the same level of mechanical stress required for maximal muscle adaptation.
  • Skill Development: Traditional strength training exercises often involve complex movement patterns that require skill development and coordination. EMS training, on the other hand, focuses primarily on muscle activation and may not provide the same skill-based benefits as traditional strength training. This is particularly important for athletes or individuals seeking to improve sport-specific performance.
  • Limited Progressive Overload: Progressive overload, gradually increasing the resistance or intensity of training, is a fundamental principle of strength training. EMS training may have limitations in progressively overloading the muscles due to the fixed intensity of electrical stimulation. This can impact long-term strength gains and muscle development compared to traditional strength training.
  • Individual Variability: EMS training responses can vary among individuals. Factors such as muscle fibre composition, body composition, and individual responsiveness to electrical stimulation can influence the effectiveness of EMS training. Some individuals may respond well to EMS, while others may not experience the same level of benefits.

Finding The Balance

While EMS training offers unique benefits, it is important to consider how it can be integrated with traditional strength training. Combining the two approaches can provide a synergistic effect, maximizing the benefits of both methods. For example, using EMS training as a supplement to traditional strength training can enhance muscle activation and stimulate additional muscle fibres. This can be particularly useful during plateaus or when seeking targeted muscle activation.

EMS training can be a valuable addition to a well-rounded fitness routine. It offers unique benefits such as enhanced muscle activation, time efficiency, and joint-friendly exercise. However, it is important to recognize the limitations of EMS training, particularly in terms of progressive overload and skill development. Rather than viewing EMS training as a replacement for traditional strength training, it should be considered as a complementary tool that can be used strategically to enhance specific aspects of muscle activation and save time. As with any fitness program, individual goals, preferences, and considerations should guide the decision-making process. Consulting with a qualified fitness professional can help tailor a training plan that integrates both EMS and traditional strength training methods effectively.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) training involves the use of electrical impulses delivered through electrodes placed on the skin to activate muscles. It can be used as a standalone workout method or as an additional modality to complement traditional training.

EMS training offers enhanced muscle activation, time efficiency, joint-friendly exercise, precise targeting of specific muscles, and the ability to stimulate deep muscle tissue, including hard-to-reach muscle fibres.

While EMS training can provide unique benefits, it cannot completely replace traditional strength training workouts. Traditional strength training exercises utilizing resistance or weights provide a level of mechanical stress and progressive overload that may be necessary for maximal muscle adaptation.

EMS training can be used as a supplement to traditional strength training. By incorporating EMS sessions strategically, individuals can enhance muscle activation, stimulate additional muscle fibres, and target specific muscle groups while still benefiting from the progressive overload and skill development provided by traditional strength training.

It is generally recommended not to rely solely on EMS training for strength and muscle development goals. While EMS training offers unique benefits, a well-rounded fitness routine that includes traditional strength training exercises is more likely to provide comprehensive results, including maximal muscle adaptation, skill development, and sport-specific performance improvements.

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What Safety Precautions Should I Take When Performing Kettlebell Exercises? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/safety-precautions-for-kettlebell-exercises-protecting-yourself-during-workouts/ Tue, 20 Jun 2023 05:00:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33755 The post What Safety Precautions Should I Take When Performing Kettlebell Exercises? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Kettlebell exercises offer a dynamic and effective way to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness. However, like any form of exercise, it is crucial to prioritize safety to prevent injuries and maximize the benefits of your workouts. This article will provide you with comprehensive safety precautions to follow when performing kettlebell exercises. By understanding and implementing these precautions, you can confidently incorporate kettlebell training into your fitness routine while minimizing the risk of accidents or strains.

Start With Proper Form And Technique

Before diving into kettlebell exercises, it is vital to learn and practice correct form and technique. This foundation is essential for maximizing your results and reducing the risk of injuries. Here are key points to keep in mind:

  • Maintain Neutral Spine: Keep your spine aligned and avoid excessive arching or rounding during exercises. Engage your core muscles to support your back.
  • Proper Grip: Hold the kettlebell firmly with a grip that allows for control and prevents slippage. Avoid gripping too tightly, which can strain your forearms and hands.
  • Controlled Movements: Focus on controlled movements throughout the exercise, avoiding sudden jerks or swings that can strain your muscles or joints.
  • Breathing: Breathe naturally and avoid holding your breath during kettlebell exercises. Exhale during the exertion phase and breathe in during the relaxation phase.

Warm-Up And Cool-Down

To prepare your body for kettlebell exercises and reduce the risk of injury, it is crucial to incorporate proper warm-up and cool-down routines. Here’s why they are important:

  • Warm-Up: Begin your workout with a dynamic warm-up that includes light cardio exercises, such as jogging or jumping jacks, to increase blood flow, raise your body temperature, and loosen up your muscles.
  • Joint Mobility Exercises: Perform a series of joint mobility exercises to lubricate your joints and improve their range of motion. This helps prepare your body for the movements involved in kettlebell exercises.
  • Cool-Down: After completing your kettlebell workout, engage in a cool-down routine that includes stretching exercises to improve flexibility and help your body recover. This helps reduce post-workout muscle soreness and promotes overall muscle balance.

Gradually Increase Intensity And Weight

When incorporating kettlebell exercises into your fitness routine, it is essential to progress gradually to avoid overexertion and potential injuries. Follow these guidelines:

  • Start with Lighter Weights: If you are new to kettlebell training, begin with lighter weights to allow your body to adapt to the movements and build strength gradually. Focus on mastering proper technique before increasing the weight.
  • Incremental Increases: Once you feel comfortable with a particular weight, gradually increase the load by small increments. This progressive approach allows your muscles and joints to adapt and reduces the risk of strains or muscle imbalances.
  • Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels during and after each exercise session. If you experience pain or discomfort, it may be a sign that you need to decrease the weight, adjust your technique, or seek guidance from a qualified trainer.

Be Mindful Of Surroundings And Space

When performing kettlebell exercises, it is essential to create a safe workout environment. Consider the following:

  • Ample Space: Ensure you have enough space around you to perform kettlebell exercises safely, allowing for the full range of motion without obstacles or potential collisions.
  • Secure Flooring: Choose a stable and non-slip surface to perform your exercises. This reduces the risk of accidents, especially during exercises that involve swings or dynamic movements.
  • Clear the Area: Remove any objects or hazards that may interfere with your movements or cause accidents. Make sure the area is free from loose equipment, cables, or other potential tripping hazards.

Seek Professional Guidance

If you are new to kettlebell exercises or have specific concerns about your form, technique, or overall fitness level, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified fitness professional or personal trainer. They can assess your individual needs, provide personalized instruction, and ensure that you are performing exercises correctly and safely.

Implementing safety precautions during kettlebell exercises is crucial for a safe and effective workout. By following proper form and technique, warming up and cooling down, gradually increasing intensity, creating a safe workout environment, and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can minimize the risk of injuries and enjoy the numerous benefits of kettlebell training. Remember, your safety is paramount, so prioritize it alongside your fitness goals to achieve long-term success and well-being.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become a kettlebell instructor? If you do then you need to do our Kettlebell Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When performing kettlebell exercises, it is important to prioritize safety. Follow these precautions: maintain proper form and technique, warm up and cool down properly, gradually increase intensity and weight, be mindful of your surroundings and space, and seek professional guidance when needed.

Proper form and technique ensure optimal results and reduce the risk of injuries. It helps maintain a neutral spine, use a proper grip, perform controlled movements, and breathe correctly. Learning and practicing correct form is crucial for safe and effective kettlebell workouts.

Warming up before kettlebell exercises increases blood flow, raises body temperature, and prepares the muscles for the workout. Cooling down afterward helps reduce muscle soreness and promotes recovery. Incorporating these routines minimizes the risk of injuries and enhances overall performance.

Gradual progression is key to avoid overexertion and injuries. Start with lighter weights, focus on mastering proper technique, and gradually increase the weight as your strength and proficiency improve. Listen to your body and make adjustments as needed to prevent strains or imbalances.

Creating a safe workout environment is essential. Ensure you have ample space to perform exercises without obstacles or collisions. Use a stable and non-slip surface, clear the area of potential hazards, and be aware of your surroundings to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries during kettlebell workouts.

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Are There Any Specific Breathing Techniques To Follow During Battle Ropes Workouts? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/battle-ropes-workouts-unveiling-essential-breathing-techniques/ Mon, 19 Jun 2023 05:00:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33734 The post Are There Any Specific Breathing Techniques To Follow During Battle Ropes Workouts? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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When it comes to battle ropes workouts, proper breathing techniques can significantly enhance your performance and overall experience. While it may seem like a small detail, breathing plays a crucial role in providing oxygen to your muscles, regulating your heart rate, and optimizing your energy output. In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of breathing during battle ropes exercises and provide some specific techniques to help you make the most out of your workouts.

Why Is Breathing Important?

Before delving into the specifics, let’s understand why breathing is so important during physical exercise, including battle ropes workouts. First and foremost, breathing supplies oxygen to your muscles, allowing them to generate energy efficiently. Oxygen plays a vital role in the process of breaking down glucose and producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy basis for muscle contraction. Without sufficient oxygen, your muscles may fatigue quickly, hindering your performance.

In addition to oxygen delivery, proper breathing techniques help regulate your heart rate and blood pressure. Deep, regulated breathing is responsible for activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of relaxation and lowers your heart rate. This can be particularly beneficial during high-intensity battle ropes sessions, helping you maintain focus and composure while minimizing the risk of excessive strain on your cardiovascular system.

Breathing Techniques For Battle Ropes Workouts

Now that we understand the significance of breathing during exercise, let’s explore some specific techniques you can employ during your battle ropes workouts:

Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing, which is also called deep breathing or belly breathing, involves engaging your diaphragm, a muscle located beneath your lungs. This technique allows for deep inhalations and exhalations, maximizing oxygen intake and carbon dioxide release. To practice diaphragmatic breathing, inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand, then exhale fully through your mouth, pulling your belly button in towards your spine.

Exhalation On The Exertion

Coordinating your breath with the movement of the battle ropes can help enhance your power output. One popular technique is to exhale forcefully when you exert force on the ropes. For example, when performing an upward wave motion, exhale sharply as you lift the ropes, expelling air with each repetition. This technique can help you generate more power while promoting core engagement and stability.

Rhythmic Breathing

Establishing a rhythmic breathing pattern can help you maintain a consistent pace and energy throughout your battle ropes workout. For instance, you can coordinate your breath with each repetition, inhaling during the preparation phase and exhaling during the exertion phase. Find a breathing rhythm that feels natural to you and helps you maintain focus and control.

Box Breathing

Box breathing is a method which involves inhaling, holding the breath, exhaling, and holding again, creating a cycle resembling the shape of a box. This technique can be useful during rest intervals or when transitioning between different battle ropes exercises. Box breathing helps promote relaxation, mental clarity, and can assist in maintaining proper form and technique. To practice box breathing, inhale deeply for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, breathe out fully for a count of four, and hold your breath again for a count of four before starting the cycle again.

Continuous Breathing

Alternatively, you can opt for continuous breathing, where you maintain a steady and consistent flow of breath throughout your battle ropes workout. This technique involves inhaling and exhaling in a smooth, uninterrupted manner without holding your breath. Continuous breathing can help you sustain energy levels, prevent muscle tension, and promote a sense of relaxation and focus.

Breath Awareness

Another valuable technique is breath awareness, which involves paying attention to your breath throughout your battle ropes workout. Stay mindful of the depth, rhythm, and quality of your breath, ensuring it remains steady and controlled. If you notice shallow or erratic breathing, take a moment to refocus and restore a calm and controlled breathing pattern.

Recovery Breathing

After intense sets or during rest intervals, take advantage of the opportunity to engage in recovery breathing. Slow down your breathing rate, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. This technique aids in reducing heart rate, calming the nervous system, and facilitating the removal of metabolic waste products, for example lactic acid, from your muscles.

Remember, while these breathing techniques can be highly beneficial, it’s important to listen to your body and adjust according to your comfort level. If you feel lightheaded or overly strained, take a moment to rest and recover.

Incorporating proper breathing techniques into your battle ropes workouts will optimize your performance, enhance your endurance, and promote a more mindful and enjoyable experience. Experiment with different techniques, find what works best for you, and strive to maintain a consistent breathing rhythm throughout your sessions.

Breathing is a fundamental aspect of any physical exercise, and battle ropes workouts are no exception. By practicing proper breathing techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, exhalation on the exertion, rhythmic breathing, box breathing, continuous breathing, breath awareness, and recovery breathing, you can optimize your energy output, enhance your focus, and prevent unnecessary strain. So, take a deep breath, grab those battle ropes, and get ready for an invigorating workout that combines the power of movement and breath!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a battle ropes expert? If you do then it is very important to do our Battle Ropes Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Focusing on breathing during battle ropes workouts is crucial as it helps deliver oxygen to your muscles, regulate your heart rate, and optimize your energy output. It enhances performance, prevents fatigue, and promotes relaxation and mental clarity.

Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing or deep breathing, involves engaging the diaphragm muscle. It maximizes oxygen intake and carbon dioxide release, enhancing energy production during battle ropes exercises. This technique promotes deep relaxation, core engagement, and overall performance.

Yes, coordinating your breath with the movement of the battle ropes can be beneficial. Exhaling forcefully during the exertion phase, such as when lifting the ropes, helps generate power and engage your core. Establishing a rhythmic breathing pattern can also help you maintain a consistent pace and energy throughout the workout.

Absolutely! After intense sets or during rest intervals, you can practice recovery breathing. Slow down your breathing rate, inhale deeply, and exhale slowly. This technique aids in reducing heart rate, calming the nervous system, and facilitating muscle recovery.

Yes, incorporating proper breathing techniques can indeed help maintain proper form and technique. By staying mindful of your breath, you promote a sense of focus and control. Proper breathing prevents tension, helps you stay present in the moment, and ensures optimal energy distribution throughout your body.

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What Role Does Flexibility Play In Functional Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-role-does-flexibility-play-in-functional-training/ Mon, 19 Jun 2023 05:00:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33735 The post What Role Does Flexibility Play In Functional Training? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Flexibility plays a crucial role in functional training, enhancing movement efficiency, reducing the risk of injuries, and improving overall performance. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the significance of flexibility in functional training, its benefits, and how to incorporate flexibility exercises into your training routine.

What Is Flexibility?

The term ‘flexibility’ refers to the range of motion (ROM) around a joint or group of joints. It is influenced by factors such as muscle length, joint structure, and the elasticity of connective tissues like tendons and ligaments. Having good flexibility allows joints to move freely through their intended range without restrictions.

The Importance Of Flexibility In Functional Training

Improved Movement Efficiency

Flexibility allows for optimal movement patterns by ensuring joints can move freely through their full range of motion. When muscles and connective tissues are flexible, movements become more efficient, reducing the energy required to perform exercises. This efficiency enhances overall performance and prevents unnecessary strain on muscles and joints.

Injury Prevention

Adequate flexibility reduces the risk of injuries during functional training. Tight muscles and decreased range of motion can lead to imbalances, compensations, and improper movement mechanics. These factors increase the likelihood of strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries. By improving flexibility, you minimize these risks and promote safer training sessions.

Enhanced Muscle Activation

Flexible muscles have a greater capacity for activation. When muscles are tight, they may not engage fully during exercises, leading to suboptimal performance. With improved flexibility, you can activate muscles more effectively, ensuring they contribute to the desired movement and achieve better training outcomes.

Balance And Stability

Flexibility contributes to improved balance and stability, which are vital in functional training. When joints have a full range of motion, it becomes easier to maintain stability during dynamic movements. This reduces the risk of falls and helps you maintain control and coordination during challenging exercises.

Corrective Function

Flexibility exercises can serve as corrective tools in functional training. They can help address muscle imbalances, correct postural issues, and alleviate tightness that may hinder movement patterns. By incorporating targeted flexibility exercises, you can gradually restore balance, symmetry, and optimal alignment within your body.

Incorporating Flexibility Into Functional Training

Now that we understand the importance of flexibility, let’s explore some effective ways to incorporate it into your functional training routine.

Dynamic Warm-Up

Begin your training sessions with a dynamic warm-up routine that includes movements that take joints through their full range of motion. This prepares your muscles and connective tissues for the upcoming workout and helps improve flexibility.

Mobility Exercises

Include mobility exercises specific to the joints and movement patterns involved in your functional training routine. This can include exercises such as leg swings, arm circles, hip rotations, and thoracic spine rotations. These exercises target specific areas, increase blood flow, and improve flexibility before engaging in more intense exercises.

Active Stretching

Perform active stretching exercises during rest intervals or as part of a circuit. Active stretching involves moving a muscle or joint through its range of motion without external assistance. Examples include walking lunges, high knees, and arm circles. Active stretching promotes dynamic flexibility and prepares muscles for dynamic movements.

Static Stretching

After your workout or during cool-down, incorporate static stretching exercises to improve flexibility. Hold stretches for 15-30 seconds, focusing on major muscle groups. Include stretches for areas commonly used in functional training, such as the hips, hamstrings, shoulders, and lower back.

Yoga Or Pilates

Consider adding yoga or Pilates sessions to your training regimen. These practices emphasize flexibility, balance, and body awareness. They can enhance your functional training by improving overall flexibility, core strength, and stability.

Foam Rolling And Self-Myofascial Release

Utilize foam rollers or massage balls to release muscle tension and promote flexibility. Self-myofascial release techniques target trigger points and tight areas, helping to increase tissue elasticity and restore optimal muscle function.

Gradual Progression

When working on flexibility, remember that progress takes time. Avoid forcing stretches or pushing beyond your limits, as this may lead to injury. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of your flexibility exercises over time to maintain a safe and effective approach.

Flexibility is a critical component of functional training, contributing to improved movement efficiency, injury prevention, muscle activation, balance, and stability. By incorporating dynamic warm-ups, mobility exercises, active and static stretching, yoga or Pilates, foam rolling, and gradual progression, you can enhance your flexibility and optimize your functional training experience. Remember to listen to your body, accept your limits, and seek guidance from a qualified professional if needed. Embrace the power of flexibility and unlock your full potential in functional training.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover additional information about functional strength training then we recommend that you do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Flexibility plays a crucial role in functional training as it enhances movement efficiency, reduces the risk of injuries, improves muscle activation, promotes balance and stability, and helps correct muscle imbalances and postural issues.

Flexibility allows joints to move freely through their full range of motion, enabling optimal movement patterns. This enhances the efficiency of movements, reduces energy expenditure, and prevents unnecessary strain on muscles and joints.

Yes, having adequate flexibility reduces the risk of injuries. Tight muscles and decreased range of motion can lead to imbalances, compensations, and improper movement mechanics, increasing the likelihood of strains and sprains. Improving flexibility minimizes these risks and promotes safer training sessions.

Flexible muscles have a greater capacity for activation. When muscles are tight, they may not engage fully during exercises, leading to suboptimal performance. Improved flexibility allows for better muscle activation, ensuring they contribute effectively to the desired movement and overall training outcomes.

Yes, incorporating flexibility exercises can serve as corrective tools in functional training. Targeted flexibility exercises can help address muscle imbalances, correct postural issues, and alleviate tightness that may hinder movement patterns, leading to improved balance, symmetry, and optimal alignment within the body.

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The Role Of Social Media In Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles And Fitness Goals https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-role-of-social-media-in-encouraging-healthy-lifestyles-and-fitness-goals/ Thu, 15 Jun 2023 05:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33723 The post The Role Of Social Media In Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles And Fitness Goals appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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In the digital age, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for promoting healthy lifestyles and fitness goals. With its wide reach and influential nature, social media platforms have transformed the way people approach fitness, providing opportunities for motivation, education, and connection. From fitness influencers sharing their journeys to communities forming around shared goals, social media plays a significant role in empowering individuals on their path to a healthier lifestyle.

This comprehensive article explores the multifaceted role of social media in promoting healthy lifestyles and fitness goals. We will look into the positive impact of social media platforms, including motivation through inspiring content, education through informative posts, community building through support networks, and access to expert advice. By understanding and harnessing the potential of social media, individuals and fitness businesses can leverage its power to inspire, educate, and empower others on their fitness journeys.

Motivation And Inspiration

Social media platforms are filled with fitness influencers, role models, and success stories that inspire individuals to pursue their fitness goals. Explore how these platforms showcase transformation journeys, motivational quotes, and before-and-after photos that instil a sense of possibility and motivation. Discover how the power of visual content and personal stories can inspire individuals to take action and make positive changes in their lives.

Education And Informative Content

Social media serves as an educational hub, offering a wealth of information and resources for individuals seeking to enhance their fitness knowledge. Explore how fitness experts, nutritionists, and trainers use social media platforms to share informative posts, tips, and tutorials. Learn how platforms like YouTube and Instagram provide accessible content on exercise techniques, healthy recipes, and evidence-based advice, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

Community Building And Support Networks

Social media platforms have created virtual communities where individuals can connect, share their fitness journeys, and support one another. Discover how hashtags, groups, and dedicated fitness communities foster a sense of belonging and accountability. Explore the positive impact of sharing progress, challenges, and successes within these communities, as well as the potential for finding workout buddies, accountability partners, and like-minded individuals.

Access To Expert Advice And Guidance

Social media platforms allow individuals to access expert advice and guidance from fitness professionals, trainers, and health practitioners. Explore how fitness influencers, industry experts, and reputable organizations utilize social media platforms to share their expertise, answer questions, and provide valuable insights. Discover how live Q&A sessions, webinars, and direct messaging enable individuals to seek personalized advice and guidance, regardless of their geographical location.

Challenges, Campaigns, And Accountability

Social media is a catalyst for fitness challenges, campaigns, and accountability initiatives that promote healthy habits and foster positive behavioural changes. Explore how challenges like fitness competitions, virtual races, and weight-loss challenges create a sense of camaraderie and motivation. Learn how campaigns and initiatives raise awareness about specific health issues, encouraging individuals to take action and prioritize their well-being.

Ethical Considerations And Mental Well-Being

While social media can be quite a powerful tool for promoting healthy lifestyles, it is important to address ethical considerations and mental well-being. Explore the potential impact of comparison culture, unrealistic body standards, and the pressure to portray a perfect image. Discuss the importance of promoting balance, self-acceptance, and mental well-being in the fitness-related content shared on social media.

Social media has revolutionized the promotion of healthy lifestyles and fitness goals by providing motivation, education, community building, and access to expert advice. By leveraging the power of social media, individuals can find inspiration, learn valuable information, connect with like-minded individuals, and receive guidance on their fitness journeys. It is essential to recognize the positive impact of social media while promoting ethical considerations and mental well-being in order to foster a truly empowering and inclusive environment for promoting healthy lifestyles and fitness goals.

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If you happen to be a personal trainer or any other fitness professional and would like to discover more about marketing your business on social media, then you need to do our Social Media Management Course for Fitness Professionals. Read more here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Social media serves as a source of inspiration, showcasing success stories, transformation journeys, and motivational content that encourages individuals to take action and make positive changes in their lives. It provides visual representations of achievable goals and fosters a sense of possibility and motivation.

Social media platforms offer a wealth of educational resources, including informative posts, tutorials, exercise techniques, healthy recipes, and evidence-based advice. Fitness experts, nutritionists, and trainers utilize these platforms to share their knowledge and empower individuals with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.

Social media platforms provide opportunities for individuals to connect, share their fitness journeys, and find support within virtual communities. Hashtags, groups, and dedicated fitness communities foster a sense of belonging and accountability. By sharing progress, challenges, and successes, individuals can find encouragement, workout buddies, and like-minded individuals who share similar goals.

Social media platforms enable direct access to fitness professionals, trainers, and health practitioners who offer expert advice and guidance. Individuals can engage with these experts through live Q&A sessions, webinars, and direct messaging, regardless of their geographical location. This accessibility allows individuals to seek personalized advice and gain valuable insights from trusted sources.

Social media platforms host various challenges, campaigns, and accountability initiatives that inspire individuals to adopt healthier habits and achieve their fitness goals. Fitness competitions, virtual races, weight-loss challenges, and other initiatives create a sense of camaraderie, motivation, and accountability. These initiatives raise awareness about specific health issues and encourage individuals to prioritize their well-being.

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Niche Markets In The Fitness Industry: Identifying Untapped Opportunities https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/niche-markets-in-the-fitness-industry-identifying-untapped-opportunities/ Thu, 15 Jun 2023 05:00:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33722 The post Niche Markets In The Fitness Industry: Identifying Untapped Opportunities appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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The fitness industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, fuelled by increasing health consciousness and the desire for an active lifestyle. While the overall fitness market is thriving, there are numerous untapped opportunities within niche markets. By identifying and catering to these specific segments, fitness businesses can differentiate themselves, attract a loyal customer base, and drive growth.

This comprehensive article explores the untapped opportunities in niche markets within the fitness industry. We will delve into various niches, such as specialized workouts, unique training programs, and catering to specific demographics. By understanding the needs and preferences of these niche markets, fitness entrepreneurs can position themselves for success and tap into new revenue streams.

Specialized Workouts And Training Programs

Within the fitness industry, there is a growing demand for specialized workouts and training programs that target specific goals or interests. Explore niche markets such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), CrossFit, functional training, Pilates, yoga, and more. Understand the unique needs of each niche market, develop tailored programs, and create a differentiated brand identity.

Fitness For Specific Demographics

Different demographic groups have unique fitness needs and preferences. Identify niche markets such as seniors, pregnant women, postpartum mothers, children, and individuals with specific health conditions or disabilities. Discover how to develop specialized fitness programs, create a supportive environment, and provide personalized experiences that cater to these specific demographics.

Sports-Specific Training And Performance Enhancement

Athletes and sports enthusiasts often seek specialized training to boost their performance and get a competitive edge. Explore niche markets in sports-specific training, such as soccer, basketball, tennis, martial arts, and more. Develop training programs that focus on skill enhancement, conditioning, injury prevention, and performance optimization for athletes in these specific sports.

Wellness And Mind-Body Connection

The wellness industry is growing rapidly, with an increasing emphasis on the mind-body connection. Identify niche markets within wellness, such as meditation, mindfulness, stress management, and holistic approaches to fitness. Incorporate elements like meditation classes, mindfulness workshops, and wellness retreats into your offerings to cater to individuals seeking a holistic approach to fitness and well-being.

Virtual And Online Fitness

With the emergence of technology – together with digital platforms – virtual and online fitness has become a thriving niche market. Explore opportunities to offer live-streamed classes, on-demand workouts, personalized coaching through virtual platforms, and online fitness communities. Capitalize on the convenience and accessibility of digital fitness to tap into a global customer base.

Boutique Fitness Studios

Boutique fitness studios have gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts looking for unique and specialized experiences. Identify niche markets within the boutique fitness sector, such as indoor cycling, barre, aerial fitness, dance-based workouts, or niche wellness studios like infrared saunas or cryotherapy. Create a boutique fitness studio that caters to a specific niche, providing a specialized and exclusive environment.

The fitness industry offers numerous untapped opportunities within niche markets. By identifying these untapped segments and tailoring your offerings to their specific needs, you can differentiate your fitness business and attract a dedicated customer base. Whether it’s through specialized workouts, targeting specific demographics, focusing on sports-specific training, wellness approaches, virtual fitness, or boutique studios, understanding and catering to niche markets can lead to sustainable growth and success in the competitive fitness industry.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Examples of specialized workouts and training programs include high-intensity interval training (HIIT), CrossFit, functional training, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing, and dance-based workouts. These programs cater to individuals seeking specific fitness goals or interests, providing a unique and tailored experience.

Fitness businesses can tap into niche markets catering to specific demographics by understanding their unique needs and preferences. For example, developing specialized fitness programs for seniors, pregnant women, postpartum mothers, children, or individuals with specific health conditions can create a niche market opportunity. By providing personalized experiences and supportive environments, businesses can attract and serve these specific demographics effectively.

Fitness businesses can capitalize on the niche market of sports-specific training by offering specialized programs tailored to athletes and sports enthusiasts. By focusing on skill enhancement, conditioning, injury prevention, and performance optimization for specific sports such as soccer, basketball, tennis, or martial arts, businesses can attract athletes seeking to improve their performance and gain a competitive edge.

Niche markets within the wellness and mind-body connection niche include meditation, mindfulness, stress management, holistic fitness approaches, and wellness retreats. These niche markets cater to individuals seeking a holistic approach to fitness and well-being, emphasizing the mind-body connection and providing opportunities for relaxation, stress relief, and overall wellness.

Fitness businesses can tap into the niche market of virtual and online fitness by offering live-streamed classes, on-demand workouts, personalized coaching through virtual platforms, and creating online fitness communities. By leveraging technology and providing convenient and accessible fitness options, businesses can reach a global customer base and cater to individuals seeking flexible fitness solutions.

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What Role Does Exercise Science Play In Injury Prevention And Rehabilitation? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-role-does-exercise-science-play-in-injury-prevention-and-rehabilitation/ Fri, 09 Jun 2023 05:00:44 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33583 The post What Role Does Exercise Science Play In Injury Prevention And Rehabilitation? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Exercise science plays a crucial role in injury prevention and rehabilitation by employing evidence-based strategies to enhance performance, minimize risks, and facilitate the recovery process. This article explores the multifaceted contributions of exercise science in promoting physical well-being, reducing injuries, and optimizing rehabilitation outcomes. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of injuries, implementing effective prevention strategies, and employing comprehensive rehabilitation techniques, exercise science professionals are instrumental in improving the overall health and functionality of individuals involved in physical activities and sports.

Understanding Injury Mechanisms

To effectively prevent injuries, exercise scientists delve into the biomechanical and physiological aspects that contribute to their occurrence. By identifying common causes and risk factors, such as poor movement patterns, muscle imbalances, or inadequate conditioning, exercise scientists can develop targeted interventions to mitigate injury risks. This section explores the importance of biomechanical analysis and physiological responses to exercise in understanding injury mechanisms.

Injury Prevention Strategies

Implementing preventive measures is a primary focus of exercise science in reducing the occurrence of injuries. This section delves into various strategies used by exercise scientists to prevent injuries, including pre-participation screenings, personalized training programs, warm-up and cool-down routines, strength and conditioning exercises, flexibility training, and promoting proper technique and form. By incorporating these strategies, individuals can enhance their physical readiness and minimize the chances of sustaining injuries.

Injury Assessment And Rehabilitation

When injuries do occur, exercise science professionals play a critical role in assessing the extent of damage and designing effective rehabilitation plans. This section explores the initial injury evaluation, collaborative approaches with healthcare professionals, rehabilitation phases, exercise prescription, manual therapy techniques, and the integration of functional training and sport-specific exercises. Exercise science ensures that rehabilitation programs are tailored to the individual’s specific needs, addressing not only the physical aspects but also psychological considerations for a holistic recovery process.

Return-To-Play Criteria And Performance Optimization

Exercise science provides guidelines and criteria to determine an individual’s readiness to return to physical activity after an injury. This section discusses the gradual progression of training, monitoring training load, sport-specific drills, simulations, and performance enhancement techniques during the rehabilitation process. By following evidence-based protocols, individuals can safely and effectively transition back to their desired level of activity, maximizing their performance potential while minimizing the risk of re-injury.

Long-Term Benefits And Conclusion

Exercise science’s impact extends beyond injury prevention and rehabilitation, promoting long-term health benefits and overall well-being. This section explores the significance of exercise science in fostering a culture of physical activity, educating individuals on injury prevention, and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. By incorporating exercise science principles into daily routines, individuals can improve their overall physical fitness, reduce the risk of chronic conditions, and enhance their quality of life.

Exercise science serves as a vital pillar in injury prevention and rehabilitation, employing evidence-based strategies to optimize performance, minimize risks, and facilitate recovery. By understanding the intricate mechanisms of injuries, implementing preventive measures, and tailoring rehabilitation programs to individual needs, exercise science professionals play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall health and functionality of individuals engaged in physical activities and sports. Emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based practices, and ongoing research, exercise science continues to shape the landscape of injury prevention and rehabilitation, enabling individuals to lead active, fulfilling lives with reduced injury risks and improved overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Exercise science utilizes biomechanical and physiological analysis to pinpoint risk factors and develop targeted interventions, including personalized training programs, warm-up routines, and strength and conditioning exercises, to reduce the occurrence of injuries.

Exercise science professionals play a crucial role in assessing the extent of injuries, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and designing comprehensive rehabilitation plans that incorporate exercise prescription, manual therapy techniques, and sport-specific exercises.

Exercise science provides evidence-based protocols and techniques to guide the rehabilitation process, focusing on progressive training, monitoring training load, and integrating functional training to restore functionality, strength, and range of motion after an injury.

Exercise science professionals establish criteria and guidelines for determining an individual’s readiness to return to physical activity, emphasizing gradual progression, performance optimization techniques, and ongoing monitoring to minimize the risk of re-injury.

Exercise science promotes not only injury prevention and rehabilitation but also long-term health benefits. By educating individuals on injury prevention, fostering a culture of physical activity, and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices, exercise science contributes to overall well-being, reduced risk of chronic conditions, and improved quality of life.

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How Can Sports Coaches Create A Positive And Supportive Team Culture? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-sports-coaches-create-a-positive-and-supportive-team-culture/ Thu, 08 Jun 2023 05:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33558 The post How Can Sports Coaches Create A Positive And Supportive Team Culture? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Creating a positive and supportive team culture is a crucial aspect of sports coaching. It not only fosters a healthy and enjoyable environment for athletes but also contributes to their overall performance and development. In today’s article, we will explore various strategies and practices that sports coaches can implement to cultivate a positive team culture.

Communication And Respect

Effective communication is the foundation of a positive team culture. Coaches should promote open and honest dialogue among team members, encouraging them to express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Active listening and mutual respect are vital in creating an atmosphere where every individual feels valued and heard. Coaches can lead by example, demonstrating respectful and constructive communication with athletes and promoting positive interactions among team members.

Establishing Team Values

Defining and reinforcing team values is essential for creating a strong team culture. Coaches should work with athletes to establish core principles that guide their behaviour and actions both on and off the field. These values may include qualities like teamwork, sportsmanship, integrity, accountability, and dedication. By consistently emphasizing and aligning with these values, coaches can shape the team culture and promote positive attitudes and behaviours.

Emphasizing Collaboration

Sports coaches should encourage a collaborative mindset among team members. Promoting teamwork and emphasizing that everyone has a role to play creates a sense of unity and shared responsibility. Coaches can organize activities that foster collaboration, such as team-building exercises, group discussions, and cooperative drills. By promoting a “we” rather than “me” mentality, coaches lay the groundwork for a supportive team culture.

Providing Constructive Feedback

Constructive feedback plays a vital role in athlete development and team growth. Coaches should provide feedback that is specific, timely, and focused on improvement. By highlighting strengths and areas for growth in a constructive manner, coaches help athletes understand their progress and work towards their goals. Feedback should be balanced, recognizing achievements while providing guidance for improvement. This approach encourages a growth mindset and reinforces a supportive team culture cantered around continuous learning.

Encouraging A Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is essential for individual and team development. Coaches can foster a growth mindset by emphasizing effort, perseverance, and learning from mistakes. Encouraging athletes to view challenges as opportunities for growth and celebrating their progress and resilience helps cultivate a positive team culture. Coaches can create an environment where athletes feel safe to take risks, learn from failures, and strive for continuous improvement.

Promoting Support And Camaraderie

Team bonding and fostering a feeling of camaraderie among athletes are key elements of a positive team culture. Coaches should organize team-building activities, social events, and community service projects to encourage connections and build relationships within the team. When athletes feel a sense of support and belonging, they are more likely to work together, support each other’s successes, and navigate challenges as a cohesive unit.

Recognizing And Celebrating Achievements

Acknowledging and celebrating the wins, both big and small, is crucial for maintaining a positive team culture. Coaches should recognize individual and team accomplishments, such as personal bests, team victories, or acts of sportsmanship. Celebrations can take various forms, including verbal praise, awards, team rituals, or public recognition. By highlighting and valuing achievements, coaches reinforce a positive and motivating team culture.

Encouraging Well-Being And Work-Life Balance

Coaches have a responsibility to prioritize the overall well-being of their athletes. They should promote a healthy work-life balance, encouraging athletes to take care of their physical and mental health. Coaches can educate athletes about the importance of rest, recovery, nutrition, and stress management. By demonstrating care for the whole person, coaches contribute to a supportive team culture that values athletes’ well-being beyond their athletic performance.

Creating A Safe And Inclusive Environment

Sports coaches must create a safe and inclusive environment where all athletes feel welcome and respected. Coaches should address and prevent any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying. They can establish clear guidelines and policies that promote inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities for all team members. By fostering an environment where athletes feel safe to be themselves, coaches cultivate a positive team culture that thrives on mutual respect and acceptance.

Leading By Example

As role models, coaches play a very significant role in shaping team culture. They should exemplify the values and behaviours they expect from their athletes. Coaches must demonstrate integrity, fairness, and professionalism in their interactions with athletes, officials, and other stakeholders. By leading by example, coaches set the tone for the team culture and inspire athletes to embody the positive qualities and attitudes promoted within the team.

Creating a positive and supportive team culture is essential for sports coaches. By prioritizing effective communication, establishing team values, promoting collaboration, providing constructive feedback, encouraging a growth mindset, fostering support and camaraderie, recognizing achievements, prioritizing well-being, creating a safe and inclusive environment, and leading by example, coaches can shape a team culture that not only enhances performance but also contributes to the holistic development and success of athletes.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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Frequently Asked Questions

Effective communication is crucial in creating a positive team culture. Coaches should encourage open and honest dialogue, active listening, and mutual respect among team members. Clear and consistent communication builds trust, fosters understanding, and promotes a supportive environment where athletes feel valued and heard.

Coaches can foster collaboration and teamwork by emphasizing the importance of working together towards a common goal. They can organize team-building activities, encourage cooperative drills, and promote a “we” mentality rather than an individualistic approach. By creating opportunities for athletes to collaborate, coaches cultivate a supportive team culture that values collective effort and shared success.

Coaches should provide constructive feedback that is specific, timely, and focused on improvement. They should highlight strengths, identify areas for growth, and offer guidance for development. By emphasizing progress and encouraging a growth mindset, coaches create a supportive team culture where athletes feel motivated, valued, and empowered to continually improve.

Coaches can promote camaraderie and support by organizing team-building activities, fostering positive relationships among team members, and encouraging a culture of inclusivity and respect. By creating opportunities for athletes to connect, bond, and support each other, coaches foster a positive team culture that values unity, collaboration, and shared experiences.

Coaches play a significant role in shaping team culture through their behaviour and actions. By leading by example, coaches demonstrate the values and attitudes they expect from their athletes. They exhibit integrity, fairness, and professionalism in their interactions, show respect for officials and opponents, and promote sportsmanship. Through their leadership, coaches inspire athletes to embody these positive qualities, contributing to a supportive team culture.

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Can Sports Conditioning Improve Agility, Speed, And Reaction Time? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/sports-conditioning-improve-agility-speed-and-reaction-time/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 05:00:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33549 The post Can Sports Conditioning Improve Agility, Speed, And Reaction Time? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Sports conditioning is a comprehensive training approach aimed at enhancing athletic performance across various disciplines. Among its numerous benefits, sports conditioning has gained significant attention for its potential to improve agility, speed, and reaction time. In today’s article, we will explore the science behind sports conditioning and its impact on these crucial aspects of athletic performance.

Understanding Agility

Agility is the ability to swiftly change direction, accelerate, and decelerate while maintaining balance and control. It plays a pivotal role in numerous sports, such as basketball, soccer, and tennis. Sports conditioning programs specifically designed to enhance agility focus on improving muscular strength, power, and coordination.

Benefits Of Sports Conditioning For Agility

By incorporating exercises that target the lower body, core stability, and proprioception, sports conditioning programs can significantly enhance agility. These exercises include ladder drills, cone drills, plyometrics, and quick footwork exercises. Through consistent practice and training, athletes can improve their ability to change direction rapidly, maintain body control during sharp turns, and react swiftly to on-field or on-court situations.

The Role Of Strength Training In Agility

Developing muscular strength is crucial for agility improvement. Sports conditioning programs often include strength training exercises such as squats, lunges, and lateral movements to enhance lower body strength and stability. By building strength in the muscles responsible for quick movements, athletes can improve their ability to generate power and change direction efficiently.

Unleashing Speed Potential

Speed is a fundamental attribute in numerous sports, enabling athletes to outrun opponents, break through defensive lines, or chase down balls. Sports conditioning programs that aim to enhance speed focus on improving stride length, frequency, and overall running mechanics.

Enhancing Speed Through Conditioning

Sports conditioning programs incorporate various training methods to improve speed. Interval training, sprints, and resisted sprinting with tools like parachutes or sleds are common techniques employed to enhance speed. These exercises target both the anaerobic and aerobic energy systems, improving the body’s capacity to generate energy and maintain high-speed output.

The Role Of Plyometrics In Speed Development

Plyometric exercises, such as bounding, box jumps, and depth jumps, play a crucial role in speed development. By focusing on explosive movements, plyometrics enhance the body’s ability to generate maximal force in minimal time, leading to improved stride length and frequency. These exercises also enhance the elasticity and efficiency of muscle-tendon units, further contributing to enhanced speed.

Reaction Time Enhancement

Reaction time is the ability to respond swiftly and accurately to stimuli, such as a ball being thrown or an opponent’s movement. It is a vital attribute in sports like basketball, football, and martial arts. Sports conditioning programs designed to improve reaction time focus on enhancing neural pathways, visual processing, and overall coordination.

Neurological Adaptations And Reaction Time

Sports conditioning programs incorporate specific exercises that stimulate the central nervous system and improve the transmission of signals between the brain and muscles. These exercises include reaction drills, agility ladder drills, and hand-eye coordination exercises. By training the nervous system to respond rapidly to external stimuli, athletes can improve their reaction time on the field.

Visual Processing And Reaction Time

The visual system plays a crucial role in reaction time. Sports conditioning programs often include exercises that enhance visual tracking, peripheral vision, and depth perception. These exercises may involve the use of specialized tools like vision training goggles or specific visual tracking drills. By improving visual processing capabilities, athletes can react more quickly and accurately to visual cues during competition.

Sports conditioning is an effective approach to enhance agility, speed, and reaction time. By incorporating specific exercises targeting these attributes, athletes can unlock their full athletic potential. If you are a professional athlete or a recreational sports enthusiast, integrating sports conditioning into your training regimen can lead to important improvements in performance. Embrace the power of sports conditioning and take your agility, speed, and reaction time to new heights.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited sports conditioning courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional conditioning coach.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sports conditioning refers to a comprehensive training approach aimed at enhancing athletic performance across various disciplines. It involves specific exercises and techniques designed to improve physical attributes such as agility, speed, strength, and reaction time.

Sports conditioning programs incorporate exercises that target lower body strength, core stability, and proprioception. By consistently practicing these exercises, athletes can improve their ability to change direction rapidly, maintain body control during sharp turns, and react swiftly to on-field or on-court situations.

Yes, sports conditioning can enhance speed through various training methods. Interval training, sprints, and resisted sprinting with tools like parachutes or sleds are commonly used techniques. These exercises improve the body’s capacity to generate energy and maintain high-speed output, leading to improved stride length, frequency, and overall running mechanics.

Sports conditioning programs incorporate exercises that stimulate the central nervous system and enhance neural pathways. Reaction drills, agility ladder drills, and hand-eye coordination exercises are commonly used to improve reaction time. Training the nervous system to respond rapidly to external stimuli helps athletes react more quickly and accurately during competitions.

Sports conditioning is beneficial for athletes of all levels, from professional athletes to recreational sports enthusiasts. Whether you participate in team sports, individual sports, or even fitness activities, incorporating sports conditioning into your training regimen can help improve agility, speed, and reaction time, leading to enhanced overall performance.

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What Should I Expect From A Bootcamp Exercise Class? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-should-i-expect-from-a-bootcamp-exercise-class/ Tue, 06 Jun 2023 05:00:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33546 The post What Should I Expect From A Bootcamp Exercise Class? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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A bootcamp exercise class is a high-intensity workout program that combines elements of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and endurance training. It is designed to challenge participants both physically and mentally so pushing them to their limits to achieve optimal results. In this article, we will explore what you can expect from a bootcamp exercise class, including the structure of the class, the types of exercises involved, the benefits of participating, and tips for getting the most out of your bootcamp experience.

Structure Of A Bootcamp Exercise Class

A bootcamp exercise class offers a dynamic and intense workout experience that challenges both your cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength. Let’s explore what you can expect from a typical bootcamp class:

  • Warm-up: The class typically starts with a dynamic warm-up to prepare the body for the upcoming workout. This may include exercises like jogging in place, jumping jacks, arm circles, and leg swings. The warm-up helps increase blood flow, raise body temperature, and loosen up the muscles.
  • Circuit training: Bootcamp classes often include a series of exercises performed in a circuit format, with minimal rest between exercises. You will move from one exercise station to another, targeting different muscle groups and keeping your heart rate elevated. Each station may involve exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, kettlebell swings, or medicine ball slams. Circuit training allows for efficient use of time and provides a full-body workout.
  • High-intensity intervals: Intervals of high-intensity exercises, such as sprints or burpees, are commonly incorporated into bootcamp classes. These bursts of intense activity help elevate your heart rate and maximize calorie burn. Intervals challenge your cardiovascular system, improve endurance, and boost overall fitness levels.
  • Strength training: Various strength exercises using bodyweight, dumbbells, resistance bands, or other equipment may be included to build muscle and improve overall strength. You may perform exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, planks, or bicep curls. Strength training not only enhances muscle tone and definition but also increases metabolism and improves functional strength for everyday activities.
  • Core work: Core exercises targeting the abdominal muscles and lower back are often integrated into bootcamp classes. These exercises may include planks, Russian twists, mountain climbers, or bicycle crunches. Strengthening the core improves stability, balance, and posture, leading to better overall performance and reduced risk of injuries.
  • Cool-down: The class typically concludes with a cool-down period consisting of stretches and relaxation exercises. This helps to gradually lower your heart rate, release tension in the muscles, and improve flexibility. Stretching exercises for major muscle groups, such as hamstring stretches, shoulder stretches, and hip stretches, are commonly included.

In addition to the physical aspects, bootcamp classes often create a supportive and motivating environment. You’ll exercise alongside a group of individuals with similar fitness goals, fostering a sense of camaraderie and accountability. The instructor plays a crucial role in guiding and motivating you throughout the class, providing proper form cues and modifications as needed.

It’s important to note that the intensity and specific exercises in a bootcamp class may vary depending on the instructor and the class format. Some classes may focus more on cardio-intensive exercises, while others may emphasize strength training. Be sure to communicate with the instructor and let them know of any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries to ensure a safe and effective workout.

Types Of Exercises In A Bootcamp Exercise Class

  • Cardiovascular exercises: Running, jumping jacks, high knees, and mountain climbers are examples of cardio exercises that increase heart rate and improve cardiovascular fitness.
  • Strength exercises: Push-ups, squats, lunges, and kettlebell swings are common strength exercises that target major muscle groups and improve muscular strength.
  • Plyometric exercises: Box jumps, burpees, and jump squats are explosive movements that enhance power, agility, and coordination.
  • Interval training: Alternating between high-intensity exercises and periods of rest or active recovery is a common feature of bootcamp workouts.

Benefits of participating in a bootcamp exercise class:

Bootcamp exercise classes offer a comprehensive and intense workout experience that delivers numerous benefits for your overall fitness. Let’s explore the key advantages you can expect from participating in bootcamp classes:

  • Improved cardiovascular fitness: Bootcamp classes incorporate a combination of cardio exercises and high-intensity intervals, such as sprints, burpees, or jumping jacks. This dynamic workout style elevates your heart rate, increasing cardiovascular endurance and improving heart health. Regular participation in bootcamp classes can lead to a stronger, more efficient cardiovascular system, allowing you to perform physical activities with greater ease.
  • Increased strength and muscle tone: Bootcamp classes include resistance training exercises, such as bodyweight exercises, dumbbell workouts, or resistance band exercises. These exercises target various muscle groups, helping you build strength and develop lean muscle mass. The consistent resistance training in bootcamp classes can enhance overall muscle tone, increase strength levels, and improve functional fitness.
  • Enhanced calorie burning: The intense nature of bootcamp workouts, which often include a combination of cardio and strength exercises, can lead to significant calorie expenditure. This calorie-burning effect is beneficial for weight management and supports weight loss goals. The varied and challenging exercises in bootcamp classes engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, promoting efficient calorie burning during and after the workout.
  • Boosted endurance and stamina: Regular participation in bootcamp classes can enhance your overall endurance and stamina. The combination of cardio exercises, high-intensity intervals, and resistance training challenges your body’s energy systems and trains your muscles to perform for extended periods. As a result, you’ll notice improved stamina not only during bootcamp classes but also in other physical activities or sports.
  • Motivation and accountability: One of the unique aspects of bootcamp classes is the group setting and supportive atmosphere they provide. Exercising alongside others with similar fitness goals creates a motivating environment that pushes you to give your best effort. The camaraderie and friendly competition in bootcamp classes foster a sense of accountability, encouraging you to show up consistently and challenge yourself to reach new levels of fitness.
  • Variety and challenge: Bootcamp classes often incorporate a wide range of exercises and training techniques to keep workouts fresh, exciting, and challenging. This variety prevents monotony and keeps you engaged and motivated to continue attending classes. Bootcamp instructors are skilled at designing workouts that challenge participants at different fitness levels, offering modifications and progressions to accommodate individual needs.

In addition to these physical benefits, bootcamp classes also offer mental and emotional advantages. The intensive and challenging nature of the workouts are able to boost your mood, release endorphins, and reduce stress. The group environment and supportive atmosphere create a sense of community, fostering social connections and a positive mindset towards fitness.

It’s important to note that bootcamp classes can be physically demanding, and it’s essential to listen to your body, pace yourself, and modify exercises as needed. Communicate any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries to the instructor to ensure a safe and effective workout experience.

Tips For Getting The Very Best Out Of Your Bootcamp Experience:

  • Remain hydrated: Drink a lot of water before, during, and after the class to maintain hydration levels.
  • Listen to your body: Pay attention to your body’s limits and modify exercises if needed to prevent injury.
  • Communicate with the instructor: Inform the instructor about any injuries or concerns so they can provide appropriate modifications and guidance.
  • Pace yourself: Start at a comfortable intensity level and slowly increase the intensity as your fitness improves.
  • Enjoy the process: Embrace the challenge and really have fun during the class, as a positive mindset can enhance your overall experience.

Participating in a bootcamp exercise class offers a dynamic and intense workout experience that combines cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, and endurance exercises. By understanding the structure, types of exercises, and benefits associated with bootcamp classes, you can better prepare yourself for the challenges ahead and make the most of your fitness journey. Remember to prioritize safety, listen to your body, and enjoy the rewarding feeling of pushing yourself to new limits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A bootcamp exercise class is a high-intensity workout program that combines cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and endurance exercises to provide a challenging and effective workout.

Bootcamp classes often include a variety of exercises such as running, jumping jacks, squats, push-ups, lunges, burpees, and kettlebell swings to target different muscle groups and improve overall fitness.

Bootcamp classes usually range from 45 minutes to an hour, including a warm-up, the main workout session, and a cool-down period.

Bootcamp classes offer numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, increased strength and muscle tone, enhanced calorie burning, boosted endurance and stamina, and motivation and accountability through the group setting.

It is advisable to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the class. Depending on the class format, you may also need a towel, exercise mat, and proper workout attire and shoes for comfort and safety.

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How Do Boxing Exercise Classes Compare To Other Types Of Group Fitness Classes? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-boxing-exercise-classes-stand-out-among-group-fitness-classes/ Tue, 06 Jun 2023 05:00:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33543 The post How Do Boxing Exercise Classes Compare To Other Types Of Group Fitness Classes? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Boxing exercise classes offer a unique and dynamic approach to group fitness that sets them apart from other types of group fitness classes. While each class format has its own benefits and appeal, boxing classes provide a combination of cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, and skill development that can deliver a highly effective and engaging workout experience. In today’s article, we will explore the key characteristics of boxing exercise classes and compare them to other popular types of group fitness classes, highlighting their similarities, differences, and the potential benefits they offer to participants.

Cardiovascular Conditioning

One of the distinguishing features of boxing exercise classes is the emphasis on cardiovascular conditioning. Boxing involves a high level of intensity and continuous movement, which can elevate heart rate, increase stamina, and improve overall cardiovascular fitness. The combination of punching, footwork, and defensive manoeuvres creates a fast-paced and energetic workout that challenges both the cardiovascular and muscular systems.

Strength Training

Additionally, boxing exercise classes incorporate elements of strength training. While boxing primarily targets the upper body, it also engages the core, lower body, and stabilizer muscles. Punching and performing boxing combinations require strength and power, which can help develop muscular endurance and improve overall strength. Some classes may include additional exercises such as bodyweight exercises, resistance training, or circuit-style workouts to further enhance the strength training component.

Skill Development

Another aspect that sets boxing exercise classes apart is the focus on skill development. Participants learn proper boxing techniques, including punches, footwork, and defensive manoeuvres, under the guidance of experienced instructors. This not only adds an element of skill acquisition but also promotes coordination, agility, and mental focus. Boxing exercises often involve combinations of punches and movement patterns that challenge participants to think and react quickly, enhancing their cognitive abilities.

Offers A Unique Form Of Stress Release

Compared to other group fitness classes, boxing exercise classes offer a unique form of stress release and mental well-being. The blend of physical exertion, rhythmic movement, and the cathartic release of hitting the pads or bags can help reduce stress and promote a sense of mental relaxation. Boxing also provides an outlet for releasing pent-up energy and frustrations, which can contribute to improved mood and mental well-being.

A Wide Range Of Fitness Levels

In terms of accessibility, boxing exercise classes can cater to a broad range of fitness levels. Beginners can begin at their own pace and gradually build up their stamina and skills over time. Classes often offer modifications and progressions to accommodate different fitness levels and abilities. Whether someone is new to fitness or an experienced athlete, they can find a boxing exercise class that suits their needs and goals.

When comparing boxing exercise classes to other types of group fitness classes, it’s important to consider individual preferences, fitness goals, and any specific health considerations. Some individuals may prefer the structure and discipline of boxing workouts, while others may find more enjoyment in dance-based classes, HIIT workouts, or yoga sessions. The key is to find a group fitness class that aligns with personal interests and motivates consistent participation.

Boxing exercise classes offer a unique and engaging group fitness experience that combines cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, skill development, stress release, and mental well-being. While other types of group fitness classes have their own benefits, boxing classes stand out with their dynamic nature, focus on technique, and the combination of physical and mental challenges they provide. Whether someone is looking to improve their fitness, relieve stress, learn self-defence techniques, or simply enjoy an energetic workout, boxing exercise classes can be an excellent option to consider.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a boxing instructor, then you need to do our Boxing Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Boxing exercise classes stand out due to their combination of cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, skill development, stress release, and mental well-being benefits.

Boxing exercise classes involve high-intensity movements that elevate heart rate, increase stamina, and improve cardiovascular fitness, making them highly effective in this aspect.

Yes, boxing exercise classes engage the upper body, core, lower body, and stabilizer muscles, making them a comprehensive strength training workout.

Absolutely! Participants learn proper boxing techniques, punches, footwork, and defensive manoeuvres, enhancing coordination, agility, and mental focus.

The cathartic release of hitting pads or bags, coupled with rhythmic movement, can reduce stress, improve mood, and provide mental relaxation, making boxing classes unique in this aspect.

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Can Kettlebell Exercises Be Used For Both Strength Training And Cardio Workouts? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-exercises-be-used-for-both-strength-training-and-cardio-workouts/ Mon, 05 Jun 2023 05:00:49 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33531 The post Can Kettlebell Exercises Be Used For Both Strength Training And Cardio Workouts? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Kettlebell exercises are a versatile and efficient option for incorporating both strength training and cardio workouts into your fitness routine. By utilizing a kettlebell, a ball-shaped weight with a handle, you can engage multiple muscle groups and elevate your heart rate, resulting in a well-rounded workout that targets various aspects of your fitness goals.

One of the key benefits of kettlebell exercises is their ability to improve strength. The dynamic movements involved in kettlebell exercises, such as swings, snatches, and presses, require the activation of various muscle groups, including the core, lower body, and upper body. This leads to increased muscle strength and definition, allowing you to build functional strength that translates into everyday activities.

In addition to strength training, kettlebell exercises also offer cardiovascular benefits. Many kettlebell movements can be performed in a continuous and challenging manner, which helps to elevate heart rate and improve cardiovascular fitness. This makes kettlebell exercises an effective option for those looking to improve endurance and burn calories.

Strength Training Benefits

  • Full-Body Engagement: Kettlebell exercises engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, including the core, legs, arms, and back. This promotes balanced strength development and functional fitness.
  • Increased Muscle Activation: The dynamic movements of kettlebell exercises require stabilizing and controlling the weight, leading to increased muscle activation and improved strength gains.
  • Improved Power and Explosiveness: Kettlebell exercises, such as swings and snatches, emphasize explosive movements that develop power, speed, and coordination.
  • Enhanced Core Stability: Many kettlebell exercises involve rotational movements and core engagement, leading to improved core strength, stability, and posture.
  • Joint Integrity and Mobility: The use of kettlebells challenges the body’s stability and range of motion, promoting joint integrity and mobility.

Cardiovascular Fitness Benefits

  • Elevated Heart Rate: Kettlebell exercises performed with high intensity and minimal rest intervals elevate heart rate, providing an effective cardiovascular workout.
  • Improved Endurance: Regular kettlebell training improves aerobic and anaerobic endurance, allowing you to sustain physical activity for longer periods.
  • Calorie Burning: Kettlebell exercises are calorie-intensive, helping to burn calories and contribute to weight management and fat loss goals.
  • Increased Oxygen Consumption: The demanding nature of kettlebell exercises increases oxygen consumption, improving cardiovascular and respiratory efficiency.
  • Metabolic Benefits: Kettlebell workouts can boost metabolism, leading to increased calorie burn even after the exercise session is over.

Tips For Effective Kettlebell Training

  • Start with Proper Technique: Before progressing to heavier weights, focus on mastering the correct form and technique for each exercise to reduce the risk of injury.
  • Gradually Increase Weight: As strength and proficiency improve, gradually increase the weight of the kettlebell to continue challenging the muscles and making progress.
  • Mix Strength and Cardio Exercises: Combine strength-focused exercises like presses and squats with cardio-focused exercises like swings and snatches to create a well-rounded kettlebell workout.
  • Vary Intensity and Repetitions: Adjust the intensity of your kettlebell workouts by varying the weight, repetitions, and rest intervals to continually challenge your body and avoid plateaus.
  • Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s signals and adjust the intensity and duration of your kettlebell workouts to accommodate your fitness level and recovery needs.

Kettlebell exercises offer a unique and effective way to combine strength training and cardio workouts. With their versatile nature and ability to engage multiple muscle groups, kettlebell exercises provide numerous benefits for overall fitness and well-being. By incorporating kettlebell exercises into your routine and following proper techniques, you can achieve a well-rounded workout that targets multiple aspects of your fitness goals.

One of the primary benefits of kettlebell exercises is their ability to enhance strength. The dynamic movements involved, such as swings, snatches, and presses, require the use of core stability and coordination. This results in improved strength and muscle tone, particularly in the lower body, core, and upper body muscles.

In addition to strength training, kettlebell exercises can also provide a challenging cardio workout. By incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) circuits or performing movements like kettlebell swings, you can elevate your heart rate and improve cardiovascular fitness. This makes kettlebell exercises an efficient option for those looking to improve endurance and burn calories.

Incorporating kettlebell exercises into your fitness routine offers a range of benefits. Firstly, it helps to improve overall strength and muscle definition. As you engage multiple muscle groups during each exercise, you develop functional strength that translates into everyday activities. This can enhance your ability to perform daily tasks, prevent injuries, and improve overall athleticism.

Another benefit is the improvement in cardiovascular fitness. By performing kettlebell exercises in a continuous and challenging manner, you can increase your heart rate and promote cardiovascular health. This not only boosts endurance but also helps to burn calories and maintain a healthy body weight.

Additionally, kettlebell exercises can enhance posture and stability. Many exercises require core engagement and balance, which helps to strengthen the muscles responsible for maintaining proper posture. By regularly incorporating kettlebell exercises into your routine, you can improve your posture, reduce the risk of back pain, and enhance overall stability.

One of the advantages of kettlebell exercises is their versatility. They can be adapted to suit various fitness levels, making them appropriate for beginners and advanced fitness enthusiasts alike. Beginners can start with lighter kettlebells and focus on mastering correct form and technique before progressing to heavier weights. It’s important to listen to your body, start at an appropriate level, and gradually increase the intensity as you build strength and confidence.

In order to get the very best out of your kettlebell workouts, it’s crucial to use proper form and technique. This includes maintaining a neutral spine, engaging the core, and using controlled movements throughout each exercise. If you’re new to kettlebell exercises, consider looking for guidance from a qualified fitness professional to ensure you perform the exercises correctly and safely.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become a kettlebell instructor? If you do then you need to do our Kettlebell Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, kettlebell exercises engage multiple muscle groups, promoting balanced strength development and functional fitness.

Absolutely, kettlebell exercises performed with high intensity and minimal rest intervals can elevate heart rate, providing a cardio workout.

Yes, many kettlebell exercises involve rotational movements and core engagement, leading to improved core strength and stability.

Yes, kettlebell exercises are calorie-intensive and can contribute to weight management and fat loss goals.

Definitely, regular kettlebell training improves aerobic and anaerobic endurance, allowing for longer periods of sustained physical activity.

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Can Indoor Cycling Help With Stress Relief And Mental Well-Being? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-indoor-cycling-help-with-stress-relief-and-mental-well-being/ Mon, 05 Jun 2023 05:00:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33528 The post Can Indoor Cycling Help With Stress Relief And Mental Well-Being? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Indoor cycling, also known as spin cycling, has gained popularity as a form of cardiovascular exercise. Beyond its physical benefits, many people wonder whether indoor cycling can also help with stress relief and mental well-being. In today’s article, we will explore the potential impact of indoor cycling on stress reduction and mental well-being, discussing the psychological benefits, the connection between physical activity and mental health, and strategies to optimize the mental health benefits of indoor cycling.

Stress is a common aspect of modern life, and finding effective ways to manage and reduce stress is essential for overall well-being. Exercise has long been recognized as a powerful tool for stress reduction, and indoor cycling can be an effective form of exercise for this purpose. Engaging in a high-intensity workout like indoor cycling encourages the release of endorphins that are natural mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain. These endorphins can help alleviate stress, improve mood, and promote a sense of well-being.

Indoor Cycling Can Provide A Focused And Immersive Experience

In addition to endorphins, indoor cycling can provide a focused and immersive experience that helps individuals disconnect from stressors and worries. The rhythmic pedalling, music, and supportive atmosphere of a cycling class can create a mindful and meditative state, allowing participants to temporarily escape from their stressors and focus on the present moment. This mental shift can provide a much-needed break from the demands of daily life and contribute to overall stress relief.

A Unique Opportunity For Self-Expression And Empowerment

Moreover, indoor cycling offers a unique opportunity for self-expression and empowerment. As participants push themselves through challenging workouts and reach new milestones, they can experience a sense of accomplishment and boost their self-confidence. This enhanced self-esteem can have a positive impact on mental well-being and provide a buffer against stress.

A Positive Impact on Various Mental Conditions

It is very important to note that the mental health benefits of indoor cycling are not limited to stress relief alone. Regular exercise, including indoor cycling, has been shown to have a positive impact on various mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Physical activity is responsible for stimulating the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin – as well as dopamine – which are involved in adjusting mood and emotions. By engaging in indoor cycling regularly, individuals may experience improvements in their overall mental well-being.

To maximize the stress relief and mental well-being benefits of indoor cycling, it is important to approach it mindfully and intentionally. Creating a consistent exercise routine and making indoor cycling a regular part of one’s self-care practice can have long-term benefits for stress management. Additionally, combining indoor cycling with other stress-reducing activities such as mindfulness exercises, deep breathing techniques, or listening to calming music can further enhance the mental health benefits.

Indoor cycling can indeed contribute to stress relief and mental well-being. Its combination of physical exertion, endorphin release, immersive experience, and sense of accomplishment can provide a much-needed break from stressors and positively impact mental health. By incorporating indoor cycling into a holistic self-care routine and approaching it mindfully, individuals can harness its potential to alleviate stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become an indoor cycling instructor then you need to do our Indoor Cycling Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Indoor cycling stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain. It also offers a focused and immersive experience that allows individuals to disconnect from stressors and focus on the present moment.

Yes, regular indoor cycling can have a positive impact on mental well-being. It stimulates the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine that are involved in monitoring mood and emotions.

Yes, indoor cycling offers a temporary escape from stressors. The rhythmic pedalling, music, and supportive atmosphere create a mindful and meditative state, allowing participants to temporarily disconnect from their worries.

Yes, indoor cycling can enhance self-confidence. By pushing through challenging workouts and achieving personal milestones, participants experience a sense of accomplishment, which positively affects self-esteem and mental well-being.

To maximize the stress relief benefits, it is important to approach indoor cycling mindfully. Creating a consistent exercise routine, combining it with other stress-reducing activities, and making it a regular part of self-care practices can enhance the mental well-being benefits.

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Do I Need Any Dance Experience To Participate In Barre Pilates? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/accessibility-of-barre-pilates-no-dance-experience-required/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 05:00:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33516 The post Do I Need Any Dance Experience To Participate In Barre Pilates? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Barre Pilates is a unique fitness method that combines elements of ballet, Pilates, and strength training. Many individuals are drawn to this exercise technique owing to its low-impact nature and ability to target specific muscle groups for toning and strengthening. One common question that arises is whether prior dance experience is necessary to participate in Barre Pilates. In today’s article, we will explore this question in detail and provide insights into the accessibility of Barre Pilates for individuals of all fitness levels, regardless of dance background.

The Basics Of Barre Pilates

Barre Pilates is a workout regimen that takes inspiration from ballet movements, utilizing a ballet barre for support and incorporating exercises that focus on core strength, flexibility, balance, and alignment. It combines small, isometric movements with larger dynamic movements to sculpt and tone muscles while improving overall body awareness and posture.

No Dance Experience Required

The great thing about Barre Pilates is that it does not need any prior dance experience. While ballet-inspired movements are incorporated, they are modified and adapted to be accessible to individuals without a dance background. Barre Pilates classes are designed to accommodate people of varying fitness levels, making it suitable for beginners and seasoned exercisers alike.

Modifications And Progressions

Barre Pilates instructors are trained to provide modifications and progressions for exercises, allowing participants to adjust the intensity based on their individual abilities. This means that even if you are new to fitness or have limited dance experience, you can still participate and gradually build strength, flexibility, and coordination over time.

Focus On Technique And Alignment

In Barre Pilates, emphasis is placed on proper technique and alignment, rather than the level of dance skill. The instructor will guide you through each movement, ensuring that you understand the correct positioning and alignment of your body. This focus on technique helps to improve body awareness and ensures that you are performing the exercises safely and effectively.

Benefits For Everyone

Barre Pilates offers a range of benefits for participants regardless of their dance background. It helps improve muscular endurance, flexibility, core strength, and posture. The exercises are designed to target specific muscle groups, such as the thighs, glutes, arms, and abdominals, helping to sculpt and tone the body. Additionally, Barre Pilates promotes balance, coordination, and gracefulness, which can be beneficial for individuals in their daily activities and overall movement quality.

Progress At Your Own Pace

Barre Pilates classes allow participants to progress at their own pace. You are not expected to perform movements with the same level of precision or grace as a professional dancer. The focus is on personal improvement and growth, with each individual working within their comfort zone and gradually challenging themselves as they become more familiar with the exercises.

Enjoyment And Mind-Body Connection

Another advantage of Barre Pilates is that it can be a fun and enjoyable workout. The music, supportive atmosphere, and variety of movements make it engaging and motivating. As you participate in Barre Pilates classes, you may also develop a deeper mind-body connection, becoming more aware of how your body moves and functions.

Starting Your Barre Pilates Journey

If you are interested in trying Barre Pilates but feel uncertain due to your lack of dance experience, don’t let that hold you back. Look for beginner-friendly classes or introductory sessions that cater to individuals who are new to Barre Pilates. This will provide you with a comfortable environment to learn the basic techniques and gradually build your strength and coordination.

The Importance Of Proper Form And Alignment

While dance experience is not required for Barre Pilates, it is essential to pay attention to proper form and alignment during the exercises. This ensures that you engage the correct muscles and minimize the risk of injury. If you have any concerns about your form, don’t hesitate to ask the instructor for guidance and feedback.

Embrace The Journey

Finally, remember that everyone starts somewhere. Barre Pilates is a journey of personal growth and development. With consistent practice, you will see improvements in your coordination, strength, and flexibility. Embrace the process and enjoy the unique benefits that Barre Pilates offers, regardless of your prior dance experience.

Dance experience is not a prerequisite for participating in Barre Pilates. The exercises can be modified to suit individuals of all fitness levels, making it accessible and inclusive. Whether you are a beginner or have limited dance background, Barre Pilates can help you improve coordination, strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness. So, go and give it a try – you may discover a new way to enhance your fitness journey and enjoy the many benefits of Barre Pilates.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn the best way to become a Pilates instructor, look no further than us at Trifocus Fitness Academy. Our Pilates Instructor Course will make you into the best Pilates instructor out! For more information, please follow this link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No, Barre Pilates does not require any dance experience. It is designed to be accessible to individuals of all fitness levels, regardless of their dance background.

Absolutely! Barre Pilates classes often cater to beginners and offer modifications for exercises. Instructors guide participants through proper technique and gradually progress the difficulty level as individuals become more comfortable.

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No, Barre Pilates focuses on personal improvement and growth. You are not expected to perform with the same level of precision or grace as a professional dancer. The emphasis is on your progress and enjoyment of the workout.

Barre Pilates exercises are designed to improve coordination and balance over time. Instructors provide guidance on proper form and alignment, and participants are able to progress at their own pace, gradually building strength and coordination.

Yes, Barre Pilates offers numerous benefits for individuals without dance experience. It helps improve muscular endurance, flexibility, core strength, posture, balance, and coordination. It can be an enjoyable and effective workout for anyone, regardless of their dance background.

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Can Aerobics Help Improve Coordination And Agility? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-aerobics-help-improve-coordination-and-agility/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 05:00:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33511 The post Can Aerobics Help Improve Coordination And Agility? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Aerobics is a dynamic and energetic form of exercise that involves rhythmic movements, often accompanied by music, to improve cardiovascular fitness. While its primary focus is on cardiovascular endurance, aerobics also offers several benefits for coordination and agility. In today’s article, we will explore the relationship between aerobics and these two aspects of physical fitness, and how incorporating aerobics into your exercise routine can help improve coordination and agility.

What Is Coordination, And How Does Aerobics Enhance It?

Coordination refers to the ability to synchronize different body parts and movements smoothly and efficiently. It involves the integration of sensory information, muscular control, and timing. Aerobics incorporates a variety of movements, such as jumping, kicking, twisting, and hopping, which require coordination between different muscle groups and body segments. By regularly engaging in aerobics, individuals can enhance their coordination skills through the repetition and practice of coordinated movements.

How Does Aerobics Improve Agility?

The term ‘agility’ refers to the skill of changing direction quickly, maintain balance, and move efficiently. It is essential in various sports and daily activities that involve rapid changes in movement direction. Aerobics, with its dynamic and varied movements, helps develop agility by challenging individuals to change directions, shift body weight, and maintain balance during exercises. The quick-paced nature of many aerobics routines enhances reaction time and neuromuscular coordination, which are essential components of agility.

Can Aerobics Benefit Individuals With Poor Coordination And Agility?

Yes, aerobics can be highly beneficial for individuals with poor coordination and agility. Regular practice of aerobics exercises can improve neuromuscular coordination, balance, and proprioception. It helps individuals develop a better sense of body awareness and control, leading to improved coordination and agility over time. Beginners can start with low-impact aerobics exercises and gradually progress to more complex and challenging routines as their coordination and agility improve.

What Are Some Specific Aerobics Exercises That Promote Coordination And Agility?

Several aerobics exercises specifically target coordination and agility. Examples include:

  • High knees: This exercise involves running in place while lifting the knees as high as possible, alternating between legs. It helps improve coordination, balance, and leg strength.
  • Grapevines: Grapevines are sidestepping movements where the legs cross in front and behind each other. They enhance coordination, agility, and lateral movement skills.
  • Jumping jacks: Jumping jacks involve jumping while simultaneously spreading the legs wide and raising the arms overhead. This exercise improves coordination, agility, and cardiovascular endurance.
  • Box jumps: Box jumps require jumping onto a platform or step, then jumping back down. They enhance lower body power, coordination, and agility.
  • Agility ladder drills: Agility ladder drills involve performing various footwork patterns in and out of ladder rungs. These drills enhance agility, foot speed, and coordination.

How Does Aerobics Compare To Other Exercises In Terms Of Coordination And Agility Improvement?

Aerobics offers unique benefits for coordination and agility improvement compared to other exercises. Its dynamic and rhythmic nature, combined with the incorporation of multi-directional movements, challenges individuals to coordinate their movements and adapt quickly to changing positions. Other exercises, such as strength training or steady-state cardio, may not emphasize these specific aspects as much as aerobics. However, a well-rounded fitness routine that includes a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises can provide comprehensive benefits for overall coordination, agility, and physical fitness.

Aerobics is an effective exercise modality for improving coordination and agility. By engaging in regular aerobics workouts, individuals can enhance their ability to synchronize movements, change direction quickly, and maintain balance. The varied movements and pace of aerobics routines challenge the body and the mind, promoting neuromuscular coordination and overall physical fitness. Incorporating aerobics into your exercise routine can help you achieve better coordination, agility, and enjoyment in your physical activities.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’d like to become an aerobics instructor then you should check out our Aerobics Instructor Course. Follow this link for more information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Aerobics incorporates a variety of movements that require coordination between different muscle groups and body segments. Regular practice of aerobics exercises helps individuals enhance their coordination skills through the repetition and practice of coordinated movements.

Agility refers to the ability to change direction quickly, maintain balance, and move efficiently. Aerobics, with its dynamic and varied movements, challenges individuals to change directions, shift body weight, and maintain balance during exercises. The quick-paced nature of many aerobics routines enhances reaction time and neuromuscular coordination, which are essential components of agility.

Yes, aerobics can be highly beneficial for individuals with poor coordination and agility. Regular practice of aerobics exercises can improve neuromuscular coordination, balance, and proprioception. It helps individuals develop a better sense of body awareness and control, leading to improved coordination and agility over time.

Yes, several aerobics exercises specifically target coordination and agility. Examples include high knees, grapevines, jumping jacks, box jumps, and agility ladder drills. These exercises challenge individuals to coordinate their movements and adapt quickly to changing positions, improving overall coordination and agility.

Aerobics offers unique benefits for coordination and agility improvement compared to other exercises. Its dynamic and rhythmic nature, combined with multi-directional movements, challenges individuals to coordinate their movements and adapt quickly. While other exercises may have their own benefits, a well-rounded fitness routine that includes aerobics can provide comprehensive improvements in coordination and agility.

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What Is The Appropriate Duration Of A Personal Training Session? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-appropriate-duration-of-a-personal-training-session/ Wed, 31 May 2023 05:00:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33492 The appropriate duration of a personal training session can vary dependent on several factors, including individual goals, fitness level, and availability. Personal trainers typically offer sessions ranging from 30 minutes to an hour, with some extending to 90 minutes or longer. The duration of the session plays a crucial role in achieving optimal results and...

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The appropriate duration of a personal training session can vary dependent on several factors, including individual goals, fitness level, and availability. Personal trainers typically offer sessions ranging from 30 minutes to an hour, with some extending to 90 minutes or longer. The duration of the session plays a crucial role in achieving optimal results and maintaining client engagement. In today’s article, we will explore the factors that influence the appropriate duration of a personal training session and provide insights to help you make an informed decision.

Goals And Objectives

The specific goals and objectives of the individual greatly influence the appropriate duration of a personal training session. Different goals require different amounts of time to address adequately. For example, if the primary goal is weight loss, longer sessions may be beneficial to incorporate cardiovascular exercises and high-intensity interval training. On the other hand, if the goal is strength training, shorter sessions focused on resistance exercises may be more suitable.

Fitness Level And Experience

The fitness level and experience of the client also impact the appropriate session duration. Beginners or individuals with limited fitness experience may require shorter sessions to gradually build strength, endurance, and confidence. Longer sessions can be overwhelming for beginners and may increase the risk of injury. As clients progress and their fitness level improves, longer sessions can be implemented to accommodate more advanced exercises and training techniques.

Time Availability

Time availability is a crucial consideration when determining the appropriate duration of a personal training session. Clients with busy schedules or multiple commitments may find it challenging to dedicate extended periods to their training. In such cases, shorter sessions that are focused and efficient can be more manageable and sustainable. It’s quite essential to strike a balance between the duration of the session and the client’s ability to commit to regular training.

Exercise Selection And Program Design

The complexity and variety of exercises included in a training program influence the appropriate session duration. If the program involves numerous exercises, each targeting different muscle groups or movement patterns, a longer session may be necessary to allow for proper execution, rest intervals, and technique corrections. Conversely, a more focused program with fewer exercises may require a shorter duration.

Intensity And Rest Periods

The intensity of the workout and the duration of rest periods also factor into session duration. High-intensity training, such as interval training or circuit training, typically involves shorter work intervals with brief rest periods. These types of workouts can be completed within a shorter session duration while still providing an effective workout. Conversely, longer rest periods or specific training techniques, such as strength training with heavy weights, may require more time to ensure proper recovery and maximal effort.

Individual Preferences And Attention Span

Individual preferences and attention span play a role in determining the appropriate session duration. Some clients may prefer shorter sessions for a more condensed and focused workout, while others may prefer longer sessions to allow for a more comprehensive training experience. Additionally, attention span varies among individuals, and it’s important to consider factors such as concentration, motivation, and mental fatigue when determining the duration of a session.

Trainer’s Expertise And Style

The expertise and training style of the personal trainer can influence the appropriate session duration. Trainers with specialized knowledge or certifications in certain areas, such as sports-specific training or rehabilitation, may require longer sessions to incorporate specific exercises or techniques. Additionally, trainers with a more interactive or hands-on approach may require additional time for demonstrations, cueing, and corrections.

Progression And Periodization

As clients progress in their fitness journey, the appropriate session duration may evolve. Periodization, which involves planned variations in intensity, volume, and duration, can be used to optimize results and prevent plateaus. Initially, shorter sessions may be suitable for building a foundation, while longer sessions may be introduced during phases aimed at enhancing strength, power, or endurance.

Determining the appropriate duration of a personal training session is a multifaceted process that considers individual goals, fitness level, availability, exercise selection, intensity, and client preferences. Personal trainers play a vital role in assessing these factors and tailoring sessions to meet the unique needs of each client. By understanding these considerations, you can work collaboratively with your trainer to determine the optimal session duration that aligns with your goals, schedule, and capabilities, ultimately maximizing the effectiveness of your training sessions.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What factors influence the appropriate duration of a personal training session?

Several factors influence the appropriate duration of a personal training session, including individual goals, fitness level, time availability, exercise selection, intensity, and the trainer’s expertise.

How does the client’s fitness level affect the session duration?

The client’s fitness level plays a role in determining the session duration. Beginners or individuals with limited fitness experience may start with shorter sessions and gradually progress to longer durations as their fitness level improves.

Is there an ideal session duration for all fitness goals?

The ideal session duration varies depending on fitness goals. Weight loss goals may benefit from longer sessions that incorporate cardio and high-intensity exercises, while strength training goals may require shorter, focused sessions.

Should the client’s time availability be considered when determining session duration?

Yes, time availability is an important consideration. Clients with busy schedules may find shorter, more efficient sessions more feasible and sustainable, while others may have more flexibility for longer training sessions.

How can personal trainers help determine the appropriate session duration?

Personal trainers assess various factors, including the client’s goals, fitness level, preferences, and the nature of the training program, to determine the appropriate session duration. Their expertise and knowledge enable them to tailor sessions to meet individual needs effectively.

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What Should I Be Expecting During My First Consultation With A Personal Trainer? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-to-expect-during-your-first-consultation-with-a-personal-trainer/ Wed, 31 May 2023 05:00:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33495 During your initial consultation with a personal trainer, you can expect to have an in-depth conversation about your fitness goals, medical history, exercise experience, and any specific concerns or limitations you may have. This consultation serves as a foundation for the trainer to understand your needs and create a personalized fitness plan tailored to your...

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During your initial consultation with a personal trainer, you can expect to have an in-depth conversation about your fitness goals, medical history, exercise experience, and any specific concerns or limitations you may have. This consultation serves as a foundation for the trainer to understand your needs and create a personalized fitness plan tailored to your goals and abilities. Let’s delve into what you should expect during your initial consultation with a personal trainer.

Assessment Of Fitness Goals

Your personal trainer will start the consultation by discussing your fitness goals. If you aim to lose weight, build muscle, improve endurance, or enhance overall fitness, this is an opportunity to clearly communicate your objectives. The trainer may ask specific questions to understand your desired outcomes, timeline, and any specific events or milestones you want to prepare for.

Health And Medical History

To ensure your safety and design an appropriate exercise program, your trainer will inquire about your health and medical history. They may ask about any pre-existing conditions, injuries, surgeries, or chronic ailments. Sharing this information is essential for the trainer to modify exercises, provide suitable alternatives, or seek medical clearance if necessary.

Lifestyle And Exercise Habits

Your trainer will gather information about your lifestyle, including your occupation, daily activities, and exercise habits. This helps them assess your current level of physical activity and understand how exercise can fit into your routine. You may be asked about previous workout experiences, preferred types of exercise, and any barriers or challenges you have encountered in the past.

Fitness Assessment

In many cases, a personal trainer will conduct a fitness assessment during the initial consultation. This assessment may include various measurements such as body composition analysis, cardiovascular endurance tests, muscular strength and flexibility assessments, and postural analysis. These assessments provide a baseline understanding of your current fitness level and help the trainer track progress over time.

Discussion Of Training Preferences

Your trainer will likely inquire about your training preferences to understand what types of exercises or activities you enjoy. This information helps them design a workout program that aligns with your interests, ensuring you stay motivated and engaged. You may discuss preferences for cardio exercises, strength training, group classes, outdoor activities, or any other specific activities you find enjoyable.

Discussion Of Nutrition And Lifestyle Factors

Personal trainers often recognize the importance of nutrition and lifestyle factors in achieving fitness goals. During the consultation, your trainer may inquire about your dietary habits, hydration practices, sleep patterns, stress levels, and other lifestyle factors that can influence your overall well-being and progress. They may offer general guidance on nutrition.

Discussion Of Limitations And Concerns

If you have any limitations, concerns, or specific areas you want to focus on or avoid, it is essential to communicate them to your trainer. Whether you have joint issues, mobility limitations, or specific fears or anxieties related to exercise, your trainer can adapt the program and provide appropriate modifications to accommodate your needs.

Explanation Of Training Approach And Philosophy

During the consultation, your trainer may share their training approach and philosophy. This helps you understand their coaching style, expertise, and how they plan to support you in reaching your goals. It is an opportunity to ask questions and ensure their approach aligns with your expectations and values.

Discussion Of Training Frequency And Duration

Your trainer will discuss the recommended training frequency and duration based on your goals and availability. They will provide insights into how many sessions per week they suggest, the duration of each session, and the overall timeline to achieve your desired outcomes. This discussion allows you to plan your schedule and commit to the recommended training regimen.

Setting Expectations And Realistic Goals

Your trainer will set expectations and establish realistic goals during the consultation. They will discuss the time frame required to achieve your objectives, considering factors such as your starting point, commitment level, and the nature of your goals. Setting realistic expectations helps you maintain motivation and focus throughout your fitness journey.

Q&A And Communication

The initial consultation is an opportunity for you to ask any questions or seek clarifications. Your trainer will be available to address your concerns, explain specific aspects of the training process, and provide guidance. This open line of communication is crucial for building trust and ensuring you have a clear understanding of what to expect moving forward.

Program Recommendations And Next Steps

Based upon the information gathered during the consultation, your personal trainer will make program recommendations and outline the next steps. This may include discussing the frequency of sessions, types of exercises or training modalities to be incorporated, and the expected progression of the program. They may also discuss the pricing structure, payment options, and scheduling logistics.

Your initial consultation with a personal trainer is an important step in embarking on a fitness journey. It serves as an opportunity for you to share your goals, discuss your health and exercise history, and establish a rapport with your trainer. By gathering this information, your trainer can put together a personalized fitness plan that is tailored to your needs, ensuring a safe and effective approach to reaching your fitness goals. Embrace this consultation as a chance to ask questions, set expectations, and collaborate with your trainer to develop a successful partnership in your fitness journey.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring to my very first consultation with a personal trainer?

It’s helpful to bring a water bottle, comfortable workout attire, and any relevant medical or health information such as doctor’s recommendations or previous injury history.

Will my personal trainer ask about my fitness goals during the initial consultation?

Yes, discussing your fitness goals is an important part of the initial consultation. Your trainer will want to understand what you hope to achieve and tailor the training program accordingly.

Should I expect a fitness assessment during my first consultation with a personal trainer?

Many personal trainers conduct a fitness assessment during the first consultation to gather information about your current fitness level. This may include measurements, strength tests, and flexibility assessments.

Will my personal trainer discuss nutrition and dietary habits during the consultation?

Personal trainers often address nutrition and lifestyle factors as they play a vital role in achieving fitness goals. They may provide general guidance on nutrition or refer you to a registered dietitian for specialized advice.

How long does a first consultation with a personal trainer typically last?

The duration of a first consultation can vary, but it normally lasts between 30 minutes to an hour. This time allows the trainer to gather information, discuss goals, and begin creating a personalized fitness plan.

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Are There Specific Techniques Or Exercises For Foam Rolling? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/are-there-specific-techniques-or-exercises-for-foam-rolling/ Tue, 30 May 2023 05:00:55 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33467 Foam rolling, which is also known as self-myofascial release, is a popular technique used to improve muscle flexibility, increase range of motion, and relieve muscle tension. It involves utilising a foam roller to apply pressure to specific areas of the body, targeting the fascia and muscles. While foam rolling is a versatile practice, there are...

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Foam rolling, which is also known as self-myofascial release, is a popular technique used to improve muscle flexibility, increase range of motion, and relieve muscle tension. It involves utilising a foam roller to apply pressure to specific areas of the body, targeting the fascia and muscles. While foam rolling is a versatile practice, there are specific techniques and exercises that can enhance its effectiveness. In this article, we will explore various techniques and exercises for foam rolling to help you get the most out of this self-massage technique.

Basic Foam Rolling Techniques

  • Broad Strokes: Start with large, sweeping movements along the muscle group you want to target. Apply moderate pressure and roll the foam roller back and forth. This technique helps warm up the muscles and prepares them for deeper work.
  • Trigger Point Release: Identify areas of tightness or discomfort, also known as trigger points. Once located, place the foam roller directly on the trigger point and apply sustained pressure. Hold for 20-30 seconds or until you feel the muscle release. Repeat on other trigger points.
  • Cross Friction: For more focused work on specific areas, move the foam roller perpendicular to the muscle fibres. Roll slowly back and forth, applying pressure to the tissues. This technique helps break up adhesions and scar tissue.
  • Pin and Stretch: Position the foam roller on a specific muscle group and apply pressure. While maintaining the pressure, move the joint associated with the muscle through its full range of motion. This technique combines compression and movement to improve muscle flexibility and mobility.

Foam Rolling Exercises For Different Muscle Groups

  • Calves: Sit on the ground with both of your legs extended. Place the foam roller under your calves and lift your hips off the ground. Roll from your ankles to almost below your knees, applying pressure as needed. Rotate your legs slightly to target different areas.
  • Quadriceps: Lie face down with the foam roller positioned under your thighs. Using your arms for support, roll from just above your knees to your hips. Control the pressure by adjusting the weight distribution between your legs and arms.
  • Hamstrings: Sit on your foam roller with one of your legs extended and the other foot crossed over the extended leg. Put your hands on the floor behind you for support. Roll from your glutes to nearly above your knees, focusing on tight or tender areas.
  • Glutes: Sit on the foam roller with one ankle crossed over the opposite knee. Shift your weight onto the foam roller and roll back and forth over your glutes. Adjust the pressure by leaning more or less on one side.
  • IT Band: Lie balanced on your side with your foam roller positioned under your outer thigh. Using your arms and opposite leg for support, roll from your hip to almost above your knee. Control the pressure by adjusting the weight distribution and angling your body slightly forward or backward.
  • Back: Lie on the floor, flat on your back, with the foam roller put horizontally under your upper back. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips off the ground and roll up and down, focusing on the muscles along your spine.
  • Chest and Shoulders: Lie face down with the foam roller positioned vertically under your chest. Roll from your sternum to the fronts of your shoulders, using your legs and arms for support and stability.
  • Lats: Lie on your side with your foam roller positioned under your armpit. Extend your arm overhead and roll along the side of your body from your armpit to your waist. Control the pressure by adjusting the weight distribution and angling your body slightly forward or backward.

Tips For Effective Foam Rolling

  • Breathe and Relax: Deep breathing during foam rolling can help relax your muscles and enhance the release of tension. Avoid tensing up or holding your breath while rolling.
  • Start Slowly: If you are new to foam rolling, start with shorter sessions and lighter pressure. Slowly increase the duration and intensity as your muscles adapt and become more flexible.
  • Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for muscle health and tissue elasticity. Drink water before and after foam rolling to support the recovery process.
  • Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any discomfort or pain during foam rolling. It should feel like a deep massage, but if you experience sharp or intense pain, adjust the pressure or technique to avoid injury.
  • Consistency is Key: Foam rolling is most effective when incorporated into a regular routine. Aim to foam roll at least a few times a week, or even daily, to maintain muscle health and mobility.

Foam rolling is a valuable self-myofascial release technique that can improve muscle flexibility, range of motion, and overall well-being. By incorporating specific foam rolling techniques and exercises into your routine, you can effectively target different muscle groups and address areas of tension or tightness. Remember to start slowly, listen to your body, and maintain consistency to reap the benefits of foam rolling. Chat to a health-care professional or fitness expert if you have any specific concerns or conditions before incorporating foam rolling into your exercise regimen.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about foam rolling then you need to do our Foam Rolling Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is foam rolling, and how does it benefit the body?

Foam rolling, also known as self-myofascial release, involves utilising a foam roller to apply pressure to particular areas of the body. It helps improve muscle flexibility, increase range of motion, and release muscle tension by targeting the fascia and muscles.

What are some basic foam rolling techniques that can be used?

There are several basic foam rolling techniques, including broad strokes, trigger point release, cross friction, pin and stretch, and muscle-specific techniques. Each technique serves a specific purpose and helps address different muscle groups and areas of tension.

Can you provide examples of foam rolling exercises for different muscle groups?

Yes, there are various foam rolling exercises for different muscle groups. Some examples include foam rolling the calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, IT band, back, chest and shoulders, and lats. These exercises target specific muscles and help release tension and improve flexibility.

Are there any tips or recommendations for effective foam rolling?

Yes, some tips for effective foam rolling include breathing and relaxing during the exercise, starting slowly and gradually increasing intensity, staying hydrated, listening to your body’s signals, and maintaining consistency in your foam rolling routine.

Is it necessary to seek guidance or consult a professional before performing foam rolling exercises?

While foam rolling is generally safe for most individuals, it may be beneficial to seek guidance or consult a fitness professional if you have any specific concerns or underlying health conditions. They can provide personalized advice, modifications, and recommendations based on your individual needs and goals.

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Are There Any Specific Precautions To Keep In Mind When Performing Suspension Training Exercises? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/are-there-any-specific-precautions-to-keep-in-mind-when-performing-suspension-training-exercises/ Tue, 30 May 2023 05:00:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33459 When performing suspension training exercises, there are several precautions to remember to ensure safety and maximize the effectiveness of your workout. Suspension training, popularized by systems like TRX, involves using adjustable straps and bodyweight exercises to challenge various muscle groups. Whether you’re a newbie or a very experienced athlete, understanding and implementing these precautions will...

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When performing suspension training exercises, there are several precautions to remember to ensure safety and maximize the effectiveness of your workout. Suspension training, popularized by systems like TRX, involves using adjustable straps and bodyweight exercises to challenge various muscle groups. Whether you’re a newbie or a very experienced athlete, understanding and implementing these precautions will help you minimize the risk of injury and optimize your training experience. In this article, we will explore specific precautions to consider when performing suspension training exercises.

Seek Professional Guidance

If you’re new to suspension training or have specific health concerns, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a qualified fitness professional. They can teach you proper technique, provide modifications, and tailor the exercises to your fitness level and goals.

Ensure Proper Anchoring

Proper anchoring is crucial for safety and stability during suspension training. Make sure the anchor point is secure, sturdy, and capable of supporting your body weight. Avoid using weak or unstable structures, such as door frames or unstable poles. Use equipment specifically designed for suspension training or consult a professional for appropriate anchoring options.

Check Equipment Condition

Regularly inspect your suspension training equipment, including straps, handles, buckles, and anchor points, for signs of wear and tear. Swap out any damaged or worn-out components to ensure optimal safety and performance.

Warm Up Properly

Before starting any exercise session, perform a thorough warm-up to prepare your muscles and joints. Incorporate dynamic stretches, light cardio exercises, and joint mobility exercises to increase blood flow, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of injury.

Focus On Proper Alignment And Form

Maintaining proper alignment and form is essential during suspension training exercises. Pay close attention to your posture, engage your core muscles and align your body correctly to distribute the load evenly. Incorrect form may lead to muscle imbalances, strain, or injury. If you’re unsure about proper form, seek guidance from a fitness professional.

Progress Gradually

Progression is key in suspension training, but it’s important to progress at a pace suitable for your fitness level. Gradually increase the difficulty of exercises by adjusting the strap length or modifying the angle, rather than attempting advanced movements before mastering the basics. Progressing too quickly can lead to overexertion and potential injuries.

Listen To Your Body

Pay attention to your body’s signals and adjust your training accordingly. If you experience pain, discomfort, or excessive fatigue, take a break and assess the situation. Pushing through pain or ignoring warning signs can lead to injury. It’s better to rest, recover, and seek medical advice if necessary.

Control Your Movements

Suspension training exercises require control and stability. Avoid using momentum or relying solely on the straps for support. Focus on controlled movements, emphasizing muscle engagement throughout the exercise. This approach maximizes muscle activation and reduces the risk of strain or joint instability.

Modify Exercises As Needed

Not all exercises may be suitable for everyone. If you have specific limitations, such as joint issues or previous injuries, consult a fitness professional for exercise modifications that accommodate your needs. They can provide alternatives or variations that allow you to safely participate in suspension training.

Stay Hydrated And Take Breaks

Suspension training can be intense and physically demanding. Remain hydrated by drinking water before, during, and after your workout. Take regular breaks to rest and recover between sets or exercises. Overexertion and dehydration can compromise performance and increase the risk of injury.

Incorporate Recovery And Rest Days

Just like any other form of exercise, allow your body sufficient time to recover. Schedule rest days between your suspension training sessions to promote muscle repair and prevent overtraining. Listen to your body and change your training frequency accordingly.

Practicing suspension training exercises can be an effective way to challenge your muscles and improve your overall fitness. However, it is extremely to prioritize safety and follow the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of injury and ensure a successful workout experience. By seeking professional guidance, ensuring proper anchoring, checking equipment condition, and focusing on proper alignment and form, you can establish a solid foundation for safe and effective suspension training. Gradually progressing, listening to your body, controlling your movements, and modifying exercises as needed will further enhance your training experience. Additionally, staying hydrated, taking breaks, and incorporating recovery and rest days will help optimize your performance and prevent overexertion. Remember, your well-being should always be the top priority, so be mindful of your body’s signals and adjust your training accordingly. By following these precautions, you are able to enjoy the advantages of suspension training while minimizing the risk of injuries and maximizing the effectiveness of your workouts.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about suspension training, then you need to do our Suspension Training Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is suspension training, and why is it important to take precautions during these exercises?

Suspension training involves using adjustable straps and bodyweight exercises to challenge various muscle groups. Taking precautions is essential because it helps ensure safety and maximize the effectiveness of the workout. By following specific guidelines, individuals can minimize the risk of injury and optimize their training experience.

Why is it advisable to seek professional guidance before starting suspension training exercises?

Seeking professional guidance is recommended, especially for beginners or individuals with specific health concerns. Fitness professionals can provide valuable insights into proper technique, offer modifications based on individual needs, and tailor exercises to different fitness levels and goals. Their expertise helps prevent injuries and ensures that individuals get the most out of their suspension training sessions.

What should individuals consider when selecting an anchor point for suspension training?

When choosing an anchor point, it is crucial to ensure that it is secure, sturdy, and capable of supporting the body weight during suspension training exercises. Using weak or unstable structures, such as door frames or unstable poles, should be avoided. It is recommended to use equipment specifically designed for suspension training or consult a professional for appropriate anchoring options.

Why is it important to check the condition of suspension training equipment regularly?

Regular inspection of suspension training equipment is essential to ensure safety and optimal performance. Checking straps, handles, buckles, and anchor points for signs of wear and tear helps identify any potential risks. Damaged or worn-out components should be replaced promptly to maintain the integrity – as well as stability – of the equipment.

How can individuals maintain proper form and alignment during suspension training exercises?

Maintaining proper form and alignment is critical for safety and effectiveness during suspension training. Individuals should pay attention to their posture, engage their core muscles, and align their bodies correctly to evenly distribute the load. This helps prevent muscle imbalances, strain, and potential injuries. Seeking guidance from a fitness professional can be beneficial for those who are unsure about proper form and alignment.

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Can Kettlebell Training Help With Improving Sports Performance? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-kettlebell-training-help-with-improving-sports-performance/ Mon, 29 May 2023 05:00:55 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33399 The post Can Kettlebell Training Help With Improving Sports Performance? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Kettlebell training can indeed be beneficial for improving sports performance. The unique combination of strength, power, stability, and mobility required in sports can be enhanced through kettlebell exercises. By incorporating kettlebell training into an athlete’s regimen, it is possible to develop the specific physical qualities needed to excel in their sport. In this article, we will explore how kettlebell training can contribute to improved sports performance and discuss key exercises and training principles to incorporate into an athlete’s routine.

The Benefits Of Kettlebell Training For Sports Performance

Kettlebell training offers several benefits that directly translate to improved sports performance. These include:

  • Functional Strength: Kettlebell exercises involve multiple muscle groups and movement patterns, promoting functional strength that is applicable to sports-specific movements.
  • Power and Explosiveness: Many kettlebell exercises involve explosive movements that develop power and explosiveness, important attributes for athletes in sports such as sprinting, jumping, and throwing.
  • Core Stability: Kettlebell exercises require the engagement of the core muscles, leading to improved stability and control during dynamic movements.
  • Grip Strength: Kettlebell exercises challenge grip strength, which is crucial in sports that involve holding or controlling objects, such as racquet sports, wrestling, and climbing.
  • Cardiovascular Endurance: Kettlebell training can be structured in a way that promotes cardiovascular endurance, improving an athlete’s ability to sustain effort during prolonged periods of activity.

Key Kettlebell Exercises For Sports Performance

Several kettlebell exercises are particularly effective for improving sports performance. Here are some examples:

  • Kettlebell Swing: The kettlebell swing targets the posterior chain, including the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. It develops explosive hip power, which is essential for sports that involve jumping, running, and throwing.
  • Turkish Get-Up: The Turkish get-up is an involved movement that challenges full-body coordination, stability, and mobility. It helps develop core strength and stability, as well as shoulder stability, which is important for overhead movements in sports.
  • Kettlebell Snatch: The kettlebell snatch is a powerful exercise that engages the entire body. It develops explosive hip power, upper body strength, and cardiovascular endurance, making it beneficial for sports that require quick, forceful movements.
  • Single-Leg Deadlift: The single-leg deadlift with a kettlebell improves balance, stability, and single-leg strength, which are crucial for sports that involve unilateral movements, such as running, cutting, and changing direction.
  • Goblet Squat: The goblet squat is a flexible exercise that targets the lower body, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. It promotes proper squat mechanics, enhances lower body strength, and can improve overall athleticism.

Training Principles For Kettlebell Sports Performance

To optimize the benefits of kettlebell training for sports performance, it is essential to follow specific training principles:

  • Progressive Overload: Gradually increasing the load, repetitions, or intensity of kettlebell exercises challenges the body and stimulates improvements in strength, power, and endurance.
  • Periodization: Structuring training into distinct phases, each with a specific focus (e.g., strength, power, endurance), allows for proper progression and avoids overtraining.
  • Sports-Specific Movements: Identifying the specific movements and physical demands of the sport and selecting kettlebell exercises that mimic those movements can help improve performance more effectively.
  • Core Stability and Balance Training: Integrating exercises that challenge core stability and improve balance can enhance overall athletic performance and injury prevention.
  • Proper Technique and Form: Mastering proper technique and form in kettlebell exercises is crucial to maximize performance gains and lower the risk of injury. Working with a qualified kettlebell instructor or coach is recommended.

Incorporating Kettlebell Training Into An Athlete’s Routine

To incorporate kettlebell training into an athlete’s routine, consider the following steps:

  • Assess the athlete’s needs: Identify the specific areas of improvement and performance goals for the athlete. This could include power, strength, endurance, or sport-specific skills.
  • Plan the training program: Design a structured program that includes kettlebell exercises targeting the identified needs. Determine the frequency, duration, and intensity of kettlebell workouts.
  • Seek professional guidance: If unfamiliar with kettlebell training, it is recommended to look for guidance from a qualified kettlebell instructor or strength and conditioning coach. They can provide proper instruction, ensure correct technique, and develop a program tailored to the athlete’s needs.
  • Warm-up and mobility: Prior to starting kettlebell exercises, incorporate a comprehensive warm-up routine to prepare the body for the demands of the training. Include mobility exercises to improve joint mobility and flexibility.
  • Start with the basics: Begin with fundamental kettlebell exercises such as the kettlebell swing, goblet squat, and Turkish get-up. Focus on mastering proper technique and form before progressing to more advanced movements.
  • Progress gradually: As the athlete becomes proficient in the basic exercises, gradually increase the load, repetitions, or intensity to provide progressive overload and continue challenging the body.
  • Periodize the training: Structure the training program into distinct phases to target different aspects of performance (e.g., strength, power, endurance). This allows for proper progression and prevents plateauing.
  • Supplement with other training modalities: Kettlebell training should complement other components of the athlete’s training routine, such as strength training, conditioning, and sport-specific drills. Create a well-rounded program that addresses all aspects of performance.
  • Monitor progress and adjust: Regularly assess the athlete’s progress and make required adjustments to the training program. This could involve modifying exercises, increasing or decreasing intensity, or focusing on specific areas that need improvement.
  • Ensure recovery and injury prevention: Incorporate adequate rest days, recovery strategies (such as foam rolling or stretching), and prioritize injury prevention through proper technique, form, and listening to the body’s signals.

By incorporating kettlebell training into an athlete’s routine using these steps, it is possible to improve sports performance, enhance strength, power, stability, and endurance, and excel in their chosen sport. Remember, consistency, dedication, and proper technique are key to achieving optimal results.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become a kettlebell instructor? If you do then you need to do our Kettlebell Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Kettlebell training can enhance sports performance by improving strength, power, stability, mobility, and cardiovascular endurance, which are essential for athletic success.

Kettlebell training can benefit a wide range of sports, including basketball, football, soccer, tennis, golf, martial arts, track and field, and CrossFit.

Kettlebell training can improve aspects such as explosive power, agility, balance, core strength, grip strength, coordination, and overall functional movement patterns relevant to various sports.

Kettlebell training focuses on functional movements and engages multiple muscle groups, improving overall strength, stability, and body awareness, which can help reduce the risk of injuries.

Yes, kettlebell training can be tailored to suit athletes of all levels, from beginners to elite performers. The exercises can be scaled and progressed based on individual fitness levels and goals.

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Can Functional Training Be Customized For Specific Fitness Goals? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-functional-training-be-customized-for-specific-fitness-goals/ Mon, 29 May 2023 05:00:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33396 Functional training can indeed be customized to meet specific fitness goals. Whether you aim to improve athletic performance, enhance overall strength and endurance, rehabilitate from an injury, or achieve weight loss, functional training can be tailored to address your individual needs. By understanding the principles and components of functional training and working closely with a...

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Functional training can indeed be customized to meet specific fitness goals. Whether you aim to improve athletic performance, enhance overall strength and endurance, rehabilitate from an injury, or achieve weight loss, functional training can be tailored to address your individual needs. By understanding the principles and components of functional training and working closely with a qualified fitness professional, you can create a customized program that aligns up with your goals and helps you achieve optimal results.

Understanding Functional Training

Functional training focuses on exercises that mimic real-life movements and activities, emphasizing the integration of multiple muscle groups and joints. Rather than isolating specific muscles, functional training aims to improve overall movement patterns, stability, balance, and coordination. It trains the body to perform tasks efficiently, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing functional fitness.

Identifying Specific Fitness Goals

To customize functional training, it’s crucial to identify your specific fitness goals. Are you looking to enhance sports performance, build strength and muscle, improve flexibility, rehabilitate from an injury, or lose weight? Each goal requires a different approach and emphasis within the functional training program.

Working With A Qualified Fitness Professional

Collaborating with a qualified fitness professional, such as a personal trainer or strength and conditioning specialist, is essential for customizing your functional training program. They can assess your current fitness level, discuss your goals, and design a program that addresses your individual needs and limitations. Their expertise ensures that you perform exercises correctly and progress at an appropriate pace.

Exercise Selection

Customizing functional training involves selecting exercises that target the specific muscle groups and movement patterns relevant to your goals. For instance, if your goal is to improve sports performance, exercises may include explosive movements, agility drills, and sport-specific movements. If you aim for weight loss, a combination of cardiovascular exercises, compound movements, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may be incorporated.

Reps, Sets, And Intensity

The number of repetitions, sets, and intensity of exercises play a crucial role in customizing functional training for specific goals. For strength and muscle building, higher resistance and lower repetitions with adequate rest periods may be utilized. On the other hand, for endurance or weight loss, lighter resistance, higher repetitions, and shorter rest periods may be employed to promote cardiovascular fitness and calorie expenditure.

Progression And Periodization

Progression and periodization are vital aspects of customizing functional training. As your body adapts to the exercises, it’s essential to gradually increase the intensity, complexity, and challenge of the movements to continue making progress. Periodization involves dividing your training into distinct phases, each focusing on different aspects of fitness (e.g., strength, power, endurance) to optimize results and prevent plateaus.

Addressing Weaknesses And Imbalances

Functional training can be customized to address specific weaknesses, imbalances, or areas of concern in your body. A comprehensive assessment by a fitness professional can identify these areas, allowing for targeted exercises and corrective strategies to improve strength, stability, and mobility.

Recovery And Injury Prevention

Customizing functional training includes incorporating adequate recovery and injury prevention strategies. Rest days, active recovery sessions, proper nutrition, and sleep are crucial for allowing the body to repair and adapt. Additionally, including exercises that promote joint mobility, flexibility, and stability can help prevent injuries and enhance overall performance.

Monitoring And Adjusting

Regular monitoring of progress is essential to ensure that your customized functional training program is effective. Assessments such as strength tests, body composition measurements, and performance evaluations can provide valuable feedback. Based on these assessments, adjustments can be made to the program to keep you on track toward your goals.

Consistency And Commitment

Lastly, to achieve your fitness goals through customized functional training, consistency and commitment are key. Adhering to the program, following proper form and technique, and maintaining a positive mindset will contribute to your success.

Functional training can be customized to suit specific fitness goals by understanding the principles of functional training, working with a qualified fitness professional, identifying goals, selecting appropriate exercises, determining reps, sets, and intensity, focusing on progression and periodization, addressing weaknesses and imbalances, incorporating recovery and injury prevention strategies, monitoring progress, and maintaining consistency. By tailoring functional training to your needs, you can maximize results, improve overall fitness, and accomplish your desired fitness goals.

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If you would like to discover additional information about functional strength training then we recommend that you do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can functional training be customized for weight loss?

Functional training for weight loss can involve incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT), cardiovascular exercises, compound movements, and circuit training to maximize calorie burn and promote fat loss.

Can functional training be customized for sports performance enhancement?

Yes, functional training can be tailored to improve sports performance. It may involve exercises that mimic specific movements and demands of the sport, such as agility drills, plyometrics, power exercises, and sport-specific movements.

How can functional training be customized for muscle building and strength gains?

To customize functional training for muscle building and strength gains, exercises can be selected that target specific muscle groups, incorporate progressive overload, and concentrate on compound movements which engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously.

Can functional training be adapted for rehabilitation purposes?

Absolutely. Functional training can be customized to aid in rehabilitation from injuries or surgeries. It may involve exercises that focus on improving stability, mobility, and functional movement patterns, addressing specific weaknesses and imbalances, under the guidance of a qualified professional.

Is it possible to customize functional training for overall fitness improvement?

Yes, functional training can be customized for overall fitness improvement. By incorporating a combination of strength, cardio, mobility, and flexibility exercises, along with progressive overload and periodization, functional training can enhance overall fitness, including endurance, strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility.

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What Areas Of The Body Could Be Targeted With EMS? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-areas-of-the-body-could-be-targeted-with-ems/ Fri, 26 May 2023 05:00:58 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33390 EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) is a versatile training method that can target various areas of the body. By applying electrical impulses to the muscles, EMS activates muscle contractions, allowing for a targeted and efficient workout. Here are the different areas of the body that can be effectively targeted with EMS: Abdominal Muscles EMS can effectively...

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EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) is a versatile training method that can target various areas of the body. By applying electrical impulses to the muscles, EMS activates muscle contractions, allowing for a targeted and efficient workout. Here are the different areas of the body that can be effectively targeted with EMS:

Abdominal Muscles

EMS can effectively target the abdominal muscles, including the rectus abdominis (six-pack muscles), obliques, and transverse abdominis. By stimulating these muscles, EMS can help strengthen the core, improve stability, and enhance overall abdominal muscle definition. This can be beneficial for individuals looking to tone their midsection or improve core strength.

Gluteal Muscles

EMS can target the gluteal muscles, including the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. These muscles are essential for hip extension, stability, and overall lower body strength. EMS can help activate and strengthen the gluteal muscles, improving their tone, shape, and functionality. This can be beneficial for individuals looking to sculpt and strengthen their buttocks.

Quadriceps And Hamstrings

EMS can effectively target the quadriceps (front thigh muscles) and hamstrings (back thigh muscles). These muscles are crucial for lower body strength, stability, and functional movements. By stimulating the quadriceps and hamstrings, EMS can enhance muscle activation, improve muscle balance, and contribute to overall leg strength and development.

Biceps And Triceps

EMS can be used to target the biceps and triceps, which are the muscles of the upper arm. By stimulating these muscles, EMS can help improve arm strength, enhance muscle definition, and promote overall upper body aesthetics. This can be beneficial for individuals looking to tone their arms or improve their performance in sports or activities that involve arm movements.

Deltoids

EMS can effectively target the deltoid muscles, which are responsible for shoulder abduction, flexion, and rotation. By stimulating the deltoids, EMS can help improve shoulder strength, stability, and overall upper body function. This can be very beneficial for individuals seeking to develop well-rounded shoulder muscles or improve their performance in sports such as swimming, tennis, or weightlifting.

Back Muscles

EMS can target the muscles of the back, including the latissimus dorsi (lats), rhomboids, and erector spinae. These muscles play a vital role in posture, stability, and overall back strength. By stimulating these muscles, EMS can help improve muscle activation, posture, and overall back strength. This can be very beneficial for individuals with weak back muscles or those recovering from back injuries.

Calf Muscles

EMS can effectively target the calf muscles, including the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. These muscles are important for lower leg strength, ankle stability, and overall lower body performance. By stimulating the calf muscles, EMS can help enhance muscle activation, improve calf strength, and contribute to better lower body function. This can be advantageous for athletes involved in running, jumping, or sports that require strong lower legs.

Neck And Upper Back Muscles

EMS can also target the muscles in the neck and upper back region, including the trapezius, levator scapulae, and rhomboid muscles. These muscles are responsible for supporting – as well as stabilizing – the neck and upper back, and they can often become tense and tight due to poor posture or stress. By applying EMS to these muscles, it can help relieve tension, improve muscle activation, and promote better posture and overall upper body function.

Forearm Muscles

EMS can be utilized to target the muscles in the forearm, such as the flexor and extensor muscles. These muscles are crucial for wrist and hand movements, and they play a significant role in activities that involve gripping and manipulating objects. By stimulating the forearm muscles, EMS can enhance muscle activation, improve forearm strength, and contribute to better performance in sports like tennis, golf, or rock climbing.

Hip Muscles

EMS can effectively target the muscles around the hips, including the hip flexors, hip abductors, and hip adductors. These muscles are essential for hip mobility, stability, and overall lower body function. By stimulating the hip muscles, EMS can help improve muscle activation, enhance hip strength, and contribute to better movement patterns and performance in activities like running, dancing, or martial arts.

Chest Muscles

EMS can be used to target the muscles of the chest, including the pectoralis major and minor muscles. These muscles are responsible for movements such as horizontal adduction and are essential for upper body strength and aesthetics. By stimulating the chest muscles, EMS can enhance muscle activation, improve chest strength and tone, and contribute to a more well-defined and sculpted chest.

Postural Muscles

EMS can target the postural muscles, including the muscles of the lower back and the muscles responsible for maintaining good posture. By stimulating these muscles, EMS can help improve muscle activation and strength, enhance postural alignment, and reduce the risk of postural imbalances or injuries associated with poor posture.

In conclusion, EMS is a versatile training method that can effectively target various areas of the body. From the abdominal muscles to the calf muscles, and from the upper body to the lower body, EMS can be utilized to enhance muscle activation, improve strength, and optimize overall performance. Incorporating EMS into your training regimen can provide a time-efficient and effective way to target specific muscle groups and achieve your fitness goals. However, it’s essential to consult with a qualified professional or trainer to ensure proper usage and safety precautions when using EMS devices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which muscles in the body can be effectively targeted with EMS?

EMS can effectively target various muscles in the body, encompassing but not limited to the abdominal muscles, gluteal muscles, quadriceps and hamstrings, biceps and triceps, and the deltoids.

How can EMS benefit the abdominal muscles?

EMS can help strengthen and tone the abdominal muscles, encompassing the rectus abdominis, obliques, and transverse abdominis. It can assist in achieving a more defined core, improving stability, and enhancing overall abdominal muscle strength.

Can EMS be used to target the lower body muscles?

Yes, EMS can effectively target the lower body muscles such as the gluteal muscles, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles. It can help improve muscle activation, strength, and overall lower body performance.

Which upper body muscles can be targeted with EMS?

EMS can be used to target the upper body muscles, including the biceps, triceps, deltoids, chest muscles, and the muscles in the neck and upper back. This can assist in improving upper body strength, muscle definition, and overall performance.

Are postural muscles targeted with EMS?

Yes, EMS can be used to target postural muscles, including the muscles of the lower back and those responsible for maintaining good posture. By stimulating these muscles, EMS can help improve muscle activation, strength, and contribute to better postural alignment.

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What Muscles Do Battle Ropes Target? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-muscles-do-battle-ropes-target/ Fri, 26 May 2023 05:00:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33393 Battle ropes are a dynamic and versatile training tool that engages multiple muscle groups throughout the body. By incorporating battle ropes into your workout routine, you can effectively target various muscles to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness. Here are some of the key muscles that battle ropes target: Upper Body Muscles Shoulders (Deltoids): Battle...

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Battle ropes are a dynamic and versatile training tool that engages multiple muscle groups throughout the body. By incorporating battle ropes into your workout routine, you can effectively target various muscles to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness. Here are some of the key muscles that battle ropes target:

Upper Body Muscles

  • Shoulders (Deltoids): Battle ropes engage the deltoid muscles, including the anterior (front), medial (middle), and posterior (rear) deltoids. The constant waves, slams, and rotational movements of the ropes challenge the shoulders, helping to develop strength and stability.
  • Arms (Biceps and Triceps): Battle ropes provide an excellent workout for the arms. The pulling and pushing motions involve the biceps and triceps, promoting muscle growth and toning in the upper arms.
  • Chest (Pectoralis Major): By performing exercises like rope slams or chest flyes, battle ropes can engage the pectoralis major muscles, contributing to chest strength and development.

Core Muscles

  • Abdominals (Rectus Abdominis and Obliques): Battle ropes activate the core muscles, encompassing the rectus abdominis (six-pack muscles) and obliques. The constant engagement of the core is required to maintain stability and generate power during battle rope exercises.
  • Back (Erector Spinae and Latissimus Dorsi): Battle ropes recruit the erector spinae muscles in the lower back and the latissimus dorsi muscles in the upper back. These muscles work in order to stabilize the spine and maintain proper posture during rope movements.

Lower Body Muscles

  • Glutes (Gluteus Maximus, Medius, and Minimus): Many battle rope exercises, such as squat slams or lateral waves, engage the gluteal muscles. These exercises activate the glutes, promoting strength and stability in the hips.
  • Quadriceps: Squatting or lunging while performing battle rope exercises targets the quadriceps muscles in the front of the thighs. These movements help to develop leg strength and power.
  • Hamstrings: Battle ropes can engage the hamstrings, which are located at the back of the thighs. Movements like rope jumps or reverse lunges challenge the hamstrings and contribute to lower body strength.
  • Calves: Jumping exercises with battle ropes, such as rope jumps or power jumps, target the calf muscles, helping to strengthen and tone the lower legs.

Cardiovascular System

Battle rope exercises are highly intense and demand significant energy expenditure. Performing vigorous movements with battle ropes elevates the heart rate and improves cardiovascular endurance, benefiting the entire cardiovascular system.

Forearms And Grip Strength

Gripping and controlling the battle ropes throughout the exercises require significant engagement of the forearm muscles, contributing to forearm strength and grip development.

Full-Body Coordination

Battle ropes engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, promoting full-body coordination and integration. This helps to improve overall body awareness and movement efficiency.

It’s important to note that the specific muscles targeted during battle rope exercises may vary depending on the exercise variation, technique, and intensity level. It is recommended to perform a variety of battle rope exercises and incorporate them into a well-rounded workout routine to maximize the benefits and engage different muscle groups. Consulting with a fitness professional can also provide personalized guidance and ensure proper form and technique for effective and safe training.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a battle ropes expert? If you do then it is very important to do our Battle Ropes Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which upper body muscles are targeted by battle ropes?

Battle ropes engage and target several muscles in the upper body. The primary muscles targeted include the shoulders (deltoids), arms (biceps and triceps), and chest (pectoralis major). The constant waves, slams, and rotational movements performed with battle ropes challenge the deltoids, helping to develop strength and stability in the shoulder joints. Additionally, the pulling and pushing motions involved in battle rope exercises activate the biceps and triceps, promoting muscle growth and toning in the upper arms. Certain exercises, such as rope slams or chest flyes, can engage the pectoralis major muscles, contributing to chest strength and development.

Do battle ropes engage the core muscles?

Yes, battle ropes are highly effective at engaging and activating the core muscles. The core muscles include the abdominals (rectus abdominis and obliques) and the muscles in the back, such as the erector spinae and latissimus dorsi. During battle rope exercises, the core muscles play a vital role in stabilizing the body and generating power. The continuous waves, slams, and rotational movements require the engagement of the core to maintain stability and transfer energy effectively. As a result, battle ropes can help strengthen and tone the core muscles, contributing to improved overall core stability, balance, and posture.

How do battle ropes work the lower body muscles?

Battle ropes engage several major muscle groups in the lower body, providing an effective workout for the glutes (gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus), quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Exercises such as squat slams, lunges with rope waves, or lateral waves require lower body movements that engage these muscle groups. The explosive movements performed with battle ropes, combined with the lower body actions, activate the glutes, helping to strengthen and tone the muscles of the hips. Squatting or lunging while performing battle rope exercises targets the quadriceps in the front of the thighs, which aids in developing leg strength and power. Additionally, the hamstrings at the back of the thighs are engaged during movements like rope jumps or reverse lunges. These exercises challenge and strengthen the hamstrings. Lastly, jumping exercises with battle ropes, such as rope jumps or power jumps, target the calf muscles, helping to strengthen and tone the lower legs.

Can battle ropes improve cardiovascular fitness?

Yes, battle ropes are an excellent tool for improving cardiovascular fitness. Battle rope exercises are highly intense and demand significant energy expenditure. The vigorous movements performed with battle ropes elevate the heart rate, increasing cardiovascular endurance and conditioning. The continuous, rhythmic waves or rapid slams require a substantial amount of effort, leading to an increased oxygen demand and improved cardiovascular response. Regularly incorporating battle rope exercises into your fitness routine can enhance your cardiovascular health, promote efficient oxygen utilization, and improve your overall stamina and endurance.

Do battle ropes target grip strength?

Yes, battle ropes are highly effective at targeting and improving grip strength. Gripping and controlling the battle ropes throughout the exercises require a significant engagement of the forearm muscles, including the flexor and extensor muscles. The constant tension and dynamic movements challenge the muscles responsible for gripping, leading to improved strength, endurance, and coordination in the hands and forearms. As you perform various battle rope exercises, your grip strength is continuously challenged and improved. Enhanced grip strength can have significant benefits in various activities and sports, such as weightlifting, rock climbing, or even daily tasks that require a strong grip.

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How Can I Start A Fitness Business As An Entrepreneur? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-i-start-a-fitness-business-as-an-entrepreneur/ Thu, 25 May 2023 05:00:58 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33382 In recent years, the fitness industry has experienced phenomenal growth, with an increasing number of individuals prioritizing their health and wellness. This trend presents a promising opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the fitness market and make a meaningful impact. However, starting a fitness business requires careful planning, thorough market research, and a strong...

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In recent years, the fitness industry has experienced phenomenal growth, with an increasing number of individuals prioritizing their health and wellness. This trend presents a promising opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the fitness market and make a meaningful impact. However, starting a fitness business requires careful planning, thorough market research, and a strong understanding of the industry dynamics. In this all-inclusive guide, we will explore the essential steps and considerations to help you start a successful fitness business as an entrepreneur.

Define Your Fitness Business Concept

The first step in starting a fitness business is to define your concept and identify your niche. Consider the type of fitness services you want to offer, such as personal training, group fitness classes, specialized training programs, or a combination of various fitness modalities. Determine your target market, whether it’s individuals looking to lose weight, athletes seeking performance enhancement, or specific demographics like seniors or pregnant women. Defining your concept will shape your brand identity and help you differentiate yourself in a competitive market.

Conduct Market Research

Before launching your fitness business, it’s crucial to conduct thorough market research. Analyse the local market to assess the demand for fitness services, identify your target audience, and evaluate the competition. Understand the demographics, psychographics, and fitness preferences of your potential customers. Additionally, research industry trends, emerging fitness modalities, and consumer behaviour to remain ahead of the curve and align your offerings with market demands.

Develop A Business Plan

A well-crafted business plan is essential for guiding your fitness business towards success. Outline your mission statement, business goals, and objectives. Conduct a financial analysis, including startup costs, ongoing expenses, and revenue projections. Define your marketing strategies, pricing structure, and sales projections. Identify your unique selling proposition (USP) and competitive advantages. Additionally, outline your organizational structure, staffing requirements, and operational processes. A comprehensive business plan will serve as a roadmap, helping you make informed decisions and secure funding if needed.

Secure Funding

Starting a fitness business often requires initial investment in equipment, facility setup, marketing efforts, and other expenses. Explore various funding options to secure the necessary capital. This may include self-funding, seeking investors or partners, applying for business loans, or exploring government grants or startup competitions. Present your business plan and financial projections to potential investors or financial institutions to demonstrate the viability and profitability of your fitness business.

Choose A Suitable Location

Selecting the right location for your fitness business is crucial. Consider factors such as accessibility, visibility, competition, target market concentration, and lease terms. Determine whether you will operate from a commercial space, lease a facility, or establish a home-based fitness studio. Ensure that the location aligns with your target market and supports the services you plan to offer. Adequate parking, proximity to residential areas or corporate offices, and ease of access are essential considerations when choosing a location.

Acquire Necessary Certifications And Permits

To run a fitness business professionally, it’s important to acquire the necessary certifications and permits. Depending on the services you offer, you may need certifications such as personal training certifications, group fitness instructor certifications, or specialized certifications in areas like yoga or Pilates. Research the certification requirements in your region and ensure compliance with local regulations and health and safety standards. Obtain any required business permits, licenses, and insurance to protect yourself and your clients.

Develop A Marketing Strategy

Creating an effective marketing strategy is vital for attracting customers and building awareness of your fitness business. Identify your target market and develop marketing messages and strategies tailored to their needs and preferences. Leverage various marketing channels such as social media, website and blog, email marketing, influencer partnerships, and local advertising. Consider offering introductory promotions, referral programs, or loyalty incentives to encourage customer acquisition and retention. Regularly evaluate and adjust your marketing efforts based on the results and feedback from your target market.

Build A Strong Team

As your fitness business grows, it’s crucial to build a strong team in order to support your operations and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Hire qualified and passionate fitness professionals who align with your business values and can deliver high-quality services. Offer ongoing training and development opportunities to ensure your team stays up to date with industry trends and maintains professional certifications. Foster a very positive and supportive work culture that promotes teamwork, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Deliver Exceptional Customer Experiences

In the competitive fitness industry, providing exceptional customer experiences is key to retaining clients and generating positive word-of-mouth referrals. Focus on delivering personalized services, establishing strong client relationships, and continuously exceeding expectations. Offer a welcoming and inclusive environment where clients feel supported and motivated. Regularly collect feedback from your clients and implement necessary improvements to enhance their experiences. Positive client testimonials and reviews can significantly impact your reputation and attract new customers.

Monitor Performance and Adapt

Regular monitoring and analysing key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the success of your fitness business. Track metrics such as client retention rate, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and referral rates. Utilize data analytics tools to gain insights into customer behaviour, preferences, and trends. Adapt your strategies and offerings based on the feedback and data gathered. Continuously innovate and stay updated with industry advancements to remain competitive and ensure the long-term success of your fitness business.

Starting a fitness business as an entrepreneur can be an exciting and rewarding endeavour. However, it necessitates careful planning, market research, and a solid understanding of the industry. By defining your concept, conducting market research, developing a business plan, securing funding, choosing a suitable location, acquiring necessary certifications, implementing a marketing strategy, building a strong team, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and monitoring performance, you can lay a strong foundation for a successful fitness business. With dedication, passion, and a commitment to excellence, you will be able to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of your clients while building a thriving fitness business.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn how to run a fitness business, check out our great range of Fitness Business Courses here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key steps to starting a fitness business as an entrepreneur?

Starting a fitness business as an entrepreneur involves several key steps. These include defining your concept, conducting market research, developing a business plan, securing funding, and choosing a suitable location. Let’s explore each step in detail.

How important is market research when starting a fitness business?

Market research is crucial when starting a fitness business as it helps you understand the demand, competition, and target market in your area. It enables you to identify potential gaps or opportunities and tailor your services to meet the needs of your target audience.

What should be included in a business plan for a fitness business?

A comprehensive business plan for a fitness business should include a mission statement, business goals and objectives, financial analysis, marketing strategies, pricing structure, organizational structure, and operational processes. It serves as a roadmap to guide your business decisions and secure funding if needed.

How can I secure funding for my fitness business?

Securing funding for a fitness business can be done through various options. These include self-funding, seeking investors or partners, applying for business loans from financial institutions, or exploring government grants or startup competitions. Presenting a well-crafted business plan and financial projections is essential when seeking funding.

How can I effectively market my fitness business?

Effective marketing is vital to attract customers to your fitness business. Develop a marketing strategy tailored to your target market, utilizing channels such as social media, website and blog, email marketing, influencer partnerships, and local advertising. Consider offering promotions, referral programs, and loyalty incentives to encourage customer acquisition and retention.

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How Does Exercise Science Contribute To Optimizing Athletic Performance And Preventing Injuries? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-does-exercise-science-contribute-to-optimizing-athletic-performance-and-preventing-injuries/ Mon, 22 May 2023 05:00:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33345 Exercise science plays a crucial role in understanding the human body’s response to physical activity, optimizing athletic performance, and preventing injuries. By applying scientific principles and evidence-based practices, exercise scientists help athletes and sports professionals achieve their peak performance while minimizing the risk of injuries. This article explores how exercise science contributes to optimizing athletic...

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Exercise science plays a crucial role in understanding the human body’s response to physical activity, optimizing athletic performance, and preventing injuries. By applying scientific principles and evidence-based practices, exercise scientists help athletes and sports professionals achieve their peak performance while minimizing the risk of injuries. This article explores how exercise science contributes to optimizing athletic performance and preventing injuries, highlighting key concepts and strategies used in the field.

Biomechanical Analysis And Performance Enhancement

Exercise science utilizes biomechanical analysis to assess and optimize movement patterns in athletes. By studying the mechanics of sports-specific movements, such as running, jumping, and throwing, exercise scientists identify inefficient movement patterns or areas of potential improvement. Through video analysis, motion capture technology, and other tools, they provide valuable feedback to athletes and coaches, helping them optimize their technique, efficiency, and overall performance.

Fitness Assessment And Individualized Training Programs

Exercise scientists conduct comprehensive fitness assessments to evaluate an athlete’s physical capabilities, including strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. Based on the results, they design individualized training programs that target specific areas for improvement. These programs may include strength and conditioning exercises, aerobic and anaerobic training, agility and speed drills, and flexibility training. By tailoring programs to individual needs, exercise scientists help athletes enhance their performance while reducing the risk of overuse injuries.

Injury Prevention And Rehabilitation

Exercise science contributes significantly to injury prevention in sports. By conducting thorough movement assessments, analysing biomechanics, and identifying potential risk factors, exercise scientists can develop targeted injury prevention programs. These programs focus on strengthening specific muscle groups, improving flexibility and joint stability, and enhancing neuromuscular control. By addressing imbalances, weaknesses, and faulty movement patterns, exercise scientists help athletes mitigate the risk of injuries.

In cases where injuries occur, exercise scientists play a vital role in rehabilitation. They collaborate with sports medicine professionals, physical therapists, and athletic trainers to develop evidence-based rehabilitation programs. These programs focus on restoring strength, range of motion, and functional movement patterns while ensuring a safe and effective return to sport. By incorporating exercises that target specific muscle groups and addressing compensatory movements, exercise scientists facilitate the recovery process and help athletes regain optimal performance levels.

Nutritional Support And Performance Enhancement

Exercise science also encompasses the study of nutrition and its impact on athletic performance. Exercise scientists provide valuable guidance on optimal dietary strategies, hydration, and supplementation for athletes. They assess an athlete’s nutritional needs based on their training load, energy expenditure, and specific sport requirements. By optimizing nutrition, exercise scientists contribute to improved energy levels, enhanced recovery, and overall performance enhancement.

Monitoring And Data Analysis

Exercise scientists utilize various tools and technologies to monitor athletes’ performance, physiological responses, and training loads. These may include heart rate monitors, GPS tracking, wearable devices, and physiological testing equipment. By analysing data such as training volume, intensity, and recovery metrics, exercise scientists can identify trends, adjust training programs, and prevent overtraining or burnout. This data-driven approach allows for better training optimization and performance management.

Sports Psychology And Mental Performance

Exercise science recognizes the critical role of mental performance in athletic success. Exercise scientists collaborate with sports psychologists to provide athletes with strategies for managing stress, enhancing focus and concentration, and developing mental resilience. By integrating mental skills training into the overall training plan, exercise scientists help athletes optimize their mental game, leading to improved performance under pressure.

Exercise science plays a vital role in optimizing athletic performance and preventing injuries by applying scientific principles and evidence-based practices. Through biomechanical analysis, individualized training programs, injury prevention strategies, nutritional support, monitoring and data analysis, and mental performance enhancement, exercise scientists help athletes reach their full potential while minimizing the risk of injuries. By focusing on optimizing movement patterns, exercise scientists improve efficiency and effectiveness in sports-specific actions. Individualized training programs address athletes’ specific needs, targeting strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. Injury prevention strategies identify risk factors and implement interventions to mitigate potential injuries. Nutritional support optimizes energy levels, recovery, and overall performance. Monitoring and data analysis provide insights into training load, performance metrics, and recovery, allowing for informed adjustments. Lastly, mental performance enhancement equips athletes with the psychological tools to excel under pressure.

Collectively, these contributions of exercise science create a comprehensive approach to athlete development. By bridging the gap between science and practice, exercise scientists help athletes achieve peak performance while minimizing the risk of injuries. Through evidence-based strategies and individualized support, they optimize biomechanics, strength, conditioning, nutrition, and mental resilience. This multidimensional approach ensures that athletes not only maximize their athletic potential but also sustain long-term health and well-being.

In a dynamic and competitive sporting landscape, exercise science continues to evolve, incorporating advancements in technology, research, and practical knowledge. As the field progresses, exercise scientists remain at the forefront, providing athletes with the latest evidence-based interventions and strategies to optimize performance and minimize the likelihood of injuries. Their expertise is invaluable in unlocking the full potential of athletes, enabling them to excel in their respective sports and achieve long-lasting success.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of biomechanical analysis in exercise science?

Biomechanical analysis in exercise science involves studying movement patterns to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement, ultimately optimizing technique and enhancing athletic performance while reducing the risk of injuries.

How do individualized training programs contribute to optimizing athletic performance?

Individualized training programs in exercise science consider an athlete’s specific needs, strengths, weaknesses, and goals. By targeting areas for improvement, these programs enhance strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness, leading to optimized athletic performance.

What strategies does exercise science employ to prevent injuries in athletes?

Exercise science employs various strategies, including movement assessments, biomechanical analysis, and strength and conditioning exercises, to identify and address potential risk factors. By correcting imbalances, improving flexibility, and enhancing neuromuscular control, exercise science helps prevent injuries in athletes.

How does exercise science contribute to nutritional support for optimizing athletic performance?

Exercise science considers an athlete’s nutritional needs based on training load, energy expenditure, and sport-specific requirements. By providing guidance on optimal dietary strategies, hydration, and supplementation, exercise science helps athletes optimize their energy levels, recovery, and overall performance.

What role does monitoring and data analysis play in exercise science for optimizing athletic performance?

Monitoring and data analysis allow exercise scientists to track an athlete’s performance, physiological responses, and training loads. By analysing this data, exercise scientists can identify trends, make informed adjustments to training programs, and prevent overtraining or burnout, ultimately optimizing athletic performance while minimizing the risk of injuries.

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What Are Some Effective Drills And Exercises For Improving Speed In Sports Conditioning? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/effective-drills-and-exercises-for-improving-speed-in-sports-conditioning/ Fri, 19 May 2023 05:00:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33342 Speed is a critical component of athletic performance in various sports. Improving speed enhances an athlete’s ability to sprint, accelerate, and react quickly, giving them a competitive edge. This article explores a range of effective drills and exercises that can be incorporated into sports conditioning programs to enhance speed. By implementing these drills and exercises,...

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Speed is a critical component of athletic performance in various sports. Improving speed enhances an athlete’s ability to sprint, accelerate, and react quickly, giving them a competitive edge. This article explores a range of effective drills and exercises that can be incorporated into sports conditioning programs to enhance speed. By implementing these drills and exercises, athletes can develop their speed, agility, and explosiveness, contributing to their overall performance on the field.

Sprint Training

Sprint training is a foundational element for improving speed. It focuses on developing explosive power, stride length, and stride frequency. Various sprint drills can be incorporated into training sessions, such as:

  • Acceleration Sprints: Perform short-distance sprints (10-30 meters) from a stationary start, gradually increasing speed and power with each repetition.
  • Flying Sprints: Build momentum by sprinting over a set distance (e.g., 40 meters) at maximum speed, starting from a running start.
  • Over-speed Sprints: Utilize downhill or assisted sprinting techniques, such as sprinting with a resistance band, to challenge the body to move at higher speeds.

Plyometric Exercises

Plyometric exercises focus on explosive power and the ability to generate force quickly. These exercises improve leg strength and reactive capabilities. Some effective plyometric exercises for speed development include:

  • Box Jumps: Jump onto a box or platform, focusing on explosive power and landing with proper technique.
  • Depth Jumps: Step off a box or platform and immediately explode into a vertical or horizontal jump upon landing.
  • Bounds: Perform exaggerated, explosive running strides, covering as much distance as possible with each stride.
  • Hurdle Hops: Jump over a series of hurdles placed at varying heights, focusing on quick, explosive jumps with minimal ground contact time.

Agility Drills

Agility drills enhance an athlete’s ability to change direction quickly, improving their overall speed and manoeuvrability. Incorporate the following agility drills into training sessions:

  • Ladder Drills: Perform various footwork patterns (e.g., side-to-side, forward-backward, and diagonal movements) through an agility ladder.
  • Cone Drills: Set up cones in a snaking pattern and perform quick changes of direction, focusing on speed, agility, and body control.
  • Shuttle Runs: Set two cones at a designated distance apart and sprint back and forth between them, focusing on explosiveness and change of direction.

Resistance Training

Resistance training enhances muscular strength and power, which directly contributes to speed development. Incorporate the following exercises into a resistance training program:

  • Squats: Perform barbell squats, goblet squats, or bodyweight squats to develop lower-body strength and power.
  • Deadlifts: Execute conventional deadlifts or Romanian deadlifts to target the posterior chain muscles (e.g., hamstrings, glutes, and lower back).
  • Lunges: Perform walking lunges, reverse lunges, or lateral lunges to strengthen the lower body and improve stability.
  • Plyometric Push-ups: Combine upper body strength and explosiveness by performing plyometric push-ups, focusing on pushing off the ground with maximum force.

Interval Training

Interval training combines high-intensity bursts of exercise with short recovery periods, simulating the demands of sports performance. This method improves anaerobic capacity, speed endurance, and overall conditioning. Some effective interval training exercises for speed development include:

  • Shuttle Runs: Set up cones at predetermined distances and sprint back and forth between them, allowing for brief recovery periods.
  • High- Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Alternate between short bursts of maximum effort sprints (e.g., 20-30 seconds) and active recovery periods (e.g., jogging or walking) for a set number of repetitions. This challenges the anaerobic energy system and improves speed, power, and endurance.
  • Fartlek Training: Incorporate periods of varied intensity and speed during a continuous run or workout. Alternate between fast-paced segments and slower recovery segments to improve speed and aerobic fitness.
  • Hill Sprints: Find a steep incline and sprint uphill for a short distance, focusing on explosive power and leg strength. Walk or jog back down to recover before the next sprint.
  • Tabata Training: Perform exercises (e.g., burpees, mountain climbers, or squat jumps) at maximum effort for 20 seconds, followed by around 10 seconds of rest. Do this again for a total of four minutes, alternating exercises to target multiple muscle groups and improve cardiovascular fitness.

Incorporating a variety of effective drills and exercises into sports conditioning programs can significantly enhance speed development in athletes. By incorporating sprint training, plyometric exercises, agility drills, resistance training, and interval training, coaches can create a comprehensive and balanced approach to improving speed, power, and overall performance. It is important to progressively increase the intensity and volume of training while prioritizing proper technique and adequate recovery. With consistent practice and dedication, athletes can unlock their full speed potential and excel in their respective sports.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is speed an essential component in sports conditioning?

Speed is crucial because it allows athletes to outpace opponents, react quickly, and execute explosive movements, giving them a competitive advantage in sports.

What are some effective sprint training drills for improving speed?

Effective sprint training drills include acceleration sprints (gradually increasing speed from a stationary start), flying sprints (sprinting at maximum speed after a running start), and over-speed sprints (utilizing downhill or assisted techniques to challenge speed limits).

How can plyometric exercises contribute to speed development?

Plyometric exercises, such as box jumps, depth jumps, bounds, and hurdle hops, enhance explosive power and reactive capabilities, improving leg strength and the ability to generate force quickly.

What are some agility drills that can enhance speed and manoeuvrability?

Agility drills like ladder drills (footwork patterns through an agility ladder), cone drills (quick changes of direction), and shuttle runs (sprinting back and forth between cones) improve change of direction, speed, and body control.

How does resistance training aid in improving speed?

Resistance training exercises like squats, deadlifts, lunges, and plyometric push-ups enhance muscular strength and power, directly contributing to speed development by improving force production and lower-body strength.

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How Do I Choose The Right Kettlebell Weight For My Fitness Level And Goals? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-i-choose-the-right-kettlebell-weight-for-my-fitness-level-and-goals/ Thu, 18 May 2023 05:00:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33333 Choosing the right kettlebell weight is essential to ensure effective and safe workouts that align with your fitness level and goals. The weight of the kettlebell you select will depend on various factors, including your strength, experience, and specific objectives. By considering these factors and after a systematic approach, you will be able to make...

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Choosing the right kettlebell weight is essential to ensure effective and safe workouts that align with your fitness level and goals. The weight of the kettlebell you select will depend on various factors, including your strength, experience, and specific objectives. By considering these factors and after a systematic approach, you will be able to make an informed decision and optimize your kettlebell training experience. Here is a very detailed guide on how to choose the right kettlebell weight for your fitness level and goals:

Assess Your Current Fitness Level

Begin by evaluating your current strength and conditioning. Consider factors such as your overall fitness, experience with resistance training, and familiarity with kettlebell exercises. If you are not familiar with the exercise or have limited strength training experience, start with a lighter kettlebell weight to allow for proper technique and gradual progression.

Determine Your Specific Goals

Identify your fitness goals to guide your kettlebell weight selection. Are you aiming for weight loss, muscle gain, increased endurance, or improved overall fitness? Understanding your objectives will help you choose the appropriate weight that aligns with your desired outcomes.

Learn The Basic Kettlebell Exercises

Before selecting a kettlebell weight, it is crucial to learn and master the basic kettlebell exercises. Familiarize yourself with movements such as the kettlebell swing, goblet squat, Turkish get-up, and kettlebell press. This gives you better understanding of the demands and resistance involved in kettlebell training.

Start With A Lighter Weight

If you’re not familiar with the kettlebell training or have limited strength, it is advisable to start with a lighter weight. This allows you to focus on mastering proper technique and developing the necessary stability and control. Generally, women may begin with a weight between 8kg and 12kg (18-26 lbs), while men can start with a weight between 12kg and 16kg (26-35 lbs).

Progress Gradually

As you become a lot more comfortable and proficient with kettlebell exercises, gradually increase the weight to continue challenging your muscles and promoting progress. Gradual progression allows your body to adapt to the increasing load, reducing the risk of injury and ensuring consistent improvement. Increase the weight by 2-4kg (4-9 lbs) at a time, depending on your strength gains and exercise proficiency.

Consider Your Strength And Endurance

Evaluate your current strength and endurance levels to determine if you need to adjust the kettlebell weight. If you find an exercise too easy and can complete multiple repetitions without feeling challenged, it may be time to increase the weight. On the other hand, if the weight feels excessively heavy and compromises your form and technique, it is advisable to decrease the weight to maintain proper execution.

Listen To Your Body

Pay quite close attention to how your body is reacting to the kettlebell weight you are using. If you experience persistent pain, discomfort, or unusual fatigue during or after your workouts, it may indicate that the weight is too heavy for your current fitness level. Listen to your body’s signals and make adjustments as needed to prevent injury and optimize your training.

Seek Guidance From A Qualified Professional

If you are not certain about choosing the right kettlebell weight or need personalized guidance, consider consulting with a qualified fitness professional or kettlebell instructor. They can assess your abilities, provide expert advice, and recommend appropriate weights and training strategies based on your individual needs.

Gradually Diversify Your Kettlebell Collection

As your kettlebell training progresses and your strength and endurance improve, consider gradually diversifying your kettlebell collection. Investing in kettlebells of varying weights allows you to adjust the load based on different exercises, muscle groups, and training objectives. This versatility enhances the effectiveness and versatility of your kettlebell workouts.

Regularly Reassess Your Weight Selection

Lastly, it is essential to regularly reassess your weight selection to ensure that it remains appropriate for your changing fitness level and goals. As you continue to build strength and improve your conditioning, you may find that the weight you initially chose becomes too easy or no longer challenges you adequately. Periodically reassessing your weight selection allows you to make necessary adjustments and continue progressing in your kettlebell training.

Here are a few tips for regularly reassessing your weight selection:

  • Test your strength: Perform a strength test by attempting a few repetitions of an exercise with your current kettlebell weight. If you can complete the set without much effort or fatigue, it may be time to increase the weight. On the other hand, if you struggle to maintain proper form or experience excessive strain, consider decreasing the weight.
  • Monitor progress: Keep track of your performance and progress over time. Note how many repetitions you can perform with a certain weight or if you can lift heavier kettlebells for a specific exercise. Regularly review your training logs to identify patterns and trends in your strength and endurance levels. Use this information to guide your decision-making process when adjusting weights.
  • Slowly increase the load: As you become stronger and more proficient in your kettlebell exercises, gradually increase the weight in small increments. Aim for 2-4kg (4-9 lbs) increments at a time to ensure a gradual and manageable progression. This gives your body the opportunity to adapt to the increased load while minimizing the risk of injury.
  • Listen to your body: Pay close attention to how your body feels during the course of and after your workouts. If you consistently feel fatigued or experience joint discomfort or muscle soreness that lingers for an extended period, it may be a sign that the weight is too heavy. Conversely, if you find the weight too light and can easily complete multiple repetitions without exertion, it may be time to go up a weight.
  • Seek professional guidance: If you’re unsure about how to reassess your weight selection or need assistance in progressing your kettlebell training, consider consulting with a qualified fitness professional or kettlebell instructor. They can provide guidance based on your individual needs and help you make informed decisions about adjusting your kettlebell weight.

Remember, the goal is to find the right balance between challenging yourself and maintaining proper form and technique. Regularly reassessing your weight selection ensures that your kettlebell workouts remain effective, safe, and aligned with your fitness goals.

In conclusion, choosing the right kettlebell weight is crucial for optimizing your workouts and achieving your fitness objectives. By considering factors such as your current fitness level, specific goals, and gradual progression, you can select a weight that challenges you appropriately while minimizing the risk of injury. Regularly reassessing your weight selection and making adjustments as needed ensures continued progress and growth in your kettlebell training. Stay consistent, listen to your body, and enjoy the benefits of incorporating kettlebells into your fitness routine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I determine the right kettlebell weight for my fitness level?

To determine the right kettlebell weight, begin with a weight that allows you to perform exercises with proper form and technique while feeling challenged. slowly increase the weight as you build strength and improve your conditioning.

What factors should I consider when choosing the right kettlebell weight?

Consider your current fitness level, strength, and experience with kettlebell training. Also, take into account your specific goals, such as building strength, improving endurance, or enhancing overall fitness.

How can I assess if a kettlebell weight is too light or too heavy for me?

If a kettlebell weight feels too light and you can easily complete multiple repetitions without exertion, it may be too light. If you struggle to keep proper form or experience excessive strain, the weight may be too heavy. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly.

Should I choose different kettlebell weights for different exercises?

Depending on the exercise, you may need to choose different kettlebell weights. Some exercises may require a heavier weight to challenge larger muscle groups, while others may require a lighter weight for smaller muscle groups or faster movements. Tailor the weight selection to each exercise’s requirements.

How often should I reassess my kettlebell weight selection?

It is recommended to reassess your kettlebell weight selection periodically, especially as you progress in your training. Reassess every few weeks or months to ensure that the weight you’re using remains appropriate and aligned with your increasing strength and fitness goals.

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What Are The Best Boxing Exercises For Improving Cardiovascular Fitness? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-boxing-exercises-for-improving-cardiovascular-fitness/ Wed, 17 May 2023 05:00:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33330 Improving cardiovascular fitness is crucial for boxers, as it directly affects their endurance, stamina, and overall performance in the ring. Boxers rely on their cardiovascular system to deliver oxygen to their muscles efficiently, enabling them to maintain a high work rate during intense bouts. Therefore, incorporating specific boxing exercises into training routines is essential to...

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Improving cardiovascular fitness is crucial for boxers, as it directly affects their endurance, stamina, and overall performance in the ring. Boxers rely on their cardiovascular system to deliver oxygen to their muscles efficiently, enabling them to maintain a high work rate during intense bouts. Therefore, incorporating specific boxing exercises into training routines is essential to enhance cardiovascular fitness while simultaneously developing boxing skills. In today’s article, we will have a look at the best boxing exercises for improving cardiovascular fitness and discuss how they can be integrated into a comprehensive training program.

Jumping Rope

Jumping rope is a fundamental boxing exercise that offers numerous cardiovascular benefits. It elevates the heart rate, improves coordination, footwork, and enhances overall endurance. Boxers can perform various jump rope techniques, such as single jumps, double unders, crossover jumps, and alternate foot jumps, to challenge themselves and maximize the cardiovascular benefits.

Shadow Boxing

Shadow boxing involves throwing punches in the air, simulating a real opponent. It is an excellent exercise to improve boxing technique, speed, and endurance. By incorporating different combinations, footwork, and defensive movements, boxers can elevate their heart rate and develop their cardiovascular capacity. Shadow boxing also helps boxers refine their punching technique and maintain proper form.

Bag Work

Working on the heavy bag is an effective way to improve cardiovascular fitness while enhancing boxing skills. The constant punching and movement against the bag challenge the cardiovascular system and build muscular endurance. Boxers can focus on throwing combinations, working on power shots, and maintaining a high work rate throughout the rounds. It is essential to maintain proper technique and form while delivering punches to maximize the cardiovascular benefits.

Pad Work

Pad work involves training with a coach or partner who holds focus mitts or Thai pads. This exercise allows boxers to practice their offensive and defensive techniques while improving cardiovascular fitness. The dynamic nature of pad work, with its constant punching and movement, challenges the cardiovascular system and builds endurance. Boxers can work on specific combinations, footwork drills, and defensive manoeuvres while maintaining a high work rate.

Sparring

Sparring, or controlled practice bouts, is an integral part of boxing training. It provides an opportunity for boxers to apply their skills, tactics, and strategies in a simulated fight scenario. Sparring sessions can be intense and demanding, pushing boxers to their cardiovascular limits while improving their ability to maintain a high work rate under pressure. It helps boxers develop endurance, adaptability, and mental fortitude in a realistic boxing environment.

Interval Training

Incorporating interval training into boxing workouts can further enhance cardiovascular fitness. Alternating between high-intensity bursts of punching combinations or footwork drills and short rest periods challenges the heart and lungs, improving aerobic and anaerobic fitness levels. This type of training closely simulates the demands of an actual boxing match, where boxers must exert themselves intensely in short bursts and recover quickly.

Circuit Training

Circuit training encompasses performing a series of exercises consecutively, targeting different muscle groups and incorporating cardiovascular movements. For boxing-specific circuit training, exercises like burpees, squat jumps, mountain climbers, and kettlebell swings can be included to challenge the cardiovascular system and build overall fitness. Boxers can design circuits that focus on both strength and conditioning, ensuring a well-rounded workout.

Roadwork

Running is a staple in boxing training, often referred to as roadwork. Long-distance runs, sprints, hill runs, and interval running sessions help develop aerobic capacity, endurance, and mental toughness. Incorporating roadwork into a training routine helps improve cardiovascular fitness and prepares boxers for the physical demands of the sport. Running also aids in weight management and strengthens the muscles used in boxing.

High-Intensity Interval Training

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a highly effective method for improving cardiovascular fitness in boxing. It involves alternating periods of intense exercise with short recovery periods. This type of training stimulates the cardiovascular system, increases calorie burn, and enhances overall performance. Boxers can incorporate HIIT into their workouts by performing high-intensity boxing drills such as punch-out intervals, rapid punching combinations, or intense footwork drills, followed by short rest intervals.

Plyometric Exercises

Plyometric exercises are explosive movements that develop power, speed, and cardiovascular endurance. They involve rapid stretching and contracting of muscles, which improves the efficiency of muscle fibres and enhances cardiovascular fitness. Boxers can incorporate exercises like box jumps, lateral jumps, medicine ball slams, and clap push-ups into their training routines. These exercises engage fast-twitch muscle fibres, improve overall athleticism, and challenge the cardiovascular system.

Circuit Training With Cardiovascular Emphasis

In addition to traditional circuit training, boxers can design circuits with a specific emphasis on cardiovascular exercises. This can include exercises like jumping jacks, mountain climbers, high knees, or skipping. By combining these exercises with boxing-specific movements, such as shadow boxing or bag work, boxers can create a circuit that not only improves cardiovascular fitness but also enhances boxing skills and conditioning.

Rowing Machine

Incorporating rowing machine workouts into a boxing training routine can provide a full-body cardiovascular workout. Rowing engages multiple muscle groups and elevates the heart rate, making it an excellent choice for developing aerobic fitness. Boxers can perform interval rowing sessions, alternating between high-intensity sprints and recovery periods, to challenge the cardiovascular system and improve endurance.

Swimming

Swimming is a low-impact exercise that offers significant cardiovascular benefits. It provides a full-body workout, engages various muscle groups, and improves lung capacity. Incorporating swimming into a training routine can help boxers develop cardiovascular endurance without putting stress on the joints. Swimming laps or performing interval-based swimming drills can enhance overall cardiovascular fitness.

Incorporating these boxing exercises and training methods into a comprehensive training program can significantly improve cardiovascular fitness in boxers. By combining high-intensity exercises, interval training, circuit training, and specific cardiovascular workouts, boxers can enhance their endurance, stamina, and overall performance in the ring. It is important to tailor the training program to individual needs, gradually increase intensity, and prioritize proper technique and form to maximize the benefits and minimize the risk of injury. With consistent training and dedication, boxers can achieve optimal cardiovascular fitness, enabling them to excel in the demanding sport of boxing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some boxing exercises that can improve cardiovascular fitness?

Some of the best boxing exercises for improving cardiovascular fitness include skipping rope, shadow boxing, heavy bag training, pad work, and sparring.

How does skipping rope benefits cardiovascular fitness?

Skipping rope is a high-intensity exercise that elevates the heart rate and engages the entire body. It helps improve coordination, footwork, and endurance, making it an excellent cardiovascular exercise for boxers.

What is the benefit of shadowboxing for cardiovascular fitness?

Shadowboxing involves throwing punches in the air without a target. It helps improve technique, speed, and endurance while providing a cardiovascular workout. It allows boxers to practice combinations and footwork, enhancing their overall boxing skills and conditioning.

How does heavy bag training contribute to cardiovascular fitness?

Heavy bag training involves striking a heavy bag with punches and combinations. It builds strength, power, and endurance, providing a full-body workout significantly improving cardiovascular fitness. It also enhances punching technique and develops boxing-specific conditioning.

Can pad work improve cardiovascular fitness in boxing?

Pad work involves training with a partner who holds focus pads for the boxer to strike. It improves accuracy, speed, power, and cardiovascular endurance. By incorporating combinations and footwork drills, pad work offers an intense cardiovascular workout that simulates real boxing scenarios.

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How Can I Structure A Bootcamp Workout Routine To Maximize Fat Burning And Cardiovascular Fitness? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-i-structure-a-bootcamp-workout-routine-to-maximize-fat-burning-and-cardiovascular-fitness/ Wed, 17 May 2023 05:00:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33327 To structure a bootcamp workout routine that maximizes fat burning and cardiovascular fitness, there are several key factors to consider. By combining high-intensity exercises, interval training, circuit training, and proper recovery, you can create an effective and efficient workout plan. Here is a detailed guide on structuring a bootcamp workout routine for optimal fat burning...

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To structure a bootcamp workout routine that maximizes fat burning and cardiovascular fitness, there are several key factors to consider. By combining high-intensity exercises, interval training, circuit training, and proper recovery, you can create an effective and efficient workout plan. Here is a detailed guide on structuring a bootcamp workout routine for optimal fat burning and cardiovascular fitness.

Warm-Up (10-15 Minutes)

Start with a dynamic warm-up to increase blood flow, warm up the muscles, and prepare the body for intense exercise. Include exercises like jogging, high knees, butt kicks, jumping jacks, arm circles, and leg swings.

High-Intensity Exercises (20-30 Minutes)

Focus on exercises that elevate the heart rate and challenge the entire body. These exercises should be performed at a high intensity to maximize fat burning and cardiovascular fitness. Examples include burpees, mountain climbers, squat jumps, plank variations, kettlebell swings, and box jumps. Perform each exercise for a specific duration (e.g., 30 seconds) or a certain number of repetitions.

Interval Training (10-15 Minutes)

Incorporate interval training to further boost cardiovascular fitness and calorie burning. Switch up between high-intensity exercises and short periods of active recovery or lower-intensity exercises. For example, perform a set of squat jumps for 30 seconds, followed up by 15 seconds of jogging in place. Repeat this cycle for the designated time period.

Circuit Training (20-30 Minutes)

Design a circuit of exercises that target different muscle groups. Include a mix of strength exercises (e.g., push-ups, lunges, dumbbell curls), cardiovascular exercises (e.g., jumping rope, cycling, rowing), and functional movements (e.g., kettlebell swings, medicine ball slams). Perform each exercise for a set duration or number of repetitions prior to moving on to the next exercise. Complete the circuit without rest and repeat for the desired number of rounds.

Active Recovery (5-10 Minutes)

Allocate time for active recovery exercises to bring the heart rate down gradually and promote muscle recovery. This can include low-intensity exercises such as walking, light jogging, or stretching. Focus on deep breathing and gentle movements to relax the body and reduce muscle soreness.

Cool-Down And Stretching (10-15 Minutes)

Finish the workout with a cool-down period to gradually lower the heart rate and prevent dizziness or light-headedness. Do static stretches to improve flexibility and aid in muscle recovery. Target major muscle groups, including the legs, arms, back, and core. Maintain each stretch for 15-30 seconds and breathe deeply.

Recovery And Rest

Allow time for rest and recovery between bootcamp sessions. Adequate rest is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall performance. Listen to your body and don’t overtraining, as it can lead to injuries and hinder progress. Aim for 1-2 days of rest each week and consider incorporating lighter activities like yoga or walking on rest days.

Nutrition And Hydration

Fuel your body with a well-balanced diet which incorporates lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, as well as healthy fats. Remain hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after workouts. Proper nutrition and hydration support energy levels, muscle recovery, and overall performance.

Progression And Variation

As your fitness level increases, slowly increase the intensity, duration, or complexity of exercises. Add weights, increase repetitions, or reduce rest time between exercises. Incorporate new exercises and variations to keep the workouts challenging and engaging.

Safety Considerations

Ensure proper form and technique during exercises to prevent injuries. Begin with lighter weights or modifications if needed and gradually progress. If you have any health concerns or illnesses, consult with a health-care professional prior to beginning a new exercise program.

In conclusion, structuring a bootcamp workout routine that maximizes fat burning and cardiovascular fitness requires careful consideration of various factors. By incorporating high-intensity exercises, interval training, circuit training, and proper recovery, you can create an effective and efficient workout plan. This comprehensive approach targets both cardiovascular endurance and fat burning, resulting in improved overall fitness.

The warm-up phase prepares the body for intense exercise by increasing blood flow and warming up the muscles. High-intensity exercises challenge the entire body and elevate the heart rate, promoting fat burning and cardiovascular fitness. Interval training further enhances calorie burning and cardiovascular endurance through alternating periods of high intensity and active recovery.

Circuit training targets different muscle groups and combines strength exercises, cardiovascular activities, and functional movements. This variety ensures a well-rounded workout that boosts muscular strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. Active recovery exercises at the end of the session help gradually bring the heart rate down and promote muscle recovery.

Cooling down and stretching are essential to lower the heart rate gradually and prevent dizziness. Stretching improves flexibility and aids in muscle recovery, reducing the risk of post-workout soreness. Rest and recovery days allow the body time to repair and grow stronger, preventing overtraining and injuries.

Proper nutrition and hydration support energy levels, muscle recovery, and overall performance. Fuelling the body with a well-balanced diet, including lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats, ensures optimal performance during workouts. Hydration is crucial for maintaining adequate energy levels and preventing dehydration.

To continue progressing and avoiding plateaus, gradually increase the intensity, duration, or complexity of exercises. Adding weights, increasing repetitions, and reducing rest time challenge the body and promote continuous improvement. Safety should always be a priority, emphasizing proper form and technique to prevent injuries.

Remember to consult your healthcare professional if you have any health troubles or medical conditions before starting a new exercise program. By following these guidelines and maintaining consistency, you can develop a bootcamp workout routine that maximizes fat burning, improves cardiovascular fitness, and helps you achieve your fitness goals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on becoming a bootcamp instructor? If you are then check out our Bootcamp Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key components to consider when structuring a bootcamp workout routine for fat burning and cardiovascular fitness?

The key components to consider include high-intensity exercises, interval training, circuit training, proper recovery, and nutrition.

How long should the warm-up phase be in a bootcamp workout routine?

The warm-up phase should typically last between 10 to 15 minutes to increase blood flow, warm up the muscles, and prepare the body for intense exercise.

What is the purpose of incorporating interval training in a bootcamp workout routine?

Interval training helps boost cardiovascular fitness and fat burning by alternating between high-intensity exercises and short periods of active recovery or lower-intensity exercises.

How can circuit training contribute to maximizing fat burning and cardiovascular fitness?

Circuit training combines various exercises that target different muscle groups, incorporating strength exercises, cardiovascular activities, and functional movements. This comprehensive approach enhances overall fitness and promotes fat burning.

Why is rest and recovery important in a bootcamp workout routine?

Rest and recovery are crucial for muscle repair, growth, and overall performance. Adequate rest allows the body to recover and prevents overtraining, which can lead to injuries and hinder progress.

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Is Aerobics Suitable For Beginners? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/is-aerobics-suitable-for-beginners/ Tue, 16 May 2023 06:00:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33315 Aerobics is a popular form of exercise that combines rhythmic movements with music to improve cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and overall physical well-being. For beginners who are new to aerobics or have limited experience with exercise, it is natural to wonder if aerobics is a suitable activity to start with. This article aims to explore the...

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Aerobics is a popular form of exercise that combines rhythmic movements with music to improve cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and overall physical well-being. For beginners who are new to aerobics or have limited experience with exercise, it is natural to wonder if aerobics is a suitable activity to start with. This article aims to explore the suitability of aerobics for beginners, covering the benefits, considerations, and tips to help beginners embark on their aerobics journey confidently.

Benefits Of Aerobics For Beginners

Aerobics offers numerous benefits for beginners. It provides a dynamic and fun way to improve cardiovascular fitness, which enhances heart health and increases endurance. Regular participation in aerobics can also aid in weight management by burning calories as well as boosting metabolism. Additionally, aerobics helps to improve muscular strength, flexibility, and coordination, contributing to overall physical fitness.

Considerations For Beginners

Aerobics can indeed be a suitable activity for beginners; however, it is crucial to take into account individual fitness levels and health conditions. Beginning with low-impact aerobic exercises is recommended as they minimize stress on the joints and gradually build up endurance and strength. It is also advisable for beginners, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions or concerns, to consult with a healthcare professional or an accredited fitness instructor. By doing so, they can ensure a safe and tailored approach to their aerobics journey.

Individual fitness levels play a significant role in determining the intensity and progression of aerobic exercises. Beginners with a sedentary lifestyle or limited exercise experience should start at a comfortable level and gradually increase the intensity over time. Low-impact exercises, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can be excellent starting points. These exercises provide cardiovascular benefits without putting excessive strain on the joints, making them ideal for beginners.

Considering health conditions is essential to prevent any potential risks or complications during aerobic exercise. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, for example heart disease, diabetes, or musculoskeletal issues, should seek professional guidance before starting an aerobics routine. Healthcare professionals can provide personalized recommendations, considering specific conditions and any necessary modifications to exercises to ensure safety and optimize health benefits.

Consulting with a certified fitness instructor or personal trainer is highly beneficial for beginners. These professionals possess the knowledge and expertise to assess individual fitness levels, design appropriate exercise programs, and provide guidance on proper techniques and modifications. They can offer personalized advice and monitor progress, adjusting the intensity and complexity of exercises as the individual progresses.

By consulting with a healthcare professional or fitness instructor, beginners can address any concerns or questions they may have. These experts can offer valuable insights into suitable exercise routines, warm-up and cool-down techniques, and potential modifications for individuals with specific limitations or health considerations. Additionally, they can provide guidance on setting realistic goals, tracking progress, as well as making adjustments as required.

Tips For Beginners

  • Start Slowly: Beginners should begin with shorter sessions and slowly boost the duration and intensity of their aerobics workouts. Starting slowly helps the body adapt to the demands of aerobic exercise and reduces the risk of injury.
  • Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Prior to each aerobics session, beginners should perform a warm-up routine that includes gentle movements to increase blood flow and warm up the muscles. Similarly, a cool-down routine at the end of the session helps the body gradually return to its resting state and prevents muscle soreness.
  • Listen to Your Body: It is important for beginners to pay attention to their bodies and modify movements or intensity levels if they experience discomfort or fatigue. Pushing too hard too soon can increase the risk of injuries.
  • Choose Appropriate Footwear: Wearing proper athletic shoes that provide support and cushioning is essential for comfort and injury prevention during aerobic workouts.
  • Hydrate and Fuel Properly: Staying hydrated before, during, and after aerobic exercise is crucial. Beginners should also consume a balanced diet to provide the necessary energy for their workouts.
  • Attend Beginner-Friendly Classes: Joining beginner-friendly aerobics classes or programs can provide a structured and supportive environment for beginners to learn proper techniques and progress at their own pace.
  • Mix Up Your Workout Routine: In order to prevent boredom and maintain motivation, beginners can try different types of aerobics such as dance aerobics, step aerobics, or water aerobics. Mixing up the routine keeps the workouts fresh and enjoyable.
  • Listen to Music: Aerobics is often accompanied by music, which adds to the fun and motivation. Beginners can create a playlist of their favourite upbeat songs to make their workouts more enjoyable.

Aerobics is a fantastic activity for beginners, offering a wide range of physical and cardiovascular benefits. However, it is crucial to consider individual fitness levels and, when necessary, consult with professionals to ensure a safe and effective start. By adopting a gradual approach, listening to the body, and following the provided tips, beginners can embark on their aerobics journey with confidence, steadily progressing to higher levels of intensity and fitness. Consistency and gradual progression are key to reaping the rewards of aerobics and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

Aerobics, as a low-impact exercise, provides beginners with numerous physical benefits. It improves cardiovascular fitness, increasing the efficiency of the heart and lungs. Regular participation in aerobic activities enhances endurance, allowing individuals to engage in activities for longer periods without feeling fatigued. Furthermore, aerobics aids in weight management by burning calories and boosting metabolism, contributing to overall weight loss or maintenance.

Considering individual fitness levels is of utmost importance when starting an aerobics routine. Beginners should be mindful of their current physical capabilities and select exercises that suit their fitness level. Low-impact aerobics, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, are gentle on the joints and provide an excellent starting point. As beginners gradually build strength, endurance, and confidence, they can gradually increase the intensity and complexity of their workouts.

Consulting with professionals, such as certified fitness instructors or healthcare providers, is highly recommended, particularly for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or concerns. These professionals possess the expertise to assess individual fitness levels, offer tailored advice, and ensure that exercise routines are safe and appropriate. They can provide personalized guidance, help set realistic goals, and monitor progress, making adjustments as necessary.

To embark on an aerobics journey, beginners should start slowly and listen to their bodies. It is crucial to pay attention to any discomfort or fatigue and modify movements or intensity levels accordingly. Pushing too hard far too soon can lead to injuries or burnout. By beginning with shorter sessions and gradually increasing the duration and intensity over time, beginners can build endurance and strength at a comfortable pace.

Warming up and cooling down are very important components of any aerobics routine. Before starting an aerobics session, beginners should perform a warm-up routine to prepare the body for exercise. This can include gentle stretches, mobility exercises, and light cardio movements to increase blood flow and warm up the muscles. Similarly, cooling down after a workout is essential to gradually lower the heart rate and prevent muscle soreness. Incorporating gentle stretches and deep breathing exercises during the cool-down phase can aid in the recovery process.

Consistency is fundamental when it comes to gaining the benefits of aerobics. Establishing a regular exercise routine ensures that beginners make progress and experience long-term improvements in their cardiovascular fitness and overall health. It is essential to find a balance between challenging oneself and allowing the body adequate time to rest and recover.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on becoming an Aerobic Instructor? If you are then check out our Group Instructor Package. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is aerobics suitable for beginners?

Yes, aerobics can be a suitable activity for beginners as it offers numerous benefits for cardiovascular fitness, weight management, and overall physical well-being.

What are the considerations for beginners starting aerobics?

Beginners should consider their fitness levels and health conditions, starting with low-impact exercises and consulting with professionals if necessary.

What tips can help beginners starting aerobics?

Beginners can start slowly, warm up and cool down properly, listen to their bodies, wear appropriate footwear, stay hydrated, and consider attending beginner-friendly classes.

Can beginners modify movements or intensity levels during aerobics workouts?

Yes, beginners should listen to their bodies and modify movements or intensity levels if they experience discomfort or fatigue, to prevent injuries.

How can beginners make their aerobics workouts enjoyable?

Beginners can mix up their routine by trying different types of aerobics, create a playlist of upbeat songs, and join beginner-friendly classes for a structured and supportive environment.

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Exploring the Benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Comprehensive Guide https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exploring-the-benefits-of-indoor-cycling/ Tue, 16 May 2023 06:00:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33318 Indoor cycling, also known as spinning, has gained tremendous popularity as a highly effective form of cardiovascular exercise. This stationary cycling workout offers a range of benefits for individuals of all fitness levels. From burning calories and boosting cardiovascular health to building strength and reducing stress, indoor cycling provides a comprehensive workout that can be...

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Indoor cycling, also known as spinning, has gained tremendous popularity as a highly effective form of cardiovascular exercise. This stationary cycling workout offers a range of benefits for individuals of all fitness levels. From burning calories and boosting cardiovascular health to building strength and reducing stress, indoor cycling provides a comprehensive workout that can be customized to meet individual needs. This article explores the numerous benefits of indoor cycling, highlighting its impact on physical fitness, mental well-being, and overall health.

Physical Benefits Of Indoor Cycling 

Cardiovascular Health: Indoor cycling is a fantastic cardiovascular workout that increases heart rate, strengthens the heart, and improves blood circulation. Regular participation in indoor cycling classes can enhance cardiovascular endurance as well as reduce the risk of heart disease.

  • Calorie Burn and Weight Loss: Indoor cycling is an excellent calorie-burning exercise. Depending on factors such as intensity, duration, and body weight, it is possible to burn 400-800 calories per hour. In combination with a healthy diet, indoor cycling can aid in weight loss and weight management.
  • Lower Body Strength and Muscle Tone: Indoor cycling mainly targets the lower body muscles. This includes the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. The resistance applied during the workout helps build strength, endurance, and muscle tone in these areas. Regular cycling workouts can lead to toned legs and improved overall lower body strength.
  • Low Impact on Joints: Indoor cycling is a low-impact exercise that minimizes stress on the joints. Unlike activities like running or jumping, where the joints bear a significant load, indoor cycling provides a smooth and low-impact motion, making it suitable for people with joint issues or those seeking a joint-friendly workout option.
  • Improved Endurance and Stamina: Regular indoor cycling sessions challenge the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, increasing endurance and stamina. As individuals progress, they can adjust the intensity and duration of their workouts, pushing their limits and improving overall athletic performance.

Mental And Emotional Benefits Of Indoor Cycling

  • Stress Reduction: Indoor cycling is a great way to relieve stress and improve mental well-being. Engaging in a challenging workout releases endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones, leading to improved mood and reduced stress levels.
  • Mental Focus and Clarity: Indoor cycling requires concentration and mental focus, as participants focus on proper form, breathing, and adjusting resistance. This can help clear the mind, improve mental alertness, and provide a sense of accomplishment.
  • Increased Energy and Productivity: Regular indoor cycling workouts can boost energy levels and enhance overall productivity. The endorphin release and improved blood flow contribute to increased energy, allowing individuals to feel more energized and focused throughout the day.
  • Improved Sleep Quality: Engaging in regular exercise, including indoor cycling, has been linked to better sleep quality. The physical exertion and mental relaxation gained from a cycling workout can promote deeper and more restful sleep.
  • Sense of Community and Motivation: Participating in indoor cycling classes provides a sense of community and camaraderie. Sharing the workout experience with others can be motivating and create a supportive environment, increasing adherence and enjoyment.

Health Benefits Of Indoor Cycling

  • Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Regular aerobic exercise, such as indoor cycling, has been linked to a decreased risk of chronic diseases for example cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain kinds of cancer.
  • Improved Lung Function: The increased demand for oxygen during indoor cycling workouts can enhance lung function and capacity, leading to improved respiratory health.
  • Enhanced Immune System: Regular exercise has been shown to boost the immune system, reducing the likelihood of contracting common illnesses such as colds and flu. However, it is important to maintain proper hygiene practices to further protect against infections. Washing hands regularly, wiping down equipment before and after use, and avoiding crowded or poorly ventilated spaces are essential for maintaining hygiene during indoor cycling sessions.
  • Bone Health: Indoor cycling is a weight-bearing exercise that helps improve bone density and strength. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals at risk of osteoporosis or those seeking to maintain optimal bone health.
  • Reduced Blood Pressure and Improved Heart Health: Consistent participation in indoor cycling can help lower blood pressure and improve overall heart health. The cardiovascular workout strengthens the heart muscle, enhances circulation, and reduces the risk of hypertension.
  • Enhanced Metabolic Function: Regular indoor cycling sessions can boost metabolism and improve the body’s ability to utilize energy efficiently. This can lead to improved metabolic function, weight management, and better overall energy levels.
  • Balanced Cholesterol Levels: Engaging in aerobic exercises like indoor cycling has been shown to increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels while at the same time reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. This can contribute to improved heart health and a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Indoor cycling offers a multitude of physical, mental, and health benefits. From improving cardiovascular health and burning calories to reducing stress and boosting immune function, the advantages of indoor cycling are undeniable. By engaging in regular indoor cycling workouts and maintaining proper hygiene practices, individuals can experience enhanced physical fitness, mental well-being, and overall health. Whether you’re a newbie or experienced fitness enthusiast, incorporating indoor cycling into your exercise routine can be an enjoyable and effective way to achieve your fitness goals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become an indoor cycling instructor then you need to do our Indoor Cycling Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the physical benefits of indoor cycling?

Indoor cycling provides cardiovascular health improvements, calorie burn and weight loss, lower body strength and muscle tone, low impact on joints, and improved endurance and stamina.

How does indoor cycling benefit mental and emotional well-being?

Indoor cycling helps reduce stress, enhance mental focus and clarity, increase energy and productivity, improve sleep quality, and foster a sense of community and motivation.

What are the health benefits of indoor cycling?

Indoor cycling reduces the risk of chronic diseases, improves lung function, enhances the immune system, promotes bone health, lowers blood pressure, enhances metabolic function, and balances cholesterol levels.

Can indoor cycling contribute to weight loss and body toning?

Yes, indoor cycling is an effective calorie-burning exercise that aids in weight loss and promotes muscle toning, particularly in the lower body muscles.

How does indoor cycling support cardiovascular health?

Indoor cycling strengthens the heart, improves blood circulation, and enhances cardiovascular endurance, reducing the risk of heart disease and improving overall heart health.

 

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How Do Personal Trainers Create Workout Plans? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-personal-trainers-create-workout-plans/ Fri, 12 May 2023 06:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33281 Creating a personalized workout plan is one of the key services that a personal trainer provides. A workout plan involves designing a balanced and effective exercise program that meets the specific needs and goals of the individual. Personal trainers use a variety of methods to create workout plans, including conducting an assessment of the individual’s...

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Creating a personalized workout plan is one of the key services that a personal trainer provides. A workout plan involves designing a balanced and effective exercise program that meets the specific needs and goals of the individual. Personal trainers use a variety of methods to create workout plans, including conducting an assessment of the individual’s current fitness level, analysing their fitness goals, and providing education on exercise technique and proper form. In today’s article, we will discuss the process that personal trainers use to create workout plans and how they tailor these plans to meet the needs of each individual.

Assessment

The first step that a personal trainer takes when creating a workout plan is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s current fitness level. This includes gathering information about their exercise history, physical activity levels, and any medical conditions or injuries they may have. The assessment is important because it provides the personal trainer with a clear understanding of the individual’s unique fitness needs and allows them to tailor their workout plan to meet these needs.

Analysis

Once the assessment is complete, the personal trainer analyses the information gathered to determine the individual’s fitness goals. This involves identifying areas of strength and weakness, setting realistic and achievable goals, and establishing a timeline for achieving these goals. The personal trainer also considers any specific fitness needs or restrictions that the individual may have, such as a need for low-impact exercises or modifications due to injury. The analysis is important because it ensures that the workout plan provides the right balance of exercises for the individual’s needs.

Education

After completing the assessment and analysis, the personal trainer provides education on exercise technique and proper form. This may include information on the importance of warming up and cooling down, how to perform exercises safely and effectively, and how to modify exercises for individual needs. The personal trainer also discusses the importance of consistency and adherence to the workout plan and encourages the individual to track their progress and celebrate their successes. Education is a critical component of workout planning because it empowers the individual to make informed choices about their exercise routine and helps to ensure the long-term success of the workout plan.

Design

With all of the information gathered, analysed, and discussed, the personal trainer then designs a personalized workout plan for the individual. The workout plan includes a variety of exercises that target different muscle groups and fitness goals and is designed to be challenging and effective. The workout plan may include strength training exercises, cardiovascular exercises, and flexibility exercises, as well as suggested reps, sets, and rest times. The personal trainer may also provide guidance on how to progress the workout plan over time to ensure continued progress and results. The workout plan is tailored to the individual’s fitness level, preferences, and goals, and is designed to be sustainable and enjoyable.

Revision

Once the workout plan is implemented, the personal trainer monitors the individual’s progress and revises the plan as needed. This may involve adjusting the exercises, adding or removing certain exercises, or changing the frequency or intensity of the workout. The personal trainer may also provide ongoing education and support to help the individual maintain their exercise routine and reach their goals. Revision is an important part of the workout planning process because it ensures that the individual’s fitness needs are continually being met and that the workout plan is effective in achieving their goals.

Creating a personalized workout plan is a key service that personal trainers provide. The process involves assessing the individual’s current fitness level, analysing their fitness goals, providing education on exercise technique and proper form, designing a personalized workout plan, and revising the plan as needed. A workout plan is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle and can help individuals achieve their fitness and wellness goals. By working with a personal trainer to create a personalized workout plan, individuals can ensure that they are getting the right balance of exercises for their needs and can develop healthy exercise habits that last a lifetime.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What information do personal trainers need to create a personalized workout plan?

Personal trainers need to gather information about an individual’s exercise history, physical activity levels, fitness goals, and any medical conditions or injuries. This information allows the personal trainer to tailor the workout plan to meet the individual’s unique fitness needs and goals.

How do personal trainers determine an individual’s fitness goals?

Personal trainers determine an individual’s fitness goals by identifying areas of strength and weakness, setting realistic and achievable goals, and establishing a timeline for achieving these goals. The personal trainer also considers any specific fitness needs or restrictions that the individual may have.

What is the role of education in creating a workout plan?

Education is a critical component of workout planning because it empowers the individual to make informed choices about their exercise routine and helps to ensure the long-term success of the workout plan. Personal trainers provide education on exercise technique and proper form, as well as the importance of consistency and adherence to the workout plan.

How do personal trainers design a personalized workout plan?

After assessing an individual’s current fitness level, analysing their fitness goals, and providing education on exercise technique and proper form, personal trainers design a personalized workout plan that includes a variety of exercises that target different muscle groups and fitness goals. The workout plan is tailored to the individual’s fitness level, preferences, and goals and is designed to be challenging and effective.

How do personal trainers revise workout plans as needed?

Once the workout plan is implemented, personal trainers monitor an individual’s progress and revise the plan as needed. This may involve adjusting the exercises, adding or removing certain exercises, or changing the frequency or intensity of the workout. The personal trainer may also provide ongoing education and support to help the individual maintain their exercise routine and reach their goals. Revision is an important part of the workout planning process because it ensures that the individual’s fitness needs are continually being met and that the workout plan is effective in achieving their goals.

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How Can I Prevent Injuries While Exercising? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-i-prevent-injuries-while-exercising/ Thu, 11 May 2023 05:40:37 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33273 Injuries are a common risk associated with any physical activity, including exercise. Injuries can range anything from minor sprains and strains to more serious injuries like fractures or tears. These injuries can be frustrating and may interrupt your exercise routine or even prevent you from exercising altogether. Luckily, there are steps you are able to...

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Injuries are a common risk associated with any physical activity, including exercise. Injuries can range anything from minor sprains and strains to more serious injuries like fractures or tears. These injuries can be frustrating and may interrupt your exercise routine or even prevent you from exercising altogether. Luckily, there are steps you are able to take to prevent injuries while exercising. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key strategies for preventing injuries during exercise.

Warm-Up And Cool-Down

By far one of the most valuable ways to prevent exercise-related injuries is to properly warm up and cool down before and after your workout. A proper warm-up should consist of light aerobic exercises like jogging, jumping jacks, or skipping, followed by dynamic stretches. Dynamic stretching encompasses moving your muscles and joints through their full range of motion to increase flexibility and blood flow to the muscles.

A cool-down should also include light aerobic exercise to gradually bring your heart rate and breathing rate back to normal. Static stretches should be performed after the cool-down, which involves holding stretches for 20-30 seconds to help your muscles recover.

Start Slowly And Gradually Increase the Intensity

Another important strategy for preventing exercise-related injuries is to begin slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. This is particularly important if you are new to exercise or have been inactive for a long period of time. Attempting to do too much too soon can put excessive strain on your muscles and joints, leading to injury.

A great rule of thumb is to increase the intensity of your workouts by no more than 10% each week. This allows your body to adapt gradually to the increased demands of exercise and reduces the risk of injury.

Use Proper Form And Technique

Using proper form and technique during exercise is crucial for preventing injuries. Improper form and technique can put excessive stress on your muscles and joints, leading to strains, sprains, or tears.

If you are not sure about the proper form and technique for a particular exercise, think about working with a certified personal trainer or physical therapist. These professionals can provide guidance and feedback to help you perform exercises safely and effectively.

Wear Proper Footwear And Clothing

Wearing proper footwear and clothing is also important for preventing exercise-related injuries. Wearing supportive athletic shoes can help prevent ankle sprains and other foot injuries. Clothing should be loose-fitting and comfortable to allow for a full range of motion when you are exercising.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated during exercise is crucial for preventing injuries. Dehydration can result in muscle cramps, fatigue, and dizziness, increasing the risk of injury. Make sure that you drink a lot of water prior to, during, as well as after your workout in order to stay hydrated.

Listen To Your Body

One of the most crucial strategies for avoiding exercise-related injuries is to listen to your body. Pay close attention to any pain or discomfort during exercise and adjust your workout accordingly. If you experience pain or tenderness, stop the exercise immediately and rest. If the pain persists, seek medical attention.

Cross-Train

Cross-training is another effective strategy for preventing exercise-related injuries. Cross-training involves varying your workouts to include different types of exercises and activities. This helps to prevent overuse injuries by giving your muscles and joints a break from the repetitive motions of your regular workout.

Incorporate Rest And Recovery Days

Incorporating rest and recovery days into your workout routine is also important for preventing injuries. Rest and recovery days allow your muscles and joints to recover and repair from the stress of exercise. Be sure to take at least one or two rest days each week and listen to your body’s signals to avoid overtraining.

Get Enough Sleep

Finally, getting enough sleep is crucial for preventing exercise-related injuries. Sleep is the period of time when your body repairs and regenerates tissue, including muscle fibres that may have been damaged during exercise. Inadequate sleep can lead to fatigue, which can increase the risk of injuries. When you are fatigued, your reaction time is slower, your coordination is impaired, and your muscles may not be able to perform at their best. This can make you more prone to accidents and injuries. On the other hand, getting enough restorative sleep can help you feel refreshed, energized, and alert, which can reduce your risk of injuries during exercise. You should be aiming for between seven and nine hours of sleep each and every single night and prioritize getting quality sleep by creating a comfortable sleep environment, avoiding screens before bed, and establishing a regular sleep schedule.

Injuries can be a significant setback for anyone who exercises regularly. Luckily, there are a number of approaches that can help prevent exercise-related injuries. Proper warm-up and cool-down, gradually increasing intensity, using proper form and technique, wearing proper footwear and clothing, staying hydrated, listening to your body, cross-training, incorporating rest and recovery days, and getting enough sleep are all effective ways to prevent exercise-related injuries. By following these strategies, you can reduce your risk of injuries and enjoy a safe and effective workout routine. Remember to always prioritize safety and to listen to your body to avoid injuries and achieve your fitness goals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common injuries associated with exercise?

Injuries associated with exercise can range from minor sprains and strains to far more serious injuries like fractures or tears.

How can injuries during exercise interrupt an individual’s exercise routine?

Injuries during exercise can be frustrating and may interrupt an individual’s exercise routine or even prevent them from exercising altogether.

Is it possible to prevent injuries while exercising?

Yes, there are steps that can be taken to prevent injuries while exercising.

What are some of the key strategies for preventing injuries during exercise?

Key strategies for preventing injuries during exercise include proper warm-up and cool-down, gradually increasing intensity, using proper form and technique, wearing proper footwear and clothing, staying hydrated, listening to your body, cross-training, and incorporating rest and recovery days.

How can getting enough sleep help to prevent exercise-related injuries?

Getting enough sleep is crucial for preventing exercise-related injuries because it is the time when your body repairs and regenerates tissue, including muscle fibres that may have been damaged during exercise.

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Which Muscles Should I Foam Roll? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/which-muscles-should-i-foam-roll/ Wed, 10 May 2023 06:00:44 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33258 Foam rolling is a popular form of self-massage that can help alleviate muscle tension, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of injury. Foam rolling works by applying pressure to particular muscle groups, which helps to break up knots and trigger points and increase blood flow to the area. However, not all muscles are created equal...

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Foam rolling is a popular form of self-massage that can help alleviate muscle tension, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of injury. Foam rolling works by applying pressure to particular muscle groups, which helps to break up knots and trigger points and increase blood flow to the area. However, not all muscles are created equal when it comes to foam rolling. In this article, we’ll discuss which muscles you should foam roll and how to do it properly.

The Benefits Of Foam Rolling

Foam rolling can offer several benefits to athletes, gym-goers, and anyone looking to improve their overall physical health. Here are a number of the main benefits of foam rolling:

  • Alleviates muscle tension: Foam rolling can help release muscle tension and knots, which can reduce pain and improve range of motion.
  • Increases flexibility: Foam rolling can help improve flexibility by breaking up scar tissue as well as adhesions in the muscles.
  • Reduces risk of injury: Foam rolling can help reduce the risk of injury by improving joint mobility and range of motion.
  • Improves circulation: Foam rolling can help increase blood flow to the muscles, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
  • Enhances performance: Foam rolling can help improve performance by improving muscle function and reducing muscle soreness.

Which Muscles Should I Foam Roll?

While foam rolling can benefit many different muscle groups, some muscles are more prone to tension and tightness than others. Here are some of the key muscles you should foam roll:

Quads

The quadriceps are a grouping of four muscles that are located on the front of the thigh. They can become tight from activities such as running, cycling, and squatting. Foam rolling can help release tension in the quads and improve flexibility.

Hamstrings

The hamstrings are a collection of muscles that are situated at the back of the thigh. These muscles can become tight due to several factors, such as sitting for extended periods, running, or cycling. Tight hamstrings can lead to discomfort and affect your overall mobility. Fortunately, foam rolling can help alleviate this problem.

To foam roll your hamstrings, you will need a foam roller. Begin by sitting on the floor with the foam roller behind your knees. Put your hands on the floor behind you for support. Slowly roll the foam roller down the back of your legs until you reach the top of your calves. Roll back up to your knees and repeat the process for several repetitions.

As you foam roll, pay attention to any areas that feel particularly tight or tender. These are likely trigger points, and you should spend extra time rolling these areas. Be sure to apply light pressure initially, and gradually increase the pressure as your muscles start to relax. Remember to breathe deeply and slowly while foam rolling, as this helps to relax your muscles and increase blood flow to the area.

IT Band

The IT (iliotibial) band is a substantial band of tissue that runs along the outer aspect of the thigh. It can become tight from activities such as running and cycling. Foam rolling can help release tension in the IT band and improve flexibility.

Glutes

The glutes are the muscles located in the buttocks. They can become tight from activities such as sitting for extended periods and activities that involve a lot of hip flexion, such as running and cycling. Foam rolling can help release tension in the glutes and improve flexibility.

Back

The muscles of the back, which includes the erector spinae, can become tight from activities such as sitting for extended periods and poor posture. Foam rolling can help release tension in the back muscles and improve flexibility.

Calves

The calves are the muscles that are located on the back of the lower leg. They can become tight from activities such as running and jumping. Foam rolling can help release tension in the calves and improve flexibility.

How To Foam Roll Properly

Foam rolling is relatively simple, but there are some key tips to keep in mind to ensure that you’re doing it properly and effectively.

  • Begin slowly: Begin by applying light pressure to the muscle group you want to foam roll. Slowly increase the pressure as your muscles start to relax.
  • Focus on trigger points: As you foam roll, pay attention to any areas that feel particularly tight or tender. These are likely trigger points, and you should spend extra time rolling these areas.
  • Use proper form: Keep your body in a stable position and use your arms and legs to control the pressure on the foam roller. Avoid rolling too quickly or using your body weight to apply excessive pressure.

Breathe

It’s important to breathe deeply and slowly while foam rolling. This helps to relax your muscles and increase blood flow to the area.

  • Stay hydrated: Foam rolling can be dehydrating, so be sure that you drink a lot of water before and after your session to prevent muscle cramps and soreness.
  • Use different foam rolling techniques: Experiment with different foam rolling techniques to target different muscle groups and achieve optimal results. Some techniques to try including rolling, static holds, and dynamic stretches.
  • Incorporate foam rolling into your workout routine: Foam rolling is most effective when done regularly as part of your overall fitness routine. Consider incorporating foam rolling into your warm-up or cool-down routine before or after your workouts.
  • Consult with a professional: If you’re new to foam rolling or have any concerns about using it, consider consulting with a professional, such as a physical therapist or personal trainer. They can provide guidance on proper form and technique, as well as recommend specific foam rolling exercises based on your individual needs and goals.

Foam rolling is a beneficial practice for athletes, gym-goers, and anyone looking to improve their physical health. By targeting specific muscle groups, foam rolling can help alleviate muscle tension, improve flexibility, reduce the risk of injury, increase circulation, and enhance performance. The article highlights which muscles to foam roll and offers tips on how to do it properly, such as starting slowly, focusing on trigger points, using proper form, breathing, and staying hydrated. By including foam rolling into your workout routine and consulting with a professional if needed, you can reap the many benefits of this self-massage technique.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about foam rolling then you need to do our Foam Rolling Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some benefits of foam rolling?

Foam rolling can help alleviate muscle tension, increase flexibility, reduce the risk of injury, improve circulation, and enhance performance.

Which muscles should I foam roll?

Some of the key muscles to foam roll include the quads, hamstrings, IT band, glutes, back muscles, and calves.

How can foam rolling help reduce muscle tension?

Foam rolling can help release muscle tension and knots, which can reduce pain and improve range of motion.

How can foam rolling help improve flexibility?

Foam rolling can help improve flexibility by breaking up scar tissue – as well as adhesions – in the muscles.

What are some tips for proper foam rolling technique?

Some tips include starting slowly, focusing on trigger points, using proper form, breathing deeply, staying hydrated, using different foam rolling techniques, and incorporating foam rolling into your workout routine.

 

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What Are The Benefits Of Olympic Lifting Exercises? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-olympic-lifting-exercises/ Tue, 09 May 2023 06:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33246 Olympic lifting exercises, also known as weightlifting, have become more and more popular in the last couple of years as a way to improve athletic performance and overall fitness. These exercises involve lifting weights in a specific manner and require a high level of skill and technique. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of...

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Olympic lifting exercises, also known as weightlifting, have become more and more popular in the last couple of years as a way to improve athletic performance and overall fitness. These exercises involve lifting weights in a specific manner and require a high level of skill and technique. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of Olympic lifting exercises and why you should consider incorporating them into your fitness routine.

Increased Strength And Power

One of the primary benefits of Olympic lifting exercises is increased strength and power. These exercises target the major muscle groups in the body, including the legs, back, shoulders, and arms, and can help to build lean muscle mass. By increasing your overall strength and power, you can improve your athletic performance in other areas, such as running, jumping, and throwing.

Improved Speed And Explosiveness

Olympic lifting exercises offer numerous benefits beyond just improving explosive power. They can also lead to increased strength, endurance, and overall fitness. Here are some of the ways Olympic lifting exercises can benefit your body:

  • Increased Strength: Olympic lifting exercises are known for their ability to increase overall strength. These exercises work on multiple muscle groups simultaneously, leading to increased strength gains throughout the body. The snatch and clean and jerk exercises are particularly effective at targeting the legs, hips, back, and shoulders.
  • Improved Flexibility: Olympic lifting exercises require a high degree of flexibility to perform the movements correctly. Consistent practice of these exercises can lead to improved flexibility and range of motion in the hips, shoulders, and other joints.
  • Increased Power and Explosiveness: As mentioned earlier, Olympic lifting exercises require explosive power, which can lead to improved speed and agility in other areas of life. Regular practice of these exercises can also lead to increased power and explosiveness in other athletic endeavours, such as running, jumping, and throwing.
  • Improved Endurance: Olympic lifting exercises require a high level of cardiovascular endurance, as they require sustained effort over a short period of time. Regular practice of these exercises can lead to improved cardiovascular health and endurance.
  • Increased Bone Density: Weight-bearing exercises like Olympic lifting have been shown to boost bone density and lower the risk of osteoporosis. This is especially important for women, who are more susceptible to bone loss as they age.
  • Improved Body Composition: Olympic lifting exercises are highly effective at burning calories as well as building lean muscle mass. This can lead to improved body composition, with a drop in body fat and an increase in muscle mass.
  • Increased Mental Focus: Olympic lifting exercises require a high level of mental focus and concentration. Regular practice of these exercises can lead to improved mental focus and concentration in other areas of life, such as work or school.

Overall, Olympic lifting exercises offer numerous benefits for both the body and mind. They can improve strength, flexibility, power, endurance, and body composition, while also increasing mental focus and concentration. Integrating these exercises into your workout routine can lead to significant improvements in your overall fitness and health.

Increased Bone Density

Weightlifting has been shown to boost bone density, which can help to avoid osteoporosis and other bone-related disorders. Olympic lifting exercises, in particular, can help to encourage bone density in the spine and hips, which are common areas of weakness as we age.

Improved Posture And Balance

Olympic lifting exercises are not only beneficial for improving strength and power, but they also require a high level of balance and coordination. These qualities are essential for proper execution of the lifts and can also translate to improved posture and balance in other areas of your life.

The Olympic lifts, such as the snatch and clean and jerk, require a significant amount of stability and coordination to perform correctly. During these exercises, you must maintain a balanced and upright position while moving a heavy weight through various positions. This requires the activation of multiple muscle groups, including the core, glutes, and legs, which work together to maintain stability and balance.

As you train your body to perform these exercises, you may begin to notice improvements in your overall posture and balance. The muscles responsible for stabilizing your spine and pelvis during the lifts also play a crucial role in maintaining proper posture and balance throughout the day. By strengthening these muscles, you are able to improve your ability to stand upright, sit with proper alignment, and move with more ease.

Improved posture and balance can also have a significant impact on reducing your risk of falls and other injuries. As you age, maintaining proper balance and coordination becomes increasingly important for preventing falls, which can result in serious injuries. By incorporating Olympic lifting exercises into your fitness routine, you can improve your body’s ability to maintain stability and balance in various situations, reducing your risk of falls and other injuries.

Additionally, Olympic lifting exercises can be especially beneficial for athletes who take part in sports that require balance and coordination, such as gymnastics, martial arts, and dancing. The explosive power and stability required for the lifts can help athletes move with more speed and agility, improving their performance in their respective sports.

Increased Metabolism And Fat Loss

Weightlifting has been shown to increase metabolism, which can help you burn more calories and lose weight. Olympic lifting exercises, in particular, can be a highly effective way to increase metabolism and burn fat, as they require a high level of energy expenditure and can help to build lean muscle mass.

Improved Mental Health

Studies have shown that regular exercise, including Olympic lifting exercises, can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. The endorphins released during exercise can improve mood and provide a sense of well-being. Additionally, Olympic lifting exercises require mental focus and discipline, which can translate to increased self-confidence and self-esteem.

Another way that Olympic lifting exercises can improve mental health is by providing a sense of accomplishment and achievement. As you progress in your lifting abilities, you could feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, which can help to boost self-esteem and overall mental health.

Furthermore, Olympic lifting exercises can provide a sense of community and social support. Many Olympic lifting gyms offer a supportive environment where people are able to connect with others who share their passion for lifting. This sense of community can help to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can contribute to poor mental health.

It’s important to note that Olympic lifting exercises should not be utilised as a substitute for professional mental health treatment. However, incorporating these exercises into a comprehensive wellness plan can provide additional benefits to overall mental health.

Injury Prevention

Olympic lifting exercises can also help to prevent injuries via strengthening the muscles and connective tissues that support the joints. By improving your overall strength and stability, you can lower your risk of injury during other activities, such as running, jumping, and lifting.

Increased Endurance And Stamina

Olympic lifting exercises require a high level of endurance and stamina, which could translate to improved performance in other areas of your life. By increasing your overall endurance and stamina, you can improve your ability to perform physical tasks for longer periods of time, whether that’s running a marathon or playing a game of basketball.

Improved Overall Fitness

One of the main benefits of Olympic lifting exercises is their ability to improve strength. These exercises target the major muscle groups in the body, including the legs, back, shoulders, and arms. By lifting heavy weights with proper form, you can increase the strength of these muscles and improve your overall muscular endurance.

Another benefit of Olympic lifting exercises is their ability to improve power. Power is the capability to generate force quickly, and Olympic lifting exercises require a high level of explosive power. By practicing these exercises, you are able to improve your ability to produce maximum force in a short amount of time, which can translate to improved performance in other activities, such as sprinting or jumping.

In addition to strength and power, Olympic lifting exercises also require a high level of speed and agility. These exercises train your body to move quickly and with precision, improving your overall coordination and balance. By incorporating Olympic lifting exercises into your fitness routine, you can improve your speed and agility, leading to better overall athletic performance.

Olympic lifting exercises also require a high level of balance and coordination. These exercises require you to lift heavy weights while maintaining proper form and balance, which can improve your overall balance and stability. Via strengthening the muscles that support your spine and improving your overall balance, you can reduce your risk of falls and other injuries.

Moreover, Olympic lifting exercises have mental health benefits as well. These exercises can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase self-confidence and self-esteem. The intense focus required during Olympic lifting exercises can assist with clearing the mind and reduce stress levels. Additionally, the sense of accomplishment that comes from mastering these complex movements can boost self-confidence and self-esteem.

Finally, Olympic lifting exercises can help to improve your overall fitness by targeting multiple areas of the body and requiring a high level of skill and technique. By incorporating these exercises into your fitness routine, you can improve your overall fitness and health. These exercises challenge both the muscular and cardiovascular systems, improving overall endurance and stamina.

Olympic lifting exercises offer a wide range of benefits for individuals of all fitness levels. Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve your performance, or simply looking to improve your overall health and fitness, incorporating Olympic lifting exercises into your routine can help you achieve your goals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen to learn more about Olympic lifting, then you need to do our Olympic Lifting Course. Find out more by following this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

 

Coach.Me Fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the main benefits of Olympic lifting exercises?

Olympic lifting exercises can improve overall strength, power, and explosiveness, as well as enhance athletic performance and body composition.

Can Olympic lifting exercises help with weight loss?

Yes, Olympic lifting exercises can help with weight loss by increasing muscle mass and metabolism, and burning more calories during and after workouts.

Is Olympic lifting suitable for beginners?

Olympic lifting exercises can be challenging, but they can be adapted for beginners with proper instruction and a gradual increase in weight and intensity.

Are Olympic lifting exercises safe?

Olympic lifting exercises can be safe when performed with proper technique and under the guidance of a qualified coach or trainer.

Can Olympic lifting exercises improve mobility and flexibility?

Yes, Olympic lifting exercises require a high degree of mobility and flexibility, and consistent practice can improve these aspects of physical fitness.

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The Significance Of Rest And Recovery In A Comprehensive Fitness Routine? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-significance-of-rest-and-recovery-in-a-comprehensive-fitness-routine/ Mon, 08 May 2023 06:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33225 Rest and recovery are indispensable components of a comprehensive fitness routine. While exercise is critical for building strength, endurance, and overall health, it is equally important to give the body the opportunity to rest and recover from the stress of physical activity. In today’s article, we will have a look at the significance of rest...

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Rest and recovery are indispensable components of a comprehensive fitness routine. While exercise is critical for building strength, endurance, and overall health, it is equally important to give the body the opportunity to rest and recover from the stress of physical activity. In today’s article, we will have a look at the significance of rest and recovery in a comprehensive fitness routine and provide tips for optimizing your recovery.

What Is Rest And Recovery?

Rest and recovery are fundamental components of any comprehensive fitness routine. After physical activity, the body experiences stress and trauma at the cellular level, which can trigger the release of hormones for instance cortisol and adrenaline. While these hormones help the body to adapt to the stress of physical activity, they can also cause inflammation and damage to tissues. This is where rest and recovery come in.

Rest and recovery refer to the period of time during which the body repairs and rebuilds itself after physical activity. During this period, the body repairs damage to tissues and builds new tissues, resulting in stronger muscles, bones, and other tissues. Without adequate rest and recovery, the body may not be able to adapt to the stress of physical activity, which can lead to injury, fatigue, and burnout.

Rest and recovery are crucial for preventing injuries during physical activity. When the body experiences stress during exercise, it can result in microscopic tears in muscle fibres, which can cause soreness and inflammation. Without sufficient rest and recovery, the body may not be able to repair these tears, which can lead to more significant injuries over time.

Rest and recovery also play an essential role in improving overall fitness and performance. When the body has time to rest and recover, it can fully adapt to the stress of physical activity, resulting in increased strength, endurance, and overall fitness. Conversely, overtraining can be harmful to the body, leading to fatigue, injury, burnout, and a decrease in performance. Rest and recovery are very important for preventing overtraining and allowing the body to fully adapt to the stress of physical activity.

There are several ways to optimize rest and recovery during a comprehensive fitness routine. Getting adequate sleep is crucial for recovery, as it give the body time to repair and rebuild. Aim for at least between seven and eight hours of sleep per night to maximize the benefits of rest and recovery.

Incorporating active recovery, such as gentle yoga or light walking, can also help improve circulation and reduce muscle soreness. Active recovery can help you recover more quickly and feel better overall.

Proper nutrition is another essential component of rest and recovery. Make sure that you eat a balanced diet that includes a lot of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to repair and rebuild.

Staying hydrated is also essential for rest and recovery. Drink a lot of water throughout the day to help flush out toxins and provide your body with the hydration that is requires to function optimally.

Stretching and mobility work are also important for rest and recovery. Integrating stretching and mobility work into your routine can help improve flexibility, reduce muscle soreness, and aid in recovery.

The Importance Of Rest And Recovery

There are several reasons why rest and recovery are essential components of a comprehensive fitness routine:

  • Injury Prevention: Rest and recovery help prevent injuries by allowing the body time to repair and rebuild tissues. Without adequate recovery time, the body may become more susceptible to injury.
  • Improved Performance: Rest and recovery can also improve performance by allowing the body to fully adapt to the stress of physical activity. This can lead to increased strength, endurance, and overall fitness.
  • Reduced Fatigue: Rest and recovery can help reduce fatigue by allowing the body to recharge and restore energy levels. This can help improve motivation and overall well-being.
  • Mental Health Benefits: Rest and recovery can also provide mental health benefits by reducing stress and anxiety levels. This can help improve overall mood and mental well-being.

Optimizing Your Recovery

While rest and recovery are critical components of a comprehensive fitness routine, it’s also essential to optimize your recovery to get the most benefit from your rest periods. Here are some tips for optimizing your recovery:

  • Enough Sleep: Getting sufficient sleep is crucial for recovery. As we said previously, you should aim for at least between seven and eight hours of sleep per night to allow your body time to repair and rebuild.
  • Active Recovery: Active recovery, such as gentle yoga or light walking, can help improve circulation and reduce muscle soreness. Incorporating active recovery into your routine can help you recover more quickly and feel better overall.
  • Proper Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for recovery. Make sure that you eat a balanced diet which includes plenty of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to repair and rebuild.
  • Hydration: Staying hydrated is also essential for recovery. Drink plenty of water during the day in order to help flush out toxins and offer your body with the hydration it needs in order to function optimally.
  • Stretching and Mobility Work: Incorporating stretching and mobility work into your routine can help improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness. Stretching can also help improve circulation and aid in recovery.

Rest and recovery are crucial elements of any comprehensive fitness routine. After physical activity, the body experiences stress and trauma at the cellular level, which can lead to inflammation and damage to tissues. Rest and recovery provide the time and resources needed for the body to repair itself and build new tissues, resulting in stronger muscles, bones, and other tissues.

Injury prevention is one of the most significant benefits of rest and recovery. When the body experiences stress during exercise, it can result in microscopic tears in muscle fibres, which can cause soreness and inflammation. Without adequate rest and recovery, these tears may not heal properly, which can lead to more severe injuries over time.

In addition to injury prevention, rest and recovery can also improve performance. When the body has time to rest and recover, it can fully adapt to the stress of physical activity, resulting in increased strength, endurance, and overall fitness. Conversely, overtraining can be harmful, leading to fatigue, injury, burnout, and a decrease in performance.

Fatigue reduction is another benefit of rest and recovery. When the body is overworked and under-rested, it can lead to fatigue and decreased motivation. Taking time to rest and recover can help combat fatigue and restore energy levels.

Rest and recovery also provide mental health benefits. Physical activity can be stressful, and rest and recovery can help alleviate that stress by reducing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation. This can help improve mental clarity and overall well-being.

To optimize rest and recovery, proper nutrition is essential. Eating adequate protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats can provide the nutrients required to repair and rebuild tissues. Hydration is also critical, as water helps flush out toxins and provides the body with the hydration needed to function optimally.

Adequate sleep is another crucial component of rest and recovery. Sleep gives the body a lot of time to repair and rebuild, and it can also reduce stress and improve mental health. Go for at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night to maximize the benefits of rest and recovery.

Active recovery is also an effective way to optimize rest and recovery. Incorporating low-intensity activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga can help improve circulation, reduce muscle soreness, and aid in recovery. These activities can help you recover more quickly and feel better overall.

In addition to active recovery, stretching and mobility work can also aid in recovery. Stretching is able to help improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness, while mobility work can help improve joint health and lower the risk of injury.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is rest and recovery important in a comprehensive fitness routine?

Rest and recovery are very important components of a comprehensive fitness routine as they allow the body to repair and rebuild tissues, prevent injuries, improve performance, reduce fatigue, and provide mental health benefits.

What are some ways to optimize recovery during rest periods?

Some ways to optimize recovery include getting adequate sleep, incorporating active recovery, maintaining proper nutrition and hydration, stretching, and mobility work.

How does rest and recovery prevent injuries during physical activity?

Rest and recovery prevent injuries during physical activity by allowing the body time to repair and rebuild tissues. Without adequate recovery time, the body may become more susceptible to injury.

How does rest and recovery improve overall fitness and performance?

Rest and recovery can improve overall fitness and performance by allowing the body to fully adapt to the stress of physical activity. This can lead to increased strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

Can overtraining be harmful to the body?

Yes, overtraining can be harmful to the body. Overtraining can lead to fatigue, injury, burnout, and a decrease in performance. Rest and recovery are essential for avoiding overtraining and allowing the body to fully adapt to the stress of physical activity.

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What Are Some Advanced Battle Ropes Exercises? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-some-advanced-battle-ropes-exercises/ Fri, 05 May 2023 06:00:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33221 Battle ropes have become a popular tool for strength and conditioning training in recent years. They are an excellent way to build full-body strength, endurance, and power. While basic battle ropes exercises such as waves, slams, and circles are effective for building a foundation, advanced battle ropes exercises can take your workout to the next...

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Battle ropes have become a popular tool for strength and conditioning training in recent years. They are an excellent way to build full-body strength, endurance, and power. While basic battle ropes exercises such as waves, slams, and circles are effective for building a foundation, advanced battle ropes exercises can take your workout to the next level. In this article, we will explore some advanced battle ropes exercises that will challenge your strength and endurance.

Double Wave Snakes

The double wave snake is a challenging exercise that targets your upper body, core, and cardiovascular system. To perform this exercise, you will need two battle ropes of equal length. Begin by holding both ropes at your sides with your palms facing in. Raise both ropes simultaneously in a wave motion, and then bring them back down to the starting position. Next, bring the ropes out to the sides in a wave motion, and then back to the starting position. Repeat this movement pattern for several repetitions, focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm.

Jumping Jacks

Jumping jacks with battle ropes are an intense and effective way to take your workout to the next level. By combining the cardiovascular benefits of jumping jacks with the strength-building properties of battle ropes, you can target multiple muscle groups and achieve a full-body workout.

To perform jumping jacks with battle ropes, start by standing straight upright with your feet a distance of shoulder-width apart. Hold the battle ropes at your sides, making sure that your palms are facing inward. You should be gripping the ropes firmly, with your elbows close to your body.

Next, jump your feet out to the sides while simultaneously raising the ropes overhead. This movement should be explosive, with your legs and arms working together to generate power. As you jump, be sure to maintain good posture, keeping your core engaged and your back straight.

Once you have reached the top of the movement, with your arms extended overhead and your feet shoulder-width apart, jump your feet back together while simultaneously bringing the ropes back down to the starting position. Again, this movement should be explosive, with your legs and arms working together to generate power.

Repeat this movement pattern for several repetitions, focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm. In order for you to get the best out of this exercise, you should aim to perform it for at least 30 seconds at a time. As you become a lot more comfortable with the movement, you can increase the intensity by jumping higher and faster, or by adding more repetitions.

One of the main advantages of jumping jacks with battle ropes is that it engages multiple muscle groups at once. By jumping and lifting the ropes overhead, you are targeting your shoulders, arms, and back, while the jumping motion engages your legs and core. This makes it an excellent full-body workout that can assist you build strength and improve your cardiovascular fitness.

Another great benefit of this exercise is that it can be changed to suit your fitness level. If you are new to jumping jacks with battle ropes, you can start with a slower pace and lower intensity, gradually working your way up as you become more comfortable with the movement. Conversely, if you are already in good shape, you can challenge yourself by jumping higher and faster, or by increasing the duration of each set.

When performing jumping jacks with battle ropes, it is important to maintain proper form throughout the movement. This means keeping your core engaged, your back straight, and your elbows very close to your body. It is also important to breathe properly, exhaling as you jump and inhaling as you return to the starting position.

Alternating Waves With Burpees

This exercise combines two challenging movements to create a high-intensity workout. Begin by holding the battle ropes at your sides with your palms facing in. Perform alternating waves with the ropes, raising one rope while lowering the other. After several repetitions, drop the ropes and perform a burpee. Jump back up and immediately return to the alternating wave motion. Repeat this movement pattern for several repetitions, focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm.

Figure 8s

Figure 8s with battle ropes are a challenging exercise that targets your upper body and core. Begin by holding the battle ropes at your sides with your palms facing in. Cross the ropes in front of your body, then bring them down and around to the sides of your body. Cross the ropes again behind your body, then bring them up and around to the front of your body. Repeat this movement pattern for several repetitions, focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm.

Russian Twists

Russian twists with battle ropes are an effective exercise that targets your core and upper body. By combining the twisting motion of Russian twists with the resistance of battle ropes, you can challenge your muscles and improve your overall fitness.

To perform Russian twists with battle ropes, start by sitting on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Hold the battle ropes at chest height, making sure that your palms are facing inward. You should be gripping the ropes firmly, with your elbows close to your body.

Next, lean back slightly and twist your torso to the left while simultaneously lowering the ropes to your left side. This movement should be controlled, with your core engaged and your back straight. As you twist, be sure to keep your feet firmly on the ground and your hips stable.

Once you have reached the left side, twist back to the centre and raise the ropes back to chest height. Again, this movement should be controlled, with your core engaged and your back straight. Make sure that you exhale as you twist and breathe in as you go back to the starting position.

Repeat the same movement to the right side, twisting your torso and lowering the ropes to your right side. Again, be sure to maintain good form, keeping your core engaged and your back straight.

Repeat this movement pattern for several repetitions, focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm. To get the most out of this type of exercise, you should aim to perform it for at least half a minute at a time. As you become a lot more comfortable with the movement, you can increase the intensity by using heavier battle ropes or adding more repetitions.

One of the key benefits of Russian twists with battle ropes is that it engages multiple muscle groups at once. By twisting and lifting the ropes, you are targeting your obliques, abs, and back, while the stabilizing motion engages your shoulders, arms, and chest. This makes it an excellent full-body workout that can assist you build strength and improve your overall fitness.

Another great benefit of this exercise is that it can be adapted to suit your fitness level. If you are new to Russian twists with battle ropes, you can start with a slower pace and lower intensity, gradually working your way up as you become more comfortable with the movement. Conversely, if you are already in good shape, you can challenge yourself by using heavier battle ropes or increasing the duration of each set.

When performing Russian twists with battle ropes, it is important to maintain proper form throughout the movement. This means keeping your core engaged, your back straight, and your hips stable. It is also important to breathe properly, exhaling as you twist and inhaling as you return to the starting position.

Overhead Squats

Overhead squats with battle ropes are a challenging exercise which targets your legs, core, and upper body. Begin by holding the battle ropes at shoulder height with your palms facing in. Squat down as low as you are able to while simultaneously raising the ropes overhead. Return to the beginning position and repeat the movement pattern for several repetitions, focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm.

Sumo Squats With Waves

Sumo squats with waves are a challenging exercise that targets your legs, core, and upper body. Begin by holding the battle ropes at your sides with your palms facing in. Assume a wide stance with your feet pointing outwards. Squat down as low as you are possibly able to while simultaneously performing waves with the ropes. Return to the beginning position and repeat the movement pattern for several repetitions, focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm.

Advanced battle ropes exercises are an excellent way to challenge your strength and endurance while building full-body strength and power. These exercises target multiple muscle groups and require coordination and control, making them a great addition to any strength and conditioning program. Whether you are looking to improve your cardiovascular fitness or increase your muscle strength, incorporating these advanced battle ropes exercises into your workouts can take your fitness to the next level. So, challenge yourself with these exercises and see the results in your overall fitness and performance.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a battle ropes expert? If you do then it is very important to do our Battle Ropes Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ‘Double Wave Slam’ exercise with battle ropes?

The Double Wave Slam involves performing the standard Wave Slam exercise, but with both arms moving simultaneously. The goal is to create a larger, more forceful wave by using the strength of both arms at once.

What is the ‘Alternating Wave Lunge’ exercise with battle ropes?

The Alternating Wave Lunge is a combination exercise that involves performing alternating waves with the ropes while simultaneously stepping forward and backward in a lunge position. This exercise helps to increase leg strength and coordination while also providing a challenging cardio workout.

What is the ‘Snakes on the Floor’ exercise with battle ropes?

Snakes on the Floor involves placing the battle ropes on the ground in a straight line, and then creating a wavy motion by moving your hands up and down along the length of the ropes. This exercise engages the core, upper body, and lower body muscles while also improving balance and stability.

What is the ‘Power Slam’ exercise with battle ropes?

The Power Slam involves lifting the battle ropes above your head, then forcefully slamming them down to the ground. This exercise engages the core and upper body muscles, while also providing a cardio workout.

What is the ‘Crossover’ exercise with battle ropes?

The Crossover involves crossing the ropes in front of your body as you create waves. This exercise targets the muscles in the shoulders, chest, and upper back, while also improving coordination and stability.

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How Can I Stay Motivated During Personal Training Sessions? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-i-stay-motivated-during-personal-training-sessions/ Wed, 03 May 2023 06:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33194 Staying motivated during personal training sessions can be a challenge, particularly if you are a newbie to exercise or if you have been working out for a while and are experiencing a plateau in your progress. However, there are several strategies you can utilise to stay motivated and make the most out of your personal...

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Staying motivated during personal training sessions can be a challenge, particularly if you are a newbie to exercise or if you have been working out for a while and are experiencing a plateau in your progress. However, there are several strategies you can utilise to stay motivated and make the most out of your personal training sessions.

Set Clear Goals

One of the most effective ways to remain motivated during personal training sessions is to set clear and specific goals. Discuss your goals with your trainer, and work together to create a plan that will help you achieve them. Having a clear direction and purpose can help you stay focused and motivated, especially when you encounter obstacles or setbacks along the way.

When setting goals, it’s important to be specific and realistic. Rather than setting vague goals like “get in shape” or “lose weight,” set specific goals that are measurable and achievable. For example, you could set a goal to lose 10 pounds in two months, or to be able to run a 5k in well under 30 minutes. Your trainer can help you set goals that are tailored to your fitness level and interests and can help you create a plan that will help you achieve those goals.

Once you have set your goals, it’s important to regularly track your progress. This can assist you with staying motivated and focused on your goals and can provide a sense of accomplishment and empowerment when you achieve them. Your trainer can help you track your progress by measuring your weight, body fat percentage as well as other metrics, and by regularly evaluating your performance and progress towards your goals.

Having a plan in place can also help you stay motivated during personal training sessions. Your trainer can create a personalized workout plan that is tailored to your goals and fitness level and can help you stay on track by providing guidance and support throughout your sessions. This can assist you with feeling more confident and empowered during your workouts and can help you achieve your goals more quickly and effectively.

In addition to setting specific goals and creating a plan, it’s also important to stay positive and motivated during your personal training sessions. This can be challenging, especially if you encounter obstacles or setbacks along the way. However, staying positive and focused on your goals can help you overcome challenges and stay motivated throughout your fitness journey.

To stay positive and motivated, try to focus on the progress you are making rather than the setbacks or obstacles you encounter. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge the progress you are making each day. Remember that setbacks and plateaus are a normal part of the fitness journey, and that with the help of your trainer and a positive mindset, you can overcome them and achieve your goals.

Finally, it’s important to find ways to make your personal training sessions enjoyable and engaging. This can assist you with remaining motivated and make the most out of your workouts. Consider trying new exercises or equipment, or working out with a friend or family member who has similar fitness goals as you. You can also try setting up challenges or competitions with your trainer or other gym members to keep your workouts fun and engaging.

Find A Workout Buddy

Having a workout buddy can be a fantastic way to stay motivated and accountable during your personal training sessions. Consider partnering up with a friend or family member who has similar fitness goals as you. You can encourage each other, provide support, and hold each other accountable for coming to your training sessions.

Mix Up Your Workouts

Doing exactly the same workout routine repeatedly can lead to boredom and decreased motivation, which can hinder progress towards your fitness goals. A great way to stay motivated during your personal training sessions is by mixing up your workouts. Trying new exercises or incorporating different equipment into your routine can keep your workouts fresh and exciting.

Your personal trainer can help you create a varied and challenging workout plan that will keep you engaged and motivated. They can introduce new exercises, equipment, and workout styles to help you achieve your fitness goals. For example, if you have been doing the same weight lifting routine for several months, your trainer might suggest incorporating high-intensity interval training or plyometric exercises to mix things up.

Trying new exercises or equipment can also challenge your body in new ways, which can lead to greater physical gains. When you perform the same exercises over and over, your body adapts and becomes more efficient, which can lead to diminished results over time. By incorporating new exercises or equipment, you can challenge your muscles in novel ways, which can lead to greater gains in strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

Mixing up your workouts can also prevent injury. When you perform the same exercises over and over, you can develop muscle imbalances or overuse injuries. By incorporating new exercises or equipment, you can reduce your risk of injury and promote greater overall health and fitness.

Another benefit of mixing up your workouts is that it can help prevent boredom and keep you engaged and motivated. Doing the same workout routine every single day can become monotonous and boring, which can decrease motivation and hinder progress towards your fitness goals. By trying new exercises or equipment, you are able to keep your workouts fresh and exciting, which can increase motivation and keep you on track towards achieving your fitness goals.

Celebrate Your Progress

Applauding your progress can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals. Take time to acknowledge your achievements, whether it’s hitting a new personal best, losing weight, or feeling more energized and confident. Celebrating your progress can assist you with remaining motivated and remind you of why you began your fitness journey in the first place.

Focus On The Process, Not Just The Outcome

Focusing solely on the end result can be overwhelming and demotivating, especially if you have a long-term goal that may take some time to achieve. Instead, focus on the process and the small steps you can take each day to move closer to your goal. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge the progress you are making each day.

Keep A Workout Journal

Keeping a workout journal can be a powerful tool for staying motivated during personal training sessions. Write down your workouts, goals, and progress, and reflect on your journey. Seeing your progress in writing can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

Visualize Success

Visualization is a very powerful tool that can help you stay motivated and fixed on your goals. Take some time before your personal training sessions to visualize yourself achieving your goals and performing your workout with confidence and energy. This can help you with staying motivated and focused during your session.

Get Enough Rest And Recovery

Rest and recovery are crucial for staying motivated and making progress during personal training sessions. Ensure that you are getting enough sleep and take rest days when needed. Your trainer can help you create a workout plan that includes appropriate rest and recovery periods to help you avoid burnout and stay motivated.

Staying motivated during personal training sessions is essential for achieving your fitness goals. By setting clear goals, finding a workout buddy, mixing up your workouts, celebrating your progress, focusing on the process, keeping a workout journal, visualizing success, and getting enough rest and recovery, you can stay motivated and make the most out of your personal training sessions. Remember that staying motivated is a journey, and it’s okay to experience setbacks or plateaus along the way. With the help of your personal trainer and a positive mindset, you can stay on track and achieve your fitness goals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

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What Safety Precautions Should Be Taken When Using Suspension Trainers? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-safety-precautions-should-be-taken-when-using-suspension-trainers/ Tue, 02 May 2023 06:00:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33146 Suspension training is a popular and effective exercise method that utilizes a suspension trainer, which consists of two adjustable straps or ropes with handles that can be attached to an anchor point. While suspension training offers many benefits, it is important to take certain safety precautions to minimize the risk of injury. Here are a...

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Suspension training is a popular and effective exercise method that utilizes a suspension trainer, which consists of two adjustable straps or ropes with handles that can be attached to an anchor point. While suspension training offers many benefits, it is important to take certain safety precautions to minimize the risk of injury.

Here are a couple of safety precautions to take when using suspension trainers.

Check The Equipment Before Use

Before using the suspension trainer, check the straps or ropes, carabiners, and anchor point for any signs of wear or damage. Make sure the equipment is in good condition and properly secured before use.

Adjust The Height

Adjusting the height of the suspension trainer is an important safety precaution to take when using this exercise method. The height of the trainer should be adjusted to a level that is comfortable and safe for the user.

To start, the handles of the suspension trainer should be adjusted to waist height. This ensures that the user can comfortably grip the handles and perform exercises without placing undue stress on the shoulders or other joints.

The straps or ropes of the suspension trainer should also be adjusted to the appropriate length for the exercise being performed. This will help to ensure that the user is properly supported and can perform exercises with proper form and technique.

For example, if performing an exercise that requires the user to be in a kneeling position, the straps or ropes should be adjusted to a shorter length to ensure that the user is properly supported and can perform the exercise with proper form.

Conversely, if performing an exercise that requires the user to be in a standing position, the straps or ropes should be adjusted to a longer length to ensure that the user can comfortably perform the exercise and maintain proper form.

It is important to note that the appropriate height and length of the suspension trainer may vary depending on the user’s height, weight, and fitness level. It could take some trial and error in order to find the right height and length for each exercise, but taking the time to adjust the suspension trainer properly can help to prevent injuries and ensure a safe and effective workout.

Additionally, when adjusting the height and length of the suspension trainer, it is important to ensure that the anchor point is secure and can support the weight of the user and the trainer. The anchor point should be attached to a sturdy structure, such as a beam or pole, and should be able to support the weight of the user and the trainer without slipping or moving.

Use Proper Form

Proper form is important when performing exercises on a suspension trainer. The core should be engaged, and the body should be in a very straight line from your head to toe. Avoid arching or rounding the back and keep the shoulders down as well as away from your ears.

Start With Easier Exercises

For individuals who are new to suspension training, it is important to start with easier exercises and gradually progress to more challenging exercises. This approach can help to minimize the risk of injury and ensure that the body is properly prepared for the more demanding exercises.

Beginners should focus on mastering basic exercises that target the core muscles and promote stability, such as planks, push-ups, and rows. These exercises can be modified in order to make them simpler or more challenging, depending on the individual’s fitness level.

For example, beginners can perform modified push-ups with the suspension trainer by keeping their feet on the ground and using the trainer for support, gradually progressing to full push-ups with the feet elevated.

As the person becomes more comfortable with the basic exercises, they can gradually progress to more challenging exercises that target other muscle groups and promote full-body strength and stability. Examples of these exercises include squats, lunges as well as pull-ups.

It is important to note that proper form and technique are essential when performing suspension training exercises, especially for beginners. This can help to prevent injuries and ensure that the exercises are effective in building strength and stability.

To ensure proper form, beginners should focus on engaging the core muscles throughout each exercise, maintaining the shoulders down and then away from your ears. Avoid excessive arching or rounding of the back.

In addition to starting with easier exercises and focusing on proper form, beginners should also use appropriate resistance and avoid overtraining. Utilising too much resistance can increase the risk of injury, while overtraining can lead to fatigue and decreased performance.

It is also important for beginners to wear proper footwear that provides stability and support during exercises. Shoes with a non-slip sole and good arch support can help to prevent slips and falls and provide stability during exercises.

Lastly, beginners should consult with a healthcare provider prior to starting a new exercise program, particularly if they are suffering from any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries. A healthcare provider can help to determine whether suspension training is safe and appropriate for the individual’s specific needs and fitness level.

Use Appropriate Resistance

The resistance used during suspension training should be appropriate for the user’s strength and fitness level. Utilising too much resistance can increase the risk of injury, while using too little resistance may not provide enough of a challenge.

Avoid Overtraining

Overtraining can increase the risk of injury and lead to muscle fatigue and decreased performance. It is important to allow for proper rest and recovery between workouts and to avoid performing too many exercises in a single workout.

Use Proper Footwear

Proper footwear is essential when using suspension trainers as exercises typically involve balancing and stability. Wearing shoes with a flat, non-slip sole can help to prevent slips and falls and provide better stability during exercises.

Shoes with a flat sole are preferred as they help to maintain a stable base of support during exercises. Shoes that have an elevated heel can alter the natural alignment of the body and increase the risk of injury. A non-slip sole is also important as it provides better grip on the floor or mat and can assist with preventing slips and falls, particularly during exercises that involve jumping or dynamic movements.

It is very important to choose shoes that fit properly and offer adequate support for the feet. Shoes which are far too tight or too loose can increase the risk of blisters and other foot injuries, while shoes that do not provide adequate support can lead to foot fatigue and discomfort.

When selecting shoes for suspension training, consider shoes designed for cross-training, weightlifting, or other similar activities. These types of shoes often have a flat, non-slip sole and provide ample support and stability for the feet.

Finally, it is important to regularly check the condition of your shoes and replace them when they become worn or damaged. Worn-out shoes can decrease the level of support and stability provided, increasing the risk of injury.

Avoid Extreme Positions

Extreme positions, such as deep squats or lunges, can put quite a lot of stress on the joints and increase the risk of injury. It is important to avoid extreme positions and to focus on proper form and technique.

Listen To Your Body

It is important to listen carefully to your body and immediately stop exercising if you feel pain or discomfort. Pushing through pain can increase the risk of injury and lead to further complications.

Consult With A Healthcare Provider

Before starting any new exercise program, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider, particularly if you have a history of joint or back problems.

Suspension training is a highly effective exercise method that offers many benefits for improving strength, flexibility, and balance. However, it is important to take certain safety precautions to minimize the risk of injury. By checking equipment, using proper form, starting with easier exercises, using appropriate resistance, and avoiding overtraining, individuals can enjoy the benefits of suspension training while minimizing the risk of injury.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about suspension training, then you need to do our Suspension Training Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

Coach.Me Fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is suspension training?

Suspension training is a type of exercise that utilizes a suspension trainer, which consists of two adjustable straps or ropes with handles that can be attached to an anchor point.

What are the benefits of suspension training?

Suspension training offers many benefits for improving strength, flexibility, and balance.

What are some safety precautions you need to take when using suspension trainers?

Some safety precautions to take when using suspension trainers include checking the equipment before use, adjusting the height, using proper form, starting with easier exercises, using appropriate resistance, avoiding overtraining, using proper footwear, avoiding extreme positions, and consulting with a healthcare provider.

Why is it important to use proper form when using suspension trainers?

Proper form is important when performing exercises on a suspension trainer to avoid arching or rounding the back and to keep the shoulders down and away from the ears.

What should you do if you experience pain or discomfort during suspension training?

If you experience pain or discomfort during suspension training, it is important to listen to your body and stop exercising. Pushing through pain can increase the risk of injury and lead to further complications.

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How Can Suspension Training Improve Core Strength And Stability? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-suspension-training-improve-core-strength-and-stability/ Tue, 02 May 2023 05:00:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33143 Suspension training is a type of exercise that utilizes a suspension trainer, which consists of two adjustable straps or ropes with handles that can be attached to an anchor point. This type of training is gaining popularity due to its effectiveness in improving core strength and stability. The unstable nature of the suspension trainer requires...

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Suspension training is a type of exercise that utilizes a suspension trainer, which consists of two adjustable straps or ropes with handles that can be attached to an anchor point. This type of training is gaining popularity due to its effectiveness in improving core strength and stability.

The unstable nature of the suspension trainer requires the core muscles to work harder to maintain balance and control during exercises. This, in turn, leads to increased strength and stability in the core. The core muscles include the rectus abdominis, obliques, transverse abdominis, and erector spinae. These muscles work together to stabilize the spine, pelvis, and rib cage, and play a crucial role in maintaining proper posture and alignment.

A weak or unstable core can lead to poor posture, back pain, and an increased risk of injury. Poor posture can cause muscle imbalances and place undue stress on the spine and joints. This can lead to chronic pain and a decreased ability to perform daily activities. An unstable core can also increase the risk of injury during physical activity, as the body is less able to withstand the stresses placed on it.

By using a suspension trainer, individuals can target the core muscles directly and improve core strength and stability. Suspension training can be highly effective for improving core strength and stability because it requires the core muscles to work harder to maintain balance and control during exercises. The unstable nature of the suspension trainer means that the core muscles are constantly engaged, even during exercises that may not typically target the core muscles directly.

Some common exercises that can be done using suspension trainers to improve core strength and stability include plank variations, knee tucks, mountain climbers, pike variations, and side crunches. Plank variations involve holding a plank position while suspended from the suspension trainer, which targets the rectus abdominis and obliques. Knee tucks involve bringing the knees towards the chest while maintaining a plank position, targeting the rectus abdominis and obliques. Mountain climbers involve bringing the knees towards the chest in a running motion, targeting the rectus abdominis and obliques. Pike variations involve bringing the hips towards the chest while maintaining a plank position, targeting the rectus abdominis. Side crunches involve bringing the elbow towards the hip in a side plank position, targeting the obliques.

In addition to targeting the core muscles directly, suspension training can also improve core stability and control by incorporating full-body exercises that require the core muscles to work in conjunction with other muscle groups. For example, exercises such as squats, lunges, and push-ups can be performed on a suspension trainer, pushing the core muscles to work harder to maintain balance and control during the movements.

It is important to preserve proper form and technique during exercises to avoid injury when using a suspension trainer. Engaging the core muscles throughout the movement, maintaining a neutral spine, and avoiding excessive arching or rounding of the back are essential to avoid injury. Starting with easier exercises and gradually progressing to more challenging exercises as strength and stability improve is also important to minimize the risk of injury and ensure that the core muscles are properly strengthened and stabilized.

How Suspension Training Targets The Core

Suspension training can target the core muscles in a variety of ways, including:

  • Plank variations: Plank variations, such as the standard plank, side plank, and reverse plank, are highly effective for strengthening the core muscles. By performing these exercises on a suspension trainer, the instability of the trainer forces the core muscles to work harder to preserve balance and control.
  • Knee tucks: Knee tucks involve bringing the knees towards the chest while maintaining a plank position. This exercise targets the rectus abdominis and obliques, and can be made more challenging by increasing the angle of the body relative to the ground.
  • Mountain climbers: Mountain climbers involve bringing the knees towards the chest in a running motion. This exercise targets the rectus abdominis and obliques, and can be made more challenging by increasing the speed and range of motion.
  • Pike variations: Pike variations involve bringing the hips towards the chest while maintaining a plank position. This exercise targets the rectus abdominis and can be made more challenging by increasing the angle of the body relative to the ground.
  • Side crunches: Side crunches involve bringing the elbow towards the hip in a side plank position. This exercise targets the obliques and can be made more challenging by increasing the range of motion.

Improve Core Stability

Suspension training is a highly effective method for improving core strength and stability. By utilizing the unstable nature of the suspension trainer, individuals can target the core muscles directly and improve core strength and stability. However, suspension training can also improve core stability and control by incorporating full-body exercises that require the core muscles to work in conjunction with other muscle groups.

Exercises such as squats, lunges, and push-ups can be performed on a suspension trainer, compelling the core muscles to work harder to maintain balance and control during the movements. This is because the suspension trainer creates an unstable surface that forces the body to constantly adjust and stabilize itself. This, in turn, leads to improved core stability and control.

Squats are an excellent example of an exercise that can be performed on a suspension trainer to improve core strength and stability. Squats are a compound exercise which work multiple muscle groups, involving the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core. By performing squats on a suspension trainer, the core muscles are targeted directly, as they must work harder to maintain balance and control during the movement. This can lead to improved core strength and stability, as well as improved overall strength and functional fitness.

Lunges are another exercise that can be performed on a suspension trainer to improve core strength and stability. Lunges are also a compound exercise that work multiple muscle groups, such as the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core. By performing lunges on a suspension trainer, the core muscles are targeted directly, as they must work harder to maintain balance and control during the movement. This can lead to improved core strength and stability, as well as improved overall strength and functional fitness.

Push-ups are a third exercise that can be performed on a suspension trainer to improve core strength and stability. Push-ups are a compound exercise that work a number of different muscle groups, including the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. By performing push-ups on a suspension trainer, the core muscles are targeted directly, as they must work harder to maintain balance and control during the movement. This can lead to improved core strength and stability, as well as improved overall strength and functional fitness.

To maximize the benefits of suspension training for core strength and stability, it is important to maintain proper form and technique during exercises. This includes engaging the core muscles throughout the movement, maintaining a neutral spine, and avoiding excessive arching or rounding of the back. Proper form and technique are essential to avoid injury and ensure that the core muscles are properly strengthened and stabilized.

It is also important to start with easier exercises and gradually progress to more challenging exercises as strength and stability improve. This can help to minimize the risk of injury and ensure that the core muscles are properly strengthened and stabilized. Starting with easier exercises also allows individuals to focus on proper form and technique before moving on to more challenging exercises.

Suspension training is a highly effective way to improve core strength and stability. By incorporating exercises that target the core muscles directly and full-body exercises that require the core muscles to work in conjunction with other muscle groups, suspension training can help to improve posture, reduce the risk of injury, and boost overall strength and stability in the core.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about suspension training, then you need to do our Suspension Training Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Onlne CPD course

Coach.Me Fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is suspension training and how does it improve core strength and stability?

Suspension training is a type of exercise that utilizes a suspension trainer to work against gravity and create an unstable surface, which challenges the core muscles to work harder to maintain balance and control. By performing exercises on a suspension trainer, such as planks and knee tucks, the core muscles are targeted directly, leading to improved core strength and stability.

What are the benefits of using suspension training to improve core strength and stability?

The benefits of using suspension training to improve core strength and stability include improved posture, reduced risk of injury, increased overall strength and stability in the core, and improved functional fitness.

What are some common exercises that can be done using suspension trainers to improve core strength and stability?

Some common exercises that can be done using suspension trainers to improve core strength and stability include plank variations, knee tucks, mountain climbers, pike variations, and side crunches.

How can suspension training be incorporated into an existing workout routine to improve core strength and stability?

Suspension training can be incorporated into an existing workout routine by adding it as a supplementary exercise, or by using suspension trainers for full-body exercises such as squats, lunges, and push-ups. It is important to start with easier exercises and gradually progress to more challenging exercises as strength and stability improve.

Are there any precautions which should be taken when using suspension trainers to improve core strength and stability?

It is important to maintain correct form and technique during exercises to avoid injury, engage the core muscles throughout the movement, maintain a neutral spine, and avoid excessive arching or rounding of the back. It is also important to start with easier exercises and gradually progress to more challenging exercises as strength and stability improve.

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Are Kettlebell Exercises Safe For People With Back Problems? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/are-kettlebell-exercises-safe-for-people-with-back-problems/ Fri, 28 Apr 2023 06:00:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33134 Kettlebell exercises have become increasingly popular over the years, and for good reason. They offer a unique and effective way to build strength, improve mobility, and increase cardiovascular fitness. However, for people with back problems, there may be concerns about the safety of using kettlebells. In today’s article, we will explore the safety of kettlebell...

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Kettlebell exercises have become increasingly popular over the years, and for good reason. They offer a unique and effective way to build strength, improve mobility, and increase cardiovascular fitness. However, for people with back problems, there may be concerns about the safety of using kettlebells.

In today’s article, we will explore the safety of kettlebell exercises for people with back problems, including the benefits and risks, and some precautions that should be taken.

What Are Kettlebells?

Kettlebells are a kind of free weight that has been gaining popularity in recent years. These cast-iron weights have a unique design that resembles a cannonball with a handle, and they have a rich history which can be traced back to Russia. Kettlebells have been used for centuries as a tool for improving strength, endurance, and overall fitness, and they continue to be a very popular choice for people looking to improve their physical abilities.

Kettlebell exercises are a form of resistance training that involve swinging, lifting, and pressing the weight in various ways. These exercises typically focus on engaging the core, hips, and legs, which makes them an excellent tool for developing functional strength and improving overall body coordination. Because kettlebells require the use of multiple muscle groups simultaneously, they can be a highly effective way to build strength and endurance.

One of the unique features of kettlebell exercises is that they require a lot of movement and momentum, which can make them challenging for beginners. However, with practice and proper technique, kettlebell exercises can be a very effective way to improve overall fitness. In fact, many people find that using kettlebells helps to improve their posture, balance, and overall athletic performance.

One of the key benefits of kettlebell exercises is that they can help to improve overall body composition. This is because these exercises require a lot of energy and can burn a significant number of calories during a very short period of time. In addition, kettlebell exercises can help to build muscle and increase metabolism, which can result in improved body composition over time.

Another benefit of kettlebell exercises is that they can help to improve cardiovascular fitness. Because these exercises require a lot of energy and exertion, they can be an effective way to increase heart rate as well as improve cardiovascular health. In fact, many people find that incorporating kettlebell exercises into their fitness routine helps to improve their endurance and overall cardiovascular fitness.

Despite the numerous benefits of kettlebell exercises, there are some potential risks that should be considered. One of the most considerable risks is the potential for injury. Because kettlebell exercises require a lot of movement and momentum, they can put a lot of strain on the muscles and joints. This can increase the risk of strains, sprains, and other types of injuries. Additionally, because kettlebell exercises require a lot of energy and exertion, they can put significant stress on the cardiovascular system, particularly for people who are not used to high-intensity exercise.

For people with back problems, there may be additional concerns about the safety of kettlebell exercises. This is because these exercises can put a lot of stress on the lower back, which can exacerbate existing back problems or cause new ones. However, with proper technique and precautions, kettlebell exercises can still be safely incorporated into a fitness routine for people with back problems. Some of these precautions include consulting with a healthcare provider, starting slowly and gradually building up intensity, using proper form, avoiding high-impact exercises, and choosing an appropriate weight.

Benefits Of Kettlebell Exercises

There are many benefits to incorporating kettlebell exercises into your fitness routine, including:

  • Increased strength: Kettlebell exercises involve using multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making them a highly effective way to build strength.
  • Kettlebell exercises can be highly effective in improving cardiovascular fitness. Due to their high-intensity nature, these exercises require a lot of energy and can quickly elevate heart rate. This increased heart rate can help to improve the strength and endurance of the cardiovascular system over time.

During kettlebell exercises, the body is required to work hard to move the weight and generate power. This means that the heart and lungs must work harder to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, which can lead to improvements in cardiovascular health. Additionally, the high-intensity nature of kettlebell exercises can help to increase metabolism, leading to increased calorie burning and potential weight loss.

When performing kettlebell exercises to improve cardiovascular fitness, it is very important to begin slowly and slowly build up intensity and duration over time. This can help to prevent injury and ensure that the body has time to adapt to the new exercise. In addition, it is important to maintain proper form throughout the exercise to ensure that the muscles are engaged properly and that the risk of injury is minimized.

  • Improved mobility: Many kettlebell exercises encompass movements that require a full range of motion, which can help to improve flexibility and mobility.
  • Improved body composition: Kettlebell exercises are a great way to burn fat and build muscle, which can help to improve body composition.
  • Kettlebell exercises can have a significant impact on overall fitness, including improvements in strength, endurance, mobility, and flexibility. These exercises require the use of multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making them highly effective in building functional strength and improving overall body coordination.

In addition to strength, kettlebell exercises can also improve endurance by requiring the body to work hard and generate power for sustained periods. This can lead to improvements in cardiovascular health and increased endurance over time.

Furthermore, many kettlebell exercises require a full range of motion, which can help to improve flexibility and mobility. This increased range of motion can help to prevent injuries and improve overall physical performance.

Risks Of Kettlebell Exercises

While there are many benefits to using kettlebells, there are also some risks that should be considered, particularly for people with back problems. Some of the risks include:

  • Strains and sprains: Kettlebell exercises involve a lot of movement and can put a lot of strain on the muscles as well as the joints. This can increase the risk of strains and sprains.
  • Back pain: Kettlebell exercises can put a lot of stress on the lower back, which can exacerbate existing back problems or cause new ones.
  • Joint pain: Kettlebell exercises can also put stress on the joints, particularly the shoulders, wrists, and knees.
  • Cardiovascular stress: Kettlebell exercises can be very intense and can place a lot of stress on the cardiovascular system, particularly for people who are not used to high-intensity exercise.

Precautions For People With Back Problems

If you have back problems, there are some precautions that should be taken before incorporating kettlebell exercises into your fitness routine. Some of these precautions include:

  • Chat to a healthcare provider: Prior to beginning any new exercise program, it is very important to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have a history of back problems.
  • Start slowly: It is important to start slowly and gradually build up intensity and volume over time. This can help to minimize the risk of injury and allow your body to adapt to the new exercise.
  • Utilise proper form: Proper form is essential when performing kettlebell exercises, particularly for people with back problems. This includes maintaining a neutral spine, engaging the core, and using the hips and legs to generate power.
  • Avoid high-impact exercises: High-impact exercises, such as kettlebell swings, can place a lot of stress on the lower back and should be avoided by people with back problems.
  • Choose appropriate weight: It is important to choose an appropriate weight when using kettlebells. Utilising a weight that is too heavy can increase the risk of injury, particularly for people with back problems.

Kettlebell exercises can be a great addition to a fitness routine, providing numerous benefits such as increased strength, improved cardiovascular fitness, and improved overall fitness. However, people with back problems should take precautions before incorporating kettlebell exercises into their routine due to the risk of strains, sprains, back pain, joint pain, and cardiovascular stress. Consulting with a healthcare provider, starting slowly, using proper form, avoiding high-impact exercises, and choosing an appropriate weight are some precautions that should be taken. By following these precautions, people with back problems can safely enjoy the benefits of kettlebell exercises.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become a kettlebell instructor? If you do then you need to do our Kettlebell Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are kettlebell exercises safe for people with back problems?

Answer: While kettlebell exercises can provide numerous benefits, they can also put a lot of stress on the lower back, which can exacerbate existing back problems or cause new ones. Therefore, people with back problems should take precautions before incorporating kettlebell exercises into their routine.

What are some precautions that people with back problems should take before doing kettlebell exercises?

Answer: People with back problems should consult with a healthcare provider, start slowly and gradually build up intensity, use proper form, avoid high-impact exercises, and choose an appropriate weight when doing kettlebell exercises.

What are some benefits of kettlebell exercises?

Answer: Kettlebell exercises can help to increase strength, improve cardiovascular fitness, improve mobility and flexibility, and improve overall body composition.

What are some risks of kettlebell exercises?

Answer: Kettlebell exercises can put a lot of strain on the muscles as well as the joints. This can increase the risk of strains and sprains. They can also put stress on the lower back and joints, and cause cardiovascular stress, particularly for people who are not used to high-intensity exercise.

Can people with back problems still do kettlebell exercises?

Answer: People with back problems can still do kettlebell exercises, but they should take precautions to avoid exacerbating their condition. By consulting with a healthcare provider, starting slowly, using proper form, avoiding high-impact exercises, and choosing an appropriate weight, people with back problems can safely enjoy the benefits of kettlebell exercises.

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How Often Should I Incorporate Kettlebell Exercises Into My Workout Routine? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-often-should-i-incorporate-kettlebell-exercises-into-my-workout-routine/ Fri, 28 Apr 2023 06:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33138 Kettlebell exercises can be a highly effective way to improve overall fitness, including strength, endurance, mobility, and flexibility. However, the frequency with which kettlebell exercises should be incorporated into a workout routine depends on several factors, including an individual’s fitness level, goals, and overall health. Beginners If you are new to kettlebell exercises, it is...

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Kettlebell exercises can be a highly effective way to improve overall fitness, including strength, endurance, mobility, and flexibility. However, the frequency with which kettlebell exercises should be incorporated into a workout routine depends on several factors, including an individual’s fitness level, goals, and overall health.

Beginners

If you are new to kettlebell exercises, it is very important to approach them with caution and gradually build up your intensity over time. Starting too quickly or pushing yourself too hard can increase the risk of injury and may cause you to become discouraged or burnt out.

To begin with, it is recommended that you incorporate kettlebell exercises into your workout routine once or twice a week. This will allow your body to adapt to the new exercise and prevent you from becoming overly fatigued or sore. Additionally, starting slowly can help you to develop proper form and technique, which is essential for avoiding injury and maximizing the benefits of kettlebell exercises.

When starting with kettlebell exercises, it is important to choose exercises that are appropriate for your fitness level and goals. Begin with exercises that are less complex and focus on basic movements such as swings, squats, and presses. These exercises will help to develop the foundation of strength and mobility needed to progress to more advanced exercises.

In addition to starting slowly, it is also very important to incorporate rest and recovery into your workout routine. Kettlebell exercises can be highly demanding on the body, so it is crucial to allow your body time to rest and recover between your workouts. This may include taking a day or two off between workouts or incorporating active recovery exercises such as yoga or stretching.

As you become more comfortable with kettlebell exercises and your fitness level improves, you can slowly increase the frequency with which you incorporate them into your workout routine. However, it is important to continue to listen to your body and steer clear of pushing yourself too hard. Overdoing it can result in injury, burnout, and frustration.

Intermediate Or Advanced Athletes

For intermediate or advanced athletes, incorporating kettlebell exercises into their workout routine two to three times per week can be highly effective in improving overall fitness. This frequency allows for proper recovery time between workouts and can help to ensure that the body is properly adapting to the new exercise.

When incorporating kettlebell exercises into your workout routine at this frequency, it is important to choose exercises that are suitable for your fitness level and goals. These exercises should engage multiple muscle groups and focus on the major muscle groups, such as swings, squats, and presses. It is also important to slowly increase the power and volume of your workouts over time to continue to challenge your body and maximize the benefits of the exercise.

It is important to note that incorporating kettlebell exercises into your workout routine between two and three times per week should be in addition to other forms of exercise, such as cardiovascular training, strength training, and mobility work. These exercises can complement your kettlebell exercises and help to ensure that you are achieving a well-rounded workout routine.

In addition to choosing appropriate exercises and gradually increasing intensity, recovery and rest are also essential components of a successful kettlebell workout routine. Rest and recovery allow the body time to repair and rebuild muscle tissue and can help to prevent injury and burnout. It is important in order to listen to your body and allow for rest days between kettlebell workouts.

Proper nutrition is also important for ensuring that your body has the necessary fuel to perform kettlebell exercises and recover between workouts. Adequate protein intake is particularly important for muscle recovery and repair, while carbohydrates can provide the energy needed to fuel high-intensity workouts.

It is also important to utilise proper form and technique when performing kettlebell exercises. This can help to prevent injury and maximize the benefits of the exercise. If you are unsure of how to perform a specific exercise, seek guidance from a qualified trainer or coach.

Specific Goals Of An Individual

When incorporating kettlebell exercises into your workout routine, it is important to consider your specific fitness goals. The frequency with which you should incorporate kettlebell exercises can vary depending on your goals, as well as your current fitness level and overall health.

If your goal is to build strength, incorporating kettlebell exercises into your workout routine two to three times per week can be highly effective. These exercises are devised to engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making them an efficient and effective way to build functional strength. When incorporating kettlebell exercises into your strength training routine, it is important to choose exercises that focus on the major muscle groups, such as swings, squats, and presses.

If your goal is to improve endurance or cardiovascular fitness, incorporating kettlebell exercises into your workout routine more frequently may be necessary. Kettlebell exercises are high-intensity and require a lot of energy, making them an excellent way to improve cardiovascular fitness. When incorporating kettlebell exercises into your cardiovascular training routine, it is important to choose exercises that are appropriate for your fitness level and slowly improve the intensity and duration of your workouts over time.

In addition to building strength and improving cardiovascular fitness, kettlebell exercises can also be effective for improving mobility and flexibility. If your goal is to improve overall mobility and flexibility, incorporating kettlebell exercises into your workout routine once or twice a week can be highly effective. These exercises require a full range of motion and engage multiple muscle groups, making them an excellent way to improve overall flexibility and mobility.

When determining the frequency with which to incorporate kettlebell exercises into your workout routine, it is crucial to listen to your body and not overdo it. Overtraining can lead to injury, burnout, and frustration. It is also important to incorporate rest and recovery into your workout routine, allowing your body time to recover between workouts.

Additionally, it is important to choose exercises that are appropriate for your fitness level and goals. Starting with basic exercises and gradually building up to more complex exercises can help to minimize the risk of injury and ensure that you are getting the best out of your workout. It is also quite important to use proper form and technique when performing kettlebell exercises, as this can help to prevent injury and maximize the benefits of the exercise.

An Individual’s Overall Health

It is also important to consider an individual’s overall health when determining the frequency with which kettlebell exercises should be incorporated into a workout routine. For individuals with chronic health conditions or injuries, it may be necessary to incorporate kettlebell exercises into a workout routine less frequently or to modify the exercises to minimize the risk of injury.

Overall, the frequency with which kettlebell exercises should be incorporated into a workout routine depends on several factors, including an individual’s fitness level, goals, and overall health. Starting slowly and gradually building up intensity and volume over time can help to minimize the risk of injury and ensure that the body is properly adapting to the new exercise. For intermediate or advanced athletes, incorporating kettlebell exercises into a workout routine between two and three times per week can be highly effective in improving overall fitness.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become a kettlebell instructor? If you do then you need to do our Kettlebell Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

 

Coach.Me Fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a recommended frequency for beginners to incorporate kettlebell exercises into their workout routine?

For beginners, it is recommended to incorporate kettlebell exercises into their workout routine once or twice a week.

How often should intermediate or advanced athletes incorporate kettlebell exercises into their workout routine?

Intermediate or advanced athletes can incorporate kettlebell exercises into their workout routine two to three times per week.

How do an individual’s specific goals impact the frequency with which kettlebell exercises should be incorporated into their workout routine?

If the goal is to build strength, incorporating kettlebell exercises into a workout routine two to three times per week can be highly effective. If the goal is to improve endurance or cardiovascular fitness, incorporating kettlebell exercises more frequently may be necessary.

What should be considered when determining the frequency with which to incorporate kettlebell exercises into a workout routine?

It is important to consider an individual’s fitness level, goals, and overall health when determining the frequency with which to incorporate kettlebell exercises into a workout routine.

How can overtraining impact the effectiveness of incorporating kettlebell exercises into a workout routine?

Overtraining can lead to injury, burnout, and frustration, and can impact the effectiveness of incorporating kettlebell exercises into a workout routine. It is important to listen to your body and avoid overdoing it.

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How Often Should You Do EMS Fitness Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-often-should-you-do-ems-fitness-training/ Wed, 26 Apr 2023 06:00:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33121 EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) fitness training is a high-intensity workout that uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscles and improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness. While EMS training can be highly effective, it is very important to understand how often you should do it to avoid overworking your muscles and causing injury. In this article, we...

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EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) fitness training is a high-intensity workout that uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscles and improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness. While EMS training can be highly effective, it is very important to understand how often you should do it to avoid overworking your muscles and causing injury. In this article, we will explore how often you should do EMS fitness training based on your fitness goals, fitness level, and other factors.

Frequency Of EMS Training

It is important to note that while EMS training can be highly effective, it is not a substitute for traditional exercise methods. EMS should be used as a complementary tool to enhance the effectiveness of a regular workout routine.

Other factors that can affect the frequency of EMS training include the individual’s goals and schedule. For those with a busy schedule or limited time for exercise, EMS training can be a time-efficient way to achieve fitness goals. In this case, more frequent sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

Conversely, those with specific fitness goals, such as building muscle or increasing endurance, may benefit from a more structured and less frequent approach to EMS training. Working with a qualified and experienced EMS trainer can help you determine the ideal frequency of training based on your individual needs and goals.

It is also important to consider the intensity of the electrical impulses used during EMS training when determining the frequency of sessions. Higher intensity levels may require longer recovery times, while lower intensity levels may allow for more frequent sessions.

In addition to considering frequency, it is important to also consider the duration of each session. While EMS sessions are typically shorter than traditional strength training workouts, the duration can vary dependent on the particular goals and needs of the individual.

For beginners, it is highly recommended to start with shorter sessions, typically lasting around 20 minutes. As the body adapts to the workout, the duration of sessions can be gradually increased.

For more experienced individuals, sessions may last up to 30-45 minutes, depending on the intensity of the electrical impulses being used and the specific goals of the individual.

It is important to also factor in adequate warm-up and cool-down time when determining the duration of EMS sessions. Proper warm-up and cool-down can help prevent injury and improve overall effectiveness of the workout.

Factors Affecting Frequency Of EMS Training

The frequency of EMS training can depend on a number of different factors, including the individual’s fitness level, goals, and schedule. Generally, it is recommended to do EMS training once or twice a week. This is because EMS training is an intense workout that can put significant strain on the muscles, and it may take longer to recover from than traditional strength training.

For beginners or those new to EMS training, it is recommended to start with one session per week and slowly increase the frequency as the body adapts. It is important to allow adequate recovery time between sessions to avoid overworking the muscles and causing injury.

For individuals who are more experienced in EMS training or have a higher fitness level, two sessions per week may be more suitable. However, it is still important to listen to your body and allow for sufficient recovery time between sessions.

It is also important to consider the intensity of the electrical impulses used during EMS training when determining the frequency of sessions. Higher intensity levels may require longer recovery times, while lower intensity levels may allow for more frequent sessions.

In addition to considering frequency, it is also important to consider the duration of each session. EMS sessions are typically shorter than traditional strength training workouts, with beginners starting with sessions lasting around 20 minutes. As the body adapts to the workout, the duration of sessions can be gradually increased.

For more experienced individuals, sessions may last up to 30-45 minutes, depending on the intensity of the electrical impulses being used and the specific goals of the individual. It is important to factor in adequate warm-up and cool-down time when determining the duration of EMS sessions. Proper warm-up and cool-down can help prevent injury and improve overall effectiveness of the workout.

It is important to note that while EMS training can be highly effective, it is not a substitute for traditional exercise methods. EMS should be used as a complementary tool to enhance the effectiveness of a regular workout routine. Working with a qualified and experienced EMS trainer can help you determine the ideal frequency and duration of sessions based on your individual needs and goals.

Benefits Of EMS Training

There are several benefits of EMS training, including increased muscle strength, improved endurance, and enhanced muscle tone. In addition, EMS training can be a time-efficient way to achieve these benefits, as sessions are typically shorter than traditional strength training workouts.

One of the advantages of EMS training is its ability to target specific muscle groups. This can be particularly advantageous for people who have difficulty targeting specific muscles through traditional strength training methods. EMS training can effectively engage these muscles and improve overall muscle tone.

While EMS training offers many benefits, it is important to understand how often you should do it to achieve the best results. Generally, it is recommended to do EMS training once or twice a week. Beginners should begin with one session per week and gradually increase the frequency, while more experienced individuals may do two sessions per week.

It is also important to work with a qualified trainer who can help ensure that the electrical impulses are being used safely and effectively. Trainers can also provide guidance on the intensity and duration of EMS sessions based on an individual’s goals and fitness level.

Overall, EMS training can be an effective and efficient way to improve your fitness level and achieve your fitness goals. However, it is important to follow a safe and appropriate schedule and work with a qualified trainer to ensure that you are using the electrical impulses effectively. With the right guidance and approach, EMS training can provide many benefits and help you reach your fitness goals.

The frequency of EMS fitness training can vary depending on several factors, including the person’s fitness goals, fitness level, and other activities. In general, it is recommended to do EMS training once or twice a week to allow for adequate recovery time and avoid overworking the muscles.

Other factors, such as the intensity of the electrical impulses and the specific muscle groups being targeted, should also be taken into consideration when determining the frequency of EMS training.

Working with a qualified and experienced EMS trainer can help you determine the ideal frequency of training based on your individual needs and goals. By doing so, you can safely and effectively achieve the benefits of EMS training and improve your overall fitness level.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EMS fitness training?

EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) fitness training is a high-intensity workout that uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscles and improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

How often should you do EMS fitness training?

In general, it is recommended to do EMS training once or twice a week. This is because EMS training is an intense workout that puts significant strain on the muscles and can take a lot longer to recover from than traditional strength training.

What factors affect the frequency of EMS training?

The frequency of EMS training can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s fitness goals, fitness level, and other activities. Beginners or those with a lower fitness level may need more time to recover between sessions than those with a higher fitness level.

What are the benefits of EMS training?

EMS training offers several benefits for those looking to improve their fitness level, including increased muscle strength, improved endurance, and enhanced overall fitness. Additionally, EMS training can be a time-efficient way to achieve these benefits, as sessions are typically shorter than traditional strength training workouts.

How can you determine the ideal frequency of EMS training?

Working with a qualified and experienced EMS trainer can help you determine the ideal frequency of training based on your individual needs and goals. Additionally, other factors such as the intensity of the electrical impulses and the specific muscle groups being targeted should also be taken into consideration when determining the frequency of EMS training.

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How Long Does An EMS Fitness Training Session Last? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-long-does-an-ems-fitness-training-session-last/ Wed, 26 Apr 2023 06:00:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33116 EMS fitness training is becoming increasingly popular among fitness enthusiasts looking for a way to optimize their workouts and achieve their fitness goals. One of the most common questions that individuals have about EMS training is how long a typical session lasts. In today’s article, we will explore the different factors that can influence the...

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EMS fitness training is becoming increasingly popular among fitness enthusiasts looking for a way to optimize their workouts and achieve their fitness goals. One of the most common questions that individuals have about EMS training is how long a typical session lasts. In today’s article, we will explore the different factors that can influence the length of an EMS fitness training session, as well as provide guidance on how to determine the ideal length of your EMS workouts.

EMS, or electro-muscular stimulation, is a training method that involves the usage of electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions. During an EMS session, electrodes are placed on the skin over the targeted muscle groups, and these electrodes are then connected to a device that sends electrical impulses to the muscles. The electrical impulses will cause the muscles to contract and relax, which can provide a highly efficient workout in a shorter period of time than traditional exercise methods.

The Length Of An EMS Fitness Training Session Can Vary Dependent On A Number Of Different Factors

When it comes to EMS fitness training, there are several factors that can influence the length of a training session. One of the most significant aspects is the type of training being done. A full-body EMS workout may last longer than a targeted EMS workout that focuses on specific muscle groups. This is because a full-body workout requires more time to work all the major muscle groups in the body.

Another factor that can influence the length of an EMS training session is the intensity of the electrical impulses being used. Higher intensity levels may require shorter sessions to avoid overworking the muscles. This is because the muscles can become fatigued more quickly when exposed to higher intensity electrical impulses. Therefore, it is important to adjust the intensity levels based on individual fitness levels and goals.

Another important factor to consider is the fitness level and experience of the individual. Those who are new to EMS training may need shorter sessions to allow their bodies to adjust to the electrical impulses and avoid overexertion. Similarly, individuals who are recovering from an injury may need shorter sessions to prevent exacerbating their condition.

Also, it is important to note that the length of an EMS training session can vary depending on the particular goals and needs of the individual. For example, someone looking to maintain their fitness level may require shorter sessions, while someone looking to build muscle mass may require longer sessions.

It is recommended to work with a qualified and experienced EMS trainer who can provide guidance on the ideal length of a training session based on individual needs and goals. Additionally, it is important to listen to your body and adjust the length of the session accordingly.

A Typical EMS Fitness Training Session May Last Between 20 To 30 Minutes

When it comes to EMS fitness training, the length of a session can vary dependent on several factors. This includes the time needed to set up the electrodes, warm up the muscles, and complete the workout. However, this can also vary depending on the specific needs and goals of the individual. Some trainers may recommend shorter or longer sessions based on the individual’s fitness level, age, and health status.

It is important to note that while EMS training can be highly effective, it is not a substitute for traditional exercise methods. EMS should be used as a complementary tool to enhance the effectiveness of a regular workout routine. Traditional exercise methods such as cardio, weightlifting, and other forms of resistance training are still essential to maintaining overall fitness and health.

Additionally, it is crucial to work with a qualified and experienced EMS trainer to ensure that the electrical impulses are being used safely and effectively. Working with a trainer can also help to customize the training program to meet the individual’s specific goals and needs.

One factor that can influence the length of an EMS training session is the individual’s fitness level. Beginners may require shorter sessions to allow their bodies to adjust to the electrical impulses and avoid overexertion. Similarly, individuals with a higher fitness level may be able to handle longer sessions due to their increased stamina and endurance.

Age and health status can also impact the length of an EMS training session. Older individuals or those with prior health conditions may need shorter sessions to prevent injury or exacerbation of their condition. Additionally, individuals with chronic pain or injuries may require shorter sessions to prevent further damage.

Also, it is important to note that the length of an EMS session can vary based on the specific goals of the individual. Someone looking to maintain their current fitness level may require shorter sessions, while someone looking to build muscle mass may need longer sessions.

It Is Important To Consider Your Personal Goals And Fitness Level

If you are new to EMS training or have limited experience with exercise, it may be beneficial to start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the length and intensity as your body adapts. On the other hand, if you are an experienced athlete or fitness enthusiast, you may be able to handle longer and more intense EMS workouts.

The length of an EMS fitness training session can vary depending on a variety of different factors, including the type of training being done, the intensity of the electrical impulses, and the fitness level and experience of the individual. While a typical session may last between 20 to 30 minutes, it is very important to work with a qualified and experienced EMS trainer to determine the ideal length and intensity of your workouts. By doing so, you can effectively and safely achieve your fitness goals and optimize your workout routine with the help of EMS training.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EMS fitness training?

EMS, or electro-muscular stimulation, is a training method that involves the use of electrical impulses in order to stimulate muscle contractions.

How long does a typical EMS fitness training session last?

A typical EMS fitness training session may last between 20 to 30 minutes.

What factors can influence the length of an EMS training session?

The type of training being done, the intensity of the electrical impulses, and the fitness level and experience of the individual can all influence the length of an EMS training session.

Is EMS training a substitute for traditional exercise methods?

No, EMS training should be used as a complementary tool to enhance the effectiveness of a regular workout routine.

How can I determine the ideal length of my EMS fitness training session?

It is very important to work with a qualified and experienced EMS trainer to determine the ideal length and intensity of your workouts based on your personal goals and fitness level.

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Careers After Personal Training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/careers-after-personal-training/ Tue, 25 Apr 2023 06:00:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33102 Personal training is a rewarding career for people who are passionate about fitness and assisting others to achieve their health goals. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience in personal training, it’s essential to explore career opportunities beyond traditional gym-based trainer. In this article, we’ll use the AIDA framework to guide you...

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Personal training is a rewarding career for people who are passionate about fitness and assisting others to achieve their health goals. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience in personal training, it’s essential to explore career opportunities beyond traditional gym-based trainer. In this article, we’ll use the AIDA framework to guide you through the career landscape for personal trainers, alternative career paths, salary expectations, and frequently asked questions.

As a personal trainer, you’ll probably already be aware of the importance of professional development and exploring new opportunities. The health and fitness industry is constantly evolving so to stay relevant, it’s crucial to keep up with the latest trends and innovations. In this article, we’ll help you discover potential career paths that align with your passions as well as your goals.

The Personal Trainer Career Landscape

As a personal trainer, there are several traditional career paths to that you should think about. These include gym-based personal training, mobile personal training, and group fitness instruction.

Gym-based personal trainer

Working as a gym-based personal trainer is the most common career path in the fitness industry. It involves designing and implementing individualised exercise programmes for clients based on their fitness goals, lifestyle, as well as their particular health conditions. You’ll also be responsible for motivating and educating clients, monitoring their progress, as well as providing them feedback and support.

Mobile personal trainer

A mobile personal trainer has more flexibility in terms of scheduling and location. You can work with clients in a private setting, such as their homes or outdoors. You’ll need to be self-motivated, as you’ll be responsible for finding clients and managing your business.

Gym instructor

Gym instruction involves leading fitness classes for groups of people, such as aerobics, dance, yoga, or strength training. You’ll need to be energetic, engaging, and able to lead a group of fitness enthusiasts effectively.

Personal trainer career progression opportunities

There are several opportunities for personal trainers to progress in their careers, including:

 Specialisation in a specific fitness discipline

Becoming a specialist in a particular fitness discipline – such as Pilates, CrossFit, or yoga – can help you to attract a more targeted client base and increase your earning potential.

Management or supervisory roles in fitness facilities

As a personal trainer, you can also advance into management or supervisory roles within fitness facilities. The largest chains of fitness facilities in South Africa are Virgin Active and Planet Fitness. These roles involve overseeing other trainers, managing budgets, and ensuring the smooth operation of the facility.

Teaching and mentoring new trainers

If you’re passionate about sharing your knowledge and experience with others, you can consider becoming a teacher or mentor for new personal trainers. This role involves creating and delivering training programmes, assessing trainee performance, as well as providing feedback and support.

Alternative Careers for Personal Trainers

As the fitness industry evolves, there are several alternative career paths for personal trainers to consider. These include:

Online fitness coach

 Online fitness coaching involves providing fitness and nutrition advice and services to clients through digital platforms such as email, video chat, or instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp. This can be done as an individual entrepreneur or as part of a larger organisation.

Benefits of online coaching

Online coaching offers several benefits, including flexibility in scheduling, reaching a wider audience, and lower overhead costs as compared to traditional personal training. It also allows you to leverage technology to monitor client progress, communicate with clients in real time, and provide personalised feedback.

How to transition from in-person to online coaching

 Develop a strong online presence, including a professional website, social media profiles, as well as a digital portfolio of your work. You’ll also need to obtain relevant certifications and training, from an institution such as Trifocus Fitness Academy, to ensure that you’re providing evidence-based advice and services to your clients.

Health and Wellness Consultant

Another career path for personal trainers is to become a health and wellness consultant. This role involves working with individuals, groups, or corporations to develop health and wellness programmes that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

As a health and wellness consultant, personal trainers can leverage their expertise in fitness and nutrition to help clients achieve their health goals. This may involve designing and implementing fitness programmes, providing nutritional guidance, and coaching clients on stress management as well as overall wellness.

Working with corporate clients is a popular option for health and wellness consultants. This is because many companies are recognizing the importance of investing in the health and well-being of their employees. Health and wellness consultants can help corporations design wellness programmes that improve employee engagement, reduce absenteeism, and increase productivity.

To become a health and wellness consultant, personal trainers may need to obtain additional certifications in wellness coaching, health education, or behavioural change. These certifications can help trainers build the necessary skills that they need to work with a wide range of clients and develop customised wellness plans.

Potential Salary Range for Health and Wellness Consultants

According to Talent.com, entry-level positions start at R195 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R722 880 per year. Independent consultants who work on a contract basis can potentially earn more than those who are employed by a single organisation.

Sports and Conditioning Coach

If personal trainers have a passion for sports and working with athletes, becoming a sports and conditioning coach may be an excellent career choice. This role involves working with individuals or teams in various sports to help them achieve their fitness goals and improve their athletic performance.

As a sports and conditioning coach, personal trainers can design and implement training programmes that target specific aspects of athletic performance such as speed, agility, power, or endurance. They can also provide injury prevention and rehabilitation services, nutritional guidance, and mental coaching to help athletes perform at their best.

Building relationships with sports teams and clubs is a critical aspect of being a sports and conditioning coach. Coaches must work collaboratively with athletes, other coaches, and team management to develop comprehensive training plans that align with the goals and needs of the team.

To become a sports and conditioning coach, personal trainers may need to obtain additional certifications in sports performance, strength and conditioning, or sports nutrition. These can help trainers build the necessary skills to work with athletes at all levels, from amateur to professional athletes.

Potential Salary Range for Sports and Conditioning Coaches

According to Salary Expert, an entry-level strength and conditioning coach (between one and three years of experience) earns an average salary of R198 414. At the other end, a senior-level strength and conditioning coach (eight plus years of experience) earns an average salary of R328 590. Independent coaches who work with professional athletes or teams can potentially earn more than those who work with amateur athletes.

Fitness Writer or Content Creator

If personal trainers have a talent for writing, speaking, or creating content, becoming a fitness writer or content creator may be an excellent way to leverage their expertise and passion for fitness and nutrition. This role involves creating written, audio, or visual content that educates and inspires individuals to adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

As a fitness writer or content creator, personal trainers can create blog posts, articles, podcasts, videos, or social media posts that cover a wide range of health and fitness topics. They can share their expertise, insights, and experiences to help readers or viewers make informed choices about their diet, exercise routine, and overall well-being.

Building a loyal audience is an essential aspect of being a fitness writer or content creator. Creators must find ways to engage with their audience, provide valuable information, and create content that resonates with their target demographic.

To become a fitness writer or content creator, personal trainers will need to build a strong online presence and develop their skills in writing, video editing, and social media marketing. They can start by creating a blog or YouTube channel where they share their fitness knowledge, experience, and tips with their audience. Over time, they can build a following and establish themselves as experts in the field, which can lead to opportunities for guest blogging, podcast interviews, and other collaborations.

In addition to creating their own content, personal trainers can also write for fitness publications or websites. They can pitch article ideas or submit their work to publications that align with their interests and expertise. This can help them reach a wider audience and gain more exposure in the fitness industry.

As a fitness writer or content creator, personal trainers can earn a living through a variety of sources, including sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and product reviews. The potential for income is significant, but it is dependent on factors such as the size of their audience, the type of content they create, and their ability to monetise their platform effectively.

Personal Trainer Career Salary Expectations

Personal trainers can earn a decent living, but their income varies based on several factors, including experience and credentials, location and market demand, as well as the type of employment they have (mobile vs. gym-based). According to Glass Door, the salary trajectory of a personal trainer ranges between locations and employers. The salary starts at R50 028 per year and goes up to R 40 633 per year for more senior people.

However, personal trainers who specialise in a particular fitness discipline – or have advanced certifications from accredited institutions such as Trifocus Fitness Academy – may earn more.

Alternative careers for personal trainers also offer a range of income opportunities. As an online fitness coach, personal trainers can earn a similar or higher income than they would as a gym-based personal trainer. This is dependent on their level of experience and the size of their online following. According to Salary Expert, an entry-level online fitness trainer (between one and three years of experience) earns an average salary of R197 962. At the other end, a senior-level fitness trainer (eight plus years of experience) earns an average salary of R327,841.

How can I enhance my personal trainer career prospects?

Continuous learning and obtaining specialised certifications are critical to enhancing personal trainer career prospects. It’s essential to keep up to date with the latest research, trends, and best practices in the fitness industry. Pursuing advanced certifications can help personal trainers stand out from the competition and increase their earning potential.

What resources are available to help me explore alternative careers for personal trainers?

Trifocus Fitness Academy provides a range of resources to help personal trainers explore alternative careers, including an extensive library of fitness and nutrition information as well as professional development opportunities.

How can I transition from a traditional personal training career to an alternative career path?

Personal trainers can leverage their existing skills, obtain relevant certifications, and build a network to transition to an alternative career path. It’s important to research and gain a deep understanding of the alternative career they want to pursue in order to identify the necessary skills and certifications required.

Personal training is an exciting and rewarding career with many opportunities for growth and development. Gym-based personal trainer career paths are a great starting point, but personal trainers can also explore alternative career paths to find the perfect fit for their passions and goals.

From online fitness coaching to sports and conditioning coaching, the opportunities for personal trainers are endless. The key to success in any of these alternative career paths is to continuously learn, develop new skills, and build a network within the field that they are looking to get into.

Trifocus Fitness Academy is dedicated to providing personal trainers with the necessary education and support to excel in their chosen careers. Whether you’re looking to enhance your personal trainer career prospects or explore alternative careers for personal trainers, Trifocus Fitness Academy’s extensive library of fitness and nutrition information and professional development opportunities can help you reach your goals.

Staying adaptable and open to new opportunities is crucial in the ever-evolving health and fitness industry. By exploring diverse career paths, personal trainers can find the best fit for their passions and goals while continuing to make a positive impact on people’s lives. So if you’re a personal trainer who is looking to take your career to the next level, consider exploring the many alternative career paths available to you.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some career paths that personal trainers can pursue beyond working in a gym or fitness centre?

Personal trainers can consider careers in corporate wellness, sports performance training, online coaching, physical therapy or rehabilitation, and starting their own fitness business.

What skills can personal trainers develop that are transferable to other careers?

Personal trainers can develop skills such as communication, problem-solving, goal-setting, time management, and customer service that are valuable in many other fields.

How can personal trainers transition into a career in physical therapy or rehabilitation?

Personal trainers can consider earning additional certifications in corrective exercise, injury prevention, or rehabilitation, or pursuing a degree in physical therapy or a related field.

What are some tips for personal trainers who want to start their own fitness business?

 Personal trainers should develop a business plan, create a brand, build a network of clients and contacts, and consider obtaining legal and financial advice.

What is the outlook for careers in the fitness industry?

 The fitness industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with an increasing demand for personal trainers and other fitness professionals owing to a greater focus on health and wellness.

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What Is Functional Training & Why is it Important? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-functional-training-why-is-it-important/ Tue, 25 Apr 2023 06:00:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=33099 Functional training is a type of exercise that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Unlike weightlifting and cardio sessions, functional training focuses on improving daily movement patterns and reducing the risk of injury. It has become an essential part of many athletes’ training routines and is now widely recognised as an important component of...

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Functional training is a type of exercise that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Unlike weightlifting and cardio sessions, functional training focuses on improving daily movement patterns and reducing the risk of injury. It has become an essential part of many athletes’ training routines and is now widely recognised as an important component of overall fitness and health for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore what functional training is, its benefits, exercises, personal training options, and certification options for fitness professionals.

What Is Functional Training?

Functional training is a type of exercise that focuses on movements that mimic activities of daily life or sports-specific movements. The principle behind this types of training is that it trains the body as a whole rather than isolating individual muscles. The goal is to improve general movement patterns, including flexibility, strength, and balance. This translates into everyday activities and sports.

The Benefits of Functional Training

Functional training offers many benefits, both for athletes and people who are just wanting to get fitter. Here are some of the most significant benefits of functional training:

  • Improved mobility and flexibility: Functional training movements help to increase mobility and flexibility, making it easier to perform daily activities and sports movements.
  • Increased core strength and stability: Functional training strengthens the muscles in the core, including the abdominals and lower back, which can help improve posture, balance, and stability.
  • Enhanced balance and coordination: Functional training movements can help with improving balance and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falls and boost sports performance.
  • Improved muscular endurance and power: Functional training helps improve muscular endurance and power by training the body to work as a complete system.
  • Increased calorie burn and weight loss: Functional training exercises are designed to work multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This helps increase calorie burn and support weight-loss goals.
  • Improved sports performance: Functional training can improve sports-specific movements, such as jumping, running, and throwing. This leads to better performance on the field.
  • Decreased risk of injury: Functional training helps improve overall movement patterns, which can reduce the risk of injury during sports or daily activities.

Functional Trainer Exercises

Functional training exercises are designed to mimic the activities of daily life or sports-specific movements. Here are some examples of functional exercises:

  • Squats: Squats help improve lower body strength and mobility, which can improve movement patterns and reduce the risk of injury.
  • Lunges: Lunges work the lower body, including the glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings. This can improve overall lower body strength and stability.
  • Push-ups: Push-ups are a full-body exercise that improves upper body strength and core stability.
  • Planks: Planks are core exercises that improve core strength and stability.

It is essential to perform each functional exercise using proper form and technique to maximise the benefits and reduce the risk of injury. The importance of progression and modification – based on individual fitness levels – needs to be emphasised.

Functional Personal Training

Functional training can be incorporated into personal training sessions to help individuals achieve their fitness goals. Working with a functional personal trainer can offer many benefits such as tailored training programmes, expert guidance on form and technique, as well as motivation to achieve fitness goals. Functional personal training can be customised to meet individual goals and needs, whether it be to improve overall fitness or sports-specific movements.

Fitness Functional Trainer Certification

Fitness professionals who are interested in functional training can pursue certification – from an institution such as Trifocus Fitness Academy – to expand their skill set and credentials. Certification options typically require an accreditation process (and the endorsement from the relevant SETA) and prerequisites, such as a background in personal training or related experience. Ongoing education and professional development are also important for functional trainers to stay up to date with the latest techniques and research.

Functional training is a type of exercise that focuses on improving daily movement patterns and reducing the risk of injury. It offers many benefits, such as improved mobility and flexibility, increased core strength and stability, and enhanced balance and coordination. Functional trainer exercises include squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks, which should be performed with proper form and technique.

Personal trainers can incorporate functional training into their sessions to help individuals achieve their fitness goals. Fitness professionals can pursue certification options to expand their skill set and credentials.

At Trifocus Fitness Academy, we offer functional training courses and resources for aspiring fitness professionals. We believe that continuous learning and professional development are essential for success in the ever-evolving health and fitness industry. If you’re interested in exploring functional training as part of your fitness journey, we invite you to learn more about our courses and resources.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover additional information about functional strength training then we recommend that you do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

Coach.Me Fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is functional training?

 Functional training is a type of exercise that aims to improve the performance of daily activities by mimicking natural movements and using multiple muscle groups.

Why is functional training important?

Functional training can improve mobility, balance, coordination, and overall physical fitness, leading to better performance in daily activities and reduced risk of injury.

What are some examples of functional training exercises?

Functional training exercises can include squats, lunges, deadlifts, push-ups, pull-ups, kettlebell swings, and medicine ball throws.

How does functional training differ from traditional weightlifting or bodybuilding?

Functional training focuses on movements that are practical and applicable to daily life, while traditional weightlifting or bodybuilding may prioritise isolated muscle groups or aesthetic goals.

Can functional training benefit athletes or fitness enthusiasts?

Yes, functional training can improve athletic performance by enhancing functional movement patterns and addressing muscular imbalances or weaknesses. It can also be a challenging and effective workout for fitness enthusiasts of all levels.

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How Can Athletes Overcome Performance Anxiety And Build Their Confidence? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-athletes-overcome-performance-anxiety-and-build-their-confidence/ Tue, 11 Apr 2023 06:00:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32872 Performance anxiety can be a significant challenge for athletes, leading to decreased confidence and poor performance. However, there are several strategies athletes can use to overcome performance anxiety and build their confidence. Positive Self-Talk Positive self-talk is a powerful technique that athletes can use to build confidence and overcome performance anxiety. Negative self-talk can be...

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Performance anxiety can be a significant challenge for athletes, leading to decreased confidence and poor performance. However, there are several strategies athletes can use to overcome performance anxiety and build their confidence.

Positive Self-Talk

Positive self-talk is a powerful technique that athletes can use to build confidence and overcome performance anxiety. Negative self-talk can be detrimental to an athlete’s mental state, leading to feelings of doubt, fear, and anxiety. By replacing negative thoughts and self-talk with positive affirmations, athletes can create a more positive mindset, leading to improved performance.

Positive self-talk involves using encouraging and supportive words and phrases to help athletes stay focused, calm, and confident. This technique can help athletes combat negative thoughts and emotions that can interfere with their performance.

To use positive self-talk effectively, athletes should identify negative self-talk patterns and then replace them with positive affirmations. For example, instead of saying “I’m not good enough,” athletes can say “I am capable and prepared for this challenge.” This type of positive self-talk can help athletes build confidence and feel more capable of achieving their goals.

Positive self-talk can be used in a variety of situations, including during training and competition. Athletes can use positive self-talk to help them overcome challenges, stay motivated, and maintain a positive mindset.

Positive self-talk can also be combined with visualization techniques to enhance its effectiveness. Athletes can visualize themselves performing at their best while using positive self-talk to reinforce their confidence and focus.

In addition to using positive self-talk, athletes should also focus on their strengths and accomplishments. By recognizing their strengths and past successes, athletes can build their confidence and feel more prepared for future challenges.

Athletes should also be aware of their self-talk patterns and make a conscious effort to shift negative thoughts and self-talk to more positive ones. This may take some practice, but with consistent effort, athletes can change their mindset and build a more positive outlook.

It’s important to note that positive self-talk is not a magic solution for overcoming performance anxiety or improving performance. It should be used together with other strategies, such as relaxation techniques, goal-setting, and practice and preparation.

Additionally, athletes should seek support from coaches, teammates, or mental health professionals if they are struggling with performance anxiety or negative self-talk. Talking to someone about their feelings and concerns can be helpful, and mental health professionals can provide additional strategies for managing anxiety and building confidence.

Visualization

Visualization is another powerful technique that athletes can use to overcome performance anxiety. Athletes should try to visualize themselves performing at their best, imagining themselves achieving their goals and experiencing success. Visualization can help athletes build confidence and prepare mentally for competition.

Relaxation Techniques

Anxiety can cause physical tension in the body, which can interfere with performance. Athletes should try to use relaxation techniques, for instance deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation, to reduce physical tension and promote a sense of calmness and focus.

Goal Setting

Setting specific, achievable goals can help athletes build confidence and overcome performance anxiety. Athletes should set both short-term and long-term goals, and track their progress towards these goals. Achieving goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost confidence.

Practice And Preparation

Practice and preparation are essential for athletes looking to build confidence and reduce performance anxiety. Consistent practice and thorough preparation for competition can provide athletes with a sense of readiness and familiarity, helping to reduce feelings of anxiety and improve performance.

Physical training is an important aspect of practice and preparation. Athletes should engage in regular physical activity and training to build strength, endurance, and agility. Physical training should be tailored to the specific demands of the sport and should include a combination of cardiovascular and strength training exercises.

Mental preparation is also crucial for building confidence and reducing performance anxiety. Athletes should develop mental toughness and resilience through techniques such as visualization, positive self-talk, and mindfulness meditation. These techniques can help athletes stay focused, calm, and confident under pressure.

Nutrition is another important factor in practice and preparation. Athletes should consume a balanced diet that provides them with the necessary nutrients to fuel their bodies and support their training. Proper nutrition can help athletes maintain energy levels and improve performance.

Consistent practice is key to building confidence and reducing anxiety. Athletes should establish a regular training schedule and make time for practice sessions throughout the week. This can help athletes develop muscle memory and improve their skills, leading to improved performance.

Thorough preparation for competition is also important for reducing anxiety and improving performance. Athletes should familiarize themselves with the competition environment and conditions, including the location, weather, and competition rules. This can help athletes feel more prepared and confident on competition day.

Another aspect of preparation is developing a pre-competition routine. This can include warm-up exercises, mental preparation techniques, and visualization exercises. A pre-competition routine can help athletes feel more grounded and focused, reducing anxiety and improving performance.

It’s also important for athletes to set goals and track their progress towards these goals. Setting specific, achievable goals can help athletes build confidence and stay motivated. Athletes should set both short-term and long-term goals, and monitor their progress towards these goals throughout their training.

Finally, athletes should seek support from coaches, teammates, or mental health professionals if they are struggling with performance anxiety. Talking to someone about their concerns can be helpful, and coaches and mental health professionals can provide additional strategies for managing anxiety and building confidence.

Seek Support

Athletes should not be afraid to seek support from coaches, teammates, or mental health professionals. Talking to someone about performance anxiety can be helpful, and coaches and mental health professionals can provide strategies for managing anxiety and building confidence.

Focus On Process, Not Outcome

Athletes often face pressure to perform at their best and achieve certain outcomes. However, focusing too much on the outcome can lead to increased anxiety and decreased confidence. Instead, athletes should focus on the process of performing, which can help them reduce anxiety and build confidence.

Focusing on the process involves breaking down the steps needed to perform at one’s best. This can include techniques such as mental preparation, visualization, positive self-talk, and goal setting. By focusing on these techniques, athletes can build their confidence and feel more prepared for competition.

Goalsetting is an important aspect of focusing on the process. Athletes should set both short-term and long-term goals, and track their progress towards these goals. This can help athletes feel a sense of accomplishment and progress, and build their confidence over time.

Visualization is another powerful technique that can help athletes focus on the process of performing. Athletes can visualize themselves performing at their best, imagining themselves achieving their goals and experiencing success. Visualization can help athletes build confidence and prepare mentally for competition.

Positive self-talk can also be helpful for focusing on the process. Athletes can replace negative thoughts and self-talk with positive affirmations, such as “I am capable and prepared for this challenge.” Positive self-talk can help athletes stay focused and calm under pressure, and build their confidence over time.

Comparing oneself to others can be a major source of anxiety and decreased confidence for athletes. Instead, athletes should focus on their own progress and goals. By setting personal goals and tracking their own progress, athletes can build their confidence and feel more in control of their performance.

In addition to focusing on the process, athletes should also stay present in the moment. When athletes are present in the moment, they are better able to focus on the task at hand and perform at their best. Mindfulness meditation can be helpful for developing present moment awareness and reducing anxiety.

Finally, athletes should seek support from coaches, teammates, or mental health professionals if they are struggling with anxiety or decreased confidence. Talking to someone about their concerns can be helpful, and coaches and mental health professionals can provide additional strategies for managing anxiety and building confidence.

Performance anxiety can be a significant challenge for athletes, but there are several strategies they can use to overcome it and build their confidence. Positive self-talk, visualization, relaxation techniques, goal-setting, practice and preparation, seeking support, and focusing on the process are all effective strategies for managing anxiety and building confidence. By using these strategies consistently, athletes can improve their performance and achieve their goals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a sports psychologist? If you do then you need to do our Sports Psychology Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

Coach.Me Fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is performance anxiety and how can it affect athletes?

Performance anxiety is a feeling of fear or apprehension that can occur before or during a performance. It can affect athletes by decreasing their confidence and leading to poor performance.

What are some strategies athletes can use to overcome performance anxiety?

Athletes can use strategies such as positive self-talk, visualization, relaxation techniques, goal-setting, practice and preparation, seeking support, and focusing on the process to overcome performance anxiety.

Why is practice and preparation important for reducing performance anxiety?

Practice and preparation can help athletes feel more prepared and familiar with the competition environment, reducing anxiety and improving performance.

How can goal-setting help athletes build their confidence?

Goal setting can help athletes set specific, achievable goals and track their progress towards these goals. This can offer a sense of accomplishment and boost confidence over time.

Why is it important for athletes to focus on the process of performing, rather than the outcome?

Focusing on the process of performing can help athletes reduce anxiety and build confidence by breaking down the steps needed to perform at their best. It can also help athletes avoid comparing themselves to others and stay present in the moment.

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How Does Mental Preparation And Visualization Help Athletes Improve Their Performance? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-does-mental-preparation-and-visualization-help-athletes-improve-their-performance/ Tue, 11 Apr 2023 06:00:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32876 Mental preparation and visualization are two techniques that can help athletes improve their performance by enhancing their mental state and focus. These techniques involve creating mental images and rehearsing scenarios that athletes may encounter during competition. Mental Preparation Mental preparation is a crucial aspect of athletic performance that can help athletes perform at their best....

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Mental preparation and visualization are two techniques that can help athletes improve their performance by enhancing their mental state and focus. These techniques involve creating mental images and rehearsing scenarios that athletes may encounter during competition.

Mental Preparation

Mental preparation is a crucial aspect of athletic performance that can help athletes perform at their best. It involves creating a mental game plan that outlines an athlete’s approach to competition, and involves a variety of techniques such as visualization, goal-setting, and developing strategies for dealing with distractions and setbacks.

One key aspect of mental preparation is visualization, which involves creating mental images of successful performance. Visualization can help athletes build confidence and reduce anxiety by familiarizing themselves with the competition environment and their desired outcomes. By visualizing successful performance, athletes can create a sense of familiarity with the competition environment and feel more prepared for competition.

Goal setting is another important aspect of mental preparation. Athletes should set both short-term and long-term goals and track their progress towards these goals. Setting specific, achievable goals can help athletes feel a sense of accomplishment and progress and build their confidence over time.

Developing strategies for dealing with distractions and setbacks is also an important aspect of mental preparation. Athletes should anticipate potential distractions, such as crowd noise or weather conditions, and develop strategies for staying focused and maintaining their composure. Additionally, athletes should develop strategies for dealing with setbacks, such as missed shots or injuries, and develop resilience and mental toughness to overcome these obstacles.

Positive self-talk is another technique that athletes can use to mentally prepare for competition. By replacing negative thoughts and self-talk with positive affirmations, such as “I am capable and prepared for this challenge,” athletes can build their confidence and stay focused under pressure.

Mental preparation should be integrated with physical training, nutrition, and rest to achieve optimal performance. By developing a comprehensive approach to performance that includes mental preparation, athletes can achieve their goals and perform at their best.

Visualization

Visualization is a very powerful technique that involves creating mental images of successful performance. Athletes can visualize themselves performing at their best, achieving specific goals, and overcoming obstacles. By visualizing success, athletes can create a sense of familiarity with the competition environment and their desired outcomes. This can help build their confidence and reduce anxiety.

Visualization can also be used in conjunction with mental preparation techniques to help athletes stay focused and calm under pressure. By creating a mental game plan and visualizing successful performance, athletes can develop a positive mindset that helps them achieve their goals.

It is effective because it helps athletes develop a mental image of success. This mental image can help athletes feel more confident and prepared for competition. Visualization can also help athletes identify potential obstacles and develop strategies for overcoming them. By visualizing themselves overcoming obstacles, athletes can build their resilience and mental toughness.

Visualization can be used in a variety of ways. Athletes can use it to imagine themselves performing specific skills, executing game strategies, or dealing with potential obstacles. Visualization can also be used to prepare mentally for the physical demands of competition, such as endurance events or high-pressure situations.

Research has shown that visualization can have a positive impact on athletic performance. In one study, researchers found that visualization improved the performance of college basketball players on free-throw shooting. The players who practiced visualization before shooting free throws had a higher shooting percentage than those who did not.

When used in conjunction with mental preparation techniques such as positive self-talk, goal-setting, and developing strategies for dealing with distractions and setbacks, visualization can help athletes stay focused and calm under pressure. This can lead to improved performance and increased confidence.

It’s important to note that visualization should not replace physical training. Athletes still need to practice and prepare physically for competition. However, visualization can be a valuable addition to an athlete’s training regimen, helping them develop a positive mindset and achieve their goals.

Visualization can also be helpful for athletes recovering from injuries. By visualizing themselves performing their sport or activity, athletes can maintain their skills and motivation during the recovery process.

Developing Resilience And Mental Toughness

Mental preparation is an important aspect of athletic performance that can help athletes develop resilience and mental toughness. By anticipating potential setbacks and developing strategies for overcoming them, athletes can build their confidence and feel more in control of their performance. This can also help athletes maintain their focus and composure when faced with unexpected challenges.

One way that mental preparation can help athletes develop resilience is by encouraging them to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. By reframing setbacks as learning experiences, athletes can build their mental toughness and develop the ability to overcome obstacles.

Visualization is a particularly powerful technique for helping athletes develop resilience and mental toughness. By creating vivid mental images of successful performance, athletes can enhance their confidence and motivation. Visualization can also help athletes develop a sense of familiarity with the competition environment, reducing anxiety and improving performance.

It can be used to prepare athletes for unexpected challenges that may arise during competition. By visualizing themselves overcoming obstacles and adapting to changing circumstances, athletes can develop the mental flexibility and resilience needed to succeed in high-pressure situations.

Visualization can also help athletes develop a sense of control over their performance. By visualizing themselves performing at their best and achieving their goals, athletes can create a positive mindset that helps them stay focused and motivated.

In addition to mental preparation and visualization, seeking support from coaches, teammates, or mental health professionals can also help athletes develop resilience and mental toughness. By talking through challenges and seeking feedback and support, athletes can build their confidence and develop the skills needed to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

It’s important to note that developing resilience and mental toughness takes time and consistent effort. Athletes should approach mental preparation and visualization as ongoing practices, rather than one-time solutions. By consistently practicing these techniques and seeking support when needed, athletes can develop the mental resilience and toughness needed to succeed in their sport.

Visualization Can Be Used In A Variety Of Ways

Athletes can use it to imagine themselves performing specific skills, executing game strategies, or dealing with potential obstacles. Visualization can also be used to prepare mentally for the physical demands of competition, such as endurance events or high-pressure situations.

Research has shown that visualization can have a positive impact on athletic performance. In one study, researchers found that visualization improved the performance of college basketball players on free-throw shooting. The players who practiced visualization before shooting free throws had a higher shooting percentage than those who did not.

Visualization can also be combined with other mental preparation techniques, such as positive self-talk and goal-setting. By using these techniques together, athletes can create a comprehensive mental game plan that helps them achieve their goals and improve their performance.

It’s important to note that mental preparation and visualization are not magic solutions for improving athletic performance. They should be used in conjunction with other strategies, such as physical training, nutrition, and rest. Additionally, athletes should seek support from coaches, teammates, or mental health professionals if they are struggling with performance anxiety or negative self-talk.

Mental preparation and visualization are powerful techniques that athletes can use to improve their performance. By creating a mental game plan and visualizing successful performance, athletes can build their confidence, reduce anxiety, and improve their focus. Visualization can be particularly effective in enhancing confidence and motivation. Mental preparation and visualization should be used in conjunction with other strategies and athletes should seek support if they are struggling with anxiety or negative self-talk. With consistent practice and effort, athletes can develop a more positive mindset and achieve their goals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a sports psychologist? If you do then you need to do our Sports Psychology Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Mind Body Specialist

Coach.Me Fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mental preparation and how does it help athletes improve their performance?

Mental preparation involves creating a mental game plan that outlines an athlete’s approach to competition. It includes techniques such as visualization, goal-setting, and developing strategies for dealing with distractions and setbacks. Mental preparation can help athletes build confidence, reduce anxiety, and stay focused under pressure.

How does visualization help athletes improve their performance?

Visualization involves creating vivid mental images of successful performance. By visualizing themselves performing at their best, achieving specific goals, and overcoming obstacles, athletes can enhance their confidence, reduce anxiety, and develop a sense of familiarity with the competition environment.

How does mental preparation and visualization help athletes develop resilience and mental toughness?

Mental preparation and visualization can help athletes develop resilience and mental toughness by helping them anticipate potential setbacks, develop strategies for overcoming them, and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Visualization can also help athletes develop the mental flexibility needed to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain focus under pressure.

How can athletes integrate mental preparation and visualization into their training regimen?

Athletes can integrate mental preparation and visualization into their training regimen by setting aside time for mental practice, such as before or after physical training sessions. They can also work with coaches, trainers, or mental health professionals to develop personalized mental preparation plans that incorporate visualization and other techniques.

Can mental preparation and visualization be used to help athletes recover from injuries?

Yes, mental preparation and visualization can be helpful for athletes recovering from injuries. By visualizing themselves performing their sport or activity, athletes can maintain their skills and motivation during the recovery process. Mental preparation can also help athletes develop the resilience and mental toughness needed to overcome setbacks and return to competition stronger than before.

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What Types Of Exercises And Workouts Should I Expect From A Personal Trainer? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-types-of-exercises-and-workouts-should-i-expect-from-a-personal-trainer/ Thu, 06 Apr 2023 06:00:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32865 When working with a personal trainer, you can expect to participate in a wide range of exercises and workouts that are designed to help you achieve your fitness goals. Personal trainers have expertise in a variety of workout styles and can create customized plans tailored to your fitness level, goals, and preferences. Here are some...

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When working with a personal trainer, you can expect to participate in a wide range of exercises and workouts that are designed to help you achieve your fitness goals. Personal trainers have expertise in a variety of workout styles and can create customized plans tailored to your fitness level, goals, and preferences. Here are some exercises and workouts you can expect from a personal trainer:

Strength Training

Strength training is an essential component of many personal training plans. It involves using resistance, such as weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight, to build muscle and increase strength. Strength training can help you achieve a variety of fitness goals, from building muscle mass and increasing strength to improving bone density and overall fitness.

Personal trainers often incorporate a range of strength training exercises into their clients’ workout routines. Some of the most common strength training exercises include:

  • Squats: Squats are a compound exercise which work different muscle groups, including the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. There are quite a lot of different variations of the squat, including bodyweight squats, goblet squats, and barbell squats.
  • Deadlifts: Deadlifts are another example compound exercise that work the entire body, but primarily target the back, glutes, and hamstrings. These can be done with a barbell, dumbbells, or kettlebells.
  • Lunges: Lunges are a unilateral exercise that work the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. They can be performed with bodyweight or with added resistance, for example dumbbells or a barbell.
  • Bench Press: The bench press is a type of exercise which primarily works the chest, but also engages the triceps and shoulders. It can be performed with a barbell, dumbbells, or a machine.
  • Overhead Press: The overhead press targets the shoulders, however also engages the triceps and upper back. It can be performed with a barbell, dumbbells, or a machine.
  • Pull-Ups/Chin-Ups: Pull-ups and chin-ups are bodyweight exercises that work the back, shoulders, and biceps. They can be modified to make them easier or harder depending on your fitness level.
  • Rows: Rows are an excellent exercise for targeting the back muscles, including the lats, rhomboids, and traps. They can be performed with dumbbells, a barbell, or a cable machine.

Strength training can provide numerous benefits beyond building muscle and increasing strength. It can also help improve bone density, which is especially important for older adults. As we age, our bones naturally turn out to be weaker and far more prone to fractures. However, strength training can help maintain or even improve bone density, lowering the risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.

Strength training can also help improve overall fitness by increasing metabolic rate, which means you’ll burn more calories during the day, even when you’re not working out. This can be especially beneficial for those looking to lose weight or improve body composition.

Cardiovascular Training

Cardiovascular exercise, also known as cardio, is essential for improving heart health and overall fitness. Your personal trainer may include activities like running, cycling, rowing, or jumping rope to increase your heart rate and improve your endurance.

HIIT

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a popular and effective type of workout that involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise that is followed by periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. This type of training can be a highly efficient way to burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, and increase muscle endurance.

During a HIIT workout, you can expect to perform a series of exercises that are designed to get your heart rate up and then challenge your muscles. Your personal trainer may incorporate a variety of exercises into your HIIT workout, including:

  • Burpees: Burpees are a full-body exercise which involves squatting down, kicking your legs out into a plank position, performing a push-up, and then jumping back up to a standing position. Burpees are an excellent exercise for building cardiovascular endurance and strength.
  • Mountain Climbers: Mountain climbers are a core-strengthening exercise that also helps improve cardiovascular endurance. To perform a mountain climber, start in a plank position and bring one knee up towards your chest, then switch legs.
  • Jumping Jacks: Jumping jacks are a classic exercise that involves jumping your legs out to the side while simultaneously raising your arms overhead. This exercise is great for warming up the body and getting the heart rate up.
  • Sprints: Sprints are a high-intensity exercise that involve running or cycling at a maximum effort for a short period of time. Sprints can help improve cardiovascular health and increase speed and power.
  • Box Jumps: Box jumps involve jumping up onto a box or step and then stepping back down. This exercise is fantastic for building explosive power and improving leg strength.
  • Kettlebell Swings: Kettlebell swings involve swinging a kettlebell between your legs and then using your hips and glutes to swing the kettlebell up to shoulder height. This exercise is great for building strength in the legs, glutes, and core.

HIIT workouts usually last between 20-30 minutes and can be customized to your fitness level and goals. Your personal trainer will help design a HIIT workout that is challenging yet achievable, with appropriate rest intervals to help you recover between intervals.

The benefits of HIIT workouts are numerous. First and foremost, they are highly efficient at burning calories and increasing metabolic rate. Because of the high-intensity nature of the workout, you’ll continue to burn calories for hours after the workout is complete. Additionally, HIIT workouts can help improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and improving lung capacity.

HIIT workouts can also be effective for increasing muscle endurance, as the short bursts of high-intensity exercise can help fatigue the muscles quickly. This can lead to improvements in overall fitness and athletic performance.

Yoga And Pilates

Yoga and Pilates are popular types of exercise that can help improve flexibility, balance, and core strength. Your personal trainer may incorporate yoga poses, Pilates exercises, or other stretching and mobility movements into your workouts.

Functional Training

Functional training is a kind of exercise that focuses on movements that mimic everyday activities or sports-specific movements. These exercises can help improve overall mobility, strength, and stability, which can translate to improved athletic performance and reduced risk of injury.

A personal trainer may incorporate a variety of exercises into your functional training program, including:

  • Lunges: Lunges are a unilateral exercise that targets the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. This exercise can help improve lower body strength and stability, which can translate to improved performance in sports and daily activities.
  • Squats: Squats are a compound exercise which work the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. This exercise can help improve lower body strength, balance, and coordination.
  • Balance Drills: Balance drills involve standing on one foot or on an unstable surface, such as a balance ball or Bosu ball. These exercises can help improve balance, stability, and overall body control.
  • Deadlifts: Deadlifts are a compound exercise that primarily target the back, glutes, and hamstrings. This exercise can help improve overall strength and stability in the posterior chain, which can translate to improved performance in sports and daily activities.
  • Push-Ups: Push-ups are a bodyweight exercise that primarily target the chest, triceps, and shoulders. This exercise can help improve upper body strength and stability, which can translate to improved performance in sports and daily activities.

Functional training can provide numerous benefits beyond improved athletic performance. It can also help improve overall mobility and reduce the risk of injury. By focusing on movements that mimic everyday activities, functional training can help prepare your body for the demands of daily life, reducing the risk of injury and improving overall quality of life.

In addition to improving overall mobility and reducing the risk of injury, functional training can also be highly effective for improving sports-specific performance. By incorporating exercises that mimic sports-specific movements, functional training can help athletes improve their overall performance and reduce the risk of injury.

Sports-Specific Training

If you participate in a particular sport, your personal trainer may incorporate exercises that are specific to that sport. For example, if you’re a runner, your trainer may include exercises that improve your running form, increase your speed, and reduce your risk of injury.

Mind-Body Workouts

Mind-body workouts like meditation and Tai Chi can help to lower stress, improve mental clarity, and promote relaxation. Your personal trainer may incorporate these types of workouts into your routine to help you manage stress and improve your overall wellbeing.

A personal trainer is able to create an adapted workout plan that is tailored to your fitness level, goals, and preferences. You can expect to participate in a variety of exercises and workouts, including strength training, cardiovascular training, HIIT, yoga and Pilates, functional training, sports-specific training, and mind-body workouts. With the guidance of a personal trainer, you can achieve your fitness goals safely and effectively.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is functional training, and how can it benefit me?

Functional training focuses on exercises that mimic movements used in daily life or sports activities. These exercises can improve overall mobility, strength, and stability, reducing the risk of injury and improving athletic performance.

What are some common strength training exercises a personal trainer may incorporate into my workout?

A personal trainer may incorporate exercises like squats, deadlifts, lunges, and bench presses into your workout routine. Strength training can help you build lean muscle mass, increase bone density, and improve overall fitness.

How can high-intensity interval training (HIIT) benefit my fitness routine?

HIIT workouts encompass short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed up by periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. This type of training can be an effective way to burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, and increase muscle endurance.

What are some examples of exercises that may be incorporated into a HIIT workout?

Examples of exercises that may be incorporated into a HIIT workout include burpees, mountain climbers, jumping jacks, sprints, box jumps, and kettlebell swings.

What is the importance of a personalized fitness plan from a personal trainer?

A personalized fitness plan is essential because it takes into account your fitness level, goals, and any injuries or health conditions you may have. A personal trainer can create a customized fitness plan that is safe and effective, with exercises and workouts tailored specifically to your needs.

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How Do I Find A Qualified And Trustworthy Personal Trainer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-i-find-a-qualified-and-trustworthy-personal-trainer/ Thu, 06 Apr 2023 06:00:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32862 Finding a qualified and trustworthy personal trainer can be challenging, especially if you’re new to fitness. However, it’s crucial to choose a personal trainer who can assist you with achieving your fitness goals safely and effectively. Here are some tips to assist you with finding a qualified and trustworthy personal trainer: Research Choosing a personal...

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Finding a qualified and trustworthy personal trainer can be challenging, especially if you’re new to fitness. However, it’s crucial to choose a personal trainer who can assist you with achieving your fitness goals safely and effectively. Here are some tips to assist you with finding a qualified and trustworthy personal trainer:

Research

Choosing a personal trainer is an important decision that requires thorough research and consideration. With so many choices that are available, it can be overwhelming to know exactly where to start. Here are a number of tips to help you find the right personal trainer for your fitness goals.

  • Research Local Personal Trainers: Start by researching personal trainers in your area. Look for trainers who have a good reputation and are well-regarded in the fitness industry. A simple Google search can provide a list of personal trainers in your area. You can also request referrals from friends, family members, or your gym.
  • Read Reviews and Testimonials: Once you’ve identified potential personal trainers, read reviews and testimonials from their clients. Check their website or social media pages for reviews, or look for them on third-party review sites like Yelp or Google. Reading reviews can give you an idea of their training style, personality, and success rate.
  • Check their Credentials: It’s important to choose a personal trainer who is certified by a reputable organization. These certifications ensure that the trainer has the necessary knowledge and expertise to design safe and effective workout programs.
  • Consider their Experience: Choose a personal trainer with experience in training clients similar to you in terms of fitness level and goals. Ask for references from their past and current clients to see if they have a proven track record of success. Experienced trainers will have a better understanding of how to modify exercises, progress clients, and provide motivation.
  • Evaluate their Specialties: Personal trainers may specialize in specific areas like weight loss, strength training, or rehabilitation. It’s important to choose a personal trainer who specializes in your area of interest. They will have a better understanding of your goals and can design a customized workout program to meet your specific needs.
  • Assess their Personality: Personal training involves a lot of one-on-one interaction, so it’s important to choose a personal trainer whose personality and communication style align with yours. You should feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and receiving feedback from your trainer.
  • Look for Customization: A qualified personal trainer should be able to create a customized fitness plan based on your fitness level, goals, and any injuries or health conditions you may have. They should be able to adjust your plan as needed to ensure that you’re making progress towards your goals.
  • Prioritize Safety: Safety should be a top priority when choosing a personal trainer. Look for trainers who have experience working with clients with injuries or health conditions and know how to modify exercises to prevent injury. They should also be knowledgeable about proper form and technique to reduce the risk of injury.
  • Evaluate their Professionalism: A qualified and trustworthy personal trainer should be professional, punctual, and respectful of your time and privacy. They should be able to clearly communicate and be responsive to your questions and concerns. A professional trainer will take the time to listen to your needs and goals and design a program that is tailored to you.

Experience

When searching for a personal trainer, it’s important to find someone who has experience working with clients with similar fitness levels and goals as you. This will ensure that they have the knowledge and expertise to design a customized workout program that meets your needs.

One way to determine a personal trainer’s level of experience is to ask for references from their past and current clients. Contacting their references can give you insight into the trainer’s coaching style, communication skills, and success rate.

Here are some tips for requesting references from a personal trainer:

  • Ask the Trainer for References: When first meeting with a potential personal trainer, ask if they have any references available. Most personal trainers will be happy to provide you with contact information for their past or current clients.
  • Contact the References: Once you receive a list of references, contact them and ask about their experience working with the personal trainer. Ask about their training goals, how the trainer helped them achieve those goals, and their overall satisfaction with the trainer.
  • Look for Similarities: When speaking with references, look for similarities in their fitness levels and goals compared to yours. If they have similar fitness goals and achieved success working with the trainer, it’s a good indication that the trainer can help you achieve your goals as well.
  • Evaluate the Trainer’s Success Rate: Ask the references about their progress and success while working with the trainer. Did they achieve their goals? Did they make progress towards their goals? If the references had a positive experience and achieved success, it’s a good sign that the trainer can help you achieve similar results.
  • Consider the Trainer’s Communication Skills: In addition to evaluating the trainer’s success rate, consider their communication skills. Did the trainer listen to their clients’ needs and goals? Did they provide clear and effective feedback? Communication is essential in personal training, and it’s important to find a trainer who can communicate effectively with you.

In addition to asking for references, you can also do your own research to find out about a personal trainer’s experience. Check the trainer’s website, social media pages, and online reviews in order to see what others are saying about their training style and success rate.

Personality

Personal training involves a lot of one-on-one interaction, so it’s crucial to choose a personal trainer whose personality and communication style align with yours. You should feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and receiving feedback from your trainer.

Customization

When selecting a personal trainer, it’s important to find someone who can design a customized fitness plan that meets your specific needs. A qualified personal trainer should be able to assess your fitness level, discuss your goals, and take into account any injuries or health conditions you may have.

Here are some key components of a personalized fitness plan:

  • Assessment: A qualified personal trainer should conduct an initial assessment to determine your current fitness level, including your strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. This assessment will help the trainer design a workout plan which is tailored to your specific needs and abilities.
  • Goal Setting: Discuss your fitness goals with the personal trainer. If you would like to lose weight, bulk up, or increase endurance, the trainer should be able to assist you with setting realistic and achievable goals.
  • Customized Plan: Based on your assessment and goals, the personal trainer should create a customized workout plan that meets your specific needs. This plan should include exercises that target your areas of weakness, build on your strengths, and address any health concerns.
  • Progression: A good personal trainer should be able to monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed. This means that they will increase the intensity of your workouts as you get stronger and make adjustments to your plan to help you overcome any plateaus.
  • Adapting to Injuries or Health Conditions: If you have any injuries or health conditions, the personal trainer should be able to adapt your workout plan to accommodate these issues. This may include modifying certain exercises or incorporating alternative exercises that are safer for your condition.
  • Nutrition: A personalized fitness plan should also include nutrition guidance to help you achieve your goals. The personal trainer should be able to provide you with recommendations for healthy eating habits that support your fitness goals.
  • Motivation and Support: Finally, a good personal trainer should provide you with the motivation and support you have to stay on track with your fitness plan. They should be able to encourage you, provide feedback on your progress, and celebrate your achievements along the way.

Safety

Safety should be a top priority when choosing a personal trainer. Look for trainers who have experience working with clients with injuries or health conditions and know how to modify exercises to prevent injury.

Professionalism

A qualified and trustworthy personal trainer should be professional, punctual, and respectful of your time and privacy. They should have the ability communicate clearly and be responsive to your questions and concerns.

Finding a qualified and trustworthy personal trainer takes research, time, and effort. Look for personal trainers who are certified, experienced, have a customized approach, prioritize safety, and demonstrate professionalism. With the right personal trainer, you can achieve your fitness goals safely and effectively.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Personal Training

 

Coach.Me Fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start my search for a qualified and trustworthy personal trainer?

You can start by researching personal trainers in your area, asking for referrals from friends or family members, or checking with your gym.

What credentials should I look for in a personal trainer?

Look for personal trainers who are certified by reputable organizations like NASM, ACE, or NSCA. These certifications ensure that the trainer has the necessary knowledge and expertise to design safe and effective workout programs.

How can I evaluate a personal trainer’s experience?

Ask for references from their past and current clients and check their credentials and specialties to see if they align with your fitness goals.

How important is communication when choosing a personal trainer?

Communication is essential in personal training, and it’s important to find a trainer who can communicate effectively with you. Look for someone who listens to your needs and goals and provides clear and effective feedback.

Should I prioritize safety when choosing a personal trainer?

Yes, safety should be a top priority when choosing a personal trainer. Look for trainers who have experience working with clients with injuries or health conditions and know how to modify exercises to prevent injury.

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Is Foam Rolling Safe For Everyone? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/is-foam-rolling-safe-for-everyone/ Wed, 05 Apr 2023 06:00:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32851 Foam rolling is generally considered to be safe for most people. However, there are some situations in which foam rolling may not be appropriate or may require additional precautions. Medical Conditions Or Injuries Foam rolling is generally considered safe, but certain medical conditions or injuries may require modifications or avoidance of foam rolling. Individuals with...

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Foam rolling is generally considered to be safe for most people. However, there are some situations in which foam rolling may not be appropriate or may require additional precautions.

Medical Conditions Or Injuries

Foam rolling is generally considered safe, but certain medical conditions or injuries may require modifications or avoidance of foam rolling. Individuals with osteoporosis or other bone conditions should avoid foam rolling over the spine or other bony areas. Those with acute injuries such as sprains or strains may need to avoid foam rolling until the injury has healed. Consulting with a medical professional before starting a foam rolling routine is recommended if there are concerns about health or a specific injury.

It is essential to understand your body and any underlying conditions or injuries before incorporating foam rolling into your fitness routine. By consulting with a medical professional, individuals can get personalized advice on how to modify their foam rolling routine to avoid any potential risks. In some cases, foam rolling may need to be avoided altogether to prevent further injury or exacerbation of a medical condition. However, for many individuals, foam rolling can be a safe and effective way to improve mobility and prevent injury.

Foam Rolling Newbies

Secondly, foam rolling can be uncomfortable or even painful for some individuals, particularly those new to the technique or with tight or sensitive muscles. Starting with shorter durations and gradually increasing the duration and intensity of foam rolling can help to reduce discomfort. Additionally, individuals can modify the pressure and intensity of foam rolling by using softer or firmer foam rollers, or by using a towel or cushion to decrease pressure. It is very important to listen to your body and adjust the foam rolling routine as needed to avoid injury or excessive discomfort. When starting with foam rolling, it is important to be patient and allow the body to adapt to the new technique gradually.

It is normal to feel discomfort or tightness in the muscles during foam rolling, but sharp or intense pain should be avoided. To reduce discomfort, individuals can start with shorter durations of foam rolling and gradually increase the duration and intensity as their muscles become more accustomed to the technique. Using softer foam rollers or adding cushions or towels can also help to decrease pressure and make foam rolling more comfortable. It is quite important to remember that foam rolling may not be comfortable or appropriate for everyone, and it is important to listen to your body and adjust the technique or seek guidance from a qualified fitness professional if necessary.

Warm-Ups And Cool-Downs

It is important to note that foam rolling should not be utilised as a substitute for proper warm-up or cool-down routines. While foam rolling can be beneficial for releasing tension in the muscles, it does not provide the same benefits as dynamic stretching or other warm-up exercises. Dynamic stretching involves movement-based stretching that helps to increase heart rate, body temperature, and blood flow to the muscles, which are all essential components of a proper warm-up. Similarly, foam rolling should not be used as the sole method of muscle recovery after a workout.

Although foam rolling can aid in muscle recovery by increasing blood flow and reducing muscle soreness, other recovery techniques such as stretching, hydration, and proper nutrition are also essential for optimizing muscle recovery and preventing injury. To effectively warm up before a workout, individuals should incorporate dynamic stretching, foam rolling, or a combination of both into their warm-up routine.

A proper cool-down routine should also be followed after a workout, which may include stretching, foam rolling, and other recovery techniques. By incorporating foam rolling into a well-rounded warm-up and cool-down routine, individuals can maximize the benefits of foam rolling while also reducing the risk of injury and improving overall fitness levels.

Areas To Avoid

Foam rolling should be avoided in certain areas of the body, for instance the neck and upper back, due to their sensitivity and complex structure of bones and nerves that can be easily damaged with foam rolling. It is important to use caution when foam rolling the lower back, as excessive pressure can cause discomfort or injury.

When foam rolling the lower back, it is recommended to use a softer foam roller or to place a towel or cushion between the foam roller and the lower back to reduce pressure. Alternatively, a massage ball or tennis ball can be used to target specific areas of tension in the lower back. Foam rolling should also be avoided on any areas of the body with open wounds, bruises, or other injuries that could be further aggravated by the pressure of foam rolling.

Additionally, individuals should avoid foam rolling any areas of the body that feel painful or uncomfortable, as this could indicate an injury or underlying medical condition that requires professional attention. By being mindful of which areas of the body to avoid when foam rolling and using caution when targeting sensitive areas such as the lower back, individuals can safely and effectively incorporate foam rolling into their fitness routine.

Improved Mobility And Lowered Muscle Soreness

Foam rolling can be a useful tool for improving mobility and reducing muscle soreness, but it should be used in conjunction with other fitness practices, such as strength training, cardiovascular exercise, and stretching. While foam rolling can aid in releasing tension in the muscles and improve overall mobility, it is not a substitute for a well-rounded fitness program that incorporates other essential components of fitness. Strength training is important for building muscle mass and increasing strength, while cardiovascular exercise is essential for improving heart health and overall fitness levels.

Stretching is also important for improving flexibility and reducing the risk of injury. Foam rolling can be used as a complementary technique to these other practices to help improve muscle recovery and mobility. By incorporating foam rolling into a well-rounded fitness program, individuals can maximize the benefits of foam rolling while also improving overall fitness levels and reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, it is important to listen to your body and adjust your foam rolling routine accordingly.

Foam rolling should not be performed to the point of excessive discomfort or pain, as this can cause injury or aggravate existing injuries or conditions. Instead, it should be used as a gentle technique to release tension in the muscles and promote recovery. By incorporating foam rolling into a well-rounded fitness routine that includes strength training, cardiovascular exercise, and stretching, individuals can improve their overall fitness levels and reduce the risk of injury, while also benefiting from the unique advantages of foam rolling.

Foam rolling is generally considered safe for most individuals, but there are certain medical conditions or injuries that may require modifications or avoidance of foam rolling. Individuals with osteoporosis or other bone conditions should avoid foam rolling over the spine or other bony areas. Individuals with acute injuries, such as sprains or strains, may need to avoid foam rolling until the injury has healed. It is always advised to check in with a medical professional before starting a foam rolling routine if you have any worries about your health or a specific injury. In addition, foam rolling can be uncomfortable or even painful for some individuals, especially those who are new to the technique or have particularly tight or sensitive muscles. It is important to start with shorter durations and slowly increase the intensity as well as duration of foam rolling as tolerated. Individuals can modify the pressure and intensity of the foam rolling by using softer or firmer foam rollers or by using a towel or cushion to decrease pressure.

While foam rolling can be beneficial for releasing tension in the muscles and improving mobility, it should not utilised used as a replacement for proper warm-up or cool-down routines. Foam rolling can be used in conjunction with dynamic stretching or other warm-up exercises, but it should not be the sole method of muscle preparation before a workout. Similarly, foam rolling should not be used as the sole method of muscle recovery after a workout. It is important to incorporate other recovery techniques, such as stretching, hydration, and proper nutrition, to optimize muscle recovery and prevent injury.

Furthermore, caution should be used when foam rolling sensitive areas of the body, such as the neck and upper back. These areas have a complex structure of bones and nerves that can be easily damaged with foam rolling. When foam rolling the lower back, it is recommended to use a softer foam roller or to place a towel or cushion between the foam roller and the lower back to reduce pressure. Foam rolling should also be avoided on any areas of the body with open wounds, bruises, or other injuries that could be further aggravated by the pressure of foam rolling. Additionally, individuals should avoid foam rolling any areas of the body that feel painful or uncomfortable, as this could indicate an injury or underlying medical condition that requires professional attention.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about foam rolling then you need to do our Foam Rolling Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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How Long Should I Foam Roll For? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-long-should-i-foam-roll-for/ Wed, 05 Apr 2023 06:00:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32847 Foam rolling has become an increasingly popular tool for improving mobility, reducing muscle soreness, and preventing injury. However, a lot of people are unsure of how long they should foam roll for, and whether there is an optimal duration for foam rolling. In today’s, we will discuss the benefits of foam rolling, the factors that...

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Foam rolling has become an increasingly popular tool for improving mobility, reducing muscle soreness, and preventing injury. However, a lot of people are unsure of how long they should foam roll for, and whether there is an optimal duration for foam rolling. In today’s, we will discuss the benefits of foam rolling, the factors that determine the appropriate foam rolling duration, and provide some guidelines for how long to foam roll.

Benefits Of Foam Rolling

Foam rolling is a category of self-myofascial release (SMR) that involves applying pressure to specific areas of the body utilising a foam roller, massage ball, or similar tool. SMR is used to release tension in the muscles and connective tissue, which can improve flexibility and mobility. Foam rolling has several benefits, including improved range of motion, reduced muscle soreness, and injury prevention.

Foam rolling can help to improve range of motion by reducing tension in the muscles and connective tissue. This improved flexibility can make it easier to perform exercises and daily activities. By breaking up adhesions and knots that are in the muscle tissue, foam rolling can help to reduce stiffness and increase mobility.

After a workout, foam rolling can also help to lower muscle soreness and aid in recovery. By encouraging blood flow to the muscles, foam rolling can help to flush out metabolic waste and bring fresh nutrients to the muscle tissue. This can speed up the recovery process and reduce the amount of soreness and stiffness experienced after a workout.

Regular foam rolling can also help to prevent injuries by improving flexibility, mobility, and joint range of motion. By addressing muscle imbalances and correcting movement patterns, foam rolling can reduce the risk of overuse injuries. For example, if a muscle is tight or overused, it can pull on the joints and cause pain or discomfort. By releasing tension in the muscle, foam rolling can improve joint alignment and reduce the risk of injury.

Foam rolling can be particularly beneficial for individuals who engage in physical activity or have a sedentary lifestyle. Sitting for long periods may cause tightness in the hip flexors, which can lead to lower back pain and other issues. Foam rolling the hip flexors can help to release tension and improve overall mobility.

Incorporating foam rolling into a fitness routine is relatively simple. It can be done before or after a workout or as part of a recovery routine. To foam roll, simply place the foam roller under the targeted muscle group and slowly roll back and forth, applying pressure to the areas that are tight or sore. Beginners should start with shorter durations and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable with the technique.

Factors That Determine the Appropriate Foam Rolling Duration

The appropriate duration for foam rolling is dependent on several factors, including body size, muscle group, and foam roller density.

Body size is a significant factor in determining the appropriate foam rolling duration. Individuals with larger body mass may require longer foam rolling durations to achieve the same benefits as those with smaller body mass. This is because there is more muscle tissue to cover in larger individuals, which requires more time and pressure to release tension and knots.

Another factor that influences the appropriate foam rolling duration is the muscle group being targeted. Certain muscle groups may require longer foam rolling durations than others due to their size or the amount of tension they hold. For example, larger muscle groups such as the quadriceps or glutes may require longer durations to effectively release tension compared to smaller muscle groups such as the calves or forearms.

Foam roller density is also a crucial factor in determining the appropriate foam rolling duration. The density of the foam roller can affect the amount of pressure which is applied to the muscles and the amount of time required to release tension. Softer foam rollers may require longer durations to achieve the desired effects, while denser foam rollers may require shorter durations.

Individuals who are new to foam rolling should start with shorter durations and gradually increase the duration as they become more experienced. A general guideline of 30-90 seconds per muscle group can be followed, with a focus on the areas that are tight or sore. However, beginners may start with shorter durations, such as 15-20 seconds per muscle group, and gradually increase the duration to 30-60 seconds as they become more comfortable with the technique.

It is important to note that foam rolling should not be painful. While some discomfort or pressure is expected, individuals should avoid rolling over areas that are excessively painful. If you experience severe pain, you should stop foam rolling and consult a healthcare professional.

Foam rolling should not be used as a substitute for stretching or other forms of exercise. It should be used as a supplement to a balanced fitness program that includes strength training, cardio, and stretching. Foam rolling can help to improve mobility, reduce muscle soreness, and prevent injury when used in combination with other exercise modalities.

Guidelines For How Long To Foam Roll

While the appropriate foam rolling duration varies depending on the factors mentioned above, there are some general guidelines that individuals can follow. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) makes the recommendation that a foam rolling duration of 30-90 seconds per muscle group, with a focus on the areas that are tight or sore.

However, individuals who are new to foam rolling should start with shorter durations and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable with the technique. For example, beginners may start with 15-20 seconds per muscle group and gradually increase the duration to 30-60 seconds as they become more experienced.

It is also important to note that foam rolling should not be painful. While some discomfort or pressure is expected, individuals should avoid rolling over areas that are excessively painful. If you experience severe pain, you should stop foam rolling and consult a healthcare professional.

Additionally, foam rolling should not be used as a substitute for stretching or other forms of exercise. It should be used as a supplement to a well-rounded fitness program which includes strength training, cardio, and stretching.

Foam rolling is a technique that can be used to improve mobility, reduce muscle soreness, and prevent injury. The appropriate foam rolling duration is dependent on several factors, including body size, muscle group, and foam roller density. However, a general guideline of 30-90 seconds per muscle group can be followed, with a focus on areas that are tight or sore.

Individuals who are new to foam rolling should start with shorter durations and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable with the technique. This can help to prevent discomfort or pain, which can occur if the muscles are rolled too aggressively. As individuals become more experienced with foam rolling, they may find that they can tolerate longer durations without experiencing discomfort.

Incorporating foam rolling into a well-rounded fitness program can provide several benefits. By reducing muscle tension and improving mobility, individuals can perform exercises and daily activities with greater ease and less discomfort. Additionally, foam rolling can help to reduce muscle soreness and stiffness, especially after a workout. By encouraging blood flow to the muscles, foam rolling can also aid in muscle recovery and prevent injuries.

To effectively foam roll, individuals should identify the muscles or areas of the body that are tight or sore. By applying pressure to these areas using a foam roller, massage ball, or other similar tools, individuals can help to release tension and knots in the muscle tissue. The pressure should be applied gradually, with a focus on maintaining a comfortable level of pressure throughout the rolling process.

The appropriate foam roller density can also affect the foam rolling duration. Softer foam rollers may require longer durations to achieve the desired effects, while denser foam rollers may require shorter durations. Additionally, foam rolling can be tailored to specific muscle groups or areas of the body. For example, foam rolling can be particularly beneficial for the hip flexors, which can become tight and stiff from sitting for long periods of time.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about foam rolling then you need to do our Foam Rolling Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is foam rolling, and why is it important?

Foam rolling is a category of self-myofascial release technique used to release tension in the muscles and connective tissue. It is important for improving mobility, reducing muscle soreness, and preventing injury.

How long should I foam roll for each muscle group?

The appropriate foam rolling duration varies depending on several factors, including body size, muscle group, and foam roller density. A general guideline of 30-90 seconds per muscle group can be followed, with a focus on areas that are tight or sore.

Can I foam roll every day?

Yes, foam rolling can be done every day. However, it is very important to listen to your body and adjust the foam rolling duration and pressure based on how your muscles feel.

What are some common mistakes to dodge when foam rolling?

Common mistakes to avoid when foam rolling include rolling too quickly, rolling over joints or bony areas, and applying too much pressure. It is important to maintain a comfortable level of pressure and to roll slowly and intentionally over the muscles.

Can foam rolling replace stretching?

While foam rolling can help to release tension in the muscles and improve mobility, it is not a replacement for stretching. Incorporating foam rolling into a well-rounded fitness program that includes stretching can provide additional benefits for overall mobility and flexibility.

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What Should I Expect To Learn In An Olympic Lifting Course? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-should-i-expect-to-learn-in-an-olympic-lifting-course/ Tue, 04 Apr 2023 06:00:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32841 Olympic lifting, also known as weightlifting, is a strength sport that involves two main lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. It requires a combination of power, speed, coordination, and technique to perform these lifts correctly and effectively. Olympic lifting courses are designed to teach individuals how to perform these lifts correctly, with proper...

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Olympic lifting, also known as weightlifting, is a strength sport that involves two main lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. It requires a combination of power, speed, coordination, and technique to perform these lifts correctly and effectively. Olympic lifting courses are designed to teach individuals how to perform these lifts correctly, with proper technique and form, and to develop the strength and power necessary to perform them at a high level. In today’s article, we will discuss what you can expect to learn in an Olympic lifting course.

Basic Lifting Techniques

In an Olympic lifting course, learning the basic lifting techniques is paramount. This includes understanding the correct way to grip the barbell, the positioning of your feet and body, and how to initiate the lift. The course will prioritize the safety and efficiency of your lifting, with a focus on developing proper technique and form.

The basics of lifting techniques are crucial for Olympic lifting, as they provide the foundation for all other lifts to build upon. The correct way to grip the barbell, for instance, ensures that you are able to hold onto the weight without causing strain or injury to your hands or wrists. It also enables you to lift the barbell in a controlled manner, which is essential for achieving the desired lifting motion.

The positioning of your feet and body is equally important in Olympic lifting. It determines your centre of gravity and enables you to generate power and strength from the ground up. Proper positioning also ensures that you are able to execute the lift in a smooth and controlled manner, reducing the risk of injury or strain.

Initiating the lift is the final piece of the puzzle when it comes to the basics of lifting techniques. It involves understanding how to generate power from your legs and hips, and how to transfer that power to the barbell. By learning how to initiate the lift correctly, you will be able to execute the lift with ease and efficiency, achieving maximum results with minimal effort.

In an Olympic lifting course, you will be taught how to perform the lifts safely and efficiently with a focus on technique and form. The course will provide you with the opportunity to practice and refine your lifting technique under the guidance of experienced coaches and trainers. This personalized attention will help you to master the basics of lifting techniques and ensure that you are able to execute the lifts with confidence and ease.

It is important to note that learning the basics of lifting techniques is just the beginning of your Olympic lifting journey. Consistent practice, dedication, and patience are necessary to achieve mastery of the lifts. However, by starting with a strong foundation of proper technique and form, you will be able to progress to more advanced lifts and achieve your lifting goals safely and efficiently.

The Snatch

The snatch is the first Olympic lift that you will learn in a course. This lift involves lifting the barbell from the floor to overhead in one smooth motion. You will learn how to position your feet and grip the barbell, as well as how to initiate the lift with your legs and hips. You will also learn how to transition from the first pull to the second pull, and how to catch the barbell overhead in the squat position.

The Clean And Jerk

As you progress in your Olympic lifting course, you will learn the second of the two main lifts: the clean and jerk. This lift involves lifting the barbell from the floor to the shoulders, and then overhead in two distinct motions. Throughout the course, you will develop the necessary knowledge and skill to execute this lift safely and effectively.

The first step in learning the clean and jerk is understanding the proper grip and foot positioning for the lift. These foundational elements are crucial to ensure that you are able to generate power and lift the barbell efficiently. You will also learn how to initiate the first pull with your legs and hips, using your lower body to drive the weight upward.

After initiating the first pull, you will learn how to transition to the second pull. This involves using your upper body to continue the lift, bringing the barbell up to your shoulders. Timing and coordination are essential here, as a mistimed movement can result in loss of control and injury.

Once the barbell is at your shoulders, you will learn how to catch it in the front rack position. This position involves holding the barbell across your shoulders and clavicles while keeping your elbows up and pointed forward. The front rack position enables you to brace your core and maintain stability while transitioning to the final stage of the lift.

The last stage of the clean and jerk is the jerk. This involves lifting the barbell overhead in a controlled manner. You will learn how to position your body correctly for the jerk, and how to execute the lift with proper technique and form. This requires explosive power from your legs and a smooth transition from the front rack position to overhead.

Throughout your Olympic lifting course, you will practice the clean and jerk under the guidance of experienced coaches and trainers. This personalized attention will allow you to identify and correct any mistakes in your technique, ensuring that you are able to execute the lift safely and effectively. You will also learn how to increase the weight you are lifting over time, building up your strength and power gradually.

It is important to note that the clean and jerk is a highly technical and demanding lift, and it may take time and practice to master. However, by focusing on proper technique and form, and by progressing gradually over time, you can build the strength and power necessary to execute this lift with confidence and ease.

Accessory Lifts

In addition to the main Olympic lifts, you will also learn a variety of accessory lifts that can help you develop the strength and power necessary to perform the lifts effectively. These may include exercises such as squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, and pull-ups. These exercises will help you develop the foundational strength and power necessary to perform the Olympic lifts at a high level.

Mobility and Flexibility

Mobility and flexibility are crucial for Olympic lifting, and you will learn a variety of exercises to improve your mobility and flexibility in an Olympic lifting course. This may include exercises such as foam rolling, dynamic stretching, and mobility drills to improve your range of motion and prepare your body for the demands of the lifts.

Program Design and Periodization

An important aspect of an Olympic lifting course is learning how to design and implement an effective training program. This involves understanding the principles of periodization and how to structure your training to ensure continued progress and improvement.

Periodization is the process of dividing up your training into specific phases or periods, with each phase focused on a different aspect of your training. This can help you to achieve your goals more effectively by ensuring that your training is structured and progressive. In an Olympic lifting course, you will learn about the different phases of periodization, and how to design a program that is tailored to your goals and abilities.

Once you have an understanding of periodization, you will learn how to select appropriate exercises for each phase of your training. This will involve understanding the different exercises that are used in Olympic lifting, and how to incorporate them into your program in a way that is safe and effective. You will also learn how to modify exercises to suit your individual needs and abilities.

Setting goals is another important aspect of designing an effective Olympic lifting program. By setting specific, measurable goals, you can ensure that your training is focused and structured. Your goals may include increasing your strength, improving your technique, or preparing for a competition. By deciding on goals that are challenging but achievable, you can stay motivated and track your progress over time.

Tracking your progress is crucial for monitoring your performance and ensuring that you are making progress towards your goals. In an Olympic lifting course, you will learn how to track your progress using a variety of methods, such as recording your lifting sessions, tracking your weight and repetitions, or using performance metrics such as speed or power output. By tracking your progress, you can identify areas where you need to improve and adjust your training accordingly.

Implementing your training program requires discipline, consistency, and commitment. By sticking to your program and making adjustments as needed, you can continue to make progress and achieve your goals over time. In an Olympic lifting course, you will learn about the importance of consistency and how to develop a mindset that is focused on continuous improvement.

Coaching Techniques

Finally, you will learn coaching techniques to help you work with others and improve their Olympic lifting technique. This includes understanding how to analyse and diagnose common lifting errors, as well as how to provide effective feedback to help individuals improve their technique and form.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen to learn more about Olympic lifting, then you need to do our Olympic Lifting Course. Find out more by following this link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two main lifts you will learn in an Olympic lifting course?

The two main lifts you will learn in an Olympic lifting course are the snatch and the clean and jerk.

What other exercises will you learn in an Olympic lifting course besides the two main lifts?

In addition to the two main lifts, you will also learn a variety of accessory lifts, such as squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, and pull-ups.

What skills will you develop in an Olympic lifting course?

In an Olympic lifting course, you will develop skills such as proper lifting techniques, mobility and flexibility, program design and periodization, and coaching techniques.

Is it necessary to have prior lifting experience before taking an Olympic lifting course?

No, it is not necessary to have prior lifting experience before taking an Olympic lifting course. These courses are designed to teach individuals of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced lifters.

Can you become an Olympic weightlifting coach after completing an Olympic lifting course?

Completing an Olympic lifting course does not automatically qualify you to become an Olympic weightlifting coach. However, it is a valuable step towards gaining the knowledge and experience necessary to pursue a career in coaching Olympic lifting. Further training and certification may be required to become a coach.

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Who Can Benefit From Taking Olympic Lifting Courses? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/who-can-benefit-from-taking-olympic-lifting-courses/ Tue, 04 Apr 2023 06:00:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32844 Olympic lifting is a challenging and demanding sport that requires a combination of strength, power, speed, coordination, and technique to execute lifts correctly and effectively. While Olympic lifting is often associated with competitive athletes, individuals from all backgrounds and fitness levels can benefit from taking Olympic lifting courses. In this article, we will discuss who...

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Olympic lifting is a challenging and demanding sport that requires a combination of strength, power, speed, coordination, and technique to execute lifts correctly and effectively. While Olympic lifting is often associated with competitive athletes, individuals from all backgrounds and fitness levels can benefit from taking Olympic lifting courses. In this article, we will discuss who can benefit from taking Olympic lifting courses.

Athletes

Olympic lifting courses are beneficial for athletes from various sports, as the lifts develop explosive power and strength, which are essential for athletic performance. The lifts can also improve coordination and balance, which are crucial for sports that require quick and precise movements.

Explosive power and strength are key components of athletic performance, and Olympic lifting is a great way to develop these qualities. Athletes in sports such as football, basketball, track and field, and wrestling can all benefit from Olympic lifting courses. The lifts involve explosive movements that develop power and strength in the legs, core, and upper body. This translates to improved performance on the field or court, as athletes are better able to generate power and explosiveness in their movements.

In addition to developing power and strength, Olympic lifting can also improve coordination and balance. These skills are important for sports that require quick and precise movements, such as basketball, tennis, and soccer. By incorporating Olympic lifting into their training, athletes can improve their ability to control their body and execute movements with precision.

For example, Olympic lifting can improve a basketball player’s ability to jump and rebound. The explosive power generated through the lifts translates to improved vertical jump, enabling players to reach higher and grab more rebounds. Similarly, Olympic lifting can improve a sprinter’s ability to explode off the starting block. The lifts develop power in the legs and hips, which are essential for generating the speed and explosiveness needed to get off the starting block quickly.

Strength And Conditioning Enthusiasts

Individuals who enjoy strength and conditioning training can also benefit from Olympic lifting courses. The lifts provide a full-body workout that targets multiple muscle groups, making them an efficient way to build strength and power. Additionally, the lifts can improve overall athleticism, coordination, and balance. For those who enjoy competing, Olympic lifting competitions can be a lot of fun and challenging way to test their skills.

Fitness Enthusiasts

Olympic lifting courses are not just for competitive athletes or strength and conditioning enthusiasts. Even if you are new to fitness, you can benefit from Olympic lifting as the lifts help you build strength, increase muscle mass, and improve overall fitness levels.

Incorporating Olympic lifting into your fitness routine can help you build strength and muscle mass in a way that traditional weightlifting may not. The lifts require explosive power and coordination, which engage multiple muscle groups and challenge the body in a unique way. This full-body workout can lead to significant gains in strength and muscle mass, even for individuals who are new to lifting.

As well as building strength and muscle mass, Olympic lifting can improve overall fitness levels. The lifts require a high level of cardiovascular endurance, as they involve lifting heavy weights at a fast pace. By incorporating Olympic lifting into your fitness routine, you can improve your cardiovascular health and endurance, leading to better overall fitness.

The lifts also improve mobility and flexibility, which are essential for overall health and fitness. By performing the lifts with proper technique and form, you can improve joint mobility and reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, the lifts require a high level of mobility and flexibility, which can lead to improved overall movement patterns.

For those who are looking to switch up their fitness routine or try something new, Olympic lifting can be a challenging and rewarding option. The lifts require focus, discipline, and determination, making them a great option for individuals who are looking to challenge themselves both physically and mentally. Additionally, Olympic lifting competitions provide an opportunity to test your skills and compete against others, which can be a fun and rewarding experience.

It is important to note that Olympic lifting requires proper technique and form to be performed safely and effectively. Therefore, it is recommended that beginners start with a qualified coach or trainer who can teach the proper techniques and progress the lifts at an appropriate pace. As you progress, you can gradually increase the weight and intensity of the lifts, building up your strength and power over time.

Weight Loss Enthusiasts

Incorporating Olympic lifting into a weight loss program can be advantageous for individuals who are looking to shed excess weight. The lifts provide a full-body workout that burns a significant number of calories, making them an excellent addition to a weight loss program.

Olympic lifting involves explosive movements that engage multiple muscle groups and require a significant amount of energy. As a result, the lifts can burn a significant number of calories, making them an effective way to accelerate weight loss. For people who are really looking to lose weight, Olympic lifting can be an excellent way to supplement cardio and other forms of exercise, providing a more complete and well-rounded workout.

In addition to burning calories, Olympic lifting can also help to build lean muscle mass, which can increase the body’s metabolism and help to burn more calories at rest. This is as muscle tissue requires more energy to maintain than fat tissue, meaning that individuals with more muscle mass burn more calories at rest. By incorporating Olympic lifting into a weight loss program, individuals can build lean muscle mass while also burning fat, leading to enhanced body composition and increased overall fitness levels.

It is important to note that Olympic lifting should be performed with proper technique and form to ensure safety and effectiveness. Therefore, it is recommended that beginners start with a qualified coach or trainer who can teach the proper techniques and progress the lifts at an appropriate pace. As you progress, you can gradually increase the weight and intensity of the lifts, building up your strength and power over time.

Additionally, it is important to remember that weight loss is not just about exercise, but also about nutrition. A healthy diet which is rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods is crucial for weight loss and overall health. By combining Olympic lifting with a healthy diet, individuals can achieve their weight loss goals more effectively and efficiently.

Individuals With Specific Goals

Finally, individuals with specific goals can benefit from Olympic lifting courses. For example, a person who is looking to increase their vertical jump can benefit from training in Olympic lifting, as the lifts involve explosive power and require a high level of coordination and balance. Similarly, a person who is looking to improve their overall athleticism can benefit from Olympic lifting, as the lifts provide a full-body workout that targets multiple muscle groups and improves overall movement patterns.

In summary, Olympic lifting courses are beneficial for a wide range of individuals, including athletes, strength and conditioning enthusiasts, fitness enthusiasts, weight loss enthusiasts, and individuals with specific goals. By incorporating Olympic lifting into a fitness program, individuals can improve overall fitness levels, build strength and power, and achieve their goals in a challenging and rewarding way. With personalized attention from experienced coaches and trainers, individuals can learn proper technique and form, and progress at their own pace to achieve mastery of the lifts.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen to learn more about Olympic lifting, then you need to do our Olympic Lifting Course. Find out more by following this link.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of athletes can benefit from taking Olympic lifting courses?

Olympic lifting courses are beneficial for athletes from various sports, as the lifts develop explosive power and strength, which are essential for athletic performance.

Can individuals who are new to fitness benefit from Olympic lifting courses?

Yes, Olympic lifting can also benefit individuals who are new to fitness, as the lifts help build strength, increase muscle mass, and improve total fitness levels.

How can Olympic lifting be beneficial for weight loss?

Incorporating Olympic lifting into a weight loss program can help individuals build lean muscle mass while burning fat, leading to improved body composition and increased overall fitness levels.

Who can benefit from Olympic lifting if they have specific goals?

Individuals with specific goals such as increasing their vertical jump or improving overall athleticism can benefit from Olympic lifting, as the lifts involve explosive power and improve coordination, balance, and agility.

Why is it important to start with a qualified coach or trainer when taking Olympic lifting courses?

Olympic lifting requires proper technique and form to be performed safely and effectively. Therefore, it is important to start with a qualified coach or trainer who can teach the proper techniques and progress the lifts at an appropriate

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Prerequisites for Taking a Boxing Instructor Course https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/prerequisites-for-taking-a-boxing-instructor-course/ Mon, 03 Apr 2023 06:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32787 To become a boxing instructor, there are certain prerequisites that you need to meet. These prerequisites may vary depending on the course or program that you choose, but generally, they will include a combination of education, experience, and physical fitness requirements. In this article, we will take a have at some of the most common...

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To become a boxing instructor, there are certain prerequisites that you need to meet. These prerequisites may vary depending on the course or program that you choose, but generally, they will include a combination of education, experience, and physical fitness requirements. In this article, we will take a have at some of the most common prerequisites for taking a boxing instructor course.

Age Requirements

One of the most important prerequisites for becoming a boxing instructor is age. Most courses and programs require candidates to be at least 18 years old before they can enrol. This age requirement is put in place for several reasons.

Firstly, boxing is a physically demanding sport that requires a high level of physical fitness and endurance. Younger candidates may not have developed the physical strength or stamina needed to safely and effectively demonstrate boxing techniques and exercises. By requiring candidates to be at least 18 years old, courses and programs can ensure that their instructors have had time to develop the physical fitness needed to excel in the sport.

Additionally, boxing is often considered a high-risk sport, and younger candidates may not have the emotional maturity needed to become a safe and effective boxing instructor. As an instructor, you will have to instruct students how to perform boxing exercises and techniques safely and effectively. This means that you need to have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with your students, as well as monitor their form and technique to ensure that they are not putting themselves at risk of injury.

Furthermore, boxing instructors often work with a diverse range of students, including children, teenagers, and adults. Younger candidates may not have the life experience or emotional maturity needed to work effectively with such a diverse group of students. By requiring candidates to be at least 18 years old, courses and programs can ensure that their instructors have the emotional maturity needed to work effectively with students of all ages and backgrounds.

Physical Fitness

Physical fitness is another important prerequisite for becoming a boxing instructor. As a boxing instructor, you will be responsible for demonstrating boxing techniques and exercises, as well as monitoring and correcting the form of your students. This means that you really need to have a high level of physical fitness and be able to perform the exercises and movements that you will be teaching.

To meet the physical fitness requirements for a boxing instructor course, you should have a regular exercise routine that includes cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises. You should also have a healthy diet and be able to maintain a healthy weight.

Boxing Experience

Another important prerequisite for taking a boxing instructor course is boxing experience. While not always required, most courses and programs prefer candidates who have experience in the sport. This is because boxing instructors need to have a deep understanding of the sport and be able to demonstrate the techniques and skills required for effective training.

Having boxing experience can also help you relate to your students and understand the challenges they face as they learn the sport. It can also help you develop your own coaching style and strategies for teaching boxing effectively.

If you do not have boxing experience, it is recommended that you start training before taking a boxing instructor course. This will give you the opportunity to learn the basics of the sport and gain some experience before taking a certification course. There are several ways to gain boxing experience, including joining a local boxing gym or working with a personal trainer who specializes in boxing.

When starting your boxing training, it is important to focus on building a strong foundation of basic techniques and skills. This includes learning how to punch, block, and move around the ring effectively. You will also need to work on your physical fitness and endurance, as boxing is a highly demanding sport that requires a high level of stamina.

As you gain more experience in the sport, you can begin to focus on more advanced techniques and strategies, such as footwork, combinations, and defensive techniques. It is also important to gain experience sparring with other boxers, as this will help you develop your timing, reflexes, and overall technique.

When you feel confident in your boxing skills and experience, you can begin to explore opportunities for becoming a boxing instructor. This may include enrolling in a certification course or program or applying for a coaching position at a local gym or community centre.

Education

While not always required, having a high school diploma or equivalent is often a prerequisite for taking a boxing instructor course. This is because instructors need to have a basic understanding of anatomy, physiology, and exercise science in order to teach effectively and safely.

If you do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, you may be required to take a GED or other equivalent test before taking a boxing instructor course.

First Aid And CPR Certification

Another important prerequisite for taking a boxing instructor course is having a current first aid and CPR certification. This is because boxing is a high-risk sport, and injuries can occur during training or competition. As an instructor, you need to be able to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively to ensure the safety of your students.

Having a current first aid and CPR certification means that you have the knowledge and skills needed to provide basic medical care in emergency situations. This can include performing CPR, treating cuts and bruises, and stabilizing broken bones. By having this certification, you can help to prevent serious injuries and save lives in the event of an emergency.

To obtain first aid and CPR certification, you can take a course through a local training centre or through an online provider. Many community organizations, such as the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association, offer first aid and CPR certification courses. These courses typically cover basic first aid techniques, such as wound care and splinting, as well as CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants.

When choosing a first aid and CPR certification course, it is important to ensure that the certification you obtain is current and recognized by the course or program you plan to take. This means that the certification should be valid for at least two years and should be recognized by the boxing instructor course or program you plan to enrol in.

Additionally, it is recommended that you refresh your first aid and CPR certification regularly, even after completing your boxing instructor course. This will help you to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and protocols for emergency care, and ensure that you are prepared to respond to emergencies effectively.

Background Check

Another prerequisite for taking a boxing instructor course is undergoing a background check. While not all courses require this, some may ask candidates to undergo a background check to ensure that they have a clean criminal record and are able to work with vulnerable populations, such as children or people with disabilities.

The purpose of the background check is to identify any criminal history or other factors that could potentially put students at risk. This includes offenses such as violence, theft, or any other activity that could be considered a threat to the safety and well-being of students.

If a background check is required, you will typically be asked to provide your personal information, such as your name and date of birth, and pay a fee for the check. The background check will then be conducted by a third-party agency, which will review your criminal history and other relevant information.

The results of the background check will be kept confidential and will not be shared with anyone other than the course or program administrators. If the background check reveals any concerning information, the course or program administrators may choose to deny your application or ask for further information before making a final decision.

It is important to note that having a criminal history does not necessarily disqualify you from becoming a boxing instructor. However, certain offenses may make it more difficult to obtain certification or find employment in the field. This includes offenses related to violence, theft, or drug use.

If you have concerns about your criminal history and how it may impact your ability to become a boxing instructor, it is recommended that you speak with an advisor or representative from the course or program you plan to enrol in. They can provide you with more information about the specific background check requirements and any other factors that may impact your eligibility. In conclusion, there are several prerequisites that you need to meet in order to become a boxing instructor.

These include age requirements, physical fitness, boxing experience, education, first aid and CPR certification, and potentially a background check. By meeting these prerequisites, you can ensure that you have the skills, knowledge, and qualifications needed to become a safe and effective boxing instructor. Before enrolling in a boxing instructor course, it is important to research the specific requirements and qualifications needed for the program you are interested in. This will help you determine if you are a good fit for the program and if it will help you achieve your career goals in the field of boxing instruction.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a boxing instructor, then you need to do our Boxing Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age requirement for taking a boxing instructor course?

Most courses require candidates to be at least 18 years old.

Is it necessary to have boxing experience to become a boxing instructor?

While not always required, most courses prefer candidates who have experience in the sport as it helps in understanding the sport better.

Do boxing instructors need first aid and CPR certification?

Yes, having a current first aid and CPR certification is an important prerequisite as boxing is a high-risk sport and injuries can occur during training or competition.

Why might a background check be required for boxing instructor courses?

A background check may be required to ensure that instructors have a clean criminal record and are able to work with vulnerable populations, such as children or people with disabilities.

Can having a criminal history disqualify you from becoming a boxing instructor?

Having a criminal history does not necessarily disqualify you from becoming a boxing instructor. However, certain offenses may make it more difficult to obtain certification or find employment in the field.

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What Is Covered In A Boxing Instructor Course? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-covered-in-a-boxing-instructor-course/ Mon, 03 Apr 2023 06:00:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32790 A boxing instructor course is designed to teach individuals how to become effective coaches and trainers in the sport of boxing. These courses typically cover a wide range of topics, from basic techniques and training strategies to advanced coaching strategies and business management skills. In this article, we will have a much closer look at...

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A boxing instructor course is designed to teach individuals how to become effective coaches and trainers in the sport of boxing. These courses typically cover a wide range of topics, from basic techniques and training strategies to advanced coaching strategies and business management skills. In this article, we will have a much closer look at some of the topics that are covered in a typical boxing instructor course.

Boxing Techniques And Fundamentals

A crucial topic covered in a boxing instructor course is boxing techniques and fundamentals. This aspect of the course teaches instructors basic punches, footwork, defensive techniques, and combinations. It is essential for instructors to have a deep understanding of these techniques and be able to demonstrate them effectively to students of all skill levels.

The course typically covers different types of punches, including jabs, hooks, uppercuts, and crosses. Instructors will learn how to execute these punches with precision and how to teach students to do the same. Footwork is also a critical component of boxing, and instructors will learn how to teach students the proper stance and footwork for effective movement around the ring.

Defensive techniques, such as blocking, slipping, and parrying, are also covered in the course. Instructors will learn how to teach students to use these techniques to avoid punches and protect themselves from injury. Additionally, instructors will learn how to demonstrate different combinations of punches and how to teach students to execute them effectively.

It is very important for instructors to be able to teach these techniques effectively to students of all skill levels. This means understanding how to break down each technique into smaller components and then teach each component one at a time. Instructors will also learn how to provide feedback to students and how to adjust their teaching methods based on individual learning styles.

Teaching effective techniques is crucial not only for students’ safety but also for their success in the sport. Proper technique can help students improve their performance, prevent injury, and achieve their goals. By learning how to teach these techniques effectively, instructors can help their students develop a strong foundation in the sport of boxing.

Boxing Equipment And Gear

In addition to teaching basic techniques, a boxing instructor course will also cover the various types of boxing equipment and gear that are used in training and competition. This includes gloves, hand wraps, heavy bags, speed bags, and jump ropes, among other items. Instructors will learn how to choose the right equipment for their students based on their skill level, physical ability, and training goals.

Training Strategies And Methods

A boxing instructor course covers a diverse range of training strategies and methods that are designed to help students improve their skills and achieve their goals in the sport. This involves developing effective training plans, setting achievable goals, and monitoring progress. Instructors are also taught how to create engaging and challenging training sessions that keep students motivated and inspired.

Developing a training plan is a crucial component of the course. Instructors learn how to create plans that are tailored to each student’s individual needs, skill level, and goals. The plan will typically include a combination of different exercises and drills, including shadowboxing, heavy bag work, sparring, and cardio. Instructors will also learn how to adjust training plans over time as the student’s skill level improves.

Setting realistic goals is another important aspect of the course. Instructors learn how to help students set achievable goals that are challenging but attainable. These goals may include mastering a particular punch or combination, improving stamina or strength, or preparing for a competition. Instructors will also learn how to monitor progress and provide feedback to help students stay on track and achieve their goals.

Creating challenging and engaging training sessions is essential to keeping students motivated and inspired. Instructors will learn how to vary training routines and drills to keep them fresh and interesting. They will also learn how to adjust training intensity and difficulty levels based on the individual needs and goals of each student. This will help students stay engaged and committed to their training.

Additionally, instructors will learn how to use positive reinforcement to motivate students and help them achieve their goals. This includes providing encouragement and feedback to students, as well as recognizing and rewarding their achievements. By using positive reinforcement, instructors can help students build confidence and develop a love for the sport.

Overall, training strategies and methods covered in a boxing instructor course help instructors create effective training plans, set realistic goals, monitor progress, and create engaging and challenging training sessions that keep students motivated and inspired. This helps students develop a strong foundation in the sport and achieve their goals, whether they are training for fitness, competition, or personal growth.

Injury Prevention And Management

Boxing is a high-impact sport that can result in a variety of injuries if proper safety measures are not followed. A boxing instructor course will cover injury prevention and management techniques to help instructors keep their students safe and healthy during training and competition. This includes proper warm-up and cool-down techniques, proper technique instruction, and first aid and emergency response techniques.

Business Management And Marketing

In addition to teaching boxing techniques and strategies, many boxing instructor courses also cover business management and marketing skills. This includes topics such as creating a business plan, developing a marketing strategy, managing finances, and building a client base. These skills are important for instructors who want to start their own training programs or gyms, or who want to work independently as trainers.

Legal And Ethical Considerations

Legal and ethical considerations related to coaching and training are important topics covered in a boxing instructor course. Instructors learn about liability issues, client confidentiality, and the significance of maintaining professional standards of conduct. Additionally, they are taught about the various organizations and governing bodies that oversee boxing and ensure that instructors and trainers adhere to established rules and regulations.

Liability issues are a significant concern for any trainer or coach in the field of boxing. Instructors learn about the legal responsibilities they have to their students, including the duty to provide a safe training environment and to take appropriate measures to prevent injuries. They also learn how to protect themselves from legal liability by obtaining proper insurance and following established safety protocols.

Client confidentiality is another important consideration covered in the course. Instructors learn how to protect the privacy of their clients and maintain confidentiality with regards to any personal information shared during training. This is particularly important when working with vulnerable populations, such as children or individuals with disabilities.

Maintaining professional standards of conduct is critical for any trainer or coach. Instructors learn about ethical considerations related to coaching, such as the importance of treating all students with respect and avoiding any actions that could be perceived as discriminatory or abusive. They also learn about the importance of maintaining boundaries with clients and avoiding any behaviour that could be perceived as inappropriate or unprofessional.

Instructors also learn about the various organizations and governing bodies that oversee boxing and ensure that instructors and trainers adhere to established rules and regulations. This includes organizations such as USA Boxing and the International Boxing Association. Instructors learn about the rules and regulations set forth by these organizations and how to ensure compliance in their training programs.

Advanced Coaching Techniques

Instructors who have gained more experience and expertise in the sport of boxing may want to explore advanced coaching techniques and strategies. This involves delving deeper into the various aspects of boxing training and exploring different specializations. Topics that instructors may cover include psychological training, advanced strength and conditioning techniques, and sports nutrition.

Psychological training is an important aspect of boxing coaching. Instructors learn how to help their students develop mental toughness, focus, and resilience. This can include techniques such as visualization, mindfulness, and goal setting. Instructors also learn how to work with athletes who may be struggling with performance anxiety or other mental health issues.

Advanced strength and conditioning techniques are another area that instructors may choose to explore. These techniques focus on developing overall physical fitness, strength, and agility in athletes. Instructors learn how to design training plans that focus on specific areas of physical fitness, such as endurance or speed, and how to use specialized equipment such as weights, resistance bands, and agility ladders.

Sports nutrition is also an essential area that instructors may choose to specialize in. Nutrition is a critical component of any athlete’s training regimen, and instructors learn how to design nutrition plans that meet the specific needs of their athletes. This includes understanding the role of macronutrients, such as protein and carbohydrates, in building muscle and improving performance, as well as the importance of hydration and nutrient timing.

In addition to these specialized areas, instructors may choose to specialize in working with specific populations, such as competitive athletes or individuals with specific health conditions or disabilities. Instructors who specialize in working with competitive athletes learn how to develop training plans that focus on improving performance in the ring. They may also learn how to work with athletes who are recovering from injuries or surgeries.

Instructors who specialize in coaching individuals with specific health conditions or disabilities learn how to modify training plans to accommodate their students’ specific needs. For example, they may learn how to develop training plans for individuals with diabetes or heart disease, or how to work with individuals with physical disabilities who may need specialized equipment or modifications to their training routines.

A boxing instructor course covers a wide range of topics related to coaching and training in the sport of boxing. This includes learning basic techniques and fundamentals, choosing the right equipment and gear, developing effective training strategies, injury prevention and management, business management and marketing, legal and ethical considerations, and advanced coaching techniques. By completing a boxing instructor course, individuals can gain the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to become effective and successful trainers in this exciting and dynamic sport.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a boxing instructor, then you need to do our Boxing Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the basic techniques covered in a boxing instructor course?

A boxing instructor course covers basic techniques such as punches, footwork, defensive techniques, and combinations.

What training strategies and methods are covered in a boxing instructor course?

Boxing instructor courses cover a range of training strategies and methods, including developing training plans, setting goals, and monitoring progress.

What legal and ethical considerations are covered in a boxing instructor course?

Legal and ethical considerations covered in a boxing instructor course include liability issues, client confidentiality, and maintaining professional standards of conduct.

What advanced coaching techniques can instructors explore after completing a boxing instructor course?

Instructors can explore advanced coaching techniques such as psychological training, advanced strength and conditioning techniques, and sports nutrition.

Can instructors specialize in working with specific populations after completing a boxing instructor course?

Yes, instructors can specialize in working with specific populations such as competitive athletes or individuals with specific health conditions or disabilities.

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Are Online Boxing Instructor Courses Credible? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/are-online-boxing-instructor-courses-credible/ Thu, 23 Mar 2023 06:00:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32708 The world of online education has grown significantly in recent years, and online courses are now widely accepted as credible and legitimate options for learning. However, some people may question the credibility of online boxing instructor courses, given the hands-on nature of boxing instruction. While it’s true that boxing is a physical sport that requires...

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The world of online education has grown significantly in recent years, and online courses are now widely accepted as credible and legitimate options for learning. However, some people may question the credibility of online boxing instructor courses, given the hands-on nature of boxing instruction.

While it’s true that boxing is a physical sport that requires hands-on training, online courses can still be credible and effective for developing the knowledge and skills needed to become a boxing instructor. Online courses can provide a strong foundation in boxing theory and technique, and can be supplemented with practical experience gained through shadowing experienced instructors or attending in-person training sessions.

What Are The Benefits Of Online Boxing Courses?

One of the key benefits of online courses is their flexibility. Online courses can be completed at the student’s own pace and on their own schedule, which can be specifically advantageous for individuals who are working full-time or have other commitments. This flexibility allows individuals to balance their training with other responsibilities, and can make it easier for them to pursue their goals of becoming a boxing instructor.

Accredited Programs

When evaluating the credibility of online boxing instructor courses, accreditation is an important factor to consider. Accreditation is a process of independent review that ensures that the course meets certain standards for quality and rigor. Accreditation is typically granted by recognized organizations that have been approved by regulatory bodies or professional associations.

One such organization is the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which accredits certification programs in various industries, including fitness and sports. NCCA accreditation is a widely recognized and respected mark of quality in the industry, and indicates that the program has been rigorously evaluated to ensure that it meets or exceeds established standards.

In addition to accreditation, it’s also important to research the instructors and the organization offering the course. Look for instructors who have significant experience and credentials in the field of boxing instruction. This may include certifications or qualifications from recognized organizations, such as the International Boxing Association (IBA) or the United States Amateur Boxing Association (USABA).

t’s also important to research the organization offering the course. Look for organizations that have a strong reputation in the industry as well as a track record of providing quality instruction. Read reviews and testimonials from other students who have taken the course to get a sense of their experience and the quality of instruction provided.

Another very important factor to consider when evaluating the credibility of online boxing instructor courses is the course content. Look for courses that cover a wide range of topics, including boxing theory, technique, and safety. The course should provide a comprehensive overview of the skills and knowledge required to become a boxing instructor, and should include practical training exercises and assessments to ensure that students are able to apply what they’ve learned.

It’s also important to consider the format of the course. Look for courses that provide a mix of online lectures, practical exercises, and assessments to ensure that students are able to develop their skills and knowledge in a variety of ways. The course should also provide opportunities for students to interact with instructors and other students, such as through discussion forums or virtual office hours.

Finally, it’s important to consider the cost of the course. Look for courses that provide good value for the money, with reasonable tuition fees and a range of payment options. Be wary of courses that are significantly more expensive than others in the industry, as this may be an indication that the course is overpriced or of questionable quality.

Balance Study And Work Life

Online courses can provide individuals with the opportunity to balance their training with other responsibilities, such as work or family obligations. This flexibility can make it easier for individuals to pursue their goals of becoming a boxing instructor without having to put their other commitments on hold. Additionally, online courses can often be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making them convenient for individuals who might not have access to traditional in-person training.

Customizable Learning Experience

The flexibility of online courses not only provides convenience for individuals, but it also allows for a customized learning experience. With the ability to complete coursework at their own pace, individuals can focus on the areas they need the most help with and move more quickly through areas they already understand. This allows individuals to tailor their learning experience to their own needs and preferences, which can result in a more effective and efficient learning process.

Customizing the learning experience can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have prior knowledge or experience in the field of boxing instruction. For example, an individual who has previous experience as a boxer may already have a strong understanding of technique and may want to focus more on the business side of being a boxing instructor, such as marketing and branding.

Additionally, individuals who are working full-time or have other commitments may benefit from the ability to customize their learning experience. With the option to complete coursework on their own schedule, individuals can balance their training with other responsibilities and make progress at a pace that works for them.

One way that online courses can provide a customized learning experience is through the use of adaptive learning technology. Adaptive learning technology uses algorithms to analyse the performance of individual learners and adjust the content and pace of the course accordingly. This allows individuals to focus on areas where they need the most help, and to move quickly through areas where they already have a strong understanding.

Another way that online courses can provide a customized learning experience is through the use of interactive tools and resources. Many online courses include interactive exercises and assessments that allow individuals to practice their skills and receive feedback in real-time. These tools can help individuals to identify areas where they need to improve and to track their progress over time.

Furthermore, online courses can also offer a range of supplementary materials that can be tailored to the individual’s needs. For example, some courses may provide additional resources, such as videos or articles, on specific topics that an individual is interested in. This can allow individuals to dive deeper into areas that they find particularly challenging or interesting. However, it’s important to note that while flexibility is a significant advantage of online courses, it’s not the only factor to consider when evaluating their credibility. Individuals should also consider the quality of the course material, the expertise of the instructors, and the accreditation of the program when deciding whether an online course is credible and effective for their needs.

Despite the potential benefits of online courses, some individuals may still have concerns about the effectiveness of online learning for developing the skills and knowledge needed to become a boxing instructor. It’s important to note that while online courses cannot provide hands-on experience, they can still provide a strong foundation in boxing theory and technique.

Furthermore, online courses can often be supplemented with practical experience gained through shadowing experienced instructors or attending in-person training sessions. This practical experience can provide individuals with the hands-on training they need to develop their skills and build their confidence as boxing instructors.

Another factor to consider is the curriculum of the course. A credible online boxing instructor course should cover a range of topics, including boxing theory, technique, safety, and conditioning. The course should provide students with a thorough understanding of the sport of boxing and the skills needed to teach others. Additionally, the course should include assessments and feedback to ensure that students are mastering the material and developing the necessary skills.

It’s also important to note that online courses can be supplemented with practical experience gained through shadowing experienced instructors or attending in-person training sessions. This practical experience can provide students with the hands-on training they need to develop their skills and build their confidence as boxing instructors.

Overall, online boxing instructor courses can be credible and effective options for individuals looking to build their skills and knowledge in the environment of boxing instruction. As with any educational program, it’s important to research the course, the instructors, and the organization offering the course to ensure that it meets certain standards for quality and credibility. By selecting a reputable and accredited online course and supplementing it with practical experience, individuals can develop the knowledge and skills needed to become successful boxing instructors.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a boxing instructor, then you need to do our Boxing Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

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What Topics Are Covered In A Boxing Instructor Course? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-topics-are-covered-in-a-boxing-instructor-course/ Thu, 23 Mar 2023 06:00:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32711 A boxing instructor course typically covers a wide range of topics related to the sport of boxing. These topics can include everything from basic boxing techniques and training principles to more advanced concepts such as fight strategy and conditioning. Here are some of the topics that may be covered in a boxing instructor course. Boxing...

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A boxing instructor course typically covers a wide range of topics related to the sport of boxing. These topics can include everything from basic boxing techniques and training principles to more advanced concepts such as fight strategy and conditioning. Here are some of the topics that may be covered in a boxing instructor course.

Boxing Fundamentals

In addition to teaching proper technique, a boxing instructor course will often cover training principles that are essential for success in the sport. These principles include periodization, strength and conditioning, and injury prevention.

Periodization is the process of organizing training into specific periods or phases, with each phase having a different focus. In a boxing instructor course, students will learn how to design training programs that take into account the athlete’s goals, the time available for training, and the athlete’s current level of fitness. They will also learn how to modify programs as the athlete progresses and how to adjust training based on the athlete’s response to training.

Strength and conditioning are also important topics in a boxing instructor course. This includes learning about the different types of strength training, such as resistance training and plyometrics, and how to incorporate them into a training program. Students will also learn about cardiovascular training, such as running and cycling, and how to use these types of training to improve endurance and overall fitness.

Injury prevention is also a key topic in a boxing instructor course. Students will learn about the common injuries that can occur in boxing and how to prevent them. They will also learn about proper warm-up and cool-down techniques and how to use stretching and mobility exercises to prevent injuries.

Boxing instructor courses may also cover nutrition and weight management. Students will learn about the importance of proper nutrition for boxers and how to design meal plans that support their training goals. They will also learn about weight management strategies, including how to help athletes make weight for competitions safely and effectively.

In addition to these topics, a boxing instructor course may also cover the rules and regulations of the sport. Students will learn about the different weight classes and the rules for scoring points in matches. They may also learn about the role of judges and referees in matches and how to handle situations such as disqualifications and fouls.

Finally, a good boxing instructor course will cover teaching and coaching techniques. Students will learn how to communicate effectively with athletes, how to provide feedback and correction, and how to motivate and inspire athletes to achieve their goals. They will also learn about different coaching styles and how to adapt their coaching approach to the needs of individual athletes.

Nutrition

Because nutrition is such an important part of any athlete’s training regimen, most boxing instructor courses will also cover basic nutrition principles. This includes information on macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fats), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and hydration.

Coaching And Teaching

As a boxing instructor, having good coaching and teaching skills is essential for imparting knowledge and skills to students. Efficient communication is one of the most important skills for any instructor. It’s important to be able to convey information clearly and effectively, as well as to listen and respond to questions and concerns.

Demonstrating techniques is also a critical skill for boxing instructors. This involves being able to break down complex movements into smaller, more manageable components that students can understand and practice. Instructors must also be able to perform techniques with proper form and execution, as this is the model that students will emulate.

Providing constructive feedback is another key skill for boxing instructors. Students need feedback in order to improve, but it’s important to provide this feedback in a way that is helpful and motivating. This involves being able to identify areas for improvement and providing specific guidance on how to improve. Instructors must also be able to praise students for their successes and progress in order to build confidence and motivation.

Aside from coaching and teaching skills, boxing instructors also need to have a very good understanding of the sport itself. This includes knowledge of the rules and regulations of the sport, as well as an understanding of boxing history and culture. Instructors must also be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their students and tailor their teaching approach accordingly.

Another important skill for boxing instructors is the ability to create effective training programs. This involves setting goals for students and developing training plans that help them achieve those goals. Instructors must also be able to modify training plans as needed based on student progress and performance.

In addition to coaching and teaching skills, boxing instructors must also have a good understanding of injury prevention and safety. This includes knowledge of proper warm-up and cool-down techniques, as well as the use of protective gear. Instructors must also be able to identify potential hazards in the training environment and take steps to minimize the risk of injury.

Finally, it’s important for boxing instructors to have a good understanding of the business of boxing. This includes knowledge of marketing and promotion, as well as the ability to manage finances and handle administrative tasks such as scheduling and billing.

Injury Prevention And Management

Boxing is a high-intensity combat sport that involves striking and defensive techniques. Owing to the physical nature of the sport, injuries are a common occurrence. Therefore, a comprehensive boxing instructor course must cover the basics of injury prevention and management.

Injury prevention is an essential aspect of any sport, including boxing. Injuries can occur due to several reasons, such as improper technique, overtraining, fatigue, lack of conditioning, or inadequate protective gear. A good boxing instructor course will emphasize the importance of injury prevention and provide practical advice on how to minimize the risk of injuries.

One of the most common boxing injuries is hand and wrist injuries. These injuries can occur due to improper technique, inadequate hand wraps or gloves, or overuse. A good boxing instructor course must cover the basics of hand and wrist injuries, including how to prevent them and how to manage them if they occur.

The course must cover the proper technique for hand wrapping, as well as how to select and fit gloves properly. Proper hand and wrist protection are essential to minimize the risk of injuries during training and competition. In addition, the instructor must teach students how to recognize the signs and symptoms of hand and wrist injuries, such as pain, swelling, or limited range of motion.

Another common injury in boxing is head trauma, which can lead to concussions or other types of brain injuries. Therefore, a good boxing instructor course should also cover the basics of head injury prevention and management. The course must emphasize the importance of proper headgear and provide guidelines for selecting and fitting headgear correctly. The instructor must also teach students how to recognize the signs and symptoms of head trauma, such as headache, dizziness, or confusion.

Apart from injury prevention, a good boxing instructor course should also cover the basics of injury management. Injuries can occur despite taking preventive measures, and it’s essential to know how to manage them effectively. The course must provide practical advice on how to respond to common boxing injuries, such as cuts, bruises, sprains, or fractures. The instructor must teach students how to provide basic first aid and how to recognize when a more severe injury requires medical attention.

Moreover, the course should also cover the basics of injury rehabilitation, including the importance of rest, ice, compression, and elevation. The instructor must teach students how to develop a rehabilitation plan for injured athletes and how to monitor their progress. The course should also emphasize the importance of working with qualified medical professionals, such as sports doctors or physical therapists, to ensure that injured athletes receive the best possible care.

Boxing History And Culture

A comprehensive boxing instructor course should include education on the history and culture of boxing. This knowledge can enhance an instructor’s understanding of the sport, and help them better connect with their students.

One key area that a boxing instructor course may cover is the origins of boxing. Boxing has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. Boxing as we know it today originated in the 18th century, and has been a popular sport ever since. Instructors may learn about the evolution of boxing rules, equipment, and styles over time, as well as the sport’s growth and development across different regions of the world.

Another important topic that may be covered in a boxing instructor course is the role of boxing in popular culture. Boxing has had a significant impact on art, literature, and media throughout history, and continues to influence popular culture today. Instructors may learn about famous boxers and boxing matches throughout history, as well as the ways in which boxing has been portrayed in movies, television shows, and other forms of media.

Additionally, a good boxing instructor course may cover the cultural significance of boxing in different communities. Boxing has long been associated with working-class and immigrant communities, and has served as a source of pride and identity for many individuals. Instructors may learn about the role of boxing in different cultures, as well as the ways in which it has been used as a tool for social justice and political activism.

In addition to the history and culture of boxing, a good instructor course may also cover important legal and ethical considerations related to the sport. For example, instructors may learn about rules and regulations governing boxing matches, as well as the responsibilities and obligations of trainers and coaches. They may also cover topics such as sportsmanship, fair play, and the importance of promoting safety and respect in the ring. In addition to these topics, there may be other subjects covered in a boxing instructor course depending on the specific program. Some courses may also cover topics such as sports psychology, strength and conditioning for boxing, or the business aspects of running a boxing gym.

Overall, a boxing instructor course is designed in order to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective boxing coach or instructor. By covering a wide range of topics related to the sport of boxing, these courses can help individuals to develop a strong foundation in the sport, as well as the skills needed to pass that knowledge on to others.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a boxing instructor, then you need to do our Boxing Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

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What Are Some Of The Best Kettlebell Exercises For Beginners? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-some-of-the-best-kettlebell-exercises-for-beginners/ Wed, 22 Mar 2023 10:05:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32705 Kettlebell training is a highly effective way to improve overall strength and fitness levels. However, for beginners, it could be challenging to know where to start. Here are some of the best kettlebell exercises for beginners. Kettlebell Goblet Squat The goblet squat is an excellent exercise for beginners that focuses on the lower body, particularly...

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Kettlebell training is a highly effective way to improve overall strength and fitness levels. However, for beginners, it could be challenging to know where to start. Here are some of the best kettlebell exercises for beginners.

Kettlebell Goblet Squat

The goblet squat is an excellent exercise for beginners that focuses on the lower body, particularly the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings. This exercise can be performed with a kettlebell and is an effective way to build leg strength and improve overall fitness levels.

To perform the goblet squat, hold the kettlebell close to your chest with both hands. Stand up tall and have your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointed slightly outward. Take a deep breath and engage your core muscles.

Begin to lower your body into a squatting position, pushing your hips back and bending your knees. Make sure that you keep your chest up and your back straight throughout the movement. As you squat down, focus on keeping your knees tracking over your toes to avoid any undue stress on your joints.

As you reach the bottom of the squat, pause for a moment before pushing back up to the starting position. Be sure to push through your heels and engage your glutes and hamstrings to power the movement.

To get the most out of the goblet squat, it is important to focus on proper technique. Make sure to keep your chest up and your back straight throughout the movement. This will help to engage your core muscles and protect your lower back.

Additionally, make sure to keep your knees tracking over your toes as you squat down. This will help to protect your knee joints and ensure that you are targeting the correct muscle groups.

When performing the goblet squat, it is also important to choose an appropriate weight. For beginners, starting with a lighter weight kettlebell and focusing on proper technique is essential. As you become far more comfortable with the exercise, you can gradually increase the weight to challenge your muscles and improve your strength.

In addition to targeting the lower body muscles, the goblet squat also engages the core muscles. This can help to improve overall core strength and stability, which is important for maintaining good posture and preventing injury during other exercises and daily activities.

The goblet squat can also be modified to meet individual fitness goals. For example, individuals who are looking to increase the challenge of the exercise can incorporate a pause at the bottom of the squat or perform the exercise on an unbalanced surface, such as a balance ball or foam pad.

Kettlebell Deadlift

The kettlebell deadlift is another great exercise for beginners as it targets the muscles in the back, legs, and hips. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. The kettlebell needs to be on the ground in front of you. Bend your knees and hips and reach down to grab the kettlebell with both hands. Keeping your back flat, stand up, lifting the kettlebell with you.

Kettlebell Swing

Without a doubt, the kettlebell swing is one of the most useful exercises in kettlebell training, as it targets multiple muscle groups in the body. This exercise is particularly beneficial for building strength in the glutes, hamstrings, and core.

To perform the kettlebell swing, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the kettlebell with both hands in front of your body. Hinge at the hips and swing the kettlebell back between your legs, keeping your arms straight and your back flat.

As you swing the kettlebell back, engage your glutes and hamstrings to power the movement. Be sure to maintain proper form, keeping your chest up and your back straight throughout the exercise.

Once you have swung the kettlebell back between your legs, explosively swing it forward, extending your hips and squeezing your glutes. The momentum from the swing should carry the kettlebell up to chest height. At the top of the swing, be sure to engage your core muscles to maintain stability and control.

As the kettlebell swings back down between your legs, prepare to swing it forward again, repeating the movement for several repetitions.

When performing the kettlebell swing, it is important to focus on proper technique to avoid injury and get the most out of the exercise. One of the most common mistakes is rounding the back, which can put undue stress on the lower back muscles. Be sure to keep your back straight and your core engaged throughout the movement.

Another common mistake is using too much arm strength to lift the kettlebell. The swing should be powered by the glutes and hamstrings, with the arms acting as a guide for the movement.

When first starting with the kettlebell swing, it is important to begin with a lighter weight and focus on proper technique. Gradually increase the weight as you become more comfortable with the exercise and your strength improves.

In addition to targeting the glutes, hamstrings, and core muscles, the kettlebell swing can also be used to improve cardiovascular fitness. By performing the exercise for higher repetitions or incorporating it into a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout, individuals can increase their heart rate and improve their overall fitness levels.

The kettlebell swing can also be modified to meet individual fitness goals. For example, individuals who are looking to increase the challenge of the exercise can perform a one-handed swing or incorporate a pause at the top of the swing to engage the muscles for longer.

Kettlebell Overhead Press

The overhead press is a fantastic exercise for targeting the muscles in the shoulders, arms, and upper back. Start by holding the kettlebell at shoulder height in the rack position with your elbow tucked into your body. Press the kettlebell overhead, extending your arm fully.

Kettlebell Rows

Kettlebell rows are an effective exercise for targeting the muscles in the upper back, including the latissimus dorsi and trapezius. By incorporating this exercise into a workout routine, individuals can improve their overall upper body strength and posture.

To perform the kettlebell row, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and holding the kettlebell in one hand. Bend your knees a little and hinge forward at the hips, keeping your back flat and your core engaged.

As you hinge forward, allow the kettlebell to hang down towards the ground. Then, pull the kettlebell towards your body, keeping your elbow close to your side and squeezing your shoulder blade.

Make sure to keep your back straight and avoid rounding your shoulders as you pull the kettlebell towards your body. Focus on using your back muscles to power the movement, rather than relying on your arm muscles.

As you complete the row, lower the kettlebell back down towards the ground and repeat the movement for several repetitions before switching to the other arm.

When performing the kettlebell row, it is important to focus on proper technique to avoid injury and get the most out of the exercise. One common mistake is rounding the back, which can put unnecessary stress on the lower back muscles. Be sure to keep your back flat and your core engaged throughout the movement.

Another common mistake is using momentum to complete the row, rather than engaging the back muscles. Be sure to control the movement and focus on squeezing your shoulder blades as you pull the kettlebell towards your body.

When first starting with the kettlebell row, it is important to begin with a lighter weight and focus on proper technique. Slowly increase the weight as you become more comfortable with the exercise and your strength improves.

In addition to targeting the upper back muscles, the kettlebell row can also be used to improve overall posture and prevent back pain. By strengthening the muscles in your upper back, individuals can improve their ability to maintain proper posture throughout the day, reducing the risk of back pain and injury.

The kettlebell row can also be modified to meet individual fitness goals. For example, individuals who are looking to increase the challenge of the exercise can perform a one-arm row or incorporate a pause at the top of the row to engage the muscles for longer.

Kettlebell Figure 8s

Figure 8s are a fun and engaging exercise that targets the muscles in the core and hips. Stand up tall. Make sure that your feet are shoulder-width apart and hold the kettlebell with of both your hands. Swing the kettlebell between your legs, passing it from one hand to the other in a figure 8 motion.

Kettlebell Halos

The halo is another great exercise for targeting the muscles in your shoulders as well as those in your upper back. Hold the kettlebell by the horns, with your elbows bent and close to your body. Circle the kettlebell around your head while keeping your core engaged and your shoulders down.

When starting with kettlebell training, it is essential to begin with light weights and focus on proper technique. Mastering the proper technique for each exercise is crucial for preventing injury and ensuring that you are targeting the correct muscle groups. It is also important to gradually increase the weight as you become stronger and more confident in your technique.

In addition to these exercises, there are many other kettlebell exercises that can be incorporated into a workout routine. By combining a range of exercises, individuals can target multiple muscle groups and improve overall strength and fitness levels.

Kettlebell training is a highly effective way to improve overall strength and fitness levels. For beginners, starting with basic exercises like the goblet squat, deadlift, and swing can be an excellent way to build strength and master proper technique. As strength and confidence increase, a wider range of exercises can be incorporated into a workout routine, targeting multiple muscle groups and improving overall health and fitness levels.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become a kettlebell instructor? If you do then you need to do our Kettlebell Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

 

Coach.Me Fitness

The post What Are Some Of The Best Kettlebell Exercises For Beginners? appeared first on Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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What Are The Benefits Of Kettlebell Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/all-that-you-need-to-know-about-kettlebell-training/ Wed, 22 Mar 2023 09:53:22 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32702 Kettlebell training is a form of exercise that involves using a weighted ball with a handle. This type of training has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it offers a range of benefits for people of all fitness levels. Here are a number of the key benefits of kettlebell training: Full-Body Workout Kettlebell training...

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Kettlebell training is a form of exercise that involves using a weighted ball with a handle. This type of training has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it offers a range of benefits for people of all fitness levels. Here are a number of the key benefits of kettlebell training:

Full-Body Workout

Kettlebell training is a highly effective form of exercise that offers a range of benefits. One of the primary benefits of kettlebell training is that it provides a full-body workout, engaging multiple muscle groups at once to improve overall strength and fitness.

Kettlebell exercises involve a wide range of movements that can target various muscle groups in the body. For example, a kettlebell swing involves using the legs, hips, core, back, and shoulders to swing the kettlebell back and forth. This movement engages multiple muscle groups at once, providing a full-body workout that can assist to build strength and endurance.

In addition to engaging multiple muscle groups, kettlebell exercises often involve movements that mimic real-world activities, making them functional and practical for everyday life. For example, a kettlebell clean and press involves lifting the kettlebell from the ground to the shoulder, and then pressing it overhead. This movement mimics the motion of lifting a heavy object from the ground and lifting it overhead, making it a practical and functional exercise for real-life situations.

By engaging multiple muscle groups and incorporating functional movements, kettlebell training can help to improve overall strength and fitness. This type of training can also be an effective way to build endurance, as many kettlebell exercises involve high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that can increase heart rate and improve cardiovascular health.

Kettlebell training can also be an effective way to target specific muscle groups in the body. For example, a kettlebell goblet squat can help to strengthen the legs, while a kettlebell halo can help to strengthen the shoulders and upper back. By incorporating a variety of kettlebell exercises into a workout routine, individuals can target specific muscle groups and improve overall strength and fitness.

Another benefit of kettlebell training is that it can be easily adapted to meet individual fitness levels and goals. Kettlebells come in a range of weights, which means that individuals can select the weight that is appropriate for their fitness level and gradually increase the weight as they become stronger.

Kettlebell training can also be customized to meet specific fitness goals. For example, individuals who are looking to build strength and muscle mass can incorporate heavier kettlebells and perform exercises with a lower number of repetitions. Conversely, individuals who are looking to improve endurance can incorporate lighter kettlebells and perform exercises with a higher number of repetitions.

In addition to the physical benefits, kettlebell training can also have a positive influence on mental health. Exercise is responsible for releasing endorphins, which are natural chemicals that boost mood and lower feelings of stress and anxiety. By incorporating kettlebell training into a regular exercise routine, individuals are able to improve their overall mental health and wellbeing.

Increased Cardiovascular Endurance

Kettlebell training can also improve cardiovascular endurance, as it often involves high-intensity interval training (HIIT). HIIT encompasses short bursts of intense activity that are followed by brief periods of rest, which can increase heart rate and improve overall cardiovascular health.

Improved Core Strength

Kettlebell exercises are known for being highly effective in developing core strength. These exercises require a strong and stable core to perform correctly, which can help to improve posture, balance, and stability.

The core is the group of muscles that make up the centre of the body, including the abdominal muscles, lower back muscles, and hip muscles. These muscles are essential for maintaining good posture and balance, and they play a key role in stabilizing the body during movement.

Kettlebell exercises require the use of the core muscles to stabilize the body during movement. For example, a kettlebell swing involves a hip hinge movement that requires the core to engage to keep the spine stable and prevent injury. Similarly, a kettlebell Turkish get-up involves a complex movement pattern that requires the core to engage throughout the exercise to maintain stability and control.

By engaging the core muscles during kettlebell exercises, individuals can improve their core strength, which can have a range of benefits. Improved core strength can help to improve posture by reducing the risk of slouching and promoting a more upright position. This can help to reduce strain on the lower back and improve overall spinal health.

Improved core strength can also improve balance and stability. The core muscles play a key role in stabilizing the body during movement, and a strong core can help to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls and injuries. This can be particularly beneficial for older adults, who are at an increased risk of falls due to age-related changes in balance and stability.

In addition to improving posture, balance, and stability, kettlebell exercises can also help to improve overall athletic performance. Many athletic movements require a strong and stable core, and improving core strength through kettlebell training can help to improve performance in a range of sports and activities.

Another benefit of kettlebell training is that it can be easily customized to meet individual fitness levels and goals. Kettlebells come in a range of weights, which means that individuals can select the weight that is appropriate for their fitness level and gradually increase the weight as they become stronger.

Kettlebell exercises can also be modified to meet specific fitness goals. For example, individuals who are looking to improve core strength can incorporate exercises that specifically target the core muscles, such as the kettlebell Russian twist or the kettlebell plank. By incorporating a variety of kettlebell exercises into a workout routine, individuals can target specific muscle groups and improve overall strength and fitness.

Finally, kettlebell training can also have a positive impact on mental health. Exercise is responsible for releasing endorphins, which are natural chemicals that boost mood and lower feelings of stress and anxiety. By incorporating kettlebell training into a regular exercise routine, people can improve their overall mental health and wellbeing.

Increased Flexibility

Many kettlebell exercises involve dynamic movements that require a full range of motion. This can improve flexibility and mobility, which can lower the risk of injury and improve overall athletic performance.

Weight Loss

Kettlebell training has gained popularity in recent years as an effective way to lose weight. One of the explanations for this is that kettlebell training combines cardiovascular exercise with strength training, which can help to burn calories and build muscle. This combination can lead to improved body composition, which is the ratio of muscle mass to fat mass in the body.

Cardiovascular exercise is another effective way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular health. This type of exercise raises the heart rate, which can increase the number of calories burned during a workout. Kettlebell exercises often involve high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which combines short bursts of intense activity with brief periods of rest. This type of training can increase heart rate and burn more calories as opposed to traditional steady-state cardio.

Strength training is also an important component of kettlebell training for weight loss. Building muscle mass can help to increase metabolism, which is the rate at which the body burns calories at rest. This means that individuals with higher muscle mass burn far more calories than those with less muscle mass, even when they are at rest.

Kettlebell exercises are particularly effective for building muscle mass because they engage multiple muscle groups at once. For example, a kettlebell squat engages the leg muscles, core, and back muscles, providing a full-body workout that can help to build muscle and burn calories.

By combining cardiovascular exercise with strength training, kettlebell training can assist with burning calories and build muscle mass, which can lead to improved body composition. This can lead to a leaner, more toned physique and improved overall health.

Kettlebell training can also be easily customized to meet individual fitness levels and goals. Kettlebells come in a range of weights, which means that individuals can select the weight that is appropriate for their fitness level and gradually increase the weight as they become stronger.

Kettlebell exercises can also be modified to meet specific fitness goals. For example, individuals who are looking to lose weight can incorporate exercises that specifically target the muscles in the legs, which are the largest muscle group in the body and therefore burn more calories during exercise. Alternatively, individuals who are looking to build muscle mass can incorporate heavier kettlebells and perform exercises with a lower number of repetitions.

Another benefit of kettlebell training for weight loss is that it can be a fun and engaging way to exercise. Many people find traditional forms of exercise, such as running on a treadmill or using a stationary bike, to be boring and monotonous. Kettlebell training, on the other hand, can be dynamic and challenging, with a range of exercises that can be modified and combined to create an engaging and effective workout.

Increased Muscular Endurance

Kettlebell training can improve muscular endurance, as it involves performing multiple repetitions of exercises with relatively light weights. This can improve the ability of muscles to perform work over an extended period of time, which can improve overall fitness and athletic performance.

Time Efficiency

Kettlebell training is often more time-efficient than traditional strength training, as it combines cardio and strength training into a single workout. This can be particularly advantageous for people who are short on time but still want to get a full-body workout.

Versatility

Kettlebells are versatile pieces of equipment which can be used for a broad range of exercises. This means that workouts can be customized to meet the specific requirements and goals of each individual.

Low Impact

Kettlebell training is often low impact, making it a good option for people who are recovering from an injury or who have joint pain. The low-impact nature of kettlebell exercises can reduce the risk of injury and make it a safe and effective option for people of all fitness levels.

Kettlebell training offers a range of benefits for people of all fitness levels. It provides a full-body workout, improves cardiovascular endurance, core strength, flexibility, and muscular endurance. It can also lead to weight loss, be time-efficient, and have a positive impact on mental health. Kettlebell training is a versatile and low-impact form of exercise that can be customized to meet individual needs and goals. By incorporating kettlebell training into a regular exercise routine, individuals can improve their overall health and fitness levels.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to become a kettlebell instructor? If you do then you need to do our Kettlebell Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

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How Long Are Indoor Cycling Classes https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-long-are-indoor-cycling-classes/ Mon, 20 Mar 2023 07:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32686 Indoor cycling classes, also known as spinning classes, have gotten a lot of popularity in recent years due to their numerous health benefits. These classes are high-energy and fun workouts that simulate outdoor cycling in a controlled, indoor environment. The duration of indoor cycling classes can vary, depending on the studio or gym where they...

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Indoor cycling classes, also known as spinning classes, have gotten a lot of popularity in recent years due to their numerous health benefits. These classes are high-energy and fun workouts that simulate outdoor cycling in a controlled, indoor environment. The duration of indoor cycling classes can vary, depending on the studio or gym where they are offered, the instructor, and the skill level of the participants.

In general, indoor cycling classes last between 30 minutes to one hour. The duration of the class is usually determined by the intensity and difficulty level of the workout. Shorter classes are ideal for beginners or those who have time constraints, while longer classes are suitable for experienced riders who want to challenge themselves and work on their endurance.

30-Minute Classes Are The Shortest Indoor Cycling Classes Available

These classes are ideal for beginners who are just starting with indoor cycling or those who don’t have much time to spare. The workout is designed to be intense and fast-paced, and it is usually a full-body workout that includes a warm-up, sprints, hill climbs, and cool-down stretches. Although 30-minute classes are short, they can still provide a challenging and effective workout.

45-Minute Classes Are More Popular Than 30-Minute Classes

This is because they provide a more balanced workout that is both challenging and achievable. These classes are designed to improve endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health. The workout usually includes a warm-up, sprints, hill climbs, endurance intervals, and cool-down stretches. 45-minute classes are suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

One-Hour Classes Are The Most Common Indoor Cycling Classes Available

These classes are suitable for all fitness levels and provide a complete full-body workout. The workout includes a warm-up, sprints, hill climbs, endurance intervals, strength training, and cool-down stretches. One-hour classes are ideal for those who want to burn calories, improve their cardiovascular health, and increase their endurance.

Some studios also offer extended classes that last up to 90 minutes. These classes are suitable for very experienced riders who want to challenge themselves and work on their endurance. The workout is similar to the one-hour classes, but it includes more challenging sprints, hill climbs, and endurance intervals. Extended classes are not recommended for beginners or those who are not used to high-intensity workouts.

Other Factors That Affect The Length Of An Indoor Cycling Class

Apart from the duration of the class, other factors can affect the length of an indoor cycling class. For example, some classes are designed for specific fitness goals, for example weight loss, muscle building, or endurance training. These classes may last longer than regular classes because they include additional exercises or longer intervals.

The intensity of the workout can also affect the length of the class. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes, for example, may last only 30 minutes, but they are more challenging than regular classes because they involve quick  bursts of intense exercise that are followed by periods of rest. On the other hand, endurance classes may last up to 90 minutes because they focus on building endurance and improving cardiovascular health.

The instructor can also influence the length of the class. Some instructors prefer shorter classes because they believe that short, intense workouts are more effective than longer, less intense workouts. Other instructors may prefer longer classes because they believe that they provide a more complete workout and allow participants to work on their weaknesses.

The skill level of the participants can also affect the length of the class. Beginner classes are usually shorter and less intense than advanced classes because beginners need more time to learn the basics and develop their skills. Advanced classes, on the other hand, are longer and more intense because they are designed for experienced indoor cycling riders who want to challenge themselves and improve their performance.

What Skills Should An Indoor Cycling Instructor Have?

An indoor cycling instructor should possess a range of skills, including technical expertise, communication skills, leadership qualities, and a passion for fitness:

  • Technical Expertise

The first and most crucial skill that an indoor cycling instructor should have is technical expertise. An instructor must have a thorough understanding of indoor cycling equipment, including bikes, pedals, and resistance systems. They should also have knowledge of the various riding positions and techniques used in indoor cycling, including standing, seated, and hovering positions. In addition, an instructor must know how to create a challenging and varied workout that includes sprints, hill climbs, and intervals.

An indoor cycling instructor should be certified by a recognized certification program, such as the Spinning® Certification Program. This certification provides instructors with the necessary knowledge and skills to teach indoor cycling effectively.

  • Communication Skills

An indoor cycling instructor must have excellent communication skills to lead and motivate participants effectively. They should be able to explain cycling techniques and riding positions in a way that is easy to understand. An instructor must also be able to motivate participants to push themselves and reach their fitness goals.

Communication skills also include the ability to read the room and adjust the workout to suit the participants’ needs. An experienced instructor can sense when participants are struggling and adjust the workout to make it more manageable. They can also tell when participants are ready for a challenge and adjust the workout to make it more difficult.

  • Leadership Qualities

An indoor cycling instructor should possess strong leadership qualities to create a positive and motivating class environment. They should be confident, assertive, and passionate about indoor cycling. An instructor should also be approachable and friendly, making participants feel welcome and included.

Leadership qualities also include the ability to create a sense of community in the class. An instructor can create a supportive and motivating environment by encouraging participants to cheer each other on and work together to reach their fitness goals.

  • Passion for Fitness

An indoor cycling instructor should have a genuine passion for fitness and a desire to assist others with achieving their fitness goals. They should be knowledgeable about health and fitness, including nutrition, exercise, and weight management. An instructor should also have a deep understanding of the benefits of indoor cycling and the role it plays in a healthy lifestyle.

A passionate instructor can inspire and motivate participants to push themselves and attain their fitness goals. They can create a sense of excitement and enthusiasm that keeps participants coming back for more.

  • Flexibility and Adaptability

An indoor cycling instructor should be flexible and adaptable to meet the diverse needs of participants. They should be able to adjust the workout to accommodate participants of all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced riders. An instructor should also be able to modify the workout to suit participants with injuries or physical limitations.

Flexibility and adaptability also include the ability to adjust the workout to suit the time constraints of participants. Some participants may only have 30 minutes to spare, while others may prefer a longer workout. An experienced instructor can adjust the workout to accommodate participants with different schedules and time constraints.

What Are The Benefits Of Becoming An Indoor Cycling Instructor?

Becoming an indoor cycling instructor can be a very rewarding and fulfilling career choice for those who have a passion for fitness and a desire to help others achieve their fitness goals. Not only does it offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and exciting environment, but it also provides numerous personal and professional benefits.

  • Personal Fitness and Health:

As an indoor cycling instructor, you will be leading and participating in high-intensity workouts regularly, which can help improve your own fitness and health. Cycling is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that strengthens the heart and lungs, improves endurance, and burns calories. By teaching indoor cycling classes regularly, you will be getting a full-body workout that can improve your own fitness and health.

  • Helping Others:

One of the most rewarding facets of becoming an indoor cycling instructor is the opportunity to help others achieve their fitness goals. As an instructor, you will be motivating and inspiring participants to push themselves and reach their full potential. You will be creating a supportive and motivating environment that encourages participants to work together to achieve their fitness goals.

  • Flexibility

Many indoor cycling instructors work on a part-time or freelance basis, which offers flexibility and freedom in their work schedule. You can choose to teach classes at a gym, studio, or fitness centre that offers indoor cycling classes. Alternatively, you can start your own business and offer indoor cycling classes at different locations, such as community centres or corporate offices.

  • Social Interaction

As an indoor cycling instructor, you will be interacting with participants regularly, creating a sense of community and social connection. You will have the opportunity to meet new people, build relationships, and create a supportive and motivating environment. Many instructors develop long-term relationships with participants, creating a sense of camaraderie and friendship.

  • Continuous Learning

Becoming an indoor cycling instructor requires ongoing education and training to stay up-to-date with the latest fitness trends and techniques. You will have the opportunity to attend workshops, conferences, and training programs to enhance your knowledge and skills. This continuous learning can also help you improve your own fitness and health, as well as provide new and innovative ideas for your classes.

  • Career Advancement

Becoming an indoor cycling instructor can lead to opportunities for career advancement, for example becoming a head instructor or fitness director. These positions offer greater responsibility and leadership, as well as increased compensation and benefits. You may also have the opportunity to teach other fitness classes or specialize in a particular fitness niche.

  • Personal Growth:

Teaching indoor cycling classes requires confidence, leadership, and communication skills. By becoming an indoor cycling instructor, you can develop these skills and improve your own personal growth. You will learn how to motivate and inspire others, communicate effectively, and lead a group of people towards a common goal.

Becoming an indoor cycling instructor can provide numerous personal and professional benefits, including improved fitness and health, the opportunity to help others, flexibility in your work schedule, social interaction, continuous learning, career advancement, and personal growth. If you have a passion for fitness and a want to make a positive impact on others, becoming an indoor cycling instructor may be the right career choice for you.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become an indoor cycling instructor then you need to do our Indoor Cycling Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

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What Are The Benefits Of Indoor Cycling? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-indoor-cycling/ Mon, 20 Mar 2023 07:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32689 Indoor cycling, also known as spinning, is a high-energy workout that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The workout involves riding a stationary bike while following a structured routine of varying intensities, resistance levels, and speeds. Indoor cycling provides numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Improved Cardiovascular Health Indoor cycling is an...

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Indoor cycling, also known as spinning, is a high-energy workout that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The workout involves riding a stationary bike while following a structured routine of varying intensities, resistance levels, and speeds. Indoor cycling provides numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Indoor cycling is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that can improve heart health and overall cardiovascular fitness. This is because indoor cycling requires a continuous, rhythmic movement that elevates heart rate and works the heart and lungs.

During indoor cycling, the rider is seated on a stationary bike and pedals in a circular motion, controlling the resistance level and speed of the workout. The intensity of the indoor cycling workout can be adjusted based on the rider’s fitness level and goals. The heart rate increases as the intensity of the workout increases, and the heart works harder to pump blood to the muscles.

One of the primary benefits of indoor cycling is that it is a form of aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise is any kind of exercise that requires oxygen to produce energy. During indoor cycling, the body’s demand for oxygen increases, and the heart responds by pumping more blood to the muscles to deliver the oxygen needed for energy production. This increase in oxygen uptake and delivery improves cardiovascular health and endurance.

Indoor cycling can also improve the efficiency of the cardiovascular system. Regular indoor cycling can help to strengthen the heart muscle, which can improve its ability to pump blood throughout the body. This can assist with lowering the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.

Another benefit of indoor cycling is that it can help to reduce blood pressure. High blood pressure is a common risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Regular indoor cycling can help to reduce blood pressure by increasing the efficiency of the cardiovascular system and reducing the workload on the heart.

Indoor cycling can also improve circulation, which can benefit overall cardiovascular health. During indoor cycling, blood flow to the legs and feet is increased, which can help to boost circulation and lower the risk of blood clots and other circulation-related conditions.

Weight Loss and Management:

Indoor cycling is an effective way to lose weight and manage weight. It is a high-intensity workout that could burn a great amount of calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to shed extra pounds.

During indoor cycling, the body burns calories for energy, and the number of calories burned depends on the intensity as well as the duration of the workout. A one-hour indoor cycling class can burn between 400-700 calories, depending on the rider’s weight, fitness level, and intensity of the workout. This calorie burn can contribute to weight loss when mixed with a healthy diet and other forms of exercise.

Indoor cycling can also help with weight management by increasing muscle mass. The resistance used during indoor cycling can help to build and tone muscle, which can increase the body’s metabolism. The higher metabolism means that the body burns more calories at rest, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.

Another benefit of indoor cycling for weight loss and management is that it can help to reduce body fat. High-intensity workouts like indoor cycling can trigger the body’s fat-burning mechanism, which can help to reduce overall body fat. The reduction in body fat can lead to a decrease in weight and a healthier body composition.

Indoor cycling can also be a low-impact exercise option for those who may have joint problems or injuries that prevent them from engaging in high-impact exercises. This low-impact option allows for regular exercise, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight.

In addition to the physical benefits, indoor cycling can also have mental health benefits. Exercise has been demonstrated to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which can contribute to overeating or making unhealthy food choices. Regular indoor cycling can help to reduce stress and improve mood, making it easier to make healthy choices and maintain a healthy weight.

Increased Endurance and Stamina

Indoor cycling is an excellent way to increase endurance and stamina. Endurance is the ability to sustain a physical activity for an extended period, while stamina is the ability to maintain physical activity over time. Both of these aspects are essential for overall fitness and athletic performance.

During indoor cycling, the rider pedals continuously for an extended period, which requires cardiovascular and muscular endurance. The intensity of the workout may be adjusted to suit the rider’s fitness level, allowing them to gradually build endurance and stamina over time.

One way indoor cycling helps to increase endurance and stamina is by improving cardiovascular health. Indoor cycling is a high-intensity cardiovascular exercise that strengthens the heart and lungs, leading to improved endurance. Regular indoor cycling can improve the efficiency of the cardiovascular system, allowing the heart to pump more blood with each beat. This improved efficiency means that the body can perform physical activities for a longer period, without getting tired easily.

Indoor cycling can also improve muscular endurance. During indoor cycling, the muscles of the legs and core are constantly engaged, which can help to build and tone muscle. This muscle building and toning can lead to increased muscular endurance, allowing the rider to pedal for longer periods without getting tired.

Another way indoor cycling helps to increase endurance and stamina is by improving the body’s ability to use oxygen. During indoor cycling, the body’s demand for oxygen increases, and the lungs work harder to deliver oxygen to the muscles. This increased demand for oxygen leads to improved oxygen utilization, which can improve endurance and stamina.

Indoor cycling also helps to improve lactate threshold. Lactate threshold is a point at which lactic acid begins to accumulate in the muscles, leading to fatigue. By increasing lactate threshold, indoor cycling can help to delay fatigue and improve endurance. Regular indoor cycling can help to increase lactate threshold, allowing the rider to pedal at a higher intensity for longer periods.

Interval training is another way indoor cycling helps to increase endurance and stamina. Interval training involves varying periods of high-intensity exercise with periods of lower intensity exercise. This type of training can improve endurance and stamina by increasing the body’s ability to recover quickly between bouts of high-intensity exercise. Regular interval training during indoor cycling can help to increase endurance and stamina, allowing the rider to maintain a high level of intensity for longer periods.

In addition to the physical benefits, indoor cycling can also have mental health benefits. The high-intensity nature of the workout can release endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood boosters. Regular indoor cycling can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve overall mood and wellbeing. The mental health benefits can also help to improve endurance and stamina, as the rider is better able to focus and maintain motivation during the workout.

Improved Mental Health

Indoor cycling can have significant mental health benefits. The intense workout can release endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood boosters. Regular indoor cycling can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve overall mood and wellbeing. It can also offer a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which can boost self-esteem as well as confidence.

Convenience

Indoor cycling is a convenient exercise option for many reasons. Firstly, it is an indoor exercise that can be done in a controlled environment, making it less affected by weather conditions. This means that indoor cycling can be done all year round, regardless of the weather outside. Unlike outdoor cycling, indoor cycling doesn’t require riders to worry about traffic, uneven terrain, or other hazards associated with outdoor cycling.

Secondly, indoor cycling is widely available at many fitness centres, gyms, and boutique studios. This means that riders can easily find a class that fits their schedule and location. With many different studios offering classes at various times throughout the day, riders can easily find a class that fits their busy schedules.

Thirdly, indoor cycling is a highly customizable workout that can be tailored to suit individual fitness levels and goals. Riders can adjust the resistance level, speed, and intensity of the workout to make it more challenging or easier. They can also vary the routine by incorporating sprints, hill climbs, and intervals to target different muscle groups and improve overall fitness.

Fourthly, indoor cycling is a low-impact exercise that puts minimal stress on the joints. This makes it a great option for people who want to exercise without risking injury or aggravating existing joint problems. The adjustable resistance on the bike also allows riders to control the intensity of the workout and reduce the impact on their joints.

Finally, indoor cycling is a fun and social workout that can be done in a group environment. Many indoor cycling classes are held in a group setting, which can provide motivation and support. The group atmosphere can help riders push themselves harder, and the instructor can provide guidance and encouragement to keep everyone on track. The social interaction and sense of community can also make the workout more enjoyable and rewarding.

Customisable Workout

Indoor cycling is a highly customizable workout that can be tailored to suit individual fitness goals and preferences. Riders can adjust the resistance level, speed, and intensity of the workout to make it more challenging or easier. They can also vary the routine by incorporating sprints, hill climbs, and intervals to target different muscle groups and improve overall fitness.

 Group Environment:

Indoor cycling classes are often held in a group environment, which can provide motivation and support. The group atmosphere can help riders push themselves harder, and the instructor can provide guidance and encouragement to keep everyone on track. The social interaction and sense of community can also make the workout more enjoyable and rewarding.

In conclusion, indoor cycling provides numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. It improves cardiovascular health, endurance, and overall fitness. Indoor cycling can also help with weight loss, lower stress and anxiety, as well as improve mood and wellbeing. It is a convenient and customizable workout that can be tailored to suit individual fitness goals and preferences. The group environment and social interaction can also provide motivation and support. If you are looking out for a challenging and rewarding workout, indoor cycling may be the perfect choice for you.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become an indoor cycling instructor? If you do then you need to our Indoor Cycling Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - Group Exercise

 

Coach.Me Fitness

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What Equipment Is Required In An Aerobics Course? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-equipment-is-required-in-an-aerobics-course/ Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:13:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32675 Aerobics is a highly popular form of physical activity that involves performing rhythmic movements with the aim of improving cardiovascular health, endurance, and overall fitness. As with any form of exercise, the use of specific equipment can be highly beneficial in enhancing the experience and results of an aerobics course. In this article, we will...

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Aerobics is a highly popular form of physical activity that involves performing rhythmic movements with the aim of improving cardiovascular health, endurance, and overall fitness. As with any form of exercise, the use of specific equipment can be highly beneficial in enhancing the experience and results of an aerobics course. In this article, we will discuss the equipment that is typically required in an aerobics course and how it can be used to maximize the benefits of this type of physical activity.

Athletic Shoes

One of the most significant pieces of equipment required for an aerobics class is a good pair of athletic shoes. Proper shoes are crucial in providing support and stability during the high-impact movements involved in aerobics. The shoes should also be lightweight and comfortable, allowing for ease of movement and reducing the risk of injury. It is recommended to choose shoes that are specifically designed for aerobics or other high-impact activities, as they are built to withstand the rigorous movements involved in this type of exercise.

Choosing the right athletic shoes for an aerobics class is crucial in providing the support and stability needed for the high-impact movements involved in this type of physical activity. Proper shoes can reduce the risk of injury and enhance the overall experience and results of the workout. Here’s how to choose these:

  • Look for Shoes Designed for Aerobics

When selecting athletic shoes for an aerobics class, it is important to choose shoes that are specifically designed for this type of activity. These shoes are built to withstand the rigorous movements involved in high-impact activities and provide the support and cushioning needed to reduce the risk of injury. Shoes that are not designed for aerobics may not provide the necessary support or may be too heavy, hindering movement during the workout.

  • Consider the Level of Impact:

Aerobics classes can vary in their level of impact, with some classes incorporating more high-impact movements than others. When selecting athletic shoes for an aerobics class, it is very important to consider the level of impact involved in the specific class. Shoes with more cushioning and support may be needed for classes with higher levels of impact to reduce the risk of injury.

  • Choose Lightweight Shoes:

Lightweight shoes are ideal for aerobics classes as they allow for ease of movement and reduce the risk of fatigue during the workout. Heavy shoes can make it difficult to perform the fast-paced movements involved in aerobics and may lead to discomfort and injury. Look for shoes that are lightweight and provide the necessary support and cushioning.

  • Ensure a Proper Fit:

Proper fit is essential in selecting athletic shoes for an aerobics class. Shoes that are too tight can hinder movement and cause discomfort, while shoes that are too loose can lead to instability and increase the risk of injury. It is recommended to try on shoes before purchasing to ensure a proper fit. The shoes should fit snugly however not be too tight, with enough room to wiggle the toes.

  • Look for Good Traction:

Good traction is important in providing stability during an aerobics class. Shoes with good traction can prevent slipping and reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Look for shoes with rubber soles that offer good grip on a variety of surfaces.

  • Consider Arch Support:

Arch support is important in providing the necessary support and stability for the feet during an aerobics class. Shoes with good arch support can reduce the risk of foot pain and injuries, as well as provide added comfort during the workout. Consider shoes with built-in arch support or the option to insert custom orthotics if needed.

Comfortable Clothing

Comfortable clothing is essential in allowing for full range of motion during an aerobics class. It is important to choose clothing that is lightweight, breathable, and allows for ease of movement. Clothing that is too tight or restrictive can hinder movement and lead to discomfort and injury. It is also important to consider the temperature of the workout environment when selecting clothing. In cooler temperatures, layering is recommended to maintain warmth during the workout.

Here are some examples of clothing that you should wear during an aerobics class:

  • Moisture-Wicking Clothing:

Moisture-wicking clothing is designed to pull sweat away from the body and keep you dry and comfortable during a workout. This type of clothing is ideal for an aerobics class as it reduces the risk of chafing and skin irritation caused by sweat. Look for clothing made from materials such as polyester, nylon, or spandex.

  • Supportive Sports Bras:

A supportive sports bra is essential in providing the necessary support and comfort for the breasts during an aerobics class. The high-impact movements involved in aerobics can cause discomfort and even pain without proper support. Look for sports bras specifically designed for high-impact activities and that fit properly.

  • Comfortable, Breathable Tops:

Comfortable, breathable tops are important in providing the necessary flexibility and movement for an aerobics class. Look for tops made from lightweight materials such as cotton or synthetic blends that allow for ease of movement and ventilation.

  • Flexible Bottoms:

Flexible bottoms such as leggings, yoga pants, or shorts allow for ease of movement during an aerobics class. Look for bottoms made from stretchy materials such as spandex or nylon that provide the necessary support and comfort for the workout.

  • Accessories:

Accessories such as sweatbands or headbands can be useful in keeping sweat out of the eyes and reducing the risk of slipping during an aerobics class. Additionally, bringing a water bottle is important in staying hydrated during the workout.

Exercise Mat

An exercise mat is a common piece of equipment used in aerobics classes, especially those that incorporate floor exercises or stretching. An exercise mat provides cushioning and support for the body, reducing the impact on joints during high-impact movements. It also helps to prevent slipping and provides a clean, comfortable surface for floor exercises.

When selecting an exercise mat, there are several key characteristics to consider to ensure you are getting a mat that suits your needs. Below are some characteristics to look for in an exercise mat:

  • Thickness:

The thickness of the mat is an important consideration as it affects the level of comfort and support provided. Thicker mats are generally more comfortable and provide more cushioning, especially for activities that involve lying or kneeling on the mat. However, thicker mats can be heavier and may not offer as much stability for standing poses. Mats with a thickness of around 1/4 inch are suitable for most activities.

  • Material:

The material of the mat affects its durability, texture, and grip. Common materials include PVC, rubber, and foam. PVC mats are typically the most affordable and durable, but they may not offer as much grip. Rubber mats are more eco-friendly and provide good grip, but they may be more expensive. Foam mats are lightweight and affordable, but they may not offer as much durability.

  • Texture:

The texture of the mat is important in providing grip and preventing slipping during use. Mats with a textured surface provide more grip, especially when wet from sweat. However, mats with a too-aggressive texture may cause discomfort or skin irritation. Look for mats with a texture that suits your needs and preferences.

  • Size:

The size of the mat is important in providing adequate space for movement and activities. Mats that are too small may not provide enough room for poses or movements, while mats that are too large may be difficult to transport or store. Standard exercise mats are typically around 68 inches long and 24 inches wide, but larger or smaller options are available.

  • Portability:

If you plan to transport your mat to classes or activities, portability is an important consideration. Mats that are lightweight and roll up easily are ideal for transport. Some mats also come with carrying straps or bags for added convenience.

  • Eco-Friendliness:

If environmental sustainability is a concern for you, consider choosing a mat made from eco-friendly materials such as natural rubber or recycled materials.

Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are a versatile piece of equipment that can be utilised in a number of different ways during an aerobics class. They are quite lightweight and easy to transport, making them a convenient add-on to any workout. Resistance bands can be utilised to add resistance to traditional aerobic movements, such as squats or lunges, or to perform upper body exercises such as bicep curls or tricep extensions. They are a cost-effective alternative to traditional weights and can be easily modified to suit individual fitness levels.

Hand Weights

Hand weights are a popular piece of equipment used in aerobics classes to add resistance to upper body exercises. They come in a variety of weights, allowing participants to choose the appropriate weight for their individual fitness level. Hand weights can be used in a variety of exercises, including arm curls, shoulder presses, and chest flies. They provide an effective way to build strength and tone muscles during an aerobics workout.

Step Platforms

Step platforms are commonly used in aerobics classes to add an extra challenge to traditional aerobic movements. They provide a raised platform for participants to step onto, increasing the intensity of the workout. Step platforms can be adjusted to different heights, allowing participants to choose the appropriate level of difficulty for their fitness level. They are a popular piece of equipment in high-intensity aerobics classes and provide an effective way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness.

While equipment is not strictly necessary for an aerobics course, incorporating specific equipment can be highly beneficial in enhancing the experience and results of this type of physical activity. Athletic shoes, comfortable clothing, exercise mats, resistance bands, hand weights, and step platforms are all commonly used pieces of equipment in aerobics classes, each with their own unique benefits. When selecting equipment, it is important to consider individual fitness levels and goals, as well as any physical limitations or injuries.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’d like to become an aerobics instructor then you should check out our Aerobics Instructor Course. Follow this link for more information.

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What Are The Benefits Of Taking An Aerobics Course? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-taking-an-aerobics-course/ Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:01:25 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32672 Aerobics is a type of physical exercise that combines rhythmic movements with music to improve cardiovascular health, endurance, and overall fitness. Participating in aerobics classes can offer numerous benefits, both physical and mental, that can enhance overall health and wellbeing. One of the primary benefits of taking an aerobics course is improved cardiovascular health. Aerobics...

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Aerobics is a type of physical exercise that combines rhythmic movements with music to improve cardiovascular health, endurance, and overall fitness. Participating in aerobics classes can offer numerous benefits, both physical and mental, that can enhance overall health and wellbeing.

One of the primary benefits of taking an aerobics course is improved cardiovascular health. Aerobics involves continuous and rhythmic movements that increase heart rate, blood flow, and oxygen uptake. This can improve the efficiency of the heart and lungs, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and improving overall cardiovascular health.

Aerobics can also help to improve endurance and overall fitness. The repetitive and intense nature of aerobics helps to build muscular endurance and stamina, allowing individuals to engage in physical activities for longer periods of time without feeling fatigued. This can also result in an increase in overall energy levels, which can improve daily productivity and performance.

Mental Health Benefits

In addition to physical benefits, aerobics can also have significant mental health benefits. Aerobics has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. Regular exercise can also boost self-confidence and self-esteem, as individuals achieve their fitness goals and feel better about their physical appearance.

Another benefit of taking an aerobics course is the social aspect. Aerobics classes often involve group activities, which can provide opportunities for socialization and connection with like-minded individuals. This can improve mental health and wellbeing by reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Improve Balance And Coordination

Aerobics can also help to improve balance and coordination. Many aerobics classes involve movements that require balance and coordination, such as jumping, spinning, and twisting. Over time, these movements can help to improve proprioception, the body’s awareness of its position and movement in space. This can reduce the risk of falls and injuries, particularly in older individuals.

Taking an aerobics course can also provide structure and accountability to an individual’s fitness routine. Aerobics classes are typically scheduled at specific times, providing a set time for exercise each week. Additionally, the presence of an instructor and other classmates can provide motivation and support, helping individuals to stick to their fitness goals and maintain a regular exercise routine.

Finally, aerobics classes can be a fun and enjoyable way to exercise. The music and choreography of aerobics classes can provide a sense of enjoyment and entertainment, making exercise feel less like a chore and more like a fun activity.

What Skills Should An Aerobics Instructor Have?

Aerobics instructors are responsible for leading and guiding individuals through a variety of cardiovascular exercises and routines. To be an effective aerobics instructor, there are several key skills that are essential for success.

 

First and foremost, an aerobics instructor should have a very strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. This includes knowledge of the cardiovascular system, muscular system, and how these systems work together during exercise. This knowledge is important in designing safe and effective exercise routines that will provide maximum benefit to participants.

Aerobics instructors should also possess strong communication and teaching skills. They should be able to clearly and effectively communicate exercise instructions and provide feedback to participants to ensure proper form and technique. They should be able to modify exercises to accommodate different fitness levels and physical abilities, and to provide alternative exercises for participants with injuries or limitations.

In addition to communication and teaching skills, aerobics instructors should possess strong motivational and leadership skills. They should be able to create a positive and supportive environment for participants, encouraging them to push themselves and achieve their fitness goals. They should be able to lead by example, demonstrating proper form and technique in their own exercise routines.

Aerobics instructors should also possess strong organizational skills. They should be able to plan and prepare exercise routines in advance, ensuring that each class is structured and flows smoothly. They should be able to keep track of participants’ progress and adjust routines as necessary to provide continued challenge and growth.

Aerobics instructors should also have a strong sense of professionalism and ethical responsibility. They should be committed to providing safe and effective exercise routines, and to promoting the overall health and wellbeing of their participants. They should be up-to-date on the latest exercise research and trends, and be able to incorporate this knowledge into their routines.

Finally, aerobics instructors should possess a strong passion and enthusiasm for fitness and exercise. They should have the ability to inspire and motivate participants to enjoy and appreciate the benefits of exercise. They should be able to provide a fun and engaging environment that encourages participants to return to class and continue their fitness journey.

What Are The Benefits Of Becoming An Aerobics Instructor?

Becoming an aerobics instructor can be an excellent career choice for those who enjoy fitness and leading group workouts. There are many benefits to pursuing this career path, including personal fulfilment, social interaction, and the opportunity to promote healthy living. Here are the benefits of becoming an aerobics instructor.

  • Personal Fulfilment

One of the most significant benefits of becoming an aerobics instructor is the sense of personal fulfilment that comes from helping others achieve their fitness goals. As an instructor, you will be responsible for motivating and encouraging your clients to push themselves to their limits and achieve their desired results. Seeing the progress and success of your clients can be incredibly rewarding and provide a sense of purpose in your work.

  • Social Interaction

Another benefit of becoming an aerobics instructor is the social interaction that comes with the job. As an instructor, you will be leading group workouts and interacting with clients on a regular basis. This can be an excellent opportunity to build new relationships and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for fitness. You may even find that your clients become long-term friends and supporters in your career.

  • Flexibility

Another benefit of becoming an aerobics instructor is the flexibility that comes with the job. Many instructors work part-time or as freelancers, allowing them to set their schedules and work around other commitments. This can be an ideal career choice for those who are looking for a flexible work-life balance or want to supplement their income with a side hustle.

  • Career Advancement

As an aerobics instructor, there are many opportunities for career advancement. You may choose to specialize in a specific type of fitness, such as yoga, dance, or kickboxing, and become certified in that area. Alternatively, you may decide to become a personal trainer or fitness coach, which can lead to higher salaries and more career opportunities.

  • Health Benefits

Becoming an aerobics instructor can also have significant health benefits. Regular exercise is crucial for sustaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and improving mental health. As an instructor, you will be leading workouts and participating in physical activity regularly, which can help you maintain your own fitness and health.

  • Personal Development

Finally, becoming an aerobics instructor can help with personal development. As you go on in your career, you will have the chance to develop leadership and communication skills, as well as learn new techniques and trends in the fitness industry. This can be an excellent opportunity for personal growth and development, which can benefit you in all areas of your life.

How Do You Become An Aerobics Instructor?

Becoming an aerobics instructor can be a fulfilling career choice for those passionate about fitness and helping others achieve their fitness goals. Here are the steps required to become an aerobics instructor.

  • Step 1: Obtain Basic Fitness Education

The first step to becoming an aerobics instructor is to have a basic understanding of fitness principles. This can be achieved by enrolling in a fitness education program, which can range from short-term courses to full-time degrees. These courses cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and exercise science. Basic knowledge in these areas can help you to understand the human body and how it responds to exercise.

  • Step 2: Obtain Certification

To become an aerobics instructor, you must be certified by a recognized fitness certification organization. These organizations offer a variety of certifications, such as group fitness, step aerobics, and dance fitness. To obtain certification, you must pass an exam that tests your knowledge of exercise science, safety, and program design. Some of the popular certification organizations include the American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).

  • Step 3: Gain Experience

Once you have obtained your certification, the next step is to gain practical experience. Many gyms and fitness centres offer entry-level positions as fitness trainers or assistants. These positions allow you to gain experience working with clients, designing fitness programs, and teaching fitness classes.

Taking an aerobics course can offer numerous benefits for both your physical as well as mental health. Improved cardiovascular health, endurance, and fitness, reduced stress and anxiety, improved balance and coordination, social connection, and enjoyment are just a couple of the many benefits that can be gained from participating in aerobics classes. With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why aerobics is such a popular and effective form of exercise.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’d like to become an aerobics instructor then you should check out our Aerobics Instructor Course. Follow this link for more information.

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Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

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What Are The Benefits Of Personal Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-personal-training/ Mon, 13 Mar 2023 12:02:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32641 Personal training can offer a range of benefits for people of all fitness levels and backgrounds. Here are a couple of the main advantages of personal training. Personalized Workouts One of the main benefits of personal training is that your workout program can be tailored specifically to your goals, fitness level, and any physical limitations...

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Personal training can offer a range of benefits for people of all fitness levels and backgrounds. Here are a couple of the main advantages of personal training.

Personalized Workouts

One of the main benefits of personal training is that your workout program can be tailored specifically to your goals, fitness level, and any physical limitations you may have. Your trainer can create a program that challenges you while also taking into account your unique needs and abilities.

What Steps Will A Personal Trainer Take In Designing A Workout For A Client?

When designing a workout for a client, a personal trainer will typically follow several steps to ensure that the program is safe, effective, and tailored to the client’s needs and goals. Here are the steps a personal trainer may take when designing a workout for a client:

  • Initial Consultation: The first step in designing a workout program is to meet with the client to discuss their goals, fitness level, health history, and any physical limitations they may have. This information will help the trainer create a program that is safe and effective for the client.
  • Assessment: The trainer will typically perform an assessment of the client’s fitness level, including measurements of body composition, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. This information will help the trainer develop a baseline for the client’s fitness level and track progress over time.
  • Goal Setting: Based on the client’s goals and assessment results, the trainer will help the client set specific and measurable goals for the program. This will help both the trainer and the client stay focused and motivated throughout the program.
  • Program Design: Once the trainer has gathered all the necessary information, they will begin designing a program that is tailored to the client’s needs and goals. This may include exercises that target specific muscle groups, cardio exercises to improve cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility exercises to improve mobility and prevent injury.
  • Exercise Selection: The trainer will select exercises that are appropriate for the client’s fitness level and physical abilities. They will also take into account any physical limitations the client may have and modify exercises as needed.
  • Reps, Sets, and Rest Periods: The trainer will determine the correct number of reps and sets for each exercise, as well as the rest periods between sets. This will help ensure that the client is working at the appropriate intensity for their fitness level and goals.
  • Progression: The trainer will develop a plan for progressing the program over time. This may include increasing the intensity or duration of exercises, or adding new exercises to the program.
  • Instruction and Demonstration: The trainer will demonstrate each exercise and provide instruction on proper form and technique. This will help ensure that the client is performing each exercise safely and effectively.
  • Monitoring and Adjustment: The trainer will monitor the client’s progress throughout the program and make adjustments as needed. This may include modifying exercises or changing the program altogether to ensure that the client is making progress towards their goals.

Designing a workout program for a client involves several steps, including an initial consultation, assessment, goal setting, program design, exercise selection, reps, sets, and rest periods, progression, instruction and demonstration, and monitoring and adjustment. By following these steps, a personal trainer can create a super safe and effective workout program that is tailored to the client’s needs and goals.

Accountability

Personal training sessions can help you stay accountable to your fitness goals. Knowing that you have a scheduled session with a trainer can help you stay motivated and committed to your workouts. Additionally, your trainer can provide feedback and encouragement, helping you stay on track and overcome any obstacles that may arise.

What Are Some Tips And Tricks To Help With Developing Accountability?

Developing accountability is an essential component of achieving success in any area of life, including fitness and wellness. Here are some tips and tricks to assist you with developing accountability:

  • Set Specific Goals: One of the most effective ways to develop accountability is to set specific, measurable, and achievable goals. This will help you remain focused and motivated, and provide a clear roadmap for tracking progress.
  • Write Down Your Goals: Writing down your goals can be a powerful tool for developing accountability. Seeing your goals in writing can help make them more real and tangible, and serve as a daily reminder of what you are working towards.
  • Share Your Goals with Others: Sharing your goals with friends, family, or a personal trainer can help create a sense of accountability. When others know what you are working towards, they can provide support and encouragement, and help keep you on track.
  • Track Your Progress: Tracking your progress is another effective way to develop accountability. This can be done through tracking apps, journals, or other tools. Regularly reviewing your progress can help you identify areas where you need to improve, and celebrate your successes along the way.
  • Find an Accountability Partner: Having an accountability partner can be a powerful motivator. This can be a friend, family member, or personal trainer who can provide support and encouragement, and hold you accountable to your goals.
  • Create a Routine: Developing a routine can help create a sense of structure and accountability. By scheduling regular workout sessions and sticking to a consistent routine, you can help ensure that you stay on track towards your goals.
  • Reward Yourself: Honouring your successes along the way can help keep you motivated and accountable. Set up rewards for reaching milestones, such as buying yourself new workout gear or treating yourself to a massage.
  • Be Patient and Persistent: Finally, it is important to be patient and persistent. Achieving your fitness goals takes time and effort, and setbacks are a very natural part of the process. By staying persistent and committed to your goals, you can develop the accountability you need to succeed.

Developing accountability is an important part of achieving success in fitness and wellness. By setting specific goals, writing them down, sharing them with others, tracking progress, finding an accountability partner, creating a routine, rewarding yourself, and staying patient and persistent, you can develop the accountability you need to achieve your goals.

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Injury Prevention

Personal trainers are trained to help prevent injuries during exercise. They can teach you proper form and technique, ensuring that you’re using correct posture and engaging the correct muscles. By working with a personal trainer, you can reduce your risk of injury and stay safe while exercising.

Goal Achievement

Personal trainers can help you set realistic and achievable fitness goals, and create a plan to reach those goals. By breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable steps, a personal trainer can help you stay motivated and see progress over time.

How Do You Set Achievable Goals?

Setting achievable goals is a critical step towards achieving success in any area of life, including fitness and wellness. Here are some tips to assist you with setting achievable goals:

  • Be Specific: Your goals should be specific and well-defined. Rather than setting a vague goal like “get in shape,” set a specific goal like “lose 10 pounds in 3 months.”
  • Make Your Goals Measurable: It is important to make your goals measurable so that you can track your progress. For instance, if your goal is to run a 5K, you can measure your progress by tracking the time it takes you to complete the race.
  • Set Realistic Goals: It is essential to set realistic goals that are achievable. Setting goals that are too difficult or unrealistic can be demotivating and result in feelings of failure. Instead, set goals that challenge you but are achievable with effort and commitment.
  • Set Timely Goals: Your goals should be time-bound, with a specific deadline for completion. This will assist with keeping you accountable and motivated to achieve your goals within the given timeframe.
  • Break Down Your Goals: Breaking down your goals into smaller, more practicable steps can make them seem less overwhelming and more achievable. This can also help you track your progress and stay motivated.
  • Write Down Your Goals: Writing down your goals can help make them more real and tangible. This can also serve as a daily reminder of what you are working towards.
  • Make Your Goals Personal: Your goals should be personal to you and reflect your own aspirations and values. Setting goals based on external pressure or expectations can result in a lack of motivation and a sense of disconnection.

By following these tips, you can set achievable goals that are specific, measurable, realistic, timely, personal, and broken down into manageable steps. Remember to stay committed and motivated during the process, and celebrate your successes as you go along. With the correct mindset and approach, you can achieve your fitness and wellness goals and become the best version of yourself.

Variety And Fun

Personal training sessions can offer a variety of exercises and activities that can keep your workouts fresh and interesting. Your trainer can incorporate new exercises and equipment into your program, keeping you engaged and challenged.

Education

Personal trainers can teach you about proper nutrition, hydration, and recovery, as well as the science behind exercise and fitness. By gaining a better understanding of how your body works and how to take care of it, you can improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Time Efficiency

Personal training sessions can be more time-efficient than working out on your own. With a trainer, you can get a full-body workout in a shorter amount of time, as your trainer can help you maximize the effectiveness of each exercise.

Flexibility

Personal training sessions can be scheduled around your busy lifestyle. Your trainer can work with you to find a schedule that works best for you, whether that’s early in the morning, during your lunch break, or in the evening.

In conclusion, personal training can offer a range of benefits, including personalized workouts, accountability, injury prevention, goal achievement, variety and fun, education, time efficiency, and flexibility. By working with a personal trainer, you can improve your overall health and wellbeing, and achieve your fitness goals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

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How Often Should I Work With A Personal Trainer? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-often-should-i-work-with-a-personal-trainer/ Mon, 13 Mar 2023 11:31:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32636 When it comes to fitness and exercise, many people wonder how often they should work with a personal trainer. The answer to this question can differ depending on a variety of factors, including your fitness goals, your current level of fitness, and your budget. In this article, we’ll explore some of the factors that can...

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When it comes to fitness and exercise, many people wonder how often they should work with a personal trainer. The answer to this question can differ depending on a variety of factors, including your fitness goals, your current level of fitness, and your budget. In this article, we’ll explore some of the factors that can influence how often you should work with a personal trainer, and provide some tips for finding a training schedule that works for you.

An Investment In Your Future

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that personal training is an investment in your health and fitness. Working with a personal trainer can provide you with valuable guidance, motivation, and accountability, which can help you achieve your fitness goals more quickly and effectively than if you were working out on your own. However, personal training can also be expensive, and not everyone can afford to work with a trainer on a regular basis. Therefore, it’s important to consider your budget when determining how often you can realistically work with a personal trainer.

The cost of personal training can vary widely depending on a number of different factors, including the location, experience level of the trainer, and the length and frequency of the sessions. When budgeting for personal trainer fees, it’s important to consider how frequently you plan to work with a trainer.

In addition to the cost of personal training sessions, it’s also important to consider any other expenses that may be associated with your fitness routine. For example, you may need to purchase workout clothes or equipment, or pay for a gym membership in order to work with a trainer.

It’s also worth noting that some trainers offer discounts for purchasing sessions in bulk. For example, you may be able to save money by purchasing a package of 10 or 20 sessions upfront. Additionally, some gyms or fitness studios may offer discounts or special rates for members who sign up for personal training sessions.

Ultimately, the amount you should budget for personal trainer fees will depend on your individual circumstances, including your fitness goals, your budget, and your personal preferences. It’s important to do your research, shop around, and find a trainer who you feel is a good fit for you and your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about pricing, discounts, and any other fees or expenses that may be associated with working with a personal trainer. With a little planning and budgeting, you can find a personal training plan that works for you and your wallet.

Other Factors To Consider

Assuming that cost is not an issue, the frequency with which you work with a personal trainer will depend on a number of other factors. One of the most important factors is your fitness goals. If you have a specific fitness goal in mind, such as running a marathon or building muscle mass, you may need to work with a personal trainer more frequently in order to achieve that goal. On the other hand, if your aim is simply to maintain your current level of fitness, you may not need to work with a trainer as often.

Setting fitness goals is an important step in achieving a healthier, more active lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, improve your cardiovascular endurance, or simply feel better and more energized, setting goals can help you stay motivated and focused. In this article, we’ll explore some tips for setting good fitness goals that are realistic, achievable, and sustainable.

  • Be specific: One of the most important aspects of setting good fitness goals is being specific about what you want to achieve. Rather than setting a vague goal like “get in shape,” try to be more specific about what that means to you. Do you want to lose a certain amount of weight? Run a certain distance or time? Lift a certain amount of weight? By being specific about your goals, you’ll be better able to track your progress and stay motivated.
  • Make it measurable: In addition to being specific, your fitness goals should also be measurable. This means that you need be able to track your progress and see concrete results over time. For instance, if your goal is to run a 5K, you should be able to track your time and see improvements as you continue to train.
  • Be realistic: When setting fitness goals, it’s very important to be practical about what you can achieve. Making goals that are too ambitious or unrealistic can lead to frustration and disappointment. Instead, set goals that are challenging but achievable, and that take into account your current level of fitness and any physical limitations you may have.
  • Break it down: Rather than setting one big, overarching goal, try breaking it down into smaller, more manageable goals. For example, if your eventual goal is to lose 50 kilograms, set smaller goals to lose 5 or 10 kilograms at a time. This can help you stay motivated and focused, and can also help you track your progress more effectively.
  • Set a timeline: In addition to breaking your goals down into smaller steps, it’s important to set a timeline for achieving them. This can help you remain accountable and motivated, and can also help you avoid procrastination and distractions. Be realistic about your timeline, but also challenge yourself to stay on track and meet your goals as quickly as possible.
  • Celebrate your successes: Finally, it’s important to celebrate your successes along the way. Setting and achieving fitness goals can be a long and challenging process, and it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate your progress along the way. Whether it’s treating yourself to a new pair of workout shoes, sharing your success with friends and family, or simply taking a moment to reflect on your progress, celebrating your successes can assist you with staying motivated and focused on your ultimate goal.

Setting good fitness goals is an important step in achieving a healthier, more active lifestyle. By being specific, measurable, realistic, and breaking your goals down into manageable steps, you can stay motivated and focused on achieving your ultimate goal. Don’t be afraid to seek help from a personal trainer or fitness professional, and remember to celebrate your successes along the way. With hard work, dedication, and the correct mindset, you can achieve your fitness goals and live a happier, healthier life.

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Your Current Fitness Levels

Another important factor to consider is your current level of fitness. If you are new to exercise or have been inactive for a long period of time, you may need to work with a personal trainer more frequently in order to learn proper form and technique, and to avoid injury. On the other hand, if you are already in good shape and have been exercising regularly for some time, you may be able to work with a trainer less frequently.

In general, most personal trainers recommend working with a trainer at least once a week in order to see significant progress. This allows for regular check-ins and adjustments to your training plan, as well as ongoing motivation and accountability. However, depending on your goals and current fitness level, you may need to work with a trainer more or less frequently than this.

If you are just starting out with personal training, it’s a very good idea to start with a more frequent schedule, such as two or three sessions per week. This will give you a solid foundation and help you establish good habits and routines. As you progress and become more comfortable with your training plan, you may be able to reduce the frequency of your sessions.

When To Cut Back On Your Sessions

Personal training sessions can be a fantastic way to improve your fitness level and achieve your health goals. However, there could come a time when you need to reduce the frequency of your personal training sessions. Here are some signs that it may be time to cut back on your sessions:

  • Financial Constraints: Personal training sessions can be expensive, and if you’re facing financial constraints, it may be time to reduce the frequency of your sessions. Consider working with your trainer to find a more affordable plan or alternative options that fit your budget.
  • Plateaued Progress: If you’ve been working with a personal trainer for a while and you’ve plateaued in terms of progress, it may be time to reduce the frequency of your sessions. You may have gotten to a point where you can maintain your fitness level on your own, and can benefit more from occasional check-ins with your trainer rather than regular sessions.
  • Changes in Schedule: Life changes can cause changes in your schedule, making it difficult to maintain the same frequency of personal training sessions. If you’re experiencing a busy period at work, or have other personal commitments that are taking up more of your time, you may need to reduce the frequency of your sessions temporarily.
  • Overtraining: Overtraining can lead to injury, fatigue, and a lack of motivation. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to reduce the frequency of your personal training sessions. Working with your trainer to find a more balanced workout routine can help you avoid burnout and stay healthy.

The decision to reduce the frequency of personal training sessions should be based on your personal needs, goals, and circumstances. It’s important to communicate with your trainer and work together to find a plan that works for you. By being honest with yourself and your trainer, you can create a plan that allows you to continue making progress towards your goals while taking into account any changes in your life or financial situation.

The key to determining how often you should work with a personal trainer is to be honest with yourself about your goals, your budget, and your current level of fitness. Talk to your trainer about your goals and concerns, and work together to come up with a schedule that makes sense for you. Remember, the most important thing is to stay consistent and committed to your training plan, whether that means working with a trainer once a week or once a month. With dedication – as well as hard work – you can achieve your fitness goals and live a healthier, happier life.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

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Private Personal Trainer Career Path https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/private-personal-trainer-career-path/ Fri, 10 Mar 2023 12:43:47 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32624 A private personal trainer is a fitness professional who provides individualised exercise and nutrition guidance to clients in a one-on-one setting. Unlike trainers at a gym or fitness centre, private personal trainers work with clients at their homes, parks, or other locations of their choice. They develop personalised workout plans and provide ongoing support and...

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A private personal trainer is a fitness professional who provides individualised exercise and nutrition guidance to clients in a one-on-one setting. Unlike trainers at a gym or fitness centre, private personal trainers work with clients at their homes, parks, or other locations of their choice. They develop personalised workout plans and provide ongoing support and motivation to help clients achieve their fitness goals.

Private personal trainers are typically self-employed or work for a personal training company and are paid on a per-session or per-hour basis.

A career path for a private personal trainer may include the following steps:

  • Obtain certification
  • Gain experience
  • Establish a private practice
  • Expand your business
  • Continual education

The demand for personal trainers has been growing in recent years owing to a number of factors including:

  • Increased interest in health and wellness
  • The rise of remote work
  • An ageing population

This article will look at:

  • An overview of the personal training profession
  • Different Career Paths for Personal Trainers
  • Skills and Qualities Needed for Success

Overview of the personal training profession

 There are several different types of personal trainers, each with their own unique roles and areas of focus:

  • General personal trainers
  • Sport-specific trainers
  • Senior fitness trainers
  • Post-rehabilitation trainers
  • Nutrition coaches
  • Virtual trainers
  • Group fitness trainers

Personal trainers play an important role in helping clients set and achieve their fitness goals, and they typically work closely with clients to design individualised workout plans, provide guidance and support, and monitor progress.

Qualifications and certifications necessary to become a personal trainer

To become a personal trainer, you will typically need to meet the following qualifications and certifications:

  • Education: A Matric or equivalent is typically the minimum requirement for becoming a personal trainer. Some employers may prefer or require personal trainers to hold a degree in a related field, such as exercise science, kinesiology, or sports medicine.
  • Certification: Most personal trainers are required to be certified through a reputable organisation, such as CATHSSETA. These organisations offer comprehensive exams that test a candidate’s knowledge of anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and exercise science.
  • CPR and First Aid certification: Personal trainers must be able to respond to emergencies, so having a valid CPR and First Aid certification is essential.
  • Continuing education: Many personal training certifications require continuing education to maintain the certification. This helps personal trainers stay up-to-date with the latest research, techniques, and trends in the fitness industry.

What are the advantages of becoming a personal trainer?

 Becoming a personal trainer can provide many benefits, including:

  • Independence and flexibility: Personal trainers who are self-employed or work for small personal training companies have the ability to adjust their own schedules and also work with clients in locations that are convenient for them.
  • Career growth: Personal trainers who establish a strong reputation and client base can expand their business, hire other trainers, and increase their income.
  • Helping others: Personal trainers have the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives by helping them achieve their health and fitness goals.
  • Job security: The demand for personal trainers is growing, and many experts predict that this trend will continue in the future.
  • Personal satisfaction: Personal trainers report high levels of job satisfaction, as they get to do work that they are passionate about and see the results of their efforts first hand.
  • Variety: Personal trainers work with a wide range of clients with different fitness goals and backgrounds, which keeps the job interesting and challenging.
  • Physical activity: Personal trainers are able to stay physically active and maintain their own fitness level through the work they do with their clients.

Different Career Paths for Personal Trainers

 Personal trainers have several different career paths to choose from, including:

  • Self-employment: Personal trainers can start their own business, setting their own hours, rates, and client base. They may choose to work from a home gym, a rented studio, or travel to clients’ homes or workplaces.
  • Working in gyms: Personal trainers can work for large fitness chains, boutique gyms, or smaller local fitness facilities. They typically receive a base salary, with the potential for commission or bonuses based on the number of clients they work with.
  • Corporate wellness: Personal trainers can work for companies, providing fitness and wellness services to employees as part of an overall wellness programme.
  • Online personal training: Personal trainers can use technology to reach clients virtually, either through live video sessions or pre-recorded workout programmes.
  • Special populations: Personal trainers can specialise in working with specific populations, such as seniors, athletes, or individuals with disabilities.
  • Group fitness instruction: Personal trainers can lead group fitness classes, such as spin classes, yoga, or boot camp-style workouts.

Each career path offers its own advantages and challenges, and personal trainers can explore different options to discover the one that best fits their goals, skills, and interests. Some personal trainers may choose to pursue multiple career paths, for example, working as a self-employed personal trainer while also leading group fitness classes.

There are many successful personal trainers who have chosen different career paths. Here are a few examples:

  • Self-employment: Jillian Michaels, a celebrity personal trainer and television personality, started her own fitness and wellness business, offering personal training, books, and fitness DVDs.
  • Working in gyms: Gunnar Peterson is a celebrity personal trainer who has worked at a number of high-end fitness facilities, including the Beverly Hills Sports Club. He is well known for working with professional athletes and celebrities.
  • Corporate wellness: Bob Harper, a celebrity personal trainer and television personality, has worked in corporate wellness, providing on-site fitness and wellness services to companies.

Skills and Qualities Needed for Success

To have a successful career as a personal trainer, it’s important to have a combination of technical knowledge and personal qualities. Here are some key skills and qualities needed:

  • Knowledge of anatomy, exercise physiology, and nutrition: Personal trainers need to have a solid understanding of the human body as well as how it responds to exercise and nutrition in order to design effective training programmes.
  • Effective communication skills: Personal trainers must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with clients, providing encouragement and motivation as well as correcting form and technique.
  • Passion for fitness and wellness: Personal trainers who are passionate about fitness and wellness tend to be more successful, as they are far more likely to be engaged and driven in their work.
  • Ability to design and modify exercises: Personal trainers must be able to create custom exercise programmes for clients based on their fitness goals and physical abilities, as well as adjust programmes as needed over time.
  • Flexibility and adaptability: Personal trainers must be able to adjust to the needs of their clients, whether that means modifying a workout on the fly

Steps personal trainers can take to develop the skills and qualities necessary for success

  • Continuously educate yourself: Personal trainers must stay up-to-date with the latest exercise science and trends in the fitness industry, as well as expanding their knowledge of anatomy, exercise physiology, and nutrition. This can be done through taking continuing education courses, going to workshops and conferences, and reading industry publications.
  • Practise effective communication: Personal trainers can develop their communication skills by actively listening to their clients, asking questions, and providing clear and concise instructions and feedback. They can also practise their public speaking skills by leading group fitness classes.
  • Cultivate a passion for fitness and wellness: Personal trainers can cultivate a passion for fitness and wellness by staying active and healthy themselves, setting and achieving personal fitness goals, and immersing themselves in the fitness community.
  • Get hands-on experience: Personal trainers can develop their ability to design and modify exercises by working with clients and observing experienced personal trainers. They can also gain experience through practising different exercises and techniques themselves.
  • Learn to be flexible and adaptable: Personal trainers can develop their flexibility and adaptability by being open-minded, taking on new challenges, and being willing to try new approaches. They can also seek out opportunities to work with clients who have diverse fitness goals and abilities.
  • Develop empathy and patience: Personal trainers can develop empathy and patience by putting themselves in their clients’ shoes, actively listening to their clients, and seeking to understand their challenges and motivations.
  • Enhance leadership and motivational skills: Personal trainers can develop their leadership and motivational skills by leading group fitness classes, setting and achieving personal and professional goals, and seeking out opportunities to mentor or coach others.
  • Improve organisational skills: Personal trainers can improve their organisational skills by using technology tools to manage their schedules, keeping accurate records of their clients’ progress, and developing effective time management strategies.

How to stand out in the personal training profession

Standing out in the personal training profession requires a combination of technical knowledge, personal skills, and a strong commitment to excellence. Here are some tips on how you could do this:

  • Specialise in a niche area: Consider specialising in a particular area such as sports performance training, injury rehabilitation, or senior fitness to differentiate yourself from other personal trainers and offer unique value to clients.
  • Keep up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques: Keep up to date on the most recent developments in the fitness industry, and continually improve your knowledge of anatomy, exercise physiology, and nutrition. This will help you provide clients with the most effective and cutting-edge training programmes.
  • Offer unique and personalised training experiences: Create training programmes that are tailored to each client’s individual needs and goals, and use innovative and creative techniques to keep clients engaged and motivated.

Conclusion

  • Summarise the main points of the blog post
  • Encourage readers to consider a career as a personal trainer

This article has looked at an overview of the personal training profession, different career paths for personal trainers as well as the skills and qualities needed for success. If you’re keen on becoming a personal trainer then you should look at Trifocus Fitness Academy’s wide range of personal training courses.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

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Why Development Is Important For Fitness Professionals https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-development-is-important-for-fitness-professionals/ Fri, 10 Mar 2023 12:08:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32618 Professional development is an important aspect of any career, including fitness professionals. It helps to stay up to date with the latest industry trends and advancements, enhance skills and knowledge, and improve job performance. Continuous professional development is crucial for fitness professionals for several reasons. For example, to stay current with industry trends and advancements,...

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Professional development is an important aspect of any career, including fitness professionals. It helps to stay up to date with the latest industry trends and advancements, enhance skills and knowledge, and improve job performance.

Continuous professional development is crucial for fitness professionals for several reasons. For example, to stay current with industry trends and advancements, to improve job performance and to maintain credibility.

The article will discuss a number of points such as the importance of staying up to date with the latest trends and techniques in the fitness industry, how professional development can help fitness professionals stay relevant in the industry as well as how professional development can help fitness professionals better understand and meet the needs of clients

Keeping Up with the Latest Trends

Overall, staying informed about the latest trends and advancements in the fitness industry is essential for fitness professionals to be able to provide the best possible service to their clients. Continuing education courses and workshops can provide an opportunity to learn about the latest research and techniques in the field and expand a fitness professional’s skill set.

Clients look to fitness professionals for guidance and support in achieving their health and wellness goals. By staying current with the latest trends and techniques, fitness professionals can provide their clients with the most effective and up-to-date advice and training methods.

Not keeping up with the latest trends and techniques in the fitness industry can have negative consequences for the fitness professional and their clients, including a loss of credibility, difficulty attracting new clients, as well as potential legal and ethical issues.

Staying Relevant in the Industry

Professional development is an important way for fitness professionals to stay relevant in the industry, stay informed about the latest trends and advancements, improve their job performance, build credibility, stay competitive, and adapt to changing client needs.

By continuously learning and expanding their skill set, fitness professionals can demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the profession, which can help them stand out from their competition. Continuing education can lead to certifications and credentials that can demonstrate a fitness professional’s expertise and commitment to the profession. These credentials can help fitness professionals stand out from others in the field and attract new clients.

By continuously learning and expanding their skill set, fitness professionals can develop new skills and knowledge that can open up new opportunities for advancement within their current job or in other areas of the industry. By demonstrating their expertise and commitment to the profession through professional development, fitness professionals can take on new responsibilities and expand their role within their current organization.

Meeting the Needs of Clients

Professional development is a critical aspect of being a successful fitness professional as it helps to better understand and meet the needs of clients. Here are some ways that professional development can help fitness professionals better understand and meet the needs of their clients:

  • By continuously learning about the latest research and trends in the fitness industry, fitness professionals can gain a deeper understanding of the needs and goals of their clients and provide the best possible service.
  • Through professional development, fitness professionals can improve their communication skills, which can help them better understand and meet the needs of their clients. This can include learning how to listen effectively, ask the right questions, and provide clear and concise instructions.
  • Professional development can also help fitness professionals gain a deeper understanding of different populations and the unique needs and challenges they face. This can include learning about special populations, such as older adults or people with disabilities, and how to design effective fitness programs for these groups.

Continuing education is an essential way for fitness professionals to stay informed about the latest research in the field. By continuously learning and expanding their skill set, fitness professionals can provide the best possible service to their clients, stay ahead of the competition, and advance their careers.

Conferences and workshops are excellent opportunities for fitness professionals to learn about the latest research and trends in the industry from experts and professionals in the field. These events often include presentations, lectures, and panel discussions that can provide a wealth of information about the latest research and best practices.

Before applying the latest knowledge and techniques, it’s important to assess the needs and goals of each individual client. This can include taking a thorough health and fitness history, conducting a physical assessment, and discussing their goals and motivations.

Conclusion

The article discussed a number of points such as the importance of staying up to date with the most up-to-date trends and techniques in the fitness industry, how professional development can help fitness professionals stay relevant in the industry as well as how professional development can help fitness professionals better understand as well as meet the needs of clients.

Fitness professionals who prioritise their own professional development can inspire others to do the same. By setting an example and demonstrating the importance of continuous learning, fitness professionals can encourage their peers and colleagues to make professional development a priority.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Here is the link to our catalogue of CPD courses: CPD Fitness Courses | Online CPD Courses | Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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The benefits of having a private personal trainer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-benefits-of-having-a-private-personal-trainer/ Fri, 10 Mar 2023 11:37:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=32611 Having a private personal trainer can provide a personalised and efficient path to reaching your fitness goals with the added benefit of having a dedicated professional to support you along the way. A private personal trainer is a fitness professional who works one-on-one with clients to help them achieve their fitness and health goals. Some...

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Having a private personal trainer can provide a personalised and efficient path to reaching your fitness goals with the added benefit of having a dedicated professional to support you along the way.

A private personal trainer is a fitness professional who works one-on-one with clients to help them achieve their fitness and health goals. Some of the most common services offered by private personal trainers include fitness assessments, exercise programme design, instruction and coaching as well as nutritional guidance.

This article looks at:

  • How a private personal trainer can design a workout programme tailored to the client’s individual needs and goals
  • How a personal trainer can provide accountability and motivation to help clients stick to their workout programme
  • How a personal trainer can provide expert guidance and instruction to help clients achieve their goals safely and effectively

Tailored Workouts and Programmes

Designing a workout program tailored to a client’s individual needs and goals requires careful consideration of several factors, including their current fitness level, medical history, specific goals, and personal preferences.

A personal trainer can help clients overcome specific challenges or limitations in several ways:

  • Providing modifications: If the client has a physical limitation, such as a previous injury or a condition like arthritis, the personal trainer can modify exercises to accommodate these limitations.
  • Motivation and encouragement: A personal trainer can provide motivation and encouragement to help clients overcome mental or emotional limitations. For example, if a client lacks confidence or is intimidated by the gym environment, a personal trainer can provide support and help the client feel more comfortable and confident.
  • Education: A personal trainer can educate clients on proper form and technique in order to prevent injury and maximise results. They can also provide information on nutrition, stress management, and other lifestyle factors that can impact overall health and fitness.
  • Consistency: A personal trainer can help clients establish a consistent exercise routine, which is key to overcoming limitations and achieving long-term success.
  • Challenges: Personal trainers can also provide challenges to their clients to help them push their limits and reach their goals.

Having a personalised workout programme can lead to better results, improved effectiveness, and increased motivation, which can help individuals reach their fitness goals.

Accountability and Motivation

A personal trainer can provide accountability and motivation by offering regular check-ins, personalised feedback, goal setting, encouragement, and holding clients accountable to their fitness program. These strategies can help clients stick to their workout programme and reach their fitness goals.

Personal trainers can understand and empathise with their clients, which can help build trust and create a supportive environment. This can make clients feel more comfortable and confident as they work towards their goals.

They can use positive reinforcement, such as praise and compliments, to motivate clients and help them feel confident in their abilities. These fitness professionals can help clients celebrate their progress, no matter how small, which can help increase motivation and build confidence.

Personal trainers can understand and empathize with their clients, which can help build trust and create a supportive environment. This can make clients feel more comfortable and confident as they work towards their goals. In addition, personal trainers can use positive reinforcement, such as praise and compliments, to motivate clients and help them feel confident in their abilities.

They can help clients celebrate their progress, no matter how small, which can help increase motivation and build confidence. Personal trainers can offer encouragement and support during challenging workouts, which can help clients push through difficult moments and achieve their goals.

Having someone to hold you accountable and motivated is an important factor in reaching your fitness goals. Whether it’s a personal trainer, a workout buddy, or a support group, having someone to support you can make all the difference in your success.

Expertise and Safety

The expertise and safety of a personal trainer are important factors to think about when selecting a trainer to work with. A personal trainer with the right combination of expertise and safety can help you achieve your goals while minimising the risk of injury.

A personal trainer can provide expert guidance and instruction by designing customised workout programmes, providing proper form and technique instruction, making adaptations and modifications, monitoring progress, preventing injury, and taking safety precautions. By working with a personal trainer, clients can achieve their goals safely and effectively while minimising the risk of injury.

A personal trainer can help clients avoid injuries and improve form and technique by providing form and technique instruction, progressing and regressing exercises; spotting, correcting faulty movement patterns as well as educating clients on injury prevention.

The importance of having a professional to assist you with achieving your fitness goals safely cannot be overstated. A personal trainer can provide the expertise you need to reach your goals in a safe and effective way.

Conclusion

 This article looked at how a private personal trainer can design a workout programme tailored to the client’s individual needs and goals, how a personal trainer can provide accountability and motivation to help clients stick to their workout programme and how a personal trainer can provide expert guidance and instruction to help clients achieve their goals safely and effectively

The benefits of having a personal trainer cannot be overemphasised so we really encourage you to engage the services of a personal trainer. Better yet, why not qualify as a personal trainer by signing up for one of our accredited personal training courses.

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How To Exercise With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-exercise-with-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/ Mon, 14 Mar 2022 05:00:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=28042 Individuals who are living with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) learn quickly that any exertion, if it’s physical activity or challenging mental problems, has ramifications: They frequently feel worse in the next few days. The terrible fatigue – as well as other symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome – mean that national suggestions to exercise at least...

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Individuals who are living with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) learn quickly that any exertion, if it’s physical activity or challenging mental problems, has ramifications: They frequently feel worse in the next few days.

The terrible fatigue – as well as other symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome – mean that national suggestions to exercise at least 30 minutes on most days of the week simply are not possible for most individuals with the condition.

One of the problems is that when people talk about exercise, CFS patients say, ‘I can’t exercise because I don’t have the energy, I don’t have the strength. Most of chronic fatigue syndrome patients have been immobilised by their illness for so long that they are “quite de-conditioned,” which means that they don’t have muscle strength and tone. Without muscle strength, even a couple of minutes on a treadmill can lead to severe joint pain.

What Are The Exercise Recommendations For CFS Patients?

But, by taking it slowly and knowing their fitness limits, CFS patients can maintain strength and work exercise into their lives.

Exercise recommendations for CFS patients are not the same as those for the general population. Far from it. In fact, asking someone who is suffering from CFS to go for a 30 minute jog or spend 45 minutes lifting weights may result in even the most functional of patients to crash. Rather, the kind of exercise which in some cases has been advantageous for CFS is Graded Exercise Therapy (GET).

GET usually starts at very low doses and is progressed quite gradually. This approach necessitates that the patients establish a ‘threshold’ of exercise that they can reliably complete without crashing, after which increases in the duration and then intensity of exercise are made.

Daily Activities For CFS Patients

When you’re in a relapse, it may be difficult to get through even simple morning routines, such as a shower. Plan to allow extra time for tasks which are hard for you.

When you feel well again, you might want to try to do as much as you can while you have the energy. Don’t try it. If you push yourself far too hard, you could crash later. Doing this cycle again can drive you right back into a relapse.

You’ll need to learn to balance everyday activities with rest, even when you’re in remission.

Trifocus fitness Academy - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

What To Eat If You Have CFS

Watching what you eat can assist you with managing your symptoms. Steer clear of any foods or chemicals that you are sensitive to.

A diet that is rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, steering clear saturated fats and refined carbohydrates — for example the Mediterranean Diet — is reported by many individuals with CFS to be useful. Eat a number of small meals during the day. For instance, three meals and three snacks may help keep energy levels up.

Smaller meals may also help control nausea, which sometimes happens with CFS. To assist with controlling energy levels, it’s also a good idea to avoid these things:

  • Sugar,
  • Sweeteners,
  • Alcohol, and
  • Caffeine

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about exercising with chronic conditions? If you do then you need to study our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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What Is Sprint Interval Training? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-sprint-interval-training-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Fri, 11 Mar 2022 05:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=28025 High-intensity interval training (HIIT) consists of sets of short intermittent bouts of intense physical activity interspersed with brief rest periods at low-intensity exercise. Sprint-interval training (SIT) is a sub form of HIIT which is characterised by short interval durations of around 30 seconds, which are performed at maximal intensity and separated by longer rest periods...

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High-intensity interval training (HIIT) consists of sets of short intermittent bouts of intense physical activity interspersed with brief rest periods at low-intensity exercise. Sprint-interval training (SIT) is a sub form of HIIT which is characterised by short interval durations of around 30 seconds, which are performed at maximal intensity and separated by longer rest periods of 4 minutes.

It can certainly compete with HIIT. And what’s more by utilising maximum effort intervals, SIT can even shave time off of your routine, while assisting you to build muscle.

This is because you’re working out at the highest intensity possible. Going from giving 90% effort to 100% effort isn’t easy and is very demanding on your body. As you increase the intensity, the advantages increase almost exponentially.

SIT allows you to put in greatest effort, in minimum time, for the best results. As well, you’re going from one extreme to the other extreme and then back again. Where a HIIT workout will spend the whole time at an intensity anywhere between 3 to 8, SIT spends it at a 0 or a 10. This massive jump in intensity is what allows it to create such a bigger stimulus.

What Are The Advantages Of Sprint Interval Training?

SIT is a phenomenal workout to include in an advanced fitness routine. It gives you the opportunity to put in maximal effort in a minimum amount of time. In addition, it’s a great way to boost athletic performance as well as aerobic and anaerobic fitness.

“Anaerobic fitness” refers to activities which are generally of short length and high intensity. During this kind of activity, your body breaks down glucose, or sugar, for energy without utilising oxygen. SIT is an anaerobic activity. Meanwhile, the term “aerobic fitness” refers to activities which raise your heart rate – as well as breathing – for a sustained period of time. Examples are walking and jogging.

In a study of previously inactive participants, 14 people aged between 40 and 50 and 14 people aged between 20 and 30 performed four to six 30-second all-out sprints with four minutes of active recovery in between. After doing this workout three times per week for four weeks, both age groups had improved anaerobic and aerobic fitness.

How To Do Sprint Interval Training

Stretch Your Muscles Dynamically Before Beginning Your Workout

Dynamic stretches are done in motion. They will assist get your joints and muscles acclimated to the movement that they are going to be doing. Do shoulder shrugs, arm circles, leg swings, arm crossovers, alternating toe touches, ankle bounces, walking lunges, side bends as well as spinal rotations.

Do A Light Warm-Up

Do a light warm-up in order to increase your core body temperature as well as further loosen up your connective tissue. March in place with high knees. Alternatively, walk at a fast pace for two to three minutes.

Run The Intervals

Run your intervals. Mark off a space where you are running that is 36 to 45 metres long. After performing your warm-up, come to this location and sprint as hard as you are able to for the entire distance. Jog back to your beginning point and then sprint again. Do this sequence again five to six times.

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Why Is Nutrition Crucial To Mental Health? Read this article https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-nutrition-crucial-to-mental-health-read-this-article/ Wed, 09 Mar 2022 05:30:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=28007 When most individuals think about nutrition they think in terms of their physical health. However, nutrition is also an essential component of one’s mental health.  A healthy mind and body are quite important elements in coping with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Nutrition often plays an underutilised, undervalued as well as ignored...

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When most individuals think about nutrition they think in terms of their physical health. However, nutrition is also an essential component of one’s mental health.  A healthy mind and body are quite important elements in coping with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Nutrition often plays an underutilised, undervalued as well as ignored role with respect to mental health.

In order to be able to better appreciate the link between mental health and nutrition, firstly it is important to understand some ways in which mental health has an impact on an individual’s well-being:

  • Mental health issues may cause people to lose appetite or under-eat, so depleting the body and brain of required nutrients,
  • Mental health issues can aggravate medical conditions,
  • Mental health issues are linked to neurochemical imbalances in neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin or – alternatively – norepinephrine,
  • Mental health issues may lead to macro- and micro- nutrient deficiencies as well as overall malnourishment,
  • Mental health issues may lead to individuals being overweight or underweight, and
  • Mental health issues may negatively impact one’s sleep cycle and have far-reaching implications in one’s ability to sleep in recovery.

Should I Share Meals With Other People?

There are so many advantages of eating meals with other people. These range from the psychological, social to the biological. They give us a feeling of rhythm and uniformity in our lives, a chance to reflect on the day as well as feel connected to others. Biologically speaking, eating your meals in upright chairs assists with our digestion. As well, talking and listening slows us down so we don’t eat too quickly.

Make the most of mealtimes putting aside at least one day a week to eat a meal with family and friends. Select a meal which is easy to prepare so it doesn’t become a chore. Share the responsibility so that everyone has a different task: doing the shopping, setting the table, cooking or washing up, for instance. Keep the TV off so you can all talk and share.

A Healthy Gut

Researchers continue to demonstrate that the old adage – that you are what you eat – is true. The most recent time was through exploring the strong connection between our intestines as well as our brains.

Our guts and brain are physically linked through the vagus nerve. The two have the ability to send messages to one another. Whereas the gut is able to influence emotional behaviour in the brain, the brain can also alter the kind of bacteria that is living in the gut.

Gut bacteria produce broad range of neurochemicals that the brain utilises for the regulation of physiological and mental processes, in addition to mood. It’s believed that 95% of the body’s supply of serotonin, which is a mood stabiliser, is produced by gut bacteria. Stress is believed to suppress beneficial gut bacteria.

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The Practice Of Mindful Eating

Paying close attention to how you happen to be feeling when you eat, as well as what you eat, is one of the very first steps in ensuring that you’re getting well-balanced meals and snacks. As many of us don’t pay close attention to our eating habits, nutritionists make the recommendation of keeping a food journal. Documenting what, where as well as when you eat is a fantastic way to gain insight into your patterns.

If you find that you overeat when stressed, it may be useful to stop what you’re doing when the urge to eat arises as well as to write down your feelings. Through doing this, you could discover what’s really bothering you. If you undereat, it may assist to schedule five or six smaller meals rather than three large ones.

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How Can Resistance Training Help You To Sleep Better? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-resistance-training-help-you-to-sleep-better/ Wed, 09 Mar 2022 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=28002 People who suffer from sleep issues may want to get off the treadmill and give the rest of the gym a chance. Resistance training — using equipment such as weight machines, free weights or cables — may be better at generating quality sleep as opposed to aerobic exercise. Experts say that resistance training results in...

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People who suffer from sleep issues may want to get off the treadmill and give the rest of the gym a chance. Resistance training — using equipment such as weight machines, free weights or cables — may be better at generating quality sleep as opposed to aerobic exercise. Experts say that resistance training results in post-workout fatigue and muscle recovery which can promote better sleep.

In addition, as a nice secondary benefit, better sleep is important for good cardiovascular health. It is increasingly recognised that getting enough sleep, particularly high quality sleep, is very important for health, including cardiovascular health.

How To Use Resistance Training To Improve Sleep

Resistance training that concentrates on exercise types, frequency, intensity, and the proper number of reps and sets that is intended to build muscular strength. However, traditional resistance training isn’t the only way to get a better night’s sleep. Exercise which improves muscular endurance. In addition, hypertrophy can give similar results.

Resistance training concentrates on building muscular endurance as opposed to pure strength. However, don’t let that fool you. Reformer, as well as megaformer Pilates, resistance band exercises, free weights, cable machines, particular kinds of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) , and Barre, are all types of resistance training which will challenge you – big time!

If this sounds right up your alley, begin by including in two to three days of total body resistance training routines to begin getting a better night of rest. You’ll want to select the correct amount of resistance where you can do 12 to 15 reps with the last two or three of them feeling challenging. This will make sure that you are kept in the muscular endurance range.

Resistance Training Timing And Sleep

Do you know what is the best time of day to exercise for sleep? Well, the findings are quite inconclusive as it can be dependent on your natural circadian rhythm. If you’re naturally night owl, you would probably benefit from later evening workouts. But, if you’re an early bird, working out in the morning is your best bet to get to bed at a decent hour. What is the rule of thumb? Avoid any vigorous exercise at least 90 minutes before you go to bed.

Getting sufficient sleep is a very important part of being healthy and fit. If you aren’t getting the suggested seven to eight hours per night, your workouts, waistline, cognitive performance, mood as well as muscle growth potential can all be impacted.

Including strength training to your workouts is a phenomenal way to make sure you’re staying on top of your fitness and – in addition – meeting your sleep goals. If you need some additional guidance, motivation or – alternatively – some new inspiration, head on over to your favourite fitness app or personal trainer to check out all of our effective and fun strength workouts.

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How Can You Use Hula Hoop Exercises To Tone Your Mid-Section? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-you-use-hula-hoop-exercises-to-tone-your-mid-section/ Tue, 08 Mar 2022 05:00:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27965 What’s something that you may not have done since you were six years old which has become increasingly popular among the fitness as well as health communities (not to mention music scene) over the last number of years? Hula Hooping. Who would have guessed? Hula hooping is a fantastic aerobic workout. These exercises keep your...

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What’s something that you may not have done since you were six years old which has become increasingly popular among the fitness as well as health communities (not to mention music scene) over the last number of years? Hula Hooping. Who would have guessed?

Hula hooping is a fantastic aerobic workout. These exercises keep your abs engaged the entire time, which is great to shed fat and also get a flat stomach. The better you get at hula hooping exercises, the better a workout it is as you’ll have the ability to do more twisting and spinning.

Tightening the muscles in your mid-section area can sculpt the overall shape of your waist:

  • In order to slim your waist, you need to shed body fat by burning calories. Any kind of activity which gets your heart rate up is effective. Hula hooping exercise are the most fun way to do that.
  • A study that was done by the American Council on Exercise discovered that hooping burns around seven calories per minute or approximately 210 calories during a 30-minute workout in an ordinary human being.
  • It’s one of the best exercises for abs.
  • It’s a fantastic way of working all your core muscles to clinch you in at the waist and assist you with losing weight.
  • You require very little space to do it. Hula hooping is a cardio workout in addition to a core muscle exercise. You are able to do these exercises in front of the TV, and a weighted hoop will assist you with burning more calories and lose weight faster, especially near the waistline.
  • As per studies, women using a weighted hoop lost on average 3.4 cm from their waist and 1.4 cm from their hips in only six weeks.

 

Using A Weighted Hula Hoop Enhances Your Aerobic Health

Medical experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise each and every single week.

Hula hooping is a fun and invigorating way to fit a lot more aerobic exercise into your routine. It has the potential to offer similar benefits to salsa dancing or belly dancing.

Some of the benefits of regular aerobic activity include the following:

stronger heart and lungs

  • Improved blood flow,
  • A lower risk of cardiovascular disease,
  • A stronger immune system,
  • Improved brain function, and
  • Lower stress levels.

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Using A Weighted Hula Hoop Decreases LDL (Bad) Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol is frequently referred to as “bad” cholesterol. If it gets far too high, it boosts your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Aerobic exercises, such as hula hooping, has the potential to improve your cholesterol levels.

In another study it was found that the individuals who took part in the hula hooping group had a massive drop in their LDL cholesterol levels at the end of the six-week hula hooping cycle versus the walking programme.

Exercising with weighted hula hoop increases your motivation to exercise again. A pilot study examined the intentions of women who were aged between 18 and 45 for future exercise after finishing 30 minutes of hula hooping or walking.

At the completion of the study, the researchers found that the women in the hula hooping group reported stronger intentions for future exercise.

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How To Exercise With Fibromyalgia? Read this article https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-exercise-with-fibromyalgia-read-this-article/ Mon, 07 Mar 2022 05:00:17 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27950 Exercise is one of the most crucial treatments for fibromyalgia. Regular exercise is responsible for strengthening your muscles, increasing blood flow to the muscles and increasing your endurance. In addition, it may lower the risk of tiny injuries to the muscles which may cause more pain. Exercise may also assist you with sleeping better and...

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Exercise is one of the most crucial treatments for fibromyalgia. Regular exercise is responsible for strengthening your muscles, increasing blood flow to the muscles and increasing your endurance. In addition, it may lower the risk of tiny injuries to the muscles which may cause more pain. Exercise may also assist you with sleeping better and improving your overall sense of well-being.

Mild to moderate exercise is applicable for most people with this condition. A balanced exercise programme should include:

  • Low-impact aerobic exercise, for example walking, swimming, biking, or water aerobics. This is the most useful type of exercise for people who have fibromyalgia as it builds general strength as well as endurance.
  • Stretching exercises, which can assist with relaxing tight muscles and easing spasms.
  • Strengthening exercises to build stronger muscles.

Moderate activity is safe for most people. However it’s always good to talk to your doctor before you begin an exercise programme.

Exercise Should Lower Pain

Will exercise make you hurt more? Some muscle soreness is quite common after exercising in the beginning. However ultimately exercise should relieve fibromyalgia pain, not exacerbate it. Try these tips:

  • Start off small and build slowly.
  • Massage or apply heat to sore muscles prior to exercise and then apply cold after.

Take It Slowly

When you are ready to start an exercise programme, start slowly. Adopting a small-steps approach to beginning an exercise plan can assist. Add activity in small doses, daily if you can. Then build up your activity gradually over time.

For instance, if you walked for 10 minutes today, try out 11 minutes — a 10% increase — a week later. This approach is particularly important for avoiding a phenomenon called post-exertional malaise (PEM). Many individuals with fibromyalgia have this problem.

When they feel a lot less pain or more energy, they may attempt to get things done that they have not been able to do owing to symptoms. Frequently, they don’t realise when they are doing too much at once. They may wind up feeling so tired that it takes days or longer to recover. This is PEM, which is better known to people with fibromyalgia as a “crash.” A gradual approach to exercise can help.

How Are You Able Manage Post-Workout Flare-Ups?

When it comes down to exercise and fibromyalgia, the goal is to begin gradually and move towards moderate intensity.

Exercise which is too intense for the person, or (done) for too long, exacerbates pain. That’s why you need to start slow and low which is the best approach to take for success. As little as five minutes every day can impact pain in a very positive way:

  • Perform water exercises,
  • Walk on an elliptical machine, or
  • Go to a gentle yoga class.

For the best results, exercise daily for short periods (15 minutes at a time).

If you’re too sick to walk, start with conditioning (and even walking) in a warm-water pool. This can assist you with getting to the point where you are able to walk outside.

Individuals with fibromyalgia suffer from orthostatic intolerance. This means that when they stand up, the blood rushes to their legs and then stays there. This can be assisted dramatically by increasing water and salt intake as well as by utilising medium pressure (20 – 30 mmHg) compression stockings when they’re up and about. In these situations, utilising a recumbent bicycle can also be very useful for exercising.

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What Are Some Of The Best Strength Training Exercises? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-some-of-the-best-strength-training-exercises/ Thu, 03 Mar 2022 09:00:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27944 When it comes to strength training exercises for beginners, it’s very important to know that you don’t need to do anything complicated to get strong. All it takes are some basic moves, consistency as well as patience. When you first begin strength training exercises, the exercises can feel difficult which may have you scrambling over...

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When it comes to strength training exercises for beginners, it’s very important to know that you don’t need to do anything complicated to get strong. All it takes are some basic moves, consistency as well as patience.

When you first begin strength training exercises, the exercises can feel difficult which may have you scrambling over your feet to figure out how to build muscle very quickly so that your workouts don’t feel like punishment. After all, if every movement is a struggle, it may be challenging to motivate yourself to even start a strength training workout routine, let alone give it a solid effort.

The key to putting together an effective and pleasant strength-training routine is beginning with a solid foundation of exercises that work each and every part of your body. If you concentrate mostly on this handful of staple moves, you’ll notice that they’ll begin to feel easier with time.

That’s you getting stronger. And once that takes place, you can start progressing the moves by utilising heavier or different weights, trying advanced variations, or experimenting with completely new exercises altogether.

So what are the best training exercises out there? Here are our top picks.

The Best Strength Training Exercises

Bodyweight Squat

You squat every single time you sit or stand however don’t take this exercise for granted. It works your legs and your glutes, which are the most influential muscle group in the body.

Performed incorrectly, squats may be hard on your knees. As you squat, make sure that you keep your butt pushed out as if you are about to sit on a chair. Utilise the muscles in your hips and thighs in order to push yourself up. Don’t press your knees forwards as you move. If you’re doing it correctly, your knees will move only during the first half of the squat; your hips will finish the movement.

Add some plyometric motion to a squat by jumping from the lowest position back into your starting stance.

Lunges

Utilising the same muscles as the squat, the lunge replicates a primary movement pattern. Whenever you walk up and down stairs, up and down hills or even if you’ve just simply walked you’ve utilised a version of the lunge.

As with squats, there is a version of the lunge which is suitable for many clients, restricted depth supported lunges for beginners and full depth lunges that are loaded with dumbbells or barbells for more advanced clients.  Lunges can be used in order to help burn calories and firm or tone muscles. Alternatively, they are a great exercise to build strength and size in the lower body.

One point with lunges although – as they are ultimately squats being performed on one leg you should be very careful about adding too much load too soon with your clients.  Because the majority of the clients weight goes through one leg during the lunge, rather than both legs with the squat, there is much more loading with a lunge than with an equivalently loaded squat.

Deadlift

Deadlifts are considered as one of the best exercises to train the backside of your body, namely your glutes as well as your hamstrings. And as you’re working from a very stable base, you can really load up the weight on these strength training exercises. There are a variety of deadlifts, like the Romanian (where you lower your weight as you hip hinge), traditional barbell (where you pull your weight from the floor), and sumo (which has a wider stance and your toes which are pointing out at about a 45-degree angle.)

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How To Exercise For Your Body Type? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-exercise-for-your-body-type-read-this-article/ Thu, 03 Mar 2022 05:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27940 Do you experience trouble losing body fat, however seem to gain it after even the tiniest slip up with your diet? Or does it feel as if you can eat for days without gaining a kilogram? It could have a little bit to do with your body type. But is it really that straightforward? Each...

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Do you experience trouble losing body fat, however seem to gain it after even the tiniest slip up with your diet? Or does it feel as if you can eat for days without gaining a kilogram? It could have a little bit to do with your body type. But is it really that straightforward?

Each one of us has a genetic and physiological design which determine our body type, or somatotype.  Different body types have different answers to certain fitness programmes. So it may be that you or the men and women you see at the gym are doing the correct exercises the right way — but they’re optimal for someone else’s body type, not yours.

It’s a common mistake. It can be easily remedied by correctly identifying your body type — if you’re an ectomorph, a mesomorph, or an endomorph — then determining how to challenge your body with the right regimen.

What Are The Three Main Body Types?

The three fundamental human body types are the:

  • Endomorph,
  • Mesomorph, as well as
  • Ectomorph.

These categories were created in the 1940s by psychologist William Herbert Sheldon. And while some facets of Sheldon’s system have been debunked, modern research has confirmed that body type does indeed have implications for athletic performance.

Regardless of what it may feel like at times, you’re not totally bound to one category or the other! Research has demonstrated that both diet and training can influence your somatotype so allowing you to change the script over time.

Here is an explanation of the various body types.

Endomorphic

  • Sturdier bone structures with larger midsection and hips.
  • Carries more fat throughout the entire body.
  • Gains fat quickly and loses it slowly.
  • Naturally slow metabolism potentially owing to chronic conditions (e.g., thyroid deficiency, diabetes) but too often the result of a sedentary lifestyle as well as chronically-positive daily energy balance.

When it comes down to training as an endomorph, HIIT training is recommended. When training endomorphs, the main concentration should be on fat loss. Endomorphs usually have slower metabolisms, so consistent anaerobic and aerobic training routines will assist them increase their metabolism. Workouts with short rest periods, such as Tabata, and circuit training incorporating plyometrics for resistance work are great for these body types.

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Mesomorphic

  • Medium bone structure with their shoulders wider than the hips.
  • Developed athletic musculature.
  • Efficient metabolism; mass gain and loss both take place with relative ease.

Mesomorphs have it a tad bit easier than the rest. Most have an affective and functioning metabolism as well as a rock-solid foundation of muscle to start with. So when it comes down to training mesomorphs, most of it will come down to their goals in mind. So really, they could train in any way they see fit.

Ectomorphic

  • Narrower shoulders and hips in respect to height.
  • Relatively smaller muscles in relation to bone length.
  • Naturally fast metabolism makes it challenging for many to gain mass.
  • Potentially indicative of disordered eating (e.g., anorexia, bulimia) when BMI is ≤17.

When it comes down to fuelling and exercising as an ectomorph, Evans recommends resistance and strength training.

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How To Start Weight Training? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-start-weight-training-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Wed, 02 Mar 2022 05:00:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27925 If your goal is developing more muscle mass or attaining a fitter, more toned body, lifting weights can assist you with achieving your goals. Weight training, which is also known as resistance or strength training, is responsible for building lean, stronger muscles, strengthening your bones and joints, and can help with keeping your metabolism in...

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If your goal is developing more muscle mass or attaining a fitter, more toned body, lifting weights can assist you with achieving your goals.

Weight training, which is also known as resistance or strength training, is responsible for building lean, stronger muscles, strengthening your bones and joints, and can help with keeping your metabolism in a healthy state. This means that you’ll burn more calories even when you’re resting.

And the advantages of lifting weights aren’t just for young people. Weight training as we get older can help with fighting the loss of muscle mass and mobility, as well as improving psychological well-being.

Weight Lifting For Beginners May Sound Like An Oxymoron To Some People

After everything, if you’re new to the weight room, the whole concept of picking up and putting down heavy things while displaying perfect form seems like a pretty advanced level of physical fitness. How do you learn to utilise a squat rack? And how are you really supposed to know if the weight you’re picking up is too light, far too heavy, or just right?

If your goal is to eventually deadlift your bodyweight, knock out 20 push-ups in a row, or merely to get stronger in ways which will help with everyday life (think about carrying groceries up the stairs, picking up your toddler, or putting luggage into your car—all without strains or muscle pulls), strength training can assist with that.

Your First Day At The Gym

Just getting to the gym is a great start. You need to begin your first workout with a warm-up that consists of 10 minutes of walking or jogging or – alternatively – other aerobic exercise.

Loosen up your body with a few very light exercises at first, then select a weight which is heavier and that starts to feel somewhat heavier as your muscles tire. Weights are not needed for crunches. Rest for at least 2 minutes between the exercises.

Get some instruction if you need it. Don’t over-train at this stage otherwise you will be sore. Do one set of 8–10 repetitions of each of the following exercises:

  • Leg press or barbell squat,
  • Pulldown,
  • Dumbbell arm curl,
  • Triceps pushdown,
  • Fitball crunch,
  • Incline or full bench press, and
  • Deadlift

Safety Tips For Beginning Weight Lifters

It’s important to concentrate on safety when you begin a weight training routine. Pay close attention to your body and also resist the urge to push yourself far too quickly.

To stay safe while weight training, keep in mind that you need to:

  • Wear proper clothing for weight lifting, such as closed-toe shoes and weight lifting gloves if required.
  • Do each exercise slowly, paying close attention to proper form.
  • Use a spotter to assist you with heavier lifts, particularly those that go above your head.
  • Remain hydrated throughout your workout.
  • Inhale before your lift and breathe out during the lift. Never hold your breath when you‘re working out weights.

Immediately stop your workout if you feel a sharp or stabbing pain. If the pain doesn’t dissipate when you finish your workout, seek medical attention. If you have a health condition, speak with your doctor about a weight training and exercise programme that’s safe for you.

In order for you to make the most of your weight training routine, begin with lighter weights until you master the proper weight lifting form. Then increase the weight or resistance slowly so that you avoid injury. Make sure to work all your muscle groups for optimal strength as well as fitness.

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What Are The Best Exercises To Prevent Lower Back Pain? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-exercises-to-prevent-lower-back-pain/ Tue, 01 Mar 2022 05:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27915 Performing exercises in order to strengthen the lower back can assist with alleviating and preventing lower back pain. These exercises may also strengthen the core, leg, and arm muscles. You might feel like resting, however moving is good for your back. These muscles assist with supporting your spine, relieving back pain. Always ask your health-care...

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Performing exercises in order to strengthen the lower back can assist with alleviating and preventing lower back pain. These exercises may also strengthen the core, leg, and arm muscles.

You might feel like resting, however moving is good for your back. These muscles assist with supporting your spine, relieving back pain. Always ask your health-care professional prior to doing any exercise for lower back pain

Avoid workouts which put far too much stress and strain on the back. So which exercises should you choose?

Bridges

The bridge exercise work a person’s gluteus maximus. This is the large muscle which is situated in the buttocks. Individuals engage this muscle when they move their hips, particularly when they bend into a squat.

The gluteus maximus is one of the most important muscles in the body and keeping it strong can help support the lower back.

Partial Crunches

Some exercises may aggravate back pain and should be avoided when you have acute lower back pain. Partial crunches can assist with strengthening your back and stomach muscles. Lie with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground.

Cross your arms over your torso or put your hands behind your neck. Tighten your stomach muscles and then raise your shoulders off the floor.  Breathe out as you lift your shoulders. Don’t lead with your elbows or utilise arms to pull your neck off the floor. Hold for one second, then slowly lower back down.

Repeat between 8 and 12 times. Correct form avoids unnecessary stress on your low back. Your feet, tailbone as well as lower back should remain in contact with the mat at all times.

Hamstring Stretches

Hamstring stretches relieve pain on the back of your leg, where some of the muscles which support the work done your lower spine are to be found.

To do a hamstring stretch, follow these steps:

  • Firstly, you need to lie on your back with one of your knees bent.
  • After this, thread a towel beneath the ball of the foot on your unbent leg.
  • Pull back on the towel gradually, straightening your knee. You should be feeling a gentle stretch along the back of your leg.
  • Maintain the stretch for at least 15-30 seconds.
  • For each leg, repeat five times.

Lower Back Rotational Stretches

The lower back rotational stretch can assist relieve tension in the lower back as well as your trunk. In addition, it gently works the core muscles in order to improve stability.

To do the lower back rotational stretch:

  • Roll out an exercise mat and lie on your back with your knees bent. Your feet really should be firmly on the ground.
  • Keeping your shoulders on the floor, roll both bent knees gently over to one side.
  • Hold the position for between 5 and 10 seconds.
  • Go back to the starting position.
  • Gently roll your bent knees over onto the opposite side, hold, and then go back to the starting position.
  • Do this again between two and three times on each side twice a day.

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How To Apply Sports Psychology Techniques In Your Daily Life https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-apply-sports-psychology-techniques-in-your-daily-life/ Mon, 28 Feb 2022 02:00:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27904 The reality of life today is that a lot of our time is being impinged and demanded upon in ways which were not the case a few decades ago. The amount of technology which has infiltrated our daily existence is massive. Much of it is amazing technology. Phones, iPad, watches and apps for almost any...

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The reality of life today is that a lot of our time is being impinged and demanded upon in ways which were not the case a few decades ago. The amount of technology which has infiltrated our daily existence is massive. Much of it is amazing technology.

Phones, iPad, watches and apps for almost any occasion; measuring nearly anything we wish to measure. Sleep, breathing, running, walking, heart rate as well as blood pressure …. and the list goes on and on. This is fantastic and very useful stuff however it is also very distracting and over stimulating to our minds and bodies.

Elite sports is an arena where technological advances have significantly impacted the way in which sport is trained as well as played. GPS tracking devices that are strapped on or sown into players jerseys, multiple camera recordings and microphone access all now play a crucial part in what players are exposed to. Social media is a massive part of all games and is also another level of access that players and teams have to contend with and remain on top of.

So how do top level athletes manage through all of this? By using sports psychology principles and techniques.

So, if these principles help elite athletes, can they also be used in your daily life? The answer is yes.

Sports Psychology Techniques For Non-Sportsmen

Reflection

Honesty is very important for reflection. The sportsperson needs to identify – as well as capture -strengths and weaknesses to control their performance. Via creating a list and scoring (out of 10) where an athlete is now and where they want to get to it is possible to focus mental energy and direct training, development, and growth. Having a good understanding of what has to be improved makes it possible to increase the perception of control and begin creating motivating, action-focused goals.

Utilise Emotion To Increase Motivation

Sports psychologists find that emotional mostly influences motivation. Athletes are the most motivated in order to practice when there is a high-stakes championship coming up. The emotional push from wanting to win assists (at least in the short-term) to motivate them to work harder. Non-athletes can utilise this to help them, too. Thinking about how it will feel to accomplish a goal can encourage a person work harder.

Focus On What You Can Control

You just have control over yourself, your own actions and attitudes — nothing more. Make sure that you keep your focus here. If you concentrate on outcomes (things you have no control over), you’re creating anxiety that isn’t necessary. Focus on the process and you then increase the likelihood of positive results taking place.

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Develop Discipline

For long-term training programmes, athletes work best when they develop a disciplined training schedule. The most significant aspects of discipline are consistency and practice. Off the field, people are better able to attain their fitness, health, and other goals through developing a set of habits and then sticking to them.

Use Cue Words

Cue words are simple words and phrases which remind you of your focus points. Repeating words and phrases – such as relax, play hard, or quick feet – will remind you to concentrate on what you need to do. If your mind is concentrated on your cue words, your body will follow suit.

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How To Reduce Muscle Soreness After Exercise? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-reduce-muscle-soreness-after-exercise-find-out-more/ Fri, 25 Feb 2022 05:00:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27895 Exercise is an extremely vital part of a healthy and active lifestyle. It boosts your heart and lungs. In addition, it builds strong bones and muscles. However, exercise may cause sore muscles. This is common if you attempt a new exercise or up your intensity. You may utilise new muscles, strain your muscles, or get...

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Exercise is an extremely vital part of a healthy and active lifestyle. It boosts your heart and lungs. In addition, it builds strong bones and muscles. However, exercise may cause sore muscles. This is common if you attempt a new exercise or up your intensity.

You may utilise new muscles, strain your muscles, or get small tears in your muscle fibres. These are indications that your muscles are attempting to respond to this new exercise, grow and get stronger.

The Delayed Muscle Onset Syndrome (DOMS) usually kicks in 12 to 24 hours after an intense workout. It peaks between 24 to 72 hours. The soreness will disappear in a couple of days. Torn and inflamed muscles sound bad. We certainly want to minimise inflammation in our normal daily lives as past research has shown chronic inflammation contributes to many chronic diseases however some degree of inflammation can be an important signal for muscle growth and repair,

How Can I Treat DOMS?

There’s no one straightforward way to treat DOMS. Nothing is proven to be totally effective. These things may assist with easing some of the symptoms:

  • Rest,
  • Ice packs,
  • Painkillers, and
  • Massage

DOMS does not usually require medical intervention. However, you should seek out medical advice if the pain becomes unbearable, you experience severe swelling, or your urine becomes dark.

Can I Avoid DOMS?

Unfortunately, you can’t avoid sore muscles. It’s part of getting stronger as well as healthier. There are some things you can do in order to help lessen the amount of soreness.

Warm-Up

Research studies show that warming up your muscles before exercise could be better as opposed to stretching them. It wakes up your muscles through increasing blood flow to them. To warm up, do light versions of particular exercises. These encompass slow jogging or biking, jumping rope, or – alternatively – lifting light weights.

Drink Water

Water assists with controlling your body temperature, loosen your joints as well as transport nutrients to create energy. Without water, your body will struggle in order to perform at its highest level. You might have muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness or far more serious symptoms.

Limited Rest

Wait about 48 hours prior to working the same muscle groups in the same way (with the same intensity or for as long). Limited or lighter exercise of the same muscles can actually assist. For instance, if you were sore after running, a light walk or bike ride the next few days can help. Avoid complete rest and immobilisation.

Can You Continue Exercising With DOMS?

You may exercise with DOMS, although it may feel uncomfortable to start with. The soreness dissipates once your muscles have warmed up. The soreness will mostly probably return after exercising when your muscles have cooled down.

If you find it difficult to exercise, you could rest until the soreness goes away. Alternatively, you could concentrate on exercises targeting less affected muscles to allow the most affected muscle groups time to recover.

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What Are The Dimensions Of Wellness? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-dimensions-of-wellness-read-this-article/ Thu, 24 Feb 2022 05:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27884 The term ‘wellness’ is defined as the pursuit of continuous growth and balance in the different dimensions of wellness. A lot of people think about “wellness” in terms of physical health only. The word evokes thoughts of nutrition, exercise, weight management and blood pressure. Wellness, however, is about a lot more than physical health. Wellness...

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The term ‘wellness’ is defined as the pursuit of continuous growth and balance in the different dimensions of wellness. A lot of people think about “wellness” in terms of physical health only.

The word evokes thoughts of nutrition, exercise, weight management and blood pressure. Wellness, however, is about a lot more than physical health. Wellness is a full combination of physical, mental and spiritual well-being. It is a complex interaction which leads to quality of life.

Each dimension of wellness contributes to our own sense quality of life. Each affects and overlaps with the others. At times one might be more prominent than others however neglect of any one dimension for any length of time has harmful effects on overall health.

Spiritual Dimension Of Wellness

The spiritual dimension of wellness recognises one’s search for meaning – as well as purpose – in human existence. It encompasses the development of a deep appreciation for the depth in addition to the expanse of life and natural forces which exist in the universe. Spiritual wellness is the ability to create peace and harmony in our lives.

It includes a high degree of faith, hope and commitment to our individual beliefs which offer a sense of meaning and intention in human existence. It is far better to ponder the meaning of life for ourselves and to be understanding of the beliefs of others as opposed to close our minds and become intolerant. Becoming spiritually well means striving for consistency with our values and beliefs.

Physical Dimension Of Wellness

This dimension of wellness focuses on practising healthy daily habits. It is crucial to building strength, flexibility and endurance. In order to help prevent disease as well as add quality years to your life. Experts advise a complete wellness approach, for instance,  integrating exercise, nutritious foods, personal safety in addition to moderation of alcohol consumption. When it comes down to exercise, everyone is different.

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Emotional Dimension Of Wellness

Emotional wellness is a dynamic state which fluctuates frequently with the other dimensions of wellness. Being emotionally well is frequently defined as possessing the ability to feel as well as express human emotions, for example happiness, sadness and anger. It means having the capability to love and be loved and attaining a sense of fulfilment in life. Emotional wellness includes optimism, self-esteem, self-acceptance and the ability to share feelings.

Career Dimension Of Wellness

The career dimension of wellness recognises personal satisfaction and enrichment in life which is attained through work. It is the ability to achieve personal fulfilment from jobs or selected career fields while still preserving balance in life. Occupational development is connected with attitudes about work. The desire to contribute to a career, in order to make a positive impact on the organisations which one works in and to society as a whole leads to career wellness.

It is very important that you contribute the unique gifts, skills, and talents to work which are both personally meaningful and rewarding so that you can gain purpose, happiness, and enrichment in life. Achieving optimal career wellness gives one the opportunity to maintain a positive attitude and experience satisfaction and pleasure in employment.

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What Do We Know Right Now About Long COVID And Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-do-we-know-right-now-about-long-covid-and-exercise/ Tue, 22 Feb 2022 05:00:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27865 It is very normal to feel tired, weak or – alternatively – short of breath when you are recovering from COVID-19 (coronavirus). However, being active can assist you to recover much faster. Don’t be worried if you feel more tired and also have lowered energy levels than you normally do. This is normal! It may...

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It is very normal to feel tired, weak or – alternatively – short of breath when you are recovering from COVID-19 (coronavirus). However, being active can assist you to recover much faster. Don’t be worried if you feel more tired and also have lowered energy levels than you normally do. This is normal! It may last for up to six to eight weeks. Take your time and set small exercise goals.

If you’re a student athlete or active adult who has recovered from COVID-19, you’re probably itching to get back into the gym or resume your exercise routine. Alternatively, if you don’t have symptoms or if your illness is mild, you could be wondering what activities you are able to do while you wait out the infection.

Is Long COVID Recognised As A Medical Condition?

Yes, medical authorities have accepted long COVID as a health condition. It is often defined as symptoms which develop during or after a COVID-19 infection, continue for more than 12 weeks and which are not explained by a different diagnosis.

Although the condition is not understood fully, medical bodies across the UK, as well as the World Health Organisation, are working in order to provide guidance for healthcare professionals to identify as well as treat people with long COVID.

Many COVID Long-Term Effects Are Still Unknown

We certainly know more now as opposed to what we did when the pandemic started. However much is still unknown regarding the long-term effects of COVID-19.

We do know that the virus may lead to damage of the heart, brain, lungs as well as kidneys. But there’s no way to isolate or predict who exactly these people will be. Some individuals might also experience lingering symptoms, in addition to shortness of breath, muscle aches, loss of stamina in addition to exhaustion. All of this are bad news, but particularly so for athletes as well as active people.

The truth is that the disease can affect everyone differently. Anyone, in addition to young athletes, could experience a severe case or have long-term damage. This is why which is why it’s crucial to take this seriously.

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The Truth About Exercise And Long COVID

This is particularly true with active individuals. This is because it can be difficult to tell what long-term effects someone is going to have after they recover from the coronavirus. Some individuals might fare just fine and will have the ability to jump back into their old training regiment, while other people will find that their athletic performance just isn’t what it used to be.

For the majority of athletes as well as active people, getting back to activity will probably be a slow process and will need patience. You should work with a health-care provider in order to make sure you’re progressing appropriately and monitoring your symptoms.

Work On Other Aspects Of Your Health

Look at working on your flexibility and balance. You can utilise the time in order to research what may be beneficial when you can get back into your exercise routine.

Make sure that you are steady with your sleep and have a good sleep schedule in place. Concentrate on eating well most of the time. As a result you will reap many of the same benefits. And don’t neglect to train your mind. Trying new activities and using self-care to ensure you recover and continue to flourish.”

As much as exercise is a positive aspect in our lives, it is a stressor on our bodies. The benefits of exercise are numerous. But if we should look to other activities that boost our mood, stimulate our mind and provide resilience to stress.

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How The Biology Of Muscles Changes As We Get Older https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-the-biology-of-muscles-changes-as-we-get-older/ Mon, 21 Feb 2022 05:00:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27833 As one gets older, the mass of skeletal muscle diminishes throughout the body.  The muscles atrophy which results in a decreased number of muscle fibres as well as a decrease in the size of the remaining fibres.  As skeletal muscles are postmitotic they are not able to reproduce to produce new fibres.  As a result...

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As one gets older, the mass of skeletal muscle diminishes throughout the body.  The muscles atrophy which results in a decreased number of muscle fibres as well as a decrease in the size of the remaining fibres.  As skeletal muscles are postmitotic they are not able to reproduce to produce new fibres.  As a result the fibres are switched out with fat tissue.

The muscle fibre loss has been reported to be as high as 30% between the ages of 30 and 80 years.  Correct nutrition and exercise may slow the loss muscle cells; however heredity also seems to be a factor.

Together with the loss of skeletal muscle mass comes the loss of skeletal muscle strength.  For most individuals there is only a 10 to 20% reduction in strength up to the age of 70.  After the age of 70 the reduction in strength may increase to 50%. More severe muscle loss (which is called sarcopenia, which literally means loss of flesh) is as a result of disease or extreme inactivity and not from ageing alone.

What Is Muscle Decline Caused By?

Some of the reduction is caused by physical inactivity as well as decreasing levels of growth hormone and testosterone, which are responsible for stimulating muscle development. In addition, muscles are not able to contract as quickly because more fast-contracting (fast-twitch) muscle fibres are lost as opposed to slow-contracting (slow-twitch) muscle fibres.

Most older people retain sufficient muscle mass and strength for all required tasks. A lot of older people remain strong athletes. They compete in sports and enjoy vigorous physical activity. But, even the fittest notice some decline as they age.

What Age-Related Changes Take Place In Muscle?

Muscle drops size and strength as we age, which can contribute to fatigue, weakness as well as reduced tolerance to exercise. This is as a result of a number of factors working in combination. These include:

  • Muscle fibres reducing in number and shrinking in size.
  • Muscle tissue is replaced more slowly. Lost muscle tissue is substituted with a tough, fibrous tissue.
  • Alterations to the nervous system cause muscles to have diminished tone and ability to contract.

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What Is Sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is a condition that is characterised through loss of skeletal muscle mass and function.

Symptoms of sarcopenia may include weakness and loss of stamina. This can interfere with physical activity. Reduced activity shrinks muscle mass further. Although sarcopenia is demonstrated mostly in people who are not active, the fact that it also is seen in people who stay physically active suggests that there are other factors in its development. Researchers are of the belief that these include:

  • Reduction in nerve cells which are responsible for sending signals from the brain to the muscles to begin movement
  • Lower concentrations of some hormones in addition to growth hormone, testosterone, and insulin-like growth factor
  • A reduction in the ability to turn protein into energy
  • Not getting sufficient calories or protein each day in order to sustain muscle mass

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How To Select A Smartwatch To Help Reach Your Fitness Goals https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-select-a-smartwatch-to-help-reach-your-fitness-goals/ Fri, 18 Feb 2022 05:00:52 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27830 For a smartwatch to be seen a smartwatch, the minimum requirement is that it needs to be able to show you the time. This may sound obvious however in the age of modern technology it’s often the most logical aspects of tech which we sometimes overlook. Even though features and designs vary, smartwatches can help...

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For a smartwatch to be seen a smartwatch, the minimum requirement is that it needs to be able to show you the time. This may sound obvious however in the age of modern technology it’s often the most logical aspects of tech which we sometimes overlook. Even though features and designs vary, smartwatches can help to save you time and keep better tabs on your health as well as your fitness goals. Most have built-in fitness metrics, for example a heart rate sensor. Some may act as an extension of your phone, while other kinds are marketed as health-focused devices.

Top-tier smartwatches from the likes of Apple, Samsung and Fitbit are ultimately miniature phones which wrap around your wrist. They run pint-size apps, allow you to control your smartphone remotely. Smartwatches are capable of phone-like tasks such as tracking your run around a park, storing music as well as even making phone calls through a tiny SIM card.

However, if you are new to the fitness scene or would like to buy a smartwatch, you could want to pay close attention to the rated battery life when shopping around. Hybrid smartwatches which look more like analogue timepieces tend to have the longest battery life, but they don’t have touchscreens, so it’s best to keep this in mind.

Set Your Fitness Goals

The way in which you create your fitness goals is so important. This is because if you don’t set yourself the correct type of goals at the beginning of your fitness journey, you could actually be limiting your success before you even get started.

Your fitness goals should be realistic and achievable within a certain time frame, and specific to your lifestyle and training habits. Using the SMART framework, you should consider five main focus areas when setting your goals to help make them more achievable.

SMART goals are:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Timely

SoundPEATS Smart Watch 12

If you are a beginner to wearable fitness technology, the SoundPEATS Smart Watch provides the perfect starter kit. You don’t need to choose the high-end, branded contemporaries of SoundPEATS in order to experience the benefits of a smartwatch.

This budget-friendly smartwatch has multifunctional properties, for example sleep tracking, a heart rate monitor and a pedometer. This is all while giving you the ability to check notifications without even going near your phone.

The SoundPEATS watch features 12 sports modes. It includes jogging, brisk walking, biking, climbing, spinning as well as yoga. This lightweight smartwatch comes standard with a 1.4-inch colour touch screen as well as five watch faces to select from. It is IP68-certified waterproof. In addition it has a long battery life. With just two hours of charging, the smartwatch is able to work for up to 10 days.

Garmin Venu Sq GPS Multisport Fitness Smartwatch

Garmin Venu Sq gives you the opportunity to measure your heart rate, sleep, stress when you walk, run, ride. Choose from more than 20 preloaded apps for indoor or outdoor sports. A bonus is that this watch has up to six days of battery life.

SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch4

It is great for Android phone users would like to do it all at once – track their fitness levels while (at the same time) performing everyday tasks such as replying to notifications, controlling home devices or – alternatively – checking maps on their watches as opposed to unlocking their phone each time.

And if you absolutely love to work out with your friends, then this watch is fantastic for your entire gang. You are able to connect with all your fitness buddies who own a Galaxy device, track each other’s progress, and even motivate each other via a live message board.

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How To Test Your VO2 Max? Read this article to find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-test-your-vo2-max-read-this-article-to-find-out-more/ Thu, 17 Feb 2022 05:00:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27823 In a traditional VO2-max test, which is usually done on a treadmill, the intensity is increased through upping the speed or gradient in set increments. The aim is to build up to a maximum effort over 10 to 20 minutes. In a self-administered VO2 max test, unlike the traditional protocol the runner does not have...

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In a traditional VO2-max test, which is usually done on a treadmill, the intensity is increased through upping the speed or gradient in set increments. The aim is to build up to a maximum effort over 10 to 20 minutes.

In a self-administered VO2 max test, unlike the traditional protocol the runner does not have to increase their intensity by a particular amount. In addition, the runner can choose to raise it by more or less so that one can yield the appropriate rate of perceived exertion [RPE].

The test is 10 minutes long and comprises five sections of two minutes. While it is totally self-paced it does get progressively harder because each stage is linked to a higher RPE. As the test uses speed, not incline, this test also gives a measure of maximum heart rate and vVO2 –velocity, or speed, at VO2 max – both of which can be utilised to determine training paces.

What Is VO2 Max?

VO2 max is the number of millilitres of oxygen which you use per kilogram of body weight in one minute (ml/kg/min). Although you often see it stated just as a single number.

World-class athletes have been performing VO2 max testing in laboratories for years. That’s still an option — it’s also the gold standard in terms of accuracy. You are able to get a VO2 max test done at sports medicine facilities, or medical labs which also do stress tests to evaluate heart health. If you’re not seeing a cardiologist regularly or training at an Olympic-calibre training facility (yet), you have a number of different options.

With Your Fitness Tracker

Some fitness devices provide VO2 max readings. Many of these trackers also offer other sophisticated physiological measurements. Remember that a few different brands have their own terms for VO2 max and it takes careful reading of their product info in order to suss that out.

With An Online Calculator

As VO2 max has been studied for years, all sorts of algorithms have arisen which allow you to roughly calculate VO2 max based on fundamental personal data. A cursory search on the Internet will expose many of VO2 max calculators.

One straightforward online VO2 max calculator was designed by the Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology (NTNU), which based its results on data that was provided by a large population of individuals. This gives you both a fitness score for your age as well as an equivalent VO2 max number.

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How To Improve VO2 Max

Training at about 85% of your VO2 max pace enhances your muscles’ ability to process oxygenated blood. Just by multiplying your VO2 max pace by 85% (.85), then utilise that pace for a 20-minute run.

These are just two examples of kinds of training in order to improve your VO2 max. As improving your VO2 max also enhances your ability to lower your race times, think about including these two workouts into your race training schedule. If you’re not training for an ultra-marathon, then just add these sessions to your general workout routine.

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Is Strength Training Or Cardio Better For Your Heart Health? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/is-strength-training-or-cardio-better-for-your-heart-health/ Wed, 16 Feb 2022 05:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27819 When it comes down to heart health, cardiovascular exercises are always preferred over strength training. Cardio training is a form of aerobic exercise during which our body utilises more oxygen as our heart rate increases. This helps to increase your lung capacity as well as strengthen the heart muscles. Strength training is considered to be...

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When it comes down to heart health, cardiovascular exercises are always preferred over strength training. Cardio training is a form of aerobic exercise during which our body utilises more oxygen as our heart rate increases. This helps to increase your lung capacity as well as strengthen the heart muscles. Strength training is considered to be more about strengthening bones and muscles. Individuals trying to get a toned body or bulk up frequently try weight lifting.

However, a survey of 4 000 adults showed that static activity, for example strength training, had stronger links to lowered risk of cardiovascular diseases as opposed to dynamic activity, such as walking and cycling. The researchers note, however, that any amount of either type of exercise brings benefits, and that it’s probably better to do both than increasing either.

Both strength training and aerobic activity seemed to be heart healthy, even in small amounts, at the population level. While static activity looked to be more beneficial than dynamic. Those study participants who engaged in both types of activity fared better as opposed to those who just upped the amount of only one kind.

What Are The Other Advantages Of Cardio?

Brain And Joints

Cardio exercise may benefit brain and joint health. Physical exercise may reduce dementia risk, no matter what age you are. Other benefits include the following:

  • Increases blood flow and lowers the chances of stroke.
  • Improves memory as well as thinking ability.
  • Combats decline in brain functioning that happens with age.
  • Helps protect against developing Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Fights osteoporosis and lowers chances for a hip fracture.
  • Helps with managing arthritis discomfort and maintains joint range of motion.

Pancreas, Lungs And Blood

Your pancreas is the organ which  helps with converting the food you eat for energy while also – at the same time – helping aid in digestion. Remaining active improves blood sugar control, decreases stress on this vital organ and also reduces your chance of developing type 2 diabetes. It also assists with improving good cholesterol levels while lowering blood fats.

Also, your lungs are positively affected by physical activity. Cardio helps decrease how often you have to breathe as exercise ability improves and can lead to reductions in fatigue as well as shortness of breath in chronic lung problems.

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What Are The Other Benefits Of Strength Training?

Burns Calories Efficiently

Strength training assists with boosting your metabolism in two different ways:

  • First, building muscle boosts your metabolic rate. Muscles are more metabolically efficient as opposed to fat mass. This gives you the opportunity to burn more calories when you’re at rest.
  • Secondly, research shows that your metabolic rate is increased up to 72 hours subsequent to strength-training exercise. This means that you’re still burning additional number of calories hours and even days after you’ve exercised.

Can Help You Appear Leaner

As you build more muscle and then lose fat as a consequence, you will appear leaner.

This is as muscle is denser than fat. This means that it takes up less space on your body kilogram for kilogram. Therefore, you may lose centimetres off of your waist even if you don’t see a change in the number on the scale.

In addition, losing body fat as well as building stronger and larger muscles showcases more muscle definition so creating a stronger and leaner appearance

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How to Make Exercise an Unbreakable Habit? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-make-exercise-an-unbreakable-habit-find-out-more/ Mon, 14 Feb 2022 05:00:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27803 Including exercise into your everyday routine is a common resolution which entrepreneurs make and quickly abandon months after beginning. Exercise enhances mental health, increases productivity and has countless physical benefits. However, creating a new habit is difficult. A lot of business owners and entrepreneurs won’t stick to their new workout plan as soon as their...

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Including exercise into your everyday routine is a common resolution which entrepreneurs make and quickly abandon months after beginning. Exercise enhances mental health, increases productivity and has countless physical benefits. However, creating a new habit is difficult. A lot of business owners and entrepreneurs won’t stick to their new workout plan as soon as their lives get “busy”.

The most challenging part of exercising regularly is forming exercise as a lasting habit. Once you determine a habit, exercise will become second nature or even an activity that you look forward to each day. Here are some tips to assist with creating an exercise routine you can carry with you beyond just the early stages.

Only Take Part in Exercises You Actually Enjoy

Do you force yourself to run when you actually hate running? Do you dread every moment of sweating through hot yoga? Release yourself from the burden of doing exercises you don’t enjoy! With so many different kinds of workouts at your fingertips, it’s really not necessary to force yourself into the ones which you can’t stand.

Exercise really does need to be an act of self-love. There’s absolutely nothing loving about self-torture! Experiment with various kinds of workouts until you find the one which suits you best.

You can begin by looking at some options such as:

  • HIIT,
  • Yoga,
  • Dance, or
  • Strength training.

Put Your Exercise Training Schedule On Your Calendar

Rather than picking an activity which they don’t enjoy doing, the other thing that keeps individuals from regularly exercising is not blocking out the time for it on their calendar. For these people, exercise is one of those things which they’ll get to but only if they have time for it. However, of course, they never do, as something else always comes up.

If you want to have time to exercise, you need to make time for it. The best way that you can do this is to put your workouts on your calendar and then treat them like doctor’s appointments. Just as you’d tell someone that you were busy if they would like to do something at the same time you were slated to see a doctor, you’re going to tell people that you’re already booked when they ask you to do something that clashes with your workout “appointment”.

Set Realistic Expectations

As with any new practice, it’s always a great idea to begin small. Start with manageable and achievable tasks. The burst of resolve which you get when you begin off your new exercise habit can fade with time, so don’t depend on that to fuel your resolution beyond the first number of weeks.

Some exercise is always far better than no exercise, so remember this on days when you feel like giving up. Maybe just taking a short walk is good enough for that day. At least you went outside and also got some fresh air as well as movement.

Although it’s very important to stick to an exercise plan, don’t beat yourself up if you go off track for a day or two. Consistency is key, as long as you get back to the gym after a busy (or lazy) week, you have nothing which you need to lose sleep over. Defining manageable expectations and then showing yourself forgiveness when you fall short will make it more probable that your fitness routine will last in the long run.

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What Are The Best Exercises For Hip Arthritis? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-exercises-for-hip-arthritis-read-this-article/ Fri, 11 Feb 2022 05:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27797 The term ‘osteoarthritis’ refers to a degenerative disease which is caused when cartilage breaks down. This lets the bones to rub together, which may result in bone spurs, stiffness as well as pain. If you happen to be suffering from osteoarthritis of the hip, pain may prevent you from doing any exercises. A lack of...

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The term ‘osteoarthritis’ refers to a degenerative disease which is caused when cartilage breaks down. This lets the bones to rub together, which may result in bone spurs, stiffness as well as pain. If you happen to be suffering from osteoarthritis of the hip, pain may prevent you from doing any exercises. A lack of exercise could even contribute to osteoarthritis as well as muscle atrophy. Regular physical activity can assist with strengthening muscles, improving balance and making your hip joints far more stable.

In addition to regular exercise, you are able to increase your movements while doing regular day-to-day activities. Adding a moderate amount of activity each and every single day can improve your general health and well-being.

Factors such as your holistic health and your age will assist with determining which exercises are best for you. Before starting a new exercise routine, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. Alternatively, ask them to recommend a physical therapist.

Here are a number of exercises which will soothe any pain associated with hip arthritis.

Knee Lift

  • Lie on your back, extending both of your legs flat along the floor.
  • Make sure that you keep your left leg straight and pull your right knee up towards your chest.
  • Gently place both of your hands on the top of your knee to assist pull it in towards your chest.
  • Keep hold of the stretch for a period of 10 seconds.
  • Let go of the knee and then gently lower the leg back toward the floor.
  • Do this exercise again between five and 10 times on each knee.

Pelvic Tilt

This exercise encompasses a very slight internal movement which isolates and strengthens your core in addition to pelvic floor muscles:

  • Lie down flat on the floor with your knees bent, your feet placed on the floor parallel to each other and then your arms at your sides.
  • Tighten your lower abdominal muscles, sinking your abdomen downward toward your spine without using your buttock or leg muscles to help you. Your pelvis will tilt slightly during this movement while your low back presses against the floor.
  • Maintain this position for approximately five seconds, then relax your muscles.
  • Do 2 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions.

Hip Extension

  • Using the back of a chair in order to balance yourself while standing.
  • Bend forward slightly and then lift your right leg straight behind you as your tighten your buttocks.
  • Raise your leg as high as you are able to without bending your knee or – alternatively – arching your back.
  • After holding the position briefly, lower your leg slowly.
  • Repeat this motion with your left leg and try to complete this four to six times on each side.

External Hip Rotation

  • Sit on the floor with both of your legs out in front of you.
  • Bend your legs at the knees and then press the soles of the feet together.
  • Put a hand on top of each knee and then gently push them both down toward the floor.
  • Apply pressure to the knees until there is a stretch however do not push them further than is comfortable.
  • Maintain the stretch for 10 seconds. After this, relax.
  • Repeat the stretch between five and 10 times.

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Which Calf Exercises Will Help You Run Faster? Read this article https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/which-calf-exercises-will-help-you-run-faster-read-this-article/ Thu, 10 Feb 2022 05:00:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27794 For runners, the hamstrings, quads as well as the core get most of the attention. While your calf muscles aren’t as large as the other muscle groups, these lower leg muscles play a significant role in developing speed, enhancing your form and helping you stay injury free. Which Muscles Make Up The Calf Muscle Group?...

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For runners, the hamstrings, quads as well as the core get most of the attention. While your calf muscles aren’t as large as the other muscle groups, these lower leg muscles play a significant role in developing speed, enhancing your form and helping you stay injury free.

Which Muscles Make Up The Calf Muscle Group?

The calf muscles are made up of the gastrocnemius and soleus. Collectively, these two muscles are responsible for pushing off during the toe phase of your foot strike, propelling you up and forward. How strong these muscles are plays a significant role in the pace you are able to maintain over long distances as well as how long or short your stride is.

Through developing these muscles, you are able to improve your power on hills, maintain a quicker cadence for improved running form as well as boost your speed by improving the efficiency of your stride.

Conversely, when these muscles are weak or tight, more stress is placed on the Achilles, leading to injuries like tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, calf strains and even hip and hamstring injuries due to poor form or associated changes in your normal running mechanics.

Toe Jumps

  • Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
  • Rise onto the balls of your feet.
  • Keeping knees stiff (however not locked), quickly hop up and then down again. Perform 3 sets of 20 jumps.

If you would like to make this move more advanced:

  • Stand on your right leg with your left leg bent behind you.
  • Hop on your right leg.
  • Perform five jumps and switch legs for one set.
  • Perform three sets.

Skipping

As you stay on your toes, skipping is an excellent way to build sport-specific muscular endurance in your calf muscles. Unfortunately, there’s no way around it — if you really do want to get better at skipping, you have to practice:

  • Begin by keeping both feet together. Make sure that you stay on your toes as you jump.
  • As you get better and are able to do it for a number of minutes try switching feet so that you jump over the rope with only one foot at a time. This can closely resemble the running motion.

Double-Leg Box Jumps

  • Stand with feet hip-distance apart and rise to the balls of your feet.
  • Jump clockwise in a box shape. First about a foot forward and then to the right, then backward, then to the left.
  • Repeat five times.
  • Reverse the 0direction and repeat for one set. Do three sets.

Dumbbell Tip-Toe Walk

Adding weight assists with building power, which helps sustain proper form during long runs:

  • Take hold of a pair of kettlebells or dumbbells by your side.
  • Walk for between 40 and 60 seconds on your toes (heels off the ground), keeping your back straight, shoulders back as well as your head up.
  • Rest for one minute and repeat 3–4 times. Increase weight as necessary.

Lunges With Calf Raises

  • Stand with feet hip-distance apart.
  • Step forward with your right leg and then lower into a lunge.
  • Lift and lower your right heel for between 10 and 12 reps, keeping your spine straight and weight over your big toe.
  • Push off your front foot in order to return to standing. Switch legs and repeat for one set. Do three or four sets.

There’s nothing which can deter even the most disciplined training plan and running goals more than an injury that may have been prevented. Resolving those injuries comprises far more than drinking enough water in addition to light stretching.

Make sure that you listen to your body. Invest the necessary time into proper stretching, ice baths as well as strength training activities. It may not be the most enjoyable period of your training routine – but it’s worth it! Your whole body and personal records will thrive as a consequence!

Don’t wait for an injury to begin doing these calf exercises for runners. Make calf-strengthening a priority—not an afterthought.

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How Cold Would Be Too Cold To Run Outdoors? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-cold-would-be-too-cold-to-run-outdoors-read-this-article/ Wed, 09 Feb 2022 05:00:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27785 Although you may feel the urge to remain cocooned indoors during winter you cannot hibernate. Runners in particular need to make the ultimate decision before they pound the pavement through freezing temperatures: precisely how cold is too cold? Exercise officials warns against running outside if the wind chill is below -27 degrees Celsius because that’s...

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Although you may feel the urge to remain cocooned indoors during winter you cannot hibernate. Runners in particular need to make the ultimate decision before they pound the pavement through freezing temperatures: precisely how cold is too cold?

Exercise officials warns against running outside if the wind chill is below -27 degrees Celsius because that’s when your risk of frostbite grows20. Some experts have made the cut-off -6 degrees. Nevertheless, what it boils down to is simple: you’ll get a different number depending on who you ask.

The reality is that it’s entirely up to you however there are some key things which you need to keep in mind before you lace up your running shoes and step outside to have a run during winter.

What Does The Doctor Say About Running In Winter?

Everyone has heard the warning, some time or another: “Don’t go out in the cold or you’ll get sick!” Getting outside and remaining active in the cold can actually make your immune system far more resilient—as long as you wear sufficient warm layers. As an added benefit, the exercise endorphins can assist to offset SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) symptoms that often accompany the cold-weather seasons2.

What To Wear When Running Outside During Winter

However, there are also particular factors for runners to consider on a person-by-person basis. If you have asthma or some type of breathing condition, it’s not ideal to breathe in that harsh air. Don’t go out in extremely low temperatures. When wind chill is around negative -28 degrees Celsius, frostbite can set in within 30 minutes.

  • Rule of thumb: Dress as if it’s 20 degrees warmer than it really is. Once you get moving and get not your stride, you won’t feel as cold as you did feel when you first walked out the door.
  • Keep the heat close to the body by wearing layers and then tucking the bottom one in.
  • Avoid cotton socks as they capture moisture and can keep your feet cold and wet. Opt for wool or – alternatively – synthetic materials and your feet will remain warm and dry.
  • Once you’ve gotten back home, change out of your clothes and into warm dry ones as soon as possible. This is because your core temperature can drop as soon as you stop moving.

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What Does The Coach Say About Running Outdoors In Winter?

We chatted to a couple of sports coaches and they said that their athletes remain safe in a number of outside conditions. In their experience, the potential hazard is not necessarily the cold itself, however rather a lack of sufficient preparation for running in it.

These coaches have seen their groups train well in temperatures as low as -12 degrees Celsius, however it was not windy, the sun was out and – in addition – they were quite bundled up. Becoming injured or sick while running in the cold is often the result of not wearing the correct clothing. Oftentimes it’s from dehydration, as you don’t expect that when it’s cold.

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How To Do Proper Burpees? Read this article to find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-a-proper-burpees/ Tue, 08 Feb 2022 05:00:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27780 Burpees have a reputation for a very good reason. They’re one of the most effective as well as extremely-challenging exercises out there. In addition, fitness buffs everywhere just love to hate them. The burpee exercise is basically the combination of a squat thrust in addition to a squat jump and often a push-up. There are...

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Burpees have a reputation for a very good reason. They’re one of the most effective as well as extremely-challenging exercises out there. In addition, fitness buffs everywhere just love to hate them.

The burpee exercise is basically the combination of a squat thrust in addition to a squat jump and often a push-up. There are various ways to perform burpees. Some fitness professionals coach burpees with a push-up or – alternatively – a cue to drop your body all the way down to the ground whereas other trainers coach burpees with just a jump back to a plank.

Irrespective of exactly how you perform the exercise, burpees turn your body into the best piece of workout equipment ever, training almost every single muscle in your body – including your shoulders, chest, abs, quads, inner thighs, butt as well as and triceps – and sending your heart rate through the roof for phenomenal calorie-burning, muscle-building benefits.

What Are The Benefits Of Burpees?

Here’s a quick look at the top advantages that burpees offer:

  • Builds strength in your upper body as well as your lower body,
  • Boosts endurance,
  • Increases your heart rate,
  • Burns calories,
  • Works most of the main groups of muscle in your body,
  • Revs up your metabolism, and
  • Improves cardiovascular capacity.

How To Perform A Burpee With Correct Form

  • Begin in a squat position with your knees bent, with your back straight, and your feet about shoulder-distance apart.
  • Lower down your hands to the ground in front of you so that they’re just inside your feet.
  • With your weight being placed on your hands, kick your feet back so that you’re on your hands and toes as well as in a push-up stance.
  • Making sure that you keep your body straight from head to heels, perform one push-up. Keep in mind that you must not to let your back sag or – alternatively – to stick your butt in the air.
  • Do a frog kick through jumping your feet back to their beginning position.
  • Stand and then reach your arms over your head.
  • Jump into the air quickly so that you land back where you began.
  • As soon as you land, making sure that you have your knees bent, ensure that you get into a squat position and perform another repetition.

Maintain Your Jump Efficiency

When you’re performing burpees, think about getting off the ground as efficiently as you can. Note that we didn’t say quickly. If you concentrate only on quickness, however you’re not hitting efficient positions, you will leak and waste energy. As a default, you won’t get up as quickly as you would like to. And if you’re wasting a tonne of energy on each rep, it’ll slow you down and tire you out faster as you pile up reps and work time.

Ensure That You Keep A Wide Base

Always think about ‘feet wide’ when performing burpees and at least shoulder-distance apart at all times. Basically, you want your feet always at a width from which you are able to jump. So when you drop your torso to the floor, and you’re in that plank, they are wide. And when you leap your feet back towards your hands, they’re wide, as well. Do this, and when it’s time to jump, you won’t have to waste any time getting into the best position to jump as you’re already there.

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What Are The Benefits Of Increasing Your Cardio? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-increasing-your-cardio/ Mon, 07 Feb 2022 05:00:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27759 Aerobic exercise, which is also known as cardio exercise, is any activity that gets your blood pumping as well as large muscle groups working. This type of exercise also known as cardiovascular activity. Examples of aerobic exercise include the following: Brisk walking, Swimming, Heavy cleaning or gardening, Running, Cycling, as well as Playing soccer. Exercise...

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Aerobic exercise, which is also known as cardio exercise, is any activity that gets your blood pumping as well as large muscle groups working. This type of exercise also known as cardiovascular activity. Examples of aerobic exercise include the following:

  • Brisk walking,
  • Swimming,
  • Heavy cleaning or gardening,
  • Running,
  • Cycling, as well as
  • Playing soccer.

Exercise experts make the recommendation that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or, alternatively, 75 minutes of vigorous activity each and every single week. Brisk walking or swimming are great examples of moderate activity. Running or cycling are good examples of vigorous activity.

When part of an holistic heart-healthy lifestyle, not only can regular cardio exercise lead to an increase in your resting blood pressure as well as heart rate, however these basic changes can also mean your heart doesn’t have to work unnecessarily hard all of the time.

Here are some of the very significant benefits of increasing your cardio exercise.

Cardio Is Great For Weight Loss

One of the major reasons why people adopt a cardio exercising routine is as it can help you lose weight. Cardio is a fantastic exercise for those looking to slim down because it assists you with burning fat and losing calories. While diet is far more involved in weight loss, you will want to work cardio into your routine so that you can further advance your goal to shed a few kilograms. This is because cardio can burn hundreds of calories in a session.

Gets Your Blood Pumping

Getting your cardio in regularly can improve heart health through lowering cholesterol levels and lowering your risk of heart disease. How? Just as doing a biceps curl trains your arm muscles, cardio exercise challenges your heart. This assist blood to move more efficiently throughout your body and strengthens your heart.

Assists With Regulating Blood Sugar

Regular cardio helps regulate insulin levels and lower blood sugar, all while making sure that body weight is kept in check. In a study of people with type 2 diabetes, researchers made the finding that any form of movement, either aerobic or anaerobic, could have these effects.

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Cardio Is Great For Mental Health

As cardio exercise releases endorphins, another advantage is that it just makes you feel good afterward. Cardio exercise is a healthy way to combat mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or, alternatively, stress. Many individuals have coined the feeling one feels after physical conditioning as a ‘runners high’.

Apart from the endorphins, as you are performing cardio, you are challenging yourself mentally. There are bound to be many times during your workout when you feel like you may quit.

Pushing through a challenging workout and ultimately finishing gives you a great sense of accomplishment and leads to a natural “high” you may experience afterward. When you get into the routine of doing cardio exercise, you will begin to feel better about yourself overall and also improve your confidence.

Cardio Exercise Helps With Improving Your Sleep

It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that tiring yourself out on the treadmill can make sleep much better. According to lots of research, just a little bit of exercise can assist you with sleeping better at night. While older adults may benefit the most, science suggests that everyone will probably fall asleep quicker with a little extra cardio.

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How To Get A Full-Body Workout Without Using Any Equipment https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-get-a-full-body-workout-without-using-any-equipment/ Fri, 04 Feb 2022 05:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27751 Strength training at the gym or taking part in a class at a fitness studio is great however sometimes you just want to get in your workout at home—or on holiday, or on a work trip, or wherever you happen to be. While the majority of us don’t have round-the-clock access to a full gym...

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Strength training at the gym or taking part in a class at a fitness studio is great however sometimes you just want to get in your workout at home—or on holiday, or on a work trip, or wherever you happen to be.

While the majority of us don’t have round-the-clock access to a full gym that is stocked with weights as well as machines, the truth is that you actually are able to work your entire body without using these.

Of course, exercise equipment can assist and is great for progressing and changing up a workout programme. However if you want to just get moving and do some strength and cardio work wherever you are, that’s completely doable with a bodyweight workout.

What are the Benefits of a Full Body Workout Without Weights?

Convenience

When you train with bodyweight exercises, you need to spend time getting dressed, driving to the gym, warming up, speaking with others, working out, waiting for a piece of equipment, showering, and after all this then driving home.

With a body weight exercise, you have everything you need with you at all times. This means that you can work out whenever and wherever you want, wearing whatever you want as well!

While some may see training without weights as a drawback, it can actually be very liberating and super convenient!

Builds Muscle And Torches Fat

Another phenomenal benefit of bodyweight training is that it assists with building muscle and burning fat at the same time. So that you are able to benefit the absolute most out of training without weights, you really need to figure out ways in which you are able to push your muscles to failure without having to do hundreds and hundreds of reps.

One of the simplest ways to do this is to do bodyweight circuits and/or decrease the rest periods that you have between sets.

When you do this, you increase your metabolism while also challenging your muscles with exercises which promote strength and muscle development.

Bodyweight Exercises Are Ideal for ALL Fitness Levels

Many people avoid going to the gym as they fear that they don’t “look” the part, they are not experienced with weight lifting, and/or they don’t know the best way of structuring a workout. As a result, they will be missing out on all the advantages which resistance-training has to offer.

Workouts without weights at home can be done by anyone and everyone, irrespective of their experience level. What we are essentially saying by this is that bodyweight workouts may be scaled up or down in difficulty and complexity dependent on your own individual skill and strength levels.

Here are a number of different bodyweight exercises that you can try out at home.

Reverse Lunges

Reverse assist with strengthening your thighs and hips. They’re straightforward and target each leg individually for more balance as well as stability:

  • Stand with your feet hip-distance apart.
  • Take a long step backwards — so your knees form two 90-degree angles at the bottom — and then pull yourself back up with your forward leg.
  • Begin without dumbbells and advance to dumbbells or a barbell in either the back squat or front squat position.

Squats

  • Stand up tall with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart and slightly turned out with your weight sitting in your heels.
  • Hinge your hips in order to sit your butt back and bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
  • Ensure that you drive through your heels as you return to your standing position. Squeeze your butt and keep your core tight as you return to your standing position.

Push-Ups

This is the best bodyweight movement for your upper body. This is because it builds a strong chest, shoulders, arms as well as abs.

  • Get in a push-up position with your hands approximately shoulder-distance apart.
  • Keep your lower back flat and don’t allow your hips sag.
  • Lower yourself and keep your elbows close to your body as you lower yourself down.

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How Should You Exercise For Better Balance? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-should-you-exercise-for-better-balance/ Wed, 02 Feb 2022 05:00:12 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27720 Although it may not cross your mind, you really do need good balance to do just about everything. This includes walking, getting out of a chair as well as even leaning over to tie your shoes. Strong muscles and having the ability to keep yourself steady make all the difference in those and many other...

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Although it may not cross your mind, you really do need good balance to do just about everything. This includes walking, getting out of a chair as well as even leaning over to tie your shoes. Strong muscles and having the ability to keep yourself steady make all the difference in those and many other things which you do every single day.

Balance training is all about doing exercises which strengthen the muscles that assist with keeping you upright, for example your legs and core. These types of may improve stability and assist with preventing falls.

Doing balance exercises can be quite intense, like some very taxing yoga poses. Others are as straightforward as standing on one leg for a few seconds. Or – alternatively – you can utilise equipment that forces your body to stabilize itself, such as a Bosu half-circle stability ball or a balance board you use along with a video game.

Balance Exercises Are Great For Bodily Awareness

Having to focus mentally during these kinds of exercises impacts your ability to have a mind-body connection in your workouts.

The best way to utilise these balance-based moves is to choose a few to include into your warm-up. Warming up with exercises such as this is a great way to activate your core as well as mentally prepare you for the exercise regime to come, since balance requires a significant amount of mental focus.

No matter your workout level or goals, including balancing exercises into each of your workouts or warm-up routines is ideal for a holistic and balanced fitness regimen.

How Balance Exercises Work

Balancing exercises will be working your core muscles, lower back as well as legs. Also, lower-body strength-training exercises can help to improve your balance.

While balancing exercises may be quite difficult at times, consistent effort will make these exercises simpler. Slowly increase the number of repetitions as the exercises become far easier. You may ask someone to supervise or help you, particularly when you’re first getting started.

You can alter the exercises to increase or decrease the difficulty or change it for your needs. Begin on your nondominant side so that you find the second side easier. You can do your nondominant side twice if you would like to balance out your body between both sides. When you become comfortable with the exercises, try to do them with one or both eyes closed.

Sumo Squat With Outer Thigh Pulse

  • Begin in a broad stance with your feet turned out at 45 degrees.
  • Start at your knees and hips to lower into a sumo squat. Make sure that you keep your torso upright.
  • As you stand up straight, extend one leg and the opposite arm. Hold this position and pulse your leg up 2 to 3 centimetres three times.
  • Put your leg back down to your starting position and repeat.
  • Alternate sides for 12 repetitions.

This exercise will strengthen your lower body and force your core to engage while improving your balance. To make this move harder, hold an exercise weight or a medicine ball using the arm that isn’t extended.

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One-Legged Stand

  • Begin by holding yourself steady on the back of a chair or another sturdy handhold.
  • Lift one of your feet to about calf level and hold for 10 seconds.
  • Repeat between 10 and 15 times.
  • Then switch to the other leg.

Over time, as your balance gets better, you may be able to hold this position with your hands free.

Flamingo Stand

  • Stand on your left leg. Make sure that right leg is lifted.
  • Utilise a chair or wall for support as you stretch your right leg forwards.
  • Maintain good posture through keeping your spine, neck, and head in one line.
  • In order to increase the difficulty, extend your hand to reach for your right foot.
  • Hold for up to 15 seconds.
  • Then do the opposite side.

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What Is A Superset? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-superset/ Tue, 01 Feb 2022 05:00:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27683 The concept of a superset is to do two exercises back to back. This is followed by a short rest (however not always). This essentially doubles the amount of work you are doing, while keeping the recovery periods the same as they are when you finish individual exercises. Supersets are a fantastic way to maximise...

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The concept of a superset is to do two exercises back to back. This is followed by a short rest (however not always). This essentially doubles the amount of work you are doing, while keeping the recovery periods the same as they are when you finish individual exercises.

Supersets are a fantastic way to maximise your time in the gym. They can efficiently double the amount of work which you do during your workout. Alternatively, you can complete your workout in half the time if you’re a time-pressed person.

What Are The Benefits Of Supersets?

Supersets can be utilised as a way to perform more exercises in a specific length of time. While your muscles are recovering from a set, you are doing another exercise as opposed to than taking a break.

You are able to go back to the first exercise to perform another set and continue with that pattern until you require a break for a drink or – alternatively – recovery.

Supersets put an emphasis on stamina as well as ability, as the lack of a break between sets can be extremely challenging.

What Are The Different Types of Superset Workouts?

For your straightforward gym-goer, calling these things the broad term of “supersets” will do the job. However if you truly want to know what you’re talking about (as well as impress everyone in the weight room), learn the various types of superset workouts and how they can assist you to achieve even more strength gains.

If you go by the very-specific definition, a real superset (antagonist superset) is when you’re doing two exercises which target opposing muscles groups. Think about a biceps curl and a triceps extension. The main benefit of adding these to your workout is that your muscles will recover quicker in between sets. When one group of muscles is being contracted, its functional opposite will relax so reducing the requirement of a break or rest time between exercises.

Then there’s also the compound set (agonist superset) where both exercises work the same muscle groups. Think: a push-up and a dumbbell bench press. These babies are the ones that will target one zone and get it burning, stat.

They’re particularly helpful for adding intensity and volume to a workout in addition to focusing on specific muscle groups and is the most demanding type of superset. Some personal trainers even argue that you shouldn’t call these superset workouts at all — merely compound sets.

As well there are also unrelated supersets, which is where the two exercises utilise totally different muscles groups. Think about lunges and biceps curls. The maim advantage of this kind of superset is that there is no lowering of strength in going from one type of exercise to the other kind of workout. You will be able to hammer out quality reps of both without feeling super fatigued.

What Does A Full Body Superset Workout Look Like?

A full-body superset workout; concentrating on larger compound movements, and concentrating on a lower body/upper body set-up could look something like this:

  • Superset No. 1. Back squats and dumbbell chest press.
  • Superset No. 2. Lunges and bent over row.
  • Superset No. 3. Romanian deadlifts and military press.
  • Superset No. 4. Leg press and tricep dips.

This is an extremely effective but challenging superset workout. So ensure that you’re comfortable performing each exercise and then adjust the weight depending on how challenging you find each set as you go through the workout. The key is to keep the rest periods short so that your heart works harder.

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Why Crash Diets Don’t Work? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-crash-diets-dont-work/ Wed, 26 Jan 2022 05:00:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27586 The practice of crash dieting is when you cut your calorie intake significantly in order to lose weight fast. So why is it a bad idea? Crash diets do a lot more harm than good. Yes, this popular diet style may help you lose weight fast, however it also diminishes your cognition, performance ability as...

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The practice of crash dieting is when you cut your calorie intake significantly in order to lose weight fast. So why is it a bad idea? Crash diets do a lot more harm than good. Yes, this popular diet style may help you lose weight fast, however it also diminishes your cognition, performance ability as well as energy levels.

After you reduce your calorie intake to an utter minimum, your body fluid will be the first thing to go. If you lose a quick five kilograms which could all be water your body requires to perform at a high level. Losing that water will not only lower your energy to perform, but it will also make you weaker in addition to slower.

Crash Diets Actually Lead To Weight Gain

It’s a fact that crash diets lead to weight loss however they lead to subsequent weight gain. This causes weight cycling, which is damaging for your health. In addition, crash diets also frequently leave people feeling restricted.

While on a crash diet, you think about all the foods which you cannot have. It is human nature as when we are told not to do something, or we aren’t able to do a particular thing, to want to do it more. Think about the child who is told, ‘Please don’t open the cupboard.’ Now, all that he or she wants to do is open the cupboard.

Food restriction creates food cravings and boosts the drive to overeat. Being told that we can’t have x, y and z food after a period of time has the tendency to lead to people protesting and then eating all of the foods which they were not allowed to have.

Psychologically speaking, it’s also quite difficult to sustain these diets and creates a diet mentality of being either on or off a diet. A healthier way in order to shed the extra kilos is to create a lifestyle plan and focus on portion control as well as what you can eat.

In addition, deprivation can take another form. When people resort to crash dieting, they frequently exclude many foods from everyday consumption, including healthy, nutrient-rich ones. Nutrient deprivation can be detrimental to one’s health, manifesting itself in all sorts of unpleasant symptoms and potentially affecting our food choices.

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What’s The Key To Sustainable Weight Loss?

Plan Ahead

You know what you will be eating and sometimes deciding when you are hungry and tired can be where it all goes wrong.

Eat Breakfast And Don’t Ever Skip Meals

In order to assist with keeping hunger at bay and also balance your blood sugar levels, ensure food consistency. Research demonstrates that people who eat breakfast have a tendency to have a more balanced diet overall. So, begin your day with a very healthy breakfast which includes protein, such as eggs or porridge with nuts and seeds, which will make sure that you don’t become too hungry.

Portion Control

This is a very important part of maintaining a healthy diet particularly when it comes down to weight loss. Have a look at your meal portion sizes as it can be possible to eat too much of a good thing.

If you want weight loss which lasts, drop the extreme diet mentality. Watching portion sizes is the best thing you can do to lose weight. Then, think about the small things which you can do to cut calories from your day: milk rather than cream and sugar in your coffee, selecting a leaner cut of steak, or serving yourself extra vegetables instead of rice.

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How To Exercise Smarter And Not Harder? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-exercise-smarter-and-not-harder-read-this-article/ Tue, 25 Jan 2022 05:00:37 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27560 Although you may want to go all in to your workout, remember that you need to find the correct training pace, frequency and exercises that won’t overexert your body and mind but will instead help you achieve your short and long-term fitness goals. So, where do you go from here? What can you do to...

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Although you may want to go all in to your workout, remember that you need to find the correct training pace, frequency and exercises that won’t overexert your body and mind but will instead help you achieve your short and long-term fitness goals. So, where do you go from here? What can you do to ensure you exercise smarter and not harder?

Mix Your Exercise Routine Up

You may think that your exercise regimen is rock solid however the truth is that mixing up your gym routine is very important in order to tone your body evenly and stay safe while exercising. Performing the same movements day after day can over-develop certain muscles, while not engaging others in your body. Having muscle groups which are uneven in strength can lead to compensation, muscle strain or – alternatively – injury, so make sure that you focus on staying well rounded.

If you adore lifting weights, try adding some yoga into your workout routine to stay limber. If you love cycling, add some upper body strength training into your schedule.

Go Into Your Exercise Routine With A Plan And Stick To It

Knowing precisely what exercises, sets and reps you’ll be performing when you get into the gym will give you focus in addition to an endpoint. Aimlessly utilising every single machine is sight until you’re exhausted will not get you very far. Following a well-designed training programme will.

Perfect Your Technique

Anything which is worth your time and your effort is worth doing well, particularly when it involves movement. Imagine a tennis player swinging off-balance or a weightlifter doing squats with bad form. The more athletes continue to repeat these poor techniques, eventually over time, they are bound to develop an injury. To nail down the technique, be patient, study the technique, and practice, practice, practice!

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Focus On Workouts That Make You Happy

Different people like to work out in different ways. Don’t pay attention to everything you read online. Squats are not the only way in which you can build your leg muscles. If you don’t like them or if they bother your knees or back, don’t do them.

Focus on the specific exercises that we feel give us the best results while also boosting our mood. Maybe weight lifting isn’t your thing and you’d rather do yoga or go on a long distance run. Everyone has different interests, aesthetic goals, and time boundaries. It all works as long as you’re moving your body and pushing yourself.

Fuel Up

Your nutrition is one of the absolute most important parts of attaining your fitness goals. It’s very important to eat well before and after your workouts so that you can reap the benefits of your hard work. By eating the correct things at the correct times, you’ll fuel your body and assist with providing yourself with the energy you require before a workout. By eating the correct things after a workout, you’ll also assist your body with repairing your muscles and recover.

Listen Carefully To Your Body

Your pre-planned workout routine should never take precedence over what your body is trying to tell you. Learning to exercise smarter means taking time off from the gym even when we initially planned on working out. Spend that time stretching instead of overexerting yourself. Your body will continually tell you what it needs as long as you’re willing to listen. When you’re tired, rest. When you’re hungry, eat. Give yourself grace and practice self-love, and don’t over-complicate the simple things.

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What Is LISS Cardio? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-liss-cardio/ Mon, 24 Jan 2022 05:00:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27546 LISS, which is otherwise known as ‘Low Intensity Steady State’ training, involves exercises such as walking, hiking or cycling. It is one of those things which you’ve probably heard in passing however you’re still not quite able to put your finger on. You know it’s really good for you, but you’re not sure why, or...

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LISS, which is otherwise known as ‘Low Intensity Steady State’ training, involves exercises such as walking, hiking or cycling. It is one of those things which you’ve probably heard in passing however you’re still not quite able to put your finger on. You know it’s really good for you, but you’re not sure why, or how to really reap the rewards. If you’re in the 59% of individuals who make a New Year’s resolution to exercise more, although, then this is one mode of training it pays to be conscious of.

LISS Cardio Is The Opposite Of HIIT

LISS cardio is the total opposite of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). HIIT involves varying short bursts of intense exercise with low-intensity periods of recovery. With HIIT, your heart rate is usually at 80 to 95% of your maximum heart rate for the high-intensity intervals and between 40 and 50% for the low-intensity intervals.

As we said before, LISS is most often linked to running, cycling, brisk walking, swimming as well as other cardio activities which necessitate longer sessions of low-intensity exercise. Exercise professionals point out that while steady-state training is a very effective way to burn calories as well as train your aerobic system, it also necessitates more time in order to see results.

Some individuals say that HIIT is a far better form of training as opposed to steady-state cardio. However, while both styles have advantages and disadvantages, one doesn’t seem to be better overall than the other.

What Are The Benefits Of LISS Cardio?

As with other types of exercise, LISS cardio has a number of health benefits, such as improved blood flow, lowered stress, lower risk of heart disease as well as improved brain function.

Here are some other advantages of LISS cardio:

  • It assists in fat burning and fat loss. Steady-state training boosts your body’s ability to utilise fat as fuel rather than using glycogen stored in your muscles. Also, continuous aerobic exercise is more effective as opposed to HIIT at enhancing fat distribution.
  • LISS cardio is appropriate for all levels. Since LISS is simpler to do and gentler on the body, this type of training is appropriate for beginners. Intermediate to advanced fitness levels often utilise it as part of an endurance training programme.
  • It allows for easier recovery. As you’re putting less stress on your heart and body, you might find you recover more quickly and easily from LISS.
  • LISS cardio is an effective way to train for endurance events. Performing exercise at a lower intensity for a long period of time places less stress on your heart and lungs as opposed to a more-intense workout. This can be an efficient way to prepare for an endurance event.
  • It’s also phenomenal for recovery after a challenging workout. You can utilise LISS as a recovery session the day after a high-intensity workout.

LISS Cardio Improves Mood

There’s a lot of evidence regarding how mental health has an affect on physical health and vice versa. Sustained exercise is responsible for stimulating the release of the neurotransmitters which regulate and improve our mood, including dopamine and serotonin. This is confirmed by published research which revealed moderate intensity aerobic exercise had a large and substantial antidepressant effect in people with depression, demonstrating the mental health benefits of exercise.

Here are some ideas of how to incorporate LISS cardio into your workout routine:

  • Cycle at a very gentle speed on flat terrain for between 30 and 60 minutes.
  • Utilise a rowing machine at a steady stroke rate as well as intensity for a set time over 30 minutes.
  • Swim for 60 minutes utilising breast stroke.
  • Jog at 5km/hr for 45 minutes.
  • Walk at 3km/hr for 60 minutes – that’s almost 100 steps per minute.

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The Best Strength Training Workouts For You To Achieve Your Fitness Goals https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-best-strength-training-workouts-for-you-to-achieve-your-fitness-goals/ Fri, 21 Jan 2022 05:00:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27532 The important thing to figuring out which strength training workouts will best help you attain your fitness goals is to consider what you want your end-result to be. What particular results are you looking for? If your fitness goal is ultimately to lose weight, your strength training workout regimen will look quite different as opposed...

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The important thing to figuring out which strength training workouts will best help you attain your fitness goals is to consider what you want your end-result to be. What particular results are you looking for?

If your fitness goal is ultimately to lose weight, your strength training workout regimen will look quite different as opposed to the fitness plan of someone who wants to bulk up.

A fitness goal necessitates planning. Make sure that it’s attainable and that you have a clear vision on how to achieve it. They can become habits you work toward every day. Whether you’re ready to take on your first marathon or want to achieve your first handstand, there are many ways to attain your target and even go beyond.

Squat

One of the absolute purest tests of strength, the squat incorporates almost all the muscles in your legs as well as your core. The bodyweight squat is a phenomenal way to nail down your form. Once your form is solid, you will be able to add weight by holding a dumbbell in each of your hands or a bar in front of your shoulders (front squat), resting a barbell on your back (back squat) or- alternatively – holding a weight on your chest (goblet squat).

Here’s how to perform this strength training workout:

  • Stand up tall with your feet just wider than hip-distance apart.
  • Lower your hips into a squat position as you bend your knees and make sure that you keep your back flat.
  • Continue with lowering yourself until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
  • Push into the ground through your heels to go back to your starting position. That’s one rep.
  • Make sure that you maintain your heels in a flat position and knees aligned with your second toe so that they don’t cave in.

Reverse Lunge

  • Begin by standing with feet hip-width apart, your arms by your sides with a dumbbell in each of your hands.
  • Exercising control, step your right foot back and lower down until both legs so that they form 90-degree angles with your back knee is floating a couple of centimetres off the ground.
  • Reverse the movement in order to return to start. That’s one rep. Complete 15 on each side to complete a full set.

Deadlift

Deadlifts are considered to be hands-down one of the best exercises in order to train the backside of your body, in other words your glutes and hamstrings. And as you’re working from a stable base, you are really able to load up the weight on these. There are various different kinds of deadlifts, such as the Romanian, traditional barbell (where you pull the weight up from the floor), and sumo (with a wider stance and your toes pointing out.)

Proper form is crucial to protecting your lower back. This means that it’s a good idea to practise this with a lighter weight, and in front of a mirror, until you feel happy with the exercise.

Remember that you need to lift with your legs and not with your back. (That’s true for pretty much every exercise however particularly with the deadlift.) If you don’t have access to a barbell, you can utilise a pair of heavy dumbbells or even a loop resistance band.

Here’s how to perform this strength training workout:

  • Stand up tall and make sure that your feet hip-distance apar. Keep your knees bent slightly and arms relaxed by the front of your quads, with a dumbbell in each of your hands. This is the beginning position.
  • Hinge forward at your hips. Bend your knees somewhat as you push your buttocks way back. Keeping your back flat, gradually lower the weight along your shins. Your torso should be virtually parallel to the ground.
  • Ensuring that you keep your core engaged, push through your heels in order to stand up straight and go back to the starting position. Makes sure that you keep the weight close to your shins as you pull.
  • Pause momentarily at the top and squeeze your butt. That’s one rep.

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How To Return To Your Exercise Routine Safely After Recovering From COVID-19 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-return-to-your-exercise-routine-safely-after-recovering-from-covid-19/ Thu, 20 Jan 2022 05:00:17 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27525 If you’re a student athlete or active adult who has recuperated from COVID-19, you’re probably itching to get back on the field or return to your exercise routine. Alternatively, if you don’t have symptoms or if your illness is mild, you could be wondering what activities you are able to do while you wait out...

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If you’re a student athlete or active adult who has recuperated from COVID-19, you’re probably itching to get back on the field or return to your exercise routine. Alternatively, if you don’t have symptoms or if your illness is mild, you could be wondering what activities you are able to do while you wait out the infection.

Here are some recommendations and guidelines for a safe return to fitness after COVID-19.

Returning To Exercise Should Be Individualised

There isn’t a clear and uniform response in people who recover from COVID-19. It makes sense for everyone — even individuals who had only mild to modest symptoms or even no symptoms at all — to contact with their health-care provider so that they are able to have some discussion about how to begin to return to exercise appropriately as well as how to increase intensity appropriately.

The General Consensus Among Exercise Physicians

This general recommendation is to wait at least seven days after you first experience symptoms to resume any type of exercise. However, don’t jump back in like you’re qualifying for the Olympics. Rather, begin with low- or light-intensity activities. This might be things such as everyday activities — for instance, housework, light garden tasks or gentle walking — for the first couple of weeks.

You should be able to do tasks such as these while holding a full conversation.

From there, slowly increase the time you’re doing these tasks, perhaps by 10 to 15 minutes per day, until you get to the point where you can complete a 30-minute walk at a light intensity.

If You Feel Breathless

It is very important for you to monitor your breathlessness when you exercise. You should exercise at a level where you are somewhat out of breath but are still able to talk.

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How To Get Back Into Your Workout Regimen if You Have Long COVID-19

The safest and best way to get back into exercising will look different for people with prolonged symptoms.

What we’ve seen thus far is that these individuals begin to feel better, however they never quite get over the hump of the illness. They seem to plateau and don’t get better. COVID-19 long haulers could experience excessive fatigue with normal day-to-day activities, experience headaches every day and find themselves out of breath doing things such as going up and down the stairs or walking to the postbox.

It seems to take a prolonged period of time for these people to get better, and they definitely should not attempt to get back to exercising while they’re feeling that way.

Will Exercise Help Me With Getting Over COVID-19?

As long as you slowly and gently build up your workout routine, yes.

The physical and health benefits from being physically active meaningfully outweigh the risks of not engaging in exercise, post-COVID, for many people.

If you’re not feeling motivated though, the smallest of steps can help.

If you are lying down and feeling like you have no energy, if you just get up and move a little bit … reach down and touch your toes, or any sort of mobility moves, even just five minutes of a yoga flow, you will feel so much better.

If you’re moving the body and breathing, then the blood flow and oxygen rushes through your whole entire body, which makes you feel a lot better, so your endorphins are flying.

Any return to physical activity for these individuals should only happen after they are symptom-free and with the guidance of their doctor.

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What Are Nordic Hamstring Curls? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-nordic-hamstring-curls/ Wed, 19 Jan 2022 05:00:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27512 The Nordic hamstring curl, which is also known as the Nordic ham curl as well as the inverse leg curl, is a lower body exercise which uses your bodyweight in order to activate your hamstring muscles. Perform Nordic hamstring curls by starting in a kneeling position with your ankles secured. Gently lower your body down...

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The Nordic hamstring curl, which is also known as the Nordic ham curl as well as the inverse leg curl, is a lower body exercise which uses your bodyweight in order to activate your hamstring muscles. Perform Nordic hamstring curls by starting in a kneeling position with your ankles secured. Gently lower your body down towards the floor. Catch yourself with your hands before squeezing your hamstrings to lift your bodyweight again.

What Are The Muscles That Nordic Hamstring Curls Target?

Clearly, the Nordic Hamstring Curl tightens and tones hamstrings. However what is great about this movement is that it works the hamstrings very deep into the muscle tissue for ultimate power as well as strength.

The hamstring is essentially made up of three muscles. These work together in order to support the movement of your legs and also stabilise your joints. The Nordic Hamstring Curl works all of these hamstring muscles, together making the entire muscle group stronger.

Then, there are the other muscles which are worked as a consequence of this movement. Also, your inner thigh, or sartorius, can benefit big time from Nordic hamstring curls. In addition, you might feel it in your glutes as your bodyweight moves towards the ground.

Your upper body may even see some beneficial results from this exercise. Your biceps and triceps will be strengthened as they stabilise your weight and push your weight off the floor. Also, you will feel the burn in your pectorals and deltoids as your chest and shoulder muscles are activated. In general, this is a great exercise for multiple major muscle groups.

What Is The Nordic Ham Curl And The Glute-Ham Raise?

The Nordic hamstring curl is often called the poor man’s glute-ham raise. The two exercises have a tonne in common. They’re both bodyweight knee-flexion movements which hammer the hamstrings, the difference is that the glute-ham raise uses a device which puts the body in an optimal position that allows for a far more effective range of motion.

It’s sort of like the preacher curl as opposed to the old-fashioned bicep curl. While one is a little swankier and does a slightly better job, both of these exercises are great for building as well as strengthening the bicep.

The same goes for Nordic ham curls as well as glute-ham raise (GHR). Both are phenomenal for hamstrings and while the GHR is a tiny bit more effective, you should feel no qualms about performing them Nordic style if you don’t have a GHR chair. (And no, the glute ham raise isn’t all that great at strengthening the glutes — it’s largely a hamstring exercise, like the Nordic ham curl.)

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How to Exercise Safely and Prevent Injury

If you have a prior or pre-existing health condition, consult your doctor before starting an exercise programme. Proper exercise technique is very important in ensuring the safety as well as effectiveness of an exercise programme, however you may need to adapt each exercise in order to attain optimal results based on your unique needs. Always select a weight which allows you to have full control of your body during the movement. When doing any exercise, pay close attention to your body, and immediately stop if you note pain or discomfort.

In order to see constant progress and build body strength, include proper warm-ups, rest, and nutrition into your exercise programme. Your results will eventually be based on your ability to recover adequately from your workouts. Rest up for 24 to 48 hours before training the same muscle groups to allow for sufficient recovery.

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Do You Know What The Best Exercises Are For Arm Strength? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/do-you-know-what-the-best-exercises-are-for-arm-strength/ Mon, 17 Jan 2022 05:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27465 ‌Working your arms out and shoulders is a sure fire way in order to get toned, attractive muscles in this part of your body. However, there are additional health reasons to consider include arm strength work to your exercise routine, particularly if you’re over 30. As you become older, your muscles start to lose mass....

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‌Working your arms out and shoulders is a sure fire way in order to get toned, attractive muscles in this part of your body. However, there are additional health reasons to consider include arm strength work to your exercise routine, particularly if you’re over 30.

As you become older, your muscles start to lose mass. This process is known as sarcopenia. After 30, you may lose as much as between 3% to 5% of muscle mass every 10 years. Strength training is responsible for building muscle mass to replace what you lose owing to the natural process of ageing.‌

Losing muscles mass in your upper body may result in weakness and loss of range of motion. Over the long term, you might find that you have trouble lifting daily objects, such as a bag of groceries or a suitcase.

As well, you may notice that you aren’t able to reach up or out as well anymore. Putting objects in a high cabinet might be more of a challenge than it was in the past. Even driving could be more difficult without adequate strength as well as flexibility in your arms and shoulders.‌

So, given the importance of upper body strength here are a number of exercises to develop arm strength.

Exercises to develop arm strength

Bicep Curl

Stand up tall with your feet being shoulder-distance apart. Hold a weight in each hand. Beginning with the weights by your thighs, palms facing forward, and elbows glued to your hips, lift the weights towards your shoulders. Release to start; that’s one rep. Repeat.

Arm Circles

This beginner exercise concentrate on the shoulder muscles. It isometrically strengthens the biceps as well as your triceps. You are able to make smaller or larger circles however make sure that you maintain tension down your arm during the full set.

To do arm circles:

  • Stand up tall and have your arms straight out to your sides. Your muscles need to be contracted down the length of your arm.
  • Gently make circles with your arms by rotating them around your shoulders while maintaining them straight and your elbows locked with tension.
  • Do three sets of between 10 to 20 repetitions in both directions. You can do sets of large or small diameter circles to slightly change the effort required.

Triceps Extension

This exercise targets the triceps in isolation while training strength and stability in your shoulders as well as your core.

You can do this move utilising either a TRX suspension system or resistance bands. If you’re utilising TRX, adjust the straps to mid-length so that the handles are between your hip and chest height:

  • Grab onto the TRX handles, with your palms facing down, and stand under the anchor point with your feet hip-distance apart.
  • Straighten your arms and then hold them parallel to the ground at chest height.
  • After this lean forward into the straps and move your weight onto your toes (your body should be leaning forward between 30 and 45 degrees).
  • This is the beginning position. From here, bend your elbows in order to lower your body as far as you are able to comfortably go.
  • Press your triceps in order to straighten your elbows and go back to the starting position for one repetition.
  • Make sure that you keep your shoulders still and your body in a straight line from heel to head throughout the movement in order to isolate the triceps.

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What Are The Best Exercises For Legs? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-exercises-for-legs-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Fri, 14 Jan 2022 05:00:37 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27455 Strong legs assist you with walking, jumping and balancing. In addition, they support your body and allow you to enjoy everyday activities. With so many choices of how to train your lower body, it’s no wonder that so many lifters feel overwhelmed and skip leg day entirely. However, if you want to tone your legs,...

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Strong legs assist you with walking, jumping and balancing. In addition, they support your body and allow you to enjoy everyday activities. With so many choices of how to train your lower body, it’s no wonder that so many lifters feel overwhelmed and skip leg day entirely. However, if you want to tone your legs, follow these exercises and tips.

Barbell Back Squat

Squats are king as they’re the most challenging leg movement which you can do. This is because they work all the lower-body musculature and have also been shown to spike muscle-building hormone release. In fact, squatting before performing curls has even been shown to significantly improve arm strength!

High bar or low bar? That’s your choice entirely and depends on your goals. High bar, where the bar rests on top of your traps, hits all the leg musculature fairly evenly. Low bar, which is a favourite of powerlifters, targets the glutes and gives you the opportunity to lift more weight. Not sure which? Choose the variation which allows you to squat deeper, more comfortably as well as without excessively rounding your back.

Skaters

If you’re a runner, you should absolutely be including skaters into your routine. This cardio exercise assists with strengthening your legs and knees as well as improving stability and balance.

In order to perform this exercise properly, stand with your feet hip-distance apart. After this, shift your weight onto one leg and use it in order to laterally jump toward the other side and land on the opposite foot. Visually, you’ll look like you’re skating. (Hence, the name.)

This move assists runners with staying quick and agile while also strengthening knee stability.

Lunges

Lunges work your thighs, buttocks and abs. This movement uses both legs at the same time, making it a fantastic exercise for strong legs.

Romanian Deadlift

With this exercise, you’ll build your glutes, hamstrings, and calves, in addition to mobility in your hips.

How to do the Romanian deadlift:

  • Grip a barbell or a dumbbell in each hand. Make sure that you keep your back straight and your gaze straight throughout the movement.
  • Start to hinge forward at your hips, lowering your weight toward the ground with a small bend in your knees. Let the weights closely follow the line of your legs and lower until you can feel a stretch in your hamstrings.
  • Pause, then drive your hips forward in order to stand up, letting your glutes power the movement.

Snatch And Power Clean

Movements such as snatches as well as power cleans take some serious dedication and technique in order to master however they can be unrivalled when you are trying to improve jumping power for sports or even squat strength.

While the rep series for these lifts aren’t normally in the “golden” range for hypertrophy, the large amount of muscle mass utilised and higher intensities may still boost testosterone release. If you’re only learning, there are plenty of progression lifts to assist you with getting to the full lifts.

Skipping

You don’t need an actual skipping rope to carry out this move. (However, if you have one, bring it out.) All you really need to do is a series of non-stop small jumps in place, laterally or vertically, moving your arms as if you’re swinging a rope beneath you with each and every single burst.

Not only does this exercise give your legs a serious burn, but it’ll also raise up your heart rate for a very healthy cardiovascular workout as well.

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How To Add Skipping To Your Workout Routine? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-add-skipping-to-your-workout-routine-read-this-article/ Thu, 13 Jan 2022 05:00:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27445 There are so many benefits of adding skipping to your workout. Firstly, you can buy a skipping rope for less than the cost of a cappuccino. Secondly, they’re very easy to use and skipping does wonders for your health. Last, but by no means least, you are able to take and use a skipping rope...

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There are so many benefits of adding skipping to your workout. Firstly, you can buy a skipping rope for less than the cost of a cappuccino. Secondly, they’re very easy to use and skipping does wonders for your health. Last, but by no means least, you are able to take and use a skipping rope literally anywhere – or nowhere, if you’d prefer to stay home.

It’s for this reason that everyone seemed to take up skipping during each national lockdown. It’s also why we’re not hanging up our rope anytime soon. From the benefits of skipping to how to skip and the best skipping workouts, here’s everything that you need to know.

What Are The Benefits Of Skipping?

Skipping is a wonderful method for training power, speed as well as endurance. This type of workout has key benefits for ankle, pelvic and knee stability.

Skipping is one of the most efficient out there. Include intervals – so, go as fast as you can for a set amount of time, then slow down for a particular period, before repeating – and skipping can also make for a very effective HIIT workout.

One of the most significant benefits of skipping is that it’s a total-body workout, combining your arms and shoulders so much as it does your legs. In addition, it gives poor posture a helping hand by urging you to pull your shoulders back as well as out of the hunched posture in which you often spend most of your day.

Do A Skipping Warm-Up

If you are lifting weights, running or – alternatively – doing yoga, a quick skipping session can be an effective warm-up activity. Even just a few minutes of skipping will get your heart rate up, blood flowing, and muscles fired up.

Do A Skipping Workout Finisher

Although skipping is a great warm-up activity, it’s also great workout finisher. Get your cardio in by skipping for a few rounds at the end of your workout.

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Include Skipping Into Your Strength Training

If you’re concentrating on weight training, including skipping into the cardio element of your current routine is a fun and effective way in order to build your endurance as well as burn calories in a shorter amount of time.

What You Need To Get Started With Skipping

There’s no “correct” type of shoe for skipping — comfort is key — however training shoes which are designed for CrossFit or HIIT that have ample cushioning to assist with absorbing the impact as your foot hits the ground have a tendency to work well.

Take your workout to an impact-friendly surface, in other words one with sufficient padding to assist with cushioning your joints. The suspended wood which is found in many decks is ideal. In addition, if you skip a lot, investing in a gym mat or rubber tiles to put over harsh surfaces such as cement or concrete can assist. A hardwood floor would be your next best option.

Even with the best intentions — and mats — which are available, jumping rope can still be incredibly noisy to those living below you, so if you do live in a flat, you might want to avoid skipping early in the morning or late in the evening (or take your workout outdoors, if you have the space).

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Do You Know How To Make Your New Year’s Fitness Resolutions Stick? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/do-you-know-how-to-make-your-new-years-fitness-resolutions-stick/ Tue, 11 Jan 2022 05:00:44 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27432 As any year comes to a close, millions of individuals all across the country are preparing themselves for the beginning of a new year. As has been the case for any years, people use the new year as an opportunity to begin fresh. Millions of New Year’s fitness resolutions are set with the hopes of...

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As any year comes to a close, millions of individuals all across the country are preparing themselves for the beginning of a new year. As has been the case for any years, people use the new year as an opportunity to begin fresh. Millions of New Year’s fitness resolutions are set with the hopes of improving a person’s life.

The beginning of any new year is the absolute best time to set new fitness goals for yourself. While putting fitness goals in place for yourself is commendable and will undoubtedly improve both your physical health including your mental health, it can be extremely difficult. That’s why so many individuals never follow through with them.

In this blog post, we have a closer look at how you can stay on track and complete your fitness goals.

Begin By Asking Yourself, “Why?”

A new year’s fitness resolution is seldom about fitness. It’s very important to ask yourself why this fitness resolution is quite important to you on a much deeper level:

  • What is your driving force?
  • What makes you jump right out of bed in the morning?
  • What keeps you up at night?
  • What’s motivating you to make a change?

Establish precisely what that something is and then use it to push yourself to keep going when you feel like giving up.

Set Short-Term And Long-Term Goals

Short-term fitness goals should be measured or tracked easily, such as monthly weight loss, strength gains or time gains. Establish reasonable and manageable timelines for each of these goals. For instance, lose 8 kilograms in four weeks, cut out all processed foods for a week, or drop your kilometre time from 10:00 to 9:30 in seven weeks.

Don’t plan your fitness goals on a whim. Sit down and do some tough thinking about what you would like to achieve in the immediate future. After this put a plan together which outlines what your everyday or weekly routines will be. If you are not sure of what “reasonable” as well as “manageable” mean for your targeted goals, perform some research, ask a fitness coach or personal trainer if you know one/work with one, or contact friends who have experienced a similar journey already.

As for long-term fitness goals, this is where you really need to think big. Working on your running this year? Sign up for that half marathon and decide what you want your targeted finish time to be. Attempting to lose weight? Set a total-kilograms-lost goal for the year (utilising your short-term goals to make sure that you are kept on track).

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Establish A Set Workout Schedule

Another vital aspect of sticking to your New Year’s fitness resolutions is putting together a set workout schedule. If at all possible, workout at exactly the same time as well as the same place every single day. This will help you put together a routine while also assisting you to form strong habits. Review your schedule and find a daily time where you can fit in exercise without interfering with other parts of your life.

Hint: Take pictures of yourself every month in order to monitor your progress. It’s always simpler to see the before or after when compared side-by side. Finally signed up for those rowing courses at the next boathouse? Assemble a team for the regatta in the fall. The long-term New Year fitness resolution goal should be a significant mile-marker in your 365-day journey to a fitter, healthier you.

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How Much Cardio Is Enough? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-much-cardio-is-enough/ Mon, 10 Jan 2022 05:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27417 When you hear the term ‘cardio’, do you think of sweat dripping off your forehead while you’re running your heart out on the treadmill or taking a brisk walk during your lunch hour? It’s both. Cardiovascular exercise, which is also known as aerobic exercise, means that you’re performing an activity ‘with oxygen’. This kind of...

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When you hear the term ‘cardio’, do you think of sweat dripping off your forehead while you’re running your heart out on the treadmill or taking a brisk walk during your lunch hour? It’s both. Cardiovascular exercise, which is also known as aerobic exercise, means that you’re performing an activity ‘with oxygen’.

This kind of exercise:

  • Uses large muscle groups, for example your legs or upper body,
  • Requires respiration or controlled breathing, as well as
  • Raises your heart rate and keeps it in an aerobic zone for a set amount of time.

Common forms of cardio include physical activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, cycling and fitness classes. Cardio machines could include a rower, elliptical, stair climber, upright or recumbent bike as well as the treadmill.

While cardio does burn a lot of calories and helps with aiding in weight loss, including it with at least between two and three days a week of resistance workouts may raise the rate at which you lose weight.

The amount of cardio which you need to lose weight depends on various factors such as your current weight, diet, day-to-day activity level, and age.

Cardio Lowers Your Risks

Cardio exercise can assist with decreasing the risk of heart attack, stroke as well as a myriad of other health issues. However the amount itself is quite negligible.

In the United States of America, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) makes the recommendation that all people who are over the age of 18 get no less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every single week (as well as to two strength-training sessions that target all the key muscle groups). That equals two and a half hours of any physical activity which bumps up your heart rate to 60% of its maximum.

You will be able to estimate your max heart rate by subtracting your age from 220. So, for instance, the average 38-year-old guy has a maximum heart rate of 182 beats per minute (BPM). Thus, he’d want his heart rate to hover around 109 BPM while performing moderate exercise.

So, How Much Cardio Is Actually Enough?

If you’re performing a moderate physical activity – such as a quick walk or jog, a fun dance class, or a moderate indoor cycling class – you will only need to do 30 minutes five days a week in order to check that box.

For a more intensive cardio – such as High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Orangetheory or another intense bootcamp – three sessions, which last between 25 and 30 minutes, per week would be enough.

When in doubt, 30 minutes of cardio on most days of the week is a great rule to follow. The sweet spot will be something which makes you feel energised and not depleted. You’ll also want to concentrate on doing cardio which you enjoy!

Some great rules of thumb to follow are:

  • Do Cardio And Strength Training

A solid routine involves cardio, strength, flexibility/mobility as well as rest. Even if you’re not including a traditional workout into your routine, concentrate on ways to remain active during the day. Strength training will assist with preventing and building lean muscle, which burns more calories than fat.

  • Alternate Cardio Intensities

Attempt to vary the kind of cardio you’re doing (a challenging day, an easy day, a hill day, an off day, etc.) to allow yourself adequate recovery time and avoid burnout.

  • Rather Than Adding Time To Your Workout Add A Challenge

On the treadmill, you are able to play with the incline or include speed intervals as an easy way to make the workout more exciting – as well as challenging – without being on there longer.

  • Try New Classes

This is a really fun way to try out new routines and change up your cardio sessions. Try an indoor cycling, dance, or Zumba class.

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Why Should You Add Cardio To Your Strength Training Routine? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-should-you-add-cardio-to-your-strength-training-routine/ Fri, 07 Jan 2022 05:00:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27412 Cardio and strength training have distinct benefits however it’s a misconception that they aren’t able to enhance one another. Cardio doesn’t ‘eat your gains’ (in other words, prevent muscle growth). This type of training can actually complement resistance training by assisting you to recover from strength training workouts. Cardiovascular training is mainly an aerobic activity....

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Cardio and strength training have distinct benefits however it’s a misconception that they aren’t able to enhance one another. Cardio doesn’t ‘eat your gains’ (in other words, prevent muscle growth). This type of training can actually complement resistance training by assisting you to recover from strength training workouts. Cardiovascular training is mainly an aerobic activity. Strength training is mainly an anaerobic activity, so they work on different energy pathways in our body.

The Definition Of Strength Training

Strength training — which is also known as weight or resistance training — is physical activity which is intended to improve muscular strength and fitness through exercising a particular muscle or muscle group against external resistance, in addition to free-weights, weight machines, or – alternatively – your own body weight.

The fundamental principle is to use a load and overload the muscle so that it has to adapt as well as get stronger.

The practice of strength training is not only about body builders who lift weights in a gym. Regular strength or resistance training is great for people of all ages and fitness levels to assist with preventing the natural loss of lean muscle mass which comes with ageing. It can also benefit people with chronic health conditions, such as obesity, arthritis, or a heart condition.

Cardio’s Benefits For The Brain And Joints

Cardiovascular exercise can benefit your brain and joint health. Other benefits of cardio training include the following:

  • Increasing blood flow and decreases chances of stroke,
  • Improving memory and thinking ability,
  • Combatting decline in brain functioning with age,
  • Helping protect against developing Alzheimer’s disease,
  • Fighting osteoporosis and reduces chances for a hip fracture, and
  • Helping manage arthritis discomfort and maintains joint range of motion.

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Cardiovascular Training Is Fantastic For Weight Loss

One of the chief motives why people choose a cardio exercising routine is as it can assist you to lose weight. Cardio is a phenomenal exercise for those looking to slim down because it assists you with burning fat as well as losing calories. While diet is more instrumental in weight loss, you will want to work cardio into your routine in order to further advance your goal to shed a few kilograms. This is because cardio can burn hundreds of calories in a session.

The Benefits Of Cardio For Your Pancreas, Lungs And Blood

Your pancreas is the organ which assists with convert the food you eat for energy while also helping aid in digestion. Staying active assists with improving blood sugar control, decreasing stress on this vital organ and reducing your chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Cardiovascular exercise also helps to improve good cholesterol levels while decreasing blood fats.

In addition, your lungs are positively affected by physical activity. Cardio helps lower how frequently you have to breathe as exercise ability improves and can result in reductions in fatigue as well as shortness of breath in chronic lung problems.

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How To Design A Super-Effective Strength Training Workout https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-design-a-super-effective-strength-training-workout/ Thu, 06 Jan 2022 05:00:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27404 If you’re attempting to build muscle as well as gain strength, you need to be on a strength training workout programme. A lot of individuals will make the mistake of merely going about their workouts with no rhyme or reason. These people also sometimes wing it with exercises which they like, however unfortunately, that frequently...

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If you’re attempting to build muscle as well as gain strength, you need to be on a strength training workout programme. A lot of individuals will make the mistake of merely going about their workouts with no rhyme or reason. These people also sometimes wing it with exercises which they like, however unfortunately, that frequently doesn’t lead to results.

When you’re on a proper strength training workout programme that’s consistent, well-rounded in addition to manageable with your lifestyle and skillset, you’ll know precisely what to do and how to make progress over time in order to reach your fitness goals. The correct strength training workout programme will also emphasise compound movements and address any weaknesses you may have.

Not sure how to design an efficient strength training workout programme? Read on to find out more.

How To Add Strength Training Workouts For Beginners Into Your Routine

Preferably, a beginner strength training workout should include eight to 10 exercises that target the main muscle groups. This total-body routine does just that and can be done a few times a week to maintain and build strength all over.

Begin small with your weights and increase these as needed.

Select a weight which is just heavy enough for you to complete 10 reps. By that eighth rep, you’ll be feeling really happy it’s almost over! This will make sure that you’re challenging your muscles so they can grow and get stronger while – at the same time – burning the max calories in every workout.

Start With Body Weight To Learn Fundamental Movement Patterns

Bodyweight exercises are a phenomenal place to begin if you’re new to strength training.

Learning the various movement patterns before you add on an additional load, such as dumbbells, should always be a top priority, as it assists with decreasing your risk of injury and will assist you with lifting more weight down the road.

There are five fundamental moves:

  1. Squat,
  2. Hinge,
  3. Push,
  4. Pull, as well as
  5. Core work.

There are many different variations of each of those movements, however for beginners, we tend to lean towards a bodyweight squat, glute bridges, push-ups (on an incline if required), inverted rows, in addition to planks.

There are five primary manoeuvres, in addition to movements, such as throwing, crawling as well as climbing:

  1. Hip-dominant (deadlifts, hinges as well as swings),
  2. Knee-dominant (squats and lunges),
  3. Pushing movements (push-ups, dips, and presses),
  4. Pulling movements (rows and pull-ups), and
  5. Gait patterns, for example walking and running.

Body weight gives you the opportunity to focus on form first, so you are able to set yourself up with a solid, safe basis and then address any muscle imbalances. A lot of personal training clients want to jump right into advanced techniques, however it’s far better to begin small and build off that momentum than to be out of the gym for a few weeks with a troublesome injury.

We all have imbalances and weakness which prevent us from moving optimally. These bands will assist with that as well.

It is very important to address these prior to adding a significant external load to your strength training workouts or else you’ll just be layering strength on top of dysfunction. Working with a trained personal training professional who can take you through some basic assessments will help you with determining what muscles might be over/under active and how to begin correcting these issues.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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What Are The Benefits Of Working Out For Strength? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-working-out-for-strength/ Wed, 05 Jan 2022 05:00:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27401 Strength training offers a number of health benefits, such as a lower risk of heart disease as well as diabetes, stronger bones, improved brain health and mood in addition to improved self-esteem. Luckily, strength training isn’t only about lifting weights at the gym. You are able to get in a great strength-training workout using your...

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Strength training offers a number of health benefits, such as a lower risk of heart disease as well as diabetes, stronger bones, improved brain health and mood in addition to improved self-esteem. Luckily, strength training isn’t only about lifting weights at the gym. You are able to get in a great strength-training workout using your body weight, resistance bands, free weights, or even items around your house. Whether you’re new or experienced, strength training is for everyone.

What Is Strength Training?

Strength training — which is also known as weight or resistance training — is physical activity that is designed to boost muscular strength and fitness by exercising a particular muscle or muscle group against external resistance. This includes free weights, weight machines, or your own body weight.

The fundamental principle is to employ a load and overload the muscle so that it needs to adapt and also get stronger. What’s important for everyone to understand is that strength training is not only about body builders lifting weights in a gym. Regular strength or resistance training is fantastic for individuals of all ages and fitness levels to assist prevent the natural loss of lean muscle mass which comes with ageing (the medical term for this loss is sarcopenia). In addition, it can benefit individuals with chronic health conditions, such as obesity, arthritis, or a heart condition.

What Are The Proven Benefits of Strength Training?

Lower Abdominal Fat

When individuals incorporate strength training into their exercise routine, these people not only burn calories, however increase lean muscle mass, that stimulates the metabolism. Muscle mass is a significant factor in determining basal metabolic rate, or the number of calories which the body burns per day in order to sustain physiological functions.

Better Cardiovascular Health

Abdominal fat (which is also known as visceral fat) is found in and around the vital organs. It is linked with more of a risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Visceral fat is associated with CVD as it’s linked to the release of certain proteins and hormones which are responsible for inflammation. This inflammation has been demonstrated to damage blood vessels, raise blood pressure and lead to other particular problems. Thus, preventing or lowering any excess abdominal fat through strength training can definitely improve heart health.

Controlled Blood Sugar Levels

Anyone who suffers from type 2 diabetes should really incorporate resistance training into their routine. That’s because as well as building muscle, strength training also boosts the muscle’s ability to take in and utilise glucose or blood sugar.

Lowered Injury Risks

Having an exceptional muscle base is very important for all movement, balance, coordination as well as injury prevention. If a muscle is far too weak, it puts more stress on its connecting tendon and (over time) can lead to tendinitis.

In addition, strength training increases the number and diameter of collagen fibrils in tendons in order to increase their strength and assist with preventing injury.

In your muscle cells, you will have these transporters that pick up glucose from the blood as well as deliver it to the muscle cells. This improves their functioning to pick up a lot more glucose from the blood and into muscle, so decreasing blood sugar levels.

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How To Start An Exercise Routine And Not Feel Overwhelmed https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-start-an-exercise-routine-and-not-feel-overwhelmed/ Tue, 04 Jan 2022 05:00:17 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27395 Thinking about how to stick to an exercise routine can be quite tough. It’s far easier to make New Year’s fitness resolutions as opposed to finding the sustained exercise motivation to keep them. We all have the best intentions out there on 1 January and then as the year rolls on, we lose steam, confidence...

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Thinking about how to stick to an exercise routine can be quite tough. It’s far easier to make New Year’s fitness resolutions as opposed to finding the sustained exercise motivation to keep them. We all have the best intentions out there on 1 January and then as the year rolls on, we lose steam, confidence as well as motivation.

What seemed so achievable just days or weeks ago — going to the gym five days a week or running a half marathon — can somehow morph into something impossible. And while it’s simple to blame our loss of focus on life happening, perhaps the biggest threat to a realistic resolution is the narrative that plays in our heads.

There are a number of different things to think about when you’re easing back into an exercise routine if you’ve been taking a break for the last couple of weeks, months, or even years. We know what’s up when it comes to getting adjusted and avoiding injury. Here are several things to keep in mind as you kick-start your new fitness journey.

Begin By Scheduling Just Three Workouts A Week At Times Which Are Convenient

As you get started with your exercise routine, think about long-term consistency. A wonderful question to ask yourself is, ‘How many days a week can you truthfully fit your exercise routine into your life?’  Ideally, you will need to work yourself up to 4-5 days a week however you definitely don’t have to START there if that’s too overwhelming.

Start by scheduling only two-three workouts a week.  They can be short 30 minute interval training workouts, weight lifting sessions or yoga in the beginning.  Really it is the HABIT you are creating, not necessarily the workouts specifically.  Establishing a realistic goal is key to sticking to it, and since you’ll almost certainly be sore after your first one or two workouts, this means you’ll have a couple of days to recover in-between workouts.

In addition, it’s important to plan your workouts at the most convenient times possible.  For example, if you know you’re always exhausted at the end of a workday, it’s probably not ideal to plan a 7 P.M. workout. You’re going to skip it and feel defeated.  You may just have to bite the bullet and wake up an hour earlier – even if you’re not a morning person.  Set yourself up for success by choosing days and times you can really commit to.

Be Patient And Make Sure You Play The Long Game

At the start of every year, there is that frenzy to achieve your fitness goals.  In the midst of this frenzy, it’s easy to be expecting instant results. You put in the hard work at the gym for a week or so and are then disappointed when you aren’t yet able to do a perfect push-up. In reality, however, dependent on your current fitness level, achieving the push-up may take weeks or even months of hard, steady work. This divide between expectation and reality can be seriously demotivating.

Do The Exercises You Want

If the notion of signing up for a class or hitting the treadmill fills you with absolute dread, you’re far more likely to put it off or give up altogether. Increasing your activity level by doing something that you like and gradually building up the intensity is a phenomenal way to stay consistent with your exercise routine.

Have A Game Plan For When You’re Not Feeling Motivated

Even if you’re incredibly dedicated to your new exercise routine, some days motivation alone just won’t cut it. Create an internal insurance policy with a friend.  Even if they’re not actually working out with you (which is the best plan), perhaps you are able to fill them in on your workout plans and check in with them so they can be your support system.

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How Long Exactly Should You Wait To Exercise After Eating? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-long-exactly-should-you-wait-to-exercise-after-eating/ Mon, 03 Jan 2022 05:00:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27332 You’ve possibly heard the old adage which warns against jumping into the pool straight after eating. Though it’s maybe alright to swim after a meal, you may want to wait at least 30 minutes in order to avoid muscle cramps. However, just how long should you wait to go for a run or lift weights...

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You’ve possibly heard the old adage which warns against jumping into the pool straight after eating. Though it’s maybe alright to swim after a meal, you may want to wait at least 30 minutes in order to avoid muscle cramps. However, just how long should you wait to go for a run or lift weights after eating?

When To Exercise After Eating

When eating a meal, food enters into your stomach and is gradually processed as well as released into your small intestine in tiny amounts. It usually takes between two and a half hours for food to completely move from your stomach to your small intestine.

While it’s often unnecessary to wait until food is fully digested prior to exercising, it’s best to give it a number of hours to settle down in your stomach. For most individuals, between one and two hours is enough after a moderate-sized meal, while waiting at least half an hour after a snack is fine.

At that point, food will be sufficiently digested to avoid stomach upset. That being said, as the intensity of the exercise rises, so does the risk of side effects.

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What Format Of Exercise Will You Be Doing?

What you eat may influence the success of your exercise routine at least as well as the timing of your meal — particularly when you factor in the activity itself. It becomes far easier to exercise within a couple hours after a substantial meal, for instance, if the meal itself isn’t filled with the types of food which will “weigh you down”.

For an activity which is slated to last longer than 60 minutes, your pre-workout meal needs to have an emphasis on healthy carbohydrates. Good selections for breakfast include whole grain pancakes or bagels slices, along with a couple of pieces of fruit or fruit juice. Lunch or dinner options may include a sandwich with whole grains, or a meal that is based on brown rice or wheat pasta. Plan to make around half of your meal carbohydrates.

Also, carry along healthful-carbohydrate snacks if that hike or paddleboard trip which will last longer than 60 minutes. Great choices encompass bars, sports drinks and/or granola. Make sure that you keep each snack light, although, so that you don’t allow yourself a stitch in your side or – alternatively – stomach troubles as you exert yourself.

For shorter routines in which the emphasis will be on strength training, increase the ratio of protein to carbs. This doesn’t mean that carbohydrates are a no-no for these types of workouts, however you should think about including peanut butter on that bagel or making pancakes with whey protein or – alternatively – cottage cheese.

In addition, fat provides fuel for workouts however be smart about the types you choose. Olive oil and nuts are instances of good types of fats. For heart health, you should limit saturated fats — the kind which is found in mayo, red meat and full-fat dairy products. Remember that fats digest slowly, which can divert the energy you require for exercise and sit in your belly longer which may result in a less-than-ideal workout.

Of course, it needs to go without saying that you need to be hydrating during the day, during your meals, as you prep for your workout, in addition to while you exercise.

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Which Hip Abductor Exercises Will Prevent Injuries? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/which-hip-abductor-exercises-will-prevent-injuries/ Fri, 31 Dec 2021 05:00:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27095 Your hips play a very important role in your running mechanics. Runners who have weak hips are at a higher risk for a number of different injuries, such as IT band syndrome, hamstring tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis as well as patellofemoral pain syndrome (which is also known as runner’s knee). Fortunately hip strength is...

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Your hips play a very important role in your running mechanics. Runners who have weak hips are at a higher risk for a number of different injuries, such as IT band syndrome, hamstring tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis as well as patellofemoral pain syndrome (which is also known as runner’s knee).

Fortunately hip strength is something that can be improved, which can help reduce injury and associated pain. Strengthening your hip abductors takes time, so make sure that you start slowly and progress safely.

What Do Your Hip Abductors Actually Do?

The main hip abductor muscles are your gluteus medius, gluteus minimus as well as your tensor fasciae latae. These three small muscles are solely responsible for lifting your leg out to the side of your body. When you’re running, your abductor muscles on your stance leg are responsible for lifting up the non-stance side of your hip without giving your hip the opportunity to drop considerably to one side.

These muscles are quite easy to overlook, and runners frequently ignore them until they have an injury. By integrating the following exercises into your regular routine, you will be able to take care of many common runner injuries before they take place, so you have no interruptions in training.

Side-Lying Leg Lifts

One of the most straightforward ways of developing your hip abductors is with this simple exercise. It can be done anywhere, anytime and needs no equipment at all.

Equipment required:

Yoga or exercise mat or a comfy, firm surface

Muscles worked:

Hip abductor muscles, as well as the gluteus medius

  • Lie down on your side and have your hips stacked.
  • Ensure that you support your head by folding your floor side arm under your head.
  • Put your top hand on the floor in front of you as a reminder that you must not lean forward or backward.
  • Stack and flex both of your feet.
  • Lift the top leg up just higher than your hip up until you feel your hip flex. Hold for two seconds.
  • Lower down for a count of three and return to the start position.
  • Repeat on one side for 10 reps and after this switch to the other leg, working up to three sets.
  • As you make progress, aim to do 20 reps on each side.

Side Plank With Hip Hike

This exercise focuses on your abs, shoulders as well as hip abductors. The key to doing these exercises correctly is to make sure your legs are in line with your trunk, and not wandering forwards, which will miss your abductor muscles. If doing these from your feet is too hard at first, do them from your knees, bending them at 90 degrees and making sure you can draw a straight line from your knees to your head. Aim for 10-20 repetitions.

Hip Drop

Hip drops are utilised to rehabilitate a weak hip abductor, which may lead to mechanical issues in the legs, for example iliotibial band syndrome.

This easy, yet intentional, exercise needs to be done with control and body awareness in order to ensure that the hip is initiating the move as opposed to the legs.

Equipment needed:

A raised step, such as the bottom of a staircase or a fitness bench on one or two risers

Muscles exercised:

Gluteus medius

  • Stand up tall on a step or raised surface with one foot.
  • Make sure that you keep your standing leg straight.
  • Lower your opposite leg down, starting the movement from your hip.
  • Keep your standing leg straight as well as your shoulders stable during the entire movement.
  • Maintain the lowered position for two seconds without letting your pelvis rotate.
  • Return to neutral with your hips levelled once again.
  • Make each movement lower. Lift slowly and in a controlled manner.
  • Do between 12 and 15 reps, working toward 20 to 25 on each side.

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What Are The Health Advantages Of Power Walking? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-health-advantages-of-power-walking/ Fri, 24 Dec 2021 05:00:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26732 Power walking is an exercise technique which emphasises speed and arm motion as a method of increasing health benefits. Done correctly, regular power walking is good for your cardiovascular health, joint health, and emotional well-being. In addition, this kind of walking is a phenomenal way to better or maintain your overall health. Just 30 minutes...

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Power walking is an exercise technique which emphasises speed and arm motion as a method of increasing health benefits. Done correctly, regular power walking is good for your cardiovascular health, joint health, and emotional well-being.

In addition, this kind of walking is a phenomenal way to better or maintain your overall health. Just 30 minutes every day may very well increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, lower additional body fat, and increase muscle power as well as endurance. It can also lower your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis in addition to some cancers. Unlike some other kinds of exercise, power walking is free and doesn’t need any special equipment or training.

Any Kind Of Exercise Is Great For You

Physical activity does not need to be vigorous or done for long periods in order to boost your health. A 2007 study of women who weren’t active discovered that even a low level of exercise – around 75 minutes every single week – improved their fitness levels considerably, when compared to a non-exercising group.

Power walking is low impact, necessitates minimal equipment, can be done at any hour of the day and can be done at your own speed. You are able to get out and walk without worrying about the risks which are associated with some more vigorous forms of exercise. In addition, power walking is a great form of physical activity for individuals who have a couple of extra kilos to shed, elderly, or who haven’t exercised in a very long time.

Power walking for fitness and fun isn’t limited to just strolling by yourself around local neighbourhood streets. There are a number of different clubs, venues and strategies you can utilise to make power walking an enjoyable as well as social part of your lifestyle.

Benefits Of Power Walking

What are the real advantages of walking faster if you still just walk the same distance? The National Institutes of Health and other experts provide a list of power walking benefits.

  • Boosts your heart rate to an increased heart rate zone. Easy walking is frequently done in the light intensity zone, while power walking will raise your heart rate into the moderate-intensity zone.
  • Improves weight loss efforts (with increased calorie burn) and increases fitness and endurance.
  • Increases flexibility of your muscles and joints depending on your walking pattern and your starting point. Stretching after walking will help you improve flexibility.
  • Strengthens muscles particularly your leg and abdominal muscles. Walking may increase your range of motion as well as shift pressure from your joints to your muscles.

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What Footwear Should You Wear For Walking?

As we said before, power walking is a low-cost and effective form of exercise. However, the incorrect kind of shoe or walking action may cause foot or shin pain, blisters as well as injuries to soft tissue. Ensure that your shoes are comfortable, with appropriate heel as well as arch supports. Take light, easy steps and ensure that your heel touches down before your toes. When possible, walk on grass – as opposed to concrete – to help absorb the impact.

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What Should Runners Be Eating? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-should-runners-be-eating/ Wed, 22 Dec 2021 05:00:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26653 A good race depends on more than just your training. To improve your speed and performance, you also need to consider what you are putting into your body. The correct foods at the correct time may boost your running performance tremendously. For runners, food is far more than straightforward nutrition — food is fuel. What...

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A good race depends on more than just your training. To improve your speed and performance, you also need to consider what you are putting into your body. The correct foods at the correct time may boost your running performance tremendously.

For runners, food is far more than straightforward nutrition — food is fuel. What and when should you eat prior to, during as well as after your runs? What should you drink? How much? When you are training hard for a long race you are going to have to adjust how you eat; we’ll show you how to make those changes.

Timing

When you start a run, you shouldn’t feel starved or stuffed. You don’t want to eat anything directly before running as it could lead to cramping or annoying side stitches. However, if you run on an empty stomach may cause you to run out of energy and leave you feeling quite tired during your runs.

Figuring out what and when to eat prior to a run takes some time for each runner to figure out. Research about optimal timing and food choices has produced mixed results.

For instance, in one published study that investigated meal timing and exercise, study authors made the suggestion that consuming carbs within one hour before exercise could potentially impair performance when compared to carbohydrate ingestion between two and three hours before exercise. However they also noted that other studies demonstrated a performance benefit.

Another study suggested that it is commonly recommended to consume snacks or meals high in carbohydrate for between one and four hours before higher-intensity, longer duration exercise. However, that study also makes the suggestion that what you eat before exercise is dependent on what you’ve eaten in your diet in the days before exercise.

As quite a general rule, some running gurus make the recommendation that you eat a light meal around one and a half to two hours prior to you starting running, or a small snack about half an hour to 60 minutes before you go running. But you should experiment during your training runs and workouts to see what works best for you.

The Best Foods For Runners

Bananas

If you really need a high-carb energy booster prior to your afternoon run, you can’t go wrong with a banana. Also, this fruit contains a healthy dose of potassium (about 400 mg). This is particularly important for long-distance runs or in hot temperatures when you will probably sweat a lot and thus lose a lot of valuable minerals. Potassium (in addition to other minerals such as sodium, magnesium and chloride) balances this loss and lowers your blood pressure simultaneously

 Oats

Oatmeal is the absolute perfect breakfast when you are wanting to go out for a run after you’ve finished eating. It offers you plenty of carbs (one serving contains about 25 g) and this is high in fibre. In addition, oats have a low glycaemic index which means that they cause your blood sugar level to slowly rise, provide you with energy over a longer period of time and make sure that you keep you feeling full longer. In addition, did you know that a healthy adult should get about 50% of his or her total energy from carbohydrates?

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Peanut Butter

Here we are speaking about pure peanut butter without any additives such as sugar, salt or oil. It’s a good supply of vitamin E, which is perhaps the most effective antioxidant among the vitamins.

While it is true that peanuts have a lot of fat (making them anything but low in calories), it mainly consists of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These can assist to lower cholesterol levels in your blood. In addition, they are important for strengthening your immune system, quickening your post-run recovery as well as preventing injuries.

Also peanut butter contains a good deal of protein and so helps your muscles grow, making it a crucial part of a runner’s diet. Try spreading peanut butter on whole grain toast and topping this off with banana slices – it tastes amazing! It is also great for a snack with a couple of slices of apple.

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What Is The Importance Of Exercise For Those With Diabetes? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-importance-of-exercise-for-those-with-diabetes/ Tue, 21 Dec 2021 05:00:48 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26648 Physical activity is very important for people who are living with diabetes. The great news is that it’s not as challenging as you might think to be more active. If you are suffering from diabetes, being active makes your body more sensitive to insulin (which is the hormone that allows cells in your body to...

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Physical activity is very important for people who are living with diabetes. The great news is that it’s not as challenging as you might think to be more active. If you are suffering from diabetes, being active makes your body more sensitive to insulin (which is the hormone that allows cells in your body to utilise blood sugar for energy), which assists with managing your diabetes. Also, physical activity helps to control blood sugar levels and lowers your risk of heart disease as well as nerve damage.

Some additional benefits of exercise for people suffering from diabetes include the following:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight,
  • Losing weight, if needed,
  • Feeling happier,
  • Sleeping better,
  • Improving your memory,
  • Controlling your blood pressure, and
  • Lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

What Kinds of Exercise Should You Do?

There are three main types of exercises — aerobic, strength training as well as flexibility work. You should ideally aim to have a good mixture of all three.

 Aerobic Exercises

Aim to get at least 30 minutes of cardio (aerobic) exercise most days of the week. If the thought of finding 30 minutes too difficult, you can break up the exercise into shorter periods, say 10 minutes here and there, aiming for a minimum of 30 minutes at the end of the day.

Aerobic exercises include the following:

  • Tennis,
  • Dancing and Zumba,
  • Jogging/Running,
  • Walking,
  • Basketball,
  • Swimming, and
  • Biking

Strength Training

Once you have been able to integrate aerobic activity into your days, then you will be able to start to add in some resistance training.

Strength training assists you with achieving lean and efficient muscles. These resistance-type exercises, in addition to walking or jogging, also support strong and healthy bones. Creating more muscle in place of fat is particularly beneficial when you have type 2 diabetes as muscles use the most glucose. So, the more you utilise your muscles, the more effective you will be at controlling your blood glucose level.

Weight training is one of the most utilised strength-building techniques, although you are able also utilise your own body weight in order to build up strength—think of pull-ups as well as planks.

When you’re beginning a weight training programme, make sure that you know how to use all the equipment. Ask the staff at your gym about how you should use the weights properly or consider engaging with a personal trainer so that you can learn the best exercises for you.

Lifting weights for between 20 and 30 minutes, two or three times a week, is enough to get the full advantages of strength training.

Flexibility Training

With flexibility training, you’ll boost how well your muscles and joints work. Stretching before and after exercise (particularly after exercise) reduces muscle soreness and actually relaxes your muscles.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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Weightlifting Myths Busted. Read this article to find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/weightlifting-myths-busted-read-this-article-to-find-out-more/ Mon, 20 Dec 2021 05:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26638 Gym myths are the modern weightlifter’s bewildering version of ‘fake news’. Despite unprecedented access to pro expertise and scientific research about weightlifting, the daily gym-goer now also has to compete with waves of online pseudoscience and locker room legends that have crystallised word-of-mouth fitness myths into so-called training truths. However if you build your workouts...

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Gym myths are the modern weightlifter’s bewildering version of ‘fake news’. Despite unprecedented access to pro expertise and scientific research about weightlifting, the daily gym-goer now also has to compete with waves of online pseudoscience and locker room legends that have crystallised word-of-mouth fitness myths into so-called training truths. However if you build your workouts on hollow foundations, you’ll not only miss out on some of the most interesting as well as effective ways to train, but you’ll also never achieve the gains you deserve.

There are many individuals out there who aren’t sure weightlifting is for them. Weightlifting seems almost involved (requires complicated machines, right?), perhaps embarrassing (if you can’t lift heavy things!). Plus, who has the time? If you’re like most people out there – on a tight schedule with a job, family, pets, etc., a cardiovascular workout could seem like a better use of limited time.

Right? Well … not so fast. There are some pervasive myths about weight weightlifting — also called strength training or resistance training which need some serious busting.

Turns out that there are loads of good reasons to add weightlifting to your regime or perhaps even switch to it as a mid-pandemic fitness goal: better movement control, improved cognitive abilities, enhanced cardiovascular health, improved bone development, reduction in chronic pain — and just plain old feeling better.

Weightlifting Is Just For Men

Weightlifting results in the increase of muscle strength as well as bone density. Both of these effects are beneficial for everyone. Women as well as men both are both able to benefit from good bone density, and more so with women after menopause because they are at higher risk of osteoporosis.

Weightlifting Leads To Injuries

The belief that weightlifting harms your muscles still haunts even the most committed athletes, causing a lot to skip the gym. However research shows that strength training really does prevent muscle injuries. A study of over 25 000 athletes, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, revealed that those who performed strength training experienced less than a third of the sports injuries of gym-dodgers who never lifted weights.

Weightlifting Will Make You Bulky

Sure, that’s true if you consume upwards of 3 000 calories per day and also work out four-plus days a week with extremely heavy weights. That’s a particular programme that a person would follow for a specific that goal. You’re will only get huge if you really want to and try super hard.

What will take place instead? If you begin regular weightlifting, you become stronger and also build lean muscle mass. The first noticeable results can be particularly dramatic, including kilograms lost and big gains in strength. In addition, if you want to get huge muscles you can do that, as well — that’s just a different programme.

Muscle Turns Into Fat If You Stop Weightlifting

Some very serious magic would have to take place for muscle to turn into fat, as they’re two completely different things. Muscle never turns into fat and then fat never turns into muscle. Muscle will, on the other hand, assist you with burning fat. Research has found that an extreme bought of strength training results in far more calories which are burned in the 16 to 24 hours after your training session finishes.

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Does Sprint Training Increase Strength? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/does-sprint-training-increase-strength/ Fri, 17 Dec 2021 05:00:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26634 Does Sprint Training Increase Strength? Sprint training is loosely defined as practising all-out effort runs as well as working on becoming faster. Training varies, however generally comprises runs done all-out, or at about between 85 and 90% of your best effort, with plenty of rest between sets. Such work has been shown to build muscles,...

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Does Sprint Training Increase Strength?

Sprint training is loosely defined as practising all-out effort runs as well as working on becoming faster. Training varies, however generally comprises runs done all-out, or at about between 85 and 90% of your best effort, with plenty of rest between sets. Such work has been shown to build muscles, improve cardiovascular health as well as increase muscular capacity in addition to short-term muscular endurance.

And while it’s good to be able to run very fast — we should be able to, just for our own sake — sprinting does more than merely build up speed. It can be viewed as a kind of strength training.

Increased muscular endurance — which is the ability of a muscle to sustain contractions for a period of time — means that lifters who sprint will be better conditioned to do hard, immediate lifts. Increased cardiovascular health turns longer workouts both shorter as easier. Building up muscle speaks for itself.

Sprinting Is One Of The Most Flexible Forms Of Exercise

This is because it can be utilised in order to build power as well as speed, increase muscle size, shred body fat in addition to increasing your cardiovascular capacity and muscular endurance. No other single exercise can successfully address all of these qualities.

Learning how to regulate the intensity, duration, and rest intervals will give you the opportunity to target the proper energy systems and muscle fibre types for the training effect that you are after. Learning how to fit them in with your strength training routine appropriately will make sure that the workouts complement each other.

If you are a strength and speed junkie who is wanting to wring every bit of performance out of your body, some type of sprints should be a staple in your training programme. If you have been performing weight training for years upon years and have been experiencing continuous progress however you feel like your training has been stagnant and your results could be better, including sprints into your routine will help you see results faster.

Explosive Strength Training

In order to improve your sprinting ability or speed, it’s very important to concentrate on applying force rapidly as opposed to focusing on the maximum amount of force which you can apply.

During this stage, athletes can improve their power production by making use of explosive movements under heavy loads. Owing to the heavy loads moved at very high speeds, this kind of training enables a higher threshold of motor units.

Sprinters frequently make use of explosive training as it necessitates the athlete to do accelerated actions. These kinds of exercises need the athlete to continue increasing speed throughout the movement until the moment of release or take off.

Explosive exercises have an increased degree of muscle activation, concentric velocity, force as well as power as opposed maximum strength exercises. Also, they are technically more demanding, so it’s even more important that you’re able to perform them correctly in order to avoid injury.

Sprints attack the fast-twitch muscles of the posterior chain (calves, hamstrings, glutes as well as spinal erectors). The abdominals, obliques, shoulder flexors in addition to extensors are also heavily involved. Also, sprinting trains the stretch-shortening cycle (a quick eccentric contraction that is followed by powerful concentric contraction), which carries over to enhanced jumping ability as well as other explosive plyometric exercises.

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What Is The Importance Of Sports Psychologists? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-importance-of-sports-psychologists/ Wed, 15 Dec 2021 05:00:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27341 Today, sports psychologists can do several things to assist athletes with sports as well as performance. A sports psychologist role is more understood today as a part of the usual coaching staff for teams and for individual athletes as opposed to 10 years ago. Sports psychologists can do a lot however they primarily teach athletes...

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Today, sports psychologists can do several things to assist athletes with sports as well as performance. A sports psychologist role is more understood today as a part of the usual coaching staff for teams and for individual athletes as opposed to 10 years ago. Sports psychologists can do a lot however they primarily teach athletes mental game skills in order to improve their performance and learning.

Here are some of the benefits, for athletes, of sports psychologists.

Improve Focus And The Ability To Deal With Distractions

Many athletes have the ability to concentrate, however often their focus is displaced on the incorrect areas such as when a baseball batter thinks “I need to get a hit” while in the batter’s box. This is a result-oriented focus. Sports psychologists help athletes to remain focused on the present moment and let go of results.

Increase Confidence In Athletes Who Have Doubts

Doubt is the reverse of confidence. If you maintain a lot of doubts prior to or during your performance, this shows low self-confidence or at least that you are sabotaging what confidence you had at the start of the competition. Confidence is a core mental game skill owing to its importance and relationship to other kinds of mental skills.

Develop Coping Skills To Deal With Obstacles And Errors

Emotional control is a requirement to getting into the zone. Athletes who have an extremely high and strict expectations experience trouble in dealing with minor errors which are a natural part of sports. It’s very important to address these expectations and also assist athletes with staying composed under pressure and when they make mistakes or become frustrated.

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What Topics Are Covered In Sports Psychology?

Contemporary sports psychology is a broad field. There are a number of different topics which are of particular interest to sports psychologists. Some sports psychologists focus on a particular area, while others study a broad range of techniques.

Attentional Focus

Attentional focus includes the ability to tune out distractions, such as a crowd of screaming fans as well as focus attention on the task at hand. This gives athletes the opportunity to manage their mental focus even in the face of other things that are competing for attention.

Common strategies which might be used include things such deep breathing in order to assist with focusing attention, paying attention to bodily signals as well as sensations, and mindfulness to assist with staying focused on the present moment.

Visualisation And Goal-Setting

This involves imagining performing a task, such as taking part in an athletic event or successfully executing a particular skill. This area of sports psychology is centred on helping athletes mentally get ready for a performance or competition.

Visualisation involves creating a mental image of what you “intend” to take place. Athletes can utilise these skills in order to envision the outcome which they are pursuing. They might visualise themselves winning an event or performing a difficult movement. Also, it can be useful for assisting athletes feel calmer and more focused prior to an event.

Motivation And Team-Building

A number of sports psychologists are working with professional athletes and coaches in order to improve performance as well as increase motivation. A main subject in sports psychology, the study of motivation looks at extrinsic in addition to intrinsic motivators.

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What Exercises Are Good For Psoriatic Arthritis? Read this article https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-exercises-are-good-for-psoriatic-arthritis-read-this-article/ Tue, 14 Dec 2021 05:00:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27336 Exercise is a fantastic way to lower joint pain and stiffness which is caused by psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Although it can be hard to imagine exercising when you’re in pain, performing some sort of physical activity will probably help. In addition, regular exercises can help to lower stress as well as enhance your sense of...

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Exercise is a fantastic way to lower joint pain and stiffness which is caused by psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Although it can be hard to imagine exercising when you’re in pain, performing some sort of physical activity will probably help.

In addition, regular exercises can help to lower stress as well as enhance your sense of well-being. The thing which you need to keep in mind is to be aware of your exercise routine as well as to listen to your body’s signals.

Speak with your doctor before starting a new routine. They will be able to offer you some suggestions for getting started or offer advice on what movements to try or avoid.

Common Exercise Mistakes With Psoriatic Arthritis

You Don’t Work On Your Muscular Strength

One of the things to remember – which a lot of people don’t – is the importance of strengthening. Essentially, the stronger your muscles are, the better they are able to absorb shock as well as control motion. This ultimately minimises stress on the actual joint.

It’s very important not to start out with too much weight or resistance. Rather, start at an intensity which doesn’t feel too difficult, and perform more repetitions of the exercise as opposed to what you would at a higher weight.

You Don’t Get Sufficient Aerobic Activity

As important as strength training is, it’s also important to incorporate aerobic exercise into your workout routine.

If you’ve felt discomfort in your joints while doing moderate-impact aerobic exercises such as jogging you may be tempted to skip cardio entirely. However lower-impact alternatives such as elliptical machines, stationary bikes, rowing machines, swimming, or – alternatively – pool exercises can improve your health without overstressing your joints.

As an alternative, you are able to use lighter weights for strength training and perform them in a circuit fashion — with short and timed pauses in between activities — in order to get a cardiovascular benefit.

You Focus On High-Impact Exercises

Running and jumping may not be great choices if you have psoriatic arthritis since they can put strain on your joints and speed up the inflammatory process. Walking places between 1.5 and 2 times your body weight in stress on your joints, while jogging places five to eight times your body weight in stress on your joints.

That’s loads of stress for a joint which is irritated or inflamed. There’s a huge amount of force coming up through your legs and into the spine. And any kind of jumping or rapid form of resistance activity could be even worse for your joints. Those activities just aren’t going to be tolerable in most people with joint issues.

Don’t Forget Your Strength Training

These exercises are created to boost muscle strength. The stronger your muscles, the steadier your joints. You should choose light weights with lots of repetition and not lift heavy weights. Aim to perform strength training two or three times a week, on alternating days. Although you could need to work yourself up to this.

Work On Range-Of-Motion Exercises

These types of exercise include gently stretching your joints as far as you are able to in each direction. Performing range-of-motion exercises can assist with keeping your joints flexible and stop you from feeling stiff.

Aim to perform range-of-motion exercises every day, such as wrists bends, arm circles as well as leg raises — however take breaks as-required to protect your joints.

Include Endurance Exercises In Your Routine

These activities can assist with improving your cardiovascular fitness as well as overall health in addition to your psoriatic arthritis symptoms.

The best endurance exercises for individuals who have psoriatic arthritis are walking, swimming, and biking. If you’re can, running is fine too. Just make sure to run on softer surfaces in order to avoid any repetitive, hard impact on your joints.

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How To Avoid Injury While Strength Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-avoid-injury-while-strength-training/ Mon, 13 Dec 2021 05:00:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27302 Strength training is the utilisation of resistance to muscular contraction in order to build the strength, anaerobic endurance in addition to the size of skeletal muscles. Regular, repeated and steady resistance training will result in stronger muscles. Strength training may be dangerous if your technique is not correct. Before beginning any strength training ensure that...

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Strength training is the utilisation of resistance to muscular contraction in order to build the strength, anaerobic endurance in addition to the size of skeletal muscles. Regular, repeated and steady resistance training will result in stronger muscles.

Strength training may be dangerous if your technique is not correct. Before beginning any strength training ensure that you have an assessment and programme that is written for your specific needs. Make sure you follow any medical advice and are shown the exercises by a personal trainer.

What Are Common Injuries From Strength Training?

These often include the following:

  • Rotator Cuff Injuries

Your rotator cuff is the set of tendons and muscles that surround your shoulder joint. Injury results in inflammation or a tear in these muscles and tendons. It’s a common cause of shoulder pain. This can make it challenging to carry out daily tasks that require arm movement, such as hair brushing or getting dressed.

Rotator cuff injuries are quite common place in athletes who play tennis and baseball, or construction workers, as the injuries are caused by repetitive overhead motions. The two main kinds of rotator cuff injuries are a rotator cuff tear, which may develop subsequent to an injury or if you dislocate your shoulder, and tendinopathy, which is pain around the tendons of your rotator cuff as they are unable to repair themselves. Tendinopathy is often a result of wear and tear over time.

  • Hamstring Pulls

Your hamstrings are strong bands of tissue which are located at the back of your thigh and injuring them results in the tendons or muscles to strain or tear. Pulling your hamstring takes place when one or more of the muscles are stretched too far. This is frequently a result of sudden, powerful movements, and can take place when you are running, jumping or – alternatively – lunging.

You will more probably to suffer a hamstring injury if you have already had one in the past. While they often cause relatively little pain and have a quick recovery time, there are three grades of hamstring injuries. A pull can take days to heal, but a grade two or three tear might take weeks or months to heal fully.

  • Disc Herniations

A herniated disc (which is frequently called a slipped disc) is a common back injury. We have vertebral discs between each vertebral bone in our spine that act as cushions. They help to absorb impact and guide movement in the spine.

When they rupture and herniate, it can be painful and can cause symptoms to travel down your legs as pressure is put on your nerves. This type of injury can be caused by a sudden extreme movement or by repetitive poor movement when weightlifting, which is why good form and correct technique are essential.

Warm-Up Properly

Stretching and a proper warm-up are very important for avoiding injury. Your personal trainer can teach you warm-up routines which utilise light weights or resistance bands in order to get the muscles ready for weight lifting. In addition, some light cardio and stretching are crucial. The goal here is to have your muscles warm and loosened up and to have your muscle cells oxygenated and ready to work.

Don’t Try To Lift Too Much Weight

Utilising too much weight in an exercise is a high-risk proposition that is ripe with injury potential.

What’s too much?

  • If you aren’t able to control a weight on its downward, loading trajectory,
  • If you aren’t able to contain a movement within its biomechanical boundaries, and
  • If you need to jerk or heave a weight in order to lift it.

An out-of-control barbell or dumbbell will have a mind of its own. The weight bows down to the laws of gravity and looks for the floor. Anything which is in its way (or attached to it) is in danger.

Proper Fuel for Your Body

Utilise the proper nutrition in order to maximise your gains from strength training. The best technique is to eat a nutritious meal about two hours prior to your workout. Your physical therapist is able to recommend the correct amounts of fruits, vegetables, proteins as well as carbs to take in before your workouts. Likewise, you’ll want to remain properly hydrated for working out.

Drink a big glass of water about two hours prior to your workout and remain hydrated while you’re engaged in strength training. One last thing that you need to note: Don’t eat a massive meal just as you have a workout coming up. It’s better to eat the correct amounts of healthy foods than to overdo it.

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Do you want to become a strength training expert? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Are The Best Stretches To Alleviate Leg Pain? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-stretches-to-alleviate-leg-pain/ Thu, 09 Dec 2021 05:00:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27290 At some point in every person’s life, they will experience leg pain. From athletic activities right down to chronic illness, there are a myriad of reasons why it’s so common to live with discomfort. But sometimes, leg pain is so strong that it can make every day routines feel like mammoth tasks. If the pain...

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At some point in every person’s life, they will experience leg pain. From athletic activities right down to chronic illness, there are a myriad of reasons why it’s so common to live with discomfort. But sometimes, leg pain is so strong that it can make every day routines feel like mammoth tasks. If the pain you experience in your legs, even something which is as straightforward as getting up from bed and driving becomes an annoyance.

Leg pain can take place for a variety of reasons. However, all leg pains are categorised into three main types.

What Are The Three Types of Leg Pain?

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal leg pain is the type of leg pain which is most often seen. This kind of leg pain is associated with the muscles or skeletal system. Conditions seen in this category are muscle strain, ligament as well as tendon strain.

Muscle pain is the most commonly seen type of pain.

Vascular

Conditions in this category of leg pain are Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), peripheral artery diseases, or varicose veins. In this type of leg pain, skin discoloration can also be another symptom.

Neurological

Conditions such as sciatic leg pain (which involves sciatic nerve compression), neural damage, neuropathy (diabetic leg pain) fall under this category.

Here are some stretches to assist with alleviating leg pain.

Hamstring Stretches

The hamstring muscles can be found on the back of the upper leg. If they’re feeling a bit tender after leg day at the gym or after you’ve run a half marathon, sit down on the floor and then bend forward from your waist. Try to bend as far as you can while keeping your legs straight. Hold the position for 20 seconds. Release and repeat a total of three times.

Calf Stretches

Stand at arm’s length from a wall. Put both of your hands on the wall, shoulder-distance apart. After this, take a step back with one leg while – at the same time – keeping a pushing motion against the wall. Maintain your position for between 20 and 30 seconds. Release and repeat with your other leg.

Hip Flexor Stretches

Sit on the floor with your back up tall. Put the bottoms of your feet together in front of you. Pull your heels towards you and then slowly push your knees down to the floor. Maintain your position for 30 seconds.

Alternatively, you can perform a standing hamstring stretch.

Stand and then cross our right foot over your left foot. Bend forward slowly until your forehead is facing your knees. Keep your legs straight while you’re holding this position. Maintain it for approximately 20 seconds. When you return to a full upright position, cross the left foot over the right foot and do it again.

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Why Is Exercise Medicine? Read this article to find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-exercise-medicine-read-this-article-to-find-out-more/ Wed, 08 Dec 2021 05:00:12 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27286 Exercise is good for you. That’s hardly news. Individuals who exercise tend to have lengthier, healthier lives. However, until recently researchers have recorded its advantages only in narrow slices. Exercise reduces your cholesterol levels and blood pressure; it keeps you from getting fat. Now it’s becoming clear that those known slices don’t add up to...

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Exercise is good for you. That’s hardly news. Individuals who exercise tend to have lengthier, healthier lives. However, until recently researchers have recorded its advantages only in narrow slices. Exercise reduces your cholesterol levels and blood pressure; it keeps you from getting fat. Now it’s becoming clear that those known slices don’t add up to the full pie. Studies demonstrate that just 150 minutes per week of exercise for adults may prevent – as well as treat – chronic diseases.

Exercise Reduces Your Risk Of Chronic Illness

The American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM’s), which started the “Exercise Is Medicine” project, has recognised the myriad of health benefits of exercise. These include lowering the incidence of a number of different cancers, lowering the risk of excessive weight gain (with its related health problems, as well as diabetes), and enhanced cardiovascular health (as well as lower risk of hypertension in addition to stroke).

All of these contributed to a global lower risk of all causes of mortality in individuals who exercise. Another significant analysis that was reported in 2009 found these same benefits were experienced by people who were already suffering from chronic conditions.

Exercise Results In Brain Gains

Scientists have long realised that some of the advantages of exercise are a straightforward matter of plumbing. Exercise results in blood vessels becoming bigger and keeping them functioning smoothly, which makes them less likely to plug up and then cause a heart attack or stroke. There have been suggestions that this may also mean far more blood flow to the brain, which could assist with preventing cognitive decline. For instance, studies have linked exercise to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s.

Currently, researchers are making clearer connections between exercise as well as brain health. They are finding that the full benefit of exercise comes not just from mere physical movement however from actual physical fitness and the human body’s cardiovascular health.

A long-standing study of Norwegian military recruits, for instance, found that their aerobic fitness at the age of 18 was highly foretelling of their risk of dementia in old age. As well, Swedish women who were incredibly fit in middle age had an eight times lesser risk of dementia over the following 44 years as opposed to women of just moderate fitness.

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Improve Your Mental Health

Stress hormones are responsible for compromising immune function however exercise, in addition to yoga, is extremely good at combatting stress. A number of different studies have demonstrated that exercising regularly is linked with better mental health, in addition to a lowered risk or incidence of dementia, reduced feelings of anxiety in addition to depression, improved cognitive function, improved quality of life, improved sleep. As well as the latest neuroscience shows that even moderate physical activity can have a lot of benefits.

To say that exercise is better as opposed to conventional medicine is a stretch. No one is saying that a workout will help in a genuine health emergency. However, a huge 2013 comparison study of exercise and drug interventions found that being fit was as good – if not better – at combatting a number of chronic illnesses, as we’ve mentioned previously in this article.

In short, exercise is very good for you – so keep it up!

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Do you want to become an exercise specialist? If you do then you need to contact Trifocus Fitness Academy and ask them about doing their Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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Fitness Tracker Vs. Smartwatch What Is Best For You? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/fitness-tracker-vs-smartwatch-what-is-best-for-you/ Mon, 06 Dec 2021 12:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27274 Both smartwatches and fitness trackers can assist you with staying connected, tracking your everyday activities as well as monitoring your progress towards fitness goals. However, there are differences between the two kinds of devices. This means that you’ll need to decide which features are the most important to you. Normally, fitness trackers are more focused...

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Both smartwatches and fitness trackers can assist you with staying connected, tracking your everyday activities as well as monitoring your progress towards fitness goals. However, there are differences between the two kinds of devices. This means that you’ll need to decide which features are the most important to you.

Normally, fitness trackers are more focused on health and activity monitoring as opposed to smart notifications. Their smaller screens aren’t as favourable to reading and responding to messages as the larger screens on watches.  Some smartwatches are aimed at fashion-conscious people who also would like to keep fit people who mostly want an attractive watch with good smart features as well as a modicum of fitness features.

Some are aimed just at fitness enthusiasts who would like plenty of sensors for specialist exercise tracking.  However there are plenty which straddle both camps, providing looks, sophisticated health features, advanced smart features as well as detailed sports tracking.

What Is A Fitness Tracker?

Trackers are simpler devices which are intended mainly for fundamental physical monitoring. They don’t work with the third-party apps as smartwatches do. However, they often don’t cost as much, either.

Fitbit’s fitness tracker offerings boil down to merely a handful of models. These incorporate the Inspire 2, one of our top-rated options, in addition to the new Charge 5, which is a bit larger and more expensive and comes with a colour display and other smartwatch-like features.

In addition, there’s the Fitbit Luxe, a sleek and fashionable model which offers stress management tools.

A Fitness Tracker Tracks All Of Your Everyday Activity

Did you walk from the garden and back into the house? Your fitness tracker will count those steps. Climbed up 10 flights of stairs in order to get to work? A fitness tracker will track your all-day activity. This means your steps, distance, elevation, and the calories which you burned during that activity.

When you have a fitness tracker with advanced features you’ll have the ability to choose custom workout profiles such as hiking, HIIT training as well as weight training and track those. Depending on which fitness tracker you select you may be able to track swimming too, and some trackers offer multi-sport tracking if you do different sports during your daily workout.

Many different types of fitness trackers will also track your sleep, so you can wear it all night and see how many hours of REM and light sleep you’re getting.

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What Is A Smartwatch?

Yes, a smartwatch will cost you a bit more as opposed to a fitness tracker. However in many cases you’re buying a lot of extra functionality. And for what it’s worth, smartwatches dropped considerably in price in recent years.

On the other side, the performance as well as features of Fitbit’s poshest model don’t come close to duplicating those of the top-rated Apple Watch (which costs roughly twice as much). Although you are able read messages and download an expanding population of third-party apps, you aren’t able to make or take calls from any of Fitbit’s watches. And the Fitbit store has just a fraction of the apps which Apple and Google offer.

Smartwatches Keep You Connected Via Your Favourite Operating System

Just like you choose an Android or Apple phone, you can choose a smartwatch that runs on the Android or Apple operating system. The Apple Watch is the only smartwatch which runs the watchOS operating system, but there are many different types of Android smartwatch that run Google’s Wear OS.

While you don’t have to stick to the same type of operating system your phone runs, you could find some smartwatches have features which only work when paired with a compatible phone. For instance, some smartwatches will only let you answer calls if you have a phone with a similar operating system.

If you choose a Wear OS watch you should be able to load apps on it that run independently of your phone. That means you can still track your fitness, but you can leave your phone at home.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a fitness expert? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Happens In Your Body When You Do Weight Lifting Every Day? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-happens-in-your-body-when-you-do-weight-lifting-every-day/ Mon, 06 Dec 2021 05:00:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27153 If your goal is to become a stronger athlete or you want to build bigger muscles, lifting weights not only assists you with looking great in your favourite pair of jeans and T-shirt, however it can support healthy joints, improve your heart health as well as promote weight loss. It’s very tempting to hit the...

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If your goal is to become a stronger athlete or you want to build bigger muscles, lifting weights not only assists you with looking great in your favourite pair of jeans and T-shirt, however it can support healthy joints, improve your heart health as well as promote weight loss.

It’s very tempting to hit the squat rack every single day if you’re seeing (or looking for) these gains, however as with all things, too much of a great thing can be bad. If you don’t allow your muscles sufficient time in order to recover, lifting weights every day can backfire on you – badly.

When you don’t give your muscles at least one day of rest between heavy workouts, it lowers the amount of time that your body’s cells have to recover as well as form new proteins. If one muscle group is particularly sore, it’s as it is still recovering from the tough workout which you put it though earlier. In other words, fighting through muscle soreness does your body absolutely no favours.

In order to avoid the negative symptoms of lifting weights everyday – such as excessive fatigue, reduced performance, mood as well as sleep disturbances, and nagging injuries – try to give each muscle group at least a day of rest between each of your weightlifting workouts.

You Burn Fat And May Lose Weight

Lifting weights every single day may support your weight-loss goals by assisting you with burning calories as well as reducing total body fat. Even though you can’t spot-reduce specific areas, such as your belly, strength training encourages body fat loss through building lean muscle and boosting your metabolic rate.

Muscles burn more calories at rest as opposed to fat and will burn calories even after the workout session is done (potentially) for up to 48 hours. With individuals who weight train consistently  they will have physiological changes which include decreased percent body fat, more lean body mass as well as increased bone density.

The lengthy calorie burn is due in part to a process which is called excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). It is also known as workout afterburn and is a measure of the oxygen it takes for your body to recover. Taxing your body during resistance training means that you need more oxygen afterward in order to restore normal metabolic function. This process burns calories.

Strength Training Increases Energy Levels And Improves Your Mood

Strength training has been noticed to be a valid treatment option (or an additional treatment) to quell symptoms of depression. All types of exercise boosts mood as it increases endorphins. However for strength training, additional research which is looked at neurochemical and neuromuscular responses to such workouts offers further evidence it has a positive effect on the brain.

Your Bones Remain Strong

After you turn 30, you start to suffer the loss of muscle mass by between 3 and 5% per decade, a process called sarcopenia. This loss in muscle mass results in less mobility as well as an increased risk of falls and fractures. Sarcopenia is mostly the result of changes in hormones owing to ageing.

The good news is that you are able to help prevent sarcopenia through lifting weights regularly (although days off are still important). Concentrate especially on strength-training exercises which stimulate your fast-twitch muscle fibres, because most of the muscle loss you experience from sarcopenia affects those type II fibres.

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Do you want to become a personal trainer? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Are The Fundamental Goals Of Sports Psychology? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-fundamental-goals-of-sports-psychology/ Fri, 03 Dec 2021 05:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27140 When most people think about sport psychology, they tend to think about what is usually referred to as mental training. The aim of mental training is to better prepare athletes psychologically as well as emotionally for the demands of sports practice and the requirements of competition. Growing motivation, building confidence, managing competitive anxiety, and enhancing...

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When most people think about sport psychology, they tend to think about what is usually referred to as mental training. The aim of mental training is to better prepare athletes psychologically as well as emotionally for the demands of sports practice and the requirements of competition. Growing motivation, building confidence, managing competitive anxiety, and enhancing focus are common areas in which sport psychologists and mental coaches help athletes.

What is a Mental Performance Coach?

A mental performance coach assists athletes to develop mental skills to perform well constantly in competition. This is related to a head coach who concentrates on the physical and tactical components of sport. From a sports psychology point of view, mental performance coaches work with athletes one on one, or in groups, in order to identify their mental strengths as well as to break through mental barriers in order to boost their performance.

Sports Psychology and Performance

Mental performance coaches work with athletes of all abilities and ages. These coaches help athletes handle the demands of training, cope with pressure in competitive situations, overcome high expectations as well as perform consistently well so they can maximise their potential.

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The Aim Of Sports Psychology

Some athletes look for help from a sport psychologist – or other exercise and sport psychology professionals – when they have a challenge which they need to overcome. They could become anxious or lose focus during competition, for instance. They could have trouble communicating with teammates, managing their temper, or even just encouraging themselves to exercise. Or they might choke at important moments during a game.

However, athletes don’t just consult sports psychologists when they’re having difficulties. Sport psychologists can also help athletes:

  • Enhance performance. Various mental strategies, such as visualisation, self-talk as well as relaxation techniques, can assist athletes overcome obstacles and attain their full potential.
  • Cope with the pressures of competition. Sport psychologists can assist athletes at all levels deal with tension from parents, coaches, or even their own expectations.
  • Recover from injuries. After an injury, athletes could need assistance with tolerating pain, adhering to their physical therapy regimens, or adapting to being side-lined.
  • Keep up an exercise program Even those who would like to exercise regularly could find themselves not able to fulfil their goal. Sport psychologists can assist these individuals to increase their motivation as well as tackle any related concerns.
  • Enjoy sports. Sports organisations for young people could hire a sport psychologist to educate coaches about how to assist kids enjoy sports and how to encourage healthy self-esteem in participants.

Becoming an elite athletic performer results from years of careful planning as well as hard work. The winners get to the top by identifying, defining, and attaining a series of smaller goals along the way to reaching the podium.

However being at that level takes sustainable motivation in addition to the ability to stay calm under considerable pressure. Successful performance necessitates the correct mindset and psychological tools to give the sportsperson the opportunity to overcome both defeat and success. Neither of which is simple.

Modern athletes (professional and amateur), coaches, and team managers recognise the challenges within their sport and the competitive edge gained from seeking sports psychologists’ help.

Sports psychology can even assist people off the playing field. The same strategies which sport psychologists teach athletes—relaxation techniques, mental rehearsals as well as cognitive restructuring, for example—are also helpful in the workplace and other settings.

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What Are The Benefits Of Pull-Ups? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-pull-ups-read-this-article/ Thu, 02 Dec 2021 05:00:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27129 The pull-up is an upper body resistance training exercise. In order to perform a pull-up, you begin by hanging onto a pull0up bar with your palms facing away from you. Your body must be extended fully. Then, you pull yourself up until your chin is just above the bar. Pull-ups are different from a chin-up....

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The pull-up is an upper body resistance training exercise. In order to perform a pull-up, you begin by hanging onto a pull0up bar with your palms facing away from you. Your body must be extended fully. Then, you pull yourself up until your chin is just above the bar.

Pull-ups are different from a chin-up. With a chin-up, your palms and hands face towards you. The pull-up is considered to be an advanced exercise. It’s more difficult as opposed to the chin-up. However the pull-up can be modified or done on an assisted machine for beginners, and you’ll still get benefits from these variations.

Is It A Great Idea To Do Pull-Ups Every Day?

Exaggerated tales of epic everyday workouts done by elite athletes are absolutely nothing new in the fitness world. However, with the rise of YouTube influencers as well as other similar social media trends, 30-day exercise routines involving everyday training with high repetitions have become ever more popular.

Regrettably, many of these programmes contain excessive volume — even for trained fitness aficionados — and are frequently way beyond what a novice fitness trainee could or should do.

This does not mean doing these kinds of routines is impossible, however rather that this kind of programme is best thought of as a challenge as opposed to an optimal workout programme for long-term results.

Pull-Ups Are An Effective Compound Exercise

When you think about a ‘typical’ compound exercise, what do you picture? In all probability, you imagine the deadlift, bench press, shoulder press or – alternatively – the squat. These moves may work different muscles, however they have a lot in common:

  • They are most effective when they include heavy weights.
  • They use several muscles all at the same time.
  • They can be adapted in order to target some muscles more than others.

These attributes are important; however they are by no means restricted to the standard compound exercises which we’ve come to know and love. Also, pull-ups work a number of different muscles — and they can be tweaked when needed to focus on particular areas. The sheer power needed for a successful pull-up should not be discounted. Rather than of utilising dumbbells or barbells, this move uses the entire weight of your body.

No isolated muscle can lift your body above the bar on its own, however all the upper body muscles — as well as the lats, traps, deltoids, pecs, biceps, forearms as well as triceps — work together when you perform a pull-up. If you’re determined to work several muscles simultaneously during your daily exercises, you’ll find few moves that are more comprehensive or effective than the pull-up.

Pull-Ups Do Wonders For Your Grip Strength

Grip strength is quite an important part of everyday life. This is why pull-ups are so fantastic. Sure, you require good grip strength to actually do a single pull-up, however in doing so they go a long way in training that very same grip strength.

Think about it. Your hands and fingers need to hold up all of your body weight and this serves as better grip strength training as opposed to virtually any other exercise out there.

Things such as baseball, mountain climbing, weight lifting, football, holding up your baby and even opening up a stubborn jar of pickles all necessitate great grip strength. If you would like to stop struggling with that pickle jar you should definitely start doing a few pull-ups every day.

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Everything You Need To Know About Sports Massage Therapy https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sports-massage-therapy/ Wed, 01 Dec 2021 05:00:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27121 The world of sports is extremely competitive. As athletes push themselves to the limit, they increasingly suffer aches, pains, strains as well as injuries. The advantages of a sports massage therapy are numerous: increased flexibility, lowered risk of injury, and an improved circulatory system, just to name a few. What Is Sports Massage Therapy? Sports...

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The world of sports is extremely competitive. As athletes push themselves to the limit, they increasingly suffer aches, pains, strains as well as injuries. The advantages of a sports massage therapy are numerous: increased flexibility, lowered risk of injury, and an improved circulatory system, just to name a few.

What Is Sports Massage Therapy?

Sports massage therapy is a particular kind of massage which treats and prevents different sports injuries. This type of therapy encompasses different types of massage as well as muscle manipulation in order to help treat sports injuries as well as muscle strains.

It works by stretching and stimulating tight and sore muscles, in addition to improving the condition of soft tissue. This assist to reduce stress and tension which can build up in the body from exercise or strenuous activities.

Also, sports massage can help to correct soft tissue muscle imbalances which are caused by repetitive motions (commonly seen in tennis players or golfers). This type of massage can aid recovery and avoid injury.

An injury or condition which lowers an athlete’s performance can have disastrous consequences on their careers and general performance on and off the sporting field. Regular massages before and after games assist with warming up and loosening muscles, helping in faster recovery as well as better conditioning.

Carefully Consider Before Scheduling A Massage Close To An Event

Are you completely new to massage? If you are then you need to book your first appointment either well before a race – at least a couple of weeks out – or wait until the day after the sporting event. Just like you wouldn’t try out new socks or shoes on the day of your sporting event, you shouldn’t experiment with any pre-race bodywork.. Those who are familiar with massage may benefit from a pre-race rubdown in the seven to two-day window before an event. Getting treatment less than 48-hours prior puts all runners – even those who are massage veterans – at risk of race day soreness.

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What Are The Benefits Of Sports Massage?

Sports injuries are as commonplace as winners and losers in a sport – that’s a given. Frequently, however, the first remedy of the injured is to take the pain-killers and drugs to assist them to recover. In many cases, the heavy usage of drugs, both over-the-counter (OTC) in addition prescription-based, may produce long-term side effects.

That’s where the advantages of sports massage come in. If performed under the supervision and auspices of trained professionals, sports massages assist with:

  • Reducing (maybe even eliminating) the requirement for harmful chemical-based medication throughout the recovery process,
  • Alleviating stress and muscle tension,
  • Increasing mobility and range of motion subsequent to a sporting injury,
  • Shortening down-time time and improving recovery, and
  • Building confidence and healing psychologically.

These are just some of the pluses of turning to alternate treatments, such as sports massage therapy, when dealing with sports injuries.

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If you would like to become a sports massage therapist, then you need to do our Sports Massage Course. Click on this link in order to find out more and to register.

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Does Exercise Assist With Lowering Blood Pressure? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/does-exercise-assist-with-lowering-blood-pressure/ Tue, 30 Nov 2021 05:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27092 Your risk of high blood pressure (which is also called hypertension) increases with age, however getting some exercise in can make a massive difference. And if your blood pressure is high already, exercise can assist you with controlling it. Don’t think that you need to be able to run a marathon immediately or join a...

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Your risk of high blood pressure (which is also called hypertension) increases with age, however getting some exercise in can make a massive difference. And if your blood pressure is high already, exercise can assist you with controlling it. Don’t think that you need to be able to run a marathon immediately or join a gym. Rather, begin slowly and work more physical activity into your everyday routine. Lifestyle plays a very important role in terms of treating your high blood pressure. If you control your blood pressure successfully with a healthy lifestyle, you could avoid, delay or lower the need for medication.

How It Works

Frequent physical activity results in your heart becoming much stronger. A stronger heart can pump more blood all over your body with less effort. Consequently, the force on your arteries lessens, lowering your blood pressure.

Blood pressure is calculated in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). Normal blood pressure levels are less than 120 mm Hg for the top figure (systolic) and less than 80 mm Hg for the bottom figure (diastolic). Increasing your levels of physical activity can lower both your top and bottom blood pressure figures. How much lower isn’t totally clear, however studies show decreases from 4 to 12 mm Hg diastolic as well as 3 to 6 mm Hg systolic.

Exercising often also assists you with maintaining a healthy weight — which is another important way to control blood pressure. If you’re overweight, losing even 2.3 kilograms may lower your blood pressure.

In order to keep your blood pressure healthy, you really do need to keep exercising often. It takes around one to three months for regular exercise to have a significant impact on your blood pressure. The benefits last only as long as you continue to exercise.

What Type of Exercise Is Best For Controlling High Blood Pressure?

There are three basic kinds of exercise:

  • Cardiovascular, or aerobic, exercise can assist with lowering your blood pressure as well as making your heart stronger. Good examples include walking, jogging, skipping, bicycling (stationary or outdoor), cross-country skiing, skating, rowing, high- or low-impact aerobics, swimming as well as water aerobics.
  • Strength training builds strong muscles that assist you to burn more calories during the day. Also, it’s great for your joints and bones.
  • Stretching makes you more flexible, assists you with moving better, and assists with preventing injury.

Choose moderate activity, such as brisk walking, no less than 30 minutes a day, no less than 5 days a week. If you’re short on time, vigorous activity, such as jogging, gives you exactly the same benefit in 20 minutes, between three and four days a week.

If you’re not active today, work up to gradually this quantity of exercise. If it takes you a number of weeks to get there, that’s totally fine.

Supportive family and friends can assist with improving your health. They may persuade you to take care of yourself, drive you to the doctor’s office or embark on an exercise programme with you to make sure that you keep your blood pressure low.

If you find that you need support beyond your family and friends, consider joining a support group. This may put you in touch with individuals who can give you an emotional or morale boost and who are able to offer practical tips so that you can cope with your condition.

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How Can Pilates Improve Your Triathlon Performance? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-pilates-improve-your-triathlon-performance/ Mon, 29 Nov 2021 05:00:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=27011 The very important thing about a triathlon is keeping in mind that the three stages are quite different and recruit quite different muscles. This is crucial because it’s one of the reasons why it’s a very difficult sport! When warming up, you’ll want to try and hit all these different groups and get the body...

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The very important thing about a triathlon is keeping in mind that the three stages are quite different and recruit quite different muscles. This is crucial because it’s one of the reasons why it’s a very difficult sport! When warming up, you’ll want to try and hit all these different groups and get the body ready for rotation in swimming, a flexed and static body position in cycling as well as repetitive impact when running.

Proficiency in running, cycling as well as swimming are not sufficient to be successful in triathlons. Triathletes need general strength conditioning and workouts in order to attain the highest levels of power, strength in addition to endurance. Over the last couple of years, many triathletes have begun including Pilates in their triathlon training. This kind of workout targets the mind and body. It is able to provide flexible, strong muscles without adding any bulk.

What Are The Benefits of Pilates for Triathletes?

For triathletes, traditional crunches might not be as effective as Pilates for increasing power and flexibility. For triathletes, traditional abdominal crunches may not be as effective as Pilates for increasing power and flexibility.

The fundamental goal of Pilates is to increase strength and flexibility without adding on bulk to the body. The wonderful thing about performing Pilates on a regular basis is that it provides a deep-muscle workout for the core abdominals. This type of workout stabilises the pelvic floor and shoulder girdle, which is very important for balancing the big muscle groups in the arms as well as the legs.

One of the absolute best things about Pilates for triathletes is that it assists with mainlining optimal posture and make sure that the body is kept operating at peak performance over a long period of time. In addition, Pilates can prevent injuries and improve athletic performance through improved energy conservation.

Having A Strong Core Is Vital For Proper Form And Alignment

It can ease some of the strain of endurance exercise on the body. Any kind of weakness in the core means that the limbs need to work harder when swimming, cycling as well as running. For the duration of a triathlon, this could mean the difference between finishing the race and failing down in utter exhaustion.

Pilates can significantly improve flexibility, which assists with endurance as a tense muscle will get tired faster than one that is engaged however elongated. In addition, Pilates focuses on rhythmic breathing, which is another key aspect for success with any endurance exercise.

In addition to assisting triathletes perform at their peak, doing Pilates lowers the likelihood of injury during a race. Through strengthening the core – in addition to the pelvic and shoulder girdle – you effectively alleviate strain in the major muscle groups that are associated with those areas. You’ll also achieve greater stability and alignment in the body. Thus, the body is better protected during the difficult and demanding activities of a triathlon.

Pilates Helps With Increase in Range Of Motion And Preventing Injury

Triathletes know well that tight muscles may have a detrimental impact on the race. Also, they can cause injuries in the joints as well as lower back pain. For this very reason, the muscles need to be flexible. Pilates is one of the greatest workouts for triathlon training as it assists with developing flexible and lean muscles in the body. This can diminish injuries in the shoulder, chest, hamstring as well as calf muscles.

A regular Pilates routine can make sure proper stretching in a triathlon training programme. It can also encourage lubrication to the joints and healthy blood circulation. With Pilates exercise routines, it is easy for the body to utilise all the muscles efficiently and save energy. Using the correct muscles will prevent the onset of fatigue in a triathlon. This can be the key to a successful race.

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Are you keen on studying to become a Pilates instructor? If you do then you need to do our Pilates Instructor Course. Follow this link so that you can find out more.

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How Exercise Affects Your Appetite? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-exercise-affects-your-appetite-read-this-article/ Fri, 26 Nov 2021 05:00:47 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26981 Studies have shown that aerobic exercise — such as running, cycling as well as swimming —decreases appetite through changing the levels of hormones which drive our state of hunger. However, the fundamental biological mechanisms which are thus set in motion, and which tell our bodies to secrete fewer of the hormones which drive hunger, have...

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Studies have shown that aerobic exercise — such as running, cycling as well as swimming —decreases appetite through changing the levels of hormones which drive our state of hunger.

However, the fundamental biological mechanisms which are thus set in motion, and which tell our bodies to secrete fewer of the hormones which drive hunger, have remained uncertain. Most research shows, for instance, that exercise lowers levels of the appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin and boosts levels of the appetite-suppressing hormone leptin.

Here’s a more in-depth look at some of the many factors at play during exercise – as well as the best way to make use of them to your advantage in order to achieve your health and fitness goals.

Intensity

While an intensive spinning class burns more calories than a leisurely walk, harder workouts tend to suppress appetite temporarily, while low- to moderate-intensity exercise may make you feel hungry quickly.

This is as, during a challenging routine, your body shuttles much of its blood supply to the heart, brain as well as muscles. Your digestive system, in the meantime, gets more or less abandoned. The harder you exercise, the more blood you’re pulling away from the gut and the less hungry you’re going to feel.

Duration

The longer you exercise, the longer it will take going to take for your body systems to go back to baseline and cue your hunger. So, after a two-hour run, you may be able to shower, get dressed and drive to a restaurant before the menu looks appealing, while after a 20-minute high-intensity interval training session, you may not make it home from the gym without stopping for a snack.

Longer exercise also suppresses your appetite in the way that it fills time you may otherwise spend mindlessly eating.

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Beware Of The Exercise Halo

A phenomenal sweat session can make you feel as if you’re a health angel—for good reason, given its life-boosting power. However, we may feel so virtuous that we reward ourselves with some not-so-healthy habits. Don’t fall for these self-sabotaging thoughts.

What Kind Of Exercise Represses Appetite?

Only vigorous exercise seems to make any difference. In one study, 14 young men walked vigorously for an hour or rested calmly on separate days. The researchers saw no difference in appetite, the hunger hormone ghrelin, or calorie intake. In our studies, you have to get above about 60% of your maximal oxygen uptake for exercise to suppress appetite. That means a fast jog or cycling like you’re in a hurry to get somewhere.

Exercising is considered to be an important factor for losing weight. Taking part in any type of physical activity is known to burn calories as well as strengthen your bones and muscles. Honestly, weight loss without exercising is considered to be impossible. However the benefits of exercising in weight loss are not only limited to calorie burning and muscle building. As seen in this article, studies suggest that it can also help to curb your appetite, making you indulge less in unhealthy munching after your workout session.

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What Fitness Equipment Do You Need For Your At-Home Gym? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-fitness-equipment-do-you-need-for-your-at-home-gym/ Thu, 25 Nov 2021 05:00:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26955 The easiest adjustment which you can make to your health routine when you’re exercising at home is to wake up by doing some type of cardio. Do these exercises before you eat breakfast to get that metabolism fired up. Whether you’re a committed weight lifter, super intense CrossFit devotee, or a chilled-out yogi, it pays...

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The easiest adjustment which you can make to your health routine when you’re exercising at home is to wake up by doing some type of cardio. Do these exercises before you eat breakfast to get that metabolism fired up.

Whether you’re a committed weight lifter, super intense CrossFit devotee, or a chilled-out yogi, it pays to have a dependable set-up so that you can take on your favourite workouts at home. You may not have the square meterage or budget to establish a space which imitates your go-to health club or weight room space; however you can make a little bit of gear go a long way if you’re devoted to the idea of getting your sweat on without walking out your front door.

To help you get started with putting together your at-home gym, we have selected our favourite pieces of home fitness equipment to fit a variety of fitness requirements and budgets. All of the items on this list were chosen using the following criteria:

  • To assist with saving money and space, we looked for equipment that can be utilised for a number of different exercises.
  • From kettlebells to cardiovascular machines, we included items which are stable, reliable, and generally well made.
  • We looked for equipment which works for home gyms of all sizes.
  • Customer reviews. All of the items below have mostly positive customer reviews.

Top 3 At- Home Fitness Equipment

A Mat

If you would like to get in shape at home, you will absolutely need a mat.

There are two different kinds which are recommended:

  • A yoga mat, and
  • A jump mat.

The latter being a bit thicker and is utilised for more intense exercises such as plyometrics and core work. This type of mat can also double as a yoga mat if you prefer a little more cushioning.

There’s also the issue of where to put your mat. If you have sufficient room in your bedroom, it can work. However experts will tell you to try and make the living room a space for fitness and leave the bedroom for sleeping.

With a few straightforward changes, your living room can be transformed into a home gym. Move big furniture towards the side of the room, allowing you sufficient space to stand and have a yoga mat on the floor.

Free Weights

If you’re space-constrained, dumbbells are a very effective tool which you can use in order to work your arms, back as well as abs. The dumbbells can utilised individually or as a set. The dumbbells are made out of a blend of iron powder and cement, cement, and covered in polyurethane. Their rods are coated in rubber, which makes them easier to hold when your palms are sweaty.

Resistance bands

This is another core piece of equipment which should be a part of everyone’s home gym. Resistance bands are a must-have in a home gym as they take up very little room, are very versatile and cost effective. They come in a number of resistance levels from very light to very heavy making it so that you will constantly have an option which will challenge you.

In addition, resistance bands can also be used in lieu of weights. Weightlifting workouts may be done with free weights or resistance bands. Irrespective of what you do, ensure that you have a structured plan which covers all parts of the body, rather than doing a few reps of bicep curls or lunges, here or there.

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What Are The Undeniable Benefits Of Kettlebell Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-undeniable-benefits-of-kettlebell-training/ Tue, 23 Nov 2021 05:00:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26904 Perhaps your gym has an entire rack of kettlebells which are just waiting for you to get swinging. Or perhaps you’re working out from home and you’ve got a reliable kettlebell by your side in your living room. Wherever you’re training with kettlebells, you’re bound to get stronger, become a better overall athlete, and then...

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Perhaps your gym has an entire rack of kettlebells which are just waiting for you to get swinging. Or perhaps you’re working out from home and you’ve got a reliable kettlebell by your side in your living room. Wherever you’re training with kettlebells, you’re bound to get stronger, become a better overall athlete, and then fight off sticking points in your barbell lifts.

Despite there being no “correct” way to hold a kettlebell, these implements offer unparalleled training advantages. Unlike a barbell, most kettlebell exercises will generally force you to contribute evenly with both sides of your body. And unlike a dumbbell, the nature of the load itself tends to recruit more of your stabiliser muscles. From circuits to flows, you are able to work with kettlebells in more ways than you think to develop power or improve your cardiovascular endurance.

Kettlebells For Killer Cardiovascular Training

There is absolutely no better way to burn fat than with a couple of high rep sets of kettlebell swings, snatches as well as clean and jerks. These amazing ballistic exercises work your body as one unit and necessitate a great deal of hard work. The harder that you work the more calories you burn. This is the reason why sprinters are ripped to shreds and marathon runners also have a skinny-fat look.

As efficient as sprinting is, ballistic kettlebell exercises – for example high rep snatches (20 reps or more per set) – make sprinting look like a walk in the park. High-rep snatches work more muscle groups as opposed to sprinting and will build strength in the lower back, shoulders as well as hip flexors.

Kettlebell Training Combines Cardiovascular And Strength Training

Really busy people want the biggest bang for their fitness buck. Kettlebells can be the solution to attempting to squeeze cardio, strength as well as flexibility training in an already tight schedule. Owing to the intensive nature, the workout duration needs to be kept short. Best of all, they are so small and portable that training can take place in your bedroom.

Kettlebell Training Is A Form Of Low-Impact Cardio

While traditional cardiovascular exercises – such as jogging – can be a massive asset to strength athletes, these types of exercises can put a huge amount of strain on the body. Including hours on the treadmill into your training might not be the most effective cardio option if your recovery isn’t perfectly catered to that plan.

As your feet remain planted during even the most explosive kettlebell moves, you won’t be putting the same repetitive strain on your joints – as well as connective tissue – as running will.

A lot of kettlebell exercises are ballistic in nature, which makes them ideal for low-impact cardiovascular training. As we said previously in this article, kettlebell circuits and flows don’t take up a lot of time, are done at submaximal loads, and will put a lot of positive demand on your cardiovascular system. You can boost your endurance in a lot less time. The more efficient your engine, the more volume you’ll likely be able to handle in your other training.

Kettlebell Training Is Great For Active Recovery

Adequate recovery is critical for athletes. However, programmes in which you train to failure and then take a week off to hang out on the coach are not efficient for athletes. The key with athletes is to enhance performance and conditioning. Performing a few light workouts per week will quicken recovery by getting some blood into the worked muscles.

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Would you like to become a kettlebell instructor? If you do then you need to do our Kettlebell Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Are The Benefits Of Indoor Cycling? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-indoor-cycling-read-this-article/ Mon, 22 Nov 2021 05:00:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26877 Indoor cycling classes are as tough as they are thrilling. Benefits of a class include weight loss, enhanced strength, and endurance. These advantages are enhanced when indoor cycling classes are mixed with other cardio as well as resistance workouts, however you can easily utilise an indoor cycling class as your main workout. It’s certainly worth...

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Indoor cycling classes are as tough as they are thrilling. Benefits of a class include weight loss, enhanced strength, and endurance. These advantages are enhanced when indoor cycling classes are mixed with other cardio as well as resistance workouts, however you can easily utilise an indoor cycling class as your main workout. It’s certainly worth trying out an indoor cycling class, particularly if it’s within your budget and you think it’s something you’ll enjoy.

Indoor cycling classes assists you with shedding fat, improving your heart health as well as boosting your muscle endurance. Your legs will get a major workout. By the time the indoor cycling class is done, you’ll have a constant stream of feel-good brain chemicals that are called endorphins.

Many gyms offer indoor cycling classes. Alternatively you will be able to join one of the popular cycling boutiques, which merges indoor cycling together with a weighted workout for your arms or others which add mind-body exercise into its bike routine.

How Many Times Per Week Must I Do Indoor Cycling?

You should plan to do 3-5 classes a week for best results. Or, alternatively, add between one and two classes a week into your workout routine. Classes frequently last between 45 and 60 minutes. An instructor will lead the class through various different types of cycling, such as uphill climbs, bursts of speed as well as short recovery periods with simple pedalling. At times you’ll get off the saddle and pedal in a standing position.

The Benefits Of Indoor Cycling For Your Body

Indoor cycling classes are extremely challenging, which means you’ll probably see results, especially if you commit to regular classes. In order to gain the full benefits, it will be necessary to commit to three and six classes per week for a sum total of 150 minutes. Make use of a journal or app in order to track the progress of your fitness goals.

Building Strength

In order to develop your strength, you should plan on doing at least 150 minutes of cycling per week. You might see results after a couple of weeks of regular classes, however you’ll need to keep up with the classes to sustain the results.

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Cardiovascular Benefits

Indoor cycling is a great way to improve cardiovascular health. It’s quite similar to other types of cardio, such as running, swimming as well as elliptical training. Indoor cycling ideal for people who want a cardio workout without putting excessive amounts of stress on their joints. A small 2017 study on female high school students found that indoor cycling was even better as opposed to bicycling in improving physical fitness.

Burn Calories

Indoor cycling classes are a marvelous way to burn calories. Dependent on the difficulty and duration of the class, you will be able to burn 400 to 600 calories per class. You’ll need to attend classes three to six times per week to see weight-loss results.

A study from 2018 made the finding that indoor cycling and strength training were sufficient to have a positive effect on endurance as well as strength without changing dietary habits.

It’s still a good idea to follow a healthy diet that includes plenty of carbohydrates and protein. In a 2010 study, indoor cycling coupled with a low-calorie diet was found to promote weight loss and raise HDL cholesterol levels.

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If you would like to become an indoor cycling instructor then you need to do our Indoor Cycling Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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How Actual Are The Benefits Of Cold Water Swimming? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-actual-are-the-benefits-of-cold-water-swimming/ Fri, 19 Nov 2021 05:00:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26850 Cold water swimming (which is also called winter or ice swimming) has a long tradition in northern countries. Up until a couple of years ago, ice swimming was practised by very few extreme athletes. For a number of years now, ice swimming has been held as competitions in ice-cold water (colder than 5 °C). Fans...

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Cold water swimming (which is also called winter or ice swimming) has a long tradition in northern countries. Up until a couple of years ago, ice swimming was practised by very few extreme athletes. For a number of years now, ice swimming has been held as competitions in ice-cold water (colder than 5 °C).

Fans are of the belief cold water swimming is the elixir of health and well-being. In fact, the first claims of the advantages of cold water swimming date back to 400BCE. Since then many different studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that it has a wide variety of benefits.

An Increased Tolerance To Stress

Immersing yourself in cold water is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. The temperature of the water generates a stress reaction in the body, which is the same kind of reaction which we experience if we find ourselves in a frightening or tense situation. The body releases the stress hormone which is called cortisol. In addition, breathing frequency and heart rate rises. The body’s fight or flight mechanism comes into play, which explains why the natural response to getting into cold water is that you want to get out of the water as fast as you possibly can.

As anybody who has braved an icy dip will know, the stress reaction diminishes as you adjust to the temperature. At the moment, there is evidence which suggests that repeatedly putting your body through cold water immersion gradually lowers the seriousness of the initial stress reaction. It might not be that cold water swimmers become accustomed to the water; they just get used to their body’s reaction as well as the reaction itself becomes far less severe.

The real magic is that the drop in the stress response applies in other stressful situations and not just on exposure to cold water. Your reaction to other stressful events – such as writing an exam, bungee jumping – is also lowered.

It Boosts Your Immune System

The impacts of cold water on the immune system have been widely studied. Cold water assists with boosting the white blood cell count as the body is forced to react to altering conditions. Over time, your body will become better at mobilising its defences.

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A Boost To Self Esteem

The process of pushing yourself to stay in cold water could increase your mental strength. Getting out of your comfort zone improves confidence and courage as well as giving you a sense of accomplishment. By getting comfortable with being uncomfortable you increase your resilience in other areas of life.

It Burns More Calories

The heart needs to pump faster and the body has to work harder in order to keep everything warm while swimming in cold water. Overall, you will burn a lot more calories as opposed to swimming in hotter conditions. The idea that drinking cold water boosts the number of calories you burn could be a myth, however it’s a fact that cold water lowers your body temperature so much that the body needs to act. It’s no accident that cold water swimmers are often thin.

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What Are The Health Benefits Can Be Gained From Kettlebell Swings? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-health-benefits-can-be-gained-from-kettlebell-swings/ Wed, 17 Nov 2021 05:00:47 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26765 If you’re a gym newbie or a seasoned CrossFitter, you can benefit from adding kettlebell swings to your strength training routine. This essential all-in-one workout helps with everything from spine strength and hip flexibility to cardio and calorie burn. The kettlebell is an utterly fantastic piece of equipment. There is so much which you area...

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If you’re a gym newbie or a seasoned CrossFitter, you can benefit from adding kettlebell swings to your strength training routine. This essential all-in-one workout helps with everything from spine strength and hip flexibility to cardio and calorie burn.

The kettlebell is an utterly fantastic piece of equipment. There is so much which you area able to do with a kettlebell that it would blow your mind if you read them all at once. We are actually here to talk about the benefits of kettlebell swings, the swing being one very particular exercise which you are able to do with the kettlebell.

The kettlebell swing is one of the base movements of kettlebell exercises and has a lot of different benefits. Not only can it assist you with burning fat as well as increasing your fitness, but a kettlebell workout can also improve postural reactions.

 Not Familiar With The Kettlebell?

A kettlebell is basically a cannonball that has a handle. This piece of equipment has gained popularity as an exercise as well as rehabilitation tool. The kettlebell is nothing new.  Popular myth is that the kettlebell was born out of Russia. Russian farmers utilised them as a counter weight in order to measure grain at the market. They then started throwing them around and developing competitions to pass the time.

How To Do Kettlebell Swings For Maximum Benefits

The two-handed Russian swing is the ideal entryway into kettlebell exercises. Here’s how to perform this exercise:

  • Stand straight and tall. Make sure that your feet are around shoulder-distance apart. Hold the kettlebell to the front of your body with both of your hands.
  • Engage your core. Squeeze your shoulder blades together. Keep arms long as well as loose.
  • Bend knees slightly. Shift your weight into your heels and push your hips back.
  • Drive through your heels and explode forwards with your hips. Activate your core and glutes as you thrust your hips in order to assist you with swinging the kettlebell to your chest height, with your arms extended.
  • Ensure you keep your upper body relaxed as you swing. Don’t lifting the weight with your arms. Rather, push with your hips and allow the kettlebell to swing from your shoulders.
  • Shift hips back as the kettlebell drops (almost like pushing your hips to the wall behind you). Hinge at your hips, allowing your hamstrings and glutes to carry the weight.
  • Allow the kettlebell to gently swoosh back between your legs.
  • Drive through hips and heels to repeat this movement. Your arms should act as a pendulum which the kettlebell swings from.

The Benefits Of Working Out With Kettlebells

Strengths Dozens Of Muscles Quickly

You’ll be challenged to find another exercise which works so many areas of your body.  The kettlebell swing improves your core, glutes, hamstrings, quads, back, delts as well as your arms.

Improves Balance And Posture

Research demonstrates that kettlebell swings betters balance and posture – this is even for elite athletes.  When you utilise a kettlebell, you learn naturally what good posture feels like. In order to keep your balance, it is necessary for you to keep your back straight and your core engaged.  And forward bend comes from your hips as opposed to slouching your back.

Enhances Flexibility

Every time you swing the kettlebell and stand up tall, you engage your glutes which relaxes your opposing hip flexor.  The constant contraction of the glutes and relaxing of the hips finally unlocks tight hips… which is a common problem.  This is partly owing to the modern conveniences of today… we sit too much! This can lead to lack of hip mobility.

The kettlebell swing is a phenomenal exercise to combat our modern-day issues of sitting too much.  Improving hip flexibility assists with increasing performance in other exercises, sports, and decreases back tension.

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Would you like to study to become a kettlebell instructor? If you do then you need to do our Kettlebell Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Why Strength Training Is Important For Runners? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-strength-training-is-important-for-runners-read-this-article/ Tue, 16 Nov 2021 05:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26746 Strength training is a type of exercise that is completed against resistance. Dependent on your workout goals and fitness, the resistance which you use may be your body weight, resistance bands, or weights. Resistance training is fundamental to maintaining muscle mass, which may improve your metabolic rate, functional capacity, fitness as well as athletic performance....

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Strength training is a type of exercise that is completed against resistance. Dependent on your workout goals and fitness, the resistance which you use may be your body weight, resistance bands, or weights. Resistance training is fundamental to maintaining muscle mass, which may improve your metabolic rate, functional capacity, fitness as well as athletic performance.

Strength training for runners is frequently neglected in favour of getting kilometres under your belt. Resistance training has the potential to lower your injury risk through correcting muscle imbalances and developing muscle activation, as well as improving the efficiency of your running biomechanics. This results in enhanced running performance.

So how many strength training sessions should a runner be doing? The length of your runs will be the best way in order to determine this. Middle and shorter distance runners should be aiming for between two and three times per week on low volume training days or rest days. Longer distance runner (for example, ultra-marathon) should do strength blocks, building a solid strength base initially and then decreasing strength training volume as your running volume ramps up.

The Benefits Of Strength Training For Runners

Whether you’re looking to become faster, stronger, or lose weight, doing strength training can assist you with achieving your fitness goals. Here are some ways that strength training could enhance your running programme.

Increased Running Efficiency

If you’ve ever felt your form fall apart as you become fatigued toward the end of a long run or race, strength training can assist. Strengthening your core can assist you to improve and maintain your running form. This translates into improved running efficiency.

This is very crucial for those who are training for a long-distance event such as a half or full marathon because small improvements in efficiency can make a massive difference over all those kilometres.

Weight Loss

Including more lean muscle mass will boost your metabolism. This means that you’ll burn more calories both at rest as well as during workouts. A lot of runners find that adding strength training to their training regimen boosts their weight-loss effort and assists them to bust through a weight-loss plateau.

Improved Endurance And Reduced Fatigue

Strength training assists your body better deal with the stresses of running. Your muscles can perform longer before becoming fatigued, which will assist you with maintaining your proper running form. Boosting your strength will assist you to fight off hitting the wall or cramping up during the late stages of a long-distance race.

How Can You Add Strength Training Into Your Routine?

It can be slightly intimidating to work out at a gym if you’re not used to it. However, it’s a great way to access to all the equipment as well as space you need. If you’re not sure about how to strength train on your own, taking a group class such as CrossFit, Barre, TRX, yoga, or Pilates are all fantastic options.

If you would rather be outside, take your weights with you and do bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, lunges, and planks. Alternatively, use equipment such as benches for tricep dips and bars on a playground for inverted rows.

In addition, you can integrate cross-training, such as cycling or swimming, into your workout routine in order to build strength and flexibility in muscles that running doesn’t utilise and to help prevent injury.

Concentrating on different body parts on different days is another very effective way to organise your strength training each week. That way, you are able to strategically schedule lower-body or leg day a few days after a long run so that you can give your body proper time to fully recover.

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How Does HIIT Training Benefit Your Health? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-does-hiit-training-benefit-your-health-read-this-article/ Mon, 15 Nov 2021 05:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26664 High-intensity interval training (HIIT) entails short and intense workouts. You give a sequence of exercises your full effort for short bursts of between 30 and 60 seconds, and then follow it with an even shorter phase of rest. While exercising with this kind of maximum effort is difficult, it does amazing things for your health....

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High-intensity interval training (HIIT) entails short and intense workouts. You give a sequence of exercises your full effort for short bursts of between 30 and 60 seconds, and then follow it with an even shorter phase of rest. While exercising with this kind of maximum effort is difficult, it does amazing things for your health. HIIT involves exercise after exercise with minimal rest. This gives your entire body, particularly your heart and core, a fantastic workout.

HIIT Can Burn A Tonne Of Calories In A Short Amount Of Time

You can burn calories quickly using HIIT. One study assessed the calories burned during 30 minutes each of HIIT, weight training, running as well as biking. The researchers found that this kind of training burned between 25 and 30% more calories as opposed to the other forms of exercise.

In this study, a HIIT repetition entailed 20 seconds of maximal effort, followed closely by 40 seconds of rest. This means that the study participants were actually only exercising for one third of the time that the running, as well as biking groups, were.

Even though each workout session was half an hour long in this study, it is common for these workouts to be a lot shorter as opposed to traditional exercise sessions. This is as HIIT allows you the opportunity to burn about the same number of calories, however, spend less time exercising.

It’s Efficient

HIIT is the perfect workout for a hectic schedule — whether you are keen to cram in a HIIT training workout in your lunch break or if you want to get in shape for a fast-approaching event. Research demonstrates that you can achieve more progress in a mere 15 minutes of HIIT training (performed three times a week) as opposed to the person jogging on the treadmill for an hour. And in accordance with a 2011 study presented at an American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, merely two weeks of high-intensity intervals may improve your aerobic capacity just as much as between six and eight weeks of endurance training.

Even if you just have four minutes to spare, you are able to fit in an efficient HIIT workout with the Tabata training method. Tabata is a kind of HIIT which calls for 20 seconds of work which is followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated between 8 and 20 times total. Begin with one of these unbelievably quick workouts in order to start seeing the benefits of this kind of training.

HIIT Builds A Lot Of Muscle Groups

Most HIIT workouts include many different movements. This gives you the opportunity to work out different groups of muscle in the same workout — for instance, a HIIT workout may have you do squats, push-ups as well as burpees — which all focus on different muscles.

The intensity will also assist with building your muscles and improve their ability in order to keep working out. This kind of training boosts muscular endurance as the muscles don’t get much rest.

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How To Exercise With Chronic Pain. Read this article https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-exercise-with-chronic-pain-read-this-article/ Fri, 12 Nov 2021 05:00:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26660 Chronic pain (which is also known as persistent pain) is pain that continues beyond the expected healing time of an injury. As opposed to acute pain, which is the result of tissue damage, chronic pain or persistent pain is far less about the structural or tissue damage and is more about the sensitivity of the...

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Chronic pain (which is also known as persistent pain) is pain that continues beyond the expected healing time of an injury. As opposed to acute pain, which is the result of tissue damage, chronic pain or persistent pain is far less about the structural or tissue damage and is more about the sensitivity of the nervous system and non-tissue-related factors.

Significant research has proven that exercise is an essential aspect in the treatment of chronic pain. Frequently, when we experience chronic pain we steer clear of activity in an attempt to not cause pain flare-ups. However, we know that slowly, over time, individuals experiencing chronic pain become less able to complete activities which were previously enjoyed, for instance walking, and commonly also have difficulties in finishing activities of daily living such as housework.

Research has proven that exercise can be an effective way in order to reverse this downward cycle of deconditioning as well as worsening pain. Gradually over time exercise helps those with this pain engage more in activities of enjoyment and essential activities of day-to-day living with greater ease.

Things To Remember About Exercising With Chronic Pain

  • Keep in mind that exercise is medicine and is an important daily strategy utilised in order to assist in the regulation of pain conditions.
  • Stretch to cool down and not warm up. Do short bursts of exercise and not long stretches.
  • It is important to begin slowly when starting an exercise programme and avoid pushing into stronger pain. It is frequently useful to use the 0-10 scale in order to monitor your pain levels while you’re exercising.
  • If pain levels rise by more than 2 points from baseline you should stop and alter that exercise to make sure that you do not cause a flare up of your pain.

What Exercises To Try For Chronic Pain Management

Try a mixture of cardio, relaxation, stretching and strength exercises and you could feel some of your pain go away over time.

Cardio Exercises

Cardiovascular exercise has a number of different physical as well as mental benefits. It can be particularly useful for people with chronic pain. Cardio can be performed any time of day and frequently requires little or no equipment.

Relaxation Exercise

Relaxation exercises are very important for many individuals who live with chronic pain. Visualisation requires no equipment and can also be done anywhere.

Stretching Exercises

If you suffer from chronic pain in your lower back or neck, stretching can relieve tension as well as stiffness. Try some equipment-free stretches for the back and neck in order to improve overall mobility and facilitate proper movement.

Strengthening Exercises

Building strength is crucial for stabilizing the joints and also preventing future injuries. For people living with chronic pain, sufficient core strength is particularly important. This is because It helps you to maintain proper posture and balance as well as reducing the risk of injuries which could lead to more pain. Working the muscles of the abdomen, hips as well as back can assist with improving core strength and stability.

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Which Strength Training Exercises Promote Longevity and Build Up Strength? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/which-strength-training-exercises-promote-longevity-and-build-up-strength/ Tue, 09 Nov 2021 05:00:25 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26592 Every single exercise has some or the other health-linked benefits. However, when we talk about long and disease-free life, then strength training becomes very essential. Strength training is not only for shedding kilos or gaining muscle mass. It is equally beneficial and necessary for people trying to stay fit. Lifting weight regularly can strengthen bones,...

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Every single exercise has some or the other health-linked benefits. However, when we talk about long and disease-free life, then strength training becomes very essential. Strength training is not only for shedding kilos or gaining muscle mass.

It is equally beneficial and necessary for people trying to stay fit. Lifting weight regularly can strengthen bones, slow muscle loss, and help to boost metabolism. But even in strength training, there are a number of exercises that can confuse people.

What Are The Basic Principles Of Strength Training?

Strength training consists of various components. The basic principles include the following.

Weight

Various weights or other types of resistance – for instance a 3 kg hand weight or fixed weight, body weight or rubber band – will be utilised for different exercises during your strength training session.

Exercise

A specific movement, for instance a calf-raise, is designed to strengthen a specific muscle or group of muscles.

Repetitions Or Reps

This term relates to the number of times you continuously repeat each exercise in a set.

Set

This is a group of repetitions that are performed without resting, for instance, two sets of squats by 15 reps would mean that you do 15 squats then rest muscles prior to doing another 15 squats.

Rest

You need to rest between sets. Rest periods vary according to the intensity of exercise being undertaken.

Strength Training Exercises For You To Try

Dumbbell Goblet Squat

  • Step 1: Stand up nice and tall with your feet wider than hip-distance apart.
  • Step 2: Hold onto one end of a dumbbell (in a vertical position) with both of your hands close to your chest.
  • Step 3: Bend your knees. While you’re doing so, push your butt back so that you come into a squat position (thighs parallel to the ground).
  • Step 4: Maintaining your spine and neck in a straight position, hold the pose for a few seconds before going back to your beginning position.

Dumbbell Lunges

  • Step 1: Stand on the floor with your feet hip-width apart. Ensure that you take hold of a dumbbell in each one of your hands.
  • Step 2: Move your left leg one foot forward and then lower your body until both your front as well as back legs form a 90-degree angle.
  • Step 3: Your front leg should definitely not cross your toes.
  • Step 4: Pause, rise and then take your right leg back to your starting point in order to complete one rep. Repeat the same with the left leg.

Dumbbell Row

  • Step 1: Stand up straight and take hold of a pair of dumbbells in each of your hands.
  • Step 2: Ensure that you bring your hands in front of your body with your palms facing your body. This is the beginning position.
  • Step 3: Bend your elbows and then push your shoulder blades back to lift the dumbbells to your chin level.
  • Step 4: Pause, then slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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What Are The Greatest Exercises And Stretches For Patellar Tendonitis? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-greatest-exercises-and-stretches-for-patellar-tendonitis/ Mon, 08 Nov 2021 05:00:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26586 Workout after workout, you’re working towards your goals. Take it easy? Heck, no! So you push and push and then push some more. And then, one day, you feel a little twinge of pain just below your kneecap. It’s tender the next day as well… and even worse the day after that. Pretty soon, that...

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Workout after workout, you’re working towards your goals. Take it easy? Heck, no! So you push and push and then push some more. And then, one day, you feel a little twinge of pain just below your kneecap. It’s tender the next day as well… and even worse the day after that. Pretty soon, that knee barks just going up a flight of stairs.

Welcome to the patellar tendonitis club, a group nobody wants to join.

If you’ve joined the club it’s time to tap the brakes a little bit on your routine. Overdoing it led to this injury, so you’re not going to overpower it into submission. Getting back to 100% requires a smart — and deliberate — approach.

Here are some examples of exercises – as well as stretches – for you to try if you are suffering from patellar tendonitis. The exercises could be suggested for a condition or for rehabilitation. Begin each exercise slowly. Ease off the exercises if you begin to experience pain.

Quadricep Stretch

  • Support yourself on a wall and then stand on one leg.
  • Bend your other knee as far back as you can.
  • Keep up this position for as long as you are able to, aiming for 15 seconds, then 30 seconds, then 1 minute. You’ll feel a stretch at the front of your thigh on your bent leg.

Hamstring Stretch

What this helps: The stretch can increase flexibility as well as loosen up your hamstrings and hips, allowing improved range of motion in your knee and pelvis:

  • While sitting on a chair, extend one leg out. Keep your knee straight and then rest your heel on the floor.
  • Lean forward slowly until you feel a stretch in the back of your leg. Bend through your hips. Keep your back straight.
  • Hold for 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat. Do three sets.

Straight-Leg Raises To The Front

  • Make sure that you lie down flat on your back, on a mat, with your good knee bent. Your foot must be flat on the floor. Your affected leg needs to be straight. Ensure that your lower back has a normal curve. You should have the ability to slip your hand in between the floor as well as the small of your lower back, with your palm pressed onto the floor and then your back touching on the back of your hand.
  • Tighten your thigh muscles in your impacted leg by pressing the back of your knee flat down to the floor. Maintain your knee in a straight position.
  • Making sure that you keep your thigh muscles tight as well as your leg straight, lift your leg straight up so that your heel is around 30 cm off the floor.
  • Hold for approximately six seconds, then lower your leg gradually. Rest for not more than 10 seconds between repetitions.
  • Repeat between eight and 12 times.

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Common Weight Training Mistakes Every Newbie Lifter Must Avoid https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/common-weight-training-mistakes-every-newbie-lifter-must-avoid/ Fri, 05 Nov 2021 05:00:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26576 There is much information to take in about weight training and it is extremely difficult to learn enough – even to know what you are doing. As a beginner weight lifter, jumping into this gigantic pool of knowledge and information may be very discouraging as well as even dangerous. Beginning a new exercise routine can...

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There is much information to take in about weight training and it is extremely difficult to learn enough – even to know what you are doing. As a beginner weight lifter, jumping into this gigantic pool of knowledge and information may be very discouraging as well as even dangerous.

Beginning a new exercise routine can be intimidating, however hopping on a treadmill is easy enough — after all, you’re doing a movement which you are familiar with. However venturing into the weight room is a different story altogether. For those who haven’t lifted weights beforehand (or who are a little rusty), you need to research exercises, learn the proper form, and frequently work on creating a muscle memory before your body feels 100% comfortable performing them.

Research Shows That Weight Training Is Worth The Effort

When done regularly, between two and three times a week, weight training builds muscle strength and mass and also preserves bone density. In addition,, it has the ability to lower the risk of osteoporosis in addition to the signs and symptoms of chronic diseases such as heart disease, arthritis as well as type 2 diabetes.

While weight training is important and has a tonne of benefits, it’s also very easy to do incorrectly. So while we wholeheartedly encourage individuals to include it in their routine, we also can’t stress enough how crucial it is to ease into it. We see the mistakes first hand as a personal trainer. What’s a lot worse is that a lot of these mistakes aren’t just in one movement: they’re repetitive habits which people have picked up over the course of their lives and simply don’t realise.

Utilising An Advanced Workout Routine

The very first error which commonly made is utilising a more advanced workout routine than required or possible. While it’s great that you would like to see optimal success and also push yourself, keep in mind that your body is just becoming used to the exercise of weight lifting.

If you put yourself on an innovative split body routine with complicated weightlifting techniques, how well do you think you’ll keep up? Not well at all. It’ll be one week in and then you’ll be injured. Or you’ll only fully commit for a number of weeks and then stop due to a lack of time as well as motivation.

Clearly this isn’t what you’re after so make sure that you choose a workout routine which fits your schedule and fits your body. You’ll be far more likely to reach results.

Not Tracking Anything

“What gets measured is managed,” Austrian business visionary, Peter Drucker, once said. Beginners never take notes. However, if you measure nothing, what can you improve?

Make sure that you record everything in your workout: what exercises you did, what weight you utilised, how many reps — everything! In addition, track your physique by taking photos as well as measuring your bodyweight, circumference in addition to body fat percentage regularly. This will emphasise your successes and failures so that you are able to adjust your exercise program and diet in order to upgrade your results.

For instance, if you try out a new diet, however your physique stays constant, you need to change something. However if you try a new workout and your body fat drops while your circumference grows, you’re doing great.

Overtraining

Quite a common mistake is that having weight training sessions lasting hours long or performing tonnes of the same exercises more than a few days a week will get you improved gains. Less is undoubtedly more when it comes down to weight training. Keep in mind that your central nervous system (CNS) and joints come into the picture and suffer a lot more from the harm of weight training than your muscles.

Your muscles grow when you are resting and not when you are at the gym. This is as when you lift weights, you produce tears in the muscle tissue. When you are at rest, the muscle repairs itself and becomes larger than it was before. How long it takes to repair will be dependent largely on your diet as well as how much sleep you get per night.

In order to help avoid overtraining, utilise some of the routines already on this site, and keep in mind not to take an intermediate or advanced workout routine until you have far more experience. About three months before an intermediate routine and a number of years before an advanced routine. Also, remember that it is recommended about every 12 weeks, you take a week off of weight lifting to heal any of those little nagging injuries as well as to give your CNS a break.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you wanting to study personal training? If you do then you need to check out our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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Exercises To Develop Stronger Muscles In Your 40s And 50s https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-to-develop-stronger-muscles-in-your-40s-and-50s/ Thu, 04 Nov 2021 05:00:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26572 Fitness isn’t age-specific. In addition, it doesn’t go to waste when you start getting older. While it’s a common belief that exercise only benefits the young, building on strength as well as maintaining muscles is just as vital when you hit your later ages. As the body begins to lose muscle mass when you grow...

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Fitness isn’t age-specific. In addition, it doesn’t go to waste when you start getting older. While it’s a common belief that exercise only benefits the young, building on strength as well as maintaining muscles is just as vital when you hit your later ages.

As the body begins to lose muscle mass when you grow older, and your metabolism slows down as well, it can also be challenging for some people to lose weight effectively. That is why while every person should take time out to stretch muscles and be physically active, practising strength training is also something which is equal important.

One of the most important benefits of weight training is building on lean muscle mass. Routine strength training will make your body stronger, but leaner, rather than feeling ‘bulky’. When you build lean muscle mass after you turn 40, you also become stronger and find it much easier to perform activities or chores which have the potential to cause strain.

How To Become Stronger

There are two core principles that you need to learn in order to ensure your muscle-building techniques are successful:

  • Your Form Should Be Perfect

There is a correct way and there’s an incorrect way to perform any exercise. The wrong way will place a strain on your body and is more likely to result in an injury. The right way allows you to lift heavier weights and build muscle.

  • You Should Progressively Increase Your Resistance

The answer to how to get stronger in your 40s is building lean muscle. The real secret is simply to increase the weights you are using whilst lowering the number of reps. This will push your body to lift more and more. The best part is that you won’t risk an injury through extended lifting routines. The key to getting stronger is in pushing your muscles just past their limits and then giving them time to rest. This is the reason you should only train three times a week.

Squats

Don’t underestimate the power of simple squats! The squat is one extremely beneficial exercise which dole out benefits for people of any age. This exercise can be done anytime, anywhere. Not only are squats excellent weight-loss-promoting exercise that burns calories, but they also significantly lower chances of injuries to the knee or the ankles.

In addition, doing squats is a great way to tone and add strength to your lower body as performing a squat movement strengthens your tendons and ligaments in the leg muscles. Squats also improve flexibility in your lower body, back and strengthens your knee joints.

Dumbbell Goblet Squat

The goblet squat is to be one exercise that works major muscle groups in the body, from your core, forearm, back as well as upper back muscles. Practising the squat move with a dumbbell can be even more effective as well as easier to do as opposed to a traditional squat. Doing so effectively provides the same benefits to the core and encourages additional strength in the lower body. As it assists with strengthening the important muscle groups, it can also lower one’s risk of injuries, and assists with weight loss. This is one exercise that is worth trying if you have been struggling to lose weight.

Full Body Roll-Up

Bodyweight exercises – such as the full body roll-up – are often considered to be good methods for training core muscle groups together, without the need of gym or workout equipment, hence, allowing for comfort as well as ease.

The roll-up movement, while greatly focuses on the abdominal muscles, is also quite effective in boosting overall flexibility, lengthening the hip flexors and back muscles. By focusing on mobilising your spine, this exercise will assist to reduce stiffness, promote flexibility in the body as well as reduce pain.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To become a personal training expert then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Are The Best Exercises for MS to Boost Strength and Balance? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-exercises-for-ms-to-boost-strength-and-balance/ Tue, 02 Nov 2021 05:00:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26557 Exercise is vital not just for overall well-being — it can also assist with managing symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). According to a review which was published in August 2016 in Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, in people who have MS, exercise has been linked with a reduced relapse rate, lower lesion volume, slower progression of...

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Exercise is vital not just for overall well-being — it can also assist with managing symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). According to a review which was published in August 2016 in Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, in people who have MS, exercise has been linked with a reduced relapse rate, lower lesion volume, slower progression of the disease, as well as improved performance on neurological tests.

Another study which was published in July 2017 in Multiple Sclerosis made the finding that resistance training in particular may increase cortical thickness in individuals with relapsing-remitting MS. This suggests that this type of exercise can assist with combatting brain atrophy, which is linked with disease progression in MS.

More recently, a March 2020 review that was published in BMC Neurology found that physical exercise can drastically reduce fatigue in people who have MS. Another recent study, which was published in July 2020 in the Journal of Neurology, made the finding that regular physical activity assist people who have MS to maintain volume in the hippocampus region of the brain.

However before you get started exercising, a physical therapist should assess your strengths and weaknesses in order to determine what type of exercise programme would be best for you. However here are some ideas about appropriate exercises.

Exercises For Balance

Stretching is, undoubtedly, one of the most helpful physical activities for bettering balance and coordination. It’s also easy for individuals of all physical activity levels.

In addition, stretching can assist with improving your posture and preventing aches and pains that are associated with MS. Gentle stretching can also assist with warming up muscles for movement. This is very important if you’ve been not active for a long period of time.

Warming up and moving your muscles slowly will also assist with preventing torn muscles, strains and sprains. You should stretch after you wake up or after you’ve been sitting for long periods of time. Seated stretching is simpler and safer for beginners.

Stretching Exercise: Hip Marching

  • Sit in a sturdy chair and make sure that your back touches the back of the chair.
  • Put your hands easily on your legs.
  • Gradually lift your left leg straight up, leaving your knee bent.
  • Hold this position for a count of 5 (or as long as it is comfortable for you), and then return your foot to the floor.
  • Repeat with your other leg.

Pilates For MS

Pilates may be the perfect exercise option for someone who has early symptoms of MS. Pilates exercises can assist with activating the smaller stabilising muscles which make human movement possible..

The roll-up is a phenomenal exercise to activate the deep abdominal muscles which are responsible for stabilising the spine. Maintaining this function is super important for balance, which can be one of the biggest limiters for people with advanced MS.

Pilates Exercise: Roll Ups

  • Lie down on your back on a Pilates mat with your legs stretched straight out in front of you. Reach overhead and take hold the end of the mat with your fingertips.
  • Exhale and attempt to pull your stomach in towards the floor.
  • While still holding onto the mat, slowly peel your shoulder blades and upper back off the floor, while pushing your head back into the mat gently.
  • Pause for two seconds, trying to feel that contraction in your abdominals.
  • Reverse the movement slowly, lowering your upper back down to the floor.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to study personal training? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information

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Sports Manager Responsibilities. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/sports-manager-responsibilities/ Wed, 27 Oct 2021 05:00:48 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26543 Duties of a Sports Manager Sports managers’ responsibilities may vary depending on the level of sport that they oversee. For instance, a high school sports team manager’s responsibilities will probably not have as many duties as well as responsibilities as a sports manager for a professional sporting organisation. These sports managers may assist with managing...

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Duties of a Sports Manager

Sports managers’ responsibilities may vary depending on the level of sport that they oversee. For instance, a high school sports team manager’s responsibilities will probably not have as many duties as well as responsibilities as a sports manager for a professional sporting organisation. These sports managers may assist with managing an entire team or organisation however their primary duty is to handle the business side of the sport so that athletes and coaches are able to focus on competing.

This may require sports team managers to perform such duties as:

  • Creating and organising schedules,
  • Promoting clients through various forms of media,
  • Seeking endorsement deals,
  • Handling and negotiating contracts,
  • Maintaining positive public relations, and
  • Ensuring compliance with rules and policies.

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What Is A Sports Manager?

Sports managers, who are also often referred to as business managers, are responsible for handling the business matters of athletes as well as sports teams, at both the university and professional levels. A sports manager may be called upon in order to manage relations with the media and organise promotional events.

It is not unusual for sports managers to be requested to hire coaches or draft new players as well as other members of a team’s athletic staff. Sports managers are also responsible for managing the finances of the individual or organisation that they work for.

Role Of A Team Manager In Sport

Each sporting season, the sports manager plans the budget, taking into consideration possible revenues, operating costs as well as salaries of everyone from the athletes to sports coaches to staff members. In addition, sports managers handle the budgeting for team travel, equipment in addition to uniforms. The role of a team manager in sports needs to take into account player injuries, potential playoff games, as well as other issues which may arise that, would affect the budget.

Other sports managers assist with ticket sales and merchandising for the franchise or work in sports merchandising, selling sporting goods. At the university level, the responsibilities of a sports manager include being a compliance director.

Frequently, the sports manager acts as the face and spokesperson for the team and needs to conduct interviews as well as press conferences with the media. Sometimes, the sports team manager’s duties include working as sports marketers or fundraisers who bring in corporate sponsors in addition to endorsements.

In addition, the sports manager’s responsibilities including serving as public relations personnel or sports information director, directing media days for his team, and working as a liaison between the team and media for interviews, scores, and team updates. A sports manager may serve as an event planner for a team or athletic organisation.

Sports Manager’s Role and Duties

On a daily basis, the sports team manager’s duties may vary greatly. These duties include the following:

  • Spearheading public relations between athletes, coaches, additional athletic personnel as well as the media,
  • Accounting for sporting team travel plans,
  • Balancing an organisation’s income against financial commitments,
  • Planning public events where members of your team will be there and documented,
  • Partnering with promotional brands, introducing fundraisers, and landing endorsements to further strengthen team marketing efforts,
  • Instructing team personnel, and athletes, on methods for correct media interaction, as well as
  • Monitoring ticket sales.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become a sports manager, enroll for our Sports Management Certification Course.

 

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Fitness Coach vs Personal Trainer. Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/fitness-coach-vs-personal-trainer-learn-more-in-this-article/ Fri, 22 Oct 2021 05:00:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26523 There are so many unique titles when it comes to professionals who work in the health and fitness world. It can be quite complicated to keep a track of who does what as well as what kind of coach you need. However, it is crucial to know the difference in order to get the most...

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There are so many unique titles when it comes to professionals who work in the health and fitness world. It can be quite complicated to keep a track of who does what as well as what kind of coach you need. However, it is crucial to know the difference in order to get the most benefit for you!  Health and fitness brilliance is such a personal journey – it is never a one-size-fits-all model.  Knowing and understanding the difference between a fitness coach vs. a personal trainer is an important distinction.

What Is The Difference Between A Fitness Coach And A Personal Trainer?

A personal training coach has been trained and is hired by someone else in order to provide advice and instruction on health, diet as well as wellness. It is about presenting an opportunity that the clients are able to look forward to and leave feeling energised and satisfied. A personal trainer knows enough regarding the human body in order to produce results. That is, you have a good understanding of how to apply tension in a which makes a client lose weight, improve stamina or – alternatively – develop in an area which is important to the client.

A fitness trainer is someone who helps others develop their fitness. They are usually hired to work inside a single gym, providing assistance to participants and also sometimes being the first person to bring them around after their induction.

Fitness trainers will spend time conversing with participants and providing guidance as well as assistance. Also, they can cover some community exercise classes if they are eligible. They will then call members every few weeks and offer to refresh their curriculum as well as do a health check.

How To Be Become a Fitness Coach

Decide if you’ll be a group fitness instructor, teaching things such as indoor cycling, step aerobics or boxing. You’ll also need to decide if you’ll be a personal training coach who only works with individual clients. Choose if you want to work in a class setting, work one-on-one, or even do both. Pick a specific type of fitness.

Most professional fitness certifications, such as those offered by Trifocus Fitness Academy, offer certifications for several different specific kinds of fitness. For instance, a group fitness instructor might take the Trifocus Fitness Academy Gym Instructor Course, while a personal trainer could attain their certification through our Personal Training Diploma.

If you’re a group fitness instructor, you’ll choreograph movements for your own classes. A fitness coach who only works with single people at once will need knowledge regarding how to put together a fitness plan that is based on one individual’s fitness goals, meaning knowledge about different types of fitness goals is desired.

What Does A Fitness Coach Do?

Here are instances of responsibilities from real fitness coach resumes representing typical tasks which they are likely to do in their roles:

  1. Instruct – as well as lead – Zumba classes in a safe as well as organise environment to assist others meet and go beyond their fitness goals.
  2. Direct a lifestyle intervention programme which consists of intensive training in diet, physical activity as well as behaviour modification.
  3. Maintain account details as well as oversee cash and POS system management.
  4. Train new employees on sales tactics and a point-of-sale (POS) system.
  5. Become certified in CPR – as well as first aid to attend correctly to health issues of participants.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a fitness coach, the education requirements are for you to do Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Gym Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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Personal Trainer Nutrition Guide. Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/personal-trainer-nutrition-guide-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Mon, 18 Oct 2021 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26484 A lot of trainers we speak to have no idea of how much nutrition advice they’re allowed to offer to their clients, with and without all of the nutrition courses that are available. Ask any personal trainer out there and whether they’re low carb, keto, carnivore diet or vegan, they’ll certainly tell you that abs...

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A lot of trainers we speak to have no idea of how much nutrition advice they’re allowed to offer to their clients, with and without all of the nutrition courses that are available. Ask any personal trainer out there and whether they’re low carb, keto, carnivore diet or vegan, they’ll certainly tell you that abs are made in the kitchen and not in the gym. That’s because nutrition and proper nutritional advice is a significant factor when it comes to consistent – as well as safe – fat loss. So much so that on most fat loss pyramids, exercise is almost never the biggest variable and sometimes exercise isn’t a variable at all.

Nutrition Guide

Eating a healthy diet throughout the course of your life helps to prevent malnutrition in all its forms in addition to a range of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) as well as conditions. However, the increased production of processed foods, rapid urbanisation and shifting lifestyles have led to a change in dietary patterns.

Now, people are eating more foods that are high in energy, fats, free sugars and salt/sodium. A lot of people do not eat sufficient fruit, vegetables as well as other dietary fibre, for example whole grains.

The particular make-up of a diversified, balanced and healthy diet will fluctuate depending on individual traits (e.g. age, gender, lifestyle as well as degree of physical activity), cultural context, locally accessible foods and dietary customs. However, the fundamental principles of what represents a healthy diet remain the same.

What Does A Personal Trainer Eat?

A personal trainer will typically start off their day with a protein-filled breakfast. This type of breakfast will give them the energy to keep going during their busy mornings while keeping them full until their next snack or meal.

They’ll eat a snack around 10am to keep their energy levels up until it’s time for lunch.

A personal trainer will typically eat a nutrient-dense lunch at 2pm. In terms of personal trainer foods, these could include:

  • Spinach,
  • Edamame,
  • Black beans,
  • Diced tomatoes,
  • Quinoa,
  • Broccoli, and
  • pumpkin seeds.

As an afternoon snack, they’ll typically have a serving of protein and fruit. Personal trainer foods for dinner include lean protein, a starch and a portion of vegetables.

Are Personal Trainers Allowed To Give Nutritional Advice?

A personal trainer may offer general nutritional advice to their clients. A personal trainer nutrition guide should provide nutritional information or advice should emphasise healthy food choices while encouraging healthy lifestyles which will minimise the risks of developing diet-related diseases. For weight loss, the following pieces of advice may be suggested:

  • Choose unsaturated fat as opposed to saturated fat,
  • Select less sugary foods,
  • Restrict energy-dense foods (frequently those which are high in sugar),
  • Aim for a bare minimum of 30g of fibre every single day,
  • Eat a mixed diet (foods which are all the colours of the rainbow),
  • Drink a lot of water, and
  • Lower energy intake by 200kj per week (15-20% reduction). This equates to around 0.5kg of weight loss every week.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Interested in becoming a nutritionist or personal trainer? If so, then you need to have a look at our wide range of personal training and nutrition courses. Follow this link to learn more.

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5 Reasons To Hire A Personal Trainer. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-reasons-to-hire-a-personal-trainer/ Wed, 13 Oct 2021 05:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26457 In the past, personal trainers were only affordable only to rich people as well as movie stars. To justify hiring one, an individual practically had to have a home gym and 2%body fat. Well, times have changed. Today, there are personal trainer who specialise in all levels of fitness at a variety of price points....

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In the past, personal trainers were only affordable only to rich people as well as movie stars. To justify hiring one, an individual practically had to have a home gym and 2%body fat. Well, times have changed. Today, there are personal trainer who specialise in all levels of fitness at a variety of price points. A fitness trainer can help you hit your goals without breaking the bank.

However, are you ready for a personal trainer? In order to assist you with identifying whether a professional fitness trainer will ‘move the needle’ for you, we’ve constructed a list of five reasons.

1.  You’ve Hit A Plateau

While training on your own may be admirable, most of us are not fitness professionals.  To borrow a very popular expression, we “don’t know what we don’t know”.  A personal trainer works with individuals all day, every day. He or she is embedded in the business of fitness and has the perspective to push you to the next level.

2. You Don’t Know Where To Begin

If you’re new to exercise, you might not realise how complex it is. We’re definitely not born with the knowledge of how to embark on your training. If you’re confronted with the task of setting up a complete exercise schedule, you may become so overwhelmed that you don’t do anything.

Personal trainers know everything which goes into a complete fitness programme including cardio, weight training and flexibility training. From there on, you have to think about the elements—from what activities to include to how you are able to fit it all into your busy schedule.

3. You’ve Injured Yourself

Not knowing how to stretch appropriately and do a variety of exercises can, at best, lead to a suboptimal workout and, at worst, result in injury.  An educated fitness professional will know when and where to push you, as well as when and where to take it easy.  If you find yourself strained and pained, it’s probably high time to ask a personal trainer for guidance.

4. You’re Bored With the Same Old Workouts

If you’re an expert exerciser, you may not have thought about working with a personal trainer. However, it can be a fantastic choice if you need some variation in your workouts. It’s quite easy to fall into a workout rut, performing the same workout routines over and over. Not only is this boring however it can also lead to weight loss plateaus, overuse injuries in addition to burnout.

 5.  You’re Unsure Of What Helps You

What muscle group are you working on?  Do you know that what you’re doing on your own is affecting it?  Are you trying to lose weight?  Are you certain your routine is optimising your efforts?  These are questions only a trained fitness professional can answer.  Personal trainers help you to work smarter and not necessarily harder.  Their years of experience and variety of clients give them the opportunity to prioritise the specific exercises that will assist you to achieve your fitness goals.

Is It Worth Hiring A Personal Trainer?

Is a personal trainer worth it? Well, we’d argue that hiring a personal trainer may just be the best thing that you can do for your health and fitness. A gym instructor is so much more than someone you see a couple times a week who puts you through a challenging workout. The ultimate goal of a hiring a personal trainer near you is to help you hit your fitness goals. That easily makes them the best tool in the gym. While dumbbells and squat racks are great, nothing is as crucial to your fitness goals as knowledge

How Long Should I Hire A Personal Trainer?

You should plan on training with a personal trainer between three and six months when you first get started. There are no secret exercises or programmes in fitness. If you’re doing the correct things, your results will compound over time. A good fitness trainer will work in order to help you feel comfortable as well as confident in your form.

Choose if you want to commit long term once you have the exercises down. If you can train twice a week, great, that’s all you need. If you can afford to come in three times per week, there’s a chance that you’ll benefit in the long term.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to study to become a personal trainer? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more and to register.

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How Frequently Do You Need To Exercise To Get In Shape? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-frequently-do-you-need-to-exercise-to-get-in-shape/ Tue, 12 Oct 2021 05:00:58 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26451 How frequently you should train is dependent on a lot of different factors, for example your training goals, the intensity of your exercise as well as any history of injury that you may have. Also, the kind of training you do can determine how frequently you need to exercise. Exercise stresses a number of systems...

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How frequently you should train is dependent on a lot of different factors, for example your training goals, the intensity of your exercise as well as any history of injury that you may have. Also, the kind of training you do can determine how frequently you need to exercise.

Exercise stresses a number of systems in our body. This stress results in fatigue however also leads to ‘adaptations’ (in other words, improvements) particular to the stress that we’ve experienced. For instance, while resistance training (such as weight lifting) assists us with building muscular strength, it’s far less likely to improve our cardiovascular fitness as it places more stress on our skeletal muscles as opposed to our heart.

But improvements only take place with a mixture of recovery and repetition. If we don’t perform the training stress again, improvements that you make will be lost. In addition, we need to give our body sufficient time – but not too much time – between training sessions to recover as well as ‘adapt’. In short, the key to boosting fitness is to consistently train, which means striking a balance between exercising and recovering enough.

Aerobic Activity

It is recommended that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or – alternatively – 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate as well as vigorous activity. The guidelines make the suggestion that you distribute this exercise during the course of a week.

In order to provide even better health benefits, and to help with weight loss or sustaining weight loss, at least 300 minutes per week is advised. However, even small amounts of physical activity are useful. Being physically active for short periods of time during the day can add up to provide a health benefit.

Strength Training

Perform strength training exercises – for all main muscle groups – at least two times a week. Make sure that you aim to do a single set of each exercise utilising a weight or resistance level which is heavy enough to tire your muscles after about 12 to 15 repetitions.

How Can You Make Exercise A Habit?

Setting a doable goal for the number of times you’ll begin working out each week can be useful by ensuring that you don’t get burned out.

However shooting for a bit of movement every single day, even if you’re not doing an actual workout, can also assist you make working out a habit which will stick. This could mean a 10-minute walk or a series of gentle stretches.

Another important consideration is carving out a time slot when you’ll work out. Again, there’s no correct answer to this, but it helps to take a good look at your schedule when you’re figuring out when you should pencil in your workout. For example, if your mornings are super-frantic with lots of last-minute changes, it may be self-defeating to decide on doing morning workouts. In that case, an afternoon or evening exercise session may be more likely to take place as scheduled.

Also, pay attention to your body. Some people feel more energised in the morning, while other people are dragging. Matching up your workout time to when you feel the best can make you more likely to want to stick with it.

Whether you should be exercising more or less often is dependent on many things – including how often you’re able to get to the gym, your training goals as well as the intensity of the exercise that you’re doing. We recommended trying to vary the type of training you do within a week and allow sufficient recovery between intense or resistance training days. This is including at least one recovery day a week. However, overall, the most effective training programme is the one which you maintain consistently over a long period of time.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become an exercise and fitness expert? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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How Aerobic Exercise Can Help To Improve Sleep https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-aerobic-exercise-can-help-to-improve-sleep/ Mon, 11 Oct 2021 05:00:12 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26416 Working out is absolutely fabulous for your body and mind. In addition, aerobic exercise can help you to get a good night’s sleep. However, for some individuals if they too late in the day can interfere with how well they sleep at night. Based on available studies, there is solid evidence that exercise does –...

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Working out is absolutely fabulous for your body and mind. In addition, aerobic exercise can help you to get a good night’s sleep. However, for some individuals if they too late in the day can interfere with how well they sleep at night.

Based on available studies, there is solid evidence that exercise does – in fact – assist you to fall asleep far more quickly and also improves sleep quality. However, there’s still quite a lot of debate as to what time of day you should be exercising. Listen to your body to see how well your sleep in response to when you work out.

Exercise Results In Changes To Your Core Body Temperature

During exercise your body increases its temperature. Afterwards your body’s temperature drops. That decrease in temperature mimics a similar temperature change which takes place before you fall asleep, when your body is cooling down in the evening in preparation for sleep. The similarity between these changes could signal to your brain that it’s time to sleep.

Exercise Relieves Symptoms Of Anxiety And Depression

Insomnia often goes hand-in-hand with anxiety as well as depression. These symptoms — including anxious thoughts, worry in addition stress — could interfere with one’s ability to fall asleep. Exercise can alleviate these symptoms through the release of endorphins, improving sleep quality positively.

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Exercise May Realign Your Internal Body Clock

Some individuals experience insomnia owing to a ‘lopsided’ internal body clock. An interruption of one’s circadian rhythms can cause them to feel tired naturally later at night than ‘normal’ bed time. Depending on the time of day that they exercise, it can help reset their body clock and help them to fall asleep earlier. In addition, some forms of exercise – such as running – boost serotonin (a hormone that is involved in the sleep-wake cycle), which may improve the brain’s ability to metabolise serotonin as well as regulate sleep.

How Much Exercise Is Right For You?

Unfortunately, there is no one right response to this issue. The National Institutes of Health – as well as the American Heart Association – recommend at least two and a half of exercise per week for healthy adults. That’s 30 minutes a day on every of the week. Studies show that sleep could receive some of its most significant benefits from exercise which are consistent and routine over time, especially for individuals who experience difficulty sleeping.

It may surprise you to hear this fact but too much exercise can pose problems for sleep. Many individuals don’t give it much thought; however over-training is a common problem — and can lead to sleep difficulties. In fact, one of the first symptoms of over-training is insomnia and difficulty sleeping, according to research.

Get out for a jog, take a cycle around your neighbourhood, hit the gym for some weight training or a cardiovascular exercise session on the treadmill. Every bit of exercise that you commit to can help you feel better during the day and sleep better at night.

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What Is Functional Fitness? Read this article to find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-functional-fitness-read-this-article-to-find-out-more/ Fri, 08 Oct 2021 05:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26353 Functional fitness is a classification of training which prepares the body for real-life movements as well as activities. Also referred to as functional training or functional movement, this type of exercise trains your muscles to work together and prepares them for day-to-day tasks by simulating common movements that you could do at home, at work...

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Functional fitness is a classification of training which prepares the body for real-life movements as well as activities. Also referred to as functional training or functional movement, this type of exercise trains your muscles to work together and prepares them for day-to-day tasks by simulating common movements that you could do at home, at work or – alternatively – in sports.

Movements such as squatting, reaching, pulling as well as lifting will be made simpler with functional fitness integrated into your exercise routine.  Functional fitness concentrates on building a body capable of performing real-life activities in real-life positions, not just lifting a particular amount of weight in an idealised posture that is created by a gym machine.

For instance, you could be deadlifting 181 kg in the gym however when you go to put a suitcase in the overhead stowage in an airplane, you throw your back out. Alternatively, you can bicep curl with 22 kg dumbbells with perfect form, however picking up your child makes you pull one of your muscles. If either of these things sound like you, it could be time to incorporate functional fitness training into your routine.

Functional Training Has A Point And Translates Into An Activity Beyond Your Exercise Regime

The central word here is function and function is purpose. So functional training is merely training which has a purpose. More than that, functional training concentrates on movement patterns which have a purpose.

That purpose can be related to becoming better at everyday activities—like walking, squatting to pick up a heavy object, pushing a revolving door, or getting into and out of a chair — or preparing to compete in a sport such as soccer, football or tennis.

A functional workout is just one that strengthens you in a specific way which directly translates into an activity outside the weight room. For most individuals, the practical application of functional training is to make daily activities easier to perform.

Increasingly, fitness studios are adding classes which can help individuals become stronger in their everyday movement patterns. Functional training has become more popular as a lot of studios as well as gyms are making it extremely accessible for the consumer to try this form of training.

Is Working On Your Functional Fitness Great For Losing Weight, Developing Muscle Or Cross-Training For Certain Sports?

All of the above! As functional fitness combines muscle groups across the whole body it is beneficial for nearly any type of individual no matter what their fitness goal is. It builds lean muscle and assists you with losing weight if that’s your intention. Athletes right up until the professional level will utilise this kind of training for conditioning as it brings a well-rounded aspect to their frequently highly-targeted training regimes.

What Are The Components Of Functional Fitness?

There are a number of components of functional fitness. Before you are able to move freely in your everyday life without worrying about injury, you need to nail the basics. These include:

  • Strength,
  • Balance and coordination,
  • Power,
  • Range of motion, as well as
  • Mobility.

Zeroing in on these characteristics of your training will have a number of benefits which translate to your everyday life. Movements such as walking, jogging, running, sprinting, jumping, lifting, pushing, pulling, bending, twisting, turning, standing, starting, stopping, climbing, and lunging will be made easier while training to improve functional strength.

If You’re A Beginner To Functional Training, Should You These Exercises Under Supervision At First?

As with any kind of exercise, it is far better to at least be shown the fundamentals. For most movements there are just a number of key points that you need to focus on that will greatly lower the risk of injury when doing them. When you learn these little points it is very straightforward to do functional training by yourself. In order to lower the risk of injury at the outset you also able to focus more on bodyweight exercises and utilise lighter weights.

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If you want to become a functional fitness trainer then you need to do our HIIT and Functional Trainer Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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How To Exercise Without Hurting Your Knees? Read this article https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-exercise-without-hurting-your-knees-read-this-article/ Wed, 06 Oct 2021 05:00:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26304 Knee pain is a very common ailment, with one in four adults suffering from recurrent knee pain. Exercise has been shown to be exceptionally effective at reducing knee pain. However, it can frequently be difficult to get started if your knees are hurting already. Discovering how to exercise without hurting your knees may be troublesome,...

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Knee pain is a very common ailment, with one in four adults suffering from recurrent knee pain. Exercise has been shown to be exceptionally effective at reducing knee pain. However, it can frequently be difficult to get started if your knees are hurting already.

Discovering how to exercise without hurting your knees may be troublesome, however there are two main routes which you can take:

  • Stop doing any exercise which hurts your knees, and
  • Strengthen the tissues around your knees in order to make them stronger as well as more resilient.

Regrettably, avoiding any exercise or activity which hurts your knees isn’t practical, feasible or even advisable. A substantial amount of research has demonstrated that not only does activity tends to reduce pain in the long-term but also that sedentary behaviour will make it worse.

That leaves us with the more sensible, practical option of strengthening the leg muscles as well as tissues so that you are able to exercise without hurting your knees. For most of these exercises, you’ll require equipment such as an exercise bike, yoga mat, bench, or some resistance bands.

Make Sure That You Warm Up First

You can ride a stationary bike for approximately minutes, taking a brisk two-minute walk while pumping your arms, or doing between 15 and 20 wall push-ups followed by the same number of calf raises. Doing this will assist you to get more out of your workout, prepare you to stretch as well as lower your risk of an injury.

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What Are The Best Cardio Exercises If You Have Knee Pain?

Once you understand what’s going on with your knee and have clearance from your doctor, you are able to start exercising. Cardio exercise is a great place to begin and one of the absolute best choices for strengthening the lower body, boosting your heart rate as well as losing weight.

If you can access a gym, there are a number of different options to choose from when it comes to cardio, including the kinds of workouts below.

Swimming

Swimming is one of the absolute best choices if you are suffering from knee pain. The water keeps your body afloat, taking the impact off the rest of your body while – at the same time – allowing you to get a great cardio workout and strengthen the muscles that support your knee.

The best swimming moves are freestyle and the backstroke, however you can also try out other drills and exercises:

  • Reverse kicking: Wrap your arms firmly around a kickboard, and then flip over onto your back. Kick, bringing your knees high with each kick. It’s almost as if you’re marching.
  • Walking: If it doesn’t trouble your knees, you could wear a flotation device and then walk across the pool. The resistance will make sure that you get your heart rate up, however there’s no impact and you are able to strengthen your knees. You can walk forwards, backwards, and even sideways. This gives you great variety while allowing you to strengthen all the muscles in the lower body.
  • Water aerobics: Group exercise is a lot of fun and doing movements in the pool will give you a fantastic cardio workout without any impact on the joints.

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Keen on becoming an exercise expert? If you are then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more and to register.

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What Are Eccentric Exercises? Read this article to find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-eccentric-exercises-read-this-article-to-find-out-more/ Wed, 06 Oct 2021 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26309 Going through the motions is never a great idea when it comes to fitness and exercise. Ask any personal trainer, and they’ll tell you it’s about quality, not quantity. Take a push-up, for instance. You know dropping your body down then pushing it back up is considered to be one rep, however both of those...

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Going through the motions is never a great idea when it comes to fitness and exercise. Ask any personal trainer, and they’ll tell you it’s about quality, not quantity. Take a push-up, for instance. You know dropping your body down then pushing it back up is considered to be one rep, however both of those steps — which are known as eccentric and concentric movements — are equally important. And when you understand and concentrate on those specific movements during exercise, it can assist you vary your routine and up your gains.

Why Are Eccentric Exercises Crucial?

  1. Facilitates Muscle Change

Eccentric loading has been associated with greater muscle strength gain and hypertrophy. This is particularly true with type-2 fibres. This is a result of more muscle tendon unit load in addition to load intensity. Your muscles are able to withstand more force doing an eccentric exercise as opposed to other forms of exercise.

  1. Improves Tendon Health And Stiffness

Eccentric exercises play a huge role when it comes to tendon health by boosting stiffness. It may sound counterintuitive however stiffness is not a bad thing. We actually want stiffness in our tendons however not in our joints. Reduced stiffness in tendons is one of the reasons why athletes get tendinopathies, like jumper’s knee and Achilles’ tendinopathy.

Owing to improved tendon stiffness, this will basically help to bulletproof your tendons from injuries. Studies have demonstrated that eccentric exercises improve the capacity of the tendon unit load. This leads to an improved ability to adapt to load. Improving the capacity of the tendon will assist with decreasing tendinopathy injuries.

The reason why we want stiffness is that it gives your tendon the opportunity to withstand high loads. This stiffness allows for proper energy storage and the contract-relax portion of jump to take place. For instance, think of the act of jumping as a spring. If the spring is far too loose, it won’t store energy well and the rebound effect will be negligible. However, if the spring is tightly wound when it is loaded, it will store far more energy, create more force and result in a greater vertical jump.

  1. Better Range of Motion

Eccentric training could improve your range of motion. Studies have demonstrated that an increase in ankle range of motion following six weeks of eccentric loading. This boost in range of motion is due to lowered resistance to passive stretching from improved muscle tendon unit compliance. Therefore, eccentric contractions are improving your tissue’s capacity to tolerate deeper ranges of motion. In other words, if you are keen to improve your mobility, do not solely stretch but add in eccentric training.

How Can You Add More Eccentric Training To Your Routine Safely?

Almost any exercise can be performed with an eccentric focus, so you are able to begin incorporating this kind of training into any strength workout. Start with the basics: squats, deadlifts, push ups, and rows.

Eccentric exercises are done slowly, with control, to add to the muscle’s time under tension. Attempt doing a three-second count on the lengthening phase of the exercise as well as a one-second count on the shortening phase.

Do eight to 10 reps per exercise as well as two to three sets. (FYI: It’s not necessary for you to use weights. Eccentric exercises are an amazing way to increase the challenge of any exercise — just imagine a gradual push-up from the floor.)

As you may have more muscle soreness than you’re used to (if you are new to eccentric training), give yourself around 48 to 72 hours before doing an eccentric workout again. You want to ensure that your muscles are recovered fully and repaired before you tax them again.

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What Are The Surprising Benefits Of Lifting Light Weights At Home? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-surprising-benefits-of-lifting-light-weights-at-home/ Tue, 05 Oct 2021 05:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26293 Resistance training – which is also called ‘weight training’ or ‘strength training’- is important in order to improve strength, counteract age-related muscle loss, boost bone health as well as improve body composition (improve muscle mass and lose body fat). Interestingly enough, your body will respond to different resistance training types. This is dependent on your...

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Resistance training – which is also called ‘weight training’ or ‘strength training’- is important in order to improve strength, counteract age-related muscle loss, boost bone health as well as improve body composition (improve muscle mass and lose body fat).

Interestingly enough, your body will respond to different resistance training types. This is dependent on your gender, age, genetic make-up, nutrition as well as recovery. Even while at home, you are still able to perform strength workouts safely and lift weights effectively by using your own body weight as resistance or – alternatively – using light dumbbells and still enjoying the benefits of the traditional strength training.

The Benefits Of Lifting Lighter Weights

Enhanced Strength

A study which was performed at McMaster University compared the advantages of lifting heavy and light weights. Interestingly enough, the results showed no major strength differences between the group allotted to lifting heavy weights and the group allotted to lifting light weights.

What the study revealed was that the key to gaining strength was to get tired from your workout. Volunteers in both groups could just increase muscle size and strength by pushing themselves to nearly total muscle fatigue.

Choose a lighter weight (as well as more repetitions) the next time that you’re in the gym. It’s your effort which matters and not the weight of your dumbbells. If you’re lifting easier weights, you’ll be able to work for longer periods before getting tired.

Reduced Chance Of Injury

Om addition, choosing lighter weights can reduce your chance of injury. This is because your body isn’t tasked with lifting more weight than it is able to support. Gone are the days of plummeting weights on your toes or overextending yourself! If you’re utilising lighter weights, you are able to focus solely on form and technique — assisting you to avoid injury as well as benefit from your time in the gym.

No Need To Rely On Momentum

If you’re lifting a weight which is too heavy, you’re probably relying on momentum as well as the strength of your muscles. While this may assist you with feeling powerful, it won’t help you build strength. When you work out with lighter weights, your muscles do most of the work and not momentum!

What Are The Benefits Of Using Resistance Bands?

Resistance bands offer a lot of benefits which standard weights can’t:

Same Muscle Activity, Less Chance Of Injury

Training with resistance bands offers similar and sometimes even better muscle activity as weight training. One significant difference is that is involves a lower amount of force on the joints, which means that more stimuli may be provided to the muscles with less opportunity for injury. Also, this is good news for anyone with existing injuries or joint pain as resistance bands could allow you to continue working out and doing exercises that you can’t with dumbbells.

More Muscle Stimulus

One significant difference between free weights and resistance bands is the varying resistance employed through the full range of motion of an exercise. With free weights, there are really parts of the movement when the muscles aren’t doing much work owing to lack of gravity, such as at the top of a bicep curl.

What this means is that when utilising resistance bands the muscle is receiving greater resistance at its strongest moment in the range of motion. Therefore, it is receiving more adequate resistance to better stimulate strength adaptations.

Stabilisation/Core Activation

The constant tension from resistance bands adds an element of required stabilisation from your body in order to maintain form during many exercises. In addition, this means that you will frequently need to activate your core for balance. The requirement to control them from snapping back into place means greater stimulation as well as strength through the muscle’s full range of motion. The pull of the bands lowers your ability to cheat by using momentum.

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What Are The Mental Health Advantages Of Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-mental-health-advantages-of-exercise/ Fri, 01 Oct 2021 05:00:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26262 Exercise is not just about aerobic capacity as well as muscle size. Sure, exercise may improve your physical health and your physique, trim your waistline and even add on years to your life. However, that’s not what motivates most individuals to stay active. Individuals who exercise often tend to do so as it gives them...

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Exercise is not just about aerobic capacity as well as muscle size. Sure, exercise may improve your physical health and your physique, trim your waistline and even add on years to your life. However, that’s not what motivates most individuals to stay active. Individuals who exercise often tend to do so as it gives them an enormous sense of well-being.

They feel more energetic during the day, sleep better at night, have clearer memories, and feel calmer and positive about themselves and their lives. In addition, it’s also a powerful medicine for many normal mental health challenges.

Exercising regularly can have a deeply positive impact on depression, anxiety as well as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It also alleviates stress, improves memory, assist you to sleep better, and boosts your overall mood.

As well you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic in order to reap the advantages. Research reveals that moderate amounts of exercise can make a real difference. No matter what your age or fitness level, you can learn to utilise exercise as a powerful tool to deal with mental health problems, improve your energy and outlook, and get more out of life.

Assistance For Depression And Anxiety

Exercise is a scientifically recognised mood booster, reducing symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Physical activity boosts endorphin levels, which are the body’s famous “feel good” chemical that are produced by the brain and spinal cord which produces feelings of happiness and euphoria. Even just moderate amounts of exercise during the week can improve depression and anxiety, so much so that some doctors recommend trying out an exercise regimen for these conditions before turning to medication.

Exercise And Stress

Have you ever noticed how your body feels when you’re under stress?

  • Your muscles might be tense, particularly those in your face, neck as well as your shoulders. This leaves you feeling back or neck pain or suffering from painful headaches.
  • You could feel a tightness in your chest, a pounding pulse or – alternatively – muscle cramps.
  • Also, you may experience problems such as insomnia, heartburn, stomach-ache, diarrhoea, or frequent urination.

The worry and pain of all these physical symptoms may in turn lead to even more stress, so creating a nasty cycle between your mind and body.

Exercising is a very efficient way to break this cycle. In addition to releasing endorphins in the brain, physical activity assists with relaxing the muscles and relieve tension in the body. Since the body and mind are so closely linked, when your body feels better so, too, will your mind.

How Much Exercise Do You Need To Do?

It is recommended that adults do at least 30 minutes of moderate to intensive physical activity on most/all days of the week. You will be able to make up 30 minutes over the day by mixing in shorter 10 to 15 minute sessions. Including mindfulness when doing exercise also reduces your stress as well as improves your mental health:

  • If money is a worry for you, think about local recreation centres, which frequently have inexpensive exercise groups. If you have private health insurance, you could get assistance for gym membership as part and parcel of a mental health care plan.
  • You could struggle with finding motivation or remaining motivated for exercise. Think about ways in which you can make exercise part of your daily routine and lifestyle. Select something which you enjoy and ask your friends or family to help motivate you as well as to keep you on track.
  • If you have a dog, take them for walks in your local area.
  • Mix your exercise routine with a healthy diet in order to boost your motivation as well as energy for exercise.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn about other benefits of exercise then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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Why Strength Training Is Just As Good As Cardio For Dropping Fat? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-strength-training-is-just-as-good-as-cardio-for-dropping-fat/ Fri, 01 Oct 2021 05:00:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26265 It has been shown, in a recently conducted study, that strength training is just as effective as aerobics or cardio workouts at lowering body fat. A lot of individuals think that if you are keep on losing weight you need to go out and run. However, the study found that that even when strength training...

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It has been shown, in a recently conducted study, that strength training is just as effective as aerobics or cardio workouts at lowering body fat. A lot of individuals think that if you are keep on losing weight you need to go out and run.

However, the study found that that even when strength training is done on its own, it still causes a favourable loss of body fat without having to diet consciously or go running. The study found that you are able to lose around 1.4% of your entire body fat through strength training alone, which is similar to how much we might lose through cardio or aerobics.

Why Cardio Exercise Aids In Fat Loss

Minute-for-minute, cardiovascular exercise (or aerobic exercise) burns more calories than weight training owing to the continuous nature of intensity. Owing to this, doing cardio for weight loss can assist you with losing body fat.

However, the kind of cardio which you choose is very important – depending on what your ultimate goal is:

  • LISS (which stands for ‘low-intensity steady-state’ cardio) is best for those with large weight loss goals. This type of cardi is great for beginners and assist with chipping away at stubborn body fat
  • HIIT (which stands for ‘high-intensity interval training’) is best for retaining existing muscle, stimulating fat-burning enzymes as well as burning fat as efficiently as possible

How Important Is Cardiovascular Exercise For Fat Loss?

Research actually found that those who select aerobic exercise lost up to four times more fat as opposed to those who only chose to strength train. However, and this is important, your healthy body goals may not just be about fat loss – maintaining muscle tissue is very important for a healthy metabolism and sculpted physique. That’s where resistance training comes in.

Resistance Training Helps You Burn More Calories Every Day

Although a resistance-training workout doesn’t usually burn as many calories as a cardio workout, it has other important benefits. For instance, resistance raining is more effective than cardio at building muscle. Muscle burns more calories at rest as opposed to some other tissues, including fat.

Owing to this, it is commonly said that developing muscle is the key to boosting your resting metabolism — in other words, how many calories you burn when you are at rest.

One study assessed participants’ resting metabolisms throughout the 24 weeks of resistance training. In men, resistance training led to a 9% increase in resting metabolism. The results in women were smaller, with an increase of almost 4%.

While this might sound good, it’s important to think about how many calories this represents. For the men, resting metabolism increased by about 140 calories per day. In women, it was only about 50 calories per day.  Thus, resistance training and building a little bit of muscle won’t make your metabolism skyrocket, however it may increase it by a small amount.

Resistance Training Has Other Important Calorie-Burning Benefits

In particular, research has shown that you burn more calories in the hours after a weight training session as compared to a cardio workout. In fact, there are reports of resting metabolism remaining elevated for up to 38 hours after resistance training, while no such increase has been reported with cardio. This means that the calorie-burning benefits of weights aren’t limited to when you are exercising. You may keep burning calories for hours or days afterward. For most kinds of exercise, a more intense workout will increase the number of calories you burn afterwards.

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If you’re eager to discover more about strength training then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more and to register.

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What Are The Benefits Of Cardiovascular Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-cardiovascular-exercise/ Thu, 30 Sep 2021 05:00:44 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26250 Cardiovascular exercise is any activity which gets your blood pumping and your large muscle groups working. Examples of cardiovascular exercise include: Brisk walking, Swimming, Heavy cleaning or gardening, Running, Cycling, and Playing soccer. Exercise experts, such as personal trainers, recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity...

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Cardiovascular exercise is any activity which gets your blood pumping and your large muscle groups working. Examples of cardiovascular exercise include:

  • Brisk walking,
  • Swimming,
  • Heavy cleaning or gardening,
  • Running,
  • Cycling, and
  • Playing soccer.

Exercise experts, such as personal trainers, recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each and every single week. Brisk walking or swimming are good examples of moderate activity. Running or cycling are instances of vigorous activity.

If you are new to exercising or returning to the gym, deciding what type of exercises you should do can be quite overwhelming. While it doesn’t hurt to try a tiny bit of everything, there are a number of different exercises which will be more beneficial toward your goals. For instance, cardio exercise is one of the best and most popular types of exercises individuals do. However, a lot of individuals also despise cardio in any form.

Cardiovascular Exercise Improves Cardiovascular Health

Cardio exercise is recommended by the American Heart Association and by most doctors to people with, or who are at risk for, heart disease. That’s as exercise strengthens your heart and assists it to more efficiently pump blood throughout the body.

In addition, cardiovascular exercise can help lower blood pressure, and keep your arteries clear through raising “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol as well as lowering “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood.

If you’re particularly looking to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, make sure that you aim for 40 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise between three and four times each week.

Cardiovascular Exercise Lowers Blood Pressure

A healthy heart pumps more blood with every beat, so enabling it to function far more efficiently. This lowers stress on the heart as well as surrounding arteries, so potentially lowering blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, cardiovascular exercise could help to lower it. If you don’t have high blood pressure, exercise might help prevent it from rising as you age.

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Cardiovascular Exercise Is Great For Weight Loss

One of the chief reasons why individuals adopt a cardio exercise routine is because it can assist you lose weight. Cardiovascular exercise is a great exercise for those looking to slim down as it helps you burn fat and lose calories. While diet is far more instrumental in weight loss, you will want to work cardio into your routine to further advance your goal to shed a few kilograms. This is because cardio can burn hundreds of calories in a session.

Cardiovascular Exercise Reduces Asthma Symptoms

Cardiovascular exercise can assist people with asthma to lessen both the frequency as well as severity of asthma attacks. You should still speak with your doctor prior to starting a new exercise routine if you have asthma, however. They could recommend particular activities or precautions om order to help keep you safe while working out.

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Do you want to learn more about cardiovascular exercise? Then you really need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Make sure that you follow this link to learn more.

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How To Stay Active With Type 2 Diabetes? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-stay-active-with-type-2-diabetes-read-this-article/ Thu, 30 Sep 2021 05:00:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26247 Finding time in your daily schedule to get your body moving is very important for everyone. For individuals living with type 2 diabetes, exercise and remaining active is particularly important. Along with consuming a nutritious diet, exercise is one of the best ways to sustain a healthy lifestyle with type 2 diabetes. Getting enough exercise...

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Finding time in your daily schedule to get your body moving is very important for everyone. For individuals living with type 2 diabetes, exercise and remaining active is particularly important. Along with consuming a nutritious diet, exercise is one of the best ways to sustain a healthy lifestyle with type 2 diabetes. Getting enough exercise could lessen your risk of cardiovascular disease, assist you to manage your weight as well as your blood sugar levels, and reduce high cholesterol.

Beginning a new exercise routine can feel intimidating. It’s important to keep in mind that a little movement can go a long way. Finding out ways to include movement into your day that aren’t overpowering or stressful will make it much easier for you to be consistent with your exercise routine. Rather than deciding to dive into hour-long power walks every single day, try to set a far more manageable goal.

If you begin with an activity and exercise plan which you can stick to, you’ll have the ability to build up from there. This could mean:

  • Choosing to take the stairs rather than the lift when you get to work,
  • Parking your car farther away from the entrance when you go to the shops,
  • Setting a timer on your cell phone in order to remind you to stand up and stretch every 30 minutes, and
  • Taking a five-minute walk after each meal.

How Can Type 2 Diabetes Sufferers Benefit From Physical Activity?

The aim should be to get at least 150 minutes every week of moderate-intensity physical activity. One way to do this is to attempt to fit in at least between 20 and 25 minutes of activity every day. In addition, on two or more days a week, include activities which work all of your major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders as well as arms).

Examples of moderate-intensity physical activities include the following:

  • Walking briskly,
  • Doing housework,
  • Mowing the lawn,
  • Dancing,
  • Swimming,
  • Bicycling, and
  • Playing Sports.

These activities work your large muscles, boost your heart rate, and make you breathe more intensely, which are essential goals for fitness. Stretching helps to make you flexible and prevent soreness after being physically active.

How Does Exercise Affect Blood Sugar?

When you exercise, your body requires extra energy from blood sugar, which is also called glucose. When you do something quickly, such as a sprint to catch the bus, your muscles and liver release glucose that your body uses for fuel.

Exercise generally lowers your levels. If you take insulin or diabetes medication, a boost in workout intensity or length could mean that you’ll have to adjust your snacks, medication, or both of these. Talk to your doctor about what’s correct for you.

The massive payoff comes when you do moderate exercise for a longer time, such as a hike. Your muscles use much more glucose when you do that. This helps with lowering your blood sugar levels. If you’re doing far more intense exercise, your blood sugar levels could rise, momentarily, after you stop.

Exercising Too Hard Is A Bad Thing

Exercise which is too hard can raise your blood sugar by making it much more difficult for your muscle cells to utilise insulin. A workout assists to pump you up by causing tiny tears in muscle fibres. When these heal, your muscles are stronger.

However  if you aren’t used to super-tough workouts such as HIIT (high-intensity interval training), they can do so much damage that days go by before you feel like moving again. During that time, your muscle cells can’t utilise insulin well, and that will increase your blood sugar.

In addition, it may rise if you skip workouts. If you’re so sore that you can’t make your next gym session, you probably need to dial it down. There’s no rush: It’s better to build intensity slowly as you get used to a new routine. You’re more probable to stick with it if you don’t feel like you’ve been through the wringer.

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If you would like to learn more about the health benefits of exercise then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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Cycling Vs Walking: Which Is The Best Workout For You? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/cycling-vs-walking-which-is-the-best-workout-for-you/ Wed, 29 Sep 2021 05:00:56 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26229 Aerobic exercise is a very important way in order to maintain your health and vitality. If you’re a newbie to exercising or have an injury or health condition which is forcing you to change up your exercise routine, you may wonder what type of aerobic exercise to select. Walking and cycling are two of the...

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Aerobic exercise is a very important way in order to maintain your health and vitality. If you’re a newbie to exercising or have an injury or health condition which is forcing you to change up your exercise routine, you may wonder what type of aerobic exercise to select.

Walking and cycling are two of the extremely common kinds of aerobic activity. Both can be adjusted for beginners or individuals with injuries or other health conditions. They both offer a lower impact activity as opposed to other aerobic activities, such as running or skipping. In addition, you can do them both outdoors and indoors, making them available no matter what the weather is like.

However, they tend to differ regarding cost. Cycling obviously requires a bike, while all you need to begin walking is a pair of shoes (or not) as well as the will to move. Still, you may wonder which is the better workout and which is better for your health.

Calories That Are Burned – Losing Weight Is All About Utilising Calories

When it comes down to burning calories, cycling is a much faster way to lose weight as opposed to walking. On flat ground, a 68-kilogram person would burn almost 600 calories cycling for an hour (depending on speed) as compared with only about 300 calories per hour walking.

In addition, cyclists will probably further the gap even more as covering a greater distance on a bike in an hour of exercise means they are more likely to come across hills, which would increase the number of calories that are burned.

Walking Takes Up More Time Than Cycling Does

Walking 10 000 steps could transport the average person approximately 8 km. If we consider that the average speed of walking, 5 km/h, then it would take approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes to complete the daily number of steps.

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Which Works Muscles Better?

Cycling and walking both involve utilising many of the same muscles in order to produce force to move. The gluteal muscles of the hip and hamstrings are engaged in power production in both walking as well as cycling. These muscles increase their activation when you boost your speed during cycling, particularly when you stand up to pedal. As well, gluteal activation increases when you walk uphill or up the stairs.

The quadriceps (knee extensors) are involved to a larger extent in cycling. This is as compared with walking. These are larger producers of force during the power or push-down phase of cycling when you’re sitting down.

Finally, the calf muscles (soleus and gastrocnemius) play a vital role in both cycling and walking. They are the muscles which propel you in the push phase of cycling as well as the push-off phase of walking (mid-stance to pre-swing phases).

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How To Improve Your Workout Routine? Read this article to find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-improve-your-workout-routine-read-this-article-to-find-out-more/ Wed, 29 Sep 2021 05:00:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26233 Beginning a fitness programme or improving your workout routine may be two of the best things you can do for your health. Physical activity may reduce your risk of chronic disease, boost your balance and coordination, assist you with losing weight — and even improve your sleep habits as well as self-esteem. You’ve probably gotten...

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Beginning a fitness programme or improving your workout routine may be two of the best things you can do for your health. Physical activity may reduce your risk of chronic disease, boost your balance and coordination, assist you with losing weight — and even improve your sleep habits as well as self-esteem.

You’ve probably gotten the memo by now which says that exercise is really good for you. Whether or not you’ve made the choice to take advantage of exercise’s benefits might be a very different story.

Maybe you’re afraid that you aren’t able to commit sufficient time to exercise in order to make it worthwhile. Alternatively, it may be that you feel that you aren’t able to afford the cost of gym membership, equipment, or family care when you’re at your workout. If these motivations, or others, are keeping you from taking advantage of the healthy advantages of exercise, keep on reading as you’ll find that you may not have to give up as much as you are fearful of.

Evaluate Your Fitness Level

You probably have some idea regarding how fit you are. However, assessing and recording baseline fitness scores could give you benchmarks against which to measure your progress. In order to assess your aerobic as well as muscular fitness, flexibility, and body composition, think about recording:

  • Your pulse rate before and directly after walking 1.6 kilometres.
  • How long it takes to walk 1.6 kilometres or how long it takes to run 2.41 kilometres.
  • How many standard or modified push-ups you are able to do at a time.
  • How far you can reach forward while you’re sitting on the floor with your legs in front of you.
  • Your waist circumference, just above your hipbones
  • Your body mass index (BMI).

Wake Up With A Cup Of Coffee Prior To Your Morning Workout

The caffeine in a pre-workout cup of coffee helps with stimulating your central nervous system which means that you’ll have a little extra energy in your indoor cycling or boot camp class. In addition to a performance boost, research demonstrates that it can really make exercise feel more enjoyable, so you’re more probably push harder. Drink up a half hour before you begin exercising to give it time to kick in.

Don’t Exercise Too Much

More is not essentially better when it comes down to exercise frequency. You could overdo your exercise regime. A study recently reported that individuals who exercise for 60 minutes a day really lost less weight as opposed to those who exercised 30 minutes. One of the main reasons for this finding is psychological and not physiological.

Individuals who exercise a lot feel justified about engaging in other behaviours which actually detract from their physical health. Through the process called ego depletion, they consume their willpower at the gym but only to let it go in their afterhours by eating or drinking in excess. So relax, you won’t be told here that you need to dedicate hours a day to exercise in order to get – as well as stay – healthy. The good news is that moderation actually works in your favour when it comes down to exercise.

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Why HIIT Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness More Than Low-Intensity Exercise https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-hiit-improves-cardiorespiratory-fitness-more-than-low-intensity-exercise/ Tue, 28 Sep 2021 05:00:22 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26221 High intensity interval training (HIIT) contributes to better improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness as opposed to moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) – or alternatively – low-intensity exercise, according to a review which was published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. Investigators said slowly introducing – as well as progressing – HIIT exercise on a case-by-case basis. This...

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High intensity interval training (HIIT) contributes to better improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness as opposed to moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) – or alternatively – low-intensity exercise, according to a review which was published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine.

Investigators said slowly introducing – as well as progressing – HIIT exercise on a case-by-case basis. This is as opposed to trying a one-size-fits-all model which can reduce musculoskeletal discomfort while maximising safety, adherence, enjoyment in addition to physiological outcomes.

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a class 1 clinical practice recommendation for patients with select cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). For patients who have coronary heart disease and heart failure (HF), cardiorespiratory fitness is a very strong predictor of mortality. Owing to this, exercise prescription which optimises improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise capacity is an extremely critical consideration for the efficacy of CR programming.

Between 2004 and 2011, systematic reviews on coronary heart disease showed that exercise-based CR reduced hospitalisations by 31%, CV mortality by 26% as well as all-cause mortality by 20%, compared with standard medical care. Since then, however, outcomes from RAMIT (the Rehabilitation After Myocardial Infarction Trial) and ensuing systematic reviews questioned the success of exercise-based CR for reducing those outcomes.

What Does A HIIT Routine Look Like?

What distinguishes HIIT (or SIT) from the steady-state, continuous types of exercise — jogging at an even pace or walking, for instance — is the intervals, those periods of heart-pounding intensity. If you would like to try it, you can simply take a HIIT class, or run or even walk in a way which involves higher-speed – as well as higher-incline bursts.

If you would like a routine which has been lab-tested, there’s the 4-by-4 from Norway. It includes a warm-up, followed by four four-minute intervals (again, where your heart rate goes past 80% of its maximum capacity), each interspersed with a three-minute recovery period, and ended off with a cool-down.

So, for instance, you’d jog for 10 minutes to warm up, then perform four four-minute intervals of faster running, with three three-minute intervals of moderate jogging or brisk walking in between, and a five-minute cool down at the end. And you can substitute jogging with other aerobic exercises, such as biking or swimming. The whole routine should take 40 minutes.

A shorter, and also heavily studied, example of an interval routine is the 10-by-1, which involves 10 one-minute bursts of exercise each followed by one minute of recovery.

How Does HIIT Work?

Irrespective of the type of HIIT, it’s thought the health improvements are caused by the rate – as opposed to the amount – at which skeletal muscle glycogen (carbohydrates that are stored by the body for energy) is used. Muscle glycogen is a very important fuel reserve – so our body attempts to replenish it as a priority.

HIIT workouts reduce muscle glycogen at such a rate that the body increases the number as well as activity of mitochondria (powerhouses of cells) in our muscles in order to allow us to meet the energy requirements of exercise. This in turn leads to increases in fitness, metabolic function as well as health.

Again, these routines look pretty different from what’s on offer at chains such as Virgin Active and Planet Fitness, or even the seven-minute workout. Even though they’re frequently referred to as HIIT, they mix cardiovascular exercise with strength training.

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What Are The Best Weighted Exercises For Toned Legs And Arms? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-weighted-exercises-for-toned-legs-and-arms/ Mon, 27 Sep 2021 05:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26134 Strength training, which is also called weight training or resistance training, is a very important part of any fitness routine. It assists with making stronger. This type of training also builds muscle endurance. Strength training is a very versatile type of workout which you can do practically anywhere. While it’s a popular exercise choice at...

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Strength training, which is also called weight training or resistance training, is a very important part of any fitness routine. It assists with making stronger. This type of training also builds muscle endurance.

Strength training is a very versatile type of workout which you can do practically anywhere. While it’s a popular exercise choice at many gyms, you are also able to build a robust strength training programme which you can do in the comfort and privacy of your home.

If one of those fitness goals is to become stronger and tone, exercising with weights should certainly be on your list of regular workouts. From dumbbells and kettlebells to sandbags and those quite intimidating barbells that fitness enthusiasts make use of, weighted exercises have more benefits as opposed to just defining your muscles.

Training with weights has numerous benefits. It has the potential to boost your health and fitness, improve bone density and muscle endurance, in addition to increasing your overall strength.

The Best Leg Exercises

Goblet Squat

Ensure that you stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart. Hold a weight in front of your chest, with your elbows pointing towards the floor. Push your hips back. Bend your knees so you are able to lower yourself into a squat. Push yourself back to begin. That’s one rep. Perform between three and four sets of 10 to 12 reps and then rest for 30 to 60 seconds. Continue onto your next move.

Single Leg Deadlift

Holding a weight in each one of your hands, stand on your left leg with your palms facing towards your thighs. Keep your left leg bent slightly while hinging forward at your hips, extending your right leg straight behind you til your torso is parallel to the floor. The weights should be lowered straight down as you move until they’re nearly touching the floor. Drive into your left heel to go back to standing. That’s one rep. Perform three or four sets of 10 to 12 reps on each side. Rest for between 30 and 60 seconds and then continue onto your next move.

The Best Arm Exercises

Bicep Curl

Begin this movement by standing with your feet hip-width apart and holding a pair of dumbbells at your sides. Your palms need to be facing forward with your back straight and your chest upright. Without moving the upper portion of your arms, bend your elbows and bring the weights up towards your shoulders. Lower the dumbbells slowly – and with control – back to your starting position. That’s one rep.

Upright Row

Start the movement by standing with your feet hip-width apart, with your arms resting in front of your body and a dumbbell in each of your hands. Lift the dumbbells by raising your elbows until they reach chest-level. Gradually lower them back down to your waist with control and repeat. That’s one rep. Complete 12 reps and then continue to your next exercise. When you complete all six moves, rest for 60 seconds, then repeat three times for a total of four rounds.

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Skipping Vs Running – Which Is Best? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/skipping-vs-running-which-is-best-find-out-in-this-article/ Mon, 27 Sep 2021 05:00:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26138 Skipping is a low-cost exercise which requires little equipment as well as minimal space. In addition, running is a low-cost exercise, however it typically necessitates increased space in order to perform unless you’re running on a treadmill. However, that compromises the affordability side. Still, both exercises are economical and efficient ways in order to work...

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Skipping is a low-cost exercise which requires little equipment as well as minimal space. In addition, running is a low-cost exercise, however it typically necessitates increased space in order to perform unless you’re running on a treadmill. However, that compromises the affordability side. Still, both exercises are economical and efficient ways in order to work on your fitness, whether you’re working on endurance or intensity. As such, you could wonder which is better for you, or if you should concentrate on one over the other.

What Are The Benefits Of Skipping?

It’s Efficient

Stop thinking about spending an hour on the treadmill for the sake of your cardiovascular routine. All you actually need is a few minutes skipping. The benefits of skipping for 10 minutes a day have been proven to be just as effective in terms of cardiovascular health as well as caloric expenditure as running for 30 minutes. This means you can get your daily dosage of cardio in three songs, flat.

It’s Low Impact

There’s no question that running is wonderful for your cardiovascular health, however one thing that it’s not so good for? Your joints. When done properly, skipping can actually be lower impact on the joints as opposed to running. It’s a phenomenal way for runners to train on off days so that you can build ankle stability and may even prevent shin splints.

It’s Great For Strengthening

Skipping isolates the muscles in your calves and quads. The rhythmic bouncing on the balls of your feet serves to target – as well as strengthen – these areas with every swing of the rope. In addition, it’s a great warm-up for the rest of your muscle-building routine.

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What Are The Benefits Of Running?

As an aerobic activity, running supports both lung and heart health. Running will build cardiovascular endurance, as well, but you need either a treadmill or space outside. In addition, with proper form, running can build lower-body muscle.

Studies have also linked running with longevity, stating that runners have a 25% to 40% lowered risk of premature mortality and live almost three years longer as opposed to non-runners.

Together with physical benefits, running can promote mental well-being — regardless of your speed. If you can take it outside, running can be meditative and connect you with nature.

Running and skipping are both excellent forms of exercise. They’re cheap and necessitate minimal equipment. In addition, they both burn a significant number of calories in a short period of time. This can assist to reduce your body fat percentage as well as improve your body composition, if those are your goals. Nonetheless, both are high-impact activities which may not be suitable for those who have hip, knee, or ankle injuries.

Choosing the exercise which you find more interesting and which you’ll stick with is the most important factor. You can always alternate both activities as an excellent option to provide variety to your exercise routine.

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If you would like to learn more about the biomechanics of exercise then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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Does Running Build Muscle? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/does-running-build-muscle/ Thu, 23 Sep 2021 05:00:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26116 While most individuals associate building muscle with strength training. However, the fantastic news is that it is possible to build muscle while you run if you follow the correct training and nutrition plan. And that’s great news if you don’t like lifting weights as building muscle has a tonne of health benefits. It strengthens your...

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While most individuals associate building muscle with strength training. However, the fantastic news is that it is possible to build muscle while you run if you follow the correct training and nutrition plan. And that’s great news if you don’t like lifting weights as building muscle has a tonne of health benefits. It strengthens your bones, increases your metabolism, manages chronic conditions, and makes it much simpler to do everyday tasks.

How Does Running Affect Your Muscles?

Running can build lower body muscles, however it largely depends on the intensity as well as the duration of your runs. In one study, 12 recreationally trained university students completed high intensity interval training (HIIT) involving four sets of running at near maximal capacity for four minutes followed by three minutes of active rest.

After 10 weeks of HIIT workouts, three times per week, they showed close to an 11% increase in the muscle fibre area of their quadriceps (which are located at the front of the thigh), as compared with the control group. As such, workouts such as sprinting may provide benefits for muscle development.

Aerobic exercise – such as running – is thought to build muscle through constraining proteins that interfere with muscle growth as well as lowering muscle protein breakdown (MPB). On the other hand, long-distance running may significantly increase MPB and so hinder muscle growth.

For instance, in a study in 30 male amateur runners who ran 10, 21, or 42 km, all of the groups experienced major increases in markers of muscle damage. Levels of these markers rose together with the distance and stayed elevated even three days afterward. These results make the suggestion that high intensity, short duration running builds leg muscles, while long distance running causes noteworthy muscle damage, inhibiting muscle growth.

Including Strength Training To Your Exercise Routine Is A Good Idea

Adding strength training into your exercise routine is another fantastic way to build up muscle. Some advantages of adding strength training to your workout routine include:

  • Reduced fatigue,
  • Faster runs,
  • Better runs, as well as
  • Lowered likelihood of injuries.

However, building muscle could be dangerous, especially for new runners. Pushing yourself too hard may lead to certain injuries, such as:

  • Plantar fasciitis,
  • Achilles tendinitis,
  • Runner’s knee,
  • ITB syndrome,
  • Shin splints, or
  • Stress fractures.

Being mindful of your body and also wearing the proper footwear can go a long way in order to ensure that you do not injure yourself. Build yourself up slowly and then you will see improvement in your ability as well as muscle mass over time.

So, does running build muscle? It can, dependent on what you do. Integrating different running styles into your training as well as strength training may contribute to muscle growth. Alone, training is not enough. However, getting the correct nutritional balance from your food, getting plenty of rest as well as drinking plenty of water all play a part in assisting your body build muscle.

It is very important to remember that your body could need a different training and nutritional regime in order to achieve the same results as another runner. Not all bodies are the same so if you need help building a routine, contact a local certified personal trainer for advice on where to start.

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Eager to learn more about the biomechanics of exercise? Then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to read more.

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Is It Safe For Children And Teens To Exercise With Weights? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/is-it-safe-for-children-and-teens-to-exercise-with-weights/ Thu, 23 Sep 2021 05:00:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26121 We all know that exercise is an important element of living a healthy lifestyle, and most parents believe that their children should do more of it. However, many parents prefer that their children participate in aerobic activities than strength exercises. This is largely owing to the perception that lifting weights is dangerous for children. Done...

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We all know that exercise is an important element of living a healthy lifestyle, and most parents believe that their children should do more of it. However, many parents prefer that their children participate in aerobic activities than strength exercises. This is largely owing to the perception that lifting weights is dangerous for children. Done properly, strength training offers many benefits to young athletes. Strength training is even a great idea for kids who just want to look and feel better. In fact, this format of exercise might put your child on a lifetime path to improved health and fitness.

Do Weights Pose A Risk Of Injury?

There was virtually little data on injuries connected with youth strength training until recently. However, there were a few case reports detailing catastrophic injuries caused by the misuse of weight training equipment, as well as a few short studies indicating high injury rates in competitive adolescent weightlifting and powerlifting programmes.

In 1990, the American Academy of Paediatrics carefully recommended against participation in strength training before reaching physical maturity. This report was essentially referring to weightlifting, powerlifting, as well as bodybuilding which involve the usage of maximal loads and extremely technical lifting movements which had never been recommended for young people. Nevertheless, the message that ‘weights are bad for children and teens’ took hold and the public distrust of strength training stayed on.

We now know that supervised and age-appropriate weight training is a safe activity for children and adolescents. Strength training is a good way to improve muscular fitness, body composition, and psychological health. In fact, appropriately conducted strength training programmes have a much reduced risk of injury as opposed to many popular youth sports like soccer, football, or basketball – activities which parents happily enrol their children in year after year. Ironically, participation in strength training can actually lower the risk of children being injured when they play sports.

What Are the Advantages of Strength Training?

Strength training can assist children and teens build strong muscles. With a well-designed and supervised programme, they are able to

  • Improve overall fitness and sports performance,
  • Improve lean body mass (more muscle, less fat),
  • Burn more calories,
  • Make bones stronger, and
  • Better mental health.

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When Can A Child Begin Strength Training?

During childhood, children improve their body awareness, control and balance through active play. As soon as age seven or eight, however, strength training could become a valuable part of a holistic fitness plan — as long as the child is sufficiently mature to follow directions and can practise proper technique as well as form.

It is recommended school-age children get 60 minutes or more of day-to-day activity. As part of this activity, muscle- as well as bone-strengthening exercises are advised at least three days per week. If your child demonstrated an interest in strength training, remind him or her that strength training is meant to boost muscle strength and endurance. Bulking up is something else completely — and most safely done after adolescence, when your child’s bones have stopped growing.

You could also check with your child’s doctor for the OK to start a strength training programme, particularly if your child has a known or suspected health problem — such as a heart condition, high blood pressure or – alternatively – a seizure disorder.

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Want to become a certified exercise expert – who can teach children and adults to exercise properly – then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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Why You Should Be A Fan Of Indoor Cycling? Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-you-should-be-a-fan-of-indoor-cycling-learn-more-in-this-article/ Wed, 22 Sep 2021 05:00:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26110 Indoor cycling classes are as exciting as they are exhilarating. The benefits of this type of class include weight loss as well as boosted strength and endurance. These benefits are improved when indoor cycling classes are combined with other cardio and resistance workouts however you can easily use an indoor cycling class as your main...

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Indoor cycling classes are as exciting as they are exhilarating. The benefits of this type of class include weight loss as well as boosted strength and endurance. These benefits are improved when indoor cycling classes are combined with other cardio and resistance workouts however you can easily use an indoor cycling class as your main workout. It’s certainly worth trying out an indoor cycling class, especially if it’s within your budget and you think it’s something you’ll enjoy.

As any loyal cyclist knows, there’s a lot more to cycling indoors than flashy indoor bikes with on-demand, interactive workouts. Indoor cycling is perhaps one of the best forms of cardio that you can do, particularly long term. Cycling indoors is non-weight-bearing, so it reduces the risk of injuries owing to wear and tear on your joints, particularly your knees.

Knees are often the first joints in the body to show signs of ageing, so it’s crucial to take care of them over your lifetime with healthy, gentle forms of cardiovascular exercise such as indoor cycling. With that in mind, if you’re jumping on the bike for the first time, it’s a very good idea to talk to your doctor first. In this way, you can implement any specific recommendations.

Here are a few of the phenomenal reasons why you should be a fan of cycling indoors.

Indoor Cycling Is Time Efficient

One of the biggest benefits of doing cycling indoors is how little time it takes as compared to going for a ride outside. So if you’re short on time – and who isn’t? – riding indoors can assist you squeeze in a workout session when you otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

Indoor cycling is convenient, it’s set up ready to go and there’s no time-wasting. You are able to get on the bike, warm-up and you’re well into a session. Cool down, finish, in the shower and you’re done.

If you’re planning on cycling outside, you’ll need to find a route and, if you live in a city centre, you need to get out of the city. By the time that you’ve even warmed up you could have done your entire session indoors. What’s more, and as we’ll come on to, the specificity and uninterrupted nature of cycling indoors means that you can make big training gains in a relatively short amount of time.

Indoor Cycling Builds Strength

So that you can improve your strength, plan on doing at least 150 minutes of cycling indoors  per week. You might see results after a few weeks of regular classes however you’ll need to keep up with the classes so that you can maintain the results.

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Indoor Cycling Has Major Cardiovascular Benefits

Indoor cycling is a great way to boost cardiovascular health. It’s similar to other forms of cardiovascular exercise – such as running, swimming as well as elliptical training. It’s ideal for people who want a cardiovascular workout without placing too much stress on their joints.

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Why Women Should Seriously Consider Working Out With Kettlebells https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-women-should-seriously-consider-working-out-with-kettlebells/ Wed, 22 Sep 2021 05:00:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26107 There was a day (and it was not that long ago) when kettlebells were kept for Hulked-out bros and go-hard-or-go-home Cross Fitters. Quite fortunately, that day is over, and women are cosying up to kettlebell training in a massive way. Whether your aim is to gain strength and muscle mass, or grow your aerobic capacity,...

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There was a day (and it was not that long ago) when kettlebells were kept for Hulked-out bros and go-hard-or-go-home Cross Fitters.

Quite fortunately, that day is over, and women are cosying up to kettlebell training in a massive way. Whether your aim is to gain strength and muscle mass, or grow your aerobic capacity, kettlebells can assist.  You are able to accomplish a killer workout in your living room, garage or even outside with nothing more than just a handful of kettlebells as well as half an hour of your time.

Case in point: In one tiny American Council on Exercise–sponsored study of 10 individuals, people doing the kettlebell snatch incinerated more than 400 calories in only 20 minutes. Another study of 40 people, which was published in The Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health found that when sedentary workers finished 20-minute kettlebell workouts between two and three times per week for eight weeks, they reduced their lower-back pain by 57% and their neck and shoulder pain by 46%.

After all, thanks to the kettlebell’s less-than-firm design, exercising with one is responsible for firing up multiple muscle groups at the same time — especially those of the core, which we utilise for balance — helping to teach your body to move as one functional, rock-hard unit.

Kettlebells Help To Condition Muscle But Won’t Beef You Up

Kettlebells won’t make you bulky. You will enjoy being lean and toned while still keeping those curves. Effective kettlebell workouts for women are incredibly dynamic as well as cardiovascular in nature. Although the resistance element of kettlebell training will serve to condition existing muscles it will not cause a massive amount of muscle hypertrophy or muscle growth.

This is great news for women who want to add muscle tone without the bulk.

Plus ladies, you don’t have to worry about looking like a bodybuilder, women have 100 times less testosterone, the male growth hormone, so it is quite challenging for women to put on too much muscle.

Kettlebells Are A Total-Body Workout Tool

Unlike many training styles which have you work one body part at a time, most kettlebell movements engage your whole body at once. Thanks to its bespoke handle, the kettlebell creates an offset centre of gravity, making it ideal for dynamic movements which activate your stabilising muscles. Take the kettlebell swing, for instance: with just one move you’re working out your glutes, quads, abs, lats, grip, and shoulders, all while burning a tonne of fat. As opposed to doing separate cardio, strength, and mobility workouts, kettlebell training combines them which allows you to build muscle and – at the same time – burn body fat.

Kettlebells Are The Answer To Lower Back Pain And Joint Issues

When utilised correctly a kettlebell improves lower back pain as well as your joint stability and mobility specifically in your shoulders, hips, knees and ankles. When you swing a kettlebell you learn how to activate your posterior chain (which is the back of your body from your heels to neck) which is frequently weakened by hours spent being sedentary and well, sitting on your chair!

This is frequently overlooked by other exercise methods. In addition, you will learn to wake up this lazy as well as tired muscle to support your lower back plus working more in this area increases fat burn as your butt muscles necessitate huge amounts of energy in order to function. What’s more, as you swing, the weight tries to pull your joints apart and it is your stabilising muscles that maintain the closure of the joint.

Strong development of stabilising muscles makes sure that you have a stronger foundation for your larger muscles to operate from enabling less injury and an increase in strength. Kettlebells also force longer ranges of movement opening up your joints and increasing mobility and thus better movement freedom.

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If you want to become a kettlebell instructor then you should check out our Kettlebell Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Is The Best Type Of Exercise To Correct Muscle Imbalance? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-best-type-of-exercise-to-correct-muscle-imbalance/ Tue, 21 Sep 2021 05:00:47 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26090 Muscle imbalances are a familiar reason for pain, improper form or a plateau in progress. However, they are so frequently overlooked. Continuing to exercise with a muscular imbalance in your legs can cause the symptoms to worsen, down the line leading to injury. Fortunately, finding and fixing muscle imbalances is a relatively simple process. Muscle...

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Muscle imbalances are a familiar reason for pain, improper form or a plateau in progress. However, they are so frequently overlooked. Continuing to exercise with a muscular imbalance in your legs can cause the symptoms to worsen, down the line leading to injury. Fortunately, finding and fixing muscle imbalances is a relatively simple process.

Muscle imbalances happen when one collection of muscles — for instance, the pectorals — are of unequal strength or size associated with an opposing group of muscles — for instance, the lats. These differences in muscle function could derail your hard work in the gym and also produce severe injuries.

When one muscle is not strong and the other is overactive, it pulls your body into an incorrect posture — such as rounded shoulders or an excessively arched lower back — which also reduces mobility at your joints and makes particular muscles stiff. Usually, muscle imbalances take place around areas of your body which are supposed to be mobile — hips, shoulders and thoracic spine — however they can happen just about anywhere.

Isolating Muscles Is Crucial To Fixing Imbalances

These types of exercises are useful for highlighting muscular imbalances which may be causing inactivity during exercise. When you have found the areas where strength is weaker, fixing the imbalance requires isolating the muscle and completing targeted exercises in order to strengthen the weaker side.

Split Squats

  • Place yourself in a staggered stance with one of your feet forward.
  • Squat through bending your knees, allowing the heel of your back foot to rise and then your back knee to almost touch the floor.
  • Return to the beginning position by pushing down with your front heel and then extending your front leg.
  • Repeat

(Optional: Hold a dumbbell in each of your hands with your arms at your sides throughout the exercise.)

Wide-Grip Inverted Row

By gripping the barbell wider, your arms will do a lot less work while your overlooked mid-back muscles will do more:

  • Lay a barbell on a power rack or – alternatively – a Smith Machine and, from underneath it, pull yourself up and then touch your chest to the bar.
  • Pin your shoulder blades together and make sure that you keep your body straight like a plank.

Rear Foot Elevated Split Squats (otherwise known as Bulgarian Split Squats)

  • With a bench or chair behind you, place yourself in a staggered stance with your back foot elevated.
  • Squat with your front leg and make sure that your front knee in line with your front foot.
  • Return to your beginning position by pushing down with your front heel and then extending your front leg. Repeat.

Doorway Pec Stretch

  • Stand in a doorway and keep your hands above your head and make a 90° angle with your elbows. Keep your forearms on the door frame.
  • Lean forward and then stretch your pec muscles.

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What Type Of Exercise Is The Most Effective? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-type-of-exercise-is-the-most-effective-find-out-in-this-article/ Tue, 21 Sep 2021 05:00:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26096 Fitness experts say there is no magic to exercise: You get out of it exactly what you put in. That doesn’t mean you need to work out for hours each day. It just means you need to work out smartly. That said, fitness experts agree that not all exercises are created equally. Some are just...

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Fitness experts say there is no magic to exercise: You get out of it exactly what you put in. That doesn’t mean you need to work out for hours each day. It just means you need to work out smartly. That said, fitness experts agree that not all exercises are created equally. Some are just more efficient than others, whether they target a number of different muscle groups, are appropriate for a wide range of fitness levels, or assist you to burn calories far more effectively

What’s The Least Amount Of Exercise You Should Be Getting?

All healthy adults are urged to get around 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (30 minutes, five days a week) or – alternatively – 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week (or three 25-minute intense workout sessions).

If you think about it, you may be able to break down the 150 minutes of activity into 30 minutes per day, five days per week. Alternatively, you could go the 75-minute route but rather doing 25-minute workouts, three days per week.  The most effective way to get your recommended amount of exercise could be to lean towards the 75-minute suggestion — which means less time however more intense workouts.

Walking

Any exercise programme has needs to include cardiovascular exercise, which strengthens the heart and also burns calories. And walking is something which you can do anywhere, anytime, with no equipment other than just a good pair of shoes.

Walking is not just for beginners. Even the very fit can get a great workout from walking.

Going on a brisk walk can burn up to 500 calories per hour. As it takes 3 500 calories to lose just over a kilogram, you could expect to lose just more than a kilogram for every seven hours you walk, if you did nothing else.

Don’t go from the couch straight away to walking an hour day. Beginners should begin by walking five to -10 minutes at a time, slowly moving up to at least 30 minutes per exercise session. Don’t increase your workout by more than five minutes at a time. It’s far better to lengthen your walks before boosting your speed or incline.

Do Full-Body Workout Moves

One really popular way to get into shape is through working particular muscle groups on particular days. So for instance, on Mondays you work your arms and lift weights, and then on Tuesdays perhaps you focus on ab workouts. This is great but it’s not very efficient. What occurs if something comes up and you aren’t able to make your workout, then you completely miss working whatever body part you set aside to work for that day.

A far better approach could be doing workout moves which use your entire body in order to make sure that you’re never missing a muscle group every time you work out. Examples of full-body moves are push-ups as well as planks.

One of our go-to moves is a tried-and-true plank (which you are able to change up a lot!). We like to shake up the plank a little bit and then add moves like a passe, where you bring the opposite foot to the knee which gives you a little less stability in the move, which further initiates core engagement, particularly the obliques.

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Can Over-Exercising Harm Your Body? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-over-exercising-harm-your-body/ Mon, 20 Sep 2021 05:00:52 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26077 Exercising is supposed to be very good for you. It can assist you to stay at a healthy weight, improve your cardiovascular health as well as even ward off depression. However like most things, it’s possible to over-do it. In addition, over-exercising can have serious consequences for your body as well as brain. So, what...

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Exercising is supposed to be very good for you. It can assist you to stay at a healthy weight, improve your cardiovascular health as well as even ward off depression. However like most things, it’s possible to over-do it. In addition, over-exercising can have serious consequences for your body as well as brain. So, what precisely is ‘too much’ exercising?

Well, it depends on factors such as your age, health and choice of workouts. However, in general adults should get around five hours a week of moderate exercise or – alternatively – two and a half hours of more intense activity. Or some mixture of the two. But research shows that going way above and beyond that, and over-exercising, doesn’t increase your health benefits.

Extreme Exercisers Have An Intense Need For Control

You are able to distinguish healthy enthusiasts from exercise addicts by the following trait. Healthy exercisers organise their exercise around their lives, while dependents organise their lives round their exercise. Excessive exercise, as with extreme diets, attracts people who feel an extreme need for control in their lives. As with weight reduction, boosted athletic performance is readily observable.

Determining Your “Just Right” Amount of Exercise

if you have a specific fitness goal — such as for instance, losing weight, getting stronger, becoming better at a particular sport — you’ll probably need to exercise more than that. For instance, the American College of Sports Medicine 2019’s guidelines state that while 150 to 250 minutes of exercise every week can yield modest weight-loss results, you’ll need to exercise more than 250 minutes per week as well as moderately restrict your diet to see more dramatic results. In practice, this looks like working out for one hour, five days a week.

In a similar fashion, while performing two days a week of general strength work will definitely support muscle growth. In order to reach maximum muscle-building potential, you will need to focus on training each muscle group twice a week. That likely means strength training between four and five times a week and then splitting it up by muscle group (such as a bodybuilding training plan) or making sure that you’re hitting every single muscle group in your total-body strength sessions.

Figuring out the ‘just right’ amount of exercise for you means that you need to take into account your fitness goals, training age, nutrition habits, stress levels, sleep schedule as well as the intensity of the training that you’re doing. A good training schedule takes [all of those things] into account.

Over-exercising exerts a negative effect on the stress hormones cortisol as well as epinephrine. This hormonal imbalance can lead to emotional lability, trouble with concentration, bouts of irritability, depression, and difficulty with sleep. Hormone imbalance also impacts hunger and satiety processes in the body.

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Do Resistance Band Workouts Work? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/do-resistance-band-workouts-work/ Mon, 20 Sep 2021 05:00:48 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26081 Resistance band workouts have been all over social media during the pandemic. In case you don’t know about them, resistance bands are similar to an elastic band. These are usually made from a synthetic fibre such as latex or rubber. You are able to loop them around your legs or arms, for instance, which assists...

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Resistance band workouts have been all over social media during the pandemic. In case you don’t know about them, resistance bands are similar to an elastic band. These are usually made from a synthetic fibre such as latex or rubber. You are able to loop them around your legs or arms, for instance, which assists with creating more tension while you work out. This tension makes it more challenging to do movements and engages more muscles, which some claim will assist you to build strength as well as muscle.

Many of us realise that strength training is important. Not only can it assist us to build strength, it can slow muscle deterioration as we grow older, while increasing muscle mass can also enhance metabolism. While you are able to build some strength through bodyweight-only exercises such as squats or lunges. Frequently, the key to building a greater amount of strength is by creating resistance.

This is frequently done utilising weights or weight machines. However in recent years – particularly at the height of the pandemic – resistance bands have become a very popular way of creating this resistance to build strength. This means that you are able to get the benefits of extra strength without needing to spend hours in the gym lifting weights.

Are Resistance Bands Effective At Building Muscle?

Yes, resistance bands do build muscle. Although free weights, such as the best dumbbells for women, have always been the go-to for muscle-building, resistance bands can be similarly effective at building both strength as well as muscle mass.

Resistance bands assist you to build muscle by recruiting stabilising muscle groups and offering extra intensity to other body-weight exercises. In addition, they help you to focus your body on control, flexibility as well as even rehabilitation.

There are two ways to utilise resistance bands. The first is unanchored exercises where we utilise your own body in order to create a fixed point. You would stand on the band and then hold the ends so that you can perform the movement, which is great as you are able to train anywhere you like, at home, in the garden down the beach or – alternatively – in the park.

Benefits Of Resistance Bands

Get A Cost-Effective Workout

Whether you buy resistance bands individually or as a set, these are an inexpensive addition to your home gym equipment. Some of the resistance bands are even sold with a guided exercise DVD.

Adapt Easily For Multiple Fitness Levels

Resistance bands come in different resistance levels, often light, medium or heavy. You are able to further adjust the amount of resistance during exercise merely by offering more or less slack on the band, in addition by mixing multiple resistance bands in order to boost the challenge.

Modify Familiar Exercises

Resistance band exercises are frequently based on familiar strength-training moves. For instance, if you stand on one end of the cord and then curl your arm up while holding the other end, you’ve swapped your standard dumbbell bicep curl.

Exercise Your Entire Body

A lot of resistance band kits come with suggested exercises for almost every major muscle group in your body. Stepping on one side of a resistance band or – alternatively – looping it around a stationary object, for instance, opens up many exercise opportunities.

Save On Storage Space

When you don’t have much room available for a home gym, resistance bands are a fantastic option which can be stored in very little space. You can hang them on a hook after you exercise or coil them up to store in a box or drawer.

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How Many Steps Should You Take Daily To Maintain Good Health? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-many-steps-should-you-take-daily-to-maintain-good-health/ Fri, 17 Sep 2021 05:00:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26068 Walking is a type of low-impact, moderate-intensity exercise which has a number of health benefits and very few risks. As a result, it is recommended that most adults should aim for 10 000 steps per day. For most individuals, this is equal to 8 km. Most people only take between 3 000 and 4 000 steps...

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Walking is a type of low-impact, moderate-intensity exercise which has a number of health benefits and very few risks. As a result, it is recommended that most adults should aim for 10 000 steps per day. For most individuals, this is equal to 8 km.

Most people only take between 3 000 and 4 000 steps per day, which equates to about 2.5 to 3 km. As doctors often consider fewer than 5 000 steps per day to be sedentary. This means that a lot of people are not getting as many steps as they should in order to benefit their health.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, walking may improve:

  • Muscle strength,
  • Range of motion,
  • Blood flow,
  • Flexibility,
  • Balance, which can help prevent falls,
  • Joint stiffness,
  • Mood and sleep, and
  • Breathing.

In addition, walking can help to improve or prevent certain health conditions, such as obesity, osteoporosis as well as age-related memory loss.

The Health Benefits Of Walking Appear To Increase With Step Count

A 2020 study found that people who took part and who took 8 000 steps per day had a 51% lower risk of dying by any cause as compared with those who took 4 000 per day.

This trend continued with increased step counts as participants who took 12 000 steps every day had a 65% lower risk of dying as opposed to those who took 4 000.

This finding suggests that the health benefits of walking increase with step count however also shows that people who are not able to reach 10 000 steps in a day can still benefit from the activity.

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How To Integrate More Steps Into Your Day

Once you’ve determined your health and fitness goals, try out these ideas for incorporating more walking into your daily routine:

  • Why not take the dog for a walk? If you don’t have a dog, offer to walk dogs at an animal shelter. Or merge your activity with social time by connect with a friend and walking his or her dog.
  • Try music. A bouncy tune – or something with a strong beat – may make activity more enjoyable and assist with motivating you to walk farther or faster.
  • Include the family. Rather than an afternoon movie, go for a walk or hike together.
  • Go in person. Rather than sending a work email, walk to your colleague’s desk and talk to them.
  • Walk while waiting. Take a walk rather than sitting when you’re early for an appointment or waiting for a flight.
  • Schedule workday walks. Put reminders into your calendar for short walking breaks in order to ramp up your energy during the day. Have a one-on-one meeting? Plan to walk and then talk.
  • Park farther away. Select parking spots farther away from the entrance. If you use the bus, get off a stop early and then walk the rest of your way.
  • Take the stairs. Even going down the stairs goes towards your step count
  • and also burns calories.

How far will you go today? Your fitness and health goal will depend on your starting point. However nearly everyone can reap the benefits of walking more, step by step.

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Comprehensive Bootcamp Group Exercises. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/comprehensive-bootcamp-group-exercises/ Thu, 16 Sep 2021 06:56:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26064 If you’re looking to get lean for the summer, group bootcamp workouts are the ultimate exercise regime to get it done. If you lay it all out during bootcamp group exercise, you’re bound to burn at least 500 calories by your last rep. Not to mention, this full-body strength and conditioning workout increases your metabolism...

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If you’re looking to get lean for the summer, group bootcamp workouts are the ultimate exercise regime to get it done. If you lay it all out during bootcamp group exercise, you’re bound to burn at least 500 calories by your last rep. Not to mention, this full-body strength and conditioning workout increases your metabolism so you’ll continue to burn hundreds of calories hours after your session.

Can I Do Boot Camp Group Exercises Every Day?

There is a reason why bootcamp group training workouts have become very popular. A genuine group bootcamp workout incorporates resistance and cardio training exercises for a great full-body workout. It frequently comes with a number of exercises that often require hardly any specific equipment, so that your body is challenged consistently in new as well as sensible ways.

The truth is that team bootcamp workouts provide a group atmosphere and develop camaraderie. This helps to promote accountability and healthy competition, which you will not get every time you exercise alone. Likewise, you could burn roughly 9.8 calories each minute throughout the average group bootcamp workouts.

As long as a bootcamp group training session provides moderate aerobic workouts, you could take part every single day. Actually, you should aim for at least 150 minutes each week of moderate-intensity workout for modest weight reduction. This goes up to over 250 minutes each week of workout for considerable weight reduction.

If you’re performing much more intense aerobic workouts – such as high-intensity interval training workouts or HIIT – you will burn much more calories as well as shed weight a lot quicker. However, your body will need additional time in order to recuperate. It is not advisable that you do more than two days of HIIT training each week. Allow for a minimum of 48 hours in between your workout sessions.

Do Boot Camp Workouts Build Muscle?

For guys and gals looking to pack on a few kilograms of muscle, the bootcamp group training may not be the best choice. As the exercises are strung together with little rest in between, participants usually have to make use of a lighter weight than usual in order to maintain form.

This shifts the focus of team bootcamp workouts from strength to cardio. In order to build muscle, weightlifters should be focused on putting a massive amount of strain on the muscle as well as working with heavy loads. Owing to the intense nature of bootcamps, it’s often not possible (or safe) to work with the loads that are to produce muscle growth.

In fact, rather long bootcamp workouts may even be harmful to weightlifters looking for size. The length and intensity of the group bootcamp workouts may be sufficient to send the weightlifter into a catabolic status (breaking down muscle) during the course of the workout. Even though cardiovascular fitness may improve, muscle size and strength could decrease. In order to build size, integrate high-intensity group bootcamp workouts sparingly. Dedicate the remainder of your time to working with heavy strength training as well as improving your nutrition intake.

Team Bootcamp Workouts

Roll, Win, Benefit

This is a great group bootcamp workout idea!

Divide the group in to two teams and have them face each other.

In this first round, show the group an exercise and then ask the end two participants to roll a dice. The team who rolls the highest number wins a point and will complete the exercise for 60 seconds. The team who rolls the lowest number continues to 80 seconds.

Play 15 rounds in total. After each round they pass the dice to the next two players in the line. The group who has won the greatest number of points at the end of the challenge wins.

Mexican Wave

Divide the group in to two teams and have them face each other. Starting at the one end of the team line (right side), each of the participants completes a single burpee. The first team who finishes wins a point. The team who has the most points over 15 games wins.

If you happen to have odd-numbered teams the bootcamp trainer joins in. These are just copy-and-paste games so make sure that you keep the flow going. As soon as one game finishes you need to be ready and waiting to initiate the next game straight away.

Power Lifter

Participants complete power lifters for four minutes at the max reps. Once finished, participants have a two-minute break. During the break, ask participants to swap scores with one another. In round 2, two players complete power lifters four minutes at maximum reps. The goal is to beat their partner’s score.

Ask players to swap scores with a person of a similar ability.

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What Is The Association Of Metabolic Syndrome With Aerobic Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-association-of-metabolic-syndrome-with-aerobic-exercise/ Thu, 16 Sep 2021 05:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26056 Aerobic exercise can greatly help in reducing collateral effects of metabolic syndrome (MetS). In addition, aerobic exercise is associated with sympathetic activation and adaptive responses to sustain muscle engagement, changes in the release of Orexin A as well as a pleiotropic neuropeptide. What Is Metabolic Syndrome? The term ‘metabolic syndrome’ refers to a group of...

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Aerobic exercise can greatly help in reducing collateral effects of metabolic syndrome (MetS). In addition, aerobic exercise is associated with sympathetic activation and adaptive responses to sustain muscle engagement, changes in the release of Orexin A as well as a pleiotropic neuropeptide.

What Is Metabolic Syndrome?

The term ‘metabolic syndrome’ refers to a group of five conditions which can lead to heart disease, diabetes, stroke as well as other health problems. Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when a person has three or more of these risk factors:

  • High blood glucose (sugar),
  • Low levels of HDL (‘good’) cholesterol in the blood,
  • High levels of triglycerides in the blood,
  • Large waist circumference or ‘apple-shaped’ body, as well as
  • High blood pressure.

Although each of these is a risk issue for cardiovascular disease, when an individuals has three or more, and is diagnosed with MetS, the possibility of developing a serious cardiovascular condition rises. For instance, high blood pressure is a very important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, however when seen together with high fasting blood sugar levels and abdominal obesity (large waistline), the risk for developing cardiovascular disease is even higher.

What Are The Basic Exercise Recommendations for Metabolic Syndrome?

The heart-healthy physical activity proposals from the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute concentrate on aerobic exercise, which is also called cardio exercise. The amount and kind recommended to prevent or treat metabolic syndrome are:

  • Do 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity.
  • Exercise may be broken up into sessions of 10 minutes or more during the day.
  • Brisk walking (5 km per hour or faster) is an example of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, however any activity which raises your heart rate is included.

What Is Moderate-Intensity Exercise?

Moderate-intensity exercise boosts your heart rate to the range of between 50 and 70 % of your maximum heart rate. You are breathing harder than normal however you can still speak in full sentences. Exercises other than brisk walking 10include bicycling at less than 16 km per hour, water aerobics, doubles tennis or – alternatively – ballroom dancing.

What Is Vigorous-Intensity Exercise?

Vigorous-intensity exercises involve running, bicycling at a quicker speed, aerobic dancing, singles tennis as well as any activity which boosts your heart rate up to between 70 and 85% of your maximum heart rate. You will just be able to speak in short phrases.

Many fitness trackers, such as the Fitbit or the Apple watch, track moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise minutes. On the Fitbit, these are termed as active minutes. Checking that measurement can assist you to ensure you are getting enough aerobic exercise each day.

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How To Build Muscle Power With Plyometric Exercises https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-build-muscle-power-with-plyometric-exercises/ Thu, 16 Sep 2021 05:00:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26053 Plyometric exercises are fun! Who doesn’t want to jump as well as leap? It almost feels as if you’re a kid again. If you are able to make workouts fun, why not? There is much more to plyometric jumps as opposed to the joy of leaping, of course. Plyometrics are essential exercises for developing and...

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Plyometric exercises are fun! Who doesn’t want to jump as well as leap? It almost feels as if you’re a kid again. If you are able to make workouts fun, why not? There is much more to plyometric jumps as opposed to the joy of leaping, of course. Plyometrics are essential exercises for developing and boosting power.

From plyo push-ups to jumping squats, these exercises target the big muscle groups and harness the elastic energy in the stretch-shortening cycle of muscle contractions in order to build brute power. Anyone will be able to benefit from improving power, including your athletes and beginners. Just be sure that you begin safely and progress at a pace which makes sense for each individual to avoid injuries.

Plyometrics exercise routines assist the muscles of the body to become more flexible as well as stronger. This exercise routine makes use of the force of different movements in order to build muscle power. There are many benefits of plyometric exercises and they contribute a lot to building a healthier body structure. So, make plyometrics exercise a part of your day-to-day workout routine.

How To Do Plyometric Push-Ups

  • Get into a push-up posture and have your feet together. Make sure that your hands placed just wider than shoulder-width apart on the floor. Your toes should be tucked in and your wrist should be under your shoulders.
  • While keeping your back straight, gently lower your elbow – as well as your body – towards the ground until your chest is very close to the floor.
  • Press yourself away from the floor as fast as possible, bringing your hands off the floor.
  • Clap your hands before bringing them back on the ground. Go down again and repeat the same.

How To Do Squat Jumps

This is an all-around fantastic strength and power move. It is responsible for developing powerful leg muscles and boosts heart rate. Perform a squat. Jump quickly – and as high as possible – from the lowered position. Straighten your legs as you reach the highest point.

How To Do Box Jumps

  • Stand in front of a sturdy surface that is about 50 cm high (choose the height according to what is comfortable for you). Your feet must be hip-width apart and your body in a relaxed position.
  • Now squat down and then jump onto the sturdy surface and land in a squat position. Focus and attempt to balance your weight while you’re jumping up.
  • Again jump slightly to step down and complete one repetition.

How To Do Lateral Jumps

So much of many workouts that are often done at the gym remain in the linear plane, with movements being done forwards and backwards. Working in the lateral, or side-to-side, plane benefits muscle groups. For plyometric exercises, try lateral jumps or bounds, which involve simply leaping side to side on one foot at a time.

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Exercises You Can Add To Your De-Stressing Recovery Session https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-you-can-add-to-your-de-stressing-recovery-session/ Wed, 15 Sep 2021 05:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26040 Stretching is an essential part of a workout session. It is essential to stretch before the exercise because it brings your body parts in motion as well as warming up your muscles. It is also essential to stretch after a tough workout session. This gradually relaxes your muscles, assist them with staying flexible and toned....

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Stretching is an essential part of a workout session. It is essential to stretch before the exercise because it brings your body parts in motion as well as warming up your muscles. It is also essential to stretch after a tough workout session. This gradually relaxes your muscles, assist them with staying flexible and toned. Many people do follow a proper workout regime regularly in order to remain fit but skip the stretching part completely.

When you’re feeling tense, on edge or – alternatively – overwhelmed, some good stress-relieving workouts to take out all that anger as well as frustration can really come in handy. It may seem counterintuitive to combat stress with an additional form of stress — yes, exercise is stress — however it’s considered a good kind of stress which can actually assist your body with fighting off the effects of the “bad” type of stress.

In fact, frequently triggering that stress system through engaging in physical activity could help condition your body to deal with short-term stressors more effectively. (Of course, exercise alone doesn’t substitute treatment for depression and anxiety, so you need to continue taking prescribed medications and often see your therapist or doctor.)

Breathing More Promotes Relaxation

In addition, when you exercise you breathe more. This promotes relaxation. The straightforward act of movement helps as well. We frequently hold stress through tightening muscles and often don’t realise we are doing this. The movement aspect relieves clenched muscles and also stretches parts of the body that may be tight owing to stress.

There’s no one-size-fits-all attitude to exercise for stress relief. Although there are some characteristics which might be especially beneficial. For instance, exercising outdoors has been shown to have a greater benefit as opposed to indoors. Gentle exercises – such as yoga, tai chi and qi gong – which involve regulating breathing and deep breathing. This in turn can increase the relaxation response.

How The Stresses Of Life Impact Workout Recovery

Working out may operate as emotional stress relief, however it’s also a massive stressor on your body. As we’ve said before, it’s usually good stress however for your nervous system, stress is stress is stress.

Including too many high-energy ingredients into your life can bubble over into overtraining, injury, as well as an overall negative emotional state which is going to circle back as well as defeat the purpose of lifting for stress relief. The more stressful your life happens to be, the more total stress your body is having to cope with.

On top of that, the more stressed out you are about life, the less likely you are to concentrate on things that your body requires to recover after hard workouts: solid sleep, healthy food as well as revitalising stretching and body care.

It’s not a neat cycle however it’s got a huge impact on your exercise game. The less that you sleep, the less recovered you are for your following session. The less well recovered that you are, the more your workout will break down your body as well as the more tired you’ll be. Finding small ways to break into that cycle and slow it down can be challenging however it’s important if you want to truly prioritise your gains, both mentally in addition to physically.

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How To Tone Your Arm Muscles Quickly When You Start Strength Training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-tone-your-arm-muscles-quickly-when-you-start-strength-training/ Tue, 14 Sep 2021 05:00:25 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26031 If your fitness goal is athletic arms, strength training can be a phenomenal way to see results, especially if you’re a fitness beginner. Beginning a strength training routine can lead to a short period of quick improvements that are known as ‘newbie gains’. With the correct exercises and plan, you are able to take advantage...

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If your fitness goal is athletic arms, strength training can be a phenomenal way to see results, especially if you’re a fitness beginner. Beginning a strength training routine can lead to a short period of quick improvements that are known as ‘newbie gains’. With the correct exercises and plan, you are able to take advantage of newbie gains in order to sculpt your upper body.

Do Compound Exercises

Compound exercises are movements which work multiple muscle groups at the same time. For instance, a squat is defined as compound exercise and it works the quadriceps, glutes as well as calves. In addition, you can perform compound exercises which combine two exercises into one move to target even more muscles (for instance, a lunge with a bicep curl).

Compound exercises are different from isolation exercises. Those movements work a single muscle group at a time. A traditional bicep curl is an isolation exercise that is meant to strengthen the biceps, for instance. Isolation exercises are at times beneficial in physical therapy to strengthen certain muscles or rehabilitate them after injury.

Compound Exercises Burn Far More Calories

The body burns calories of energy in order to consumer one litre of oxygen. Exercises which involve more muscle tissue need more oxygen, which assists the body increase its net energy spend.

Compound Exercises Improve Intermuscular Coordination

This is the function and timing of several muscles around a joint or joints. Consider, for instance, the gluteal complex (gluteus maximus, medius as well as minimus), which is responsible for controlling the motion of the hip. Compound exercises – for example squats, lunges or steps which move the hips in all three planes may improve how all of the muscles work together to produce as well as control force.

Compound Exercises Raise The Heart Rate And Provide A Cardiovascular Training Benefit

The aim of cardiovascular exercise is to boost the ability of the heart to work as a pump. This can be accomplished by doing activities such as running and cycling, or by doing exercises which involve a lot of muscle tissue.

Sitting down in a leg-extension machine doing knee extensions or doing bicep curls with dumbbells utilises only a limited amount of muscle tissue. These exercises are more suitable for focusing on isolated strength.

Medicine ball chops, squats to shoulder presses or – alternatively – burpees are all very good examples of compound exercises which involve significant amounts of muscle tissue, which challenges the heart to pump blood to make sure that the muscles are kept fuelled and active.

Nutrition Is Key For Fat-Burning

In addition, muscle definition involves being relatively lean. The absolute best way to achieve a lower body fat is to maintain a caloric deficit through burning more energy that you eat in the form of food. As it’s much quicker (and simpler) to eat calories as opposed to burning them, trying to maintain a calorie deficit through exercise alone may result in overtraining and burn out, specifically for exercise newbies. If people want to lose body fat, we really preach the nutrition side of things.

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What Core Exercises Can You Do With A Foam Roller? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-core-exercises-can-you-do-with-a-foam-roller/ Mon, 13 Sep 2021 05:00:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26014 The foam roller has been receiving lots of fitness love lately. This piece of equipment has long been known as a stand-out recovery tool which helps to relieve tense muscles as well as tight fascia. In addition, experts recommend it as a way to warm up and get your blood flowing before a workout. Now...

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The foam roller has been receiving lots of fitness love lately. This piece of equipment has long been known as a stand-out recovery tool which helps to relieve tense muscles as well as tight fascia. In addition, experts recommend it as a way to warm up and get your blood flowing before a workout.

Now there’s another great reason to have a foam roller by your side. This is that it can seriously strengthen your core. This is because the foam roller creates an unstable surface, which means more core muscles need to work in order to make sure that you’re kept stable.

Foam Roller Exercises For Your Core

Alternating Heel Tap

  • Lie face-up with a foam roller vertically under your spine.
  • Place your fingertips onto the floor as you lift legs into tabletop position.
  • Maintaining a 90-degree angle, tap your heels to the floor one at a time.

To make this exercise harder, tap your heels faster and then keep lower abdominals firing by pressing your low back firmly into the foam roller. The muscles targeted are your obliques (side ab muscles), glutes as well as your lower back

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Side Plank With Leg Raise

Talk about hitting every muscle of your midsection! You’ll work into the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis as well as obliques in addition to the quadratus lumborum. In addition, with the leg lift you’ll turn on your glutes and thighs.

How To Do This Exercise:

  • Lie on your side. Make sure that you place your left hand on the middle of the foam roller.
  • Lift up your hips so they’re in a diagonal line with your shoulders. Lift your right arm straight above you at your shoulder height.
  • Lift the right leg up to the height of your hip, without lifting or lowering your hips.
  • Return your foot to the ground. Then you need to repeat. Then switch sides.

Sawing plank

  • Begin in a forearm plank with your wrists on the foam roller, hands clasped and your feet at hip width. Make sure your hips are level.
  • Make use of your arms to rock back and forth slowly so the foam roller moves from wrists to elbows, challenging your stability.

This exercise targets your whole core as well as upper arms.

Push-Up

A regular push-up has nothing on this foam roller variation. You’ll very definitely feel the burn in trying to keep yourself steady.

How To Do The Push-Up:

  • Put your hands shoulder-width apart on the middle of the foam roller and then begin in a high plank position.
  • Bend your elbows (as you make sure that you keep them by your sides) and lower down your chest as close to the foam roller as you can.
  • Push back up and then repeat.

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Do you want to learn more about the foam roller? If you do then you need to do our Foam Rolling Course. To find out more and to book, please follow this link.

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How Long Should a Weight Lifting Workout Last? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-long-should-a-weight-lifting-workout-last/ Mon, 13 Sep 2021 05:00:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=26010 Even if you really cherish your time at the gym, there’s something to be said for workout efficiency. So how long should a weight lifting session be? It depends on your lifting history, current fitness level, goals as well as how many days per week you train. For instance, if you’re new to weight lifting...

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Even if you really cherish your time at the gym, there’s something to be said for workout efficiency. So how long should a weight lifting session be? It depends on your lifting history, current fitness level, goals as well as how many days per week you train.

For instance, if you’re new to weight lifting training, short and sweet workouts might be all you need. However, intermediate and advanced weight lifters could need to spend more time in the gym to keep progressing. Because the human body adapts quickly to something new, the minimum amount of time you need to actively strength train for your workout to be effective very much depends on your experience level.

However, while you really don’t want to miss out on any muscle gains, you really don’t want to put in extended periods of time in the gym than is truly necessary. In addition, you may have heard that spending too long in the gym could have an undesirable effect on two hormones — testosterone as well as cortisol — which in turn will put the brakes on muscle growth.

So, How Long Should These Be?

The sweat spot for most weight lifting workouts is 45 to 60 minutes per workout, however slightly less or more is fine, as well. If your work schedule can manage it, train more often with shorter workouts as opposed to training less often with longer workouts. Your recovery will be quicker. As well, your workouts will be more efficient which will lead to more gains.

Some Of The Best Weight Lifting Exercises

Deadlift

How To Do The Deadlift:

  • Stand behind a grounded barbell.
  • Bend your knees slightly in order to grab it, making sure that you keep your shins, back as well as hips straight.
  • Keeping your back straight, push your hips forwards in order to lift the bar.
  • From upright, push your hips back in order to lower the bar, bending your knees just slightly.

Why Do The Deadlift

This exercise is a sure-fire way to stoke your body into a fat-burning furnace. You just need to make sure you begin the move with the weight to manage 10 reps before slowly levelling up to the full heart-pumping calorie-incinerating zone of your one rep max.

Barbell Bench Press

How To Do The Barbell Bench Press:

  • Lie back on a flat bench making sure that you hold a barbell in the rack above you with a shoulder-width, overhand grip.
  • Lift the bar right off the rack and then position it above your chest with your arms fully extended.
  • From your starting position, breathe in and then lower the bar slowly until it skims the middle of your chest.
  • Push the bar back explosively to the beginning position as you exhale. That’s one rep.

Why Do The Barbell Bench Press:

The Barbell Bench Press move sends your testosterone levels into blubber-burning overdrive through engaging your arms, chest as well as shoulders at the same time. The more that you push, the more calories you burn with this move which makes this exercise a great move to lose weight.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn more about weight lifting then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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How Moderate Exercise Improves Memory And Learning https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-moderate-exercise-improves-memory-and-learning/ Fri, 10 Sep 2021 05:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25994 You possibly already know that exercising is needed in order to preserve muscle strength, keep your heart strong, maintain a healthy body weight as well as stave off chronic diseases such as diabetes. However, exercise can also assist with boosting your thinking skills. There’s a lot of science behind this. Exercise improves your memory and...

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You possibly already know that exercising is needed in order to preserve muscle strength, keep your heart strong, maintain a healthy body weight as well as stave off chronic diseases such as diabetes. However, exercise can also assist with boosting your thinking skills. There’s a lot of science behind this.

Exercise improves your memory and thinking skills directly as well as indirectly. It acts directly on the body through stimulating physiological changes such as decreases in insulin resistance and inflammation, along with encouraging the production of growth factors — chemicals which affect the growth of fresh blood vessels in the brain, and even the abundance, survival as well as overall health of fresh brain cells.

Exercise Also Acts Directly On The Brain Itself

Many studies have proposed that the parts of the brain which control thinking and memory are larger in volume in individuals who exercise than in individuals who don’t.

Even more amazing is the finding that engaging in a programme of regular exercise of moderate intensity over a period of six months or a year is associated with an increase in the volume of particular brain regions.

In addition, exercise can boost memory and thinking indirectly through improving mood and sleep, as well as by reducing stress and anxiety. Problems in these areas can often cause, or contribute to, cognitive impairment.

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Try It Out                                                                                                          

So what should you do? Start with exercising! We don’t know really which exercise is best. Nearly all of the research has looked at walking. It’s quite likely that other forms of aerobic exercise, which get your heart pumping, could yield similar benefits.

How much exercise is needed to improve memory? Study members walked briskly for one hour, twice a week. That works out to 120 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week. Standard recommendations recommend half an hour of moderate physical activity on most days of the week, or 150 minutes every week. If that seems to be intimidating, start with a few minutes a day, and increase the amount that you exercise by five to 10 minutes every single week until you get to your goal.

If you aren’t keen on walking, consider other types of moderate-intensity exercises, such as swimming, stair climbing, tennis, squash or – alternatively – dancing. Remember that household chores can count as well, for example intense floor mopping, raking leaves, or anything which gets your heart pumping so much that you break out into a light sweat.

Don’t have the discipline exercise on your own? Try any or all of these ideas:

  • Join a class or work out with a friend who’ll hold you accountable.
  • Track your progress, which encourages you to reach a goal.
  • If you’re able, hire a personal trainer. (Paying an expert is good motivation.)

Whatever exercise and motivators you choose, commit to establishing exercise as a habit, almost like taking a prescription medication. After all, they say that exercise is medicine, and that can go on the top of anyone’s list of reasons to work out.

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If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of exercise then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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How To Do Aerobic Exercise Right? Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-aerobic-exercise-right-learn-more-in-this-article/ Fri, 10 Sep 2021 05:00:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25998 Aerobic workouts are designed to balance three factors for maximum effectiveness as well as safety: frequency, intensity and duration. In addition, you will need to include a warm-up period prior to entering the goal intensity period of your workout in addition to a cool-down period before finishing your workout. Aerobic exercise is any kind of...

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Aerobic workouts are designed to balance three factors for maximum effectiveness as well as safety: frequency, intensity and duration. In addition, you will need to include a warm-up period prior to entering the goal intensity period of your workout in addition to a cool-down period before finishing your workout.

Aerobic exercise is any kind of cardiovascular conditioning. These activities can include activities such as brisk walking, swimming, running or – alternatively – cycling. You probably know it by the term cardio. By definition, ‘aerobic exercise’ means that it is exercise ‘with oxygen’. Your breathing and heart rate will improve during aerobic activities. Aerobic exercise helps with keeping your heart, lungs as well as circulatory system healthy.

Aerobic exercise is different from anaerobic exercise. Anaerobic exercises – for example weightlifting or sprinting – involve quick bursts of energy. These exercises done at maximum effort for a short time. This is unlike aerobic exercises. You do aerobic exercises for a sustained period of time.

Warm Up And Stretch

Warm up before the more intensive portion of your workout gets the blood flowing to your muscles and then loosens you up. This is very essential – you should not just begin your workout at full effort. Traditionally, the recommendations were to stretch the primary muscles to be utilised in the workout during your warm-up. There are a number of diverse schools of thought on the use as well as efficacy of stretching, with some experts recommending a dynamic warm-up however not static stretches before cardio exercise.

Cooling Down

After you have done your workout in your target heart rate zone, it is necessary for you to cool down with between five and 10 minutes of activity that is of lower intensity (again, between 50% and 60% of your maximum heart rate. Usually, you would end your workout with gentle stretching of the muscles utilised in the workout. This is no longer generally recommended; however you can do it if you wish.

Examples Of Aerobic Exercises

Stair Master

Equipment: Takkies

How To Do It:

  • You perhaps know how challenging it can be to walk up several flights of stairs — and a stair master turns that everyday activity into an aerobic exercise.
  • Ensure you stay upright and then don’t lean on the handles. Utilise your legs in order to step up and down and keep your eyes forward while you’re engaging your core.
  • Begin at a slow pace to warm up. After this, add resistance until you feel yourself working at a challenging pace which you can maintain for the duration of your workout.
  • Slow it back down to cool down.
  • Begin with short bursts — working on the stair master is a challenge for new and conditioned exercisers.

Duration And Frequency: 20–60 minutes, three times per week

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Swimming

Equipment: Pool, swimming costume and (optional) swimming cap and goggles

How To Do It:

  • Swimming is a phenomenal workout that’s also no-impact, particularly if your joints complain loudly when you’re walking or running.
  • Begin with laps using one stroke (freestyle is fantastic for newbies). Add in more when you feel up to it, such as breaststroke, backstroke, or (for more advanced swimmers) butterfly.
  • Rest between laps as necessary and never swim alone or without a lifeguard who is present.

Duration and frequency: 10 – 30 minutes, two – five times a week. Try to increase your duration by five minutes every week.

Stationary Bike

Equipment: Stationary bike, bike seat that is padded or shorts (not obligatory) as well as sturdy shoes (cycling shoes not obligatory)

How To Do It:

  • Ensure that you adjust the bike to the proper height. At the gym, you will be able to ask your cycling instructor to assist. If not, you could end up injuring your knees.
  • Warm up by riding at a comfortable pace for between five and 10 minutes. Then raise your pace up until it feels challenging.
  • Ride consistently at that pace, coming out of the seat as required, for 20 – 30 minutes to start. Ride slowly for five minutes to cool down.

Duration And Frequency: 30–60 minutes, three times per week

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If you feel like discovering more about aerobic exercise – and about exercise in general – then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Is Cardiometabolic Risk In HIIT Training? Learn more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-cardiometabolic-risk-in-hiit-training-learn-more/ Thu, 09 Sep 2021 05:00:48 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25989 The term ‘cardiometabolic risk’ defines a person’s odds of suffering a cardiovascular event, for example heart attack or stroke when more than one risk factors are also present. Some major risk factors include the following: Obesity, High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, High blood fat (triglycerides), Low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, High blood pressure, Diabetes, as well as...

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The term ‘cardiometabolic risk’ defines a person’s odds of suffering a cardiovascular event, for example heart attack or stroke when more than one risk factors are also present. Some major risk factors include the following:

  • Obesity,
  • High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol,
  • High blood fat (triglycerides),
  • Low HDL (“good”) cholesterol,
  • High blood pressure,
  • Diabetes, as well as
  • Smoking tobacco.

Each one of these risk factors is dangerous on its own, however a combination significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Individuals who are suffering from the risk factors above can have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.  The severity of these risk factors, as well as the number of them, impacts how high that risk is.

Other conditions which can potentially increase risk for heart disease include the following:

  • Kidney disease,
  • Inflammatory diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis),
  • A familial history of early-onset heart disease or stroke, as well as
  • Early menopause.

Particular ethnic groups could also have a higher risk for heart disease. It is very important to discuss risk factors with your doctor so that they can assist with giving you an estimate of your risk for developing a heart attack or stroke, and so that they are able to work with you to minimise that risk.

Risk Factors And HIIT Training

In the past, physical activity guidelines have focused on moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). More recently these guidelines have included resistance training.

From the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee (PAGAC) Scientific Report, there has been resurgence in interest and usage of interval training. HIIT training is one type of interval training which has progressively increased in popularity among physically active individuals. In addition, it has garnered scientific research.

In addition, the media presents HIIT training as an alternative means by which individuals are able to achieve health benefits that are similar to those of MICT. Some have even suggested because HIIT consumes less overall time per week, that it might be an appealing long-term strategy by which to attain the health benefits of regular physical activity.

Studies support that HIIT can improve cardiorespiratory fitness (increase VO2 max) in adults with varied body weight and health status.

HIIT training-induced improvements in:

  • Insulin sensitivity,
  • Blood pressure, and
  • Body composition.

These improvements occur more consistently take place in adults with overweight or obesity classification. This is especially if people train for 12 or more weeks. These HIIT training-induced improvements in cardiometabolic disease risk are comparable to those achievable with MICT.

Healthy adults who have normal weight, as well as lower risk of cardiometabolic disease, do not usually show improvements in insulin sensitivity, blood pressure in addition to body composition with HIIT.

Cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) involves a group of interrelated abnormalities (such as obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and hypertension) which increase the risk for cardiovascular disease in addition to type 2 diabetes.

This is a common metabolic disorder that grows in prevalence as the population becomes more obese. CMS was first introduced as a diagnostic category in order to identify individuals who may respond to lifestyle changes and drug treatment when needed, with the aim of decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as type 2 diabetes mellitus.

CMS is a major medical problem. Scientific research needs to focus on addressing the diverse constellation of risk factors and pinpoint a new care model which takes an integrated approach to treating these risk factors across different populations.

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What Are The Unwritten Rules Of Running? Learn More. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-unwritten-rules-of-running-learn-more/ Thu, 09 Sep 2021 05:00:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25981 At its very core, running is simple: you throw one foot in front of the other and then plod along. Things can get slightly more complicated when a lot of runners share the same space, such as at a running track or a big race. However, if you follow a few unwritten rules, you will...

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At its very core, running is simple: you throw one foot in front of the other and then plod along. Things can get slightly more complicated when a lot of runners share the same space, such as at a running track or a big race. However, if you follow a few unwritten rules, you will have a smooth experience.

Don’t Run Side By Side

While yes, you might be running with a friend but during a race or on a busy trail, please make room for other runners. We all have to share the path, and nothing is more frustrating than having to go around 10 athletes running side by side.

When And How To Pass Someone

If you’re in a race or just out for a run in a very busy park, it’s quite usual to find yourself closing in on a person who’s running just a bit slower than you. Don’t run two or three steps behind a person who you just happened upon for more than a couple of seconds.

If you’re going to pass them by, make that choice and actually pass them. On the flip side, if they’re running faster than you and you’re using them as motivation (that old “pretend there’s an invisible rope and they’re pulling you forward” trick), hang back and do so from a respectful distance.

Run Counter Clockwise On The Track

The absolute most important rule to keep in mind is the direction to run: counter clockwise (or anti-clockwise). If the track is empty when you get there, you may be tempted to begin running in the direction which has the most allure at the moment, however always make a point of running counter clockwise. If everyone is already running clockwise when you arrive, it’s far better to join them in order to avoid collisions, but in general, counter clockwise is the best choice.

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If You Choose To Use Music, Use Headphones

While the safest way to run is without music, if you decide to run with music, make sure you have headphones. We all have different music tastes, and no one wants to get stuck with your music. I’ve even run races where someone has an app shouting their paces out loud. No thank you, please keep that for your ears only.

Understand Which Side Of The Road To Run On

If you’re on a road that doesn’t have sidewalks, run on the right so that you’re facing on-coming traffic. This means that you’ll see the cars that are coming toward you as opposed to having them sneak up on you from behind. The exception is that you may move to the other side if it has better visibility around a blind curve. Safety first.

If You Run In The Dark Stay Lit Up

No one can protect you more than yourself. If you are running in all black, at night that’s just both dangerous and dumb. Be as safe as possible.

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How To Do Hip Thrusts Correctly? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-hip-thrusts-correctly-read-this-article/ Wed, 08 Sep 2021 05:00:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25967 The best bodyweight exercise that you can do is to build stronger glutes is the glute bridge. So, it obviously follows that the best weighted exercise you are able to do for them entails a similar thrust of the hips. This more or less what the hip thrust is – a glute bridge with weights...

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The best bodyweight exercise that you can do is to build stronger glutes is the glute bridge. So, it obviously follows that the best weighted exercise you are able to do for them entails a similar thrust of the hips. This more or less what the hip thrust is – a glute bridge with weights – although you also have your shoulders in a raised position. The finer points of technique are always far more important when heavy weights are involved.

You’ll want all the information on how to do the hip thrust as – quite simply – you should be doing this exercise. It’s not only the glutes which benefit from the exercise as the move also recruits your hamstrings and quad muscles. In addition, it will help to build speed as well as power in your legs alongside strength. After a couple of weeks of including it to your regular routine, you’ll notice the benefits when you’re performing squats or deadlifts. In short, no lower-body exercise plan is complete without the hip thrust.

How To Do A Hip Thrust Exercise

For the hip thrust, start by using a barbell with a weight which you can control for between two and three of six to 12 repetitions. Choose a weight which allows you to maintain good technique throughout all sets as well as repetitions:

  • Put a loaded barbell parallel to a bench.
  • Sit on the floor. Ensure that your back is against the bench. Roll the barbell on top of your hips until the barbell is resting in the crease of your hips.
  • With your upper back being in contact with the bench, lift your hips a little bit off of the ground. Your upper arms need to rest against the bench. Rotate your shoulders outward in order to engage your lats. The bottom of your shoulder blades must be in contact with the bench.

The weight on your feet needs to be distributed evenly along each entire foot. Rotate your feet into the floor in order to create a stable foot position. Your chin needs to remain tucked throughout the movement – almost as if you were holding an egg under your chin. All repetitions need to begin from this position.

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  • To start the upward movement, squeeze your glutes and then push your feet into the ground.
  • Continue with squeezing your glutes as you push your hips toward the ceiling in order to achieve full hip extension. Your core should be engaged so that you can keep your ribs down and your pelvis should be slightly tucked at the top. Your shins should be in a vertical position.
  • Pause for between two and three seconds at the top.
  • To start the downward movement, hinge from your hips in order to return to the starting position. Give your chest the opportunity to follow your hips. Gaze forward while making sure that your chin remains tucked in. Maintain tension on your glutes and ensure that your core remains engaged. Your torso should create a 45-degree angle with the ground at the bottom of the movement.

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What Is The Reverse Grip Bench Press? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-reverse-grip-bench-press-read-this-article/ Wed, 08 Sep 2021 05:00:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25971 The No. 1 objection that people have about the bench press exercise is that it hurts their shoulders. Getting around this challenge can be as straightforward as flipping your hands around on the bar. The reverse-grip (palms-up) bench press takes pressure off your shoulders while – at the same time – working your pecs. This...

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The No. 1 objection that people have about the bench press exercise is that it hurts their shoulders. Getting around this challenge can be as straightforward as flipping your hands around on the bar. The reverse-grip (palms-up) bench press takes pressure off your shoulders while – at the same time – working your pecs. This exercise targets your triceps to an even greater degree than standard bench presses allow.

The Reverse Grip Bench Press Stats

One study demonstrated that using a reverse grip on the bench press – flat bench and not incline – boosted subjects’ upper pec activity by 30%. And when you progress from a flat bench to an incline, it’s supposed to hit the upper pecs even more, correct? Yes, it does. However, research has shown that it’s only between a 5% and 10% increase. (However, the front delt activity improves by over 30%.)

Now, compare a flat bench press with what most consider to be “the standard” for upper pec development, in other words the incline bench press. Muscle activity only increase by about 5%, perhaps 10%, on the incline. On the very same bench – a flat bench – merely by changing your grip to a reverse grip, it improves the upper pec activity by a figure of 30%.

Long story short. If you’re attempting to hit more of your upper pecs, the reverse-grip bench press NEEDS to be a part of your chest-training range. If you still want to keep to the incline bench, that’s fine. Just know that if your upper pec development is a problem for you, the reason might just be that you’re focusing on the incline versus using the reverse grip on presses.

How Do You Do The Reverse Grip Bench Press?

The reverse grip bench press is done utilising the same type of equipment as the traditional bench press. In particular, you’ll require an Olympic barbell, weight plates, a flat bench with J-hooks on a rack, and preferably, safety pins.

As with the traditional bench press, you can utilise a power rack as well as flat bench or any similar set-up which allows you to lie on your back on the bench and then unrack the barbell. As this will likely be a new movement for you, begin with just the bar and very light weight for the first couple of weeks as you learn about the movement pattern.

Ultimately, you will be able to move heavier weights with the reverse grip bench press, however you will need to practise the correct technique before loading the bar with extra weight. There are a few fundamental differences between the traditional and reverse grip bench press, all of which revolve around the usage of a supinated grip as opposed to the pronated grip that’s utilised in the traditional bench press.

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What Are The Best Cardiovascular Exercises For Weight Loss? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-cardiovascular-exercises-for-weight-loss/ Tue, 07 Sep 2021 05:00:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25957 Losing weight is far easier said than done, and there isn’t a magic pill to take off unwanted kilograms. Rather, you need to burn more calories than you take in. This involves a healthy diet, as well as a combination of cardiovascular and strength training. However, when it comes down to which kind of cardio...

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Losing weight is far easier said than done, and there isn’t a magic pill to take off unwanted kilograms. Rather, you need to burn more calories than you take in. This involves a healthy diet, as well as a combination of cardiovascular and strength training.

However, when it comes down to which kind of cardio is best for burning fat, you need to choose which lean body type you’re aiming for. If you train as a distance runner does, you’ll achieve a distance runner’s body: little muscle, very lean from lots of kilometres logged at relatively slower paces. If you train as a sprinter does – short, high-intensity workouts – you’ll get a sprinter’s body with muscle growth as well as fat loss.

Here’s something that we can all agree on intensity is key. As intensity increases, more calories are burned. That’s why high-intensity interval workouts are a fantastic choice for getting shredded while maintaining (or even gaining) muscle.

HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)

As the cream of the cardio crop, HIIT (high-intensity interval training) comes up time and time again for assisting people to lose weight in less time. Characterised by brief periods of intense work followed immediately by rest periods, HIIT works your cardiovascular system hard and fast. If you’re wanting to burn fat, it’s one of your absolute best choices as it’s over double-quick and makes you work incredibly hard at the same time.

Low-Intensity Cardio

It’s not necessary for you to exercise at a high intensity in order to lose weight. If you’re a beginner or have physical restrictions, low-intensity cardio can also assist you to burn calories and drop kilograms. These workouts include:

  • Jogging,
  • Bicycling,
  • Power walking,
  • Swimming, as well as
  • Aerobics

Start slowly and then gradually up the intensity as you adapt to your new routine. Aim for around 60 minutes of low-intensity cardio five days per week. As you become physically fitter, carry hand weights while jogging, walking or – alternatively – doing aerobics.

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Elliptical

These machines were originally designed to minimise the impact on the knees and hips, however, still allow a phenomenal workout. As the impact is quite low, the calorie-burning effect isn’t as great as other cardio machines, such as treadmills and stair masters. However, the elliptical machine can be an exceptional way to burn calories without wearing out your joints. While the average 82-kg man may only burn close to 500-600 calories per hour if he’s going at an above moderate pace, you are able get even more out of it by switching up the intensity, speed as well as resistance.

Skipping

Skipping not only improves coordination as well as cognitive function, however the intensity of this workout boosts your heart rate, helping you burn about 1,300 calories per hour:

  • Warm up with between eight and 10 jumps.
  • Then jump continuously for 1 ½ minutes.
  • Rest for between 15 and 30 seconds and repeat.
  • Complete three sets.

You can switch up your routine as well. Jump one set on a single leg and then one set with both legs as well as one set while running in place.

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How To Start Strength Training? Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-start-strength-training-learn-more-in-this-article/ Tue, 07 Sep 2021 05:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25953 Whether your fitness goal is to create muscle mass or get a fitter, more toned body, strength training can assist you to get there. Strength training leads to leaner, stronger muscles, strengthens your bones and joints, and even assists to boost your metabolism. This means that you’ll burn more calories even when you’re at rest....

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Whether your fitness goal is to create muscle mass or get a fitter, more toned body, strength training can assist you to get there. Strength training leads to leaner, stronger muscles, strengthens your bones and joints, and even assists to boost your metabolism. This means that you’ll burn more calories even when you’re at rest.

In addition, stronger muscles can improve your athletic performance as well as reduce your chance of injuries. Even if you’ve not done any type of weight training before, it’s not too late to start. Strength training is great for both men and women. The best part about it is that strength training can be begun at any age or – alternatively – fitness level.

You really don’t need to be a fitness buff. In fact, you really don’t even need to belong to a gym. You can just make use of your body weight for many exercises or utilise free weights, resistance bands, or other home fitness equipment in order to get results.

Start Out With Your Bodyweight

Simply put strength training just means making use of resistance to create work for your muscles.  In time, this can mean external weight however for beginners that can also mean your bodyweight —and that’s a phenomenal place to start.

Not only are you able to get a super effective strength training workout using just your bodyweight, however  bodyweight exercises are also a helpful way for beginners to become familiar with all the main movement patterns in strength training.

For instance, before you grab a pair of dumbbells to use for a set of deadlifts, you first need to make sure that you understand the hip hinge — pushing your hips and butt backward, maintaining a neutral spine and a slight bend in your knees.

Begin With A Short, Simple Workout Programme

Your goal is to do a routine which works for all muscle groups on two non-consecutive days every single week. This will assist you with building a strong foundation and will give you the opportunity to progress from week to week.

Choose The Correct Amount Of Weight To Lift

The key is to use weights which are not too light and not too heavy. You’ll know it’s too light if you can do an entire set with minimal effort. It’s too heavy if your form is sacrificed or it just feels too taxing. Just right is a challenging effort that you can do with proper form and control and without excess strain.

Nail Down Your Form

A personal trainer can assist you to master those basic movement patterns, which set the stage for a number of the exercises which you’ll be doing. As they’ll be able to suggest real-time corrections in order to your form, you’ll be better prepared to progress safely.

f you don’t have much wriggle room in your budget for a personal trainer, online tutorials can assist you with learning what a proper move needs to look like and exercising in front of a mirror (or recording using your phone) can assists you to make sure you’re executing it correctly.

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A Couple Of Secret Tricks for Keeping in Shape After 60 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/a-couple-of-secret-tricks-for-keeping-in-shape-after-60/ Mon, 06 Sep 2021 05:00:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25929 If we had to “brand” an overly streamlined, get-in-shape exercise philosophy for people who are over 60, chances are very good that we’d go with something like “The WWY Life”. For the record, “WWY” is shorthand for “weights, walking as well as yoga”. Do you know why older folks should prioritise those types of fitness?...

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If we had to “brand” an overly streamlined, get-in-shape exercise philosophy for people who are over 60, chances are very good that we’d go with something like “The WWY Life”. For the record, “WWY” is shorthand for “weights, walking as well as yoga”. Do you know why older folks should prioritise those types of fitness? Well, while it’s great to take part in cardio exercise at any age and get in shape — and any exercise is good exercise — as you get older, your fitness goals could be better redirected at achieving strength and better balance as well as flexibility.

Weights are responsible for building and maintaining lean muscle mass for strong bones as well as better metabolism, while yoga and walking reduce stress and cortisol levels while also keeping your fat burn high and helping your balance and flexibility. Too much cardio stresses our bodies and can take our appetites out of control.

While that seems straightforward enough — lift weights, walk a lot, do yoga — we all know that, when it comes to fitness, it’s always easier said than done. However, here’s some incentive for keeping in shape.

Work Out Socially

If you can’t just seem to pick yourself up and get off the couch alone and get into gym to try and stay in shape after you’ve turned 60, try asking a friend or two to lend you a helping hand. A number of different studies indicate that working out with other people can improve exercise enjoyment.

This study which was published in the International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care, makes the conclusion that walking in a group leads to both greater workout enjoyment as well as  overall quality of life. Researchers also found that people were more likely to stick with exercise for the long haul. “At a time when we are being encouraged to meet physical activity guidelines, a large proportion of the public fail to do so. Our review found that people may be more likely to exercise if they have social support,” explains lead study author Catherine Meads, professor of health at Anglia Ruskin University.

One more study which was published in Biology Letters even discovered that exercising in a group leads to the release of more “feel good” endorphins as compared to a solo workout.

Hack Your Personal Reward System

The key to getting and remaining in shape is to understand your personal reward system. People generally don’t have a problem following a healthy meal plan or doing a week of workouts in order to shape up. However, not everyone gives thought to the behaviours or patterns they fall back into after they’re successful for a week.

Say you’ve lost a few kilograms. Do you say, ‘I’ve worked I’ve worked so hard; I deserve a big dinner and drinks tonight?!’ Or do you say, ‘I’ve worked so hard, I deserve a better pair of running shoes to keep the momentum going?!’

If you’re the latter, your chances of being in shape are far higher. When you’re over 60, it’s challenging to burn the candle at both ends. Giving into an unhealthy reward system is much harder to come back from than it is for someone 30 years younger.

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Start With Confidence

It may sound cheesy, but a little bit of self-confidence and positivity goes a long way toward a better workout. One study which was published in PLOS ONE found that believing in one’s athletic ability helps make exercise feel less strenuous. Study participants who reported a positive attitude and belief in their physical abilities found a 30-minute stationary bike session to be much easier.

In addition, when study subjects really believed in the benefits of a compression shirt they were wearing, they felt the shirt was an asset during their workout. Not least, the findings impressively show that for all those who don’t consider themselves to be great sportsmen and -women – the right product really can make sport more pleasant, if ‘only’ you believe in it.

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What Is Isometric Resistance Training? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-isometric-resistance-training-find-out-in-this-article/ Fri, 03 Sep 2021 05:05:28 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25918 Isometric exercises are contractions of a specific muscle or group of muscles. During isometric resistance training, the muscle doesn’t visibly change length and the affected joint doesn’t move. Isometric exercises help to maintain strength. They can also build strength, however not effectively. Why is this? As isometric resistance training is done in one position with...

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Isometric exercises are contractions of a specific muscle or group of muscles. During isometric resistance training, the muscle doesn’t visibly change length and the affected joint doesn’t move. Isometric exercises help to maintain strength. They can also build strength, however not effectively.

Why is this?

As isometric resistance training is done in one position with no movement, they’ll improve strength in only one specific position. You’d have to do a number of different isometric exercises through your limb’s entire range of motion in order to improve muscle strength across the range.

In addition, as isometric resistance training in performed in a static position, they won’t assist with improving speed or athletic performance. They can be helpful, however, in enhancing stabilisation — maintaining the position of the affected area — as muscles frequently contract isometrically to help in stabilisation.

Isometric Resistance Training May Be Helpful To Someone Who Has An Injury

This is because the injury which could make movement painful. For example, if you happen to hurt your rotator cuff, your doctor or physical therapist may initially recommend isometric exercises that involve the group of muscles that helps stabilise the shoulder to maintain shoulder strength during recovery.

Isometric resistance training may also be useful to someone who has arthritis, which may be aggravated by making use of muscles to move a joint through its full range of motion. As individuals with arthritis perform isometric resistance training and their strength improves, they could progress to other types of strength training. Strength training may assist in reducing pain and improve physical function.

Examples Of Isometric Resistance Training Exercises

Wall Sit

Wall sits concentrate on boosting the strength in your thighs. The absolute best part is that you don’t need any equipment for this. The muscles worked are the quadriceps, hamstrings as well as glutes:

  • Stand approximately 60 cm away from a sturdy wall, leaning your back against it.
  • Sink your glutes down so that your legs form a 90-degree angle with the wall. Your body position should resemble exactly same posture that you have when sitting in a chair.
  • Maintain this position for about 15 seconds.
  • Perform five rounds of a 15-second hold.
  • In order to maintain this position, you will feel your thighs becoming tighter as well as more fatigued. Experiment with going back and forth between driving your weight down through your toes and then your heels. Driving down through your heels will have the result of targeting your glutes, while driving down your toes will target your quadriceps. Just make sure not to let your knees go our past your toes. When you put weight on your toes, don’t put too much pressure on your knees.

Plank

  • Get on all fours with your feet firmly together, your body straight from your head to heels, as well as your hands in line with (however slightly wider than) your shoulders.
  • Clench your glutes and draw your shoulders down. Brace your core in order to lock your body into position.
  • Hold until you become fatigued. (Can also be done on forearms and on each side.)

Overhead Hold

Overhead holds are responsible for challenging the muscular endurance of your shoulder girdle. You need a light to medium weight. Start with a 15-pound plate, dumbbell or – alternatively – kettlebell. The muscles are worked are the anterior, posterior as well as superior portions of the shoulder:

  • Extend your arms above your head and then hold the weight steady.
  • Ensure that you keep your arms fully extended. Bending your arms will engage various muscles (your biceps as well as triceps).
  • Hold the weight straight over your head for 30-second intervals.
  • Do five rounds.
  • Boost the challenge by standing on one leg while you hold the weight.

 

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How to Do Kettlebell Windmills Like a Pro? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-kettlebell-windmills-like-a-pro/ Fri, 03 Sep 2021 05:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25905 Kettlebell windmills are classified as a compound exercise (i.e., one which works multiple muscle groups) that entails holding a kettlebell above your head while performing a hip hinge. Kettlebell windmills focus chiefly on the shoulders, core, thoracic spine, hips as well as hamstrings. The kettlebell windmill exercise is an overhead loaded stretch as well as...

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Kettlebell windmills are classified as a compound exercise (i.e., one which works multiple muscle groups) that entails holding a kettlebell above your head while performing a hip hinge. Kettlebell windmills focus chiefly on the shoulders, core, thoracic spine, hips as well as hamstrings. The kettlebell windmill exercise is an overhead loaded stretch as well as strengthening exercise.

What Are The Advantages of Kettlebell Windmills?

As there are different movements involved, there are multiple advantages of doing kettlebell windmills. Kettlebell windmills do the following three things:

  • Stretch the muscles in the hip (piriformis, hip rotator as well as hamstrings),
  • Strengthen the muscles of the shoulders and core, and
  • Stabilise the shoulder.

The exercise increases strength, mobility, and stability. And kettlebell windmills not only challenge your core strength however it also challenges your entire kinetic chain (basically, the notion that joints and segments in your body are all connected, and that movement in one part affects others in the chain). The emphasis is on shoulder/scapular stability, glute activation as well as increasing the range of motion in your hips.

The Proper Form To Adopt With Kettlebell Windmills

When you are first attempting the kettlebell windmill, utilise a smaller kettlebell or no weight at all. As you become more comfortable with the finer mechanics of the move, add on more weight:

  1. Start off with your feet a bit wider than hip-distance apart. Your toes can rotate out just slightly in order to allow for an enhanced range of motion.
  2. Firmly grip the kettlebell with your right hand and then extend your right arm over your head. Your right palm needs to face forwards.
  3. Extend your left arm down in front of your left thigh with your palm facing forward. In this position, your arms need to look like two arms of a windmill.
  4. Hinging at your hips, lower your upper body down and to the left side. Your left hand will remain facing forward while it slides down close to the front of your left leg toward your foot. Keep your right arm steady as well as fully extended overhead.
  5. In the lowest position (with your left hand close to the left foot) your torso will be tipped towards the left however slightly rotated to the right. When done correctly, you’ll feel some weight shift into your right hip.
  6. Reverse the movement. Lift the body while keeping a strong straight spine. Keep your weight steady and elevated over your right shoulder.
  7. Go back to your starting position and start again.

Make sure that you maintain a strong, straight spine during this move. Perform between 5 and 10 repetitions on the right and then put the kettlebell in your left hand. Repeat the sequence bending to the right.

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Why Is It Important To Have Strong Glutes? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-it-important-to-have-strong-glutes-read-this-article/ Thu, 02 Sep 2021 05:00:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25890 Well-toned glutes play a huge role in aesthetics however have you ever thought about why a good set of glutes is important for your health, performance as well as longevity? The gluteal complex is called the powerhouse of your body. It also happens to be the biggest – as well as strongest – muscle in...

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Well-toned glutes play a huge role in aesthetics however have you ever thought about why a good set of glutes is important for your health, performance as well as longevity?

The gluteal complex is called the powerhouse of your body. It also happens to be the biggest – as well as strongest – muscle in the body. Well, at least, it should be. It really doesn’t matter if you’re an athlete or not either: everyone needs strong glutes. Whether you appreciate it or not, your glutes do so much for you each and every single day:

  • Need to extend your hip?
  • Laterally rotate your hip?
  • Abduct your hip?
  • Posteriorly tilt your pelvis?
  • Sit on a chair?
  • Swing a golf club?
  • Take a step?

That’s right: Literally every step that you take your glutes are working in order to stabilise your hips and lower back. To say the least, your glutes are quite important.

Why Is Glute Activation So Crucial?

The main and most apparent reason is so that you are able to strengthen them. These muscles have a substantial impact on your overall body strength. They help you to strengthen your core and assist with supporting a range of compound movements as well as exercises. Also, strong glute muscles help with preventing and avoiding muscle imbalances which can lead to mobility issues.

A great example would be weak glutes that cause an imbalance in the hip. This might lead to excessive rotation of the femur (in other words, the thigh bone), which in turn results in knee pain. Another example is that weakened glute muscles may contribute to pulled muscles in your hamstring or groin.

Strong glutes are quite essential in almost every sport; they are responsible for altering directions, accelerating, decelerating as well as creating explosiveness jumps. When it comes down to running, sprinting is one of the most effectual exercises for stimulating the glutes as they activate more of the gluteus maximus muscle as opposed to a vertical jump. Athletes who have strong glutes will be faster, more efficient as well as explosive in their movements.

Reduced Back Pain

As we said previously, your gluteals are responsible for hip extension and help their reverse action. When your feet are fixed on the floor, their job is to move your chest upward from the ground as in a deadlift. Strong gluteals are essential to lower back health as they assist with pelvic, hip and trunk motions. They also help more evenly distribute load throughout your lower back and lower extremities and help with good posture.

Strong Glutes Help To Prevent Injuries

If you’re attempting to get in shape or remain in shape, you likely know that one of the simplest ways to delay your progress is to become injured. Having strong, functional gluteal as well as hip muscles can assist you with avoiding and recovering from injury in your lower back, hips, knees and ankles by creating correct alignment and stability.

In individuals with weak glutes, it is very common to see ‘dynamic valgus’ at the knee. This is when the knee caves in the direction of your other leg as you lower down into a squat, specifically on single leg movement patterns (together with walking and running).

​Dynamic valgus is a fantastic indicator of if someone is at risk of injury. When the knee caves in, the pelvis will drop at the hip in the direction of the other side, and the femur (thigh bone) pivots inwards. This is a common dysfunctional pattern which may lead to injuries anywhere from your low back to your feet and ankles. The fantastic news is that by concentrating on strengthening your glutes as well as your surrounding hip muscles, you are able to improve and prevent valgus and therefore reduce your chance of injury.

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If you want to learn more about how muscles work then you need to do our Exercise Science Certification. Follow this link to read more.

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Why Resistance And Mobility Training Are Key For Healthy Ageing https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-resistance-and-mobility-training-are-key-for-healthy-ageing/ Wed, 01 Sep 2021 05:00:58 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25870 Weight lifting and stretching are extremely useful at any age, however there are particular benefits for older adults. With ageing comes concerns about strength, balance as well as mobility. However, integrating resistance training and stretching into your routine may keep you feeling healthy and strong. What Is Mobility Training? The term ‘mobility’ designates exercises which...

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Weight lifting and stretching are extremely useful at any age, however there are particular benefits for older adults. With ageing comes concerns about strength, balance as well as mobility. However, integrating resistance training and stretching into your routine may keep you feeling healthy and strong.

What Is Mobility Training?

The term ‘mobility’ designates exercises which will increase your range-of-motion as well as your stabilisation, or control of the muscles which surround each joint. Mobility isn’t the same as flexibility although it is close. Mobility incorporates flexibility in addition to strength. It’s crucial to assist you squat deeper, push much harder and – ultimately – jump higher.

Why You Need To Begin Working On Mobility

You’ve perhaps heard this before, however it’s worth repeating: As we spend so much time in poor, static positions – and this includes in front of the computer, TV, or phone, our body becomes ‘tight’ and lacks both optimal range-of-motion and adequate activation of specific muscle groups.

Go into a workout with limited range-of-motion, and your assistance muscles will begin to compensate. As assistance muscles are usually smaller and weaker, compelling them to handle excessive torque is a recipe for pain as well as injury. Worse still, if your lifts aren’t activating primary muscles as you can’t attain full range-of-motion, you perhaps won’t even build the muscle that you’re working toward.

Most individuals either don’t know that they need to spend time working on their mobility, don’t know what they need to be doing, or are wasting their time performing futile techniques. And you never really know it’s trouble until it’s too late: Most people can get away with poor mobility and movement for a finite amount of time – until your body has had enough, and injury and pain set in.

What Is Resistance Training?

Resistance training (which is also called strength training or weight training) is the usage of resistance to muscular contraction in order to establish the strength, anaerobic endurance as well as size of skeletal muscles. Resistance training is premised on the principle that muscles of the body will work in order to overcome a resistance force when they need to do so. When you do resistance training repeatedly and consistently, your muscles will become stronger.

What Is The Significance Of Strength Training As We Get Older?

One of the best ways to combat physical age-related concerns — in addition to maintaining range of motion, strength as well as balance — is to incorporate consistent resistance training into your weekly routine.

Resistance training can aid older adults by:

  • Increasing Bone Density

When you strength train, you’re placing stress on your bones from the movement and force patterns. This leads to bone-forming cells to jump to work. This creates bone which is stronger and denser.

  • Increasing Muscle Mass

More muscle means increased strength, better balance as well as an increased metabolism. One study found that by implementing a training programme, older adults were able to improve their muscle mass and muscle strength by 30%.

  • Enabling Better Balance And Functionality

Having strong muscles contributes to better daily function. After all, activities like sitting down in a chair, reaching up to get something from a shelf, or even tying your shoes all require balance, flexibility, and strength. And for older adults in particular, these benefits translate into a reduced risk of falls or other catastrophic injuries.

  • Improving Body Composition

Maintaining muscle mass is important to decrease the chances of obesity, especially as we age. Improving quality of life. Older adults who participate in a regular resistance training routine often see improvements in their psychosocial well-being.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about resistance and mobility training? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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Why You Shouldn’t Skip Exercise After 60? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-you-shouldnt-skip-exercise-after-60-read-this-article/ Wed, 01 Sep 2021 05:00:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25875 We can’t stress it enough. If you’re over 60, it’s very important that you continue exercising as much as you can, and rather with a healthy dose of strength training. According to studies, which analysed more than 1 million older adults, just exercising approximately one hour more every week than usual was linked to an...

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We can’t stress it enough. If you’re over 60, it’s very important that you continue exercising as much as you can, and rather with a healthy dose of strength training. According to studies, which analysed more than 1 million older adults, just exercising approximately one hour more every week than usual was linked to an 11% decreased risk of heart disease. What’s more, this same research found that ceasing physical activity around the age of 60 results in a 27% increased risk of heart disease.

It’s in line with other studies of additional treatment interventions which show it’s clearly never too late to improve things. Also, it’s in line with other studies of exercise particularly showing that even those who take up exercise later in life will experience a clinical benefit.

What Are The Benefits Of Exercise For Older Adults?

  • Prevent Disease

Studies have shown that keeping up regular physical activity can assist with preventing many common diseases, such as heart disease as well as diabetes. It enhances overall immune function, which is very important for seniors as their immune systems are frequently compromised. Even light exercise, for example walking, can be an extremely powerful tool for preventable disease management.

  • Improved Mental Health

The mental health benefits of exercise are almost endless. It produces endorphins (which are the “feel good” hormone) that act as a stress reliever. This leaves you feeling happy and satisfied. In addition, exercise has been associated with improving sleep, which is particularly important for older adults who frequently suffer from insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns.

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  • Decreased Risks of Falls

Mature adults are at a heightened risk of falls, which could prove to be potentially disastrous for preserving independence. Exercise boosts strength and flexibility, which also assist with improving balance and coordination, lowering the risk of falls. Seniors take far longer to recover from falls, so anything that helps to avoid them in the first place is critical.

  • Social Engagement

If you join a walking group, go to group fitness classes or go to a gardening club, exercise can be made into an enjoyable social event. Maintaining strong social ties is quite important for ageing adults to feel a sense of purpose as well as avoid feelings of loneliness or – alternatively – depression. Above all else, the key is to find a type of exercise you love, and it will never feel a mundane chore again.

  • Improved Cognitive Function

Regular physical activity and fine-tuned motor skills benefit cognitive function. Countless studies suggest a lower risk of dementia for physically active individuals, regardless of when you begin a routine.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about exercise for seniors, and how to teach correct exercise form, then you need to do our Exercise and the Elderly Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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How To Use A Bosu Ball Correctly? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-use-a-bosu-ball-correctly-read-this-article/ Mon, 30 Aug 2021 05:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25831 Are you curious about how to utilise a Bosu ball in your workouts? We’ve got you covered! If you haven’t seen a Bosu ball before, don’t worry — we’ve got you on that as well. A Bosu ball — which appears to be an exercise ball that is cut in half — is inflated on...

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Are you curious about how to utilise a Bosu ball in your workouts? We’ve got you covered! If you haven’t seen a Bosu ball before, don’t worry — we’ve got you on that as well.

A Bosu ball — which appears to be an exercise ball that is cut in half — is inflated on one of the sides with a flat platform on the other side. You are able to find them at most gyms, sports stores and online.

The Bosu ball is a balance trainer and provides the user with an unstable surface on which to perform exercises which engage a number of different muscles. Utilising the Bosu ball will make your workout more challenging, and it’s a fabulous tool to mix things up. Another great benefit of the Bosu ball is that it’s versatile.

The magnificent thing about a Bosu is that you are able to perform all types of exercises with it — everything from leg exercises balancing on it, to core exercises as well as even upper-body and cardio work. In any of those situations, it simply adds an additional element of instability, which needs you to engage more of the small muscles in your core which help you control your body and stay balanced.

How The Bosu Ball Can Be Used

Cardio

Utilise the Bosu ball for short bursts of cardio such as side lunges, plyo-lunges and over-the-top squat jumps. Also, you can utilise it as a move for choreographed workout routines.

Strength Training

With a Bosu ball, you can add a whole new challenge to your strength workouts with exercises like squats with an overhead press, lunges with biceps curls or – alternatively – push-ups. You can even utilise the Bosu ball as a weight bench in order to add a balance challenge during traditional weight work such as  chest presses.

Flexibility

Stand or kneel on the dome of the Bosu ball while doing traditional stretches such as the hamstring stretches or hip flexor stretches. Also, this adds instability to the exercise, so you should practise these while standing next to a wall until you become used to it.

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Sports Conditioning

Use the Bosu ball to perform sports drills, such as jumping. In addition, the Bosu ball can be used to perform plyometric movies like side leaps in order to boost performance and agility.

Core Training

Utilise it for abdominal exercises such as dead bug and v-sits, or for lower back exercises such as back extensions in order to target the core muscles.

Bosu ball exercises are the primary step to take on your next fitness challenge. So, don’t be shy. Ask your personal trainer to assist you. Buy a Bosu ball and start exercising at your home and see your physical fitness improve like never before. Take care!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become an exercise trainer and teach people how to exercise properly then you really need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information about the course and to register, please follow this link.

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How Frequently Should You Exercise To Get In Shape? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-frequently-should-you-exercise-to-get-in-shape/ Fri, 27 Aug 2021 05:00:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25781 Elite athletes train almost ten to 14 times per week, clocking up a lot of hours on the field as well as in the gym. However for the rest of us, getting into shape does not necessarily mean such an arduous exercise regime. How frequently you should train depends on a lot of different factors...

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Elite athletes train almost ten to 14 times per week, clocking up a lot of hours on the field as well as in the gym. However for the rest of us, getting into shape does not necessarily mean such an arduous exercise regime.

How frequently you should train depends on a lot of different factors – such as your training goals, the intensity of your exercise in addition to any history of injury you may have. The kind of training you do can also determine how often you need to exercise.

Exercise Stresses Different Systems In Our Body

This stress causes fatigue however also leads to “adaptations” (improvements) that are specific to the stress we’ve experienced. For example, while resistance training (such as weight lifting) helps us build muscular strength, it’s less likely to improve our cardiovascular fitness as it puts more stress on our skeletal muscles than it does our heart.

However improvements only take place with a combination of recovery and repetition. If we don’t repeat the training stress, improvements will be lost. We also need to give our body sufficient time – but not too much time – between training sessions to recover and “adapt”. In short, the key to improving fitness is to train consistently, which means striking a balance between exercising and recovering enough.

To complicate matters, some body systems take longer to recover than others. For example, exercise that stresses the body’s nervous system – such as sprinting, high-intensity interval training, or very heavy resistance training – will take longer to recover from than a lower-intensity session – such as a gentle jog that primarily stresses the heart and lungs.

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How Quickly Do You Want To See Results?

Knowing how frequently you need to strength train – as well as do cardiovascular exercise to lose weight – is dependent on how fast you want to see results. The overall recommendation is to lose no more than 1 to 2 kilograms per week. That being said, many people seek programmes which are designed for quicker weight loss.

In the most basic of terms, you’ll need to burn more calories than you take in order to lose weight. Dieting has shown to be an efficient method of losing weight, however in order to maintain weight loss, you really do need to exercise.

The amount of weight which you lose is dependent on the amount of exercise that you’re willing to commit to and how carefully you stick to your diet. If you really would like to see significant results that reflect on the scale and go on to make headway over time, you need to commit to exercising at least four to five days every single week.

However keep in mind that you’ll build up to this. To start off, you might only want to do between two and three days per week and very slowly get up to exercising five days. Plan your workouts to include a blend of:

  • Cardio,
  • Resistance Training,
  • Core Work, as well as
  • Stretching.

For maximum results, an exercise programme should consist of cardiovascular as well as strength training exercise. When you lift weights, you’ll increase your lean muscle mass. This gives you the great opportunity to boost your metabolism and burn calories at a higher rate, even when you’re not working out.

Cardiovascular exercise isn’t just essential in maintaining good heart health. Cardio exercise can:

  • Burn calories,
  • Boost your mood, as well as
  • Decrease stress.

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If you are super keen to learn more about exercise and how to teach people to exercise properly then you really need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to read more.

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What Is The Secret To A Fit Lifestyle? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-secret-to-a-fit-lifestyle-read-this-article/ Thu, 26 Aug 2021 05:00:52 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25757 You know that very fit person who doesn’t even seem to try to stay in shape? The individual who confesses to actually crave vegetables and also looks forward to her daily workout, however never seems to obsess about every calorie and eats dessert without even feeling the slightest bit of guilt? Those individuals don’t just...

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You know that very fit person who doesn’t even seem to try to stay in shape? The individual who confesses to actually crave vegetables and also looks forward to her daily workout, however never seems to obsess about every calorie and eats dessert without even feeling the slightest bit of guilt?

Those individuals don’t just have really great genes. Whether knowing it or not, they have put together a collection of habits over the years which allows her to stay in shape without putting in a supreme amount of effort. And those habits, plus a fit lifestyle, can equal the difference between a really fit person — and a couch potato.

Exercise

Adults who are cleared by their doctors should be aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. You don’t need to do a high-intensity cardio workout in order to reap the benefits of exercise. Taking just 10 minute walking breaks throughout the day is just as beneficial. Most importantly, you need to find what works for you as you’ll be more likely to stick to an exercise plan if the physical activity is something that you enjoy.

Avoid Stress

Stress is a very common factor in dozens of chronic diseases as well as conditions. According to a recent study, women who suffer from chronic stress have substantially depleted levels of Klotho, which is a hormone that can assist with protecting the body and brain from ageing.

Owing to this, avoiding stress as much as possible is one of the absolute best ways to live a happy, healthy life for a lot of years. While it’s not possible to cut stress out of life entirely, it is possible to cope with it better through learning stress-management techniques, such as meditation, and doing healthy things such as going for a walk, cooking, or meeting with friends when you feel like stress is getting the better of you.

Don’t Diet

Have you ever known a person in really great shape who was continually trying out every new fad diet? Yeah, we didn’t think so. This is because for the most part, fit people don’t diet — they make healthy eating a part of their fit lifestyle.

While we recommend sticking to an 80/20 nutrition plan, ultimately, the key to remaining fit and eating healthy is learning how to listen to your body:

  • What makes you feel great?
  • What keeps you feeling full and energised throughout the day?
  • What assists you to annihilate your workouts?
  • What makes sure that you keep you feeling and looking fit?

If you learn how to answer these questions for yourself, you’ll soon be on the road towards embracing healthy eating as a lifestyle and not following every new diet that comes along.

Get Enough Sleep

Your body heals and recharges during sleep. This is why it’s important to get at least between seven and eight hours of shut-eye per night. When you are sleeping, your body resets itself so that you are able to wake up fresh each day. If you find yourself requiring more than eight hours of sleep every single night, you may want to discuss this with your doctor. Lack of sleep can cause severe side effects, so it’s important that you learn what’s keeping you up at night so that you are able to fix it.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen to learn more about maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle? If you are then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more.

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What Fitness Habits Should You Follow In Your 30s? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-fitness-habits-should-you-follow-in-your-30s/ Thu, 26 Aug 2021 05:00:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25752 While age might be a mindset in many ways, a decade can make a world of difference to physiology as well as metabolism. Moving from your 20s to your 30s can be a dramatic shift and based on your prior food and lifestyle habits, you could find yourself sailing through or struggling with a number...

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While age might be a mindset in many ways, a decade can make a world of difference to physiology as well as metabolism. Moving from your 20s to your 30s can be a dramatic shift and based on your prior food and lifestyle habits, you could find yourself sailing through or struggling with a number of different challenges.

The 20s can be a lot about drive, ambition, confidence, empowerment as well as you working towards your higher education and goals. It is usually the time that some people miss taking care of their bodies. If so, you might find that you have some metabolic challenges when you enter your 30s.

What Takes Place To Your Body In Your 30s?

Life becomes far more complicated for you in your 30s. You’ve probably began a family and more responsibilities at work. Not only is finding time to exercise difficult however training itself becomes more difficult:

  • Your metabolism begins to slow down, and
  • Gaining body fat takes place more quickly than before.

At this age, a lot of men fall out of their training habits. You really shouldn’t do this. De-training happens rapidly. Starting up again is tough, both mentally and physically. Train in a more time-efficient manner in order to ensure that you stay fit.

Your enhanced commitments mean that you might find yourself with less time to train. Plan your sessions ahead of time so that when you arrive at the gym you’re ready to spring into action. Concentrating on shorter sessions will be far more rewarding and feasible and this will ensure adequate rest time between sessions.

Reassess your training load so that you can make sure it’s still feasible. If you’re short on time, avoid splitting your sessions into upper versus lower body. Instead, perform more full-body workouts, and combine strength and endurance into a single session. Include quick spinning sessions into your training. Alternatively, go for short, fast runs.

Food Is The Foundation For A Strong Fitness Routine

A lot of people struggle to increase fitness regimes in their 30s and end up just adding some sporadic exercise simply because they do not have a strong food foundation in order to support a strong workout. If you do not get optimal protein and antioxidants for energy, you simply cannot push the boundaries of a fitness routine. You require at least a gram per kg of body weight in protein, if not more when you increase exercise.

If you find yourself sore, as well as unable to recover from strength training for several days, that is a sign that you need much more protein. Antioxidants come from rich colours in vegetables and fruits. Having several cups of coloured vegetables with your meals and including potent antioxidants such as pomegranate every day can help recovery and the damage from exercise.

You Need To Drink More Water

A shortage of water leads to water retention, ageing skin, a slow metabolism as well as many more challenges. If you get in the good habit of drinking water while you’re still young, you are able to slow the effects of ageing.

Add Slow Fat-Burning Aerobic Exercise Three Times A Week

This should range from the slow aerobic ones such as biking, swimming, and walking, which are good for cardiovascular movement. You also need stretching, which you can get from yoga. It can be as straightforward as walking 10 000 steps a day as a start and gradually adding some days of 15 000 to 20 000 steps. With walking or running, achieving – and maintaining a maximum heart rate – can be beneficial. If you are running, always phase it out with initial stretching, walking, running, cooling down, and stretching once again in order to avoid damage to your knees.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more fitness habits then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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How To Prevent Knee Pain https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-prevent-knee-pain/ Wed, 25 Aug 2021 05:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25739 Knee pain is frequently caused by a one-time acute injury or repetitive motions which stress the knee over time, specifically as we age. There are a number of different steps that you can take in order to avoid knee pain as well as injuries. The knee is the largest joint that is found in the...

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Knee pain is frequently caused by a one-time acute injury or repetitive motions which stress the knee over time, specifically as we age. There are a number of different steps that you can take in order to avoid knee pain as well as injuries.

The knee is the largest joint that is found in the body and one of the most easily damaged. Ligament sprains – as well as cartilage tears – are the most common knee injuries. Ligaments assist with controlling motion by connecting bones and bracing joints against atypical forces. Cartilage cushions your knee and assists with dispersing force when the joint is in motion.

One of the most common things which causes knee pain is the runner’s stretch. That’s when you grab hold of your foot, bringing heel to glutes. We all do it, however it’s one of the things that tends to boost knee pain. Through bending the knee all the way, the kneecap becomes jammed into the bones that are below it.

The runner’s stretch could set the stage for chondromalacia patella, which is a condition where the cartilage under your knee cap comes to be softened, which is the most common form of knee pain. By repeatedly jamming your kneecap, you are promoting more chondromalacia.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

The term ‘osteoarthritis’ describes the trend where joint cartilage wears away. The condition may be the result of chronic joint deformities, repeated injury as well as excessive body weight. This form of arthritis most frequently affects middle-aged as well as older individuals. However, knee injuries – as a teenager or young adult – could make you prone to developing osteoarthritis earlier in life.

Other Sorts Of Knee Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), in addition to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) connecting the tibia and femur bones inside the knee, are ligaments usually injured. A less common knee injury is the tearing of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).

A lot of ACL tears are caused by changing direction quickly, twisting or pivoting, and then landing awkwardly from a jump. Sports such as soccer, football, basketball, volleyball as well as skiing are common causes of this type of injury. Athletes will frequently feel a ‘pop’ in their knee at the time of the injury, followed by knee pain as well as the feeling of ‘giving way’ or instability.

MCL injuries are frequently caused by a blow to the knee and are often seen among football players. PCL tears or strains are also frequently the result of contact sports. A simple misstep or twist may tear knee cartilage as well as meniscus.

In addition, inflammatory diseases can cause knee problems. Certain autoimmune diseases – such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and lupus can cause pain and swelling in the knee. Other diseases which can cause recurrent pain and swelling will include gout and pseudogout.

Preventative Measures

Maintain Your Weight

As extra weight may increase your chances of developing osteoarthritis, maintaining a weight that’s appropriate for your size and age will decrease stress on your knees as well as avoid heightened chances for knee injuries.

Wear Sensible Shoes With A Good Fit

It will assist you to maintain proper leg alignment and balance, eventually preventing knee injuries.

Warm Up

Before starting any exercise, make sure that you warm up and then do stretches. If you stretch the muscles in the front and back of your thighs, it lowers tension on your tendons, eventually relieving pressure on the knees.

Do Low-Impact Exercise

At the gym, chose a rowing machine or a cross-country skiing machine. Both provide a strong workout with low impact on your knees.

Swim Or Walk

When exercising outside of the gym, choose swimming or walking.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn how to avoid exercise-related injuries then you need to do our Exercise Science Certification. Follow this link to find out more.

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How To Keep Exercise Fun? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-keep-exercise-fun-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Wed, 25 Aug 2021 05:00:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25735 Has exercising become too much like work? Or does merely thinking about working out make you want to go and have a lie down? You know that you need to move to burn calories as well as get fit, however mustering the motivation to exercise is another matter. And if you’re not feeling motivated to...

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Has exercising become too much like work? Or does merely thinking about working out make you want to go and have a lie down? You know that you need to move to burn calories as well as get fit, however mustering the motivation to exercise is another matter. And if you’re not feeling motivated to exercise, chances are good that it’s because you’re not having any fun.

It’s recommended that adults do between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate intensity exercise a week. Beginning with just 30 minutes a day will put you right in the middle of that range. However, no one wants to spend half an hour a day slogging it out doing something which they hate. You’ll get the most out of any exercises which you enjoy, and you’ll keep coming back for more.

Make Play Your Workout

Do you remember begging your mother to let you stay outside five more minutes when you were a child? No matter what you were doing – playing catch, skipping or riding your bike – it was too much fun to quit. The key to fitting more physical activity into your life is rediscovering that joy of movement.

If you have children, play backyard games such as tag and hopscotch. But you don’t need your kids to play. Play basketball. Go swimming. Play tennis, volleyball, badminton, croquet, or golf.

Get Down And Dance!

How when was the last time that you had a dance to your absolute favourite music? Undo your hair down, draw the curtains if you’ve got very nosy neighbours, pump some beats, and then get moving. It’ll only take round about eight songs for you to get your 30 minutes in, so make sure you select your best bangers to get your heart beat up!

Train For An Active Holiday

Have you ever thought of doing a wine-country bike tour or living out your dream at a fantasy sports camp? These are the types of holidays that you’ll never stop talking about. However, whether you come away with fond memories or a pulled ligament could be dependent on how well prepared you are. In order to prevent muscle soreness and injury, train before your trip (utilising the upcoming holiday as your inspiration). Do general strength, cardiovascular as well as flexibility training, including exercises which target the muscle groups for your sport.

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Catch And Kick

Anyone with children will know that sometimes entertaining them takes precedence over looking after your own health. Why don’t you think about killing two birds with one stone and take them to the park to kick around a football or throw a ball back and forth. Once everyone’s practised their kicking, throwing as well as catching skills, take things to the very next point by asking them to throw or kick long and make you run to fetch it.

Master A Skipping Routine

Skipping is great aerobic exercise and will also get your heart rate up in no time. Get fancy by learning a skipping routine – you can find tutorials online for everything from basic tricks through to complicated routines.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you eager to learn more about exercise? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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How Fitness Can Help You Get Through The Menopause https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-fitness-can-help-you-get-through-the-menopause/ Tue, 24 Aug 2021 05:00:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25715 Every woman experiences menopause in a different manner. For some women, the signs of menopause are mild and pass quickly. For other women, it’s an explosion of hot flashes as well as mood swings. The great news is that you are able to adopt lifestyle changes to help cope with the changes occurring in your...

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Every woman experiences menopause in a different manner. For some women, the signs of menopause are mild and pass quickly. For other women, it’s an explosion of hot flashes as well as mood swings. The great news is that you are able to adopt lifestyle changes to help cope with the changes occurring in your body.

Exercise during – as well as after – menopause offers many benefits. These include the following:

  • Avoiding Weight Gain

Women have a tendency to lose muscle mass and gain abdominal fat around the time of menopause. Regular physical activity can assist with preventing weight gain.

  • Reducing The Risk Of Cancer

Exercise throughout and after menopause can help you to lose excess weight or maintain a healthy weight, which may offer protection from different types of cancer, including breast, colon as well as endometrial cancer.

  • Fortifying Your Bones

Exercise can slow bone loss after you go through menopause, which lowers the risk of fractures in addition to osteoporosis.

  • Lowering The Risk Of Other Diseases

Menopause weight gain can have significant implications for your health. Excess weight raises the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Exercising regularly can counter these risks.

  • Boosting Your Mood

Physically active adults have a decreased risk of depression and cognitive decline.

Have a Menopause Fitness Routine

Cardio

Also known as aerobic exercise, cardiovascular activities are those which get your heart rate up and your lungs working harder. Walking, bicycling as well as dancing are all good examples of cardio exercise. Cardio exercises are responsible for burning a good number of calories, so assisting to prevent weight gain. It also helps ward off heart disease, which is a condition that’s quite common among women of menopausal age.

Strength Training

Muscle-building exercises are quite important for women going through menopause as they help slow the normal bone loss which can eventually lead to brittle bones (osteoporosis. Strength training can also help to preserve lean muscle, which frequently starts to dissipate in middle age.

Yoga And Other Relaxation Exercises

Dealing with menopause can be stressful, so activities such as yoga and meditation can reduce the tension through their low-key approaches as well as deep-breathing practices. In addition, there’s some evidence that insomnia, a common menopause symptom, can be relieved through yoga and meditation.

Stretching And Flexibility

Although it’s very important to stretch your muscles before and after a workout session, it can also be done as part of your day-to-day routine. It protects your body’s range of motion and makes sure that your joints are kept flexible

Stability And Balance Moves

Exercises which enhance your body’s ability to remain upright and steady are particularly important as you enter menopause. As you grow older, your balance isn’t as good. You’re at an increased risk for falling — and if you break a hip, your life span can be substantially decreased.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about fitness then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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How To Do Aerobic Exercise Right? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-aerobic-exercise-right-find-out-in-this-article/ Tue, 24 Aug 2021 05:00:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25720 People do not require a lot of equipment in order to perform cardiovascular exercise. Rather, they are able to take part in cardio training at home through working their own body weight. It is recommended that people engage in between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate physical activity a week. People are able to select...

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People do not require a lot of equipment in order to perform cardiovascular exercise. Rather, they are able to take part in cardio training at home through working their own body weight. It is recommended that people engage in between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate physical activity a week. People are able to select the exercises that suit their current fitness level. In addition, they could move on to more difficult movements over time as their fitness improves.

Aerobic exercise is any sort of cardiovascular conditioning. It may include activities such as brisk walking, swimming, running or – alternatively – cycling. You perhaps know it as “cardio”. By definition, aerobic exercise means “with oxygen”. Your breathing and heart rate will go up during aerobic activities. Aerobic exercise assists with keeping your heart, lungs as well as circulatory system healthy.

Aerobic exercise is different from anaerobic exercise. Anaerobic exercises, such as weightlifting or sprinting, include quick bursts of energy. They’re done at maximum effort for a short time. This is unlike aerobic exercises. You perform aerobic exercises for a prolonged period of time.

Warming Up And Stretching

Warming up prior to the more intense portion of your exercise routine gets your blood flowing to your muscles and loosening you up. This is essential as you should not just start your workout at full effort.

  • Do between a 5- to 10-minute warm-up at low intensity (50% to 60% of your maximum heart rate) in order to prepare your muscles for exercise as well as steadily raise your heart rate.
  • Do whatever type of activity will be your workout for your warm-up. If you are walking or running, begin at an easy pace which puts you into this low-intensity heart rate zone—where you are still able to carry on a full conversation.
  • Next, stretch the muscles you will utilise in your workout. They are warmed up and could benefit from flexibility stretches or drills that are specific to the muscle groups that you will be using in the workout.

Cooling Down

After you have finished your workout in your target heart rate zone, you need to cool down with between five and 10 minutes of lower intensity activity (again, between 50% and 60% of your maximum heart rate. Previously, you would end your workout with gentle stretching of the muscles that are used in the workout. This is no longer universally recommended; however you can do it if you wish.

How Much Aerobic Exercise Do You Need To Do?

It is advised that you get 30 minutes or more of aerobic exercise five or more days each week. That can be broken up, though. For instance, you are able to take three, 10-minute walks throughout the day.

You should also include two or more anaerobic strengthening sessions each week which concentrates on major muscle groups. If you’re a newbie to exercise, see your doctor. They are able to assess your health and recommend a fitness routine which is safe and effective for you.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about aerobic exercise then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more.

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What Are The Health Benefits Of A Zumba Workout? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-a-zumba-workout/ Mon, 23 Aug 2021 05:00:48 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25662 If you’ve ever seen a Zumba class, you’ve undoubtedly noticed its mysterious resemblance to the dance floor of a trendy club on a Saturday night. Rather than the sounds of exertion that you’d hear at your typical CrossFit or spinning class, a Zumba class features catchy dance music, clapping hands, as well as even the...

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If you’ve ever seen a Zumba class, you’ve undoubtedly noticed its mysterious resemblance to the dance floor of a trendy club on a Saturday night. Rather than the sounds of exertion that you’d hear at your typical CrossFit or spinning class, a Zumba class features catchy dance music, clapping hands, as well as even the occasional “Woo!” or gasp of excitement from an excited participant.

Zumba is a workout that features movements inspired by a number of different styles of Latin American dance that is performed to music. It’s become a very popular and trendy workout across the globe. There are a number of different kinds of Zumba classes, from Aqua Zumba workouts to classes such as Zumba Toning which incorporates weights for additional calorie burning as well as strength training. There are even Zumba classes which have been designed for kids.

Working up a sweat in the 1-hour-long classes burns an average number of 369 calories which is more than cardio kickboxing or – alternatively – step aerobics. You’ll get a great cardio workout that melts fat, strengthens your core, and improves flexibility.

Zumba Is Fun

The more that you enjoy your exercise routine, the more likely it is that you will stick with it. Many individuals say they have so much fun dancing that they don’t remember they are actually exercising!

Great For Weight Loss

Zumba is a very powerful exercise with a 600- to 1 000-calorie burn in only an hour.

Tones Your Whole Body

You may feel sore in parts of your body that you never knew existed, however it gets results. Zumba targets lots of muscle groups at the same time for total body toning.

Boosts Your Heart Health

You not only get aerobic advantages (Zumba really gets your heart rate up), you also get anaerobic benefits – the kind which help you to maintain a great cardiovascular respiratory system.

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Assists You To De-Stress

Focusing your attention on dance and away from the day-to-day grind, is a great way of relieving stress. Studies have shown that exercise is highly effective at reducing fatigue, increasing alertness and concentration, in addition to enhancing overall cognitive function.

Improves Coordination

In Zumba, your arms and legs are often moving in different directions so it needs a good deal of coordination.  Repetitive practice improves coordination and assists you to feel more comfortable with moving your body.

Makes You Happy

Every time you exercise, you release endorphins. These trigger positive feelings throughout your  body.

Aerobic exercise – such as Zumba – can lower health risks, help to maintain a healthy weight, strengthen your heart as well as boost your mood. If you enjoy Zumba, you’re also more likely to do it regularly and experience its benefits as an aerobic exercise. As with any exercise, if a certain movement or position hurts, try to modify the workout to avoid the activities that are painful.

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Want to learn the best way of teaching others to work out? If you do, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more.

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How EMS Training Gets Tangible Results In 20 Minutes A Week https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-ems-training-gets-tangible-results-in-20-minutes-a-week/ Mon, 23 Aug 2021 05:00:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25656 Reaching your fitness goals may feel impossible when your calendar is full and your to-do list continues to become longer and longer by the week. Imagine getting real results in far less time. It’s no longer a pipe dream anymore thanks to a ground-breaking bio-hack called Electromyostimulation (EMS) training. EMS training is the most efficient...

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Reaching your fitness goals may feel impossible when your calendar is full and your to-do list continues to become longer and longer by the week. Imagine getting real results in far less time. It’s no longer a pipe dream anymore thanks to a ground-breaking bio-hack called Electromyostimulation (EMS) training. EMS training is the most efficient and effective way to train because you only need to put in 20 minutes once a week to see real results.

How Does EMS Training Work?

During conventional strength training, the brain transmits impulses that stimulate the muscles to contract. However, not all of your body’s muscles have a well-developed connection to your brain. Thus, the muscles are not activated quite as easily and – as a result – will not develop as well as they could.

EMS training stimulates all of the main muscle groups. EMS training also helps to grow the motoric nerve connections that relate to muscle movement. By sending electric impulses to these motoric nerves directly, even the weakly connected muscles are activated.

As the muscles are activated with the aid of EMS training, combined with custom workouts a more intense level of training is enabled from the start. This allows the creation of more muscle fibre at an accelerated rate. More active muscle tissue requires more energy intake which therefore burns more calories, even at rest!

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What Are The Benefits of EMS Training?

Getting fit – as well as exercising – isn’t as simple as just going to the gym as well as watching what you eat. That’s why a lot of people choose a personal trainer in order to guide them along the way. In recent years, science has increasingly explained how your body works as well as what it truly means to be healthy. You may be surprised to learn that EMS training delivers a broad range of health and fitness benefits.

Strengthens Muscles And Tones Body

With the electrodes being directly onto your body, it works each muscle group and makes sure that each collection of impulses works the targeted area on your body. EMS training delivers a full-body workout in every session, activating over 90% of the muscle fibres.

Rapid And Effective Weight Loss

Through the particular exercises offered by the EMS training system, you’ll rapidly burn up calories making this a wonderful way of shifting fat and losing the kilograms. Burn up to 2500 calories in just one session.

Reduce Cellulite And Increase Blood Flow

The EMS system produces faster blood flow to the targeted muscles – one of the greatest ways of decreasing cellulite in problem areas. It quickens blood circulation, so stimulating surrounding muscles, ridding your body of metabolic waste which will be dispersed and processed through the lymphatic system, which is your body’s natural filtration system.

Gentle On Your Joints

The EMS training system is one of the best ways to recover from injury as it places totally no strain on your joints and tendons. This is revolutionary for those who suffer from joint problems or injuries, who have previously found exercise to be difficult.

Improves Your Posture

Making use of a set of targeted electrodes, stimulation is generated throughout your spinal column, which has been demonstrated to help with back problems as well as posture. EMS will help your tight, overworked muscles and give them a chance to relax and then let go so that you are able to experience more movement and less pain.

Time Effective

Your time is valuable – too valuable to spend it on time-consuming and ineffectual training sessions. Push your weight loss and fitness goals with two 20 minutes of EMS training every week which is equivalent to between four and six hours of regular gym training.

Rehabilitation

EMS training is an ideal partner during rehabilitation as the electrical impulses are absolutely not putting any extra load on the joints. Thus, this training can also be applied in the case of some injuries. In medical applications the EMS devices have been safely used for decades.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become an EMS trainer then you need to do our EMS Trainer Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Are The Best Cycling Shoes For Indoor Cycling? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-cycling-shoes-for-indoor-cycling/ Thu, 19 Aug 2021 05:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25625 Spinning shoes come in a lot of different styles, with different features suitable for different riders. With the upswing of at-home riding (Peloton’s paid user base has more than doubled up over the last year), more and more people are looking for the best picks in order to suit our indoor cycling needs. Here’s the...

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Spinning shoes come in a lot of different styles, with different features suitable for different riders. With the upswing of at-home riding (Peloton’s paid user base has more than doubled up over the last year), more and more people are looking for the best picks in order to suit our indoor cycling needs. Here’s the thing, however: While indoor cycling isn’t a category which you’ll likely see on a shoe website, there are lot of factors that go into making specific styles more suitable for indoor riding versus outdoor wear.

There is unquestionably nothing stopping you from donning your normal cycling shoes when riding indoors, however, an growing interest in virtual racing and online cycling fitness classes has led to the availability of particular indoor cycling shoes, which are more tailored to the rigours of this hot as well as sweaty pursuit.

There are two quite different styles of indoor cycling shoes:

  • Shoes that are designed to cater for riders going to indoor cycling classes or using exercise bikes. These frequently come with SPD style pedals, these are easier to walk in and also usually use a two-bolt SPD cleat with a more flexible sole.
  • Shoes which are designed for indoor racers. These typically have a three-bolt clear design, a stiff carbon sole as well as plenty of ventilation.

What To Look For In A Spin Shoe

First things first. Think about what you want in an indoor cycling shoe. Since you’re riding indoors, you’ll likely be hotter and sweatier than if you were cycling in the open air with a natural breeze to cool you down. Even a strategically positioned floor fan doesn’t help all that much. While speed-centric outdoor cyclists are typically after lighter, aerodynamic options in an effort to ride as fast as possible, you don’t need to worry about that as much since you’re technically sitting still.

Instead, you may want to look for an ultra-breathable shoe with a stiff sole because the stiffer the shoe, the more power you’ll transfer to the pedals to crank up your on-the-bike intensity. For some, the ideal indoor shoe is more walkable than a traditional outdoor option (think: smaller, inset cleat), so that when you’re moving from bike to locker room (or to your own bathroom at home), you’re not slipping around or risking injury. Some brands make options with more flexible soles (including rubber), but with those, you could lose some of the power transfer on the bike, which is worth keeping in mind.

 

And lastly, it’s important to touch on cleat and pedal compatibility. Depending on what bike you’re clipping into, there are two common cleat-pedal combinations:

  • SPD (two-bolt), and
  • Delta (three-bolt)).

Popular bikes like the Peloton come stock with Delta-compatible clip-in pedals. You could swap the pedals if you’d rather use an SPD-friendly shoe, but that’s another conversation. When shopping for Delta cleats, you want to avoid zero-float options. Float allows a little bit of movement when the cleat is clicked into the pedal, which is better for indoor riding especially when clipping in and out of the bike. The float cleats from Look are coloured red (good), the zero-float cleats are black (bad). Most knockoff cleats follow the same colour scheme.

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Do you want to become an indoor cycling instructor? If you do then you need to do our Indoor Cycling Instructor Course. Follow this link for more information.

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Do You Know How To Stand Out When Everyone’s Offering The Same Fitness Services You Do? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/do-you-know-how-to-stand-out-when-everyones-offering-the-same-fitness-services-you-do/ Thu, 19 Aug 2021 05:00:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25621 Some days a little bit of healthy competition can keep you on your toes. On other days, it can knock you off your feet. With rivalry in the fitness industry being fierce, it can feel impossible to get the attention (and the rands) of paying customers who have so much variety to choose from. For...

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Some days a little bit of healthy competition can keep you on your toes. On other days, it can knock you off your feet. With rivalry in the fitness industry being fierce, it can feel impossible to get the attention (and the rands) of paying customers who have so much variety to choose from.

For people who are starting out in the fitness industry, it can be quite intimidating. How are you supposed to compete with far more experienced professionals? Or businesses with larger audiences? In order to stand out, you need to be noticeably different. When it comes to positioning your brand, you need some awesome points of difference (PODs) as well as the usual points of parity (POPs).

Find Your Unique Angle

What elements can you identify in the fitness industry that make you different from everyone else? After all, not every coach motivates clients the same way. Maybe you can differentiate yourself by the clients you serve, the science behind your technique, the results that you’re able to achieve or the way you deliver your service. Whatever that distinct approach is, make sure to tout it to your clients.

Stand For Something Different

Another way to distinguish your fitness business is to stand for something different. Your values or beliefs could be what distinguishes you from the crowd. In an industry which is rife with fitness myths as well as misinformation, what you stand for can demonstrate your credibility.

Get Collaborative

Spread the word about your fitness technique far and wide so that it’s not drowned out by the sound of others who are talking about their methods. If you have knowledge that you’re willing to share with others, everyone will want to come to you as a source.

Try Alternative Platforms

If you’re struggling to get noticed among the crowd, then go where it’s far less busy. Instagram is full of fitness bloggers, so it may be difficult to stand out there. However, there are always new platforms that are being developed where there won’t be as much noise.

Of course, there could not be as big of an audience either however 100% focus from a small group is much better than 0% of a large one. Select a platform which others haven’t yet discovered – think about which social media sites that are up-and-coming? Where else will you be able to establish yourself as a thought leader in the fitness industry?

Whichever social media platforms you try out, make sure that you post high-quality photos and videos. This is key. If you’re going to do ONE thing make it this. If your feed is just a thrown-together mish-mash of blurred photos, screenshots as well as quotes, it’s not going to look visually pleasing to someone who is just landing on your feed. The more beautifully and engaging the grid, the more people are going to want to follow you.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about marketing your fitness business on social media then you need to do our Social Media Management For Fitness Professionals Course. Follow this link to learn more.

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Why Foam Rolling Is One of the Best Ways To Ease Upper-Back Tension https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-foam-rolling-is-one-of-the-best-ways-to-ease-upper-back-tension/ Wed, 18 Aug 2021 05:00:49 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25612 Foam rolling exercises make a great addition to your self-healing repertoire. This self-myofascial release technique can safely – as well as effectively – relieve tension, tightness and pain in your back. You can make use of these foam rolling exercises together with other healing approaches, such as massage, acupuncture or – alternatively – hot and...

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Foam rolling exercises make a great addition to your self-healing repertoire. This self-myofascial release technique can safely – as well as effectively – relieve tension, tightness and pain in your back. You can make use of these foam rolling exercises together with other healing approaches, such as massage, acupuncture or – alternatively – hot and cold therapy.

The benefits of foam rolling are the following:

  • Alleviates soreness,
  • Reduces inflammation which occurs during the muscle repair process,
  • Aids in muscle-repair recovery,
  • Assists in injury prevention by maintaining muscle length as well as remedying tension and tightness,
  • Increases blood flow – in addition to elasticity of muscle tissue, joints, and fascia — the body’s connective tissue. This helps with mobility, overall well-being, and a smoother appearance of fat underneath your skin.
  • Promotes relaxation — roll away your worries!

Foam Roller Exercises To Alleviate Back Tension

In order to relieve pain and tightness in your back, perform these exercises three to four times per week, even if your symptoms are on the mend. The key is to prevent or relieve discomfort before it becomes chronic.

If you’re facing intense pain, wait until you recover prior to starting foam rolling.  You can perform the exercises on their own or before or after you work out.

Make sure that you align your body correctly on the foam roller and make use of an exercise mat for cushioning. Exercise care when coming off the foam roller and give yourself up to one minute in order to relax before repeating an exercise or moving on to the next.

Upper Back

This stretch can assist with relieving tension in your upper back as well as alleviating poor posture which stems from leaning or hunching forward frequently. It also assists with aligning your head, neck and spine:

  • Lie supine back with a foam roller placed under your spine to support your head as well as tailbone.
  • Bend your knees and then make sure that put your feet flat on the floor.
  • Spread your arms wide and then out to the sides with your palms facing upward.
  • Breathe in deeply and relax into this position for up to one minute.
  • Repeat three times.

Spinal Alignment

This exercise is responsible for aligning your spine and releasing muscle knots, tightness as well as tension. It promotes excellent posture and is helpful for individuals who sit for prolonged periods. Don’t going lower than your mid-back, which is where your rib cage stops:

  • Put the roller horizontally across your upper back, directly below your shoulder blades.
  • Bend your knees and then press your feet firmly into the floor.
  • Connect your fingers at the base of your skull and then lean back.
  • Raise your hips slightly in order to move the roller up toward your shoulders.
  • Focus on delicate areas for at least 20 seconds.
  • Work your way up towards your shoulders. After this, work your way down to your mid-back again.
  • Repeat between four and five times.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about foam rolling then you need to do our Foam Rolling Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Are The Benefits Of The Plank Exercise? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-the-plank-exercise-find-out-in-this-article/ Tue, 17 Aug 2021 05:00:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25607 The plank exercise is one of the simplest exercises which you can do. It’s very straightforward in its appearance and the number of steps that are involved in doing one. However being simple does not mean that doing a plank is easy – far from it. Getting into plank pose can be quite easy. Holding...

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The plank exercise is one of the simplest exercises which you can do. It’s very straightforward in its appearance and the number of steps that are involved in doing one. However being simple does not mean that doing a plank is easy – far from it.

Getting into plank pose can be quite easy. Holding the plank exercise can even be easy, for a few seconds, however since the plank is an exercise position which can be held indefinitely, its difficulty can range from easy, short-term planks to excruciating tests of endurance. A heads up: easy, short-term planks aren’t the type which are going to provide you with much strength improvement.

What Is The Importance of Core Strength?

There are many sites and blogs which detail ways to build your core muscles or core strength – something which the plank exercise is brilliant at. However, these sites often neglect to properly explain what your core muscles actually are as well as why building them is very important.

This is quite astonishing, as core muscles are quite simple to explain.

Your core muscles are a sequence of muscles that are found in your midsection and are utilised in most forms of movement. Though they aren’t located in your arms or legs, your core muscles can help to shift force from one limb to the other or are made use of in addition to muscles in your arms or legs to boost their effectiveness. As such, a strong core can significantly improve your ability to move as well as exercise more effectively.

Also, your core muscles are great for assisting other muscles in your midsection, such as your abdominal muscles. Your abdominal muscles are very important for supporting your back as well as spinal column. This means that they are important aids in preventing injuries. However, in order for them to be most effective, you need to spend a lot of time developing your core muscles.

What Are The Advantages Of The Plank Exercise?

A weakened core may cause serious injury if ignored and not exercised properly. The plank exercise helps to target the core muscles as well as give them a good burn in order to build muscle strength.

The core muscles groups that are engaged in the plank exercise are the following:

  • Transverse abdominis:

These are abdominal wall muscles which are responsible for stabilising the lumbar spine as well as pelvis before the movement of limbs (raising your arms, bending forwards, etc.). Building this muscle increases our strength for lifting heavy weights.

  • Rectus abdominis:

This is the muscle that gives you your six pack! Working this long strap muscle can assist with improving high jumps as well as kicks.

  • Oblique Muscles:

These are the muscles which make side bending, waist twisting as well as turning possible.

  • Gluteal Muscles or Glutes:

This is the most powerful muscle of the body. It is responsible for the movement of the hip and thigh. It is attached to the tailbone and maintains the shape of your back as well as buttocks.

Holding the plank exercise can fire up all these muscle groups at the same time so giving us these benefits:

  • A Healthy Posture

A bad posture is when we hunch and also have slumped shoulders. This takes place because of poor alignment and sitting for long periods of time. A good posture is where the weight of your body is evenly distributed. It lowers the stress on our spine and gives us a straight, well-aligned body while walking, standing as well as sitting.

The plank position engages all the muscles from your neck, shoulder and back up to your pelvis, thighs and legs. Slowly, this results in a strong posture and gives you the confidence to walk tall.

  • Balance And Coordination

Our core muscles are responsible for assisting us with balancing while riding a bike or standing on one leg. Even dancing necessitates engaging the core muscles in order to achieve the right balance in form. Planks hold the core muscles taut so teaching your muscle to endure. This builds muscle stability as well as increasing body balance.

  • Improves Body Alignment And Helps To Avoid Illness

Many of us, even at a very young age, experience back pain as well as lower back issues. This is owing to bad posture and incorrect alignment of the body. Regular planks can help to improve posture and rid you of back pain.

This is as planks help to build strong abdominal muscles which lower the strain on your back, shoulders and neck. Planking down after a long, hard day of sitting on your computer can assist to relieve neck and shoulder knots too and assist your body come back into alignment. Planks and regular exercise can help to prevent degenerative muscle atrophy that is caused by osteoarthritis too.

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If you want to learn about more benefits of the plank exercise, as well as other Pilates exercises, then you need to become a Pilates instructor. Follow this link to find out more about our Pilates Instructor Course.

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Why Do People In Their 30s Need To Prioritise Stretching? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-do-people-in-their-30s-need-to-prioritise-stretching/ Mon, 16 Aug 2021 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25596 In our 20s, we pop into a HIIT class and then sneak out before the cool-down. We sit all day at work with very few breaks and never feel any ill effects. We enter our 30s and all of a sudden these habits leave us with a sore back, neck pain as well as muscle...

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In our 20s, we pop into a HIIT class and then sneak out before the cool-down. We sit all day at work with very few breaks and never feel any ill effects. We enter our 30s and all of a sudden these habits leave us with a sore back, neck pain as well as muscle tightness. Why does it seem as if stretching becomes a necessity when you hit 30? Is it three decades of wear-and-tear catching up with us? Or is something else that is going on?

Age-related changes certainly do occur yearly, however more distinctly with different decades. When we are younger, we have far more collagen as well elastin which keeps our bodies firm, more resilient as well as with an improved ability to rebound. With age, comes increased wear-and-tear.

Sarcopenia

When you hit the age of 30, a change takes place physiologically called sarcopenia. That means that your muscle tissue begins to diminish owing to ageing. We inherently get weaker and lose our stamina so our bodies have to work harder to maintain the base level of fitness as well as to perform exercises and we feel the effects of exercises even more.

This change can result in heightened pain and risk of injury. We see a lot of sports injuries among this age group. Particularly in the low back, shoulders and knees in addition postural-related issues from being more sedentary or from working out without appropriate stretching or cooling down.

Where To Begin

With a body that is full of muscles, the idea of daily stretching could seem overwhelming. However you don’t need to stretch every muscle that you have. The areas that are critical for mobility are in your lower extremities: your calves, your hamstrings, your hip flexors in the pelvis as well as quadriceps in the front of your legs. Stretching your shoulders, neck – in addition to your lower back – is also beneficial. Aim for a programme of daily stretches or – at the very least – three or four times per week.

Defining a proper stretch can be quite challenging and is something you should speak to a doctor about. There are a few generic tips which you can follow. For instance, a static stretch should always be held for at least 30 seconds every single day. To maintain – as well as improve – muscle flexibility, you need stretch a muscle for 30 seconds each day, every day. You will be able to trust your intuition with the form. If a stretch hurts, you could very well be doing it wrong.

Find a physical therapist or – alternatively – personal trainer who is able to assess your muscle strength and tailor a stretching programme to fit your needs. If you suffer from a chronic condition, for example Parkinson’s disease or arthritis, you’ll want to clear a new stretching regimen with your doctor before you start.

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If you would like to learn proper stretching techniques – and how to exercise properly in general – then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to read more.

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Essential Stretches For Runners. Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/essential-stretches-for-runners-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Thu, 12 Aug 2021 06:05:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25591 Running or jogging utilises many of the body’s muscles, specifically those in the legs, feet as well as back. Forgetting to stretch after running may cause muscles to become tense and painful, which could keep a person from attaining their fitness goals. Individuals should stretch after every run while the muscles are still warm and...

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Running or jogging utilises many of the body’s muscles, specifically those in the legs, feet as well as back. Forgetting to stretch after running may cause muscles to become tense and painful, which could keep a person from attaining their fitness goals.

Individuals should stretch after every run while the muscles are still warm and maintain each stretch for between 10 and 30 seconds. It is useful to focus on breathing in and out throughout the stretch. Stretches should not cause you pain, and a person should stop the stretch immediately if they are finding it painful. In most cases, it is very possible to change a stretch to tailor it to the individual’s level of flexibility.

The do’s and don’ts of stretching:

  • Don’t stretch cold muscles. It is much better to stretch after a run than beforehand.
  • Do stretch lightly before speed work, and after a 10-minute warm-up jog.
  • Ease into each stretch. Make sure that don’t bounce or force it.
  • Before speed work, maintain each stretch for between 10 and 15 seconds.
  • After a run, make sure that hold each stretch for 30 seconds. And then, repeat once or twice on each leg.
  • Avoid certain stretches that can hamper your performance or increase your risk for a pull or tear.

The Knee Hug

Up to 80% of adults suffer from, lower back pain during their lifetime. Triggers of lower back pain include heavy lifting, as well as prolonged sitting, however poor recovery after running, may also lead to back problems. The knee hug could stretch out the back muscles as well as relieve tension.

To do this stretch:

  • Lie down on a mat. Make sure that your back is flat on the floor.
  • Slowly bend your knees and bring them in close to your chest.
  • Grasp your shins, pulling them in gently, and hold for 30 seconds.
  • Steadily lower your legs back down to the floor.

Lying Gluteal Stretch Against A Wall

  • Keep your ankle of your front leg just below your knee. Make sure that you’re sufficiently close to the wall for your lower back to be off the floor.
  • As gravity slowly brings your lower back towards the floor, you’ll be feeling a stretch in your muscles around the side of your buttocks.
  • Alter the angle of your hips and front knee in order to intensify the stretch.

Child’s Pose

This asana stretches the muscles in the back of your torso and your shoulders.

To perform Child’s Pose:

  • Kneel down on a mat with your toes pointed out behind our body and the buttocks resting on the back of your feet.
  • Bend forward at the waist and then slowly lower the chest down to the knees.
  • Stretch your arms above the head. The hands need to be flat on the mat, and your elbows need to be straight.
  • Gently reach forward and then hold for 30 seconds.
  • Bring your arms back in and slowly sit up.

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Simple Exercises Which Can Help Relieve Foot Pain https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/simple-exercises-which-can-help-relieve-foot-pain/ Thu, 12 Aug 2021 06:00:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25583 Regularly exercising – as well as stretching – the feet and ankles can assist with ensuring that the muscles are offering the best support. These exercises could also increase range of motion in the feet, so assisting with keeping a person active for as long as possible. Many foot exercises are simple and require no...

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Regularly exercising – as well as stretching – the feet and ankles can assist with ensuring that the muscles are offering the best support. These exercises could also increase range of motion in the feet, so assisting with keeping a person active for as long as possible. Many foot exercises are simple and require no complicated equipment to perform. Individuals can do them at home or in the gym as a big part of a regular exercise routine.

Foot strength and mobility is a crucial – yet frequently neglected – component of a runner’s strength as well as recovery regimen. The foot is responsible for absorbing shock as you run and is as a rigid surface for push-off. Consequently that moment becomes the most important moment. Additionally, muscular imbalances and dysfunctions in the feet could result in injury.

What Causes Foot And Ankle Pain?

A number of different things may be the cause foot and ankle pain. Around one in five middle-aged or older people suffer from it, and women are specifically affected. The most common causes include the soft tissues of the foot as well as ankle:

  • Plantar fasciitis: This often causes pain in your heel along the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis happens when the soft tissue on the underside of your foot (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed. The pain is frequently worse after being inactive or the first thing in the morning.
  • Achilles tendonitis: This is responsible for causing pain at the back of the ankle when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is irritated. It can be caused by overuse, often when you begin a new type of exercise or if the amount that you exercise is increased
  • Ankle sprains: these occur when the ligaments (the soft tissues connecting the bones of the foot) are damaged due to an injury. There will often be pain around the ankle and bruising or swelling, as well as reduced movement

Toe Raise, Point, And Curl

This exercise has three stages and will assist with strengthening all parts of the feet and toes.

To perform this exercise:

  • Sit in a straight-backed chair – like a dining room chair – with your feet being flat on the floor.
  • Making sure that your toes on the floor, raise your heels. Stop when just the balls of your feet stay on the ground.
  • Maintain this position for five seconds before lowering the heels.
  • For the second stage, lift your heels and point your toes so that just the tips of your big and second toes are tapping the floor.
  • Hold for five seconds before lowering to the ground.
  • For the third stage, raise your heels and curl your toes inward so that only the tips of your toes are touching the floor. Hold this position for five seconds.
  • Build flexibility – as well as mobility – by repeating each stage 10 times.

Standing Calf Raise

The big toe is the main push-off point during running; however many runners experience limited range of motion in this area. They experience foot pain and cramping as a consequence.

How to perform the standing calf raise exercise:

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Raise your heels and finish by lifting onto the big toe.
  • Keep the ball of each of your feet on the ground throughout the movement.
  • Work up to four to five sets of 20 reps prior to each run.

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Why Is Strength Training The Secret To Midlife Weight Loss? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-strength-training-the-secret-to-midlife-weight-loss/ Thu, 12 Aug 2021 05:00:49 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25576 Getting older doesn’t have to mean that you’ll automatically get fatter. In fact, you are able to stay fit, lean as well as strong as you age. Yes, it takes a tad bit more effort and a lot savvier than it did when you were younger, however middle age weight loss (in addition to healthy...

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Getting older doesn’t have to mean that you’ll automatically get fatter. In fact, you are able to stay fit, lean as well as strong as you age. Yes, it takes a tad bit more effort and a lot savvier than it did when you were younger, however middle age weight loss (in addition to healthy weight maintenance) also comes with additional benefits.

If you keep your weight steady and minimise weight gain as you age, you are able to minimise your risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure as well as other conditions that frequently plague men and women as they get older. In addition, remaining active and lean assists you to maintain stronger healthier joints so that you are able to enjoy physical activity with friends, children in addition to grandchildren.

It may feel like the odds are stacked against you however as you hit middle age, a number of lifestyle factors change that can assist you to get – as well as stay – fit. Take advantage of this stage of life — with all of its inherent benefits and challenges — in order to get and keep a strong, fit, healthy body.

How Long Must We Aim To Exercise For?

For longevity, weight loss as well as better brain health, muscle toning have to be intense however need only be carried out for short bursts of time. Interestingly enough, we don’t have to work out for very long to benefit however it does have to be regular – and hard.

Research demonstrates that the best exercise is taken in spurts – think of it as exercise ‘snacking’. We are able to sneak short bursts of intensive exercise into our daily life without it taking up too much time. As opposed to calorific snacking, grabbing a sly bit of strength or speed work can drastically improve our body.

There are many simple tricks that we are able to utilise in order to make each day a workout:

  • Walk up the stairs at speed, two at a time,
  • Perform vigorous push-ups against the countertop while you wait for the kettle to boil,
  • Put weight in your backpack to wear whilst you walk, or
  • Invest in a specifically weighted jacket, with adjustable weight pockets, for wear every day to build strength as well as endurance the easy way.

Integrating easy muscle toning exercises into your day-to-day routine is much like a bank. We are able to make deposits and exercise to save up for periods when we’re less active. The same goes for stretching.

Can Muscle Toning Exercises Assist Us With Living Longer?

Brief periods of intense muscle toning exercise are great for cellular ageing. It lengthens are our telomeres, which cap off the end of our chromosomes. The longer our telomeres are, the better our cells are able to resist the ageing processes of stress as well as inflammation.

Also, Intensive spurts of exercise release the muscle-building as well as fat-burning human growth hormone (HGH), which improves metabolism. Switch to a high-fat, low-carb diet for best results because this improves insulin resistance, which allows for greater growth hormone release. As a result, this builds muscle much faster.

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If you are keen to learn more about strength training then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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How Resistance Training Burns Fat? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-resistance-training-burns-fat-find-out-in-this-article/ Thu, 12 Aug 2021 05:00:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25572 Weightlifting, which is also known as resistance training, has been practised for centuries as a method of building muscular strength. Research demonstrates that resistance training – whether done via body weight, resistance bands or weight machines, dumbbells or free weights – not only assists us with building strength, but also improves muscle size. In addition,...

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Weightlifting, which is also known as resistance training, has been practised for centuries as a method of building muscular strength. Research demonstrates that resistance training – whether done via body weight, resistance bands or weight machines, dumbbells or free weights – not only assists us with building strength, but also improves muscle size. In addition, resistance training can help to counteract age-related muscle loss.

In recent times it’s become popular among those looking to lose weight and burn fat. While exercises such as running as well as cycling are indeed effective for reducing body fat, these activities can – at the same time – decrease muscle size, leading to weaker muscles in addition to greater perceived weight loss. This is as muscle is denser than fat. However, unlike endurance exercises, evidence demonstrates resistance training not only has beneficial effects on reducing body fat, but it also increases muscle size as well as strength.

Weight Training Assists You With Burning More Calories Every Day

Although a weight-training workout doesn’t usually burn as many calories as a cardio workout, it has other significant benefits. For instance, weight training is far more effective than cardio at building muscle. In addition, muscle burns more calories at rest than some other tissues, including fat.

Owing to this, it is commonly said that building muscle is the fundamental to increasing your resting metabolism. In other words, how many calories which you burn at rest. One recent study measured participants’ resting metabolisms throughout 24 weeks of resistance training. In men, resistance training led to a 9% rise in resting metabolism. The effects in women were smaller, with a rise of almost 4%.

While this might sound good, it’s very important to think about how many calories this represents:

  • For the men, resting metabolism rose by about 140 calories per day.
  • In women, it was just about 50 calories per day.

This means that weight training and building a little bit of muscle won’t make your metabolism skyrocket, however it may increase it by a small amount.

Weight Training Also Has Several Other Crucial Calorie-Burning Benefits

Specifically, research has demonstrated that you burn more calories in the hours following a weight training session as compared to a cardio workout. In fact, there are a number of reports of resting metabolism remaining elevated for up to 38 hours after weight training, while no similar increase has been reported with cardio. This means that the calorie-burning advantages of weights aren’t limited to when you are exercising. You may keep on burning calories for hours or days afterward. For most kinds of exercise, a more intense workout will increase the number of calories you burn afterward.

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If you are keen on learning more about resistance training and possibly even becoming a personal trainer, then you certainly need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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Why You Mustn’t Feel Guilty About Skipping A Day Of Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-you-mustnt-feel-guilty-about-skipping-a-day-of-exercise/ Wed, 11 Aug 2021 05:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25558 Sometimes you need a day off from your exercise routine. Sometimes you don’t really need a day off, but you take one anyway. If you have a number of anxieties about what exercise means to you, you may spiral into worry or guilt: Am I a slacker? Am I losing all my gains? Of course...

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Sometimes you need a day off from your exercise routine. Sometimes you don’t really need a day off, but you take one anyway. If you have a number of anxieties about what exercise means to you, you may spiral into worry or guilt:

  • Am I a slacker?
  • Am I losing all my gains?

Of course you’re not! A day off doesn’t define who you are but it sometimes makes you feel exercise guilt.

What Is Exercise Guilt?

Exercise guilt is feeling guilty regarding skipping a workout or taking additional time off from your workout routine. At times, you’re just tired and need to take a day off. Perhaps you have a nagging injury which is keeping you out of the gym. Do you feel guilty about it?

If you are suffering from exercise guilt you don’t take the time that you need without feeling guilty about it. Guilt is an emotion which is based on a negative outcome from something that you did or didn’t do. We feel a sense of guilt about doing the “wrong” thing or not doing the “right” thing.

The Reality Is The Body Needs Rest

The body needs to recuperate from exercise sessions.  Recuperation is every bit as essential as exercise itself.  Overtraining is when you exercise without enough recuperation. The body breaks down and doesn’t heal. Sometimes you need to take an extra day to rest and recuperate. If you have an injury you may need to take more time. The crucial element is to find the right amount of exercise for you.

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Letting Go Of Missed Workouts

Stuff will come up in life which you aren’t able to avoid, and your training schedule could be knocked out of line as a result. If for some reason or another you aren’t able to make it in time for a regularly scheduled workout, just let it go. Many of the runners out there won’t even consider that as an option. Instead of moving on from the missed run, they find a way to make it fit, even if that means moving other plans in order to work it in.

Focus On Consistency

A great part of the reason one day doesn’t make much of a difference is that, in the long run, what really does matter is stability. If you’ve been accomplishing all your workouts for weeks on end, and this week you have to miss one, you are still the type of person who frequently hits all their workouts.

Perhaps you’re afraid that this one day off will send you down a slippery slope, and you’ll end up taking more days off. Well, that’s totally within your power! Decide on how and when you’ll get back on that horse. Plan out your schedule for tomorrow, or for next week, and ensure you’ll be able to make those next sessions.

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Why Should Men Stretch Every Day? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-should-men-stretch-every-day-find-out-in-this-article/ Wed, 11 Aug 2021 05:00:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25555 Stretching is a fundamental component of any man’s well-rounded exercise routine. And yet this crucial element is frequently overlooked by many of us.  Flexibility exercises are just as essential as cardio, strength and power training. Regular stretching assist with increasing a man’s range of motion in the joints, improves blood circulation and posture, in addition...

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Stretching is a fundamental component of any man’s well-rounded exercise routine. And yet this crucial element is frequently overlooked by many of us.  Flexibility exercises are just as essential as cardio, strength and power training. Regular stretching assist with increasing a man’s range of motion in the joints, improves blood circulation and posture, in addition to alleviating muscular tension throughout the body. In addition, it improves your athletic performance and may lower the risk of injury.

Moreover, stretching also boosts nutrition supply to the muscles. When you stretch, you’re enhancing blood flow in the body and, in turn, circulating more nutrients throughout the body. In addition, stretching also improves your mental state, as it reduces stress and releases tension. It’s a great way to give yourself a mental break, to recharge and calm the mind.

Regular Stretching Improves Strength

There are a number of reasons why regular stretching assists you with getting stronger:

  1. Stretching lengthens muscle tissue as well as increases flexibility, both of which allow you to perform strength building moves with a greater range of movement, making the exercise highly more effective.
  2. When you are building muscle, you are producing tiny tears in the muscles and lactic acid builds up. Stretching post-workout assists the body to circulate fresh blood, feeding nutrients to these hungry muscles.
  3. Post-workout stretching assists with removing the build-up of lactic acid which goes a long way towards reducing post-workout soreness as well as delayed onset muscle soreness (so you can get back to the gym sooner!).
  4. Stretching can boost your one-repetition maximum (the amount of weight you are able to lift one time), increase your endurance as well as enhance performance.
  5. Stretching helps with preventing injuries. If you’re suffering from a rotator cuff injury, for instance, you won’t be able to continue your regular upper body strength training until the injury heals. It is very important to take steps in order to reduce your risk of injury before they take place.

What Takes Place In Your Body If You Skip Out On Stretches?

An absence of stretching can limit your range of motion over time in addition to making your muscles tight and shortened owing to inflexibility. This therefore makes your muscles weak, increasing the risk for strains, joint pain as well as muscle damage.

Our joints can lose almost 50% of their range of motion as we age which means that stretching is not just important for athletes hoping to avoid tears, sprains or strains. Rather, we all need to be consistent with stretching during each stage in our lives.

Stretches To Help Men

Counterweight Deep Squat

  • Take hold of two light dumbbells and put a foam roller between your thighs.
  • Make sure that you push your knees forward and then squat until your butt is hovering just above the floor. (Utilise the lightest weight that allows you to achieve this position.)
  • Attempt to round your spine by tucking in your pelvis.
  • From that position, take five long, deep breaths. Stand back up. That’s one rep. Do between three and five.

Couch Stretch

  • Adopt a half-kneeling position with your back knee being close to a box or wall.
  • Your back shin should be approximately parallel to the box or wall. You might need to hold on to something at first.
  • Hold the position between one and two minutes as you contract the stretched leg’s hamstring.
  • Repeat with your other leg.

Modified Pigeon

  • Get down on all fours and put a pillow or foam roller under your left knee.
  • Lift your right knee and put it behind and to the left of your left calf.
  • Rock your hips back and forth for a period of two minutes.
  • You should feel your left hip stretch. Switch sides and then repeat.

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What Is The Wood Chop Exercise? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-wood-chop-exercise-read-this-article/ Tue, 10 Aug 2021 05:00:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25518 Few would dispute that the introduction of indoor ovens – as well as – central heating has made human lives easier, however if there is one downside to ditching real fires it’s the consequent lack of a need to chop wood regularly. Unfortunately, those days are long gone, but you are still able to recapture...

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Few would dispute that the introduction of indoor ovens – as well as – central heating has made human lives easier, however if there is one downside to ditching real fires it’s the consequent lack of a need to chop wood regularly. Unfortunately, those days are long gone, but you are still able to recapture some of the magic with the woodchop exercise.

The woodchop exercise is a fantastic functional movement to add to your core workout routine. Your abdominals and obliques are working overtime as you twist and lift. The global movement of the exercise means the core strength benefits generated will translate into everyday activities as well as sports.

If you’re a golfer, the woodchop exercise should definitely be part of your regular workout routine. The rotational movement of the exercise enlists exactly the same core muscles as are needed to send a golf ball coasting down the fairway, so if you are looking to add 30 or 40 metres to your drive, hit the gym and start chopping wood!

What Are The Benefits Of The Wood Chop Exercise?

The woodchop exercise targets the transverse abdominis muscle as well as the oblique muscles. These are the muscles which allow you to twist at your waist and to swing a bat or racket utilising the weight of your body and not only your arms.

In addition, the woodchop engages the muscles of your back, shoulders as well as legs. In addition to sports that use a stick or racket (baseball, golf, tennis, hockey, cricket, etc.), twisting the abdominals under load is a prominent movement in sports including football and basketball.

Of course, this approximate movement is slightly different in any number of sports. This exercise is also safe during pregnancy.

How To Do The Wood Chop Exercise

  • Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell with both of your hands.
  • Rotate your torso to the right. After this, raise the dumbbell until it’s over your right shoulder.
  • Squat as you rotate your torso to your left and bring the dumbbell diagonally across your body until it’s very close to your left hip.
  • Repeat the movement and then switch sides.

What Is The Proper Form And Breathing Pattern To Adopt With The Wood Chop Exercise?

Engage your core, keep your feet and knees pointing in the same direction, maintain your arms straight and then breathe out as you twist your torso.

Try out these variations on the wood chop exercise for additional challenges.

  • Reverse cable woodchop or standing cable lift: Set the adjustable system of the cable machine at the bottom so that you can pull the cable from low to high.
  • Woodchop lunges: Step forward into a lunge as you bring the cable down across your body.
  • Woodchops with weights: You are able to perform the woodchop using a dumbbell as opposed to a cable machine.
  • High-speed woodchops: Perform the movement at high velocity, rest for 10-15 seconds, then repeat. This exercise is best utilised for power.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are eager to learn more about exercise then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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Which Is Better – The Elliptical Or Treadmill? Find out in this article https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/which-is-better-the-elliptical-or-treadmill-find-out-in-this-article/ Tue, 10 Aug 2021 05:00:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25522 The days of having only one cardio machine to choose from at the gym are gone — treadmill vs. elliptical: which is the best? Sure, these pieces of exercise equipment are classified as cardio machines, however each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Best for Tracking Progress: Treadmill The by far the biggest benefit of...

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The days of having only one cardio machine to choose from at the gym are gone — treadmill vs. elliptical: which is the best? Sure, these pieces of exercise equipment are classified as cardio machines, however each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Best for Tracking Progress: Treadmill

The by far the biggest benefit of running on a treadmill is that they’re easy to use as well as micro-programmable. As treadmills are so high-tech these days, they’re incredible tools for data. You are able to track time, distance, segment time as well as pace on most treadmill models, so you are able to easily track your progress.

The treadmill screen doesn’t lie, which makes it a great accountability tool as well as a way to see improvements week over week. On the flip side as there’s more variation between different elliptical machines and manufacturers, one kilometre on one elliptical can necessitate a different amount of work than one kilometre on another.

Best If You’re Recuperating From An Injury: Elliptical

The biggest advantage of the elliptical is that they’re lower impact than the treadmill. Your foot is always on or clipped into the pedal, which eliminates the force of picking your foot up as well as placing it back down with all your bodyweight (which takes place while running). This makes it a terrific option for both individuals who are workout beginners, returning from a gym break, or who have joint injuries such as of the knee or – alternatively – ankle.

As the elliptical has a significantly lower impact on the major joints, it’s a safer as well as more accessible way for people with knee, hip, or back injuries in order to get a good aerobic workout. Even if you don’t have a previous lower-body injury, combining the elliptical and stationary bike sporadically may help to prevent wear and tear on the body.

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The Low Down On Safety

If you follow the necessary safety guidelines, both elliptical machines and treadmills are safe to utilise. If you are new to making use of the elliptical, you might want to try using it without the arm handles at first. This can assist you to get comfortable with the movement. When you have the movement down, you can add in the arm handles.

When utilising the elliptical, concentrate on having good form. Keep your posture upright and then keep your core tight throughout the movement. If you’re utilising an elliptical at the gym, you are able to  ask a certified personal trainer in order to give you a demonstration on how to make use of the machine safely.

When using a treadmill, make sure that you attach the safety clip onto your clothing. This makes sure that the treadmill stops if you happen to trip or – alternatively – fall. As exercising on a treadmill can put stress on your bones as well as joints, be sure to warm up as well as cool down properly. This can help to get your muscles and joints ready to work. In addition, you’ll lower your risk of injuries. Also stretch after your workout.

Stop using the elliptical or treadmill if you feel faint, dizzy, or lightheaded. In addition, drink plenty of water throughout your workout. Before starting a new physical fitness routine, always talk to your doctor. They can recommend a fitness routine that’s safe for you.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen to find out additional information about exercise then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more.

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How To Strengthen Shoulder Mobility? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-strengthen-shoulder-mobility-find-out-in-this-article/ Fri, 06 Aug 2021 07:59:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25514 In a perfect world, we’d all have active jobs which didn’t keep us hunched over our computers all day long. However that’s not the world we live in. As a consequence, a lot of us have limited shoulder mobility, which can cause a whole host of problems beyond merely tightness. You could be hesitant to...

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In a perfect world, we’d all have active jobs which didn’t keep us hunched over our computers all day long. However that’s not the world we live in. As a consequence, a lot of us have limited shoulder mobility, which can cause a whole host of problems beyond merely tightness.

You could be hesitant to go to that yoga class your friend has been pleading you to try out as your tight shoulders have made those types of stretches very uncomfortable in the past. Or perhaps your shoulders just get really achy during the day.

No matter what is happening in your shoulders, the response is definitely not to quit your job and become a farmer. Rather, adding some simple exercises to your day-to-day routine can make a huge difference in terms of how you’re feeling and functioning.

So, Where Do You Begin?

Firstly, while both flexibility and mobility play a part in the effective movement of the shoulders, consider that there is a distinct difference between “shoulder flexibility” as well as “shoulder mobility”:

  • The term ‘shoulder flexibility’ refers to the ability of the soft tissue muscles to stretch or elongate temporarily. Someone with good hamstring flexibility, for instance, will be capable of pulling – with a resistance band – their knees to their chest while lying flat on their back as well as maintaining a straight leg.
  • Shoulder mobility, on the other hand, is the ability for the shoulders to move through a range of motion with control prior to being restricted. This includes having the requisite strength, coordination as well as body awareness along with flexibility. Having excellent mobility, then, will be of far greater benefit to an athlete as opposed to possessing excellent flexibility.

How to Boost Shoulder Mobility

  • Foam rolling and myofascial release. Both notions promote the break-up of scar tissue, so improving blood circulation to targeted areas, and releasing knots,
  • Dynamic motion stretching,
  • Strength building, as well as
  • Static stretching. One part of having excellent mobility is to improve flexibility. One instance is long-duration static stretching such as yoga.

Exercises To Improve Shoulder Mobility

Posterior Capsule Pails & Rails

The sleeper stretch has long been utilised in order to improve shoulder mobility however this variant with a strong isometric contraction right at the end range of internal rotation. When the posterior shoulder is tight, we’ll frequently see limitations in overhead positioning as well. So addressing this will frequently create the improvements in shoulder flexion that we want. By merging with isometrics muscle contractions, we also can work on increasing shoulder strength at the same time.

Lat Eccentrics

Eccentrics (in other words, the lowering portion of a lift) are performed slowly are possibly the best mobility technique to utilise for any muscle or joint. The blend of a supinated grip and legs being flexed which you’ll see in the below drill really emphasises lat flexibility. With overhead lifts, lat flexibility very usually affects our ability to get into optimum positioning.

Prone Lift Offs

Prone lift offs are a terrific shoulder mobility drill as they also offer a significant stimulus to build upper back strength while at the same time increasing flexibility:

  • Begin with a wide grip opening your arms up until they are in line with your ears.
  • As you are able, narrow your grip in order to increase the difficulty of this exercise.
  • Be sure that you keep your abs and glutes tight in order to focus the movement on your shoulders and not cheating with thoracolumbar spine extension.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover more about exercise then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Are The Best Kettlebell Exercises For Men? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-kettlebell-exercises-for-men/ Fri, 06 Aug 2021 05:00:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25496 It mightn’t look like much, however, take it from us: kettlebell exercises are your ticket to faster fitness. Packing the same weighty punch as dumbbells do, and well-suited to the heart rate-spiking benefits of HIIT, these cannonball-shaped weights build power, endurance, muscle as well as strength simultaneously for heavyweight results. Even today, the kettlebell is...

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It mightn’t look like much, however, take it from us: kettlebell exercises are your ticket to faster fitness. Packing the same weighty punch as dumbbells do, and well-suited to the heart rate-spiking benefits of HIIT, these cannonball-shaped weights build power, endurance, muscle as well as strength simultaneously for heavyweight results.

Even today, the kettlebell is underused as well as misunderstood by most of the gym-going community, however, don’t let that fool you. As Arnold Schwarzenegger says, ‘The muscle doesn’t see what you’re holding in your hands’. And as they’re compact, adaptable and versatile, the kettlebell is an ideal bit of exercise equipment for the home workout warrior.

Ready to add kettlebell exercises to your armoury? We run through the benefits of kettlebell exercises, reveal the most effective kettlebell exercises as well as workouts in order to burn fat, build muscle and increase fitness.

The Benefits Of Kettlebell Exercises

Kettlebells can be utilised for strength, endurance, flexibility as well as balance training. These are the four main aspects of fitness. This is certainly one of the biggest benefits of kettlebells. They are versatile and they streamline things!

In a fast-paced complicated world, the ability to do total body conditioning with one piece of exercise equipment is a great change of tempo. As a matter of fact, we’d go out on a limb and say that kettlebells are one of the absolute best tools in existence for truly effective, result-achieving, safe and full-body conditioning.

In addition, there are a number of different reasons why kettlebells are great for improving core strength as well as stability.

As many kettlebell exercises are a format of ballistic training. Ballistic training works on explosive power through maximising acceleration and also minimising deceleration. These movements – which are explosive – are responsible for stimulating the ab muscles very well. They require core contraction and coordinated breathing as the movements are intense. This leads to serious improvement in core strength, even when not necessarily targeting your core like you would with crunches or leg raises.

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Kettlebell Thrusters

This ignored kettlebell exercise blends a front squat with an overhead press. This kettlebell exercise works your full body in the process. There will be pain however it will be a good kind of pain, which is what the absolute best kettlebell workouts are all about. Here’s how to execute this exercise:

  • Grab two kettlebells and then stand with your feet hip-distance apart.
  • Hold the kettlebells in the rack stance (so that the weight is lying on the back of your shoulders).
  • Lower as you bend somewhat at the knees into the semi-squat position.
  • Hold for a second and then power upwards with all your might. Push through at the legs as well as your heels.
  • As you reach the upright position, make use of the natural momentum of the kettlebells u birder to press them up.
  • Finish the kettlebell exercise with your palms facing outward.
  • Lower back into the beginning position and repeat.
  • Perform three sets of three reps, increasing the weight – as well as number of sets – as you improve.

Muscles worked: shoulders, legs

Difficulty level: Intermediate-advanced

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become a kettlebell instructor then you need to do our Kettlebell Instructor Course. Follow this link for more information.

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What Makes A Person An Expert In Fitness And Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-makes-a-person-an-expert-in-fitness-and-exercise/ Thu, 05 Aug 2021 05:00:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25490 Hop on your favourite social media platform and you’ll find a seemingly endless stream of exercise and workout content from certified personal trainers, exercise enthusiasts as well as everyday users who are pumped to share their personal hot takes. While these communities can be great resources for surfacing exercise inspiration, motivation and know-how, it’s very...

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Hop on your favourite social media platform and you’ll find a seemingly endless stream of exercise and workout content from certified personal trainers, exercise enthusiasts as well as everyday users who are pumped to share their personal hot takes.

While these communities can be great resources for surfacing exercise inspiration, motivation and know-how, it’s very important to know who you’re turning to for what info. Anyone will be able to create a social media profile and start sharing information. But what they’re saying doesn’t have to be scientifically sound.

Seeking advice from the wrong person can lead you to workouts that are poorly designed, ineffective, or potentially dangerous.

What Does It Mean To Become A Fitness And Exercise Expert?

A fitness and exercise expert or more exactly, a personal trainer is a person who has a broad and deep understanding, knowledge, as well as practice in the area of exercise, health, and fitness.

He/she will have extensive experience in the field and acquires a set of skills in the particular field of health and fitness. This necessitates a lot of experience and knowledge as well as practice. It is not a particular point at which a person becomes a health and fitness expert’ however a person becomes more aware of the area as time goes on. No one can learn everything as there will always be something new being discovered in any field.

Fitness And Exercise Experts Are Focused

What’s the point of asking a young mom to perform maximum lifts if her main goal is fat loss. A lot of fitness and exercise experts are guilty of propelling their own values onto their clients. Remove your ego from the equation. If an exercise doesn’t meet your client’s requirements and fitness goals, then remove it from their programme.

Fitness And Exercise Experts Are Relatable

Fitness and exercise experts should care about their health, however that doesn’t mean they need to eat steamed broccoli and rice for every single meal. Every single person has a guilty pleasure or two and sharing little details like this with your clients assists them with understanding that the intermittent indulgence won’t hurt them as long as they make healthy decisions for most of the time.

Fitness And Exercise Experts Walk the Walk

If a mother attempted to convince her children to stop eating so much sugar with a can of Coca-Cola in her hand, how helpful do you think she would be? Not very. Don’t be expecting people to take you very seriously if you don’t follow your own advice. You don’t have to be perfect, but you’ll have an easier time finding clients if you walk the walk.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a fitness and exercise expert then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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The Beginner’s Guide To Strength Training For Women https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-beginners-guide-to-strength-training-for-women/ Thu, 05 Aug 2021 05:00:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25486 When you hear about strength training, what might come to mind are bodybuilders with hulk-like figures. This leads many women to think that strength training just isn’t for them. However, don’t put the weights down just yet! Including a little resistance to your workout will not only assist you become stronger – it also brings...

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When you hear about strength training, what might come to mind are bodybuilders with hulk-like figures. This leads many women to think that strength training just isn’t for them. However, don’t put the weights down just yet! Including a little resistance to your workout will not only assist you become stronger – it also brings about many other health benefits for the ladies.

What Are The Advantages Of Weight Training For Women?

Strength training is so vital for both men and women, but we’re a huge advocate for women picking up weights. This is why:

  • Strength training increases your metabolism.
  • Strength training builds lean muscle (without a chance of getting bulky).
  • Strength training effectively burns body fat in order to help women lose weight.
  • Strength training lowers the risk of heart disease (which is the number one killer of women).
  • Strength training boosts mood and reduces stress.

How To Get Started With Strength Training

Bodyweight exercises are a sort of strength training which can be done anywhere by utilising your body weight as a form of resistance. In addition, these exercises can be tweaked in order to suit your ability level, which makes them accessible to beginners.

Chair Dips Targeting Arms

For this exercise, all you require is a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a chair or a coffee table:

  • Place this piece of furniture behind you.
  • Face yourself away from the chair or coffee table. Place your hands on the edge of the seat or the edge of the table, shoulder-width apart.
  • Straighten your arms and then bend your knees so you’re nearly in a seated position.
  • Gradually lower your whole body by bending your arms to a 90-degree angle. Maintain that position for a second before straightening your arms and then repeat.
  • If this is too simple for you, put a heavy book on your lap in order to increase resistance.

Lunges Targeting Legs

  • Ensure that you stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart and then tighten your core.
  • While keeping your posture upright, step forward with one of your feet until your rear knee nearly touches the floor.
  • Keep the front foot flat and then lift the back heel. Push yourself back up and repeat.

Crunches Targeting Abs

  • The first step in lying down flat on your back on a mat or a soft carpet.
  • Place your hands behind your head.
  • Bend your knees and make sure that you keep your feet firmly on the floor.
  • Lift your legs off the floor and then cross them. Keeping your hands behind your back – as well as your lower back fixed to the mat – curl up and outwards so that your shoulders and the top half of your torso are off the mat.
  • The movement is comparable to that of a sit-up, but don’t go up all the way. Hold for 5 seconds, slowly lower yourself down and repeat.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn more about strength training then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more by following this link.

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Exercises To Build Knee Strength And Stability. Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-to-build-knee-strength-and-stability-read-this-article/ Tue, 03 Aug 2021 05:00:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25464 The knee happens to one of the human body’s major joints. People utilise it heavily every day as they walk, run, climb or – alternatively – jump. As a result, it is also quite prone to injury as well as pain. When these occur, a doctor could recommend exercises in order to assist an individual...

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The knee happens to one of the human body’s major joints. People utilise it heavily every day as they walk, run, climb or – alternatively – jump. As a result, it is also quite prone to injury as well as pain. When these occur, a doctor could recommend exercises in order to assist an individual strengthen the muscles which are around the knee.

People of all ages might experience knee pain. According to one article, a kind of knee pain called patellofemoral pain syndrome (or runner’s knee) is the most common orthopaedic condition in sports medicine. As well as being common in athletic people, knee pain could also be a problem for people who suffer from arthritis.

While it could be tempting to avoid exercise when knee pain takes place, this is not always the appropriate solution. Particular types of exercise can assist with alleviating existing knee pain and preventing future pain or injury by providing the knee with additional support.

Is It Safe for Me to Exercise?

Are you concerned that working out could cause increased levels of knee damage or pain? As long as your doctor says that it’s OK, the best thing that you can do is to strengthen the muscles which support your knee and keep them flexible. Begin slowly and build up over time. Speak to your doctor about which specific exercises are good for you.

Leg Lifts

Muscles involved are the quadriceps (front of the thigh) as well as abdominal (stomach) muscles:

  • Lie down on the floor and make sure that your back is flat. Make use of a yoga mat, folded blanket, or exercise mat for you to be comfortable on a hard floor.
  • Make sure that you keep your left leg straight and bend your right leg slightly at the knee, bringing the foot closer to your body.
  • Pull your abdominal muscles inward by imagining your belly button pulling down toward the floor. Doing this should get the lower back down against the floor and assist with providing extra support for the duration of the exercise. Put a hand beneath your lower back to make sure that there is no space between the floor as well as the small of your back. If there is space for your hand, gently push the lower back down on top of the hand.
  • Slowly lift your left leg without bending your knee. Keep your toes pointed toward the ceiling and stop when your leg is about 30 cm off the floor. It must not be higher than your bent knee on the right leg. Hold your left leg up for five seconds.
  • Gradually lower your leg back down to the floor. Do not put it down too fast or allow it to drop.
  • Repeat twice more with the same leg. Switch sides and repeat.

Hamstring Curls

These are the muscles which are located along the back of your thigh:

  • Lie down flat on your stomach.
  • Gradually bring your heels as close to your butt as you can and maintain that position.
  • Do three sets of 15.

In addition, you can also do this exercise standing while you hold onto a chair and then lift one leg at a time. If this becomes simple, you can add ankle weights, slowly increasing the weight from 500 g to 1 ½ kg to 2 ½ kg.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover more about exercising then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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A Guide To Exercise During Pregnancy. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/a-guide-to-exercise-during-pregnancy/ Tue, 03 Aug 2021 05:00:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25452 Maintaining a frequent exercise routine during your pregnancy can assist you with remaining healthy and feeling your best. In addition, it can improve your posture as well as decrease some common discomforts such as backaches and fatigue. There is proof that it may prevent gestational diabetes (diabetes which develops during pregnancy), relieve stress as well...

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Maintaining a frequent exercise routine during your pregnancy can assist you with remaining healthy and feeling your best. In addition, it can improve your posture as well as decrease some common discomforts such as backaches and fatigue. There is proof that it may prevent gestational diabetes (diabetes which develops during pregnancy), relieve stress as well as build more stamina which is required for labour and delivery.

If you were physically active prior to you falling pregnant, you should have the ability to continue your activity with modifications as needed. You are able to exercise at your former level as long as you are comfortable and also have your doctor’s approval. Low impact aerobics are encouraged as opposed high impact. Do not let your heart rate go beyond 140 beats per minute. The pregnant competitive athlete should be followed closely by an obstetrical provider.

If you have never exercised frequently before, you are able to safely start an exercise programme during pregnancy after consulting with your health-care provider. Do not try a new, vigorous activity. Walking – as well as swimming – are considered safe to initiate when pregnant. Medical experts recommend 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise every day on most if not all days of the week, except if you have a medical or obstetric problem.

What Are The Advantages Of Exercise During Pregnancy?

Regular exercise when you’re pregnant benefits you – as well as your foetus – in these key ways:

  • Lowers back pain
  • Alleviates constipation
  • May lower your risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia as well as caesarean delivery
  • Encourages healthy weight gain during pregnancy
  • Enhances your overall general fitness and strengthens your heart and blood vessels
  • Helps you to lose to the baby weight after your baby is born

Take safety measures with aerobic exercise during pregnancy if you have:

  • Severe anaemia
  • Unevaluated maternal cardiac arrhythmia
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • Poorly controlled type 1 diabetes
  • Extreme morbid obesity
  • Extreme underweight (BMI <12)
  • History of extremely sedentary lifestyle
  • Intrauterine growth restriction in current pregnancy
  • Poorly controlled hypertension
  • Orthopaedic limitations
  • Poorly controlled seizure disorder
  • Poorly controlled hyperthyroidism
  • Heavy smoker

What Exercises Are Safe During Pregnancy?

Most exercises are safe to do when you’re pregnant. This is as long as you exercise with caution as well as you do not overdo it.

The safest and most useful exercises are swimming, brisk walking, indoor stationary cycling, step or elliptical machines in addition to low-impact aerobics (which is taught by a certified aerobics instructor). These exercises carry little risk of injury, benefit your entire body, and can also be continued until birth.

Tennis is generally safe activities, however changes in balance during pregnancy could affect rapid movements. Other activities such as jogging can be performed in moderation, particularly if you were doing them before you fell pregnant. You may want to choose exercises or activities which do not require great balance or coordination, especially later in pregnancy.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a pregnancy personal trainer then you need to do our Exercise and Pregnancy Course. Follow this link for more information.

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Which Muscles Are Vital To Strengthen For Distance Running? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/which-muscles-are-vital-to-strengthen-for-distance-running/ Mon, 02 Aug 2021 05:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25386 Running is a fantastic cardio workout. However in order to make sure that you are getting the most of it, and preventing injury, you need to combine it with strength training and bodyweight workouts. Running, as with any physical activity, involves coordination among a group of muscles in order to push you forward. So isolating...

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Running is a fantastic cardio workout. However in order to make sure that you are getting the most of it, and preventing injury, you need to combine it with strength training and bodyweight workouts.

Running, as with any physical activity, involves coordination among a group of muscles in order to push you forward. So isolating out one of those muscles as the “most essential” risks oversimplifying the process. However, specific muscles do play a more vital role as opposed to others in running. And they could not be the ones that first pop into your mind.

Core

A strong core is the basis for running. Your core muscles are the ones which are keeping you upright as well as making sure that you maintain a very good posture during the run.

One of the absolute best exercises to strengthen your core, even if you’ve only recently started to run, is plank holds. For running, planks – that involve multiple muscle groups – work better than something like crunches.

Mountain climbers and advance plank holds are good exercises as well because these involve getting on your elbows and then coming into a push-up position. You can also do side planks.

Glutes

Running is responsible for engaging a group of muscles which is known as the posterior chain. The main driver of the posterior chain is the gluteus maximus, or your bum muscle. This muscle instigates hip extension, which is the basis of running. As well as the gluteus maximus, the gluteus minimus as well as medius also get into the action with the medius playing a very important role in stabilising the hips during running.

Many runners – as well as triathletes – suffer from weak or inactive glutes owing, in part, from the modern lifestyle which involves substantial amounts of sitting. All that time you spend sitting at a desk or in a car puts your glutes to sleep. This “sleepy glute” syndrome impacts your running and cycling negatively as the prime muscles which drive the posterior chain go missing.

Use the Donkey Kicks exercise in order to strengthen as well as activate your glutes:

  • Get on your hands and knees. Make sure that you maintain your back in a straight position, flat as well as still.
  • Squeeze the glutes in order to move one leg back and slightly to the side (like a donkey kicking). Note that the movement should be initiated from the glutes (butt), not the lower back.
  • If you feel the lower back working, begin with smaller movements until you are able to increase the range of extension. Do 2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions.

Leg Muscles

Hamstrings, quadriceps as well as calves take a lot of load while running. While the quads assist in straightening and extending your leg, the hamstrings assist in flexing the knee. Exercises such as squats – including variations like sumo squat, single-leg squat, weighted squat – will assist strengthen the leg muscles as well as the glutes.

It is often observed that runners’ hamstrings are weaker as opposed to their quads. One of the best exercises for this is hamstring curl on the exercise ball. The calves, meanwhile, help you push off from the ground. You can jump rope or do calf raises to strengthen your calves.

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If you are eager to discover more about muscles, and other types of exercises, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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How Dancing Improves Cholesterol And Fitness In Postmenopausal Women https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-dancing-improves-cholesterol-and-fitness-in-postmenopausal-women/ Fri, 30 Jul 2021 07:34:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25373 Postmenopausal women are quite susceptible to weight gain, overall/central body adiposity increases, as well as metabolic disturbances, which together, increases cardiovascular risk in addition to a decrease in overall fitness levels. At the same time, postmenopausal women are frequently less physically active and as a result, often suffer from decreased self-image as well as self-esteem....

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Postmenopausal women are quite susceptible to weight gain, overall/central body adiposity increases, as well as metabolic disturbances, which together, increases cardiovascular risk in addition to a decrease in overall fitness levels.

At the same time, postmenopausal women are frequently less physically active and as a result, often suffer from decreased self-image as well as self-esteem.

A new study, which was designed to analyse the effects of dance practice on body composition, metabolic profile, functional fitness in addition to self-image/self-esteem, has found credible benefits of a three-times-weekly dance regimen. In addition, dance therapy was found to not only improve the lipid profile and functional fitness but also self-image in addition to self-esteem.

Dancing is also known to improve balance, postural control, gait, strength, and overall physical performance.

Other Exercises And Fitness Routines for Lowering Cholesterol

There are a lot of exercise programmes out there, and most types of fitness routines, ranging from walking to running to yoga, seem to have a positive impact when it comes to lowering triglyceride levels and raising HDL. Some great choices include these fitness routines.

Walking, Jogging, Or Running

Which one you decide to select will depend on your stamina as well as your joint health, however all are beneficial. A 2013 study likened tens of thousands of runners to an equal number of walkers and made the conclusion that the amount of exercise was what mattered, not the type. Individuals who exerted the same level of energy when exercising experienced similar benefits, whether they walked or ran. The researchers concluded that walking 4.3 miles at a brisk pace would use the same amount of energy as running three miles.

Biking

Cycling spends roughly the same energy as jogging however it’s easier on your joints. If you experience joint pain, it could be best to select cycling over running. Scientists reported – in the Journal of the American Heart Association – that people who cycled to work were less likely in order to develop high cholesterol as opposed to those who didn’t.

Swimming And Water Exercises

Water exercises – such as swimming, water walking as well as participating in water games – can also produce the same results in your cholesterol profile as other aerobic exercises and are very kind to your joints as well.

Weightlifting

Lifting weights or doing other resistance exercises – for instance using resistance bands or even your own body weight – is helpful on its own, and particularly as part of an exercise and fitness programme that includes aerobic exercise as well.7

Yoga

While yoga is usually a low-intensity exercise, studies have demonstrated that it may reduce the risk of heart disease and could positively affect cholesterol levels. A significant review in 2014 found that those who practised yoga regularly showed significant improvement in LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol as well as blood pressure over those who didn’t exercise.

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The Best Exercises For Arthritis. Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-best-exercises-for-arthritis-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Fri, 30 Jul 2021 05:05:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25361 People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who exercise may find that they have less pain as opposed to those who do not. Exercise may reduce painful symptoms, improve joint function as well as flexibility, increase range of motion in addition to boosting mood. It is best to look for medical advice before starting any exercise programme....

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People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who exercise may find that they have less pain as opposed to those who do not. Exercise may reduce painful symptoms, improve joint function as well as flexibility, increase range of motion in addition to boosting mood.

It is best to look for medical advice before starting any exercise programme. Work with a doctor and a physical therapist to develop a tailored exercise plan. Exercise increases strength and flexibility, lowers joint pain, and assists with combating fatigue. Of course, when you are already suffering from stiff and painful joints, the mere thought of walking around the block or – alternatively – swimming a few laps may seem to be overwhelming.

However, you don’t need to run a 5-k marathon or swim as fast as an Olympic competitor in order to help reduce arthritis symptoms. Even moderate exercise may ease your pain and help you to maintain a healthy weight. When arthritis threatens to immobilise you, exercise keeps you moving.

Walking

Walking is an easy, low-impact aerobic exercise which nearly anyone can do irrespective of fitness level. Walking strengthens your bones as well as muscles, increases your range of motion and – in addition – shifts pressure and weight from joints and muscles in order to reduce pain from arthritis. Have a plan to walk for at least 150 minutes every single week so that you can benefit from reduced arthritis symptoms.

Swimming

For the gold standard in low-impact exercise, we suggest swimming or water aerobics. It’s joint- and cardio-friendly at the same time, plus has some other arthritis benefits. In a pool that’s between 23 to 29 degrees, swimming is a non-weight-bearing exercise that also gives you aerobic activity, plus the warmth of water helps with circulation as well. Improving circulation can also improve joint health, carrying important oxygen and nutrients to joint tissue.

Yoga

Yoga is another low-impact exercise which can help you to build strength, improve joint function, reduce joint inflammation as well as minimise arthritis-related pain. Find a qualified yoga instructor who will be able to show you a gentle, easy yoga routine for beginners that involves movements and asanas that protect your joints, while improving your strength and flexibility. Try not to do asanas that require you to balance on one foot or that bend joints to more than 90 degrees as these movements may worsen symptoms if you’re at a beginner’s fitness level.

Pilates

Pilates is a low-impact activity which can increase flexibility for improved joint health. It can be useful to do Pilates poses which activate the core muscles and emphasise movements that assist with stability. Pilates may be good for overall movement patterns, similar to tai chi and yoga.

People new to Pilates should begin slowly and seek guidance from a certified trainer if possible.

Strength Training

Strength training exercises – such as weightlifting, push-ups, and squats – help you strengthen bones and muscles to support joints, while also decreasing pain, stiffness as well as swelling. Work with an expert physical therapist or fitness personal trainer who can help you to develop a strength-training routine comprised of movements which are safe as well as ideal for your type of arthritis.

Prior to your workout session, warm up utilising gentle stretches in order to loosen your joints as well as lower the probability of damage that may worsen pain and swelling. In addition, try limiting strength training to times of the day when arthritis symptoms are minimal and you can exercise freely, without experiencing pain.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover additional information about exercise then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more.

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Why Is Swimming Good For Your Brain? Read this article to find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-swimming-good-for-your-brain-read-this-article-to-find-out-more/ Fri, 30 Jul 2021 05:00:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25345 We’ve long known that swimming is a super excellent cardiovascular exercise which strengthens your heart as well as circulatory system in far-reaching ways. Those benefits, it seems, may reach the top of your head.  Swimming works several different parts of your body. In addition, swimming is a good workout for your heart. What a lot...

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We’ve long known that swimming is a super excellent cardiovascular exercise which strengthens your heart as well as circulatory system in far-reaching ways. Those benefits, it seems, may reach the top of your head.  Swimming works several different parts of your body. In addition, swimming is a good workout for your heart. What a lot of individuals don’t actually realise is that swimming is actually good for your brain as well.

Swimming very often has been shown to improve brain function and repair damaged brain cells. A common phrase that is repeated among cardiologists as well as neurologists is, “What’s good for the body is good for the brain as well.” Right in step with this, it’s very clear that swimming is good for your heart in addition to your brain.

Brain benefits are both structural — assisting your brain repair damage to cells as well as grow new cells — as well as functional. Both of these elements contribute to a brain that functions more optimally.

Swimming Supports Good Mental Health

Your brain is where your cognition – as well as – emotions live. A healthy brain adds greatly to good mental health. Swimming can assist with supporting this pursuit by lowering anxiety as well as depression.

Swimming with a group is usually a social affair. Having and making friends with comparable interests may be a strong antidote to loneliness, which is a condition which the Health Resources and Services Administration calls an “epidemic”. Loneliness and social isolation could be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The problem is specifically pronounced among older adults.

However exercise, particularly when it’s performed in the context of a supportive peer group, can provide a necessary physical and mental boost which could alleviate loneliness as well as pay long-term health benefits.

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Swimming Supports Cognitive Function And Development

In addition, it’s been well documented (in at least one report which was released by researchers at Griffith University in Australia) that children who learn to swim younger reach cognitive developmental milestones quicker — by as much as 10 months in some cases. That’s no small feat and it underscores just how very important swimming could be to supporting good brain health.

Although adults don’t automatically have specific milestones in order to achieve quite like children do, we have the tendency of losing cognitive function as we age, however exercise could slow the rate at which these changes occur.

In accordance with research findings which were presented at the 2020 American Academy of Neurology annual meeting, researchers at Columbia University made the finding that activities including walking, gardening, swimming as well as dancing could prevent brain shrinkage in older adults. Brain shrinkage is linked with reduced cognitive function, and adults who were more active had larger brain volumes as opposed to their sedentary peers.

Increasingly, science is demonstrating that cognitive decline is not an unavoidable aspect of getting older. Turns out, the folks who work the best at eating right, keeping a strong social network. Taking part in regular physical activity seem to fare best when it comes to cognitive performance — as well as possibly fending off dementia—later in life.

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Exercises You Must Do In The Morning If You Wake Up Tired https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-you-must-do-in-the-morning-if-you-wake-up-tired/ Thu, 29 Jul 2021 05:00:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25328 Does your morning exercise routine involve working your arms by smacking the snooze button for the third time? (No shame ― every so often you got to do what you got to do!) It may feel as if exercising at the beginning of the day is an impossible feat when you’re so tired. However, you...

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Does your morning exercise routine involve working your arms by smacking the snooze button for the third time? (No shame ― every so often you got to do what you got to do!)

It may feel as if exercising at the beginning of the day is an impossible feat when you’re so tired. However, you don’t need to spring out of bed and begin running a marathon in order to feel energised. Even a tiny little bit of physical activity will go a long way when it comes down to getting you going for the day.

Moving your body when you first wake up assists your circulation and also stimulates your lymphatic system. Exercise helps fluid move through your body and reduce inflammation. As a result, you feel more energised.

Why You Could Be Waking Up Tired

Sleep Inertia

Chances are good that if you wake up groggy you could be suffering from sleep inertia, which is a typical part of the waking process. Your brain frequently doesn’t instantly wake up after sleeping. It transitions gradually to a wakeful state. During this transition period, you could feel groggy or disoriented. If you aren’t careful, you will be able to easily fall back asleep.

Sleep inertia slows down your motor – as well as cognitive – skills, which is why it sometimes feels impossible to do anything correctly after you wake up. Sleep inertia may last anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, though it usually improves inside 15 to 60 minutes.

Blue Light Exposure

Blue light is any artificial lighting which emits blue wavelengths, which aren’t automatically a bad thing. During daylight hours, they are able to boost alertness as well as mood. However, this isn’t the vibe that you’re going for when you’re heading off to bed.

Energy-efficient lighting – as well as electronic screens – have increased our exposure to blue light, particularly after sundown.

Blue light, more than other kinds of light, suppresses the secretion of melatonin which is a hormone that assists with regulating your body’s circadian rhythm, which is your sleep-wake cycle. This makes it far more challenging for you to get good-quality sleep, which can leave you feeling tired the next morning.

Exercises To Help With Tiredness

Downward Dog

Start your morning with a downward dog in order to get your blood flowing as well as increase alertness.

One of the motivations for you not wanting to drag yourself out of bed is as your body is very stiff from sleeping all night. This yoga asana is a fantastic way to kickstart blood flow and wake up.

  • Beginning on your hands and knees, stack your shoulders over your wrists and then spread your palms out quite wide.
  • Pressing through the palms of your hands, tuck your toes and then lift your knees, facing your hips up towards the ceiling as you press down through your heels.

In order to make this stretch more active, you are able to pedal out the feet while you press into the floor actively or bend and straighten both legs. Maintain the pose for 15 seconds and then repeat for between three and four rounds.

Hamstring Flossing

This dynamic stretch assists with loosening up your hamstrings and your lower back more efficiently as opposed to doing a static stretch, which could cause muscle spasms if your body isn’t properly warmed up.

To do this move:

  • Begin by lying on your back, on the floor, with your knees bent and feet flat.
  • Gently grab behind one of your thighs and straighten and bend the knee repeatedly (just make sure not to overextend your knee).
  • This back-and-forth flossing motion will give your hamstring a stretch-and-release sensation.
  • Perform 10 reps on each of your sides for two to three rounds.

 Wake-Up Bounce

Don’t underestimate the cardio and energy power of a little dancing.

This is our go-to morning move which really wakes us up. Choose a song which is roughly three to five minutes and spend the duration of the song bouncing through the balls of your feet. You’ll start to increase blood flow ― not to mention sneak in a quick calf workout ― and may find that after the song ends your mood has improved, too.”

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How to Do Air Squats Properly? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-air-squats-properly-find-out-in-this-article/ Thu, 29 Jul 2021 05:00:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25333 Air squats, which is also known as bodyweight squats, are commonly made use of in training programmes such as CrossFit and workout routines. They are only done making use of your own body weight, while regular squats may make use of additional weights instead. You should feel the squat in your thighs as well as...

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Air squats, which is also known as bodyweight squats, are commonly made use of in training programmes such as CrossFit and workout routines. They are only done making use of your own body weight, while regular squats may make use of additional weights instead. You should feel the squat in your thighs as well as in your glutes.

Watch Your Form

Before performing air squats, be sure to stretch and also warm up:

  • Stand up tall with your feet aligned shoulder-width apart, toes pointed slightly outwards.
  • Engage your core muscles and pull shoulder blades together slightly in order to push out your chest.
  • Squat back as if you are about to sit down in a chair. Make sure that you keep your weight in your heels so you don’t lean forward. Your hips should move down and back.
  • Ensure your lower back curve is maintained. Keep your heels flat on the floor during the entire exercise. Your hips will descend lower than your knees. (The eventual goal is for you to touch your glutes onto the backs of your calves.)
  • Make sure that you hold for a few seconds and then rise up by pushing through heels and utilising glutes to return up to a standing position.

Pay close attention to maintaining correct form, even if that means you need to move slowly. When doing an air squat, you’ll want to remember these tips:

  • Your knees should never go out past your toes.
  • Angle your toes slightly outwards (while still keeping them mostly straight) to prevent knee pain.
  • Your back should not be rounded.
  • Don’t drop your shoulders forward. Your upper body needs to stay still, and only your lower body need to move.
  • Keep your eyes fixed on a point that is directly in front of you in order to keep your chest lifted.
  • Make sure that you keep all your weight in your heels in order to keep yourself from pitching forward.

Watch Out For These Points

When you do air squats, you need to feel the move in your thighs and glutes. If you’re feeling pain somewhere else that means you need in order to correct your form. If air squats trigger pain in your knees, that means you’re either going too low or not using correct form. It could mean you’re putting more weight towards your toes than your heels. If you are suffering from niggling lower back pain during or after doing air squats, that could mean you’re leaning your chest forwards too much. Avoid leaning forward when doing this move.

Air Squats Are Most Effective When Integrated Into A Full Workout Routine

In order to mix cardio and full-body strength training include four rounds of:

  • Running 200 metres
  • 25 push-ups
  • 25 sit-ups
  • 25 air squats

Some individuals perform squat challenges as a way of building strength and endurance. One 30-day squat challenge, for example, incorporates air squats with other variations, like sumo squats and jump squats. Rest days are included.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn more about other forms of exercise then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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How To Avoid Running Overuse Injuries? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-avoid-running-overuse-injuries/ Wed, 28 Jul 2021 05:00:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25289 It’s quite common for runners to overdo it. In fact, up to 70% of people who love running to develop injuries each and every single year. They most take place because of a training error. You may run too far, too fast, or – alternatively – too soon after an injury. As a runner, it’s...

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It’s quite common for runners to overdo it. In fact, up to 70% of people who love running to develop injuries each and every single year. They most take place because of a training error. You may run too far, too fast, or – alternatively – too soon after an injury. As a runner, it’s very important to take care of your body to avoid injuries.

Preventing overuse running injuries is more about what you do when you’re not actively engaged in running. The critical time right before and after your run are key times that you need to take care of your body. However, most runners ignore this time and only run.

They’re missing a massive opportunity to remain healthy, run more as well as reach more of their goals. Consistency is fundamental to success in running, so injury prevention and consistent training should be a focus of your training.

Types Of Running Injuries

There are two main types of running injury – ‘acute’ as well as ‘chronic’. Acute injuries are those where you are able to pinpoint when it occurred (e.g. an ankle sprain). Chronic injuries build up over a period of time and are far more common in runners owing to the repetitive nature of running, which amplifies initially minor problems. The good news is that it’s easier to predict and to avoid chronic injuries.

Path To Better Health

You are able to lower your risk of running injuries by doing the following:

  • Start slowly if you’re new to running. Alternate walking and running in order to ease into it.
  • Don’t boost your running mileage by more than 10% per week.
  • Don’t run more than 72 km per week. There is little evidence that running this much enhances your performance. In fact, it can enhance your risk of an overuse injury.
  • Don’t run on slanted or uneven surfaces. The best running surface is soft as well as flat ground.
  • Don’t “run through pain”. Pain is a signal that something is wrong. You shouldn’t overlook it.
  • If you experience pain when you run, rest for two to three days and use ice. Consult with your medical practitioner if the pain persists for one week.
  • Alternate hard running or training days with easy days.
  • Change your running shoes every 500 miles. At this distance, shoes can no longer absorb the shock of running.

Self-Massage: Learn To Love It

Muscle soreness, as well as tightness after a long run or workout, are common (and of course, desirable). Occasionally it can be helpful for some self-massage – or a professional massage if you are able to afford one – to assist with speeding the recovery process.

The fancy term is “myofascial release” which simply means massage. It can assist with loosening tight muscles, encourage healing blood circulation, and break up scar tissue as well as soft tissue adhesions. If you experience any trigger points in your legs (which are particularly tight and tender to the touch), massage can assist to release that tight spot.

You are able to perform self-massage on yourself – prior to you run – as part of your warm-up. Just make sure that you keep the pressure lighter than usual so you don’t make yourself sore. After you run, you can be a little more aggressive.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a master personal trainer then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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How To Set And Keep Boundaries As A Personal Trainer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-set-and-keep-boundaries-as-a-personal-trainer/ Tue, 27 Jul 2021 14:52:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25306 Setting professional boundaries is a major key to managing a successful professional personal training business. Being a professional fitness coach is a challenging job. It’s not straightforward nor is there much “downtime” on any given day. It takes a great amount of energy, time, and effort to thoughtfully engage with different personalities every day, as...

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Setting professional boundaries is a major key to managing a successful professional personal training business. Being a professional fitness coach is a challenging job. It’s not straightforward nor is there much “downtime” on any given day.

It takes a great amount of energy, time, and effort to thoughtfully engage with different personalities every day, as well as manage a professional fitness coach business and your clients’ expectations and progress. In short, it’s a lot.

As a result, personal trainers can find themselves overwhelmed and burnt out early on in their careers. The good news: there’s a reasonable solution to help all fitness professionals — new and seasoned — avoid early career burnout and fatigue. The key is setting clear and specific boundaries for your clients and yourself.

Should A Personal Trainer Touch Clients?

A personal trainer should ask before touching a client. They should explain what part of the client’s body they’re going to touch and what it is that they are demonstrating. It’s very important that boundaries with personal trainers are drawn.

Here’s how a professional fitness coach should set boundaries with their clients.

Consent

Consent (which is also referred to as permission) is essential before touching a client. Perceived inappropriate or unwelcome touching of clients is particularly worrying in legal terms. Remember that this isn’t how you judge the situation, but rather how your client does.

Don’t Assume

Ask your clients questions both during your informational and screening interviews, in addition to during your training sessions:

  • “Would you like me to spot you by touching or pulling the bar”?
  • “Is it OK if I show you on your calf where you need to be feeling the stretch?”
  • “Would you object if I put your shoulders in the right position for this exercise?”

Don’t assume that consent which is given once is for always. Ask your clients every time that you think it is needed to touch them during your training sessions. Some personal training clients will agree to allowing you to touch them, while others could ask you not to. Respect your client’s wishes and know that they do not have to agree to you touching them. It is your job as a professional personal trainer to find an alternative if they don’t agree.

How Long Does It Take To Get In Shape With A Personal Trainer?

If your client is out of shape or, alternatively, hasn’t not worked out for 10 years — or ever — it will usually take about two months of working out most days of the week to get to a moderate level of fitness.

And if the client exercises often, over time they will reap even more fitness benefits.

At the six-to-eight-week mark, you can certainly notice some changes in your personal training client and in three to four months one can do a pretty good overhaul of the client’s health and fitness.

Strength-specific results take approximately the same amount of time. For a personal training client who is already in good cardio shape but just would like to learn how to lift weights in a safe manner, three months is often a reasonable time frame.

So, how long will it be until your client is sporting a “ripped body”?

If your personal training client is consistent about working out with you and dieting properly for a full year – and they weren’t considerably overweight to begin with – then after one year you can expect to see them sporting a lean, muscular physique, with that coveted visible six pack.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to be outfitted with the skills needed for success as a trainer, why not consider enrolling in a fully accredited course through Trifocus Fitness Academy. Contact us today or visit our website for additional information on our courses.

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How To Make Exercise Fun For Kids? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-make-exercise-fun-for-kids-find-out-in-this-article/ Tue, 27 Jul 2021 14:35:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25302 With iPads, TV, remote learning, and other sedentary activities dominating your kids’ day, it can feel like a struggle to get them up and moving. But don’t give up. Keeping kids active helps improve their mood, learning, and physical health. And your kids don’t have to be athletes to enjoy the benefits. In America, nearly...

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With iPads, TV, remote learning, and other sedentary activities dominating your kids’ day, it can feel like a struggle to get them up and moving. But don’t give up. Keeping kids active helps improve their mood, learning, and physical health. And your kids don’t have to be athletes to enjoy the benefits.

In America, nearly a full third of children are considered overweight or obese. And the rest of the world is catching up. It’s critical for parents, grandparents as well as other caretakers to get kids moving again and take an active interest in exercise for kids.

Exercise for children is essential for healthy growth in addition to avoiding future illnesses, but today’s obsession with video games and  social media channels has reduced physical activity significantly. Even the youngest kids spend more time watching a screen as opposed to running around outdoors.

The Benefits Of Exercise For Kids

Exercise for children means moving enough in order to breathe heavily, be short of breath, feel warm as well as sweat. Exercise for kids is vital to the health and well-being of children. Physical activity helps to build and maintains healthy bones, muscles as well as joints, for instance. A kid’s workout can help to keep a healthy body mass index and reduce the risk of diabetes, increased blood pressure and heart disease later in life. Fun exercises for kids can help children fall asleep quickly and sleep well.

Along with outside benefits to the body, exercise also boosts a child’s mental and behavioural health. It increases a child’s enthusiasm and optimism. A kid’s workout boosts self-esteem, school performance, attention, and behaviour. It also reduces anxiety, tension, and depression. Fun exercises for kids can also foster teamwork and friendship when it’s part of an organised sport.

How do you keep a child physically active?

Talk with your child’s doctor

Your doctor may help your child understand why exercise is important. In addition, your child’s doctor can help you and them to identify sports or fun exercises for kids that may be best for your kid.

Emphasise fun

Help your child find a sport they enjoy. The more they enjoy the exercise, the more likely it is that they’ll keep it up. Get the entire family involved in exercise for kids. It is a great way to spend quality time together with your children.

Select an activity that is developmentally appropriate

For instance, a 7- or 8-year-old child is not ready for weightlifting or a 3-kilometre run, but soccer, bicycle riding as well as swimming are all great activities for kids this age.

Plan ahead

Ensure that your child has a convenient time and place to exercise.

Provide a safe environment

Ensure your child’s equipment for their kids workout – and where they practise or play – is safe. Make sure that your child’s clothing is comfortable as well as appropriate for the activity.

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What exercise can kids do at home?

The outdoors gives children plenty of space so that they can explore and play. These types of fun exercises for kids offer many easy ways to remain active. However, when you are stuck inside with kids, it can be a challenge to find options which help them to expend their energy. Here are a few ideas for at-home exercises for kids:

  • Stream kids workout videos online
  • Body weight exercises – for example push-ups, planks, squats, or ‘mountain climbers’
  • Yoga
  • Jumping jacks
  • Dancing to music
  • Balancing on one foot
  • Follow the leader (taking turns picking movements)
  • Hopscotch (place tape on the floor)
  • Filling up a balloon and not letting it touch the ground
  • Crab walks or bear crawl races
  • Skipping

You could also set up a circuit in your living room with a few different stations for variety. For more help to get your child moving, see tips to motivate children to exercise.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

With a comprehensive Exercise and Children Course, gain a keen understanding of safe exercise for children of all ages. With childhood obesity on the rise, and sedentary lifestyles becoming the norm, being able to get children fit and having fun is essential for their future health and wellness. Find out more about our Trifocus Fitness Academy courses by contacting us today!

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Why It’s Important To Exercise When Stressed? Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-its-important-to-exercise-when-stressed-learn-more-in-this-article/ Tue, 27 Jul 2021 05:00:12 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25278 You know that exercise does your body untold amounts of good, however you’re too busy – as well as stressed – to fit it into your routine. Hold on a second… there’s extremely good news when it comes to exercise in addition to stress. Practically any kind of exercise, from aerobics to yoga, may act...

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You know that exercise does your body untold amounts of good, however you’re too busy – as well as stressed – to fit it into your routine. Hold on a second… there’s extremely good news when it comes to exercise in addition to stress. Practically any kind of exercise, from aerobics to yoga, may act as a stress reliever. If you’re not an athlete, or even if you’re not in great shape, you are still able to make a little exercise go a long way toward stress management.

You are able to take a number of simple steps in order to help relieve stress. Many of those steps can help to improve your general health as well, plus the health of your heart. Exercise is just one of the best strategies for combatting stress and coping with heart disease.

Physical activity can assist to lower your overall stress levels as well as improve your quality of life, both mentally and physically. Regular exercise could have a positive effect on your mood through relieving the tension, anxiety, anger, and mild depression that frequently go hand-in-hand with stress. It may improve the quality of your sleep, which can be negatively impacted by stress, depression as well as anxiety. It can also assist you to boost your confidence levels.

How Exercise Lowers Stress

Aerobic exercise is fundamentally important for your head, just as it is for your heart. You may not agree with us, at first. Indeed, the first steps are the most difficult and, in the beginning, exercise will be more work as opposed to fun. However, as you get into shape you’ll start to tolerate exercise, then enjoy it, and ultimately depend on it.

Regular aerobic exercise will bring extraordinary changes to your body, your metabolism, your heart, as well as your spirits. It has a unique capacity to:

  • Exhilarate and relax,
  • Provide stimulation and calm, as well as
  • Counter depression and dissipate stress.

It’s a very common experience among endurance athletes and has been validated in clinical trials which have successfully made use of exercise in order to treat anxiety disorders as well as clinical depression. If athletes and patients are able to derive psychological benefits from exercise, so can you.

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How Can Exercise Deal With Problems As Difficult As Anxiety As Well As Depression?

There are a number of explanations, some chemical, others behavioural. The mental advantages of aerobic exercise have a neurochemical foundation. Exercise lowers levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.

In addition, exercise is responsible for stimulating the production of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that are the body’s natural painkillers as well as mood elevators. Endorphins are responsible for the “runner’s high” in addition to the feelings of relaxation and optimism which accompany many hard workouts — or, at least, the hot shower after your exercise is over.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover additional information about exercise – and possibly learn how to teach other people how to exercise properly – then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link in order to learn more about this course.

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How To Do Mountain Climbers? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-mountain-climbers-find-out-in-this-article/ Mon, 26 Jul 2021 05:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25257 Climbing a mountain would be an intimidating workout to most, however what if the mountain is the floor? That’s the idea behind mountain climbers. Done from a plank position, you’ll swap bringing one of your knees to your chest, then back out again, speeding up each time till you’re “running” against the floor. While it...

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Climbing a mountain would be an intimidating workout to most, however what if the mountain is the floor? That’s the idea behind mountain climbers. Done from a plank position, you’ll swap bringing one of your knees to your chest, then back out again, speeding up each time till you’re “running” against the floor.

While it sounds to be quite simple, mountain climbers are responsible for exercising almost the entire body and also raise your heart rate. You can easily include mountain climbers to your morning workout at home or the gym, in a hotel room while you’re travelling, or even squeeze in a few in your break room at work. The basic move is great for beginners, however more experienced exercisers can take things up a notch with variations.

The Benefits Of Mountain Climbers

The mountain climbers exercise is an explosive bodyweight exercise which engages multiple muscle groups at once so helping to improve your balance, agility, coordination, strength, flexibility as well as blood circulation. As a compound exercise which utilises multiple muscle groups in your whole body, mountain climbers are an efficient way of strengthening your arms, back, shoulders, core in addition to your legs.

Another benefit of utilising multiple muscles at once is an increased heart rate, which will assist you to burn more calories. This makes this a fantastic exercise if your goal is to get more definition in your abdominal region.

Mountain climbers can also improve your reflex speed, joint movement and overall stability. The great news is that it is not necessary for you to trek to your nearest mountain to give this exercise a go!

How To Do Mountain Climbers

  • Start in a plank position. Have your shoulders placed directly over your hands and wrists. Make sure that you keep your back flat and your glutes down, ensuring that you maintain a neutral spine.
  • Engage your core (think about you pulling your belly button toward your spine) and then lift up your right knee as you bring it towards your elbow. It’s OK if you can’t bring your knee all the way to your elbow. Take your right knee back to your starting position as you simultaneously drive your left knee up toward your left elbow. Return to your starting position.
  • Continue switching legs and start to pick up your speed until it feels as if you’re “running” in place in a traditional plank position.
  • Keep On “running” in your plank for 30 seconds. Repeat for a total of four sets.

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Up for a Challenge?

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you should challenge yourself with a more advanced variant.

Foot-Switch Mountain Climbers

This variant is more of a footswitch as opposed to a run. It has more impact and the potential in order to get your heart rate up:

  • Begin from a plank position.
  • As you bring your right knee in and then touch your big toe to the floor.
  • Jump-switch your feet, making sure that you take your right foot back and then your left foot forward at the same time.
  • Repeat for your required number of reps or time period.

Sliding Mountain Climbers

If you have a gliding disc or – alternatively – a towel, as well as hardwood floor, try utilising them to change up the fundamental move:

  • Put your disc or towel on the floor and then position your foot on it as you assume a plank position.
  • Slowly start to complete a basic rep, using your other non-sliding leg and your upper body to stabilise yourself.
  • As you quicken the move, you’ll feel this variation working your quads more than the basic mountain climbers version.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn additional information about exercises, as well as how to teach people how to properly exercise, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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Why Is Fitness A Lifelong Journey? Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-fitness-a-lifelong-journey-learn-more-in-this-article/ Mon, 26 Jul 2021 05:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25261 When it comes down to fitness, many individuals view getting healthier, stronger, and lighter as more of a destination as opposed to a lifelong journey. However, if you’re really serious about fitness as well as living a healthy lifestyle, this lifestyle doesn’t stop just as the scale reads a particular number or you hit a...

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When it comes down to fitness, many individuals view getting healthier, stronger, and lighter as more of a destination as opposed to a lifelong journey. However, if you’re really serious about fitness as well as living a healthy lifestyle, this lifestyle doesn’t stop just as the scale reads a particular number or you hit a long-awaited plateau.  When you truly do want to become the healthiest version of yourself, your fitness journey will last a lifetime.

Unfortunately, the body is quick to revert back to its de-conditioned state and typically slow to get into shape.  So, if you have fallen off the fitness wagon – and you will fall (that’s just the nature of the beast) – you should be realistic about starting over. Do not quit the gym altogether just because you missed for a few months. What is a few months compared to your entire life?

Make A Commitment To Yourself

Are you truly ready to establish positive change in your life? Then you need to make a commitment to yourself to transform your lifestyle as well as stick with the process. Often, individuals who are just starting their fitness journey hire a personal trainer as they feel that if another person else makes them work, they’ll certainly see results. That’s not necessarily the case. In the end, your fitness results are up to you and you alone. Your personal trainer can put together a custom training plan and nutrition guidelines which meet your unique needs, however it’s up to you to dedicate time to doing the work.

Figure Out Your Why

One of the most critical things which you can do if you’re just starting your fitness journey is to figure out your real “why.” Your why is the reason behind your wish to get healthier as well as fitter, and usually, it has little to do with meaningless appearance goals.

Unfortunately, though, a lot of individuals who are just starting out are of the opinion that a smaller clothing size or having a beach-ready body are great motivators. And while those are definitely valid reasons for wanting to get fit, chances are very good that you have a much deeper reason for wanting to alter your life.

What would a smaller size of clothing do for your sense confidence? How would being strong as well as fit make you feel? Dig deep when deciding your why as it’s what will keep you going when the going gets tough.

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Set S.M.A.R.T Goals

Having lofty fitness goals is awesome! However, it’s very important to understand that attaining those goals can take time (and lots of it). One of the utter best ways to make sure that you achieve your ultimate fitness goals is to set smaller goals which you can tackle along the way. That’s why setting S.M.A.R.T goals continually throughout your fitness journey is so important for both your long-term success and enjoyment.

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If you would like to become a fitness expert then you need to our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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How To Overcome Your Fitness Plateau? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-overcome-your-fitness-plateau-read-this-article/ Thu, 22 Jul 2021 05:00:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25234 Are you stuck in a fitness rut? Do you feel as if you’ve stopped making progress? These workout tips may help you to get your groove back when you’ve come to a fitness plateau.  If you feel like you’ve have hit a roadblock on your fitness journey, don’t throw up your hands in despair —...

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Are you stuck in a fitness rut? Do you feel as if you’ve stopped making progress? These workout tips may help you to get your groove back when you’ve come to a fitness plateau.  If you feel like you’ve have hit a roadblock on your fitness journey, don’t throw up your hands in despair — this happens to most people! Once you understand how your body adapts to training, you can make the changes to break through the plateau, continue making progress and start enjoying exercise again.

What Is a Workout Plateau?

Essentially, a workout plateau is when your body becomes used to a particular workout routine. If you’re continuously doing the same workout, you will stop seeing results as the body requires variety in order to challenge it to a new plateau. The body is able to adjust to repetition and the workout will no longer challenge it.

However, it’s not just repetition which can cause a workout to plateau. If you overtrain, you could find yourself in a plateau as well. Your body requires time to repair in between workouts. When you overtrain, you could stop seeing results because your muscles need that rest time to repair and build.

Why You Hit A Workout Plateau

You Do Exactly The Same Workout Every Day

Plateaus take place when the body starts to adjust to the demands your exercise routine necessitates of it. Once your body fits in with a fitness routine, you probably will not see many benefits until you make adjustments which force your body to move as well as work in new ways. Depending on your fitness goals, experts make the suggestion that you should change up your exercise routine every two to five weeks in order to see maximum results.

You’re Training Too Hard

Sometimes, fitness plateaus take place because of over-training. Signs of over-training include muscle as well as joint pain, fatigue, an overall lack of energy or catching a cold or flu frequently. Strenuous exercise results in your muscle tissue breaking down. Your body needs to have adequate rest in order to rebuild and repair your muscles as well as achieve optimal results. Without sufficient rest, your body is not able to meet the demands and will prioritise maintaining health over exercise gains. At times, less is more when it comes to exercise, so be sure to plan regular rest days in your workout routine.

You Need To Pump Up Your Workout

On the flip side, a workout which isn’t challenging enough will also not produce your required results. Inject some energy into your exercise routine with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or group circuit classes. These classes may be a valuable departure from your typical workout, keep your mind and body stimulated as well as target different muscle groups and energy systems in order to what you may be used to.

What Should I Do When I Hit A Workout Plateau?

What you do when you hit a workout plateau will be dependent on what your goals are. For some people, a plateau isn’t a problem. If you are happy with your current fitness levels, keep going with your current exercise routine in order to maintain fitness. However, if you are unsatisfied with a lack of progress, don’t despair. There are actions which you can take in order to overcome this fitness plateau.

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If you would like to learn about the actions you can take in order to overcome a fitness plateau then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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Why Weightlifting May Be Key To Avoiding Obesity https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-weightlifting-may-be-key-to-avoiding-obesity/ Wed, 21 Jul 2021 05:00:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25219 Obesity results from energy discrepancy: too many calories in, too few calories burned. A number of factors have an influence on how many calories (or how much “energy”) people burn each and every single day, among them, age, body size as well as genes. However the most variable factor – and the most easily adapted...

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Obesity results from energy discrepancy: too many calories in, too few calories burned. A number of factors have an influence on how many calories (or how much “energy”) people burn each and every single day, among them, age, body size as well as genes. However the most variable factor – and the most easily adapted – is the amount of activity which people get each day.

Remaining active can help people stay at a healthy weight or lose the weight that they want to. It can also decrease the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, osteoporosis in addition to certain cancers, as well as reduce stress and increase mood. Inactive (or, in other words sedentary) lifestyles do just the opposite.

In spite of all the health benefits of physical activity, individuals worldwide are doing less exercise – at work, at home, and as they travel from place to place. All over the world, about one in three people gets little, if any, exercise. Physical activity levels are declining not just in wealthy countries, such as the U.S., however also in low- as well as middle-income countries, such as China. As well as it’s clear that this decline in physical activity is a very significant contributor to the worldwide obesity epidemic, and in turn, to blossoming rates of chronic disease everywhere.

Lifting Weights A Few Times A Week May Help Us Stave Off Obesity

This is according to an interesting new study of resistance training and body fat. It shows that individuals who complete muscle-strengthening exercises – of any kind – regularly are about 20 to 30% less expected to become obese over time as opposed to people who do not, if they also work out aerobically or not.

The findings show that weight training could be more important for weight control than a lot of us may expect, and a little lifting now may keep us lighter, later. Ireland has one of the highest ratio of obesity in Europe, with 60% of adults and more than one in five children and young people living with overweight and obesity.

The most successful way to deal with obesity is perhaps to prevent it. In addition, regular exercise may help in that regard. Many studies demonstrate that people who walk, jog, cycle, swim or otherwise work out aerobically often tend to gain less weight with age as opposed to sedentary people and are at lower risk of becoming obese.

RDA Of Physical Activity

Being moderately active for no less than 30 minutes a day on most days of the week may assist to lower the risk of chronic disease. However to stay at a healthy weight, or to lose weight, most individuals will require more physical activity-at least an hour a day in order to counteract the effects of increasingly sedentary lifestyles, as well as the powerful societal influences which encourage overeating.

Keep in mind that remaining active is not just an individual choice: The so-called “built environment” – buildings, neighbourhoods, transportation systems, and other human-made elements of the landscape – influences how active people are.

Individuals are more prone to be active, for instance, if they live near parks or playgrounds, in neighbourhoods with sidewalks or bike paths, or sufficiently close to work, school, or shopping to safely travel by bike or on foot. Individuals are less likely to be active if they live in sprawling suburbs which are designed for driving or in neighbourhoods without recreation opportunities.

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If you would like to discover additional information about weightlifting then you need to do our Persona Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more.

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What Is Active Stretching? Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-active-stretching-learn-more-in-this-article/ Wed, 21 Jul 2021 05:00:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25215 In order to enhance flexibility as well as mobility, athletes and active individuals are often reliant on several forms of stretching. These involve lengthening or flexing a muscle or tendon in order to promote enhanced elasticity. One method is active stretching, in which your own muscles are utilised to provide resistant pull, and this creates...

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In order to enhance flexibility as well as mobility, athletes and active individuals are often reliant on several forms of stretching. These involve lengthening or flexing a muscle or tendon in order to promote enhanced elasticity. One method is active stretching, in which your own muscles are utilised to provide resistant pull, and this creates the stretch.

Active stretching, which is not to be confused with dynamic stretching or ballistic stretching, may be defined as utilising agonist muscles to relax as well as stretch antagonist muscles without the help of any extra forces.

Active Stretches Are Not Passive

Seems apparent by the name, however what makes it active is not that there is a lot of movement. The active element is the muscle engagement which elicits a relaxation as well as stretch of the opposing muscles.

An instance of this would be to use your hip flexor and quadricep muscles in order to lift your leg to relax as well as stretch the hamstrings. This is utilising what is termed as reciprocal inhibition, the body’s system of inhibiting (relaxing) the antagonist muscles while – at the same time – the opposing muscles are in the process of contracting.

What’s The Difference?

What Is Dynamic Stretching?

This type of stretching is all about using dynamic, controlled movements, frequently gradually increasing in range as well as speed, to the limits of motion (however not beyond). These stretches are frequently used in warm-ups for activity owing to their benefit in enhancing muscle extensibility while also increasing neuromuscular efficacy.

What Is Ballistic Stretching?

These stretches also make use of dynamic movements in that they are not static holds. However, their intent is to force muscles/joints beyond “normal” range of motion. Visualise bouncing or jerking at the end range of a motion. There is far more risk as opposed to benefit in this technique and is usually not recommended.

What Differentiates Active Isolated Stretching From Other Stretching Exercises?

Active isolated stretching (which is abbreviated as AIS) is a more particular kind of active stretching which means stretching a muscle for no more than two seconds and then returning to its neutral position. This is repeated for a number of times in intervals.

Just like standard active stretching, you would still contract the opposite muscle which you want to stretch however for a much briefer period of time. This is very different than the standard guidelines which are suggested for static stretching.

Another difference is that you are able to do AIS with a partner or a tool which helps you stretch—like a resistance band or a half foam roller—just like passive stretching. There aren’t tonnes of research which supports if AIS is able to improve specific types of sports and activities, nor are there any important and systematic reviews as yet. So, no one really knows if this kind of stretching is better (or worse) as opposed to other forms of stretching for certain activities and populations.

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If you would like to discover additional information about stretching then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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Does Running Damage Your Knees? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/does-running-damage-your-knees/ Tue, 20 Jul 2021 05:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25200 Whether you’re a neophyte runner attempting to get in shape for your first 5K, or a seasoned veteran who often cranks out 10-milers before breakfast, chances are good that you’ve heard that running is – to put it mildly – a tad bit rough on the knees. The notion is so broadly accepted that the...

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Whether you’re a neophyte runner attempting to get in shape for your first 5K, or a seasoned veteran who often cranks out 10-milers before breakfast, chances are good that you’ve heard that running is – to put it mildly – a tad bit rough on the knees. The notion is so broadly accepted that the knee ailment patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is commonly called “runner’s knee.” And that would seem to make a whole lot of sense.

What Is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

‘Patellofemoral pain syndrome’ (PFPS) is a broad term which is used in order to describe pain in the front of the knee as well as around the patella, or kneecap. It is often called “runner’s knee” or “jumper’s knee” as it is common in people who take part in sports — particularly women and young adults—however PFPS can occur in non-athletes, as well. The pain and stiffness that is caused by PFPS can make it difficult in order to climb stairs, kneel down as well as perform other everyday activities.

Many things could contribute to the development of PFPS. Problems with the alignment of the kneecap as well as overuse from vigorous athletics or training are frequently significant factors. Symptoms are frequently relieved with conservative treatment, such as changes in activity levels or a therapeutic exercise programme.

Running Incorrectly Is What Hurts Your Knees – Not Running Itself

Running doesn’t hurt your knees – if you do it correctly. That may sound like a bold statement; however research does back it up. A multi-year study of approximately 75 000 runners that was published in July 2013 discovered that, against popular belief, running does not increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. In fact, runners in the study were demonstrated to be in less jeopardy of arthritis as opposed to their non-active counterparts.

Another study, which was published in September 2013, got similar findings, demonstrating that while the impact from running is quite high, runners’ feet strike the ground less often and more briefly than if they were walking. So, in essence, running – as well as walking – put the same type of stress on the knees.

So, why then is there such a soaring occurrence of runners with knee problems? We really believe that most injuries take place owing to poor running form. Some of these form challenges can be remedied with conditioning, while others could be linked to your physical makeup.

Certainly, it’s very true that if you’re carrying extra weight, or have one leg which is shorter than the other – some type of significant leg-length discrepancy – or if your pelvis is tilted, then, yes, you will have a tougher time. You will be able run without injury; you just have to know your limits.

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Want to learn more about how to run properly? If you don’t, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information and to book.

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Breathing Exercises To Relieve Anxiety https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/breathing-exercises-to-relieve-anxiety/ Tue, 20 Jul 2021 05:00:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25196 Breathing is a necessity of life which often takes place without much thought. When you breathe air in, blood cells receive oxygen and then release carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a waste product which is carried back through your body and is then exhaled. Improper breathing may upset the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. In...

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Breathing is a necessity of life which often takes place without much thought. When you breathe air in, blood cells receive oxygen and then release carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a waste product which is carried back through your body and is then exhaled. Improper breathing may upset the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. In addition, not breathing properly can contribute to anxiety, panic attacks, fatigue as well as other physical and emotional disturbances.

Have you ever observed how you are breathing when you are feeling relaxed? The next time that you are feeling relaxed, take a moment in order to notice how your body feels. Imagine how you would be breathing when you first wake up in the morning or just before you fall asleep at night. Breathing exercises can assist you to relax as they make your body feel like it does when you are relaxed already.

Breathing deeply is one of the utter best ways in order to lower stress in the body. This is because when you deeply breathe, it sends a message to your brain to calm down and then relax. Then your brain communicates this message to your body. Those things which happen when you are stressed – such as increased heart rate, fast breathing, and high blood pressure – all lower as you breathe intensely to relax.

The Way You Breathe Has An Effect On Your Whole Body

Breathing exercises are an absolute fantastic way to relax, reduce tension as well as relieve stress. Breathing exercises are straightforward to learn. You are able to do them whenever you want, and you don’t require any special tools or equipment to do them. You are able to do different exercises to see which work best for you.

You will get the most advantage if you do it often, as part of your daily routine. You are able to do it standing up, sitting in a chair that supports your back, or even lying on a bed or yoga mat on the floor.

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How To Do The Breathing Exercise

Make sure that you are as calm and clear headed as reasonably possible. If you can, loosen any clothes which restrict your breathing. If you’re lying down, put your arms a little bit away from your sides, with your palms up. Allow your legs to be straight. Alternatively, bend your knees so that your feet are flat on the floor:

  • If you’re sitting, put your arms on the chair arms.
  • If you’re sitting or standing, put both feet flat on the ground.

Whatever position you’re in, put your feet roughly hip-width apart.

Allow your breath to flow as deep down into your belly as is comfortable, without pushing it. Attempt breathing in through your nose and then out through your mouth.

Breathe in gently as well as regularly. Some people find it useful to count steadily from one to five. You might not be able to reach 5 when you first do it. Then, without stopping or holding your breath, let it flow out gently, again counting from 1 to 5, if you find this useful.

Keep doing this for between three and five minutes.

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If you are eager to learn additional information about harnessing your breath, and other yoga techniques, then you need to find out more about Yoga Certification Course. Follow this link for more information.

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When Could Stretching Before A Workout Lead To Injury? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/when-could-stretching-before-a-workout-lead-to-injury/ Mon, 19 Jul 2021 05:00:49 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25164 Previously, stretching was to exercise what proposing is to marriage: an important ritual that had to be done before the main event. Athletes of a particular age were warned to stretch their muscles before exerting themselves in order to avoid a debilitating pull or injury. Oops. Recent studies caution individuals away from stretching before workouts,...

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Previously, stretching was to exercise what proposing is to marriage: an important ritual that had to be done before the main event. Athletes of a particular age were warned to stretch their muscles before exerting themselves in order to avoid a debilitating pull or injury.

Oops.

Recent studies caution individuals away from stretching before workouts, suggesting that it actually impedes your body’s performance. According to this type of research, runners run more slowly, jumpers jump less high and then weightlifters lift more weakly by stretching, without significantly ensuring against injury during their exercise.

Muscles Are Made Of Bundles Of Tiny Fibres

In a typical exercise-related muscle strain, these fibres develop microscopic tears. Hypothetically, stretching before exercise should make the muscles more pliable as well as less likely to tear. However, when studies have compared rates of injury or muscle soreness in individuals who stretch prior to exercise and those who don’t, they have found little advantage to stretching. Indeed, stretching a cold, tight muscle may lead to injury.

Rather, try a brief warm-up in order to get the blood flowing to your major muscle groups as well as loosen your joints. For instance, instead of launching immediately into a brisk walk, spend around five to 10 minutes taking a relaxing stroll with long strides, and then increase the pace slowly. Or when you start exercising on a treadmill or other gym machine, begin on a low setting. In addition, this will allow your heart and muscles to gradually respond to the increased demands of exercise.

What Do I Do Prior To Exercise If I Shouldn’t Stretch?

A dynamic warm-up! Whether this involves high knees, walking/light jog, lunges, or squats (among a number of different other choices), a dynamic warm-up will both warm as well as loosen your muscles, preparing them for exercise and lessening the risk of injury.

A dynamic warm-up is different as opposed to flexibility training. Flexibility training is accomplished by static stretching, which is maintaining a single stretch at the end range. As mentioned previously, since a dynamic warm-up focuses on warming up as well as loosening your muscles, the aim is not to stretch or stress the muscles into a novel range of motion. Make sure that you keep your dynamic warm-up pain-free, moderate-intensity as well as simple in order to avoid injury.

When You Stretch Ensure You’re Doing It Properly

Stretching should never hurt you so be sure to stop if you begin to feel pain as a result of stretching. Holding your stretches for between 10 and 30 seconds helps your muscles lengthen. Try not to bounce when you stretch, as this may damage your muscles.

Ensure that you keep breathing during your stretches. Proper breathing will ensure that your muscles get the oxygen they require during stretching. Always make sure that you stretch both sides of your body in equal fashions. It could be natural to focus on your dominant side, however you should focus on stretching all your muscles equally.

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Why Could Low Fitness Levels In Young Adults Increase Risk Of Psoriasis https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-could-low-fitness-levels-in-young-adults-increase-risk-of-psoriasis/ Mon, 19 Jul 2021 05:00:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25171 Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease. Psoriatic arthritis is a common coexisting condition. Cardiorespiratory fitness is the overall capacity to perform exertion exercise. Low levels of aerobic fitness have been linked with negative health outcomes. People with psoriasis have lower cardiorespiratory fitness compared with individuals without psoriasis. There are no prior studies that explore the...

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Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease. Psoriatic arthritis is a common coexisting condition. Cardiorespiratory fitness is the overall capacity to perform exertion exercise. Low levels of aerobic fitness have been linked with negative health outcomes. People with psoriasis have lower cardiorespiratory fitness compared with individuals without psoriasis. There are no prior studies that explore the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and new-onset psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Symptoms Of Psoriasis

Psoriasis signs as well as symptoms can vary from person to person. Common signs and symptoms include the following:

  • Red patches of skin which are coated with thick, silvery scales,
  • Small scaling spots (which are commonly seen in children),
  • Dry, cracked skin which may bleed or itch,
  • Itching, burning or soreness,
  • Thickened, pitted or ridged nails, and
  • Swollen and stiff joints.

Scaly Skin Patches

Some 300 000 Swedes suffer from psoriasis in a mild, moderate, or severe form. It is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease which affects women as often as men. What triggers its onset is not completely clear, however heredity is known to play a large part in combination with external factors. The most common type, plaque psoriasis, results in reddened, flaking, and itchy skin lesions (“plaques”).

Psoriasis sufferers also often have other diseases. Some 30% get the inflammatory joint condition known as psoriatic arthritis. Instances of other known comorbidities are obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes as well as depression.

In recent years, treatment alternatives have substantially improved. Today, in addition to ointments with local effects, there are drugs that have systemic effects. Additionally, recent years have seen the emergence of effective biological agents which modulate the signalling cascade in the inflammatory process which drives psoriasis.

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New Findings

A new report includes the case that psoriasis entails systemic inflammation which can lead to cardiovascular comorbidities. The study, that was published in Scientific Reports, found that patients with psoriatic arthritis suffered from elevated levels of circulating inflammatory molecules and changed haemostatic function. The investigators reported that patients with serious psoriatic disease should therefore have their haemostatic function monitored carefully.

Investigators explained that a variety of factors are believed to play a role in the development of psoriatic diseases such as psoriatic arthritis. Overproduction of T helper 1 and 17 cytokines are commonplace in patients with psoriasis. Inflammatory mediators – consisting of interferon-α, interleukin-22 (IL-22), the IL-23/IL-27 axis as well as tumour necrosis factor – are likewise believed to play a role in the disease. In addition, patients who suffer from psoriasis have higher rates of depression, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease as well as other comorbidities.

Seeing these observations, a paradigm shift has occurred from viewing psoriasis merely as ‘skin deep’ to a systemic inflammatory condition.

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Aerobic Exercise May Improve Cognitive Function https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/aerobic-exercise-may-improve-cognitive-function/ Fri, 16 Jul 2021 05:10:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25144 Moderate to vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise could benefit adults with mild cognitive impairment. Finding ways to assist individuals with mild cognition is important to potentially combat rising cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other sorts of dementia. The study, that appeared in the Journal of Applied Physiology, found evidence that one year of aerobic exercise training improved...

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Moderate to vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise could benefit adults with mild cognitive impairment. Finding ways to assist individuals with mild cognition is important to potentially combat rising cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other sorts of dementia.

The study, that appeared in the Journal of Applied Physiology, found evidence that one year of aerobic exercise training improved cardiorespiratory fitness, cerebral blood flow regulation, and memory function in people with mild cognitive impairment.

Aerobic exercise is very important for improving both vascular function and brain function. The brain is a unique organ. It needs constant blood flow and oxygen supply.

What Regular Exercise Is Good For

You already probably know regular exercise is good for your heart as well as maintaining a healthy weight and strong muscles. However, getting your heart racing can actually assist to boost your thinking skills and brain health. There are a number of phenomenal reasons to exercise, whether you want to lose weight, decrease your blood pressure, or just feel much better about yourself.

However, exercise can change your brain, helping to protect cognitive function as well as memory. That includes both long-term memory as well as short-term memory. This is why you should try to exercise every day, even if it’s only just a short walk. You should get your body moving in order to keep your brain healthy.

Here are some of the benefits your brain gets from regular exercise:

  • Improves brain function and memory
  • Protects thinking skills
  • Reduces stress, depression, and anxiety
  • Promotes better sleep

Blood Flow And Memory

Studies have shown benefits for cognitively normal adults on an exercise programme, including previous research from Thomas that showed ageing athletes have better blood flow into the cortex as opposed to sedentary older adults. However, the new research is significant as it plots improvement over a longer period in adults at high risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Even when your memory begins to fade, you can still do something about it by adding aerobic exercise to your lifestyle.

One in three older people dies from Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, and it kills more individuals as opposed to breast and prostate cancers combined. More than six million people who are over the age of 65 live with Alzheimer’s disease, a figure which is likely to balloon to almost 13 million by 2050.

A Few Ways To Fight Rising Cases Of Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease – as well as other forms of dementia – are among the globe’s biggest public health threats.

Mild cognitive impairment has been demonstrated to increase the risk of developing dementia that is caused by Alzheimer’s disease or – alternatively – other neurological conditions. Experts have been looking for ways to avert all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s. At the moment, there is no cure.

Research into this subject has become more urgent as our population is ageing rapidly. More than 10 000 people turn 65 years old each and every day.

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How To Begin With Strength Training For The Youth https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-begin-with-strength-training-for-the-youth/ Fri, 16 Jul 2021 05:05:44 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25139 When strength training — either using free weights or on a machine — make sure that there’s always someone which is nearby to supervise. Having a spotter nearby is especially important when making use of free weights. Even someone in great shape just sometimes can’t do that last rep. It’s no big deal if you’re...

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When strength training — either using free weights or on a machine — make sure that there’s always someone which is nearby to supervise.

Having a spotter nearby is especially important when making use of free weights. Even someone in great shape just sometimes can’t do that last rep. It’s no big deal if you’re just doing biceps curls; all you’ll have to do is just drop the weight onto the floor.

However, if you’re right in the midst of a bench press — a chest exercise where you’re lying on a bench and then pushing a weighted barbell away from your chest — it’s simple to get hurt if you drop the weight. A spotter may keep you from dropping the barbell onto your chest.

Youth strength training is a massive topic of interest for a lot of researchers, clinicians, practitioners as well as coaches. When to begin, how much is sufficient or too much, and what to prescribe is constantly debated as well as put under scrutiny.

However, at the moment, a compelling body of scientific evidence supports participation in properly designed youth resistance training programmes which are supervised and instructed by qualified fitness professionals. Furthermore, the benefits of strength training starting at younger ages may eventually have long-term implications for a person’s healthy lifestyle and future sports participation.

Is Strength Training Safe?

Strength-training programmes are usually safe. When done correctly, strength training won’t damage growing bones. Children and teens with a number of medical conditions — such as unrestrained high blood pressure, seizures or – alternatively – heart problems — will need to be cleared by their doctors before beginning a strength-training programme.

When you’re in the midst of a strength-training session and something which doesn’t feel right to you, you feel some sort of pain, or if you hear or sense a ‘pop’ during a workout, stop what you’re doing immediately. Have a medical practitioner check you out before you go back to strength training. You may need to alter your training or even stop lifting weights for a while to allow the injury to heal.

Many individuals tend to lump all types of weightlifting together. However, there’s a massive difference between strength training, powerlifting as well as bodybuilding. Powerlifting concentrates on how much weight an individuals can lift at one time. The goal of competitive bodybuilding is to establish muscle size as well as definition.

Powerlifting, maximal lifts, as well as bodybuilding, are not recommended for teens who are still maturing. That’s as these types of activity increase the chance for injuries.

Strength Training And Athletic Performance

The progress of athletic performance in youth athletes is a complicated task, and to achieve high levels of athleticism necessitates a robust long-term plan. Sports participation alone, in a number of cases, does not offer the sufficient stimulus in order to achieve this. Resistance training in all types (e.g. strength, power or speed training) can assist to attenuate these issues through protecting against injuries and positively affecting youth athlete’s physical literacy, so, diminishing the impact of low physical activity as well as early sport specialisation among the youth.

Stronger young athletes will be better equipped to learn complex movements, master sport tactics, and sustain the requirements of training and competition resistance training prescription needs to be based on a suitable progression according to training age, motor skill, technical proficiency as well as existing strength levels. Another factor which you need to consider is the biological age and psychosocial maturity level of the child or adolescent.

A high-level of muscular strength adds to enhancing performance ability in young athletes. Moreover, it is also very important to build a good base of fundamental movements during childhood as well as adolescence as this will help the youths develop more efficient motor skills whilst simultaneously reducing their risk of injury due to improved body control and/or technique.

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What Is The Role of Massage in Sports Performance and Rehabilitation? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-role-of-massage-in-sports-performance-and-rehabilitation/ Fri, 16 Jul 2021 05:00:47 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25132 Getting harmed is each competitor’s most exceedingly awful dread. Wounds weaken execution, defer preparing and moulding plans during recovery, are absurd to treat, and, in particular, injuries hurt. Managing agony and restricted versatility after a physical issue are debilitating, baffling, and worth the actions essential to stay away from a physical problem from occurring. Furthermore,...

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Getting harmed is each competitor’s most exceedingly awful dread. Wounds weaken execution, defer preparing and moulding plans during recovery, are absurd to treat, and, in particular, injuries hurt.

Managing agony and restricted versatility after a physical issue are debilitating, baffling, and worth the actions essential to stay away from a physical problem from occurring. Furthermore, after some time, wounds negatively affect the body.

More often than not, harmed tissue recuperates; however, when muscles are consistently burdened to their maximum through superior sports, the chances increment that a physical issue, particularly a common one, will bring about a lasting condition.

Athletes train hard in order to achieve their greatest possible performance in their selected sport. However, rigorous training may lead to muscle tension, joint stress as well as injury. This affects training and conditioning schedules, and eventually performance.

Dependent on the seriousness of the injury, it may necessitate a few months of rest to heal the damaged body part. Combining professional sports massage therapy into your regime assists with improving performance, conditioning, and lowering the risk of injury. In addition, it can promote healing, relieve chronic pain, reduce muscle inflammation as well as improve range of motion.

What Are The Benefits Of Sports Massage?

Many advantages from sports massage have been demonstrated based on experience as well as observation. Some are advantageous to the mind (psychological) and some are advantageous to the body (physiological).

Some of the related benefits of sports massage include the following:

  • Increased joint range of motion (ROM),
  • Increased flexibility,
  • Increased sense of well-being,
  • Decreased muscle tension,
  • Decreased neurological excitability (nerves more relaxed),
  • Decreased muscle spasms, and
  • Improved sleep.

Alleged benefits that are not supported by research include the following:

  • Increased blood flow,
  • Increased elimination of exercise waste products (lactic acid),
  • Decreased chance of injury, and
  • Decreased recovery time between workouts.

You may not actually realise it; however massage affects the cardiovascular system.  It dilates blood vessels, which assists them to work more efficiently in order to promote circulation.  The manual assistance of fostering venous blood flow back to the heart improves blood flow, which delivers fresh oxygen as well as nutrients to the tissue and encourages the removal of waste products and toxins.  Thanks to the relaxed state which you’re in during and after the massage, your heart rate is lowered.

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More known and expected are the advantages of massage for the muscular system.  One of them directly relates to the cardiovascular benefits.  The increased and enhanced blood circulation assists with:

  • Relieving muscle tension,
  • Reducing soreness, and
  • Making for a faster recovery.

Then the relaxed muscles are able to experience “an increase in range of motion as well as flexibility,” as explained in a study in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness.  Those benefits are able to lead to better athletic performance. In short, massage can assist with pain relief, build muscles and encourage their recovery as well.  Not only does massage feel good on the muscle tissues, but it actually is also good for them.

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What Is Myofascial Release? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-myofascial-release/ Fri, 16 Jul 2021 05:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25129 The term ‘myofascial release’ refers to a type of physical therapy which is frequently used in order to treat myofascial pain syndrome. Myofascial pain syndrome happens to be a chronic pain disorder that is caused by sensitivity as well as tightness in your myofascial tissues. These tissues surround and support the muscles in your entire...

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The term ‘myofascial release’ refers to a type of physical therapy which is frequently used in order to treat myofascial pain syndrome. Myofascial pain syndrome happens to be a chronic pain disorder that is caused by sensitivity as well as tightness in your myofascial tissues. These tissues surround and support the muscles in your entire body. The pain usually originates from particular points within your myofascial tissues that are called “trigger points”.

Myofascial release concentrates on reducing pain through easing the tension as well as tightness in the trigger points. It’s not always straightforward to understand what trigger point is responsible for the pain. Localising pain to a particular trigger point is quite difficult. For this reason, myofascial release is frequently used over a broad area of muscle and tissue rather than at a single points.

‘Myofascial’ Broken Down

‘Myo’ is the abbreviated word for muscular tissue. ‘Fascia’ is a 3-dimensional web of connective tissue which goes from the very superficial layers of muscular tissue to the deep layers and all the way down to the bone.

It is the part of the body’s scaffolding and gives our bodies levers and fulcrums so that we are able to move. If part of that system happens to be compromised, we get less range of motion as well as less of an exchange of nutrition for the joints. In addition, we increase our sensitivity to pain and also increase our susceptibility to early onset of degeneration. So, that tight neck or those frequent muscle spasms could lead to substantial and dangerous conditions like stenosis down the road.

How Does Myofascial Release Work?

Most myofascial release treatments happen during a massage therapy session. Some chiropractors and traditional medical practitioners could also offer it.

Your massage therapist will gently massage your myofascia and feel for stiff or areas which are tight. Normal myofascia should feel pliable and elastic. The massage therapist will then begin massaging and stretching the areas which feel rigid with light manual pressure.

The therapist then helps the tissue and supportive sheath in releasing pressure as well as tightness. The process is carried out multiple times on the same trigger point – as well as other trigger points -until the massage therapist feels that the tension is fully released.

These areas where the massage therapist could be working may not be near where the pain begins or where you feel the pain most acutely. Myofascial release works the wider network of muscles which might be causing your pain. It attempts to reduce tension throughout your body by releasing trigger points across a broad section of your muscular system.

Parts Of The Body Which Could Use Myofascial Release

This pain management technique is really great for parts of the body which are used a lot or in fixed positions for a long period of time. These areas include the:

  • Neck
  • Shoulders
  • Arms
  • Head
  • Jaw
  • Lower back.
  • Hips
  • Quads
  • Calves
  • Feet

What Are The Benefits Of Myofascial Release?

When done regularly, you can:

  • Improve your range of motion.
  • Reduce soreness and help assist the tissue recovery process.
  • Help the body relax overall.
  • Improve circulation.
  • Release tension, knots and even stress.

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Exercises To Loosen Your Hips. Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-to-loosen-your-hips-find-out-in-this-article/ Wed, 14 Jul 2021 05:00:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25106 A feeling of tightness across your hips comes from tension around your hip flexors. The hip flexors are a collection of muscles which are around the top of your thighs that connect the upper leg to your hip. These muscles allow you to bend at your waist and raise your leg. Some of the chief...

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A feeling of tightness across your hips comes from tension around your hip flexors. The hip flexors are a collection of muscles which are around the top of your thighs that connect the upper leg to your hip. These muscles allow you to bend at your waist and raise your leg.

Some of the chief hip flexors are the following:

  • Iliopsoas,
  • Rectus femoris,
  • Tensor fasciae latae, and
  • Sartorius.

Many individuals have tight hips, from individuals who spend several hours a day sitting to regular gym-goers as well as professional athletes. Some individuals are more prone to tightness in that area of their body, as well as. Tight hips may put you at an increased risk for injury owing to the increased demands on tissues which aren’t moving properly.

The Benefits Of Hip-Strengthening Exercises

While not everyone is able to have hips as agile as Shakira, we are all able to benefit from strengthening the muscles which support this ball-and-socket joint. Our hips aren’t only accountable for the rocking dance moves that we bust out from time to time but they’re also a vital area for runners, bikers as well as non-athletes alike.

Sitting for the best part of the day — something which almost all of us are guilty of — promotes tight hip flexors. Tight hip flexors may cause lower back pain, hip pain as well as injury. As well, hip problems don’t end there. As stated by the pre-eminent American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons as well as other related associations over the globe, hip replacements are on the increase in the United States. They peak among adults who are in early middle age.

Obviously, you know what it feels like to suffer from a tight muscle. However, tight hips aren’t just uncomfortable — they could lead to all sorts of other aches and pains, particularly in the lower back. Individuals focus on the hips and say their hips are tight, however we don’t always think about the fact that your lower back connects to our legs at the hip. Tight hip flexors make it more difficult for your pelvis to rotate properly, which can cause your lower back to overcompensate and this can be a set up for lower-back injury.

Foam Roller Stretch

You are able to use a foam roller in order to loosen up tight hips.

  • Lie with your face down, with your foam roller beneath – and somewhat below – your right hip.
  • Put your left leg to the side with your knee bent at a 90-degree angle.
  • Rest your forearms on the floor in front of you in order to take some of your body weight off of your hip. This will make sure that the stretch less painful.
  • Extend your right leg straight out behind you. Make sure that your toes are pointed backward as well as the front of your foot flat against the ground
  • Slowly move backward and forward over your foam roller.
  • For an extra stretch, add in some side-to-side movement as you roll.
  • Continue for up to half a minute. As you roll, recognise any trigger points, or points which feel extra tight or painful. You will be able to focus on those areas for about 10 seconds in order to relieve some of the tightness.
  • Repeat with your left hip.

Seated Butterfly Stretch

This simple move will allow you to stretch your inner thighs, hips as well as lower back. And you can also do it sitting down:

  • Sit on the floor with your back up straight and abdominals engaged.
  • Drive the soles of your feet together in front of you. Allow your knees to bend out to the sides.
  • As you pull your heels towards you, relax your knees and allow them to get closer to the floor.
  • Take a deep breath. Make sure that you hold this pose for between 10 and 30 seconds.

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How To Overcome Stress And Anxiety With Box Breathing? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-overcome-stress-and-anxiety-with-box-breathing/ Tue, 13 Jul 2021 05:00:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25078 Box breathing (or which is also called square breathing) is a deep breathing exercise which helps you to relax as you mindfully focus on counting your breaths. Unlike other types of breathing exercises which don’t use breath counting, or have uneven intervals between each step, box breathing is unique as it has four equal steps,...

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Box breathing (or which is also called square breathing) is a deep breathing exercise which helps you to relax as you mindfully focus on counting your breaths. Unlike other types of breathing exercises which don’t use breath counting, or have uneven intervals between each step, box breathing is unique as it has four equal steps, similar to the four sides of a square. If you visualise yourself drawing one line with every single step of the exercise, you’ll end up with a square by the time that you finish, hence the name.

The box breathing exercise can be employed at any time of the day. It may be helpful for people to monitor when their anxiety or stress is at its highest point and to practise it then. The box breathing technique is thought to come from Ayurvedic practices, which is a natural and holistic system of medicine that began in India thousands of years ago.

What Is Deep Breathing?

Deep breathing is the deliberate act of taking slow, deep breaths. Inhaling air through the nose and then breathing out through the mouth. When we breathe in, our blood cells pick up oxygen. As oxygen moves throughout our bodies, carbon dioxide is created, transferred back to the lungs as well as released when we exhale.

During moments of anxiety, we have the tendency to breathe from our chest and take fast, shallow breaths. This results in distress in how our bodies process oxygen and carbon dioxide, which can also lead to various symptoms of anxiety. This includes increases in:

  • Heart rate,
  • Breathing rate, and
  • Blood pressure.

Our body’s parasympathetic system, however, prevents this reaction and then returns the body to a relaxed state. Deep breathing may trigger this response and assist you to calm yourself during stressful situations.

When your body happens to be anxious or stressed, your heart rate and breathing rate alter. Your blood pressure grows and your muscles tense, so preparing for the flight, fight, or freeze reaction.

Deep breathing is one of the utter best ways to help you to calm down and relax. It can help:

  • Lower your blood pressure as well as heart rate,
  • Lower levels of stress,
  • Reduce lactic acid build-up, which causes muscle tension,
  • Improve your immune system, and
  • Increase your feelings of well-being and calm.

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How To Do The Box Breathing Methodology

Keeping true to box breathing’s rule of fours, the methodology has four steps:

  1. Slowly inhale for a period of four seconds.
  2. Hold in your breath for four seconds.
  3. Slowly exhale for a period four seconds.
  4. Hold your breath for four seconds.

The length of each step may be increased or lowered based on your comfort, however it generally ranges for between three and six seconds. You can repeat the whole exercise for about one to five minutes.

It’s absolutely completely up to you if you want to keep your eyes open or not, whichever assists you to better visualise drawing a square. You may do the breathing exercise while you’re sitting up or lying down. There is no generally prescribed plan for how frequently or how regularly you should employ box breathing. It’s useful to perform the exercise every time you feel stressed or anxious, however you could also do it at exactly the same time every single day in order to form a consistent routine and have long-term health benefits.

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What Is The Positive Effect Exercise Could Have On Your Child’s Heart? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-positive-effect-exercise-could-have-on-your-childs-heart/ Mon, 12 Jul 2021 05:00:28 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25068 Physical activity and exercise in early childhood may have an impact on cardiovascular health later in life. Over the course of several years, scientists monitored the activity levels of hundreds of pre-schoolers. They discovered that physical activity benefits blood vessel health, cardiovascular fitness, and is critical in the prevention of early risk indicators that can...

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Physical activity and exercise in early childhood may have an impact on cardiovascular health later in life. Over the course of several years, scientists monitored the activity levels of hundreds of pre-schoolers. They discovered that physical activity benefits blood vessel health, cardiovascular fitness, and is critical in the prevention of early risk indicators that can lead to adult heart disease in children as young as three years old.

When many individuals decide to “get fit” they assume it involves rigorous physical activity. However, you don’t have to spend hours in a gym in order to be physically active. People can get in shape by doing everyday activities in their home. Every time that you and your child throw a softball around,  swim a lap, climb a flight of stairs, take a walk to the shops, or carry a set of packages, your health and fitness levels are steadily improving.

When someone is physically fit, they feel and looks better, and she stays healthier. The earlier a child begins getting in shape and exercising, the more she’ll reduce her risk of numerous illnesses.

Exercise Means Playing And Being Physically Active

Children are physically active when they have gym class at school, during recess, at dance class or soccer practice, while riding bikes, or even when playing tag.

Everyone can benefit from exercising frequently. Active children will have:

  • Stronger muscles as well as bones,
  • Leaner bodies,
  • Lower risk of becoming overweight,
  • A lesser likelihood of contracting type 2 diabetes,
  • Lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, and
  • An improved outlook on life.

Rather than enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, fit kids sleep better. In addition, they’re better able to handle physical and emotional challenges — from running to catch a bus to studying for an exam.

What Are The Three Elements of Fitness?

If you’ve ever watched children on a playground, you’ve seen the three aspects of fitness in action when they:

  • Run away from the children who’s “it” (endurance),
  • Cross the monkey bars (strength), and
  • Bend down in order to tie their shoes (flexibility).

Parents need to encourage their kids in order to do a variety of activities so that they are able to work on all three elements.

Endurance develops when children regularly get aerobic activity. During aerobic exercise, significant muscles are moving, the heart beats faster, and the children breathes harder. Aerobic activity strengthens the heart and also improves the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to all its cells.

Aerobic exercise can be loads of fun for both adults as well as children. Aerobic activities include:

  • Basketball,
  • Bicycling,
  • Ice Skating,
  • Inline Skating,
  • Soccer,
  • Swimming,
  • Tennis,
  • Walking,
  • Jogging, and
  • Running

Improving strength doesn’t need to mean lifting weights. Instead, children can do push-ups, stomach crunches, pull-ups, and other exercises in order to help tone and strengthen muscles. In addition, they improve their strength when they climb, do a handstand, or engage in wrestling.

Stretching exercises assist with improving flexibility, allowing muscles and joints to bend as well as move easily through their full range of motion. Children get chances every day to stretch when they reach for a toy, practice a split, or do a cartwheel.

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If you are eager to become a personal trainer to children then you need to do our Exercise and Children Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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Why Skipping Is On The Rise In At-Home Fitness https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-skipping-is-on-the-rise-in-at-home-fitness/ Fri, 09 Jul 2021 05:00:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25056 Skipping rope sales have risen, too — and quite significantly. Skipping is safe, convenient and effective. Owing to social distancing orders and gym closures, new populations have become interested in the safe, convenient, and effective training tool. It’s no secret that plenty of physical activity is essential for good health. As we cannot step out...

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Skipping rope sales have risen, too — and quite significantly. Skipping is safe, convenient and effective. Owing to social distancing orders and gym closures, new populations have become interested in the safe, convenient, and effective training tool.

It’s no secret that plenty of physical activity is essential for good health. As we cannot step out of the house in quarantine, we need to find a way of exercising indoors. It’s not too difficult as all you need is a sturdy skipping rope. Yes! Skipping with a rope is a fun, high-intensity interval-training workout that is free and effective.

Skipping Improves Heart Rate

One of the best benefits of skipping is that it is one of the best form of cardiovascular exercises out there, which contributes to a healthy heart. Your cardiovascular framework encompasses your heart, along with the arteries and veins which help to circulate blood and oxygen between your heart as well as the other organs of your body. By increasing the capacity of this framework, your heart will work more efficiently. In addition, you will find yourself suffering less from shortness of breath amid various activities, as it will assist you to build your stamina.

Total-Body Strengthening

Skipping is all about full body strengthening. It’s really head-to-toe engagement for the entire time that you’re exercising. The movement particularly targets your legs (think: calves, quads, and hamstrings, as well as the muscles in your feet and ankles).

In addition, skipping also works your core, biceps, and shoulders. What’s really neat is that you don’t need to think actively about engaging all of these muscle groups at the same time while you jump—it tends to just take place naturally.

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Best Tool for Weight Loss

One of the chief benefits of skipping is that it is a great tool to achieve weight loss. Jumping rope for 30 minutes can burn roughly 300 calories, and hence, so as to lose one kilogram for each week, you should skip for 30 minutes consistently and cut out 400 calories from your diet.

While this may appear to be challenging at the start, it will set the motion for weight reduction in the most beneficial way. Skipping is an astonishing and simple approach to lose those extra calories. It is safer as opposed to jogging or running as you arrive on your toes while doing it, without severely affecting your knees.

Boosts Bone Density

Skipping can help build bone density owing to the impact of jumping. In actual fact, a small 2015 study of premenopausal women demonstrated that jumping rope can improve hip bone mineral density. This matters as bone density tends to decrease with age, which could lead to conditions such as osteocalcin (pronounced softening of the bones) and osteoporosis. In addition, it could also predispose you to fractures.

By building bone density through activities such as skipping, you are able to reduce your risk of these issues. Although if you already have osteoporosis, it’s best to ask your doctor first before starting exercise like jumping rope as the high impact may be harmful to already weakened bones.

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If you would like to learn more about different types of exercise then you need to really think about becoming a personal trainer with Trifocus Fitness Academy. For more information about this course, please follow this link.

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Does Music Help When Exercising? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/does-music-help-when-exercising/ Thu, 08 Jul 2021 05:00:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25044 Listening to music while you’re exercising doesn’t just relieve boredom. This practice can help to improve the quality of your workout through increasing your stamina as well as putting you in a far better mood than you were previously. In particular, music which is motivational – or synchronised – with your exercise is shown to...

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Listening to music while you’re exercising doesn’t just relieve boredom. This practice can help to improve the quality of your workout through increasing your stamina as well as putting you in a far better mood than you were previously.

In particular, music which is motivational – or synchronised – with your exercise is shown to have physical as well as psychological effects. When a song has a robust and steady beat, for instance, you are able to pedal or run to the beat of that song, which tends to feel satisfying and could also inspire you to exercise more.  The lyrics or captivating rhythm of motivational music will inspire you to exercise longer or work harder during your exercise routine.

When you’re performing a speed or HIIT workout, you could be looking for an extra push to help you to hit your splits or nail a circuit. Can music be the motivation you are looking for? It just might be: According to new research out of Canada, your upbeat, motivational music assists you with performing when it comes to these kinds of challenging workouts.

Music Can Improve Your Workout Performance

Even when you’re tired and feeling groggy, listening to music can give you that extra boost which you need to work harder as well as move faster. In fact, one study found that runners who listen to motivating music during a race completed it faster as opposed to runners who didn’t listen to music at all. Put together a playlist which includes songs that motivate you—whether that means the Rocky theme song or [songs by] Beyoncé.

Psychological Effects Of Music On Workouts

Music can lead to feelings of joy or displeasure, may change thought processes, and may also cause changes in behaviour. This psychological effect may be seen by physical changes in hormone levels. For instance, a 2012 study showed that participants who listened to music they deemed to be pleasing had higher levels of serotonin, which is known as the “feel-good” hormone. Although challenging to prove the effects, this study makes the suggestion that the pleasurable experience of listening to a song could result in an increase in serotonin levels, which can put you in a better mood for your workout.

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Music May Assist You To Keep Pace

Music creates a “rhythm response” which is the tendency for people to synchronise their movements with the music. Think of making use of a metronome when you’re learning to play the piano. Moving to a beat seems to assist the body be more efficient with energy. Music and exercise go together like the sea and sand

The best tempo is between 120 and 140 beats per minute (BPM). Most commercial dance music and many rock songs are in or near that range he says. This tempo typically matches the average heart rate during a workout.

This Allows For The Fastest Recovery

You will probably match your stride to a high-paced song mid-workout. And you can really be able to bring your heart rate down to a slower song. This is why the “slow down” music in nearly all fitness classes is, well, slow! Research has shown that listening to slow, relaxing music after an intense workout brings your heart rate down faster than silence.

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Should I Exercise After My COVID Shot? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/should-i-exercise-after-my-covid-shot-find-out-in-this-article/ Wed, 07 Jul 2021 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25035 Should you truly get your sweat on after getting the jab, or should you sit this one out? The short answer: Sure, in most cases, it’s totally OK exercise after your COVID shot — as long as you’re feeling well enough. However, some of the more common vaccine side effects might impact your exercise plans,...

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Should you truly get your sweat on after getting the jab, or should you sit this one out? The short answer: Sure, in most cases, it’s totally OK exercise after your COVID shot — as long as you’re feeling well enough. However, some of the more common vaccine side effects might impact your exercise plans, so it’s best to be aware of those — as well as how you can plan your physical activity around your vaccine— in order that you feel as good as possible.

Can I Exercise After The COVID-19 Vaccine?

If you had plans for joining a workout class directly after your vaccine, you may want to re-plan. Light exercise is fine however we generally recommend avoiding very hard exercise in the 48 hours post vaccination. This is on the foundation that a large proportion of individuals will develop some, usually minor, side effects (such as headache as well as muscle aches).

Research has found that 83% of young individuals who had the Pfizer vaccine reported local reactogenicity (in other words, arm aches) and 50% of people had systemic reactogenicity including fatigue as well as headache.

It is really not pleasant to try and exercise hard with these types of symptoms, so it’s best that you plan your training week around your vaccination as well as build in a couple of recovery days.

What Do You Need To Know About Exercising After A COVID-19 Vaccine?

First things first. There is probably not anything dangerous about exercising after you get the vaccine —even if you have some of the more painful side effects such as muscle aches or a mild fever. The only risk of performing exercise after a COVID-19 vaccine is that some of the side effects may lower the quality of your workout and make it less enjoyable overall. There is no evidence that exercising right before or right after the vaccine could impact the effectiveness of the vaccine.

As a rule of thumb, ensure that listen to your body. If, post-vaccination, you don’t feel well enough to exercise, make sure that you take a rest day. Missing your favourite Peloton class might suck but forcing yourself to break a sweat when you’re not feeling good is counterproductive. You’re not going to be able to perform your best.

Depending on the type as well as intensity of your side effects, you may elect to do a gentler style of your standard workout routine. For instance, if your arm is achy however the rest of your body feels fine, you may modify your full-body strength workout for it to be just a leg and core-focused routine. Or if you’re feeling a little lethargic, however still want to get some movement in, you might go on a long walk instead of your typical HIIT workout.

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Is It Safe For You To Exercise After The Covid-19 Vaccine?

Exercising when you feel nauseous, fatigued, headachy or are suffering from muscle pain is not advised, if that’s through illness, a hangover, a vaccine or any other cause. As for whether your workout will impact your vaccine, there’s no known evidence for exercise to impact the effectiveness of the vaccine.

If you feel completely side-effect free, it is probably safe for you to exercise. However, given that side-effects can take a while to develop, there’s no need to push yourself. Stick to gentle exercise -such as walking – for 48 hours. Except if you are a very elite or professional athlete, there’s simply no need to exercise on the day of your COVID-19 appointment.

Remember that the COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t mean you are immune to coronavirus or can’t pass it on to other people, so if you do decide to go to the gym or play sport, ensure that you are training safely.

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How Much Time Do You In Fact Need To Spend In The Gym? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-much-time-do-you-in-fact-need-to-spend-in-the-gym/ Tue, 06 Jul 2021 05:00:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25024 One of the most commonly asked questions which exercisers ask is: “how long should I spend in the gym?” The answer to this query is very much dependent on your goals as well as current health status. While adhering to minimum guidelines for physical activity can assist with maintaining health and combat the negative effects...

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One of the most commonly asked questions which exercisers ask is: “how long should I spend in the gym?” The answer to this query is very much dependent on your goals as well as current health status. While adhering to minimum guidelines for physical activity can assist with maintaining health and combat the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, it takes more effort to lose weight as well as get fit. In addition, a person’s current level of fitness will also determine how much they need exercise each day.

When individuals wonder how long they should be spending in the gym they may hope the answer is less versus more. In fact, the latest health and fitness trend is to do shorter workouts for weight loss. However, this fad might not always be effective for everyone—whether you’re trying to lose weight or enhance your level of fitness.

The best method to decide on how long you should work out for at the gym shouldn’t be based on fitness trends. Of course, you are able to (and should) still include short workouts on rotation in your schedule. However, you will also have to do some cardiovascular workouts which are a little bit longer if you want to lose weight as well as stay healthy.

Less Time In The Gym Is Sometimes More

It’s not as if we haven’t heard it before: Exercise is a super essential part of the health equation. A total of 30 minutes a day is where it starts.

Thirty minutes of physical activity is – across the board for all adults – essential every day of the week. Meeting the 30-minute threshold at the gym will help a person maintain a healthy weight as well as reap health benefits such as lowering the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes as well as hypertension.

From there on, the amount of physical activity which a person needs climbs, depending on their weight status.

Gym Time Builds Strength

Muscle mass decreases with age, which highlights the importance of steady resistance training. Strength training builds stronger muscles and bones in order to support the joints as well as prevent fractures and may even be beneficial for managing arthritis.

In addition to building a regular strength training regimen, it’s very important to make sure that you’re still incorporating sufficient cardiovascular activity to sustain or improve your current level of aerobic fitness.

Switching up your workout routines as well as workout lengths can assist with staving off boredom and help you to remain motivated. However, be sure to carve out time for rest and recovery days to avoid injury or burnout.

Exercise At The Gym For Health

Exercise is the best-kept secret in terms of preventive medicine. In spite of our other differences, we all need to exercise for health. Regular exercise offers essential protection against many of the diseases which plague our country. The list comprises:

  • Heart attack,
  • Stroke,
  • High blood pressure,
  • Diabetes,
  • Obesity,
  • Osteoporosis and fractures,
  • Depression,
  • Colon and breast cancers, and
  • Dementia (memory loss).

Contact With Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are eager to discover additional information about exercise, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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How To Exercise With Your Children? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-exercise-with-your-children-find-out-in-this-article/ Mon, 05 Jul 2021 05:00:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=25007 If you’re a parent, particularly of small children, your workout time could very well be limited. There are definitely ways to fit in solo exercise time, such as quite early on in the morning, late at night, while the children are taking part in an activity, at a gym with childcare facilities, or when a...

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If you’re a parent, particularly of small children, your workout time could very well be limited. There are definitely ways to fit in solo exercise time, such as quite early on in the morning, late at night, while the children are taking part in an activity, at a gym with childcare facilities, or when a partner, grandparent, or sitter is able to take charge of the kids. However, let’s face it. That doesn’t always occur.

But your duties as a parent don’t have to disrupt your fitness goals. Rather, embrace exercising with your children around. Actually, you will be able to get them moving along with you, introducing positive fitness habits into your kids’ lives as well as providing great opportunities for family bonding.

Parenting is a full-time job. Even a few minutes’ worth of ‘me-time’ can feel nigh-on impossible to achieve when you have children. However, with a few simple steps you can incorporate your kids into your exercise regime and turn it into fun-time!

Here are some ideas about how to stay fit and involve your children as well.

Push-ups

Modify push-ups – in addition to other strength training moves (such as squats, lunges, sit-ups as well as planks) – in order to match your child’s ability. While you will do a traditional push-up (toes on the floor, legs as well as back straight, elbows bent), your child will be able to push up from his knees or just lie on their stomach and then straighten their arms.

In addition, you can do simple bicep curls, ​tricep raises, and chest presses with a set of hand weights. Older children can join you, using 1- to 2-kilogram weights. Give younger kids bean bags, cylindrical wooden blocks, or water bottles (fill partway to add weight) if they want weights of their own. Count together as you lift and you’re practising numbers, too!

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Squats

Squats are the signature movement when it comes down to toning your lower body. Having your child on your back gives a whole different dimension to your workout.

Try this:

  • Stand up tall with your feet at a shoulder-width distance apart and your toes pointed somewhat outward.
  • Bend your knees and then lower your hips as if you were sitting down. Your child now should climb onto your back, putting their arms around your neck as well as their hands on your chest. Hold onto your child’s hands in order to keep them safe and sturdy.
  • Now, you lower your hips down until they form a 90-degree bend at your knee. Contract your abdominal muscles and pushing your weight down into your heels. Push straight back up, lifting your hips up and forward.

Running And Walking

Take your child along while you run, walk, bike, or in-line skate. Babies, toddlers as well as young pre-schoolers are able to ride in a jogging stroller, bike seat, or bike trailer. Older pre-schoolers can get their own workout on scooters, tricycles, bikes or – alternatively – in-line skates while you walk, jog, or run. If you are a cyclist, contemplate a trail-a-bike which turns your bike into a tandem-style bike for you and your child.

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If you would like to become an exercise specialist then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Is Suspension Training Good For? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-suspension-training-good-for-read-this-article/ Fri, 02 Jul 2021 05:00:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24996 Most individuals believe that lifting weights – or extreme workouts – are the only way in order to achieve results. Suspension training is an exercise method which is shown to improve total body strength, stability as well as cardiovascular health. This is done minus traditional weightlifting, swinging kettlebells, or lifting semi-truck tyres. The suspension training...

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Most individuals believe that lifting weights – or extreme workouts – are the only way in order to achieve results. Suspension training is an exercise method which is shown to improve total body strength, stability as well as cardiovascular health. This is done minus traditional weightlifting, swinging kettlebells, or lifting semi-truck tyres.

The suspension training system was developed by a Navy Seal over 20 years ago and since then has captured the attention of athletes, coaches and personal trainers. It continues to grow as an effective programme utilised by professional athletes, every branch of the military, Olympians as well as gyms worldwide.

The gist is quite simple. Suspension training involves any bodyweight exercise that is done while using straps, cords, rings, ropes or chains that are suspended from a single or multiple vertical anchor points. However, the question, of course, is why someone should try this form of training?

Delivers A Fast, Effective Total-Body Workout

Whether you want to build strength, lose fat, improve endurance or flexibility, suspension training can be used in order to achieve any fitness goal. By just leveraging your body weight in order to perform hundreds of exercises, you are able to get a full body workout while – at the same time – working your core. And because you’re working with one training tool and are able to adjust your weight on the fly, you can minimise your training time by switching from one exercise to the next in just a matter seconds.

Suitable For All Fitness Levels

It doesn’t matter whether you’re an Olympic athlete or just venturing out into a new fitness hobby. Suspension training is useful for all levels of athlete. Just by altering your body position slightly, the load may be increased or decreased on your muscles meaning that everyone can use this method of training.

Helps To Build A Rock-Solid Core

Having a strong core means more as opposed to having a visible six-pack. If you would like to move, feel and look better, chances are good that you should start with your core. That’s why any movement performed during suspension training requires that you brace – as well as stabilise – with your abs, obliques and lower-back so you are able to leverage your own bodyweight as resistance. Suspension training exercises use functional movements to help you increase your overall core fitness.

Versatility

Just two adjustable bands offer a comprehensive workout to every single muscle in your body. You are able to transport them easily and set up the suspension training system anywhere, so when you come back from your healthy holiday, totally addicted, you will be able to buy your own and carry on enjoying the benefits wherever you are.

Low Impact Nature

Owing to its suspended nature, suspension training is very low impact and means that your joints are not put under much stress. In turn, this means that there is a low risk of injury, allowing you to train as hard as you wish with less risk of causing or agitating a pre-existing injury.

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How Can I Level Up My Weight Training Routine? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-i-level-up-my-weight-training-routine/ Fri, 02 Jul 2021 05:00:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24992 It’s quite a familiar scene. You scan in at the gym front desk, drop your stuff in the locker room, and head to the same workout bench with the same Drake-fuelled playlist so that you can do the same three sets which you did on chest day last week. Don’t get us wrong, a consistent...

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It’s quite a familiar scene. You scan in at the gym front desk, drop your stuff in the locker room, and head to the same workout bench with the same Drake-fuelled playlist so that you can do the same three sets which you did on chest day last week.

Don’t get us wrong, a consistent weight training routine is one of the best habits which you can have. However, when you lock into the same old thing week in and week out, you set yourself up to plateau, burn out, or just give up your weight training routine altogether.

If you’ve ever engaged in weight lifting, you’ve possibly heard of the feared plateau — that is, the moment which your body stops getting stronger or losing fat as it’s adapted so well to your workouts.

Adaptation is a good thing because it means you’ve been working consistently. In addition, it means that your body is stronger and able to handle your workouts. The bad side is that you’re probably likely to hit a plateau, which is a situation you can avoid by changing your workouts regularly.

Own The “Big Four”

The squat, deadlift, bench press as well as shoulder press are the best weight training exercises – period. The chin-up and row are great moves as well, however, don’t make them the focus of your workout. They can be assistance lifts to complement the bench and shoulder press, keeping your pulling muscles in balance with the pressing ones.

Change Up Your Frequency

How often you lift weights depends upon the type of training that you’re doing. If you’re following a total body programme, you’ll need at least a day of rest between workouts. For this reason, you may lift two or three times every single week. If you’re doing a split routine and lifting weights for different muscles on alternate days, you could lift four or more times a week.

Changing how frequently you exercise will change the format of your workouts, pushing you past your plateau. Here are some ideas:

  • Mix it up. You don’t need to do one or the other. Try a total body workout on one day and then an upper body workout – as well as a lower body workout – later in the week so you can keep things interesting.
  • Try a split routine. Going from total body training to split workouts will give you the opportunity you to do more exercises and also focus more on each and every single muscle group. Some examples include the following:
  • Switching up upper body with lower body workouts, alternating push exercises and pull exercises, or merely working opposing muscle groups on different days.
  • Try out a total body programme. If you’ve been doing a split routine, going back to total body training can be refreshing as well as a great way to lighten up on your training schedule for a week or two.

Remember that you don’t want to work the same muscles two days in a row, so set up your schedule so that you always include at least one day of rest.

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Want to learn more about weight training? If you do then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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What’s The Best Way To Use Anaerobic Exercise To Maximise Your Workouts? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/whats-the-best-way-to-use-anaerobic-exercise-to-maximise-your-workouts/ Wed, 30 Jun 2021 05:00:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24926 The deeper that you get into the fitness world, the more science-y terms you’ve possibly come across. Take anaerobic exercise, for example. You’ve probably heard that phrase thrown around, however what does it really mean? Anaerobic exercise — which is a higher intensity, higher power form of exercise — is different from aerobic exercise. Although...

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The deeper that you get into the fitness world, the more science-y terms you’ve possibly come across. Take anaerobic exercise, for example. You’ve probably heard that phrase thrown around, however what does it really mean?

Anaerobic exercise — which is a higher intensity, higher power form of exercise — is different from aerobic exercise. Although the term might not be one that you’re familiar with, anaerobic exercise is a very common and effective workout. In fact, you’ve possibly put yourself through an anaerobic workout at some point in your life.

Just from the word “anaerobic,” we are able to deduce that anaerobic exercise is not aerobic. This we know. However, after that, for most of us, things can get a little fuzzy. Oxygen comes to mind. And high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is anaerobic, right?

What Are The Types Of Anaerobic Exercises?

Anaerobic exercise is any activity which breaks down glucose for energy without making use of oxygen. Generally, these pursuits are of short length with high intensity. The notion is that a lot of energy is released within a small period of time, and your demand for oxygen surpasses the oxygen supply.

Exercises and movements which require short bursts of intense energy are instances of anaerobic exercises.

These include:

  • Weightlifting,
  • Jumping or jumping rope,
  • Sprinting,
  • High-intensity interval training (HIIT), and
  • Biking

What’s The Distinction Between Aerobic Exercise And Anaerobic Exercise?

Both aerobic exercise as well as anaerobic exercise require that energy, however they have different methods of generating it. During aerobic metabolism, your body makes use of oxygen in order to break down ATP for energy. However, anaerobic exercise doesn’t depend on oxygen to access that energy. Instead, it breaks down fast-acting compounds in order to get the fuel it requires from that ATP.

Aerobic metabolism is great at providing the body with a lot of energy, however it does it at quite a slow pace. Aerobic metabolism fuels low-intensity exercise and endurance workouts, such as your long runs, walking, jogging, or restorative yoga. It produces energy by burning either fat or carbs:

  • Fat: Aerobic exercise – which is low enough in intensity that you are able to do it simply for more than a few minutes at a time – is mostly fuelled by fat. Fat is an energy-rich nutrient (offering nine calories per gram as compared to four per gram for carbs or protein). This is why it can supply energy for so long. It just takes quite a long time for your body to chew through.
  • Carbohydrates: As your intensity goes up (but before it becomes difficult), carbs come into play as energy. Your aerobic metabolism is able to break down glucose in your bloodstream and glycogen — which are stored carbs — in your liver or muscles, through a process which is called slow glycolysis. This can take place when you’re transitioning to a greater intensity, such as when you’re just starting to ramp up your swimming pace.

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How To Develop A More Balanced Workout Plan? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-develop-a-more-balanced-workout-plan/ Wed, 30 Jun 2021 05:00:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24921 There is no one single type of exercise which can take care of all your requirements. Actually, in order to get the most benefits from your routine, you would need to include a mixture of actions during the course of a week. If not, it’s like a diet which consists just of fruit — healthful...

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There is no one single type of exercise which can take care of all your requirements. Actually, in order to get the most benefits from your routine, you would need to include a mixture of actions during the course of a week. If not, it’s like a diet which consists just of fruit — healthful as far as it goes, though lacking a lot of the nutrients you’ll find in other foods, such as fish, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.

With benefits such as better sleep quality, a boost in brainpower as well as augmented quantities of happiness, it’s no doubt because exercise is a significant part of your day-to-day practice. The point that you’re getting up and outside is a win in itself, however science and fitness experts concur: There are loads of benefits to diversifying your workouts, particular if you would like to avoid injury.

Variety is the spice of fitness. One of the truest ways to hit a plateau is to do the same workout over and over. While it’s not for everyone, you can work out every single day if you would like to forgo a rest day-as long as you do so quickly. You are able to do some type of cardio or strength training seven days a week if you really want to. Particularly if you’re not doing max lifts, and opting for smaller sets of 10-or-so reps.” (And be sure you’re hitting that foam roller.)

Take A Leaf Out Of Elite Athletes’ Books

Take elite marathoners, for instance. Whether they’re performing speedwork or logging miles, the bulk of their training rotates around pounding the pavement, trails as well as track. However, to be truly competitive, in addition they strength train. Not only can it lower their risk of injury, but research shows that it can also boost speed, power output in addition to time to exhaustion.

On the flipside, strength athletes who knit cardio into their training plans can really gain more muscle than if they just lifted weights — not to mention increase their overall endurance as well as exercise capacity.

Personal trainers and coaches call this type of athletic activities “cross-training”. The advantages are numerous and not only can taking part in a sport or activity – other than your primary one – expand your athletic skillset, however it can also enhance your existing one and lower your risk of injury by working out your muscles in new ways. Just as importantly, giving new and unique activities a try can assist to eliminate the boredom and monotony that frequently comes with being singularly focused on your workouts.

How To Develop A Balanced Exercise Plan

So, what does a balanced exercise routine consist of? All adults are urged to include the following types of exercise in their weekly workout routines:

  • 150 minutes of reasonable aerobic exercise every single week (for instance, 30 minutes on each one of the five days), or
  • 75 minutes of robust aerobic activity (or a corresponding mix of the two),
  • More than two strength training sessions each and every single week, with at least two days in between in order to allow muscles the opportunity to recover, and
  • Balance exercises for older adults who are at risk for falls.

If this all sounds overwhelming, keep in mind that workouts can be broken up into smaller segments. For instance, three 10-minute walks can get you to your day-to-day goal of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise.

In addition, each workout should also consist of a simple warm-up at the beginning and a cool-down at the end. The warm-up should consist of gentle exercise, such as marching in place, in order to loosen up your muscles as well as get more oxygen-rich blood flowing to them. To cool down, slow your activity and the intensity for five to 10 minutes, then finish off with stretches to help prevent stiffness.

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Making The Most Out Of Your Workout 101. Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/making-the-most-out-of-your-workout-101-find-out-more/ Tue, 29 Jun 2021 05:00:56 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24889 No one hits the gym just eager for so-so results. You go in wanting to get 100% out of each and every rep, run and hard-earned bead of sweat. Luckily for you, scientists and researchers want exactly the same thing. If your New Year’s resolution, has you arranging to lift more weights, running more or...

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No one hits the gym just eager for so-so results. You go in wanting to get 100% out of each and every rep, run and hard-earned bead of sweat. Luckily for you, scientists and researchers want exactly the same thing.

If your New Year’s resolution, has you arranging to lift more weights, running more or sweating more, chances are that you’re looking to do it in the most efficient as well as efficient way possible. Of course, showing up may be half the battle however the other half of the battle is composed of hard work, consistency, and working out smartly.

You don’t want to devote long hours at the gym, however you want to get stronger, fitter, leaner, and also just plain look good. It’s conceivable that you’re not getting the most out of your workout time. It’s possible to get a super-efficient workout in 30 minutes, and only do a few workouts a week, if you maximise your workouts.

Lift Weights

If you just do cardio, you’re harming yourself. Your metabolism will really go down, making weight loss far more difficult. Resistance training, however, builds muscle in order to increase your metabolic rate. This explains why, in one study of 10 500 adults, those who spent 20 minutes a day weight training added less abdominal fat over the course of 12 years (as compared to those who devoted the same amount of time doing cardio).

Walk Into The Gym With A Plan

Ensuring that you have a plan of action prior to you stepping foot in the gym can assist you to avoid wandering meaninglessly around while you make the decision about what to do next. This indecision not only adds time to your workout, but it also makes it less efficient as you’re allowing your heart rate to drop.

A crystal-clear plan is your secret weapon. Know which types of exercises you’re going to do, where you’re going to do them as well as in what order.

In addition, it’s a good idea to have a plan B, just in case the machine or floor space you were planning on utilising is taken. Move on to other aspects of your workout and then come back or be armed with a backup exercise in mind that utilises different equipment.

Limit Your Workouts To 30-40 Minutes

Though the propensity of some people who actually want to get a lot out of their workouts is to spend quite a lot of time at the gym, the actual truth is that after 30 or 40 minutes, the advantage isn’t as great. To go that long, you’d need to lower the intensity of the workout, and that means that you’re devoting too much time working out. It’s far better to work out at a higher intensity for a shorter amount of time.

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What Hand Exercises Will Ease Arthritis Pain? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-hand-exercises-will-ease-arthritis-pain-find-out-in-this-article/ Tue, 29 Jun 2021 05:00:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24893 Arthritis wears away at the cartilage as well as the synovial lining of a joint, which is the cushioning material that is between bones. When arthritis influences the joints of the hands, it may cause pain as well as stiffness. This pain can get worse whenever you make use of the hand a lot —...

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Arthritis wears away at the cartilage as well as the synovial lining of a joint, which is the cushioning material that is between bones. When arthritis influences the joints of the hands, it may cause pain as well as stiffness. This pain can get worse whenever you make use of the hand a lot — for instance, when typing on a computer keyboard or gripping utensils in the kitchen. In addition, you may lose strength in your hands. Weakness in your hands can make it difficult to do even the easiest everyday tasks, for example opening jars.

How To Treat Hand Arthritis

There are a number of medicinal options for handling hand arthritis. You are able to take oral pain-relieving medications. In addition, you can also get steroid injections in your joints and then splint your hands in order to give them support. If these alternatives don’t work, you might need to have surgery in order to fix the damaged joint.

There are also a number of different home treatments you can utilise to reduce the pain and disability of arthritis.

One easy and non-invasive way to make sure that you keep the joints flexible, improve range of motion, as well as relieve arthritis pain is by doing hand exercises. Hand exercises can assist with strengthening the muscles that support the hand joints. This can assist you to perform hand movements with less discomfort.

In addition, movement can help to keep ligaments – as well as tendons – flexible. This can assist with boosting range of motion and hand function. Finally, exercise can boost the production of synovial fluid, which can also improve joint function.

Tips For Hand Exercises For Before You Begin

Do Them Throughout Your Day

Many of these exercises can performed [resting hands] on the table or counter, however you are able to do them wherever you happen to be standing in line, commuting on the train or bus, even in bed, before you begin your daily activities.

Be Gentle

Do all motions slowly. Stop when you feel tension, so you don’t injure yourself. For each exercise, hold for two to three seconds if possible, and do reps of 10 for each hand. The whole set can be done daily. But if anything hurts, stop.

Be Mindful While Doing The Exercises

Breathing in with your nose and then out with your mouth to help relax and reduce stress is another thing to incorporate.

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Exercises To Try

Make A Fist

You can do this simple exercise wherever and anytime that your hand feels stiff:

  • Begin by having your left hand out with all of your fingers straight.
  • Then, gradually bend your hand into a fist, putting your thumb on the outside of your hand. Be gentle and don’t squeeze your hand.
  • Open your hand until your fingers become straight once again.
  • Repeat the exercise 10 times with your left hand. Then repeat the whole sequence with your right hand.

Finger Bends

  • Begin in the same position as in the previous exercise, with your left hand held up straight.
  • Bend your thumb down towards your palm. Hold it for a couple of seconds.
  • Straighten your thumb back up.
  • Bend your index finger down towards your palm. Hold it for a number of seconds.
  • Then straighten it.
  • Repeat this exercise with each finger on your left hand. Then repeat the whole sequence on the right hand.

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If you would like to learn additional information about exercise, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma.  Read more by following this link.

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How To Improve Your Strength With Olympic Lifts https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-improve-your-strength-with-olympic-lifts/ Thu, 24 Jun 2021 05:10:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24881 Olympic weightlifting is not something which people naturally pick up and find fantastic success at on a frequent basis. While it is true that some people who are gifted at Olympic lifts may transition/get started quite easily into the formal competition lifts (snatch as well as clean and jerk), the harsh reality is most beginners...

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Olympic weightlifting is not something which people naturally pick up and find fantastic success at on a frequent basis. While it is true that some people who are gifted at Olympic lifts may transition/get started quite easily into the formal competition lifts (snatch as well as clean and jerk), the harsh reality is most beginners and newcomers (in addition to lifters who have been training however have not continue to progress past the first surge of success) may not be doing everything they should to truly advanced one’s Olympic lifting.

The Clean And Jerk Is Perhaps The Most Recognisable Olympic Lift Of All

The barbell begins on the floor in front of the athlete. The Olympic lifter will then utilise an overhand grip in order to grasp the barbell. The lifter will then lift the barbell in a jerking fashion, while making use of the legs and straight back in order to move the weight forward, up and then on to your chest or shoulders.

Finally, the ending position is with the barbell to be lifted over your head and kept there for two seconds without the Olympic lifter moving. This move is also known as the military press as armies use it in order to test their soldier’s capabilities to lift as well as move equipment and supplies.

The shoulders, knees and legs will make use of explosive movements in order to shift the barbell upward in two motions. You are able to utilise your torso to ‘catch’ the barbell prior to the final press. It’s very important that you have a strong back, particularly your spinal erector muscles along the spine. To train this lift, you should utilise an empty barbell and focus on the movement and then slowly add weight. Focus on form and your breathing.

For those practising the Clean + Jerk, there are two main issues to conquer:

  1. Having skilled technique regardless of the weight on the bar, and
  2. Acquiring the highest 1RM possible.

Much attention is given to method, as well it should be, however we frequently don’t discuss what exercises are best utilised to actually build strength in the Clean + Jerk.

There is always the clear. “You want to be better at the Clean + Jerk? Well, then do more Clean + Jerk!” Of course, that’s true. However, what ELSE is there? There are some fitness coaches and athletes out there who feel they should max out every day. To me, however, testing your personal record (aka “P.R.”) often isn’t the answer. It may help for a limited time but will ultimately lead to overtraining, fatigue and injury.

Squat With Integrity

Many Olympic lifters prioritise squatting strength and justly so. Weightlifting puts a high demand on an athlete’s maximal strength, in particular the high bar back squat. Many Olympic lifters, however, may choose to sacrifice integrity in the squat (so allowing a less vertical torso and hips shooting up out of bottom) so that they almost do a hybrid low bar/good morning/whatever else will shift more weight (same is true for the front squat).

Squatting in weightlifting should be made use of in order to increase one’s clean, and jerk as it is the ultimate strength movement in order to build a stronger, more forceful base. Without squatting using the same mechanics required to have a direct correlation to the lifts, your weightlifting (clean and jerk) performance may stay stagnant even though your squat numbers go up. Bottom line, squat with integrity, then add load.

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What Are The Best Exercises For Men? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-exercises-for-men-find-out-more/ Thu, 24 Jun 2021 05:05:44 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24877 Frequent exercises offer countless benefits. It boosts your immune system, enhances your bone health as well as lowers health risks like heart problem, diabetes and a lot more life-threatening diseases. With the growing family responsibilities as well as demanding jobs, exercise takes a backseat in the main concerns list. Most of us give superb excuses...

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Frequent exercises offer countless benefits. It boosts your immune system, enhances your bone health as well as lowers health risks like heart problem, diabetes and a lot more life-threatening diseases. With the growing family responsibilities as well as demanding jobs, exercise takes a backseat in the main concerns list.

Most of us give superb excuses for not exercising frequently. Being too busy is the by far the most common excuse one makes. However, with proper planning you will be able to take some time out of your frantic schedule for your future own well-being. There is no doubt that routine exercise is the best path to live fit as well as healthy life.

Every guy who’s into fitness has some approach, piece of equipment, or programme they like over anything else. Some like to do circuit train every day, some adhere to bodybuilding protocols, and still other individuals participate in any number of fitness trends and fads. However, there are some exercises which have withstood the test of time, no matter what your approach is. These moves have become staples in every major weightlifter’s plan. If you’re serious about your gym routine at all, you need to make sure that you add these into your workouts.

Jumping Jacks

This exercise targets the entire body. Jumping jacks are the best cardiovascular exercises. There are a number of different benefits including it in your everyday exercise programme. It makes your heart stronger, makes muscles stronger, assists in weight loss, builds stronger bones and uplifts your mood instantly and assists with relieving stress. It makes you stronger and flexible by improving your stability as well as stamina.

How to do this exercise:

  • Stand straight with your feet together and then your hands on your sides.
  • Jump along while raising your arms above your head and bring your feet apart.
  • Immediately reverse the movement and come back to the original position.
  • Start doing it faster.

Deadlift

Perhaps the king of all exercises, the deadlift hits every single major muscle group hard, and is probably the greatest test of strength there is. Owing to all the muscles involved, it releases a massive amount of testosterone (a muscle-building hormone) into the bloodstream. Owing to this reason, the deadlift is a phenomenal cornerstone for any fitness plan. Use this six-week training plan for a new personal best.

Plank

The plank is the best exercise for rock-hard abs. A straightforward exercise for beginners for stronger abs and to strengthen your shoulder, arms as well as back. It can be done in many variations.

How to do this exercise:

  • Get into push up position with your elbows bent at 90 degrees and keep your body weight on your forearms.
  • Ensure that your body is in a straight line from the head to feet.
  • Hold on to the position as long as you can.

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Exercises To Help You Sleep Better. Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-to-help-you-sleep-better-fin-d-out-more-in-this-article/ Thu, 24 Jun 2021 05:00:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24865 The link between regular exercise as well as sleep quality has been studied widely. Current research strongly makes the suggestion that exercise and sleep share a bidirectional relationship. Moderate exercise during the day can assist people to sleep better, while not getting sufficient sleep could lead to lower levels of day-to-day physical activity. Some kinds...

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The link between regular exercise as well as sleep quality has been studied widely. Current research strongly makes the suggestion that exercise and sleep share a bidirectional relationship. Moderate exercise during the day can assist people to sleep better, while not getting sufficient sleep could lead to lower levels of day-to-day physical activity.

Some kinds of exercise promote better, higher-quality sleep as opposed to others. Understanding which types of exercises are best for sleep – and when you need to work out during the day – can help to ensure you get sufficient rest on a nightly basis.

Exercises Are Great For Your Body And Mind

In addition, to working out can also help you get a good night’s sleep. However, for some individuals, exercising too late in the day may disturb with how well they rest at night.

Based on existing studies, we have solid evidence that exercise does, in fact, help you to fall asleep more quickly and also boosts sleep quality. However, there’s still some debate as to what time of day you should exercise. We encourage individuals to heed to their bodies to see how well they sleep in response to when they work out.

Which Kinds of Exercise Are Best For Sleep?

Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic or “cardio” exercise encourages more rapid breathing as well as faster heartbeats. This type of exercise can boost blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease.

Aerobic exercise is calculated in intensity. Moderate-intensity activities will boost your heart rate as well as cause you to perspire. Examples include brisk walking, water aerobics as well as semi-hilly bike rides. Vigorous-intensity aerobics, which will raise your heart rate to a much greater extent, encompass running or jogging, lap-swimming, intense bike rides in addition to physically demanding sports such as basketball or singles tennis.

An informal way of evaluating the intensity of aerobic movements is known as the Talk Test. During moderate-intensity exercises, you are able to talk at a normal rate however most won’t be able to sing. For vigorous-intensity activities, most individuals can’t speak more than a few words before they need to catch their breath.

Resistance Exercise

Resistance exercise, which is also referred to as strength training, concentrates on building muscle strength through the body. Health experts recommend a mixture of aerobic and resistance exercise to improve different facets of your physiological health. Examples of resistance exercise are:

Lifting weights

Working out using resistance bands

Push-ups, sit-ups, and other resistance exercises

The crucial aspect to effective strength training is repetition. You need to perform sets of resistance exercises which include up to 12 repetitions apiece. Strength training can primarily be very difficult, so first-timers could begin with one set of each activity per workout and slowly increase to multiple sets once they are comfortable.

Yoga

Yoga is a particular type of resistance training which focuses on posture improvement, breathing exercises in addition to meditation. Yoga has been shown to relieve stress, help people lose weight, and lower pain in the neck and lower back.

Practising yoga could also improve sleep quality. While the link between yoga and improved sleep has not been extensively evaluated in terms of the overall population. A number of studies have noted sleep improvements for certain individuals. These include the elderly8, women with sleep problems, and women with Type 2 diabetes.

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If you would like to learn more about exercising, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more by following this link.

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How To Get In Shape With A Virtual Fitness Coach https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-get-in-shape-with-a-virtual-fitness-coach/ Thu, 24 Jun 2021 05:00:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24869 For all its disruptions, the one thing that the pandemic has assisted us to do is engage with the digital world in ways to make our lives a little easier. With lockdown restrictions limiting where and how we work out; health and fitness instructors have adapted to the new normal by taking their training and...

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For all its disruptions, the one thing that the pandemic has assisted us to do is engage with the digital world in ways to make our lives a little easier. With lockdown restrictions limiting where and how we work out; health and fitness instructors have adapted to the new normal by taking their training and advice online.

We’re not all gym people. Some of us like to exercise in the comfort of our own home, however finding the motivation to train at home can occasionally be a chore (the couch is right there). However, hold up, there’s this thing called virtual training gaining steam in the fitness world. All it is that you require is a broadband Internet connection, a webcam and some advice on where to start.

But real talk: Working out with a personal trainer through a screen is undoubtedly different as opposed to having them right beside you. Different, however, does not mean worse. In fact, there are tonnes of benefits to working with a virtual personal trainer — particularly if you learn some tips and tricks to really make it work for you.

Do Your Research

Prospective trainees must make sure the virtual fitness coach is experienced as well as educated. You don’t want to be working out with a trainer who got certified over the weekend. If a fitness coach has worked for 10 to 12 years, you’ll want to go with them. Alternatively, if they’ve had a background in movement, like a professional athlete or a dancer, then that contributes to their knowledge of the body.

Find A Certified Virtual Fitness Coach Who Caters To Your Fitness Goals

More and more virtual fitness coaches look to social media (hello, Instagram live workouts) as well as training apps in order to gain new clients, however it’s important to recognise that anyone can put a workout out there — regardless of how qualified they may or may not be. Judging a virtual fitness coach’s skill set and experience which is based on their Instagram followers as well as videos isn’t exactly the best way to gauge how well (or safely) they’ll actually train you.

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Make Sure That You’re Comfortable

Call (or Skype) and really converse with your prospective virtual fitness coach. Get to know them. Ask for a short session (30 minutes or less) if you’re attempting virtual training for the first time as well as if you’re feeling uncomfortable you are able to stop. If you’re not able to have the first phone call, look at your first experience with the trainer as means of determining if it’s a long-term fitness fit.

Establish A Rapport With Your Virtual Fitness Coach

Establishing rapport is key, whether it’s during an in-person training session or a virtual one. Even though it is simpler to build a rapport with a virtual fitness coach in person, it’s essential to have a strong connection virtually — you will, after all, be training together on days when you don’t really feel like it, or times when your motivation is shot.

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If you would like to discover additional information about developing a virtual fitness coaching business, then you need to do our Entrepreneurship Course. Find out more by following this link.

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Why Is Your Psoas Muscle Key to Fighting Back Pain? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-your-psoas-muscle-key-to-fighting-back-pain/ Wed, 23 Jun 2021 05:00:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24850 The world may be slowly reopening, however it turns out that post-lockdown life, for a lot of us, still includes plenty of sitting and scrolling in addition to TikTok viewing. It can lead to feeling slightly stiff and creaky. However, it’s not just a matter of just feeling a little old — many of these...

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The world may be slowly reopening, however it turns out that post-lockdown life, for a lot of us, still includes plenty of sitting and scrolling in addition to TikTok viewing. It can lead to feeling slightly stiff and creaky. However, it’s not just a matter of just feeling a little old — many of these aching feelings are worth looking into and working on, as opposed to ignoring or just complaining about.

Whether or not you know it, you have a psoas muscle. It’s a muscle — or, more correctly, pair of muscles — that run from your lower back to your hip flexors, linking into your femurs. And it’s important. It’s one of the most essential muscles that no one is talking about.

It’s your deepest core muscle as well as the only muscle in your body which crosses the lumbar spine and the hip joint. As more and more people are sitting more and moving less during the day, issues with this main hip flexor can cause a waterfall of challenges from compensation concerns to knee pain to discomfort which radiates down the leg and more.  Going about your day-to-day with a wonky psoas muscle can result in a higher risk for other problems, ranging from postural changes to shortened stride length — which can really mess with running as well as walking.

What The Psoas Muscles Are Made Of

The psoas muscles are made up of both slow as well as fast twitching muscles. As they are major flexors, weak psoas muscles may cause many of the surrounding muscles to compensate and turn out to be overused. That is the reason why a tight or overstretched psoas muscle could be the source of many of your aches and pains, involving lower back as well as pelvic pain.

The kinds of movement which can strain your psoas muscles include:

  • Standing and twisting from your waist short of moving your feet (think about old-fashioned calisthenics),
  • Any movement which causes your leg to rotate externally while extended, such as ballet-style leg lifts (or battement), as well as
  • Even performing too many sit-ups (your psoas muscles are responsible for completing the last half of a sit-up).

However, as many experts don’t fully understand the complexity of the psoas muscles, it’s not unusual for individuals to be given the wrong diagnoses as well as treatments for their psoas-related pain.

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What Do The Psoas Muscles Do?

The psoas muscles support your internal organs as well as work just like hydraulic pumps, allowing blood and lymph to be pushed into and out of your cells. They are essential not only to your structural well-being but also to your psychological well-being owing to their connection to your breath.

Here’s why.

There are two tendons for the diaphragm (which are called the crura) which extend down and connect with the spine alongside where the psoas muscles connect. One of the ligaments (i.e., the medial arcuate) wraps all over the top of each psoas.

In addition, the diaphragm and the psoas muscles are connected with fascia that also connects the other hip muscles. These connections between the psoas muscle as well as the diaphragm literally connect your ability to walk and breathe and in addition to how you respond to fear and excitement. When you are surprised or under stress, your psoas contracts. Your psoas has a direct impact on your fight-or-flight response.

During protracted periods of stress, your psoas is continually contracted. Exactly the same contraction occurs when you sit for long periods of time, take part in excessive running or walking, sleep in the foetal position, or do a lot of sit-ups. All of these activities compress the front of your hip and shorten your psoas muscle.

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How To Get The Most Out Of Skipping? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-skipping-read-this-article/ Tue, 22 Jun 2021 05:00:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24837 Would you like to learn how to skip for fitness? Skipping is one of the most useful exercises for burning calories, building endurance and strength in as little as 20 minutes. You don’t require a lot of space or equipment, and you can do the workouts wherever you go. It’s the best-kept secret in fitness....

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Would you like to learn how to skip for fitness? Skipping is one of the most useful exercises for burning calories, building endurance and strength in as little as 20 minutes. You don’t require a lot of space or equipment, and you can do the workouts wherever you go. It’s the best-kept secret in fitness.

Skipping may seem like child’s play. However, as any boxer can tell you, it can also be genuine exercise. Individuals have been skipping as exercise for most of civilized history. Egyptian athletes had a skipping workout as early as 1600 BC.

Interest in the sport is now experiencing one of its periodic spikes ever since being introduced in the USA in the 1800s mainly as an exercise for girls. Some skippers have become social media stars on platforms such as Instagram as well as TikTok.

Jump On The Balls Of Your Feet

When you skip, try to softly jump up and down on the balls on your feet. Your heels should not ever touch the ground, which is one reason why skipping is a serious calf workout.

Don’t Jump Too High, Relax

Many individuals who try to skip jump so high it’s like they don’t realise that the rope is an eighth of inch thick. If you’re attempting to get in a rhythm and skip for more than 30 seconds without burning yourself out, make sure that you keep your jumps as small as possible without tying up the skipping rope. Just relax and don’t fret if you trip on the skipping rope.

Don’t Swing Your Arms/Shoulders Too Much

Skipping is all in the wrists. Watching people who don’t know how to skip reminds us of how some individuals will try to swim really hard however barely go anywhere. Then you see another swimmer who is scarcely trying yet flies through the water.

Just as swimming is all about the effectiveness of your stroke, jumping rope effectively is all about the effectiveness of the revolutions. If you are making use of your arms and shoulders while jumping very high, jumping rope becomes an EXTREMELY  difficult cardio activity. Just make use of your wrists in a circular motion.

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Get A Great Skipping Rope

You don’t need anything fancy in terms of a skipping rope. There are all types of ropes from plastic to leather to cloth. The plastic as well as leather ropes are more unforgiving: they sting when you miss and you’re going ‘pepper’. The cloth ropes are slow and also ‘float’ too much for our liking. These are the most forgiving for skipping beginners.

The Beginner Skipping Routine

This is a beginner skipping routine for you:

  • 30 seconds of ‘phantom’ skip
  • 30 seconds of prisoner squats
  • 30 seconds of ‘phantom’ skip
  • 30 seconds of push ups (modify these by doing them on your knees if need be)
  • 30 seconds of ‘phantom’ skip
  • 30 seconds of front plank (drop to your knees if needed)

Repeat between three and five times.

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Most Common HIIT Mistakes, According To Trainers https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/most-common-hiit-mistakes-according-to-trainers/ Mon, 21 Jun 2021 13:03:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24862 HIIT training is well-known as a very quick way to build muscle, increase aerobic fitness as well as burn fat. Most HIIT training routines are less than 30 minutes and alternate between maximum effort for a period of between 20 and 30 seconds and then shorter rest periods of lower intensity. You are also able...

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HIIT training is well-known as a very quick way to build muscle, increase aerobic fitness as well as burn fat. Most HIIT training routines are less than 30 minutes and alternate between maximum effort for a period of between 20 and 30 seconds and then shorter rest periods of lower intensity.

You are also able to customise HIIT training for your body’s needs and then apply it to running, strength training or both of these exercise modalities. The only downside to not doing HIIT properly is that there are a lot of ways to do HIIT incorrectly, which not only leads to injury as well as fatigue but also prevents you from accomplishing your health and fitness goals.

HIIT Workout Mistakes

Doing HIIT Every Day

Over training is a very real thing. If you do HIIT every single day, your body will begin to break down. What we mean is that if you work out too intensely on most days, you will probably experience overuse injuries such as tendinitis or stress fractures. In addition, the stress which overtraining causes to your body is linked to hormonal imbalances that result in chronic fatigue.

Instead, to do HIIT correctly aim for about two to three sessions a week (not more than four). Always give your body at least a full day in between to rest. You don’t need to take those days totally off of exercise altogether, though, you could try low-impact, cross-training workouts such as swimming, walking, cycling, hiking or yoga.

You Don’t Push Yourself Hard Enough

Doing HIIT properly is not short and sweet. It’s meant to be quick and dirty. What this means is that since HIIT workouts can be as brief as 10 to 20 minutes, these workouts are supposed to be intense (hence the name). On a measure of perceived exertion, where the maximum is 10, you need to be at an eight or a nine.

If you don’t go beast mode during HIIT work intervals, you won’t reap the fat-burning, metabolism-boosting benefits of these types of sessions. So don’t hold back and save your energy like you might for a longer workout — give it all you’ve got.

You Go Too Hard, Too Quickly

However, if you’re a newbie one of the common HIIT mistakes is doing too much too quickly. This can backfire – badly. For instance, when you push too hard in the first work interval, you might not have sufficient petrol in the tank for the last. Or worse still, you could injure yourself.

So, what can you do to avoid this common HIIT mistake? Consider the number of intervals you’ll be doing ahead of time and then strategise how to pace yourself. The idea is to begin at a moderately high level of intensity and then ramp it up a notch with each consecutive interval. In this way, you’re working quite hard from the get-go without utilising all of your energy in one fell swoop.

In addition, you might want to begin with a shorter workout, say eight-minutes long, so that you can maintain your intensity for the entire of the routine. Then, gradually progress to something longer as you become stronger.

What Are The Benefits Of Interval Training?

Here are some of the benefits of interval training:

  • You’ll burn more calories. The more vigorously that you exercise, the greater the number of calories you’ll burn — even if you up the intensity for only a few minutes at a time.
  • You’ll be more time efficient with your workouts.
  • You’ll improve your aerobic capacity.

What Should I Wear For HIIT?

If you’re taking part in a sports-specific type of HIIT — such as a cycling or running-focused class —wear something that is appropriate for that activity.

For more general High-Intensity Interval Training classes, again, if you are a lady pick out a sports bra that’s supportive as you will probably be moving around a lot during the class. Supportive athletic shoes are also recommended. It’s especially good if your shoes are designed for lateral movements as opposed to just running.

As for your top, choose a material which absorbs moisture well, such as a cotton-poly blend. Otherwise, you will constantly be in a puddle of sweat.

For your bottoms, shorts, or leggings work for the ladies, too. As long as they are comfortable – and give you the opportunity to move about – this is all that matters.

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Want to learn more about HIIT? If you do, then check out our HIIT and Functional Trainer Course. For more information and to register, please follow this link.

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Should You Do HIIT Every Day? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/should-you-do-hiit-every-day-read-this-article/ Mon, 21 Jun 2021 12:32:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24859 HIIT is a wonderful, safe and effective workout. However, there’s no need for HIIT to be done every day. Keep it to three times per week. In this way, you’ll still reap the benefits and give your body time to properly recover. HIIT Workouts There are two main types of HIIT. These are ‘aerobic HIIT’...

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HIIT is a wonderful, safe and effective workout. However, there’s no need for HIIT to be done every day. Keep it to three times per week. In this way, you’ll still reap the benefits and give your body time to properly recover.

HIIT Workouts

There are two main types of HIIT. These are ‘aerobic HIIT’ and ‘bodyweight HIIT’. Both of these types of training are highly intensive forms of exercise. ‘Aerobic HIIT’ encompasses exercise modalities such as spinning classes, cycling, swimming and track-based running. ‘Bodyweight HIIT’ are exercises such as Tabata, CrossFit and boot camp training.

Why Does HIIT Improve Cardio Health?

Basic aerobic training gets the heart rate into the “training zone” of between 65 and 75% of the individual’s maximum heart rate. This has proven benefits for cardiovascular efficiency, which benefits the entire body. HIIT just improves the efficiency of this training.

HIIT may assist with improving heart health in people with good health, as well as in those who suffer from cardiovascular conditions. HIIT cardio may also help improve measures of metabolic health, which include blood pressure, blood sugar levels as well as cholesterol.

A study which was conducted about 15 years ago found that a 10-week program of HIIT workouts produced cardiovascular as well as metabolic benefits which were very similar to those of moderate-intensity workouts.

In the study, a total of 90 people – who were previously physically inactive – completed either a HIIT programme or a traditional, moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) programme. The average entire exercise time of 55 minutes every week for the HIIT programme was not more than half of that for the MICT, which took the individuals in the study an average of 128 minutes per week.

Is HIIT The Best Exercise Regiment For Weight Loss?

One of the great many reasons why HIIT workouts are so popular is as they’re extremely effective for weight loss. When you’re trying to lose weight, you want to burn fat as well as build lean muscle in order to continue to burn more fat.

HIIT forces your body to make use of energy from fat rather than carbs. This makes losing fat far more efficient. On a diet, it’s quite challenging to lose fat while maintaining the muscle. However, studies have demonstrated that with HIIT, you are able to preserve those well-deserved muscles while also burning the greatest amount of fat.

Not only are you burning an increased number of calories during a HIIT workout – as opposed to with steady cardio – but the effect of all that intense exertion will mean that your body keeps working long after you’re done with your exercise for the day. The HIIT workout means that your body will remain in a fat-burning mode for up to 24 hours after your workout. This means that you burn more fat and calories as opposed to what you would after a steady pace run.

How Long Should You Do HIIT For?

Typically, a High Intensity Interval Workout should take you between 30 and 60 minutes, including a warm-up and cool down. The high intensity portion of your workout should usually be done within 15 to 20 minutes. If the workout is going on for longer, you may not be pushing yourself to the intended intensity — and probably not giving yourself the opportunity to reap the most benefits.

As we’ve said before, the goal of HIIT is to elevate your heart rate into a zone which is close to that of your maximum heart rate in the work periods. Your goal heart rate zone is a personal guideline, which means that getting close to your maximum heart rate might be something to work towards. Initially, you could aim to get your heart rate within the lower end of the target heart rate zone as a beginning point.

HIIT workouts can also be tailored through varying the work-to-rest ratios. For instance, beginners may make use of a 1:2 ratio, training all-out for 60 seconds and then resting for twice as long. Individuals who have been doing HIIT for longer may changeover to a 1:1 ratio – that is, training at a high intensity for 60 seconds and the resting for 60 seconds before repeating.

As you advance with HIIT training, you could choose to begin shortening the work periods slightly — for instance, going from 60 seconds to 45 seconds. Shorter work periods means that you are able to reach a higher intensity as you don’t have to sustain the work period for as long.

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A Simple Guide To High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/a-simple-guide-to-high-intensity-interval-training-hiit/ Mon, 21 Jun 2021 12:16:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24854 Modern day life has a way of making us feel time-crunched and pressured to find the most effective ways of making use of our waking hours. The trendy fitness regimen high-intensity interval training (which is also called HIIT) epitomises this feeling. A HIIT training program promises the best workout in a minimum amount of time....

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Modern day life has a way of making us feel time-crunched and pressured to find the most effective ways of making use of our waking hours. The trendy fitness regimen high-intensity interval training (which is also called HIIT) epitomises this feeling.

A HIIT training program promises the best workout in a minimum amount of time. Runners have made use of interval training for more than 100 years, alternating between sprints and jogging in order to improve their endurance.

However, HIIT didn’t really go mainstream until about a 10 years ago, when exercise physiologists began to publish multiple studies proving that intervals could deliver the biggest health improvement for workout time.

What Is HIIT?

The term ‘HIIT’ refers to a very specific type of training. Despite popular belief, it’s possible to do interval training without essentially doing a real HIIT workout.

What Does A HIIT Routine Look Like?

The hallmark of a HIIT routine is repeated, extremely hard bouts of work, interspersed with periods of recovery – usually with a ratio of 20 to 30 seconds of intensity followed by 15 to 30 seconds of rest, or less-intense exercise. During your HIIT training work intervals, you’ll be challenging yourself nearly to your max.

A HIIT training program for beginners is the opposite of going for a long, easy run where you need to ration your energy in order to sustain the activity for longer. And it’s a little different from what you probably have seen labelled as “HIIT” in gen-pop exercise classes.

Most exercise protocols called “HIIT” would actually be more accurately described as circuit training or interval training.

How To Start HIIT Training

For your HIIT workout routine to be effective, you need to go into it with a plan. This means that you need set your work and rest intervals in accordance with your current fitness level.

For a HIIT training program for beginners, try to begin with a 1:4 work to rest ratio. For instance, you might do 15 seconds of work, then rest for approximately one minute. As you gain in fitness, you are able to reduce the ratio to 1:2 for a 30 second effort which is followed by one minute of rest.  Next, decide on the length of your HIIT workout. When you are just starting out, 10-15 minutes is enough to kickstart results.

Finally, the HIIT training guide advises you to choose the exercises that you are going to use. For sprint training, you could cycle, run, row or swim. For strength training, you could use exercises which target a variety of muscle groups, such as burpees, push-ups, or crunches.

A HIIT Training Program For Beginners

This HIIT bodyweight circuit is the ideal HIIT training program for beginners. It doesn’t need any equipment, which means you are able to do HIIT in the comfort of your own home.

This HIIT routine is an AMRAP-style workout. This means that you do ‘as many reps (repetitions) as possible’ for each and every single HIIT exercise in the set time frame. AMRAP-style HIIT routines are great for beginners because your progress over time can very well be quite obvious. As you exercise for a set amount of time, you can track your progress through the number of reps you are able to pack into each set period.

Remember to pace yourself when you start your HIIT training program for beginners. You should be pushing yourself hard and attempt to do as many reps as possible, however you don’t want to overdo it. It’s important to do a good warm-up before your HIIT workout so that you can prepare your muscles and assist with reducing the risk of injury.

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HIIT Training Guide

Here are some more examples of HIIT training

Elliptical

This machine has a dial for resistance and it can be used for interval training. For a number of minutes, go on low resistance (0-2 level) and then crank up the resistance for 60 seconds (up to 8-10). Repeat this process 12 times, which could give you a 20-minute workout.

Stair Climber

Much like the elliptical machine, alternate between periods of low intensity for two minutes and then one minute for high intensity. The difference with the climber is that the dial will control the speed of the stairs.

Rowing Machine

Begin with a two-minute warm-up. On minute three, row as hard as you can for 60 seconds. Then catch your breath. The rowing machine could be hard to do for a full 20 minutes as it’s a lot of upper body work. Shoot for ten minutes at first.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover more about HIIT workouts, then you should really do our HIIT and Functional Trainer Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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How To Exercise Your Neck? Read this article to find out. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-exercise-your-neck-read-this-article-to-find-out/ Mon, 21 Jun 2021 05:00:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24824 If you have neck pain, you will surely want to get rid of it as soon as you are able to. One of the ways which you are able to do this is through exercise. What should you be doing? More importantly, what shouldn’t you be doing? As long as your medical practitioner gives you...

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If you have neck pain, you will surely want to get rid of it as soon as you are able to. One of the ways which you are able to do this is through exercise. What should you be doing? More importantly, what shouldn’t you be doing?

As long as your medical practitioner gives you the thumbs up, you should start exercising as soon as possible in order to ease stiffness as well as pain. Resting for too long, often anything more than a couple of days, will make it more difficult to get moving again.

Don’t exercise if you have serious neck pain or weakness in your hands or arms. If you get it while you exercise, stop immediately and call your doctor.

What Happens When Your Neck And Upper Back Muscles Are Weakened?

When your neck and upper back muscles become weakened, your head sags forward and increased stress is put on the cervical spine. This can lead to neck pain. Strengthening these muscles can assist with improving posture and get the head closer to neutral position (with the ears directly over the shoulders).

The scalene muscles (side of the neck), as well as suboccipital muscles (lower back of head and top of neck, are most efficiently stretched in conjunction with strengthening of the weakened postural muscles, including the upper thoracic extensors as well as the deep cervical flexors.

What Exercises Will Strengthen And Stretch The Muscles In Your Neck And Shoulders?

Cervical Retraction

This is the single best exercise to improve posture as well as neck stability and one which can simply be done sitting at your desk. Cervical retraction is best learned when you’re lying down.

  • Lie on your back, on your mat, with your neck relaxed.
  • Keep your head on the ground, gently tuck your chin toward your chest as if making a double chin. Squeeze and hold for between 5 and 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
  • Don’t push your head into the floor and make sure that you sense a contraction in the front of your neck.
  • In order to do cervical retraction seated, sit in a vertical position with your feet flat on the floor.
  • Gently tuck in your chin towards your chest and making sure that your eyes fixed on something in front of you. Squeeze as well as hold for 5-10 seconds.
  • Don’t look down or bending your neck forward.

Neck Tilt

  • From a sitting position, tilt your head down so that your chin touches your chest.
  • Maintain this position for 5 seconds.
  • Go back to your starting position and then repeat.
  • Do this five times.

Side-to-Side Neck Tilt

  • From exactly the same starting position, tilt your neck towards one shoulder, leading with your ear.
  • Maintain for 5 seconds and then return to your starting position.
  • Do this five times on each side.

Isometric Cervical Side Bending

  • Stand or sit in a vertical position with your head in a neutral position and with your feet flat on the floor.
  • Position your hand on the side of your head.
  • Keeping your eyes fixed on something which is in front of you, push gently into the side of your head, resisting the motion with your neck muscles.
  • Ensure that your head remains steady.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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How Often Should I Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-often-should-i-exercise/ Mon, 21 Jun 2021 05:00:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24821 How often have you signed up to a gym or committed to an exercise plan in order to lose weight, only to back out after a few weeks as you have no idea how frequently you should work out? If your respond is “too many to count,” you’re definitely not alone. Knowing how many days...

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How often have you signed up to a gym or committed to an exercise plan in order to lose weight, only to back out after a few weeks as you have no idea how frequently you should work out?

If your respond is “too many to count,” you’re definitely not alone. Knowing how many days you need to exercise may be confusing. This is particularly so if the amount of time that you’re putting in doesn’t match up with your fitness goals.

So, if your fitness goal is to sweat it out on the treadmill more frequently in order to lose a few kilos or to increase the amount of weight you’re lifting so that you can gain muscle, the following tips can help you hit your target sooner and with greater success.

Just Trying To Stay Healthy?

If you want to work out just so that you can maintain your physical health, it is recommended that you aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or – alternatively – 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each and every single week.

Moderate aerobic activity (in order words, moderate intensity cardio) means that you’re moving fast enough to talk but not to sing that new Taylor Swift song. Vigorous aerobic activity means that you’re breathing hard as well as fast — too quickly even to chat.

Split up your minutes in any which way you like — you do you. If your goal is to sustain basic health, even brisk walking for 30 minutes, five days per week (remember to break a sweat!) will get the job done.

How Frequently Should You Work Out For Weight Loss?

Knowing how frequently you should strength train – and also do cardiovascular exercise to lose weight – depends on how fast you would like to see results.

The usual recommendation is to lose no more than 500 g to 1 kg per week. That said, many people seek programmes that are designed for faster weight loss.

In the most straightforward of terms, you’ll need to burn more calories than you take in so that you can lose weight. Dieting has proven to be a very effective method of losing weight, however in order to maintain weight loss, you’ll be required to exercise.

How much weight you lose is dependent upon the amount of exercise which you’re willing to commit to as well as how closely you adhere to your diet. If you really would like to see results reflected on the scale and continue to make progress over time, it is necessary for you to commit to working out at least four to five every per week.

However, keep in mind that you’ll build up to this. To begin, you might only want to exercise two or three days per week and then gradually work your way up to exercising five days. Plan your workouts in order to include a combination of:

  • Cardio
  • Strength Training
  • Core Work
  • Stretching

For maximum results, a workout programme should consist of cardiovascular as well as strength training exercise. When you lift weights, you boost your lean muscle mass. This gives you the opportunity to increase your metabolism in addition to burning calories at a higher rate, even when you’re not exercising.

Cardiovascular exercise isn’t just vital in maintaining good heart health. Cardio exercise can:

  • Burn calories
  • Boost your mood
  • Decrease stress

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are eager to discover more about exercise and become a personal trainer then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more.

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How To Build Self-Discipline To Exercise Regularly https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-build-self-discipline-to-exercise-regularly/ Fri, 18 Jun 2021 05:10:55 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24814 A common thing that we see with many individuals who make a number of different changes with their diet however do not improve their health is the lack of sufficient exercise. Do you find getting disciplined about exercise a challenge? Are you one of those individuals who manages everything during your day except for your...

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A common thing that we see with many individuals who make a number of different changes with their diet however do not improve their health is the lack of sufficient exercise. Do you find getting disciplined about exercise a challenge? Are you one of those individuals who manages everything during your day except for your exercise? Then this article is just for you!

Focus On The Short-Term Benefits

As essential as the long-term health benefits of exercise are, just being aware of them isn’t sufficient to motivate most people. Rather, research suggests that you should focus on the more instant benefits.

A study of middle-aged women found that individuals whose main goal was to live longer or be healthier essentially exercised less than those with “quality of life” goals, such as having more energy or lower stress levels. Put in another way, if you think exercise will assist you to cope better right now with a demanding job or screaming kids, that’s more likely to get you to the gym as opposed to the notion that exercise will assist you to prevent a heart attack in 20 years.

The key is recognising what the short-term payoff of exercise is for you:

  • Is it sounder sleep?
  • An improved mood?
  • Clearer thinking?
  • Lower pain levels?
  • Increased patience?

Such benefits may not be evident instantly if you’re new to exercise, so determining which ones apply to you could take a little time. However, once you figure it out, make sure that you keep those rewards in mind – or better yet, paste them on your bathroom mirror, fridge or wherever else you can easily see them – so they offer a nudge, particularly when you feel your willpower flagging.

Timing Plays A Key Role

If you have a work schedule where you start work very early in the morning, then you just may not have the resources to add that into your morning schedule. In that case, don’t worry. Perhaps it’s the other way around where you wind up work very late into the night, but you have a late morning start.

Based on your work schedule always make it a non-negotiable one hour for yourself. It might take a month to get committed to it but putting it into your scheduler and having a reminder will ensure that you start creating that habit.

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Have A Compelling Reason

When individuals find themselves stalling on their fitness goals, it’s not as they’re not good at seeing things through, but rather as they actually didn’t care that much about the fitness goal in the first place.

Let’s take running, for instance. Perhaps you signed up to run a marathon as you thought it would be impressive, however then you came to the conclusion that you didn’t care enough about amazing your mates in order to justify getting up at the crack of dawn for those taxing winter runs.

However, getting wind of the fact that a family member (or even a celebrity) has suffered a health scare can be an extremely compelling reason in order to focus more on your own health. Taking a small amount of time to find a good motivation for doing something, or to identify the most convincing features of a goal, will help to keep you on track.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover additional information about exercise, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

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How To Design An Interval Workout? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-design-an-interval-workout-find-out-in-this-article/ Fri, 18 Jun 2021 05:05:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24811 Having a particular purpose to each of your workouts is key. Interval training is a phenomenal way to assist you to achieve specific improvements as you work in order to reach your true potential. Here is a superb example of an interval progression with a basic premise which may be employed in any endurance sports,...

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Having a particular purpose to each of your workouts is key. Interval training is a phenomenal way to assist you to achieve specific improvements as you work in order to reach your true potential.

Here is a superb example of an interval progression with a basic premise which may be employed in any endurance sports, whether it be swimming, biking or – alternatively – running. It has two objectives that are key to improving your capacity to do work when you train as well as race:

  • Boost anaerobic threshold.
  • Boost leg speed

By enhancing both your anaerobic threshold as well as your leg speed, you will boost your endurance for longer distances. The workout entails short, intense intervals which are followed by a period of rest. In addition, this type of workout takes into account this work-to-rest ratio.

With increased fitness over time, the intense intervals will get longer and the rest required will get shorter.

How Do Interval Training Workouts Work?

Interval training works both the aerobic as well as the anaerobic system. Throughout the high-intensity efforts, the anaerobic system makes use of the energy that is stored in the muscles (glycogen) for short spurts of activity. Anaerobic metabolism functions without oxygen, however the by-product is lactic acid.

As lactic acid builds, the athlete enters into oxygen debt, and it is in the recovery phase which your heart and lungs work together in order to “pay back” this oxygen debt and then break down the lactic acid. It is in this stage that the aerobic system is making use of oxygen in order to change accumulated carbohydrates into energy.

It’s thought that by doing high-intensity intervals which produce lactic acid in practice, the body adapts and then burns lactic acid more efficiently during exercise. This means that athletes are able to exercise at a higher intensity for a longer period of time prior to fatigue or pain slowing them down.

You Can Do An Interval Workout With Almost Any Exercise

These range from plank hip dips as well as jumping jacks to everyone’s all-time favourite: burpees. That’s because it’s more about intensity as opposed to the specific movements. However, to help you narrow down what to do, perform a mix of moves which force the glutes, quads as well as hamstrings (the body’s biggest muscles) in order to work explosively. Some of our go-to’s include jump squats, plyo lunges in addition to sprints.

Are You Doing It Right?

How would you know if you’re performing your interval training right? Go at between 80 and 95% of your maximum heart rate in the work intervals, and between 60 and 65% during your rest periods. (In order to find your maximum heart rate, just minus your age from 220. After this, work out the percentages from this point.)

If you don’t happen to have a heart rate monitor, push yourself hard enough through the work intervals so that you’re sucking wind. You shouldn’t have the ability to hold a conversation. The key is to make sure that the high-intensity intervals are really done at your maximum intensity.

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Yoga Poses To Treat Acidity. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/yoga-poses-to-treat-acidity/ Fri, 18 Jun 2021 05:00:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24806 Acid reflux – or acidity – is a prevalent ailment that develops when the stomach generates too much acid. Food breakdown typically takes place by the acid caused by the stomach, however occasionally the stomach’s acid production goes overboard and produces an excess of acid. Proper chewing of food, drinking sufficient water, and quitting smoking...

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Acid reflux – or acidity – is a prevalent ailment that develops when the stomach generates too much acid. Food breakdown typically takes place by the acid caused by the stomach, however occasionally the stomach’s acid production goes overboard and produces an excess of acid.

Proper chewing of food, drinking sufficient water, and quitting smoking are essential for those with acid reflux or heartburn. Else, it may make the condition worse. Along with a few other types of naturopathic remedies, yoga may help lower acidity in the digestive system and effectively treat acid reflux.

Studies have shown that individuals who experience acid reflux report stress as the main contributing factor to their symptoms of acid reflux. According to research, practising yoga was shown to help regulate and/or alleviate symptoms that are linked to digestive disorders, such as acid reflux.

Kapalabhati Pranayama

This yoga asana is good for alleviating symptoms associated with stomach disorders, digestive disorders as well as many other disorders that are related to the stomach.

Steps:

  • Sit on the floor and make sure that you keep your legs Close your eyes and ensure that you keep your spine straight position.
  • Keep your left palm on your left knee and your right palm on your right knee.
  • Make sure that you take a deep breath in and then breathe out with force.
  • Try not to stress on inhaling. Inhaling should never mean a lot of effort. You are able to increase your time from 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Do not do this very fast – you should be doing this as a medium speed.

Benefits:

  • Kapalabhati Pranayama will improve the functions of your respiratory system, especially the lungs.
  • It will boost the function of the pancreas by assisting with producing the hormone insulin naturally.
  • It cleans the internal system as well as removing toxins from the body.
  • Kapalabhati Pranayama brings stability to your mind and calms you down.
  • It is really effective for weight loss.

Bhastrika Pranayama

In Sanskrit, the word Bhastrika means bellows. This exercise resembles the blowing of bellows:

  • Sit on a yoga mat. If you cannot sit on the ground, then you could also sit on a chair as this exercise is related to breathing.
  • Inhale deeply through your nostrils. Fill your lungs with air. When you do exhale, do it with a hissing sound.
  • Exhale completely. Inhale very deeply.
  • If you perform the same exercise for a maximum of five minutes, you will see the result in a few days.

Benefits:

  • Bhastrika Pranayama helps with improving blood circulation in the body.
  • This asana may assist with preventing heart-related problems.
  • This asana relaxes the body and mind. It also assists with improving your concentration.
  • Bhastrika Pranayama helps strengthen the lungs.
  • This asana can provide relief from hypertension and stress-related depression.
  • It could be a good cure for obesity and arthritis.
  • Bhastrika Pranayama could also be a panacea for headaches, asthma, migraine, depression, neurological problems as well as gastric problems.

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How To Add Resistance Training To Your Workout? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-add-resistance-training-to-your-workout/ Thu, 17 Jun 2021 05:00:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24791 No matter what your age or athletic ability, resistance training is the key to flexibility, mobility, improved performance as well as lower injury risk. Anybody, at any fitness level, can and should strength train. And it doesn’t need to take hours at the gym in order to see results. It’s true that resistance can appear...

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No matter what your age or athletic ability, resistance training is the key to flexibility, mobility, improved performance as well as lower injury risk. Anybody, at any fitness level, can and should strength train. And it doesn’t need to take hours at the gym in order to see results.

It’s true that resistance can appear to be intimidating — especially if you’re scrolling through social media and seeing individuals deadlifting double their bodyweight, pressing a loaded barbell high over their head, or doing Superman push-ups where they fly into the air.

However, it’s very important to remember that those are just highlight reels of individuals who have been doing resistance training for a very long time. When they first started, you can be pretty sure that they began small. Those explosive push-ups? It’s probable that they started as a modified, knees-on-the-floor exercise.

The Goal Of Resistance Training

Resistance training for beginners doesn’t have to begin with the goal of getting you to that point. If you want to squat with superheavy weight, starting a strength training programme can definitely assist you with getting there. However, it can also just help you get stronger in ways that will help you in everyday life, as well, whether it’s carrying all the grocery bags into the house in one trip or squatting down to the floor so that you can pick up your not-so-cuddly cat.

Resistance training is one of the out-and-out best ways to assist your body to stay functional as well as healthy for the long run. And as muscle mass could begin to decline as early as in your 30s, beginning a weightlifting programme as an adult can help you maintain – and even build – that strength as you grow older.

Start With Your Bodyweight.

Put simply, resistance training means making use of resistance in order to create work for your muscles. In time, that can mean external weight however – for beginners – that can also mean your bodyweight too. That’s a phenomenal place to start.

Not only can you get a super effective resistance training workout using only your bodyweight, but bodyweight exercises are also a useful way for beginners to become familiar with all the main movement patterns in resistance training. For instance, before you grab a pair of dumbbells for a set of deadlifts, you need to first make sure that you understand the hip hinge — pushing your hips as well as butt backward, keeping a neutral spine and a slight bend in your knees.

Prep Your Muscles Before You Start

A proper warm-up is a very important part of an effective resistance workout. Begin by waking up your muscles using a foam roller. Foam rolling relaxes tight muscles so that they are able to work the way they’re designed to.

A dynamic warm-up is an additional important part of your pre-workout routine as it preps your muscles for the work that they’re about to do and assists with increasing your range of motion. Boosting your range of motion gives you the opportunity to go deeper into those squats and completely extend those bicep curls, which means more muscle recruitment as well as better results.

These two combined lower your risk of injury and give you the opportunity to push harder during your workout.

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How Long Does It Take To Build Up Muscle? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-build-up-muscle/ Tue, 15 Jun 2021 07:39:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24787 If you would like to build muscle, lifting weights is the absolute best way in order to reach that goal. Research supports the fact that resistance training, particularly weightlifting, is the best method for inducing hypertrophy (which is the scientific term for muscle growth).  If you’re on the hunt for bigger muscles, it’s very important...

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If you would like to build muscle, lifting weights is the absolute best way in order to reach that goal. Research supports the fact that resistance training, particularly weightlifting, is the best method for inducing hypertrophy (which is the scientific term for muscle growth).  If you’re on the hunt for bigger muscles, it’s very important to begin your new workout plan with the correct expectations.

Building muscle takes much longer than most individuals realise. It’s a slow — almost excruciatingly slow — process which can feel discouraging when you don’t see the muscle definition that you want.

You’ve probably heard that you should be including strength training into your exercise routine. However, hitting the weights could feel far more intimidating as opposed to taking a walk or jog around your neighbourhood. While results may not always be fast, putting together a solid strength training routine should show you noticeable muscle gains in several weeks to a number of months.

Why Are Healthy And Strong Muscles Important?

Healthy and strong muscles are very important essential for proper body functioning. In addition, some Individuals may want to achieve a physical appearance which is enhanced by muscle development.

Skeletal muscles consist of contracting muscle fibres that make movement possible. Also, muscle contraction plays a role in how a person sits as well as stands. In other words, their posture. In a similar fashion, muscles affect joint stability, heat production as well as the maintenance of body temperature.

Interestingly enough, skeletal muscles are not just muscles however organs as well. They contain a lot of components including muscle fibres, connective, nerve, and blood or – alternatively – vascular tissues. Muscles are different in size – from the large ones in the back and thigh to the much smaller muscles in parts of the body such as the middle ear.

How Does Muscle Growth Happen?

Building muscle includes the repair of microtraumas in your muscle fibres. Here’s a breakdown of this exceedingly complex process:

  1. Each muscle consists of thousands of tiny muscle fibres.
  2. When you lift weights (or perform body weight exercises), your muscles endure tiny injuries throughout their fibres.
  3. Then, when you are resting your muscles, your body starts to repair your damaged muscle cells.
  4. The repair process entails fusing torn muscle fibres back together, as well as laying down new proteins within each muscle cell.
  5. Your muscles become bigger as well as stronger as a result of the repair process.

Remember that the above is a greatly simplified version of what actually takes place in your body after a weight training workout routine. In reality, the process involves more than just your muscles — your nervous system, circulatory system as well as endocrine system all make a contribution to muscle repair and growth.

How To Build Muscle

Devoting your entire day in the gym isn’t required to build muscle. Weight training for between 20 and 30 minutes, two to three times a week is sufficient to see results. You need try to target all of your major muscle groups at least twice during your weekly workouts.

While you might not see results straight away, even a single strength training session may help to stimulates muscle growth. Exercise promotes what’s called protein synthesis in the two to four hours after you complete your workout. Your protein synthesis levels may stay elevated for up to an entire day.

How exactly are you able to tell if your muscles are growing? You could be able to see more muscle definition. If not, you’ll definitely be able to lift heavier weights with increased ease over time.

Strength training activities include the following:

  • Body weight exercises, such as push-ups, squats as week as lunges
  • Resistance band movements
  • Drills with free weights, or even objects such as soup cans
  • Exercises with stationary weight machines, like a leg curl machine

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How Does Exercise Protect The Brain Against Depression And Anxiety? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-does-exercise-protect-the-brain-against-depression-and-anxiety/ Tue, 15 Jun 2021 05:00:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24778 When you suffer from depression or anxiety, exercise frequently seems like the last thing which you want to do. However, once you get motivated, exercise can make a huge difference. Exercise assists with preventing and improving a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes as well as arthritis. Research on depression, anxiety as...

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When you suffer from depression or anxiety, exercise frequently seems like the last thing which you want to do. However, once you get motivated, exercise can make a huge difference.

Exercise assists with preventing and improving a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes as well as arthritis. Research on depression, anxiety as well as exercise shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can also assist with improving mood and reducing anxiety.

The linkages between depression, anxiety and exercise aren’t completely clear — however working out and additional forms of physical activity can certainly ease symptoms of depression or anxiety and make you feel a lot better. In addition, exercise may help keep depression and anxiety from coming back once you’re feeling better.

Brain Biology And Growth

Working out on a regular basis really does change the brain biology, and it is not just ‘go walk and you will just feel better’. Regular exercise, in particular cardio, does alter the brain. In spite of what some individuals may think, the brain is a very plastic organ of the body. Not only are new neuronal connections formed each and every day, but however also new cells are also generated in significant areas of the brain. One fundamental area is the hippocampus, which is involved in learning and memory as well as and regulating negative emotions.

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A molecule, which is called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, assists the brain to produce neurons, or brain cells. A number of different aerobic and high-intensity interval training exercises substantially increase BDNF levels. There are several bits of evidence from animal research that these changes are at epigenetic level, meaning that these behaviours affect how genes are conveyed, leading to changes in the neuronal connections and function.

In addition, moderate exercise seems to have anti-inflammatory effects to regulate the immune system as well as excessive inflammation. This is important, given the novel insight neuroscience is gaining into the possible role of inflammation in anxiety as well as depression.

Finally, there is a tonne evidence for the positive effects of exercise on the neurotransmitters – brain chemicals which send signals between neurons – dopamine as well as endorphins. Both of these are engaged in positive mood and motivation.

What Is The Relationship Between Exercise And Anxiety Disorders?

Stress and anxiety are a typical part of life, however anxiety disorders, which affect 40 million adults, are the most common psychiatric illnesses. The benefits of exercise may well extend beyond stress relief to enhancing anxiety and related disorders.

Psychologists who studied how exercise relieves anxiety and depression make the suggestion that a 10-minute walk may be just as efficient as a 45-minute workout. Some studies have shown that exercise can work quickly in order to elevate depressed mood in many individuals. Although the effects might be temporary, they show that a brisk walk or other simple activity may deliver several hours of relief, which is similar to taking an aspirin for a headache.

In addition, science has provided some evidence that physically active people have lower rates of anxiety and depression as opposed to sedentary people. Exercise may improve mental health by assisting the brain cope better with stress. In one study, the researchers made the finding that those who performed regular vigorous exercise were 25% less likely to develop depression or an anxiety disorder over the next five years.

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How To Strengthen Your Abs With Boxing? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-strengthen-your-abs-with-boxing-find-out-in-this-article/ Tue, 15 Jun 2021 05:00:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24781 Boxing is a phenomenal way of developing both functional as well as aesthetic abs. A common misconception is that boxing is just an arms workout. Sure, if you box with bad form your shoulders will burn like no other however when you box using proper form it is also a great core workout. In order...

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Boxing is a phenomenal way of developing both functional as well as aesthetic abs. A common misconception is that boxing is just an arms workout. Sure, if you box with bad form your shoulders will burn like no other however when you box using proper form it is also a great core workout.

In order to generate speed as well as power in boxing you need to make use of hip and trunk rotation. This requires the muscles of the abdomen – such as the internal and external obliques – to contract explosively (both concentrically as well as eccentrically) in order to create torque as well as to delay the movement so that your centre of gravity stays over your base of support, i.e., midline stability.

It is also extremely effective at developing a muscle which many individuals attribute to sculpting the greatest abdominal region – the Serratus Anterior (SA). When it comes down to sculpting the midsection, most individuals fall short of their potential by just focusing on the rectus abdominus, which is also known as the visible six-pack and ignoring the serratus anterior.

What Does The Serratus Anterior Do?

The SA ties the whole abdomen together and should not be overlooked. The serratus anterior is often called the boxer’s muscle as boxers tend to have the best development. The motive for this is owing to the action of the SA is scapular protraction (think about reaching for a long punch). It’s a functional muscle which also has aesthetic benefits. It brings together the six-pack look.

Naturally, if your body fat percentage is not sufficiently low to reveal your abs, then doesn’t matter how many crunches as well as leg raises you do – or how many punches you throw – you won’t be able to see what’s underneath the layer of subcutaneous fat. In other words, abs are sculpted in the gym and uncovered in the kitchen. It is necessary for you to put in the hard work in the gym in order to stimulate growth and then you should let your nutrition do the remainder of the job. Sculpted abs are one of the biggest advantages of boxing.

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Scapula Exercises Which Strengthen Your Serratus Anterior

Shoulder blade protractions are a phenomenal exercise to prepare for the added weight which your serratus anterior will meet during push-ups. In order to protract your shoulders, pull your shoulder blades away from the spine. Think about giving yourself a bear hug. If you do this, you are protracting your shoulders.

Scapular push-ups are another great scapula exercise as they isolate this particular muscle group. To perform this move, get into a push-up position and straighten your arms. Cautiously slide your shoulder blades inward towards each other and then outwards away from each other. Do this movement ten times.

You are also able to do a wall exercise for your serratus anterior. First, stand with your back against a wall and then raise your arms. Inch your arms upwards while making sure that you keep your shoulders down. If you’re just beginning, keep your thumbs touching the wall and then slowly press your elbows firmly against the wall as far back as you are able to.

And then, obviously, there are your Bar Method classes! Push-ups, plank, rhomboid pulls, arm dancing as well as oblique punches are all effective moves for your serratus anterior. Ask your instructor to assist you with engaging this underrated muscle during your next class — your arms will thank you for it!

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How To Make Exercise Part Of Your Social Life? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-make-exercise-part-of-your-social-life-find-out-more/ Mon, 14 Jun 2021 05:00:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24764 Exercise is a phenomenal way to improve your physical as well as mental health. Remaining active can asist you to avoid serious age-related diseases like cancer. In addition, exercising on a steady basis can help you to dodge a heart attack and – not insignificantly – help to lower longevity-busting stress hormones such as cortisol....

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Exercise is a phenomenal way to improve your physical as well as mental health. Remaining active can asist you to avoid serious age-related diseases like cancer. In addition, exercising on a steady basis can help you to dodge a heart attack and – not insignificantly – help to lower longevity-busting stress hormones such as cortisol. The challenge is to really enjoy the exercise and keeping it social is a good way to make physical activity more fun, and up the odds of your sticking with your exercise programme.

It’s critically important in order to maintain a strong social network as well as a physically active lifestyle. By amalgamating your social life with your fitness programme, you’ll get some exercise while hanging out with your favourite people. The bonus? You’ll have a phenomenal time, strengthen your friendships, meet new people as well as stay on track with your fitness goals.

What Are The Benefits Of Exercising With Other People?

Group exercise can offer support as well as structure to an exercise programme. A 2007 randomised controlled trial evaluating supervised group exercise for early-stage breast cancer patients receiving treatment found physical as well as psychological benefits lasted beyond the 12-week exercise programme.

The study contrasted a regimen of two group classes every single week as well as one additional at-home session, with instructions to exercise at home regularly in control subjects. The group of exercisers reported a higher quality of life in questionnaires as opposed to the control group who were exercising on their own at the end of the 12-week programme and six months later.

Whether it’s a consequence of attention from personal instructors, or support from fellow patients, the social exercisers enjoyed the activity far more and remained more active in the months which followed. Even entirely healthy adults may benefit from the distraction an exercise buddy can provide, keeping your mind off your aching muscles.

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Ideas For Social Exercising

Go For A Hike

Gather your friends together and plan a day of fun – as well as fitness – at a nature reserve. Pack a lunch, plenty of water in addition to your camera.

Team Sports

Recreational leagues are offered for men and women of all ages as well as abilities. You’ll get together for practices as well as games and might even travel to tournaments. Check out your local parks and recreation department or search for baseball, soccer, volleyball, or tennis leagues online.

Put On Your Dancing Shoes

Even though you may not have danced a step in your life, it’s not too late to learn how bust a move. Learning how best to swing, tango, rhumba, or do the hustle is fun, energising as well as a phenomenal way to sneak in some exercise. Some communities have dance clubs where members meet often to learn new steps and practise together.

Join A Group Fitness Class

Ask your friends to sign up for an exercise class together. There’s an infinite variety of formats to choose from: water aerobics, yoga, Pilates, martial arts, Zumba®, step, cardio kickboxing, cycling, boot camp. The list is endless. You’re sure to find something which makes you sweat and laugh.

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Does Strength Training Make You Less Flexible? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/does-strength-training-make-you-less-flexible/ Mon, 14 Jun 2021 05:00:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24760 Many of us will know of someone who spends loads of time strength training however can barely touch their toes. They may lift heavy weights but when it comes down to mobility, they’re like a creaking old gate. Why is that? Is it their strength training which chips away at their flexibility, or are they...

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Many of us will know of someone who spends loads of time strength training however can barely touch their toes. They may lift heavy weights but when it comes down to mobility, they’re like a creaking old gate. Why is that? Is it their strength training which chips away at their flexibility, or are they simply not doing enough mobility work in the first place?

Clearly, it’s no good being able to squat heavy or deadlift our own bodyweight if we aren’t able to squat deep or hinge forward to any real depth. And if you aren’t able to balance (crucial for avoiding accidental falls), what good is being able to chest press the weight of a small child?

What Is Functional Fitness?

Functional fitness is all about moving well and also being mobile. However, what impact does getting stronger have on our mobility and does strength training make us less mobile and flexible?

This misconception about weight training leading to inflexibility has remained to be tenacious in people’s minds, in spite of the fact that studies as long ago as the 1960s and 1970s proved otherwise.

Studies conducted later have confirmed that properly performed strength training exercises serve to increase flexibility rather than reduce it.

Research About Strength Training

A recent study that compared static stretching and strength training found out the following:

  • Stretching and strength training boosted hamstring flexibility to the same degree.
  • Resistance training outperformed static stretching in terms of improving hip flexibility.
  • Resistance training boosted strength around all joints while stretching did not.

This is a very important side note: Most injuries are owing to a paucity of strength around a joint, not poor flexibility. If you have the strength in order to avoid a fall, or catch yourself, you won’t overstretch the muscle. Strength training is superior to flexibility training in terms of injury prevention as you improve flexibility and strength simultaneously.

The Parallels Between Static Stretching And Weight Training

So, weight training could be comparable to static stretching for boosting flexibility. The key is to make use of full range-of-motion when you train. Partial reps as well as static holds won’t give you a boost in flexibility. For instance, doing full range-of-motion squats assists with improving hip flexibility. More hip flexibility, in turn, will, in turn, boost your ability to go deep on squats. Partial reps have their advantages, but they don’t build flexibility.

The one situation where weight training works counter to flexibility is if you build such large muscles that it limits movement of the adjoining joint. If you are carrying a lot of body fat, it may also restrict movement at a joint. However, you require massive significant amount of fat or muscle development for this to have a big impact on flexibility.

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What Is The Spiderman Lunge Exercise? Learn more in this article https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-spiderman-lunge-exercise-learn-more-in-this-article/ Fri, 11 Jun 2021 10:51:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24756 The Spider-Man Lunge exercise (which is also known as the Spiderman Climb) is a variation on the traditional lunge, a body weight exercise. This exercise works on the flexibility of your hips, hamstrings as well as lower back. In addition, the Spider-Man lunge also works on hamstring muscle strength. This exercise forms part of the...

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The Spider-Man Lunge exercise (which is also known as the Spiderman Climb) is a variation on the traditional lunge, a body weight exercise. This exercise works on the flexibility of your hips, hamstrings as well as lower back. In addition, the Spider-Man lunge also works on hamstring muscle strength. This exercise forms part of the Superhero workout.

In order to improve mobility – as well as assist with the hip pain – one exercise that is great to do all the time (mainly before and after running) is the Spider Man lunge. This one is not always the easiest for older adults however even if you’re not great at it, it will certainly help to open up your hips. You’ll especially notice its affects during your recovery from athletic activities.

How To Do The Spiderman Lunge Exercise

Adopt the classic push-up position with your hands directly under your shoulders, your legs straight as well as your abs braced. Lift your right foot straight off the floor and then bend your knee. Place your foot outside your right hand. Go back to your beginning position and after this lunge out with your left leg. Continue the process of alternating legs for a total of 20 reps.

Which Muscles Are Targeted With The Spider-Man Lunge Exercise?

The Spider Man lunge targets the following muscle groups:

  • Chest,
  • Core, and
  • Legs.

This exercise is a phenomenal way to help with loosening up your groin.

What Are The Alternatives To The Spider Man Lunge?

If you don’t have great flexibility, be careful that you don’t overstretch. Bring your foot up halfway, and as your mobility improves, slowly work your way to bringing your foot up right next to your hand.

What Are The Benefits Of Lunges?

Here are some of the benefits of doing lunges:

  • Weight Loss

Lunges are responsible for working the large muscle groups in your lower body, which builds lean muscle and lowers body fat. This can increase your resting metabolism, which gives you the opportunity to burn more calories as well as trim extra weight.

If you’re looking to lose a couple of extra kilos, why not push yourself to your outer limits by incorporating lunges in a high-intensity circuit training routine utilising heavy weights?

  • Balance And Stability

Lunges are a lower body unilateral exercise as you work on each side of your body independently. The single-leg movements activate your stabilising muscles in order to develop balance, coordination as well as stability.

Working one leg at a time results in your body being less stable, which forces your spine and core to work harder in order to remain balanced.

  • Alignment And Symmetry

Lunges are far better than bilateral exercises for rehabilitation as they can correct imbalances and misalignments in your body in order to make it more symmetrical.

If you have one side which is less strong or flexible, make sure that you spend a bit of additional time working on this side so that you don’t overcompensate or – alternatively – overuse the dominant side.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about lunges or become a personal trainer? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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What Does The Ideal Training Plan Consist Of? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-does-the-ideal-training-plan-consist-of/ Fri, 11 Jun 2021 05:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24752 There is no single type of training that is able to take care of all your needs. In fact, in order to get the most advantages from your routine, you will want a mixture of activities during the course of a week. Otherwise, it’s like a diet that consists only of fruit — healthful as...

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There is no single type of training that is able to take care of all your needs. In fact, in order to get the most advantages from your routine, you will want a mixture of activities during the course of a week. Otherwise, it’s like a diet that consists only of fruit — healthful as far as it goes, however lacking a lot of the nutrients which you’ll find in other foods, such as fish, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.

With benefits such as better-quality sleep, a levelling up in brainpower as well as increased levels of happiness, it’s no wonder why training should be a major part of your day-to-day routine. The very fact that you’re getting up and out is a big win in itself, however science and experts agree: There are loads of benefits to diversifying your workouts, particularly if you want to avoid injury.

Variety is the spice of fitness. One of the surest ways in order to hit a plateau is to do the same workout over and over.

You Can Train Every Single Day

While it’s not for everyone, you could very well work out every single day if you really want to forgo a rest day. This is as long as you do so smartly. You are able to do some sort of cardio or strength training seven days a week if you actually want to. Especially if you’re not doing max lifts, and opting for smaller sets of 10-or-so reps.

Developing A Balanced Training Plan

So, what does a reasonable exercise plan consist of? Medical experts urge all adults to include the following types of training in their weekly routines:

  • 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise every single week (for instance, half an hour on each and every single of five days) or 75 minutes of vigorous cardiovascular activity (or an equivalent mixture of the two).
  • Two or more strength training sessions every single week, with at least 48 hours in between in order to give muscles the opportunity to recover.
  • Balance exercises for older adults in danger of falls.

If this all sounds overwhelming, remember that training sessions can be broken up into smaller segments. For instance, three 10-minute walks can get you to your daily goal of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise.

Each training session should also include a straightforward warm-up at the beginning and a cool-down at the end. The warm-up should also consist of gentle exercise, such as marching in place in order to warm up your muscles as well as get more oxygen-rich blood flowing to them. To cool down, slow your activity and the intensity for between five and 10 minutes and then finish off with stretches in order to help prevent stiffness.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn more about training, then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this course here.

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How Long Does It Take To Begin Enjoying Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-begin-enjoying-exercise/ Thu, 10 Jun 2021 05:00:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24738 Do you look at working out as a duty or chore? Does this make you put off getting into the gym? What if you began to associate exercise with pleasure as well as anticipation instead? If you’ve spent most of your life fearing working out or associating exercise with discomfort, it’s high time to adjust...

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Do you look at working out as a duty or chore? Does this make you put off getting into the gym? What if you began to associate exercise with pleasure as well as anticipation instead? If you’ve spent most of your life fearing working out or associating exercise with discomfort, it’s high time to adjust how you think as well as learn how to enjoy working out.

In today’s world, we’re doing far more at home – including working as well as working out. However, many people find that working out at home is less inspiring. With no one there to inspire you and drive you in order to achieve your fitness goals, it’s far easier to allow working out fall by the wayside. It’s more important than ever to discover how to enjoy exercising at home.

So, are you able to go from hating exercising to enjoying it? The response is yes – if you are dedicated. Just like mastering any new skill, learning how to enjoy exercise is part mindset and also part practice. Through adopting the attitude that exercise is quite enjoyable, you’re able to accept fitness as part of a holistic wellness strategy. Learning how to absolutely adore working out becomes a powerful tool for getting the body that you want – and the extraordinary life that you deserve.

How To Start Exercising

Before we get into what to expect when exercising, let’s talk about how to start really working out. First, know that what type of exercise you do is completely up to you — there’s really no need to keep up a running routine, for instance, if you find you really hate running. So, one of the primary steps when beginning to work out is to “date” various types of workouts until you find the correct fit as the best workout for you is one you actually enjoy.

On top of that, determining why you’re working out is a key element in putting together a lasting workout routine. When you’re just launching your fitness journey, it can be simple to get caught up in what everyone else is doing. Keep in mind that we all move at our own pace and in order to focus on what is best and most fun for you as well as your unique body.

There’s Also The Logistics Of Exercising For The First Time

If you’re beginning from scratch, you’ll perhaps need some new gear—nothing fancy, however a few basics that will give you the opportunity to move comfortably. In addition, you’ll want to figure out what is the best time to for you to work out (and no, there’s no prescriptive time which is actually “best”—the best time to work out is whenever you are able to fit it in in addition to what fits your lifestyle). After this, schedule in workouts so that you don’t miss them. And certainly, check with your doctor in order to get the greenlight before starting a workout routine.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen to discover more about exercise, then you need to become a personal trainer with our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Are The Advantages Of Lifting Heavy Weights? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-advantages-of-lifting-heavy-weights/ Thu, 10 Jun 2021 05:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24742 For years, only a minority of dedicated fitness enthusiasts have practised a sure-fire method of attaining outcomes from exercise: lifting weights with the heaviest loads that are possible. While theoretically NOT lifting, pulling (or pushing) a car is phenomenal for developing lower body strength as the muscles are working to overcome a maximal load. The...

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For years, only a minority of dedicated fitness enthusiasts have practised a sure-fire method of attaining outcomes from exercise: lifting weights with the heaviest loads that are possible. While theoretically NOT lifting, pulling (or pushing) a car is phenomenal for developing lower body strength as the muscles are working to overcome a maximal load.

The most common gym routines are derived from the bodybuilding world and focus on moderate-to-high repetition ranges, usually 8-15 reps, to increase the size of a muscle. Serious strength-training enthusiasts know that lifting heavy for five repetitions or less, while extremely challenging, can increase muscle strength without necessarily increasing size.

You’ll Incinerate More Body Fat

Build more muscle and you’ll be keeping your body burning fat all day long. In addition, lifting weights could increase your lean body mass, which has the result of increasing the number of overall calories that you burn during the day.

In the latest research on overweight or obese adults (age 60 and over), the mixture of a low-calorie diet and weight training lead to greater fat loss as opposed to a combination of a low-calorie diet in addition to walking workouts. The adults who walked rather than training with weights did lose a comparable amount of weight—however a considerable portion of the weight loss included lean body mass.

In the meantime, the adults who did strength training retained muscle mass while losing fat. This makes the suggestion that strength training is better at assisting people lose belly fat compared with cardio as while aerobic exercise burns both fat and muscle, weightlifting burns nearly exclusively fat.

Confidence

Training with heavy weights is demonstrated to improve your self-confidence. In addition, weight training can reduce anxiety, ease depression as well as increase happiness. While it might be quite challenging at times to get motivated in order to hit the gym, the benefits far outlast the initial struggle.

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Your Muscles Will Look More Defined

Do you love the lean and defined muscles on super-fit ladies? If ladies want more definition, they need to lift heavier as they cannot get bigger muscles owing to low testosterone levels. So, lifting heavier weights has the potential to make women far more defined.

Lifting heavy weights is responsible for developing more than only muscle. Lifting heavy weights increases the production of a number of different hormones, including the hormone IGF-1, which assists with stimulating connections in the brain and enhancing cognitive function. In a recent study, leg strength was positively linked with stronger minds that are far less susceptible to the negative effects of ageing. Simply stated: Strength training may improve your ability to learn and think as you age.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become a weightlifting expert, then you need to become a personal trainer. Check out our Personal Training Diploma to become a world-class personal training expert.

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How To Prevent Injuries From Indoor Cycling? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-prevent-injuries-from-indoor-cycling-find-out-in-this-article/ Wed, 09 Jun 2021 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24729 Indoor cycling fast is becoming more popular than ever before. Cycling bikes come with an array of benefits that help you work up a sweat without even going anywhere.  Are you looking for a fun alternative to the same old treadmill? A high energy indoor cycle class is a phenomenal way to sweat it out...

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Indoor cycling fast is becoming more popular than ever before. Cycling bikes come with an array of benefits that help you work up a sweat without even going anywhere.  Are you looking for a fun alternative to the same old treadmill? A high energy indoor cycle class is a phenomenal way to sweat it out to some feel-good music. Time flies when you’re having fun.

An indoor cycling class (sometimes called a spin class) comes with all the benefits of cardiovascular exercise. Plus, it’s a low-impact workout to give your joints a break. What could be so difficult about riding a stationary bike? Just hop on and start pedalling. It turns out that a lot can go wrong. Enter: cycle class injuries.

What Are Some Common Indoor Cycling Injuries?

Indoor cycling is a cardio program which builds up both strength and fitness with very slight impact to your joints, so it’s a programme that almost anyone can do. However, as with any movement one does repetitively, indoor cycling can cause injury or could cause the body part to become ‘worn’. That’s why it’s an extremely very good idea to cross-train so that your muscles and bones are being used differently.

Knee Injury

Indoor cycling can be quite taxing on your knees, especially if you are not sitting correctly on the bike. You could also find that your knee hurts more after you’ve pedalled for a long period of time. This kind of knee pain is so common that it was even given its own name — cyclist’s knee, or the more scientific term, patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

Back And Shoulder Pain

Common indoor cycling injuries consist of back pain and related shoulder injuries which are caused by bad posture. A common mistake that people make is hunching over the handles too far forward and tensing their shoulders.

Wrist Strain

Wrist pain is another one of those troublesome common indoor cycling injuries. If you are susceptible to wrist strains, then make sure to keep them straight when holding the handles.

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Learn How To Set Up Your Bike

It all begins right here. A poor spin bike set-up will put you behind the eight ball to start. Bike settings that are not right will put you in poor alignment and may also cause injury. All bikes are different. Bring a few basics with you.

There will always be the option to adjust the bike saddle height (seat height) as well as handlebar height. Then it becomes more fine-tuned with forward/back positions, and foot placement if you’re not using clips. Find the optimal set up that works for your body. Even small adjustments can make a ride uncomfortable. Starting with the right set up can help prevent cycle class injuries.

Conatct Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become an indoor cycling instructor, then you need to do our Indoor Cycling Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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How To Use The Pain-Blocking Effects Of Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-use-the-pain-blocking-effects-of-exercise/ Tue, 08 Jun 2021 05:00:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24724 Pain is an disagreeable sensory and emotional experience that is associated with, or resembles that associated with, actual or possible tissue damage. In addition, pain is always subjective, and each person learns the application of the word through experiences that are related to injury in early life. It is also argued activity induced in nociceptor...

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Pain is an disagreeable sensory and emotional experience that is associated with, or resembles that associated with, actual or possible tissue damage. In addition, pain is always subjective, and each person learns the application of the word through experiences that are related to injury in early life. It is also argued activity induced in nociceptor and nociceptive pathways by toxic stimulus is not pain.

For people who are suffering from pain, their initial response is to avoid exercise and seek rest. And yet exercise therapy is frequently prescribed as a treatment option for managing pain. There are known advantages of exercise and regular physical activity.

Here are the benefits of physical activity:

  • Controls weight,
  • Lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disease,
  • Reduces the risk of some cancers, strengthens bones and muscles,
  • Enhances mental health and mood,
  • Improves the ability to perform day-to-day activities and prevent falls, as well as
  • Increases chances of living longer.

What Are The Benefits Of Exercise For Managing Pain?

The benefits of exercise for dealing with pain are well documented in a number of different of clinical settings. These include nonspecific back pain, for lower back pain during pregnancy, for knee osteoarthritis pain as well as many other cases of chronic noncancer pain conditions. However, much of this research concentrates on the benefits of strengthening exercises.

In addition, high intensity aerobic activity has been shown to decrease pain significantly. This is a phenomenon that is referred to as exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH, or runner’s high). However, for older patients, high-intensity workouts may not be an accurate or a safe option, given the possible disabilities or complicating health factors which they may have.

Moreover, a study that compares older and younger healthy adults has shown age disparities in EIH after isometric as well as aerobic exercise, with younger adults undergoing greater EIH as compared with older adults.

Could Light Physical Activity For Older Adults Offer The Same Benefits As High-Intensity Aerobics Do For Healthy Adults?

The answer looks to be a distinct yes, according to a research team which is led by Kelly M Naugle, PhD, who is an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana.

In a study which examined the results of light physical activity (PA) on 47 older adult patients (15 male with an average age = 67.35 yrs ± 5), Dr Naugle and her colleagues found that the collected data on total energy expenditure and light PA meaningly predicted pain inhibitory function, according to conditioned pain modulation (CPM) tests. The team made the finding that frequent, low-intensity PA was associated with greater pain inhibition in healthy older adults. Moderate to vigorous PA data also predicted pain facilitation on temporal summation (TS) tests for heat pain (at 48° C).

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn how to exercise and harness its benefits for others? If you do then you really need to become a personal trainer. Become a world-class personal trainer with our Personal Training Diploma – follow this link to read more.

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How Exercising Can Affect Sleep? Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-exercising-can-affect-sleep-learn-more-in-this-article/ Tue, 08 Jun 2021 05:00:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24718 Sleep problems actually constitute a global epidemic which threatens health as well as quality of life for almost 45% of the world’s population. This is according to the World Sleep Society, which is a non-profit organisation of sleep professionals which is dedicated to promoting sleep health worldwide. Add to that the multiple stressors that have...

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Sleep problems actually constitute a global epidemic which threatens health as well as quality of life for almost 45% of the world’s population. This is according to the World Sleep Society, which is a non-profit organisation of sleep professionals which is dedicated to promoting sleep health worldwide.

Add to that the multiple stressors that have been caused by the pandemic, including illness in addition to loss of life, job loss, social isolation and mental health issues, and it’s amazing that we get any sleep at all.

One of the ways to try to get good sleep is by exercising. Vigorous exercisers, who were surveyed by the National Sleep Foundation, reported that they were almost twice as likely to report high-quality, regular sleep as compared to non-exercisers.

Exercising is great for your body as well as your mind. In addition, it can also help you get a good night’s sleep. However, for some individuals, exercising too late in the day could interfere with how well they sleep at night.

Based on available studies, there is solid evidence which states that exercise does, in fact, help you fall asleep far more quickly as well as improving sleep quality. However, there’s still some debate as to what time of day you should exercise. Listen to your body to see how well you sleep in response to when you work out.

How Does Exercising Impact Sleep?

There are many advantages to exercising regularly. These include:

  • A lower risk of diseases such as cancer and diabetes,
  • Improved physical function, as well as
  • An enhanced higher quality of life.

Exercising may also benefit certain groups. For instance, pregnant women who take part in routine physical activity will be less likely to gain an unnecessary amount of weight or experience postpartum depression. Elderly people who exercise are at a decreased risk of being injured in a fall.

Exercising also improves sleep for many individuals. Specifically, moderate-to-vigorous exercise could increase sleep quality for adults by lowering sleep onset – or the time that it takes to fall asleep – and lower the amount of time that they lie awake in bed during the night. In addition, physical activity can help to alleviate daytime sleepiness and, for some individuals, reduce the need for sleep medications.

In addition, exercise can improve sleep in indirect ways. For example, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity could decrease the risk of excessive weight gain, which in turn makes that individual less likely to experience symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Approximately 60% of moderate to severe OSA cases have been attributed to obesity.

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How Much Exercise Is Necessary For Better Sleep?

The good news is that people who engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise might see a difference in their quality of sleep that same night. It’s usually not going to take months or years in order to see a benefit. Patients don’t need to feel as if they have to train for an ultramarathon to become a better sleeper.

Furthermore, while many studies concentrate on aerobic activity and sleep, picking an exercise you like will assist you to stick with it. For instance, power lifting or an active yoga class can increase your heart rate, assisting to create the biological processes in the brain as well as body which contribute to better quality sleep.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of exercising, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to read more.

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What Is Eccentric Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-eccentric-exercise/ Mon, 07 Jun 2021 05:00:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24701 Just going through the motions is never quite a good idea when it comes to fitness and exercise. Ask any personal trainer and they’ll tell you it’s about quality, not quantity. Take a push-up, for instance. You know that lowering your body down and then pushing it back up is considered to be one rep,...

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Just going through the motions is never quite a good idea when it comes to fitness and exercise. Ask any personal trainer and they’ll tell you it’s about quality, not quantity. Take a push-up, for instance. You know that lowering your body down and then pushing it back up is considered to be one rep, however both of those steps — which are known as eccentric and concentric movements — are equally important. And when you understand and concentrate on those specific movements during exercise, it can assist you with varying your routine and up your gains.

Lifting heavy weights is a phenomenal way to efficiently and effectively strengthen your muscles. However, it’s not the only method that you can use. Enter eccentric training.

Changing up the weight you lift by adding more of it is a straightforward way to continually challenge your muscles, however the tempo of your lifting matters as well. You are able to get a stellar strength workout by just tinkering with the speed at which you do the exercises.

By slowing down specific portions of your exercises, you are able to challenge your muscles to the maximum and get the most bang-for-your-workout buck. It’s an exercise concept that is known as eccentric training.

What Are The Benefits Of Eccentric Exercise?

Eccentric exercise focuses on the lengthening phase of any specific exercise, which makes it killer for building strength. By lowering the weight using control, you can create a phenomenal stimulus for growth even though the gravitational force of the weight is more than the force that the muscle is producing.

In fact, research which was published in 2014 found eccentric training to be better at building both muscle size as well as strength than concentric training. You are able to lengthen muscles under loads much greater than possible to contract with. It’s a phenomenal tool for ‘overloading’ the body” which is the key to making adaptations.

During an eccentric contraction, your muscle fibres are lengthened to a point that causes microscopic tears (think about the image of pulling Velcro apart), which encourages your muscle’s inflammatory response. With proper recovery time, they’ll repair as well as rebuild themselves stronger than they were before.

Overall Force Increases During These Exercises

Eccentric contractions cause more muscle damage (in a good way) than concentric contractions as you’re moving more slowly through the motion, overall force improves. Over time, your muscle will naturally build increased strength in order to accommodate that increased force.

Eccentric training also needs less oxygen, a reduced cardiac output, and produces less lactate build-up within the muscle as opposed to concentric training when making use of similar loads. All of this is easier on your body.

It’s not only about making gains. That lengthening of the muscle fibres can also improve flexibility as well as range of motion. Eccentric training was found to be an efficient way in order to improve lower limb flexibility.

The cherry on top: Strength training and improved flexibility both lessen your risk of injury. And eccentric training also strengthens your body’s connective tissue (think of it like a web throughout your body which supports and protects your muscles and organs).

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover more about exercise then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What Is The Importance Of Good Nutrition? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-importance-of-good-nutrition-read-this-article/ Fri, 04 Jun 2021 05:05:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24658 Most people know that good nutrition and physical activity can assist with maintaining a healthy weight. However, the benefits of good nutrition go far beyond weight. Good nutrition can assist with: Reducing the risk of some diseases, plus heart disease, diabetes, stroke, some cancers as well as osteoporosis Lowering high blood pressure Reducing high cholesterol...

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Most people know that good nutrition and physical activity can assist with maintaining a healthy weight. However, the benefits of good nutrition go far beyond weight. Good nutrition can assist with:

  • Reducing the risk of some diseases, plus heart disease, diabetes, stroke, some cancers as well as osteoporosis
  • Lowering high blood pressure
  • Reducing high cholesterol
  • Enhancing your well-being
  • Improving your ability to fight off illness
  • Enhancing your ability to recover from illness or injury
  • Increasing your energy level

The successful management of food intake and nutrition are both fundamental to good health as we get older. Having a healthy diet and consuming the correct foods can assist your body with coping more successfully with an ongoing illness or other health-care problems.

In addition, understanding good nutrition – as well as paying attention to what you eat – can assist you to maintain or enhance your health.

Most of us really DO know what healthy eating is all about: less fried food, less sugar as well as more vegetables and fruits. When it comes down to having good nutrition, however, a lot of us don’t actually know all  the full details of the benefits of good nutrition in addition to how to go about achieving it.

What Is Good Nutrition?

Nutrition and what we eat have a considerable impact on our health, irrespective of our age. Food – in addition to – nutrition are how we get energy as well as fuel into our bodies. It is necessary for us to replace nutrients in our bodies with a new supply each and every single day.

Nutrition involves fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Also, water is a very important component of good nutrition. Maintaining fundamental vitamins and minerals are also important in terms of maintaining good health, particularly for those over 50.

What Does A Healthy Diet Consist Of?

A healthy diet should involve a lot of natural foods and should comprise plenty of fruits and vegetables. Whole grains – such as whole-grain bread and brown rice – should also play a part in your diet. Protein needs to come from lean meats, poultry and dairy products need to be low fat.

Also, good nutrition involves avoiding a number of different kinds of foods, such as salt (sodium) which can result in high blood pressure. Making sure that you watch your cholesterol and fat intake is also very important for good nutrition.

Good nutrition is crucial for a healthy body which is able to fight off infections and function properly, however many individuals forego healthy eating for a number of reasons, including lack of knowledge, hectic schedules as well as exhaustion. After all, it’s much faster to microwave a meal or stop at a fast-food restaurant than it is to prepare a very healthy meal. Sadly, bad nutrition can lead to a whole host of problems, that includes high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, poor sleep-in addition to lack of energy.

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If you are quite keen to learn more about nutrition then you need to do our Specialised Nutrition Course. Find out more by following this link.

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How To Optimise Your Workouts? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-optimise-your-workouts-find-out-in-this-article/ Fri, 04 Jun 2021 05:00:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24620 You don’t want to commit hours upon hours at the gym however you want to get stronger, fitter, leaner as well as just plain look great. It’s highly possible that you’re not getting the most out of your workout time. Your time is valuable so you can’t waste one single second on a bad workout....

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You don’t want to commit hours upon hours at the gym however you want to get stronger, fitter, leaner as well as just plain look great. It’s highly possible that you’re not getting the most out of your workout time.

Your time is valuable so you can’t waste one single second on a bad workout. The good ones are challenging enough to plan for. Strained reps, poor energy levels, inadequate sets, longer-than-desired workouts as well as shoddy results can leave you feeling as if your time in the gym is all for naught.

The good news is that there are things which you can do – before as well as after you head to the gym – in order to ensure supercharged workouts today, tomorrow, and beyond. These tips can improve your efficiency, strength, even your time spent lifting weights.

When Your Workout ACTUALLY Starts

Your workout doesn’t begin when you walk into the gym. It starts when you wake up in the morning and continues during the entire day. Preparations go beyond merely packing your gym bag. They begin with eating the correct things at the correct times in order to increase your body’s productivity at the gym. As a supplement to your usual nutritional goals, you should observe that what you’re eating is meant to power you through your workout. So, make your choices wisely.

Prior to your workout – whether you do your training before work, or in the evening after work – there are a number of different things that you can (and should) do to gear up for the battle ahead. Again, nutrition plays a part, however your supplements are what will put you over the top. Taking the correct mixture of supplements during this crucial window helps get your body in a position to grow from today’s session.

Immediately after your workout, you should start to look ahead. Your body requires the correct fuel in order to grow as well as repair itself over the next few days. In addition, you need to start getting ready for your next bout with the weights. That recuperation and preparation starts now.

Limit Your Workouts To Between 30 And 40 Minutes

Although the tendency of some individuals who really want to get a lot out of their workouts is to spend as much time as possible at the gym, the honest truth is that after 30 or 40 minutes, your benefit of the workout isn’t as significant. In order to go that long, you’d have to lower the intensity of the workout, and this means that you’re spending too much time working out. It’s much better to work out at a higher intensity for a shorter period of time.

High-Intensity Workouts

If you’re just beginning to exercise, it’s best to take it slowly. If you’re running or cycling, for instance, build up your endurance for a minimum of a month before you get into anything more concentrated. This means going at a rate where you can speak easily without being out of breath. Nevertheless, once you have that base of endurance, step up the intensity in order to increase the effectiveness of the workout.

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Why Is Aerobic Exercise Key To A Healthy Brain? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-aerobic-exercise-key-to-a-healthy-brain/ Thu, 03 Jun 2021 05:00:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24517 You’ve taken to heart the recommendations to get – at a minimum – 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity a week in order to improve your physical fitness. What you may not realise is that with every step that you take, every kilometre you pedal or every lap that you swim around the pool,...

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You’ve taken to heart the recommendations to get – at a minimum – 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity a week in order to improve your physical fitness.

What you may not realise is that with every step that you take, every kilometre you pedal or every lap that you swim around the pool, you’re enhancing your cognitive fitness. A number of studies suggest that the activities you do in order to improve your body also benefit your brain.

Physical exercise, as well as aerobic exercise specifically, is very beneficial in terms of maintaining brain health, even in individuals who are at risk for developing dementia in addition to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). You are able to make a key difference in terms of how your body is operating and, as a consequence, how your brain is operating.

How Aerobic Exercise Helps

Exercise assists with memory and thinking through both direct as well as indirect means. The advantages of aerobic exercise come directly from its ability to lower insulin resistance, reduce inflammation in addition to stimulating the issuing of growth factors — chemicals in the brain which affect the health of brain cells, the development of new blood vessels in the brain as well as even the abundance and survival of new brain cells.

Indirectly, exercise enhances mood and sleep, in addition to reducing stress and anxiety. Problems in these areas often result in – or contribute to – cognitive impairment.

Many studies have made the suggestion that the parts of the brain which control thinking as well as memory (the prefrontal cortex as well as the medial temporal cortex) have a larger volume in individuals who exercise as opposed to individuals who don’t.

Even more thrilling is the finding that engaging in a programme of regular exercise of moderate intensity – over a period of six months or a year – is associated with an increase in the volume of select brain regions.

Safety Of Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise is usually safe for most people. In order to avoid injuries, it is always a good idea to discuss exercise regimens with a personal trainer or fitness consultant. People who suffer from chronic health conditions should check in with a doctor to find out if their exercise plan is suitable. In some instances, people with heart conditions or high blood pressure might need to avoid high intensity exercise.

Get Into Strength Training Exercises

Strength training isn’t only for body builders. Lifting weights – or making use of a resistance band – not only builds muscle and strengthens bone; but it can boost brain power, improve mood, enhance concentration as well as increase decision-making skills.

Aerobic exercise and strength training provides a wide range of benefits for the body as well as the brain. Physical activity guidelines advise at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity – or 75 minutes – of high intensity aerobic activity every single week. Getting more exercise than this will probably have extra benefits.

For some individuals, it may be difficult to find the time for sports or regular visits to the gym. However, making small changes to day-to-day routines can assist these individuals to reach the recommended amount of physical activity. For instance, they could take the stairs as opposed to the lift or, when possible, try walking instead of driving.

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What Is Kalari? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-kalari/ Thu, 03 Jun 2021 05:00:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24512 Kalari is an Indian martial art which originated in modern-day Kerala that is a state on the southwestern coast of India. Kalari is known for its established history within Indian martial arts. It is believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in India, with a history that spans over 3 000 years. Even most...

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Kalari is an Indian martial art which originated in modern-day Kerala that is a state on the southwestern coast of India. Kalari is known for its established history within Indian martial arts. It is believed to be the oldest surviving martial art in India, with a history that spans over 3 000 years.

Even most of the Chinese martial arts originate from Bodhi Dharma, who was a Buddhist Monk as well as a Kalari master from Kerala. Kalari is a holistic form of physical training, which merges the dynamic skills of attack and defence with the covert knowledge of the Marma points.

As well as the physical training, Kalaripayattu also encompasses the training of the mind. These days, it is also practised by dancers and circus performers as it helps in making the body extremely flexible.

What Does A Kalari Practice Look Like?

A Kalari practice can be just as enjoyable, strenuous as well as mystical as its past. Luckily, we are not preparing for battle like the ancients however, we are still able to get the health as well as wellness benefits of the art. Kalari is a very broad art so at first glance it could appear martial, yogic, theatrical, medicinal or – alternatively – therapeutic. When preformed it feels fluid, extremely natural, energetic, challenging in addition to life supporting.

After Kalari practice, the body has been through a workout and your mind is calm, clear as well as harmonic undertones that are similar to the feelings that are experienced in a deep yoga session. As a practitioner continues with the art, he or she feels the benefits of flexibility, strength, balance, stamina, inner peace as well as a sense of well-being.

Owing to the effectiveness of Kalari, there is an increasing number of professionals in the performing arts and sports who train in Kalari in order to enhance their skills and performance. Regardless of the interest in martial arts, anyone in the body-oriented activities (performance sports professional or recreational) can benefit from this training.

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What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Kalari?

During Kalari, practitioners don’t focus on one part of the body. It is a whole body and mind workout. Practising the martial art not only increases your bodily strength, but also assists you to achieve better blood circulation, flexibility, levels of endurance, stamina, concentration, self-control, posture, muscle tone, speed in physical movements as well as neuro-muscular coordination. In order to become the best version of yourself, your body and your mind need to be at peace with one another. In this way they can work in accordance with each other.

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How Can HIIT Exercises Help Your Heart? Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-hiit-exercises-help-your-heart-learn-more-in-this-article/ Wed, 02 Jun 2021 05:00:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24497 Although it is public knowledge that exercise provides a whole heap of health benefits, many individuals can find it challenging to find time for regular physical activity. High intensity interval training (HIIT) has achieved popularity as a quick and effective way to exercise. It offers many of the same health benefits as other kinds of...

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Although it is public knowledge that exercise provides a whole heap of health benefits, many individuals can find it challenging to find time for regular physical activity. High intensity interval training (HIIT) has achieved popularity as a quick and effective way to exercise. It offers many of the same health benefits as other kinds of exercise does.

Aerobic – or cardiovascular – training is designed in order to develop a healthier heart as well as circulatory system. Some sort of aerobic training is really essential in order to guarantee good health.

You could give interval training a trial run just by altering your current workout routine. In order to get the cardiac boost from HIIT training. You need to be willing to push yourself close to your limits—at least for a little while.

What Are HIIT Exercises?

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a kind of exercise in which you alternate cycles of intense, quick cardio sessions with short intervals of rest in-between.

HIIT can either be high-volume or low volume:

  • Low-volume HIIT is comprised of intervals of exercise which are longer but include a longer recovery period.
  • High-volume HIIT is comprised of short bursts of vigorous cardio with extremely short rest periods.

Variations in the length of rest periods didn’t seem to have an impact on the benefits of the high-intensity exercise however more people reported to like the shorter rest periods as well as the shorter intense cardio intervals as compared to the longer intervals.

Many individuals described the HIIT workouts as motivating, entertaining, and less boring as opposed to working out for longer periods of time. When people are motivated to work out, they are more likely to do it.

It is very important to note that you should only work out for as long as you feel comfortable doing so. Doctors urge patients to set the duration and intensity to what they felt comfortable with doing. Take things slow and also take a break when you need to. If you continue to feel ill, it is important that you contact a medical professional right away.

What Are The Benefits Of HIIT?

HIIT allows you to accomplish the same amount of exercise “work” in far less time. That could make workouts much simpler to fit into an extremely busy day or open a time slot in order to add some strength training. If you are able to reduce your moderate half-hour workout to 15 or 20 minutes of interval training, the cardiovascular advantage should be about the same.

As your fitness improves, you should feel better, with increased endurance as well as more get-up-and-go. However, cardiovascular training doesn’t considerably boost muscle strength or power. Even elite marathoners don’t have unusually strong leg muscles. But their hearts and lungs work in tandem at peak performance.

No matter what kind of cardiovascular training you choose, you need to do it regularly in order to see the improvements. Three days a week is a good recommendation—more if you can, but not much less and definitely not just once a week.

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If you are very eager to learn more about HIIT then you need to do our HIIT and Functional Trainer Course. Follow this link to find out more information.

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What Are The Benefits Of Sports Massage? Learn more https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-sports-massage-learn-more/ Wed, 02 Jun 2021 05:00:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24500 Sports massage is reported to have a number of different beneficial effects in athletes. Sports massage can be utilised pre-performance, post-performance, during training or – alternatively – for rehabilitation. From elite athletes to recreational exercisers, sports massage is a popular choice. It’s very easy to count it out, however recovery is a very important step...

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Sports massage is reported to have a number of different beneficial effects in athletes. Sports massage can be utilised pre-performance, post-performance, during training or – alternatively – for rehabilitation. From elite athletes to recreational exercisers, sports massage is a popular choice.

It’s very easy to count it out, however recovery is a very important step of any training programme. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the gym or are getting ready to run your next marathon, any type of exercise puts your body through wear and tear. This means that you want to give your muscles and tendons the opportunity to repair properly. This is why a lot of active people opt sports massage.

What Is Sports Massage?

Sports massage is a methodical manipulation of the soft tissues of the body which focuses on muscles that are relevant to a particular sport.

Runner Paavo Nurmi, who is known as the “Flying Finn,” was one of the very early users of sports massage. Nurmi is said to have made use of sports massage throughout the 1924 Olympics in Paris where he earned five gold medals. Jack Meagher is believed to be the father of sports massage in the United States of America.

A lot of different movements and techniques are utilised in sports massage. Examples of these techniques include:

  • Swedish-style massage,
  • Effleurage (stroking),
  • Petrissage (kneading),
  • Compression,
  • Friction,
  • Tapotement (rhythmic striking),
  • Vibration,
  • Gliding,
  • Stretching,
  • Percussion, and
  • Trigger points.

These movements and techniques are used in order to try to help the athlete’s body achieve maximum performance as well as physical conditioning with a decreased chance of injury or pain and a quicker recovery.

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Benefits Gained

The following benefits can be felt through the application of sports as well as deep tissue massage techniques:

  • Reduction in muscle tension, muscular pain as well as discomfort
  • Increased range of motion, which leads to enhanced performance
  • Reduced muscle stiffness as well as soreness after exercise or physical activity
  • Lowered recovery time post injury
  • Boosted levels of relaxation and decrease in physical and psychological stress levels
  • Helps sleep quantity and quality.

These benefits are mainly the result of an increase in local blood circulation which aids with flushing out chemical irritants and waste products that have stored up within the muscle. At exactly the same time, fresh blood flow increases oxygen and nutrient content within the muscle. This in turn can assist with muscle repair and leads to a reduction in muscle tension.

Sports massage is extremely valued by many athletes as well as non-athletes, even though some of its alleged benefits are not supported by research. If your goal is relief from sore and tense muscles after a workout, as well as general relaxation, it may be valuable for you.

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What Are The Best Exercises For Strengthening Your Back? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-exercises-for-strengthening-your-back/ Tue, 01 Jun 2021 05:00:58 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24475 If you’ve ever suffered from a backache, you’ll know just how dismal it can be. Every movement that your body makes will engage your back in some sort of way, so a hurt back means that you’re down and out — which is absolutely no fun at all… Strengthening your back muscles can assist with...

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If you’ve ever suffered from a backache, you’ll know just how dismal it can be. Every movement that your body makes will engage your back in some sort of way, so a hurt back means that you’re down and out — which is absolutely no fun at all…

Strengthening your back muscles can assist with preventing these types of injuries and make sure that your entire body works smoothly, both during daily movements as well as during exercise. However, with the plethora of back exercises which are out there on the Internet, you could be a little overwhelmed — especially if you’re an exercise newbie.

You may feel a lot like resting, however moving is really great for your back. Exercises for your lower back pain can assist with strengthening your back, stomach as well as leg muscles. They assist with supporting your spine, so relieving back pain. Always ask your health care professional or doctor before doing any exercise for back pain. Depending on the reason and intensity of your pain, some exercises may not be recommended and also could be harmful.

The Exercises Not To Do

Any mild discomfort which you feel at the beginning of these exercises should disappear as your muscles become stronger. However, if pain is more than mild – and lasts more than 15 minutes during exercise – you should stop exercising and consult a doctor. Some of the exercises may aggravate pain. Standing toe touches, for instance, put greater stress on your discs and ligaments in the spine. They can overstretch lower back muscles as well as your hamstrings.

Good Exercises

Knee-To-Chest Stretches

Performing a knee-to-chest stretch can assist with elongating the lower back, so relieving tension as well as pain.

In order to perform the knee-to-chest stretch:

  • Lie on your back on the floor.
  • Bend your knees, keeping both of your feet flat on the floor.
  • Utilise both of your hands to pull one of your knees in towards your chest.
  • Hold your knee against your chest for five seconds, keeping your abdominals tight and pressing your spine into the floor.
  • Return to your starting position.
  • Repeat with your opposite leg.
  • Repeat with each of your legs between two and three times twice a day.

Draw-In Manoeuvres

The draw-in manoeuvre works your transversus abdominis. This is the muscle on the front and side of the abdomen, stabilising your spine and lower back region.

To perform the draw-in manoeuvre:

  • Lie with your back on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat. Keep your arms by your sides.
  • Breathe in deeply.
  • While breathing out, pull your bellybutton toward the spine, tightening the abdominal muscles and keeping your hips still.
  • Hold the position for approximately five seconds.
  • Repeat five times.

Superman

Your back extensors run along both sides of your spine. They assist you with maintaining an upright position, supporting your spine and pelvic bones, and allowing you to arch your back.

If this exercise makes your back pain a lot worse, stop doing it until you obtain further evaluation. Your doctor could need to rule out more significant causes of your back pain.

The muscles worked out are your back, glutes, hips and shoulders.

Here’s how to do the superman exercise:

  • Lie on your chest with your arms extended out straight in front of you and your legs long.
  • Lift your hands – as well as your feet – off the ground approximately 15 cm, or until you feel a contraction in your lower back.
  • Engage your core muscles by marginally lifting your belly button off the floor. Reach away with your hands and feet. Make sure that you look at the floor during this exercise in order to avoid neck strain.
  • Hold for two seconds.
  • Return to your starting position. Repeat 10 times.

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What Are The Best Exercises For COPD? Learn more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-exercises-for-copd-learn-more/ Tue, 01 Jun 2021 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24471 Breathing difficulties may make people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) feel they that can’t do all kinds of exercises. However, your doctor could encourage physical activity because it can improve shortness of breath as well as other COPD symptoms. Inactivity, on the other hand, may cause a decline in cardiovascular function as well...

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Breathing difficulties may make people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) feel they that can’t do all kinds of exercises. However, your doctor could encourage physical activity because it can improve shortness of breath as well as other COPD symptoms.

Inactivity, on the other hand, may cause a decline in cardiovascular function as well as muscle mass. Over time, you could find yourself more and more breathless every single time you exert yourself.

As a result, ordinary tasks such as cleaning the house or playing with your children may trigger coughing in addition to wheezing. This can disturb your quality of life, causing more and more sedentary behaviour, loss of independence in addition to even depression.

What Is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition which affects a person’s ability to breathe well. It’s often linked to other conditions such as emphysema as well as chronic bronchitis.

Symptoms of COPD include:

  • Wheezing,
  • Chest tightness,
  • Shortness of breath, as well as
  • Large amounts of mucus that collect in your lungs.

These can worsen with time; however practising breathing exercises can assist you to manage them. When you practise regularly, breathing exercises may help you to exert yourself less during day-to-day activities. They can also potentially aid in your return to exercising, which can lead to you feeling more energetic overall.

The Best COPD Exercises

Experts recommend regular, moderate exercise for people who are suffering from COPD. The best types of exercise for individuals with COPD include the following:

  • Stretching

Stretching is relaxing and also improves flexibility. Dynamic stretching is a great way for a person to warm up before exercise. Static stretching is also a good way to cool down after exercise. A person should practise holding a gentle static stretch for approximately 10 to 30 seconds while slowly breathing. This needs to be repeated a good number of times.

  • Aerobic Exercise

This type of exercise allows the body to utilise oxygen more efficiently. It is generally good for the lungs as well as heart. Swimming, walking, and cycling are great examples of aerobic exercise. A person suffering from COPD should aim to do aerobic exercise for about half an hour approximately five times a week.

  • Resistance Training

This strengthens muscles, including those which assist with breathing. It often involves resistance bands and weights; however, a person can perform resistance training at home with only using bodyweight calisthenics exercises.

A person needs to repeat each exercise no more than 10 times and then add small amounts of weight as repetitions get easier. A doctor or respiratory therapist should offer guidance on a suitable resistance training programme.

It is often safe for a person with COPD to exercise, however they should not exercise if they:

  • Have chest pain,
  • Are out of oxygen,
  • Have an infection or fever, as well as
  • Feel nauseated

Physical and breathing exercises may benefit people who are suffering from COPD. They can improve anxiety, stress as well as depression, energy levels, cardiovascular health, muscle strength, oxygen use in addition to shortness of breath:

  • The optimal physical exercises for COPD include stretching, aerobic exercise in addition to resistance training.
  • The very best breathing exercises include pursed lip breathing as well as diaphragmatic breathing.
  • Tai chi and yoga are also helpful and include physical and breathing exercises.

A person suffering from COPD should monitor their levels of exertion and keep exercise at a moderate level.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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Are Massage Guns Or Foam Rollers Better For Recovery? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/are-massage-guns-or-foam-rollers-better-for-recovery/ Mon, 31 May 2021 05:00:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24445 Workout recovery is perhaps just as important as the workout itself. This is why it’s important to find recovery tools which work for you. And while everyone’s recovery requirements will vary, based on what you do, two of the most popular choices today are foam rollers and massage guns. And while there’s lots of room...

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Workout recovery is perhaps just as important as the workout itself. This is why it’s important to find recovery tools which work for you. And while everyone’s recovery requirements will vary, based on what you do, two of the most popular choices today are foam rollers and massage guns.

And while there’s lots of room for both tools in anyone’s recovery arsenal, you could be wondering which is best for you (as well as your wallet). While a foam roller is usually a lot cheaper than a massage gun, you can find a few more affordable massage gun options these days which might work for you as well.

However, when it comes down to functionality these two tools are pretty different and both can help you feel better and recover from exercise a lot faster than doing nothing.

What Is A Massage Gun?

Massage guns – which are also known as percussion massagers, percussive therapy as well as vibration therapy, offer a lot of the benefits of massage minus the expense or the hassle of a visit to the massage therapist.

These electric tools deliver a vigorous massage and usually come with a selection of attachments, such as balls of varying firmness as well as finger-like tips. They have different settings.

While massage guns are designed to be utilised by anyone, they’re most popular among endurance athletes such as triathletes and ultramarathoners.

What the massage gun can do:

  • Deeper, intense massage owing to the high force of the gun
  • Target small, hard-to-reach areas (massage guns frequently come with various attachments in order to help you to reach certain areas)
  • Provide virtually instant relief from tension, aches or soreness

What it can’t do:

  • Most massage guns don’t have a gentle setting, and can feel intense if you’re quite sensitive to massage
  • Isn’t able to cover a large area of your body as a foam roller can

Best for:

  • People who work out seriously or play a lot of sports
  • People who require deep relief from tension and pain
  • If you want targeted relief

What Is Foam Rolling?

Foam rolling is a self-myofascial release (SMR) method. Using a foam roller can help to relieve muscle tightness, soreness as well as inflammation in addition to increasing your joints’ range of motion.

Foam rolling can be an efficient tool to include to your warm-up or cooldown, before as well as after exercise. And the benefits of foam rolling may vary from person to person.

What a foam roller can do:

  • Roll out or massage bigger areas of your body such as both of your legs at the same time
  • Be gentler on tight places or knots
  • Cheaper as well as easy to do anywhere
  • Support flexibility, pain relief as well as overall recovery

What foam rollers can’t do:

  • Give you a deep or intense massage like a massage gun (with not as much force)
  • Challenging to use on small areas of the body

Best for:

  • Everyday use
  • Tighter budgets
  • Relief from everyday muscle soreness and tension
  • People who work out moderately and want some relief or support with flexibility

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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What Is the Flexitarian Diet? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-flexitarian-diet-find-out-in-this-article/ Fri, 28 May 2021 05:10:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24416 The Flexitarian Diet is a type of eating plan which encourages mostly plant-based foods while allowing meat as well as other animal products in moderation. It’s more flexible as opposed to fully vegetarian or vegan diets. If you would like to add more plant foods to your diet but don’t want to completely cut out...

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The Flexitarian Diet is a type of eating plan which encourages mostly plant-based foods while allowing meat as well as other animal products in moderation. It’s more flexible as opposed to fully vegetarian or vegan diets. If you would like to add more plant foods to your diet but don’t want to completely cut out meat, going flexitarian may be for you.

The word ‘flexitarian’ is simply the combination of the two words ‘flexible’ and ‘vegetarian’, while a diet is just a way of life. The theory underpinning the Flexitarian Diet is a far more flexible approach to vegetarianism, so that you can still reap the benefits of loading up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, without ditching animal products like steak and burgers entirely.

How Does The Flexitarian Diet Work?

Becoming a flexitarian is about including five food groups into your diet – and not taking any away. These are: the “new meat” (non-meat proteins such as beans, peas or eggs); fruits and veggies; whole grains; dairy; as well as sugar and spice.

A five-week meal plan in the Flexitarian Diet provides breakfast, lunch, dinner as well as snack recipes. You are able to follow the plan as it’s outlined, or swap recipes from different weeks in order to meet your preferences.

It’s a three-four-five eating plan:

  • Breakfast choices are approximately 300 calories,
  • Lunches 400,
  • Dinners 500, and
  • Snacks are approximately 150 calories each; add two, and your day-to-day total clocks in at 1 500 calories.

Depending on your activity level, gender, height as well as weight, you are able to tweak the plan in order to allow for somewhat greater or fewer calories.

You can follow the Flexitarian Diet at your own pace. Jump in and then try most of the recipes, sticking to the meal plan verbatim for a total of five weeks. Alternatively, take it slowly and test one of the recipes every once in a while.

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Possible Health Benefits Of The Flexitarian Diet

Following a Flexitarian Diet may provide several health benefits.  However, as there is no clear definition of this diet, it’s quite difficult to assess if – and how – researched benefits of other plant-based diets are applicable to the Flexitarian Diet. Nonetheless, research on vegan as well as vegetarian diets is still useful in highlighting how semi-vegetarian diets might promote health.

It appears to be important to regularly eat fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and other minimally processed whole foods in order to reap the health benefits of plant-based eating.

Heart Disease

Diets which are rich in fibre and healthy fats are very good for heart health.

A study which followed 45 000 adults over 11 years found that vegetarians had a 32% lower risk of heart disease as compared to non-vegetarians.

This is likely owing to the fact that vegetarian diets are often rich in fibre – as well as antioxidants – that may reduce blood pressure and also increase good cholesterol.

Decreasing meat consumption – while continuing to eat refined foods with lots of added sugar and salt – will not lead to the same benefits.

Weight Loss

Flexitarian eating could very well be good for your waistline. This is partially as flexitarians limit high calorie, processed foods and eat more plant foods which are naturally lower in calories. Several studies have shown that people who follow a plant-based diet may lose more weight as opposed to those who do not.

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What Is The Best Moment Of Day To Exercise For Metabolic Health? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-best-moment-of-day-to-exercise-for-metabolic-health/ Fri, 28 May 2021 05:05:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24407 Exercise in the evening may be more potent – as opposed to morning workouts – for improving metabolic health. This is according to a useful new study of exercise timing. The study, which looked at high-fat diets and overweight men, made the finding that late-day workouts were responsible for moderating the undesirable health effects of...

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Exercise in the evening may be more potent – as opposed to morning workouts – for improving metabolic health. This is according to a useful new study of exercise timing. The study, which looked at high-fat diets and overweight men, made the finding that late-day workouts were responsible for moderating the undesirable health effects of a greasy diet, while morning exercise did not.

The study involved only men who were eating a fatty diet, however, adds to growing evidence that exercise timing matters and, for many of us, working out later might have particular advantages.

Although we may be only dimly aware of this, operations inside our bodies follow busy, intricate as well as mutable circadian schedules. All of our tissues contain molecular clocks which coordinate biological systems so prompting our blood sugar to rise and dip throughout the day, along with our hunger, heart rates, body temperature, sleepiness, gene expression, muscle strength, cell division, energy expenditure and other processes.

More Research On Exercise Timing

Some individuals are morning exercisers. For these people, an early run or swim is as much an integral part of their wake-up ritual as their first cup of coffee. Other people can’t abide the idea. They really do need a night-time workout in order to rid themselves of the day’s stresses.

However, does it really make a difference? A number of recent studies suggest that it does. However, it’s complicated.

One study indicates that morning exercise could activate certain genes in the muscle cells, so boosting their ability in order to metabolise sugar as well as fat. While scientists say this finding needs further study, they think it ultimately might assist those who are overweight or are suffering from Type 2 diabetes.

An evening workout, on the other hand, consumes less oxygen, making these types of workouts more efficient as well as improving athletic performance, potentially a boon for serious competitors.

How Can You Make Your Workout More Efficient?

  • Don’t Push Your Body Too Much

Don’t try to kill yourself in the short amount of time which you have committed to exercising each week. You should really have a realistic approach and understand that exercise only is probably not going to generate desired results as it accounts for a very small portion of your daily calorie burn. You will need to take into account a number of different factors such as NEAT, diet, sleep quality and medication.

  • Shift The Focus

Make sure that you pay more attention to the quality of movement (form, technique, etc. in order to avoid injury) as opposed to the quantity of movement (squeezing in a few extra reps in order to burn a few more calories).

  • Remember The Progressive Overload Principle

The Progressive Overload Principle says that for a muscle to grow stronger, the body needs to be forced to adapt to a tension which is above and beyond what it has experienced previously. If you’re doing what you’ve done always, your body will never change. You have to challenge your body to change your body.

  • Learn To Enjoy

Exercise for many is not something that they necessarily want to do, however rather something which they feel obligated to do. It’s a means to an end. Learn to revel in exercise to the point where you choose to participate voluntarily as opposed to out of some obligation. If you dread going to the gym, seek out a fitness class, a sport, or some other type of activity which allows you to have fun while you move your body.

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How Aerobic Exercises Can Help To Strengthen Your Heart https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-aerobic-exercises-can-help-to-strengthen-your-heart/ Fri, 28 May 2021 05:00:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24396 Being physically active is a very big step toward good heart health. Aerobic exercises are one of your most effective tools in terms of strengthening the heart muscle, keeping your weight under control and fending off the artery damage from high cholesterol, high blood sugar as well as high blood pressure which can lead to...

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Being physically active is a very big step toward good heart health. Aerobic exercises are one of your most effective tools in terms of strengthening the heart muscle, keeping your weight under control and fending off the artery damage from high cholesterol, high blood sugar as well as high blood pressure which can lead to heart attack or stroke.

It’s also very true that different types of exercise are required to provide complete fitness. Aerobic exercises and resistance training are the most important for heart health. Although flexibility doesn’t directly contribute to heart health, it’s nonetheless important because it provides a good foundation for performing aerobic as well as strength exercises more effectively.

The Best Time To Get Moving On Your Fitness Goals

Regular exercise does more than assist you with losing weight and build muscle — although it’s definitely great for those reasons!

Aerobic exercises, which are also known as “cardio” exercise, makes use of the repetitive contraction of large muscle groups to get your heart beating faster and is the most beneficial type of exercise for your cardiovascular system (your heart and blood vessels). Regular cardio workouts can:

  • Strengthen your heart and blood vessels,
  • Improve the flow of oxygen throughout your entire body,
  • Lower your blood pressure as well as cholesterol, and
  • Reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke in addition to some kinds of cancer.

Why You Need To Strengthen Your Heart

Strengthening your heart is one of the absolute best things which you can do for your health. And as you know, the best way in order to strengthen your heart is to exercise. In actual fact, if you don’t exercise, you’re more than twice as likely to get heart disease as a person who does. If there is a history of heart disease in your family, or you are just worrying about your heart health, you need to create a regular exercise routine. Experts recommend that you spend at least 150 minutes performing moderate exercise per week.

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What Does Aerobic Exercise Do?

Aerobic exercise improves circulation, which results in reduced blood pressure as well as heart rate. In addition, cardiovascular exercise increases your overall aerobic fitness, as measured by a treadmill test, for instance. In addition, it helps your cardiac output (how well your heart pumps). Also, aerobic exercise reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. If you already live with diabetes, aerobics exercise helps you control your blood glucose.

You should do, ideally, at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular a day, for at least five days a week.

Examples of aerobic exercise are:

  • Brisk walking,
  • Running,
  • Swimming,
  • Cycling,
  • Playing tennis, as well as
  • Jumping rope.

Heart-pumping aerobic exercise is the type which doctors have in mind when they recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity.

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Should You Do Burpees Every Single Day? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/should-you-do-burpees-every-single-day-find-out-in-this-article/ Fri, 28 May 2021 05:00:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24400 Burpees can be exceptionally challenging, particularly if you’ve never performed them before. However, if you do burpees every single day, even if it’s just a few, you’ll be powering up like a professional in no time! As with all other aspects of health and fitness, it’s about consistency. One way in order to motivate yourself...

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Burpees can be exceptionally challenging, particularly if you’ve never performed them before. However, if you do burpees every single day, even if it’s just a few, you’ll be powering up like a professional in no time! As with all other aspects of health and fitness, it’s about consistency. One way in order to motivate yourself to keep on going is to remember the many health benefits burpees which are able to provide.

While burpees can be difficult in the moment, they provide so many benefits for strength as well as endurance (in addition, you can do them anywhere!). You may face burpees in practically every workout, from HIIT sessions, to boot camps, to CrossFit, and there’s a good reason why: They’re one of the most efficient, functional exercises you can do.

Burpees Can Boost Your Endurance (No Treadmill Needed)

Do you want to get fit in a hurry? Whether your fitness goal is to train for a race, try out a new sport, get in shape, or you only want to look good, burpees are able to get you there – quickly.

In actual fact, burpees are one of the best exercises ever to increase your conditioning as well as endurance for sports and other activities. Even only 10 burpees in a row may make your heart pound and your breath become quicker.

When you feel comfortable with 10 burpees, try to push yourself to 15, then to 20. Once you increase your endurance levels, you’ll likely be able to add more and more to your workout regime. Do them consistently and then watch your conditioning level skyrocket.

The Best Way To Do A Burpee

There are many burpee variations which you are able to choose from. In addition, you are able to select the style of burpee which works best for you based on your needs as well as current level of fitness. You are able to do simpler exercises as you work up to the burpee. As soon as you master the standard burpee, you will be able change things up in the motion in order to make the exercise more challenging.

To assist you with getting started, here’s how to do a burpee:

  • Stand up straight with your arms at your sides.
  • Squat until your hands reach to the floor.
  • Making use of your hands as anchors, jump and then thrust your legs backward. When you land, you must be in plank position.
  • Hold the plank for a moment and then check that your form is correct.
  • Jump your feet back towards your hands. If you would like to make the burpee more challenging, add in a push-up before you jump your feet back to your hands.
  • Jump into the air and then extend your arms over your head as you rise. Land in a standing position and then repeat the exercise as many times as you are able to.

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What Exercises Can Reduce Inflammation? Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-exercises-can-reduce-inflammation-learn-more-in-this-article/ Wed, 26 May 2021 05:00:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24363 Lowering inflammation remains to be a hot topic. For good reason. Some form inflammation is natural in the body — for instance, it’s your body’s response to helping you heal a skinned knee or – alternatively – fighting off foreign invaders. Conversely, chronic inflammation can be very problematic. Chronic inflammation is frequently brought on by...

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Lowering inflammation remains to be a hot topic. For good reason. Some form inflammation is natural in the body — for instance, it’s your body’s response to helping you heal a skinned knee or – alternatively – fighting off foreign invaders.

Conversely, chronic inflammation can be very problematic. Chronic inflammation is frequently brought on by lifestyle selections and is a common contributing factor in many chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and even Alzheimer’s disease.

The great news is that research suggests even moderate exercise could lower the body’s inflammatory response. And even better news is that many types of exercises can be done anywhere, even in the comfort of your own home. The key is to get moving.

Analysing The Body’s Immune Response To Exercise

More specifically, the researchers tested the hypothesis which says that a single 20-minute session of exercise would be sufficient to trigger sympathoadrenergic activation. This, in turn, would quash the production of monocytic cytokines.

Monocytes are a kind of white blood cell, or immune cell, which assist with fighting off bacteria and infections. Cytokines are a kind of protein that help other cells in order to become so-called effector cells, which, in turn, will kill off cancerous or infected cells.

TNF is one of these cytokines and can induce cell differentiation and proliferation as well as cell death, including cancerous ones. Also, TNF has pro-inflammatory properties that assist the body to bring its inflammatory cells to the site of the injury so creating an immunological response.

Inflammation Is A Crucial Aspect Of The Body’s Immune Response

However, too much inflammation may lead to disease. Chronic inflammation may add to diabetes, obesity, coeliac disease, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or – alternatively – ulcerative colitis.

In order to test their hypothesis, the researchers asked 47 participants to walk on a treadmill for a period of 20 minutes at an intensity rate which is adjusted to suit each person’s fitness level. Blood samples were taken from the participants in the study both before as well as immediately after the exercise sessions.

The results revealed that a 20-minute session of moderate exercise may have anti-inflammatory effects. The study verified the researchers’ hypothesis. Exercise did seem to produce an anti-inflammatory cellular response, which could be seen in the reduction of the cytokine TNF.

Walking

Going for a gentle walk outside is one of the most easily accessible ways to incorporate exercise into your day. And – according to a study on inflammation as well as exercise – even a 20-minute walk can lower the body’s inflammatory response.

For the utmost benefit, go for a walk outside and then combine the benefits of being out in nature with the benefits of exercise. If you’re not eager to venture out of the house, dust off that treadmill that’s been sitting in your basement and hop on for a 20-minute walk (or walk in place) while you watch your favourite show on TV.

Yoga

Yoga is meditation in motion. Merging deep breathing exercises with gentle movements, yoga can assist with lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety and even improving symptoms of depression.

Yoga can be done anywhere. While many individuals enjoy the community built by going to classes at a local studio. A quick Google search offers an unlimited number of resources for online classes and tutorials. (In addition, YouTube offers thousands of free videos to choose from.)

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Can You Get A Good Workout With An EBike? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-you-get-a-good-workout-with-an-ebike/ Wed, 26 May 2021 05:00:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24359 Electric bikes (ebikes) offer a very wide range of benefits so allowing you to travel further as well as faster, offering a green alternative for commuting in addition to enabling more people in order to experience the joy of cycling. However, with a motor and battery offering assistance while you pedal, can you get fit...

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Electric bikes (ebikes) offer a very wide range of benefits so allowing you to travel further as well as faster, offering a green alternative for commuting in addition to enabling more people in order to experience the joy of cycling. However, with a motor and battery offering assistance while you pedal, can you get fit on an ebike and get a great workout?

With a lot of different aspects of cycling apparently focused on performance gains, ebikes are often met with scepticism for giving a helping hand on hills or a sweat-free ride to work. However, riding an ebike can still improve your fitness.

Research About EBike Workouts

Researchers who are from Brigham Young University recruited 33 subjects, mostly men between the ages of 18 as well as 65, to ride both regular mountain bikes in addition to electric, pedal-assist mountain bikes on a rolling six-mile, single-track course. Afterward, they evaluated their heart rates and found that riding an e-bike is not without effort. In fact, it necessitates almost as much physical exertion as riding a traditional mountain bike does.

Riding both finds of bikes put the vast majority of participants in the vigorous-intensity heart rate zone. The typical heart rate of a test subject who rode an ebike was 93.6% of those riding conventional bikes. Moreover, ebikes appear to be an excellent form of aerobic or cardiovascular workouts, even for experienced mountain bikers who regularly engage in this fitness activity.

In addition, the researchers surveyed their test subjects, both before as well as after riding, in order to determine their attitudes toward ebikes. Some reported their preconceived notions were confirmed, while others admitted the experiment challenged their beliefs. Most were positive toward ebikes before the test, with only 18% saying they were opposed. Some attitudes changed, though, with fewer participants willing to admit after the test that e-bikes were just a passing fad.

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How Many Calories Are Burned With An EBike Workout?

While there is no doubt that traditional bikes burn more calories, ebikes are not too bad. Just 20% fewer calories are burnt. The continuous utilisation of ebikes results in the considerable burning of calories which results in significant weight loss in addition to greater muscle strength.

Ebikes strengthen our core muscles. As they are much heavier as opposed to normal bikes – and hence require more effort in order to balance and manoeuvre, they give the result of the weight training exercise. Likewise, as one moves an e-bike in or out of garage or lift it requires great strength. Unquestionably, ebikes give us great weight training sessions.

Well, it is human nature that people usually try doing such physical things, which have a “less strain on human muscle” or – in other words – those tasks which offer “less fatigue”. Same is the concept between simple pedalled bikes and ebikes. As ebikes are somewhat assisted by a motor, therefore it is fairly easy to ride an ebike as opposed to a conventional bike.

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Oblique Workouts for Runners. Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/oblique-workouts-for-runners-learn-more-in-this-article/ Tue, 25 May 2021 05:00:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24348 There’s no secret weapon for staving off running fatigue, however incorporating oblique workouts into your strength-training routine will assist you with maintaining proper form and posture for longer — even when you’re extremely tired. Your obliques — which are the muscles which stretch from your ribs down to your hips — control pelvic rotation. Your...

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There’s no secret weapon for staving off running fatigue, however incorporating oblique workouts into your strength-training routine will assist you with maintaining proper form and posture for longer — even when you’re extremely tired.

Your obliques — which are the muscles which stretch from your ribs down to your hips — control pelvic rotation. Your running stride depends on a neutral, stable pelvis to give your legs the opportunity to fully extend back so they can pull forward into the next stride. Strong obliques enable better form and stability when running, allowing you to conserve energy, run efficiently, and prevent injury.

What Are The Benefits Of A Strong Core?

The core is your body’s centre of gravity. When you have a strong core, this will give you the opportunity to perform stronger functional movement throughout exercise as well as everyday life.

In addition, a strong core is key not only for running – as well as and other athletic endeavours – however also daily life activities, such as carrying groceries as well as walking tall.

Plenty of research has revealed that the more belly fat you carry around, the higher are your risks of serious diseases, for example diabetes, blood pressure as well as heart attacks.

The Oblique Exercises You Need To Do

Forearm Side Plank Dip

  • Begin on your side with your right forearm on the ground, to form a straight line from head to feet, with your feet stacked on top of each other.
  • Make sure that your right elbow is directly under your shoulder and then place your left hand on your left hip.
  • Engage your core and gradually dip your hips and then tap them on the ground.
  • Return to plank and repeat. Make sure that you maintain your hips stacked the entire time.
  • Do as many reps as you conceivably can in 30 seconds and then switch sides.

Pallof Press

The Pallof press requires the use of your gym’s cable pulley system, however it’s very simple:

  • Stand sideways to the pulley, approximately a metre away, and put sufficient amounts of resistance on it so that you are able to pull it out with two hands with some effort however without straining.
  • Hold it in front of your torso with both of your hands for three seconds.
  • Extend your arms straight out in front of you and then hold for three seconds.
  • Return your arms in front of your chest.
  • Repeat between six and eight times. Release the pulley in a controlled manner.
  • Do between two and three sets on each side. You’ll feel the contraction on the side that is farthest away from the pulley.

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Rotational Medicine Ball Throw

  • Begin with a 3.5 kg medicine ball and slowly increase weight.
  • Stand approximately a metre and a half out from a solid wall.
  • With your knees slightly bent, slowly swing the ball slightly away from the wall. Throw it sideways onto the wall with sufficient force so that so that you are able to catch it again.
  • Experiment with how far to stand away from the wall, ball weight as well as how hard to throw it. Do between three and five reps and repeat while facing the other way.
  • Do two to three sets on each side. You’ll feel the contraction in the side furthest from the wall.

Cross-Body Mountain Climber

  • Begin in a high plank position, with your shoulders over your wrists. Engage your core so your body forms a straight line from shoulders to your heels.
  • Engage your glutes and thighs in order to keep your legs straight.
  • Drive your right knee across your chest toward left arm. Quickly step it back to plank position.
  • Immediately drive left knee across chest toward right arm, then quickly step it back into plank position. Continue alternating. Complete 10 reps per side.

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How Strength Training Can Help To Decrease Stress https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-strength-training-can-help-to-decrease-stress/ Mon, 24 May 2021 05:00:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24329 Strength training has countless benefits which go way beyond bulking up. This kind of training revs up your metabolism, prevents disease, makes you stronger, lowers blood pressure and also helps you to sleep better. There’s also evidence in order to prove that weight and strength training workouts can actually help to reduce back pain. Strength...

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Strength training has countless benefits which go way beyond bulking up. This kind of training revs up your metabolism, prevents disease, makes you stronger, lowers blood pressure and also helps you to sleep better. There’s also evidence in order to prove that weight and strength training workouts can actually help to reduce back pain. Strength training’s psychological pros include zapping stress, improving self-confidence as well as controlling depression.

Despite the myths, strength training won’t make you bulk up – unless you actually want it to. From lateral raises to push-ups, the point of resistance training is to build strength, not bulk. For the best results, include a mixture of weight lifting (using free weights as well as exercise machines in your gym) as well as body-strengthening exercises (making use of your own body weight as resistance) for a healthy back as well as a happy mind.

What The Research Says

Researchers came to the conclusion, after crunching the numbers from 16 previous studies on 922 participants, that strength training can definitely assist with reducing stress.

The weightlifting routine varied in each study, however ranged from two to five days per week for an average of 11 weeks. The routine included lifting at moderate intensity — about 50 to 80% of your one-rep max — or high intensity, or above 80% of your one-rep max.

After completing the weightlifting programme, the participants reported substantial improvement in their anxiety symptoms. Healthy people — those without a physical or mental illness — received an even greater boost from pumping iron.

Blast Stress With Strength Training

It’s not only yoga which increases your mental health as well as well-being. Pumping iron has all types of psychological advantages. Your body will be swamped with feel-good endorphins, increasing your mood and lowering anxiety.

In addition, the yogic technique of mindfulness is at play when strength training. The concentration and focus of functional movements make it quite impossible to allow your mind stray to anywhere but the present moment. More reps mean less fret.

Owing to the near-instant results which are seen in weight training, you’ll also be able to feel the difference in your muscles after only one session. If you’re usually the one to shy away from apparently intimidating weights machines, this progress is a huge confidence booster.

The happiness which comes with strength training lifting doesn’t come from a number on the scale – it comes from looking closely in the mirror as well as seeing your body becoming more and more sculpted. That kind of empowerment is priceless.

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Are Resistance Bands Better Than Dumbbells? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/are-resistance-bands-better-than-dumbbells-find-out-in-this-article/ Fri, 21 May 2021 05:10:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24310 Resistance band training and training with dumbbells, both offer feasible strength training alternatives. The better of the two is slightly subjective as both dumbbells and resistance bands are capable of building muscle. Dumbbells With dumbbells, resistance is created by gravity. Owing to this, dumbbells can only offer resistance in a vertical plane (the direction of...

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Resistance band training and training with dumbbells, both offer feasible strength training alternatives. The better of the two is slightly subjective as both dumbbells and resistance bands are capable of building muscle.

Dumbbells

With dumbbells, resistance is created by gravity. Owing to this, dumbbells can only offer resistance in a vertical plane (the direction of gravity – down!). So, because gravity just pulls the weight down, you need to position yourself correctly in order to work the muscle that you want to work.

Resistance Bands

With resistance bands, resistance is generated by elastic force. You aren’t depending on gravity to create resistance; you simply require tension. Force is created in the direction which you are stretching the resistance band. Owing to this, resistance bands can provide resistance in both horizontal as well as vertical planes, and in any direction and at any sort of angle.

Dumbbells Vs Resistance Bands

Let’s say that you are training your chest with dumbbells. For this, you need to lie down on a bench and utilise your muscles in order to press up as gravity attempts to force the weight down. You would never have the ability to establish resistance on your chest by pressing the dumbbells from a standing position.

With resistance bands, you can lie down on a flat bench and then stand. Both ways would generate the same resistance for your chest, as you are generating tension through tensile force as opposed to gravity which is only in the direction of down.

So, this fact makes resistance bands more versatile in terms of how you are able to create resistance.

If you think about various free weight exercises, you can imagine how you would be able to do the same exercise with resistance bands in both a vertical as well as horizontal plane.

Another example is if you were to hold a dumbbell with your arm at a 90-degree angle and to your side body, and you move the dumbbell in a horizontal motion (external as well as internal rotations), you won’t really be creating and resistance in that horizontal motion.

You will only have downward resistance, which will be you holding the dumbbell with your arm at a 90-degree angle. This makes an internal and external rotation ineffective with a dumbbell from the standing position. In order make this movement effective with a dumbbell, you’d have to get yourself into a position which the external/internal rotation is taking place in a vertical plane.

With resistance bands, conversely, you are able to anchor it to your side and perform this movement standing up, as the resistance will be there in the horizontal plane.

If you’re a newbie to exercise, a resistance band workout is a great place to start. Or (for all levels), make use of resistance bands for a full body stretching routine. Grab a resistance band and experience all the benefits resistance bands have to offer for shaping a stronger and leaner you.

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What Takes Place In Your Body When You Walk More? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-takes-place-in-your-body-when-you-walk-more/ Fri, 21 May 2021 05:00:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24302 Walking is a phenomenal way of improving or maintaining your overall health. Just 30 minutes every single day could increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your bones, reduce excess body fat as well as boost muscle power and endurance. Walking may also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis in...

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Walking is a phenomenal way of improving or maintaining your overall health. Just 30 minutes every single day could increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen your bones, reduce excess body fat as well as boost muscle power and endurance.

Walking may also reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis in addition to some cancers. As opposed to some other forms of exercise, walking is free and doesn’t necessitate any special equipment or training.

Put simply, walking more — whether you are going for a casual stroll around the park, you go shopping, or are performing walking intervals on a treadmill at your gym or at the local athletics track — is integral to your health, your conditioning, and – ultimately – your longevity.

You’ll Boost Your Energy Levels

It’s very true that any physical activity – which gets your heart pumping, your blood flowing and your body’s endorphins moving – will result in enhanced energy levels. Walking is really no exception, and you don’t have to walk for hours and hours in order to experience the benefits. Going for a short 20-minute walk for three days, every week, for six weeks can result in 20% more energy levels as well as less feelings of fatigue.

Better Sleep

If you walk within two hours of you getting up in the morning, that is.  It all has to do with your contact with natural light, which will reset your body clock. As our clocks run longer than 24 hours, it’s very important to reset your body clock each and every morning with exposure to the morning’s blue light, which our receptors are especially sensitive to. Light assists with resetting our internal body clock and exposure to light also suppresses the production of melatonin, which is the hormone that assists us to go to sleep.

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How To Build Walking Into Your Life

There are several ways to add more walking into your day.  Some of these are:

  • Try taking the stairs rather than the lift,
  • Pace around while talking on the telephone, and
  • Leave the office and then go for a brisk walk during your lunch break.

Improve your circulation, enhance your mood, lower your risk for Alzheimer’s disease and live a longer, healthier life just by walking.

Try to make walking a routine. For instance, try to walk at the same time every day. Remember that you make use of the same amount of energy, no matter what time of day it is that you walk, so do what is most suitable for you. You may find that asking a friend or relative to walk with you will assist with making it a regular activity. Some individuals find that keeping an activity diary or log also makes keeping motivated easier.

Wear A Pedometer While Walking

A pedometer keeps count of the number of steps which you take. You will be able to use it to measure your movement throughout a day and then compare it to other days or to advised amounts of activity. This could motivate you to move more. The suggested number of steps accumulated per day to achieve health benefits is 10 000 steps or more.

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If you are eager to discover more about different types of exercise, then you need to become a personal trainer with our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this here.

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How Can Resistance Bands Help To Build Upper Body Strength? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-resistance-bands-help-to-build-upper-body-strength/ Fri, 21 May 2021 05:00:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24297 The lack of weights doesn’t need to mean the absence of a good workout. Resistance bands come in a range of styles, so finding the best one for your requirements may vary. There are a number of different reasons to love resistance bands. They are not expensive; they are light, easy to travel with and...

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The lack of weights doesn’t need to mean the absence of a good workout. Resistance bands come in a range of styles, so finding the best one for your requirements may vary. There are a number of different reasons to love resistance bands. They are not expensive; they are light, easy to travel with and may be used in order to help strengthen virtually every major muscle group.

An upper-body resistance-band workout is fantastic for building both strength as well as mobility. The focus of the exercises in this exercise routine is shoulders, upper back, chest, triceps as well as biceps. All of these exercises in the routine will strengthen the muscles that are involved, thanks to the resistance from the bands as well as the two pull-apart exercises in particular will also improve shoulder mobility since they strengthen your shoulders safely through a wide range of motion.

This type of workout is also wonderful for opening your chest, releasing tension in your shoulders, and working the muscles who are have the responsibility for good posture. When you are sitting down, driving, or looking at your phone, your shoulders are elevated, rolled forward, and shoulder blades are spread apart.

When you are in this type of position for a prolonged period of time, your posture begins to adapt and change to a forward shoulder and head posture. This is called kyphosis. By performing exercises consistently that oppose this posture, it can help to improve your shoulder mobility and help prevent kyphosis.

Bicep Curl

A bicep curl is a classic gym movement that can help you build and strengthen your bicep muscles. This resistance band workout for arms works both biceps simultaneously.

Steps:

  • Step on the centre of the resistance band with both of your feet, shoulder-width apart.
  • Hold the handles on the resistance bands next to your sides with your palms facing up.
  • Gently curl your hands up toward your shoulders. Ensure to keep your elbows tucked, next to your sides.
  • Gradually release your arms down to the starting position and then repeat.

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Shoulder Press

With this modified overhead press, you are able to build – as well as strengthen – your deltoids. During a shoulder press, in addition you need to engage your core muscles to stabilise your body.

Steps:

  • Stand on the mid-point of the band with your feet hip-width apart.
  • Firmly grip the handles at shoulder height.
  • Bend both of your elbows at a 90-degree angle with your palms facing forward. The band needs to be behind your arms.
  • Press your arms straight up towards the celling. If you aren’t able to keep your arms straight, attempt to use a lighter resistance.
  • Gradually return to your starting position and then repeat.

Tricep Kickbacks

If you’re looking for a movement to tone as well as strengthen your arms, the tricep kickback is for you. This move necessitates a full range of motion with your arms, so it could be best to start light on the weight.

Steps:

  • Step on the centre of the tube with your feet hip-width apart.
  • Make sure that you keep your back straight. Bend slightly at the knees and then lean forward over your toes. Your back needs to be as flat as possible in order to avert needless stress on your lower back.
  • Hold the handles of the resistance band so that your palms are facing behind you as well as your arms bend at a 90-degree angle.
  • Keep your elbows tucked at your side and then push the handles back until your arms are straight behind you.
  • Go back to your starting position and, after this, repeat.

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If you are eager to acquire more information about exercise, and how to teach people how to exercise correctly, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more here.

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How Quickly Do We Become Unfit? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-quickly-do-we-become-unfit/ Thu, 20 May 2021 05:00:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24292 Getting in shape isn’t for the faint hearted. However, after all that hard work, how long do we actually maintain it? It turns out that even the fantastic effort we put into training, taking a bit of time off could mean that we become “unfit” much quicker than it took for us to actually get...

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Getting in shape isn’t for the faint hearted. However, after all that hard work, how long do we actually maintain it? It turns out that even the fantastic effort we put into training, taking a bit of time off could mean that we become “unfit” much quicker than it took for us to actually get in shape.

In order to understand how the body becomes “unfit”, first we need to comprehend how we become fit. The crucial thing to becoming fitter – whether that’s boosting cardiovascular fitness or muscular strength – is to surpass “habitual load”. This means that doing more than our body is used to. The stress which this has on our body makes us adapt and also become more tolerant, leading to improved fitness levels.

The time it takes to get fit is dependent on a number of factors, including:

  • Fitness levels,
  • Age,
  • How hard you work, as well as
  • Even environment.

However, some studies do show that even just six sessions of interval training can lead to improvements in maximal oxygen uptake (V02 max), which is a measure of overall fitness. In addition, these sessions improve how efficiently our body is able to fuel itself using the sugar stored in our cells during exercise. For strength training, a number of different gains in muscle force may be shown in as little as two weeks, however changes in muscle size won’t be seen until around 8-12 weeks.

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Becoming Unfit Takes Place In Stages

Different systems in our body lose fitness at different rates, but generally speaking, it takes about between three and four weeks to notice a considerable change in one’s fitness levels.

Let’s take recreational exerciser, Jane, for instance. Jane is someone who logs about three days a week of physical activity and still has sufficient levels energy to run around after her terrible two-year old. Jane developed an illness and was down and out for a month before she felt reasonable enough to resume her exercise programme.

The first system that lost fitness was Jane’s cardiovascular system. With no physical activity over the last month, Jane’s ability to consume – as well as utilise oxygen – had considerably diminished. In fact, after just 10 to 14 days of sedentary behaviour, a person’s aerobic system begins to decline.

The muscular system is also affected by not training, albeit less dramatically as opposed to the cardiovascular system. We lose muscular strength and endurance after about four weeks of inactivity. During the first few weeks, the effects are hardly noticeable, but after the four-week mark, muscle fibres start to shrink. Muscles lose their “bulky” feeling, becoming softer, smaller as well as weaker. But there is a bit to be said for muscle memory, and typically upon resumption of training, it is fairly easy to regain muscular performance.

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If you are keen to discover more about fitness – and teaching others how to become fitter – then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more here.

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Why Are Walking Workouts Great For Heart, Bone And Muscle Health? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-are-walking-workouts-great-for-heart-bone-and-muscle-health/ Tue, 18 May 2021 05:00:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24260 Walking is very good for you, there’s not a lot of doubt about this. As a way of adding in physical activity to your life, walking workouts have many advantages. There’s a very tiny barrier to entry into these workouts, which means that almost everyone, irrespective of age or ability, can start to walk frequently...

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Walking is very good for you, there’s not a lot of doubt about this. As a way of adding in physical activity to your life, walking workouts have many advantages. There’s a very tiny barrier to entry into these workouts, which means that almost everyone, irrespective of age or ability, can start to walk frequently as a form of exercise.

Walking has clear benefits in terms of keeping our bodies functioning as we get older, increasing cardiovascular health, assisting us lose fat mass and maintain muscle mass, and assisting to maintain bone density. These advantages are true for people of all ages. It seems that the more active which you are as a young adult may affect general health and bone and muscle physical function later on in your life.

In addition, walking outside is linked to mental health benefits, especially if you’re able to walk in parks or green spaces. Such “green exercise” may improve mental health and well-being, reduce symptoms of depression as well as lower blood pressure to a greater degree as opposed to similar urban exercise.

Walking Workouts When Your Job Involves Sitting?

Sometimes, it’s much simpler to talk the talk as opposed to walking the walk, particularly if you have a job which keeps you sedentary for most of the day. By taking time to understand your day-to-day routine, it’s very possible to find pockets of time for cardio fitness in the form of walking. With your doctor’s direction, try out these health tips:

  • Go for an early-morning walk with your dog. Or, if you don’t by now have a pet, think about getting one — caring for an animal can assist with reducing your heart disease risk.
  • When you’re going to work or the shop, park your car far from the entrance so that you are able to fit more steps into your day.
  • Take the stairs instead of the lift.
  • Wear a pedometer in order to keep track of your physical activity. Set attainable goals to stay motivated.
  • Set a timer in order to make sure that you up and move around the office at least once an hour.
  • Employ co-workers for a daily lunchtime workout outside, weather permitting.

Are Walking Workouts Enough?

However, while walking is good for you, it’s not a magical cure for everything. In order to gain even further benefits, consider adding in both higher intensity exercises as well as strengthening exercises.

This should include vigorous, challenging, quick movements which get your heart beating faster as well as making you out of breath. Examples are running or cycling up hills, sports games or – alternatively – walking up stairs. Once again, intensity is at play here. So, although walking is great for cardiovascular fitness, running is much better, even if you still only make use of similar amounts of calories on a short run as opposed to a longer walk.

The greater the intensity is, the better for your health. Muscle strengthening exercises, for example weightlifting, are also great for building muscle mass as well as strength at all ages. These will assist maintain muscle mass and function with older age and are linked with reduced incidence of chronic diseases. Importantly, muscle mass losses and function start in your 30s-40s. So, exercising while you’re younger isn’t just good for you now, but could help your health and function decades later.

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Why Does The Future Of Fitness Include Hybridisation? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-does-the-future-of-fitness-include-hybridisation/ Tue, 18 May 2021 05:00:12 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24263 Hybridity is a natural progression because functional fitness crosses a lot of disciplinary boundaries. It is about time that the spaces in which we work out also become more integrated as well as versatile to suit our wide variety of fitness preferences. Why should you need to maintain two gym memberships to practice yoga or...

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Hybridity is a natural progression because functional fitness crosses a lot of disciplinary boundaries. It is about time that the spaces in which we work out also become more integrated as well as versatile to suit our wide variety of fitness preferences.

Why should you need to maintain two gym memberships to practice yoga or kickboxing, in addition to being able to do your circuit – as well as your cardio training at a commercial gym? Hybrid gyms are the functional response to the manner in which one-dimensional fitness routines and spaces just don’t cover all your fitness requirements in one solution.

The hybrid model is the fitness technique of the future. This concept crosses over conventional boundaries and encompasses the unexpected. While size may vary, it combines elements of commercial, boutique and functional fitness design in order to build an innovative, no-holds-barred fitness space. It accommodates a variety of fitness needs, but does not box itself in. The hybrid-gym owner loves all type of fitness and has the vision to combine various fitness disciplines into one solution.

What Is A Hybrid Fitness Business Model?

No, we’re not speaking about your car. Basically put, a hybrid fitness business model means that there’s not one-size-fits-all style for managing your fitness business. It’s a manner for your clients to take advantage of your expertise, without compelling them into a set schedule. It also offers a more personal approach as well as focused planning for your clients. Here’s what it looks like:

  • In-studio: Offer in-studio, in-person, or outdoor alternatives to train your clients on a set schedule at the location you choose.
  • Virtual services: Provide online classes via Zoom and on-demand, so that clients can access your content on their own time, from anywhere that they need to.

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Things To Consider With A Hybrid Fitness Business Model

The industry has transformed and so have your clients. Sticking to your old ways means that you’ll lose business – quite quickly. Think about a hybrid fitness business model as a safety net for revenue. Not everyone will feel absolutely comfortable about in-person visits yet, so making the move online is a must for your bottom line. But what if businesses need to shut down again? With a steady stream of clients making use of your online services, you’ll keep clients and make sure that you keep them safe with a hybrid business model.

Applying a hybrid fitness business model means staying connected to your members irrespective of time or distance. It shows your degree of commitment to your fitness business’ success. It solidifies your confidence in the individuals who have invested in it.

So, if fostering growth for your members through achievable and lasting goals is your number one concern in the fitness industry, your fitness business strategy is only just as good as your ability to offers honest and timely information to your members. Making use of a hybrid fitness model in today’s tough market will assist you to reach more people, offer more solutions, all while allowing you to do what you do best.

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If you would like to become a fitness expert, then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this here.

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Why Are Cardio And Strength Training Both Important For Your Fitness Routine? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-are-cardio-and-strength-training-both-important-for-your-fitness-routine/ Mon, 17 May 2021 05:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24244 Trying to find a workout routine which fits into your already-packed calendar may be challenging. When confronted with this challenge, many of us try to provide a solution to the problem by choosing either cardiovascular training or strength training. And not without a precedent — even within the fitness world, you have individuals who swear...

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Trying to find a workout routine which fits into your already-packed calendar may be challenging. When confronted with this challenge, many of us try to provide a solution to the problem by choosing either cardiovascular training or strength training. And not without a precedent — even within the fitness world, you have individuals who swear by cardio and those who absolutely love to pump weights.

So, which is actually best for weight loss, health benefits as well as overall fitness?

Both.

The truth is that fitness is all about balance. You need a balanced diet as well as a balanced workout. This is why both methods of training are very important, and the best workout programmes include a dosage of strength and a measure of cardio.

What Are The Pros Of Cardiovascular Training?

Cardiovascular exercise assists you with improving your body’s ability to deliver blood – as well as oxygen – to your muscles, improving your heart and lungs. This process is responsible for building up your endurance through training your muscles in order to better utilise oxygen. Regular cardio reduces blood pressure, body fat, regulates blood sugar levels and lowers inflammation.

In the long term, regular aerobic (which is another word for cardio) exercise may also lessen your danger of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes as well as cancer. It can also increase your memory and protect the brain against age-related cognitive decline.

What Are The Pros Of Strength Training?

On the other hand, strength training assists you with building muscles which support you in your everyday life, improving your metabolism and enhancing the body’s ability to burn more fat in the long run. Strengthening your muscles allows you to feel stronger, stimulates bone growth, assists with weight control, enhances balance, posture and lowers pain in the lower back and joints.

How Much Is Sufficient?

Many of the benefits of cardiovascular and strength training are reciprocal. There are definitely activities which combine both. (If you do CrossFit, for instance, or strongman training, you may well have most of your bases covered.) However, for simplicity, physical activity guidelines break out the two different types.

Guidelines suggest no less than 20-30 minutes of strength training, two times a week. (Most beginner strength training programmes will have you work out three times a week, which is also OK.) These types of sessions should work all your muscles, so if you choose to split your workout into upper-body and lower-body days, make sure that you do two of each.

 

As you get accustomed to strength training, you might want to do more. This is great, as long as you work up to it steadily. While you can do once-off videos or make up an exercise routine out of exercises that you like, you’re better off in the long run with a programme that gives you a way to progress as you get stronger.

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If you want to learn more about cardio and strength training, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this here.

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Why Runners Should Do Mobility Work? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-runners-should-do-mobility-work-find-out-in-this-article/ Mon, 17 May 2021 05:00:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24249 Runners frequently bemoan their tight hips, quads, hamstrings as well as ankles. Those problem areas are often the cause of injuries. In order counteract this, we add stretching as well as strength training to our routines, however many of us still end up with niggling aches and pains. If this sounds familiar, you’re probably missing...

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Runners frequently bemoan their tight hips, quads, hamstrings as well as ankles. Those problem areas are often the cause of injuries. In order counteract this, we add stretching as well as strength training to our routines, however many of us still end up with niggling aches and pains. If this sounds familiar, you’re probably missing one key element to your training plan: mobility work.

Mobility often gets confused with flexibility however there are some key differences. First, let’s look at the definitions:

  • Mobility: the active movement of a joint through its entire range of motion without restriction, pain or assistance from an external source (another person, a strap, etc.). In other words, it’s simply the ability to move well.
  • Flexibility: the passive range of motion available to you when you temporarily stretch a muscle using an external force for instance a strap, the assistance of another person or gravity.

Why Does Mobility Matter For Runners?

Mobility drills make runners more aware of our bodies as well as our range of motion. This leads to better running form as well as less injuries. As we said before, runners’ hips are notoriously tight and we often use them only in a straight forward motion, this move assists with increasing range of motion in the joint and can loosen up tight areas.

How do you loosen up tight hips? It’s not just via stretching – these mobility moves are going to provide both flexibility as well as strength. Here are some moves to increase mobility.

  • Standing figure Eight:

Stand on your right leg and bring your left knee up to 90 degrees. Move it through figure 8 motion. It may feel awkward, however that’s ok. It is necessary that you work the hip in a number of different planes.

  • Hurdle Step:

Imagine that you have a hurdle (the kind from the athletics field) on your right side. Swing your left leg up and over. Then bring your right leg over. Repeat the movement by moving back across your imaginary hurdle. Get that leg up quite high.

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  • Frog Stretch:

This move looks deceptively easy. Begin with both knees wider than your yoga mat with your legs straight behind you (don’t pull your feet together like child’s pose). Gradually push back and you should feel the stretch through your inner thigh. If not try legs wider or ensure your legs are straight.

How Often Should You Be Doing These Sorts Of Exercises?

We have a straightforward rule of thumb:

  • 1 x weekly = Not sufficient
  • 2 x weekly = Maintenance
  • 3 x weekly = You’ll begin to see progress
  • 4 x weekly = A good average to aim for in an average running week
  • 5 x weekly = If you’re performing intensive rehab, or are else not running for some reason

If you are able to aim to perform these exercises on average between 3-4 times weekly as a maintenance practice, you’ll be in a good place when it comes to providing yourself a chance to continue running injury-free.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are eager to discover more about mobility exercises, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this here.

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What Is The Power Of Resistance Band Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-power-of-resistance-band-training/ Fri, 14 May 2021 05:10:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24241 It is quite hard to look at a little band next to a big dumbbell and believe that it is a highly effective sort of resistance training.  However, resistance band training is a great strength training tool. They could be small and unassuming however the power that they have sneaks up on you. Just one...

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It is quite hard to look at a little band next to a big dumbbell and believe that it is a highly effective sort of resistance training.  However, resistance band training is a great strength training tool. They could be small and unassuming however the power that they have sneaks up on you. Just one band can be used in order to strengthen all major muscle groups.

If you’re looking to set up a home gym, to train outdoors, or even in the gym to shift or mix it up, resistance bands are the absolute perfect addition. Resistance bands take up a little space – or no space – at all, are portable to be utilised anywhere, and have unlimited movement possibilities.

The Start Of Resistance Band Training

Resistance band training originated in the early part of the 1900s and these bands were made from surgical tubing. Their original purpose was muscle rehabilitation, although the photos from exercises at that time look quite similar to exercises that are used for strength today. The bands made a comeback in the fitness market during the 1990s and they have continued to increase in popularity.

Types Of Resistance Bands

Resistance Bands With Handles

These tube bands are mainly used for working out and building muscle strength as well as size. The handles offer a sturdy grip and allow for a number of different exercises, like what you may do in the gym with free weights or machines.

Therapy Flat Resistance Bands

These are frequently found in therapy situations, such as a physical therapist or sports therapist offices. They are broad and flat, which makes them very easy to wrap around your hand and adjust the length easily. These bands can also be cut into smaller pieces or used in order to stretch.

Loop Bands

These bands are very similar to therapy bands, however, are smaller and are in a closed loop. These are mainly used for strengthening the legs and buttocks.

Leg & Arm Tube Resistance Bands

These closed-loop tube bands come in a number of different variations, such as leg bands with ankle cuffs as well as figure-eight shapes with handles for the upper body. These are more muscle-specific and are limited in the variety of exercises that can be performed.

Power & Mobility Bands

These heavy-duty bands loop bands are most used for cross-training and with power lifting. They are also utilised for stretching as well as correcting mobility issues, adding variable resistance to weight training, and pull-up assistance.

Owing to the great versatility of resistance bands, these bands are also more efficient. A bicep curl using a dumbbell is a fixed motion and the muscles utilised are predictable. Add in the instability of the band, and muscle fibres all over your arms and shoulders kick in to make sure that the band is kept stable.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are eager to discover more about resistance and strength training, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this here.

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What Is A Rucking Workout? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-rucking-workout-find-out-in-this-article/ Fri, 14 May 2021 05:05:56 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24237 Put a weight in your backpack and then go for a walk. It sounds deceptively straightforward however this age-old activity, which has been newly popularised by military-fitness programmes and workouts, will torch fat, boost strength, and also challenge even the most seasoned gym-goer. It’s called rucking. Tactical athletes, such as soldiers and police officers, know...

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Put a weight in your backpack and then go for a walk. It sounds deceptively straightforward however this age-old activity, which has been newly popularised by military-fitness programmes and workouts, will torch fat, boost strength, and also challenge even the most seasoned gym-goer. It’s called rucking.

Tactical athletes, such as soldiers and police officers, know full well that rucking could sharpen fitness levels along with assisting to save your life. Triumph on the battlefield is often determined by how fast a soldier can move with important gear on his back, and it is necessary for SWAT officers to be able to kick down doors as well as tackle bad guys who are clad in lots of kilograms of protective gear.

For the non-military person to get the most out of rucking, it’s best to involve strength-training routines which will build the muscles you utilise while you ruck. It is suggested that a good strategy is one fast-walk backpacking session a week in addition to three resistance-training workouts. After completing this training programme, it is recommend doing a three- to five-mile ruck, twice per week, carrying a 25-kilogram load.

What Are The Benefits Of Rucking?

While rucking will feel quite easy while you’re doing it, don’t be duped. Taking a stroll with a weighted backpack has a lot of benefits for body, mind as well as spirit.

Rucking Assists You

Rucking raises your heart rate as compared to regular walking (which means that it counts as cardio exercise!) and has an effect on your heart rate that’s comparable to jogging. In addition, rucking enhances your all-around work capacity as well as endurance. Obtaining the ability to cover ground under load builds a strong fitness foundation.

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Rucking Burns More Calories Than Walking And Just a Little Less Than Running

If you really don’t like running, however still want to get the caloric burn which comes with running, rucking is the answer that you’ve been looking for. In fact, you are able to burn approximately as many calories rucking as jogging does.

If you’re a 90-kg man and run for an hour at 8 KPH, you’ll burn 755 calories. Walking briskly (5.6 kph) for an hour burns 391 calories for a man who is the same size.

If you add a weight to your brisk, hour-long walk (i.e., go rucking), the research shows that you can burn around 40-50% more calories. So, our 90 kg man walking at a 5.6 kph pace while carrying 20 kg of weight will burn around 585 calories.

If you’re already going for regular walks, start throwing a backpack on when you do and you’ll burn thousands more calories over the duration of the year.

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How To Become Golfing Fit https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-become-golfing-fit/ Fri, 14 May 2021 05:00:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24228 When things do go wrong with our golf game, our primary instinct is to question our technique. Of course, this might be where the problem lies. However, more often than you might think, a single focus on improving your physical conditioning may resolve – or at least improve – the situation. You might walk a...

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When things do go wrong with our golf game, our primary instinct is to question our technique. Of course, this might be where the problem lies. However, more often than you might think, a single focus on improving your physical conditioning may resolve – or at least improve – the situation.

You might walk a lot in golf however the top players (as well as good amateurs) have superb flexibility, mobility, stability as well as core strength. If the amateur golfer is lacking in those physical aspects, the ability to execute the golf swing in an effective manner is going to be limited. Then, what often transpires is that the body is not able to execute the golf swing correctly. So, compensation patterns are established and swing faults are the result.

Exercises To Keep You Fit For Golf

Split Squat

The split squat is a lower-body exercise which works on mobility, stability as well as strength. The narrow stance will lessen your base of support and also challenge your stability. In the slip squat, you’re primarily working your front leg, so make sure that you keep the bulk of your weight centred over the middle of your front foot.

Deadbug

Deadbugs are a phenomenal exercise for strengthening your core. You require strength in your midsection in order to be able to shift power from your lower body to your upper body when you’re doing the golf swing. During this exercise, it’s very important to keep your lower-back flat against the ground in order to ensure you’re working your abs.

Push-ups

There’s a very good reason push-ups are go-to exercises. When done correctly, push-ups can be very beneficial to your overall strength and to the golf swing. To set up properly for a push-up, put your hands underneath your shoulders and your feet shoulder-width apart. After this, squeeze your core and go to the top of a plank.

Your body should be moving as one piece with a regulated tempo to ensure that you are working the correct muscles. Essentially, the push-up is a moving plank so to ensure your push-ups are utilising your full range of motion, your chest and hips need to touch the floor on the way down. If doing push-ups is too difficult, elevate your hands onto the side of a couch, table or countertop. The higher your hands are, the easier the push-up will be.

What you’ve got to recognise is that basically the golf swing is a repetitive movement so you’re performing the same movement over and over again. With repetition comes fatigue as well as tightness. So, do a cool-down with some static stretching as well as self-mild fast relief exercises with a foam roller for several minutes after the round is over in order to help to create length within the body after it’s become fatigued and tight.

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How To Do A Deep Squat? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-a-deep-squat-find-out-in-this-article/ Fri, 14 May 2021 05:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24231 Squats are a major component of most lower body exercise programmes. The movement is also part of many daily activities. Whether you’re squatting down in order to pick up something heavy or just standing up and sitting down from a chair, the squatting movement is part of your everyday life. Squats necessitate a certain amount...

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Squats are a major component of most lower body exercise programmes. The movement is also part of many daily activities. Whether you’re squatting down in order to pick up something heavy or just standing up and sitting down from a chair, the squatting movement is part of your everyday life.

Squats necessitate a certain amount of flexibility in your hips, knees as well as ankles. In addition, they necessitate the muscles of your lower body to provide sufficient force in order to move your weight, as well as any other weight you stack on.

What’s more, squats — especially when done with resistance — challenge the stability of your trunk and pelvis. They’re an excellent addition to any resistance programme.

A Very Effective Exercise

The humble squat may just be the most effective exercise which you can do. It is responsible for engaging the entire lower half of your body, including your hips, glutes, quads, hamstrings as well as calves, while also hitting your core, shoulders and your back.

The perfect squat is a masterpiece of muscular coordination throughout your entire body, achieving the rare feat of simultaneously building muscle as well as burning fat thanks to its high metabolic demand.

What’s A Deep Squat?

There are several different definitions of a deep squat, however it is generally accepted that a deep squat involves a knee angle greater than 120 degrees. This means that the crease in your hip drops below your knees and your bum nearly touches the ground.

Squats are very beneficial no matter how deep you go. Your squat form is dependent on your flexibility, range of motion, strength as well as training goals. However, there are a number of extra benefits if your body gives you the opportunity to go deeper.

  • Greater body workout – A deep squat needs more than only your legs. It takes the full range of motion from your ankles right up to your shoulders and mobility in your core as well as your spine. All the joints and muscles recruited are getting exercise.
  • Increased knee stability – It was once felt that deep squats lead to instability in your knee, therefore the conventional wisdom. Research since then has demonstrated that the opposite is true: deep squats really lead to stronger ligaments as well as better knee stability.
  • Increased activation of gluteus maximus in addition to other hip extensors – As you go down deeper, it becomes increasingly difficult. The additional difficulty makes your bum and hips work harder, which boosts their strength.
  • Lessened forces on the ACL and PCL – Your knee is far more stable in a deep squat, so it’s putting less force on the ligaments which are holding it at all together. At the bottom of a deep squat, there is not a lot of pressure on your ACL as well as your PCL — most of the stress actually takes place at the start of a squat.

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High-Intensity Interval Training Exercises for the Pool https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/high-intensity-interval-training-exercises-for-the-pool/ Thu, 13 May 2021 05:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24209 High intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts have come to be ever more popular with fitness enthusiasts in the last couple years. These cardiovascular workouts consist of periods of extremely intense activity (working portion) which is followed by a recovery period. After this, it’s repeated all over again. Often times when individuals hear the word “HIIT,”...

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High intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts have come to be ever more popular with fitness enthusiasts in the last couple years. These cardiovascular workouts consist of periods of extremely intense activity (working portion) which is followed by a recovery period. After this, it’s repeated all over again.

Often times when individuals hear the word “HIIT,” sprinting or cycling will come to mind. An aqua HIIT exercise routine may seem like an unforeseen choice at first, however just wait until you take your exercise regimen off land and then into the pool.

What Happens When You Exercise In Water?

When we work out in the water, we are actually adding resistance to the moves which we are performing so making them increasingly more difficult.

Another additional bonus is that exercising in the water is low impact which makes doing HIIT underwater (as opposed to on dry land) a much better choice for those who could be suffering with any joint issues.

However, the key is to find exercises in the pool which, when performed, require near-maximal exertion for the working section.

Aqua HIIT 45/15

This protocol makes use of the formula of 45 seconds of high-intensity work which is followed by 15 seconds to rest. Do each exercise, one directly after the other, for three rounds. The total time for this workout is 12 minutes.

Before you start your HIIT pool workout:

  • Place yourself in shallow water between your navel and chest. You should be able to stand easily with both of your feet on the bottom of the pool floor.
  • Start jogging in place and then slowly increase the intensity by running in place or even running the lap lane. Warm up for nearly five to 10 minutes in order to allow your body to adjust and prepare for the exercises.
  • You aren’t able to feel it, but you are sweating in the pool so make sure to have a bottle of water poolside to hydrate in between each round.

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What Are The Advantages Of Pool Exercises?

As water offers heavier resistance as opposed to air, working out in the pool may make the same exercises, which that you’d do on land far more challenging in water.

The heavier resistance may engage your muscles more fully and also assist you with burning more calories in a shorter amount of time. Aquatic exercise gives you the opportunity to get a great cardio workout, while – at the same time 0 also increasing your:

  • Strength,
  • Endurance, as well as
  • Flexibility.

The buoyancy of water also offers extra support for your muscles as well as your joints. This allows you the opportunity to work out harder while putting less impact on your body as opposed to what you would on land.

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How To Make Your Run More Of A Workout? Learn more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-make-your-run-more-of-a-workout-learn-more/ Thu, 13 May 2021 05:00:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24213 There are only a very few people who would say no to being able to run a little bit faster and get more of an intensive workout at the same time. No matter what your chosen distance is, and how relaxed your attitude to the sport is, a quick all-out effort is nothing short of...

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There are only a very few people who would say no to being able to run a little bit faster and get more of an intensive workout at the same time. No matter what your chosen distance is, and how relaxed your attitude to the sport is, a quick all-out effort is nothing short of exhilarating.

If you’ve been running at a very steady pace for a while, it can be all too commonplace to hit a plateau. However, luckily there are a number of different techniques which you can employ in order to build endurance as well as learn how to run faster without you getting tired. As you begin to push yourself a little harder, if you set new performance goals for your runs this can help you to stay motivated as you discover how far (as well as how fast) you are able to go.

When you first begin, improvements in your running workouts come easily and quickly. Just by doing more running as opposed to you were before, your body becomes better conditioned. In addition, you get faster. At some point in time, however, those speed gains stop coming so easily and it is necessary for you to start mixing up your workouts and training.

What To Introduce?

You can accomplish this by introducing intervals, tempo sessions as well as other types of workouts to your training routine. It’s very important not to overdo the amount of fast training you do, as that will raise your injury risk. However, having one or two speed-focused sessions a week – alongside your easy and steady runs – will assist you to become a faster runner.

Another way of improving your speed is to hit the gym and work on your leg and core strength. Weight training, whether or not it is with bodyweight or added weight, assists with building leg muscles and core strength assisting your body sustain faster speeds more easily as well as keeping your posture strong when fatigue creeps in.

Well-developed muscles are vital for protecting bones and joints. This means less chance of stress fractures in addition to other running injuries. Weight training has also been shown to increase bone density and enhance connective tissue so reducing your risk of tears and breaks.

Bulgarian Split Squat

When running at any speed over any distance, you’re consistently on one foot. This means that it’s good to train in that way whenever it is possible:

  • Get into a lunge position. Your knees are bent and your back foot needs to rest on a bench 12-15cm off the floor.
  • Lower yourself until your front thigh is nearly horizontal.
  • However, don’t push your knee past your front foot. Drive through your front heel and then back up to your starting position.

Deadlift

The deadlift works pretty much every muscle in your body however with a specific focus on the back of the body. That goes through your hamstrings, glutes as well as lower back, which are all quite important for sprinting:

  • Bend at your knees and grasp a barbell with an overhand grip. Your hands must be shoulder-width apart.
  • Lift the bar to thigh height with the movement driven by your leg muscles as well as by the forward movement of your hips.
  • Pause and pull your shoulders back, then lower the bar.

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Why Do You Need To Exercise The Muscles In Your Feet? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-do-you-need-to-exercise-the-muscles-in-your-feet/ Wed, 12 May 2021 05:00:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24202 Keeping your feet strong and flexible can assist with reducing foot and ankle pain, lessening muscle soreness, improving your overall foot health and keeping you active. Exercises which improve range of motion and help supple up your feet could reduce your chance of getting hurt. Slow and gentle stretches will enhance your flexibility. Strength exercises...

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Keeping your feet strong and flexible can assist with reducing foot and ankle pain, lessening muscle soreness, improving your overall foot health and keeping you active. Exercises which improve range of motion and help supple up your feet could reduce your chance of getting hurt. Slow and gentle stretches will enhance your flexibility. Strength exercises will give you the opportunity for your muscles to provide better support as well as protection for your foot as a whole.

You can do these gentle stretching as well as strengthening exercises three times per week or as frequently as every day in order to increase your range of motion and strength for permanent foot health and vitality.

If your feet and ankles are aching a lot, if you have any injuries, or if you have arthritis or diabetes, make sure that you check with your doctor or physical therapist prior you start doing any of these exercises. Dependent on your needs, your doctor could add other exercises or take away some of the ones listed here.

Flexibility And Resistance Exercises May Also Assist With Keeping Your Feet Healthy

Flexibility Exercises

Exercises which improve flexibility assist with keeping your feet supple and could reduce your risk for injury. Don’t worry at all if your feet have become stiff with age. Studies demonstrate that no matter how old you are, you are still having to improve your flexibility. The simplest way to build flexibility is through slow as well as gentle daily stretches, concentrating on one particular group of muscles at a time.

An example is the toe raise, point and curl

  • Sit up dead straight in a dining room chair, with your feet flat on the floor.
  • While making sure that you keep your toes on the floor, raise the heels. Stop when only the balls of your feet stay on the ground.
  • Maintain this position for a period of five seconds before lowering your heels.
  • For the second stage, raise your heels and point your toes so that only the tips of the big as well as second toes are touching the floor.
  • Hold for a period of 5 seconds before lowering.
  • For the third stage, raise your heels and curl your toes inward so that just the very tips of your toes are touching the floor. Hold this position for a period 5 seconds.
  • Build flexibility and mobility by repeating each stage 10 times.

Resistance Exercises

Strength training exercises are those movements in which your muscles work versus some type of resistance, such as weights or exercise bands. Resistance exercises are responsible for strengthening muscles, which, in turn, offer better support as well as protection for the foot as a whole. Exercise bands look a bit like compression bandages however they come in various colours that correspond to the amount of resistance which they provide.

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How To Form Healthy Habits? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-form-healthy-habits-read-this-article/ Wed, 12 May 2021 05:00:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24193 We know that deciding to make healthy choices can assist us with feeling better as well as living longer. Perhaps you’ve already tried to eat better, get more exercise or sleep, stop smoking, or reduce stress. It’s absolutely not easy. However, research shows how you are able to boost your ability to create – as...

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We know that deciding to make healthy choices can assist us with feeling better as well as living longer. Perhaps you’ve already tried to eat better, get more exercise or sleep, stop smoking, or reduce stress. It’s absolutely not easy. However, research shows how you are able to boost your ability to create – as well as sustain – a healthy lifestyle.

Behavioural scientists who study habit formation are of the feeling that great deal of us try to create healthy habits in the wrong way. We make bold resolutions in order to start exercising or lose weight, for instance, without taking the steps which are needed in order to set ourselves up for success.

Why It’s So Difficult

Before we do ANYTHING with actually building healthy habits, you need a very good reason about why you want to establish them in the first place. If you don’t, the behavioural changes will never stick.

All of this “change who I am” stuff needs to be at the centre of your decision-making moving forward. In addition, if you don’t have a good reason for why you’re doing it, you’re dead in the water.

If you’re here as you have made the decision that you “should” get in shape, you’re going to fail the very minute that life gets busy. If you are leopard crawling yourself to the gym as you think that you “should” run on a treadmill five days every single week even though you hate it, you’re screwed!

Start Small

Big behaviour changes necessitate a high level of motivation which often can’t be sustained. Start with tiny habits to make the new healthy habit as easy as possible in the beginning. Taking a daily short walk, for instance, could be the beginning of a healthy exercise habit. Alternatively, putting an apple in your bag every day could lead to better and healthier eating habits.

Do It Every Day

Researchers have studied how people form healthy habits in the real world, asking participants to select a simple habit that they wanted to form, such as drinking water at lunch or taking a walk before dinner. It was shown that the amount of time it took for the task to turn out to be automatic — a habit — ranged from 18 to 254 days. The average time was 66 days!

The lesson here that you need to learn is that habits take a long time to create, however they form faster as opposed to when we do them more often. This means that you need to start with something sensible which is really easy to do.

It is more likely that you will stick with an exercise habit if you do some small exercise — jumping jacks, a yoga asana, a brisk walk — every day, as opposed than attempting to get to the gym three days a week. Once the daily exercise becomes a habit, you can explore new, more intense forms of exercise.

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Tips For Exercising Consistently. Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/tips-for-exercising-consistently-find-out-in-this-article/ Tue, 11 May 2021 05:00:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24174 Having a regular exercise routine is very important for maintaining both our physical as well as mental health. Various research studies have shown that taking part in regular physical activity is one of the best the lifestyle choices which you can make in order to live a happy and healthy life. Although it is quite...

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Having a regular exercise routine is very important for maintaining both our physical as well as mental health. Various research studies have shown that taking part in regular physical activity is one of the best the lifestyle choices which you can make in order to live a happy and healthy life. Although it is quite challenging to fit in the time to exercise when you already have a million things to do, it is certainly possible.

Anyone who has attempted to lose weight, tone up or even just simply re-commit to exercise knows that the battle is frequently more mental as opposed to physical. There’s no question that you already know you should be working out and exercising on a regular basis. After all, exercise will not only make sure that you keep fit as well as feeling full of energy, but exercising will also assist you with living a long, healthy and active life.

However, if you’re like most individuals out there you’re also probably really good at making excuses not to exercise. Let’s face it – you’re busy. And although you know that exercising should be a top priority, life too frequently gets in the way.

Here are a number of tricks to keep a consistent workout schedule, even if you’re really busy.

Find Your Motivation

Finding your motivation to exercise is incredibly important in making sure that you stick to your exercise routine. Most individuals can vaguely describe why they want to exercise (to lose weight, to prevent heart disease, to look great in clothing), but not often do people take the time to dig deeper to find out why exercise is important to them.

Take the time in order to find out what your specific motivation is for working out. Write it down and reflect on it on a daily basis! Put a sign on your fridge, put reminders on your phone and make sure that you keep a sticky note on your mirror. Ensure it is very specific as well as compelling enough to actually motivate you.

Perform Shorter Workouts

If the belief that you should be spending an hour or more in the gym so that you can get in shape is the reason, you’re not working out regularly, here’s some good news: it doesn’t really take that long.

All you actually need is between 10 to 15 minutes of intense exercise, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), in order to get fitter than you ever thought feasible. HIIT workouts remove all your excuses that you don’t have the time to work out. Varying periods of working really hard and shorter rest periods, this extremely efficient style of training lets you get way more done in far less time.

HIIT is the perfect answer for anyone who’s ever avoided the gym just because they didn’t have an hour to work out.

Pay For It

Invest in yourself! If getting healthier is a main concern for you, spend some money to help to get you there. If you are driven by saving money or not spending too much money, paying for some aspect of your exercise routine is a wonderful way to stay consistent.

Paying a personal trainer is probably the best thing you can do to reach effectively and efficiently your fitness goals. Hire a personal trainer if you want hands-on assistance at the gym or try working with a health coach if you require help with staying consistent with your workout of choice.

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What Is The Best Workout To Develop Agility? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-best-workout-to-develop-agility/ Mon, 10 May 2021 05:00:49 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24155 Agility training workouts help with improving speed, explosive power, coordination as well as certain sports skills. From high school to professional sports players, all types of athletes are able to benefit from agility training exercises. Integrate these exercises a few times a week into your training routine to perfect your foot speed and refine your...

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Agility training workouts help with improving speed, explosive power, coordination as well as certain sports skills. From high school to professional sports players, all types of athletes are able to benefit from agility training exercises. Integrate these exercises a few times a week into your training routine to perfect your foot speed and refine your sports technique.

Athletes frequently make use of plyometric jumping exercises in order to build power as well as improve coordination. Hurdles are not just vital to training for field sports but they are able to improve the strength and jumping ability of basketball players, skiers, figure skaters, and sports divers.

What Is Agility?

Agility is the capability to quickly move on your feet and including this type of training into your workout routine can assist with improving your speed, strengthen your lower body as well as reduce your risk of injury.

In addition, like high-intensity interval training (HIIT), it seriously ups your calorie burn, thanks to all the extra muscles it calls into play.

As we become older, or just become complacent in our day-to-day routines, both our mental as well as physical agility suffers.

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Workouts To Help With Developing Agility

Lateral Plyometric Jumps

Lateral plyometric jumps assist with building explosive power, balance as well as coordination by utilising our natural body weight. This advanced agility training exercise is vital for any athletic position which requires lateral coordination and power. For the best results, be sure to perform this drill after a thorough warm up. Another wonderful option is the lateral single leg hop.

Lateral Jump With Agility Ladder

Stand to the left of the initial square of the ladder, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower almost into a squat. Then drive through your heels to pop off the ground and then jump into the ladder square diagonally to the front of your feet.

Immediately pop off the ground again in order to jump to the right side of that ladder square. Continue to move forward quickly. At the end of the ladder, run backwards to the beginning point. Repeat.

Hurdle Drills

Utilising either 6- or 12-inch hurdles (these can be cones, yoga blocks or whatever else you have on hand), set up five to 10 hurdles up in a row. Make sure that these are parallel to each other. Moving laterally, begin by going over the primary hurdle with a high step. Pause in a stork stance prior to moving back to your starting position.

Then move over the primary two hurdles, pause and then go back to the beginning. Continue this workout until all five to 10 hurdles have been travelled (1, 1 2, 1 2 3, 1 2 3 4, etc.). Count your hurdles out loud (both ascending as well as descending numbers). Remember to pause on one leg prior to moving back to the beginning. In addition, don’t forget to switch directions. When you become more advanced, speed up your hurdle steps and take out the pause.

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What Is The Right Way To Stretch? Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-right-way-to-stretch-learn-more-in-this-article/ Mon, 10 May 2021 05:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24159 ‘Use it or lose it’ is a frequently quoted maxim however it is never more appropriate than when talking about flexibility and stretching. Think of a long car journey which lasts several hours. When you get to your destination, the chance to climb out of the seat and stretch is very welcome and at the...

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‘Use it or lose it’ is a frequently quoted maxim however it is never more appropriate than when talking about flexibility and stretching. Think of a long car journey which lasts several hours. When you get to your destination, the chance to climb out of the seat and stretch is very welcome and at the outset your movements are stiff and uncomfortable.

However, after stretching out you already feel much better and your normal mobility comes back. Imagine if you had to embark on a long car journey every day – your flexibility would suffer badly – which gets us back to the ‘use it or lose it’ maxim.

What Are The Basics Of Stretching?

If there’s one widespread truth about stretching, it’s that we all need do it. However, few of us really do. Personal training experts say it’s the part of a workout that most people tend to skip. Stretching can make an enormous difference in how your muscles react to exercise. Stretching warms your muscles and muscles which are warm are much more pliant.

Stretching is the slow lengthening of muscles in order to increase flexibility in the muscles as well as range of motion in the joints. Regular stretching may also help improve stability as well as balance. As a result, stretching activities are an important part of any exercise or rehabilitation program, no matter your age or fitness level.

What Are Common Beliefs About Stretching?

The Best Time For You To Stretch Is After You Exercise As Your Muscles Are Warm

True and false: It’s much safer to stretch a warm muscle. Warm muscles are far more relaxed and have larger range of motion. However, walking briskly or jogging for about five minutes, until you break a light sweat, is an ample warm-up for stretching. In an ideal world, you’ll stretch a few minutes into as well as after your workout.

There’s Only One Single “Right” Way To Stretch

False: There are really a half-dozen or more ways to stretch. A number of the most common are listed here.

Static stretching

Stretch a particular muscle until you feel tension. Then hold the position for between 15 and 60 seconds. This is considered to be the safest way to stretch. Done gently, this type of stretching allows muscles and connective tissue ample time to “reset” the stretch reflex.

Active Isolated (AI) Stretching

Stretch a certain muscle until you feel tension. Hold this position for just one or two seconds. Frequently, you need to use a rope or your hands to get a muscle to its stretching point. As you don’t force the muscle to remain contracted, the muscle which is being worked actually remains relaxed. This being said, critics warn of the risk of overstretching, particularly if you’re making use of a rope.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching

Contract a muscle and the release it. Stretch. This is frequently carried out with the help of a partner who “pushes” the stretch. While PNF may be very effective, it may also be dangerous if not done properly. Practise it only under the supervision of a physical therapist or personal trainer.

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Would you like to learn more about stretching? If you do, then you should consider doing our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Is The Best Way Is Of Keeping Track Of Your Fitness Progress? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-best-way-is-of-keeping-track-of-your-fitness-progress/ Fri, 07 May 2021 05:00:52 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24131 You will probably have seen a dozen of unbelievable transformation photos and want a similar result. The one thing which these weight-loss or muscle-gain achievers have in common is that they keep track of their fitness progress. If you would like to lose weight or gain muscle, then you really need to start tracking the...

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You will probably have seen a dozen of unbelievable transformation photos and want a similar result. The one thing which these weight-loss or muscle-gain achievers have in common is that they keep track of their fitness progress.

If you would like to lose weight or gain muscle, then you really need to start tracking the changes in your body. With the number of techniques as well as methods out there, it is very easy to get a little stuck. This is because it can be very tempting in order to give up on your workout routine if you feel as if you’re not making progress. Weight loss may take time and your weight may fluctuate for reasons other than true weight loss or gain — this is why relying on the scale alone is often a mistake.

Instead, by taking the time to notice small advances, you can begin to look at each workout as a step toward your end goal. This is why using tools to track your exercise performance is an excellent idea: It’s the only way in order to get an accurate idea of your activity level and the rate at which you’re performing.

Keep A Fitness Journal

Logging a fitness and workout journal is one of the simplest and most effective ways in order to track the amount of weight which you lifted in prior workouts. This way you’ll realise if you’re becoming stronger.

The body adjusts to exercise quite effortlessly, to whatever workouts we’re regularly performing. So, if we constantly do the same weights as well as the same exercises, the body will no longer prompt a response to change. The muscles will not grow or – alternatively – get stronger.

A major mistake that is seen in the gym is individuals doing the same workouts each week, with exactly the same amount of weight. However, a workout journal can assist you with switching up your strength training programmes. This will keep your muscles in a perpetual state of being challenged.

Take Photos

Although not a numerical measurement, body photos can be a great tool for measuring progress for those who are more visual. Photos help you to see alterations in your physical appearance.

Weight loss, as well as muscle gain, is a gradual and incremental process. In addition, it’s common for people’s weight to vary, particularly when they start weight training for the first time. Often, the human eye may not see the small changes which take place day-to-day. People become very frustrated with a seeming lack of results and make the decision to give up.

Nevertheless, there is progress that the scale and numbers will not show. This is where progress photos can serve as highly motivational fitness trackers. Progress photos can also serve as a visual confirmation that all your hard work is paying off.

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Monitor Steps Taken

By keeping an eye on the number of steps that you take during a workout, you are able to assess your performance and make changes when necessary. For instance, if you walked below your targeted number of steps during a workout, you would know that you need to pick up your speed. Tracking your steps is also an easy way to monitor the progress you’re making and boost your morale.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a fitness expert, then you need to become a personal trainer. Have a look at our accredited Personal Training Diploma and see how you can become a world-class personal trainer.

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What Are The Long-Term Benefits Of Lifting Weights? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-long-term-benefits-of-lifting-weights/ Fri, 07 May 2021 05:00:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24135 Strength training will help you to get stronger as well as looking and feeling better with only a few short sessions each week. You are able to do strength training with free weights such as barbells and dumbbells, weight machines, or with no equipment at all. There are a lot of positive effects of weightlifting....

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Strength training will help you to get stronger as well as looking and feeling better with only a few short sessions each week. You are able to do strength training with free weights such as barbells and dumbbells, weight machines, or with no equipment at all.

There are a lot of positive effects of weightlifting. Over a long period of time, weight training causes helpful changes in both your physical as well as mental health. As long as you are able to avoid the potential disadvantages of lifting heavy weights, this kind of exercise may be a helpful tool in reaching your health goals.

Stronger, Healthier Bones

It turns out that lifting weights is very beneficial for your skeletal system. As you perform your bicep curls or deadlifts, tiny protein molecules are deposited in the space between your bones’ cells. Later, these are calcified on the bone surface. This increases bone density and strength, which in turn lowers your risk of osteoporosis.

In addition, the muscles you develop may reduce the weight which is placed on your bones and joints so that you are able to move around more freely.

Beneficial Effects On Muscle Mass

Lifting weights long term can lead to increases in both muscle size as well as strength. In fact, chronic hypertrophy – or gains in muscle size that occurs as a result of long-term weight training – is associated with increases in cross-sectional muscle fibre size by as much as 20 to 45%. These increases are credited with equivalent gains in strength. People who engage in consistent resistance training routine over the long-term may be able to increase muscle strength by 7 to 45%.

Experience Better Coordination With Lifting Weights

In addition, long-term weight training will improve your coordination, posture as well as balance. This improvement is particularly crucial for older people who are more prone to losing their balance owing to declining physical function. The muscles developed as a consequence of weightlifting allow for more fluid and less stiff body movement.

Assists With Managing Cholesterol

Long-term resistance training seems to be effective in managing cholesterol.  In fact, epidemiological research demonstrates that consistent resistance training could lead to decreases in both total – as well as -low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in addition to increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Increased glucose management is also associated with long-term resistance training. When combined, these effects can lead to substantial improvements in heart health.

As you can see, weight training does have amazing health benefits, going about it in the incorrect way could result in injuries. The most frequent mistake which people make is having poor breathing form.

Holding your breath while lifting increases your blood pressure and eventually enlarges your heart muscles as they strain to pump blood against this greater pressure. This can lead to health complications later in life. So, learning how to breathe, i.e., exhaling while lifting the weight and inhaling while lowering it, is crucial. If you want to look better, feel better and live a healthier life, get started on a workout regimen that includes weight training.

Contact  Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn more about strength training, then you need to become a personal trainer. To become a world-class personal trainer then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more here.

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How To Up Your Fitness Regime With EMS Training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-up-your-fitness-regime-with-ems-training/ Thu, 06 May 2021 05:00:44 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24074 EMS is a fitness tool that physical therapists use in order to assist people recover from surgery or rehabilitate injuries. Typically, EMS training is utilised in situations where an individual has muscular inhibition and weakness owing to pain, swelling, and immobilisation. For instance, after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee surgery, individuals tend to have weakened...

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EMS is a fitness tool that physical therapists use in order to assist people recover from surgery or rehabilitate injuries. Typically, EMS training is utilised in situations where an individual has muscular inhibition and weakness owing to pain, swelling, and immobilisation. For instance, after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee surgery, individuals tend to have weakened quads. EMS training may “involuntarily activate” or wake up the quads, so that people don’t completely lose their muscle mass or function, he says.

However lately, boutique workout aficionados – as well as fitness influencers – have been buzzing about workouts which incorporate EMS technology.

These EMS workouts consist of sending electrical impulses to your muscles to recruit more muscle fibres and also to increase the intensity of a strength-training sequence. Sound hardcore? People claim that you can work more muscles and also improve your fitness in a shorter period of time using EMS, which is why so many individuals are drawn to it.

What Does An EMS Workout Involve?

An EMS workout involves exactly the same movements as many other workouts. The difference between this type of workout and a traditional strength training workout is the inclusion of electrical stimulation in order to recruit more muscle fibres. In theory, should boost the intensity of the workout. With little (although growing) research, the verdict is still out on whether these EMS routines are truly worth all the buzz.

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Choose The Best EMS Training Centre

When you decide to start an EMS training programme, you projected an image of what you wanted to attain and, probably, how you would feel about it as well as during the process.

When selecting your EMS training centre, look for the one which has that atmosphere that you need. It must be a place where you want to go, that when you think about the idea of ​​going to train you feel extremely motivated. Many individuals say that their EMS training centre or gym is their place of disconnection while others do not even go frequently enough in order to make a difference.

If the latter instance has ever happened to you, certainly you have felt that it wasn’t your time or that the gym is just not for you. The most likely scenario is that you base your choice of centre on the inappropriate criteria (thinking that you will minimally analyse the centre and its services).

Today the offering in the fitness-wellness sector is massive and there are services which cover the requirements of the huge majority of the population. Analyse the options which you have available according to the location which you need, your tastes and needs (not all individuals need the same types of training) and stay where you feel really comfortable.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on learning more about fitness? If you are, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to read more.

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Why Should You Use An Exercise Trampoline? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-should-you-use-an-exercise-trampoline-find-out-in-this-article/ Wed, 05 May 2021 05:00:25 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24067 Trampoline exercises are a convenient and pleasant way of boosting your cardiovascular health, improving endurance as well as relieving stress and tension. They can assist you with developing better balance, coordination in addition to motor skills. These types of exercises target your back, core as well as your leg muscles. In addition, you’ll work your...

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Trampoline exercises are a convenient and pleasant way of boosting your cardiovascular health, improving endurance as well as relieving stress and tension. They can assist you with developing better balance, coordination in addition to motor skills.

These types of exercises target your back, core as well as your leg muscles. In addition, you’ll work your arms, neck muscles and glutes. Research shows that trampoline exercises have a positive effect on bone health and also may help to improve bone density and strength.

Rebounders are mini exercise trampolines which are close to the ground, making them more stable as well as secure. They’re particularly designed for individual aerobic exercise. Outdoor trampolines also have a higher weight capacity and give you more space to move.

Why Should You Try Rebounding?

Rebounding is quite a low-impact cardiovascular exercise. It’s usually appropriate for individual of all ages, from children right up to older adults.

As with any type of exercise, it’s a very good idea to consult with your doctor before you begin to rebound. While mini trampolines do assist with absorbing some of the force which you may experience with traditional land exercises (such as running) this type of exercise may not be suitable if you’ve had prior surgeries or have any other medical concerns.

When utilising a mini trampoline:

  • Check in order to ensure that your trampoline is in good working order as well as on a stable surface prior to each workout to lessen risk for falls or other kinds of injury.
  • Move the trampoline a distance from the wall or other objects, such as furniture.
  • Be sure to do various types of moves on your trampoline so that you don’t overuse the same muscles every time you exercise.
  • Consider buying a trampoline with a handlebar for extra stability as well as balance.
  • If you have small kids, store your trampoline away when it’s not in use or otherwise be sure to oversee children who may play on or around it.
  • Stop jumping instantly if you notice that you have any shortness of breath, pain, or other warning signs with your health.

You may be feeling a bit dizzy or lightheaded after your first few times on a mini exercise trampoline. Your body may only require some time in order to adjust to this new type of movement however you should still stop working out if you feel faint or dizzy. If these feelings subsist for several workouts, contact your medical practitioner.

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What Are The Benefits Of An Exercise Trampoline?

Bouncing on a mini exercise trampoline has great all-over toning and body-renewing benefits. Rebounding is incredibly effective. Just couple of few minutes of bouncing at the end of your day may make a big difference to your health as well as happiness.

Light bouncing can assist with increasing blood flow to underused muscles. It could also loosen and release overused ones. In addition, it helps the body to release endorphins (which are your brain’s natural calming aid, and they make us feel good). Being in your body and getting out of the business in your head comes very naturally as you bounce. It can assist with clearing your mind and decreasing tension.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become a personal trainer then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this here.

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How Much Exercise Is Best For Keeping Your Blood Pressure in Check? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-much-exercise-is-best-for-keeping-your-blood-pressure-in-check/ Tue, 04 May 2021 05:00:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24042 Making exercise a regular habit can assist to lower your blood pressure. In addition, it gives you additional energy. It’s also a great way for easing stress and feeling better. Consult with your doctor first if you’re not already active at the moment. They’ll ensure that you’re ready for exercise. As an active lifestyle is...

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Making exercise a regular habit can assist to lower your blood pressure. In addition, it gives you additional energy. It’s also a great way for easing stress and feeling better.

Consult with your doctor first if you’re not already active at the moment. They’ll ensure that you’re ready for exercise. As an active lifestyle is good for your blood pressure, your doctor will probably be all for it.

It’s not necessary for you to go to a gym. You just need to be active enough so that you are breathing harder and making sure that your heart beats a little faster. That includes brisk walking, jogging, swimming, biking, lifting weights, or doing work in your garden.

A Stronger Heart Has The Capacity To Pump More Blood With A Lot Less Effort

If your heart is able to work less to pump, the force on your arteries decreases so lowering your blood pressure.

By becoming increasingly more active you are able to lower your systolic blood pressure (in other words, the top number in a blood pressure reading) by a typical reading of 4 to 9 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). This is as good as some blood pressure medications. For some individuals, getting some exercise is sufficient in order to reduce the requirement for blood pressure medication.

If your blood pressure is at a required level — less than 120/80 mm Hg — exercise may assist with preventing it from rising as you age. In addition, regular exercise assists you with maintaining a healthy weight — which is another important way for you to control blood pressure.

However, to keep your blood pressure low, it is required for you to keep exercising on a regular basis. It takes approximately between 30 and 90 days for regular exercise to have a good impact on your blood pressure. The advantages last only as long as you continue to exercise.

How Much Exercise Is Enough?

Aerobic activity may be a very effective way of controlling high blood pressure. However, flexibility and strengthening exercises (for instance, lifting weights) are also important parts of a global fitness regimen. You don’t necessarily need to spend hours in the gym every single day in order to benefit from aerobic activity. Just by adding moderate physical activities to your daily routine will help.

Exercise also lowers blood pressure through reducing blood vessel stiffness so that blood is able to flow more easily. The effects of exercise are most clear during – as well as immediately after – a workout. Lowered blood pressure can be most meaningful right after you work out.

Thus, health professionals theorise that the ideal way to combat high blood pressure may be to break up your workout into a number of different sessions throughout the day. In actual fact, one study found that three 10-minute walks each and every single day more effectively prevented future blood pressure spikes as opposed to one 30-minute session per day.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are really wanting to become a fitness expert, you really should consider becoming a personal trainer. Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma and become a world-class fitness professional.

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How Many Times Should You Lift Weights Weekly? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-many-times-should-you-lift-weights-weekly/ Mon, 03 May 2021 05:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24012 When individuals start lifting, they typically overdo it. You want to develop muscle fast, so you train five, six, or even seven days a week as you think that the more you do, the faster you’ll be able to see results. However, it doesn’t take long before you learn the hard way about the significance...

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When individuals start lifting, they typically overdo it. You want to develop muscle fast, so you train five, six, or even seven days a week as you think that the more you do, the faster you’ll be able to see results. However, it doesn’t take long before you learn the hard way about the significance of recovery. You’re sore all the time and your improvements grinds to a halt, obliging you to scale your workouts back so you only hit a muscle once or twice a week. This is the frequency that most of us then stay with indefinitely.

What Does The Research Say About Lifting Weights?

Studies demonstrate that – in some cases – the number of times per week that you lift weights makes a difference. However, in other studies, it does not.

In older adults, there is not a lot of difference shown in strength if the person trains either once or twice per week. However, there is a significant growth in strength when the time spent training jumps to three times per week.

The research points to the direction the “sweet spot” of strength training which is somewhere between two and three times per week. We typically recommend that most individuals strength train approximately three days per week in order to make sure that they hit that minimum effective dose, particularly if they are not getting any other activity in the week.

You could also consider adding a fourth day if you have a flexible schedule and also have strength or sport-specific goals. In this case, ensure that you deload your training and take a recovery week every month or so.

Strength Training Exercise To Try

These are moves which work multiple muscles at a time. Examples include:

  • Squats with a shoulder press
  • Deadlift with a bent-over row
  • Lunges with a lateral raise
  • Push-ups and plank with a one-arm row

Other very important exercises to include in your strength training programme include:

  • Squats
  • Lunges
  • Planks
  • Push-ups
  • Straight leg deadlifts
  • Bench presses
  • Push-up dips
  • Overhead presses
  • Pull-ups
  • Dumbbell rows
  • Planks
  • Exercise ball crunches

In order for you to get the most out of your weight-loss workouts, ensure that you’re following these standards:

  • Vary the intensity of your workouts. Include both HIIT as well as moderate-intensity exercises.
  • Do different methods of cardio on a weekly basis, like running on the treadmill, biking as well as swimming.
  • Make use of circuit training when lifting weights in order to keep your calorie burn high. Circuit training involves doing a sequence of exercises, one after the other, with no rest between each of the exercises. Towards the end of the series of exercises, you would typically rest for a set period (between 30 and 60 seconds) and then repeat the circuit two or three more times.
  • Take at minimum two days of rest each week.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn more about strength training – in addition to other forms of training – then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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How Can I Get Back Into Exercise After a Long Break? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-i-get-back-into-exercise-after-a-long-break/ Mon, 03 May 2021 05:00:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24017 Between work commitments, family obligations and also social events, it may seem scary — and utterly impossible — to put anything else onto your plate. As a result, individuals tend to sacrifice the one thing which they might not enjoy doing — exercise. Maybe it started with a busy week, and then one week later...

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Between work commitments, family obligations and also social events, it may seem scary — and utterly impossible — to put anything else onto your plate. As a result, individuals tend to sacrifice the one thing which they might not enjoy doing — exercise.

Maybe it started with a busy week, and then one week later turned into two and then – before you knew it – you hadn’t visited the gym in a number of months. Whatever the culprit, there are successful ways to pull yourself out of a workout rut and then create a lasting routine.

Manage Your Expectations

Individuals who have taken a long break from exercise are expected to find that they may not be able to do the things which they once are able to. Whether this is running a marathon or holding a yoga pose, fitness and exercise experts say that not being able to perform at exactly the same level which is to be expected.

Still, this may be challenging for some to accept.

Our physical appearance, our perceived fitness as well as our identity as an athlete or fit person are all a part of who we are. As we age – or when significant long-term events happen in our lives – our fitness can also be negatively impacted. When that happens there is cognitive dissonance between our fitness-based identity and the reality of the situation.

Planning

One of the very first steps before you really dive back into a workout routine is to plan out what you want your exercise routine to look like as well as how you want to get there.

If it’s been a good long while ever since you last worked out, you’ll absolutely want to start small. Doing too much too soon can engulf you mentally. And a thorough routine may ultimately feel like too much to deal with, which in return makes you feel like you’ve been defeated.

It is exceptionally critical that you come to terms with the fact that you’re perhaps will not be as fit as you happened to be when you stopped exercising. This is OK. You can begin with just 10 minutes a day; the aim is just to get moving more.

As you make plans about how to start exercising again, think about your habits and goals. Schedule and go from there. It can also be of assistance to think of ways in order to motivate yourself.

Connecting with a workout buddy is a fantastic way to remain consistent and be encouraged. Find a friend who is working out already and has an exercise routine. That person can be a fundamental motivator. If you would instead share the starting line, find a friend who is looking to get back into a regular routine. Together, you will be able to keep each other motivated and accountable.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are eager to learn more about fitness and exercise, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Are Anti-Rotational Exercises? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-anti-rotational-exercises/ Fri, 30 Apr 2021 07:16:55 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=24005 A great workout programme should make you move in every direction – forward, backward, sideways as well as even rotationally. It is necessary for us to be strong in every plane of motion to help us prevent injury when moving in everyday life. However, sometimes strengthening ourselves so that we can move better in everyday...

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A great workout programme should make you move in every direction – forward, backward, sideways as well as even rotationally. It is necessary for us to be strong in every plane of motion to help us prevent injury when moving in everyday life. However, sometimes strengthening ourselves so that we can move better in everyday life and prevent injury means performing anti-rotational exercises.

Anti-rotation exercises are movements (or, alternatively, static movements) which require you to resist a force that is attempting to cause your trunk to rotate.  One of the chief functions of the rotary muscles of the core is to resist – or prevent – rotation. This is precisely what anti-rotation exercises train you for.

Training Core Stability

Anti-rotation exercises train core stability through the transverse plane of motion without rotating your torso.

Your core involves much more than just your six-pack muscles. In actual fact, your core is a girdle of muscle which lies beneath your six pack and then stretches all the way around your lower back, where it attaches to your glutes, hips as well as obliques. When this corset of muscle is properly strengthened, you’ll have tighter, toned abdominals and an unrivalled centre of gravity.

What Are The Benefits Of Anti-Rotational Exercises?

Reduce Injuries

A lot of different injuries are caused by the failure to resist rotation. This can take place in daily life, and it is particularly common in sports. Anti-rotation exercises are the best way to combat injuries which are caused by instability as well as rotation.

Improve Other Lifts

Powerful core stability may make you much stronger in big lifts such as squats, bench press as well as overhead presses.

Mind Muscle Connection

Anti-rotation exercises don’t need heavy weights to be effective. What they really necessitate is for you to hone in on the muscles that are being worked in order to resist rotation. Therefore, you will develop your mind muscle connection of your core. This will move over to bigger lifts where you normally don’t think about your core, although your core is performing a lot of work, for example squats as well as deadlifts.

Fix Improper Movement Patterns And Imbalances

Many individuals over the age of 25 have developed inappropriate movement patterns which are challenging to break. This could be triggered by their training techniques or injuries. In any case, anti-rotational exercises can help you to readjust these movement patterns.

Acceleration And Deceleration

Anti-rotation exercises can significantly improve your ability to accelerate – as well as decelerate -through multiple directions. This will be important for multi-direction explosive power in addition to reducing the chance of injury when doing so.

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An Example Of An Anti-Rotational Exercise

Single Leg Deadlifts

Single Leg Deadlifts (otherwise called Single Leg Squats) and Single Leg Lunges, for that matter, all need your core to stabilise in order to help you to balance and prevent your from falling over.

In addition, these exercises are also unilateral movements which force each side to work separately to correct imbalances and avoid injury.

Single leg deadlifts are a wonderful anti-rotational movement as your core needs to work in order to keep your hips level – as well as your body steady – as you hinge over and stand back up. You do not need to rotate when doing this movement, which necessitates core strength and stability, particular as you add weight.

In addition, this move works one of the largest muscles in your body in addition to a vital muscle of your core – your glutes. Strong glutes can assist with protecting your lower back from pain when you do rotate and even help you rotate correctly.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you keen on learning more about exercise? If you are, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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Why Does Diet And Exercise During Pregnancy Impacts Child’s Health? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-does-diet-and-exercise-during-pregnancy-impacts-childs-health/ Fri, 30 Apr 2021 05:05:58 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23982 The lifestyles of soon-to-be mothers and fathers could shape the health of their unborn offspring in lasting ways. Exercise during pregnancy may let mothers drastically reduce their children’s chances of developing diabetes in addition to other metabolic diseases later in life. Many women are extremely hesitant with engaging in any type of physical activity while...

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The lifestyles of soon-to-be mothers and fathers could shape the health of their unborn offspring in lasting ways. Exercise during pregnancy may let mothers drastically reduce their children’s chances of developing diabetes in addition to other metabolic diseases later in life.

Many women are extremely hesitant with engaging in any type of physical activity while they are pregnant. This is rightfully so as exercise has been believed to increase risks which are associated with pregnancy. However, many of these beliefs have not been backed up by scientific evidence. It only has been in the last 10 years that this area has been thoroughly researched. It has been found that exercise is safe during pregnancy and it is helpful for both the mother and for her baby.

The Benefits Of Exercise

Training large muscle groups have been demonstrated to assist with normalising blood sugar levels through improving glucose utilisation in addition to insulin sensitivity.

Diabetes Mellitus

Women who exercise during their pregnancy are significantly less likely to develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) as opposed to those who are not physically active.  This effect is predominantly strong in women who are physically active for at least one year before they become pregnant and then continue to exercise during pregnancy.

Preeclampsia

The risk of preeclampsia is significantly reduced in women who exercise during pregnancy compared to inactive women. This effect is strengthened in women who are physically active before as well as during their pregnancy.

Exercise Suggestions During Pregnancy

Pre-exercise screening is utilised in order to identify individuals with medical conditions which may put them at an increased risk of facing a health problem when they perform physical activity. It is a streamline or ‘safety net’ to assist with deciding if the probable benefits of exercise offset the risks for you.

If you have been cleared in order to exercise, and you took part in physical activity before you were pregnant, it is suggested that you:

  • Do at least half an hour of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week.
  • Allow your body to be your guide. You know that you’re at a good exercise intensity when you are able to talk normally (however cannot sing) and do not become tired too quickly.
  • If you are healthy, and also you are not facing complications in your pregnancy, continue this level of activity during pregnancy, or until it becomes awkward for you to do so.
  • Be guided by your doctor, physiotherapist or health-care professional.

If you have been cleared to exercise, however you were inactive prior to your pregnancy:

  • Begin with low-intensity exercises such as walking or swimming, and then build up towards moderate intensity activity.
  • You need to aim to do at least half an hour of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, if not all of, the days of the week. You can begin with separate sessions of 15 minutes each and also build up to longer durations.
  • Allow your body to be your guide. You know that you’re at a great exercise intensity when you are able to talk normally (but are not able to sing) and do not become exhausted too fast.
  • If you are strong and you are not facing complications in your pregnancy, continue with this level of activity throughout your pregnancy, or until it becomes difficult for you to do so.
  • Be guided by your doctor, physiotherapist or health-care professional.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to get more clued up about exercise? If you do then you should become a personal trainer. For more information, please follow this link.

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Are Battle Ropes Good For Fitness? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/are-battle-ropes-good-for-fitness-find-out-in-this-article/ Fri, 30 Apr 2021 05:00:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23971 While they could look intimidating, the battle ropes are a very simple workout tool which everyone can utilise. You’ll exercise the muscles in your upper back, arms, abs, back as week as glutes. If you incorporate jumps, lunges, and squats, you can also work your legs. If you’re looking for something new to add to...

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While they could look intimidating, the battle ropes are a very simple workout tool which everyone can utilise. You’ll exercise the muscles in your upper back, arms, abs, back as week as glutes. If you incorporate jumps, lunges, and squats, you can also work your legs. If you’re looking for something new to add to your workout regimen, you should definitely check out how battle ropes as they can transform your fitness levels.

What Are Battle Ropes?

Battle ropes, which are also known by the name ‘battling ropes or heavy ropes’, are a fitness training implement that is used in order to improve strength as well as conditioning. As the name indicates, it is a rope, but it is not just any rope. The rope is heavy, thick, and long so giving it substantial resistance and movability.

Although the term “battle ropes” is plural, it is, actually, one long rope which wraps around an object (such as a pole) in order to create two ropes of even length which you are able to grab onto with one end in each of your hands (your arms work autonomously of each other by grabbing one side of the rope).

Normally speaking, battle ropes can be bought in three lengths:

  • 30, 40 or 50 feet, and
  • 5” and 2” in thickness.

For a 30-foot battle rope, you would have almost 15 feet of rope in each of your hands as it would be anchored at the middle and then pulled evenly to each side.

The History Of The Battle Rope

While battle ropes are very popular, they haven’t been around for almost as long as other fitness equipment such as dumbbells or even kettlebells.

The battle rope concept was developed by a well-known fitness trainer – named John Brookfield – back in 2006. Soon after he developed it, John trained the Special Forces, the Cincinnati Bengals as well as the US Olympic wrestling team with his freshly created battle ropes system. Within a couple of years, it was mainstream. These days, you will see battle ropes in pretty much every single commercial gym around the world as it is a highly effective and efficient training tool for full-body workouts.

The Fat-Burning Potential of Battle Ropes

As with any workout, how much fat you burn (or calories which you spend) is dependent on how hard you work. That said, battle rope workouts are considered to be one of the most effective ways of burning fat.

You may be able to burn approximately 10-15 calories per minute using battle ropes. With battle ropes, there is substantial resistance, so your muscles will also be worked. This only adds to the intensity, and therefore, fat burning power. If done correctly, you will be burning tonnes of calories long after your workout is completed. This is what is called the after burn and battle ropes are great for accomplishing this.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are eager to learn addition information about battle ropes, then you need to do our Battle Ropes Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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Can TRX Completely Replace Weight Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-trx-completely-replace-weight-training/ Fri, 30 Apr 2021 05:00:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23975 The TRX suspension trainer – in addition to other “instability platforms” like it – are found in millions of homes (perhaps even yours) and practically every gym. However, for building muscle, strength, and performance, do they work as well as good, old-fashioned weights? The answer seems to be yes. What Is TRX? TRX is suspension...

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The TRX suspension trainer – in addition to other “instability platforms” like it – are found in millions of homes (perhaps even yours) and practically every gym. However, for building muscle, strength, and performance, do they work as well as good, old-fashioned weights? The answer seems to be yes.

What Is TRX?

TRX is suspension trainer equipment which has become widely popular among gym enthusiasts. Basically, it is just a smart rope which allows you to utilise your body weight as resistance as you push – as well as pull – your body in a number of different ways.

This resistance training system was made famous by the NAVY SEALS. There are various studies which have all come to the conclusion that TRX is a worthy contender if you’re searching for serious exercise equipment.

It is also quite straightforward to utilise as you can adjust your body weight to alter the resistance level. TRX is certainly one of the best-known trainer brands for suspension training.

What Are Dumbbells?

Everyone understands what dumbbells are. These are basically the face of weightlifting, the ‘hard iron’ which builds strength, endurance as well as muscle. Their mechanism is easier – the more weight which you add, the tougher the exercise is.

Unlike suspension training, dumbbells make use of weights of different sizes in order to introduce resistance. They are possibly the most popular weight equipment which people use.

Why Do You Need To Train With TRX?

TRX is a phenomenal alternative to weight machines as it’s portable. In addition, it can be done anywhere plus the gym, home or even on the road. Plus, suspension training is an efficient training tool for people of all levels of fitness as it’s adjustable.

By altering the angle of your body, or where you stand, you are able to make exercises more difficult or easier. In addition, TRX is a safe way to train many people with knee and back issues as it lowers the pressure on those areas.

The manner in which you incorporate TRX into your workout decides whether you have more of an endurance or strength workout routine. Doing TRX exercises consecutively for 12 reps or more while keeping rest at a minimum may also assist with increasing cardio endurance as well as burning more calories at the same time.

However, you are also able to build muscle by adjusting standard exercises to the TRX equipment. The TRX Chest Press or TRX Curl may be done at maximum resistance, depending on where you stand, and go to failure without breaking form. Doing movements slowly, focusing on maximum time under tension and resting longer between sets are also helpful strategies for gaining muscle with suspension training.

The neuromuscular responses that occur during TRX workouts assist with building strength and stability. The system is designed for newbie exercisers to advanced athletes and continues to grow as a popular exercise method. If you’re considering TRX training and are new to exercise, workouts performed in stable conditions is recommended before adding the instability of suspension straps.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become a suspension training expert, then you need to do our Suspension Training Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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How To Start An Exercise Routine? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-start-an-exercise-routine/ Thu, 29 Apr 2021 05:00:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23968 Starting an exercise routine may be one of the best things which you can do for your health. With physical activity you will be able to reduce your risk of chronic disease, better your balance and coordination, lose weight — and even improve your sleep habits as well as self-esteem. Of course, there’s a catch....

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Starting an exercise routine may be one of the best things which you can do for your health. With physical activity you will be able to reduce your risk of chronic disease, better your balance and coordination, lose weight — and even improve your sleep habits as well as self-esteem.

Of course, there’s a catch.

It is required for you to get – and keep – moving if you would like to cash in on the benefits. This doesn’t inevitably mean following a strict, time-exercise routine regimen at the gym. Although this can certainly reap benefits. The truth is that you are able to get rewards from many different types as well as levels of exercise.

Any little increase of physical activity will be a great boost to weight loss and feeling better. Your exercise options are numerous, such as walking, dancing, gardening, biking. Even performing household chores is a form of aerobic activity. The important thing is to select activities which you enjoy. That will boost your chances of making it a habit.

Types Of Exercise

Aerobic

The core of any fitness programme should include some type of continuous movement. Examples include swimming, running as well as dancing.

Strength

These exercises assist with increasing muscle power and strength. Examples include resistance training, plyometrics, weightlifting as well as sprinting.

Calisthenics

These moves are frequently performed without gym equipment and use large muscle groups. They’re performed at a medium aerobic pace. Examples include lunges, sit-ups, push-ups as well as pullups.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

This format of exercise includes repetitions of short bursts of high-intensity exercise which are followed by low-intensity exercises or – alternatively – rest periods.

Boot Camps

These are timed-based, high-intensity circuits which combine aerobic and resistance exercises.

Balance Or Stability

These exercises are designed in order to strengthen muscles and improve body coordination. Examples include Pilates, tai chi poses in addition to core-strengthening exercises.

Flexibility

These types of exercises assist with muscle recovery, maintaining range of motion as well as preventing injuries. Examples include yoga or individual muscle-stretch movements.

Evaluate Your Fitness Level

You possibly have some idea of how fit you are. However, assessing and recording standard fitness scores may give you benchmarks against which you are able to measure your progress.

Design Your Exercise Programme

It’s very straightforward to say that you’ll exercise each and every single day. However, you’ll need a plan. As you design your exercise programme, keep these points firmly at the top of your mind.

Carefully Consider Your Fitness Goals

Are you beginning an exercise programme in order to help with losing weight? Or do you have an alternative motivation, such as preparing for a marathon? Having crystal clear goals can assist you with gauging your progress and staying motivated.

Put Together A Balanced Routine

For most healthy adults, it is recommended getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity – or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity – every single week or a combination of moderate as well as vigorous activity. Greater amounts of exercise will offer even greater health benefits.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are eager to discover more about fitness, then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about it here.

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How Fit Can You Get Only By Walking? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-fit-can-you-get-only-by-walking-find-out-more/ Thu, 29 Apr 2021 05:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23962 We all know that it is necessary for us to exercise in order to stay fit and strong, ward off disease and keep a healthy weight. Walking is the most common physical activity undertaken by South African adults. It’s free, easy, and can also be done almost anywhere. Walking leads to a significant reduction in...

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We all know that it is necessary for us to exercise in order to stay fit and strong, ward off disease and keep a healthy weight. Walking is the most common physical activity undertaken by South African adults. It’s free, easy, and can also be done almost anywhere.

Walking leads to a significant reduction in the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, a number of different cancers, arthritis, depression, anxiety and insomnia, as well as premature death from all causes.

The health advantages of walking stem from the changes which occur in our body systems as a consequence of exercising. For a number of these health conditions, fitness has been shown to be a very important factor for prevention.

An Essential Part Of Good Health

Aerobic activities – such as walking – are a vital component of a good health plan. But you may be surprised at just the amount of time you need to spend walking in order to get the full benefits of the exercise. There are various walking recommendations based on your fitness goals. Choose the plan which works for you and get walking to get fit.

At the very least you need to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, like walking, per week. This is 2.5 hours’ worth of exercise over the course of a week. This number could seem like a lot, however it’s a manageable amount of time when you break this down. For example, you are able to achieve this by walking just 22 minutes per day if you happen to walk every day. If you were to walk just five days per week you would need to increase your workouts to 30 minutes.

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What Are The Health Benefits Of Walking?

Increased Muscle Strength and Endurance

A physical benefit of walking regularly is increased strength as well as tone in the muscles in your legs, particularly if you walk in hilly areas or – alternatively – on an incline treadmill.

Your muscular endurance will benefit a consequence of walking as well. Endurance is achieved through time as well as repetition. This means that those who walk on a regular basis – and cover a considerable distance – may expect to see the best outcomes.

Joint Pain Relief

Walking can assist with protecting your joints, especially your knees and hips, as this activity assists with lubricating and strengthening the muscles that support them. This is why individuals with arthritis are often instructed to go for walks.

Burning Calories and Reducing Body Fat

Like any type of physical activity, walking will assist with burning calories which, in turn, will help you to maintain or lose weight. Precisely how many calories you’ll burn will vary depending on a number of different factors, such as your weight, the rate at which you walk at, the distance covered as well as terrain (you’ll burn a lot more calories when walking uphill as opposed to walking on a flat surface).

Being overweight is a vital risk factor in developing Type 2 diabetes, so regular walking and guaranteeing that you maintain a healthy weight will reduce the likelihood of these conditions affecting you.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about exercising, then you should become a personal trainer. Register for our Personal Training Diploma and become a world-class personal trainer.

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The Soft Skills Every Fitness Professional Should Master https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-soft-skills-every-fitness-professional-should-master/ Wed, 28 Apr 2021 05:00:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23945 Personal trainers and fitness professionals are their own best advertisement for dedication, training, as well as results. Aside from their superior knowledge of fitness and nutrition, it’s these professionals’ ability to motivate and inspire their clients that makes them successful. The qualities and talents of a personal trainer are infinite, and tricky to identify for...

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Personal trainers and fitness professionals are their own best advertisement for dedication, training, as well as results. Aside from their superior knowledge of fitness and nutrition, it’s these professionals’ ability to motivate and inspire their clients that makes them successful.

The qualities and talents of a personal trainer are infinite, and tricky to identify for anyone who is new to this industry. Skills come in all types of shapes and sizes, from having a novice comprehension of the body’s skeletal system, to holding professional qualifications in offering the best Paleo advice for clients.

Working for yourself, deciding your own hours and assisting to change lives for the better – all while doing something you love – means becoming a fitness professional or a personal trainer (PT) is one of the smartest moves which you can make.

Interpersonal And Leadership Skills

Sticking to a new eating and exercise plan may be quite a daunting task for individuals who are chronically obese and/or have constantly lived sedentary lifestyles.

Venturing into a rigorous and consistent exercise programme will be filled with highs and lows for them—times (particularly at the start) when they just would like to throw in the towel as well as glorious moments when a weight loss goal is attained or a new athletic skill is mastered.

Personal trainers and fitness professionals need to be able to motivate their clients with their instructions, advice, and personal example in order to get them back on track when they fall off the wagon, and empathetically deal with any emotional issues which are standing in their way.

Empathy and Compassion

Unlike sympathy, where you just acknowledge the emotional difficulties of a client, being empathetic gives you the chance to put yourself in their shoes. It gives you the opportunity to translate their emotions into emotions as well as feelings of your own.

As a personal trainer, you have to deal with many clients who may struggle in order to complete a workout routine, an exercise routine which you may have spent 2 ½ hours prepping for. You could even have some clients who fail to turn up to your planned session.

It is important to realise that life often gets in between your clients and their fitness goals. Although you may not automatically condone the behaviours of a particular client, you must constantly try to understand and be empathetic towards them.

Empathy also gives you the opportunity to anticipate the needs and unspoken questions of your clients. For this reason, clients will be drawn to you.

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Passion

Personal training isn’t merely a job. For the most successful personal trainers, it’s a calling. Personal trainers who are powered by a personal passion for fitness are particularly good at motivating and encouraging others.

This can assist clients tremendously in terms of staying on track toward their goals. Passion is also a self-motivating factor for personal trainers as passionate trainers are more motivated, work harder, and are likely to bring in increased revenue. In addition, passion also raises the chances that fitness and personal trainers are keeping up with the latest industry news and trends, such as wearable fitness technology.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become a world-class fitness professional, then you need sign up for our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more by following this link.

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How To Use Periodisation For Strength Training? Learn more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-use-periodisation-for-strength-training-learn-more/ Wed, 28 Apr 2021 05:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23939 If you’re looking out for a chance to get the most out of your strength training programme, you need to understand basic periodisation strength training principles. Simply by going to the gym and working out will assists for a short time. However, without a plan you will ultimately plateau out and fail to make any...

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If you’re looking out for a chance to get the most out of your strength training programme, you need to understand basic periodisation strength training principles. Simply by going to the gym and working out will assists for a short time. However, without a plan you will ultimately plateau out and fail to make any sort of gains.

What Is Periodisation?

The term ‘periodisation’ is a system of training which is used to prevent overtraining as well as reduce the risk of injury by proceeding slowly from one phase to the next. You will start by utilising a light weight (or only your body weight) as well as performing more reps. You will then gradually progress to heavier weights and fewer reps.

Several periodisation strength training models are employed by coaches as well as athletes today. This includes traditional, step-wise, undulating and over-reaching.

Periodisation also addresses peak performance for competition or meets. The process of periodisation, if properly arranged, can peak the athlete a number of different times over a competitive season (Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, athletics) or optimise an athlete’s performance over an entire competitive season as with soccer or basketball.

Think about periodisation as a continuum. When we want to reach a specific training objective, such as an boost in vertical jumping ability or 1RM squat strength, it does not matter what phase the strength training is in.

Rather, we need to be focusing our energy on the training stimulation being applied during this objective. In addition, it is necessary for it to feature extensive repetitions and volume without the chance of different stimulation that would disrupt the adaptation changes taking place.

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What Is Linear Periodisation?

The term ‘linear periodisation” is the most commonly utilised style of strength training. It’s most likely the style you did naturally when you first began lifting weights. This format of periodisation is portrayed as a training plan that steadily increases intensity and lowers volume throughout multiple mesocycles in an annual strength training plan.

Why Should I Use Linear Periodisation?

Linear periodisation is a fantastic for building a strong foundation, improving in one variable, and progressing towards a peaking point. This programming style is very useful for those who are newer to training, and while that point can be argued, it’s definitely the easiest periodisation style to understand, thus my reasoning.

As linear periodisation is written for an annual training plan, it’s very easy to cater this training style towards a slow progressive peak. For instance, if you have a marathon in February, you’d begin your programme around April-May and slowly work towards peaking in February while avoiding burnout.

If you have a long-term aim of strength and power, try out a linear periodisation programme. If you would like to increase muscle endurance, try out a reverse linear periodisation plan. If you have more short-term strength aims, are training for events which happen on a regular basis, or want to change things up more frequently, then undulating periodisation could be for you. No matter what you elect to do, ensure that you can do every repetition of every single exercise with good form as well as in a safe environment.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are eager to find out more about periodisation, then you need to sign up for our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more by following this link.

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When You Should Be Worried About Your Heart Rate? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/when-you-should-be-worried-about-your-heart-rate/ Mon, 26 Apr 2021 05:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23924 Heart rate – or pulse rate – is the number of times which your heart beats in a minute. It is a straightforward measure to know how much your heart is working during rest or activities. Heart rate is one of the important signs that are checked frequently when you visit your doctor, or when...

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Heart rate – or pulse rate – is the number of times which your heart beats in a minute. It is a straightforward measure to know how much your heart is working during rest or activities. Heart rate is one of the important signs that are checked frequently when you visit your doctor, or when you are admitted to the hospital.

Your heart rate is much lower when you are at rest and higher when you are performing any type of activity or happen to be feeling stressed or anxious. When you are engaged in exercise, your heart is required to work harder, which boosts your heart rate. As soon as you break, the heart rate begins decreasing gradually and returns to its normal level, usually within an hour.

What Is An Ideal Heart Rate?

At Rest

A standard resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm) for most adults. However, some people have heart rates outside of these ranges and are still perfectly healthy. For example, an elite athlete might have a very low resting heart rate of 40 bpm.

While Exercising

The heart rate significantly increases when a person is very active or exercising. The highest rate a person’s heart can safely reach is their maximum heart rate. This declines with age. The ideal heart rate, or target heart rate, for exercise also declines with age.

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How To Measure Your Heart Rate

You are able to check your heart rate by counting the pulse. A pulse may be felt at various sites on the body such as over the sides of the neck, the wrist as well as the top of the foot. In order to check your pulse on the wrist with the assistance of your middle finger and index finger, you required to:

  • Hold your middle finger and your index finger over the innermost part of the wrist (thumb side) and keep on pressing gently until you are able to feel your pulse. You will be able to feel your pulse in your radial artery.
  • After you have sited your pulse, look at your watch, and begin counting the beats for approximately half a minute. Doubling this count will provide you your heart rate. You are even able to count the beats for 10 seconds and then multiply the number by six in order to get your heart rate.
  • If you find that the rhythm of your heartbeat to be slightly irregular, you will need to count the beats completely until 60 seconds. You will need to visit your doctor if you keep getting a fast and irregular heart rate constantly.

You need to visit your doctor if your heart rate is constantly above 100 beats per minute or below 60 bpm (and you are not an athlete). In addition to your heart rate, you should look out for additional symptoms such as:

  • Being short of breath
  • Fainting
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Feeling fluttering or palpitations in your chest
  • Having pain or discomfort in your chest

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become an exercise specialist, then you should really consider becoming a personal trainer. The absolute best way to do this is by studying for our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more about it here.

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The Best Way To Get Most Out Of Your Walking Workout https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-best-way-to-get-most-out-of-your-walking-workout/ Mon, 26 Apr 2021 05:00:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23920 Of all the ways to remain fit, walking is the easiest, safest as well as cheapest. In addition, It can be the most fun: a fine day, a good companion, an achievable goal (say, a pretty spot) three or four kilometres away. On city streets, in the woods, or just round and round the high...

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Of all the ways to remain fit, walking is the easiest, safest as well as cheapest. In addition, It can be the most fun: a fine day, a good companion, an achievable goal (say, a pretty spot) three or four kilometres away. On city streets, in the woods, or just round and round the high school field, walking is the best way in order to experience a landscape. If it’s too rainy for anything else but a treadmill indoors, at least you can read your favourite magazine or watch TV. And after your workout, you know that you’ve done yourself some good.

And while it’s perfectly fine to keep your walks easy and sauntering, particularly if they’re mainly for fresh air or mental-health reasons, there are also a lot of ways to make them challenging enough that your walks will feel like a moderate to intense training session.

That’s key.

Making the shift begins with intention. Know the difference between a leisure walk and a fitness walk. If you are going to walk for a workout, identify that before you go, and set yourself up for achievement before you go out.

A Simple Workout

Unlike so many other formats of exercise, walking is not about gear, clothes or expertise. It does not need a gym, and it’s easy, cheap, and extremely kind to the body. Walking just for the sake of taking a walk is emotionally – in addition to physically – pleasing. Walking just for the sake of getting somewhere is cheaper and easier on the planet as opposed to driving. And for whatever motivation you find yourself walking, it’s a fantastic form of exercise.

Up Your Frequency

Try to walk quickly for at least half an hour each and every single day or, alternatively, one hour, four times a week. If you aren’t able to work that into your schedule, try more frequent, shorter walks. Skip elevators and escalators and rather take the stairs. Leave your car at home and then walk to a friend’s house. Walk to work.

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Measure Your Daily Steps

Get a pedometer and monitor how many steps you take every day. Aim for 3 000 and then attempt to work up to at least 5 000 steps in the course of your daily activities. If you would like to go faster, rather than taking longer steps, take faster steps. Lengthening your stride may increase strain on your feet as well as your legs.

Swing Your Arms

One great option is to bend them at 90 degrees and then pump from the shoulder, such as race walkers do. Swing them easily, as if you’re reaching for your wallet in the back pocket of your jeans. On the swing forward, your wrist needs to be near the centre of your chest.

Move your arms against your legs. Swing your right arm forwards as you step forward with your left leg. Make sure that you keep your wrists straight, your hands unclenched, and then elbows close to your sides. The vigorous arm pumping allows for a faster pace and offers a good workout for your upper body. And you’ll burn 5 to 10% more calories.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn how to maximise your workouts, then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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Does Exercise Boost Immunity? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/does-exercise-boost-immunity/ Fri, 23 Apr 2021 05:05:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23905 Exercise has many demonstrated health benefits, from lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease to increasing your mood — and even a tougher immune system. There are many theories about how exercise boosts the immune system. The idea of boosting your immunity is very enticing. However, the ability to do so has proved to be elusive...

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Exercise has many demonstrated health benefits, from lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease to increasing your mood — and even a tougher immune system. There are many theories about how exercise boosts the immune system.

The idea of boosting your immunity is very enticing. However, the ability to do so has proved to be elusive for a number of different reasons.

The immune system is just that. It is a system and not a single entity. In order to function well, it requires balance and harmony. There is still a lot more that researchers don’t know about the intricacies as well as connections of the immune response. For now, there are no scientifically established direct links between lifestyle and improved immune function.

However, that doesn’t mean the consequences of lifestyle on the immune system aren’t interesting and shouldn’t be studied. Researchers are studying the impacts of diet, exercise, age, psychological stress in addition to other issues on the immune response, both in animals as well as in humans.

In the meantime, overall healthy-living strategies make sense as they likely help immune function and they come with other proven health benefits.

Exercise Boosts Immunity And Helps To Fight Off Infections

Exercise benefits your immune system in many different ways. It can do the following:

  • Boost blood flow,
  • Assist with clearing bacteria out of your airways,
  • Cause a brief elevation in body temperature which may be protective,
  • Strengthen antibodies in order to help fight infection, as well as
  • Lessen stress

Exercise also results in immune cells being more effective. Regular exercise lowers inflammation, so allowing the immune system in order to perform better. While acute inflammation – in response to an injury – is part of a healthy immune system, chronic inflammation may slow down the immune system.

Regular exercise improves the immune response and, in addition, improves immune markers. For instance, these improved markers include Interleukin 6, a protein that helps the body respond to injury.

What’s The Best Kind Of Exercise To Boost Your Immunity?

In order to gain the immune-boosting benefits, it’s recommended to push the pace a bit when walking. For most individuals, we’re talking about a 15-minute mile. This is enough stimulus to recruit immune cells into circulation. For other different forms of exercise, aim to reach about 60% of your VO2max or – approximately – 70% of your maximum heart rate.

There’s less science about high-intensity interval training workouts (or HIIT, a popular type of exercise) and if they help your immunity. The same goes for strength training—it likely helps your immune system, but there’s less research and recent studies backing up its benefits on immunity.

Regular exercise is one of the strong mainstays of healthy living. It enhances cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, assists with controlling body weight. In addition, regular exercise protects against a variety of diseases. However, does it assist with boosting your immune system naturally and keeping it healthy? Just like a healthy diet, exercise may contribute to general good health and therefore to a healthy immune system.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about exercise, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Do You Need To Know About Lifting Weights? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-do-you-need-to-know-about-lifting-weights/ Fri, 23 Apr 2021 05:00:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23902 Lifting weights has many health and aesthetic benefits and contrary to popular belief, it isn’t just reserved for body builders and professional athletes. Weightlifting can aid with weight loss, improving bone density, increasing muscle tone and strength and more. It can be quite intimidating lifting weights at the gym when you aren’t knowledgeable about the...

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Lifting weights has many health and aesthetic benefits and contrary to popular belief, it isn’t just reserved for body builders and professional athletes. Weightlifting can aid with weight loss, improving bone density, increasing muscle tone and strength and more. It can be quite intimidating lifting weights at the gym when you aren’t knowledgeable about the basics of weight training and can easily lead to injury if not done correctly. This is why equipping yourself with information and knowing the basic dos and don’ts of weight training is important.

Weight training is an organised exercise in which muscles of the body are compelled to contract under tension using weights, body weight or a number of different devices in order to stimulate growth, strength, power as well as endurance. Weight training is also called “resistance training” as well as “strength training”.

You don’t need to be a bodybuilder or a professional athlete in order to reap the benefits of weight training. When done properly, weight training can assist you to lose fat, increase your strength and muscle tone, as well as enhancing your bone density. If done inaccurately, however, weight training won’t give you these advantages — and may even result in injury.

Check Your Weightlifting Technique

You might pick up weight training techniques by watching friends or other people in the gym, however sometimes what you see isn’t safe. Incorrect weight training technique may lead to sprains, strains, fractures in addition to other painful injuries which may impede your weight training efforts.

If you’re just starting out, work with a knowledgeable weight training specialist — a physical therapist, personal trainer or other fitness specialist who’s very familiar with proper weight training technique. If you’ve been utilising weights for a while, consider scheduling time with a personal trainer to double-check your technique as well as identify any changes you may need to make.

Always Warm Up Beforehand

Before you start to lift weights, you need to warm your muscles up. You are able to do this by taking a 5-to-10-minute walk on the treadmill, skipping, jogging in place, and even doing a couple of stretches. By warming up your muscles, you significantly decrease your chances of becoming injured.

Wear Shoes Which Provide Great Traction

The shoes that you wear when you lift weights should be comfortable and also provide good traction so that you don’t inadvertently slip and injure yourself. Invest in a quality shoe brand which will last you a long time as opposed to choosing for a less expensive brand which may wear out quickly thereby hampering your ability to perform the exercises.

Begin With Lower Weights And Then Work Your Way Up

Don’t begin with the heaviest weight that you can probably lift. Simply because you can lift it once, it doesn’t mean you should be lifting the weights it repeatedly. Pick a weight which you can lift for at least three sets of 12 repetitions. As time progresses, you will be able to slowly increase the heaviness of the weights which you use.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn more about lifting weights – in addition to other forms of exercise – then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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How To Do The Superman Exercise? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-the-superman-exercise-find-out-in-this-article/ Fri, 23 Apr 2021 05:00:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23898 The superman exercise is a very effective and efficient exercise for individuals of all fitness levels. This exercise focuses on your lower back muscles, glutes, hamstrings as well as your abs. What’s more, the superman exercise complements other core exercises — such as leg raises and sit-ups — which mostly focus on the abdominal muscles...

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The superman exercise is a very effective and efficient exercise for individuals of all fitness levels. This exercise focuses on your lower back muscles, glutes, hamstrings as well as your abs. What’s more, the superman exercise complements other core exercises — such as leg raises and sit-ups — which mostly focus on the abdominal muscles in the front of your body.

This being said, you may be wondering how to do it properly and safely in order to ensure that you’re targeting the correct muscles without hurting yourself. Although you may not become a superhero performing this exercise, you’ll certainly have a super strong core after adding it to your fitness routine.

You don’t need elaborate equipment in order to get in an amazing workout in the comfort of your own home. The superman exercise is one of those great bodyweight moves which works practically every single muscle in the body. However, this movement may be tricky to master and although it seems simple, this exercise can easily be done incorrectly.

Which Muscles Are Worked In The Superman Exercise?

In spite of popular belief, your core is a lot more than just your abs. It includes the following muscles:

  • The abdominal muscles to the front of the body (rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, internal as well as external obliques),
  • The lower and upper back muscles, as well as
  • Other surrounding muscles.

Particularly, the superman exercise targets mainly the erector spinae muscles of your lower back. The erector spinae muscles consist of the spinalis, longissimus, and iliocostalis, which play a key role in back extension.

In addition, this exercise also targets the glutes, hamstrings, upper back, shoulders as well as abdominal muscles.

Communally, this move supports a stronger core. And that’s very important for activities of daily living (such as bending, squatting as well as lifting), athletic performance, good posture, and the avoidance of lower back injury.

Luckily, the superman exercise is easy and safe to perform for people of all fitness levels. One note of caution: People with chronic back injuries should stay away from this move or speak with a healthcare professional first.

How To Do The Superman Exercise

  • Lie with your face down on your stomach with your arms and legs extended. Make sure that you keep your neck in a neutral position.
  • Keep your arms and legs straight (however not locked) and torso stationary and, at the same time, lift your arms and legs up toward the ceiling in order to form an elongated “u” shape with your body. You back will arch and lift your arms and legs several centimetres off the floor.
  • Hold the position for between two and five seconds and then lower back down in order to complete one.
  • Do three sets of 12.

Perform the superman exercise prior to a workout to wake up and activate the core. You are able to incorporate this movement at any point in your workout. Performing the exercise after a workout can assist to stretch the back and relieve any tension built up during your sweat session.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about exercise, then you should really consider becoming a personal trainer. Check out our Personal Training Diploma to make this dream a reality.

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How Can You Protect Your Back When Strength Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-you-protect-your-back-when-strength-training/ Tue, 20 Apr 2021 05:00:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23848 Including strength training in your exercise routine is by far one of the best things which you can do for your health. Strength training goes far beyond building muscle, losing weight as well as looking leaner. Adding weight training into your weekly workout routine may also keep your bones strong, manage chronic conditions and diseases,...

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Including strength training in your exercise routine is by far one of the best things which you can do for your health. Strength training goes far beyond building muscle, losing weight as well as looking leaner.

Adding weight training into your weekly workout routine may also keep your bones strong, manage chronic conditions and diseases, in addition to even enhancing your thinking and learning capabilities as you get older.

However, if you do not take the proper steps to protect your back and body during the strength training process, you will have a greater chance of hurting your back. This may put you out from weightlifting for months and could also affect your general quality of life.

Your Lower Back Is More Predisposed To Injury

The superb strength and flexibility which are engineered into your lower back also makes it vulnerable to developing lots of problems.

In addition, because of the many nerves which run throughout your spine and into the rest of your body, trouble in your lower back may lead to leg pain, hip problems as well as other challenges. Lumbar Spine Anatomy Video Lumbar Spine

Protecting your lower back involves taking measures in order to avoid direct injury, prevent indirect trauma, and control the progression of a problem which may have already occurred.

Don’t Skip The Warm-Up

When you’re hard-pressed for time, it can be extremely tempting to skip straight to the good stuff: cardio as well as strength training. However, easing into action with gentle, gradual movements increases blood flow and also warms your muscles so that they’re more pliable and also ready to work. Without a warm-up, your muscles — including those which support and protect your spine —will be stiffer and more prone to strain.

Strengthen Your Core Muscles On A Daily Basis

Strong and supportive muscles in the entire trunk of your body are vital in supporting your spine. Core-building exercises include the following:

  • Low-impact cardiovascular exercises, such as normal or brisk walking, which assists with increasing blood flow to your spine and stretching your muscles. An ample flow of blood supplies healing nutrients – as well as hydration – to the structures in your lower back.
  • Water therapy, which offers a greater range of motion owing to the buoyancy of water, particularly for exercises which require lifting the legs. Water also offers resistance by means of gentle friction that allows for the strengthening and conditioning of an injured muscle. In addition, water therapy is ideal for people who have chronic back pain and find it excessively painful to exercise without the helpful effect of water.
  • Exercise ball workouts, for example sitting on the ball sporadically for about 20 to half an hour and/or using the ball for stretches and exercises which engage your core muscles.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover more about the art of strength training, then you need to become a personal trainer. Studying towards our Personal Training Diploma is the best way to do this. Find out more about this course by following this link.

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Why Is Walking An Underrated Exercise? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-walking-an-underrated-exercise-find-out-more/ Tue, 20 Apr 2021 05:00:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23851 When it comes down to exercise, going for a walk doesn’t frequently come top of the list. Trendier workouts – such as yoga, HIIT as well as boxing – may get a lot more attention, however walking is actually one of the most underrated forms of exercise going. It is great for burning off steam,...

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When it comes down to exercise, going for a walk doesn’t frequently come top of the list. Trendier workouts – such as yoga, HIIT as well as boxing – may get a lot more attention, however walking is actually one of the most underrated forms of exercise going. It is great for burning off steam, lowering stress, finding mental clarity in addition to getting your blood pumping in order to give your health a boost.

Walking can be as superb as a workout, if not better, than running is. You often hear of people ‘plateauing’ when they carry on doing the same workout routine and don’t see results. You need to be switching up your exercise routine constantly in order to get the maximum benefit for your health.

A brisk walk can actually do wonders for absolutely every area of your fitness. Fitting in a few 45-minute strolls per week — at a pace of, say, five to six kilometres an hour — is one of the smartest things which you can do for your recovery, posture, injury avoidance, blood flow, and a lot more. It’s not high tech, it doesn’t look cool on Instagram, and everyone seems to have ignored its usefulness.

Here are a number of the benefits of incorporating walking into your exercise routine.

Better Mental Health

Studies have shown that exercise releases endorphins. These feel-good hormones may improve your mood, reduce stress levels and encourage emotional and mental satisfaction.

In addition to getting that all-important boost of ‘happy hormones’, making sure that you get out into some greenery is superb for the mind. A lot of research also shows that walking outside in nature may positively impact your mood. In actual fact, a 50-minute walk has been shown to decrease feelings of anxiety and worry in adults.

Untold Benefits For Physical Health

There are a number of different reasons to walk for exercise. Walking has been seen to do the following:

  • Improve fitness,
  • Boost cardiac health,
  • Alleviate depression as well as fatigue,
  • Enhance mood,
  • Put less stress on joints and reduce pain,
  • Prevent weight gain,
  • Reduce the risk for cancer and chronic disease, and
  • Improve endurance, circulation, and posture.

It has been found that the energy used for moderate-intensity walking and vigorous-intensity running caused parallel decreases in risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes as well as heart disease over a six-year period.

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Walking Doesn’t Tax Your Nervous System

It’s all very easy for weight training to be very taxing on the nervous system. Straining every muscle – as well as firing all your adrenaline in order to hit heavy compound lifts – can be great. However, if you’re too tired to do much of anything the next day — or worse still, if you’re still wiped but head back to heavy lifting at the gym anyway — then your recovery won’t be where it should. Walking is a great middle course to keep things moving without stressing your systems.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become an expert at exercise? If you do, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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Is BODYJAM An Effective Workout? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/is-bodyjam-an-effective-workout/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 05:00:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23804 By definition, exercise and workout fads come and go. This is specifically true in the fitness industry, where new gadgets, workouts as well as programmes are constantly emerging. In contrast, there are some mainstays which have been an important part of the industry from the very beginning. Dance as a form of cardiorespiratory exercise which...

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By definition, exercise and workout fads come and go. This is specifically true in the fitness industry, where new gadgets, workouts as well as programmes are constantly emerging. In contrast, there are some mainstays which have been an important part of the industry from the very beginning.

Dance as a form of cardiorespiratory exercise which certainly makes that list. In actual fact, dance exercise is woven in between the history of the American Council on Exercise (ACE)since its inception in 1985.

Dancing is fun, this form of workout burns calories and can also be done just about anywhere. It’s no wonder that exercise professionals – as well as companies – have been putting together dance programming since – at best – the late 1960s, when Jacki Sorensen was asked to design a fitness programme for Air Force wives at a military base in Puerto Rico. What Sorensen designed was dance exercise, in other words choreographed routines to upbeat music.

What Is BODY JAM?

BODYJAM – which was put together by Les Mills – is a relative newcomer to the dance exercise scene. BODYJAM is the best combination of music and dance. When it comes to benefits, it’s good to know that you’ll be getting a killer workout and burning calories while you’re at it. The workout is about 55 minutes long and, at a moderate intensity level, that burns 530 calories a session on average.

How Effective Is BODY JAM?

Dance cardio workouts – such as BODY JAM – have been proven to make individuals happier, healthier as well as fitter. Dancing may improve brain functioning, increase life outlook, protect organs as well as aiding in growing your social skills and friend circle.

Society is gravitating towards ‘movement is medicine’ for overall health benefits, so dancing absolutely fits into this category. We are discovering that when the body is in motion, our total well-being benefits. This is because the body is able to function and stay healthier longer.

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What Muscles Are Targeted In BODY JAM?

Dance cardio is wonderful for toning the entire body. Your legs, glutes, hips and the waistline are the major target muscles which you may notice toning, strengthening as well as lengthening from dance cardio. This comes from moving in so many separate planes of motion. In addition, if you move all of your limbs, your arms and upper body will get to see results from this form of exercise.

Whether you’ve got two left feet or fancy yourself as Beyonce’s back up dancer, we’ve got your back. BODYJAM doesn’t discriminate, and dance is free, so what’s stopping you?

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

There are so many other types of exercise formats out there, so you don’t need to be limited to just one. Want to learn more about these? If you do then you should check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s course page to see what takes your fancy.

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Can Foam Rolling Improve Sports Performance? Find out. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-foam-rolling-improve-sports-performance-find-out/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 05:00:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23793 Foam rolling is a self-conducted therapy which is often utilised in order to improve flexibility, assist in recovery as well as increase athletic performance. This practice is a type of myofascial release therapy and it is aimed at applying tension to the body’s myofascial connective tissue. During the course of the season, athletes train for...

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Foam rolling is a self-conducted therapy which is often utilised in order to improve flexibility, assist in recovery as well as increase athletic performance. This practice is a type of myofascial release therapy and it is aimed at applying tension to the body’s myofascial connective tissue. During the course of the season, athletes train for weeks on end. This can take a major toll on their bodies. Athletes should be aware of the benefits of implementing foam rolling before and after their daily workouts.

This format of self-manual therapy is frequently used for three main reasons:

  1. Boost flexibility.
  2. Lessen the delayed onset of muscular soreness (DOMS) as well as improve recovery.
  3. Enhance short-term athletic performance.

While there is a very inadequate amount of research to sustain the efficacy of the first two points, there is a substantial lack of research to support its effects on developing athletic performance. Regardless, foam rolling is usually used during warm-up and cool-down routines in order to prepare the athlete for physical activity as well as attempting to reduce the effects of DOMS and promote recovery.

Different Sizes Of Foam Rollers

Foam rollers come in numerous different sizes and densities. Commercial foam rollers are typically available in one of two lengths:

  • 36 inches, as well as
  • 18 inches.

The construction of foam rollers varies from a mid-density foam to a more rigid and solid plastic cylinder that has a dense foam exterior covering.

Although researchers have shown that higher-density foam rollers may produce more pressure on the target tissues – as opposed to softer-density foam rollers, the downside is that athletes who make use of them may find hard foam rollers far too uncomfortable.

This means that a compromise may be required. The foam rolling surface may also differ from smooth to textured, all the way through to ‘knobbly’. To date, there’s been little scientific evidence as to which surface type may be most effective. However, the ‘GRID’ foam roller has been utilised in previous studies in this area with positive results.

Maintaining Soft Tissue And Fascia Pressure

In order for myofascial release to be effective, an athlete needs to maintain constant soft tissue and fascia pressure. There are many distinct layers of fasciae within the body however all layers include thin and elastic connective tissues which wrap across structures within the body.

The fascia acts as a biological fabric which allows the body to engage in a number of different movements as well as positions. For athletes, when the body takes part in repetitive motions during a workout, there is a quite a high possibility that the fascial fibres will not return to their intended pattern. This could cause pain, muscle “knots, or a restriction in movement. The chief goal of foam rolling is to lengthen and breakdown fascial build-ups in muscles in order to prepare for a workout and help the body recover.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to discover more about foam rolling? If you do then you need to do our Foam Rolling Certificate. Find out more about this course here.

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How To Get Defined Glutes? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-get-defined-glutes-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Fri, 16 Apr 2021 05:05:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23735 While working toward aesthetic objectives is fine, the functionality of the gluteal muscles should be the priority in exercise programme design. The gluteal muscles — namely the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus — work together to help us perform daily activities for example standing, sitting as well as walking. Strong gluteal muscles are...

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While working toward aesthetic objectives is fine, the functionality of the gluteal muscles should be the priority in exercise programme design. The gluteal muscles — namely the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus — work together to help us perform daily activities for example standing, sitting as well as walking. Strong gluteal muscles are vital for pelvic stability, good posture and proper alignment and body mechanics during physical activity.

The Make-Up Of The Glutes

No matter what anyone’s butt looks like on the outside, they all look roughly the same on the inside. Here are the three main muscles which make up your glutes.

Gluteus Minimus

The smallest of the gluteus muscles lies directly under the gluteus medius. It functions to abduct your leg (moves it away from the centre of the body) and also rotates your leg inward.

Gluteus Medius

This pork chop-shaped muscle is near the outside of your pelvis. Just as the gluteus minimus does, it abducts and also rotates your leg inward.

Gluteus Maximus

True to its name, the gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in your body. Its function is to extend your hip (think: what’s taking place in your hip during the process of the upward motion of a squat) and also to rotate your leg outwards.

The gluteus maximus garners all the attention however the medius and minimus also perform an important job in addition to those listed above. They’re responsible for steadying your pelvis when you walk or – alternatively – anytime that you’re off balance. Stand up and then balance on one leg—yep, your glute medius and minimus just kicked in.

How Does Genetics Affect Glute Shape?

Everyone’s gluteal muscles attach at exactly the same points on their skeleton. The gluteus maximus runs diagonally from the top of the pelvis towards the femur and iliotibial band towards the outside of the upper thigh.

However, if you have a tall pelvis, you could have a longer, squarer shape to your posterior. With a wide pelvis, you could have a more horizontal positioning of the butt muscles. If your back is a bit more arched, your bum may appear more lifted.

This means that you are able to work on your glutes and then change their size and shape, but some people start off with more naturally rounded gluteal muscles, others have butt muscles that are shaped differently.

Squats

One of the best exercises which you can do for your glutes, hips as well as thighs is the squat. Stand with your feet parallel and shoulder-width apart. In a slow fashion, lower your hips. Make sure not to allow your knees to go out past your toes.

Variations on the squat are endless. We like plie squats as they really work those deep rotator muscles.  To do them properly, stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart and your legs turned out. When squatting, make sure that you keep your knees over ankles. Press through the feet and then squeeze the glutes as you come up to a standing position.

Lunges

Starting with your feet parallel and also hip-distance apart, take a giant step forwards or backwards. In a slow fashion, lower your body and bend at both knees. Bend at your knees no more than 90 degrees and keep your front knee supported over your front ankle. Step together and repeat.

Alternate your legs or perform all sets on one leg and then switch for a more intense challenge. You’re slashing the rest time by half and, even though you do exactly the same amount, your legs will be working that much harder.

Beginners should remain in the lunge and just lower and lift by bending at the knees.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become an exercise expert, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this here.

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What Are The Benefits Of Sleep For Exercise Recovery? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-sleep-for-exercise-recovery/ Wed, 14 Apr 2021 05:00:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23658 Sleep has a very big impact on muscle recovery. Sleep is so essential that – in the last 10 years alone -there has been a 4 000% (and we’re not overexaggerating) rise in scientific research on sleep science. This increase probably stems from approximately 52% of team sport athletes reporting sleeping difficulties during a season....

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Sleep has a very big impact on muscle recovery. Sleep is so essential that – in the last 10 years alone -there has been a 4 000% (and we’re not overexaggerating) rise in scientific research on sleep science.

This increase probably stems from approximately 52% of team sport athletes reporting sleeping difficulties during a season. They got less than eight hours of sleep per night this was linked to almost twice the risk of injury as opposed to more than eight hours of sleep over a 21-month period.

Unbelievably, almost 60% of team sport athletes report NOT using any strategy to alter the negative effects of lost sleep.

Why Is Rest And Recovery Essential In Training?

Short-term recovery is key to maintaining  – as well as improving – performance in addition to avoiding injury in all levels of athletic training.

Short-term recovery, which is sometimes called active recovery, encompasses the lower intensity cool-down phase after a challenging workout as well as an entire rest day that incorporates low-intensity exercise such as walking, stretching or yoga as well as other cross training. In addition, short-term recovery requires replenishing energy and fluid which is lost during exercise and getting sufficient amounts of sleep.

Before and after exercise, sleep quality is very important. Researchers suspect that it is deep sleep which helps to improve athletic performance as this is the time when growth hormone is released. Growth hormone is responsible for stimulating muscle growth and repair, bone building and fat-burning.

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What Are The Benefits Of Sleep For Athletes?

Scientific research has recognised a number of different changes in performance for athletes who don’t get enough sleep or – alternatively – who have broken sleep. These include the following:

  • Reduced jump power (and therefore jump height)
  • Decline in exercise capacity (being unable to run as long – or having to work harder to complete the same amount of “work”)
  • Declines in ability to adapt to training stimulus
  • Diminished ability to build muscle and cardiovascular fitness
  • Reduced ability to develop skills (like shooting technique / accuracy)
  • Decreases in reaction time, decision making and memory
  • Slower recovery from injury
  • Declines in academic performance
  • Simply, lack of quality sleep reduces physical and mental performance.

Proper sleep is vital to making decisions which may directly promote optimal recovery. Research has found that men and women deprived of sleep are much more likely to make bad nutrition choices. The participants in a study showed a much stronger neural response to “junk” food when they were sleep-deprived. The result is believed to be owing to a decrease in executive function (i.e., the inability to make the correct but frequently more challenging nutrition decision). Poor sleep is not just a one-time event, as it can definitely negatively influence daily decisions. Owing to the importance of nutrition on recovery, a sleep-deprived diet is not likely one that optimizes tissue healing or any performance.

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What Are The Health Benefits Of Hiking? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-hiking-find-out-in-this-article/ Wed, 14 Apr 2021 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23654 Hiking is more than just fun. This activity is good for you, too! A myriad studies and research have always shown that regular exercise not only boosts our general health and fitness but extends and improves the quality of our lives. Regular physical activity significantly lowers the risk of dying of coronary heart disease as...

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Hiking is more than just fun. This activity is good for you, too! A myriad studies and research have always shown that regular exercise not only boosts our general health and fitness but extends and improves the quality of our lives.

Regular physical activity significantly lowers the risk of dying of coronary heart disease as well as decreasing the risk for colon cancer, diabetes in addition to high blood pressure. This type of activity also helps to:

  • Control weight.
  • Contribute to healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
  • Relieve the pain of arthritis; and
  • Reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Regular exercise is also associated with fewer hospitalisations and physician visits.

Walking (and – as a consequence – hiking) is one of the lowest-impact sports around. This means that while you obtain all the cardiovascular benefits of other aerobic activities, you do so with a minimum of stress, strain as well as pounding to your body.

Physical Benefits Of Hiking

Hiking Is Good For The Heart

Hiking is wonderful for cardiovascular health. Even light hiking may raise your heart rate to a moderate level which assists with improving aerobic fitness and endurance. Over time, your body will adjust to new fitness levels which means that you will be able to hike longer, faster as well as harder without feeling as fatigued or out of breath.

Hiking Helps With Weight Loss

While this might not be everyone’s ultimate goal, if you do want to lose weight hiking is a wonderful way to do it. The number of calories which are burned during a hike depends on a lot of factors such as weight, gender and aerobic intensity.

However, if you’re just starting out even light hiking may result in gradual weight loss. The proposal for physical activity for adults is no less than 150 minutes (2.5 hours) per week. If your goal is weight loss, try beginning with three 50-minute hikes per week on a local trail.

 

Mental And Emotional Benefits Of Hiking

Hiking Eases Stress And Boosts Mental Well-Being

There’s a lot of research which supports the notion that connecting with nature – while hiking – you improve mental health and well-being. Whether we are taking in the remarkable glow of a sunset – or gazing out at a field of wildflowers – these brief experiences of feeling “wowed” by nature can make us feel happy and less stressed.

In today’s world, stress and mental illness – such as depression and anxiety – are part of everyday life for many people. However, spending time in nature may help to bring us back to the present and induce a feeling of calm – as well as peace – to our otherwise chaotic lives.

Hiking Allows Us To Unplug From Technology

While technology makes our lives a lot simpler, it also comes with unintentional consequences. Living life via our phones and social media may result in anxiety and unhealthy comparison, Social media apps are intended to be addictive, so it’s vital to keep this in balance and unplug once in a while – and what better way than hitting the trail. Switching off your phone and going for a hike is a great opportunity to live in the present moment and disconnect from the pressures that we often feel when we are scrolling.

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Hiking is only just one of the beneficial forms of cardiovascular exercises that you can do in order to lose weight and to also become fitter than you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more by following this link.

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How to Build Habits for Healthier Sleep? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-build-habits-for-healthier-sleep-find-out-in-this-article/ Tue, 13 Apr 2021 05:00:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23650 It’s a well-established fact that sleep is essential for our physical as well as mental health. However, in spite of its importance, a disturbing percentage of individuals find themselves frequently deprived of quality sleep and are particularly sleepy during the day. Research shows that poor sleep has direct, negative effects on your hormones, exercise performance...

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It’s a well-established fact that sleep is essential for our physical as well as mental health. However, in spite of its importance, a disturbing percentage of individuals find themselves frequently deprived of quality sleep and are particularly sleepy during the day.

Research shows that poor sleep has direct, negative effects on your hormones, exercise performance as well as brain functioning. It may also cause weight gain and increase disease risk in both adults and children. In contrast, good sleep can help you eat less, exercise better, and be healthier.

Although there’s a wide range of causes and kinds of sleeping problems, expert agreement points to a handful of specific steps which may promote more restful sleep. For many individuals, trying to implement all these strategies may be overwhelming. However, remember that it’s not all-or-nothing; you can start with small changes and work your way up toward healthier sleep habits. This is known as sleep hygiene.

Why is Sleep Hygiene Vital?

Getting healthy sleep is crucial for both physical as well as mental health, enhancing productivity and overall quality of life. Everyone, from children to older adults, will be able to benefit from better sleep. Sleep hygiene will play a key part in reaching that goal.

Research has shown that forming good habits is a central aspect of health. Creating workable and beneficial routines makes healthy behaviours feel almost automatic, so creating a continuing process of positive reinforcement. On the flip side, bad habits may become entrenched even as they cause negative consequences.

Luckily, humans have an extraordinary ability to make our habits serve our long-term interests. Building an environment and set of routines that promote our goals can really pay off. Sleep hygiene encompasses both environment and habits, and it can pave the way for higher-quality sleep and better overall health.

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Quick Sleep Tips

Follow these tips in order to establish healthy sleep habits:

  • Keep a constant sleep schedule. Get up at the same time each and every day, even on weekends or during holidays.
  • Set a bedtime that is sufficiently early for you to get at least seven hours of sleep.
  • Go to bed only if you are feeling tired.
  • If you don’t fall asleep after about 20 minutes, get out of bed.
  • Put a relaxing bedtime routine in place.
  • Make sure that your bedroom is silent and relaxing. Keep the room at a relaxed, cool temperature.
  • Restrict exposure to bright light in the evenings.
  • Turn off electronic devices no less than 30 minutes before you go to bed.
  • Don’t eat a big meal before bedtime. If you are feeling hungry at night, eat a light, healthy snack.
  • Exercise regularly and make sure that you maintain a healthy diet.
  • Avoid drinking caffeine in the late afternoons or evenings.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol before bedtime.
  • Reduce your fluid intake just before bedtime.

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Exercise, as we’ve mentioned above, is a great way of promoting a good night’s sleep. Become an exercise expert with our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this here.

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How To Use Battle Ropes? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-use-battle-ropes-find-out-in-this-article/ Mon, 12 Apr 2021 05:00:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23633 Battle ropes are definitely no passing fad and been around since the mid-noughties. Interest has progressively grown to the point where almost all gyms have a set. And there’s a great reason for such widespread adoption. Tossing these thick, heavy ropes about does more than just look impressive – it’s a brutally effective workout. Along...

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Battle ropes are definitely no passing fad and been around since the mid-noughties. Interest has progressively grown to the point where almost all gyms have a set. And there’s a great reason for such widespread adoption. Tossing these thick, heavy ropes about does more than just look impressive – it’s a brutally effective workout.

Along with increased strength as well as fat loss, battle ropes provide a very intense cardio workout – they’re well-suited to Tabata training – and develop muscular endurance. It’s also an easy-to-acquire piece of kit which is simple to set up outside and takes up minimal storage space.

Battle Ropes Are Very Simple To Use And Set Up

Once you have your battle ropes, find some type of anchor to put the mid-point of the rope around. This could be a lamppost outside or – alternatively – around one of the columns of a squat rack. Whatever you make use of as your anchor, make sure that it will not fall over.

In addition, there are anchor strap kits that you are able to purchase for your battle ropes. These are not necessary in order to perform the exercise. However, dependent on your choice of anchor, they may be useful to assist attach the rope to bigger immobile objects.

Once you have anchored your battle ropes, lay them down on the floor in front of your anchor in order to ensure that you have enough room to perform the exercise. Grasp one end of the rope in each hand and you are ready to perform any battle rope exercise.

Essential Battle Ropes Exercises

You are able to use ropes at the beginning of your session as part of a warm-up or – alternatively – activation phase. In addition, you are also able use them in the middle of your workout in order to build strength with waves, slams and whips. Also, you can use them at the end of a workout as a closer for time or reps.

Battle ropes are super for time-based workouts. You work at a higher intensity as opposed to with, say, dumbbells. This is because you get your heart rate up and burn more calories.

Biceps Wave

Making sure that the rest of your body is kept still, wave the ropes as fast as possible. Focus on high numbers of reps and high amplitude. It’ll prime your muscles for what’s to come.

Remain in a quarter-squat position, with your back straight, and make sure that you keep elbow movement to a minimum. Keeping your elbows in will stop your shoulders from burning out and keep the movement in the biceps.

Lateral Whip

With a minor bend in your elbows, bring the battle ropes up as if you were doing a lateral raise. Keep your thumbs pointing slightly forwards and then whip them downwards. Continue with performing do your raises at speed.

This is a phenomenal way to target your rear delts as well as back muscles. These are muscles which are associated with creating better posture. Common errors include too much leg movement in and out of the squat and letting the torso slouch. Keep your chest up and stay in a quarter squat.

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Do you want to discover more about battle ropes? If you do, then you need to do our Battle Ropes Course. Find out more by following this link.

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How To Use Kettlebells To Improve Your Strength https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-use-kettlebells-to-improve-your-strength/ Fri, 09 Apr 2021 05:10:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23626 It doesn’t look like much but take it from us. The lowly kettlebell is your ticket to fitness, much faster than many other types of exercises. Packing the same weighty punch as dumbbells, and well-suited to the heart rate-spiking advantages of HIIT, these cannonball-shaped weights develop power, endurance, muscle and strength – at the same...

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It doesn’t look like much but take it from us. The lowly kettlebell is your ticket to fitness, much faster than many other types of exercises. Packing the same weighty punch as dumbbells, and well-suited to the heart rate-spiking advantages of HIIT, these cannonball-shaped weights develop power, endurance, muscle and strength – at the same time – for heavyweight results.

Even today, the kettlebell is underused as well as undervalued by most of the gym-going community. But don’t let this fool you. As MH hero Arnold Schwarzenegger says, ‘The muscle doesn’t see what you’re holding in your hands’. And since they’re compact, adaptable and versatile, the kettlebell is an ideal bit of kit for the home workout warrior.

Why Kettlebells Are Fantastic For Strength Building

The truth is you are able to build strength with any kind of added resistance, whether that is in the form of dumbbells, barbells or – alternatively – powerbags. However, there is one advantage which kettlebells have over other pieces of workout equipment – the handle.

The handle of the kettlebell is shaped in such a manner which is ideal for holding the weight in a number of different positions. For instance, during the kettlebell you need to press the ball of the kettlebell lies against your forearm which offers a comfortable position for your wrist. It enables you to work with a much larger weight.

During the squat, the kettlebell may be placed in the rack position so that it’s nicely resting against your upper arm and forearm and enables a much larger weight to be held against your body.

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Kettlebell Exercises To Build Strength

Single-arm kettlebell row

Put the kettlebell to the front of your feet. Take a large step back with your left leg and make sure that you grasp the kettlebell in your left hand. Put your right arm on your right knee and then pull the kettlebell into your hip. Lower the kettlebell until just before it touches the floor. As you do this, ensure that your arm is fully extended. Maintain your back in a fixed position throughout the movement.

Kettlebell Triceps Extension

Grasp the kettlebell firmly with both of your hand. Then a step forwards with your right leg so that your feet are in a staggered stance. Raise the kettlebell directly overhead with both of your arms extended. Make sure that your elbows are kept near to your ears as you lower the kettlebell towards the back of your head until your hands are in line with your elbows. Return the kettlebell back overhead by extending your arms.

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If you would like to discover more information about kettlebells and become a kettlebell instructor, then you need to do our Kettlebell Instructor Course. Follow this link in order to find out more.

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Why Is Strength Training The Secret To Becoming A Better Runner? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-strength-training-the-secret-to-becoming-a-better-runner/ Fri, 09 Apr 2021 05:05:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23623 Going for a run is probably one of the most common forms of exercise that there is. It’s free, it doesn’t technically require training in order to get started (though, good technique is quite useful) and it doesn’t ask for equipment beyond activewear as well as a pair of sneakers. Running is a phenomenal way...

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Going for a run is probably one of the most common forms of exercise that there is. It’s free, it doesn’t technically require training in order to get started (though, good technique is quite useful) and it doesn’t ask for equipment beyond activewear as well as a pair of sneakers.

Running is a phenomenal way in order to improve your cardio fitness. In addition, it’s also particularly effective in assisting with weight loss. However, if you’re just starting out in terms of running it can be kind of intimidating. In addition, it takes a lot of hard work to improve your ability.

Two Types Of Runners

There are two categories of runners: those who just run as well as those who are well-balanced athletes:

  • Those who fall into in the latter group cross-train and also perform strength training. They’re usually stronger, healthier as well as more successful athletes who have the ability to keep reaching new levels of performance.
  • On the other hand, the runners who ‘just run tend to get injured often and question why they aren’t able to make much headway over the long term.

Running is pretty tough on the body as you are essentially standing on one leg at a time which requires core strength and good posture. You’re also utilising your legs in order to launch yourself forward. So, building up your strength in the relevant muscles is a great way to improve your running ability.

What Are The Benefits of Strength Training for Runners?

Strength work is the ideal accompaniment to a runner’s training plan and is ideal cross training. One of the main benefits is that it’s a brilliant tool for injury avoidance. Given that runners have the tendency to experience alarmingly high injury rates, it is maybe the most helpful cross training method for them.

The stronger that you get, the stronger your body will become in order to respond to the demands of running. The rhythmic impact of running won’t wear you down so much. In addition, when you’ve got a strong body, any pre-existing conditions will be less likely to get worse. This is because strength training assist with improving structural weaknesses in your body, whether it be in the muscles, joints, or connective tissues. Often, this will remove the source of many common running injuries.

If you’re prepared to upgrade from often-injured, slower runner to a fit, faster athlete, then strength training is ultimately one of the best ways in order to get there. If you’re an injury-inclined runner or if you’re putting in a lot of kilometres on the road, then strength work is an absolute no-brainer. You’ll have the ability to run more, experience fewer overuse injuries will also be able to race faster. And who doesn’t want that?

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If you would like to become a strength training expert, then you should really consider doing our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more by following this link.

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Why Exercise Could Help To Curb Chronic Pain? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-exercise-could-help-to-curb-chronic-pain-find-out-more/ Thu, 08 Apr 2021 05:00:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23576 Chronic pain (which also known as persistent pain) is pain which persists beyond the anticipated healing time of an injury. As opposed to acute pain which is as a result of tissue damage, chronic pain is less about the structural or tissue injury and more about the sensitivity of the nervous system as well as...

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Chronic pain (which also known as persistent pain) is pain which persists beyond the anticipated healing time of an injury. As opposed to acute pain which is as a result of tissue damage, chronic pain is less about the structural or tissue injury and more about the sensitivity of the nervous system as well as ‘non-tissue-related factors’.

Frequently, when we feel chronic pain we avoid physical activity and exercise in an attempt to not cause pain flare-ups. However, we know that gradually – over time – people who experience chronic pain become less capable of completing activities which were previously enjoyed, for example walking and other types of exercises. They commonly also have difficulties in completing activities of daily living such as housework.

Exercise is a very common treatment for chronic pain. Dependent on your current state of health, it may assist with:

  • Decreasing inflammation,
  • Increasing mobility, and
  • Decreasing overall pain levels.

No additional medication could be required. Try out a mixture of the cardio, relaxation, stretching, and strength exercises.

6 Ways Regular Exercise Affects Chronic Pain

  1. It decreases pain.
  2. It improves energy levels and reduces fatigue.
  3. It improves mood and reduces feelings of depression.
  4. It enhances joint health.
  5. It increases global day-to-day functionality.
  6. It assists with controlling weight (when combined with a healthy diet).

Cardio exercises

Cardiovascular exercise has a number of physical and mental benefits. In addition, it can be particularly helpful for people who are suffering from chronic pain. Cardio can be performed at any time of day and frequently requires little or no equipment. Try out these two exercises.

Walking

Walking for approximately 30 minutes, three to five times per week may help to increase strength, endurance as well as heart health. If walking is challenging for you, begin slowly and then work your way up to doing longer walks as you get stronger. If you make use of a walker or a cane, ensure that you take it with you.

Swimming And Water Aerobics

This is a great alternative to walking for people who suffer from mobility issues. This low-impact, cardiovascular exercise could help to keep you moving without putting additional stress on your joints as well as muscles. Swimming can frequently be therapeutic and it’s also a great way to clear your mind.

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Stretching Exercises

If you struggle with chronic pain in your low back or neck, stretching may relieve tension as well as stiffness. Try out this these equipment-free stretches for the back and neck in order to improve overall mobility and to facilitate proper movement.

Lower Back And Glute Stretch

  • Lie supine on the floor.
  • Bring your knees in close to your chest and then wrap your arms around your knees. Give yourself a gentle hug.
  • Rock from side to side, feeling a stretch through your hips as well as your lower back. Attempt crossing one leg over the other for an additional glute and piriformis stretch.
  • Stand or sit next to a door.
  • Lift your elbow above your shoulder on the side that you want to stretch.
  • Rest your elbow next to the door jam. This will turn the outside of the shoulder blade up.
  • Next, turn your head away from that side and then bring your head to look down.
  • Lightly deepen the stretch by putting your free hand on top of your head and then applying slight pressure.

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If you want to learn about more exercises to help with chronic pain, then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more here.

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Do You Know How Long Will It Take To Get A Six Pack? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/do-you-know-how-long-will-it-take-to-get-a-six-pack/ Tue, 06 Apr 2021 05:00:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23542 Ripped, chiselled abs are the holy grail of several fitness enthusiasts. They tell the world that you’re strong and lean. And six pack abs are not easy to achieve. Athletes aside, most individuals have abdominal muscles which are veiled by a layer of fat. Some of it is near the exterior of the skin (subcutaneous...

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Ripped, chiselled abs are the holy grail of several fitness enthusiasts. They tell the world that you’re strong and lean. And six pack abs are not easy to achieve. Athletes aside, most individuals have abdominal muscles which are veiled by a layer of fat. Some of it is near the exterior of the skin (subcutaneous fat). Some of it is hidden within the abdominal cavity itself (visceral fat). The more fat that you have, the longer it will take to shed it and then to showcase six-pack abs.

It Depends On The Person

How long it takes to develop six-pack abs varies from person to person and is based on both current body fat levels as well as approaches to nutrition and exercise. Generally, it takes longer to develop six-pack abs than most people would like, so make sure that you practice patience. For you, it may take somewhere from months to a year or more, depending on how much fat you need to lose as well as how you go about getting rid of fat and building muscle through nutrition as well as exercise.

After all, chiselling your core necessitates simultaneously growing the rectus abdominis muscle (which is colloquially known as the six-pack muscle) and reducing the amount of subcutaneous belly fat that sits between that muscle and the skin of your abdomen. If you do both, you’ll be able to see your abs in the mirror.

The Best Way Of Reducing Your Body Fat Level

Lowering your body fat percentage may be a long and painstaking process. Research published in a scientific journal notes that the average woman has about 40% body fat and the average man has about 28%. Women naturally carry more fat – as opposed to men – because of the hormone oestrogen.

Most men and women need to lose at least half their body fat in order for their abs to show. Fitness experts report that a 1% body fat loss per month is safe and attainable. Given these figures, it could take a woman – with average body fat – around 20 to 26 months in order to achieve the appropriate amount of fat loss for six-pack abs. The average man would require about 15 to 21 months.

Research has found that strength training has a number of different health benefits, particularly when it comes to burning fat. In one study, strength training lowered visceral fat in 78 people who suffer from metabolic syndrome. (Visceral fat is the kind of dangerous fat which surrounds the organs in the belly.)

Another study demonstrated that 12 weeks of strength training – together with aerobic exercise – was more efficient at reducing body fat – as well as belly fat – than aerobic exercise alone. Resistance training may also assist with preserving fat-free mass, which can increase the number of calories that your body burns at rest. Ten weeks of resistance training could assist with increasing calories burned at rest by 7% and may reduce fat weight by 1.8 kg.

Performing body-weight exercises, lifting weights or making use of gym equipment are a few easy ways to get started with strength training.

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Want to become a personal trainer so that you can make your passion for fitness your career? If you do then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information about this course, please follow this link.

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How To Build Endurance And Stamina? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-build-endurance-and-stamina-find-out-in-this-article/ Thu, 01 Apr 2021 05:00:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23524 When it comes down to exercise, the terms “stamina” and “endurance” are basically interchangeable. However, there are some subtle differences between these two. The term ‘stamina’ refers to the mental and physical ability to sustain an activity for a long period of time. When individuals speak about stamina, they often use it to refer to...

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When it comes down to exercise, the terms “stamina” and “endurance” are basically interchangeable. However, there are some subtle differences between these two.

The term ‘stamina’ refers to the mental and physical ability to sustain an activity for a long period of time. When individuals speak about stamina, they often use it to refer to the feeling of being peppy or energetic while performing a particular activity.

The term ‘endurance’ refers to your body’s physical capability in order to sustain an exercise for an extended period of time.

It’s made up of two components:

  1. Cardiovascular endurance, and
  2. Muscular endurance.

Cardiovascular endurance is the capacity of your heart as well as lungs to fuel your body with oxygen. Muscular endurance is the ability of your muscles to work continuously without getting tired.

What Happens When Stamina Is Increased

Sometime in the future, an activity which you find challenging now will feel extremely easy. When that happens, this means that you’ve increased your stamina. We’re not saying that a marathon will ever feel easy, but one day you’ll look back and see that what you find challenging at the moment will come much easier.

An increase in stamina comes from consistency, that means exercising multiple times per week for multiple weeks in order to accumulate fitness. There are no quick fixes if you would like to increase stamina.

It’s generally accepted that it takes 10 days to 4 weeks to benefit from exercise. The time will depend on the type of run, quicker and more intense bouts of exercise being on the lower end of the range with long steady exercise sessions being on the other higher end of the range.

The Best Way Of Increasing Stamina

Exercise

Exercise could be the very last thing on your mind when you’re feeling low on energy however consistent exercise will assist you with building your stamina.

Results of a study showed that the participants who were suffering from work-related fatigue improved their energy levels after just six weeks of exercise intervention. They increased their work ability, sleep quality as well as cognitive functioning.

Yoga And Meditation

Yoga and meditation can significantly increase your stamina as well as ability to handle stress. As part of a study from a couple of years ago, 27 medical students joined yoga and meditation classes for a period of six weeks. They saw significant improvements in stress levels as well as sense of well-being. They also reported increased levels of endurance and less fatigue.

Music

Listening to music may increase your cardiac efficiency. Participants in a study had a lowered heart rate when exercising while listening to their chosen music. They were able to put forth less effort exercising when listening to music than when exercising without music.

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If you dream about making your passion for fitness your career then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this here.

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Why Is It Important To Combine Anaerobic And Aerobic Exercises Into Your Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-it-important-to-combine-anaerobic-and-aerobic-exercises-into-your-training/ Wed, 31 Mar 2021 05:00:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23505 Aerobic exercise is any kind of cardiovascular conditioning or “cardio.” Throughout cardiovascular conditioning, your breathing – as well as heart rate – increase for a sustained period of time. Examples of aerobic workouts include swimming laps, running or – alternatively – cycling. Anaerobic exercise involves quick bursts of energy and is performed at maximum effort...

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Aerobic exercise is any kind of cardiovascular conditioning or “cardio.” Throughout cardiovascular conditioning, your breathing – as well as heart rate – increase for a sustained period of time. Examples of aerobic workouts include swimming laps, running or – alternatively – cycling.

Anaerobic exercise involves quick bursts of energy and is performed at maximum effort for a short period time. Examples include jumping, sprinting and heavy weightlifting. Your breathing and heart rate are different in aerobic activities as opposed to anaerobic ones. Oxygen is your chief energy source during aerobic workouts.

What Happens During These Different Forms Of Exercise?

During aerobic exercise, you will breathe faster and deeper as opposed to when your heart rate is at rest. This is because you’re maximising the amount of oxygen in the blood. Your heart rate goes up, so increasing blood flow to the muscles and it then goes back to the lungs.

During anaerobic exercise, your body requires energy immediately. Your body relies on stored energy sources, as opposed to oxygen, to fuel itself. That encompasses breaking down glucose as well.

Your fitness goals should assist with determining whether you should take part in aerobic or anaerobic exercise. If you’re a newbie to exercise, you may want to start with aerobic exercises in order to build up endurance. If you’ve been exercising a long time – or are attempting to lose weight quickly – include anaerobic workouts into your routine. Sprints or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions may help you meet your goals.

The Benefits Of Combining The Two Exercises

If you’re looking for the best way to include aerobic and anaerobic exercises into your workout routine, high intensity interval training can achieve both. This is because HIIT workouts continuously mix anaerobic with aerobic exercises. This leads to muscles working with an oxygen deficit. When the workout is finished, and muscles are resting, they will claim all that wasted energy so that they can go back to balance.

Your body will require a higher flow of oxygen through your blood, even eight hours after completing training, hence, burning more fat.

Other benefits of merging anaerobic and aerobic exercises are:

  • Arthritis prevention. Stronger muscles protect articulations better.
  • A boost in insulin sensitivity. This kind of exercise assist cells to respond better to insulin, which will also improve blood glucose levels.
  • Overall quality of life will improve as better muscular strength means better performance in daily activities such as climbing stairs, lifting heavy items, walking or picking up your kids.
  • Injury prevention. The higher your level of muscle mass is, the less chances you will have of suffering from muscle contracture as well as sprains. Your posture will also improve, so lowering the risk of injuries or common ailments such as lower back pain.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to become an exercise expert? If you do then you should study our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about it by following this link.

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What Is Bungee Fitness? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-bungee-fitness/ Wed, 31 Mar 2021 05:00:17 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23501 The term “bungee” inevitably conjures visions of daring jumps off tall bridges in addition to swinging upside down by your ankles. Alas, none of that is involved in a bungee fitness workout (daredevils, you’ll have to get your thrills elsewhere). Bungee fitness workouts are one of the latest fitness trends which are rocking the world...

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The term “bungee” inevitably conjures visions of daring jumps off tall bridges in addition to swinging upside down by your ankles. Alas, none of that is involved in a bungee fitness workout (daredevils, you’ll have to get your thrills elsewhere).

Bungee fitness workouts are one of the latest fitness trends which are rocking the world these days. The busy, stressful life we live always requires something new as well as something different, something which can juice up the apathy that we sometimes feel towards working out.

Sports is basically a great practice to free the body from all the negativity, but we tend to get bored of the routine. In case you discover yourself to be in the same boat, now we list you the best things about the new craze, Bungee Fitness.

How Does It Work?

Bungee Fitness is a totally different way of exercising as compared to traditional workouts. It is a revolutionary, full-body training system for fitness as well as rehabilitation. It mixes resistance training with a cardiovascular workout and uses your own body in order to push against the bungee cord.

Weightless training in a bungee harness means that you can complete a high-intensity workout with no stress on your joints. A low-impact workout in a bungee offers individuals of all ages and body shapes, a new, innovative and fun way to train as well as rev up metabolism, improve mobility, balance & coordination and quickly burn hundreds of calories.

What Are The Benefits Of Bungee Fitness?

The primary benefits of bungee fitness are:

  • Increasing heart rate and endurance, as well as
  • Building muscle and burning calories.

The great variety of moves which you can do with the help of the bungee gives you a full-body workout — expect to work your core, legs, arms in addition to your back.

Owing to the harness and bungee, you’ll get a low-impact workout which combines cardiovascular and strength moves without a concession in intensity. A standard class is 70% cardio and 30% strength training. It includes lunges, squats, push-ups and loads of jumping.

The bonus is that because it’s so unique, it’s a great way to either reignite your love of working out without it feeling like a huge effort or step out of your comfort zone and tackle a new challenge.

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Who Can Do A Bungee Fitness Workout?

If you’re a first-timer or don’t work out regularly, don’t feel deterred. The bungee fitness workout is very accessible to all different ages and body types. It can get people moving in a new and different way.

Even if you’ve suffered from workout injuries in the past — such as knee or ankle injuries from running — you could find that bungee allows for a cardiovascular workout without the constant pounding which could injure unstable joints or cause old injuries to flare up.

People who have knee, hip or other body issues may find a lot of benefits from the low-impact nature of bungee fitness. In addition, for people who want more cardio in their fitness routine – but don’t care for treadmills, jogging or other activities – bungee can be a wonderful alternative.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to set yourself on the path of learning more about fitness then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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Coach.Me Fitness

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How To Test Your Running Fitness? Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-test-your-running-fitness-learn-more-in-this-article/ Tue, 30 Mar 2021 05:00:48 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23494 No matter how well your training may be going, you could doubt your capacity to hit your goal time on race day. How can you be extremely confident that your hard work is paying dividends? The answer is a benchmark workout, which is done a few weeks before your race day. Having the ability to...

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No matter how well your training may be going, you could doubt your capacity to hit your goal time on race day. How can you be extremely confident that your hard work is paying dividends? The answer is a benchmark workout, which is done a few weeks before your race day.

Having the ability to predict your time has many possible benefits, including improved mental preparation, informed goal setting, nutrition planning as well as fluid planning. However, marathoners aren’t the only runners who are able to benefit. There are workouts which you can do before your 5K, 10K or half marathon. These workouts give you a good indicator of what you’ll be capable of on race day,’ he says.

There are also straightforward formulas which don’t involve a workout that can give you an idea of your race potential. Most runners’ paces decrease by about four seconds every single 400m as they move up from one race distance to the next. For instance, a 25-minute 5K equates to 120 seconds per 400m. Making use of the four-second rule, this translates to 124 seconds per 400m for 10K (a time of 51:40), or 128 seconds per 400m for a half marathon (1:52:00).

How To Perform This Fitness Test

Follow the instructions below and then mark your results in a notepad. Focus on the sections which  you score fair or lower for between six and eight weeks. Then retest yourself in order to see how much you’ve improved. You will need to have access to a treadmill, a step, a yoga strap or belt. You’ll also need a stability ball, dumbbells and a track or 400-metre straightaway.

Core Strength

A strong core—the muscles in your abdominals, back as well as glutes—gives you stability, power, and endurance. If your core muscles are not able to support your pelvis, it will drop, which causes your hips, knees, and ankles to lose proper alignment. When this happens, you can’t absorb forces appropriately, and your muscles fatigue quickly.

Forearm Plank

  • Begin on all fours.
  • Drop down onto your forearms with your elbows directly under your shoulders.
  • Then step each of your feet back so that your body forms a straight line from your head to your heels.
  • Engage your core in order to keep hips level with shoulders and keep your neck relaxed.
  • Time how long you are able to maintain the plank with perfect form (don’t let your hips hike up or dip).

Improve It: Hollow Hold to V-Sit

  • Lie faceup on the mat.
  • Lift head, shoulder blades as well as your feet off floor as you extend arms straight out.
  • Your neck should be relaxed and also not strained. This is your hollow hold.
  • Next, engage your abs in order to lift chest towards legs as you bend knees so that your body forms a V shape and your shins are parallel to floor.
  • Gently lower back down to a hollow hold position. That’s one rep. Do up to 20 reps.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about exercise? If you do, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this course by following this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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How To Improve Your Relationship With Exercise? Find out. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-improve-your-relationship-with-exercise-find-out/ Tue, 30 Mar 2021 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23490 Often individuals think about exercise as something which will possibly make them look better as well as maybe live longer. However, it doesn’t just end there. Exercise may improve all aspects of a person’s life, especially relationships with friends, family as well as significant others. Unfortunately, diet culture frequently plays the catalyst in dismantling our...

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Often individuals think about exercise as something which will possibly make them look better as well as maybe live longer. However, it doesn’t just end there. Exercise may improve all aspects of a person’s life, especially relationships with friends, family as well as significant others.

Unfortunately, diet culture frequently plays the catalyst in dismantling our joy for movement by driving “all or nothing” behaviour—starting and restarting diets frequently goes hand in hand together with going all-in on exercise right from the word go.

Diet culture has changed exercise into something which is loaded for many of us. For some, it evokes school-age torment for being larger or deficient in athletic ability. In addition, it’s also easy to become too fixated on your exercise routine. When that happens, you can feel guilty over skipped workouts, have anxiety when your schedule changes, and perhaps the biggest ripple effect, suffer overuse injuries.

Exercise has a lot of benefits for people. Here are some of them.

Become a Better You

Exercise will make you feel a lot better about yourself. How you see yourself is obvious to others around you. When you’re feeling better about yourself, you attract the right type of people. Attract others who are really positive to be around.

Research shows that when we are surrounded by positive people, we’re much more likely to achieve our goals, such as losing weight. When those around us help us feel good about ourselves, it’s easier to be successful in our goals.

Be a Role Model

When you are exercising, other facets of your life get better. Your body wants to eat better, sleep better as well as being more active.

Aerobic exercise triggers the body to release endorphins. These are the chemicals which can create a level of activity in the brain which keeps some people awake. These people should exercise at least 1 to 2 hours before going to bed, giving endorphin levels time to wash out and then the brain time to wind down.

In addition, exercise raises your core body temperature. The effect of exercise in some individuals is like taking a hot shower which wakes you up in the morning. Elevation in core body temperature signals the body clock that it’s time to be awake. After about 30 to 90 minutes, the core body temperature starts to fall. The decline helps to facilitate sleepiness.

Meet More People

Exercise can assist your fear to subside. Your positive choices for your body will assist with your confidence and make you more inclined to meet others.

Repairing your relationship with exercise is something that you should do because, as can be seen from the above, there are loads of benefits. However, it takes time in order to figure out what feels good to you. Dance, run, swim, bike, heck, even join a circus class. However, the most important thing is to be kind to and patient with your evolving body. Pay attention to what feels good and makes you want to keep coming back, again and again.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become an expert on exercise then you need to become a personal trainer. Study our Personal Training Diploma and become a world-class fitness professional.

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What Makes A Good Sports Massage? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-makes-a-good-sports-massage-find-out-in-this-article/ Mon, 29 Mar 2021 05:00:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23483 It’s so easy to count it out, but recovery is an important step of any training programme. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the gym or getting ready to run your next marathon. Any kind of exercise puts your body through wear and tear, so you want to give your muscles and tendons the...

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It’s so easy to count it out, but recovery is an important step of any training programme. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the gym or getting ready to run your next marathon. Any kind of exercise puts your body through wear and tear, so you want to give your muscles and tendons the opportunity to properly repair. This is why many active people opt for a form of massage therapy called a sports massage.

A true sports massage should include vigorous and deep muscle stimulation – so basically a good pummelling of the body. There are fundamental differences in some practical aspects and aims of a normal massage vs. sports therapy.

A normal massage is shallower as compared to the deep stimulation of a sports massage. The aim of a traditional massage is to alleviate general stress to increase circulation as well as relaxation, working along the muscle surface in order to relax the body. A sports massage is more targeted, working deeper on muscle fibres with a particular athletic enhancement goal.

What Is A Sports Massage?

A sports massage is a manual methodical manipulation of the soft tissue of the body to decrease injury potential and enhance training. Sports massage works well because it works deeply on realigning muscle fibres to ensure better functioning together with increasing nutrients and oxygen to the muscle.

The benefits of sports massage are:

  • Increased range of motion,
  • Decreased lactic acid build up,
  • Decreased injury potential,
  • Increased circulation, as well as
  • Increased cellular metabolism.

Athletes who are under rehabilitative care are given massages according to the type of injury that they have sustained. For instance, patients who have a rotator cuff injury are given only light massages when the swelling is apparent and the pain is still fresh in order to help boost blood flow. Deep tissue massages are administered when the pain and swelling have abated.

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How Does Sports Massage Work?

The impact of sports massage varies on the type of massage used. During the process of deep tissue massage, the therapist uses slow but firm pressure to reach deeper layers of the muscle as well as the fascia. It softens the hard, tight muscles. Deep tissue massage is popular among amateur as well as professional athletes.

Myofascial release may be easily mistaken for deep tissue initially. Fascia is the muscle’s protective covering, which gets hard and stiff with overuse. The constant pressure used during a myofascial release is utilised in order to soften the fascia. Therapists don’t make use of massage oils during a myofascial release so that they are able to accurately feel the fascia fibres.

On the other hand, Swedish massage is less extreme than deep tissue. It is mainly for releasing tension and relaxation. Its light but vigorous strokes assist with warming up the muscles.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about sports massage and become a sports masseuse? If you do then check out our Sports Massage Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Is A Hex Bar? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-hex-bar/ Mon, 29 Mar 2021 05:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23479 Most personal trainers would probably agree that the hex bar is an essential piece of gym equipment. This is mainly because it’s the best regression exercise for the traditional barbell deadlift. Based on comfort and favourable execution, some may even make the argument that the hex bar is preferred. Not only because long legs, as...

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Most personal trainers would probably agree that the hex bar is an essential piece of gym equipment. This is mainly because it’s the best regression exercise for the traditional barbell deadlift. Based on comfort and favourable execution, some may even make the argument that the hex bar is preferred. Not only because long legs, as well as short arms, are taken away as obstacles however the unique design of the bar facilitates an upright body position that limits the potential for injury.

The hex bar is much better (as opposed to barbells) for going heavier on deadlifts as well as for lowering stress on your lower back. If your gym has a hex bar, stop just using it for shrugs and think about doing some deadlifts with it.

This is because the hex bar can allow you to go heavier as opposed to standard deadlifts (which place more overload on the leg muscles) so leading to greater muscle growth in the long run. Even if you compete in the deadlift, making use of the hex bar occasionally can help you go heavier in order to get stronger in your lower-body muscles. And if you needed to give up deadlifts owing to lower-back issues, the hex bar may be your key to doing them again.

Hex Bars Offer Similar Load Distribution

Although hex bars come in many shapes and sizes, in general, they’re exactly the same weight as traditional barbells are. They set you up to lift from exactly the same height and the hex bar lets you hold them with both hands. They’re just sculpted very differently from barbells. However, they still have us doing a lift that’s hip dominant (which is focused on our hips, glutes as well as hamstrings. They check very similar boxes as the standard barbell deadlift.

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Centre of Mass and Why It Matters

The deadlift is very hip-dominant pattern when it is done correctly. The barbell weight is a bit in front of your body and you need to extend the hips first in order to pull the weight off the ground so challenging your glutes, hamstrings, and, often, your lower back. The torque of the barbell deadlift results in high stress on the joint systems supporting the movement, especially the lower back.

This varies from person to person, based on such things as limb length and the weight you’re moving. However what’s true is that the hip extension pattern, which is one thing we’re really working to attack on a deadlift from a training standpoint, is altered because the weight is in front of you and is always, at least a little bit, pulling you forward.

From Crossfitters to powerlifters to bodybuilders to athletes in general, the very best gym-goers learn to combat that, and that process has its strengths. Battling the barbell deadlift teaches you to activate your lat muscles to keep the bar close to you, and forces you to engage your hamstrings at the start of a deadlift rep.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Are you considering taking your passion for fitness to the next level and become a personal trainer? If you are then you need to check out our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

 

Coach.Me Fitness

 

 

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What Is The Weight Training Rep Range Rule? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-weight-training-rep-range-rule-find-out-in-this-article/ Fri, 26 Mar 2021 05:00:48 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23457 Lifting weights is, as countless research shows, is a phenomenal way to get stronger, build muscle, burn fat, increase endurance, relieve stress as well as improve a variety of health markers. However, the term “lifting weights” covers all manner of sins — there are many ways to do it. A large percentage of us are...

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Lifting weights is, as countless research shows, is a phenomenal way to get stronger, build muscle, burn fat, increase endurance, relieve stress as well as improve a variety of health markers. However, the term “lifting weights” covers all manner of sins — there are many ways to do it.

A large percentage of us are using resistance training and also trying to get stronger. For example, you’re lifting “X” amount of resistance for a total of “Y” number of repetitions and over “Z” number of sets. Good for you – if this exercise plan is working for you.

If it isn’t working, ask yourself the following questions about your resistance training plan:

  • Is it based on the underlying principles of overload-recovery-progression?
  • Is it an easy system?
  • Does it show you progression on a routine basis?
  • Is it truly creating muscle overload successfully?

 Why Is Rep Range Is the Essence of Progressive Training?

Dependent on your answers, it may be time to streamline your plan to something which is more direct, simple, and based on established science. You cannot wander away too far from the principles of muscle overload, adequate recovery time as well as progressive (more demanding) training, so why not use a system which is the essence of it?

Fitness lore prescribes that the rep range which you choose determines the outcome for your body. Working in sets of three to seven reps is how to build strength. Eight to 12 is the ballpark for hypertrophy (muscle growth), and 12 or more is endurance training or toning.

Of course, the rep range you choose requires scaling your weights: You can lift heavier weights if you’re doing fewer reps.

To Build Muscle You Must Get Stronger

When you get stronger, you will be able to lift heavier weights, in the 8-12 rep range, for more reps. This creates a greater training response to trigger muscle growth. Then, you can use lighter-rep exercises more effectively to cap off your physique.  Mechanical tension, such as lifting a heavy load with a full range of motion, is a key component to muscle growth

To cap off your training, sprinkle in higher rep training. Do one exercise with 2-3 sets of 10-15 reps with short rest periods to maximise metabolic stress.  Additionally, you can use one exercise to failure. This exercise must be an isolation exercise, like a biceps curl or leg extension instead of a squat.  A recent study found when it comes to muscle growth, the same growth came from using three sets to failure with 30% max as 3 sets of 80%.

This means that regardless of how heavy the weight is, training to failure maximises muscle fibre recruitment and stimulates growth, even with lighter weight. This both saves your joints and preserves your nervous system while maximising gains.

Applied to your training, you can train to failure but use isolation exercises. Keep the weight light and focus on technique. When your technique breaks down you’ve reached failure. Rest and repeat for 2-3 sets and call it a day.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about weight training as well as other forms of exercise? If you do then you should become a personal trainer with our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to read more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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Why Is Strength Training Important For Women? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-strength-training-important-for-women/ Fri, 26 Mar 2021 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23461 Strength training isn’t only about getting more muscle tone. It’s also about becoming healthier, fitter, and feeling stronger — all of which is encouraging for women. Exercising with weights offers many important health benefits for women and should be incorporated in your fitness routine along with cardio. Bodyweight exercises, free weights, as well as weight...

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Strength training isn’t only about getting more muscle tone. It’s also about becoming healthier, fitter, and feeling stronger — all of which is encouraging for women. Exercising with weights offers many important health benefits for women and should be incorporated in your fitness routine along with cardio.

Bodyweight exercises, free weights, as well as weight machines all, fall under the strength training umbrella. In actual fact, even Pilates, TRX moves as well as resistance band exercises qualify as strength training.

You’ve got options. That’s a small part of the reason why, perhaps, people are starting to think in a different way about strength training, which is a good thing. People are beginning to realise the true importance of strength training as well as how it can add strength and longevity to their lives. With new research and studies appearing every day about the benefits of strength training, we’re seeing a paradigm shift.

Helps To Prevent Age-Related Muscle And Bone Loss

Physically inactive women may lose as much as 3-5% of their muscle mass each 10 years after the age of 30. A mixture of age-related changes, inactivity as well as inadequate nutrition conspire to slowly steal bone mass, at the pace of 1% per year after age 40. As your bones grow more fragile and susceptible to fracture, they are more likely to break. Strength training can even lower your risk of osteoporosis, especially important for women.

Strength Training Is One Of The Greatest Forms Of Low-Impact Cardio Exercise

While it’s more challenging to build muscle via aerobic exercise, strength training is really one of the best, low-impact cardio workouts. The key is to concentrate your workouts on compound movements, which may include more than one joint and muscle group as well as not to rest for very long (if at all) in between your exercises.

Bring together four to five compound movements as well as do them with very little rest and you’ll get your heart rate pumping and also reap of all the aerobic benefits without conventional methods like running.

Strength Training Helps You To Lose Weight

As we said before, resistance training builds muscle. This increases your metabolism. An increased metabolism means that you burn more calories all day, even when you’re at rest. As women age, our metabolism slows down naturally. This often leads to a steady weight gain over the years, even if your diet hasn’t changed much. Exercise assists with fighting this by revving up your metabolism, helping to keep off the extra pounds.

Exercise releases endorphins which enhance your mood, prevent pain as well as fight depression.

Women who strength train commonly report feeling more confident and capable as a result of their training.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on learning more about strength training as well as other forms of exercise, you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more by following this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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What Is The Bear Plank Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-bear-plank-exercise/ Wed, 24 Mar 2021 05:00:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23434 The bear plank is a beginner- to intermediate-level bodyweight exercise which targets the muscles in your hips, glutes as well as core region. It’s an amazing exercise for balance and core stabilisation. As it allows you to fire-up the muscles in your core, the bear plank is a phenomenal addition to an abdominal workout. This...

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The bear plank is a beginner- to intermediate-level bodyweight exercise which targets the muscles in your hips, glutes as well as core region. It’s an amazing exercise for balance and core stabilisation.

As it allows you to fire-up the muscles in your core, the bear plank is a phenomenal addition to an abdominal workout. This is especially as it’s really good at engaging your lower abdominal muscles.

You are also able to add the bear plank to a dynamic warm-up routine in order to assist with activating upper and lower body muscles before cardio exercises such as running or cycling or before lifting weights.

The Perfect Beginning To Any Workout

Most personal trainers and fitness experts would agree that it’s a great idea to start every workout with a plank. Whether you’re trying to stay sturdy on your forearms, balance on one leg, hold a push up position, or alternate arm lifts, there’s really no straightforward variation. However, nothing makes your entire body roar quite like a bear plank.

Just like alligator crawls or inchworms, the bear plank is an even more challenging full-body workout. A bear crawl entails getting down on all fours with your knees hanging a few inches off the floor. You need to use your strength in order to get you from point A to B. However, the bear plank is stationary. And although it might seem that holding still would be easier, you’ll quickly realise that’s not always the case. A few seconds in and your core—as well as the rest of your body!—will be on fire.

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How To Do It

Make sure that you keep your back parallel to the floor during the entire exercise. Squeeze both your ab and mid-back muscles. Imagine that you have a cup of water on your back (or better yet, have a friend put one there). If you shift the wrong way it’ll spill.

A bear plank imitates a squat so, much like a squat, you will need to squeeze your glutes. In addition, doing so will open your knees ever so slightly and put you in a more athletic position.

Your knees should be about an inch above the floor and your shins need to be parallel to the ground. This assists with keeping your back flat. In addition, it also fires up your quads. Your knees need to be directly under your hips and line up with your wrists.

You might be tempted to lock your elbows. Don’t. Bend them slightly and then flex your triceps. Let your arms function as shock absorbers for your upper body. Your wrists should be directly below your shoulders. In addition, this will also ready you to crawl forward (and yes, that can blast your abs, too).

 

How To Modify The Bear Plank

The bear plank is already an altered form of a traditional plank. That said, if you need to streamline the move, the first strategy is to reduce the distance between your knees and the floor. For instance, as opposed to lifting your knees three inches of the floor, only do one inch. In addition, you can decrease the time which you spend in the hold or contraction portion of the exercise.

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What Is The V-Sit Exercise? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-v-sit-exercise-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Wed, 24 Mar 2021 05:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23438 Let’s face it. While traditional crunches and planks are robust muscle-building moves, they could get boring after a while. That’s where v-sit-up exercises come in. Not only are they a completely different move to include into your core workouts, but they also have fun variations which you can try The V-sit ab exercise is responsible...

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Let’s face it. While traditional crunches and planks are robust muscle-building moves, they could get boring after a while. That’s where v-sit-up exercises come in. Not only are they a completely different move to include into your core workouts, but they also have fun variations which you can try

The V-sit ab exercise is responsible for building core strength through working multiple areas of the core simultaneously while also testing your balance. In this ab exercise, you will sit with your legs extended and your torso off the ground and your body forming a V shape.

If you are a beginner at the V-sit exercise you will be able to modify it to use a little bit of assistance from your hands or perform it with bent legs. Intermediate exercisers could add this exercise to abdominal and core workouts.

What Are The Benefits Of The V-Sit Exercise?

The V-sit is a super-effective way of targeting the:

  • Rectus abdominis,
  • External obliques,
  • Internal obliques, as well as
  • Hip flexors.

This is all while improving your core and trunk balance. You are not alone if you are not able to do more than 10 to 12 of the V-sit ab exercise prior to you reaching failure. If you feel the burn it means that the exercise is working.

Growing your core strength, balance, as well as coordination, may assist you with maintaining good posture, catching yourself so that you can avoid falls and performing better at a number of different physical activities.

For those of you who’ve done yoga or Pilates before, this movement will look a bit familiar. It’s very similar to the Boat Pose and also adds an added lift of the arms and legs in order to move into a V-shaped position.

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How To Do The V-Sit Exercise

Begin in a seated position and have your knees bent and your feet off the floor. Your chest needs to be open and lifted. As we’ve said before, this is similar to a modified Boat pose which you’ll do in yoga.

With your arms by your sides, gradually unfold from your seated v by – at the same time – lowering your torso and legs towards the floor. Stop when your legs are just about at a 45-degree angle, or when you feel that your lower back is curving away from the mat. Make sure that you keep your head and shoulders off the floor as well as your lower back pressed firmly into the mat.

With your core being tight and tucked, make use of your abs in order to return to your starting position. Repeat for one minute and keep your abs engaged as you do this move rather than relying on gravity. If the move gets too hard, keep your knees bent as you lower down.

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Can I Exercise When I Have The Flu? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-i-exercise-when-i-have-the-flu/ Tue, 23 Mar 2021 05:00:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23422 Regular exercise plays a very big role in making sure that you are kept healthy and preventing illnesses. It strengthens your immune system and assists with fighting viral and bacterial infections. Ever hear the theory which says that you need to sweat out a cold or flu virus? It’s false. In fact, strenuous exercise when...

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Regular exercise plays a very big role in making sure that you are kept healthy and preventing illnesses. It strengthens your immune system and assists with fighting viral and bacterial infections.

Ever hear the theory which says that you need to sweat out a cold or flu virus? It’s false. In fact, strenuous exercise when you’re ill can be incredibly dangerous to your health. In addition, you could also collapse if you go back to an intense exercise programme too soon after having the flu or additional flu-like illnesses.

The reason for this is that viral infections, such as the flu, may cause temporary muscle weakness which extends to the muscle cells in your heart. A heart which is weakened by a viral infection may be further weakened by strenuous exercise. Putting strain on an infected heart muscle may lead to further inflammation, or even paralysis, of the muscle.

Can Exercise Prevent The Flu?

Well, the jury is still on recess about this one. However, what we do know is that the best way to remain healthy and well is to make sure that you safeguard your immune system. When you perform any type of exercise, your white blood cells – which are the ones that fight infections – travel through your body quicker and do their jobs better.

Fitness experts say you should get – at a minimum – 30 minutes of moderate cardio each day. Examples are like walking, swimming, biking, or running.

There are a whole hosts of other benefits to being more active, such as less stress and better sleep. Stress is extraordinarily bad for your body and mind but the good news is that you can ease it with regular exercise. Get between seven and eight hours of sleep a night, too, because that also helps keep your body’s defences in good shape.

When To Go Back To Exercising

Ask your doctor when’s the best time for up to return to full-on exercise. Your decision should be based on factors such as  any underlying chronic illness; if you’re infectious to others; as well as your ability to perform safely without there being any chance of relapse.

In addition, going back to a pre-illness training programme too soon may result in further illness, so you need to be patient. And while it can be trying not to exercise, particularly if you’re training for specific events, rather rest and recover entirely before putting on your training shoes again.

Your initial workout once you’ve recovered should be extremely light. Start with low-impact active recovery exercises – such as walking, yoga, swimming or cycling at a low intensity. You can then progress slowly to return to your normal routine.

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What Is Rebound Therapy? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-rebound-therapy-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Fri, 19 Mar 2021 09:30:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23412 The phrase ‘rebound therapy’, when applied correctly, describes a specific methodology, assessment as well as programme of using trampolines in order to provide opportunities for enhanced movement patterns, therapeutic positioning, exercise as well as recreation for a wide range of users with additional needs. This therapy is utilised in order to enhance movement patterns; develop...

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The phrase ‘rebound therapy’, when applied correctly, describes a specific methodology, assessment as well as programme of using trampolines in order to provide opportunities for enhanced movement patterns, therapeutic positioning, exercise as well as recreation for a wide range of users with additional needs.

This therapy is utilised in order to enhance movement patterns; develop and promote motor skills, body awareness, balance, coordination as well as communication. It is an extremely enjoyable physical activity and is utilised to great effect as a cross-curricular teaching tool.

Where Did It Start?

Although the idea of using trampolines in special education has been in existence existed since the 1950s, it was not up until the 1970s that the idea of Rebound Therapy was established by the physiotherapist, remedial gymnast as well as head teacher Eddy Anderson. He worked with children with both physical and learning disabilities.

In 1992, after the interest from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy as well as the British Trampoline Federation, Anderson offered training courses to both organisations in the use and application of Rebound Therapy after many years of working in education and delivering Rebound Therapy on staff development courses. From 2011, Rebound Therapy has been introduced into countries such as Australia, Malaysia, Canada, and the USA.

Who is Rebound Therapy For?

Rebound therapy is for almost anyone! This type of therapy may be used in order to facilitate movement, promote balance, affect muscle tone, clear secretions, promote sensory integration, improve fitness and exercise tolerance, promote relaxation, and improve communication skills. Rebound therapy is individualised and can be adapted for use in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, trampolining/gymnastics, recreational activity… the list goes on.

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What Are The Benefits Of Rebound Therapy?

The benefits of rebound therapy may include the following:

  • Improved exercise tolerance, stamina and balance,
  • Improved muscle tone and coordination,
  • Relaxation, and
  • Fun

During rebound therapy,  stretching, walking, bouncing and other exercises may be done using gym balls, hoops and other pieces of equipment while on the trampoline.

Other benefits of rebound therapy include:

  • Strength of limbs
  • Numeracy
  • Patience
  • Communication
  • Independence
  • Self-confidence
  • Balance
  • Muscle tone
  • Reaction speed
  • Self-image
  • Eye contact
  • Relaxation
  • Freedom of movement
  • Sense of achievement
  • Stamina
  • Spatial awareness
  • Body awareness
  • Social awareness
  • Consideration of others
  • Trust and confidence in coach/assistant
  • Colour recognition
  • Height and depth perception
  • Fun and enjoyment
  • Stimulation of the digestive system
  • Improved bowel function
  • Internal organ massage
  • Clearing of toxins from the body
  • Respiratory benefits

In order to gain definitive benefit – as well as a carry-over from a rebound therapy session – it is very important that it is done alongside physiotherapy sessions. Your physiotherapist will teach you how to warm-up and cool-down prior to, and after, a rebound therapy session as well as how to stretch and strengthen in order to gain maximum benefit from the gravity-free situation on the trampoline.

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How To Cope With Stiffness After A Workout? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-cope-with-stiffness-after-a-workout-read-this-article/ Fri, 19 Mar 2021 05:00:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23400 Sore muscles post a workout can go from the uncomfortable to incapacitating. After-work out soreness is extremely common, however that doesn’t make it any more bearable for the individuals who are experiencing it. However, it may be encouraging to know that – 9 times out of 10 – it’s a normal reaction to your training...

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Sore muscles post a workout can go from the uncomfortable to incapacitating. After-work out soreness is extremely common, however that doesn’t make it any more bearable for the individuals who are experiencing it.

However, it may be encouraging to know that – 9 times out of 10 – it’s a normal reaction to your training stimulus. So for individuals who are bothered by sore muscles after a workout, it’s not a big surprise that they would like to know what they are able to do to stop it.

It assists to understand what’s instigating that muscle discomfort—what specialists refer to as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Once you have the understanding which is behind that discomfort, you will be able to focus on treatment—or, in other cases – what you are able to do in order to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Post Strenuous Physical Activity

After taking part in some sort of strenuous physical activity, mainly something which is new to your body, it is very common to experience muscle soreness. Muscles go through a lot of physical stress when we take part in exercise.  Mild soreness just a natural consequence of just about any kind of physical activity. They’re most prevalent in beginning stages of a workout programme.

Exercise experts believe that DOMS is a result of the small tears to your muscle fibres which occur while you’re working out. The small microtears to our muscles produce pain and lead in inflammation. The pain frequently starts to develop between 12 and 24 hours after your workout and it peaks around 24 – 72 hours after your exercise training stimulus.

The Same As Building Muscle

This is essentially the same process which is involved in building muscle. When your muscle fibres build back after these tears, these recover and come back stronger than ever before. It’s a normal part of the muscle-building as well as strength-building procedure.

However, more DOMS does not necessarily equal better or faster muscle-building or strength-building results. In fact, getting too sore after an exercise routine can be counterproductive to those fitness goals as you may find yourself skipping a few workouts owing to the discomfort.

There are varying degrees of pain which depend on how much damage has been done (as well as other factors like genetics in addition how hydrated you are). Regularly experiencing an extreme level of soreness isn’t something you should make a habit of.

It Affects Everyone

Anyone can get DOMS, from weekend warriors to select athletes. The muscle soreness is just a symptom of utilising your muscles and also placing stresses on them which are leading to adaptations in order to make them stronger as well as better able to do the task the next time.

However, for the deconditioned person starting out, this can be intimidating. People starting an exercise program need guidance. The big challenge is with individuals who aren’t very fit and go out and attempt these things. They become all excited to begin a new class and the instructors don’t tell them that they could get sore.

To them they could feel very sore and as they aren’t familiar with it, they may worry that they’ve hurt themselves. Then they won’t want to do it again. Letting them know it’s OK to be sore may help them work through that first few days without being discouraged.

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What Are The Benefits Of Ankle Weights? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-ankle-weights-find-out-more/ Thu, 18 Mar 2021 05:00:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23389 Ankle weights are one of the most vital tools in producing toned, lean legs as well as a lifted butt. The added weight on your ankles allow the muscles to activate and work just sufficiently hard to become prominent without breaking down as well as bulking. As a result, you will feel muscles that you...

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Ankle weights are one of the most vital tools in producing toned, lean legs as well as a lifted butt. The added weight on your ankles allow the muscles to activate and work just sufficiently hard to become prominent without breaking down as well as bulking. As a result, you will feel muscles that you normally keep dormant.

When you’re doing your workout routine, and you want to raise the stakes easily, adding in some wearable ankle weights to your routine is perhaps one of the top ideas for increasing your overall body strength and calorie burn.

It’s quite straightforward. Slip them on and then carry on with your workout. If you’re walking, jogging, running, or jumping you simply add some weights and this makes your muscles work harder. In addition, it adds changes to the mechanics of your gait. This is what makes this type of exercise equipment highly popular and ankle weights have been incorporated into numerous exercises throughout the years – especially aerobics.

The Versatility Of Ankle Weights

Part of the reason why ankle weights are so fantastic is that they’re versatile. You are able to bring them anywhere, strap them to your feet while you’re travelling. Utilise them on your ankles or in your hands as weights if you’re stuck at a gym-less hotel.

When utilised correctly, ankle weights are also able to target and isolate muscles which grow weak (the glutes, which are not active all day from sitting, for instance). They can be very useful in a physical therapy setting, if you’re suffering from something such as injured or weak hamstrings or knee issues.

Free Movement

They allow you to move freely as well as perform movements you can’t with traditional weight equipment. Ankle weights give you the opportunity to move in nearly every direction and rotation imaginable, This is particularly important for hip work as it is a ‘ball joint’ which moves in all directions. It’s important that you strengthen the numerous movement patterns and large and small muscles which are at play.

Even just walking around with them on your feet may make a difference. Wearing ankle weights can include impact forces, which may assist with maintaining bone density.

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Using Ankle Weights

Ankle weights can be utilised in a number of different ways in order to achieve various results. Changing up the weight with several different exercises makes you feel things differently by using different muscles as well as engaging those hard-to-reach areas.

Attempt to use your ankle in order to activate the hips by means of propulsion or to activate specific parts of the butt in the process of accelerating and decelerating the motion. Depending on if you are on the mat doing glute lifts, or standing up doing legs lifts, the weight which you use makes a difference in where you are able to feel it.

For exercises which have a big range of motion, for example a leg lift that is at the end range, make sure that you keep the weight light in order to allow you to reach the correct muscles and assist with balance. With glute lifts, utilise a medium weight in order to really make your butt work without putting undue strain on your back.

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How Does Exercise Affect Our Minds? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-does-exercise-affect-our-minds-read-this-article/ Wed, 17 Mar 2021 05:00:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23371 There are plenty of excellent reasons to be physically active. The big ones include reducing the odds of developing: Heart disease, Stroke, as well as Diabetes. Perhaps you want to lose weight, lower your blood pressure, prevent the occurrence of depression, or just look better. Physical activity that is done on a regular basis is...

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There are plenty of excellent reasons to be physically active. The big ones include reducing the odds of developing:

  • Heart disease,
  • Stroke, as well as
  • Diabetes.

Perhaps you want to lose weight, lower your blood pressure, prevent the occurrence of depression, or just look better. Physical activity that is done on a regular basis is a very important part of a healthy lifestyle. Not only is exercise great for your muscles and bones, but it is also a super important part of making sure that your mind is kept healthy too.

How Often Do You Have To Exercise For It To Be Regular?

According to fitness experts, the recommended amount of exercise – in order to keep your mind sharp – is approximately an hour a day. One of the best ways to get in the required amount of exercise is for you to play sports.

Being on a sports team can boost self-confidence. In addition, regular practice schedules are great for your health. If you don’t like playing sports or taking part in competition, that’s OK too! Exercise doesn’t only just mean playing sports. It just means moving your body as well as being active.

A few other types of exercise which are great for your health are the following:

  • Dancing,
  • Walking,
  • Biking,
  • Swimming, or
  • Throwing around a Frisbee.

Is The Brain A Muscle?

You have perhaps heard people say a little along the lines of “your brain is like a muscle.” That analogy certainly endorses school and keeps millions of young people around the world sitting at desks, doing math problems, writing essays as well as dissecting unsuspecting frogs. However, is it true?

Interestingly enough, the brain-as-a-muscle analogy isn’t all that correct. If you would like to build your glutes, you need to flex your glutes however when it comes to your brain, a more spontaneous approach is more accurate. Getting busy with working your glutes – as well as the rest of your body – will also directly benefit your grey matter.

What Happens During Exercise?

As your heart rate increases during the activity of exercise, blood flow to your brain increases. As blood flow increases, so is your brain exposed to more oxygen as well as nutrients. Exercise also induces the release of incredibly beneficial proteins in the brain.

These beneficial proteins assist with keeping brain cells (also known as neurons) healthy. In addition, these proteins promote the growth of new neurons. Neurons are the active building blocks of the brain. As a direct result, individual neuron health is incredibly important to overall brain health.

Whatever exercise and motivators you elect to use, commit to establishing exercise as a regular habit – almost like taking a prescription medication. After all, they say that regular exercise is medicine, and that can go on the top of anyone’s list of motivations to work out.

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Is Fish Oil Beneficial For Bodybuilders? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/is-fish-oil-beneficial-for-bodybuilders-find-out-more/ Wed, 17 Mar 2021 05:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23375 Fish oil is commonly taken in order to promote heart, brain, eye as well as joint health. However, bodybuilders – as well as other athletes – also utilise this widespread supplement for its anti-inflammatory properties. Some bodybuilding afficionados believe that it may boost muscle strength, improve range of motion in addition to providing numerous other...

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Fish oil is commonly taken in order to promote heart, brain, eye as well as joint health. However, bodybuilders – as well as other athletes – also utilise this widespread supplement for its anti-inflammatory properties. Some bodybuilding afficionados believe that it may boost muscle strength, improve range of motion in addition to providing numerous other benefits.

What Is Fish Oil?

Fish oil is a nutritional supplement that is harvested from fatty fish. These fish include sardines, salmon, mackerel, tuna as well as herring.

Manufacturers are able to use many different methods in order to harvest fish oil, however most techniques usually involve a four-stage process which involves cooking, pressing, filtering as well as centrifuging the finished product.

Fish oils have omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These are crucial fatty acids which the body is unable to make for itself. The three main omega-3 fatty acids are:

  • Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA),
  • Its metabolites docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as well as
  • Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

While vegetables – in addition to other plant foods – may contain ALA, the body is not able to use it as easily as DHA or EPA. As fish is a rich dietary supply of both DHA and EPA, individuals may consume fish in order to boost levels of these omega-3 fatty acids. Those who do not often consume fish consider taking fish oil supplements.

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The Advantage Of Fish Oil For Bodybuilders

Reducing The Effects Of DOMS

It’s extremely common to feel sore after you’ve worked out. In fact, some individuals start to feel sore and stiff between 12 and 72 hours after unfamiliar or exhausting exercise. This situation is commonly known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and this may be caused by inflammation in your muscle cells.

DOMS usually affects bodybuilders. In addition, it can also hinder workout motivation as well as performance. While massage may reduce the symptoms of DOMS, fish oil may also help by restricting muscle damage and inflammation after resistance exercise.

Improving Workout Quality

Some research makes the suggestion that the EPA and DHA in fish oil could improve workout performance. This is because their anti-inflammatory properties could prevent – or even reduce a decline in strength and range of motion that results from intensive exercise.

May Assist With Muscle Health As You Age

Ageing is associated with the gradual loss of muscle mass. After the age of 30, muscle mass declines by 0.1–0.5% per year. You’ll notice a dramatic increase in loss after age 65.

As you get older, it becomes more challenging to maintain – as well as build – muscle. This is partially due to a decreased response to both resistance training and protein intake

Interestingly enough, the anti-inflammatory properties of fish oil may also enhance your muscles’ sensitivity to protein and resistance training. This will allow you to achieve greater gains in muscle size and strength as you age.

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How To Make Fitness Fun? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-make-fitness-fun-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Tue, 16 Mar 2021 05:00:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23356 Less than 5% of adults actually take part in 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Everyone may begin the year with positive fitness goals that we eagerly follow up by heading to the gym and also nibbling on celery sticks. Has working out just become too much like work? Or does just thinking about...

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Less than 5% of adults actually take part in 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Everyone may begin the year with positive fitness goals that we eagerly follow up by heading to the gym and also nibbling on celery sticks.

Has working out just become too much like work? Or does just thinking about exercising and hitting the gym make you want to go lie down? You know that you need to move in order to burn calories as well as get fit, however, mustering the motivation is another matter. And if you’re not feeling motivated to exercise, chances are it’s because you’re not having any fun.

Make gym time fun time with these energising tips, and bust out of your workout rut.

Make Play Your Workout

Remember time when you would beg your mother to let you stay outside an extra five minutes? Whatever you happened to be doing – playing catch, skipping or riding your bike – it was just too much fun to quit. The key to including more exercise into your life is re-experiencing that joy of movement.

If you have kids, play backyard games like tag, hopscotch, and capture the flag. But you don’t need kids to play. Play basketball or go swimming. Play tennis, volleyball, badminton, croquet, or golf – whatever you enjoy doing.

Enjoy Exercising With A Friend

If you really struggle to get out of bed in the morning for a pre-work gym workout or come up with every excuse under the sun to avoid exercising after work, find a gym buddy. By going with a friend, you will have more motivation and will even be able to have a laugh in the process.

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Treat Yourself To Some New Kit

Working out in the same old kit isn’t going to do much for your motivation, so why not splurge on some new kit. A new training top, some new workout trainers, a nice piece of fitness tech so you can monitor your progress could all add up to extra motivation as you’ll be keen to try out your new kit. You could also go on a reward basis so that you provide yourself a treat in the form of some new gear whenever you achieve something towards your fitness or other goals.

When the exercise has finished (in other words, after you cool down), give yourself five minutes of relaxation. Just lie down supine on your mat and then let your body sink into the floor. Close your eyes and relax. Feel the effects that the exercise has had on your body. Look forward to the deep relaxation that may come after physical activity. You may find that you start to exercise just to experience this feeling.

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What Is The Hip Hike Exercise? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-hip-hike-exercise-find-out-in-this-article/ Tue, 16 Mar 2021 05:00:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23361 The hip hike exercise is a very straightforward movement when it is done correctly. However, this exercise may have far-reaching benefits as it is responsible for strengthening the hip abductor muscles. You can also perform the hip hike exercise by holding a chair to steady yourself. Make sure that you’re standing on a low, but...

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The hip hike exercise is a very straightforward movement when it is done correctly. However, this exercise may have far-reaching benefits as it is responsible for strengthening the hip abductor muscles. You can also perform the hip hike exercise by holding a chair to steady yourself. Make sure that you’re standing on a low, but stable, platform before you start.

The hip abductors are vital to pelvic stability and are among the muscles which enable us to walk, run, climb stairs and perform any movement that necessitates our legs moving away from the midline of our body.

How To Do The Hip Hike Exercise

Stand sideways with a resistance band positioned around your body and resting on one hip. The band will pull your pelvis inwards.

Support your bodyweight entirely on the inside leg which is farthest from the band. The other leg needs to touch the floor lightly for stability. Alternatively, you can also lift the leg off the floor or stand with one leg on a raised platform which the other hanging off.

If you have trouble with your balance,  to start off with you can hold on to something stable as we mentioned in the previous paragraphs.

Push your pelvis out against the band until the left side of your pelvis is higher than the right. The hip abductors, of which the gluteus medius is a part, pull the pelvis and create lateral flexion. It is incredibly important that you make sure that keep your pelvis stable.

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Variations On The Hip Hike Exercise

You are able to change the load by altering the position of the band on your pelvis. In addition, you can change the load by stretching the band.

Weak gluteus medius muscles are a very common reason for knee valgus, ITB syndrome as well as hip and lower back problems. Inefficient pelvic and/or hip stabilisation may affect lower back, hip, knee and ankle problems. You should strengthen your hip abductors in order to help prevent all of these problems.

Stretching and strengthening the muscles in your hip helps build stability and flexibility so you can move with ease and avoid injury. Many people have weak or inflexible hips due to excessive sitting and too little exercise. Athletes who overuse their hips can also experience pain and injury.

Use this movement to start off your strength training routine before including more complex lower leg as well as balance movements to your regimen. You’ll find that you’ll be stronger later into your runs and feeling significantly less pain after just a few sessions.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover additional information about how to exercise properly then you should become a personal trainer. The absolute best way to do this is by studying our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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Is Suspension Training Good For Building Muscle? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/is-suspension-training-good-for-building-muscle/ Thu, 11 Mar 2021 05:15:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23320 Suspension training has traditionally been seen as a good exercise for developing stability. However, now there’s solid evidence that this sort of training should be taken seriously as a muscle-building tool. In a study that was recently published, a group of experienced gym-goers – who all had at least four months of experience in terms...

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Suspension training has traditionally been seen as a good exercise for developing stability. However, now there’s solid evidence that this sort of training should be taken seriously as a muscle-building tool.

In a study that was recently published, a group of experienced gym-goers – who all had at least four months of experience in terms of working with unstable training systems – performed press-ups using four different suspension training devices, in addition to their own bodyweight.

It was found that, on average, all four suspension training devices scored higher as opposed to the floor version of the exercise in terms of muscle activation.

The Best Way To Build Muscle

When it comes to working out in order to build muscle, you first need to assess your fitness goals.  Are you looking to:

  • Bulk up,
  • Gain strength, or
  • Get a combination of the two?

The reason that it is vital to figure out your goals before beginning a routine is that each piece of exercise equipment that can be found in the gym does something totally different for you. And that is true for suspension training as opposed to weight machines.

While you do build muscle using suspension training (especially muscles of your core), you are limited to the weight of your body in order to build that strength. A suspension trainer (cables) hangs from the wall. Then you hold on to them – either with your hands or feet through the loops -and do you’re the suspension training workout that you want to.

With weight machines, your range of motion is not as great as it is with suspension training however you can add more weight as you become stronger which leaves you with a lot of room to grow your muscles.

Many studies have shown that suspension training forces you to engage more muscles than you would with a traditional workout, especially the push-up. And, with the benefits that you get with engaging your core every single time, together with its compactness and diversity, the suspension trainer may just be the only tool you need in the gym.

What Are The Pros Of Suspension Training?

Offers A Wide Range Of Exercises

Squats, rows, presses, curls, extensions and raises – a suspension-training system is versatile to the extreme. Chances are very good that if you are able to do it with a free weight, you will be able to figure out a challenging variation with the suspension trainer.

Engages The Entire Body

In addition to core activation, a suspension trainer functionally integrates the whole posterior chain. This means that it hits the rear delts, traps, external obliques, spinal erectors, glutes, hamstrings, and calves during most exercises that you perform with it.

Can Be Used Almost Anywhere

You are able to hook it to a door, a pole, a pullup bar or the top of a squat rack. With your own suspension system—which is very affordable—you are able to ensure that you never miss another workout, whether you’re at home or on the road.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about suspension training then you need to do our Suspension Training Course. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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How Long Does It Take to Restore Lost Fitness? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-restore-lost-fitness/ Thu, 11 Mar 2021 05:10:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23306 When it comes down to fitness, we’ve all heard of the saying, “Use It or Lose It”. While it’s very true that when you stop exercising you will lose fitness, how fast you lose it depends on several factors. These include how old you are, how fit you happen to be, how long you have...

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When it comes down to fitness, we’ve all heard of the saying, “Use It or Lose It”. While it’s very true that when you stop exercising you will lose fitness, how fast you lose it depends on several factors. These include how old you are, how fit you happen to be, how long you have been exercising as well as how long you stopped.

Losing fitness when you cease working out also called detraining or deconditioning. This is one of the major tenets of conditioning.

The fundamental principle of use/disuse just means that when we cease exercising, we usually begin to decondition and also lose both strength as well as aerobic fitness. Many of us need to stop exercising, from time to time, for any number of reasons. Illness, injury, holidays, work, travel as well as social commitments often interfere with training routines. When this takes place, we will often see a decline in our level of conditioning.

Let’s Talk Numbers

It doesn’t matter if you’re of normal fitness, or if you’re a marathon runner – levels of fitness drop fast. It goes without saying that the marathon runner’s fitness would still be better as opposed to a person whose chief exercise is walking because the marathon runner was fitter in the first place.

However, after a week of no training, both would be half as fit as they were the last time they worked out. Cardio fitness is the first to go and after about two weeks, you’ll probably start to show between a 7-10% loss in strength levels.

Regarding cardio, you will pretty quickly notice a vast difference in your body’s ability to transport as well as utilise oxygen. This will show up in the form of you getting puffed out easily, sweating more profusely and feeling tired.

On the strength side, when there is no stimulus, your muscle mass will decrease. Some research suggests that in just a week you can lose up to 10% of your muscle mass. Over three months, you will lose the majority of your gains.

Getting Back In Shape

If you’re resuming your strength-training routine after a break, begin with lighter weights or fewer reps (if you’re doing bodyweight exercises) than what you’re used to. Increase the weight gradually in order to give your tendons time in order to regain their elasticity.

You don’t just lose strength in your muscles when you take an extended break from weight-lifting. You will also lose elasticity in your tendons (these are responsible for attaching muscle to bone). When your tendons are elastic, they’re more able to generate – as well as absorb – force during high-impact movements. Examples are sprints, plyometrics in addition to heavy weight-training.

Some people go right back to lifting heavy weights while their tendons are still quite stiff: This is where the tendons run the risk of tearing or breaking. So, whatever you do, don’t attempt to pick up where you left off.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like learn more about developing into a fitness expert? If you do, then check out our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this course here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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What Is A Good Age To Start Kickboxing? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-good-age-to-start-kickboxing/ Thu, 11 Mar 2021 05:05:49 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23291 Two questions that we are commonly faced with are “What is the best age to start kickboxing?” and “What age is too old to start kickboxing?” When it comes down to kickboxing, there is no hard-and-fast rule. Kids as young as six can start to train and we know of some people in their 80s...

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Two questions that we are commonly faced with are “What is the best age to start kickboxing?” and “What age is too old to start kickboxing?” When it comes down to kickboxing, there is no hard-and-fast rule. Kids as young as six can start to train and we know of some people in their 80s who train more than once a week. It is very true that kids may sometimes learn faster than adults. In addition, children can quickly become comfortable with the skills and moves in kickboxing.

Very often, children who start off kickboxing drop out after a year or two. As a result, they never really reach a level at which they are able to adequately perform in a sparring event or competition.

We do see many adults going back in their 20s and even 30s who had trained as a child and want to go back. However, because there was a gap of a number of years, kickboxing skills will need to be re-learned. So either as an adult coming back to kickboxing or as a new adult to the sport, you will still be able to learn the sport. At the end of the day it all comes down to your dedication to training.

If you want to take up kickboxing at a competitive level it is necessary to train multiple times a week.

Kickboxing defined

The term “kickboxing” is something of a catchall. In Southeast Asia, the terms can refer to Cambodia’s Pradal Serey, Lethwei from Burma, the Filipino Yaw Yan, or the immensely trendy Muay Thai. All of these kickboxing styles permit the use of elbows as well as knees during fights.

However, in the United States kickboxing is more a mixture of boxing and karate. It strictly bans strikes with anything save the hands and feet. In addition, attacking an opponent’s groin, legs or – alternatively – back is also off-limits.

Kickboxing isn’t just a great way to shred calories and also to build muscle. The sport also improves balance, coordination as well as flexibility. And research suggests that cardio kickboxing might help strengthen bones to ward off osteoporosis in the future.

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How Often Should I Do Kickboxing?

It is recommended that kickboxers train at least once a week. Competitive kickboxers can train up to seven days a week. Olympic athletes or world champions would be required to have this amount of dedication in order for them to compete at the highest levels.

Even at national kickboxing levels kickboxing students would compete between four and five times a week. For kids under the age of 16, it’s not recommended that they do kickboxing more than twice a week. It is more important that a child is more rounded and also has other activities on their schedule  and not just kickboxing training.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you do then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information about this course and to book, please follow this link.

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Why Is Aqua Aerobics Good For You? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-aqua-aerobics-good-for-you-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Thu, 11 Mar 2021 05:05:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23298 If you’re looking, high and low, for a low-impact workout that is varying in intensity and fun fitness pool exercises then water aerobics is for you! Aerobic exercises are a phenomenal way of getting in shape while still enjoying the social aspect of working out in a class. Aqua aerobics classes are a superb way...

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If you’re looking, high and low, for a low-impact workout that is varying in intensity and fun fitness pool exercises then water aerobics is for you! Aerobic exercises are a phenomenal way of getting in shape while still enjoying the social aspect of working out in a class.

Aqua aerobics classes are a superb way of mixing up a traditional gym workout with the amazing benefits of water. It just takes a few aqua aerobics sessions and you’ll see a massive difference in your overall fitness levels.

Also termed as water aerobics or sometimes waterobics, the usual classes will involve all the exercises which you would expect in a ‘dry’ class. However, there are added bonuses when you exercise in water.

Improving Your Heart Rate

Regularly taking part in water aerobics or water exercise classes can assist with improving heart health as well as cardiovascular strength. The water’s pressure acts as your best friend in the pool and assists with  circulating the blood in your body more effectively. As your heart continues to beat and pump away with less strain and pressure over time, effectively you lower your risk of heart disease. Water exercises have even been shown to help lower high blood pressure.

Mental And Physical Wellness

he natural resistance of water has the effect of increasing strength while – at the same time – making sure that you are kept cool and comfortable. Only 150 minutes of a pool workout per week may help to decrease your risk of chronic illness.

Water aerobics may improve your cardiovascular and respiratory system in the same ways as cycling or running. Water is roughly 800 times denser as opposed to air, which means that it offers about 12 times more resistance. That means the moves you do in the pool can work your entire body, particularly your arms, legs, shoulders, and core.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - aqua aerobics

Toning Muscles And Burning Calories

Exercising in the water is a terrific way to burn calories as well as to better tone your muscles. As water is thicker than air, and is more resistant, our bodies and muscles must work harder so ensuring more rounded and fuller workouts.

Confidence Booster

Pool exercise is able to boost your confidence if you are overwhelmed by conventional exercise routines. In the water, you are largely submerged, so no one is able to see if you get the moves wrong. If you are a beginner at water aerobics, you will be able to build a level of fitness which you can then carry over in order to feel more confident when you’re exercising on land.

Water is naturally reassuring. If you miss your footing on land, gravity will take over and then you will most likely fall and hurt yourself. In water there is no necessity to worry about falling as the water will not give you the opportunity to. It will support you during all of your exercises.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’d like to become an aerobics instructor then you should check out our Aerobics Instructor Course. Follow this link for more information.

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How To Use Fitness To Ease Stress? Learn more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-use-fitness-to-ease-stress-learn-more/ Thu, 11 Mar 2021 05:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23283 Practically any form of exercise, from aerobics to yoga and anything in between, can act as a stress-reliever. Even if you’re not an athlete, or even if you’re not in the greatest shape, you can still make a little bit of exercise go a long way towards stress management. Chronic tension may very well be...

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Practically any form of exercise, from aerobics to yoga and anything in between, can act as a stress-reliever. Even if you’re not an athlete, or even if you’re not in the greatest shape, you can still make a little bit of exercise go a long way towards stress management.

Chronic tension may very well be the culprit behind both long-term conditions such as depression, heart disease, type 2 diabetes as well as high blood pressure. It can also be the mastermind behind everyday health woes such as headaches, back pain, insomnia, upset stomach, anxiety and even anger.

Women Suffer More From Stress Than Men

Research demonstrates that women experience it more acutely than men. In addition, it is more probable that women will suffer from the physiological effects of chronic stress.

The human body was not expected to sit all day. Just getting up and then moving around is a powerful way of reducing stress as it gives our muscles the opportunity to move, promotes blood flow as well as helping us feel more like ourselves.

Exercise also gets us breathing deeper, which is responsible for triggering the body’s relaxation response.

Get Moving

A successful exercise programme starts with a few simple steps.

Ask With Your Doctor

If you haven’t done any exercise for some time, or you suffer from health concerns, you may want to speak with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine.

Walk Before You Run

Gradually build up your fitness level. Excitement about a new fitness programme can lead to overdoing it and perhaps even injury.

For most healthy adults, it is recommended getting at least 150 minutes of mild aerobic activity or 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate as well as vigorous activity.

Examples of mild aerobic activity include brisk walking or swimming, and vigorous aerobic activity could include running or biking. Greater amounts of exercise will offer even more health benefits.

Also, you should aim to do strength training exercises for all your major muscle groups at least twice a week.

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Do What You Love

Almost any form of exercise or movement could increase your fitness level while slicing your stress. The most critical thing that you need to do is to select an activity which you enjoy. Superb examples include the following:

  • Walking,
  • Climbing stairs,
  • Going for a job,
  • Dancing,
  • Taking a bike ride,
  • Yoga,
  • Tai chi,
  • Working in the garden,
  • Weightlifting, as well as
  • Swimming

Keep in mind that it’s not necessary for you to join a gym in order to get moving. Take a walk with the dog or your children, try out body-weight exercises or try out a yoga video at home.

Put It In Your Diary

You could need to do a workout in the morning on one day and an evening activity the next. However, carving out some time in order to move every day assist you with making your exercise programme an ongoing priority. Aim to incorporate exercise in your schedule during your week.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to become a master personal trainer? If you do then you need to study our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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What Is Functional Strength Training? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-functional-strength-training-find-out-more/ Thu, 11 Mar 2021 05:00:17 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23287 Functional strength training is defined as training which attempts to mimic the specific physiological requirements of real-life activities. Functional training – for example resistance exercises and body-weight movements – can assist you with becoming stronger, more flexible, agiler as well as better equipped to handle day-to-day feats of strength and athleticism which are often overlooked....

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Functional strength training is defined as training which attempts to mimic the specific physiological requirements of real-life activities. Functional training – for example resistance exercises and body-weight movements – can assist you with becoming stronger, more flexible, agiler as well as better equipped to handle day-to-day feats of strength and athleticism which are often overlooked. In addition, it can help you become less injury-prone.

While functional strength training is commonly perceived as a form of core training, core training itself could be deemed to be a subset of functional strength training. This is because core training is the practice of unrestricted motion against resistance. It focuses on stabiliser muscles of your back, abdomen as well as your sides. Functional strength training extends the same discipline to your entire body.

In any case, functional strength training involves unrestricted movement against resistance, in which the exerciser defines the exercise motion.

Who Can Benefit From Functional Strength Training?

Functional strength training is something that all adults could really benefit from. The good news is that it’s never too late to reap the benefits.

A study, which was conducted of 87 adults aged between 65 and 93 years, showed that functional ability improved for functionally restricted elderly people who took part in a 16-week structured exercise programme consisting of 13 different strength-training exercises utilising a Thera-Band resistance band.

In another study which was conducted, researchers tested the effects of 12 weeks of resistance training on the following:

  • Isometric strength,
  • Explosive power, and
  • Selected functional abilities.

The subjects were healthy women aged 75 and over. They saw statistically significant improvements in 4 out of 5 exercises measured.

The science is clear: functional strength training is something which everyone can benefit from. Unfortunately, most aren’t doing it.

A common question is that in order to build functional strength, do you have to start benching, squatting, and deadlifting heavyweights? Not if you don’t want to, and for some, that might even a barrier to even getting started. That’s why we listed several exercises that don’t require weights to help you get started.

How To Get Started

One of the benefits that functional strength training has is that it can successfully be done with very little equipment.

The functional training is built on just six movement patterns:

  • Squat,
  • Lunge,
  • Push,
  • Pull,
  • Bend, as well as
  • Core.

Strength training in these six movement patterns can be performed in a number of different environments including a garage gym, commercial gym, a school hall, functional fitness gym, OPEX Gym – basically anywhere with space as well as some free weights.

When beginning functional strength training focus on learning how to do the basic movement patterns and building motor control of your muscles. As you’re new to this type of training you can train the full body multiple times a week as you will be able to adapt and recover very quickly. All beginners would benefit from training under the watchful eye of a personal trainer.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover additional information about functional strength training then we recommend that you do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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What Kind Of Workout Is Pilates? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-kind-of-workout-is-pilates/ Wed, 10 Mar 2021 05:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23267 Pilates isn’t only for fitness fanatics. It’s actually an incredibly accessible way for you to build strength in your core muscles. This will help you to attain a better posture as well as improved balance and flexibility. The first time that you take any new fitness class may be a little intimidating. However, for some...

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Pilates isn’t only for fitness fanatics. It’s actually an incredibly accessible way for you to build strength in your core muscles. This will help you to attain a better posture as well as improved balance and flexibility.

The first time that you take any new fitness class may be a little intimidating. However, for some reason, Pilates classes have an extra sense of “don’t do this if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing.” But if you’ve wanted to try Pilates classes and something has been preventing you from doing so, now’s your time to sign up for your first session.

Pilates offers loads of benefits for your body, no matter your fitness background. Through Pilates, you’ll improve your posture, focus on your bodily alignment and will also get one heck of a core workout.

Strengthening Muscles And Improving Posture

Pilates is a type of low-impact exercise. Its aim to strengthen muscles while – at the same time – improving postural alignment as well as flexibility.

A Full-Body Workout

Pilates movements tend to concentrate on the core, although the exercises do work other areas of your body as well. You are able to do Pilates with or without equipment. However,  no matter what, expect the moves to involve slow, precise movements in addition to breath control.

Pilates is a full-body exercise methodology that will assist you with doing everything better. It strengthens and stabilises your core body, which is your foundation. This means that you will have the ability to move efficiently while improving your posture, flexibility, and mobility.

How Long Is A Typical Pilates Workout?

A typical Pilates workout is 45 minutes to an hour long.

Beginners Can Do Pilates

It’s a common misunderstanding that Pilates is only for very serious athletes or professional dancers. While these are the first groups to adopt the exercise, they aren’t the only ones who are able to benefit from this low-impact approach to strength training.

Another very common misperception is that Pilates necessitates specialised equipment. Perhaps you’ve seen a Pilates apparatus — which is called a Reformer — that looks like a bed frame with a sliding carriage with adjustable springs or, perhaps you’ve seen a kind of trapeze table.

But don’t let those machines intimidate you because the reality is that many Pilates exercises can be done on the floor with only using a mat.

Pilates And Injury Prevention

When doing Pilates, the tissues surrounding the joint are strengthened which therefore minimises the critical joint load (in other words, the load at which the joint will finally suffer). Collectively, this offers an improved psychological perspective of high risk situations. As a result the person’s muscles can respond more rapidly and effectively, which means that acute injury is minimised.

The on-going practice of Pilates will pre-condition the tissues to several exercises and loads. Slowly increasing the exercise load will increase the remodelling capacity and vascularisation of the tissues. This means that their ability to adapt and change is improved  which makes them a lower risk for injury because of their ability to respond to different challenges.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on becoming a Pilates instructor? Then check out our Pilates Instructor Course. Find out more here.

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How To Exercise Without Gym Equipment? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-exercise-without-gym-equipment-find-out-more/ Tue, 09 Mar 2021 05:00:52 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23252 Going to the gym isn’t always the absolute best option when you want to exercise. In fact, every so often it just doesn’t make sense at all. Going to the gym can be costly – both for your bank account and your precious free-time. The good news is that bodyweight exercises may be just as...

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Going to the gym isn’t always the absolute best option when you want to exercise. In fact, every so often it just doesn’t make sense at all. Going to the gym can be costly – both for your bank account and your precious free-time. The good news is that bodyweight exercises may be just as effective as the moves you do with gym equipment. With the assistance of a little gravity, your own body is an amazing tool which you can use for challenging your muscles.

What Is A Body Weight Workout?

Bodyweight workouts are exercise regimens which use a person’s own bodyweight in order to create resistance. A bodyweight workout also improves:

  • Strength,
  • Flexibility,
  • Endurance, and
  • Coordination

If you’ve done a push-up before, well done! You’ve already done a bodyweight exercise without you probably even knowing it. Sometimes, you can use a resistance band in order to support an exercise.

While there are bodyweight exercises which you can do in a gym, having a calisthenics or – alternatively – a plyometrics routine means that you are able to stay in shape without the necessity for a gym membership or expensive equipment.

What Are The Benefits Of Bodyweight Exercises?

They’re Efficient

With a bodyweight exercise routine you are able to get impressive results from only short workouts. In addition, they can work alongside other types of exercises in order to boost performance.

They’re Both Strength And Cardio Exercises

Make sure that you keep your heart pumping while building muscle and flexibility.

They’re Exceptionally Good For Burning Fat

The burn continues long after the workout. For instance, one study found that a 45-minute bodyweight workout increases how quickly your body burns fat for 14 hours.

You Are Able To Switch Up With Ease

There is no wiping down and changing machines. In addition, there are no restrictions on how to exercise according to your ability level. It is not likely that you’ll bored during a bodyweight workout as the challenge stays.

You Have No Excuses Not To Exercise

It’s not necessary for you to be in a gym and sweating it out on the treadmill — you just need sufficient space to move around a bit.

The Results

Bodyweight exercises may very well help you get results. These workouts make use of compound movements which engage several joints and muscles with each move. This makes exercises – such as push-ups and lunges – super effective for improved strength as well as performance.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a master exercise trainer and learn all about exercise – be it in a gym or outdoors – then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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What Are The Best Exercises To Boost Brain Health? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-exercises-to-boost-brain-health/ Tue, 09 Mar 2021 05:00:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23257 While you know that it is necessary for you to exercise your body, did you know that it is also vitally important for you to exercise your mind. You’ve probably heard of the old adage “use it or lose it”. Many researchers are of the firm belief that this maxim applies to your brain health...

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While you know that it is necessary for you to exercise your body, did you know that it is also vitally important for you to exercise your mind. You’ve probably heard of the old adage “use it or lose it”. Many researchers are of the firm belief that this maxim applies to your brain health as well.

We know that doing physical exercise, often, is important. This is especially as we get older and want to lessen our risk of developing diseases in addition to other health issues that are associated with ageing. For example:

  • Strength exercises may assist with building muscle and reducing the risk of osteoporosis,
  • Balance exercises can help to prevent falls, and
  • Flexibility and stretching exercises can help maintain range of motion to stay limber.

The Best Exercises For Brain Health

Regular aerobic exercises – such as running, biking and swimming – preserve existing brain cells while (at the same time) nurturing the growth and development of new ones.

In fact, a recent study which was published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry has uncovered a link between long-term moderate physical activity as well as an increase in volume of the hippocampus. (This is the segment of the brain that deals with the formation of long-term memories.) The hippocampus is the area which is the first to be damaged in Alzheimer’s disease.)

A Well-Balanced Exercise Routine

It’s important to include aerobic activity (such as walking, biking or swimming), along with strength training (such as lifting weights, Pilates or yoga) and balance exercises (such as tai chi or yoga) into your exercise regimen.

Strength training, stretching and balance exercises are extremely helpful in terms of improving your mood as well as enhancing your concentration and decision-making skills. This is all while keeping you strong, flexible and able to move about well as you get older. Regardless of what type of exercise it is that you do, make sure that you start slowly and warm up your muscles each time you exercise.

Eat Right

Be sure that you drink plenty of water in order to remain hydrated. Eat meals and snacks which are high in fibre. Examples are:

  • Oatmeal,
  • Fruits and vegetables,
  • Beans,
  • Tofu, and
  • Fish

People can take steps in order to keep their brains healthy, just as they know that they are able to prevent heart disease by taking a number of specific actions. In the foreseeable future, brain wellness to be right up there with heart health.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

As you can see, exercise has loads of benefits such as promoting brain health. If you want to learn what other benefits there are, and also discover the best way of teach people how to exercise, then you need to become a personal trainer. To make this happen, study our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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What Upper Body Strength Training Should Runners Do? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-upper-body-strength-training-should-runners-do/ Fri, 05 Mar 2021 08:36:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23232 Nine times out of 10, runners don’t spend a lot of time contemplating the size of their biceps. And why should they? When all is said and done, it’s the legs which count. So, does this mean that upper body exercises for runners don’t mean anything? Running’s not just about your legs. This is because,...

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Nine times out of 10, runners don’t spend a lot of time contemplating the size of their biceps. And why should they? When all is said and done, it’s the legs which count. So, does this mean that upper body exercises for runners don’t mean anything?

Running’s not just about your legs. This is because, as you move through space where you’re running, the following happens:

  • Your core fires,
  • Your arms pump, as well as
  • Your entire body works together in order to drive you forward.

So, while logging the kilometres is still the best way in order for runners to train, don’t forget that you need to train the top half of your body with upper body exercises.

Making sure that you have a strong upper body makes you a more effective runner. A strong upper body helps in the forward movement of each stride. One’s abdominals and arm muscles provide give you support and coordination. All these elements combined allow the athlete to run more efficiently.

Upper Body Strength Training Ensures Better Posture

Ultimately, your running form dictates your performance potential. If you aren’t to keep proper form as well as posture throughout your training or event, you’ll never perform at your very best. Increasing upper-body strength could improve posture and help you to keep consistent form.

It Improves Your Arm Swing

Your arm swing is responsible for dictating your rhythm. And while you don’t want to pump your arms actively while running a distance event. A strong set of shoulders and arms assists with keeping a consistent tempo. Flimsy arms become tired quickly which leads to sloppy form. This means that you should sprinkle some direct arm training into your workouts.

Increased Muscle Glycogen

Almost every experienced runner has experienced a depletion of muscle glycogen, which is your body’s stored carbohydrates which serve as fuel for intensive exercise. Once the glycogen stored in your muscles – as well as your liver – is used up, your body slows down just as a car which is running just on fumes.

You are able to prevent this by eating or drinking carbs during your workout or race. If you’re searching for a more proactive approach, building muscle in the gym increases your body’s capacity to store muscle glycogen. Quite simply, more muscle means a bigger “tank” to hold your glycogen stores.

Upper Body Exercises For Runners

Here is a list of exercises which you are able to do in order to build upper body strength at home, without weights:

  • Bodyweight biceps exercises and triceps exercises
  • Core exercises for runners
  • Dynamic plank variations
  • Back exercises you can do at home

During strength-training sessions, runners tend to focus solely on the legs, glutes as well as core. After all, they’re doing the bulk of the work as you pound the pavement. However, you’d be doing yourself a massive disservice if you didn’t also make sure to work your arms.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on becoming a strength training whizz? If you are then you need to become a personal trainer. The best way to do this is by doing our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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What Is The Turkish Get-Up Exercise? Read this article to find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-turkish-get-up-exercise-read-this-article-to-find-out-more/ Fri, 05 Mar 2021 05:00:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23224 The Turkish get-up exercise is one of the most functional exercises that you can do. The movement takes you from when you’re lying on the floor to standing upright. You’ll do all of this while holding a kettlebell above your head. The full-body exercise is phenomenal for improving coordination – as well as shoulder stability...

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The Turkish get-up exercise is one of the most functional exercises that you can do. The movement takes you from when you’re lying on the floor to standing upright. You’ll do all of this while holding a kettlebell above your head.

The full-body exercise is phenomenal for improving coordination – as well as shoulder stability – so that you have the ability to pick up heavy things as well as avoid injuring the vulnerable shoulder joint. It also trains the simple (but necessary) skill of getting off the floor. The complex Turkish get-up is a full-body exercise which emphasises balance, coordination, core strength and stability, in addition to overall body tension.

How Athletes Will Benefit From The Turkish Get-Up

For outdoor athletes the stability gained through the Turkish get-up is a major plus. It will help you to generate more power through your core as well as create a firm, solid base throughout your trunk so that you can transition forces between your lower and upper body.

While, for example, skiing on the mountain, this strength will assist you to maintain a still upper body while your legs execute turns at breakneck speeds. In addition, it’ll keep you balanced and holding your momentum while running through steep, technical terrain.

How To Do The Turkish Get-Up

You don’t need much space or equipment in order to be able to perform the Turkish get-up. Just ensure that you have sufficient room to comfortably move from a lying to a standing position.

You may want to utilise an exercise mat in order to make your time on the floor more comfortable. Otherwise, all you need is a kettlebell. Remember that if you’re new to the exercise, start with something light and add resistance once you feel confident with the movement.

  • Step 1: Lie down on your mat, on your left side and in a foetal position. Have the kettlebell on the mat in front of your chest and take hold of the handle using an underhand grip in your left hand. If the weight is quite heavy for you, hold it with both hands and make use of an overhand grip with the right hand.
  • Step 2: Roll onto your back and have the kettlebell at your side. Twist your left knee to almost 70 degrees. Position your left foot flat onto the mat and then extend your right leg at a 45-degree angle away from your body.
  • Step 3: Push the kettlebell straight up and then directly over your chest. Do this until your elbow(s) are fully lengthened. If the weight is on the side which is lighter, and you are able to lift it with control, you will be able to use your left arm only. Then drop your right arm to the ground, extending it at 45-degree angle from your body. Place your palm down to support you. This is the starting position and which you’ll need to return to this with each repetition. From this moment on, make sure that you keep your eyes on the kettlebell. Hold it straight overhead with control.
  • Step 4: Making sure that you keep your eyes on the kettlebell, roll up onto your right elbow. There needs to be a straight, vertical line from the kettlebell and down all the way through your shoulders to your grounded elbow is.
  • Step 5: Straighten your grounded arm in order to brace yourself up into a sitting position. Move your hand closer to your body if you need to.
  • Step 6: Push your hips off the ground until the thigh of your bent leg – as well as your torso – form a dead straight line.
  • Step 7: Move your right leg back into a kneeling position beneath your hips. Come up off your grounded hand and then bring your torso to an upright position.
  • Step 8: Pivot your back foot in order to enter a lunge, with your knee still remaining on the ground.
  • Step 9: Finally, stand up and then bring your feet together.
  • Step 10: Reverse the movements in order, still keeping your eyes on the bell.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn how to harness the power of the kettlebell then you should do our Kettlebells Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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What Are The Holistic Wellness Trends You Need To Try? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-holistic-wellness-trends-you-need-to-try/ Thu, 04 Mar 2021 05:00:58 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23205 Holistic health and wellness is the practice of treating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. Modern health-care tends to focus on treating specific (usually physical) symptoms. However, a more holistic approach to well-being looks to treat the root cause of our problems, as well as providing preventive practices. In 2020, we didn’t take...

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Holistic health and wellness is the practice of treating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. Modern health-care tends to focus on treating specific (usually physical) symptoms. However, a more holistic approach to well-being looks to treat the root cause of our problems, as well as providing preventive practices.

In 2020, we didn’t take care of ourselves from a holistic health and wellness point of view – we couldn’t as our movements were restricted owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, with the economy opening up, slowly but surely, it’s now time for us to zone in on a little me time.

Here are some of the health and wellness trends that you should try.

The Rise Of Community Care

A big health and wellness trend is a shift from self-care to community-care. The Covid 19 pandemic has exposed many of the systemic inequalities and flaws which are present in our society. As a result, we will start to recognise that we have a responsibility to do something within our power to address these.

We’ll begin to see wellness being re-framed from something which is ‘for me’ to seeing it positioned as something which is ‘for all.’

A growing awareness that assisting other people is actually the greatest pathway to happiness, as has been proven by scientific research, will emerge. People will prioritise giving back, donating their time and skills, as well as using their power in order  to address systemic issues that are present in their own lives, workplaces and communities.

Holistic Health And Wellness From Home

2021 will be a year of caring for ourselves deeply. Owing to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are seeing people becoming more and more cognisant of their health as well as what they are able to do at home in order to support their own wellness. This means :

  • Deeper self-care,
  • More intuitive health and wellness,
  • Fitness from home,
  • Additional homemade products (everything from meals to teas as well as beauty products), as well as
  • Creating spaces in the home which support healing and happiness.

Mindful Eating

There will be a continual rise of mindful and intuitive eating. Individuals will continue to turn away from restrictive diets, especially those which completely demonise a certain macronutrient, such as carbohydrates.

There will be an increase in people who embrace food in all its forms through the trend of upcycling food. This means that ugly vegetables and wasted food scraps may be turned into meals and snacks. It is a step towards a healthier, more sustainable in addition to a more conscious future.

2021 is taking self-care to a whole new level. You’ll notice that each health and wellness trend that we’ve discussed in this article is beneficial for the whole body, inside and out. People gravitate toward wellness which benefits them on a personal level.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen on learning more about the health and wellness industry then you should check out our Health and Wellness Coach Course. Follow this link for more information.

 

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What Are The Common Kettlebell Mistakes I Should Avoid? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-common-kettlebell-mistakes-i-should-avoid/ Thu, 04 Mar 2021 05:00:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23200 When looking for ways in order to improve your muscular endurance as well as speed, it’s generally accepted that you need to include strength training into your weekly workout plan. Kettlebells can be a useful tool to assist you with developing your strength. Whether you’re a new entrant to kettlebell training or are an old...

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When looking for ways in order to improve your muscular endurance as well as speed, it’s generally accepted that you need to include strength training into your weekly workout plan. Kettlebells can be a useful tool to assist you with developing your strength. Whether you’re a new entrant to kettlebell training or are an old hand, injuries can still strike at any time if you’re practising the moves incorrectly.

Here are some common mistakes, that a lot of people make with kettlebells. Avoid these and you’ll be able to reap the maximum benefit from your kettlebell training.

Not Following Correct Movement Progression

Too many individuals attempt exercises which they, and their bodies, are not prepared to properly execute. The most usual area at risk is usually the back. For instance, the kettlebell swing shouldn’t be done until the deadlift is mastered. To avoid injury, be patient with your training and progress slowly. Take up sessions with a coach or personal trainer in order to develop a solid and progressive plan.

Make Sure That You’re Not In An Open Chain Position

Correct technique is an essential factor when you begin loading up exercises with additional weight and try to exert more force as well as power. The smallest of discrepancies movement will be exposed and you risk of injuries occurring will increase.

With this firmly in mind, it is key that you make sure your body is set up in a closed circuit with your spine stable and braced, and hips and shoulders stable is key.

Don’t Squat The Weight Up

Think of the kettlebell swing as a deadlift, in which you drive using your hips. When you bend your knees, your quads take over. This eliminates the main benefits of the kettlebell swing. However, there is an additional for the squat because a proper swing loosens up your hips.

Don’t Take Too-Wide A Stance

All stances are not created in an equal fashion. Overly extended stances during kettlebell swings leave several areas which are vulnerable to injury.

The area of risk to your body are your:

  • Hips,
  • Knees, as well as
  • Lower back.

In order to avoid injury, adopt an athletic stance. An athletic stance may be defined as a stance out of which you would jump.

Don’t Allow Momentum To Shift  Your Weight Forward

This mistake is often seen with the kettlebell swing individuals first start out. The action of a swing brings the person’s weight out in front of the body in its arching movement pathway.

If you don’t have a rock-solid stance, with your feet driving down into the floor, it’s very easy for the momentum of this movement to shift your weight forwards into the balls of the feet which brings your heels up from the ground. This also creates an unstable and uncontrolled movement which will in turn often lead to over-compensation, with you having to re-establish your foot position. It can create issues with load on the spine, which is not ideal.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen on becoming an expert at kettlebells then you should do our Kettlebells Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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Should I Take My Protein Shake Before Or After My Workout? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/should-i-take-my-protein-shake-before-or-after-my-workout/ Wed, 03 Mar 2021 05:00:44 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23191 Protein is vital for muscle repair in addition to growth. So, the question is if you need protein shakes in order to achieve your strength training and nutrition goals. It can be argued that a protein shake is one of the best supplements that you can buy. It’s extremely convenient and practical to use. In...

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Protein is vital for muscle repair in addition to growth. So, the question is if you need protein shakes in order to achieve your strength training and nutrition goals. It can be argued that a protein shake is one of the best supplements that you can buy. It’s extremely convenient and practical to use. In addition, there’s plenty of science to support how important protein is.

Many individuals consume protein supplements in the form of shakes together with their workouts. However, the best time to have a protein shake is a hotly debated topic. Some people believe that it’s best to drink a protein shake before a workout, whereas others argue that after a workout is the ideal for a protein shake.

People Who Exercise More Need More Protein

Research suggests that people who routinely do strength training may need double the RDA of protein, to 1.6 g/kg), to support muscle recovery and growth. For a person weighing 68 kg this equals 109 grams of protein per day.

In order to optimise your results, spread this amount over three to four meals which are consumed every three to four hours. A protein shake is a good option between meals, either as a snack or around your workout. They typically contain 25–30 grams of protein per scoop.

What Is The Truth?

The truth Is that there isn’t a right or wrong answer.

It really depends on your fitness goals as well as when you ate your last meal before working out. If you want to build stacks of muscle, you should be having a protein-rich meal (or shake) every three to five hours during the day.

An academic study showed that muscle protein synthesis (in other words, the process of using protein in order to build muscle) rises when you consume a reasonable amount of protein — around 30 grams per meal — during the day as opposed to eating the suggested daily amount (0.8 grams per kilogram of bodyweight) at once, for example at dinner. So whether you exercise in the morning or evening, it’s best practice to spread out your protein intake evenly, and you can do it with a shake if it’s more convenient for you.

It’s not so much about the timing of your protein consumption but rather the total amount of protein that you take in daily. If you prefer to have your protein shake before your workout, as opposed to after, that will be just as beneficial to you. If you are attempting to gain muscle as well as strength, drinking your protein shake before or after your workout doesn’t matter like it was once believed.

What Protein Shake Is Best?

Whey protein comes out on top and is the most bio-available protein on the market. It beats both solid foods as well as other protein supplements.

When a protein has a superior bio-availability, this means it is absorbed and utilised well in the body. Whey protein has a bio-availability of somewhere between 90% to 100% which means that it comes out on top when compared to other appropriate protein sources.

There’s also a timing benefit to utilising whey protein. Protein from whey is broken down very rapidly as compared to other proteins. This means that its amino acids are readily available within roughly an hour.

Alternative proteins – such as casein – break down at a much slower rate and this gives them an almost drip-feed effect. So, if you don’t have a lot of time to eat a solid meal around your workout window – need some fast-acting, high-quality protein – you won’t go wrong with whey. In addition, if you mix your whey protein shake with milk, it behaves more like casein and slows down the digestion.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to hear how to teach people to exercise properly and maximise all of their workouts then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to read more.

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How Will Exercise Change My Life? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-will-exercise-change-my-life-find-out-more/ Wed, 03 Mar 2021 05:00:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23187 If you are just exercising in order to lose weight, you may find it difficult to stick to your fitness goal as It may  take a few weeks or months to notice changes in your outward appearance. Thankfully, there are heaps of ways that exercise can improve your health from the inside out. Some exercise...

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If you are just exercising in order to lose weight, you may find it difficult to stick to your fitness goal as It may  take a few weeks or months to notice changes in your outward appearance. Thankfully, there are heaps of ways that exercise can improve your health from the inside out. Some exercise benefits can be seen straightaway, which can give you that extra push when all that you want to quit.

Men and women who are able to successfully maintain a healthy weight, after they have lost weight or who never really have had a challenge with their weight, tend to be those who are physically active. Regular exercise gives you the ability to improve your weight status – as well as fitness levels – because it utilises excess calories that would otherwise get stored in your body as fat. But that’s not all exercise does.

Exercise Assists With Balancing Hormones

People often turn to supplements – as well as medications  – in order to treat hormone-related health issues such as:

  • Stress,
  • Depression,
  • Sleep deprivation,
  • Weight gain, as well as
  • Mood swings.

However, the key to balancing your hormones may lie in boosting your physical activity. Fitness experts recommend exercise in order to enhance your quality of life and to assist with regulating hormonal imbalances.

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society, it is more important than ever before to make time to exercise. Exercise is a productive outlet which stimulates feel-good transmitters that help boost overall well-being.

Exercise Boosts Your Energy Levels

Aerobic exercises – including fast walking, swimming as well as bicycling – build up your cardiovascular endurance. This is as opposed to push-ups and other weight-bearing exercises which build up your muscular endurance. Increased endurance means more efficient as well as sustained delivery of oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body.

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Exercise Helps To Improve Your Posture

Walking properly – tall and proud – with your head held high as well as your shoulders back allows you to avoid discomfort when you are walking for exercise. In addition, this will help you go the distance, while improving your posture by preventing you from slumping and slouching.

How To Find The Motivation To Exercise

Your fitness goals may be too big for you right now, especially if you’re new to the whole exercise thing. Beginners want to go for maximal fitness goals however they tend to become overwhelmed.  So don’t begin trying to work out an hour every day. Rather, set more reasonable, achievable goals, like exercising 20 to 30 minutes two or three times a week.

Keep a track of your routines. It doesn’t matter if you do it online or in a retro fitness journal. Seeing improvements – whether it be running faster, doing more reps, or working out more often – makes you want to keep going and striving for increased levels of fitness.

Get real. You’re will miss a day or two. If you accept – from the get-go- that there will be some side steps along fitness journey, you’ll be mentally better prepared to deal with setbacks. Don’t let a misstep be an excuse for you giving up.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become an exercise expert then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What Is The Best Exercise For An Outdoor Cardio Workout? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-best-exercise-for-an-outdoor-cardio-workout/ Tue, 02 Mar 2021 05:00:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23176 When it comes to keeping pace with an active – as well as healthy – lifestyle, we can’t allow travel, work, or lack of gym access get in our way. Otherwise, we’d never see results!  That’s why outdoor workouts and exercise sessions can be a great option. Outdoor workouts challenge your muscles (big time!) with...

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When it comes to keeping pace with an active – as well as healthy – lifestyle, we can’t allow travel, work, or lack of gym access get in our way. Otherwise, we’d never see results!  That’s why outdoor workouts and exercise sessions can be a great option.

Outdoor workouts challenge your muscles (big time!) with inclines, declines as well as obstacles. With these types of workouts you’ll also improve your mood and boost self-esteem through the process of performing outdoor exercises.

What Are The Benefits Of Exercising Outdoors?

Getting fit outdoors will give you even more wonderful perks than exercising in the gym does. Outdoor workouts may also boost your mood, save time as well as money, and also be adaptable to anywhere you may be or are travelling to.

Getting moving while soaking up the sun and breathing the fresh air has been demonstrated to improve mood. This is partially as the sun may increase your body’s production of vitamin D which is linked to improved mental health. In addition, outdoor activities can improve self-esteem.

As outdoor activities only involve your body – as well as a place to exercise – it doesn’t cost anything. The great aspect about this is that you can exercise outdoors pretty much anywhere. As a result, you’ll save costs on gym memberships, equipment in addition to commutes.

Sprinting

Sprinting – without a doubt – the weightlifting of the running world. It’s a high-intensity and high-impact exercise. It encourages muscular growth, especially in the posterior-chain muscles such as the glutes as well as hamstrings.

The Workout

Warm-Up

Jog two laps (800 metres). (Once around a standard track oval on the inside lane is 400 metres.)

Pre-Sprint Workout

  • Do the following moves, in order, for a period of30 seconds each. Complete three rounds:
  • Walking Lunge
  • Running With High Knees
  • Side Step
  • Butt Kicks
  • Skipping

Sprint Workout

Repeat the sequence below eight times:

  • Sprint for 100 metres (on the straightaways)
  • Walk for 100 metres (on the curves)

Cool-Down

Walk two laps (800 meters).

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Bicycling

Although spinning classes are as popular as ever, the indoor cycling experience just can’t match up to riding a bike outdoors. Encountering real hills and physically propelling the bike forward necessitates insane intensity and focus.

Warm-Up

Cycle at an easy pace for between five and 10 minutes/

Cycling Workout

Cycle at a moderate, steady-state intensity for between 10 and 15 minutes. Then ride up a hill as quickly as possible with maximum intensity. Rest for between one and two minutes at the top, then coast down. Spend 20 minutes doing this. Cycle at a moderate steady-state intensity for 10 minutes.

Cool-Down

Cycle at an easy pace

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about exercising outdoors and want to discover how to teach people how to correctly exercise outdoors, then you need to become a bootcamp instructor. Follow this link to find out more about our Bootcamp Instructor Course.

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Shoulder Impingement Exercises That Personal Trainers Say Will Get Rid of Pain In Your Neck https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/shoulder-impingement-exercises-that-personal-trainers-say-will-get-rid-of-pain-in-your-neck/ Tue, 02 Mar 2021 05:00:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23171 A lot of us are troubled by neck pain at some juncture in our lives. The most common culprit for this type of pain is overuse or misuse of muscles as well as ligaments. Today’s computer-dominated workplace could be especially tough on necks as so many of us sit for long periods with shoulders slumped...

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A lot of us are troubled by neck pain at some juncture in our lives. The most common culprit for this type of pain is overuse or misuse of muscles as well as ligaments. Today’s computer-dominated workplace could be especially tough on necks as so many of us sit for long periods with shoulders slumped and heads extended toward monitors.

So, if you are behind your computer all day stretching your arms up to reach the sky has probably become one of those mid-meeting tics which you don’t even realise that you’re doing. This is until, one day, you reach toward the ceiling and then your shoulder pings with pain. It’s one of the revealing signs that you’re dealing with inflammation, and a cue that you should start treating your body to some shoulder impingement exercises (as recommended by personal trainers) before it gets any worse.

What Is A Shoulder Impingement?

A shoulder impingement, according to expert personal trainers, is an acute weakness and pain in the front and side of the shoulder, especially while the arm is in motion. It can take place for a number of reasons, including poor posture or simply going too hard on shoulder day. No matter how it started, though, personal trainers agree that you’ll want to nip it in the bud.

The big problem with shoulder impingement is that the longer it’s left untreated, the worse it can get. This is because it prevents the joints from moving through their full range of motion.

As our joints don’t receive direct blood flow, which allows nutrients and oxygen to be absorbed into our cells, they rely on full range of movements in order to receive the synovial fluid which helps them recycle dead cells and empower new ones. When they aren’t able to move at full range, it inhibits that process from working properly.

Exercises To Avoid

If you’re suffering from a shoulder impingement, here are some exercises that you should avoid:

  • Don’t throw anything, particularly if it requires your arms to be overhead.
  • Weightlifting (specifically overhead presses or pull-downs) is problematic, so avoid that until you are cleared.
  • Avoid swimming entirely until you have recovered

These exercises – which are recommended by personal trainers and medical practitioners alike – will assist with lessening the pain from shoulder impingements.

Blade Squeezes

  • Stand or sit.
  • Pinch your shoulder blades together as if you were pinching a small ball between them.
  • Hold for a period of seconds and do this 10 times.
  • Do this exercise between three and five times a day.

Pec Stretching

  • Stand in a doorway with your hand holding tightly onto the door frame just below the height of your shoulders.
  • Make sure that you twist your body away from your arm to the point that you feel a stretch in the chest area.
  • Hold for 15 seconds and then repeat five times.

Shoulder Stretches

  • Stretch your arm straight out in front of you.
  • Move it forward only by using your shoulder.
  • After this move your shoulder backwards as far as you are able to without moving your back or neck, while also not bending your arm.

Arm Stretches

  • Lie on your uninjured side.
  • Bend your top arm in a right angle.
  • Keep your elbow on your hip and then rotate the lower arm towards the ceiling.
  • Repeat 10 to 20 times.

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Keen on learning more personal trainer moves? If you are then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about it here.

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Why Can Skipping Help With Losing Weight? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-can-skipping-help-with-losing-weight-find-out-more/ Mon, 01 Mar 2021 05:00:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23082 Skipping is a form of cardio exercise which world-class athletes — from boxers to football professionals — swear by. This is because skipping helps with: Tone your calves Tightening your core Improving your lung capacity Building stamina. Skipping is a full-body workout which means that it burns many calories in a short time. For an...

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Skipping is a form of cardio exercise which world-class athletes — from boxers to football professionals — swear by. This is because skipping helps with:

  • Tone your calves
  • Tightening your core
  • Improving your lung capacity
  • Building stamina.

Skipping is a full-body workout which means that it burns many calories in a short time. For an average-sized person, skipping might even burn more than 10 calories a minute.

In actual fact, the number of calories that you burn while skipping is dependent on two factors:

  1. Your weight, as well as
  2. The intensity of your workout.

If you’re heavier, you will need to apply more energy which will result in the burning of more calories as opposed to a less heavy person.

In addition, if your skipping is more intensive, you’ll end burning far more calories and shed off more weight. Depending on your weight and intensity level, as we said earlier you may burn between 70-110 calories in a ten-minute skipping session. An hour of skipping, at an average speed may result in losing between 600 and 900 calories. This is one incredible workout!

Why Does Skipping Work?

You will see a whole host of people skipping, from children on the playground to bodybuilders who are sweating it out in the gym. In fact, MMA fighters, bodybuilders as well as ballerinas all skip rope.

A cardiovascular exercise, which is what skipping is, assists the circulatory system with improving the delivery of blood to all parts of the body. This supplies more oxygen and nutrients to where they need to go.

Skipping alone may assist you with boosting your immune system, balancing your metabolism, and improving your overall health and fitness in a short period of time. The activity may also assist your mind by releasing the happy hormone – in other words, endorphins.

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Why Bodybuilders Love Skipping

Bodybuilders who want to train their calf muscles very frequently turn to skipping as it exercises this muscle group well in addition to improve all the tendons and ligaments that are located there. In addition, out of most calf exercises skipping is known to put the least amount of strain on your leg joints, which is quite important if you’re doing extended training sessions.

It is a full-body workout that uses your abdominals in order to stabilise the body, your legs for jumping as well as your shoulders and arms for turning the rope.

If you find skipping boring but are desperate to lose weight from it, try varying your moves. You could do double jumps, bring your knees closer to your chest when you jump, skip with one foot, or jump twice on one foot and then swap.

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If you want to get the low-down on exercise then you need to become a personal trainer. The best way to do this is by studying our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about it here.

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Why Do You Have To Make Sure That Your Workouts Are Age Appropriate? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-do-you-have-to-make-sure-that-your-workouts-are-age-appropriate/ Mon, 01 Mar 2021 05:00:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23089 We all know very well that exercise is really good for us. However, it does more than merely improve our physical fitness. Exercise also reduces our risk of contracting many diseases, such as cancer, heart disease or even diabetes. It assists with reducing stress, helping us sleep better, and it boosts our mental health. As...

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We all know very well that exercise is really good for us. However, it does more than merely improve our physical fitness. Exercise also reduces our risk of contracting many diseases, such as cancer, heart disease or even diabetes. It assists with reducing stress, helping us sleep better, and it boosts our mental health.

As exercise does so much for us, it is incredibly important to exercise no matter what how old you are. A lifelong exercise programme is the surest way to help you live and thrive into old age. However, the type and amount of exercise which you should do changes as you age.

Workouts For Children

In childhood, exercise helps with controlling body weight, building healthy bones and promoting self-confidence as well as healthy sleep patterns. The government makes the recommendation that children should get – as a minimum – at least one hour of exercise a day. As a tip:

  • Children should try a number of different sports and develop skills, such as swimming as well as the ability to hit and kick a ball.
  • A lot of non–scheduled physical activity is great as well, such as playing in playgrounds.

Exercise habits tend to decline steadily during teen years, particularly in girls. Getting enough exercise is responsible for promoting a healthy body image as well as assisting with manage stress and anxiety. You can also encourage teenagers to keep one team sport, if possible.

For teenagers who are just not into team sports, swimming or athletics may be a good way to keep fitness levels up.

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Workouts For Older People

Starting an exercise routine in your 50s or later may feel scary as well as intimidating, whether you are starting out for the first time or reviving an old habit. You may feel that it’s too late or you aren’t in good enough shape to get started. However, the smallest changes produce drastic results.

When anyone first starts to exercise, it is important to assess your current state of physical fitness first. While there is almost no out-and-out contraindication to exercise, certain medical or physical conditions may necessitate particular adjustments to an exercise routine.

Your doctor may want to make certain adjustments to your exercise routine if you suffer from one of the following:

  • For patients who are suffering from osteoporosis, impact exercise (with caution) and weight training are vital as these types of exercise can assist with building bone mass and slowing degeneration.
  • For patients who have arthritis, impact exercise can be bothersome to the joints. This means that physicians will typically recommend low-impact cardiovascular exercise, such as swimming or – alternatively – biking.
  • Patients who suffer from high blood pressure that is not controlled (higher than 180/110 mmHg) should avoid heavy weightlifting until they’ve received the all-clear from their doctor.

After receiving the OK from your doctor, it’s time to have some fun! It’s important to begin with activities which are familiar and enjoyable, such as taking a walk or a bicycle ride. It’s also smart to begin slowly.

The ultimate goal is to build a habit and be able to slowly increase your activity over time. If you’re lifting weights, start with weights with which you can perform 10-12 repetitions of at first. You don’t want to be so sore after the first outing that you can’t move for a week.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn to discover more about teaching all walks of life how to exercise properly then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What Do Kettlebells Do For Your Body? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-do-kettlebells-do-for-your-body-find-out-in-this-article/ Fri, 26 Feb 2021 09:10:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23110 Burn up to 400 calories in just 20 minutes: That’s the result that you’ll get from a kettlebell workout. A kettlebell looks like a cast-iron cannonball with a handle on the top. These pieces of exercise equipment come in a number of different weights. You’ll make use of them as you do exercises such as...

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Burn up to 400 calories in just 20 minutes: That’s the result that you’ll get from a kettlebell workout. A kettlebell looks like a cast-iron cannonball with a handle on the top. These pieces of exercise equipment come in a number of different weights. You’ll make use of them as you do exercises such as lunges, lifts as well as shoulder presses.

A kettlebell workout gets your heart pumping and utilises up to 20 calories per minute which is about as much as running a 6-minute mile does. Kettlebell workouts offer exercises a lot of flexibility. You are able to include a few of the moves in your own workout or do a dedicated kettlebell workout a couple of times a week.

Kettlebells Are Great For Strength Training

Kettlebells are a great exercise tool for strength training. Yes, for many of the different exercises they’re totally interchangeable for dumbbells or types of weights. However, for some weighted moves – especially ones that require an explosive movement – kettlebells reign supreme.

This is because of the way that they’re shaped which makes them much easier to swing around. You are also able to hold them by the handle or the bell (which is the round part of the weight). This allows you to get a different range of motion depending on the kettlebell exercise which you’re doing.

In addition, the shape of a kettlebell allows you to work your muscles a little differently as opposed to a traditional dumbbell. The weight is distributed differently than the usual dumbbell so it works different muscles while doing the same movement. A kettlebell also requires more wrist motion, so your wrists and forearms get a little extra work.

Helps With Improving Core Stability And Strength

There are a different number of great reasons why kettlebells are fantastic for improving core strength as well as stability.

Many kettlebell exercises are a format of ballistic training. Ballistic training focuses on working on explosive power through maximising acceleration as well as minimising deceleration. These explosive movements are responsible for stimulating the abdominal muscles tremendously well.

Kettlebell workouts require core contraction, in addition to coordinated breathing, as the movements are extremely intense. This leads to phenomenal improvement in core strength, even when you’re not necessarily targeting your core as you would with crunches or leg raises.

Kettlebell movements are multiplanar. What this means is that will be working your core from all directions. This is vital to building well-rounded core strength.

Some of the best kettlebell exercises are offset as well as unilateral. This means that you will only be making use of one kettlebell. When you’re moving the kettlebell around on one side, you will be working your core stability as well as your strength.

These are all super important reasons why athletes train with kettlebells. Athletes require core power in order to explode through opponents, quickly change/move in a number of different directions without risking injury (twisting, turning, accelerating/decelerating), and handle loads as well as pressure from one side while still remaining upright (think about a running back taking a hit on one side during a play).  Kettlebell training provides a dynamic method of accomplishing these important physical capabilities.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’re a personal trainer and want to become a kettlebell pro, then we really recommend that you do our Kettlebell Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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Is Suspension Training Effective? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/is-suspension-training-effective-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Fri, 26 Feb 2021 08:28:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23106 Suspension training may be intimidating to the exercise newbie. After all, any type of exercise with the word “suspension” in it may be off-putting to those who would rather to keep both feet on the ground at all times. However, as it turn out interestingly enough not only is suspension training an effective workout, it’s...

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Suspension training may be intimidating to the exercise newbie. After all, any type of exercise with the word “suspension” in it may be off-putting to those who would rather to keep both feet on the ground at all times.

However, as it turn out interestingly enough not only is suspension training an effective workout, it’s also an increasingly popular one among people of all abilities and levels of fitness. In addition, it’s a super-effective way of torching your whole body, building strength, and getting your heart beating just by making use of just your own bodyweight.

The Proof Is In The Stats

A research study of 16 healthy men and women (from 21 up to 71 years old) was commissioned in order to look at the long-term effects of suspension training. Participants did a 60-minute suspension training class three times a week for a period of eight weeks. In addition, they had various physical fitness and health markers that were measured both before and after the programme.

Participants in the study burned about 400 calories per session and there were significant decreases in waist circumference, body fat percentage, and resting blood pressure. Individuals also improved their muscle strength and endurance, which includes significant improvements in the leg press, bench press, curl-up as well as push-up tests.

All of these results combined make the suggestion that the long-term adherence to a suspension training program is likely to decrease your likelihood of cardiovascular disease.

What Areas Of Your Body Does Suspension Training Target?

Suspension training targets a number of different areas on your body:

  • Core: Yes. No matter what type of exercise you’re doing in suspension training (and there are hundreds), almost every one of them challenges your core.
  • Arms: Yes. There are a number of different possible arm as well as upper body exercises to do in suspension training.
  • Legs: Yes. You will almost always be working your legs in some way with most suspension training exercises.
  • Glutes: Yes. Your glutes get a lot of work with most suspension exercises. In addition, you can always choose specific butt-targeting moves if you want to.
  • Back: Yes. You’re using your entire core, including your back muscles, at all times in order to maintain stability.

One last thing to keep at the forefront of your mind about suspension training is that while it has tremendous potential from a fitness perspective, it can also result in injury without the proper techniques in place. This is why personal trainers are an essential part of the process. With the appropriate knowledge, training, and experience, they are uniquely positioned to help their clients minimise the risk of injury while maximizing the effects of suspension training.

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If you are a personal trainer and would like to become a whizz at suspension training then you need to do our Suspension Training Course. Find out more here.

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What Are The Best Exercises To Integrate Into Your Workday? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-exercises-to-integrate-into-your-workday/ Fri, 26 Feb 2021 05:00:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23059 Do you find it challenging to make time to get to the gym or keep up with regular exercises outside of work? If your work schedule doesn’t allow you to spend hours at the gym or exercising every week, you need to do your best to find creative ways in order to incorporate physical activity...

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Do you find it challenging to make time to get to the gym or keep up with regular exercises outside of work? If your work schedule doesn’t allow you to spend hours at the gym or exercising every week, you need to do your best to find creative ways in order to incorporate physical activity into your workday. This is incredibly important if you sit for long periods of time at your job. This is because research overwhelmingly links prolonged sitting with poor health outcomes as well as even increased mortality rates.

The great news is that just because you don’t find yourself at the gym as often as you’d like, there are still creative ways that you can employ in order to get your daily dose of exercise in.

Don’t Take The Lift

Throughout your workday, you should try to find as many chances to walk or move as possible, for example climbing the stairs instead of getting into the lift. If your workplace in an office building with stairs, you could even take a few 10-minute breaks throughout the day in order to do runs up and down several flights so that your heart rate gets going, burning calories, and toning your lower half.

Stand Up

Look for opportunities to get out of your office chair. Stand while you’re talking on the phone. If it’s at all possible, skip instant messaging and email and rather walk to a colleague’s desk for a face-to-face chat.

Take Time To Smell The Roses

Whether you’re going out to buy lunch or are taking a 15-minute walk around the building, make a little bit of time every day, weather permitting of course, to get outside, breathe in some fresh air, as well as move your body.

By doing this not only will you feel re-focused as well as re-energised for the rest of your workday, but your body will really thank you for the physical exercise. If you feel that you don’t have the ability to take that much time away from your workload, try to utilise your outside time to multitask by returning phone calls or participating in conference calls which don’t require you to be in front of a computer.

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Make A Fitness Appointment

Make time for exercise before or after your workday or, alternatively, during your lunch break. Think about scheduling time for your workouts on your calendar. Treat them like important appointments.

Store resistance bands — stretchy cords or tubes that offer weight-like resistance when you pull on them — or small hand weights in a desk drawer or cabinet. Do arm curls between meetings or tasks.

The Power Of Teamwork

Organise a lunchtime walking group. Enjoy the friendship and banter of others who are ready and rearing to lace up their walking shoes. You are able to hold each other accountable for regular exercise — and offer encouragement to one another when the going gets tough.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’re keen on learning more about exercise and fitness, and want to possibly become a personal trainer, then you need to really check out our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What Is The Farmers Walk Exercise? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-farmers-walk-exercise-find-out-more/ Fri, 26 Feb 2021 05:00:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23063 The health and fitness industry has made giant leaps over the past decade. In the past couple of years, exercises that were traditionally only done by diehard strength athletes are making their way into the health and fitness routines of normal gym-goers who are looking to improve their health. A farmer’s walk — which is...

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The health and fitness industry has made giant leaps over the past decade. In the past couple of years, exercises that were traditionally only done by diehard strength athletes are making their way into the health and fitness routines of normal gym-goers who are looking to improve their health.

A farmer’s walk — which is also known as a farmer’s carry, suitcase carry, or loaded carry — is a type of general strength exercise in which you hold a kettlebell or a substantial load while walking in a straight line.

The farmers walk exercise is extremely simple, but effective movement. All the equipment that you require are (one or) two weights as well as some space to walk back and forth in. In addition, you are also even able to use household items such as jugs or an actual suitcase that is loaded with books if you don’t have weights. Not only does this go towards enhancing sports-specific areas but it also helps to address weaknesses in your everyday life.

What Are The Benefits Of The Farmers Walk Exercise?

Improved Posture

The farmers walk improves your posture by increasing your awareness of your muscles as well as your body in general as well as forcing you to think hard about your form. In addition to this, it creates stability and eradicates imbalances in your body (especially if two weights are used at a time). By default, this leads to better posture.

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Improved Grip Strength

A weak grip is certainly something you will want to fix before you begin taking deadlifts or other strength-training techniques seriously. If you don’t concentrate on your grip then you’ll never be able to reach your maximum potential with free weights or sports.

The farmer’s walk strengthens your grip through working your wrists, hands, forearms, shoulders, and back altogether. This is because all of these muscles support grip strength when they are properly trained.

Lowers Risk Of Injury

The farmers walk (with lesser weights perhaps) is really quite a natural movement for our bodies. As humans, we were made with the ability to carry objects from one locale to another place, more so than we were to lift and then hold them in unnatural poses.

When you begin small and then work your way up, the chances of injury are slim if you keep proper form as well as focus on what you’re doing. Although there’s a risk with every exercise, one of the farmers walk benefits is that it’s less likely to injure you as opposed to the more strenuous weight-lifting movements.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

It is the primary job of a personal trainer to teach people the proper form that they need to adopt with exercise. If this is a career path is one which interests you then you should check out our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about it here.

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Which Exercises Can Help With Improving Your Balance? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/which-exercises-can-help-with-improving-your-balance/ Thu, 25 Feb 2021 05:00:55 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23014 With your exercise, you may concentrate on how certain regimens may improve your strength, assist you with losing weight, or even make you more flexible. Alternatively, maybe you just exercise to feel good as well as stay healthy—all are incredibly valid motivations for breaking a sweat. However, another huge benefit of exercise that you may...

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With your exercise, you may concentrate on how certain regimens may improve your strength, assist you with losing weight, or even make you more flexible. Alternatively, maybe you just exercise to feel good as well as stay healthy—all are incredibly valid motivations for breaking a sweat. However, another huge benefit of exercise that you may not think about is how it improves your balance.

Balance is something which many of us take for granted however everyone is able to benefit from improving it. Balance training exercises are responsible for strengthening core muscles and improving stability. This makes you lighter on your feet.

Balance training can assist anyone no matter what age they are. Athletes find that improved balance can make them more powerful. Seniors use improved to prevent injuries from falls and maintain independence. And fitness lovers know that improved helps to improve workouts as well as everyday life. In fact, merely moving around efficiently in life necessitates healthy postural alignment and good balance.

Different Types Of Balance

Balance is classified under two headings: static and dynamic.

  • Dynamic balance: This is the ability to move outside your body’s base of support while maintaining posture control.
  • Static balance: This is the ability to maintain your body’s centre of mass within its base of support

Both types of balance are important and both may be improved with targeted exercises.

Tai Chi

Studies from across the globe show that tai chi, which is a gentle exercise that is often called “meditation in motion,” may help you to cut down on falls if you’re older as well as if you’re having balance issues. A skilled tai chi teacher will be able to show you the slow, precise movements which  will assist you to not only find more stability, but boost your overall health and mood, as well.

One-Legged Balance

Start out with this beginner’s move and keep a stable chair or a wall within an arm’s reach. With your feet together, pick up one foot with your knee facing forward or – alternatively – to the side. Hold the position with your eyes open and then closed. Switch over feet and repeat for four reps on each of your feet. If any move feels wrong or precarious to you, stop and check with a personal trainer. Depending on your health as well as physical condition, some exercises may not be recommended.

Weight Shifts

Stand up tall and make sure that your feet are hip-distance apart. Lean slowly towards one leg until it’s bearing all of your weight. At the same time life your other leg off the ground. Hold for up to 30 seconds, then move to the other side.

In terms of good exercise equipment for balance training, one of the best tools to own is a BOSU (“Both Sides Up”). A BOSU is ultimately a half ball with a flat platform. The name comes from the fact that you are able to exercise on both the ball side as well as the flat side. A BOSU ball provides an unstable surface on which you are able to practise squats, lunges, jumps, planks, and hundreds of other different exercises. If you aren’t able to access to a BOSU ball, it is possible to create a similar effect by loosely rolling a yoga mat or towel to stand on. Any kind of unstable surface will be good.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about exercises to improve your balance – as well as exercises to train your body overall – then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about it here.

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Why You Need To Do Resistance Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-you-need-to-do-resistance-training/ Thu, 25 Feb 2021 05:00:12 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23017 Resistance training (which is also called strength training or weight training) is the utilisation of resistance to muscular contraction so that you can build the strength, anaerobic endurance as well as the size of skeletal muscles. Resistance training is established on the principle that the body’s muscles will work in order to overcome a resistance...

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Resistance training (which is also called strength training or weight training) is the utilisation of resistance to muscular contraction so that you can build the strength, anaerobic endurance as well as the size of skeletal muscles.

Resistance training is established on the principle that the body’s muscles will work in order to overcome a resistance force when they are needed to do so. When you do resistance training repeatedly as well as consistently, your muscles become stronger.

What Does A Well-Rounded Fitness Programme Include?

A well-rounded fitness programme includes:

  • Strength training in order to improve joint function, bone density, muscle, tendon and ligament strength, in addition to
  • Aerobic exercise to enhance your heart and lung fitness, flexibility, and
  • Balance exercises.

It is recommended that adults perform muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days each week.

The thing about strength and resistance training is that you don’t get better during workouts. In actual fact, you get better in between. You should be giving yourself a day in between strength training in order to allow your body to recover as well as rebuild the muscle tissue from the stimulus of lifting or resistance.

What Are The Benefits Of Resistance Training?

There are countless benefits of resistance training. Research shows that these include:

  • Better physical performance
  • Improved ability to control bodily movements
  • Faster walking speeds
  • Reduced belly fat (which is also known as visceral fat)
  • Enhanced brain functioning
  • Higher self-esteem

It is further reported that resistance training offers disease and injury-related benefits also. For instance, it can assist in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Resistance training has also been linked to reducing lower back pain or pain that occurs with arthritis and fibromyalgia.

The Best Way Of Resistance Training

There are several diverse ways in which you can strengthen your muscles, whether it is at home or the gym. The different types of resistance training include the following:

  • Free weights – classic strength training tools, for example dumbbells, barbells as well as kettlebells.
  • Medicine balls or sandbags –balls or, alternatively, bags which are weighted.
  • Weight machines – devices which have adjustable seats with handles that are attached either to weights or hydraulics.
  • Resistance bands – such as giant rubber bands – which provide resistance when stretched. They are portable and may be adapted to most workouts. The bands offer continuous resistance throughout a movement.
  • Suspension equipment – a training tool which uses gravity as well as the user’s body weight in order to complete various exercises.
  • Your own body weight – may be used for squats, push-ups and chin-ups. Making use of your own bodyweight is convenient, especially when travelling or at work.

If you’re looking to add strength and resistance training to your workout routine then you have a lot of options. You absolutely don’t need a gym membership or costly weight machines. Squatting on a chair at home, push-ups, planks, or other exercises which require you to use your own body weight as resistance are very effective.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover additional information about resistance training – as well as other forms of exercise – then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Are The Elements Of A Balanced Fitness Routine? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-elements-of-a-balanced-fitness-routine/ Wed, 24 Feb 2021 05:00:56 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=23003 Whether you’re a novice who is taking the first steps toward living the fitness lifestyle or an exercise fanatic who is hoping to optimise your results, a well-rounded fitness training programme is essential. When you exercise, chances are good that you either run, walk, run/jog, swim, take a yoga class, weight train, or play some...

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Whether you’re a novice who is taking the first steps toward living the fitness lifestyle or an exercise fanatic who is hoping to optimise your results, a well-rounded fitness training programme is essential.

When you exercise, chances are good that you either run, walk, run/jog, swim, take a yoga class, weight train, or play some sort of sport, in and of itself. Just walking, running, or swimming will not meet all the components of fitness and, therefore, is not considered a balanced routine.

Individually speaking, different components of exercise have their own unique purpose. But you combine these you get a powerful and balanced fitness regimen which promotes optimal health.

Aerobic Fitness

Cardio (as aerobic fitness is most usually referred to) is any physical activity which gets your heart rate pumping as well as your pulse rate increasing. This results in oxygenating your blood. All of this increases your overall stamina, which is great for your heart health in addition to holistic wellness. In fact, aerobic exercise should be the basis of every single fitness regimen.

Examples of aerobic fitness activities include:

  • Running,
  • Speed walking,
  • Stair climbing,
  • Cycling,
  • Swimming,
  • Jumping rope, as well as
  • High-intensity interval training.

The recommended frequency of aerobic activity is 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each and every single week. Alternatively, a combination of moderate and vigorous exercise is also OK.

Muscular Fitness

Muscular fitness is another fundamental component of a fitness training programme. Strength training can assist you with increasing bone strength as well as muscular fitness. It can assist you with managing or losing weight as well as improving your ability to do everyday activities.

You should be aiming to include strength training, which is targeted at all of the major muscle groups – into your fitness routine at least twice per week.

Gyms offer various resistance machines, free weights in addition to other tools for strength training. However, the great news is that you don’t need to invest in a gym membership or expensive equipment in order to get the benefits of strength training.

Core

Your core muscles — in other words, the ones in your abdomen, lower back, and pelvis—are vital to protecting your back. They do this by bracing your spine which makes it easier to do many daily activities. This becomes increasingly important as we age.

Examples of core-strengthening exercises are the following:

  • Bridges,
  • Abdominal crunches,
  • Planks,
  • Pilates,
  • Hanging leg raises,
  • Oblique reaches, and
  • Stability ball exercises.

It is recommended that you do these types of exercises at least twice a week.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen on becoming a fitness expert you need to become a personal trainer. Our Personal Training Diploma is the gold standard in fitness education and will set you up on your road to success! Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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What Is A Drop Set? Read this article to find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-drop-set-read-this-article-to-find-out-more/ Tue, 23 Feb 2021 05:00:56 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22976 Drop sets are an advanced weight-training technique that are specifically designed for muscle hypertrophy. This basically means that you’re trying to make your muscles grow bigger through this programme. So, with a drop set, the idea is that you start with your heaviest weight load and then perform as many reps as you are able...

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Drop sets are an advanced weight-training technique that are specifically designed for muscle hypertrophy. This basically means that you’re trying to make your muscles grow bigger through this programme. So, with a drop set, the idea is that you start with your heaviest weight load and then perform as many reps as you are able to until failure. Then, immediately reduce your weight load and repeat.

All through a normal, single-set exercise, you are limiting the amount of muscle fibres used however by reducing the weight load and continuing, you engage muscle fibres deep down that wouldn’t usually be reached. This causes muscle growth.

What Are The Benefits Of Using The Drop Set Technique?

Drop sets are highly effective for boosting volume of training while – as the same time –  maintaining good technique for the purpose of muscle growth as well as fat loss. For instance, there are certain exercises which are just better than others. Squats vs. leg extensions, for example. It’s most likely better to just add drop sets of squats as opposed to adding leg extensions but not to do all the squats that you can handle. Same thing for bench press vs. bench fly.

How To Set Up A Drop Set

If you’re doing a bicep curl drop set, you’d stick to the following set-up:

  • Set 1. Do between six and eight reps.
  • Set 2. Drop weight by between 10 and 30% and then do between 10 and 12 reps.
  • Set 3. Drop weight again by between 10 and 30%. Perform between 12 and 15 reps.

You’d begin with a heavy load, one with which you are only able to complete between six and eight reps. Let’s say that’s 9-kilogram dumbbells:

  • You’d do eight reps of bicep curls with 9-kilogram dumbbells,
  • Then 10–12 reps with 7-kilogram dumbbells,
  • Then 12–15 reps with 5.5-kilogram dumbbells.

You’d take little to no rest between each of the sets.

Paying close attention to your form during each rep is always essential, but this is especially key during a drop set when you’re working to fatigue as this can help prevent injuries.

Are You Able To Do Drop Sets At Every Workout?

The short answer is yes however you probably don’t need to. If you’re training only a few times a week with weights, you can do drop sets every time you train as maximising volume of the essential movements is super important in low-frequency training.

However, if you lift weights on most days of the week, you’ll want to steer clear of drop sets on your lighter days. It’s a much better idea to concentrate on recovery and reserve loads of drop sets for more challenging training days.

If you’re going to add drop sets in on lighter days, they should probably be done as a replacement for a working set in order to reduce volume and training stimulus further as opposed to adding to the overall volume.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’re a personal trainer and you would like to improve your knowledge of weightlifting then we really suggest that you do our Olympic Lifting Course. Follow this link for more information.

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How To Build Stronger Bones With Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-build-stronger-bones-with-exercise/ Tue, 23 Feb 2021 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22973 All types of physical activity will assist with keeping your bones fit-for-purpose as well as reducing the risk of falling. Bone is a living tissue. So,  when you apply a load or force to them your bones react by growing stronger. This is why exercise is so essential for keeping your bones strong as well...

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All types of physical activity will assist with keeping your bones fit-for-purpose as well as reducing the risk of falling. Bone is a living tissue. So,  when you apply a load or force to them your bones react by growing stronger. This is why exercise is so essential for keeping your bones strong as well as healthy. Exercise will also reduce your risk of osteoporosis in addition to bone fractures. However, not all exercises are equal when it comes down to building strong, healthy bones. The best exercises to maintain the health of your bones are weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening activities.

What Is Muscle-Strengthening Exercise?

A muscle-strengthening exercise is any exercise that makes your muscles work more than usual. This type of exercise increases your muscles’ strength, size, power as well as endurance. The activities involve making use of your body weight or – alternatively – working against a form of resistance.

What Is Weight-Bearing Aerobic Exercise?

Weight-bearing aerobic activities consist of doing aerobic exercise on your feet, with your bones supporting your weight. Examples of weight-bearing aerobic activities include walking, dancing, low-impact aerobics, elliptical training machines, stair climbing as well as gardening.

Some weight-bearing workouts – such as jogging, hiking as well as playing tennis – place more stress on your bones and joints as opposed to other types. Fitness experts call them high-impact exercises. If you’ve already had a fracture owing to osteoporosis or you’re at risk for one, you may need to forgo these high-impact workouts.

Other aerobic exercises – such as swimming, water aerobics, using the elliptical machine as well as biking – aren’t as effective at strengthening bones. However, they are great low-impact options for people who aren’t able to do high-impact, weight-bearing activity.

How Much Is Enough?

In order for an activity to be muscle strengthening, it needs to work your muscles to the point where you may need a short rest before continuing. For example, if you’re lifting weights, you’d have to put the weight down after doing a number of lifts before carrying on.

If you suffer from health conditions – such as heart trouble, high blood pressure, diabetes, or are obese – or if you are age 40 or older, we recommend that you check with your doctor before you start a regular exercise programme.

Listen to your body. When beginning an exercise routine, you may have some muscle soreness as well as discomfort at the beginning. However, this should not be painful or last more than two days. If it does, you could be working too hard and need to let up. Stop exercising immediately if you experience any chest pain or discomfort and make sure that see your doctor before your next exercise session.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Has your interest been piqued with this article? Do you want to discover more about exercise and the other health benefits that it has? If you do then you need to become a personal trainer with us. Sign up for the Personal Training Diploma today!

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How To Box Without A Punching Bag? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-box-without-a-punching-bag/ Fri, 19 Feb 2021 05:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22924 Any dedicated martial artist and boxer knows the importance of training, whenever, and however they are able to. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to have a full boxing set-up in the comfort of your own home. Some of the best free-standing punching bags can cost a fair chunk of change and then you’ve got to...

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Any dedicated martial artist and boxer knows the importance of training, whenever, and however they are able to. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to have a full boxing set-up in the comfort of your own home. Some of the best free-standing punching bags can cost a fair chunk of change and then you’ve got to find a place to put it.

There is no question about it that boxing is one of the best ways for you to develop your body. However, many individuals think that it is impossible to practise without a heavy punching bag or a speed bag. The good news it that is not true because you can do shadow boxing at home as well as many other exercises which do not require any equipment at all.

You could say that it is not the same as hitting a punching bag but, believe us, if you learn how to do this type of workout correctly and intensively, shadow boxing is a superb way to burn fat as well as to develop your endurance and skills. Shadow boxing is done by the professionals as well to improve their technique.

What Is Shadow Boxing?

Boxing without equipment or an opponent is a training technique that is known as shadow boxing. Essentially, this is punching the air. You’ll need to ensure that you have enough space to move around, though, so you may want to practise in front of a mirror in order to adjust your form.

Experiment with throwing different styles of punches. Create various combinations of moves and incorporate defensive boxing techniques. If you’re just starting out with shadow boxing, and need a little bit more guidance, try an app. These tools walk you through basic boxing skills and even offer shadowboxing classes.

With repeated practice, you’ll learn to correct mistakes on the fly, ultimately making you a much better boxer.

Keep A Constant Eye On Your Form

Shadowboxing is the perfect opportunity for you to focus on your form. There’s no pressure on you to throw out fast punches at the punching bag or an opponent. In addition, there’s nothing coming back at you which means that you can zone in on your form by practising your stance as well as to build up good fighting habits.

It’s a good idea to practise your basic boxing stance when you’re doing your shadowboxing rounds:

  • Keep your feet in the ideal position and have your weight distributed evenly
  • Slightly bend your knees
  • Make sure that your feet are diagonal and a little wider than shoulder-width apart
  • Keep your elbows down and your hands up
  • With your chin slightly down, stare forward

Even for those intermediate and advanced contenders, practising basic boxing stance is essential as it can easily take a backseat when you’re working on new skills.

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Work On Your Technique

Once you have your form down pat, you can start begin to focus on your technique:

  • Where are you battling?
  • Do you have any bad patterns in the ring, such as looking down or poor footwork?
  • Would you like to improve certain skills such as your jab, straight punch, or uppercuts?

Zone in and make sure that you perfect those strikes.

This is a great time for you to work on punching combinations as well. Drill them as much as you are able to and really reinforce the muscle memory until these become second nature.

Remember that because you don’t have the pressure of a bag or an opponent shadowboxing is the perfect workout for boosting your technique, from punches to footwork, to movement and dodges.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to boost your boxing to the next level then you need to become a boxing instructor. Find out more about our Boxing Instructor Course here.

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What Amount Of Exercise Do You Have To Do Better Heart Health? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-amount-of-exercise-do-you-have-to-do-better-heart-health/ Fri, 19 Feb 2021 05:00:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22940 Regular exercise helps to fend off high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes as well as a host of other chronic diseases. Despite these well-publicised benefits, many South Africans aren’t physically active on a day-to-day basis. One reason could be people mistakenly believing that exercise requires heart-pounding exertion and profuse sweat. While that level of effort...

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Regular exercise helps to fend off high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes as well as a host of other chronic diseases. Despite these well-publicised benefits, many South Africans aren’t physically active on a day-to-day basis. One reason could be people mistakenly believing that exercise requires heart-pounding exertion and profuse sweat. While that level of effort makes a lot of sense if you’re training for a race or other athletic event, it’s just not necessary if your main concern is staying healthy.

Unfortunately, many individuals have blurred the distinction between exercising to remain healthy and preserve your well-being as opposed to exercising for fitness in an athletic and competitive sense. The actual truth is that if you’re exercising for health, it takes very little effort to see enormous benefit.

Exercise For Better Heart Health

Being physically active is a massive step towards good heart health. It’s definitely one of your most effective tools to help you to:

  • Strengthen the heart muscle,
  • Keep your weight under control, and
  • Ward off the artery damage from high cholesterol, high blood sugar as well as high blood pressure that may result in heart attack or even stroke.

It’s also very true that different types of exercise are required in order to provide complete fitness. Aerobic exercise – as well as resistance training – are the most important for heart health. Although flexibility doesn’t directly contribute to heart health, it’s nevertheless important as it provides a good foundation for performing aerobic and strength exercises more effectively.

So, How Much Is Enough?

Honestly speaking, the jury is still out on a definitive number of hours per week that you need to be exercising in order to ensure good heart health.

A recent large-scale study, which relied on objective data about exercise from more than 90 000 adults, bolsters the increasing body of evidence which states that almost any amount of physical activity seems to be good for cardiovascular health. There is no distinctive upper limit to the benefits.

Back in the late 1940s and early 1950s, Jeremy Morris – who was a British epidemiologist – famously found that British bus conductors, who spent their days strolling aisles and climbing steps on the double-decker buses, were about half as likely to have a heart attack as the buses’ drivers, who sat all day.

Since then, countless epidemiological studies have uncovered similar links between physical activity and cardiovascular problems. In most, greater amounts of physical activity aligned closely with less risk of heart disease. In other words, people who moved a lot tended also to be people with sound hearts and arteries.

However, there is no definitive proof that walks and other activities directly strengthen people’s hearts, only that the two are linked. It remains conceivable that long-term, intense exercise might, at some point, stop being good for hearts. But in the same breath, for most of us increasing our exercise to much higher levels or more vigorous levels should substantially reduce our chances, later, for heart disease.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Although there is no conclusive word on how much exercise you need to do in order to maintain heart health, the bottom line is that exercising is good for the health of your body – and not just your heart. Check out our fitness courses to learn more about exercise.

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What Is Peloton Training? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-peloton-training-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Fri, 19 Feb 2021 05:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22933 When it comes down to your workouts, you don’t have a lot of time to waste endlessly scrolling or, worse still, starting then stopping a workout video after you realise your choice wasn’t what you were hoping for. The Peloton bike is a high-quality home exercise bike which offers the convenience of working out at...

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When it comes down to your workouts, you don’t have a lot of time to waste endlessly scrolling or, worse still, starting then stopping a workout video after you realise your choice wasn’t what you were hoping for.

The Peloton bike is a high-quality home exercise bike which offers the convenience of working out at home. However, instead of just pedalling along – and not getting a great workout – Peloton training connects you to live and on-demand workouts, which allows instructors to motivate as well as push you.

The Peloton training also provides you with performance-tracking metrics and a real-time leaderboard in order to keep you hustling hard instead of gently pedalling as you flip through a magazine. There are around 1 million members of the Peloton community (that includes home riders, app subscribers and studio and commercial riders).

What Are The Benefits Of Peloton Training?

The monthly Peloton training subscription gives you unlimited streaming access to all of their workouts.  You could do two workouts per day if your schedule allowed,. There is really no limit.

With Peloton training, you have the choice of live workouts with an instructor or, alternatively, pre-defined on-demand rides.  There are up to 14 live classes every single day. Otherwise, you can call-up another ride with the on-demand function. There is no shortage of rides to choose from.

You are able to be right with your friends.  Perhaps you want to do a ride at the same time as your sibling who lives halfway across the country. With Peloton training, you can!  It can be a great way to virtually ride together.

If you use Peloton training enough, it can really whip you in to shape.

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How Long Is A Peloton Training Session?

While motivation and drive definitely play a role in retaining a consistent daily routine, most Peloton instructors (and avid exercisers) will tell you that habits beat willpower every time.

When just starting out with Peloton training, committing to exercising at all can feel impossible, let alone exercising for 30 or 60 minutes each and every single day. That’s why Peloton Members agree that starting with 15- and 20-minute rides is the best way to form a daily habit.

And the reason for this is simple: It’s much easier to find 15 minutes in your busy day than it is to find 60. Although, once you’re hooked on the high you get from a 15-minute ride you’ll be much more likely to put aside time for a longer one

Here’s how a typical Peloton training will look:

  • Monday: Cardio + Core
  •  45-minute Peloton HIIT and Hills ride
  • 10-minute Peloton Core Strength Class

 

  • Tuesday: Full Body
  •  60-minute Peloton Bootcamp

 

  • Wednesday: Upper Body + Core
  •  20-minute Peloton HIIT ride
  • 20-minute Peloton Arms and Shoulders class
  • 10-minute Peloton Core class

 

  • Thursday: Lower Body
  •  30-minute Peloton Climb Ride
  • 30-minute Lower Body Strength Class

 

  • Friday: Cardio + Core
  •  45-minute Peloton Club Bangers Ride
  • 10-minute Peloton Core Strength Class

 

  • Saturday: Full Body
  •  Bodyweight HIIT workout at the boat
  • Sunday: Rest

 

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to become a personal trainer then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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How Does Behaviour Change Relate To Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-does-behaviour-change-relate-to-training/ Thu, 18 Feb 2021 05:00:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22911 Behaviour change is a relatively new school of thought, which is sometimes called behavioural science. It works from a more realistic understanding of what exactly makes people tick. We all know that the decisions which people make are not often the result of a rational calculation. However, this irrationality is in itself quite obvious. Luckily...

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Behaviour change is a relatively new school of thought, which is sometimes called behavioural science. It works from a more realistic understanding of what exactly makes people tick. We all know that the decisions which people make are not often the result of a rational calculation. However, this irrationality is in itself quite obvious. Luckily we have an expanding understanding of the rules of thumb which govern behaviour. This can help us design exercises and training programmes which encourage people to keep on towards their fit and healthy life.

The science of behaviour change is also about moving from telling people what to do to assisting them to actually do it. This is a bit like what a personal trainer does – he will instruct his client about HOW to exercise and will help them to accomplish this goal. It uses communication and thinking about the whole range of ways that we might change the environment that influences how people behave.

The Link Between Behaviour Change And Exercise

Physical inactivity levels are rising worldwide. In response to this, public health investigators have sought to design as well as implement effective interventions in order to raise levels of physical activity in populations, communities and individuals.

The occurrence of non-communicable diseases – such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, depression and cardiovascular diseases – in adults is high. Most scarily, the figures are rising. These diseases are often ascribed to unhealthy lifestyles. Increasing physical activity, as well as reducing sedentary behaviour, are key to reduce the burden of these diseases.

What usually happens is that the exercise programmes which are designed to reduce sedentary behaviour are built around theories of behaviour change in which notions of motivation and incentivisation loom large.

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Motivation To Exercise

The term ‘motivation’ can be defined in very simple terms: what drives us to maintain or reach goals. You could even say it is a type of desire. When you look at it in this way, things tend to change a bit – at least for a lot of us. Yes, you should be exercising. In fact, you need to exercise and you want to want to exercise, however do you have a desire for exercise? For some individuals, maybe—they like how it feels when they exercise.

However, for many of us, exercise is often thought of as having one end goal such as assisting you to lose weight, look better, become stronger, feel better, be healthy and stave off diabetes.

That’s a little different as opposed to wanting to exercise, which is why so many of us encounter that brick wall. We define goals, we make plans and we possibly even stick with those plans for a while. However, then we may find that motivation fading and wonder what we’re doing wrong. The science of behaviour change can help us to keep that motivation going. Rather than letting that motivation fade away, think about what it is you really want for yourself beyond weight loss and looking good. People who exercise in order look for reasons to do it as they know that regularly exercising makes life better. Ponder about what would make your life better and you’ll find the motivation to keep moving.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a fitness professional that has their own brand of motivation, which keeps people coming back for more? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more here.

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Forearm Exercises With Kettlebells. Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/forearm-exercises-with-kettlebells-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Wed, 17 Feb 2021 05:00:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22899 Whether you realise it or not, your forearm as well as grip strength say a great deal about you. Grip strength is an extremely quick way to evaluate how much full body strength you have. It doesn’t matter if you’re a serious weightlifter or are just serious about carrying every single one of your grocery...

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Whether you realise it or not, your forearm as well as grip strength say a great deal about you. Grip strength is an extremely quick way to evaluate how much full body strength you have.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a serious weightlifter or are just serious about carrying every single one of your grocery bags (at once) into the house, you probably want to have spectacular grip strength. This is because having a powerful grip is one of the eventual goals of functional fitness, whether you want to add on serious poundage to your deadlift or just be better at carrying your boyfriend’s suitcases at the airport.

As well, because kettlebells are good for just about everything — strength, cardio, looking like an all-around badass — you better believe they’re also going to be great for building incredible grip strength.

Before You Start

The kettlebell moves that we describe in this article are not meant to be a single workout, done right in a row. Fit them into your programme as you see fit: perhaps some will work as finishers after heavy days while other moves will be (very) active rest sets during your light lower-body push days.

If you have any conditioning days, these exercises can also be great add-ins. Just don’t go trying to pre-exhaust your grip with these movements before you step onto the deadlifting platform: your forearms will hate you and your friends will mock you. And no one wants that, really.

Here are some of the must-do exercises for those of you who absolutely love kettlebell training and want to ramp up your hand strength.

Towel Kettlebell Curl

Run the towel through the handle of a kettlebell and fold it in half. Hold both ends in one hand (for kettlebell) and curl, keeping your upper arm stationary.

Farmer’s Walk

Pick up the heaviest kettlebells that you can handle and walk with your chest out, standing tall and have your arms at your sides. Walk between 36 and 45 metres. You can walk in a figure-eight pattern if you don’t have the space. At the end of the distance, stop and continue to hold the weights for as long as possible.

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Hammer Cheat Curl

Grasp a kettlebell in each hand and cheat the weights, as if doing a clean, to the top position of a curl. Use momentum from your hips to get the weights up. Slowly lower the weights back down for five counts.

Wrist Curl

Hold a kettlebell in each hand and sit on a bench, box, or chair. Rest your forearms on your thighs and allow your wrists to bend back over your knees so that the weights hang down. Curl the kettlebells up by just flexing your wrists.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you a personal trainer and want to incorporate kettlebell training into your clients’ sessions? If you do, then you should do our Kettlebell Course. For additional information and to register, please follow this link.

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What To Try When Your Health And Fitness Goals Seem Out Of Reach https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-to-try-when-your-health-and-fitness-goals-seem-out-of-reach/ Wed, 17 Feb 2021 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22903 Are you finding it hard to get yourself or someone else motivated to make a healthy change, such as getting more exercise? Setting – as well as achieving – one small health and fitness goal a day can help you build your confidence. Over time, this may lead to permanent lifestyle changes. There are often...

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Are you finding it hard to get yourself or someone else motivated to make a healthy change, such as getting more exercise? Setting – as well as achieving – one small health and fitness goal a day can help you build your confidence. Over time, this may lead to permanent lifestyle changes.

There are often times in life where we all wish that we would have known more. In life, career, relationships – and even working out – there are lessons to be learned that we often see more clearly once we’ve accomplished a goal or finished a task.

The often-heard saying “experience is the best teacher” is apparently true. But no one says that you have to go through the teachable moments so that you can learn from them. In fact, there is a fortune of knowledge which we all can get from fitness professionals who impart wisdom that is gained through their experiences (respectively) about how to keep on track with your fitness progression.

Here are a number of their pearls of wisdom.

Don’t Forget To Set A Game Plan

Setting fitness goals, as well as getting psyched about them, is half the fun, however if you don’t create a game plan in order to achieve your goal, it may not happen.  To reach any goal – be it in fitness or any other aspect of your life – you need to set a game plan to ensure success.

Build a goal-training schedule and make sure that you stick to it. Set up particular targets that you want to reach by certain dates that will act as stepping stones towards your overall goal. Not only will this help your ability, but it’ll also help with boosting your confidence and motivation by encouraging you that you are indeed progressing as well as moving forward.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - fitness

Always Know Your ‘Why’

Looking a particular way, or progressing in a sport, are general reasons to set fitness goals however being precise about why you want to accomplish something is a far more effective incentive.

You need to attach some sort of meaning behind your goal because if you don’t you won’t feel that you are inspired to spend the countless hours of required practice in order to achieve it. A super way to do this is by setting a particular date or event by which you hope to have reached your goal.

In the same way that you should use mini objectives to build towards a larger goal, setting yourself a deadline gives a sense of urgency and impetus to the task at hand. You’re far more likely to put in the work if you know that there’s a countdown by to when you need to achieve it.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Becoming a personal trainer is possibly one of the most rewarding careers out there as you help people to reach their fitness goals. Study our Personal Training Diploma and make your personal training dreams a reality. Follow this link for more information.

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What Are The Scientific Strength Training Principles Every Athlete Must Know? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-scientific-strength-training-principles-every-athlete-must-know/ Tue, 16 Feb 2021 05:00:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22891 In the study of exercise science, there are several universally accepted scientific principles that must be followed in order for athletes to get the most from exercise programmes and improve both physical fitness as well as sports performance. These rules apply to all types of athletes, from beginners to elite competitors. Of course, it’s not...

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In the study of exercise science, there are several universally accepted scientific principles that must be followed in order for athletes to get the most from exercise programmes and improve both physical fitness as well as sports performance.

These rules apply to all types of athletes, from beginners to elite competitors. Of course, it’s not necessary for you to follow every one of them all the time, however, if you want to get in better shape, improve your sports performance, get better at a specific fitness discipline, or avoid stalling and back-slides, these core rules are the hidden force behind your ability in order to change your fitness level.

Every Athlete Has Their Bit To Say

These days, it appears as if every athlete has advice to give on how to train most effectively. Their ideas and philosophies are often a consequence of the athlete’s own experiences with training as well as racing. Quite often, these have some merit but when it comes to athletic training principles, it’s certainly true that we really don’t know what we don’t know.

Personal trainers and sports coaches often get asked to review athletes’ training programmes. While it can be challenging to make a judgment without knowing what both the athlete and their coach are attempting to achieve, sessions and programmes that are so complex that perhaps people have forgotten the fundamental principles of exercise physiology.

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Scientific Training Principles Athletes Should Be Following

Overload

In order for any adaptation to take place, it is necessary for the human body to exert itself beyond the normal stress levels that it experiences during training. Simply put, you need to ‘suffer’ during training in order to progress. This doesn’t mean that during every single session you need to be putting yourself into the ‘pain cave’ however you will need to check in regularly in order to ensure that you are pushing yourself enough in order for the body to reset its current fitness levels.

Progression

Progression is a very close relation of overload. The term ‘overload’ refers to the stress of a single session while progression relates to the short-, medium- and long-term development of an athlete.

In a well-periodised exercise programme, the athlete should be regularly challenged to attain new levels of fitness so that better performance ensured. The higher the calibre of the athlete, the more difficult this becomes to elicit.

Recovery

The adjustment to overload takes place during rest periods. When you are pushing your body’s limits you are breaking down your muscle fibres. During the recovery phase, your body experiences a ‘super-compensation’ which results in the body making adjustment to suit new levels of fitness. Remember that you cannot expect to feel recovered for every exercise session. If you waited to be fully recovered before the next session you would not get very much done. It is OK and normal to train when you are fatigued. So, when proper and planned phases of recovery are prescribed you can expect to feel great.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about personal training and perhaps even become a personal trainer yourself? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this here.

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What Is Central Nervous System Fatigue And How Can It Affect Your Workouts? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-central-nervous-system-fatigue-and-how-can-it-affect-your-workouts/ Fri, 12 Feb 2021 05:00:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22865 Fatigue happens after all difficult exercises. Running a kilometre gets harder after you’ve already run two. Powerlifting becomes more challenging after you’ve done multiple reps. Recognising this fatigue is how we continue to push ourselves to run further distances as well as lift heavier weights so that we can grow faster and stronger with every...

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Fatigue happens after all difficult exercises. Running a kilometre gets harder after you’ve already run two. Powerlifting becomes more challenging after you’ve done multiple reps. Recognising this fatigue is how we continue to push ourselves to run further distances as well as lift heavier weights so that we can grow faster and stronger with every single workout.

However, always overtraining to the point of exhaustion may cause the brain to become chronically tired. Referred to as central nervous system (CNS) fatigue, this condition is marked by lowered functioning in the segment of the brain that is responsible for voluntary movement.

While some individuals debate what causes it (and others deny its presence altogether), many athletes as well as active individuals have struggled with the long-term side effects of CNS fatigue.

Why Does Fatigue Result From Prolonged Endurance Exercises?

Much of the work which has been done on the mechanisms behind CNS fatigue offers reasons as to why fatigue results from prolonged endurance exercise. In addition, there’s also a lot of research into output-related syndromes, for example chronic fatigue syndrome.

When we switch gears and then examine CNS fatigue under a microscope, information to validate the biological theory, which states that it results from high-intensity (speed and power) exercise, becomes far more elusive.

As sports coaches and personal trainers, however, we likely agree that we are not able to plan for successive high-intensity sessions without experiencing negative consequences. Or can we? Perhaps we do not know or it’s highly individual or subject to the logistical and traditional constraints of western sport models and common periodisation schemes.

Understanding CNS Fatigue

The brain as well as the spinal cord are designed in order to give us freedom of movement. However, chronic overtraining may fatigue the central nervous system to the point of where your movement becomes inefficient . In a nutshell, this is what takes place during CNS fatigue.

Extending yourself during workouts is one of the main causes of CNS fatigue although it can also be caused by poor sleep as well as bad nutrition. CNS fatigue is thought to be most commonly seen among weightlifting and strength-training athletes however it can happen to anyone who engages in high-intensity exercise. Plus, everyone has a different work capacity which means that some people may be able to endure more strenuous exercise before suffering from CNS fatigue.

Overtraining and CNS fatigue are often put into the same category however one is more serious than the other. Overtraining is a common side effect of attempting a new and rigorous exercise routine, and it can often be overcome with a few days of adequate rest as well as nutrition. In contrast, CNS fatigue results from chronic fatigue of the muscles and is more challenging to overcome.

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How To Overcome CNS Fatigue

Rest is the first and most essential way for you to overcome CNS fatigue. Sleep assists your body to recover and promotes muscle growth. This ensures that your workouts remain useful. In addition to getting enough sleep each and every single night, you’ll also want to schedule adequate downtime between your workout sessions.

Workouts which require more muscle activation, such as heavy weightlifting or spinning, should be balanced with more rest. In addition, you should have a post-workout recovery plan which includes proper nutrition.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to become a world-class personal trainer? If you do then you should really think about becoming a personal trainer! Check out our Personal Training Diploma for additional information and to register.

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Why Does Cardio Fitness Lower The Risk Of Heart Disease? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-does-cardio-fitness-lower-the-risk-of-heart-disease/ Thu, 11 Feb 2021 05:00:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22843 We all know that exercise and cardio fitness is good for the heart. However, did you know that not exercising is one of the risk factors for developing heart disease? A number of years ago, the American Heart Association added inactivity and lack of exercise to its list of risk factors, which also encompasses family...

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We all know that exercise and cardio fitness is good for the heart. However, did you know that not exercising is one of the risk factors for developing heart disease? A number of years ago, the American Heart Association added inactivity and lack of exercise to its list of risk factors, which also encompasses family history, high blood pressure levels, high cholesterol, diabetes as well as obesity.

The heart needs exercise just as any other muscle does. Muscles which are utilised regularly become stronger and healthier. This is as opposed to muscles that aren’t used weaken and atrophy.

When it’s exercised, and your cardio fitness improves, the heart is able to pump more blood through the body and continue working at its optimal efficiency with little strain. This will likely assist it to stay healthy for longer. Regular exercise and improved cardio fitness also assists with keeping arteries and other blood vessels flexible so ensuring good blood flow and normal blood pressure.

What Are The Dangers Of Not Exercising?

According to medical experts, as many as 250 000 deaths per year may be credited to a lack of regular exercise and cardio fitness. Living a sedentary or inactive life has always been one of the main five risk factors for heart disease. Other risk factors involve high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking as well as obesity. Those with low levels of physical and cardio fitness also experience a higher rate of cardiovascular events, like heart attack and death.

According to research, men who reported doing more than 23 hours a week of sedentary activity had a 64%  greater risk of dying from heart disease as opposed to those who reported less than 11 hours of sedentary activity.

Inactivity and very little exercise also affects other risk factors for heart disease. For example, according to the University of Maryland Medical Centre, sedentary people have a 35% greater risk of developing high blood pressure as opposed to physically active people.

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How To Improve Your Cardio Fitness

To improve your cardio fitness, try to include at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity – such as walking or gardening – on most days of the week. If you are not able to fit in a single session, split up your activity into three 10-minute blocks which are spread throughout your day. And, it goes without saying that you very definitely need to check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise programme.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Being fit as well as healthy is not only about cardio fitness – there is a lot more to learn if you want to achieve optimal levels of fitness! If you’re one of those people who are dying to make your passion for fitness your career then you need to become a personal trainer. Our Personal Training Diploma is the best way to make this happen. Find out more here.

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Why Is Wellness Something That Can’t Be Ignored https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/nutrition-blog/why-is-wellness-something-that-cant-be-ignored/ Thu, 11 Feb 2021 05:00:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22847 It is not a mystery that taking care of your physical wellness is very important to your health and happiness. However, the average South African leads a busy stressed-out life which puts health and wellness as a non-priority. Health and wellness is often identified as the absence of disease or sickness. While this definition is...

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It is not a mystery that taking care of your physical wellness is very important to your health and happiness. However, the average South African leads a busy stressed-out life which puts health and wellness as a non-priority.

Health and wellness is often identified as the absence of disease or sickness. While this definition is indeed valid, it lacks the completeness of a broader approach. So start evaluating your holistic health and wellness on a wider spectrum. What this means is that wellness depends on more factors than simply avoiding getting the flu each year.

What Is Wellness?

The term ‘wellness’ refers to the act of practising healthy habits on a daily basis in order to attain better physical as well as mental health outcomes. The goal is that instead of just surviving, you’re thriving.

There are two very important facets to this definition:

  • Wellness is not a passive or stagnant state but instead an “active pursuit” which is associated with intentions, choices as well as actions as we work toward an optimal state of health and well-being.
  • Second, wellness is linked to holistic health. In other words, it extends beyond physical health and incorporates many different dimensions which should work in harmony.

Wellness is an individual goal. We have self-responsibility for our own choices, behaviours and lifestyle. However, wellness is also significantly influenced by the physical, social and cultural environments in which we live.

What Are Pillars Of Wellness?

Physical

Most individuals immediately think of exercise when they hear the term “physical wellness”. Regular physical activity is an incredibly important part of the equation which can’t be ignored. However, it’s not the only aspect which is deserving of attention.

Your body needs more than just movement. Physical wellness also includes appropriate amounts of sleep, hygiene, and a healthy diet. If you’re evaluating your physical health, ask yourself these questions:

  • Am I getting enough quality sleep?
  • If I’m not, what barriers keep me from achieving regular and restful sleep?

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Nutrition

Although nutrition is closely tied to physical health, it’s extremely important and must be given its own pillar. This is particularly true as nutrition must be personalised based on age, sex, activity level, as well as body chemistry.

A balanced diet requires that you eat nutritional foods which feed your body and mind. It is recommended that, during meals, adults fill half of their plates with vegetables and fruits. The other half should be devoted to mostly grains, along with a modest portion of protein and a side of dairy.

Emotional

Emotional wellness takes into account the ability to navigate your feelings. This translates into identifying, assessing, and effectively sharing those feelings with others.

This is important as the ups and downs of life can take you on an emotional rollercoaster. However, the better that you understand, process, and manage those feelings, the smoother the ride will be.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen to learn more about wellness then you should really consider doing our Health and Wellness Coach Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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Our Most Successful Way Of Adding Value To Your Cardiovascular Training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/our-most-successful-way-of-adding-value-to-your-cardiovascular-training/ Wed, 10 Feb 2021 05:00:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22837 Cardiovascular fitness is the capacity to handle aerobically challenging situations of differing duration. One of the leading causes of death in every part of the world is heart disease. Increasing cardiovascular fitness can lower your risk of developing heart disease by enhancing the efficiency of your heart, lungs as well as blood vessels. The simpler...

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Cardiovascular fitness is the capacity to handle aerobically challenging situations of differing duration. One of the leading causes of death in every part of the world is heart disease. Increasing cardiovascular fitness can lower your risk of developing heart disease by enhancing the efficiency of your heart, lungs as well as blood vessels.

The simpler it is to pump blood throughout your body, the less taxing it is on your heart. The contraction strength of your heart, the elasticity of your blood vessels in addition to the effectiveness of your blood to carry oxygen all increase if cardiovascular training is effectively executed.

Many individuals think that building cardiovascular endurance requires hours of training every single week however it’s surprising how quick and easy it really is to make a positive impact on the health of your heart. As heart rate variability (HRV) decreases when we age, keeping active – as well as maintaining a healthy HRV level – is important to your overall well-being.

Walking – The Start Of Your Cardiovascular Training

Start your cardiovascular training with the easiest of all exercises – walking. You can build walking into your daily life anywhere:

  • Make a regular habit to turn sedentary meetings into walking events,
  • Take a stroll in your lunch or coffee break, or
  • Just taking a long walk during your lunch break.

The best way to make good progress is to up your pace and walk at a brisk speed. Aim to reach 60% of your maximum heart rate each time you exercise. Are you not sure what your heart rate should be? Calculating this rate is easy – just subtract your age from 220, about 60% of this number is what you should be shooting for.

Running – Another Great Addition To Cardiovascular Training

Running is a super effective aerobic exercise which makes your heart beat faster as opposed to most other cardio activities. In addition, t’s a great fat-burner. If running is your thing, you should be aiming to lengthen your sessions every week or increase your speed in order to really push yourself. This will rapidly increase your cardiovascular endurance as well as your overall fitness.

Incorporate Weights Into Your Cardiovascular Training

What’s is that incorporating weightlifting into your cardiovascular routine is the best way to maximise weight loss. Doing both exercises has the effect of increasing your muscle mass, taking off weight and building both endurance and cardiovascular health. Weightlifting, together with cardiovascular training, also increases the number of kilograms you lose from fat, while a cardio-only routine could cause you to lose muscle as well.

Here are a few more of the ways you can add weightlifting to your cardio exercise routine:

  • Warm it up!

Doing cardiovascular training first will give you more energy for your weightlifting session. So begin with a 10-15 minute warm-up on a treadmill, bike or elliptical before you head into your strength-training routine.

  • Add it in

Add in a few minutes of cardio between weight-bearing exercises. For instance, if you’re doing squats, add a couple of minutes of jumping jacks, burpees or step-ups before you go into lunges. Anything which gets you out of breath may act as cardio.

  • Finish strong!

Add 10-15 minutes of weightlifting to the end of your cardio session. Just ensure that you rotate different areas of the body so that you can give your muscles time to recover.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Ever thought of becoming a personal trainer? If you have then you need to check out our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more about it here.

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How To Build A Comprehensive Workout Schedule Perfectly Suited For You https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-build-a-comprehensive-workout-schedule-perfectly-suited-for-you/ Tue, 09 Feb 2021 05:00:47 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22813 If you’re a newbie exerciser, or you’re trying to get back into going to the gym regularly, knowing where to begin is a challenge. The right workout schedule for you will depend on a variety of factors such as your age, fitness levels, goals, in addition to any physical restrictions you may have. There is...

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If you’re a newbie exerciser, or you’re trying to get back into going to the gym regularly, knowing where to begin is a challenge. The right workout schedule for you will depend on a variety of factors such as your age, fitness levels, goals, in addition to any physical restrictions you may have.

There is no single type of exercise which can take care of all your needs. In fact, in order to get the most benefits from your workout routine, you want to include mix of activities during the course of a week. Otherwise, it’s like a diet that consists only of fruit—healthful as far as it goes but lacking a lot of the nutrients which you’ll find in other foods, such as fish, vegetables, nuts in addition to whole grains.

So, if you’re looking to put together the best workout programme, which will suit your needs perfectly, this article is for you!

Steps You’ve Got To Go Through First

Step 1: Flesh Out Your Fitness Goals Are

Whatever your goals are, it’s a great practice to write them down and be aware of what you’re trying to achieve. These fitness goals will shape HOW you construct your workout.

Step 2: How Much Time Are You Able To Dedicate To Fitness?

If you can work out for an hour a day, that’s fantastic. If you’re swamped, a 30-minute workout twice a week is a great way to start. This is fine too! Whatever your time commitment is, putting together the most efficient workout is crucial.

Step 3: Where Do You Want To Work Out?

Where you work out will essentially determine if you are going to exercise with bodyweight, or if you are able to start doing gym strength training.

Exercises To Build Into Your Workout Routine

Unless you’ve been doing strength training for a number of years, and know what you’re doing, we highly recommend that you pick a full-body routine which you can do between two and three times a week.

You want to put together an exercise routine which has at least one exercise for your:

  • Quads (front of your legs).
  • Butt and hamstrings (back of your legs).
  • Chest, shoulders, and triceps: (“push” muscles).
  • Back, biceps, and grip ( “pull” muscles).
  • Core (abdominals and lower back).

When you begin programming your workout routine, be cautious. The curse of the novice is:

  • To try for too much gain far too quickly,
  • Training too often,
  • Layering on too much of a challenge, and
  • Forgetting prudence in favour of excitement.

In order to prevent a quick and painful end to your exercising career, remember that you have your whole life to train so the most crucial thing that you are able to do on any particular day is preserve your ability to exercise tomorrow. If you keep this mindset fresh, you’ll inevitably make progress.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover how to programme a routine like the best personal trainers out there, or if you want to become a personal trainer, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more.

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How To Improve Muscular Endurance? Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-improve-muscular-endurance-learn-more-in-this-article/ Mon, 08 Feb 2021 05:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22808 The term ‘muscular endurance’ refers to the ability of any given muscle to exert force, consistently as well as repetitively, over a particular period of time. This plays a massive role in almost every athletic endeavour. A synonym for muscular endurance is ‘stamina’. Long-distance running is a sport which requires muscular endurance. During the course...

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The term ‘muscular endurance’ refers to the ability of any given muscle to exert force, consistently as well as repetitively, over a particular period of time. This plays a massive role in almost every athletic endeavour. A synonym for muscular endurance is ‘stamina’.

Long-distance running is a sport which requires muscular endurance. During the course of a race, a marathon runner’s body carries out the same movement and stride repeatedly. This requires their muscles to possess an advanced level of endurance in order to avoid injury or extreme fatigue.

However, you don’t need to train for a marathon in order to boost your muscular endurance. For the average individual, it can be as simple as doing push-ups until they can’t do any more but while still maintaining good form.

Are There Different Types Of Muscle Endurance?

In strength training, ‘muscular endurance’ refers to the total number of repetitions of a single exercise which you can do without needing to stop and take a break. Examples take into account how many times you can do a full squat, a sit-up, or a bicep curl with a light-to-moderate weight while still maintaining good form.

The specific type of muscular endurance which is used during cardiovascular fitness activities – for example running, swimming, or cycling – is typically called cardiovascular endurance or cardiorespiratory endurance. It is different from the strength training definition.

Endurance training for these kinds of physical activities builds the:

  • Energy systems of the body,
  • Muscle fibres, and
  • Capillaries.

These  can sustain long periods of exercise, such as running a marathon or cycling a 100-mile race.

How To Measure Muscular Endurance

It is recommended that muscular endurance testing – as well as muscular strength testing – is done when you start a strength training program. The results will help your personal trainer set the correct intensity and loads for your exercises.

The push-up test is very often performed as a measure of upper body muscular endurance. During this test, do as many push-ups as you can before you can’t do anymore without good form. There is a modified push-up test for women.

This could also be a timed test in order to see how many you can perform in a minute. You will be able to evaluate how your performance matches up with others in your age and gender category. By tracking this number over a period of time, you will be able to see increases or decreases in upper body muscular endurance.

Exercises To Increase Muscle Endurance

Plank

  • As a start, lie flat on your stomach (with your hips touching the ground). Have your legs flat with upper body propped up by your forearms.
  • Tighten your lower back and shoulder muscles, lift your hips off the ground.
  • Hold for as long as you are able to (aim for intervals of 30 to 45 seconds) and then relax. That completes one repetition.

Tips:

  • Perform five reps of your longest hold possible.
  • At the end of the fifth rep, your arms should be shaking. This is a good indication that you’re pushing your limits.

Contact  Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to find out about more exercises to increase your muscular endurance then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to register.

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Why Resistance Training Will Help To Stop Muscle Loss https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-resistance-training-will-help-to-stop-muscle-loss/ Fri, 05 Feb 2021 06:51:28 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22798 The human body has a naturally occurring amount of muscle that’s determined by genetics, gender, and age. You can train your body (through resistance training) in order to increase the amount of muscle by performing exercises that stimulate muscle growth. Nevertheless, how much your muscles grow in response to work or resistance training will still...

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The human body has a naturally occurring amount of muscle that’s determined by genetics, gender, and age. You can train your body (through resistance training) in order to increase the amount of muscle by performing exercises that stimulate muscle growth. Nevertheless, how much your muscles grow in response to work or resistance training will still depend on your gender, age, and genes.

Having strong muscles only just make you look as well as feel good. Getting your muscles into great  shape will improve nearly every aspect of your life. This is because building muscle is good for your:

  • Heart,
  • Joints, as well as your
  • Mind.

And it doesn’t take hours of lifting heavy weights or loading up on protein powder to do it.

More About Muscle Mass And Genetics

In bodybuilding and resistance training, people who don’t naturally carry or easily enhance muscle are often termed as “hard gainers”. This may sound a little bit derogatory however it’s more a statement of fact because people with a lean, as opposed to a solid natural build, are scientifically categorised as ectomorphs. The more muscular builds are mesomorphs. Those who naturally carry more fat might be endomorphs.

But don’t panic!

There are many shades in between these definitions. You are not necessarily intended for a life of a skinny ectomorph, although ectomorphs are probably never going to be Mr/Mrs Universe, steroids aside.

Lift Weights Regularly

When it comes to revitalising muscles, resistance training is absolutely key. Although a number of adults exercise, a 2016 survey found that 57% preferred cardio, while only 24% lift weights. Evidence has really shown that doing resistance training exercises can help you maintain your muscle.

Lift weights you can lift between eight and 12 times. Once you are able to lift a weight for more than 12 times for a specific move, increase the amount. Focus on your whole body—think arms, chest, back, legs, and abdominals. Don’t rule out strength-building classes such as yoga and Pilates.

Eat Well

While consuming sufficient amounts of protein is important, heavy trainers (such as athletes) might need a little more protein, eating sufficient amounts of energy is probably even more important.

If you don’t eat (as well as drink) sufficiently in order to maintain your body weight in a manner consistent with how much energy you expend in day-to-day living, plus physical activity, you will lose muscle and probably bone. This is in addition to fat of course. It may be a little tricky losing fat while maintaining muscle however weight training certainly helps you to hang onto that muscle in those circumstances.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

As can be seen from the article above, resistance training is an essential part of a person’s exercise arsenal. Learn more about exercise with our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to read more.

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How Does Sitting Too Much Affect Your Fitness? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-does-sitting-too-much-affect-your-fitness/ Fri, 05 Feb 2021 05:00:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22781 The staggering amount of time which many of us spend being sedentary — according to one study, up to 15 hours a day if we work in an office — may lead to problems inside and out. You’re most probably familiar with the aches and pains that are caused by hunching over a computer, but...

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The staggering amount of time which many of us spend being sedentary — according to one study, up to 15 hours a day if we work in an office — may lead to problems inside and out. You’re most probably familiar with the aches and pains that are caused by hunching over a computer, but spending too much time seated in a chair or slumped on the could also has been linked to several life-threatening conditions, such as blood clots, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, heart disease, and cancer.

However, there’s a way to fix this and, as a result, improve your fitness. And it doesn’t mean that you have to go to gym twice a day…

Break Up Your Day

It is recommended that you break up long periods of sitting time with activity for just one to two minutes. However, at the moment there is not appropriate evidence to set a time limit regarding how much time people should be sitting each day. Nonetheless, some countries – such as Australia – have issued recommendations that children limit screen time, such as TV and video games, to between one and two hours a day. This is to reduce the time that they spend sitting.

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Ideas About How To Add Movement Into Your Day

Being more active doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing endeavour. The main thing is to scale back on both your sitting and how many uninterrupted minutes you spend in one seat.

A study from King’s College London demonstrated that individuals who targeted their sitting time with a particular strategy—say, switching to a standing desk or walking to the watercooler more frequently—were more effective in lessening their sedentariness as opposed to those who focused on including more exercise sessions in their days.

So work on cutting out at least two hours of sitting time with movement breaks. Such a shift is associated with all sorts of benefits, including:

  • 14% lower triglycerides,
  • Higher “good” HDL cholesterol,
  • A trimmer waistline, and
  • better glucose control.

Little breaks don’t seem like much however they add up. In fact, two hours that are spread over the roughly 16 hours you’re awake is approximately eight minutes an hour. You can do those in spurts. One research study has shown that adding two minutes more walking to each hour may decrease a person’s risk of dying by 33%.

You may also see that there are times when you could eliminate sitting entirely:

  • Must you call your sister from the could, or could you chat while gently strolling?
  • What if you prepared dinner while standing at the counter or gave up a seat on the train or bus?

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Being more active shouldn’t be a chore. Once you incorporate this great habit into your life, you will wonder why you didn’t do it beforehand. On our Personal Training Diploma, we teach you what it takes to become more active. Read more about this course here.

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How To Work Out With Resistance Bands. Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-work-out-with-resistance-bands-find-out-more/ Fri, 05 Feb 2021 05:00:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22788 Sometimes it’s quite easy to forget just how simple it can be to become a little fitter. You don’t need all sorts of technological marvels that are strapped to every part of your body or racks straining under heavyweights. All that’s needed is for you just to push your body a little bit further than...

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Sometimes it’s quite easy to forget just how simple it can be to become a little fitter. You don’t need all sorts of technological marvels that are strapped to every part of your body or racks straining under heavyweights. All that’s needed is for you just to push your body a little bit further than it’s used to being pushed. One amazing way to do that is to incorporate resistance bands into your workout.

Resistance bands are a phenomenal addition to any strength training routine or rehabilitation programme. These bands come in a number of different sizes, lengths as well as resistance levels. They’re also portable in addition to being easy to store. This means that they’re perfect for home use, hotel workouts, or even just making the most of a small space at the gym. As is the case with free weights, exercise bands come in a range of resistance levels, from very stretchable to heavy-duty strength.

What Are The Most Popular Types Of Resistance Bands?

The most common types of resistance bands are tube bands with handles, loop bands and therabands. If you’re in doubt, a personal trainer can help you make the choice as to which band is right for you, based on your fitness level and your particular workout routine.

How Much Do Resistance Bands Cost?

Resistance bands are cheap and super effective for a variety of workouts – most likely far more effective than you may think. While those looking to seriously bulk up might not get all they need from resistance bands, these are a great tool for increasing strength and adding some muscle. You are also able  use them for fast-paced HIIT workouts if you would like to improve your cardiovascular fitness in addition to burning tonnes of calories.

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Examples Of Resistance Band Exercises

One-Arm Biceps Curl

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Ensure that both of your feet are on the resistance band. Grab the band with one hand and then hold it with your arm down at your side, with your palm facing forwards. Bend at your elbow and lift your arm toward your shoulder until you are able to get a good biceps contraction. After this slowly lower back to the start. Do all your reps on one arm and then switch.

Reps: 12-15 each side

Triceps Kickback

Stand in a forward lunge. Ensure that you position your right foot to the front. Put it over the centre of the band. Hold each end of the band and place your arms at your sides. Make sure that your palms are facing behind you. Bend at your elbows (keeping them tucked by your sides) until your forearms are parallel to the floor. Next, press down your arms and push the band behind your body until your arms fully extend. Lower back down.

Reps: 8–10

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Resistance bands are a fabulous way to work out. Learn how to exercise properly, and teach others how to do so as well, with our Personal Training Diploma. Read more here.

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How Does Exercise Affect Your Skin? Learn more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-does-exercise-affect-your-skin-learn-more/ Wed, 03 Feb 2021 05:00:28 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22738 Breaking a sweat can impact your overall health positively – in addition to well-being  – in a number of different ways so it’s not too surprising that exercise can also influence your skin. In the end, your skin is the largest organ in your body and it’s affected by so many of your lifestyle habits...

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Breaking a sweat can impact your overall health positively – in addition to well-being  – in a number of different ways so it’s not too surprising that exercise can also influence your skin. In the end, your skin is the largest organ in your body and it’s affected by so many of your lifestyle habits as well as choices, including your workouts.

We have the tendency of focusing on just the cardiovascular benefits of physical activity. These are extremely important. But anything which promotes healthy circulation also assists with keeping your skin healthy and vibrant. If you have dermatological conditions – for example acne, rosacea, or psoriasis – you might need to take particular care to keep your skin protected while exercising. However, don’t let skin problems prevent you from being active. More about how to deal with this later.

How Does It Work?

By increasing blood flow, exercise helps with nourishing skin cells and keep them looking and feeling vital. Blood transports oxygen – as well as nutrients – to working cells throughout the body, which includes the skin.

In addition to supplying oxygen, blood flow also assists with carrying away waste products, including free radicals, from working cells. Contrary to certain claims, exercise doesn’t detoxify the skin. The job of neutralising toxins belongs mainly to the liver. However, by increasing blood flow, about of exercise may assist with flushing cellular debris out of the system. Think of the process as cleansing your skin from the inside out.

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Special Treatment For Skin Conditions

Overheating and sweating during a workout may leave those with sensitive skin with additional irritation. One of the trigger points for rosacea is body temperature, which goes up when you exercise. This means that you want to keep your body temperature steady. You may not want to choose to jog outdoors in middle of day. Rather, jog indoors on a treadmill with a fan blowing as well as cooling towels on your neck.

Those people who suffer from eczema should also try to keep the core body temperature low.

If you have sensitive skin, eczema or acne, it’s also vital to rinse off as soon as possible after a workout. Sweating when you have makeup on, sitting in your car after the gym without showering, and remaining in your sweaty sports bra for hours after class may all cause acne breakouts or leave your skin itchy as well as uncomfortable. To avoid this, shower with a gentle wash as soon as possible after a workout. This is so that you can get sweat and grime off your skin before it proceeds to clog pores or irritate your skin.

If you suffer from acne, and there is no shower or basin immediately available, make sure that you carry wipes with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as the main ingredient,. Use a retinoid treatment to treat pimples and to make sure that future breakouts don’t occur. These wipes should be fine for sensitive skin but stop if they irritate you and talk to your dermatologist about any retinol you use.

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As you can see, exercise and following a fit lifestyle has loads of benefits. However, if you don’t exercise properly, you could end up with a myriad of problems. To make sure that you know how to exercise properly, hire a personal trainer. Better yet why not become a personal trainer yourself with our Personal Training Diploma? Follow this link for more information.

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How To Do A Deadlift Correctly? learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-a-deadlift-correctly-learn-more-in-this-article/ Tue, 02 Feb 2021 05:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22730 Deadlifting is a classic strength training workout. However, not everyone knows how to deadlift correctly. When done correctly, you can work multiple large muscle groups which make this a great compound exercise. Compound exercises give you the opportunity to train multiple muscle groups in the least time possible. When compared to isolated workouts such as...

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Deadlifting is a classic strength training workout. However, not everyone knows how to deadlift correctly. When done correctly, you can work multiple large muscle groups which make this a great compound exercise.

Compound exercises give you the opportunity to train multiple muscle groups in the least time possible. When compared to isolated workouts such as squats, lunges or bicep curls, these exercises work in isolation and only work one muscle group. When it comes to deadlifting, they work your core, glutes, back and hamstrings. Depending on the type of deadlift you’re doing, it can also promote balance.

Deadlifting In A Nutshell

Deadlifts are a compound exercise that involves multiple muscle groups. The most common way of performing this exercise is by making use of barbells. However, if you’re new to the exercise, we recommend working on your form without weights before adding additional weight into the mix. Once you have got the form correct, you can look into using kettlebells, dumbbells, barbells, and resistance bands.

The Benefits Of Deadlifting

In addition to squats and chest presses, deadlifting is also a powerlifting exercise. It also strengthens your core, back, glutes and hamstrings all in one simple movement. As you make progress, you can add more resistance to the move but be sure to listen to your body and don’t take on more than what you can handle.

This workout is also ideal for people with knee injuries that can’t perform a lunge or squats, as you don’t need to bend your knees to deadlift. People with ankle issues can also benefit from performing this exercise.

Something else to consider is that deadlifting can also work your upper back and shoulders. By keeping your core engaged while deadlifting, you’re also able to strengthen your abdominal muscles. This will assist you in being able to lift the weight off the floor.

How To Deadlift

Select a barbell with a manageable weight. Stand behind it with your feet hip-distance apart with a slight bend in the knees. Bend forward from your hips, pushing your butt backwards while engaging your core, ensuring that your back remains straight and flat.

Pick up the barbell while maintaining your form, keeping your hands knee distance apart.

Keep your shoulders pressing down and rotate your elbows so that your shoulders and back can assist you in lifting the weight. Engage your core, push the weight down through your heels and lift the weight off of the ground, slowly straightening your body starting at the knees. Hold for a couple of seconds. After this, slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position. You need to keep your back straight. A rounded back can result in serious injury.

There are different variations of deadlifting which means that there’s bound to be an option suitable for you and your fitness/strength level. As you begin to progress, you can begin to take on more complex lifts such as the single-leg deadlift. This option requires balance as well as strength.

Deadlifting is a simple exercise that can provide a quick workout for multiple muscle groups. It’s important to work on your form before you start to add weight to the exercise – this includes making sure that your back remains straight at all times. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, the humble deadlift will more than likely become a staple in your workout programme.

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There are so many exercises – other than deadlifts – which will help you to maintain your fitness. Find out what these are on our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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Can A Calisthenics Workout Build Strength In Your Entire Body? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-a-calisthenics-workout-build-strength-in-your-entire-body/ Mon, 01 Feb 2021 05:00:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22688 Before diving into too much detail, the simple answer is yes. However, when it comes to building muscle using callisthenics, there’s a lot for things that need to be considered. Building muscle often occurs as a result of exercise and training and getting a combination of things right. If you are able to build an...

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Before diving into too much detail, the simple answer is yes. However, when it comes to building muscle using callisthenics, there’s a lot for things that need to be considered.

Building muscle often occurs as a result of exercise and training and getting a combination of things right. If you are able to build an environment, your weight free journey may prove to be successful.

The Conditions Needed To Build Muscles

Muscle building, also known as hypertrophy, is defined as skeletal muscle fibres enlarging in an attempt to overcome high levels of force and tension. This means that in order to build muscle, you need to provide high enough levels of force and tension that your body needs to overcome to complete the movements in your training programme.

Resistance training is able to build the right environment and conditions for hypertrophy to occur as your muscles are forced to work through the force’s resistance being applied while adapting to the stress you are placing on it.

This resistance can come from machines, free weights, barbells or even your body weight. The weight source doesn’t matter. You simply need to ensure that the resistance from your weight source is able to supply the force and tension needed to build muscle.

Bodyweight Versus Weight Training

When it comes down to building muscle, the amount of force and tension needed will differ from person to person. Low resistance levels will reduce the risk of stimulating muscle hypertrophy.

Weight training makes this easier as you can easily adjust the resistance by changing your weight selection or level to increase the difficulty. However, bodyweight training relies on your body weight which will more than likely remain the same, but this doesn’t mean that the resistance will remain the same. You can make straightforward changes to your environment or modify your workout to increase the resistance. For example, if push-ups become easy, you can shift your angle and try to perform a pike push up. This will put more resistance on your shoulders and chest and increase the intensity of the exercise.

Increasing The Workout Difficulty And Intensity

So, in a similar way to weight training, you need to progressively adjust your weights and workouts to increase the intensity, except with bodyweight training, you will need to adapt the workouts and not the “weights”. This requires a bit more creativity and thinking, but it will help you to understand your body and its limits a whole lot better.

It’s important to remember that we determine the conditions and variables of the exercise that we decide to perform. Variables include the number of reps and sets, resting time and the speed at which we perform the workouts.

The speed at which we exercise plays an important part in the effectiveness of our workouts. Faster isn’t always better. Slower, controlled movements are able to create a lot of tension which is beneficial to building muscle.

Simply put, when training with your body weight, you’re able to create tension throughout your body, which creates body movement that involves multiple body parts. This has proven to be far more helpful as opposed to the isolated movements performed in weight training. In fact, the human body was designed to be able to support itself while making connections with multiple joints and moving seamlessly as one unit.

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Callisthenics is just one of the workouts that you can do in order to get fit and healthy. Learn about other workouts with our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more about it.

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Why Both Men And Women Can Reap The Benefits Of Resistance Training Later In Life https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-both-men-and-women-can-reap-the-benefits-of-resistance-training-later-in-life/ Fri, 29 Jan 2021 05:00:25 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22665 If the pandemic has taught as anything, it’s that the world can adapt their workout plans to ensure that they’re still able to train – even when the gyms are closed. We’ve seen more and more people turn to regular walks or runs, yoga, Pilates, HIIT or even go as far as to build a...

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If the pandemic has taught as anything, it’s that the world can adapt their workout plans to ensure that they’re still able to train – even when the gyms are closed. We’ve seen more and more people turn to regular walks or runs, yoga, Pilates, HIIT or even go as far as to build a home gym. Another workout option that has grown in popularity is resistance training.

For many years, resistance training has been viewed as a man’s workout, however, in light of needing to work out from home, research has now found that resistance is just as beneficial too women. It also found that older people are also able to reap the benefits of this exercise.

Understanding The Research

A study involving 651 men and 759 women over the age of 50 with no prior experience in resistance training compared the two groups’ strength gains and muscle mass after taking part in regular resistance training workouts.

The reason researchers chose to include women over the age of 50 is to alleviate the risk of menopausal hormone changes that could affect the outcome of the training, and as a result, the study.

The results found no gender-related differences in upper body strength or relative muscle mass. This leads to the hypothesis that women are able to benefit from resistance training as men when it comes to improvements in strength and muscle mass.

In addition to that, the study also found that the structure of the programmes may need to be adjusted to accommodate the different genders as well as their training needs. For example, the men in this age group may need to incorporate high-intensity training to their programme to improve their upper and lower body strength. At the same time, women may benefit from more frequent training when compared to men.

The Benefits Of Resistance Training

When it comes to resistance training, it’s not just an effective form of strength training; it can also prevent diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, and arthritis. It can also improve stamina, promote flexibility, increase bone density, and even help promote a better night’s sleep.

Additional health benefits include:

  • Improved muscle tone and strength
  • Promoting balance, flexibility, and mobility
  • Weight management
  • Reduces cognitive decline as you age
  • Pain management
  • Reduces risk of injury
  • Improves posture
  • Improves sense of well being
  • Improved mood, self-confidence, and self-esteem
  • Prevents insomnia
  • Improved overall performance

Regular exercise has proven to be a beneficial part of leading a balanced, healthier life for both men and women. As we age, we need to continue following a regular exercise routine to ensure that our body is healthy and able to perform daily tasks.

Resistance training can be tailored to suit every body type, gender, and fitness level to ensure that you’re able to reap the benefits. We need to escape the mindset that there’s a distinct gender divide when it comes to working out. Both men and women can benefit from following similar workout programmes, however, each person’s capabilities will differ and this needs to be considered. The focus needs to shift from a gender-based approach to an individual approach.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

There are tonnes of resistance training exercises that you can slot into your workout routine. Find out what these are – and so much more – on our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about it here.

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Why Does Exercise Keep You Mentally Fit? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-does-exercise-keep-you-mentally-fit-find-out-more/ Fri, 29 Jan 2021 05:00:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22661 Most of us are really clued up about the many fitness and physical benefits of exercise. Among others, these are weight control, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes as well as increased energy, just to name a few. However, are there any psychological benefits? The great news is that there are! From alleviating the...

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Most of us are really clued up about the many fitness and physical benefits of exercise. Among others, these are weight control, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes as well as increased energy, just to name a few.

However, are there any psychological benefits? The great news is that there are! From alleviating the symptoms of depression as well as anxiety to making sure that your memory in kept sharp, there is no lack of mental benefits of exercise. In your brain, exercise stimulates chemicals which improve your mood and the parts of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

Individuals who exercise on a consistent basis tend to do so because it gives them a great sense of well-being. They feel more vigorous throughout the day, enjoy improved sleep at night and have sharper memories. All round, they feel more relaxed as well as positive about themselves and their lives.

Assistance For Depression And Anxiety

As we mentioned previously, exercise is a scientifically proven mood booster. It decreases symptoms of both depression and anxiety.

How this works is that physical activity kicks up endorphin levels, which are the body’s famous “feel-good” chemical that are produced by the brain and spinal cord. These endorphins produce feelings of happiness and euphoria. Even just moderate exercise throughout the week may improve depression and anxiety, so much so that some doctors recommend trying out an exercise programme for these conditions before turning to medication.

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Exercise And The Mind

When you exercise increased levels of blood are pumped to the brain. This can help you to think more clearly. In addition, this increases the size of the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain responsible for memory. It also enhances the connections between the nerve cells in the brain. This improves your memory and helps protect your brain against injury as well as disease.

A Stress Elixir

Ever noticed the way that your body feels when you’re under a lot of stress? Your muscles could be tense – especially in your face, neck, and shoulders. This leaves you with back or neck pain or, alternatively, painful headaches.

You may also feel a tightness in your chest, a pounding pulse or cramps in your muscles. Health problems – such as insomnia, heartburn, stomachache, diarrhoea, or frequent urination – may start plague you. The worry and distress of all these physical symptoms may in turn lead to even more stress, so creating a vicious cycle between your mind and body.

Exercising is an efficient way to break this cycle. As well as circulating endorphins in the brain, physical activity assists with relaxing the muscles and relieving tension in the body. As the body and mind are so closely linked, when your body feels better so will your mind as well.

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Exercise is a powerful force, as you can see by the above article. Learn how to exercise properly, and to teach others how to do so as well, by becoming a personal trainer. Sign up for our Personal Training Diploma and become a world-class fitness professional.

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Exercise Safely On The Road With These Pro Tips https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercise-safely-on-the-road-with-these-pro-tips/ Fri, 29 Jan 2021 05:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22657 Walking and running are extremely healthy activities. However, it is vital that you know the rules of thumb of pedestrian safety. This is especially true if you are running or walking in an area where there aren’t sidewalks or paths which are separated from the road. You should always make a point of observing traffic...

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Walking and running are extremely healthy activities. However, it is vital that you know the rules of thumb of pedestrian safety. This is especially true if you are running or walking in an area where there aren’t sidewalks or paths which are separated from the road. You should always make a point of observing traffic safety rules as well as additional guidelines that will assist you with staying safe when you are walking and running in public areas.

7 Tips To Help You Stay Safe

If you’re a runner, and prefer hitting the roads as opposed to the treadmill, here are a number of tips which will help you stay safe.

  1. Plan a progressive running program in order to prevent injuries. A five-minute warm-up (which should increase your temperature by one degree) that is followed by stretching exercises, is vital before starting a run.

 

  1. Begin your run with the body feeling ” a little cool ” as body temperature will increase when you begin your running routine.

 

  1. Keep in minds that you need to drink some fluid prior to running as well as every 20 – 30 minutes along your route.

  1. When you’re well into your run, if you become dizzy, nauseated, have dry skin or the chills…stop running immediately. Try get a drink. If you are not feeling better after this, get help immediately.

 

  1. If you suffer from a heart or respiratory problem, or you are on any medication, consult with your medical practitioner about running in the heat. In addition, if you have a history of heatstroke/illness, run with extreme caution.

 

  1. Children should limit their running in the heat owing to their lower heat tolerance.

 

  1. At high altitudes, runners should gradually acclimate themselves to lower oxygen levels, by slow, steady increases in speed and distance.

 

Walk In Single File On The Road

Unless you are on a sidewalk that is separated from the road, or you are in a wide bike/pedestrian lane, you should be walking in single file. This is especially important on a road which has lots of curves and where traffic has only half a second chance of seeing you before colliding with you.

Walking in a group can also cause you to get distracted by conversations so that you are not paying appropriate attention to traffic or road signs. While it can be fun to walk down the road two to three abreast and chatting merrily, drivers don’t expect it and, as a result, you may lose your best walking mates.

Keep It Bright

You need to make sure that you wear bright, fluorescent or reflective clothing so that you can be easily picked up by other road users. This is especially when it is dark. If you make use of reflective materials, these can be seen by drivers – who are using headlights – up to three times further away.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Running and walking are super ways of making sure that you remain fit and healthy. Want to find out about other methods of exercise that can help you to achieve your fitness goals? Make sure that you have a look at our Personal Training Diploma to find out more.

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Why You Should Combine Weight Training With Walks https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-you-should-combine-weight-training-with-walks/ Thu, 28 Jan 2021 05:00:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22642 Most of us have our favourite method of exercise, whether it’s Pilates, HIIT workouts, strength or weight training, or simply our walk around the block. It can be hard to try a new workout style when your go-to is so effective, but there can be some huge benefits to combining different exercises, in this case,...

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Most of us have our favourite method of exercise, whether it’s Pilates, HIIT workouts, strength or weight training, or simply our walk around the block. It can be hard to try a new workout style when your go-to is so effective, but there can be some huge benefits to combining different exercises, in this case, strength workouts and walking. In this article, we will be having a look at why combining weight training and walking might just be the best way to spice up your workout routine and see results!

The Benefits of Walking

Walking has forever been a great way to stay healthy, offering the additional benefits of lowering your probability of contracting heart disease, high blood pressure as well as diabetes. It is not necessarily the best workout that you can do in terms of burning calories, but making walking a part of your lifestyle can have huge benefits overall for your longevity and health.

The Benefits of Weight Training

Strength or weight training is an increasingly popular form of exercise that can be incredibly beneficial in assisting you with achieving your fitness goals. While cardio was always seen as the way to go if you want to lose weight, more and more studies suggest that weight lifting might be the better way to go. It can help boost your metabolic rate (meaning that you are burning calories more effectively) and extend the length of time you burn calories for (even post-workout your body is burning to repair your muscles).

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Combining The Two

As you can see, both of these workouts can be extremely beneficial on their own, for different reasons, but when you combine the two, you will be able to truly take things up a notch. You can combine strength training and walking in two ways:

  1. Weights and Walking: If you walk often but enjoy other forms of exercise as well, you could begin to incorporate weight-based workouts into your routine two days a week. Start with bodyweight exercises if you are unfamiliar to weight training, and then move to free weights and weight machines.

Benefits: This combination has shown to be very effective in terms of maintaining weight and muscle mass, as well as helping to control other bodily functions such as blood sugar.

  1. Walking With Weights: If you are a regular walker who prefers it to other types of exercise, you can incorporate weights into your walks! You can start by simply walking while holding small weights in your hands, or strapping them to your wrists, but there are many other weighted options such as ankle weights and weighted vests.

Benefits: Walking with weights has shown to be very effective in losing bodyweight, particularly if you gradually increase the weight over time so as not to plateau in your efforts. Placing the extra resistance on your body can always be beneficial for your cardiovascular health, increase your oxygen and energy consumption (and thereby seeing more results), and has been shown to assist in improving muscle and bone strength.

If you are looking for a method of changing up your routine or putting a little more into your workouts, try combining weights and walking – it’s super easy to do and provides great results!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

The job of a personal trainer is to advise their clients on how to exercise correctly. If this is something you want to do as a career, why not check out our Personal Training Diploma? Follow this link to learn more.

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Why Strength Training Can Improve Your Sleep Quality https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-strength-training-can-improve-your-sleep-quality/ Thu, 28 Jan 2021 05:00:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22637 Did you know that poor sleep quality has been linked to low immune system function and a number of other chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes? Getting enough sleep is important, not just for being able to wake up in the morning, but for your overall health and wellness. If you’re struggling to...

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Did you know that poor sleep quality has been linked to low immune system function and a number of other chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes? Getting enough sleep is important, not just for being able to wake up in the morning, but for your overall health and wellness. If you’re struggling to get a great night’s sleep, you are not alone; sleep disorders are incredibly common (for example, about 1 in 4 Americans report experiencing insomnia). However, some studies suggest that strength training may be able to help you to enhance the quality of your sleep, as well as benefit your general health.

The Link Between Sleep And Exercise

Exercise and sleep have a direct link to one another, sometimes referred to as a bidirectional relationship. This means that your sleep quality has a direct link to your ability to perform physical activity; i.e. when you have a bad night’s sleep it will negatively affect your physical activity, and if you reduce your levels of physical activity, it will negatively affect your sleep. Previous studies have shown that regular aerobic activities, such as walking and jogging, improve overall sleep quality.

Strength Training And Sleep: The Research

A study published in Mental Health and Physical Activity had participants perform 30 minute strength training sessions three times every week for nine weeks. At the end of the study, the participants (who all suffered from PTSD; a common symptom being poor sleep quality) reported much better sleep quality overall.

Another study, published in Preventive Medicine Reports, looked at participants relationship between their strength training habits and sleep quality. Those who did regular strength training workouts were less likely to report bad sleeping habits than those who did not.

Why Strength Training?

While, as mentioned earlier, aerobic exercises have already been shown to improve sleep quality, strength training workouts are recommended due to the other physical benefits that they can provide. Strength training helps to build muscle and bone strength, as well as regulating bodily functions such as metabolism, blood pressure, and glucose levels. All of this ensures that your body is functioning as well as it can, which will help you to sleep better and relax. There is also the added bonus of working your body with more intensity, as when you lift weights or perform body-resistance exercises, you cause micro-tears in your muscles. These micro-tears are gradually repaired by your body over several hours, meaning that your body will keep running at a higher rate, increasing metabolism and burning calories. This will help you use energy in the body, helping you feel tired and ready to sleep at the end of the day.

In conclusion, if you are looking to improve your quality of sleep, strength training might be the way to do it – and it will help you to improve your general health and wellbeing at the same time!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Strength training is just one of the ways in which you can get fit. Find out about the other ways in which you can achieve your fitness goal with our Personal Training Diploma. Read more here.

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Why People Are Turning To Resistance Bands? Learn more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-people-are-turning-to-resistance-bands-learn-more/ Wed, 27 Jan 2021 05:00:09 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22624 If you like to exercise and fitness, even a little, you will probably have noticed the rise of resistance bands! It seems that everybody out there has jumped on the bandwagon and the latex bands are everywhere – wide, thin, branded, and colourful, they seem to be the next big thing when it comes to...

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If you like to exercise and fitness, even a little, you will probably have noticed the rise of resistance bands! It seems that everybody out there has jumped on the bandwagon and the latex bands are everywhere – wide, thin, branded, and colourful, they seem to be the next big thing when it comes to fitness. But what is the big deal with these stretchy bands? In this article, we will be breaking down why resistance bands have gained so much popularity and why these are a great addition to your workout routine.

What Are Resistance Bands?

There are three main types of resistance bands: tube bands, flat bands, and loop bands.

Tube Bands (or resistance tubes) are usually thin, flexible tubes with handles on both ends, allowing them to be anchored to objects for a wide range of movements. The handles also allow for easy grip and comfort.

Flat Bands are thin flat pieces of latex that come in various levels of resistance. These are probably the most commonly used as well as least expensive types of resistance bands that are often used for rehabilitation from injury or to aid in stretching.

Loop Bands (or pull up bands) are becoming more and more popular, particularly amongst fitness enthusiasts. These bands are a fixed loop (like a big rubber band) and are useful adding resistance to your workouts.

 

Why Are They So Popular?

  1. Inexpensive And Easy To Get

Resistance bands are very affordable, in comparison to other workout equipment. You can buy flat bands for very little money if you want to give them a try and can buy loop bands or tube bands for relatively cheap if you want to incorporate more band training into your routine.

 

  1. Use Anywhere

They are super easy to pack into a bag or store in a cupboard – so taking them with you to the gym, on a hike, on holiday, to a race or sports match, or just keeping them at home, will be extremely easy and convenient.

 

  1. Stretching And Rehabilitation

One of the major benefits of resistance bands is their ability to assist in stretching. Even if you are not recovering from any particular injury, the added resistance that they provide can help you to increase your range of motion and your general flexibility.

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  1. Full Body Workout And Muscle Tone

Adding resistance into your workout routine is the best way to see results. You can use the resistance bands in so many ways, allowing you to work harder in every part of your body. They can also assist in muscle definition and tone by allowing you to focus on specific muscles.

 

  1. Progress And Adaptation

Possibly one of the greatest pluses is the ability of resistance bands to grow with you as you progress – whether you are regaining strength from an injury or just wanting to improve your fitness. All of the various types of bands come in many variations of resistance – allowing you to up the resistance as you improve, instead of plateauing in your progress.

These are just a few of the reasons why resistance bands are gaining such popularity in the fitness world. If you only take away one thing, keep in mind that resistance bands are for everyone! They are easy to use, affordable to buy. They can be used by anyone for any type of movement, from yoga and Pilates to strength training and stretching – resistance bands will assist you with reaching your goals and improve your overall fitness.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn about using resistance bands in other forms of exercise, you absolutely need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this course here.

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Why Aerobics Can Make Your Brain Sharp? Learn more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-aerobics-can-make-your-brain-sharp-learn-more/ Tue, 26 Jan 2021 05:00:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22587 Exercise is good for you; that is something we all know is true. From walking and jogging to pilates and aerobics, all forms of physical exercise are beneficial for your body. However, in current years, there has been much more of a focus on the benefits that exercise can have for your brain and how...

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Exercise is good for you; that is something we all know is true. From walking and jogging to pilates and aerobics, all forms of physical exercise are beneficial for your body. However, in current years, there has been much more of a focus on the benefits that exercise can have for your brain and how it functions. Research suggests that aerobic exercise can extremely beneficial for your brain function – even just a two-minute workout can have a huge impact. So how does this work?

What Is Aerobic Exercise?

Aerobic exercise is any kind of physical activity that activates to your cardiovascular system. Think swimming, running, walking, and cycling. This kind of exercise usually involves an increased heart rate and higher oxygen (hence ‘aerobic’) intake. Usually, aerobic exercises are performed over a relatively long period of time, in contrast to anaerobic exercise that involves short bursts of movement (e.g. weight lifting). The main benefit of aerobic exercise is its ability to assist in circulatory system functioning which keeps your heart and lungs healthy – and this is why it is often recommended that we should all aim to get some aerobic exercise in every day.

Benefits Of Aerobics

Aside from heart and lung function, aerobic exercise is generally very good for you! There are many benefits which can be achieved from regular aerobic activity, such as:

  • Preventing heart disease
  • Maintaining a healthy weight and aiding in weight loss
  • Helping to control blood sugar and blood pressure levels
  • Maintaining general health and wellbeing

Trifocus Fitness Academy - aerobicsHow Does It Affect The Brain?

As mentioned above, research has also shown that aerobics can be extremely beneficial for brain function. Regular aerobic exercise has been proven to have long-lasting effects on memory and comprehension, but any amount of exercise might be more beneficial than you might think. In fact, one study in Sweden last year showed that just a few minutes of aerobic exercise (walking, running, or cycling) drastically improved the participants’ ability to concentrate, learn new things, and retain information in the hours that followed the workout. There are a few theories as to why this may happen:

  1. Aerobic exercise increases blood flow and bodily functions throughout the body, including the brain. It is suggested that your brain will function better with regular exercise and may physically improve its ability to do tasks.
  2. There is also proof to suggest that aerobic activity also assists with improving the brain’s ability to deal with stress, thereby allowing you to use your memory and learning facilities better
  3. Other research indicates that there may be a link between simple exercises and our learning ability. This idea suggests that you physically prepare your body to absorb information by making it a habit to work out before work.

In conclusion, while all exercise will benefit not just your physical health but also your mental state, it seems that aerobic exercise might be the way to go if you are in need of a bit more focus, memory retention, and stress reduction.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on becoming a personal trainer and spending each and every single day teaching others how to exercise properly? If you are, then you should check out our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more.

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5 Of The Best YouTube Exercise Videos And Channels https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-of-the-best-youtube-exercise-videos-and-channels/ Mon, 25 Jan 2021 05:00:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22562 Virtual coaching and workouts have become increasingly popular as a result of the pandemic. Whether you’re looking to meet those New Year’s resolutions or trying to get the elusive bikini body before the end of summer, you’ll need some help to achieve your goals and stay motivated. For sure, you can hire a personal trainer...

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Virtual coaching and workouts have become increasingly popular as a result of the pandemic. Whether you’re looking to meet those New Year’s resolutions or trying to get the elusive bikini body before the end of summer, you’ll need some help to achieve your goals and stay motivated.

For sure, you can hire a personal trainer or sign up for a gym membership, but sometimes our budget doesn’t allow it. So, how can you join the #FitFam journey and achieve your goals without breaking the bank?

Enter the digital, easily accessible world. You don’t need to leave the house, navigate crowds, or deal with the judgement of the outside world – and it’s not only limited to training.

How often do you look for something online before looking for it in the real world or plunging into a commitment? More importantly, how often do you use YouTube to find out how to take on your next hobby or finally build that birdhouse?

Well, now it’s time to use YouTube as your personal trainer. The options are endless and fitness influencers have spent a lot of time generating content to help you on your fitness journey. We’ve found 5 of them to help you get started.

5 Of The Best Youtube Fitness Channels

  1. Blogilates

Cassey Ho started her online fitness journey in 2009 when she posted her first video. Her unique approach to training made her an empire when it comes to female-focused workouts. There is a tonne of videos available on her profile and they’re usually equipment free, which means you can exercise at home without needing to invest in weights, although a yoga mat is recommended. We suggest starting with POP Pilates for Beginners.

  1. The Fitness Marshall

Caleb Marshall started his online journey in 2014. He focuses primarily on aerobic dance workouts that get the blood pumping. It’s ideal if you’re looking to fit in a quick cardio session – regardless of your fitness level. He also helps you to loosen up through ridiculous facial expressions and his famous “Cardio Dance Concert.

  1. HASfit

HASfit provides all of their content for free because they believe that “Every heart and soul deserves to be fit”. They provide over 1,000 full-length workout videos on YouTube as well as 30-90-day meal and fitness plans that you can access when downloading the mobile app. They’re able to accommodate your daily schedule, fitness level and even dietary requirements.

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  1. Leslie Sansone’s Walk at Home

Leslie’s videos can take you back to the 1980s with her cheerful deminer, impressive beats and synchronised movements. However, after making your way through the full 45-minute workout, you’ll realise that looks can be deceiving. She focuses on interval training and aims to keep her audience moving non-stop during the workout. Walk home requires no equipment and provides a wide range of options to accommodate any fitness level.

  1. Tone It Up

Karena Dawn and Katrina Scott developed Tone It Up as a method of long-distance coaching. You can access basic features for free, however, more premium features such as nutrition plans and workout DVDs need to be purchased. YouTube features shorter videos consisting of workouts and recipes which can help you to jumpstart your fitness journey.

Turning Into a fitter and healthier version of yourself has never been easier. Social media has made it possible to connect with experts, sign up for workout programmes and meals plans. With so many choices that are available, there’s never been a better time to get fit!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to help people to get fit, then you should really consider a career as a personal trainer. For additional information regarding our Personal Training Diploma, as well as our other fitness courses, please follow this link.

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The Best Workout To Help You Accomplish Your Health Goals https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-best-workout-to-help-you-accomplish-your-health-goals/ Mon, 25 Jan 2021 05:00:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22558 When it comes to deciding on goals – any goal for that matter – you need to consider a step-by-step plan to achieve it. You need to know what you’re planning on achieving at the end of it all and what you can do to ensure that you’re successful. More often than none, the intention...

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When it comes to deciding on goals – any goal for that matter – you need to consider a step-by-step plan to achieve it. You need to know what you’re planning on achieving at the end of it all and what you can do to ensure that you’re successful.

More often than none, the intention of the goal may be good, but the execution of the plan leads to premature failure within the first few months.

To assist you on your journey, as well as help you to see success, we’ve found a few common exercise goals as well as the exercise that will help you to achieve the relevant goals. Whatever you’re looking to achieve in 2021, we’re sure to have an exercise that will help you do exactly that.

Looking To Manage Stress And Get A Better Night’s Rest?

Try yoga. Yoga offers a great deal of calmness and inner peace when practised regularly. People have even found that by making time to do you, they’re able to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Mindfulness brought about by yoga helps to reduce stress and release tension in the body.

Once you’ve managed to get your stress under control, you may find that your quality of sleep begins to improve. In the event that you’ve got racing thoughts and are unable to sleep, try to practice yoga or simple meditation to help you bring your mind to ease.

Want To Add Definition And Toning To Your Body?

Try strength training. When it comes to increasing your strength and adding definition, strength training will help you get there. Examples include weight training, bodyweight workouts or resistance training.

If you choose to utilise weights, make sure that you’re using the weight that’s right for you and if you’re doing bodyweight exercise, make sure that you use proper form to prevent injury. As your strength begins to increase, you can begin to increase the weight or modify the exercises.

If Endurance Is What You Need…

Try a walking plan. If you’re easily out of breath and tired of being left behind, you need to improve your endurance and the easiest way to do so is by walking regularly. Most trainers recommend starting with 30-minute walks at least three times a week.

Walking promotes cardiovascular health and fitness. It also burns calories which means that you can even lose weight in the process. As soon as the regular walks become easier, try to add an extra day to your plan or increase your pace. The more regularly you commit to walking, the quicker your endurance will begin to improve.

Want To Strengthen Your Core?

Try Pilates. A strong core not only assists you in becoming stronger overall, but it also improves your stability, endurance, balance, and posture, and while crunches can help you do so, there are other options. Pilates can also assist you in reducing body pain and can improve flexibility and mobility.

Trying To Lose Weight?

Use all of the above options. Losing weight requires an ongoing commitment to working out regularly. It’s also about more than just focusing on cardio or weight training, it’s about following a well-rounded programme that’s focused on improving your overall health and quality of life.

There’s nothing better than working out and seeing the difference it makes not only to your body but your life as well. By incorporating different exercises, you reduce the risk of becoming bored and unmotivated as a result.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Helping others to achieve their workout goals is something that personal trainers do on a daily basis. If this is something that you would like to make your career, then you need to our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to read more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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5 Trends That Will Shape The Fitness Industry In 2021 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-trends-that-will-shape-the-fitness-industry-in-2021/ Fri, 22 Jan 2021 06:59:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22547 Another year, another fitness goal that runs the risk of being lost into the abyss. Even with the global crisis, people have been hitting the gym in an attempt to meet their 2021 fitness goals. However, these numbers are not nearly the same as in previous years. While gyms have been restructured to accommodate social...

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Another year, another fitness goal that runs the risk of being lost into the abyss. Even with the global crisis, people have been hitting the gym in an attempt to meet their 2021 fitness goals. However, these numbers are not nearly the same as in previous years.

While gyms have been restructured to accommodate social distancing and safe training conditions, our rediscovered commitment towards a healthier version of ourselves has become more important than ever. Having said this, 2021’s world of fitness is set to change in an attempt to safely navigate the “new normal”.

5 Fitness Trends To Look Out For In 2021

  1. Digital Coaching

With fitness centres and gyms still trying to find their feet in a world plagued by COVID-19, people have needed to find a way to get their daily workout in. As a result, digital or virtual coaching has become a go-to for many. The adjustment to distant training has had its own set of challenges. Still, as more and more people began to look into this method of training, these challenges were addressed to ensure that people can receive the same quality training they’re used to without leaving the house.

  1. Building Home Gyms

As the reality of the pandemic began to set in, people flooded to local sports good stores to buy equipment for their home gyms. While many opted to flog these goods as soon as the gyms reopened, many have found that the convenience of working out from home to be something that they enjoy. The threat of the pandemic is once again affecting people and the comfort of staying home – where it’s safe – is a luxury many are trying to invest in. Before the pandemic, few people were interested in building a home gym. However, more and more people are opening up to the idea and slowly investing in the equipment to do so.

  1. Working Out Outside

We’ve seen individual team sports slowly make its return to the world. Enclosed spaces can easily become cramped and a health risk, which is why outdoor training has become a standard. We’ve also seen more people opting to go for daily walks and runs in an attempt to get out of the house and spend some time in the fresh air. These trends are likely to continue into the future.

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  1. Mindfulness Is Important

To cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic, many people have looked into improving their mind/body connection. Focusing on mental health has also become increasingly important in a world that is constantly changing and a future that is uncertain. As people look for ways to cope with it all, mindful exercises have become increasingly popular.

 

  1. Results-Driven

The world has become more health-conscious than ever before, with many people looking to achieve results through exercise. As more and more people push to lead healthier lives, we have seen the move from recreational workouts to productive workouts.

2021 is a year of opportunity. The world may be changing, but these trends are set to stay and by incorporating them into your fitness plan, you’ll be able to make the most of your journey to a healthier, happier self.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To be truly successful in the fitness industry, you need to be a master of the basics and stay on top of the trends. At Trifocus Fitness Academy, we are here to help you to do this with our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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How To Reach Your Fitness Goals In 2021? Learn more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-reach-your-fitness-goals-in-2021-learn-more/ Fri, 22 Jan 2021 05:27:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22543 We’ve all set fitness goals at some point or another. It probably took you all of 5 seconds to decide that you want to lose weight in 2021 or finally run that marathon, which is great. However, progressing to the point where you achieve the goals requires a lot of forethought and effort. Our attempts...

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We’ve all set fitness goals at some point or another. It probably took you all of 5 seconds to decide that you want to lose weight in 2021 or finally run that marathon, which is great. However, progressing to the point where you achieve the goals requires a lot of forethought and effort.

Our attempts to reach our goals generally only become a reality around February or March, when we suddenly realise that we need to do something about it. Naturally, life has gotten in the way and the beginning of the year chaos has taken its toll – it happens to the best of us.

This can become an incredibly frustrating process and the urge to simply give up may arise – don’t! To help you through this we’ll give you some tips on meeting your goals.

Goals require commitment and to ensure that you’re successful, you need to:

  • Jot them down
  • Schedule time to work on it
  • Find a workout buddy to help you stay motivated
  • Monitor your progress

5 Tips For Reaching Your Fitness Goals

  1. It’s Time To Get SMART

SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable and time-bound. One of the most common reasons people are unable to meet their goals is that they aren’t SMART, which means that you don’t necessarily know what you’re trying to do. It’s all good and well to say that you want to lose weight, but that’s pretty vague. There’s a big difference between losing a kilogram or 10 kilograms, but they both relate to losing weight. You need to look at how much you’re looking to lose and in what time frame? By setting out these specifics, you’ll be one step closer to achieving your goals.

  1. Jot Them Down

Forgetting about our goals means that we’re no longer working towards achieving them. Write down your goals and the steps to achieve it. If possible, put them up so that you can see it every day. This can become a simple reminder that your goals need to remain a priority.

  1. Schedule Time To Work On It

If something is important to you, it’s only logical to assume that you’ll make time for it. If you’re unsure about how much time you have to work on your goals, track your activity for a week. Take note of what you do and the time it takes, and how you can better manage your time. Clear out unnecessary activities and slot in a few minutes a day to focus on your goal.

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  1. Find A Workout Buddy To Help With Keeping You Motivated

Sharing your goal with the people in your life can help you develop a support system. They’ll check in on your progress, celebrate your victories and help to get you back on track if you stray. By involving people, you’ll have someone working towards a similar goal to keep you motivated and help you stay accountable for your actions. It also becomes a lot harder to give up when you have someone else following your journey and looking to achieve the same goal.

  1. Monitor Your Progress

Tracking your goals and the steps taken towards achieving them makes you accountable. It also shows you where you’re excelling and where you’re lacking. This can be done by keeping a journey or downloading an app that’s been designed to track your progress.

Your fitness goals are exactly that, yours. You determine how much effort goes into achieving your goals and you are in charge of your success.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen to discover more information about staying fit and healthy, you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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Why A Stepped Exercise Programme Improves Knee Osteoarthritis https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-a-stepped-exercise-programme-improves-knee-osteoarthritis/ Fri, 22 Jan 2021 05:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22538 Millions of individuals all across the globe suffer from arthritic knees and the pain that’s often associated with it. In an attempt to address this issue, an innovative exercise plan has been developed to improve the functioning of the knee while alleviating discomfort and pain associated with the disease. What Is Knee Osteoarthritis? Knee osteoarthritis...

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Millions of individuals all across the globe suffer from arthritic knees and the pain that’s often associated with it. In an attempt to address this issue, an innovative exercise plan has been developed to improve the functioning of the knee while alleviating discomfort and pain associated with the disease.

What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the more common forms of arthritis found in the knee and is a degenerative disorder – this means that it’s brought on by daily wear and tear so to speak. It limits your ability to move around and lead an active lifestyle as the joints rub against one another. The easiest way to reduce the symptoms of the degenerative disorder is through regular exercise; however, due to the pain experienced, many people suffering from the condition avoid physical activity altogether.

What Is STEP-KOA?

Stepped exercise program for patients with knee osteoarthritis, or STEP-KOA, is an exercise programme that makes use of gentle home exercises to assist with physical therapy. When necessary, telephonic consultations and in-person sessions can also be utilised. This has proven to be an effective tool in treating osteoarthritis in the knee when people are unable to make it to physical therapy sessions. However, it does make provision for in-person sessions should the condition worsen. When it comes to determining the exercises, a patient needs to perform, doctors and physical therapists will develop a programme based on their unique needs and progression of the disease.

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The Science Behind Stepped Exercise

The Veterans Affairs Health Care System completed a study where 300 patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis were either assigned arthritis education or STEP-KOA to manage the condition. The patients for each group were randomly selected.

The patients using STEP-KOA started the internet-based programme and those that found it to be ineffective in assisting them moved on to the telephonic consultation aspect of the programme. In the event that this treatment has still not worked, face to face physical therapy will be utilised.

Patients in the educational programme were sent educational resources every two weeks.

Nine months after starting the study, 65% of the STEP-KOA had to take on telephonic consultations while 35% had to start going to in-person therapy.

When comparing the data of the two study groups, the STEP-KOA group experienced more pain relief and improved function compared to the group that received the educational resources.

As a result, the researchers concluded that STEP-KOA is a customisable, inexpensive programme able to meet the needs of its patients. However, more research is needed as the data is limited to the nine-month period of the study.

A stepped exercise programme improves knee osteoarthritis by helping patients manage their pain and improve flexibility through regular exercise. In keeping with the theme of flexibility, the programme will be developed in accordance with the patient’s medical history, and as the disease begins to progress, so will the programme as it allows for immediate intervention should the condition worsen.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Assisting people who suffer from chronic conditions such as knee osteoarthritis – is one of the aspects that personal trainers are schooled in. If this is something that you’d like to do, then you need to check out our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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Is Hula-Hooping A Beneficial Form Of Exercise? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/is-hula-hooping-a-beneficial-form-of-exercise-find-out-more/ Fri, 22 Jan 2021 05:00:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22534 Much like skipping, the humble hula hoop has long been associated with kiddie activities; however, following that very same thought, it’s also an activity overlooked when it comes to improving your fitness levels. This simple, understated piece of exercise equipment is not only a fun activity that you can do with the kids – if...

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Much like skipping, the humble hula hoop has long been associated with kiddie activities; however, following that very same thought, it’s also an activity overlooked when it comes to improving your fitness levels.

This simple, understated piece of exercise equipment is not only a fun activity that you can do with the kids – if you have any – but it’s also a fantastic workout. This makes it easier to continue doing, as past experience has shown us that we are more motivated to workout when we enjoy the exercises.

So, is the hula-hoop still just a glorified kid toy or is it really a reliable form of exercise? Simply put, yes, and well share the benefits of using this in your workout routine.

7 Benefits Of Hula Hooping

  1. It burns calories

One of the things we look to do when exercising is achieving a calorie deficit by burning more calories than we consume. Hula hooping is an aerobic exercise that burns almost the same number of calories as dancing. It’s been reported that during a 30-minute hula hopping session men can burn up to 200 calories and women around 165.

  1. Lose centimetres and burn fat

This ties in with our previous point. When you’re burning calories and losing weight, your body also becomes more tone and your body fat percentage begins to decrease. To increase the efficiency of this exercise, why not invest in a weighted hula hoop?

  1. Improve your fitness level

Cardio exercises train your heart and lungs, improving the oxygen flow within the body. This reduces the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. It’ll also boost brain function, reduce stress, and help you to manage your cholesterol levels.

  1. Work your core

To keep the hoop moving your hips need to move to a constant rhythm in order to prevent it from falling. This means that your hip and core muscles need to be strong while promoting mobility. Regular hula hooping will help you train your hip muscles, obliques, and abdominal muscles.

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  1. Improved balance

To properly control your movements, you need to have good balance. This will also help you to exercise with correct form and can assist in improving your posture.

  1. Works the lower body

Of course, your core is not the only part of your body involved in the exercise, your lower body needs to help you stay in position too. Your calves, glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps will also get a workout as you try to maintain the circular motion.

  1. Involves the whole family

Finding a workout that the whole family will enjoy can be difficult, more so when there’s limited time available to do so. Kids will find it fun to do while the adults rediscover the power of their hips.

It’s Simple And Inexpensive

When it comes to working out, sometimes the simplest options provide the best workouts. While state-of-the-art gym equipment can give your workout a much-needed boost, it’s not always possible to get there. A hula hoop is a simple way to exercise whenever you have a gap.

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If you want to learn about more innovative ways of exercising, then you should really think about doing our Personal Training Diploma. Sign up today and become a world-class fitness professional!

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What Are The Best Workout Routines For Men? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-workout-routines-for-men-find-out-more/ Thu, 21 Jan 2021 05:00:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22521 Having a regular exercise routine is important for everyone, not just for the benefits of getting to look good and feel good, but for the long term health bonuses, you will gain from keeping your body healthy and fit. There are many workouts that are designed for different reasons, based on body type, fitness goals,...

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Having a regular exercise routine is important for everyone, not just for the benefits of getting to look good and feel good, but for the long term health bonuses, you will gain from keeping your body healthy and fit. There are many workouts that are designed for different reasons, based on body type, fitness goals, or exercise style preference – and it can be hard to figure out what the best options are for you. Men generally have a higher body and muscle mass than women, meaning that the way that they work out will be a little different. This article will look into the best workout routine for men (in general) if you want to boost your fitness and strength.

What Is The Best Routine?

Many fitness experts seem to agree that the best workout routine for men looking to increase their fitness, is a strength training program that works specific areas of the body on different days; thereby working the entire body over a week of the program. We are going to look at two different routines that are designed for different fitness levels, and see why these work.

  1. At Home Routine

This style of routine is for those who do not have time to go to the gym, want a change of scenery, or would prefer to workout in the comfort of their own home. With the availability of online workouts, it is easy to build a varying and challenging program with or without equipment. One workout program suggests that you follow a weekly routine (based on three days of activity) of:

  • Day 1: Legs, Shoulders, and Abs (e.g. squats, shoulder presses, lunges, upright rows, lateral raises, calf raises, and crunches)
  • Day 2: Chest and Back (e.g. floor press, dumbbell fly, dumbbell rows, pushups, and dumbbell pullovers)
  • Day 3: Arms and Arbs (e.g. bicep curls, tricep extensions, bench dips, and planks)

All of these exercises can be done by making use of only bodyweight resistance, with improvised weights, or with proper equipment. It would also be an absolutely great idea to add in some general cardio on other days of the week to ensure that you are getting a well-rounded workout experience.

  1. Area Specific Workout

This workout program style is about focusing on specific body areas on specific days – with a particular emphasis on the upper chest, lower lats, biceps, and calves. These areas are specifically mentioned because, according to some, these areas can be weak points for men. However, when they are focused on and defined, they can really transform a man’s physical look overall. Therefore, this style of workout is definitely more focused on your physical appearance and defining your look, so if this is your goal, then look for these more specified workouts.

One routine suggests that you follow a program of:

  • Day 1: Chest and Shoulders (e.g. bench presses, cable crossovers, wide-grip dips, Arnold presses, and lateral raises)
  • Day 2: Legs (e.g. Lying leg curls, squats, leg press, and deadlifts)
  • Day 3: Rest
  • Day 4: Back (e.g. dumbbell rows, deadlift, pulldowns, and dumbbell pullovers)
  • Day 5: Rest
  • Day 6: Arms and Abs (e.g. Dumbbell curls, v-bar pushdowns, bench dips, tricep extensions, sit-ups, and leg raises)
  • Day 7: Rest

As mentioned above, the second routine is more focused on building definition and tone versus the first’s goal of general overall health and fitness. Overall, the best workout for you is the one that can help you get to the goal that you are aiming for. You can always add more reps, increase your weekly workouts, and increase your weights as you improve, but it is important to start a sustainable and safe point for you now – and that can help carry you towards the person you are hoping to become.

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If you would like to develop workout routines for men and women, then you should become a personal trainer. Study our Personal Training Diploma and become a world-class fitness professional!

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Why Short Bursts Of Exercise Can Boost Your Concentration https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-short-bursts-of-exercise-can-boost-your-concentration/ Thu, 21 Jan 2021 05:00:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22525 Whether it’s the hot weather, the long workday, or just a bad day, keeping your concentration can be a difficult task. Taking a quick break or drinking some coffee might seem like the best way to reset your brain, but there is evidence to suggest that the best way to get a boost is a...

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Whether it’s the hot weather, the long workday, or just a bad day, keeping your concentration can be a difficult task. Taking a quick break or drinking some coffee might seem like the best way to reset your brain, but there is evidence to suggest that the best way to get a boost is a short burst of exercise! And we mean short – some studies suggest that just 10 minutes of activity can increase focus and improve your problem-solving abilities.

The Research

Previous studies have shown that following an exercise routine on a regular basis will improve brain function and that the benefits of exercise for memory and concentration can be seen after only 20 minutes of exercise. However, a study from the University of Western Ontario suggests that we may be able to see huge benefits from only 10 minutes of activity. In this study, participants were divided into two groups and for ten minutes, one group would sit and read, while the other would do ten minutes of light exercise on an exercise bike. After the ten minutes, researchers studied the participants’ reaction times during a task that required concentration and quick decision making.

The study concluded that those who had exercised did much better than those who had been resting, performing the task with higher accuracy and quicker reaction times.

How Does It Work?

Exercise and physical activity has been shown to boost your brain’s production of chemicals such as:

  • Dopamine: a neurotransmitter that allows your brain to send messages and helps to improve your ability to focus and find new information interesting.
  • Norepinephrine: a chemical that is also involved in message transmission in the brain and increases alertness and focus.
  • Serotonin: a hormone that stabilises moods and increases the brain’s ability to communicate with the body and nerve cells.

The production of these chemicals therefore improves your brain’s ability to transfer information. This will greatly increase your ability to concentrate on tasks and comprehend information. The other benefit of exercise is the release of stress, and even a short burst of activity can help you feel a little calmer, which will improve your ability to concentrate on what you are doing.

So, if you are feeling slightly down or struggling to focus on your work, get up and get moving! Even if you just have time for a short walk around the block, a ten minute HIIT workout, or just doing some jumping jacks for a few minutes, any physical activity will help you to work better.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you interested in discovering more about exercise? If you are, then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. For additional information about this as well as our other fitness courses, please follow this link.

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What To Know About Weight Training With Psoriatic Arthritis https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-to-know-about-weight-training-with-psoriatic-arthritis/ Wed, 20 Jan 2021 05:00:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22503 If you have been diagnosed with Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), you might be wondering what kind of exercise you can do without aggravating your condition, particularly when it comes to lifting weights. Psoriatic arthritis is a condition that involves both the itchy and scaly patches that come from psoriasis and the swollen joints of arthritis. It...

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If you have been diagnosed with Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), you might be wondering what kind of exercise you can do without aggravating your condition, particularly when it comes to lifting weights. Psoriatic arthritis is a condition that involves both the itchy and scaly patches that come from psoriasis and the swollen joints of arthritis. It can be a mild case or more severe and may affect multiple joints throughout the body. While it can be uncomfortable and resting might seem like the best option, some gentle exercise can help you to manage the condition!

What Kind Of Exercises Can Work?

While overdoing, it can be a bad thing, the right kind of exercise can be great for not just alleviating some of your symptoms, but also allowing you to work out and stay healthy. Cardio exercise and stretching can be very beneficial. Still, strength and weight training, in particular, can be extremely useful for sufferers of PsA as it can help to build the muscle around joints. It is incredibly important to work with your doctor and a fitness expert if you are starting out for the first time, to make sure that the workouts you are performing are safe for you.

What Is Weight Training

Weight training involves a variety of exercises that incorporate bodyweight resistance, free weights, and weight machines. The resistance of weights helps to increase the force that you are exerting on your muscles and this process helps to strengthen them.

Is It Safe To Lift Weights With Psa?

Weightlifting is usually safe for people who have PsA. Still, it is dependent on the severity and specificity of your condition, so it is best to check with a doctor before starting a weight training program.

There are also benefits to weight lifting for PsA sufferers if done correctly! Some benefits can include:

  • Increased bone strength
  • Increased muscle strength that will help with joint support
  • Increased strength and flexibility
  • Reduction of stiffness and pain
  • General health and wellness benefits

What To Check

While it can be very safe to weight lift, you should prepare yourself properly before working out to avoid aggravating your condition. It is important to:

  • Warm-up effectively
  • Keep the weights at an appropriate weight for your skillset
  • Stay well hydrated
  • Ensure that you are performing exercises with correct form
  • Not workout during a flare-up or adapt the workout to be less harsh on your joints
  • Take sufficient rest periods between workouts.

In conclusion, just because you have PsA does not mean that you cannot enjoy a weight training regime and build your strength. In fact, you might enjoy some benefits!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you keen to develop into an expert in weight training as well as other forms of fitness training? If you would, then you need to become a personal trainer. Study our Personal Training Diploma and see where a career in fitness will take you!

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Six Health And Wellness Trends To Watch Out For In 2021 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/six-health-and-wellness-trends-to-watch-out-for-in-2021/ Tue, 19 Jan 2021 05:00:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22487 Last year, we took our workouts from gyms to our living room and went from working out with friends to using Zoom to catch online classes. In 2021 we are all hoping that things will be a little different, and with that change, there may be some changes. So, what will health and wellness look...

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Last year, we took our workouts from gyms to our living room and went from working out with friends to using Zoom to catch online classes. In 2021 we are all hoping that things will be a little different, and with that change, there may be some changes. So, what will health and wellness look like this year?

  1. Mental Health

Considering the past year of pandemic stress, job losses, economic struggles, and isolation, health and wellness are likely to focus on mental health and physical health. The ease of doing yoga and meditation at home has led to them becoming increasingly popular over the last year and this trend is likely to continue.

  1. Self Care As A Routine

With the mental toll that the last year has taken on many of us, there has been a large increase in focus on self-care. Self-care can be a combination of various activities such as meditation and yoga (as mentioned above),  a skincare routine, regular exercise, journaling and reflection, and healthy eating. A trend we expect to see in 2021 is the continued emphasis on self-care, particularly focusing on making it a regular part of your routine, not just moments for special occasions.

  1. Improving Sleep

As we all know, sleep plays an incredibly important role in your health and wellness. Spending a year in lockdown and having to adjust to working and studying from home has taken a toll on many people’s sleep schedule. We expect to see many trends focused on improving the way you sleep and re-setting those sleep cycles.

  1. Eating For Wellness

With the fears of the pandemic still around us, there will almost certainly be a focus on the health side of wellness. Expect to see an emphasis on healthy eating for the long term. Think fresh whole foods, balanced meals, high protein, and foods high in natural probiotics.

  1. Social Media Sharing

Without regular access to gyms and support groups for many, people have been exploring home workouts and online support – usually in the form of social media. We expect to see more of this over 2021 as people have found social media influencers who they relate to and enjoy engaging with.

  1. Electronic Health

Since we are all spending a lot more time online, we expect to see many health and wellness trends relating to how we engage with online content, both physically and mentally. From ‘eye-yoga’ that encourages you to stretch your eyes regularly to limiting the time you spend on certain apps, we are sure that this year’s health and wellness will engage with our relationship to technology.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

With much focus being placed on health and wellness, it’s no surprise that being a health and wellness coach is a growing profession. To find out more about becoming engaged in this career, please follow this link.

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Tips for Improving Business Writing Skills. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/tips-for-improving-business-writing-skills/ Mon, 18 Jan 2021 05:00:17 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22433 Personal trainers and other fitness professionals not only need to be great in terms of their fitness skills but also need super business writing skills as they will need to compile a lot of business-related documentation such as business plans as well as emails to clients. Here are a number of ways that personal trainers...

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Personal trainers and other fitness professionals not only need to be great in terms of their fitness skills but also need super business writing skills as they will need to compile a lot of business-related documentation such as business plans as well as emails to clients. Here are a number of ways that personal trainers and fitness professionals can improve their business writing skills.

Be Clear And Concise

The first thing which you need to learn is how to be clear and concise in what you say. Everyone who you communicate with is busy and is dealing with overflowing inboxes each and every single day. This means that you need to be explicit in conveying your message otherwise you risk your email finding the trash folder a little too quickly.

A great way of doing this is to put your main point in the first sentence of your message. For example, if you need to arrange a training session, your first sentence could be, “Can we arrange a session on Friday morning?” After this, you can then use the rest of the message to add contextual details your client needs to know.

Identify Your Specific Weaknesses and Strengths

This can be quite challenging if the only feedback you have received is you ‘need to improve’. Where to begin? There are so many entrenched skills in business writing which means that it’s important to understand what is working in addition to what needs improvement.

There are three vital metrics for business writing:

  • Split the information/substance/content of a document from the words which express the information/substance/content. There is the information. In addition, there are the words that express that information. We have to look at these separately in order to identify strengths and weaknesses.
  • Reflect on the information contained in your usual documents. Do your clients have the information that they need? Is it grouped logically? Does it flow logically? This is the information or substance of your document.
  • Reflect on the words that you use to express the information. This is the syntax, or the way you utilise words.

Know Your Audience Well

Many different people, in varying roles across other companies and organisations – as well as your own – require different style of writing. In the same way that you tailor a business pitch differently, depending on who you’re talking to, you must keep your audience in mind when it comes to all business writing.

Edit and Edit Again

When you’ve written a draft of your business communication – be it an email or a WhatsApp – don’t send it off straight away. Come back to the draft, take a look for areas which can be improved – particularly the strength as well as the clarity.

Don’t just edit once, either. Take the time and go over the message a few times. Really pay attention to what can be changed in order to make the message more effective. Try reading out loud – you’ll be amazed what you catch just by vocalising what you’ve written – and ask a third party to lend another pair of eyes.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn the technical skills of what it takes to become a personal trainer then you really need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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What Is The Best Workout For Calf Muscle Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-best-workout-for-calf-muscle-training/ Fri, 15 Jan 2021 08:30:48 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22428 Strong calves don’t only balance out the way that you look. They’re also absolutely fundamental to gaining power as well as explosiveness both in and outside the gym. Your calf muscles assist with propelling you forward and up during explosive movements. This makes them extremely useful for sprinting and plyometrics, and any activity which requires...

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Strong calves don’t only balance out the way that you look. They’re also absolutely fundamental to gaining power as well as explosiveness both in and outside the gym. Your calf muscles assist with propelling you forward and up during explosive movements. This makes them extremely useful for sprinting and plyometrics, and any activity which requires leg propulsion or foot stabilisation upon landing, like running, volleyball, and basketball.

Tight calf muscles may limit your ankle mobility as well as potentially increasing the likelihood of injuries such shin splints or Achilles tendonitis. This means that it’s crucial to train them — and work on ankle mobility — regularly.

During a calf-strengthening workout, you target the two muscles which make up the calf:

  • The gastrocnemius muscle, which lends the calf its round shape.
  • The soleus, which is the flatter, longer muscle that runs underneath the gastrocnemius and lower down your leg.

Standing Calf Raise On Elevated Surface

This is a fantastic exercise to stretch as well as  strengthen the calves (primarily the gastrocnemius) through a full range of motion:

  • With a dumbbell securely in your left hand, stand up tall with the ball of your left foot on an elevated surface and with your heel hanging off. Your right toes must rest on your left ankle.
  • Making sure that you keep your core firm, raise your left heel as high as you possibly can.
  • In a slow fashion, lower your heel down below the raised surface until you feel a stretch in your calf muscle.
  • Repeat and do equal reps on both legs.

Inward Calf Raise

  • Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, with your toes facing inward.
  • Draw your abs inward in order to stabilise your body as you lift up onto the balls of your feet. Keep your legs straight. Ensure that your knees are soft.
  • Pause at the top, squeeze your calf muscles and then lower back down to the ground.

That’s one rep. Complete 15.

Seated Calf Raise

This is a great exercise for soleus isolation:

  • Sit tall on a bench or chair. Make sure that your feet are flat on the ground. Hold two heavy dumbbells on the top of your thighs.
  • Keep your core engaged and lift your heels off the ground as high as you possibly can.
  • In a slow fashion, lower your heels back down to the mat. Repeat the movement.

In order to grow your range of motion, as well as work your muscles even more while doing a seated calf raise, elevate the balls of your feet with a block.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Personal trainers make their living from teaching others how to work out properly. If this is something that you want to do as a career then you should become a personal trainer. Have a good look at our Personal Training Diploma to find out how to do this.

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What is a metabolic conditioning workout? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-metabolic-conditioning-workout/ Fri, 15 Jan 2021 07:59:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22424 There are three pathways which fuel the body during exercise. These are the immediate, intermediate as well as long-term energy pathways.  In the immediate as well as intermediate pathways, creatinine phosphate and carbohydrates are utilised for energy. In the long-term pathway, both carbohydrates as well as fats give your body energy. Metabolic conditioning, or metcon...

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There are three pathways which fuel the body during exercise. These are the immediate, intermediate as well as long-term energy pathways.  In the immediate as well as intermediate pathways, creatinine phosphate and carbohydrates are utilised for energy. In the long-term pathway, both carbohydrates as well as fats give your body energy.

Metabolic conditioning, or metcon (which is sometimes also spelled as MetCon), is based on exercise programmes that make use of the immediate, in addition to intermediate, energy pathways. Metabolic conditioning exercises must be performed in a specific time and intensity in order to use these pathways. With metcon, the body can burn fuel more efficiently by using moderate-intensity to high-intensity interval sessions.

A Combination Of Cardio And Strength Workouts

MetCon is a specialised mixture of cardio and strength workouts. It’s not the long, slow cardio that we’ve spent the last two decades doing, nor is it the tedious old straight-set strength training workouts, either. Well-known types of MetCon include P90X, CrossFit, Insanity or – alternatively – high-intensity circuit training,

Metabolic conditioning workouts make use of exercises which burn lots of calories during your workout and make sure that the body keeps burning calories after your workout ends. These workouts usually involve the entire body and short periods of rest. MetCon workouts are designed to push the limits of your body in order to build strength and endurance while becoming toned.

Why A Metabolic Conditioning Workout Works

MetCon, like quite a lot of fitness jargon such as ‘fat-burning zone’ or ‘toning-up’, is a bit of a misnomer. You don’t really have to exercise in order to ‘condition’ your metabolism. Your body is metabolising all the time and, if it ever stops dead in its track, that means you’ve stopped as well.

However, metabolic training is about increasing the storage as well as delivery of energy for any activity. MetCon, as opposed to traditional cardio or strength training, targets each part of the body in a more effective way. What MetCon is really about for the man in the street is one thing: getting results.

If you do metabolic conditioning right, you can:

  • Burn more calories for increased weight loss.
  • Increase the calories which you burn after your workout. (This is also called the afterburn.)

Teach your body how to make use of different energy systems more efficiently. This includes the following:

  • Phosphagen system (immediate energy required),
  • Glycolysis (intermediate energy required), and
  • The aerobic system (extended energy required).

While this isn’t always a priority for the average exerciser, this can be a tremendous boost for athletes.

Build strength, endurance, and fitness for almost any activity— such as competing in races, going into the military or law enforcement, sports or marathon yard work sessions.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Putting together workouts for their clients is what a personal trainer does. If this is something that you’d like to do then you should become a personal trainer with our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What Exercises Should You Do In The Morning? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-exercises-should-you-do-in-the-morning/ Fri, 15 Jan 2021 05:05:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22419 Want to feel great all day? Start off with a few simple exercises straight out of bed and you’ll be energised, motivated as well as ready for anything. You don’t have to get in a full workout — just five to 10 minutes will do. Activating certain muscles in the morning could lower your risk...

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Want to feel great all day? Start off with a few simple exercises straight out of bed and you’ll be energised, motivated as well as ready for anything. You don’t have to get in a full workout — just five to 10 minutes will do.

Activating certain muscles in the morning could lower your risk of injury when you do hit the gym. What’s more, if you have the tendency to feel tight in your hips as well as your legs – or alternatively achy in your lower back when you wake up – these moves will assist with relieving pain and boosting flexibility.

What’s more, there are loads of studies which show that if you do some exercise in the morning, you will certainly be in a better mood for the entire day. You will also have more energy and you will certainly be a better colleague, friend or partner.

Running Or Walking

A morning run or walk is a fantastic way to start off the day in style. The exercise will boost your metabolism as well as encourage better fat-burning. If you do your run or walk before you eat breakfast (in a fasted state), you’ll end up by burning a lot of fat first thing in the morning.

Cat Camel Stretch

Stretching exercises are extremely useful for muscle toning as well as for preventing arthritis. The stretching exercises that you choose to do can either be dynamic or static:

  • Dynamic stretches – such as the cat camel stretch – are particularly useful for doing other exercises in the morning. These are also beneficial at other times of the day, especially after long periods of sedentary work. The cat camel stretch is great for spinal flexibility and is a good warm-up exercise.

How To Do The Cat Camel Stretch?

  • Kneel down on all fours on a mat.
  • Begin by rounding your back just like a camel’s hump so that your head will try and meet your pelvis. This is the camel position.
  • After this, lower and then lift your head so that your lower back is arched. This is the cat position.

Perform these movements slowly as well as smoothly. Repeat about between four and five times.

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Bird Dog

Performing this simple exercise first thing in the morning will activate your full body. The focus will be on the trunk and the erector spinae (in other words, the muscles and tendons running along your spine). This helps to build better posture. The bird dog also increases lower-body stabilisation throughout your day which makes climbing stairs – and even just walking – feel easier as well as more efficient.

How To Do The Bird Dog?

  • Begin on your hands and knees.
  • Squeeze your glutes, draw your stomach in, pull your shoulder blades down and keep your head in line with your spine.
  • Holding the position, lift your right arm and left leg so that each of these is extended straight.
  • Bend your right arm and left leg. Bring in your right elbow towards the left knee. Hold for three seconds. After this, extend and repeat.

Do 10 reps and after you’ve done this repeat on your opposite side.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Teaching others how to exercise properly is the job of a personal trainer. If this sounds like something that you want to do yourself then check out our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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How To Improve Recovery After A Workout? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-improve-recovery-after-a-workout-find-out-more/ Fri, 15 Jan 2021 05:00:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22406 Sometimes, the day after a challenging workout can be a struggle. Your muscles are sore and that makes it hard to get in and out of your car (if you can get to your car in the first place). But there are ways to ease the pain from a good workout and speed up your...

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Sometimes, the day after a challenging workout can be a struggle. Your muscles are sore and that makes it hard to get in and out of your car (if you can get to your car in the first place). But there are ways to ease the pain from a good workout and speed up your recovery.

Rest and recovery is an incredibly vital part of any workout routine. Your after-exercise recovery routine has a huge impact on your fitness gains as well as sports performance. In addition, it allows you to train much more effectively. Unfortunately, most individuals don’t have an after-exercise recovery plan.

Recovery after exercise is absolutely essential to muscle and tissue repair as well as strength building. This is even more critical to add into your routine after a heavy weight-training session. A muscle needs somewhere from 24 to 48 hours to repair and rebuild, and working it again too soon just leads to tissue breakdown instead of building. What this means for weight-training routines is that you should never work out the same muscle groups two days consecutively.

There are many methods of recovery. The following are some of the most commonly recommended by fitness experts.

Drink Enough Fluids

Hydrating after a workout is essential to recovery. Without sufficient amounts of water present in your body, you won’t be able to bounce back as well as take benefit of all of the hard work you’ve just done.

Water provides many benefits for your body, including:

  • Carrying nutrients as well as oxygen to your cells, and
  • Regulating body temperature.

Without proper hydration, it’s difficult for your body to normalise blood pressure and stabilise your heartbeat. You’ll reap the rewards of your tough workout when you drink water.

Get More Sleep

With the exact relationship between sleep and exercise still being unclear, research suggests that sleep deprivation can have a very negative effect on exercise performance and recovery.

Sleep affects the whole body in addition to all its systems, including the:

  • Brain,
  • Heart,
  • Lungs,
  • Metabolism,
  • Immune function,
  • Mood, and
  • Disease resistance.

So getting extra sleep after a tough workout might do more than you know to speed your body’s recovery.

Eat Healthy Recovery Foods

After depleting your energy stores with exercise and physical fitness activities, you need to re-fuel if you expect for your body to recover, repair tissues, become stronger as well as be ready for the next challenge that you want to tackle. This is even more essential if you are doing endurance exercise the day after day or trying to build muscle.

The essential thing that you can do, in order to recovery quickly, is to listen to your body. If you are feeling like you’re tired, sore, or notice decreased performance you may require more recovery time or a break from your training routine altogether. If you are feeling like you’re strong the day after a hard workout, you don’t need to force yourself to go slow. In most instances, your body will let you know what it requires when it needs it.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you keen to teach others how to exercise properly? If you are then you should become a personal trainer. Our Personal Training Diploma is the best of the best, in terms of fitness education, and will make you a world-class fitness professional. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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What Is The Importance Of Fitness? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-importance-of-fitness/ Fri, 15 Jan 2021 05:00:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22409 To put it simply, physical activity, fitness as well as exercise is important for everyone. Children, adolescents in addition to adults of all ages need regular physical activity. Physical activity is responsible for promoting good health. In addition,  you should stay active throughout all stages of your life regardless of your body type or body...

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To put it simply, physical activity, fitness as well as exercise is important for everyone. Children, adolescents in addition to adults of all ages need regular physical activity. Physical activity is responsible for promoting good health. In addition,  you should stay active throughout all stages of your life regardless of your body type or body mass index (BMI).

Recent studies have shown some startling facts about physical fitness among today’s teenagers. Most of these teens spend at least 30 hours in a week by just watching TV and eating high-fat content snacks. Frighteningly, nearly 50% of the teenagers and young adults do not do any sort of physical activity on a regular basis. Teenage girls are more inactive as opposed to the boys. As teenagers grow up, a lot of them even tend to avoid taking part in physical education class in their schools.

The Benefits Of Physical Fitness

Improved Health

Physical fitness is vital as it keeps your body free from illness. It enables the organs of the body – such as the heart, lungs as well as muscles – to function efficiently. Moreover, it renders the body more energetic, which in turn assists us with carrying out our day-to-day chores without getting fatigued. In addition, it contributes towards keeping our mind healthy, fresh and free from stress-related problems. To ensure that we maintain ourselves as physically fit, we need to engage in physical exercise, eat a balanced diet and proper rest.

Fitness, physical activity and exercise can be responsible for improving your health and reducing the risk of developing a number of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer as well as cardiovascular disease. Physical activity and exercise may have immediate and long-term health benefits. Most importantly, regular physical activity can improve your quality of life. At least half an hour daily could allow you to enjoy these benefits.

Increased Life Expectancy

Many studies have confirmed that regular physical activity is responsible for increasing life expectancy and reducing the threat of premature mortality. There’s not a magic formula which translates hours of physical activity into hours of life gained, however, research suggests that people who are more active tend to be healthier and live longer.

Helping To Combat Depression

A number of different studies have found that exercise assists with alleviating the symptoms of depression. There are countless views as to how exercise helps people with depression. Some of these are:

  • Exercise may block negative thoughts or, alternatively, distract you from daily worries.
  • Exercising with others offers an opportunity for increased social contact.
  • Increased fitness may lift your mood as well as improve your sleep patterns.
  • In addition, exercise may change levels of chemicals in your brain, such as serotonin, endorphins in addition to stress hormones.

Just move a little bit more, with increased levels of intensity, and sit less. You don’t have to make huge life changes in order to see the benefits. Just start building increased levels of activity into your day, one step at a time.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

There are so many fitness disciplines out there which will help you to get more active. Check out our courses page in order to find out more about these various disciplines.

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Everything That You Should Know About Health And Wellness Coaches https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/everything-that-you-should-know-about-health-and-wellness-coaches/ Wed, 13 Jan 2021 05:05:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22344 Health and wellness coaches believe that a client is already an expert in their own life as well as their own needs. Often clients know what they want however they haven’t found the motivation within themselves in order to get where they want to go. That’s where health and wellness coaches can make a difference....

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Health and wellness coaches believe that a client is already an expert in their own life as well as their own needs. Often clients know what they want however they haven’t found the motivation within themselves in order to get where they want to go. That’s where health and wellness coaches can make a difference.

What Is A Health And Wellness Coach?

Health and wellness coaches assist their clients to find the motivation and tools in order to reach their physical and emotional health goals.

Those physical and mental health goals might include:

  • Losing a few kilograms;
  • Eating better;
  • Quitting smoking; and
  • Lowering stress.

In contrast to a nutritionist or personal trainer, who makes particular diet and exercise suggestions, a health and wellness coach will assist you with making better general choices that fit your lifestyle.

What Can You Expect From A Health And Wellness Coach?

A health and wellness coach assists their clients with the development of workable strategies to bring overall wellness, health, and well-being into their client’s life.

A health and wellness coach will assist an individual to achieve their goals by working with a person’s strengths and values in putting together plans for a long-term wellness strategy. Working with a health and wellness coach should be an inspiring, empowering as well as a motivating experience.

Health and wellness coaching is the collaboration between the coach and the client in order to achieve goals. Health and wellness coaches provide highly personalised assistance. Depending on their specialisation or certification different health wellness coaches will take different approaches, which means that it is important to find one that matches what your current goals are.

What A Health And Wellness Coach is Not

The work of a health and wellness coach shouldn’t be conflated with the type of work that’s done by specialists like nutritionists or personal trainers. While health and wellness coaches should know the subtleties of these topics well, they don’t give clients professional nutritional or fitness advice. This means that health and wellness coaches are not able to provide specific dietary or exercise instructions but rather can offer guidance to assist you with making choices that suit your desired lifestyle.

Depending on their specific area of focus, and the health and wellness coach’s expertise as well as education, a wellness coach may be able to assist with setting goals with clients for improved:

  • Nutrition counselling,
  • Exercise,
  • Mental and emotional health, and
  • Lifestyle changes in behaviour in order to improve a person’s overall well-being

Health and wellness coaches work closely with their clients – usually on a one-on-one basis – in order to give them tools to achieve their personal health and wellness goals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you think that you might be interested in becoming a health and wellness coach? If you would be then you should do our Health and Wellness Coach Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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Why Is Hip Mobility Important? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-hip-mobility-important/ Tue, 12 Jan 2021 05:05:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22328 Hip mobility is extremely important for all athletes. This is particularly true for players who spend a great deal of time sitting when they are not training or competing. Whether athletes are working eight-hour days at a desk, or putting in hours in the classroom, sitting for long periods of time has the effect of...

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Hip mobility is extremely important for all athletes. This is particularly true for players who spend a great deal of time sitting when they are not training or competing. Whether athletes are working eight-hour days at a desk, or putting in hours in the classroom, sitting for long periods of time has the effect of shortening the hip flexors as well as weakening the glute muscles. This negatively impacts hip mobility in addition to player performance. This means that it is vital for coaches and personal trainers to design a strength programme which includes hip mobility exercises and stretches in order to offset tight muscles from hours of sitting.

In addition, hip mobility is vital to the correct full functioning of the hip joint. While the hip joint is intended to be more stable and less flexible than the shoulder joint, it can still be tremendously limiting and even harmful if the hip joint does not have its full mobility.

There are a lot of structures (such as 15 muscles and three major ligaments) which cross the hip joint as well as move it or stabilise it. Thus, it is a complex joint which needs to be operating at its fullest potential in order to create peak athletic performance and prevent injury.

How To Improve Hip Mobility

Taking the time to include a few hip mobility exercises is a simple as well as straightforward way of assisting you to move toward your athletic goals:

  • Firstly, foam rolling your quadriceps and hamstrings is a straightforward and easy way in order to encourage hip flexibility. These large muscle groups begin at the hip bones and thus affect hip flexibility if these are tight.
  • Other stretches which promote hip flexibility include the “Pigeon stretch” where you extend one leg behind you and cross the other in front which helps to release locked-up hips.
  • Also, the scorpion stretch is a fantastic way to release tension in the hips. Stretching your hip-flexor muscles is extremely important and can be done by putting one knee on the ground and having your other leg at 90˚ with your foot on the ground. Gradually push your pelvis forward until you feel a hip-flexor stretch in the leg with the knee on the ground.
  • Lastly, the simple butterfly stretch can help stretch your hips and inner thighs.

Inflexible Hips Can Lead To Other Body Pain

Tight hips can result in a domino effect of other body pain hotspots as well as even injuries. The challenge with sitting for long periods of time is that is can manifest as pain in the back, hip, or knee. The hip flexors actually start in the lower back, so when they get tight, this can place stress on the lumbar spine. Alternatively, you could experience pain in the front of your hip, either from muscle shortening or a pinching sensation from the rim around the hip joint socket. This means that having flexible, mobile hips is so important for overall health and mobility. “Hip mobility is critical for healthy movement and injury prevention.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about gaining hip mobility – in addition to mobility in other areas of your body – then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information about this world-class fitness course, please follow this link.

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Stretches To Alleviate The Symptoms Of Vertigo. Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/stretches-to-alleviate-the-symptoms-of-vertigo-read-this-article/ Tue, 12 Jan 2021 05:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22322 The term ‘vertigo’ refers to a feeling of dizziness and spinning. It can occur with or without any movement. Vertigo is caused when your brain feels that your body is off-balance even though it is not. When feeling dizzy, you should sit down immediately in order to reduce the chances of getting hurt if you...

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The term ‘vertigo’ refers to a feeling of dizziness and spinning. It can occur with or without any movement. Vertigo is caused when your brain feels that your body is off-balance even though it is not. When feeling dizzy, you should sit down immediately in order to reduce the chances of getting hurt if you fall.

Often, vertigo is a symptom of a fundamental medical condition or several different conditions. Sometimes, vertigo will only occur once however for other people, it will reoccur until the underlying cause is determined.

The spinning sensation as well as dizziness you get from vertigo can severely limit your activities and make you feel sick. Depending on the cause, though, some simple manoeuvres and stretches you can do at home might bring relief.

What Causes Vertigo?

The most common sort of this condition is BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). It occurs when small crystals of calcium become loose in your inner ear. You may feel the symptoms of vertigo when you’re getting in or out of bed or, alternatively, tilting your head up. People who are older than the age of 60 years are more likely to get BPPV. Luckily, it’s also the simplest kind of vertigo to treat.

Before you attempt to treat it yourself, consult your doctor. If you suffer from vertigo, you’ll need to know what type it is as well as which ear has the problem.

Follow these steps in order to determine affected side:

  • Sit on your bed so that if you lie down, your head will hang just over the end of the bed. Turn your head to the right. After this, lie back quickly.
  • Wait for one minute.
  • If you feel a dizzy sensation, then your right ear is your affected ear. If no dizziness happens, sit up.
  • Wait for one minute.
  • Turn your head to the left. After this lie back quickly. Wait for one minute and if you feel dizzy, then the left is your affected ear.

If you have BPPV, a number of actions can move the calcium crystals, which cause the problem, out of your ear canal. That should bring relief.

What Is The Brandt-Daroff Stretch?

The Brandt-Daroff exercise and stretches is one of several exercises which are intended to speed up the compensation process and also end the symptoms of vertigo. This series of exercises and stretches are often is prescribed for individuals who have BPPV and sometimes for labyrinthitis.

These stretches and exercises will not cure the symptoms of vertigo however, over time, they can reduce the symptoms.

Here is how to do the Brandt-Daroff exercise:

  • Begin in an upright, seated position.
  • Move your body into a lying position on one side with your nose pointed up at approximately a 45-degree angle.
  • Remain in this position for around half a minute (or till the vertigo subsides, whichever is longer). Then move back to the seated position.
  • Repeat on the other side.

People who utilise this exercise are usually instructed to perform multiple repetitions of the exercise at least twice a day.

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What Is The Epley Manoeuvre?

This is a series of movements which may assist with relieving vertigo by repositioning crystals in the inner ear. The aim of this stretch is to alleviate nausea and dizziness. Research makes the suggestion that this manoeuvre is a particularly safe as well as effective treatment for BPPV.

How to perform the Epley manoeuvre if vertigo results from an issue with the right ear:

  • Sit on the very edge of a bed.
  • Turn your head 45 degrees, or as far as it is comfortable, to the right.
  • Lie back quickly.
  • Maintain this position for approximately 30 seconds.
  • Turn your head so that it is now 45 degrees to your left.
  • Keep this position for 30 seconds.
  • Turn your head and body an additional 90 degrees to your left into the bed. Keep this position for another 30 seconds.
  • Sit up slowly.
  • Begin on the other side if your vertigo stems from an issue with your left ear.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen to learn about other stretches which could help to alleviate other health problems then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information about this fitness course, please follow this link.

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Why Is Exercise Key In Easing Joint Pain? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-exercise-key-in-easing-joint-pain-find-out-more/ Mon, 11 Jan 2021 05:05:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22308 Even the healthiest of people can find it difficult to stick with an exercise regimen. If you suffer from joint pain, moving your body may be the last thing that you want to think about. If you suffer from joint pain there are undoubtedly some times when all you are desperate to do is lie...

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Even the healthiest of people can find it difficult to stick with an exercise regimen. If you suffer from joint pain, moving your body may be the last thing that you want to think about. If you suffer from joint pain there are undoubtedly some times when all you are desperate to do is lie on your back in bed for hours at a stretch.

It’s very tempting, but it could actually make the problem worse. In days gone by, doctors used to recommend bed rest for back pain and other chronic pain conditions however studies have found that people who exercise and remain flexible manage their pain much better than those who don’t.

This is because regular exercise not only helps maintain joint function but it also relieves stiffness and reduces pain and fatigue. In addition, exercise improves your pain threshold. With chronic pain, your pain threshold drops — in other words, it takes less pain to make you feel more uncomfortable. With cardiovascular, strengthening, and flexibility exercise, you can improve that pain threshold.

What Is Responsible For Joint Pain?

The culprits behind joint pain tend to be:

  • osteoarthritis
  • old injuries
  • repetitive or overly forceful movements during sports or work
  • posture problems
  • aging
  • inactivity

Beginner Exercise Tips For Joint Pain Sufferers

If you do have a chronic joint pain condition – such as back pain or hip, knee, or shoulder problems – you shouldn’t begin an exercise programme without guidance from a fitness professional.

Check with your doctor first and then look for a fitness expert who will be able to help you to develop an individualised exercise programme. “Have a fitness professional – such as a physical therapist or athletic trainer – show you what is suitable to do given your condition/

One thing a good personal trainer will do is something that is called a postural assessment. During this assessment, they look at see how the client:

  • Sits
  • Stands
  • Walks

Over the course of one’s life, we all create these postural imbalances such as carrying a child on one hip or carrying a bag on one shoulder. These imbalances, which arise as a result, may can often trigger pain in the back, hips, knees, and shoulders.

The fantastic news is that there are a number of stretches you can do if you suffer from joint pain. Here is one of them:

  • Lie supine on a carpet or, alternatively, a mat.
  • Put your legs on a couch so that your legs, from the heels until the back of your knees, are completely supported.

You’re in the same position that you would be if you were sitting in a chair however now the pressure on your spine is completely displaced.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

There are so many exercises that personal trainers can teach people, who suffer from joint pain, which will give them some relief. To learn more about studying to become a personal trainer, please follow this link.

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What Exercises Are Key In Developing Muscle Mass? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-exercises-are-key-in-developing-muscle-mass/ Mon, 11 Jan 2021 05:00:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22305 While everyone, who goes to the gym in order to lift weights, has their own set of specific fitness goals, one common thread which runs through most is the desire to get bigger as well as stronger. Bodybuilders are unique as they look to build every single muscle in the body to the greatest possible...

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While everyone, who goes to the gym in order to lift weights, has their own set of specific fitness goals, one common thread which runs through most is the desire to get bigger as well as stronger. Bodybuilders are unique as they look to build every single muscle in the body to the greatest possible extent. This is all while trying to make sure that everything remains in perfect proportion as well as symmetry. Because of this they must utilise a myriad of specific and varied exercises for each body part so that every muscle fibre and motor unit pool is exhausted at every workout.

Muscle is more difficult to build as well as maintain as we age. In fact, most of us begin to lose muscle around the age 30. Thus, physically inactive people can experience anywhere from a 3- to 5-% reduction in lean muscle mass for every decade thereafter.

This is due to decreased testosterone levels in men and decreased oestrogen levels in women — both of these hormones help build muscle — in addition to changes in nerve and blood cells and the body not changing amino acids to muscle tissue as efficiently, among other factors. However, muscle loss doesn’t have to be inevitable: For adult men and women, regularly performing resistance training exercises are extremely important in building and maintaining muscle. +

Just Doing The Exercise Won’t Help You Build

Knowing the correct exercises is only half of the muscle-building challenge in the gym. The other half is knowing the number of those moves that you should perform as well as how frequently you should perform them.

Expert personal trainers recommend this pattern for building the optimal muscle mass:

  • Sets: 3-6,
  • Reps: 6-12,
  • Rest between sets: 30 to 90 seconds, and
  • Workout frequency: 2 or 3 days every week.

It was also found that muscles need 48 hours of rest to fully recover from a workout. So, for example, if you work out your legs on Monday, don’t work them again until Wednesday.

Talking about rest, most muscle growth takes place during the REM cycle of sleep. This means that no matter what weights you lift, you won’t get the muscle mass growth that you want if you’re not getting enough sleep.

Athletes should be aiming for at least eight hours of sleep per night—as many as 10 if they are able to do so. Take computers, TVs, phones, and other distractions out of your bedroom that can disturb your sleep. And cool the room down to between 15 and 18 degrees if possible. Cool temperatures induce sleepiness, helping you reach the deeper REM phase sooner.

Exercises For Muscle Mass

Bench Press

The main muscles which are worked are:

  • Pectorals,
  • Anterior Deltoids, and
  • Triceps.

For maximum stimulation of your chest, position the torso on the bench with a little bit on an arch in the lower back. Hold your ribcage high. Shrug your shoulders shrugged back and downward.

Barbell Pullover

The main muscles worked are:

  • Upper Pectorals,
  • Lats,
  • Teres Major, and
  • Triceps.

Whether you’re looking to target your chest or lats, get the most out of this movement by utilising a weight which allows you a full and deep stretch while keeping the hips down.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn about more exercises to help you to develop muscle mass then you definitely need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to learn more.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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How To Do Strength Training Without Weights? Learn more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-strength-training-without-weights-learn-more/ Fri, 08 Jan 2021 05:15:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22286 Working out without weights has become a practice that many of us had never considered up until the pandemic forced us to work out at home. Adapting to a less-intense workout may have been off-putting to some, but those that persevered have found that there’s quite a bit that you can do while at home...

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Working out without weights has become a practice that many of us had never considered up until the pandemic forced us to work out at home. Adapting to a less-intense workout may have been off-putting to some, but those that persevered have found that there’s quite a bit that you can do while at home if you put your mind to it.

Bodyweight Exercises

The easiest way to work out without weights – especially when you’re used to it – is to use your bodyweight. At the start of your strength training road, you may find it challenging enough to keep going, however as time moves on, and your strength improves, you’ll need to increase the reps per set, or even slow them down to challenge the muscle.

Different areas of the body may be stronger than others and that’s perfectly okay – they’ve adapted to your lifestyle and daily tasks. For example, carrying the groceries inside or walking the dog. It will necessitate trial and error to establish what each part of your body is capable of and adapting your exercise accordingly.

This form of compound, functional training helps you to perfect your form without the need to manage resistance caused by extra weight. You’ll be able to work on your daily movement patterns and strengthen the muscles involved, and you’ll use multiple muscles and joints at the same time.

It’s great for full-body workouts, although you can work on targeting smaller muscles groups if need be.

Resistance Band Training

Resistance bands are a versatile alternative to traditional weight training. They’re inexpensive, take up little space and can be adapted to meet any fitness need as they come in three levels, namely light, medium or heavy. As you adjust the slack, you’ll be able to adjust the amount of resistance experienced. By altering your grip or attaching your resistance band to a surface, you will be able to modify the exercises to train the muscles you usually would while at the gym.

Anyone, at whatever fitness level, can benefit from making use of resistance bands. They add an additional challenge to bodyweight exercises; however, don’t put the same type of pressure on your joints that external weights, such as dumbbells and kettlebells, do.

Resistance bands are also great for targeting smaller stabilising muscles that you may not usually work. This is why personal trainers love using them to work the small muscles in the hips, specifically the gluteus medius, which plays the important role of stabilising your quads when you walk and run. Many runners do resistance band bum exercises during their warm-ups for this reason.

Don’t underestimate the power of this rubber band. It’s more powerful than it looks and can provide the ultimate full-body workout.

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Improvising Weight

Okay, we know this piece is about strength training without weights, but there are things around your home that you can use to increase your workout intensity. Water bottles can double as dumbbells or kettlebells, depending on their grip. Bricks and cinderblocks in the garden can also work well, but please be careful when lifting as you never know what has been nesting there while it’s been outside!

Essentially, anything with weight can be used for exercise, assuming it has something for you to hold onto properly without it slipping out of your hand.

Gyming without weights may seem like a lost cause, but you’ll be surprised by what you can achieve with the right mindset – challenge yourself; push yourself further. Don’t let your hard work go to waste simply due to a lack of equipment or gym space. If you find yourself requiring inspiration or motivation, there’s a tonne of mobile apps dedicated to bodyweight workout. You can even follow personal trainers on social media to take a look at what they’ve been up to.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Strength training is something that personal trainers are trained to teach their clients. If you want to find out what else personal trainers do, then check out our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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How To Create An Attractive Yoga Space At Home https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-create-an-attractive-yoga-space-at-home/ Fri, 08 Jan 2021 05:10:47 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22281 Everyone who practices yoga will acknowledge the moment when the mind shifts from ‘everyday life’ style into the present. For some, this happens after a few deep breaths and an opening mantra, with other people it begins at the studio door. Whether this is thanks to the quiet surroundings or simply being in a dedicated...

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Everyone who practices yoga will acknowledge the moment when the mind shifts from ‘everyday life’ style into the present. For some, this happens after a few deep breaths and an opening mantra, with other people it begins at the studio door. Whether this is thanks to the quiet surroundings or simply being in a dedicated yoga space, once inside, letting go of life’s everyday stresses becomes a breeze.

Perhaps this is the reason that a growing number of yogis are creating dedicated spaces to practice in at home. In addition to making it simpler to fit in an extra session here and there, a personal yoga area can help to remove outer distractions and make it simpler to focus on your inner self. Plus, without a timetable to worry about you can easily adapt depending on your schedule, energy levels and mood.

Yoga is not just about exercising and building muscle strength. It is also about improving your connection to your body and mental health. To get a complete experience out of yoga practice, you need to be in a space which allows you to feel calm and relaxed, and able to concentrate on your breathing without distraction.

If you do not practise at a gym or a group class, or if you enjoy supplementing those classes with practice at home, you might have had trouble finding a place to practice yoga in your home. It is important to have a safe, relaxing space that you can practise in. Unfortunately, that can be hard to do in your home if you are low on space. However, you can fix this problem! Here are our top tips on how to create an inviting yoga space at home:

Top tips on how to create an inviting yoga space at home

  1. Choose A Space

If you have the room for it, it would be best to have a specific space to practise, whether this is a part of a home gym or a separate room altogether. However, many of us do not have this luxury, but that does not mean that you cannot have a dedicated space.

Choose an area that you will practise in every week, and that has enough space to move around in. Commit to it. By continuing to use the same space, you will begin to associate the space with your practice and this creates a sense of comfort and familiarity each time you begin a new workout.

  1. Minimalism Is Key

Clutter and excess items in your eye line create tension and stress. If during every practice, you are constantly looking at mess and objects that you don’t like, then you will not have the opportunity to relax and engage with your practice fully. Remove objects that you dislike and try to keep only things are functional or that you find visually appealing. Less is more – without unnecessary items, your brain will be less distracted and can focus on your body’s movements instead.

  1. Set The Mood

Whether this is a space that you use only for yoga or one that becomes a yoga studio for short periods, take time to set it up before you start a practice. Colour and lighting play a role in your mood and taking a few minutes to dim the lights and then light several candles can have a large impact on the way that you experience the workout.

  1. Invest As You Go

Don’t spend large amounts of money all at the same time. You don’t need fancy equipment or yoga clothing straight away. Having an expensive mat and special yoga leggings won’t make you better at yoga! See new pieces as an investment over time, that will only serve to enhance your future experience.

Yoga has been a crucial practice for ages, helping with general health and mindfulness. It doesn’t take considerable effort to transform an area of your home into the ideal yoga zone. All you need is a mat and sufficient room to move around 360 degrees. Making your own inviting and intimate yoga space will amplify up your practice and zen state of mind a hundredfold! Having a peaceful space to practise yoga is valuable for your overall health.

 Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are eager to find out more about yoga, then you should do our Yoga Instructor Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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How To Build A Positive Attitude Towards Exercise https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-build-a-positive-attitude-towards-exercise/ Fri, 08 Jan 2021 05:10:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22297 Even if you have been in shape at one time, trying to work your way back into shape can be very mentally taxing in addition to overwhelming, although it’s a very simple thing to achieve. It’s straightforward, however, not easy. It’s straightforward to just start moving more or to join up at a gym.  There...

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Even if you have been in shape at one time, trying to work your way back into shape can be very mentally taxing in addition to overwhelming, although it’s a very simple thing to achieve. It’s straightforward, however, not easy.

It’s straightforward to just start moving more or to join up at a gym.  There are gyms and fitness centres everywhere!  However,  again it’s not easy.  There are many factors which make getting into shape is not an easy job.

Generally, If you have had a bad experience – or failed at something in your life – you will always have negative feelings towards that experience.  And exercise or physical activity is right up there with an activity that most of us have either detested or failed at during a time in our life.

Healthy People View Fitness As A Lifestyle

Healthy people view fitness as a lifestyle. It just doesn’t finish at the gym, after a hike or a long walk. It goes on in how you eat as well as how much sleep you get. The individuals who are the most successful at fitness are those who have found healthy lifestyles which work best with their needs and wants.

To add to the earlier stated point, it is important to understand what works best for you. If you are going to begin a fitness or nutrition programme that doesn’t match you, then it will not function properly in the long run.

Concentrate on the process over product. Those individuals who maintain that healthy lifestyle over six months enjoy the process of being healthy entails – in other words, eating well and working out – and not the product. When you have selected a process which works well for you, it is less probable that you will cut corners and beat yourself up for not achieving your objectives right away.

There is no one golden answer, as each individual has different ideals and ambitions. However, the most essential thing to keep in mind is that you can achieve your fitness goals! You just have to ruminate about what works best for you. And if you are not sure, then don’t be opposed to trying new fitness regiments or nutrition plans.

Your Past Fitness Experiences Can Influence Your Present

If your childhood memories of gym class have been associated with dread, embarrassment and a sense of failure, it might affect how you see your own physical abilities years later — and have an impact on how probable it is that you will get off of the couch as an adult.

A recent study found that those with cringe-worthy gym memories were less expected to exercise as adults, while those participants who looked back fondly on childhood gym class were more likely to stay fit years later. That’s not surprising as those are formative years. Physical activity is frequently established in gym class, and it’s not an opt-in type of thing. The jocks often shined, but everyone else didn’t feel ‘cool’. Those memories can be quite vivid and there can be a lot of emotional charge to them. And our brains tend to be geared up to remember the negative more than the positive.

You are not able to rewrite your history, but you can reset your fitness attitude.

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Change Your Definition Of Exercise

You could think that exercise means just being on the treadmill for a certain period of time. However, those kinds of beliefs can be a barrier. Exercise is merely about moving your body. Take into account the full spectrum of activities which can get you moving, whether it’s dancing to music in your living room or performing tai chi in the park.

Revise Your Mental Script

Research demonstrates that a growth mindset — which takes into account that progress is possible, even when you’re battling to learn something new — is more useful than a fixed mindset which focuses on if you’re naturally “good” at something. Instead of concentrating on the past, congratulate yourself for re-committing yourself to a healthier lifestyle. Acknowledge your progress. Attempt to focus on how good your body feels instead of ruminating on negative thoughts.

If you’ve ever found yourself in an exercise routine rut, it’s effortless to dig yourself deeper into that hole as well as to lose the motivation that once kept you going. Perhaps you feel as if you’ve hit a plateau, or maybe you’ve lost the plot in terms of what your fitness goals were in the first place. Either way, you might be surprised to realise that a change in your mindset can make all the difference between the results you’ll see from your workout.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Personal trainers are all about helping clients build a positive attitude towards exercise. Is this something that you feel that you would want to do? If so, then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about it here.

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How Exercise Can Help With Studying? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-exercise-can-help-with-studying/ Fri, 08 Jan 2021 05:10:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22292 There are many good reasons why you need to be physically active. The big ones include lowering the odds of getting heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Perhaps you just want to lose weight, reduce your blood pressure, avoid depression, or just look better. Here’s an additional one, which particularly applies to those of us who...

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There are many good reasons why you need to be physically active. The big ones include lowering the odds of getting heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Perhaps you just want to lose weight, reduce your blood pressure, avoid depression, or just look better. Here’s an additional one, which particularly applies to those of us who are feeling the brain fog that comes with age: exercise alters the brain in ways that protect memory in addition to thinking skills.

Exercise is the most efficient way to improve memory as well as attention. For years, we have known that exercise seems to protect against memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. People who exercise often are 50% less likely to develop dementia.  Now, we know one reason why:  when we exercise, new brain cells are established in the hippocampus, which is the brain’s gateway to new memories.

Cardio And The Brain

Anyone who has ever faced a Stairmaster has quite a good idea of what is happening to your body when you break into a sweat. However, here’s what’s going on in your head at the same time: All that extra blood bathes your brain cells in oxygen as well as glucose, which they require to function. The more they get, the better it is that they perform.

Every muscle that you move also delivers hormones rushing to your brain. There, they blend with a chemical that is called a brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, which plays a significant role in:

  • Brain cell growth,
  • Mood regulation, as well as
  • Learning.

BDNF is like fertiliser for the brain as, without it, our brains are not able to absorb new information or make new cells.

Exercise assists memory and thinking through by using direct and indirect means. The advantages that exercise brings come directly from its ability to:

  • Lower insulin resistance,
  • Decrease inflammation, and
  • Stimulate the release of growth factors

Growth factors are chemicals in the brain which affect the health of brain cells, the rise in the number of fresh new blood vessels in the brain, and even the abundance as well as the survival of new brain cells.

Indirectly, exercise helps to improve mood and sleep and lessens stress as well as anxiety. Difficulties in these areas often cause or contribute to cognitive impairment.

Individuals who exercise during their workday are 23% more productive on those days as opposed to when they were when they didn’t exercise. A pulse-pounding exercise session acts like a cup of coffee (taking out the jitters!):

  • Your heartbeat increases,
  • Your circulation picks up,
  • You’re filled with energy, and
  • Your thinking becomes clearer as well as sharper.

What’s more, a study which was published in an academic journal found that after just half an hour of doing an easy half-hour bike ride, individuals completed a cognitive test faster than they did before they started exercising – and just as correctly. And the brain-boosting impact lasted for at least 52 minutes following the ride.

Use this cardio-induced clarity to your benefit by timing your daily sweat at a time before you punch the clock, on your lunch break, or before a demanding task like a big meeting.

The Other Vital Role Of Exercise

Exercise has another important role. It signals the release of several key hormones, such as:

  • Serotonin, the famous mood booster,
  • Dopamine, which has an impact on learning and attention, as well as
  • Norepinephrine, which influences attention, perception, motivation, and arousal.

This exercise-induced chemical cocktail has a strong impact by elevating neurotransmitters in the brain. It helps us focus, feel better as well as release tension.

Whatever exercise and motivators you choose for your life, commit to setting up exercise as a habit, practically like taking a prescription medication. After all, they say that working out is medicine and that can go on the top of anyone’s list of reasons to exercise.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn how to teach others the proper way of exercising, then you should consider becoming a personal trainer. For more information about our Personal Training Diploma, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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Why Burpees Are A Great Full-Body Exercise https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-burpees-are-a-great-full-body-exercise/ Fri, 08 Jan 2021 05:05:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22276 The burpee is certainly the exercise many of us love to hate. However, this freakin’ tough, calorie-torching movement is fabulous for one reason: It’s entirely full-body. Burpees put every aspect of your body to work: your shoulders, arms, chest, core, glutes, quads as well as hamstrings. When performed correctly, burpees don’t leave a single muscle...

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The burpee is certainly the exercise many of us love to hate. However, this freakin’ tough, calorie-torching movement is fabulous for one reason: It’s entirely full-body. Burpees put every aspect of your body to work: your shoulders, arms, chest, core, glutes, quads as well as hamstrings. When performed correctly, burpees don’t leave a single muscle group behind.

The first time that you do a burpee, you could be wondering what all the fuss is about. However, it’s famous as being a brutal bodyweight exercise which burns fat as quickly as it builds muscle. The burpee is regularly used as punishment for skipping obstacles in obstacle course races; however, none of that comes close with how you feel after doing one burpee!

But don’t let that deter you. Perform a second burpee, and then a third. Keep on going and 30 seconds later, you’ll be wondering how it might be possible for so many muscles to be aching as well as your lungs to be burning simultaneously.

There Is No Fun Way To Perform Burpees

Whether you take them slowly and hit a certain rep count or attempt to cram in the largest possible number within a set period, burpees tire you out faster than just about any other exercise out there. This is the bad news.

The great news is that all the hard work is worth it. The burpee works the arms, back, chest, core, glutes and legs – you name it, it works it. Also, burpees spike your heart rate as much as sprinting for a bus does. This is one of the motives behind why it’s a strong favourite among the high-intensity interval training (HIIT) crowd. And all of those advantages come without the use of any equipment so that you can perform the burpee anytime and anywhere.

What Are The Benefits Of Burpees?

The burpee is an ultimate full-body exercise. There is a reason why football teams, CrossFit practitioners, and the elite military forces utilise the burpee in their workouts. Just one precise movement tests both your strength as well as aerobic capacities.

Strength

The burpee is a full-body, strength training workout. With every repetition, you’ll work out your chest, arms, front deltoids, thighs, hamstrings as well as abs. Your legs will feel like they’re pushing battery acid after you finish a set of burpees!

Fat burning

As you’re utilising your full body when doing burpees, and because they’re such an intense exercise, the burpee is one of the greatest exercise routines to burn fat. Studies have demonstrated that high-intensity exercises, such as burpees, burn up to 50% more fat as opposed to conventional strength training exercises.

They’ve also been shown to accelerate your metabolism, which helps you to burn more calories throughout the day. If you’re needing to get rid of that spare tyre, get off the elliptical machine and start doing burpees.

Conditioning

Many men and women today spend hours a week in the gym carving out washboard abs and bowling ball biceps. While these muscles look nice, they don’t do a lot for you when you have to split a giant pile of wood or, alternatively, save your own life. Burpees are an efficient exercise for developing the conditioning as well as endurance, the manly ‘vim and vigour’ to be able to tackle any challenge. They’re also a great exercise to include in football conditioning drills.

The Correct Form To Adopt With Burpees

A lot is happening when you do a burpee. This means that there’s the possibility to make the burpee harder as well as reduce the amount you can do. This means that you’re wasting energy and reducing the effectiveness of the exercise.

Mobilise

The burpee can put lots of stress through your ankles, knees and wrists so make sure that you’re thoroughly warmed up.

Break it up

The burpee can be complicated so, to begin with, split the move into two parts:

  • A squat thrust
  • A deep squat jump

Make sure that you are comfortable with each phase of the exercise before merging the two.

Squat thrust

For the squat thrust, ensure that your shoulders are directly over your hands as well as that your legs are extended into a press-up position. When jumping your feet in and out, maintain your shoulders above your hands and don’t let them move backwards or forwards.

Deep squat jump

For the deep squat, ensure that your hips are sitting back and try to maintain your chest in as upright a position as possible. Explode up and make sure that you cushion your landing by bending the knees as you make contact with the floor.

Get some airtime

When you’re happy that you can do both with good form, add the two together. Your arms can play a part here and as you switch from the squat thrust to the squat jump, swing your arms forwards as well as above your head for maximum altitude.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Burpees are just one of the hundreds of exercises that you can do. If you want to learn how to teach other exercises like this, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about it here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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The Best Kettlebell Workout To Strengthen Your Upper Body https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-best-kettlebell-workout-to-strengthen-your-upper-body/ Fri, 08 Jan 2021 05:00:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22271 It’s no secret that kettlebells can assist you with getting a great workout. The way in which the weights are shaped makes them perfect for dynamic movements—you are able to grab onto the handle of a kettlebell and effortlessly twist as well as swing it without needing to readjust your grip. In addition, they come...

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It’s no secret that kettlebells can assist you with getting a great workout. The way in which the weights are shaped makes them perfect for dynamic movements—you are able to grab onto the handle of a kettlebell and effortlessly twist as well as swing it without needing to readjust your grip.

In addition, they come in so many different sizes that you are sure to find one that works for any kind of exercise. Kettlebells are extremely useful for building strength and muscle in addition to training power. Depending on how you make use of them, they can also give you a fantastic cardio workout.

Many individuals are involved in sports as well as activities that focus purely on the lower body, such as biking, for instance. Adding a collection of balanced upper body exercises can create a synergy between the upper and lower body.

The Key To Sculpting Muscle

If you would like to sculpt a huge, defined upper-body, you need to lift heavy weights to hammer your muscles. However, barbell exercises – such as the bench press or military press – can be murder on your shoulders and elbows. At the same time, exercises with dumbbells can put a lot of pressure on your unstable wrists.

Instead, switch to kettlebell movements to be able to target your muscles without the pain. Kettlebells allow your arms to move and twist freely and independently. This is unlike with a barbell. In addition, because the weight of a kettlebell is below the handle and resting on your forearm, it’s easier on your wrists.

When you love weightlifting, but you only have the money as well as space for a single kettlebell, it’s very tempting to choose the heavier bell. However, it can make it kind of difficult to get in a high-quality upper body workout. Just because you can easily swing a weight with precision or front rack squat, it doesn’t mean you can press it overhead or curl it.

Are you ready to make a change up your upper-body routine? Try out the kettlebell exercises below!

Kettlebell Overhead Press

Stand with your feet about hip-width apart. Take hold of a kettlebell in each of your hands and then rest them at shoulder height, with your palms facing forwards and your elbows bent. The kettlebells should hang back against your forearms. This is the beginning position.

Press the weights over your head, straightening your elbows. Ensure to keep your core engaged as well as your hips tucked to avoid arching your lower back as you raise your arms. Gradually bend your elbows to lower the weights back down to your starting position. This is one rep.

The kettlebell overhead press targets your deltoids, triceps, and traps.

Kettlebell Halo

Start by standing up straight. Your feet must be approximately hip-width apart and keeping a kettlebell up at your chest with both hands clutching the handle.

Raise the weight to eye level and gradually circle it all around your head counterclockwise, creating a halo. As you move the weight all around your head, maintain a tight core, and keep your elbows close up to your body to engage your triceps.

Reverse the movement to return to the starting position. Then do it once again in the opposite direction. This is one rep.

This exercise targets the deltoids, pecs, triceps, and core.

Kettlebell Push Press

Stand up straight with your feet roughly shoulder-width apart. Hold a kettlebell in each one of your hands and rest them at your shoulders with your palms looking out and up. The weight must be hanging against the back of your forearms. Your elbows need to be bent as well as pointed.

Bend your knees a bit and then, in one explosive movement, push the weight over your head and straighten both of your legs at the same time. Gradually lower the weights back to shoulder height while bending both of your knees to complete one rep.

This exercise targets the deltoids, triceps, traps, quads, and glutes.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Kettlebells are a great way of getting a super workout. Want to learn more about how to use this equipment? Sign up for our Kettlebell Course today!

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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Why Strength Training Is As Essential As Cardio? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-strength-training-is-as-essential-as-cardio/ Thu, 07 Jan 2021 05:05:28 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22265 When it comes to exercising for a healthier lifestyle, we often think about running, walking or cycling. In other words, the more cardio-orientated exercises are top of mind. However, research has found that strength training is just as important as cardio. While cardio requires little to no equipment, the perception is that weight training does....

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When it comes to exercising for a healthier lifestyle, we often think about running, walking or cycling. In other words, the more cardio-orientated exercises are top of mind. However, research has found that strength training is just as important as cardio.

While cardio requires little to no equipment, the perception is that weight training does. There are alternative forms of strength training that can be done at home using bodyweight, resistance bands and household weights. If you are looking to make a long-term investment, you can buy home gym equipment or even sign up for a gym contract. The decision is yours, but the most important thing is that you’re putting yourself out there and becoming a healthier you.

The Facts About Strength Training

It is a fact that strength exercises are effective at increasing muscle mass, bone mineral density and, of course, strength. It has also been found that muscle-strengthening exercises can assist our body in processing sugar and fat in our bloodstream. It can also improve overall fitness, which makes climbing stairs and walking uphill a lot easier. Regular exercise has also been found to enhance your mood and reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Further medical doctors have states that strength training can also reduce the risk of developing obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and even early death. This has been analysed and shown to be true regardless of whether cardio exercise is being done as well as the individual’s personal factors such as age, sex, level of education, body mass index (BMI), mental health and cardiovascular factors.

When compared to cardio, strength training has been proven to be more beneficial in reducing the symptoms of age-related diseases, for example, muscle wasting, cognitive impairment and overall physical function.

The Reality Is That We Should Be Doing Strength Training

Only 10-30% of the adult population meets the minimum requirement of strength training at least two days a week. The reason for this differs vastly, but the consensus is that it’s likely due to the decades worth of research backing cardio exercises as the chosen form of physical activity. At the same time, weight training is perceived to be more bulky and difficult to do. While this perception has changed, it will take a while before strength training and cardio training are seen to be equally as effective in promoting a healthy lifestyle.

The Basics Of Strength Training

To start your strength training journey, home workouts are the easiest way to get to know your body, its limits, as well as work on your confidence while exercising. Bodyweight exercises are a great place to start and there’s a lot of online classes, videos and apps that can be used. It’s important to work on your form before pushing yourself, as improper form can result in serious injury.

Bodyweight exercises can absolutely help you to get fit without a gym. All that’s needed is a little space. Better yet, bodyweight workouts can double as both cardio as well as strength training. They can keep your heart rate up and challenge your muscular system, delivering an all-in-one workout that burns a ton of calories. As bodyweight exercises activate multiple muscle groups at once, you build more muscle and burn more calories, making weight loss easier.

As well as being wildly convenient, bodyweight movements are simple to modify and progress so that you can continue to build muscle and strength — and lose weight — as you get fitter. For example, once you master push-ups from your knees, you can move onto regular push-ups and, ultimately, more tricky variations. In other words, although bodyweight exercises are very beginner-friendly, they can become more advanced, just as you do.

Doing half an hour to three-quarters of an hour of strength training, 2 to 3 times, a week is a brilliant way of building lean muscle mass, burning calories as well as boosting your metabolism. This, in turn, can assist you with burning body fat and make losing weight easier.

We need to shift our mindsets to accommodate a more holistic approach to exercising. Of course, best results are achieved by combining cardio and strength training, but there’s no harm in focusing on just one. Begin slowly and do what you are comfortable with. You can work your way up to a more strenuous programme as you become stronger and more confident.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you keen on learning more about cardio as well as strength training? If you are, then you’re possibly destined to become a personal trainer! Our Personal Training Diploma is the crème-de-la-crème in fitness education which makes it the best place for you to start your fitness career. Follow this link for more information.

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Why Exercise Helps To Keep You Productive? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-exercise-helps-to-keep-you-productive-find-out-more/ Thu, 07 Jan 2021 05:00:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22260 It’s that time of year folks. Productivity is dwindling and motivation is lacking. You’ve turned to apps and the ever-helpful Google, but none of their suggestions has made a difference. Anyone who works in the world of corporate will tell you that it’s a very stressful situation to be in. Those who don’t let stress...

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It’s that time of year folks. Productivity is dwindling and motivation is lacking. You’ve turned to apps and the ever-helpful Google, but none of their suggestions has made a difference.

Anyone who works in the world of corporate will tell you that it’s a very stressful situation to be in. Those who don’t let stress tear them down tend to perform better at the office. It’s not uncommon for individuals to voluntarily leave a perfectly well-paid position because they can’t deal with the stress as well as anxiety which come with the job.

Well, have you ever considered moving around to get that productivity going? Research has found that exercise has proven to improve productivity by 21%. There’s never been an even better reason to get up and move around.

The Impact Of Exercise On Productivity

The benefits of regular exercise have been overexplained time and time again; healthy body, healthy mind and improved lifespan. But what about productivity?

A research study conducted by Briston University had three different organisations, of 200employees strong, record their productivity on exercise and non-exercise days.

After the research study, the results were impressive. An increase of 21% was reported for improved concentration, 22% for meeting deadlines, 25% for working without random breaks and 41% for feeling more motivated to do their work.

In a second research study, it was found that fitness contributed significantly to work performance amongst 683 workers.

Exercise Gives You More Brain Cells

According to the progression of neurogenesis, the frequency at which your brain cells are growing will decline as you get older. Luckily, this can be avoided. In 2008, a study demonstrated that the brain cells of the people who exercise regularly show a higher brain growth rate. This means that adults who don’t neglect the gym have more brainpower than those who choose to be inactive. This results in them having an advantage in their workplace to advance their careers.

Exercise Gives You More Energy

The bulk of the cells in your brain have something called mitochondria. The objective of this component is to generate the energy that your body requires. When you work out, your body develops more mitochondria. This leads to you having more energy. The more energy that your brain has to use, the sharper your decision-making skills will be.

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Exercises To Boost Productivity

While we’re inclined to think that going all out during an exercise will provide a substantial boost in productivity, researchers have found that it’s the opposite.

To reduce the symptoms of fatigue, a low-intensity exercise is recommended. A study on memory, attention and problem-solving skills found that a vigorous cycling session drastically decreased levels of productivity. The effects lasted for 20 minutes before the researchers stopped tracking, which indicates that it could potentially last a lot longer.

Start with something simple like golf, dancing, yoga or walking. Walking has proven to be incredibly beneficial when done regularly – and it doesn’t need any special equipment or training to start doing.

Academic researchers who are based at the University of Glasgow have found that exercising in the morning, followed by a quick session in the afternoon is the best recipe for improved productivity and mood. It may seem excessive, but these sessions don’t need to be intense. Remember, low-intensity workouts work best. An average of 10 – 30 minutes of exercise a day is recommended for adults, although every bit helps so if you can only fit in 10 minutes, then do it.

Creating An Exercise Routine

  1. Begin with something simple and then work your way up. By setting fitness goals, you will have something to strive towards and feel more accomplished by achieving it.
  2. Choose something that you’ll enjoy doing. It will leave you feeling more determined to do it every day.
  3. Find a workout buddy to keep you company and push you to achieve more.
  4. Choose a time to exercise and stick to it; make it a habit.

Exercise can improve so many aspects of your life, so what are you waiting for? If not for a healthier version of yourself, then why not for a more productive one? Not only will your bosses take notice of this, but you’ll also have more energy to get through the day.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you passionate about exercise? Do you want to make teaching people how to exercise your career properly? If you do, then you need to become a personal trainer with our Personal Training Diploma. To read up more about this course, please follow this link.

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Jump Rope Vs. Running: Which One Offers A Better Workout? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/jump-rope-vs-running-which-one-offers-a-better-workout/ Wed, 06 Jan 2021 05:05:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22249 As children, jumping rope was a break time staple. So how does this playground favourite equate to a powerful cardio workout? When it comes down to running and jumping rope, the two should go together as part of your cardio routine. So, when it comes to choosing between the two, the answer is simple –...

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As children, jumping rope was a break time staple. So how does this playground favourite equate to a powerful cardio workout?

When it comes down to running and jumping rope, the two should go together as part of your cardio routine. So, when it comes to choosing between the two, the answer is simple – try to take on both.

The Benefits Of Jump Rope And Running

Running and jumping rope have the same benefits that can be aligned with the same fitness goal. Both forms of cardio look to increase the flow of oxygen within the body improves cardiovascular health, beneficial to mental health, ensure a healthy weight, maintain bone density, and improve your longevity.

However, if you had to choose a more superior workout that will give you a more intense workout in a condensed period of time, you may want to invest in a jump rope.

What Makes Jumping Rope Superior To Running?

  1. It’s more efficient: Research has found that 10 minutes of jumping rope equates to 30 minutes of running in terms of caloric expenditure and cardiovascular health.
  2. It’s good for your joints: Jumping rope puts less pressure on your joints compared to running. It can also improve ankle stability and reduce the risk of shin splints.
  3. It strengthens your legs: The activity involved with jumping rope isolates your quad and calf muscles. This makes it a great warmup before exercising.
  4. Improves speed and coordination: The balance, coordination and speed needed to jump rope are beneficial to your overall performance. You can also get in a full-body workout while jumping rope.

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Tips For Jumping Rope

  1. You need to get the rhythm right – when the rope hits the floor, you need to jump. This requires a matching foot and hand rhythm.
  2. Don’t try and jump too much higher than the rope – it exerts unnecessary energy.
  3. Try to make sure that it is kept as simple as possible to develop the correct form. Once you understand the basics as well as how to do them, you can increase the tempo and complexity.
  4. Start with a one-minute time limit per “set” and build it up to three minutes.

Increasing The Intensity Of Your Exercise

  1. Try jumping on one leg per set or round.
  2. Instead of lifting both feet at the same time, try to alternate feet as you jump.
  3. Double jump – try to swing the rope around twice with each jump.

The efficiency of your jump rope routine will, of course, be determined by your overall coordination and balance. At the start, it might be not easy to get the hang of it all, but once you start to grasp the concept, it’ll be easy as pie.

Don’t be disheartened if you can’t jump for a full minute straight, it will take a while to get used to it, but if you persevere and push through it, the benefits will outweigh the initial irritation and difficulties.

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Running and jump rope provide a superb cardiovascular workout. Learn the best way to programme a cardiovascular workout with our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this course here.

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Why Supersets Help You To Save Time At The Gym https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-supersets-help-you-to-save-time-at-the-gym/ Tue, 05 Jan 2021 05:05:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22225 If you’re looking to spend less time in the gym while still building muscle and strength, you may want to give supersets a shot. This form of strength training involves performing two different exercises, back-to-back with no rest in between. These exercises often target opposite muscle groups, for example, biceps and triceps or quadriceps and...

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If you’re looking to spend less time in the gym while still building muscle and strength, you may want to give supersets a shot.

This form of strength training involves performing two different exercises, back-to-back with no rest in between. These exercises often target opposite muscle groups, for example, biceps and triceps or quadriceps and hamstrings. The idea is to work two opposing muscle groups and not the same or similar ones. Many people become confused by this concept and instead complete two very similar exercises back-to-back with varying weights and intensities.

The Research

When done effectively, supersets can facilitate muscle growth and development in the short term in a time-efficient manner. They’re effective as exercises are done in pairs with little to no rest between them and can be completed in approximately 30 minutes. The body also uses stored energy in the form of carbohydrates and fats to power the exercise, with the effects continuing for an hour after the exercise. This leads to more powerful fat burning while ensuring that your workout is properly fuelled.

Research has also found that supersets force athletes to work harder, which means that their training involves more resistance and burns more calories. It can also increase your overall performance and endurance as you push yourself to complete the workout in a more condensed form, literally giving you more bang for your buck.

Short Term Versus Long Term Effects Of Supersets

The research on this has only focused on the short-term effects of using supersets to train. The people following this training method often use different intensities and weight capacities. The variations in training make it difficult to determine the overall long-term benefits of supersets. Studies often follow a single workout session which leaves the results fairly uncertain and not completely accurate. It ultimately means that the effectiveness of supersets will be determined by you and the workout you choose to follow.

Aspects To Consider When Taking On Supersets

  • What are your goals? If you’re looking to enhance your strength and endurance without spending hours in the gym, supersets will help you achieve this.
  • The order of your workouts. Start with high intensity, energy-consuming exercising to get the most out of your session and leave the less intense options for later in the workout. This will help you reduce the risk of injury while giving you the ability to fit more into your session.
  • Workout intensity. The easiest way to determine the intensity is to let the weights determine your rep count. If you are only able to do five reps with a 20-kilogram weight, then that’s the number of reps that you should perform.

Regardless of the period spent using supersets, the bottom line is that doing supersets fits a whole lot of workout into a short period of time. It also helps to burn more calories and facilitate fat burning long after you’ve finished your session for the day. The benefits speak for themself and it’s up to you to decide if you want to take them on.

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If you are keen to discover more regarding programming workouts correctly, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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How To Use A Peloton Bike? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-use-a-peloton-bike-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Tue, 05 Jan 2021 05:00:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22206 Exercise is all about challenging yourself and finding ways from preventing boredom and an unwelcomed plateau in your training. The same can be said for training on your bike. It shouldn’t be the same thing over and over – and we have the tips to help you shake things up. Your Peloton Is Not Just...

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Exercise is all about challenging yourself and finding ways from preventing boredom and an unwelcomed plateau in your training. The same can be said for training on your bike. It shouldn’t be the same thing over and over – and we have the tips to help you shake things up.

Your Peloton Is Not Just A Bike. It’s More Than That

Did you know that you can incorporate yoga, strength training and even sleep with your Peloton? You can also include other exercises into your session for when your legs get tired or if you want to create a more holistic workout programme. It’s more than just spinning; you just need to unleash the potential – it doesn’t need to be overwhelming.

Don’t Forget To Stretch

As with any workout, stretching beforehand is incredibly important to prevent the risk of stiffness or even injury. It’s also important to check the setup of your bike regularly to ensure that it’s properly configured.

Starting Out

A beginner class is definitely the best way to start your peloton journey. Even when you’re an experienced rider, the instructor will be able to give you additional tips and insight that you may have forgotten or overlooked.

On the topic of instructors, when it comes to your sessions, it’s important that you’re comfortable with the instructor, but there is such a thing as becoming too comfortable. As you progress in your journey, consider attending classes belonging to other instructors to challenge you and prevent a plateau in results.

If your knee is able to touch and turn the resistance dial, you’re sitting too far forward, putting the weight on your arms and thighs instead of your core. Keep weight on the seat by pushing your bum and hips backwards.

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5 Useful Tips For Making The Most Out Of Your Ride

  1. Pull up on your pedals as well as pushing down. This will increase your output while working both your glutes and your hamstrings. This will also let you get more out of your session.
  2. Your grip will affect your performance. While you may be inclined to lean on the handlebars for support, their function is actually stability. If you’re using your arms to support your weight reduces the impact of your workout. Flexing your fingers while training will help to prevent this from happening.
  3. Programme the display. You can select what type of information it is that you would like to have displayed on the screen by tapping on the buttons, or you can double-tap the screen to remove everything – the choice is yours.
  4. Choose your playlist. You can connect your Apple Music or Spotify account so that you can listen to your favourite playlists while working out. Another option is downloading the songs played by the instructor to listen to later or during your next workout.
  5. 5-minute workouts get straight to the point and don’t have the one-minute introduction and will help you finish your session and jump straight into the next one.

Pelotons give you the option of choosing your workouts at the frequency you choose. It also allows you to add to your session to ensure that you are able to meet your training requirements. In the same breath, you have access to a world of professionals and peers that are merely a click away.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

The peloton bike is a great tool that a personal trainer can use when training their clients. Learn about other great pieces of equipment there are on offer at the gym with our Gym Instructor Course. Follow this link to learn more about it.

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What Mistakes Do People Make When Lifting Weights? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-mistakes-do-people-make-when-lifting-weights/ Mon, 04 Jan 2021 05:05:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22151 Adding weights to your workout routine can make all the difference when it comes to conditioning your body. Of course, cardio and yoga can all play a part in strengthening your body, and weight training can combine all these elements into one routine. This all will depend on if you’re able to perform the training...

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Adding weights to your workout routine can make all the difference when it comes to conditioning your body. Of course, cardio and yoga can all play a part in strengthening your body, and weight training can combine all these elements into one routine.

This all will depend on if you’re able to perform the training with the right form. If you aren’t lifting correctly, you could develop bad training habits that could lead to poor results and even injury.

9 Common Weightlifting Mistakes

  1. The wrong start: The foundation you lay at the start of your journey will shape the success of your efforts moving forward. The easiest way to ensure that you get it right the first time is to ask a professional for advice and guidance. This will prevent bad habits from forming and ensure that you are training properly.
  2. Trying to do it alone: Even the most experienced weightlifters seek out help and assistance from time to time. This includes researching the correct method as well as finding a gym buddy to help you manage the weights and ensure that you maintain the correct form.
  3. Using a social media influencer to shape your programme: While influencers are often experts in their field, the information that they shared needs to be taken lightly. They may know what they’re talking about, but they’re not trained professionals and they certainly don’t have the experience to assist you in developing a programme.
  4. The gym is life: Contrary to popular belief, the gym isn’t the only space that you can practice weight training. Home exercises are doable and often all you need to invest in is a bench and dumbbells. If that’s not possible, you could also improvise weights using household objects.
  5. It’s all about weights: Weights alone won’t get the job done, sometimes you need to take a break to recover as well as work on other areas of your fitness training. Cardio is important for strengthening your heart and lungs, while yoga and Pilates can assist you with flexibility and mobility.

  1. Trying to keep up with the rest: Being competitive is human nature but forcing yourself to try and keep up with more experienced weightlifters is not advisable. The only person you should be focusing on is yourself and what you’re capable of.
  2. Fearing the weight: While some people do try and push themselves too far too soon, there are people that fear pushing themselves at all. Some people are afraid of hurting themselves, while others are worried about looking bulky. However, you need to make progress which requires moving up in terms of the weights used.
  3. Fear of failure: Some people are frightened of weightlifting because they don’t want to fail or embarrass themselves. However, the only way to determine what you’re capable of is to try until you find the right fit – if something is too heavy, it’s not the end of the world.
  4. Poor eating habits: Everything you consume fuels your workout, which means that everything that you don’t will leave a deficiency which can create a world of problems if you’re not careful.

When it comes to weightlifting, the best advice is to give it a try and take it from there. You need to understand what you’re adept at doing and be open to taking advice from the professionals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to teach people how to lift weights properly as well as other exercises? If you do, then you should become a personal trainer. For more information on how to do this, then you should check out our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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How To Order Your Resistance Training Exercises https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-order-your-resistance-training-exercises/ Mon, 04 Jan 2021 05:00:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22148 Most of us have been raised to know that the order of things matters – socks before shoes, cereal before milk – the list goes on. The same is true for your workout routine – the order in which you train matter and can determine the effectiveness of your routine. It’s recommended that you start...

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Most of us have been raised to know that the order of things matters – socks before shoes, cereal before milk – the list goes on. The same is true for your workout routine – the order in which you train matter and can determine the effectiveness of your routine.

It’s recommended that you start with the harder exercise that covers a larger area of the body and then move onto the smaller exercises. However, there’s no universal framework for structuring your routine; it will vary to meet your needs.

7 Tips For Creating A Programme

  1. Cardio or strength first?

This will depend on your goals. To build muscle, start with low-intensity cardio for about 10 minutes. If you do too much cardio beforehand, you will tire your muscles long before reaching for the weights. Cardio can also act as a great warm-up exercise.

  1. Plyometrics next

Explosive exercises are great for strength training – but only in moderation. On the days that you do plyos, ensure that perform a proper warm-up beforehand and then perform the routine before you take on anything else. This will ensure that you have the energy you need to perform the workout without the risk of injury due to fatigue.

  1. Incorporate compound exercises

Compound, or multi-joint exercises, improve strength, balance, and coordination. It can also help you to improve your endurance while training multiple muscle groups at the same time. Examples of this include deadlifts and squats. The most vital aspect of this exercise is understanding the technique and maintaining the correct form. Compound exercises need to be performed at the beginning of the training session. Single joint and muscle movements work well when you’re tired and should be performed after compound exercises.

  1. High energy exercises

Any form of exercise that requires a sudden burst of energy should be done first to ensure that you’re able to get the most out of your workout. This also assists in reducing the risk of injury, which increases as your body becomes more fatigued.

  1. Circuit exercises

When it comes to completing a circuit, choose workouts that you can safely perform 15 – 20 reps of. This can either be done using your body weight or by using free weights. Ensure that you’re able to perform all reps within the 30-minute workout safely.

  1. Variety keeps it interesting

Challenge your muscles by performing different workouts to reduce the risk of plateauing. Shaking things up will improve the effectiveness of your routine and deliver the results you’re looking for.

  1. Work on your six-pack last

It’s important to remember that compound exercises activate your core and can assist in toning it more than planking or push-ups. If you work on your core before that, your body will be too tired to perform these exercises properly.

While it’s tempting to wing your routine, it can be counter-intuitive. To be able to get the most out of your workout session, structure your session in a way that’s able to best utilise the energy you have available and give you the stamina to push through to the end.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you a person who jumps out of bed at 4 am ready to be the first person in line as the gym opens at 5 am? If you are, then you should probably become a personal trainer. Check out our Personal Training Diploma to find out more about this fantastic career.

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What Newbie Weightlifters Need To Know About Strength Training Programmes https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-newbie-weightlifters-need-to-know-about-strength-training-programmes/ Thu, 31 Dec 2020 05:00:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22143 If you are just getting into the world of strength training, you might have realised that it is a lot more complicated than simply lifting weights or performing HIIT workouts. Strength training is an organised exercise routine in which weights (including weights, your own body weight, and other machinery) are used to contract muscles under...

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If you are just getting into the world of strength training, you might have realised that it is a lot more complicated than simply lifting weights or performing HIIT workouts. Strength training is an organised exercise routine in which weights (including weights, your own body weight, and other machinery) are used to contract muscles under tension with the goal to promote growth, strength, and endurance. In this article, we will be having a look at the important things that you need to know when starting a strength training program.

The Basics

There are four main points to remember when it comes to strength training:

  1. Frequency – how often you train
  2. Intensity – how intense you train
  3. Timing – how long your sessions are
  4. Exercises – which exercises and types of exercises you do

All of these elements play a role in your progress and will change as you improve.

The Body

Strength training focuses on your muscles and it is important if you want to take it seriously, to understand how your muscles are being worked as you train.

Your muscles go through two types of contractions:

  • Isometric contractions happen when your muscles do not lengthen during movement. For example, when you are doing bicep curls and you hold the dumbbell in a static position (versus moving it up and down).
  • Isotonic contractions happen when your muscles lengthen and shorten during movement. For example, during active bicep curls, your muscles will shorten as you raise the weight (a concentric contraction) and lengthen as you lower it back down (an eccentric contraction).

The other area of the body that is affected by strength training is your joints, which are influenced by muscle contractions. It is vital to understand the relationship between what your movements during strength training and the effect that they have on your muscles and joints so that you can avoid overextending muscles and causing further injury, as well as improving your form.

Types of Training

Strength training is a versatile type of training, that can be used to target different muscle groups. The advantage of this is that depending on your time availability, what muscles you want to target, and the level of intensity that you are looking for on a particular day, you can adjust your training programme accordingly. There are three main types of workouts in strength training:

  • HIIT Training: involves a series of different exercises that work your entire body.
  • Split Training: involves focusing on a particular area of the body (e.g. focusing on the upper body, lower body, and abdominals individually on different days).
  • Major Lift Training: involves weightlifting (e.g. deadlifts, clean & jerk, bench press) that focuses on large muscle groups.

Building a Strength Program

Building a strength programme depends on the four fundamental elements mentioned earlier. When you are starting a program, it is important to work on building a programme over time, as you become stronger and improve your endurance. As you improve you can increase your frequency and intensity, you will be able to vary your session time based on what type of training you are doing on the day and learn to diversify the types of exercises that you are performing. While a lot of people who are starting off with strength training will want to build big visible muscles, but it is important to build strength in supporting muscles and joints to support those muscles. Equality amongst muscles is key to building all-over strength.

Strength is something that happens over time. By varying your program, focusing on all muscle groups, and taking enough rest, you will be able to improve your endurance and muscle strength.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Interested in learning more about different types of training? If you are, then you should have a look at our Personal Training Diploma. Read more here.

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What Are The Benefits Of Weighted Ab Workouts? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-weighted-ab-workouts/ Thu, 31 Dec 2020 05:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22140 Having a strong core is exceptionally beneficial for more reasons than having a great six-pack – strong abs can help you with your balance and stability, improve your posture, decrease back pain, and increase your ability to perform during workouts if you are working on your abdominals regularly, whether, for strength or definition, it can...

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Having a strong core is exceptionally beneficial for more reasons than having a great six-pack – strong abs can help you with your balance and stability, improve your posture, decrease back pain, and increase your ability to perform during workouts if you are working on your abdominals regularly, whether, for strength or definition, it can be hard to increase intensity after a while. However, one easy way to add some fire into your ab workout is to include weights into your routine. Here are the benefits of adding weights to your ab workouts:

  1. Add Intensity

The first and most obvious, benefit of weighted ab workouts is the increased intensity that they provide to a workout. Whether you are merely looking to boost your normal ab routine or target a specific area with extra intensity, adding weights will give you the burn that you need.

Try: Weighted Straight-Leg Situps using a barbell lifted over your head as you raise yourself up to a seated position.

  1. Cut Out Laziness

No matter what the workout, if you do it too many times in a row, it is easy to get a little lazy when it comes to performing the moves properly. If you are finding yourself being a little slack on your form or counting the last rep even if you didn’t really finish it, adding weights will make the moves you know so well just that bit harder. The weights will make it feel as though you have never done the move before, and you will need to focus on performing them correctly.

Try: Weighted Sit Ups, using a medicine ball held at chest height.

  1. Define Those Lines

We all know how incredibly tough it is to build ab definition, even with a dedicated ab routine. However, one way to help define muscles with greater intensity is to include weights into your routine as weighted ab workouts will help to add that little bit of intensity to help the muscles pop.

Try: Halos, using a kettlebell to circle your head slowly and define those abs.

  1. Whole Body Intensity

Working with weights will not just add intensity to your ab workout, but will also help to work other areas of your body. For example, if you are using kettlebells and moving them above your head, your core is engaged to keep your balance and other muscles are also being worked. This can mean that your workouts can have higher intensity overall.

Try Dumbbell Swing using a dumbbell or kettlebell.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’re keen on learning more about different workouts like weighted ab workouts, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more here.

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The Best Exercises to Fix Your Posture. Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-best-exercises-to-fix-your-posture-find-out-more/ Wed, 30 Dec 2020 05:05:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22137 We all know how important good posture is, but most of us are not the best at having it. In fact, even when you read the title of this article, you might have found yourself sitting a little bit more upright instead of hunching over your desk! Having good posture will help you to improve...

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We all know how important good posture is, but most of us are not the best at having it. In fact, even when you read the title of this article, you might have found yourself sitting a little bit more upright instead of hunching over your desk! Having good posture will help you to improve flexibility and balance, reduce stress on your muscles, and decrease your risk of injury in the future. By focusing on improving your posture, you will also become more aware of your muscles and any areas of tightness, allowing you to adjust your posture with more ease. Here are a few exercises that will help you to improve your posture:

  1. Reverse Plank Bridge

This exercise is a great way to activate the muscles in your lower back and shoulders while stretching the major muscle groups that are used for good posture.

  • Sit on the mat with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Placing your hands behind you on the floor with your fingers facing towards your feet, press into your palms and raise your hips up until they are in line with your shoulders and knees (so that you are forming a tabletop position, looking towards the sky).
  • Lower yourself back to the floor to complete one rep.
  1. Cat-Cow

Cat-Cow is one of the best moves to stretch your spine, increasing circulation and helping to release tension in your shoulders, neck, and spine.

  • Start on your hands and knees, hands under shoulders, knees under hips, your weight distributed evenly.
  • Inhale deeply and slowly look up towards the sky while as you curve your spine downwards towards the ground. Then exhale, drop your head towards your chest and arch your spine up towards the sky.
  • Repeat this movement with your breathing, keeping it slow and controlled.
  1. High Plank

The high plank will help you to strengthen your shoulders, hamstrings, and glutes, as well as your abdominal and back muscles. This will help you to develop strength in the muscles that support your posture.

  • Start on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and extend your legs out behind you, lifting your hips from the ground. Your back should form a straight line from your shoulders to your heels. Make sure to engage your core to support this position.
  • Keep your neck soft and chest open as you hold this position for a minute.

  1. Downward-facing Dog

This stretch is great for stretching and strengthening your back. It can also be used as a rest post between other exercises.

  • Lie flat on your stomach. Press your hands into the floor, tuck your toes under, and lift your hips up towards the sky. As much as you can, keep your feet flat on the floor (you can bend your knees slightly if necessary) and your palms flat on the floor. Your neck should be straight, creating an extension of your spine.
  • Hold this position for up to minute before lowering yourself carefully back down to the floor.

By regularly stretching your spine, as well as building strength in the muscles that help to support it, you will be able to improve your posture, increase flexibility and stability, and become more aware of your body.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Exercise has loads more benefits for your health and wellness. To discover what these are, and to learn how to teach others to do them, you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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All That You Need To Know About Multiple Sclerosis And Diet https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/all-that-you-need-to-know-about-multiple-sclerosis-and-diet/ Tue, 29 Dec 2020 05:00:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22115 Multiple sclerosis is categorised as an autoimmune disorder. It destroys the myelin sheaths that protect the nerve fibres. As the disease progresses, it will begin to damage your nerves permanently, impacting the ability of your brain to communicate with your body. It affects over 2.1 million people across the world, making it one of the...

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Multiple sclerosis is categorised as an autoimmune disorder. It destroys the myelin sheaths that protect the nerve fibres. As the disease progresses, it will begin to damage your nerves permanently, impacting the ability of your brain to communicate with your body.

It affects over 2.1 million people across the world, making it one of the more common neurological disorders. It is also probable that women will be diagnosed with the disorder than men. The progression of multiple sclerosis differs from person to person, and researchers are yet to determine what causes it as well as how to cure it. While a diet may not cure the disease, it can help people suffering from the disease better manage their symptoms and improve the quality of their lives.

The Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis can include the following:

  • Tingling and numbness
  • Fatigue
  • Movement difficulties and spasticity
  • Learning and memory difficulties
  • Bladder and bowel dysfunction
  • Impaired vision

Using A Diet To Manage The Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis

When it comes to a diet that’s multiple sclerosis friendly, foods rich in antioxidants, high in fibre and that is packed with calcium and vitamin D are a good place to start. Finding ways to supplement nutritional deficiencies, more specifically, vitamins A, B12, and D3 can also help to reduce symptoms.

Ongoing research has found that ketogenic diets can lessen the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, although this needs to be further investigated. Another study has also found that following a palaeolithic diet can assist in reducing fatigue in multiple sclerosis.

Foods to include in a multiple sclerosis diet are:

  • Fresh vegetables and fruit: They’re rich in vitamins, minerals, fluids, and fibre as well as antioxidants to protect the body’s cells.
  • Rice, oats, and quinoa – although most grains will be beneficial
  • Seeds and nuts
  • Fish, specifically those rich in omega 3 and vitamin D as it can reduce inflammation and help keep bones strong.
  • Eggs
  • Meats
  • Dairy products
  • Healthy fats, for example, olive and avocado oils
  • Foods rich in probiotics, such as yoghurt
  • Water and herbal teas
  • Fresh herbs and spices

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Celiac disease is common in people suffering from multiple sclerosis, so it’s best to avoid gluten whenever possible. If you have multiple sclerosis and begin to experience discomfort when eating bread, pasta, or any other gluten-based products, please notify your doctor.

Other foods to avoid include processed meats, junk food, refined carbs, sugary beverages, fried foods, and alcohol. Essentially, you want to give your body all the vitamins and nutrients it needs to battle the disease, and this means eliminating any unhealthy dietary options.

When it all boils down to it, there’s no real dietary guideline when it comes to living with multiple sclerosis. However, certain dietary changes can assist in reducing fatigue and bridging any nutritional deficiency gaps. In doing so, you will improve your quality of life by making the symptoms a bit more manageable.

If you’re unsure about what foods you should be eating, or if you’re looking to try a new diet, please speak to your doctor.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Diet has loads of benefits for your health and wellness. Learn about these when you do our Health and Wellness Coach course. Read more here.

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How To Motivate Yourself To Keep With A Healthy Diet Plan https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-motivate-yourself-to-keep-with-a-healthy-diet-plan/ Mon, 28 Dec 2020 05:05:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22110 It’s almost time for the whole “new year, new me” craze to take over the world. Yes, you promised you would do it last year already, but then 2020 happened and we needed to find comfort in the chaos. But now it’s time to end the pity party that was 2020 and embrace a healthier...

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It’s almost time for the whole “new year, new me” craze to take over the world. Yes, you promised you would do it last year already, but then 2020 happened and we needed to find comfort in the chaos. But now it’s time to end the pity party that was 2020 and embrace a healthier you in 2021.

8 Tips For Staying Motivated

  1. Regularly weigh yourself: Every day at the same time, weigh yourself. You’ll begin to notice trends with your weight and easily be able to identify when you’ve gained or lost weight. Losing weight is a great motivator to keep on pushing yourself while gaining weight will help you identify unhealthy habits that may have put you in this position.
  2. Invest in yourself: If you’re truly invested in making a healthy transition, don’t be afraid to put money behind your efforts. Speak to a health-care professional and follow their advice to ensure that you’re following the right programme. It’s also a nice touch to have someone around to motivate you and help you push yourself to be better.
  3. Start from scratch: If you’re looking to reinvent yourself in the new year, why not reinvent your kitchen and your eating habits as well? Throw out the junk and replace it with healthier alternatives.
  4. Plan in advance: If you know what you need to do, plan accordingly. Plan your shopping to meet the requirements of your eating planning. You are also able to prepare your meals in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer to reheat when you’re hungry. This also helps to reduce food wastage.Trifocus Fitness Academy - motivate
  5. Be realistic: When you set your nutrition goals, it’s important to be realistic. Trying to lose 10 kilograms in two weeks isn’t only difficult to do, but losing that much weight in an incredibly short period of time can be dangerous. The same can be said for setting fitness goals. Rather set multiple short-term goals that lead to the completion of the main goal.
  6. Treat yourself: Every time you achieve a milestone, find a way to reward your efforts. It doesn’t need to be a huge thing, something simple, like getting your nails done or going to the movies work too.
  7. Track your progress: a record of what you’re doing and the results. This will help you to see what works and what doesn’t, giving you the opportunity to make changes whenever necessary.
  8. Use the wonders of the internet: To keep things interesting, especially when it comes to meal prep, why not look for recipes that follow the same ingredient list that you’ve got on your eating plan. Investing in new appliances and gadgets are also a good way to ignite your passion for cooking and following your eating plan.

While it’s easy to be hard on ourselves when we slip up, you need to be forgiving. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a treat from time to time, and if you do happen to indulge, take it in your stride and don’t let it affect your mindset. One slip up isn’t the end of the world but throwing in the towel because things got difficult could be.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

It is a personal trainer’s job to motivate his or her clients to stick with an eating and exercise plan. Do you feel that you would like to do something similar? If you do, then you should really do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more here.

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How To Improve Your Overall Wellness? Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-improve-your-overall-wellness-learn-more-in-this-article/ Tue, 22 Dec 2020 05:05:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22076 When it comes down a person’s health and wellness, we often place a lot of emphasis on exercise and eating the right diet, but there is a lot more to wellness than maintaining your physical health. As well as general health, wellness has to do with your levels of joy, purpose, and satisfaction regarding yourself...

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When it comes down a person’s health and wellness, we often place a lot of emphasis on exercise and eating the right diet, but there is a lot more to wellness than maintaining your physical health. As well as general health, wellness has to do with your levels of joy, purpose, and satisfaction regarding yourself and your life/ Therefore, when it comes to improving your overall wellness, you need to reflect on which areas of your fitness, health, happiness, and mental health need improvement and try to find more of a balance amongst all of those areas. Here are some simple tips on how to improve your general wellness:

  1. Physical Wellness

Starting with the outside self, to improve your overall wellness, you should take care of your body’s physical health. This will depend on your personal fitness and goals. Still, on average it is recommended that you try to achieve 30 minutes of activity on most days of the week, whether that is a brisk walk, a high-intensity cardio workout, or some relaxing yoga. Select a form of which that you enjoy and try to take those 30 minutes as a time for yourself to work on your physical health without placing too much emphasis on weight loss (it can be more rewarding to instead focus on other goals, such as improving your form, increasing reps, or improving your time).

  1. Nutritional Wellness

Making yourself follow a strict diet that restricts certain foods or even food groups can be detrimental for your mental as well as physical health. Instead of trying to limit yourself to salads or the latest fad diet, try to choose whole foods which are unprocessed and do not include added sugar. Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients that will help to improve your overall wellness, and eating a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats will provide your body with enough nutrients to maintain itself.

  1. Mental Wellness

Lastly, you need to focus on your mental wellness. This can be achieved in a variety of ways. A simple way to get started is to make sure that you are getting enough sleep, as this will affect your mood, anxiety, and ability to exercise. If you struggle with sleep, make sure to make your bedroom a welcoming space, avoid overly caffeinated or sugary foods, develop a bedtime routine to get your body ready for sleep, and try to exercise regularly. One last way to improve your mental wellness includes finding and developing hobbies that bring you joy and that allow you to spend time with yourself in a productive way.

Your overall wellness is dependent on physical, nutritional, and mental wellness – and all of these elements need to be balanced as you go through life. If you are placing a lot of emphasis on one area, try to spend a little bit more time on the others!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to improve your overall wellness, then you should consult a health and wellness coach. However, if you want to become a health and wellness coach, please follow this link.

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Exercise Tips for Beginners. Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercise-tips-for-beginners-learn-more-in-this-article/ Mon, 21 Dec 2020 05:05:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22067 Looking to get into exercise but don’t know where to start? That’s understandable! In today’s world of Instagram fitness gurus, ever-changing workout fads, and expensive new gyms, it can be quite challenging to know where you should start when it comes to starting out for the first time. The most essential aspect to keep in...

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Looking to get into exercise but don’t know where to start? That’s understandable! In today’s world of Instagram fitness gurus, ever-changing workout fads, and expensive new gyms, it can be quite challenging to know where you should start when it comes to starting out for the first time. The most essential aspect to keep in mind is that fitness comes with time. Don’t expect to be an expert after a couple of sessions and don’t feel bad about not seeing progress straight away – learn to love the experience of exercise and let the physical improvements come with time!

  1. Any Exercise is Good Exercise

When you are starting out, the biggest hurdle can often be deciding what kind of exercise to do. There are so many diverse kinds of exercise nowadays, from spin classes, HIIT workouts, and Pilates, to yoga, jogging, and weight training. If you are a newbie you have the opportunity to try out what might work for you, so do not get caught up in trying to pick one thing that you are going to stick to and instead, try out a variety of options to see what you like. Any movement is good! Over time you will learn what you like and then you can start to build a program that works for you.

  1. Too Much, Or Too Little?

It is usually recommended that you do about 30 minutes of exercise a day. However, this exercise can vary from walking to a full cardio session. As an exercise newbie you may want to begin with 30 minutes of exercise two to three times a week, such as a jog, HIIT session, or yoga class – and keep the other days simple with a brisk walk.  Over time you will be able to do more intense workouts more often but remember that any movement is better than no movement! In terms of doing too much, as a beginner, you do not want to overdo it. Rest days are important, even for professional athletes, and working out too often and not giving your muscles time to repair will damage your progress overall.

  1. Develop Habits

Starting slow and building up to more intense workouts might seem counterintuitive if you are looking for quick results, but in the long term pushing yourself to work out for an hour five days a week will lead to injury and burnout. What you are aiming to do is build the habit of exercising regularly and putting together a program that you can actually follow consistently for a long time. By working slow and steady, you will develop a healthy relationship to exercise, which in the long run will help you to maintain your routine for longer.

 

  1. Find Motivation

Motivation to exercise will mean different things to different people. Once you find your motivation, it will be easier to keep going and keep improving. Try exercising with a friend, so that you can work together to build healthy habits (and they can help get you out of bed when you are feeling unmotivated!). Or try setting realistic and dynamic goals that are not based on weight – for example, try aiming for an extra five reps and then when you achieve that, push for ten!

  1. Take Care of Yourself

This is the most essential thing to remember to do when starting a regular exercise programme. Make sure to drink enough water, don’t skip the warm-up or the cool down, and take rest days if you are feeling too sore or uncomfortable. If you feel bad, you will associate that feeling with exercise and this will stop you from enjoying your workouts! Lastly, remember that taking care of yourself does not just involve your physical health – your mental health is just as important! While exercise boosts endorphins and can help you to feel better on a bad day, when you are new to exercise and you are not seeing the results that you want, it can be hard to stay happy. Make sure to celebrate all of your successes, no matter how small. Whether its five push-ups instead of four, a few seconds improvement on your running time, or a small improvement to your form – you made that happen and it is worth celebrating!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’re an exercise newbie, then you may want to hire a personal trainer to help you get on the right track. Better yet, why don’t you study our Personal Training Diploma to see how it’s done! Follow this link to read more.

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Exercise Bike vs Rower vs Elliptical: Which Exercise Machine Is Best? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercise-bike-vs-rower-vs-elliptical-which-exercise-machine-is-best/ Mon, 21 Dec 2020 05:00:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22062 There are many different exercise machines, and it can be hard to know which one to use for the best workout.  When it comes to cardio training, there are several options, in particular, the exercise bike the rowing machine and the elliptical. While all of these machines can provide a great cardiovascular workout if you...

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There are many different exercise machines, and it can be hard to know which one to use for the best workout.  When it comes to cardio training, there are several options, in particular, the exercise bike the rowing machine and the elliptical. While all of these machines can provide a great cardiovascular workout if you are short on time or are trying to pick one for your home gym, you need to consider which machine is best for you. So, let’s have a look at the distinctions between these machines and the benefits of each of them to help you make your decision!

Stationary Bikes

Stationary bikes are popular exercise machines and it is easy to see why. They mainly target the lower body, particularly your glutes, thighs, calves, and joints (such as the hips, knees, and ankles). The main benefit of stationary bikes is their ability to give you a non-weight-bearing cardiovascular workout, so allowing you to burn a lot of calories without putting too much weight or strain on your joints.

They are also a great option for home gyms particularly with brands like Peloton being so popular and offering a variety of workout programs on the bike. Bikes these days are also quite compact, saving you space while providing the potential for a full-body workout experience.

Lastly, stationary bikes are a great option for people looking to start a new workout routine as they are very easy to use. Also, as they are low impact, they are great for people who are recovering from injury, providing a way to rebuild and improve cardio endurance without risking further injury.

Rowing Machines

Rowing machines are also a staple at most gyms and provide a high-intensity cardio workout. Though you might think of the rowing machine for upper bodywork, they actually target your entire body from legs and glutes, to back, shoulders, and arms. This allows you to build overall muscle strength as well as getting a cardio workout.

You can easily adjust the machine to allow for more resistance and this allows you to change up the intensity of your workouts. Like the stationary bike, rowers also provide a non-weight-bearing exercise that will help you burn calories without placing stress or impact on your joints.

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Ellipticals

Elliptical machines are a fantastic machine for cardio workouts and high-calorie burn. You can use them either as just a lower body workout, or you can use the handles to add in the upper body, thereby getting a full-body workout experience.

Unlike the Stationary Bike and Rowing Machines, the Elliptical is a weight-bearing machine as you are standing on your feet and carrying your body weight as you use it. While this does, therefore, not have the benefits of the others in terms of impact, but it does help you to build strength and flexibility in your joints. Ellipticals are also extremely good for calorie burning and the associated weight loss, which explains their current popularity in gyms.

So, Which One Is Best?

Choosing which machine is the best depends on your specific situation. All three of these machines offer a way to achieve a full-body, cardiovascular workout that will help to improve your heart health, reduce mood swings and stress, and increase your energy. They also provide efficient workouts, as using one of these machines is a quick way to get an intense workout in without moving to different machines or moving through different individual workouts.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to what you are looking for and what your fitness level is. For someone recovering from injury or just starting off on their fitness journey, the stationary bike is a great place to start. For those looking for an all-over, high-intensity experience, the rowing machine is the best option for you. And for those looking for high-fat burn and dynamic movement, the elliptical will provide that in one machine. Whatever your needs are one of these machines will work for you – but remember, they are all great options that will help you to improve your health and fitness goals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

An integral part of a gym instructor’s job is to advice gym members about what type of cardiovascular machine would be good for them. Keen on learning more about becoming a gym instructor yourself? Read more here.

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5 Seated Core Workouts Which Are Ideal For People With Limited Mobility https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-seated-core-workouts-which-are-ideal-for-people-with-limited-mobility/ Fri, 18 Dec 2020 05:00:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22052 If you have limited mobility, that does not mean that you cannot exercise and experience the health benefits that come with working out. Regular exercise, no matter how little you do, will help relieve your anxiety and stress, boost your mood, keep your blood flowing, and energise you for the rest of the day. Limited...

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If you have limited mobility, that does not mean that you cannot exercise and experience the health benefits that come with working out. Regular exercise, no matter how little you do, will help relieve your anxiety and stress, boost your mood, keep your blood flowing, and energise you for the rest of the day. Limited mobility can mean different things, whether you have a disability, are recovering from an injury, or are currently overweight. However, in all cases, you can still get in a good seated workout. Of all the workouts that you can do, a core workout is very important for building strength in your core and improving stability and posture. Here are five seated core workouts that are perfect for people with limited mobility:

  1. The Twist

This exercise is a great move for building strength in your core and back, particularly your obliques. This move is simple to perform and is accessible for anyone, regardless of their fitness level.

  • Sitting in a chair, make sure that you keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Keeping your elbows at your sides hold your arms in front of you.
  • Engage your core and slowly turn your body to the right, keeping your arms steady, as far as you can without hurting yourself. Maintain this position for several seconds before slowly moving back to the starting position.
  • Repeat on the left side, remembering to keep your core muscles engaged as much as possible for an intense ab workout! Repeat 10 reps on each side.

 

  1. Oblique Floor Touches

This workout is an easy way to target those oblique muscles (the muscles that run up the sides of your waist) that can be hard to get to.

  • Seated in your chair, place both arms to your sides. Engage your abs and lean your body to the right, reaching your fingers towards the floor (reach as far as you can without forcing or hurting yourself). Make sure that when you lean, you are using your abdominals and not straining your back.
  • Gradually return to an upright position before repeating on the left side. Perform 10 reps on each side.
  1. Chair Sit Ups

Even in a chair, you can get some crunches in!

  • Slide yourself slightly forward in your chair so that there is a small gap between your back and the back of the chair while sitting up straight. Place your hands behind your head, elbows out to the sides, and (while engaging your core) carefully lean back until you touch the back of the chair.
  • Then engage your core and crunch your body up to a straight back position. Repeat this move to work your upper abs.Trifocus Fitness Academy - core workouts
  1. Arm Flows

This exercise is a dynamic movement that will help to engage the entire core and strengthen the back.

  • Move yourself towards the edge of your chair and rest your arms at your side, keeping your shoulders relaxed. Engage your core and arm muscles.
  • Stretch your arms slightly behind you and slightly arch your back down into your chair. Then, using your core muscles straighten your back and stretch your arms forward and up above your head. Repeat the full circuit again.
  1. Crunch Twists

This move is an intense way to target your abdominal muscles while seated.

  • Sit slightly forward in your chair so that there is a small space between the back of your chair and your back. Cross your hands across your chest and engage your abs. Twist your torso to the right and, with control, lean back towards the back of your chair and then (keeping your body twisted) crunch up to the starting position.
  • Repeat 10 times on each side.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Adapting exercises for people with special needs is something that a personal trainer is great at doing. If this sounds like something that you’d be interested in, then you need to become a personal trainer yourself. Read more about our Personal Training Diploma here.

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How To Choose A Workout That Will Decrease Stress https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-choose-a-workout-that-will-decrease-stress/ Mon, 14 Dec 2020 05:05:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22028 Exercise has to be one of the absolute best ways of reducing stress. When you exercise or are physically active, your body releases endorphins. These are hormones which fight stress. Exercise assists you with getting your mind off your problems and it also helps with clearing your head. You are well aware of the evidence...

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Exercise has to be one of the absolute best ways of reducing stress. When you exercise or are physically active, your body releases endorphins. These are hormones which fight stress. Exercise assists you with getting your mind off your problems and it also helps with clearing your head.

You are well aware of the evidence which shows that exercise does your body good. However, chances are good that you’re too busy and stressed to fit it into your routine. Almost any form of exercise, from aerobics and yoga to everything in between, can act as great a stress reliever. If you’re not a pro athlete, or even if you’re out of shape, it is still possible for you to make a little exercise go a long way towards stress management.

Stress Isn’t Just In Your Head

Chronic tension can be the cause of both long-term conditions (such as depression, heart disease, type 2 diabetes as well as high blood pressure) as well as everyday health woes (headaches, back pain, insomnia, upset stomach, anxiety, and anger). Stress isn’t gender-neutral either. Research shows that women experience stress more acutely than men. In addition, women are more susceptible to the physiological effects of chronic stress.

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How To Put Exercise And Stress Relief To Work For You

A successful exercise and workout programme begins with a few simple steps.

Consult With Your Doctor

If you have not exercised for a good number of months or years or, alternatively, you have health concerns that are at the back of your mind then you may want to chat a chat with your doctor or health practitioner before beginning a new exercise routine.

Walk Before You Run

Build up your fitness level gradually. Excitement about a new workout programme can lead to overdoing it as well as possibly even injury.

For most healthy adults, it is recommended getting at least 150 minutes of reasonable aerobic activity, or 75 minutes of energetic aerobic activity, every single week. You may want to get a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. Examples of moderate aerobic activity involve brisk walking or swimming. Vigorous aerobic activity may include running or biking. Greater amounts of exercise will offer even greater health benefits. In addition, you should aim to do strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at twice a week.

Do What You Love

Almost any form of exercise or movement may increase your fitness level while lowering your stress. The most important thing to do to pick an activity which you enjoy. Examples include walking, stair-climbing, jogging, dancing, bicycling, yoga, tai chi, gardening, weightlifting as well as swimming.

And remember that you don’t need to join a gym to get moving. Have a walk with the dog, attempt body-weight exercises or do a yoga video at home.

Pencil It In

In your schedule, you could need to do a morning workout one day and an evening activity on the next. However, carving out some time to move every day will help you make your exercise programme an ongoing priority. In addition, you should aim to include exercise in your schedule throughout your week.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Exercise and regularly working out has loads of benefits for both your physical and mental health. To learn what other benefits of exercise there are, we suggest doing our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about it here.

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How To Build Mental Fitness Within Sports Teams https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-build-mental-fitness-within-sports-teams/ Mon, 14 Dec 2020 05:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22024 When it comes to sports teams, having mental strength is nearly as vital for players as physical fitness is. Pressure can get to even the best sports stars, which means that mental training is a vital skill to possess. For most athletes, physical training is an incredibly natural part of their weekly schedule. Psychological skills...

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When it comes to sports teams, having mental strength is nearly as vital for players as physical fitness is. Pressure can get to even the best sports stars, which means that mental training is a vital skill to possess. For most athletes, physical training is an incredibly natural part of their weekly schedule. Psychological skills are one of the most common areas that are often overlooked when it comes to training schedules for sports teams.

‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going’ is one of the ways to say it. Or, as one well-known sports psychologist put it, mental toughness is ‘the ability to perform consistently toward the upper range of your talent as well as skill regardless of competitive circumstances.’ With sports psychology being a growing field of study, more and more athletes are wanting to improve their mental prowess in addition to their physical exercise routines.

What Is Sports Psychology?

With the goal for sporting glory at an all-time high, in addition to increasing media scrutiny, help is thankfully at hand for sports teams who are feeling the pressure. Sports psychology is a developing science which gives competitors in sports teams mental and emotional support in order to deal with aspects of their physical performance.

This support includes including things such as:

  • Self-belief,
  • Concentration, as well as
  • Coping with pressure.

The task of the sports psychologist is to boost an athlete’s confidence in addition to improving their mental endurance for long-term periods of intense concentration.

Interestingly enough, research into penalty shootouts by the Dutch psychologist Geir Jordet has shown that sporting pressure mounts the longer that a contest goes on. Jordet’s research recommends that players are only overcome their fears of failure by rehearsing their entire routine in advance in addition to composing their thoughts before each and every single kick.

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Increasing In Popularity

Sports psychology is a growing trend which aims to get sports teams to fight through the pressure of the game that they are playing and not to bottle it all up by being impacted by the noise of the crowd or even the size of an imposing competitor. The ability to overcome the fear of failing can absolutely be taught through psychology. It just requires a lot of mental strength. Players need to learn to concentrate on their goal, taking each kick or shot at a time and also removing the crowd and tiredness from their thoughts.

Sports will always be popular. Although people are not allowed to support their favourite teams at the moment, the fact that they are still avidly watching at home is testament to the fact that they are still enduring supporters. This means that sports teams will still need to perform at their best and the way that they will be able to do this is through sports psychology.

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If you want to know what it takes to become a sports psychologist then you should really check out our Sports Psychology Course. Follow this link for more information.

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How To Fix A Forward Head Posture https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-fix-a-forward-head-posture/ Sat, 12 Dec 2020 05:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=22002 Forward head posture, which is more commonly referred to as nerd neck or scholar’s neck, is a postural deformity where your neck slants forward, pushing the neck further in front of the first neck vertebra. Not only does this have a highly negative impact on your self-esteem and appearance, but it can also through off...

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Forward head posture, which is more commonly referred to as nerd neck or scholar’s neck, is a postural deformity where your neck slants forward, pushing the neck further in front of the first neck vertebra.

Not only does this have a highly negative impact on your self-esteem and appearance, but it can also through off your balance as the weight of your head is not evenly distributed. This puts extra weight on your neck and shoulders – for every two centimetres your head is in front of your neck, an extra 4 kilograms is added.

Determining If You Have Forward Head Posture

There’s an easy test to see if you have forward neck posture:

Stand against a wall – your back, heels and shoulder blades need to be pressed firmly against it. Try to squeeze your shoulder blades and then release. Repeat a few times. If the back of your head isn’t touching the wall when doing so, you may have forward neck posture.

The Causes Of Forward Head Posture

More often than none, this condition is brought on as a result of our bad habits. The most common cause is constantly looking down at cellphones, computer screens, or even carrying a heavy bag or spending a lot of time driving.

Other causes include:

  • Sleeping with too many pillows
  • A history of neck injury
  • Weak neck and shoulder muscles
  • Problematic breathing
  • Practising certain sports
  • Professions that involve repetitive movement

Possible Side Effects

As a result of the additional weight, you may experience pain in the nerves, muscles and joints in the neck and back. Your lower back may also experience pain and become prone to herniated discs as the shoulders begin to round in an attempt to counteract the additional weight.

The muscles at the back of your neck mat stiffen in an attempt to hold your head up while the front muscles weaken. This forward force will also affect your ability to balance and can have cardiovascular, neural and musculoskeletal side effects. You’ll also be more likely to fall and injury yourself.

Tension neck syndrome may arise, which feels the same as a tension headache except that it’s caused by your poor posture.

Additional side effects include:

  • Muscle spasms
  • Rounded shoulders
  • Reduced shoulder mobility
  • Restricted breathing
  • Sleep apnoea
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Numbness in the arms and hands
  • Cervical spine arthritis
  • Osteopetrosis
  • Bulging discs

Managing Forward Head Posture

  • Only sleep with one firm pillow that supports the curve of your neck
  • Look for ergonomic office equipment. From computer screens to desk and chairs, there are a lot of things that you can upgrade to ensure that you work in a neck friendly manner.
  • If you carry a bag, make sure that the weight is evenly distributed and that you’re not carrying any unnecessary items.
  • Stretch your neck when it starts to feel stiff—simple movements such as tilting your head backwards and forwards can help a great deal.

Our world revolves around screens and being constantly on the go, all of which can contribute to forward head posture. It’s important to be aware of our posture and how we position our heads, especially when working an office job or spending a lot of time in the car. While the forward head position is inconvenient, it can be treated and reversed.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

A personal trainer can help you to fix your posture and correct a forward head posture. If you would like to become a personal trainer yourself, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more here.

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Why Should Cyclists Use Foam Rollers? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-should-cyclists-use-foam-rollers-read-this-article/ Fri, 11 Dec 2020 05:05:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21995 Do you devote long periods of time on your bike? Have you ever suffered from muscle pain after many kilometres of riding? Perhaps you don’t care about the condition of your muscles. While riding a bike you are working in one position all the time with the same movements. This can cause the elasticity of...

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Do you devote long periods of time on your bike? Have you ever suffered from muscle pain after many kilometres of riding? Perhaps you don’t care about the condition of your muscles. While riding a bike you are working in one position all the time with the same movements. This can cause the elasticity of the fascia to deteriorate and cause trigger points – which are more painful points on your body.

What Is Fascia?

Imagine the fascia as a thin membrane which connects skin, muscles as well as ligaments together like a spider web. When glued together, the fascia restricts the mobility of the area which ultimately causes pain.

This process also reduces the proper circulation of blood, which leads to poorer nutrition in addition to muscle oxygenation. In addition, the proper removal of metabolic products is limited. The longer that you ignore these problems, the more these will start to annoy you. A great solution to this problem is a musculoskeletal and fascist massage performed with a foam roller.

The Benefits Of Foam Rollers

Making use of foam rollers is advised by physiotherapists, osteopaths and cycling coaches all over the world. In fact, we have yet to hear a sports injury or performance specialist who does not recommend the use of one of these gadgets.

Though a foam roller can’t replace a skilled set of therapeutic hands, foam rolling can assist with warming, stretching, and providing myofascial release — in other words, breaking adhesions as well as scar tissue within the muscle and fascia which covers it—to prevent and relieve muscle soreness. Foam rolling is a convenient and effective way to home in on trouble spots and work through them at your comfort level.

Cyclists tend to suffer from tight quads, hamstrings, glutes, lower back muscles as well as calves. If you are going to release one area, it’s a very good idea to provide the same treatment elsewhere on your body in order to ensure that you remain well balanced.

If you are suffering from a specific cycling-related pain, then it’s also important to remember that the bit that is hurting isn’t inevitably the cause. Rolling over a spot that is sore isn’t the answer – rather, you often need to release the surrounding area.

Have A Regular Foam Rolling Routine

The best approach to take with foam rolling is to have a regular routine. It will take about 10 minutes and you should be aiming to complete the full set once a day. Ideally, you should be stretching afterwards once your muscles are warm and loosened up.

Foam Roller For IT Band

The IT band is an areas of the body where cyclists should take particular care. If this area is neglected it often causes intense pain on the side of the knee. It also has a significant tendency to lose flexibility and develop trigger points.

When rolling, you need to position yourself sideways as if you were on a side plank. The leg you are going to massage needs to be straight and placed on a roller. Put the opposite leg straight out in front of you and support your weight on it. Massage the area below your hip plate by going down to the knee with the roller but not on the knee.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Would you like to learn about more foam rolling exercises that can help you – as well as others – who are experiencing muscle pain? If you do then you should study our Foam Rolling Course. Follow this link for more information.

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Dumbbells Vs Kettlebells – Which Is Best? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/dumbbells-vs-kettlebells-which-is-best-read-this-article/ Thu, 10 Dec 2020 05:00:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21987 For a long time, dumbbells have been a fixture in gyms owing to their wide variety of uses. The kettlebell — which is an iron-cast piece of equipment which looks like a ball with a handle — dates back centuries. Whether dumbbells or kettlebells are better for resistance training is a challenging question. While proponents...

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For a long time, dumbbells have been a fixture in gyms owing to their wide variety of uses. The kettlebell — which is an iron-cast piece of equipment which looks like a ball with a handle — dates back centuries. Whether dumbbells or kettlebells are better for resistance training is a challenging question. While proponents of each of these pieces of equipment have strong opinions about this, the truth is that it actually does come down to personal preference.

Why Is The Centre Of Mass Important?

The centre of gravity of the kettlebell and the dumbbell is important to understand as it has the potential to move the stress of the external load being put on the desired muscle and joint with the exercise that you choose to perform.

The reason why centre of mass matters for choosing between kettlebells and dumbbells is based on different exercise’s strength curves. A strength curve involves how an exercise alters in difficulty through different ranges of motion. To take it a step beyond, a strength curve’s difficulty is not constant as the different pieces of exercise equipment will place different demands on the muscles/joints as they move through different ranges of motion.

When To Choose A Kettlebell

When it comes to explosive and physical movements, kettlebells are king. If your fitness goal is powerlifting, plyo improvements or even if you’re competing in a sport which requires explosiveness (such as basketball or CrossFit games), research offers the suggestion that kettlebells lead to greater gains.

Opt for these to use in exercises that recruit several major muscle groups. These exercises also need to involve moving in a big as well as significant way. Some typical kettlebell moves include the following:

  • Snatches,
  • Cleans,
  • Windmills,
  • Turkish get-ups, as well as the
  • Kettlebell swing.

Kettlebell swings are also great as they can spike your heart rate so providing cardiovascular as well as strength benefits. Unlike a straightforward curl or press, the kettlebell swing is responsible for activating your entire posterior chain of muscles — in other words, your glutes, hamstrings, and erector spinae (back muscles).

When To Opt For Using Dumbbells

Dumbbells are phenomenal for a little bit of everything. You can begin with more basic movements such as a chest press, shoulder press, a row, or squats with dumbbells held at your shoulders. The advantage is that you’re not swinging the weight around (as you do in a snatch or swing). This makes making the moves a bit more straightforward.

There are pros as well as cons to any exercise. When crafting your strength training routine, make sure that you choose exercises and equipment which are convenient, safe for you, and that will best assist you with reaching your goals. Learning more about the basics of weight training can help you find your path to a stronger you.

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Want to learn more about the proper format to adopt for strength training? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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How To Build An Exercise Plan? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-build-an-exercise-plan-read-this-article/ Thu, 10 Dec 2020 04:55:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21983 There is no single type of exercise which can take care of all your needs. In actual fact, to get the most benefits from your workout routine, you want to have a mixture of activities during the course of your week. Otherwise, it’s like a diet that only consists of fruit—healthy as far as it...

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There is no single type of exercise which can take care of all your needs. In actual fact, to get the most benefits from your workout routine, you want to have a mixture of activities during the course of your week. Otherwise, it’s like a diet that only consists of fruit—healthy as far as it goes but which is lacking in a lot of the nutrients that you’ll find in other foods, such as fish, vegetables, nuts in addition to whole grains.

An effective exercise and workout routine is more than a sum of its parts. Its ability to build muscle, burn fat as well as improve performance depends upon everything from its set and rep scheme,  how you order your exercises, and, ultimately, how your exercise routine challenges you week-to-week and month-to-month.

What Are Your Fitness Goals?

  • Are you trying to lose weight?
  • Are you trying to bulk up or, alternatively, build muscle?
  • Are you preparing for your first marathon?

Whatever your fitness goals are, it’s good to write them down and be aware of what you’re trying to accomplish. These goals will shape HOW you build your workout.

Focus On Form And Not Weight

Align your body correctly and then move smoothly through each exercise. Poor form can result in injuries. Many experts make the suggestion of starting with no weight, or very lightweight when you’re learning a strength training routine. Concentrate on slow, smooth lifts as well as equally controlled descents while isolating a muscle group. Isolate muscles by keeping your body in a particular position while consciously contracting and then releasing the targeted muscles.

Tempo

Tempo assists you with staying in control rather than undercutting strength gains through momentum. For instance, count to four while lifting a dumbbell, hold for two, then count to four while dropping it to the starting position.

Breathe

Your blood pressure increases during a workout however it rises even more if you hold your breath while you’re performing strength exercises. To avoid steep increases in blood pressure, breathe out as you lift, push, or pull. Breathe in as you release. To make doubly sure that you’re definitely not holding your breath, count your tempo aloud.

Keep Challenging Muscles

The correct weight differs depending on the exercise. Select a weight which tires the targeted muscle or muscles by the last two repetitions (reps) while still letting you maintain good form. If you are not able to do the minimum number of reps, opt for a lighter weight. When it feels like it’s too easy, as if you could continue doing reps, challenge your muscles again by increasing the weight (roughly 500g to 1 kg for arms, 1 kg to 2 ½ kg for legs) or utilising a stronger resistance band. Alternatively, you can add an additional set of reps to your workout (up to three sets) or work out on additional days per week. If you add weight, remember that you should be able to do the minimum number of reps while still maintain good form, and the targeted muscles should feel tired by the last two reps.

Consistency in training is the primary factor in getting results. You need to train often as well as across a long period of time. This means that you need to create an exercise programme that will keep you in the game. The best exercise routine out there is useless if you don’t actually do it.

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If you want to learn how to REALLY programme the best workout routine then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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CrossFit And HIIT: What’s The Difference? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/crossfit-and-hiit-whats-the-difference/ Wed, 09 Dec 2020 05:05:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21978 If you’ve been paying close attention to fitness trends, you’ve probably heard plenty about CrossFit.  You’ve heard the CrossFit can be difficult, it’s a phenomenal workout and that it’s offered just about everywhere but  what you might not be as clear on is if CrossFit is right for you as well as how it differs...

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If you’ve been paying close attention to fitness trends, you’ve probably heard plenty about CrossFit.  You’ve heard the CrossFit can be difficult, it’s a phenomenal workout and that it’s offered just about everywhere but  what you might not be as clear on is if CrossFit is right for you as well as how it differs from your HIIT workouts.

By definition, CrossFit is designed to assist you be better at what you may or may not encounter on a daily basis.  CrossFit is a core-strengthening programme and strives to make you bigger as well as better in 10 specific fitness domains. These include:

  • Power,
  • Strength,
  • Flexibility,
  • Stamina,
  • Speed,
  • Coordination,
  • Balance, as well as
  • Accuracy.

You should expect to see a few fitness props in CrossFit classes such as kettlebells in addition to battle ropes.

What Is Mixed Modal Training?

CrossFit is an example of mixed modal training. This means that it involves doing different types of activities within one workout. It uses things like gymnastics and Olympic lifting movements.

Many Cross Fitters begin to see muscle definition and weight loss almost immediately – in other words, within a few weeks. The strong community, as well as teamwork culture of CrossFit, is an added motivational bonus.

And while CrossFit is sometimes criticised for causing injuries, that shouldn’t essentially be the case. The CrossFit Games made people [who weren’t essentially ready] want to try it. But keep in mind that those are athletes – not everybody is at this point. However, if done correctly, CrossFit doesn’t have to be a bad thing. You just need to have realistic goals as well as properly trained coaches. If you’re not there yet, they should alter the exercises to suit you.

What’s The Big Deal About HIIT?

HIIT has been in existence for over 40 years. It was made better when Japanese doctor Izumi Tabata, in conjunction with a group of sports fitness researchers, made the finding that this form of training not only ups your aerobic capacity, or stamina, as well as your anaerobic capacity or the ability to create muscle.

HIIT training involves short, intense periods of exercise that are followed by short rest periods. The rationale is that by mixing high-intensity cardio activities (like sprinting) with strength training this allow you get to burn the greatest number of calories in the least amount of time. It’s 20 seconds of intensive activity, then 10 seconds of rest, which is done eight times in order to maximise results. Sample exercises frequently include push-ups, sit-ups, squats or – alternatively – rowing.

HIIT is designed in order to help you see maximum muscle tone as well as weight loss in the shortest amount of time. This is as the spurts of activity burn A LOT of calories, which essentially melts away fat. Results will vary however you should start noticing a difference within a few weeks.

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Want to learn more about HIIT? If you do then you should really do our HIIT and Functional Trainer Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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Is Your Resting Heart Rate A Gauge Of Your Fitness? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/is-your-resting-heart-rate-a-gauge-of-your-fitness/ Wed, 09 Dec 2020 05:00:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21973 Your resting heart rate (RHR) refers to the number of times that your heart beats per minute (bpm) while you are at complete rest. It is a marker of your physical fitness. Your heart rate at rest will become lower as your heart becomes stronger via aerobic exercise training. A low resting heart rate shows...

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Your resting heart rate (RHR) refers to the number of times that your heart beats per minute (bpm) while you are at complete rest. It is a marker of your physical fitness. Your heart rate at rest will become lower as your heart becomes stronger via aerobic exercise training.

A low resting heart rate shows up more in people who are in athletic training or a workout programme, however it can have other health benefits for people who are not physically fit (which is often called bradycardia).

What Is A Good Resting Heart Rate?

A resting heart rate that is between 60 and 100 BPM is considered to be normal, however, 60 to 80 is optimal. Generally, a lower resting heart rate shows more efficient heart function as well as greater cardiovascular health. Research has connected a higher resting heart rate with a higher risk of cardiac events such as stroke or a heart attack.

The best time of day which you should be checking your resting heart rate (HR) is right in the morning just after you’ve woken up. During the day, changes in your level of activity, body position, emotional state, caffeine intake as well as hydration levels will all affect your HR.

Many factors influence what’s a normal heart rate for any one person. Genetics, age, and gender all have an impact on your baseline HR. In addition, these play a part in determining your normal range. Those aren’t really things that you can change however there’s one factor you can: your fitness level.

Even small amounts of exercise can cause a change with a high resting heart rate. However, the intensity of the exercise is super important. One study which involved 55-year-old adults found that only one hour per week of high-intensity aerobic training (about 66% of maximum effort) lowered RHR more efficiently as opposed to a low-intensity effort (33% of max effort).

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Why Athletes Need To Monitor Their Resting Heart Rate

Athletes sometimes monitor their RHR in order to help them to determine when they have fully recovered from a hard workout or, alternatively, a race. As they already know their usual RHR, they can check it and see when it returns to normal (which is sometimes even after a day or more following a workout or event).

A resting heart rate which is 5 bpm above your usual RHR shows that you could need more recovery time.

Also, a high resting heart rate can be a sign of overtraining. Your resting heart rate could be elevated for one or more days after an energetic endurance workout, such as running a marathon or walking a half-marathon. You may want to delay an addition hard workout until your resting heart rate has gone back to its usual value.

Fitness monitors and apps which record resting heart rate daily can utilise that data in order to give you a notification when you are ready for another strenuous workout. If you aren’t fully recovered, the app might recommend a light intensity workout instead.

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A fundamental task of a personal trainer is measuring your heart rate. Learn what other tasks this type of fitness professional does by studying our Personal Training Diploma. Read more here.

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What Is Intuitive Eating? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-intuitive-eating-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Tue, 08 Dec 2020 05:05:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21963 The term ‘intuitive eating’ refers to a philosophy of eating which makes you the expert of your body as well as its hunger signals. In a nutshell, it’s the exact opposite of a traditional diet. Intuitive eating doesn’t impose guidelines regarding what to avoid as well as what or when to eat. Instead, this type...

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The term ‘intuitive eating’ refers to a philosophy of eating which makes you the expert of your body as well as its hunger signals. In a nutshell, it’s the exact opposite of a traditional diet. Intuitive eating doesn’t impose guidelines regarding what to avoid as well as what or when to eat. Instead, this type of eating teaches that you are the best person — the only person — to make those nutrition choices. The exercise of intuitive eating teaches you how to get to grips your body cues such as hunger, fullness and satisfaction. This is all while learning to trust your body around food again.

Your Start With Intuitive Eating

To eat intuitively, you could need to re-learn how to trust your body. To accomplish this, you need to distinguish between physical as opposed to emotional hunger:

Physical Hunger

This biological urge tells you that you need to replenish nutrients. Physical hunger builds up slowly and has a number of different signals, such as a growling stomach, tiredness, or irritability. This type of hunger is satisfied when you eat any food.

Emotional Hunger

This type of hunger is driven by emotional need. Sadness, loneliness as well as boredom are some of the feelings which can create cravings for food, often comfort foods. Eating then causes guilt and self-hatred.

Discard The Diet Mentality

Get rid of the diet books as well as magazine articles which offer you the false hope of losing weight quickly, easily as well as permanently. Become angry at diet culture which promotes weight loss and the lies which have led you to feel as though you were a failure each and every time that a new diet stopped working and you put on all of the weight. If you allow even one tiny hope to linger – that a new and better diet or eating plan might be lurking around the corner – it will prevent you from being free to rediscover intuitive eating.

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Deal With Your Emotions With Kindness

Firstly, recognise that food restriction – both physically and mentally –  may in and of itself trigger loss of control. This in turn can feel like emotional eating.

Find kind ways to comfort, nurture, distract as well as resolve your issues. Anxiety, loneliness, boredom, and anger are emotions that we all experience throughout life. Each of these emotions has its own trigger. Each of them has its own appeasement.

Food won’t fix any of these feelings. It may serve to comfort you in the short term, distract you from the pain, or even numb you. However, food won’t solve the problem. If anything, eating for an emotional hunger could only make you feel worse in the long run. Ultimately, you’ll have to deal with the source of the emotion.

Perpetual dieters may have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the calorie, fat as well as carbohydrate content of different foods. Unfortunately, they forget what they enjoy eating and what helps them to feel full.

Choose meals and snacks which are nutritious but are also satisfying and tasty. And keep in mind that one slip does not mean a fall. A meal or one day where you don’t eat particularly healthily will not make a difference in the long term – it’s what happens on most days which matters.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

An exercise and nutrition coach helps people to overcome issues such as a negative relationship with food. If you’re interested in learning more then you need to do our Advanced Exercise and Nutrition Coach Course. Learn more here.

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New Research: How Much Exercise Should We Do Each Day? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/new-research-how-much-exercise-should-we-do-each-day/ Mon, 07 Dec 2020 05:00:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21946 New research, which has recently been released by experts, says that approximately four to five million deaths every year could be prevented if the global population was more physically active. Estimations indicate that 27.5% of adults, as well as 81% of adolescents, currently do not meet the 2010 exercise recommendations. In addition, there have been...

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New research, which has recently been released by experts, says that approximately four to five million deaths every year could be prevented if the global population was more physically active. Estimations indicate that 27.5% of adults, as well as 81% of adolescents, currently do not meet the 2010 exercise recommendations. In addition, there have been almost no improvements have been seen during the past decade.

As well, there are inequalities between the genders. Girls and women were found to be less active than boys and men in most of the countries surveyed. There are also vast differences in levels of physical activity between higher and lower economic groups in addition to between countries and regions.

These new recommendations state that children aged between five and 17 should do at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity every single day. This incorporates aerobic activities as well as those which strengthen muscle and bone.

Adults who are aged between 18 and 64 years of age should do at least three to five hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. Alternatively, they should be doing at least 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each and every week. Muscle-strengthening exercises are also strongly recommended on two or more days a week, as they can provide additional health benefits.

What Type Of Exercise Is The Best Exercise?

Moderate aerobic exercise encompasses activities such as:

  • Brisk walking,
  • Swimming, as well as
  • Mowing the lawn.

Vigorous aerobic exercise encompasses activities such as running and aerobic dancing.

Strength training can include making use of weight machines, your own body weight, resistance tubing or resistance paddles in the water. This type of training can include activities such as rock climbing.

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How Much Should I Exercise If I Want To Lose Weight?

As a general goal, aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. It doesn’t need to be vigorous – a moderate workout will do. If you are keen on losing weight, make sure that you sustain weight loss or reach particular fitness goals, you could need to exercise more. If you would like to aim even higher you can attain more health benefits if you increase the time which your exercise to 300 minutes or more each and every week.

Reducing sitting time is also important. The more hours that you sit each day, the higher will be your risk of metabolic problems. Sitting for far too long can negatively influence your health as well as longevity, even if you get the suggested amount of daily physical activity.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Is exercise your passion? Do you want to make it your career? If you answer ‘yes’ to these two questions then you should really become a personal trainer. Our Personal Training Diploma is the crème-de-la-crème of fitness qualifications so when you study with us you can be assured that you’ll become a highly sought-after personal trainer. Follow this link to learn more.

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Why Is Wellness In The Workplace Crucial? Read this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-wellness-in-the-workplace-crucial-read-this-article/ Mon, 07 Dec 2020 05:00:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21950 Employee health and wellness affect more than merely just medical costs. A healthy workforce is a far more productive workforce. Unhealthy lifestyle choices usually lead to chronic diseases, which costs businesses billions of trillions of rands in lost productivity. What all of this means is that encouraging healthier behaviours and wellness can really pay off....

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Employee health and wellness affect more than merely just medical costs. A healthy workforce is a far more productive workforce. Unhealthy lifestyle choices usually lead to chronic diseases, which costs businesses billions of trillions of rands in lost productivity. What all of this means is that encouraging healthier behaviours and wellness can really pay off.

What Is Wellness?

The term ‘wellness’ covers physical as well as mental fitness. Over the past 30 or so years, wellness has grown as a concept in the workplace, concentrating on assisting employees with influencing their own health, quality of life, mental well-being and – as a result – their work performance in the workplace.

As such, employee wellness looks not merely at reducing absence from the workplace through illness. It also looks at how to proactively encourage as well as promote healthier lifestyles and attitudes.

Employee wellness takes a look at the individual and then encourages them to make healthy lifestyle choices, with the purpose of benefiting them as well as the culture in which they work. It broadly covers:

  • Health promotion,
  • The prevention of ill health, and
  • The factors which help to determine how healthy someone is, in both body and mind.

Most of all, employee wellness is about enabling individuals to make better choices about their own health, in other words, to take control of it for their own benefit.

A Changing Attitude To Employee Wellness

In current times, there has been a noticeable shift in the way companies are approaching employee wellness programmes – employee wellness has turned into a major focus. This means that many businesses are beginning to invest more in comprehensive employee wellness programmes which aim to address work-life balance.

What Makes A Successful Employee Wellness Programme?

  1. Your employee wellness programme needs to be practical as well as accessible (a number of on-site employee health services).
  2. Employers must establish a health-conscious environment (such as healthy food options in the canteen, supportive messaging as well as healthy workspaces).
  3. The organisational structure should integrate employee health with employee wellness (comprehensive and compliant wellness programmes).
  4. Employee wellness should be linked to existing support benefits (employee assistance programmes (EAPs) help workers to deal with emotional, financial, legal or physical challenges).
  5. Health screenings and education (regular health awareness days) should be included in the programme that you put together.

There is a massive amount of research to support the benefits of wellness for employees. A comprehensive wellness programme will improve employee health as well as your organisation’s bottom line. It is not going to make all your problems go away but it will help you create a worksite culture of health. Your employee wellness programme will boost and maintain employee morale. With an effective wellness programme you will improve the lives of your employees and help drive the success of your organisation.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Does designing a corporate wellness programme sound like something you’d like to do for a living? If it is then you should take our Health and Wellness Coach Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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What Is The Correct Stance For A Squat? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-correct-stance-for-a-squat/ Sun, 06 Dec 2020 05:05:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21943 When you walk into a gym, the odds are that you’ll find several different people squatting – none of them using the same form and each believing that they’re doing it correctly. While it seems like a simple exercise, there’s a lot that goes into it. 3 Tips For Correcting Your Squat The three most...

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When you walk into a gym, the odds are that you’ll find several different people squatting – none of them using the same form and each believing that they’re doing it correctly. While it seems like a simple exercise, there’s a lot that goes into it.

3 Tips For Correcting Your Squat

The three most common issues that arise when squatting relates to your stance width, toe positioning and load positioning.

  1. Working On Your Stance

So, where should you be placing your feet and how wide apart should they be? This will depend on what you’re trying to do.

Let’s start by looking at the neutral, or medium, squat. For this, you’ll need to keep your feet hip-width apart. The wider squat, or sumo squat, will need your feet more than hip-width apart. It’s ideal for deeper squats and promotes glute activation.

Last but not least, we have the narrow squat where your feet are closer and not hip-width apart – this is often seen as the most challenging squat to do.

When it comes to choosing your preferred squat, choose the option that’s comfortable and best matches your exercise goals. A wider squat will help you build strength while the narrower versions assist in athletic performance.

  1. Positioning Your Toes

The age-old question when it comes to squatting; which direction should our toes be pointing? Once again, this will depend on your squat preferences, fitness goals and of course, your comfort.

The first thing that you need to keep in mind is that your hips play the most important part of any squat. This means that you need to look at how your hips rotate. For a more neutral squat, toes pointed parallel is the usual go-to since most people’s hips rotate externally. This is also a more athletic stance. Toes pointed outwards often work best with wider, deeper squats aimed at strengthening the legs.

This all depends on what you’re comfortable with, as you will be more inclined to default to the position when squatting.

  1. Load Positioning

When squatting, most people use weights to push themselves further. Dumbbells, kettlebells and barbells are most commonly used. In order to hold the weights properly, you need to work on your grip.

The goblet hold is either done with a kettlebell or dumbbell that is held out in front of your chest. You will need to counteract the forward momentum and weight by properly balancing yourself on your feet. To add more weight, you can use a barbell, but this will require a different grip depending on the part of your body you are looking to train.

When it comes to squatting, you need to understand your body and what’s comfortable for you. Start simple, for example, with your body weight, and work your way up to using free weights to add to your strength training. If you begin to experience any pain while exercising, stop what you’re doing and re-evaluate your form.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

There are a lot more exercises out there that you can learn which will complement the squat. Learn what these are by studying our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about this course here.

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What Is The Value Of Adding Supersets To Your Workout? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-value-of-adding-supersets-to-your-workout/ Sat, 05 Dec 2020 05:05:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21926 You might have seen the word ‘supersets’ floating around on an influencers Instagram or heard it mentioned by gym trainers, but you might not know what it means. In the simplest terms, a superset is a type of gym technique that is designed to maximise your time during a workout. But what are the benefits...

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You might have seen the word ‘supersets’ floating around on an influencers Instagram or heard it mentioned by gym trainers, but you might not know what it means. In the simplest terms, a superset is a type of gym technique that is designed to maximise your time during a workout. But what are the benefits of adding supersets to your workout?

What Are Supersets?

Supersets are a technique to allow you to get the most out of your workout by keeping the rest time short. Usually, a superset is made up of two exercises (e.g. bicep curls and tricep dips) that are alternated without a rest in between. The idea is to do a set amount of each exercise, take a short rest, and then repeat the set again.

There are three main types of supersets:

  • An Antagonist Superset: these supersets target opposing muscle groups—for example, one exercise that targets the triceps and the other targeting the biceps. The advantage of this kind of superset is that you can maximise your recovery time, as when the one muscle is being worked its opposite is relaxed, and therefore you only need to take shorter breaks between sets.
  • An Agonist Superset: these supersets target the same muscle group with both exercises, for example, the chest. The advantage of this is that you are adding intensity to your workout by really targeting and working one area of your body with maximum intensity.
  • The Unrelated Superset: this kind of superset targets two very separate muscle groups, for example, lunges and pushups. The advantage of this kind of superset is that you are not overworking one area of your body and you, therefore, do not lose strength in one muscle group, allowing you to perform higher quality reps throughout the set.

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What Are The Advantages Of Supersets?

  • One advantage of supersets is their ability to allow you to boost your performance in specific targeted areas. For instance, if you are trying to improve your squat performance, you can superset jump squats and weighted squats to target the muscle groups with explosive movements. Or if you’re looking to improve your upper body strength, you can focus on two exercises that are target those muscle groups and intensely work those areas.
  • Doing supersets of the same muscle groups (the agonist superset style) allows you to target those areas with greater intensity in a shorter period of time.
  • You also have the advantage of keeping your workout simple, but because you are switching between different exercises so that you will not get bored doing the same one exercise over and over.
  • Lastly, the biggest advantage of a superset workout is that you are getting an intense workout in a short period of time. By taking short breaks and performing quick reps, you are maximising your workout time without compromising on intensity.

In conclusion, supersets are a great way to add variety to your workout routine. If you are short on time, you can still get a powerful workout, and if you have the time, you can target specific groups with high intensity.

 Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

A personal trainer will be able to assist you in terms of adding supersets into your routine. Perhaps you want to become a personal trainer yourself and learn all that there is to know about health, fitness and everything in between. Follow this link to learn more about this course.

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What Is The Best Way To Breathe During Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-best-way-to-breathe-during-exercise/ Sat, 05 Dec 2020 05:00:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21921 While we all know that breathing is important when it comes to performing well during exercise, but we often forget to actually pay attention to our breath when we are in the moment. Another problem is that we don’t always know how to breathe properly during exercise, and we find ourselves breathing inefficiently for the...

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While we all know that breathing is important when it comes to performing well during exercise, but we often forget to actually pay attention to our breath when we are in the moment. Another problem is that we don’t always know how to breathe properly during exercise, and we find ourselves breathing inefficiently for the activity that we are doing. So, what is the right way to breathe when you are doing exercise?

Why Is Breathing Important During Exercise?

Before we talk about the correct way to breathe, we will briefly discuss why it is important to have control over your breathing during exercise. No matter what kind of activity you are performing, whether it is running, cycling, swimming, pilates, yoga, or weight training, proper breathing techniques will help you to perform at higher levels. Deep and controlled breaths allow for the intake and distribution of oxygen into and around the body; powering the muscles and helping you to maintain your activity. In other words, it is allowing you to take insufficient oxygen for your training, while efficiently exhaling out carbon dioxide. If you can maintain your breathing, keeping your breaths regular through the workout, you will be able to push yourself further without feeling as though you need to take a break or even stop – and the ability to push yourself further for longer will help you to reach your fitness goals.

What Is The Proper Breathing Technique?

There are many ways to breathe properly, which will depend on the specific activity that you are performing and you may need to consult with a trainer or coach if you need to work on your specific goals. However, there are some golden rules for breathing during exercise that are beneficial for everyone engaging in physical activity:

  1. This is the main rule which is easy to remember and to follow: breathe in on relaxation, exhale during exertion. When you are performing reps of an exercise try to focus on your breathing and exhale as you perform the movement (e.g. crunching up into a sit-up or lifting the weight) and inhale as you relax out of the movement (e.g. when returning to start position).
  2. Keep your breath in equal to the breath out. Focus on keeping your breaths in and out equal, particularly during cardiovascular activity. A trick for practising this is to count the breaths in and out to ensure that they are equal.
  3. Remember to breathe from the diaphragm, not the chest. This will help you to take in deep and full breaths, providing your body with sufficient oxygen to perform.
  4. Find a rhythm and adjust your breath. Make sure to adjust your breathing pattern to your movements. You should not hold your breath unnecessarily, just to try and fit your routine – it is okay to breathe more if you need to! Try to find a rhythm which works for you and allow the rhythm to change with increasing intensity of movements or as you get tired.
  5. Lastly, take care of yourself. Make sure to slow your pace down if you cannot breathe comfortably and take deep breaths until your breathing returns to normal.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

 Breathing correctly is just one of the things that you have to get right when exercising. When you do our Personal Training Diploma, you’ll learn about these and so much more! For more information, please follow this link.

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Why Is Lower Back Mobility So Important? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-lower-back-mobility-so-important/ Fri, 04 Dec 2020 05:05:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21936 Having a flexible lower back and enjoying increased lower back mobility will ensure that you don’t suffer from lower back pain in addition to other posture problems. Increasing flexibility and mobility in your lower back will decrease the amount of weight as well as pressure which you vertebra have to endure. As a result, this...

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Having a flexible lower back and enjoying increased lower back mobility will ensure that you don’t suffer from lower back pain in addition to other posture problems. Increasing flexibility and mobility in your lower back will decrease the amount of weight as well as pressure which you vertebra have to endure. As a result, this makes your body more fit and healthy.

The Importance Of Thoracic Spine Mobility For Lower Back Pain

When the thoracic spine is working optimally, it allows you the opportunity to move in basically all directions. It’s built for mobility as well as movement, bending and twisting. The thoracic spine is designed for flexion, extension, and rotation. Essentially, it’s what allows you to safely execute basically all the movements you use in everyday activities.

The trouble is that today’s sedentary lifestyle lends itself to reduced thoracic spine mobility. Like most things in the body, it’s an ‘if you don’t use it you lose it’ scenario. A lack of lower back mobility means that the lumbar spine, pelvis, shoulders and surrounding muscles all compensate in order to allow you to move how you want to move.  From a long-term point of view, those compensations can absolutely lead to injury.

If you’re lacking in thoracic spine mobility, the injury risk for the lumbar spine — in other words the part of your spine which is in your lower back — is especially high. The lumbar spine is supposed to keep us stable and, in addition, is not meant to move much at all.

The Risks Of Thoracic Spine Immobility

So when these joints that aren’t supposed to be mobile, are forced to be mobile, it places a lot of pressure on the discs that are in your lower back. The possible consequences of this are:

  • Inflammation,
  • Degeneration,
  • Herniation of the discs,
  • Generalised lower back pain,
  • Compression fractures,
  • Muscles spasms, as well as
  • Spinal nerve injuries.

The risks don’t stop there. If your thoracic spine isn’t mobile, anytime you have to perform a movement overhead, your shoulders make up for this lack of mobility. So if you have shoulder impingement – or otherwise chronic shoulder and neck problems – it could actually be due to a lack of mobility in your thoracic spine.

The human body is only able to withstand a certain amount of pressure on its joints and ligaments before getting injured. In today’s world, the number of individuals who suffer from lower back pain is increasing steadily. This is because a sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise is making most of us unhealthy.

A few simple stretches done daily will assist you with increasing your lower back mobility. In addition, it will help to prevent back pain and injury. A flexible body puts a lesser load on the joints and ligaments so helping it maintain its health and fitness.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Flexibility is one of the forms of fitness. Just being cardiovascularly fit doesn’t mean that you’re fit. If you’re keen to discover more about what it takes to be fit then why not do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more here.

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How To Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally Through Diet And Exercise https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-lower-your-blood-pressure-naturally-through-diet-and-exercise/ Fri, 04 Dec 2020 05:00:25 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21932 High blood pressure, which is also called hypertension, is called the “silent killer” for a good reason. This condition often has no symptoms but is a major risk for heart disease as well as stroke. Unfortunately, high blood pressure is so widespread these days that almost half all adults have it. While medication may be...

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High blood pressure, which is also called hypertension, is called the “silent killer” for a good reason. This condition often has no symptoms but is a major risk for heart disease as well as stroke.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure is so widespread these days that almost half all adults have it. While medication may be necessary, there are lifestyle habits which could help bring it under control, including eating most or all of your diet from plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains like oats, nuts, seeds and pretty much anything you can find in the produce aisle. You could also want to limit your intake of red meat, dairy and eggs.

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you could be worried about taking medication in order to bring your blood pressure numbers down. Lifestyle plays a critically important role in handling your high blood pressure. If you effectively control your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, you could avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.

Here are a number of the ways in which diet and exercise help to reduce high blood pressure.

Lose Extra Kilos And Watch Your Waistline

Blood pressure often rises as weight increases. Being overweight may also cause disrupted breathing while you sleep (sleep apnoea), which further raises your blood pressure.

Weight loss is one of the most efficient lifestyle changes for controlling blood pressure. Losing just a small amount of weight if you are overweight or obese may assist with reducing your blood pressure. In general, you could reduce your blood pressure by about 1 millimetre of mercury (mm Hg) with each kilogram of weight which you lose.

How Exercise Helps To Reduce Blood Pressure

Exercising regularly — such as 150 minutes a week, or about 30 minutes most days of the week — may lower your blood pressure by about between 5 and 8 mm Hg if you have high blood pressure. It is important to be consistent as if you stop exercising, your blood pressure could rise again.

If you have high blood pressure, exercise may help you avoid developing hypertension. If you already do have hypertension, regular physical activity may bring your blood pressure down to safer levels.

Some examples of aerobic exercise which you may try in order to lower blood pressure include:

  • Walking,
  • Jogging,
  • Cycling,
  • Swimming, or
  • Dancing

Alternatively, you could also try high-intensity interval training that involves alternating short bursts of intense activity with recovery periods of lighter activity. Strength training may also help to reduce blood pressure. Have a goal  to include strength training exercises at least two days a week. Talk to your doctor – as well as your personal trainer – about developing an exercise programme.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn how to help people, with health conditions such as high blood pressure, then you should become a personal trainer and study our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to read more.

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How To Utilise A Foam Roller Before And After You Work Out https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-utilise-a-foam-roller-before-and-after-you-work-out/ Thu, 03 Dec 2020 05:05:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21918 In recent times, foam rolling has gone mainstream. Once a self-massage technique which was only by professional athletes, coaches, and therapists using a foam roller is now a daily practice for people at all levels of fitness. There’s a reason for the widespread acceptance of this self-massage technique: it’s simple and it works. The process...

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In recent times, foam rolling has gone mainstream. Once a self-massage technique which was only by professional athletes, coaches, and therapists using a foam roller is now a daily practice for people at all levels of fitness. There’s a reason for the widespread acceptance of this self-massage technique: it’s simple and it works.

The process of foam rolling is also known as myofascial release. Fascia is the thin tissue which connects our muscles. Imagine it as your body’s internal packaging — it assists our muscle groups to cooperate as integrated units.

When fascia is healthy, it is flexible, supple and glides effortlessly over your muscles. However, binding in your fascia can develop for a variety of reasons, such as muscle injury, inactivity, disease, inflammation and even trauma. Even just sitting at a desk for eight hours a day can get your fascia ‘gummed up’ and stiff.

Using A Foam Roller Before A Workout

Many people now prefer dynamic stretching as opposed to static stretching. Here, you move your body through the chosen range of motion. Running on the spot while kicking your butt, for instance, is a dynamic adaptation of the traditional static quad stretch.

Foam rolling the body part you would otherwise stretch, instead of actually stretching it, serves a similar purpose as dynamic stretching. This is because your muscles have the opportunity to move around. In fact, studies show that using a foam roller can improve your range of motion when done before exercise.

How To Utilise A Foam Roller After A Workout

As we said earlier, moving your muscles around on a foam roller is a form of self-massage. Many people enjoy this after a workout or as a method of getting moving without exerting themselves too much on a rest day.

The science is silent about how exactly massages work for recovery or for easing sore muscles. Massages don’t function to flush lactic acid or other toxins; however some studies support the idea that damaged muscles could repair themselves slightly faster with massage.

More importantly, massage feels good. If you feel as if you have knots or trigger points in your muscles, or if you just constantly feel better after a foam rolling session, that’s a perfectly good reason to take some time rolling out.

Foam rolling before you work out will to help build heat. It’ll also reduce muscle density, which will allow for a better warm-up before to exercise. Using a foam roller is a better warm-up than static stretching. This is because it gets the blood flowing to the muscle and works out any tight spots for better mobility.

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As you can see from this article, foam rolling is a fabulous way of warming up before or cooling down after your workouts. Learn more about this great technique by doing our Foam Rolling Course. Learn more by following this link.

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A Suspension Training Workout For Runners. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/a-suspension-training-workout-for-runners/ Thu, 03 Dec 2020 05:00:56 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21914 To get better, most runners just run. However, the best runners know that improving speed as well as endurance isn’t just about logging more kilometres on the road. You also need to log time in the gym. And one of the best ways to build the strength that you need to go faster and longer...

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To get better, most runners just run. However, the best runners know that improving speed as well as endurance isn’t just about logging more kilometres on the road. You also need to log time in the gym. And one of the best ways to build the strength that you need to go faster and longer is with suspension training.

When added to your training routine, exercises using suspension training can assist runners with building strength, boosting power and increasing flexibility. It’s one of the most useful pieces of equipment in any gym and it unlocks countless bodyweight exercises that will help any runner.

Strength training with suspension training is particularly beneficial for runners as this type of training can help to lessen the risk of injury in endurance athletes. This is accomplished through correcting imbalances in your left and right side, which ultimately can lead to an inefficient stride as well as injury over time.

In addition to conquering muscle imbalances with unilateral training, suspension training can help to enhance mobility in your hips as well as ankles. Suspension training will also assist with building strength in your legs while working your entire body. The purpose of this is to improve your overall endurance,  core strength, mobility and running stability.

What Suspension Training Workouts Are Good For Runners?

Suspension Training Hamstring Curl

To run faster as well as prevent injuries, you need to keep your body balanced between the front of your body (anterior) in addition to the back (posterior). Most runners suffer from a weaker posterior chain. Anytime they work the backside is an advantage.

How to do the suspension training hamstring curl:

  • With the straps of the suspension trainer at mid-calf length, lie on supine on a mat facing the anchor point. Put your heels in the foot cradles.
  • Keeping even pressure in your heels, engage your glutes and core. Make sure that your hips are lifted and drag your heels as if they were on train tracks. Do this until your knees are stacked over your hips.
  • Straighten your legs while making sure that your core is kept tight.

Do between three to four sets of eight to 10 reps each.

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Suspension Training Hamstring Runner

With this particular exercise, there’s an added challenge of rotation as well as core work. This is beneficial for runners of any distance. Runners should control rotation if they would like to produce more power in addition to being faster. The goal is to ensure that you keep even pressure on the foot cradles during the entire movement.

How to do the suspension training hamstring runner:

  • With the straps of the suspension trainer at mid-calf length, face the anchor point. Lie on your back and put your heels in the foot cradles.
  • Maintaining an even pressure in your heels, engage your glutes as well as your core. Keep your hips lifted. Pull your right heel as if it was on a train track, while preserving an even pressure in opposite heel. (Think about dragging your heel rather than bending your knee so that the straps remain level.)
  • Straighten your right leg while making sure that your core remains tight. Repeat on the left leg. That’s one rep.

Do between three and four sets of between eight and 10 reps.

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Suspension training is a fabulous workout for everyone and not just runners. Find out more about suspension training with our Suspension Training Course. Read more about this here.

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Which Kettlebell Workouts Build Strength And Endurance? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/which-kettlebell-workouts-build-strength-and-endurance/ Wed, 02 Dec 2020 05:05:12 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21895 Unlike dumbbells as well as barbells, the weight of a kettlebell is uneven. This means that more muscles are needed to work with this exercise tool. Kettlebell workouts combine strength training and cardiovascular fitness. Given that their centre of gravity is continually changing, kettlebells replicate the forces which you might find in real-life activities. Thus,...

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Unlike dumbbells as well as barbells, the weight of a kettlebell is uneven. This means that more muscles are needed to work with this exercise tool. Kettlebell workouts combine strength training and cardiovascular fitness. Given that their centre of gravity is continually changing, kettlebells replicate the forces which you might find in real-life activities. Thus, kettlebell workouts improve not only your performance but also your daily life.

Since many kettlebell lifts cannot be done slowly, these pieces of exercise equipment bridge the gap between strength training and cardiovascular training. Many kettlebell workouts can be performed in a short period of time and still be perfectly efficient.

As most kettlebell workouts, by nature, use muscle plus momentum, you’re not throwing your body weight around, jumping, or otherwise slamming on joints which go through enough stress with your lifting or running. This stress can be good for your bones however it’s stress nonetheless, and kettlebells are a great way to actively recover from all of this.

Benefits Of Kettlebell Workouts For Strength And Endurance

Doing a kettlebell workout with a high rep amount of kettlebell lifting for only 12 minutes can increase both muscular in addition to cardiovascular endurance. This form of training can be extremely beneficial in improving a lot of the overlooked aspects of physical performance, such as hand grip and even flexibility.

It never hurts to do endurance workouts which increase grip strength, improve your hip hinge and assists with developing solid core strength. If you’re doing your kettlebell workouts right, your breath work is bound to improve. Kettlebell swings, cleans as well as snatches are works of gym-going art: not only does your body need to flow along with the bell, but your breath has to control the movement.

When you’re working in a circuit, you need to concentrate all the more on keeping your breath in sync. The better you are able to control your breath (and the more air you can get in your lungs per inhale), the more time you’ll be able to shave off your long distance runs and the more weight you’ll be able to pile onto your max-effort deadlift.

Why Endurance Athletes Need To Do Kettlebell Workouts

Endurance athletes know that there are a number of areas which are relevant to cover in order to train successfully. While there is a debate that is going on about how to best work on these, the main categories are usually seen to be running economy, VO2 max as well as time to exhaustion.

Running economy is essentially the rate at which the processes in your body are able to convert that energy and oxygen required for running at a submaximal pace. Simply put, running economy is all about how quickly you can get from 0 to 80. Within of the running economy itself, there are a few key factors:

  • Flexibility of your joints,
  • Muscle strength, as well as
  • Cardiovascular ability.

Leg training utilising kettlebells can build on each and every single one of those aspects mentioned above. These reps also don’t cause extreme muscle building, which also is a component in developing your running economy.

VO2 max is the quantity of oxygen that your body can use for the period of a session of intensive exercise. VO2 max may be increased by using through several traditional cardio-focused workouts. The fantastic part about working on this is that it can be fitted into nearly any regimen. You are able to make a kettlebell workout which has a section of time set aside for just boosting your VO2 max.

As you work on all the above factors you will be unintentionally increasing your time to exhaustion. Kettlebell workouts will encourage increased stamina and allow you to train longer while utilising less energy. It is important to monitor yourself and plan enough time for recovery. Understanding when to stop is just as important as starting.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

By using kettlebells, you’ll be able to get the most phenomenal workout. Find out more about how to make use of these dynamic tools with our Kettlebell Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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Why Is Mobility Training Important? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-mobility-training-important/ Tue, 01 Dec 2020 06:08:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21839 Mobility training benefits any type of workout however it is often neglected. As a result, many individuals miss out on the benefits of it. With more mobility, you will be less likely to develop chronic injuries or hit plateaus. Mobility also remedies existing injuries. Being more mobile benefits form and performance. In order to understand...

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Mobility training benefits any type of workout however it is often neglected. As a result, many individuals miss out on the benefits of it. With more mobility, you will be less likely to develop chronic injuries or hit plateaus. Mobility also remedies existing injuries. Being more mobile benefits form and performance.

In order to understand mobility training, we need to first understand what mobility is.

What Is Mobility?

Mobility is someone’s ability to move a limb through its full range of motion. Mobility is not to be confused with flexibility which is merely the length of the muscle. Mobility is a regulated voluntary movement through its whole functional range of motion.

Mobility training is the process during which you work in order to improve mobility in all or a single joint. In doing so you diminish the potential of imbalances so reducing the risk for injuries. This allows for the full benefits of exercise by moving limbs through their respective full range of motion. In addition, it helps you move better whether that is for daily activities or for sport.

The skeleton works wonderfully when everything is properly aligned. However, the skeleton itself is passive as it is pulled and adjusted by the muscles which attach to it. As we move through our day-to-day life, our muscles develop and grow based on our habitual movement patterns.

Owing to the fact that we perform some movements more often than others, our muscles develop unevenly with some becoming tight and short while others are loose and long. The tighter muscles will pull on the skeleton excessively, which moves our joint positions. If you have a joint slightly offset within a socket will cause it to wear unevenly over time, which leads to problems such arthritis.

What Does Mobility Training Look Like?

Joint mobility training usually involves foam rolling, mobility drills as well as some stretching.

Foam rolling is also called self-myofascial release which is just a fancy word for a self-massage. Foam rolling assists with breaking up fascial adhesions around the muscles and also assists with increasing joint mobility and optimal muscle contraction.  The tighter the muscles are which surround a joint the less mobile that they will be, so foam rolling is a quick and easy way to assist with increasing joint mobility. Foam rolling may be incorporated into the start of your workout with your warm-up and is also something which you can do every day to help improve or maintain mobility.

Mobility drills are exercises which take the muscles, tendons as well as joints through their entire range of motion. When performing these kinds of exercises, it is vital that you perform them using high levels of control.

There are several different types of mobility training exercises that will be specific to each and every joint. Some good examples of this type of training are wall slides for increasing shoulder joint mobility in addition to leg swings which can be used to increase hip joint mobility.

Mobility drills are phenomenal to incorporate in the beginning of your workout or even as a workout on their own.  Incorporating a stretching routine after exercise can also help elongate the muscles that surround the joint which help the joint to move through its full range of motion.

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As you can see, foam rolling is a super way of increasing joint mobility. Find out more about foam rolling by going on our Foam Rolling Course. Read more about it here.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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How To Decrease Visceral Fat In Your Body? Learn more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-decrease-visceral-fat-in-your-body-learn-more/ Tue, 01 Dec 2020 05:00:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21833 It’s healthy and normal to have some body fat however not all fat is created equal. Visceral fat is a kind of body fat which is stored within the abdominal cavity. This type of fat is located near several vital organs which include the liver, stomach as well as the intestines. Visceral fat can also...

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It’s healthy and normal to have some body fat however not all fat is created equal. Visceral fat is a kind of body fat which is stored within the abdominal cavity. This type of fat is located near several vital organs which include the liver, stomach as well as the intestines. Visceral fat can also cause a build-up in the arteries. This type of fat is sometimes referred to as “active fat” as it can actively increase the risk of serious health problems.

Visceral body fat, which is also known as ‘hidden’ fat, makes up approximately one tenth of all the fat that is stored in your body. Most of the fat, which is stored underneath the skin, is known as subcutaneous fat. This is the fat that you can see and feel once you pinch your skin. The balance of the fat in your body is concealed. That’s visceral fat. In addition, it makes your belly stick out or provides with you an ‘apple’-looking shape.

Fat doesn’t just sit there. It gives off chemicals and hormones which can be toxic to the body. Hidden body fat produces more of these substances as opposed to fat under the skin so it’s more dangerous. Even in thin people, having a greater proportion of this kind of fat has a range of health risks.

How To Measure the Visceral Fat In Your Body

The only way to conclusively diagnose visceral fat in your body is with a CT or MRI scan. However, these are expensive as well as time-consuming procedures. Instead, medical providers will usually utilised general guidelines in order to evaluate your visceral fat as well as the health risks it poses to your body.

Harvard Health, for instance, says that about 10 percent of all body fat is visceral fat – which we’ve previously mentioned. So if you calculate your total amount body fat and then take 10% away you can estimate your amount of visceral fat.

A simple way in order to tell if you may be at risk is by measuring your waist size. According to medical experts, if you are a woman and your waist measures 90 cm or larger, you are in danger of health problems emanating from this kind of fat. Men are in danger of developing health problems when their waist measures 102 cm or larger.

Visceral fat is often assessed on a scale of 1 to 59 when it is diagnosed with body fat analysers or MRI scans. Healthy levels of visceral fat remain under 13. If your rating is between 1 and 59, immediate lifestyle changes are recommended.

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Try Out A Low-Carb Diet

Low-carb diets are an efficient way of reducing visceral fat. In fact, a number of different studies have shown that low-carb diets are more effective at reducing this kind of fat as opposed to low-fat diets.

In addition, the ketogenic diet, which is a very low-carb diet, may also help reduce visceral fat. Ketogenic diets severely reduce carb intake and replace it with fat. This can put your body into a natural metabolic state called ketosis.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn about ways of teaching others to get rid of visceral fat and get all-round healthier then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about it here.

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What A Fitness Professional Needs To Know About A Business Plan https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-a-fitness-professional-needs-to-know-about-a-business-plan/ Mon, 30 Nov 2020 05:00:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21757 A business plan is a formal account of a collection of business goals, the reasons why they are believed attainable to be attainable by the fitness professional, and the plan for attaining those goals. A business plan may also take into account background information about the fitness organisation or team who are trying to reach...

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A business plan is a formal account of a collection of business goals, the reasons why they are believed attainable to be attainable by the fitness professional, and the plan for attaining those goals. A business plan may also take into account background information about the fitness organisation or team who are trying to reach those goals. Business plans may also highlight changes in perception and branding by the customer, client, tax- payer, or larger community.

When the existing business is to undergo a major change, or when planning a new venture, a three- to five-year business plan is required since investors will look for their annual return in the three to five years’ time.  All fitness businesses start with a vision, from there a plan is developed (business plan) and the next step is execution of the plan and finally ongoing reviews of how you are progressing with the plan, this is a logical approach to a business.

Enter the marketing strategy.

What Is A Marketing Strategy?

A marketing strategy is a vital and somewhat overlooked or underestimated component of a new business venture. A comprehensive marketing strategy looks at the three “P’S”:

  • Price
  • Product
  • Positioning

Price

The product or service you wish to market needs to have a price. This can be one of the most vital decisions you make in setting up your fitness business as pricing too high may result in little to no market share as your competitors offering a cheaper price would out position you. On the other hand pricing too low your products and services may result in diminished margins or creating a market perception that your product or service is substandard.

First step would be to complete market research within the scope of what you do and where you do it. Create a price matrix of your competitors and from there decide where in that matrix you will fit in.

Product

Now that you have established your price point it’s now time to understand your product. As a fitness professional you will have your own unique skill sets, attributes and interests. This is crucial in terms of understanding the type of clients you would like to cater to and what areas to specialise in.

Positioning

The term ‘positioning’ refers to the process of getting your product in front of your potential clientele. This is the final component of developing your marketing strategy. We have further split this section up into the following sub sections:

  • Marketing Budget
  • Where to spend it
  • How to measure it
  • Referrals and networking

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Developing a sound marketing strategy is the cornerstone of any successful fitness business. Find out more about how to develop a great fitness business by enrolling in our Entrepreneurship Course. Follow this link in order to find out more and to register.

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What is Lower Crossed Syndrome? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-lower-crossed-syndrome/ Sun, 29 Nov 2020 05:05:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21752 Lower crossed syndrome is the secret danger that can cause muscle imbalances, problems with posture, and the potential for further injury. You might not have heard the term lower crossed syndrome, but you need to be aware of what it is, the problems it can pose, and what can you do to prevent and treat...

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Lower crossed syndrome is the secret danger that can cause muscle imbalances, problems with posture, and the potential for further injury. You might not have heard the term lower crossed syndrome, but you need to be aware of what it is, the problems it can pose, and what can you do to prevent and treat it.

Lower Crossed Syndrome (LCS)

LCS is a postural imbalance in the lower back and pelvis muscles, as well as the hip joints. It occurs when you spend long periods of time sitting and can get worse if you have bad posture or are not active enough when not sitting. When you are seated, your muscles are stuck in either a shortened position or a lengthened position, and if you stay seated for prolonged periods of time, your muscles become used to the position. They can become weak, tight, or inhibited.

Which Muscles Are Affected?

When you’re sitting, it might not feel like you are using many muscles, but there are several groups of muscles that can be affected by LCS. The main groups that are affected are:

  • Erector spinae, a group of muscles that hold your spine upright.
  • Hip flexors, the muscles that connect your thighs to the front of your body.
  • Gluteal muscles, the muscles that extend your hip joints.

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How Are The Muscles Affected?

As mentioned above, when your muscles are affected by LCS, they can become tight or weak. This affects the muscles in different ways:

  • Tight (or hypertonic) muscles: this occurs when your muscles (e.g. hip flexors) spend too much time in the shortened position and begin to hold that position as its natural position. The problem that this causes is not just that the muscles have a low resistance to stretching; they will also pull on the bones they are attached to even when you are no longer sitting down.
  • Weak (or inhibited) muscles: this occurs when muscles (such as the gluteal muscles) spend extended periods of time in a lengthened position. This leads to the muscles becoming weak and inhibited.
  • Imbalances in the muscles: overall the tightness and weakness of various muscle groups lead to imbalances in your posture; a forward rotation of the pelvis as well as the overextension of the lumbar spine which can result in back pain and bad posture.

How To Avoid LCS or How To Fix It

Preventing LCS is very simple; make sure to take note of your posture while sitting down and take regular breaks from sitting!

If it is past the point of prevention, then there are many exercises and stretching routines that can help you to neurologically decrease the activity to the muscles that are overactive. This will allow the muscles to relax and move more naturally.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Exercise can assist with overcoming syndromes such as this one as well as so much more. To find out how you can teach sufferers these moves, you need to become a personal trainer. Find out how you can do this by checking out our Personal Training Diploma. Read more here.

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Social Media Marketing for PTs:Create Meaningful Connections https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/social-media-marketing-for-ptscreate-meaningful-connections/ Sun, 29 Nov 2020 05:00:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21748 With the world of social media continuing to grow and becoming such a large part of people’s lives if you want to get your name out there as a personal trainer you need to take your online presence seriously. Social media is not easy terrain to traverse if you do not have the knowledge about...

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With the world of social media continuing to grow and becoming such a large part of people’s lives if you want to get your name out there as a personal trainer you need to take your online presence seriously. Social media is not easy terrain to traverse if you do not have the knowledge about how it works and, in today’s climate, the market can seem a little oversaturated online. Therefore, you need to stand out and make sure that you make personal connections with your followers online. Here are our biggest tips for making the most of your social media and managing your online presence.

  1. Quality Over Quantity, But Quantity Does Matter

It may very well be the oldest phrase in the book, but when it comes to online content, quality is incredibly important. With the rise of influencers and professional social media marketing, a low-quality photo with a half-hearted caption is not going to cut it. Make sure to put effort into the content that you produce and ensure that every post that you send out represents who you are and what you stand for. That being said, with the algorithms of Facebook and Instagram at work, you need to post regularly in order to be visible to your followers. Do not spam their timeline with multiple posts a day, but make sure that you have content going out regularly so that you stay relevant and familiar to your audience.

  1. Plan Your Posts

A lot of people online do not plan the kinds of content that they are going to put out, opting for posting whatever they think of on the day. A better strategy to follow is to sit down and think out a plan of what kinds of things you want to post and on what days (even it’s rough!). Look at other personal trainer’s and fitness bloggers’s profiles and see what trends they are following and which posts of theirs are receiving a lot of engagement. It is important to understand what your potential audience enjoys and to make posts for them. It is also a phenomenal idea to change the kinds of posts you put out, from videos of workouts, photos of you and your clients, to motivational posts.

  1. Be Transparent

In order to build good relationships with your online followers, they need to know who you are. While talking about the services that you offer is important, in the online arena, there are many personal trainers who are doing the same thing. Stand out from the crowd and make yourself relatable, by sharing your story about who you are as well as why you do what you do. Another great way to make yourself accessible to potential clients is to be transparent about your business and the world of personal training, by talking about and answering frequently asked questions about the misconceptions that people have about personal trainers. While you may think that this might turn people away from your business, it can actually have the opposite effect, as by being open about things that might be making your customers nervous you can build trust and break down the common misconceptions at the same time.

  1. Conversation versus Speech

The most important thing which you need to remember about social media is that everything that happens online is a conversation, not a speech being presented to your followers. Unlike print media, social media allows your audience to talk directly to you, engaging with your content directly via comments and direct messages. Make sure to engage back – reply to their comments and messages and get involved in the conversation. Don’t be that person who just posts motivational quotes and beautiful photos but never talks to their followers. See your followers as friends and potential clients, and then talk to them as such. This is the number one way to build successful relationships online and it cannot be ignored!

Simply put, in this day and age, social media is unavoidable. If you want to make the most of your online presence make sure to remember the key things; post quality content consistently, plan what you want to say, be open and available, and communicate with you followers.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you happen to be a personal trainer or any other fitness professional and would like to discover more about marketing your business on social media, then you need to do our Social Media Management Course for Fitness Professionals. Read more here.

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What Do Anaerobic Exercises Mean For Your Training Routine? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-do-anaerobic-exercises-mean-for-your-training-routine/ Fri, 27 Nov 2020 05:05:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21680 Anaerobic exercises — which are a higher-intensity, higher-power version of exercise — are different from aerobic exercise. Although the term may not be one that you’re familiar with, anaerobic exercise is a very common and effective workout. In actual fact, you’ve probably put yourself through an anaerobic workout at some point in your life. The...

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Anaerobic exercises — which are a higher-intensity, higher-power version of exercise — are different from aerobic exercise. Although the term may not be one that you’re familiar with, anaerobic exercise is a very common and effective workout. In actual fact, you’ve probably put yourself through an anaerobic workout at some point in your life.

The Difference Between Anaerobic Exercises And Aerobic Exercises

To break it down in a simple style, activities which require your body’s energy systems to utilise oxygen are considered to be aerobic. This includes pursuits in which you engage in movements for more than just a brief burst of action, such as:

  • Distance running,
  • Swimming, or
  • Cycling

On the other hand, anaerobic activities only require brief expenditures of energy, like lifting weights and even short sprints, and don’t need your body to use oxygen.

When you push your body to an increased intensity, it gets to the point where the aerobic system – which uses oxygen in order to generate energy – just isn’t enough. At this point, your muscles switch to using the anaerobic system for energy.

How The Anaerobic System Works

Anaerobic exercise makes use of glucose, and not oxygen, in order to produce energy. Muscles store a small amount of glucose in order to provide short bursts of energy for intense activities. Glucose is metabolised in a process called glycolysis, which does not need oxygen.

The outcome of glycolysis is the production of lactic acid. It is the build-up of this chemical in muscles which creates fatigue as well as the burning sensation we’re all familiar with when training really hard. This is what limits the time that you are able to engage in anaerobic exercise. However, with proper training, you can better tolerate lactic acid and improve anaerobic endurance.

What Are The Benefits Of Anaerobic Exercise?

While anaerobic exercise used to be something which mainly athletes did in order to increase performance, everyday exercisers may also benefit from this kind of training. When you train at extremely high levels of intensity, you are increasing your anaerobic threshold. This means that you can work harder for longer periods of time, all while you are burning more calories.

Other benefits of anaerobic exercises include the following:

  • Endurance: Perform some anaerobic training and your other training will get easier.
  • Improved VO2 max: Your body gets to grips with how to utilise more oxygen, which it converts into energy in order to allow you to exercise longer.
  • Stronger muscles: Rather than producing energy from oxygen (as it does during aerobic workouts), your body utilises energy that it stores in the muscles during anaerobic exercise. That means it helps to maintain as well as improve muscle mass.
  • Stronger bones: Some anaerobic exercise (for example, intense resistance training) can improve bone density in addition to strength. This, in turn, lessens the risk of osteoporosis.
  • Fat loss: It’s been found that high-intensity intermittent exercise (that is, interval training) can be more effective than aerobic workouts at assisting exercisers burn fat.
  • Improved mood: Just as with aerobic exercise, anaerobic training has been shown to decrease feelings of depression, tension, and anger.

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If you haven’t before, you should really add in anaerobic exercises to your training routine because, as you can see from what we’ve talked about in the above article, they provide a whole host of benefits for you.  If you would like to discover additional information about anaerobic exercises then you should really do our Personal Training Diploma. Read more about it here.

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Do Ice Baths Help In Post-Workout Recovery? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/do-ice-baths-help-in-post-workout-recovery/ Fri, 27 Nov 2020 05:00:25 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21630 Taking a post-workout dip in an ice water bath is a common practice among many athletes. Known as cold water immersion – or alternatively cryotherapy – this practice is favoured among athletes to help them with their post-workout recovery as well as reduce muscle pain and soreness after intense training sessions or competitions. As well as the...

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Taking a post-workout dip in an ice water bath is a common practice among many athletes. Known as cold water immersion – or alternatively cryotherapy – this practice is favoured among athletes to help them with their post-workout recovery as well as reduce muscle pain and soreness after intense training sessions or competitions.

As well as the ice bath, some athletes utilise and contrast water therapy (alternating between cold water and warmer water) in order to get the same effect. From elite runners to many professional rugby as well as football players, the post-workout ice bath is a common practice routine.

The notion of ice baths have been around for a while and, right now, they’re picking up steam and popularity. Although ice baths may soothe sore muscles in a post-workout recovery session, they aren’t for everyone—and could be counterproductive depending on what you want to achieve in terms of your fitness goals.

What Is The Theory Behind An Ice Bath?

The theory behind ice baths is linked to the fact that intensive exercise causes microtrauma, in other words, tiny tears in your muscle fibres. This microscopic muscle damage is really a goal of exercise as it stimulates muscle cell activity in addition to repairing the damage as well as strengthening the muscles (muscle hypertrophy). However, this microtrauma is also linked with delayed onset muscle pain and soreness (DOMS), which happens between 24 and 72 hours after exercise.

The ice bath is believed to:

  • Constricting blood vessels and flush waste products, such as lactic acid, out of the affected tissues
  • Decreasing metabolic activity in addition to slowing down physiological processes
  • Reducing swelling as well as tissue breakdown

Then, with the process of re-warming, the increased blood flow is believed to speed up circulation, and in turn, accelerate the process of healing.

While there is no current protocol about the ideal time and temperature for cold immersion routines, most athletes or trainers who use them for post-workout recovery recommend a water temperature between 12 to 15 degrees Celsius as well as immersion times of five to 10 minutes – sometimes up to 20 minutes.Trifocus Fitness Academy-post-workout recovery

When Should You Have An Ice Bath?

At the moment, there’s no time period which has been shown to be most effective. However the sooner that you can hop in the ice after an intense workout or game, the better you’ll feel. If you work out and then wait for an hour, a lot of those healing processes are already taking place so they’ll have a different effect.

Whether the science is supportive of the ice bath theory or not, many athletes swear that an ice bath after intense training assists them with recovering faster, preventing injury, and just feeling better. You can give this a try to see if it works for you however if you decide you don’t like it, feel free to skip it the next time!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

A personal trainer can advise you of the best possible ways to recover after an intense exercise. Why not become a personal trainer yourself and see what other benefits this great career path brings? Have a look at our accredited Personal Training Diploma for additional information about how you can become a personal trainer.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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How Important Is Being Flexible? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-important-is-being-flexible/ Thu, 26 Nov 2020 05:05:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21619 Stretching your body in order for you to become more supple and flexible offers a lot of physical benefits. Flexibility training allows for easier and deeper movements while building strength and stability. Stretching your muscles and joints also leads to greater range of motion, improved balance, and increased flexibility. Flexibility is an incredibly important component...

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Stretching your body in order for you to become more supple and flexible offers a lot of physical benefits. Flexibility training allows for easier and deeper movements while building strength and stability. Stretching your muscles and joints also leads to greater range of motion, improved balance, and increased flexibility.

Flexibility is an incredibly important component of physical fitness. In addition, it has many positive effects on the body. For example, it improves mobility, posture, muscle coordination. Being flexible reduces the risk of injuries and muscle soreness. Being flexible even leads to a better overall “shape”.

Being flexible mainly increases your range of motion and makes it easier for you to perform certain exercises. Flexibility can occur not just through stretching but also through foam rolling or daily exercises.

Basically, stretching before working out increases blood flow in the muscles. If you don’t work on your flexibility regularly, muscles shorten with time: the best example is the hip flexor because we’re sitting too much. Limited flexibility feels like “stiffness”, restricts you in your daily life and when you’re exercising.

How Flexible Should You Be?

Not everyone requires the ability to do the splits, fold in half or twist their shoulders. Training for those accomplishments is a waste of time if you only need to go for a run, drop down into a squat or lift weights high above your head. Common exercises do necessitate flexibility but not to the same degree as the splits.

Your level of flexibility should be a reflection of your physical pursuits. Like all else in fitness, flexibility is fluid and can be altered over time in order to reflect new goals.

You can also view this from a day-to-day functionality point of view. Everyone should be flexible enough in order to complete activities of day-to-day living without pain. Putting on your socks, tying your shoes, putting dishes away on high shelves as well as getting into your car all need some level of flexibility. If you’re not flexible enough to be able do these things without feeling any pain, it’s definitely time to start stretching.

Why Are Some People More Flexible Than Other People?

When we compare how a gymnast moves how we move, it’s obvious some people are more flexible than others. This is down to two factors: native physical aspects and how a person trains. For instance, these physical aspects can influence your flexibility:

  • Age – you tend to become less flexible as you get older
  • Bone size and structure – the larger your bone diameter, the less flexible you’re likely to be
  • Connective tissues – degree of elasticity of the tendons and ligaments
  • Body bulk -the bigger your body, the harder it is to get into flexible positions

If you are struggling to touch your toes without bending your legs, while others can easily bend over backwards, don’t worry. The great thing is that it can be worked on.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Flexibility is indeed something that can be worked on in order to see improvements. Yoga is a discipline which will help you to improve your flexibility. If you want to learn more about this ancient exercise form then you need to do our Yoga Instructor Course. Follow this link for more information.

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How Can Strength Training Help With Lower Back Pain? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-strength-training-help-with-lower-back-pain/ Thu, 26 Nov 2020 05:00:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21615 When you’re feeling back pain, your impulse could be to keep your back immobile so that you don’t trigger further pain. This idea could seem like it would be especially true for including resistance into your workout in the format of weight machines, free weights or – alternatively – resistance bands. Movement can assist with...

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When you’re feeling back pain, your impulse could be to keep your back immobile so that you don’t trigger further pain. This idea could seem like it would be especially true for including resistance into your workout in the format of weight machines, free weights or – alternatively – resistance bands.

Movement can assist with relieving back pain however only the right kind. Make sure that you avoid workouts which put too much stress and strain on your back. So which exercises should you choose to do? That partly is dependent on how intense your pain is in addition to what caused it. So, you should always get the approval of your doctor before doing any heavy exertion for lower back pain.

Strength Training Assists With Developing Muscle Health

When you have back pain for a protracted period of time, your back muscles could have less mass, greater fatty content in addition to more stiffness. This can cause them to fatigue more easily which results in increasing pain. Over time, this pain and easy fatiguability could lead to fear of movement, resulting in deconditioning and instability in your back.

Weight training exercises could improve the health of your back by:

  • Enhancing the functioning of the muscles in your back and core
  • Increasing muscle strength
  • Building your lean muscle mass
  • Enhancing the range of motion of your spine
  • Lessening your body fat

Weight training exercises work on the basic principle of progressively increasing the loads, as tolerated, to gradually improve your capacity of performing daily activities.

How Much Pain Is Too Much?

Some slight discomfort and pain can be anticipated anytime you begin a new workout. As you work your way back to improved health – and your muscles strengthen – this pain and discomfort should disappear. However, when a fitness routine causes moderate or severe pain symptoms that last longer than 15 minutes, you should stop the exercise and then check in with your doctor.

One of the tried-and-trusted core-strengthening workouts is the partial stomach crunch. Partial crunches assist with building strength in both your lower back and related stomach muscles. This makes it the perfect exercise for people who suffer from spondylosis.

Here’s how you can get the most out of partial crunches:

  • Lie on your back. Make sure that you keep your feet flat on the ground and have your knees bent.
  • With your hands behind your head, or alternatively with arms crossed around your chest, raise your shoulders off of the floor. Make sure that you keep your stomach muscles tight.
  • Breath out while you raise your shoulders. Don’t lead with your elbows (or yank your neck off the floor with your arms).
  • Hold for a second. Next, lower your body back down to the floor in a controlled manner.
  • Repeat for between eight and 12 repetitions. Remember to always follow proper form, which prevents excessive spine stress. Keep your feet, tailbone, and lower back against the floor throughout the exercise.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

There is so much to learn about strength training. To learn these pearls of wisdom, sign up for our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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Why Could Bursts Of Exercise Improve Metabolic Health? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-could-bursts-of-exercise-improve-metabolic-health/ Wed, 25 Nov 2020 05:00:49 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21589 Short bursts of exercise, which are generally referred to as intervals, can have a noticeable improvement on the amount of energy used during – as well as after – your workouts. Interval training has been shown to enhance the body’s fat-burning capacity while regulating, as well as even increasing, lean muscle mass. In spite of...

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Short bursts of exercise, which are generally referred to as intervals, can have a noticeable improvement on the amount of energy used during – as well as after – your workouts. Interval training has been shown to enhance the body’s fat-burning capacity while regulating, as well as even increasing, lean muscle mass. In spite of taking much less time than traditional steady-state cardio, intervals are far more effective for improving your metabolic performance.

New research has made the finding that short bursts of exercise may significantly improve levels of metabolites that are indicators of key physical health issues.

Why The Study Was Conducted

Although exercise is well-known for helping a person stay healthy, scientists do not fully understand the precise molecular mechanisms which help to explain the link between being physically active and maintaining better health. So, researchers wanted to look at the association between metabolites that are indicators of health and exercise.

A person’s metabolism describes the chemical reactions which take place in their body. Metabolites either enable these reactions or are the outcome of them. Scientists have identified relationships between exercise and certain changes in metabolites.

A lot is known regarding the effects of exercise on the cardiac, vascular as well as inflammatory systems of the body however this study provides a comprehensive look at the metabolic impact of exercise by connecting specific metabolic pathways to exercise response variables in addition to long-term health outcomes.

It was found that a brief bout of exercise can have a significant effect on the circulating levels of metabolites that govern such key bodily functions as insulin resistance, oxidative stress, vascular reactivity, inflammation, and longevity. In general, a short burst of exercise significantly alters 80% of an exercise participant’s metabolites. In particular, metabolites – which are associated with adverse health outcomes when resting – are reduced.

How Are You Able To Get The Most Out Of Interval Training?

The crucial point underlying interval training’s success is in it’s the short amount of time that it takes. You could feel that five to 20 minutes is just not enough to reap any real fat-loss benefits however if you’re doing the intervals correctly, you’ll soon learn that’s not the case.

Medical experts have found that even for beginners or the elderly, interval training is an efficient way to lose body fat, improve cardiovascular performance as well as build strength. To do an interval session correctly, choose an exercise to perform – such as sprinting or skipping – and go as hard as you can for between 15 and 60 seconds. Follow this with between 15 and 30 seconds of rest and repeat this process between eight and 12 times.

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Interval training ranks up there as one of the most effective forms of exercise. This is because it has a whole range of benefits for your physique as well as your physical and mental health. There are tonnes of other exercises available which will have other similar effects. To learn these, enrol in our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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How To Do The Dumbbell High Pull? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-the-dumbbell-high-pull-find-out-more/ Wed, 25 Nov 2020 05:00:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21593 Power-building exercises, such as the dumbbell high pull, help to boost energy expenditure, build lean muscle mass as well as activate more fast-twitch muscle fibres that create explosive muscle movements. The dumbbell high pull is a compound exercise which targets not only those hard-to-hit back muscles (such as the rhomboids) but also all three deltoid...

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Power-building exercises, such as the dumbbell high pull, help to boost energy expenditure, build lean muscle mass as well as activate more fast-twitch muscle fibres that create explosive muscle movements.

The dumbbell high pull is a compound exercise which targets not only those hard-to-hit back muscles (such as the rhomboids) but also all three deltoid heads. It’s an essential muscle-building move for weightlifters focusing on carving up their backs and shoulders without doing endless presses in addition to pull-ups. In addition, the explosive extension will help train the posterior chain—hamstrings, glutes, and lower back—and condition your body for other explosive moves like the clean or the snatch.

The dumbbell high pull uses an explosive movement during the extension. Lowering the weights slowly helps to build upper-body strength as well as power. Making use of the strength as well as the power of your core and hips assists with other exercises such as the hang clean and push jerk. You can use the dumbbell high pull as a warm-up before doing these types of exercises. Generating power in your hips also helps to generate force in your upper body as you move through the exercise.

Adopt The Correct Form For The Dumbbell High Pull

Grab a pair of dumbbells in each hand with an overhand grip. Stand up tall with your feet being shoulder-width apart and push your hips back. Slightly bend your knees and let the dumbbells hang just beneath knee height. Make sure that you don’t round your lower back.

In one single movement, explosively stand up by straightening your hips and knees. Thrust your hips forward and pull the dumbbells up to your shoulders. Reverse the movement in order to return to your starting position.

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Variations On The Dumbbell High Pull

One-Arm Dumbbell High Pull

In the course of this exercise, make sure that you keep your hips as well as shoulders facing forward. Don’t rotate your body.

  • Stand up tall with your feet hip-distance apart.
  • Make use of an overhand grip and hold a dumbbell in your left hand.
  • Extend your arm straight out in front of you.
  • Straighten your hips – as well as your knees – as you explosively raise the dumbbell as high as you possibly can.
  • Gradually lower the dumbbell back to your starting position.
  • Do between two and five sets of two to six repetitions.
  • Replicate on the opposite side.

Dumbbell High Pull To Overhead Press

  • Stand up tall with your feet hip-distance away from each other.
  • Make use of an overhand grip and to hold a dumbbell in each hand.
  • Hinge at your hips in order to slightly bend forward.
  • Position the weights just beneath your knees.
  • Straighten your hips and knees as you raise the dumbbells explosively as high as you can.
  • At the same time, raise your heels in order to come onto your tiptoes.
  • From this position, extend your arms directly overhead, making sure that you keep your elbows slightly bent.
  • Gradually lower the weights back down to your starting position.
  • Do between two and five sets of two to six repetitions.

Squat To Dumbbell High Pull

  • Stand up tall with your feet hip-distance away from each other.
  • Make use of an overhand grip and hold a dumbbell in each hand.
  • Hinge at your hips in order to slightly bend forward.
  • Position the weights just beneath your knees.
  • Slowly go down into a squat.
  • From this position, straighten your hips and knees as you explosively raise the dumbbells up as high as you can.
  • At the same time, raise your heels in order to come onto your tiptoes.
  • Slowly lower the weights back to the starting position.
  • Do 2 to 5 sets of 2 to 6 repetitions.

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The dumbbell high pull is just one of the many exercises that a personal trainer can teach you. If you are keen to hear more information about these exercises then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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5 Exercise Tips For Keeping A Family Well. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-exercise-tips-for-keeping-a-family-well/ Tue, 24 Nov 2020 05:00:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21565 We’ve all come across #FitFam on Instagram and seen the extent of it as overachieving families post their daily activities. So how do we get the entire family on board and interested in living a healthy, active lifestyle? What Goes Into Keeping Your Family Well And Healthy? To start with, it will help your family...

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We’ve all come across #FitFam on Instagram and seen the extent of it as overachieving families post their daily activities. So how do we get the entire family on board and interested in living a healthy, active lifestyle?

What Goes Into Keeping Your Family Well And Healthy?

To start with, it will help your family feel good both inside and out. The first step in doing so is changing our eating habits. This will translate into healthier habits and promote an active lifestyle in the process. Don’t try and change things overnight, involve your family in the process and allow them to have their say – after all, it affects them just as much as it affects you.

Start Simple

Start with simple daily tasks; don’t bombard your family with everything in one day. It can be difficult to fit in and complete an hour-long workout session and pre-plan every single meal and snack to feed your active family; it will take time to turn it into a routine. Work with what you have and find simple ways to incorporate healthy changes. Too much too soon can be overwhelming and result in your efforts going to waste.

5 Tips For Encouraging Exercise

  1. Find ways to keep the family moving

Spend some time outside in the garden. In addition, try to have everyone involved in chores. Reduce TV time and find fun ways to get everyone off the couch and on their feet. Daily walks with the dogs can do wonders. All you need to do is find a small part of your day to dedicate to some sort of activity.

  1. Involve the kids when it comes to preparing meals

Even though it’s healthy and possibly green, you kids may be more excited to eat your healthy food when they’ve played a role in preparing it – you’ll also be teaching them some valuable life skills in the process.

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  1. Promote rainbow eating

Colourful fruits and vegetables are essential for any diet and by making a game out of it, you’ll have your kids looking out for all kinds of colourful things to eat that aren’t forms of processed sugar.

  1. Go to the shops

Not to spend money, but to keep the kids moving in a way that they least expect it, who would’ve guessed that a trip to the mall would equate to exercise?

  1. Set goals

With fitness trackers being made readily available and more affordable than ever, why not challenge the family to see who will be able to track the most steps in a day or week and reward them with a prize?

Once you’ve got your family up and moving, it will be easier to get them to agree to participate in exercise programmes and other forms of physical activity that aren’t necessarily home-based. Motivate your family to do more and achieve more and reward them for reaching their goals. It’s a simple process but will do your family a world of good. Isn’t it time to take a step in a healthier direction?

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If you are intent on hearing more about exercise tips to keep your family well, then you should consult a personal trainer. Better yet, why not become a personal trainer yourself with our Personal Training Diploma? Read more here.

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What Is The Value Of Synchronised Training? Read this article https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-value-of-synchronised-training-read-this-article/ Mon, 23 Nov 2020 05:05:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21533 Synchronised training relates to any form of exercise that follows a specific routine. The most commonly referenced form of synchronised training is synchronised swimming. If you’ve ever watched it, you’ll know that timing and routine are essential to the success of any performance. It makes it look like an understated sport, essentially ballet in water,...

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Synchronised training relates to any form of exercise that follows a specific routine. The most commonly referenced form of synchronised training is synchronised swimming. If you’ve ever watched it, you’ll know that timing and routine are essential to the success of any performance. It makes it look like an understated sport, essentially ballet in water, but if you’ve ever tried to copy one of their actions or movements, you’ll know that it’s not as easy as it looks.

Synchronised training is often done in groups and requires a great deal of coordination to perfect—a really good team relationship to ensure that everyone does their part to ensure the ultimate performance.

Mastering Synchronised Training

The secret behind synchronised training is not the ability to follow a team and work together, but rather the fitness-related elements that allow the athlete to bring it all together.

Consider the synchronised swimming example. You need to be flexible, elegant and have the endurance to power through the entire routine without stopping for a break. There’s not one stand-alone element that translates to its success; it’s the ability of the athlete to work on all three components and merge it together to create a beautiful routine.

It’s A Full-Body Workout

Even if you don’t decide to join a team for synchronised training, you can follow the basics to give your fitness level a boost and even build your skillset in the process. Find a way to work on your fitness and cardio as well as strength training and endurance to create the ideal synchronised training programme.

Exercises that promote flexibility, such as yoga and Pilates, should also be incorporated. Working on your core is also important as your core controls most of your body, which means that if it’s weak, you will find it difficult to perform various exercises. It can even make day to day living a bit more difficult, although you’ll only notice the difference a strong core makes after its been achieved.

You also need to work on your lung capacity – a critical skill for synchronised swimmers and almost just as important for any land athlete. Cardiovascular fitness will help you properly distribute oxygen through the body while exercising while allowing swimmers to hold their breath for longer periods.

Don’t Underestimate It

It’s simple; the value of synchronised training is immeasurable. It provides a full-body approach to exercise and fitness that will give you a competitive edge regardless of which sport you participate in. Not only will it improve your strength and endurance, but it’ll also help to tone your body and boost your confidence in the process.

You may even find that your new training routine reignites your passion for a healthy lifestyle and even puts you back on track. The more you progress in your training, the happier you’ll feel and the more motivated you’ll be to continue.

While it may seem fairly simple and well-coordinated, it takes hard work and dedication to perfect the art of synchronised training.

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Spend your life in the gym and always dread needing to get to the office? If this is you, then you should consider switching careers and becoming a personal trainer. Have a look at our Personal Training Diploma for more information.

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How To Programme An Exercise Routine For People Who’ve Undergone A Knee Replacement https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-programme-an-exercise-routine-for-people-whove-undergone-a-knee-replacement/ Mon, 23 Nov 2020 05:00:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21517 Following your surgery, your leg muscles may feel weaker than before due to inactivity while recovering – and even as a result of compensating for the injury before having the surgery. While the surgery may have fixed the initial problem, your knee isn’t immediately ready to take on the world and you will need to...

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Following your surgery, your leg muscles may feel weaker than before due to inactivity while recovering – and even as a result of compensating for the injury before having the surgery. While the surgery may have fixed the initial problem, your knee isn’t immediately ready to take on the world and you will need to find ways to regain your strength and mobility. You’ll also need to find ways to reduce pain and swelling to make the healing process easier.

Types Of Knee Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery:  This surgery involves a small incision made on the knee in which thin instruments are inserted – one of which being a camera – to make the relevant repair. This is often done to remove or repair damaged cartilage and stabilise the joint, reconstructing an anterior cruciate ligament, removing inflamed connective tissue, removing loose bone fragments and treating sepsis.

Knee replacement: This procedure is more invasive as it requires removing the damaged pieces and replacing it with an artificial joint that can be made of plastic, ceramic or metal. This procedure is estimated to last about 15 years before needing to be redone.

Managing Swelling

Tips for alleviating swelling can include:

  • Use painkillers and anti-inflammatories as prescribed
  • Making sure that your legs are kept at the same level as your heart is
  • Using a cold compress or ice pack
  • Practising ankle pumps
  • Getting sufficient rest
  • Clean your wound dressings regularly
  • Wear your brace

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Improving Your Range Of Motion

Following your knee surgery, you will need to work on bending and stretching your legs – slowly though, don’t force it. This will assist you with moving around easier and avoid walking with a limp. You can also try to sit with your knees bent during meals times and avoid resting your knee on a pillow.

A simple exercise to get started is simply walking around your home or garden during the day. Use a cane or walking aid in order to get started to prevent unnecessary strain on your injury. As you make progress, you will be able to increase the distance and slowly ween yourself off of your walking aid.

While you need to try to remain active following your surgery, you need to take it easy and start simple. If you begin to feel additional pain and swelling, rather stop and take a break.

Additional exercises can include:

  • Thigh squeezes
  • Ankle pumps
  • Leg slides – keep your leg straight and move from side to side
  • Leg lifts and raises
  • Seated kicks
  • Swimming – once your wound has healed

As with any serious surgery, recovery will take time and the process will not be the same for any two people. While the incision site may heal within a month or so, the internal recovery may take a lot longer and need a lot more dedication. IT may be painful and disheartening at times, but it’s important to push through if you are to make a speedy recovery and go back to leading your normal lifestyle. If you experience any additional pain, swelling or discomfort while healing, please consult your doctor to ensure that everything is still on track.

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Learn how to programme exercise routines for people with different needs by signing up for our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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How To Stock Up On Healthy Foods On A Budget https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-stock-up-on-healthy-foods-on-a-budget/ Sun, 22 Nov 2020 05:00:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21489 As much as we would all love to eat healthy all the time, there’s no denying that eating healthy can be expensive. When you have a tight budget, it can be difficult to make the healthier choice. We’ve found ways to work around a tight budget and will be sharing them with you – eating...

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As much as we would all love to eat healthy all the time, there’s no denying that eating healthy can be expensive. When you have a tight budget, it can be difficult to make the healthier choice.

We’ve found ways to work around a tight budget and will be sharing them with you – eating healthy doesn’t need to be an expensive habit.

10 Tips For Eating Healthily While On A Budget

  1. Proper planning

The easiest way to manage costs is to plan what you will be eating. Take a look at what you have in the fridge and pantry while doing so do prevent unnecessary costs and make a list of what you will need in addition to that. Be sure to check the sell-by dates so that you don’t end up having to throw away food before you’ve had a chance to prepare it.

  1. Don’t deviate from the list

Once you’ve planned your meals and created a list – stick to it! Don’t get sidetracked by anything else in the store – we know that the temptation will be there. Avoid the processed food section and try to stick to the whole foods and fresh produce sections.

  1. Avoid eating out

Cooking your own meals will be a lot cheaper and prevent you from overspending and overindulging while out.

  1. Cook extra

Larger portions will mean that you can eat from the same dish multiple times – leftovers can even be used to create additional dishes if you’re creative enough. You can even freeze food to reheat and eat at a later stage.

  1. Avoid shopping when you’re hungry

As if avoiding temptation wasn’t hard enough, try doing it on an empty stomach. Eating a snack before shopping will help to keep you on track and focused.

  1. Try house brands

Instead of buying expensive name brand foods, give the house brand a shot. They’re often the same quality, just in less fancy packaging and at a fraction of the price.

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  1. Junk food is not your friend

This should go without saying but avoid buying junk food. Not only is it expensive, but they often carry no nutritional value.

  1. Keep track of sales and discounts

When your favourite products go on sale, stock up – within reason, of course, it will save you money in the long-term and reduce time spent in grocery stores. Just make sure that the products you buy can last and not go off.

  1. Substitute meat with other protein

Meat, especially fresh meat and fish, can be quite expensive. While you can buy cheaper cuts, there are other protein options available. Legumes, eggs and canned fish are all great alternatives.

  1. Buy frozen foods

Frozen foods are often cheaper and have a better shelf life than other products. You can also buy fresh produce and freeze it for later use.

There are several ways in which you will be able to eat healthily while on a budget – you just need to plan your meals and find ways to stock up on your favourite products. It does not have to set you back an absolute fortune if you know what you’re working with.

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The starting point for eating healthily is knowing what type of food choices to make. Sign up for our Specialised Nutrition Course to find out what these are.

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Why Does Progressive Core Training Work? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-does-progressive-core-training-work/ Sat, 21 Nov 2020 05:05:37 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21485 A strong core is always a benefit, no matter what your fitness goals are or what fitness level you are at. And even though, as they say, aesthetic Instagram-worthy abs are made in the kitchen, the key to strong abs lies in progressive core training. A core training program needs to help you to build...

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A strong core is always a benefit, no matter what your fitness goals are or what fitness level you are at. And even though, as they say, aesthetic Instagram-worthy abs are made in the kitchen, the key to strong abs lies in progressive core training. A core training program needs to help you to build a strong foundation and then build on that foundation to increase strength and definition. So, why does a progressive core training program work?

Why is core training important?

There are three major benefits to having a strong core; posture and balance, athletic performance, and injury prevention.

Improving your balance and posture is very important, particularly as many of us live very sedentary lives. By strengthening your core, you will have the ability to carry yourself with a better posture throughout your day-to-day life as well as during exercise.

Increasing core strength can also improve your athletic performance. You might have heard before how important core strength is, regardless of what exercise you do, and everyone who says this is correct! Your core connects your upper to your lower body and a weak core weakens your body overall. By building a strong core, you increase your ability to lift heavier weights, move faster and stronger, improve your reaction times, and perform exercises with greater control.

A strong core will also help you to avoid injury. By improving your body’s ability to hold positions and bettering your ability to support your body weight, you are less likely to fall or injure yourself. You are also able to stop the overextension of other muscles in the body, which can occur when your abs are not strong enough to support certain exercises (particularly heavyweights); therefore leaving the other muscles in your body to compensate.

Progressive Core Training

Now that we understand why progressive core training is important, we can look at a few examples of core strengthening exercises that will help you to develop a strong core:

  1. Weighted Forearm Plank

This exercise takes a standard forearm plank and adds another level of strength training. Essentially perform a forearm plant, weighting yourself on your forearms (hands palm-down, elbows under shoulders) and toes. Keep your back straight, forming a line from your neck to your lower spine. Have a partner place a weight (e.g. a circular weight) on your back and hold the position for 30 seconds. You can also start on your knees, placing the weight yourself, before moving to the plank position.

  1. Bird Dog

This exercise involves dynamic movement that forces you to control your core to hold your position stable. Begin on your hands and knees. Your hands must be under shoulders with your knees under your hips. Holding in your core lift your right arm and left leg off the ground, reaching them out until these are parallel to the ground. Controlling your abdominal muscles, retract your limbs back to the starting position before repeating with the other arm and leg.

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Progression is a vital concept that every personal trainer needs to master. Find out what other concepts they need to master on our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

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What Are Perturbations? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-perturbations/ Sat, 21 Nov 2020 05:00:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21477 You might not have heard about perturbation or perturbation techniques before, but they are a great way to add to and change up your normal workout routine. The term perturbation refers to the disturbance of movement, particularly involving balance. In regards to exercise, perturbation techniques can help you to improve your stability, your reflexes, and...

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You might not have heard about perturbation or perturbation techniques before, but they are a great way to add to and change up your normal workout routine. The term perturbation refers to the disturbance of movement, particularly involving balance. In regards to exercise, perturbation techniques can help you to improve your stability, your reflexes, and your agility.

What Is A Perturbation?

As mentioned above, perturbations are when you deliberately influence, change, or disturb your balance during a movement. For example, if you are running along a rugby field with the ball and someone tries to tackle you, you will sidestep and shift your body out of their way while continuing to move. This is a reflexive action that involves your stability and balance.

What Are Perturbation Techniques?

Perturbation exercises or techniques are designed to train the reactions needed to perform those reflexive actions. They are performed on an uneven surface, (such as balance boards, roller boards, or balance disk), with the inclusive of weights on one side of the body to throw off your balance, or with the assistance of a partner who will actively try to change your balance; by gently pushing you so that you must resist them as you perform the exercise or by tapping on areas of your body that are in use to try and distract you. These techniques are all different but can be useful for different exercises or depending on your general fitness level.

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How Do Perturbations Help?

Perturbations are extremely useful for anyone, regardless of your fitness level. If you are a professional athlete, improving your reaction time and reflexes will help you to perform better during activity. And if you are someone who exercises regularly, they can help you to improve your general balance and stability. Perturbations are also very useful for people recovering from injuries, particularly concerning joints like the ankle that influence your balance. Lastly, regular perturbation training is great for helping to reduce the risk of falling in older patients and is useful for those with osteoarthritis; improving balance and decreasing pain.

 In conclusion, perturbation exercises are a great way to add more dynamic movement into your workouts while also helping to improve your balance, reflexes and stability.

 Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If exercising is your passion and you want to teach others how to exercise with the correct form, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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Is There A Link Between Neuroplasticity And Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/is-there-a-link-between-neuroplasticity-and-exercise/ Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:05:25 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21474 You might have heard that exercise and physical activity can help you live longer, but did you know that it can actually help to slow down the brain atrophy that happens as you age and helps to improve neuroplasticity? This can help us to learn and improve on more skills and may help to prevent...

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You might have heard that exercise and physical activity can help you live longer, but did you know that it can actually help to slow down the brain atrophy that happens as you age and helps to improve neuroplasticity? This can help us to learn and improve on more skills and may help to prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. So, how does this process work:

What Is Neuroplasticity?

Firstly, let’s take a look at what neuroplasticity is. Neuroplasticity is the ability that neural networks in the brain have that allow for growth and change. Throughout our lives, neurons make new connections in our brain as we learn new things, and as we age, our brain removes connections that are unimportant and strengthens the necessary ones. Basically, as we age, our brains can reorganise the connections and structure of themselves, allowing for improved reactions to situations, the learning of new skills, and constant neurological development. Neuroplasticity is, therefore, very important; as without it we are unable to handle new situations and our brain function may begin to decline with age as the brain is not able to stay on top of neurological changes.

How Does Exercise Help?

When we work out or perform any kind of physical activity, we increase the blood flow to our brains. Studies suggest that when this occurs, biochemical changes are made in the brain that promote neuroplasticity, and subsequently, new connections in the brain, as well as creating more brain cells. It is suggested that with an increase in physical activity, you can improve your cognitive performance and slow the process that normal ageing has on your brain. It may also, as suggested above, help with the prevention (or improvement) of diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease. In one study, just two months of exercise vastly improved the production of brain cells in Parkinson patients – and it is suggested that by remaining active throughout your life you may decrease your risk of developing Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.

How Much Exercise And What Kind?

As mentioned above, it is important to be active from a young age to get the best results for your brain health in later life, but any amount of exercise at any age is a positive for your body. However, in terms of specifics for the best results, various studies centring on the topic of brain health, suggest that aerobic exercise (even just walking) is the best option and you should be aiming for at least 30-60 minutes a day, at least three days a week.

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Exercise has so many overall benefits for your life. If you would like to teach others how to reap these benefits for themselves, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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What Are The Health And Fitness Benefits Of Dancing? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-health-and-fitness-benefits-of-dancing/ Wed, 18 Nov 2020 05:05:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21425 There are many different forms of dance, from ballroom to barn dancing and then disco to Morris dancing. Dance has always remained an integral part of human culture, rituals as well as celebrations. Today, a lot of dancing is about recreation and self-expression, even though it can also be done as a competitive activity. Dancing...

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There are many different forms of dance, from ballroom to barn dancing and then disco to Morris dancing. Dance has always remained an integral part of human culture, rituals as well as celebrations. Today, a lot of dancing is about recreation and self-expression, even though it can also be done as a competitive activity. Dancing is a phenomenal way to be more physically active as well as stay fit. Actually, there are a lot of fitness benefits of dancing!

Whether you are 80 years young or eight years old, taking part in physical activities which involve dance changes you. From better physical as well as mental health to an improvement in emotional and social well-being, moving your body to your favourite tunes can revolutionise your life.

Mental Fitness Benefits

Dancing not only instils grace, but it also helps you with aging gracefully. According to a new study that was printed in a medical journal, dancing may boost your memory in addition to preventing you from developing dementia as you become older. Science shows that aerobic exercise can undo volume loss in the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain that controls memory. The hippocampus naturally shrinks throughout late adulthood, which often leads to impaired memory and occasionally dementia.

Dancing challenge your brain. The brainpower which you need to access for dance, particularly, requires you to concentrate on both the constant changing of movement as well as recalling moves and patterns. This is an outstanding form of mental exercise for your mind, irrespective of your age.

Flexibility Benefits Of Dancing

Those pliés and arabesques which ballet dancers practice aren’t just for aesthetics. They also increase flexibility in addition to reducing stiffness. You can skip the ballet shoes and still reap the benefits of ballet by practising some simple stretches at home. Increasing your flexibility will assist with easing joint pain in addition to post-exercise soreness.

Dancing Improves Balance And Strength

One of the greatest reasons why dancing is such a great form of physical fitness is because it combines movements on all planes of motion as well as from all directions. Movements which we typically do in our daily life – such as walking, climbing up the stairs, and common workouts like treadmills and cycling – take place in the sagittal plane.

However, dance works your body from all planes, including lateral and rotational. This turns on and conditions all muscles, which means that no muscle is left behind. This kind of movement not only increases strength but it also improves balance.

Boosts Your Mood

Movement as well as dance are extremely expressive, which can allow you to escape and just let loose.  It’s this ‘letting loose’ which helps to improve your mental and emotional health through the process of reducing stress, decreasing the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and increasing your self-esteem.

The benefits of dance encompass all areas of health, including physical, mental and emotional. Not only does it give you a way to express yourself and have fun, but it also counts toward your cardiovascular exercise minutes for the week. So, grab a friend, join a beginner or intro class, and get moving!

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If you want to learn about other ways – besides dancing – that you can improve your cardiovascular health then perhaps you need to become a personal trainer. The best way to do this is by studying our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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What Are The Benefits Of Aerobic Exercise? Find out in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-aerobic-exercise-find-out-in-this-article/ Wed, 18 Nov 2020 05:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21420 Aerobic exercise is any type of activity which gets your blood pumping as well as your large muscle groups working. This kind of exercise is also known as cardiovascular activity. Examples of aerobic exercise include brisk walking, swimming, heavy cleaning or gardening, running, cycling and playing soccer. Experts recommend that you do at least 150...

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Aerobic exercise is any type of activity which gets your blood pumping as well as your large muscle groups working. This kind of exercise is also known as cardiovascular activity. Examples of aerobic exercise include brisk walking, swimming, heavy cleaning or gardening, running, cycling and playing soccer.

Experts recommend that you do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, each and every single week. Brisk walking or swimming are examples of moderate-intensity activity. Running or cycling are examples of vigorous activity.

Aerobic exercises can become anaerobic exercises if is performed at a level of intensity which is too high. Cardiovascular exercise not only improves fitness but it also has known benefits for both physical as well as emotional health.

In addition, aerobic exercise can help to prevent or decrease the chance of developing some types of cancers, diabetes, depression, cardiovascular disease as well as osteoporosis. An aerobic exercise plan should be straightforward, practical in addition to realistic. Specialised equipment (such as cardio machines) may be utilised but this not necessary for successful aerobic exercise.

How Does Your Body React To Aerobic Exercise?

During the course of aerobic activity, you continually move large muscles in your arms, legs and hips. You’ll notice your body’s responses quickly You’ll breathe faster and more deeply. This action maximises the amount of oxygen in your blood. Your heart will beat faster, which improves blood flow to your muscles and back to your lungs.

Your small blood vessels (capillaries) will widen in order to be able to deliver more oxygen to your muscles and also carry away waste products, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. Your body will even release endorphins. These are natural painkillers that promote an increased sense of well-being.

Aerobic Exercise Lowers Blood Pressure

Aerobic exercise may assist you with managing symptoms of high blood pressure. That’s because exercise can assist with lowering blood pressure.

Another medical condition that cardiovascular exercise may help with is asthma. Aerobic exercise can help people who suffer from asthma lessen both the frequency as well as the severity of asthma attacks.

Helps With Regulating Blood Sugar

Regular physical activity assists with regulating insulin levels as well as lower blood sugar, all while keeping body weight in check. In a study on people with type 2 diabetes, researchers made the finding that any form of movement, either aerobic or anaerobic, may have these effects.

Most individuals should aim to get around half an hour of moderate cardiovascular activity at least five days each week. This works out to approximately 150 minutes or 2.5 hours per week. You can mix up intensities and activities in order to keep it interesting. If you’re new to aerobic exercise, start short and slow. You can always build up as your fitness level improves. Remember: Any movement is better than no movement. If you’re pressed for time, consider breaking up your exercise throughout the day into several

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If you want to learn how to teach people the best forms of exercise then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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Why Is Getting People More Active The Key To Better Health? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-getting-people-more-active-the-key-to-better-health/ Tue, 17 Nov 2020 05:05:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21402 Consistent physical activity and exercise is one of the most vital things that you can do for your health. Everyone is able to experience the health advantages of physical activity – age, abilities, ethnicity, shape, or size are irrelevant. If you’re not certain about becoming active or boosting your level of physical activity as you’re...

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Consistent physical activity and exercise is one of the most vital things that you can do for your health. Everyone is able to experience the health advantages of physical activity – age, abilities, ethnicity, shape, or size are irrelevant. If you’re not certain about becoming active or boosting your level of physical activity as you’re afraid of getting hurt, the great news is that moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, is usually safe for most people.

With physical activity you are able to reduce your risk of developing a number of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer in addition to cardiovascular disease. Physical activity – in addition to exercise – can have immediate and long-term health benefits. Most crucially, regular activity can enhance your quality of life. A minimum of just half an hour a day can allow you to enjoy these benefits.

What Is The Recognised Definition Of Physical Activity?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines ‘physical activity’ as any bodily movement – which is produced by skeletal muscles – that necessitates energy expenditure. This includes activities undertaken while working, playing, carrying out household chores, travelling in addition to engaging in recreational pursuits.

The term ‘physical activity’ should not be confused with exercise as exercise is a subcategory of physical activity. This is planned, structured and repetitive. Exercise aims to improve or maintain one or more aspects of physical fitness. Beyond exercise, any other physical activity which is done during leisure time, for transport to get to and from places, or as a part of an individual’s work, has a health benefit. In addition, both moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity are responsible for improving health.

More Activity Could Help To Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

Heart disease as well as stroke are two of the leading causes of death around the world. Following the recommendations and accomplishing at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, leaves you at a lower risk for these types of diseases. It is also possible to reduce your risk even further with additional physical activity. Consistent physical activity can also lower your blood pressure as well as improve your cholesterol levels.

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The Health Benefits Of Physical Activity For Type 2 Diabetes And Metabolic Syndrome

Consistent physical activity could reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes as well as metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a mixture of too much fat around the waist, elevated blood pressure, low High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol, elevated triglycerides or blood sugar. People begin to see benefits when they exercise at levels below the recommended 150 minutes a week. More physical activity seem to lower risk still more. If you already have type 2 diabetes, consistent physical activity could assist you with controlling your blood glucose levels.

The Effect Of Physical Activity On Some Cancers

Being physically active decreases your risk for developing a number of commonly occurring cancers. Research shows that adults who take part in greater amounts of physical activity have lowered risks of acquiring cancers of the:

  • Bladder
  • Breast
  • Colon (proximal as well as distal)
  • Endometrium
  • Oesophagus (adenocarcinoma)
  • Kidney
  • Lung
  • Stomach (cardia as well as non-cardia adenocarcinoma)

Exercise can enhance your quality of life if you happen to be a cancer survivor. Research shows that getting consistent amounts of physical activity not only assists with giving you an improved quality of life but also improves your physical fitness.

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Want to improve the state of people’s health through fitness? If you do then you need to become a personal trainer and study our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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What’s The Best Time During The Day To Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/whats-the-best-time-during-the-day-to-exercise/ Tue, 17 Nov 2020 05:00:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21397 Finding time to exercise can be quite challenging. The most crucial thing is to squeeze in any amount of it whenever you can. However, dawn, dusk or dead of night— when is  the best time to exercise? Well, that depends on when is the best time for you as the benefits of physical activity are...

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Finding time to exercise can be quite challenging. The most crucial thing is to squeeze in any amount of it whenever you can. However, dawn, dusk or dead of night— when is  the best time to exercise? Well, that depends on when is the best time for you as the benefits of physical activity are dependent on how constant you are.

You may have heard that the best time to exercise is early in the morning so that you can get your metabolism going or are able to avoid unexpected distractions during the day which could derail your workout. However,  if you’re not a morning person exercising in the early hours may not work for you. The key is to do what is most likely to work for you on a consistent basis.

In order to remain motivated, choose activities that you enjoy. Walking, swimming or biking on your own might be a better fit for you as opposed to slogging it out on the treadmill. If you would like to spend more time with your family, look for an activity which you can all do together, such as an after-dinner walk or game of soccer. There are so many choices so don’t limit yourself to only one. Having a number of fitness activities to choose from could keep you from getting bored or burned out.

Exercising In The Morning

Exercising in the morning — especially on an empty stomach — is the best way for you to burn stored fat. This makes it ideal for weight-loss efforts. That’s largely as the body’s hormonal composition in the morning is set up to support that fitness goal.

In the early morning hours, a person has a hormonal profile which would prompt you towards the better metabolism of fat. People have elevated levels of cortisol as well as growth hormone in the morning. Both these are involved in metabolism.

This means that you’ll draw more of your energy from your fat reserves. That could potentially assist with weight loss. Research also implies that morning exercisers may have a decrease appetite throughout the day, which could also help protect them from putting on kilograms.

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Afternoon Exercise Routines

An afternoon workout can also be a super way to circumvent an end-of-the-day slump. Researchers have found that exercising between 1 pm and 4 pm could shift forward your body clock in the same manner as an early morning workout could do. Even taking a quick walk may assist you with perking up as well as re-focus. Your body naturally burns about 10% more calories in the late afternoon as opposed to the early morning and late night.

So what time is best to exercise? While there may be contracting viewpoints, one thing is clear: Exercising is important –  no matter what time of day you do it. What actually matters is that you find a time of day which works for you and that fits in with your schedule and then you stick to it. By keeping your workout regime consistent at the same time every day, you could be making greater training gains.

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If you want to learn how to teach people the best way of exercising properly then you absolutely need to study our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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What Is The Alactacid System (ATP-PC)? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-alactacid-system-atp-pc/ Mon, 16 Nov 2020 05:05:28 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21100 The alactacid system is utilised by the body in order to produce ATP when there is not sufficient time to break down glycogen in the presence of oxygen in order to replenish ATP. While ATP is being broken down in the muscle, another high-energy substance—which is called phosphocreatine (PC)—is also being broken down. The cells...

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The alactacid system is utilised by the body in order to produce ATP when there is not sufficient time to break down glycogen in the presence of oxygen in order to replenish ATP. While ATP is being broken down in the muscle, another high-energy substance—which is called phosphocreatine (PC)—is also being broken down.

The cells contain more PC as opposed to ATP so PC can be considered as  phosphate reservoir. The breakdown of PC creates energy, which is used to join ADP and P back together in order to produce ATP.  The amount of PC in a person’s muscles is limited.  After about five to 10 seconds of maximal exercise the supply is depleted. This reduces its capability of contributing to movement. As a result another energy system is activated.

What Type Of Exercise Uses The Alactacid System?

High-intensity exercise that lasts for 10 seconds or less utilises the alactacid system as the primary source of energy. Such activities include the following:

  • Shot put,
  • 100-metre sprint,
  • Jump shot, as well as
  • Kicking a football.

As the supplies of PC are broken down, they are quickly restored – within two minutes if resting. This allows for the exercise to be repeated in intense, short bouts, without instant exhaustion.

The only way that PC may be restored is to re-combine the P and C – which has been released – in order to resynthesise ATP. This is done in the process of recovery. This system represents the most easily available source of ATP for use by the muscles. There are a number of reasons for this, including the following:

  • It is not dependent on a long series of chemical reactions.
  • It is not dependent on transportation of oxygen to muscles.
  • Both ATP as well as PC are stored in the contractile tissue of muscles.

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What is The Performance-Decrement Test?

The objective of the performance decrement test is to measure the degree to which performance will be affected by participating in various intensities of exercise

Here’s the equipment that you’ll need:

  • Measured distances of 35 and 70 metres
  • Whistle, pens, recording sheet as well as witches’ hats
  • Stopwatches (one for each person taking part)

Procedure

  1. Subjects should warm up.
  2. Timers need to stand at the timing line, in other words, the 35-metre mark along the 70-metre track. Timers will record each sprint time as subjects cross the line.
  3. Subjects begin at one end of the line and prepare to run towards the other end of the line.
  4. When the whistle is blown, the subjects sprint 35 metres in order to cross the timing line. They then slow down and jog or walk to the other end of the line.
  5. The subjects turn, rest and then prepare to sprint in the opposite direction. Six 35-m sprints are done: three in each direction. The time between whistle blows (that is, between sprints) is 30 seconds. A five-second warning signal is given before each of the whistle blows.
  6. Each 35-metre sprint is timed to the nearest 0.01seconds. Then the time recorded.
  7. If a subject begins a sprint before the whistle, the run will not count. That individual will have to run an extra sprint.
  8. At the end of the sprint, partners have to record (on the recording sheet) the feelings of the subject by asking questions about breathing, feeling in the legs and overall body feelings. The subject’s heart rate is also recorded.
  9. Once the sprint distance has been covered, the subjects must continue to jog or walk until their heart rates returns to resting levels. Record the time that this takes.
  10. The subjects then change roles with their partners.

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What Is Tempo Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-tempo-training/ Mon, 16 Nov 2020 05:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21097 Also referred to as lactate threshold training, tempo training is designed in order to improve energy production from both aerobic as well as anaerobic energy pathways. The intensity is slightly higher than race pace and links to the lactate threshold. The duration of tempo training is usually between 20 and 30 minutes at a steady...

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Also referred to as lactate threshold training, tempo training is designed in order to improve energy production from both aerobic as well as anaerobic energy pathways. The intensity is slightly higher than race pace and links to the lactate threshold. The duration of tempo training is usually between 20 and 30 minutes at a steady pace.

Tempo training can also be performed sporadically or in intervals. The intensity is the same as steady-state tempo/pace training except for the fact that the session consists of a sequence of shorter bouts with brief recovery periods. It is vital to keep the intensity at – or slightly higher than – competition pace for either type of tempo training. Progression should be in the form of an increased duration as opposed to a faster running, cycling, swimming or rowing velocity.

What Is Tempo Training In Weight Training?

Basically, ‘tempo’ in weight training means the speed at which you lift the weight (the concentric phase of movement) as well as how fast you lower the weight (the eccentric phase of movement). Tempo is usually shown as a three- or four-digit number, with each number referring to the speed at which a certain part of the exercise should be performed.

The most recognised as well as most effective way of progressing weight training is just by adding more weigh but as you get more advanced it becomes tougher to keep adding weight. As a result, progression may slow down. Tempo protocols are a fantastic way to vary your regime because you’re making the muscle spend more time under tension.

Why Runners Will Benefit From Tempo Training

Tempo runs boost a runner’s lactate threshold. As you’re running at or near your threshold pace, your body becomes more effective at clearing lactate. Exercise science has shown us that lactate threshold pace is a great indicator of running performance. This is because the faster you can run while still clearing lactate, the faster you’ll be on race day. However, there’s also a significant mental aspect as well: they’re hard, stressful as well as mentally fatiguing. Tempo training teaches you to manage your emotions when running becomes challenging.

What Are The Benefits Of Tempo Training?

Everyone should incorporate tempo training in their exercise routine at some point in their fitness journey. This is even for movements such as the squat or deadlift which require explosiveness as well as power. Slowing down exercises with tempo can certainly promote a better, more seamless lift in the long run.

By including tempo training and movements in your exercise routine, you’ll be able to correct your positional and technique weaknesses for more consistent in addition to well-executed lifts. At the same time, you’ll be encouraging better hypertrophy and strength gains.

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You could read up all that you can about tempo training and implement it yourself in your training regimen. The better way to do this is to hire a personal trainer. An even better way of incorporating tempo training into your exercise routine is to learn how to do this from our Personal Training Diploma. Find out more here.

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Why Rowing Needs To Be Part Of Your Workout Routine https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-rowing-needs-to-be-part-of-your-workout-routine/ Sun, 15 Nov 2020 05:05:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21089 Few cardiovascular exercises use the upper body to do the same extent that rowing does. Rowing burns 600-1000 calories per hour, making it one of the most effective exercises for burning calories and losing weight! Here’s how to use the rowing machine properly. Proper Technique For The Rowing Machine Hold the handle in front of...

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Few cardiovascular exercises use the upper body to do the same extent that rowing does. Rowing burns 600-1000 calories per hour, making it one of the most effective exercises for burning calories and losing weight! Here’s how to use the rowing machine properly.

Proper Technique For The Rowing Machine

Hold the handle in front of your body and with your arms in front of the rowing chains. Your lower back must be in a flexed position. Initiate the movement by pushing your legs forward. Take your arms with you as you straighten your legs.

As the legs straighten, pull the handles towards your lower chest and abdomen. Pause for one second and return to your starting position. Check your stroke rate which will change depending if you are doing speed work intervals or long-distance endurance. Aim for 25 – 35 strokes per minute.

Your breathing also needs to be correct as a large numbers have to be utilised and worked efficiently. Breathe in as you return to the coils and exhale as you initiate the rowing movement.

Some of the common rowing technique faults are:

  • Leaning too forward as you reach towards the coils.
  • Bent arms in the pull phase.
  • Leaning too far back when pulling back.
  • Gripping the bar too tight.

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How Is Rowing Biomechanically Analysed?

Rowing is a movement of the whole body that takes place in a frontal plane and chiefly utilises the muscles of the upper back and legs. In the upper quarter the actions are concerned with three joints the shoulder, scapula and elbow (multi-joint).

During the inward motion of the row, the shoulder (which is a ball and socket joint) is formed by the humerus as well as the shoulder girdle. There is extension that is brought about by the latissimus dorsi and posterior deltoid muscles.

At the scapula, there is retraction which is caused by the trapezius muscles. At the elbow, a hinge joint formed by the humerus, ulna as well as radius. There is flexion, which is brought about principally by the action of the biceps brachii. The inward movement is a concentric muscle contraction.

During the outward phase, at the shoulder the latissimus dorsi and posterior deltoid muscles cause flexion of the shoulders. At the scapula, protraction is caused by the trapezius as well as the rhomboid muscles. At the elbow, the biceps brachii cause extension. The outward movement is an eccentric muscle contraction.

In the lower quarter (namely the legs) the actions are concerned using multiple joints. These are the hip, knee and ankle. During the inward phase, at the hip a ball and socket joint (which is formed by the femurs and hip girdle, gluteus maximus and medius) causes flexion.

At the knee, bicep femoris, Semimembranosus and Semitendinosus muscles causes flexion. At the ankle, there is dorsi flexion that is brought about principally by the action of the gastrocnemius, soleus and tibialis anterior muscles. The downward movement is described as an eccentric muscle contraction.

During the outward phase of row, there is an extension that is brought about by the gluteus maximus and medius muscles. The knee is a hinge joint formed from the tibia and femur, rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis and vastus intermedialis muscles. This causes extension. The ankle (which is a hinge joint) is formed by the tibia and calcaneus. There is plantar flexion which is brought about principally by the action of the gastrocnemius and soleus. The outward movement is a concentric muscle contraction.

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The Biomechanical Analysis Of The Elliptical Machine https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-biomechanical-analysis-of-the-elliptical-machine/ Sun, 15 Nov 2020 05:00:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21085 If you are on a search for a piece of exercise equipment which will give you a great cardio workout as well as improve your strength and muscle tone, the elliptical machine is your go-to machine. Producing a motion which is best described as ‘like cross-country skiing’, the elliptical machine targets almost every major muscle...

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If you are on a search for a piece of exercise equipment which will give you a great cardio workout as well as improve your strength and muscle tone, the elliptical machine is your go-to machine. Producing a motion which is best described as ‘like cross-country skiing’, the elliptical machine targets almost every major muscle group in your body. This includes your arms, shoulders, back, thighs, calves, abdominals and – of course – your butt.

Unlike running, the elliptical machine doesn’t place anywhere nearly the exact same amount of stress on your joints. And when utilised at a high level of intensity, it can burn up to 38 kilojoules (9 calories) per minute. However, this does not imply you can jump on an elliptical machine and reap the rewards. More than any other exercise machine, you really need to focus on the exercise that you’re doing in order to get the benefits.

Unlike the treadmill – where you can set the speed, incline and allow your mind to wander while your legs keep pace – the elliptical machine requires constant effort on your behalf in order to maintain your speed as well as keep the momentum going.

How Can You Describe The Movement On An Elliptical Machine?

The elliptical is a movement of the whole body that takes place in a sagittal plane about a transverse axis and mainly uses the muscles of the legs while the arms will be your secondary muscles. Your core is the stabiliser. The movements are the same as with running with the only difference being that the involved joints and muscles do not reach their full range of motion.

The actions use multiple joints, namely the hip, knee and ankle. During the upward phase of the leg movement, there is extension that is brought about by the gluteus maximus, medius and iliopsoas muscles. The knee (which is a hinge joint) causes extension.

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At the ankle (which is a hinge joint that is formed by the tibia and calcaneus) there is plantar flexion, brought about principally by the action of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. During the downward phase of the leg swing, at the hip, gluteus maximus and medius and bicep femoris, and iliopsoas muscles cause flexion. At the knee, the bicep femoris, semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles cause flexion. At the ankle, there is dorsi flexion that is brought about principally by the action of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscle

Aerobic exercise, which is also termed as cardio, is a key part of a balanced exercise routine. When you perform aerobic exercise, your heart and lungs need to work harder in order to provide your muscles with more blood as well as oxygen. The elliptical machine gives you the opportunity to get a good aerobic workout, which can strengthen your heart, lungs as well as muscles. This, in turn, can assist with building your stamina and endurance. With an elliptical, you can perform both high-intensity interval training as well as steady-state cardio workouts.

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Keen on learning more about exercise? Keen on being able to teach people how to exercise properly? If you answered yes to these two questions then you need to become a personal trainer. Check out our Personal Training Diploma and see how you can become a world-class fitness professional with this qualification.

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What Is The Cross Trainer? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-cross-trainer-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Sat, 14 Nov 2020 05:05:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21080 The cross trainer is a low-impact cardiovascular machine. It works the same muscles as you use when running however without the same physical impact as you would get from the floor. The action of pushing and pulling with the arms mimics the action of cross-country skiing and hill walking with poles. The cross trainer can...

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The cross trainer is a low-impact cardiovascular machine. It works the same muscles as you use when running however without the same physical impact as you would get from the floor. The action of pushing and pulling with the arms mimics the action of cross-country skiing and hill walking with poles. The cross trainer can provide great upper body tone and definition. If you are looking for a resistance training cardio session this will provide you with that.

One of the significant benefits of a cross trainer machine – over other cardiovascular machines – is the inclusion of the upper body in the workout.  By utilising your arms as well as your upper body, your heart works harder. This makes your overall workout is more efficient.

When making use of the handles, which are optional but recommended, you are working your biceps and triceps. These are the major muscles in the upper part of your arms. In addition, your shoulders and chest help manage the handle movement, which works your deltoids and your pectoral muscles. There are three types of elliptical trainers, categorised by the motor or “drive” location.

Generations Of Cross Trainer Machines

The oldest elliptical design is the rear-drive type. The front-drive elliptical is the second generation design. The latest design technology is the centre-drive.

On some models of cross trainer machines, the incline of sloping roller ramps beneath the pedal-links. This can be adjusted in order to produce varying pedal motion paths. The result of such modification changes the burdens on different muscle groups in the legs.

Some of the models are able to vary the incline, resistance as well as stride length over the course of a workout consistent with a pre-set programme. Some cross trainers can be driven in a reverse as well as in a forward motion.

Cross trainers are mainly driven via the legs. Most of them are combination designs as they have handle-levers attached to each pedal-link. This is so that a burden on the arms can be enabled in order to provide a secondary source of driving power.

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What Is The Correct Way To Use A Cross Trainer?

The exerciser grips the handles below shoulder height. Then he or she will push and pull them while shuffling the feet back and forth within their elliptically=shaped paths. The oscillating handle motions are coordinated with the restricted pedal motions.

Poorly designed cross trainer machines are too dependent on the user’s leg power. This ends up producing excessive handle speeds owing to mechanical ratios that do not offer sufficient advantage to the handle-levers. As a result, such machines give the user the feeling that his or her arms are simply going along for the ride as opposed to just sharing in the work. The better models offer a harmonious combination of arm as well as leg exercise in the correct ratios.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen to hear more about how the cross-trainer works, in addition to other gym equipment, then you need to do our Gym Instructor Course. Follow this link for more information.

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Why Is Boxercise Such An Intense Workout? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-boxercise-such-an-intense-workout/ Fri, 13 Nov 2020 05:00:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21072 In a world with an increasing sense of self-awareness and as well as on personal health and fitness, many individuals are starting to turn to unconventional exercise methodologies. It’s no longer only about hitting the traditional gym where you devote hours on a treadmill or lifting weights. One of the places more and more people...

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In a world with an increasing sense of self-awareness and as well as on personal health and fitness, many individuals are starting to turn to unconventional exercise methodologies. It’s no longer only about hitting the traditional gym where you devote hours on a treadmill or lifting weights. One of the places more and more people are turning to for results is the boxing gym.

Boxercise is an exercise class which is based on the training concepts that boxers utilise in order to keep fit. Classes can take a number of different of formats but a typical boxercise class may involve:

  • Shadow-boxing,
  • Skipping,
  • Hitting pads,
  • Kicking punchbags,
  • Press-ups,
  • Shuttle-runs, as well as
  • Sit-ups.

Most boxercise classes are targeted at men and women of all ages as well as fitness standards. As no class involves the actual hitting of an opponent, boxercise is a fun, challenging and safe workout.

Boxing, as a sport as well as a martial art, has been around for centuries. People throughout history have practised it as a means of self-defence. However, more recently – over the past decade or so – boxing has emerged as an extremely popular workout.

Individuals are drawn to boxing as a workout as it’s fun and enjoyable. In addition, boxing promises drastic improvements to overall health and wellness. For those who are contemplating losing weight and getting fit, boxing is just absolutely incredible.

Boxercise = Intense Cardio Workout

Everyone knows that cardio is the way to go if you want to lose fortunes of weight. However, simply sweating it out on a treadmill can get super repetitive as well as very boring. No person wants to spend hours on end performing exactly the same workout.

While steady-state cardio can absolutely help you to burn calories as well as shave off that excess weight, it’s very difficult to keep up because it can get stale after a while. Enter boxercise, which is the ultimate cardio workout that will engage both your upper and lower body.

Boxercise trains cardiovascular strength and endurance more effectively as opposed to the majority of the workouts that are available currently. It has the ability to condition the human body into an energy-efficient machine. Have a look at the body of a professional boxer and you will see an incredibly lean and cut athlete who is in prime condition.

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Burn Massive Amounts Of Calories With Boxercise

The main physical benefit that beginner boxers will see is cardiovascular. Boxing improves your resting heart rate as well as muscular endurance. This lowered resting heart rate, as well as increased stamina, can afford you the edge in your other workouts.

With a possible burn rate of 13 calories per minute, boxercise goes head-to-head with other types of cardio such as running and cycling. Plan to punch away anywhere between 200 to 400 calories (for a 63.5 kilogram person) per half hour:

  • Thirty minutes of boxing in a ring burns 400 calories.
  • Thirty minutes of punching a bag burns 200 calories, and
  • Thirty minutes of sparring with a partner burns 300 calories.

The intensive – as well as rigorous – pad work exercises in boxing, supported by the constant fast-paced repetition of striking and punching practices, are great in developing enhanced aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Luckily, boxing is responsible for engaging not only the human body but also the mind. Learn the secrets of self-defence and gain a better understanding of the motions and nuances boxercise. Boxing is a mental exercise so much as it’s a physical one. In addition, it should keep you interested and engaged for as long as you practice it.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to teach others the fabulous benefits of boxercise then you should become a boxing instructor. For more information about our Boxing Instructor Course, please follow this link.

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How To Instruct Exercise In A Professional And Confident Manner https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-instruct-exercise-in-a-professional-and-confident-manner/ Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:05:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21038 Fitness trainers have to instruct exercise in a professional and confident manner in order to be able to motivate their client as well as gain their trust. Professionalism is a combination of many things, from dressing appropriately to acting in a professional manner. What Is Professionalism? Professionalism is the conduct, behaviour and attitude of someone...

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Fitness trainers have to instruct exercise in a professional and confident manner in order to be able to motivate their client as well as gain their trust. Professionalism is a combination of many things, from dressing appropriately to acting in a professional manner.

What Is Professionalism?

Professionalism is the conduct, behaviour and attitude of someone in a work or business environment.  A person doesn’t have to work in a specific profession in order to demonstrate the important qualities, as well as characteristics, of a professional.  Professionalism leads to workplace success, a strong professional reputation in addition to a high level of work ethic and excellence.

The concept of professionalism is now the foundation of the fitness industry’s contract with society. It is what society and client expect of the personal trainers. Professionalism is the way that fitness professional fulfil their part of this contract and, in response, they are rewarded with the trust of clients.

Some examples of professionalism in the fitness industry are:

  • An appropriate training environment must be created for the session (ventilation, space, etc.)
  • Keeping clients informed of their objectives and the path taken to reach it, progress made, etc.
  • Keeping to an agreed time schedule, if client is 10 minutes late do not cut into next client’s time to make up their time. They must realise that they lose that 10 minutes and if they arrive early don’t cut the session, of the client that you’re training, short.
  • Make sure that you have a good theoretical knowledge and understanding of the exercise you are presenting to the client.
  • Always be well prepared for your sessions.

Communication Is Key

A fitness trainer corrects the client throughout the training session. The way that this feedback is verbalised – or how the correction is done – makes a huge difference to the way the client feels and acts. The fitness trainer’s voice and volume make a difference, e.g. a soft-spoken client will be intimidated by the fitness trainer who is loud.

Positive feedback makes a client feel more comfortable and open to receiving direction. To keep clients motivated, recognise each improvement – no matter how insignificant. Make sure that you are sincere when praising the client.  When verbally making a correcting do it in an appropriate manner and make your correction in a positive manner e.g. “That looks much better, try and extend your arm more in order to benefit more from that position.”

Sometimes verbally correcting the client is not possible and you have to physically position the client. It is important to respect the client’s space and – before touching the client – always ask their permission before using your hands to make the correction or assisting them.

In order for a client to be safe, complete exercises effectively as well as have a sense of mastery they must learn how to complete exercises correctly.  As a personal trainer you will demand a lot of your client during instruction as you need to make sure that they can understand – as well as complete – exercises independently.  Still, you will want to make doubly sure that your clients are great at the exercises so that you don’t have to spend as much time repeating information and can spend more time and effort on motivating clients and ensuring sessions are beneficial to them.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are dead set on learning more about instructing exercise, then you should definitely do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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How To Communicate Effectively As A Personal Trainer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-communicate-effectively-as-a-personal-trainer/ Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:00:22 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21034 Effective communication is a must if you intend on operating an extremely profitable personal training business. It is the number one skill (besides a thorough grasp of health and fitness, that it!) that you must have if you want to be a personal trainer. When you qualify as a personal trainer, you take your enthusiasm...

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Effective communication is a must if you intend on operating an extremely profitable personal training business. It is the number one skill (besides a thorough grasp of health and fitness, that it!) that you must have if you want to be a personal trainer.

When you qualify as a personal trainer, you take your enthusiasm – as well as knowledge – of fitness together with the goal of empowering other fitness-minded individuals. In order to motivate and have a positive influence on others, you must utilise effective communication skills.

The job as a personal fitness trainer is to educate, empower and motivate people towards reaching their own health as well as fitness goals. The only way that you can accomplish this is to utilise verbal communication. The more you focus on improving communication skills, the more money you can potentially earn as a personal trainer.

The First Training Session With A Client

When you conduct the first personal training session with a new client, focus on the best way to deliver your important message. This applies to both the sales process in addition to the actual personal fitness training sessions.

To utilise empowering communication within your personal training business you must first be aware of what type of personality that the client has. It is super important that you are on top of this as what you must first do when meeting a client is to interpret what type of personality they have:

  • Are they really social?
  • Are they introverted and don’t want to talk?

Find this out quickly and pattern your presentation after their distinctive personality. If they are very quiet, reserved and also have a dry sense of humour, don’t be very loud and excessively enthusiastic during the sales presentation and future personal training sessions. This will most certainly turn the client completely off.

How To Present Information To The Client

You really need to operate your personal training business by presenting information to the client in a way which is comfortable as well as enormously motivating to them. The best advice for becoming a great personal trainer is to pattern the client’s personality. So, if they are talkative be talkative. If they are louder, be louder. If they are quiet, be more reserved.

Another personal fitness training tip regarding effective communication is to learn the art of listening. Listening, which is also an essential aspect of communication, will make you more money than you can possibly dream of. A personal trainer should listen 80% of the time and talk only 20% of the time. The fitness training session is all about the client and not you.

Focus Only On Them

Get the client to feel that they are the most central person in the world. You really want your fitness training clients to feel that they are always heard as well as completely understood. If this straightforward objective is met, your clients will absolutely love you and continue to support you.

In order to run a personal training business which really motivates training clients, dig deep and discover their hot buttons. Communicate with them in a manner that inspires action. As a personal fitness trainer, you will soon discover what internally motivates clients just by asking and listening to them. After discovering what really, deep down inspires clients you will want to continue to remind them of their fitness goals in subtle ways that empowers them. This is all accomplished through the means of effective communication.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you have a passion for fitness? Is everything that you do, related – in some way – to being at the gym and exercising? If this is true then you are destined to become a personal trainer! Follow this link to find out more about our Personal Training Diploma.

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What Should You Wear When Training Outside? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-should-you-wear-when-training-outside-find-out-more/ Wed, 11 Nov 2020 05:05:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21029 Summer is – without a doubt – the best time to get out of your air-conditioned, overcrowded gym and then take advantage of the double mood-boost which comes from exercising as well as training in the sunshine. And while your indoor exercise clothes will work outside, too, it’s also a good excuse to replace anything...

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Summer is – without a doubt – the best time to get out of your air-conditioned, overcrowded gym and then take advantage of the double mood-boost which comes from exercising as well as training in the sunshine. And while your indoor exercise clothes will work outside, too, it’s also a good excuse to replace anything which is looking tired for gear which will work best in the great outdoors.

Practical utility is key. You want to have the ability to exercise in whatever conditions Mother Nature throws at you. Breathability is important in sports attire, but especially when you’re training outdoors in summer. Man-made, sports-specific fabrics are usually your best bet. This is because they’ll also be sweat-wicking, which will help cool you down without weighing you down.

Light-coloured clothing is best for hot weather. Dark, heavy clothes can make you feel even hotter. Gear — for example, protective padding or helmets — also traps heat. This also raises your body temperature. If you do have to suit up, shorten your workout intensity as well as the duration.

Make sure that you wear UV-blocking sunglasses and don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Make the choice to go with water-resistant sunscreen with a minimum SPF rating of 30 or higher. (The most powerful products have “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels.) Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before you start out. Continue to reapply the sunscreen according to the package directions. Sunburn decreases your body’s ability to cool itself so make sure that this doesn’t happen to you!

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Clothing Tips For Exercising In Winter

As summer moves into the colder months our motivation as well as ability to exercise outdoors changes too. Cold weather has the power to stop even the most motivated exerciser. But don’t pack away your need to work out with your tank tops and shorts. Learn how to dress properly and prepare for the drop in temperatures. In this way, you’ll continue to enjoy your workouts.

Dress In Layers

This is the most crucial thing.  Lots of thin layers are much better as opposed to one big thick layer.  Not only does this keep you warmer in colder weather but it lets you move much more efficiently.  Wear base layers and then as many long sleeved tops as you feel you need.  Start with more layers than you probably need, but then strip them off as you warm up during training.

Avoid cotton

While cotton is a more agreeable fabric to wear on a day-to-day, it’s not the right thing to wear when you’re working out – especially as the layer which is closest to your skin. This is because it dries slowly, so making it incompatible with you getting your sweat on. Rather, experts recommend that you try polyester, nylon and polypropylene as these dry 50% faster than cotton. More natural as well as sustainable alternatives are made from bamboo and merino wool. Second-hand items are an option, too.

Accessories Are Crucial

Yoga socks – the ones with the soles that have a good grip – are essential to avoid both cold toes and possibly slipping on a mat in an outside setting. Gloves should be the first thing you reach for as the temperatures drop. Some experts even suggest wearing latex gloves under your outer gloves to stay warm and dry. Light beanies or headbands are recommended for mat-based exercise and, for all-weather cyclists, overshoes.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Personal trainers can work wherever – in the gym or outdoors. It’s all up to the client. Do you want to learn more about how to train people in various settings? If you do then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

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What Is The Importance Of Exercise And Sleep? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-importance-of-exercise-and-sleep/ Wed, 11 Nov 2020 05:00:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21024 When it comes to exercising, you know that what you do in the gym is crucially important. However, what you do outside the gym — in other words, what you eat, what you drink and especially how you sleep – is just as important. In fact, you need to sleep in order for exercise to...

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When it comes to exercising, you know that what you do in the gym is crucially important. However, what you do outside the gym — in other words, what you eat, what you drink and especially how you sleep – is just as important. In fact, you need to sleep in order for exercise to really work.

We exercise for a purpose. These include:

  • For cardiovascular health,
  • To increase lean muscle mass, and
  • To improve endurance.

All of these fitness goals require sleep. In other words, without proper amounts of quality sleep, exercise does not deliver those benefits. If you don’t sleep, you undercut your body.

Sleep gives your body the time which it desperately needs to recover, conserve energy as well as repair and build up the muscles that are worked during exercise. When we get sufficient amounts of good-quality sleep, the body creates growth hormone. During childhood as well as adolescence, growth hormone makes us grow. And when we are older, grow hormone assists us with building lean muscle. It also helps our body repair when we have torn ourselves up during a hard workout. Growth hormone is essential for athletic recovery.

How Does Exercise Help Sleep?

Regular exercise, specifically  in the morning or afternoon, can have an impact on your sleep quality. This is achieved by increasing your body temperature a few degrees. Later in the day, when your internal thermometer drops back to its normal range, this process can trigger feelings of drowsiness and assist you with dropping off to sleep. Also, if you exercise outdoors, you’ll be exposed to natural light, an important element in helping your body establish a good sleep-wake cycle.

Exercise Improves Sleep Quality

Exercise can contribute to more sound as well as restful sleep. Physical activity increases the time, which is spent in deep sleep, which is the most physically-restorative sleep phase. Deep sleep assists with boosting immune function, support cardiac health in addition to controlling stress and anxiety.

Physical Activity Increases Sleep Amounts

In addition to enhancing the quality of sleep, exercise can also assist you with increasing the duration of your nightly rest. This is because being physically active requires you to spend energy, and helps you feel more tired – as well as ready – to rest at the end of the day. Research indicates that exercise—in particular, regular exercise that’s part of a consistent routine—can assist with boosting sleep duration in addition to sleep quality.

How Much Should You Exercise?

If you strive to do about 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise every single week, you’ll help to improve your sleep quality as well as meet the guidelines for physical activity. This works out to about half an hour, five times a week. If you can’t fit that much in even just 10 minutes a day of walking, swimming or biking can improve your nightly sleep.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Exercise has loads more benefits than just improving sleep. These benefits are something that a personal trainer can teach you. An even better idea is to become a personal trainer yourself! Follow this link to find out how you can do this.

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What Is Flexibility? Read this article to find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-flexibility-read-this-article-to-find-out-more/ Mon, 09 Nov 2020 05:05:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=21002 ‘Flexibility’ can be defined as the ability of a joint or, alternatively, a series of joints to move through an unrestricted, pain-free, range of motion. While flexibility fluctuates widely from person to person, minimum ranges are required for maintaining joint health in addition to total body health. Many variables are responsible for affecting the loss...

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‘Flexibility’ can be defined as the ability of a joint or, alternatively, a series of joints to move through an unrestricted, pain-free, range of motion. While flexibility fluctuates widely from person to person, minimum ranges are required for maintaining joint health in addition to total body health.

Many variables are responsible for affecting the loss of normal joint flexibility. This includes injury, inactivity or a lack of stretching. The range of motion will be affected by the mobility of the soft tissues which surround the joint. These soft tissues include:

  • Muscles,
  • Ligaments,
  • Tendons,
  • Joint capsules, and
  • Skin

A lack of stretching, particularly when combined with activity, can lead to a fatigue-induced soft tissue shortening over time.

What Are The Drawbacks Of Not Being Flexible?

If you are not adequately flexible, you will experience a number of negative effects. Some of these are the following:

  • Joints need movement through a full range of motion to maintain the health of cartilage and other structures within the joint. This is done with enhanced blood supply and nutrients to joint structures, in addition to an increased quantity of synovial joint fluid . This effect can be specifically noticeable in weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees.
  • Muscles which are inflexible tire more quickly. This causes opposing muscle groups to work harder. Muscle fatigue may lead to muscular injuries as well as the inability of the muscles to protect joints from more severe injuries. For instance, the hamstrings play a role in stabilising the knee in addition to preventing ACL tears.
  • In addition, decreased flexibility may lead to abnormal stress on structures as well as tissues which are distant from the initial site of inflexibility. One example of this is that tendonitis in the knee can be related to calf tightness.

Additional benefits of a regular flexibility and stretching routine are:

  • Increased neuromuscular coordination
  • Return of muscle to natural resting state
  • Modifying blood pooling, recirculation

What Is Range Of Motion?

The term ‘range of motion’ means that each joint – in addition to each group of muscles in your body – could have a different range of motion (ROM). Alternatively, these could have a different level of flexibility. Some areas of your body could be very tight. This means that the muscles feel short and restricted. A number of areas in your body may feel very loose which means that you may be able to lengthen as well as move those muscles freely.​

Exercisers who make a point of including flexibility training as part of a balanced fitness programme enjoy many benefits. Stretching exercises can assist with decreasing stress as well as improving the way your body moves and feels during the day. Enhanced flexibility can even lead to a better posture. All of these benefits assist you to move more often throughout the day as well as burn more calories. So if you’re trying to lose weight, it’s smart to include flexibility exercises in your weight-loss programme.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Being flexible is only one of the many ways that you can improve your fitness levels. If you want to master these other methodologies then you need to become a personal trainer. Study our Personal Training Diploma and become a fitness force to be reckoned with!

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How Important Is Strength Training For Cricketers? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-important-is-strength-training-for-cricketers/ Mon, 09 Nov 2020 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20998 A cricket player’s fitness, as well as stamina on the pitch, is determined in accordance with what they do off the pitch. As a sport that is based on fast, powerful movements it is essential to incorporate strength training into your fitness routine so that you can improve your cricket game. The game of cricket...

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A cricket player’s fitness, as well as stamina on the pitch, is determined in accordance with what they do off the pitch. As a sport that is based on fast, powerful movements it is essential to incorporate strength training into your fitness routine so that you can improve your cricket game.

The game of cricket has historically been referred to as “the gentleman’s game.” Until about three decades ago, cricketers were definitely not the fittest athletes out there. Often it was remarked that physically-speaking, cricket is an easy game which necessitates that one stand on the cricket field for the majority of the day. In addition, it was felt that cricket required little running, jumping or even strength.

However, through the introduction of one-day cricket, the game has gone through significant changes. In addition, the physical demands which are made on a cricketer’s body have also increased dramatically. No longer can a batsman merely continue to defend away for overs as he often has to use his strength in order to hit big sixes.

The intricately developed levels of fielding, in the modern times, necessitate a player to have strong shoulders and arms so that they can make direct hits at the stumps. One look at the photo of a modern-day cricket player – and a player from the 60s – and you will notice the difference in the bodies of the two. The modern player is leaner, stronger as well as far more athletic!

How Fit Does Each Cricket Player Need To Be?

The areas – that require particular fitness attention – at each cricket position include the following:

Bowler

The nature of this position requires that a bowler must have the ability to move explosively in the run-up to delivery. This is because a speedy runup will physically translate into a quicker delivery of the ball. Thus, the arm, shoulder, and core body strength and stamina are vital to delivering the ball repeatedly.

Fielder

The fielder must be ready to react to the ball when it is hit. In addition, the fielder must be prepared to get to a ball, field as well as throw. This is all as a part of a game which may last six hours or more at one time. Speed of movement – in addition to agility – are critical to this position.

Batsman

Brute muscular power is not a liability in this position however reaction time, batting technique, as well as balance at the crease, are of crucial importance. A batsman may be needed to maintain his position for several hours at a stretch. The cricket batting stroke banks on core strength, specifically in the abdominal and oblique muscle groups. The gluteal muscles, the upper arms and shoulders are included.

Thus a cricket strength and training programme will – of necessity – address anaerobic, aerobic, weight training as well as reaction time/coordination agility drills.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To be the best-of-the-best cricketer you need a great coach. Preferably someone who has an Advanced Sports Conditioning Coach Certification from Trifocus Fitness Academy. Follow this link to learn more.

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How Olympic Lifts Increase Speed https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-olympic-lifts-increase-speed/ Thu, 05 Nov 2020 05:05:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20966 If you’re looking to improve your speed for running or for other sports, one exercise you might want to look into is the Olympic Lift. Lifting and building muscle strength will help to improve your overall body endurance, which is important for improving your speed as running is a full-body activity. You might be thinking...

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If you’re looking to improve your speed for running or for other sports, one exercise you might want to look into is the Olympic Lift. Lifting and building muscle strength will help to improve your overall body endurance, which is important for improving your speed as running is a full-body activity. You might be thinking that you know about weight lifting and that it can’t be that hard to add Olympic Lifts into your routine. However, it is important to note that Olympic Lifts are not as simple as any other lift.

What You Need To Know About Olympic Lifts

Unlike other lifts, Olympic Lifts require you to know the proper technique to perform them correctly and obtain the results that you want without injuring yourself. An Olympic Lift requires intense amounts of force used for very short periods of time and therefore you need to know what you are doing. While you could be shown how to do another kind of lift, such as a bicep curl, and you would be able to copy it quite easily, the Olympic Lift requires the mastering of the technique before you even begin to add weights.

What Are Olympic Lifts?

Olympic Lifts are lifts that involve lifting heavy weights on a bar in short bursts very quickly. You might have seen Olympic athletes perform these lifts, managing to lift extreme weights over their heads for short periods of time. They require a lot of knowledge, strength, and coordination to pull off safely and therefore, should only be performed after training and with supervision. There are several types of Olympic Lifts, such as the clean-and-jerk (that involves lifting a barbell from the ground and lifting it up onto your shoulders, then squatting briefly before standing up straight) and the barbell snatch (a move in which you raise a barbell from the floor up over your head in one motion).

How Can Olympic Lifts Improve Speed

Obviously, Olympic Lifts require incredible strength, mobility, balance, and practice, but how can they help you to improve your speed:

  • They are a full-body experience, which means that you are engaging with and have to be aware of each and every single part of your body as it moves. This helps to connect your better to your body and its movements (however small), which will carry over into other areas such as running or playing sports.
  • As they require you to shift large amounts of weight in a very specific motion in short moments of time, you are training your body to improve its reaction time while building incredible strength throughout your body.
  • Olympic Lifts connect you to your body’s general centre of mass, which controls your reaction and actions in terms of movement. Becoming aware of and practising how your body reacts to, and how it can act, changes in movement and stability will help to improve your agility when moving quickly at speed.

All of the advantages mentioned above come together to help you act and move when performing an activity that requires speed and agility. From mental awareness and improved reaction time to improved overall strength, Olympic Lifts will help you to improve your speed and your performance.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

 If you are keen to learn more about Olympic lifting then you should really do our Olympic lifting course. For more information, please follow this link.

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Why Strong Muscles Could Be Linked To Living Longer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-strong-muscles-could-be-linked-to-living-longer/ Wed, 04 Nov 2020 05:05:09 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20949 Does staying stronger and developing your muscles assist you with living longer? It’s a very valid question that researchers have been exploring. Until recently years, body mass index (BMI) was a measurement that physicians often made use of in order to determine health. However, we now know that BMI isn’t all it’s cracked up to...

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Does staying stronger and developing your muscles assist you with living longer? It’s a very valid question that researchers have been exploring. Until recently years, body mass index (BMI) was a measurement that physicians often made use of in order to determine health. However, we now know that BMI isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Simply put, body mass index gauges your weight as opposed to your height. It doesn’t, however, distinguish fat from muscle. This means that an athletic person – who has significant muscle mass – could earn an unhealthy BMI score in spite of being very fit.

The Importance Of Muscles In Ageing Well

Research shows how important strong muscles are to ageing well. Weight training a few days a week – in order to build or preserve muscle mass – can assist seniors with maintaining core strength and balance. Both are critical in preventing falls, which is a leading cause of disability and even death among older adults.

Strong muscles can actually assist people with living longer and staying active later in their older years. While it’s been recognised that cardio and weightlifting build muscle, new research illustrates the pivotal mechanisms driving this positive dynamic. It turns out that endurance exercise boosts the growth of vital muscle stem cells and fundamentally changes their metabolism. This sets off a cascade of regenerative effects.

Hand grip strength, as you would develop with lifting weights, is a good indicator of health as it’s simple to assess and is a more accurate benchmark of longevity as compared to other common measurements such as muscle mass. This is because if the muscles in your hand and arm are weak, it probably means other muscles – like your heart – are also weak.

What Else Do Strong Muscles Do?

Strong and healthy muscles let you move freely as well as keep your body strong. They assist you with enjoying playing sports, dancing, walking the dog, swimming as well as other physical activities.

Strong muscles also assist with keeping your joints in good shape. If the muscles around your knee, for instance, become weak, you may be more likely to injure that knee. Strong muscles also assist you with keeping your balance so that you are less likely to slip or fall.

Remember that the activities which make your skeletal muscles strong will also help to keep your heart muscle strong.

What Foods Will Help Me Build Muscle?

Both nutrition as well as physical activity are critical if you would like to gain lean muscle.

In order to begin on your road to building muscle, it’s essential to challenge your body with physical activity. However, with no proper nutritional support, your progress will stall. High-protein foods are essential for gaining muscle however carbohydrates as well as fats are also required sources of energy. If your fitness goal is to develop lean muscle, you should concentrate on exercising regularly as well as eating more calories every day from muscle-building foods.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you interested in helping others to develop stronger muscles? If you are then you should absolutely think about becoming a personal trainer with us. Check out our Personal Training Diploma for more information.

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What Is A Health Coach? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-health-coach/ Tue, 03 Nov 2020 05:00:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20933 A health coach is a coach who empowers clients to adopt as well as sustain healthy lifestyle behaviours that can prevent, mitigate as well as even reverse chronic diseases. Rather than programming a workout routine or creating a diet plan, health coaches use the science of behaviour change in order to enhance a client’s strengths...

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A health coach is a coach who empowers clients to adopt as well as sustain healthy lifestyle behaviours that can prevent, mitigate as well as even reverse chronic diseases. Rather than programming a workout routine or creating a diet plan, health coaches use the science of behaviour change in order to enhance a client’s strengths and autonomy. They act as a guide in their quest to achieve self-determined health goals.

What Do Health Coaches Do?

Health coaching isn’t just about one diet or a single way of living. Instead, health coaches focus on bio-individuality. This is the idea that we’re all different and have distinctive dietary, lifestyle, emotional as well as physical needs.

This means that health coaches don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to health and wellness. Instead, health coaches are responsible for working with clients in order to help them discover how to fuel their bodies as well as become the healthiest, happiest versions of themselves through a holistic approach.

Health coaches also concentrate on holistic health beyond the plate as they tackle wellness through primary food. At the heart of the health coaching is the idea that there are areas of your life that impact your long-term health just as much as the food you eat – your relationships, career, spirituality, and physical activity.

What Techniques Do Health Coaches Use?

A key technique which is utilised by health coaches is motivational interviewing. During this process, a coach will ask open-ended questions which are intended to assist their client state his or her own reasons for change. Instead of a doctor saying, “You need to lose weight,” a health coach could ask, “How could your life be different if you lost the weight which you’ve been trying to lose?”

The notion, which has been proven to be highly effective in many research studies, is that individuals who are shifting for their own reasons, on their own terms, are far more likely to thrive as compared to when someone is telling them what to do. The latter is less motivating and is more expected to instil resistance to change.

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Positive Psychology Is A Cornerstone Of Health Coaching

Whereas traditional psychology has concentrated on what is “wrong” with individuals – as well as what needs to be “fixed” –  the health coaching philosophy concentrates on what has, can, and will work better for you. This means that rather than rooting around for problems to dwell on, a health coach will work with you in order to harness your strengths so that you can improve the health behaviours that you want to address.

What Happens During A Health Coaching Session?

Teaming up with a health coach means that you’re partnering with a person who asks powerful questions, actively listens, helps you to strategise so that you can reach your goals.  A health coaching session can take place in person or online. This gives you flexibility within your busy life.

In your first official session, your health coach will take you through a wellness vision. This type of session is an exploratory process of your ideals, best experiences, core values, and strengths.  A compelling vision identifies what people want rather than what they don’t want.

Based on this, together you will form long-term (3-6 months) and short-term (weekly) goals over the course of working together. You’ll work with a health coach for a minimum of three months, ideally six months, so that long-lasting, quality changes are made.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Does becoming a health coach sound like something that you’d be interested in? If it is then you should really do our Health and Wellness Coach Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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Should You Include Foam Rolling In Your Pre-Workout Routine? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/should-you-include-foam-rolling-in-your-pre-workout-routine/ Mon, 02 Nov 2020 05:00:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20894 If you have not gotten on the foam rolling train, you might just be missing out on the best way to stretch and massage your muscles. Foam rolling has started to become more and more mainstream, used by not just professional athletes or physical therapists, but by all levels of fitness enthusiasts. And, for good...

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If you have not gotten on the foam rolling train, you might just be missing out on the best way to stretch and massage your muscles. Foam rolling has started to become more and more mainstream, used by not just professional athletes or physical therapists, but by all levels of fitness enthusiasts. And, for good reason: foam rolling is incredibly simple to do and, most importantly, it works. However, if you are just starting to dip your toes into the world of foam rolling, you might be a little unsure about when you should be doing it. You might presume that it is just for a post-workout stretch time or to be utilised on rest days, but can it be a useful addition to your pre-workout routine?

What Is Foam Rolling?

For the uninitiated, foam rolling is a method of rolling your muscles with a foam roller (usually a simple cylinder made of foam or soft plastic) to release fascia in your muscles. Fascia is a thin tissue that lies between the muscles and connects them, helping them to function and work together as muscle groups. Usually, it will smoothly move around over your muscles, but sometimes (from an injury, muscle overworking, inactivity, or inflammation) it can become bound up and stiff. Foam rolling can help to release and smooth out the fascia, allowing for increased muscle performance and recovery.

When Should You Foam Roll?

Foam rolling is often advertised as the best way to enhance your recovery after a workout. You can use the roller to work the muscles that you focussed on during the workout and feel out if any areas of your body might be feeling a little stiff, overworked, or in need of attention. Post-workout you will be stimulating and increasing blood flow to the muscles that have just been worked, improving their ability to recover.

However, you do not need to only roll after a workout! It is suggested that by foam rolling before a workout, you can stimulate the muscles that are about to be worked, leading to increased performance in the workout to come. By increasing circulation to those areas and releasing any pent up tension or stiffness, you are less likely to injure yourself during the workout. You are more likely to perform at a higher level. Some suggest that this rolling may prime your body not just physically, but also on a neurological and mental level – as you let your body know what to expect in the workout to come. Though it may not provide a dramatic improvement to your workout ability, foam rolling before a workout can be a great addition to a warm-up routine will stimulate your muscles. It may help to prevent strain or injury.

Therefore, you can use a foam roller before or after a workout and see great results to your performance, muscle strength, and recovery times – and all it takes is a simple foam cylinder.

 Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn additional information about the advantages of foam rolling, then you should do our Foam Rolling course. For more information, please follow this link.

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Why Wellness Matters? Find out more in the article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-wellness-matters-find-out-more-in-the-article/ Mon, 02 Nov 2020 05:00:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20899 The term ‘wellness’ refers to the active process of becoming aware of, as well as making choices toward, a healthy and rewarding life. Wellness is beyond just being free from illness. It is a dynamic process of change in addition to growth. Wellness includes: The presence of positive emotions and moods, The absence of negative...

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The term ‘wellness’ refers to the active process of becoming aware of, as well as making choices toward, a healthy and rewarding life. Wellness is beyond just being free from illness. It is a dynamic process of change in addition to growth.

Wellness includes:

  • The presence of positive emotions and moods,
  • The absence of negative emotions,
  • Satisfaction with life,
  • Fulfilment and positive functioning.

Wellness can be described as judging life positively and feeling good. Physical wellness (e.g., feeling very healthy and full of energy) is also viewed as critical to overall wellness.

Preserving an optimal level of wellness is totally crucial to live a higher-quality life. Wellness matters as everything that we do and every emotion we feel relate to our sense of well-being. In turn, our well-being has a direct effect on our actions and emotions. It’s an ongoing circle. Therefore, it is vital for everyone to achieve optimal wellness to subdue stress, reduce the risk of illness as well as ensure positive interactions.

How Many Dimensions Of Wellness Are There?

There are a number of different types of wellness. Here are some of them.

Social Wellness

This is the process of creating as well as maintaining healthy relationships through the choices that we make. Social wellness encompasses relationships at home, work, friendships in addition to our relationships with all people and future generations. The social aspect of wellness encourages contributing to your human and physical environment for the common welfare of your community.

Physical Wellness

This is the process of making choices in order to create flexible, cardiovascularly fit, energetic and strong bodies. The choices that we make are connect with, among others:

  • Exercise,
  • Nutrition,
  • Rest and sleep,
  • Stress management, and
  • Management of injury and illness.

Emotional Wellness

This is the process of accepting our worth, creating, recognising, and expressing our feelings, as well as talking to ourselves in healthy ways. Creating and preserving a positive, realistic self-concept is also a crucial part of this process. This is in addition to realistically assessing potential and limitations. Emotional wellness also encompasses the practice of talking about feelings such as fear, anger, sadness, and joy, and selecting healthy behavioural expressions of those feelings.

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Career Wellness

This is the process of making as well as maintaining choices related to work, which include selecting a job for which we are well-suited, well-trained, and from which we obtain satisfaction. It also encompasses remaining current in one’s chosen field, assisting to create a healthy organisational environment that contributes to your own – as well as others’ – well-being. Career wellness also necessitates balancing work with the rest of your life.

Intellectual Wellness

This is the process of utilising our minds in order to create a greater understanding as well as understanding the universe and ourselves. Intellectual wellness does not depend on intelligence or ability. Rather, intellectual wellness requires making connections, appreciating natural connections, examining one’s opinions and judgments, in addition to questioning.

Environmental Wellness

This is the process of making choices which will add to sustaining or improving the quality of life in the universe. This dimension of wellness includes responsible choices regarding the use of air, water, land and energy so that future generations may survive and thrive. The recognition of interdependency of humans, other animals, plants and all of nature is a central aspect of environmental wellness.

Spiritual Wellness

This is the process of discovering meaning as well as purpose in life. In addition, spiritual wellness involves demonstrating values through behaviours. Spiritual wellness includes acknowledgement of the concepts of wholeness, unity, diversity, individual uniqueness in addition to the requirement for community as well as personal responsibility to oneself and that community.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to dig deeper into the world of wellness, why not become a Health and Wellness Coach? At Trifocus Fitness Academy, our Health and Wellness Coach course will help you become the best in the business. Follow this link for more information.

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How To Find A Personal Trainer Who Fits Your Needs https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-find-a-personal-trainer-who-fits-your-needs/ Sun, 01 Nov 2020 05:05:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20886 If you are considering taking your fitness to a new level you might have thought about working with a personal trainer. It can be an incredibly rewarding experience having someone who can help you to improve your form and keep you motivated to achieve your goals. No matter how experienced you are or how fit...

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If you are considering taking your fitness to a new level you might have thought about working with a personal trainer. It can be an incredibly rewarding experience having someone who can help you to improve your form and keep you motivated to achieve your goals. No matter how experienced you are or how fit you feel, we can all benefit from the help of someone to help you to change up your normal routine and check up on your technique. However, finding the right personal trainer can be a difficult task. Here are our tips for finding the best personal trainer for you:

Tips for finding the best personal trainer

  1. Ask About Credentials

Don’t be afraid to ask about what qualifications your potential personal trainer has. This is particularly important if you are looking to meet specific goals, work on specific training techniques, such as Olympic Lifting, or need help during pregnancy, post-pregnancy, or post-injury. You can often tell from qualifications what areas your trainer is experienced in or has a passion for and this can help you to find a trainer that will be able to help you achieve your goals.

  1. Do Your Research

Similar to the above point, make sure that you do your research on the trainer themselves. Ask other people who work with them or look up their reviews for some insight into how they work and how they treat their clients. You should also get to know them a bit because you need to know if the two of you click – you do not want to workout several times a week with someone who you don’t get along with. If you like to gossip or vent during sessions, make sure that your trainer doesn’t prefer silence (and vice versa!).

  1. Trifocus Fitness Academy - personal trainer

  2. Find Out Their Philosophy

It is worth asking your potential trainer about their philosophy towards training. Are they a hands-on trainer who likes to keep in touch about your goals and progress while you work, or do they prefer to let you lay those boundaries? Do they design programs based in the gym, or will some of them be outside? Do they prefer machine-based workouts, or will they mainly involve little to no equipment? This is particularly important if you know how you like to work out because if their philosophy sounds very different to what you enjoy doing, they might not be the right fit for you.

  1. Availability And Location

If you are looking to have a consistent workout schedule, you should probably ask the trainer about their schedule before you commit to them. Ask not just if they have availability, but how much – and find out if you will be keeping the same slot every week or if they like to book weekly. The same is also true of location – will you be training in the same place every time, will they come to you or do you go to them, are you in a gym or a sports field? All of this information is important for you to figure out what will work for you and your schedule.

The most vital aspect that you need to keep in mind when looking for a personal trainer is that it will all depend on your fitness goals and how you get along with them. Don’t be scared to do your research and ask questions. They won’t be offended – they will know that you are taking your fitness journey seriously.

 Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To find a personal trainer who fits your needs, you need to know what you’re looking for. Why not do our Personal Training Diploma and see for yourself? Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

 

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How Many Times a Week Should You Do Olympic Lifts? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-many-times-a-week-should-you-do-olympic-lifts/ Sun, 01 Nov 2020 05:00:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20881 If you have joined the fitness movement that is Olympic Lifts, you might be wondering how far you can push yourself. Olympic Lifting is a style of weightlifting that stems from the Olympics Games that involves lifting very heavy weights in short movements. It is an extremely effective way of building muscle strength and also,...

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If you have joined the fitness movement that is Olympic Lifts, you might be wondering how far you can push yourself. Olympic Lifting is a style of weightlifting that stems from the Olympics Games that involves lifting very heavy weights in short movements. It is an extremely effective way of building muscle strength and also, honestly, looks very impressive. However, while it is a great way to inject some variety into your workout routine, it can be hard to tell how often you can (or should) be training Olympic Lifts.

 Before You Get Started Training:

Before we look at how often you should be training, we should quickly discuss the technique of Olympic Lifting. These style of lifts require full-body movements at maximum effort, so it is very important not to be fatigued and to have enough time to workout out properly – with the correct form and technique. As you are working with extreme weights, do not underestimate the effort and technique that is necessary for performing these lifts correctly without injuring yourself.

How Often Should You Be Training?

Unfortunately, like most health and fitness questions, there is no easy answer. Due to the intensity of Olympic Lifting, it depends on your experience, fitness level, time availability, and fatigue level. As you become more experienced with Olympic Lifting, you will be able to work out better and more consistently, but in the beginning, it is important not to push yourself too hard.

 Here is a basic guideline for those wanting to take Olympic Lifting seriously:

Recreational: If you are a general fitness enthusiast or do other kinds of fitness training such as CrossFit (which includes a lot of weightlifting), you might not be looking to train Olympic Lifting too intensely. For recreational training, it is recommended that you start with 2 or 3 days a week for short sessions.

 Beginners: If you have just started Olympic Lifting (and you want to include it as a regular part of your workout routine) it is recommended that you start with three days a week. On those days you should aim to perform about five movements in total consisting of several different moves (e.g. Snatch or Clean-and-Jerk), some squatting and movement work to improve form, and exercises such as push presses to help improve your timing and balance.

 Intermediate: If you have been working on Olympic Lifting for some time and you have developed your form and seen improvement, you might want to increase your training sessions. In this case, you can increase to 3 to 5 days a week for longer sessions. However, some people find it more helpful to train more days a week (6-7) for much shorter sessions. It is all about discovering what works best for you.

 Advanced: If you are looking to increase your lifting strength seriously or are looking to compete competitively, you will need to train around 5 to 6 days a week for at least an hour at a time. If you are training at this level, you must be monitoring your body and its responses, allowing for adequate rest and recovery. It is also recommended that you perform other light exercises to ensure that you are building strength and overall cardio fitness, without overstraining certain areas of your body.

 Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a pro at Olympic Lifting, then you should be doing our Olympic Lifting Course. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

 

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Why Should HIIT Workouts Be A Regular Part Of Your Fitness Routine? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-should-hiit-workouts-be-a-regular-part-of-your-fitness-routine/ Thu, 29 Oct 2020 05:05:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20846 The term ‘high-intensity interval training’ (HIIT) describes any workout which alternates between intensive bursts of activity in addition to fixed periods of less-intense activity or even complete rest. The cardio as well as power exercises are constantly performed non-stop. That type of training is an interval owing to the rotation of the exercises. Continuous exercising...

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The term ‘high-intensity interval training’ (HIIT) describes any workout which alternates between intensive bursts of activity in addition to fixed periods of less-intense activity or even complete rest. The cardio as well as power exercises are constantly performed non-stop. That type of training is an interval owing to the rotation of the exercises. Continuous exercising makes it extremely intense.

Beginners are able to take a short break between circuits which should be no more than between 10 and 20 seconds. For instance, a good beginner workout is running as fast as you are able to for one minute and then walking for an additional two minutes. Repeat that three-minute interval five times for a 15-minute, fat-burning workout. It may sound too simple in order to be effective however science suggests the workout style is worthwhile.

What Is The Science Behind HIIT?

HIIT workouts move your body from periods of aerobic activity to cycles of anaerobic activity:

  • When your body is experiencing “aerobic mode,” your body is utilising oxygen.
  • When your body is experiencing “anaerobic mode,” your body is using its stored energy instead of oxygen.

The theory underlying why the shift from aerobic to anaerobic mode works well is that HIIT is responsible for training your body to process oxygen more effectively. After a HIIT workout, your body continues to burn calories owing to an increased resting metabolism. This higher increased resting metabolic rate can help with weight loss and build stronger muscles with less time spent at the gym.

What Are The Benefits Of HIIT?

Not only do you burn more calories in a HIIT workout – as opposed to – steady-state cardio however the effect of all that intensive exertion kicks your body’s repair cycle into hyperdrive. This means that you will have the ability to burn more fat as well as calories in the 24 hours after a HIIT routine as opposed to what you would do after, for instance, a steady-pace run. So if you’re looking to get out of a morning jog with your roommate, just tell them all about this benefit of HIIT!

Most people aren’t used to pushing into the anaerobic zone (that lovely place where you can’t breathe and you feel like your heart is trying to jump out of your chest). But in this case, extreme training produces extreme results. One 2006 study found that after eight weeks of doing HIIT workouts, subjects could bicycle twice as long as they could before the study while maintaining the same pace.

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There are loads of benefits to HIIT workouts, which we haven’t listed in this article. There’s another form of exercise – called functional training – which will kick your workout routine into overdrive. Discover all that there is to find out about HIIT and Functional Training with our HIIT and Functional Trainer Course. Follow this link to read more.

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How To Exercise Your Mind And Body? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-exercise-your-mind-and-body-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Wed, 28 Oct 2020 05:00:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20807 Exercise is an activity which requires physical effort. It generally makes your muscles work in addition to requiring your body to burn calories. Exercise may also be carried out with an emphasis on sustaining or improving health and fitness. Alternatively, exercise may be used as a means of physical rehabilitation. You may even exercise without...

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Exercise is an activity which requires physical effort. It generally makes your muscles work in addition to requiring your body to burn calories. Exercise may also be carried out with an emphasis on sustaining or improving health and fitness. Alternatively, exercise may be used as a means of physical rehabilitation. You may even exercise without even knowing it. When you walk and household chores are classic examples.

There are lots of other types of exercise, such as running and hiking, to social activities such as dancing and golf, right through to organised team sports like netball and hockey. We all know that there are benefits to regular physical exercise – otherwise, we might just sit on the couch all the time!

The more commonly known benefits of exercise normally revolve around weight management as well as toning up. Along with what you eat, exercise is a vital component of increasing metabolism and losing weight. However, there are many more advantages to exercising than just helping us to slim down.

What Are The Mental Health Advantages Of Exercise?

Exercise is not merely about aerobic capacity as well as muscle size. Sure, exercise can:

  • Improve your physical health as well as your physique,
  • Trim your waistline, in addition to
  • Even adding years to your life.

However, that’s not what motivates most people to stay active.

People who take part in exercise regularly tend to do so as it gives them an enormous sense of well-being. They have increased feelings of energy during the day, sleep better at night, have sharper memories as well as feel more relaxed and optimistic about themselves and their lives. And it’s also a potent medicine for many common mental health challenges.

Regular exercise can have a deeply positive impact on depression, anxiety in addition to ADHD. It also relieves stress, enhances memory, assists you with sleeping better, and boosts your overall mood.

The great news is that it’s not necessary for you to be a fitness fanatic in order to reap the benefits. Research indicates that modest amounts of exercise may make a real difference. No matter what your age or fitness level are, you can learn to utilise exercise as a formidable tool to deal with mental health problems, improve your energy and outlook as well as get more out of life.

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Top 3 Exercises For Body And Mind

Here are our top three exercises to give you all the physical as well as mental benefits that regular physical exercise has to offer.

  1. Bushwalking

Body

Bushwalking firms as well as tones the major muscle groups in your thighs, calves and buttocks. The hills and uneven terrain add intensity which hastens kilojoule- and fat burning.

Mind

Spending time in bushlands and national parks – surrounded by trees, water, sunshine and bird life  -can all have a calming effect so assisting with easing stress.

  1. Stand Up Paddling

Body

The paddling motion functions to strengthen the upper body muscles. This is especially good at targeting the core muscles.

Mind

The regular swapping of paddling sides diminishes the physical intensity. This makes it a more relaxing workout. If you are on a lake or the ocean, take in the scenery and feel your anxieties melt away.

  1. Swimming

Body

Swimming improves cardiovascular fitness as well as all-over muscle tone without an impact on the joints. Include fast laps and intervals in order to maximise fat burning.

Mind

The rhythmic movement, as well as focus on breathing, may be quite hypnotic so assisting to drown out stressful thoughts. Exercising in water could also trigger a unique feeling of refreshment and vitality after you’ve finished.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn further information about the benefits that yoga – which is a mind body exercise – has for you then you need to do our Yoga Certification Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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What Is The Best Post-Partum Fitness Routine For New Moms? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-best-post-partum-fitness-routine-for-new-moms/ Tue, 27 Oct 2020 05:05:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20778 Getting yourself back into shape, after you have a baby, and restarting your fitness routine is not as difficult as you may think. Research shows that beginning a regular exercise programme soon after you give birth is not only good for your overall health but may also assist with reducing the risk of postpartum depression....

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Getting yourself back into shape, after you have a baby, and restarting your fitness routine is not as difficult as you may think. Research shows that beginning a regular exercise programme soon after you give birth is not only good for your overall health but may also assist with reducing the risk of postpartum depression.

Every pregnancy and delivery are different, so check with your doctor before engaging in any workout program after giving birth. If you experience any heavy bleeding, excessive soreness, headaches, or other unusual symptoms during or right after exercising, stop immediately and call your doctor for advice.

To get back into a postpartum fitness routine, new mothers should always be realistic as well as patient. It took approximately 40 weeks in order to form the pregnant body so it could take nearly as long to return fully to your pre-pregnancy self.  No matter if your labour is quick, long, or surgical, the body undergoes a huge transformation to expel a baby.

Postpartum fitness routines will likely be an entirely different ball game than what you anticipated. Even the best-intentioned new moms may find that their fitness takes a backseat when they have a new little one in the house.

Walking

Walking may not conjure up visions a fitness regime however it is one of the simplest ways for you to ease into a fitness routine after you give birth.

Start with a simple stroll. Ultimately you’ll work your way up to a pumped-up power walk however a gentle walk can nonetheless do wonders for you and your body, especially in the early stages. Taking baby along in a front pack will add extra weight which can assist with increasing the benefits.

For a change, try walking backward or walking in a zigzag pattern in order to help keep your muscles guessing. You should not incorporate baby in this activity until you’ve mastered it and you are confident of your balance.

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Deep Belly Breathing With Abdominal Contraction

This exercise is so easy that you can do it an hour after giving birth. It assists with relaxing muscles. In addition, it starts the process of strengthening as well as toning your abs and belly.

Sit upright and then breathe deeply. Draw air from the diaphragm upward. Contract and then hold your abs tight while inhaling. Relax while exhaling. Slowly increase the amount of time you can contract as well as hold your abs.

Kneeling Pelvic Tilts

This exercise assists with toning your tummy. Strengthening your abs can also alleviate back pain.

Begin on all fours Your toes must be touching the floor behind you with your arms straight down from your shoulder line. Your palms must touch the floor. Your back needs to be relaxed and straight, not curved or arched. As you breathe in deeply, pull your buttocks forward. Tilt your pelvis and rotate your pubic bone upward. Hold for a count of three breaths and then release.

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If you want to develop other exercise routines such as this one then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What Are The Most Efficient Quad Exercises? Learn more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-most-efficient-quad-exercises-learn-more-in-this-article/ Tue, 27 Oct 2020 05:00:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20775 If you ask serious athletes about which one of the various muscle groups looks the most impressive on the body, there’s a fairly good chance that they tell you the quadriceps or quads, for short. Only a handful of muscles exemplify power as well as strength over and above a pair of thick, strong quads...

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If you ask serious athletes about which one of the various muscle groups looks the most impressive on the body, there’s a fairly good chance that they tell you the quadriceps or quads, for short. Only a handful of muscles exemplify power as well as strength over and above a pair of thick, strong quads which peak through a pair of shorts or pants. In addition, big legs often help you hit a big one-rep max.

Whether you’re a recreational weight-lifter, strength athlete, or play a sport, strong quads are essential for performance in addition to healthy movement. Building strong quads isn’t a complex process, but it takes adequate time, programming, and planning. You also need to include the right quad exercises in your routine.

Why People Neglect Their Hamstrings

Now, when you have a look at the musculature of the legs, it’s plainly obvious as to why so many people concentrate on the quads and neglect the hamstrings:

  • They contribute a lot more to the general look of your legs and, being the larger muscle group, your quads respond faster as well as more noticeably to training.
  • While the quads are bigger, stronger as well a more visible than their smaller, backside counterparts, ignoring the latter is huge mistake.

Having underdeveloped hamstrings causes a number of things to happen:

  • It creates an imbalance which is particularly noticeable from the side as well as the back.
  • It makes achieving adequate depth in the squat much more challenging.
  • It ups the risk of hamstring and knee injuries.

This means that in addition to your quad exercises, you need to include a good number of hamstring exercises when it comes to leg day.

The Best-Of-The-Best In Terms Of Quad Exercises

Back Squat

The squat is a movement pattern which we engage on a daily basis, such as:

  • When we squat down in order to pick something up, or
  • Get into and out of a chair.

By doing the quat regularly, you’ll become more efficient at this essential movement. Also, the process of squatting with a barbell recruits muscles in your legs — mainly your quads but also your glutes, hamstrings – as well as those in your core and back.

Leg strength has a carryover to more athletic movements such as jumping and sprinting, which are two moves that your quads are directly involved in.

What Are the Benefits That You’ll Get From The Back Squat?

In addition to recruiting the glutes as well as the quads, the back squat also engages your abdominals. The result is that you’ll develop more powerful, explosive legs as you do this functional movement pattern while loaded with weight. As we’ve said before, squatting is something which you do every day, whether you realise it or not. So, practising the move will keep you efficient at doing this movement.

How To Perform The Back Squat

  • Get under a loaded barbell. Set it to about shoulder height in a squat rack, so that the bar is resting over your upper traps.
  • Put each of your hands on the barbell. Tuck your elbows in as well as under your body.
  • Lift the bar clean off of the rack and then walk backward a few steps.
  • Make sure that your feet are approximately shoulder-width apart, or slightly wider.
  • Press your feet into the ground and then actively drive your feet outwards (without actually turning your feet). You should be feeling it in your knees, quads, and glutes as they all fire at once.
  • Take a deep breath in and then expand your stomach to tighten your core. Squat down ’til the bottoms of your thighs are parallel with the ground. Now, drive through your heels in order to stand back up.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn about other incredible exercises such as this one then you need to become a personal trainer with us! Check out our Personal Training Diploma in order to find out how to become a word-class fitness professional.

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The Beginner’s Guide to Olympic Lifting. Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-beginners-guide-to-olympic-lifting-find-out-more/ Mon, 26 Oct 2020 05:05:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20754 If you are looking to build strength but are finding your regular HIIT training and bodyweight training a little repetitive, you might want to give Olympic Lifting a try. You might have seen videos on Instagram or people at the gym performing incredible moves that look amazing but seem too intimidating, but do not be...

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If you are looking to build strength but are finding your regular HIIT training and bodyweight training a little repetitive, you might want to give Olympic Lifting a try. You might have seen videos on Instagram or people at the gym performing incredible moves that look amazing but seem too intimidating, but do not be discouraged – as long as you go about it the right way, Olympic Lifting can be an incredible way to build muscle and increase your strength.

What Is Olympic Lifting?

Olympic Lifting is a form of weightlifting that stems from the lifting performed at the Olympic Games. Moves such as the Snatch and Clean-and-jerk are used to judge strength and form, with the main goal of this style of lifting being moving a very heavy weight off of the ground and above your head in a controlled manner. You might be thinking. I’m not an Olympic athlete, so why would I be doing this? In previous years Olympic Lifting has become more mainstream, with more people including these styles of lifts in their workout routines because of the many benefits!

What Are The Benefits?

Apart from the general benefits of building strength and muscle, Olympic Lifts have a few other added benefits. Due to the extreme weights used in Olympic Lifting these style of lifts are a full-body experience. You are engaging muscle groups all over your body as you perform as therefore, as well as building strength, you are engaging with your body and its movements, which will help you to improve balance, posture, and form.

What Should You Know Before You Start?

One thing that is very important to note before you jump right into Olympic Lifting is that these lifts are not something that you can just start doing. Due to the large amounts of weight you are required to shift, you need to know the exact techniques in order to perform these lifts correctly. It is recommended that you find someone with the knowhow to coach you and watch your form to make sure that you do not injure yourself. Start small and controlled and get to know the movements before you start using weights!

What Kind of Olympic Lifts Are There?

When you get started there are two moves that you will probably get to know quite well, the above mentioned Clean-and-Jerk and the Barbell Snatch.

The Clean-and-Jerk involves lifting a weighted barbell off of the ground, onto your shoulders, and then squatting briefly before standing up straight.

The Barbell Snatch involves raising a weighted barbell up off of the ground and up over your head in one fluid motion.

There are many benefits to Olympic Lifting, from improving muscle tone and strength, increasing speed and agility, and enhancing your balance and reaction times – do not be afraid to give it a try as something to add variety to your workout routine.

 Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Has this article inspired you to find out more about Olympic lifting? If it has, then you should really check out our Olympic Lifting Course. Follow this link to find out more.

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How To Get A Full Body Workout With Suspension Training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-get-a-full-body-workout-with-suspension-training/ Mon, 26 Oct 2020 05:00:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20731 If you haven’t tried suspension training before, it is a great way to add some more intensity into your workout and improve your balance. In regular workouts, you are often deliberately stabilising yourself in order to complete exercises. Still, with suspension training, you add elements of instability, such as suspension straps, to make your body...

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If you haven’t tried suspension training before, it is a great way to add some more intensity into your workout and improve your balance. In regular workouts, you are often deliberately stabilising yourself in order to complete exercises. Still, with suspension training, you add elements of instability, such as suspension straps, to make your body work harder. Here is how to get a full-body workout while utilising suspension training:

How Does Suspension Training Work?

Suspension training makes use of straps that are attached to gym machines or sturdy structures such as ceilings, walls, or door frames. By utilising these straps during your workouts, you are engaging more muscle groups throughout your body in order to maintain your balance. This helps to improve your core strength, balance, and stability – using your bodyweight as a counterbalance.

Suspension Training Exercises For The Whole Body

There are many different ways to utilise suspension straps, making the possibilities for working out with them almost endless. Here are a few exercises that you can do to start working out with them:

  1. Single-Leg Lunge

This is a simple exercise that will help to work your lower body as well as improving joint stability in your legs.

  • Stand facing away from the suspension trainer or strap (the handle/grip should be at upper thigh height). Bend your right knee back and slide your foot through the grip.
  • Bend your left knee until it reaches a 90-degree angle, pressing through your heel, and extend your right leg (as though you are performing a lunge) Then bring yourself back upright, drawing your right leg back towards your body.
  • Repeat 10 times on each side.
  1. Pushups

A simple twist on the classic pushup, the resistance of the straps in this exercise will work your upper body and core.

  • Position the grips at a height that is comfortable for you (depending on your strength, you may find it easier to start at chest height and move the grips towards the ground as you become stronger).
  • Standing behind the grips, hold them with both hands and move your arms out straight (depending on the height of the grips you may need to move your feet or extend your arms to create tension in the straps. You should be standing with your arms fully extended, leaning forward with your body in a straight line).
  • Slowly bend your elbows, while keeping your core engaged, and lower your chest towards the grips until your elbows are sitting at a 90-degree angle. Then press against the grips to return to start position.
  • Repeat 8 to 10 times.

  1. Bridge

This exercise will engage your core and work your glutes and hamstrings.

  • Start with the grips positioned at about knee height or a little lower (test what feels right for you).
  • Lie on your back, on a mat below the straps, and rest your arms at your sides. Slide each foot into the handles using the grips as a platform for your heels to utilise as you move – your knees should form a 90-degree angle in this position for this exercise to be successful.
  • Keep your knees bent (and your feet locked in place) and raise your hips towards the ceiling (keeping your core and glutes engaged) until you form a straight line from your knees to your shoulders. Lower your hips back down to the ground carefully.
  • Repeat 10 to 15 times.

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Keen on learning more about suspension training? If so, you need to do our Suspension Training Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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3 Foam Rolling Exercises To Relieve Tightness And Pain https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/3-foam-rolling-exercises-to-relieve-tightness-and-pain/ Sun, 25 Oct 2020 05:00:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20676 Foam rolling is the best and the easiest way to release muscle tension, improve recovery post-workout, and it’s fun! If you have been feeling a little tight and tense lately, there is no better way to help your muscles relax than by utilising the power of foam rollers. There are many different exercises that you...

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Foam rolling is the best and the easiest way to release muscle tension, improve recovery post-workout, and it’s fun! If you have been feeling a little tight and tense lately, there is no better way to help your muscles relax than by utilising the power of foam rollers. There are many different exercises that you can do with the foam roller to help to relax different parts of your body. Here are 3 of our favourite exercises to release tightness and pain:

Exercises to release tightness and pain

  1. Upper Back Stretch

This stretch is a great one to help to relieve tension in your upper back and can also assist with improving your posture and aligning your spine.

  • Lie on your back on your foam roller, with the roller resting along the length on your spine. Keep your legs bend with your feet flat on the floor and spread your arms out wide with your palms face up.
  • Relax and breathe in this position for a minute.
  1. Lateral Stretch

This stretch will help you to relieve tension in your lats (the sides of your back under your underarms).

  • Lie on one side and lay across the roller with one arm stretched out towards the floor (The roller should be on the area below your upper arms). Bend the leg on the ground up for support and press the other into the floor firmly to keep yourself stable.
  • Slowly roll your body back and forth across the roller, starting at the armpit and down towards your waist. If you feel any particularly sensitive areas, try to focus on those.
  • Continue for 1 minute before swapping to the other side.

  1. Spinal Alignment Stretch

This exercise will help you to stretch your spine and release tightness in your back. It is great for improving posture – particularly if you spend a lot of time seated throughout the day.

  • Lie with the roller horizontal under your upper back (just below your shoulder blades) and bend your knees, pressing them into the floor for stability.
  • Place your hands behind your head, elbows out to the sides, and lean back slightly. Lift your hips slightly to allow the roller to move towards your shoulders.
  • Lower your hips again to let the roller move back to starting position. Repeat the rollback and for several times, focussing on particularly sensitive areas.

There are many different moves that you can try to release tension and pain in your body. Start with simple moves and do not overwork your muscles – but enjoy the benefits that come with taking care of your muscles and improving your posture.

 Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

There are so many pain-relief advantages to foam rolling. If you are super keen to learn about what these are, then you need to do our Foam Rolling Course. Find out more here.

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What Is The Best Way To Enhance Athletic Performance? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-best-way-to-enhance-athletic-performance/ Sat, 24 Oct 2020 05:05:48 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20654 When it comes to improving your athletic performance, you’re spoilt for choice – which can leave you with the feeling of being overwhelmed if you are looking for ways to boost your performance. There are options that you would even believe to be possible and the obvious, age-old methods that athletes have been using for...

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When it comes to improving your athletic performance, you’re spoilt for choice – which can leave you with the feeling of being overwhelmed if you are looking for ways to boost your performance. There are options that you would even believe to be possible and the obvious, age-old methods that athletes have been using for decades.

So, how do you choose a method that will meet your demands and give you exactly what you’re looking for?

We’ve made a list of a number of the best methods to up your training game in the simplest way possible.

5 Ways To Improve Your Performance

  1. Variety Is The Spice Of Life

Functional exercise offer variety to help you build strength without the risk of becoming bored by the workouts. The aim of this is to increase strength and response time to build both mental and physical power. This gives you the tools to react to a wide range of situations while also preventing muscle injury. Drills are a great way to stimulate the muscles and push them to adapt to non-specific movements. You can also change your training schedule so that you train different muscles on different days without the risk of reaching a plateau.

  1. Keep Track Of It All

There’s a lot of equipment available to monitor your progress; it’s all about finding the right fit. From a simple piece of paper to the latest wearable technology, there’s an option out there for everyone. By tracking your progress, you can find ways to move forward and push yourself further. Being able to see your progress will be able to motivate you to do more and give you the tools to fine-tune your workouts.

  1. Give Yourself Time To Recover

We don’t always realise this but giving your body time to recover is just as important as the exercise. The biggest reason being that it helps to prevent injury. Your body needs time to repair itself in order to get stronger and build up endurance. The urge to push through will arise, but you need to understand your body’s limits to prevent injury. You also need to use the time to rehydrate and restore your energy levels in preparation for the next workout. Stretching before and after exercising will help your muscles stay pliable and prevent the risk of injury or muscle stiffness. Post-exercise massages can also assist in draining lymphatic fluid and reduce pain and inflammation.

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  1. It’s A Mind Game

The mind is arguably the most powerful muscle in the body. It’s not technically a muscle, but it can contribute a great deal to your performance. Your mental stamina will drive you to excel – the ability to make quick decisions will help a great deal in the middle of a competition or match.

The bottom line is that whatever you’re doing, be dedicated to the cause. You need to have the will power as well as the drive to push yourself further – it’s as simple as that.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you really want to supercharge your athletic performance, then you need a personal trainer. Better yet, why not get the knowledge that a personal trainer has with our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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Why It Is Vital That You Are Consistent With Your Fitness Routine https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-it-is-vital-that-you-are-consistent-with-your-fitness-routine/ Wed, 21 Oct 2020 05:05:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20600 Consistency is perhaps the most important component when working in order to accomplish your fitness goals, in or out of the gym. Without consistency, workout programmes are unorganised and your body has a harder time adapting. In addition, forming habits may be more challenging. Dedicating time and effort to a fitness regimen involves mapping out...

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Consistency is perhaps the most important component when working in order to accomplish your fitness goals, in or out of the gym. Without consistency, workout programmes are unorganised and your body has a harder time adapting. In addition, forming habits may be more challenging.

Dedicating time and effort to a fitness regimen involves mapping out a plan for an activity or a series of activities which can be done with consistency. For some individuals, it is common to become energised about working out and then jump right in. In these instances, unless there is a long-term plan in place – or some thought has gone into the way in which the fitness activity will be sustained – there is often a drop-off in enthusiasm, which results in inconsistency.

A well-thought-out fitness plan will go a long way towards helping you to reach your fitness goals. In order to achieve consistency, you will want to think about the types of exercise that you are able to do on a frequent basis. You will want to exercise – at the absolute minimum – three to four times per week to achieve the best results. Getting a gym membership, buying home exercise equipment, investing in exercise apps or buying a bicycle may be some of the things you would like or require to work out with consistency.

Find Your Fitness Motivation

Finding your motivation to exercise is absolutely essential in making sure that you stick to your exercise routine. Most individuals are able to imprecisely describe why they want to work out (to lose weight, to help prevent heart disease, to look great in clothing), but seldom do people take the time to actually dig deeper into discover why exercise is essential to them.

Take the time in order to find out what your particular motivation is for working out. Write it in bold capital letters on a piece of paper and then think about it every day. Leave a sign on your fridge, put reminders on your phone, have a sticky note on your bathroom mirror. Ensure it is very specific and compelling enough to actually motivate you.

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Consistency Is The Key To Achieving Your Fitness Goals

Whatever your fitness goals may be, they require a consistent level of training in order for you to reach them. One method of ensuring consistency within the scope of your fitness goals is to build a programme. This is because programmes make it so much easier to stay on track as you won’t have to think very hard regarding what you’re going to do at the gym as it’s already written out.

Most workout programmes are designed to be followed for a set amount of time, which is typically about four weeks. Dependent on the desired goal is, the programme will have a different focus—hypertrophy, endurance or strength. Each day is designed with the fitness goal in mind, while ensuring that you are training in a way which minimises imbalances within the body. If you aren’t following the programme consistently, the chance of it working is significantly lessened.

Theoretically, if you have an exercise programme, and you don’t follow it, your body will not have the ability in order to adapt to the programme as there isn’t the chance for progressive overload. This is when the amount of stress on your body is gradually increased over time, which leads to increased strength and performance.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Consistency is one of the fundamental building blocks of a great exercise programme. If you want to learn how to create exercise programmes for others then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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How Exercise Can Help With Osteoporosis? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-exercise-can-help-with-osteoporosis-find-out-more/ Wed, 21 Oct 2020 05:00:55 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20596 A person suffers from osteoporosis when they lose calcium and other minerals from their bones. This makes the bones susceptible to fracturing (in other words breaking). Around half of all women, as well as one-third of men over 60 years of age, suffer from osteoporosis. Women are more likely to have osteoporosis owing to the...

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A person suffers from osteoporosis when they lose calcium and other minerals from their bones. This makes the bones susceptible to fracturing (in other words breaking). Around half of all women, as well as one-third of men over 60 years of age, suffer from osteoporosis. Women are more likely to have osteoporosis owing to the hormonal changes of menopause which make bone loss worse.

A nutritious diet – inclusive of calcium-rich foods as well as regular exercise throughout a person’s life  (including during childhood and adolescence) – will assist with reducing the risk of osteoporosis in later years. People with existing osteoporosis are also able to benefit from exercise. This is because a sedentary lifestyle (in other words, one with little exercise) encourages the loss of bone mass. Exercising regularly can lessen the rate of bone loss.

The Benefits Of Exercise For Osteoporosis

It’s never too late to begin exercising. For postmenopausal women, regular physical exercise can:

  • Improve your muscle strength
  • Enhance your balance
  • Lessen your risk of bone fracture
  • Preserve or improve your posture
  • Help to alleviate or decrease pain

Exercising, if you suffer from osteoporosis, means finding the safest and most enjoyable activities for you given your overall health as well as amount of bone loss. There’s no one-size-fits-all prescription.

Consult your physician before starting any exercise programme. You might need some tests first, which include:

  • Bone density measurement, as well as
  • Fitness

In the interim, think about what kind of physical activities that you enjoy most. If you choose an exercise you enjoy, you’re more likely to stick with it over a longer period of time.

Exercises To Strengthen Your Bones

Although most types of exercise are good for you, not all types of physical activity are good for promoting healthy bones. For instance, weight-bearing exercises can build healthy bones. These exercises include challenging your muscle strength against gravity and then putting pressure on your bones. As a consequence, your bones will signal your body that it needs to produce added tissue in order to develop stronger bones. Exercises such as walking or swimming are useful for your lung and heart health but won’t necessarily assist you in strengthening your bones.

Here are some examples of exercises which could help you if you suffer from osteoporosis.

Bicep Curls

You can do bicep curls with either dumbbell that weigh between ½ a kilo to 2.5 kilograms or a resistance band. These exercises may be performed seated or standing, depending on what you find most comfortable:

  • Take a dumbbell in each of your hands. Alternatively, step on a resistance band while holding an end in each of your hands.
  • Pull the bands or weights in towards your chest while watching the bicep muscles on the front of your upper arms contract.
  • Lower your arms in order to return to your starting position.
  • Repeat between eight and 12 times. Rest and then repeat for another set, if you can.

Shoulder Lifts

You’ll also require weights or a resistance band in order to perform shoulder lifts. You can do this shoulder exercise from a standing or seated position:

  • Take hold of a dumbbell in each of your hands. Alternatively, step on a resistance band while holding an end in each of your hands.
  • Begin with your arms down as well as hands at your sides.
  • Slowly lift your arms out straight in front of you however don’t lock your elbow.
  • Lift to a comfortable height however no higher than shoulder level.
  • Repeat between eight and 12 times. Rest and then repeat for another set, if possible.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Exercise has so many superb benefits for your health. If you want to learn about these then you should definitely become a personal trainer with us! Check out our Personal Training Diploma for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

 

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What Exercises Can Help With Fibromyalgia? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-exercises-can-help-with-fibromyalgia/ Tue, 20 Oct 2020 05:05:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20587 Fibromyalgia is a disease which causes chronic body pain. The never-ending muscle and tissue tenderness may also lead to sleep problems. Shooting pain, that may be quite severe, originate from parts of a sufferer’s body that are known as “tender points”. The painful areas may include your: neck back elbows knees Although fibromyalgia may make...

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Fibromyalgia is a disease which causes chronic body pain. The never-ending muscle and tissue tenderness may also lead to sleep problems. Shooting pain, that may be quite severe, originate from parts of a sufferer’s body that are known as “tender points”. The painful areas may include your:

  • neck
  • back
  • elbows
  • knees

Although fibromyalgia may make exercise difficult, it’s vital to be as active as you can. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, regular exercise is one of the most useful treatments for fibromyalgia.

What Exercises Should Be Avoided With Fibromyalgia?

Exercise-related pain is very common with fibromyalgia. It’s not about exercising intensely (which causes significant pain). It’s about exercising appropriately in order to help with improving symptoms.

Exercising intensely (overexertion) leads to the problems that people experience post-exercise, which are called “post-exertional malaise”. This occurs as people with fibromyalgia do not have the energy to condition as others do who can handle the increase in exercise as well as conditioning.

Rather, if the exercise uses more than the limited amount of energy that their body can make, their systems crash. In addition, they will feel like they were hit by a truck for a few days after. Owing to this fact, the key is to find an amount of walking – or any other low-intensity exercises – which you can do and where you feel “good tired” afterwards and even better the next day.

Rather than ramping up in the length or intensity of your workouts, stick with the same amount while working in order to increase energy production. The key to optimal pain relief for people who suffer from fibromyalgia is being consistent with physical activity.

Fibromyalgia-Friendly Exercises

Research has repeatedly demonstrated that regular aerobic exercise improves pain, function as well as overall quality of life in people with fibromyalgia. Many physicians recommend gentle aerobic exercise as the primary treatment protocol for fibromyalgia – this is before any kind of medication is considered. Even if your doctor recommends medication for your condition, it’s incredibly important to be active. If it’s too sore, or you’re too tired to exercise, you can start with walking, moving around in a swimming pool, or other gentle activities. If you do this often, you can build up your strength as well as endurance over time.

Walking

Begin with a short, easy walk and then build up to walking for longer periods of time or ramp up your pace. A good goal is to work up to at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity three times per week.

Stretching

You don’t need to break out into a sweat in order for exercise to be helpful. For instance, try:

  • Quiet stretching
  • Relaxation exercises
  • Keeping a good posture

You need to be wary about overdoing it. The best thing to do is to stretch stiff muscles after you’ve done some light aerobic exercise in order to warm up. This will assist you with avoiding injury. Here are several other hints for healthy stretching:

  • Move softly
  • Never stretch until you feel pain
  • Hold light stretches for up to one minute to get the best benefit.

Most importantly, find exercises which you love, that don’t stress you out and which you look forward to doing most days. This is because when it comes to healing and feeling better, consistency is key.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Exercise can help with improving the lives of people with chronic ailments. If you would like to discover more about the benefits of exercise then you need to become a personal trainer. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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What Are Functional Exercises? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-functional-exercises-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Tue, 20 Oct 2020 05:00:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20582 Functional training has been utilised as a buzz term for many years now. The idea behind functional exercises is that each exercise should become more natural and carry over into your everyday life. For instance, improving your squats could help you get up and down from a chair. Lunges would make climbing up stairs easier....

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Functional training has been utilised as a buzz term for many years now. The idea behind functional exercises is that each exercise should become more natural and carry over into your everyday life. For instance, improving your squats could help you get up and down from a chair. Lunges would make climbing up stairs easier. Functional exercises have a tendency to activate more muscles and – as a result – consume more energy. These multidimensional exercises also tend to enhance your natural movement skills and improve your general mobility.

Functional exercises require free weights and not machines. Weight machines require you to move in a very specific as well as rigid way. That doesn’t simulate how your body actually moves in real life. For instance, think of the leg extension machine. You will never just use your quads. They are going to work with the glutes, hamstrings as well as the core. Instead, doing a functional movement like a squat is much more efficient from a strength-training perspective. In addition, this also allows you to train the muscles to work together seamlessly as these never really function alone.

Functional Exercises To Add To Your Workout

Medicine Ball Squats With Overhead Lift

  • Stand up tall and have your feet hip-distance apart. Hold a light medicine ball in front of you with both of your hands.
  • Squat down while moving your bum back. Keep your knees over your ankles and then lower the medicine ball to the floor. While performing this movement, keep your head up and back straight. In other words, don’t hunch.
  • Return to your starting position. Lift the medicine ball over your head.
  • Repeat the squat and then lower ball to the ground.
  • Perform three sets of 10 reps. Use a heavier ball as you get stronger.

Stair Climb With Bicep Curl

  • Stand up straight at the bottom of a flight of stairs, holding a 2- to 3-kilogram dumbbell in each hand.
  • Climb the stairs while doing bicep curls.
  • Walk or run down the stairs while you are holding the weights, however, don’t do curls.
  • Repeat between five and 10 times.
  • Increase the weights of the dumbbells as your arms get stronger. Mix up your climbs by taking two steps at a time for a flight or two.

Isolation Exercises Have Their Place

Isolation exercises have a purpose. If you consult a personal trainer with an acute injury, and they needed to help you to strengthen a particular muscle group, the fitness professional might have them isolate that muscle group. However, wouldn’t be their primary area of focus.

Most people’s workouts—if you’re working out to be in shape and improve overall health—should consist mainly of compound and functional movements, with isolation exercises peppered in as needed to address a weakness or improve stability in a certain joint (like your shoulders).

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’re super excited about functional training and want to learn more about what it has to offer then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information about this flagship fitness course, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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A HIIT Workout for Walkers. Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/a-hiit-workout-for-walkers-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Mon, 19 Oct 2020 05:05:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20573 If you think about HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts, you might not think about walking. In fact, walking might be the farthest thing from your mind, when you consider how most HIIT workouts involve moves like burpees, pushups, jump squats, and sprints. However, the idea of a HIIT workout is not based on the moves...

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If you think about HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts, you might not think about walking. In fact, walking might be the farthest thing from your mind, when you consider how most HIIT workouts involve moves like burpees, pushups, jump squats, and sprints. However, the idea of a HIIT workout is not based on the moves that you do but the way in which your workout is structured. As the name implies, HIIT involves short intervals of high-intensity movements and short recovery rest periods in between. Therefore, you can structure a walking workout that can provide some of the same benefits that more traditional HIIT workouts do.

Benefits of HIIT Workouts

The benefits of HIIT workouts is that they are considered to provide an efficient and high-intensity workout that helps you to burn a lot of calories and build strength in a short amount of time. Some champions of HIIT workouts also suggest that it may improve your health and fitness levels at much higher rates than other steady-state workouts.

Benefits of a Walking Workout

Walking is a low impact and easy workout for many people. Regardless of your fitness level, ability, or endurance, walking is a great cardiovascular activity that does not require a gym, equipment, or particular clothing. It is a phenomenal way to get moving and keep your general fitness levels up, even when in recovery from an injury. One thing to remember is that for a HIIT workout to be successful, you need to be performing the activity at maximum effort during the interval. Of course, this can be hard during a walking workout as we are all comfortable in our normal walking pace and maintaining a more intense pace can be difficult.

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A Walking Workout

There are many variations on a walking HIIT workout that you can do, depending on your endurance level and how intense you would like to make it. There are several levels of walk that you should move between for the workout:

  • Recovery walk: this is the level that you walk at in between higher intensity sessions. Keep this walk steady and consistent, but do not push yourself too hard.
  • Conversational pace walk: this is the level of walk where you should be able to hold a conversation, but still be moving at a decent speed.
  • Speed walk: this pace should be when you push yourself hard while walking. You might not be able to maintain a conversation and should be actively pushing yourself to move as much as possible.
  • Fast walk: this is the fastest pace that you can walk at. You will only need to hold this pace for short periods of time, but it should be at maximum intensity.

The program that you choose to follow may vary, but it should involve variation between the different kinds of walks mentioned above. Here are several examples of workouts that you could do:

  1. 10 minutes of conversational walk, 2 minutes recovery walk, 10 minutes conversational walk
  2. 3 minutes speed walk, 1-minute recovery walk (repeat six times)
  3. 1-minute fast walk, 1-minute conversational walk (repeat 10 times)
  4. 5 min conversational walk, 5 min speed walk, 4 min conversational, 4 min speed, 3 min conversational, 3 min speed, 2 min conversational, 2 min speed, 1 min conversational, 1 min speed

As you are able to see from the above, there are a lot of variations on walking HIIT workouts that you can try, depending on your fitness levels, time availability, and endurance. Whatever you elect to do, make sure to put maximum effort into the higher intensity intervals in order to get the most that you can out of every single workout.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover more about HIIT workouts, then you should really do our HIIT and Functional Trainer Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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A Guide to Using Battle Ropes in the Gym. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/a-guide-to-using-battle-ropes-in-the-gym/ Mon, 19 Oct 2020 05:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20568 Trying new equipment at the gym can always be intimidating, especially if that new equipment is two long ropes. If you haven’t jumped on the battle rope trend, don’t be afraid to give them a try at the gym. They might seem a little strange or hard to get the hang of, but they can...

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Trying new equipment at the gym can always be intimidating, especially if that new equipment is two long ropes. If you haven’t jumped on the battle rope trend, don’t be afraid to give them a try at the gym. They might seem a little strange or hard to get the hang of, but they can offer an amazing full-body high-intensity workout that is strength-building and simple to do. So, if you would like to get started with battle rope workouts in the gym, here are some of our tips:

The Benefits

First of all, let’s go over the benefits of battle ropes. They provide a full-body workout that focusses on your arms, chest, shoulders, and back. It is low impact, so it can help those who are in recovery from lower-body injuries. It is also a superb cardiovascular workout which can help you to burn a lot of calories in a short period of time. It is fantastic for improving your cardiovascular strength as well as your overall fitness and endurance.

Choosing the Right Ropes

Battle ropes come in different lengths, thickness, and material. Depending on the workout that you are trying to do, the space available, and your endurance level, you will want to choose a different rope. For beginners, you may want to pick a smaller rope and raise the thickness and heaviness as you improve. No matter what rope you pick, you will get a great workout.

Body Positioning

Battle rope workouts can be done in a variety of positions; standing, sitting, kneeling or lunging, or even from a plank position. You can also include dynamic movements such as squatting and jumping into your workouts to make them more challenging. Try to vary the movements and positions to add more variety.

Starting Strong

If you haven’t tried them before, battle ropes can be very intense. Make sure to stay calm and try not to stress too much as you begin the workout. Do not grip too tightly on the ropes and try not to tense your body too much because this can lead to you becoming exhausted really quickly or cause injury. Another thing to remember is your breathing. Try to match your rope movements to your breathing and control your breath, to maintain your endurance throughout the workout. Lastly, remember that battle ropes are a full-body workout and therefore, you need to focus on keeping your body strong and stable, remain conscious of your positioning and alignment. Keep your movements dynamic, avoid being too stiff, and move consciously.

Do not be afraid of the battle ropes in the gym. If you have not used them before, maybe try adding one or two exercises on them into your normal routine and see how you feel. They can be an incredible addition to your workout, helping you to build strength, burn fat, and improve your overall fitness.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about battle ropes then you need to do our Battle Ropes Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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A Guide to Battle Ropes. Read this article to find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/a-guide-to-battle-ropes-read-this-article-to-find-out-more/ Fri, 16 Oct 2020 05:05:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20560 Have you ever watched someone on your Instagram stories documenting their workout? You might have seen the must-have tool that people are gravitating towards for the ultimate cardio and muscle-sculpting working: the battle ropes. Battle rope training has become a popular workout move in recent years because of its many benefits. So, if you want...

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Have you ever watched someone on your Instagram stories documenting their workout? You might have seen the must-have tool that people are gravitating towards for the ultimate cardio and muscle-sculpting working: the battle ropes. Battle rope training has become a popular workout move in recent years because of its many benefits. So, if you want to get started with battle ropes here’s a guide to what they are, what their benefits are, and how to use them.

What Are They?

If you haven’t seen battle ropes before, they are large and heavy ropes that are anchored to a single point. For most workouts with them, you hold one in each hand and use dynamic movements to exercise different muscles and build strength.

What Are The Benefits?

The benefits of battle ropes are multiple! You can work many different muscle groups with various moves: mainly your chest, arms, and shoulders, but also your back as a secondary muscle group, as well as legs and core as you stabilise yourself. They are also a great option for those looking for an intense full-body workout that is low impact, giving you the experience of endurance running or other intense workouts without the same wear and tear. Battle ropes (while working your whole body) are a rare upper body-focused workout that improves cardiorespiratory fitness – which will help to improve your resting heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory endurance. Lastly, they’re fun! It’s a very different kind of workout for a lot of people and the excitement and challenge of something new can add a level of fun to your workout routine.

How To Get Started

The battle ropes might be intimidating to a beginner, and they are not for the fainthearted. Like all other workout techniques, it is important to focus on techniques, learn what you’re doing, and practice – do not go too hard too fast. The battle ropes look easy when you watch someone who knows what they’re doing. It’s just waving a rope around right? In fact, it is much more about technique and specific movements. Here are two basic moves to start off with:

  1. Battle Rope Waves

  • Standing with feet hip-width apart bend your knees slightly, and keep your back straight.
  • Holding a rope in each hand, engage your core, and alternately wave the ropes up and down. Try not to move your body as you do so, only your arms.
  • Try and keep going for at least 30 seconds, to begin with, and slowly work up to longer sessions.
  1. Battle Rope Slams

– Standing with feet hip-width apart bend your knees slightly, and keep your back straight.

  • Holding a rope in each hand, engage your core, and slam the ropes up and down simultaneously.
  • This is an intense move and should be dynamic; allow your body to move along with the movement. Again, try to go for 30 seconds at the start before building up to longer sessions.

 Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

 So many more moves and workouts can be performed with battle ropes, all of which can help to build muscle, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. If you want to learn how to use battle ropes for yourself then you need to do our Battle Ropes Course. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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A Chest Workout That Combines Burpees and Battle Ropes https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/a-chest-workout-that-combines-burpees-and-battle-ropes/ Fri, 16 Oct 2020 05:00:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20556 When you think about chest workouts, burpees might not be the first exercise that comes to mind, and if you are not already on the battle ropes train, you might not think of them either. However, this chest workout might open your mind up to different ways of working out and experimenting with new moves....

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When you think about chest workouts, burpees might not be the first exercise that comes to mind, and if you are not already on the battle ropes train, you might not think of them either. However, this chest workout might open your mind up to different ways of working out and experimenting with new moves.

Why Battle Ropes?

Battle ropes are notorious for a reason. Waving two ropes up and down seems like a simple enough workout, but those heavy ropes provide intense resistance, making them a brutal cardio workout for the entire body. While in other workouts, you may be working your chest, battle rope workouts make use of underused movements that help to work your muscles differently. They also help to build strength in the arms, shoulders, and back – thereby defining your entire upper body, not just your chest.

Why Burpees?

Burpees are a pretty common move, used in a variety of workout programmes, but you might be underestimating their usefulness for chest workouts. While it might seem like you are just jumping and then dropping down to the floor, you should not overlook the impact that lowering and raising yourself from the floor can have for your chest. If you maintain proper form throughout a burpee and control your descent and ascent, your chest muscles will thank you for it.

The Workout

This workout combines battle ropes and burpees for the ultimate chest strengthening exercise. It consists of standard burpees, battle rope chest flys, and battle rope jump slams.

Battle Rope Chest Fly:

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart, with knees bent, back straight, and core engaged.
  • Hold a rope in each hand, bend your arms slightly, and move them in and out horizontally (don’t allow your hands to cross in the middle).

Battle Rope Jump Slam:

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart, with knees bent, back straight, and core engaged.
  • Holding a rope in each hand, raise them and slam them to the ground while performing a controlled jump. Jump up as you raise the ropes and land as you slam them.

 The Workout:

The workout is done in 10 sets, with 1 minute of rest in between each set.

5 seconds battle rope chest flys

Five burpees

5 seconds battle rope chest flys

Five burpees

5 seconds battle rope chest flys

Five battle rope jump slams

This workout will work your chest and arms while proving a high-intensity cardio workout. By approaching a chest workout with a variety of moves, you can ensure that you build strength and uniformly define muscles.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Were you interested in this workout? Do you want to learn how to put together other workouts such as these? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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Why Combining Pilates And HIIT Training Is A Good Idea https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-combining-pilates-and-hiit-training-is-a-good-idea/ Thu, 15 Oct 2020 05:05:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20510 Pilates and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) are two very different exercise modalities. However, they are ones that complement each other well. HIIT is a popular form of exercise that concentrates on providing a cardiovascular workout. The high-intensity intervals are performed in short bursts and are alternated with low-intensity movements. Pilates, on the other hand, concentrates...

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Pilates and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) are two very different exercise modalities. However, they are ones that complement each other well. HIIT is a popular form of exercise that concentrates on providing a cardiovascular workout. The high-intensity intervals are performed in short bursts and are alternated with low-intensity movements. Pilates, on the other hand, concentrates on improving strength and flexibility. In addition, it is generally not counted as a cardiovascular form of exercise.

The fitness world is one which keeps evolving. One thing which many people are realising is the efficacy of combining different modes of exercise together. No longer does it makes sense to stick to only one form of exercise – unless you’re specialising in it. Not only do you restrict yourself but trying to separate everything into separate sessions takes up quite a bit of time. In this day and age, time is definitely money.

Why Pilates And HIIT Work Well Together

What makes interval training a great cross-training choice with Pilates is that interval training offers a great aerobic workout. It also does it quickly — in as little as 20 minutes. Interval training is one of the fastest methods of building aerobic capacity in addition to total endurance. Studies have demonstrated that interval training can be safe for many age groups and levels of fitness.

Pilates and HIIT complement and support each other in terms of their beneficial impact on the body. HIIT concentrates on large, global muscles while Pilates works on the core. So, when they are combined, they work on both large as well as small muscle groups. This ensures a total body focus.

As HIIT provides a quick and effective cardio workout, this is helpful for:

  • Burning tonnes of calories,
  • Slowing down ageing process, and
  • Increasing the metabolism.

How Does It Work?

The one pattern that Pilates instructors notice most among many clients is how many of them love Pilates but hate cardiovascular exercise. The problem with this is that they’d all be incredibly strong, flexible as well as aware of their body movements but they would all confess to not being able to run up the stairs.

The only way to fix this is to put some cardiovascular elements into your sessions. Surprisingly, there are ways to do so without too much complaining. This technique makes sure that you are strong enough from a musculoskeletal and cardiovascular sense. This means that HIIT Pilates makes perfect sense.

Here are a couple of moves to start you off in your Pilates HIIT workout.

Mountain Climbers

  • Start in a full plank. Exhale and pull your right knee in towards your hands.
  • Inhale and then extend the leg back into plank.
  • Repeat on alternating sides and climbing as quickly as you can.

Modification: Bring your knees into your chest at a slower pace or, alternatively, drop to a plank on your knees and then bring them into your chest gradually, one at a time.

Criss-Cross

  • Lie supine with your legs in tabletop and your hands behind the nape of your neck. Your elbows must be in a wide position.
  • Exhale and then lift your right shoulder off the mat and then bring it towards your left knee.
  • Inhale, return to your starting position, and alternate.

Modification: Keep your head, neck as well as shoulders on the mat. Only perform the exercise with your legs.

Wide High Knees

  • Stand up tall, with your feet wider than hip distance from each other.
  • Jump from one foot while you bring your opposite knee up as high as you can.
  • Then, jump with your other foot and then repeat.

Modification: Take out the jump and simply bring one knee up as high as possible while alternating legs.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

As you can see from this article, Pilates and HIIT are a match made in heaven. If you would like to discover the basics of Pilates then you need to do our Pilates Instructor Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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How Your Mental Health Benefits From Exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-your-mental-health-benefits-from-exercise/ Thu, 15 Oct 2020 05:00:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20506 Exercise is not only about aerobic capacity as well as muscle size. Exercise can definitely improve your physical health in addition to your physique, trim your waistline and even add years to your life. Most of us know about the specific physical benefits that exercise has to offer: Weight control, Lower blood pressure, as well...

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Exercise is not only about aerobic capacity as well as muscle size. Exercise can definitely improve your physical health in addition to your physique, trim your waistline and even add years to your life.

Most of us know about the specific physical benefits that exercise has to offer:

  • Weight control,
  • Lower blood pressure, as well as
  • Reduced risk of diabetes.

Individuals who exercise at regular intervals are more likely to do so as it gives them a huge sense of well-being. This is because they feel more energetic during the day, they sleep better at night and they have sharper memories. In addition, they feel more relaxed and positive about themselves as well as their lives. Exercise is also a powerful medicine for many common mental health challenges.

Exercise And Mental Health

From lessening the symptoms of depression and anxiety to making sure that your memory remains sharp, there’s no shortage to the mental benefits of exercise. In addition, regular exercise may have a very positive impact on depression, anxiety as well as ADHD.

Exercise also helps relieve stress, enhances memory, helps you to sleep better, and boosts your overall mood. The super news is that you don’t need to be a fitness fanatic in order to reap the rewards. Research shows that moderate amounts of exercise can really make a difference. No matter what your age or fitness level, you can learn to make use of exercise as an effective tool to deal with mental health challenges, improve your energy and outlook, as well as get more out of life.

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Assistance For Depression And Anxiety

Exercise is a scientifically proven method for boosting your mood, which decreases symptoms of both depression as well as anxiety. Physical activity lifts the endorphin levels, which are the body’s famous “feel good” chemicals that are produced by the brain and spinal cord. These endorphins produce feelings of happiness and euphoria. Even only moderate exercise throughout the week can improve depression and anxiety, so much so that some medical professionals recommend trying out an exercise routine for these conditions before turning to medication.

Exercise Helps To Improve Sleep

If you’re having a difficult time with being able to get a good night’s sleep, exercise can assist with that as well. Physical activity boosts the body temperature, which can have a soothing effect on the mind, which leads to you being able to fall asleep quicker.

Exercise also assists with regulating your circadian rhythm, which is our bodies’ built-in alarm clock that controls when we feel tired as well as when we feel alert. (Although enhanced sleep is a psychological benefit of exercise, sleep experts recommend that you don’t exercise close to bedtime.)

If you do not have time for 15 or 30 minutes of exercise, or if your body asks you to take a break after five or 10 minutes, for instance, that’s okay, too. Begin with 5- or 10-minute sessions and gradually increase your time. The more that you exercise, the more energy you’ll end up having. This means that eventually, you will feel ready for a little more. The key is to commit yourself to some moderate physical activity—however little—on most of the days of the week. As exercising becomes a habit, you can gradually add additional minutes or try different types of activities. If you keep exercising, the advantages of exercise will begin to pay off.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Exercise truly has a myriad of benefits for your physical and mental health. If you want to learn more then you should really study our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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Why Being Physically Active Can Help With Arthritis Symptoms https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-being-physically-active-can-help-with-arthritis-symptoms/ Wed, 14 Oct 2020 05:05:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20451 If you have arthritis, being physically active and participating in joint-friendly exercise can improve your arthritis pain, function, mood as well as quality of life. Joint-friendly exercises are low-impact which means that these put less stress on the body so reducing the risk of injury. Examples of joint-friendly exercises include walking, biking as well as...

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If you have arthritis, being physically active and participating in joint-friendly exercise can improve your arthritis pain, function, mood as well as quality of life. Joint-friendly exercises are low-impact which means that these put less stress on the body so reducing the risk of injury. Examples of joint-friendly exercises include walking, biking as well as swimming. Being active can also delay the onset of arthritis-related disability and help individuals with arthritis manage other chronic illnesses, for example, diabetes and heart disease as well as obesity.

Exercise is vitally important for people with arthritis. It improves strength and flexibility, decreases joint pain and helps with combatting fatigue. Certainly, when stiff and painful joints have already been getting you down, the thought of walking around the office or swimming a few lengths of the pool might seem like too much to contemplate.

Regular physical exercise can make sure that the muscles around affected joints are kept strong, bone loss is decreased and may assist with controlling joint swelling and pain. Regular activity replaces lubrication to the cartilage of the joint and lowers stiffness and pain. Exercise also assist with enhancing energy and stamina by reducing fatigue and enhancing sleep. Exercise can improve weight loss and promote long-term weight management in those with arthritis who are overweight.

Recommendations For Arthritis Sufferers To Stay Physically Active

The objectives of an exercise programme for individuals who suffer from arthritis are to:

  • Preserve or restore range of motion as well as flexibility around affected joints,
  • Increase muscle strength and endurance, and
  • Increase aerobic conditioning in order to improve mood and decrease health risks that are associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

How To Exercise Safely With Arthritis

Start Low And Go Slow

When starting or increasing exercise, start slowly and pay attention to how your body withstands it. People who are suffering from arthritis could take more time in order for their body to adapt to a new level of activity. If you are not currently active, start with a small amount of activity. Add activity a little at a time and allow sufficient time for your body to adapt to the new level before adding additional activity.

Modify Activity Should Arthritis Symptoms Increase

Your arthritis symptoms – such as pain, stiffness as well as fatigue – may come and go. You may have good days as well as bad days. Try to change your activity in order to stay as active as possible without creating a situation where your symptoms are worse.

Recognise Safe Places And Ways To Keep Active

Safety is vital in terms of starting as well as maintaining an exercise plan. If you are currently inactive – or you are not sure how to begin your own physical activity programme – a group exercise class may be a good option. If you plan and direct your own routine, find safe places in order for you to exercise.

Talk To A Health Professional Or A Personal Trainer

Your doctor is a great source of information about physical activity. Health-care professionals and personal trainers can answer your questions about how much and what types of activity match your abilities and health goals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Interested in developing exercise routines for people suffering from conditions such as arthritis? If you are, then you should become a personal trainer. For additional information on how you can do this, please follow this link.

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How To Exercise For Better Sleep? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-exercise-for-better-sleep-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Tue, 13 Oct 2020 05:05:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20430 Working out on a regular basis has so many positive benefits for your health. For example, it can reduce stress, boost alertness during the day as well as even improve your quality of sleep. There’s no one perfect exercise which will enhance your sleep as any type of movement is better than none. Morning workouts...

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Working out on a regular basis has so many positive benefits for your health. For example, it can reduce stress, boost alertness during the day as well as even improve your quality of sleep. There’s no one perfect exercise which will enhance your sleep as any type of movement is better than none.

Morning workouts are often the best choice for those who would like to stay consistent because getting exercises done at the crack of dawn will prevent you from pushing them away when you’re hit with the requirements of the day.

Exercising in the early hours has an additional bonus: deeper sleep at night. Actually, people who work out on a treadmill at 7:00am:

  • Sleep for longer periods of time,
  • Experience deeper sleep cycles, and
  • Spend 75% more time in the most restorative stages of slumber as opposed to those who exercise at later times that day.

In addition, if you exercise outdoors in the morning, you’re bound to get a daily dose of sunshine, which can assist with regulating your sleep/wake cycle.

The Advantages Of Working Out In The Afternoon

If an early morning gym appointment is not for you, you are in luck. Working out in the afternoon hours has benefits for both your performance as well as your shut-eye. As your body is one or two degrees warmer in the afternoon as opposed to when you first wake up, your muscles are able to work more efficiently so that you have a reduced risk of injury and will be more proficient at completing complex movements (such as swinging a tennis racquet or mastering those Zumba moves).

In addition, afternoon workouts — specifically aerobic ones — may even assist with overcoming insomnia, which will cause you to fall asleep quicker as well as wake up less frequently during the night. This may be because exercise increases your body’s temperature for about four to five hours. After that, your core temperature decreases, which signals your body to start shifting into sleep mode.

Aerobic Exercise For Better Sleep

Activities which get your heart rate up – such as running, brisk walking, cycling as well as swimming – have been demonstrated to improve sleep as well as keep insomnia at bay. Even small stretches, such as 10 minutes, may help. However, the goal is to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity (or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity) aerobic exercise every week.

Strength Training Assist With Deeper Sleep

Building muscle has been demonstrated to improve the quality of sleep. In addition, it can also help you fall asleep faster as well as wake up less frequently throughout the night.  So try doing exercises such as shoulder presses, bicep curls, tricep dips, squats, lunges, calf raises, sit-ups in addition to push-ups which will make you stronger.

Yoga

Yoga’s relaxing poses, stretches and the calming breathing exercises that accompany them may be especially helpful if stress is what’s preventing you from falling asleep. Those who suffer from insomnia and do yoga daily, for a period of eight weeks, are expected to fall asleep faster and boost the amount of time that they spend sleeping.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Exercises have loads more benefits than just helping you to sleep well. Find out what these are with our Personal Training Diploma. For more information about our premier fitness course, please follow this link.

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Can You Exercise When Suffering From A Cold? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-you-exercise-when-suffering-from-a-cold/ Tue, 13 Oct 2020 05:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20426 To exercise or not to exercise? For someone who is dealing with a common cold, that is often the question that goes through their minds on a loop. Although forcing your way through a run or a salsa class could make you feel fabulous on a normal day, it may not seem like the very...

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To exercise or not to exercise? For someone who is dealing with a common cold, that is often the question that goes through their minds on a loop. Although forcing your way through a run or a salsa class could make you feel fabulous on a normal day, it may not seem like the very best idea when you have a runny nose and a cough. The most essential thing is to stay flexible with your exercise routine.

Colds and other minor ailments are bound to throw you off your game at one point or another. Since you’re going to need to deal with your associated symptoms anyway, you should have a game plan in order to decide when it’s serious enough to pause your routine.

Mild to moderate physical activity is usually OK if you have a common cold and no fever. Exercise may even help you feel better by opening your nasal passages and temporarily relieving nasal congestion.

Is It Safe To Exercise With A Cold?

It’s typically safe to exercise if you have a cold as long as you listen to your body. You’ll have to watch out for some risky situations. Physical activity boosts your heart rate but so too can some cold medicines. This means that a combination of exercise and decongestants can result in your heart pumping very hard. As a result, you could become short of breath as well as having trouble breathing.

If you have asthma in addition to a cold, make sure that you speak with your doctor before you exercise as this activity may cause you to cough and wheeze more. In turn, this may make you short of breath. When your cold comes along with a fever, exercise may stress your body even more. So wait a few days in order to get back to your regular exercise programme.

In addition, be careful about working out too hard when you are suffering from a cold. This is because it could make you feel worse and slow down your recovery.

If Your Symptoms Are Concentrated Above the Neck

For symptoms which are isolated above your neck — think congestion, sore throat or the sneezing of a common cold — you may continue with light or moderate activity. Try take a non-drowsy decongestant which will help fight your symptoms. If your energy levels feel good enough, head to the gym. Just be careful of how intense your workout is.

Also, think about your fellow gym-goers. Make sure that you wash your hands, wipe down your equipment after using it, and cough or sneeze into your shoulder (opposed to your hand) in order to reduce the risk of spreading your germs to others.

If you begin to feel worse, hold down on your intensity a notch or end your workout early so that you don’t make your illness worse. When you feel better, get back to your normal routine gradually. Diving back into intense exercise — especially when you’re not feeling 100% — can actually suppress your immune system, which may slow your recovery.

If you decide to exercise with a cold, call your doctor if you notice:

  • Your chest is more congested.
  • You cough and wheeze.

Stop your activity and seek emergency medical help if you:

  • Feel chest tightness or pressure
  • Have trouble breathing or get very short of breath
  • Get lightheaded or dizzy
  • Have problems with balance

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Exercise has loads of benefits for your health and wellness. If you want to learn how to harness these then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

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Why Should You Have A Regular Exercise Plan In Place Before Menopause? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-should-you-have-a-regular-exercise-plan-in-place-before-menopause/ Mon, 12 Oct 2020 05:05:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20417 Before menopause, women have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease as opposed to men. However, the tables are turned after they’ve gone through the transition. Although the reason for this isn’t fully understood, a new study in offers one possibility: Hormonal changes decrease the ability for women to form tiny blood vessels in their muscles....

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Before menopause, women have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease as opposed to men. However, the tables are turned after they’ve gone through the transition. Although the reason for this isn’t fully understood, a new study in offers one possibility: Hormonal changes decrease the ability for women to form tiny blood vessels in their muscles. This increases the risk of cardiovascular conditions and particularly type 2 diabetes. Luckily, researchers suggest, this doesn’t have to be inevitable because having a regular exercise plan before menopause can assist.

The Study

Researchers examined two groups of women:

  • Twelve were between 59 and 70 years old, and
  • Five were between 21 to 28 years old.

Both groups had a muscle biopsy from the thigh before the study began. They then trained over an eight-week period utilising spin bikes at a moderate to high intensity.

The younger group, who had started exercising before they reached menopause, showed a rise in the number of capillaries—or small blood vessels—in skeletal muscle tissue at the end of the study period. This is as opposed to the older group did not. Capillaries, which assist sugar, as well as fat, absorb into the muscles for more effective usage as fuel, also have an impact on insulin resistance. That’s why having less of an ability to develop new ones may raise cardiovascular concerns.

What To Put On Your Exercise Plan

It is recommended that most healthy women do mild aerobic activity for a minimum period of 150 minutes weekly or vigorous aerobic activity for at least 75 minutes on a weekly basis. As well, strength training exercises are recommended at least twice a week. Feel free to spread your exercising across your entire week.

Think about your exercise options and their benefits:

Aerobic Activity

Aerobic activity can help you to shed excess kilograms as well as keep to a healthy weight. Try out fast walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or water aerobics. If you’re a newbie, begin with 10 minutes a day and slowly increase the intensity and duration.

Strength Training

Regular strength training can assist you with reducing body fat, strengthening your muscles and burning calories more efficiently. Attempt to weight machines, hand-held weights or resistance tubing. Select a weight or resistance level that is heavy enough to tire your muscles after approximately 12 repetitions. Slowly increase the weight or resistance level as you become stronger.

Stretching

Stretching can assist with improving flexibility. Put aside time to stretch after each exercise session, when your muscles are warm so that they are receptive to stretching.

Stability And Balance

Balance exercises enhance stability and can assist with preventing falls. Try straightforward exercises, for example standing on one leg while you’re brushing your teeth. Exercises such as tai chi also can be useful.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are interested in assisting women over 40 with putting together a great exercise routine, which totally fits their needs, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What Are The Benefits Of Strength Training For Women? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-strength-training-for-women/ Mon, 12 Oct 2020 05:00:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20414 As women, it can be challenging to find useful ways to lose weight. It gets to a point where all the dieting, aerobic exercises, and circuits just don’t seem to be doing the trick. There’s nothing more frustrating than feeling like you put in the work, yet don’t get the results you desire. Increasing as...

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As women, it can be challenging to find useful ways to lose weight. It gets to a point where all the dieting, aerobic exercises, and circuits just don’t seem to be doing the trick. There’s nothing more frustrating than feeling like you put in the work, yet don’t get the results you desire.

Increasing as well as maintaining sufficient muscle mass is one of the best ways for keeping body fat at bay as well as improving overall fitness, specifically as you get older. Strength training – such as lifting weights – is the best way of building muscle mass. However, the number of women who actually take part in any formal or consistent weight-training workout is extremely low. Women who exercise are often to be found spending most of their gym time on cardiovascular exercise.

If your workouts at the moment consist of high energy or yoga classes, but you haven’t seen the results which you’ve been aiming for, you should have a look at resistance training and weight training. You could have heard that weight training can make women appear bulky from building muscle, that it is unsafe or even muscle turning into fat if you stop. None of that is true. In fact it is recommended that – in order to stay healthy – adults should take part in two kinds of physical activity each week: aerobic exercise and strength training.

Strength Training Makes You Physically Stronger

Upping your strength will make you far less dependent on others for help in daily living. Chores will be easier. Lifting children, groceries, as well as laundry, will no longer be pushing you to the max. If your maximum strength is improved, daily tasks in addition to regular exercise will be far less fatiguing and far less likely to cause injury.

Strength Training Helps With Losing Fat

Implementing regular strength training in your exercise routine is one of the quickest ways to lose fat. On average, women store about 10% more body fat as opposed to men. Taking into account the fact that women were made to have babies, this makes sense. However, it can be challenging for women to find effective ways to lower their body fat index.

The average woman who strength-trains between two and three times a week for two months will gain nearly a kilogram of muscle and will lose 1.5 kilograms of fat. As your lean muscle increases, so does your resting metabolism. This enables you to burn increased numbers of calories during the day while you’re not doing anything.

Gain strength Without Bulking

In contrast to men, women usually don’t gain size from strength training. This is owing to levels of testosterone that women have as compared to men. Typically, young women have around 10% of the testosterone which men do. Owing of this, women will develop muscle tone and definition without the size.

Strength training not only sheds centimetres where you don’t want them. It also enables you to build in places where you do want these extra curves. Genetics aren’t the sole factor in your body’s appearance. It is possible for you to manage your appearance with regular resistance training. It can help you slim down, tone up as well as create curves in places that you’ve never had curves before.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about strength training then you need to become a personal trainer with our Personal Training Diploma. Alternatively, if you want to supercharge your knowledge, why not go for our Platinum Personal Training Package? Read more about it here.

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Can I Train With Kettlebells Every Day? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-i-train-with-kettlebells-every-day/ Thu, 08 Oct 2020 05:00:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20295 Kettlebells come in a number of different weights. It is possible to use them when you are doing lunges, squats, crunches in addition to other moves which work your core muscles. Exercising with kettlebells not only improves your core strength but these workouts also tone the 600 other muscles which are present in your arms,...

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Kettlebells come in a number of different weights. It is possible to use them when you are doing lunges, squats, crunches in addition to other moves which work your core muscles. Exercising with kettlebells not only improves your core strength but these workouts also tone the 600 other muscles which are present in your arms, legs, glutes, and back. It is the perfect workout for those having trouble fitting exercise in to their daily schedule

It is possible to utilise kettlebells every single day but it will be dependent on the intensity of the workouts, your present experience as well as how quickly you are able to recover from the workout. The kettlebell swing is one of the exercises that you may be able to perform on a daily basis.

What Are The Benefits Of Training With Kettlebells?

Improved Core Strength And Stability    

There are a number of incredible reasons why kettlebells are superb for improving core strength as well as stability.

A lot of kettlebell exercises are a kind of ballistic training. This type of training works on explosive power through the process of maximising acceleration and then minimising deceleration. These explosive movements stimulate the abdominal muscles very well.

Kettlebell exercises require core contraction and synchronised breathing as the movements are concentrated. This leads to significant improvement in core strength, even when you are not directly targeting your core as you would with crunches or leg raises.

Kettlebell movements are multiplanar. This means that you will be working your core from all directions. This is essential for building well-rounded core strength.

Some of the best kettlebell motions are offset and unilateral. This is because you will only be utilising one kettlebell. When you are moving the kettlebell around on one side, you will be working your core stability and strength – big time.

Enhanced Body Awareness And Coordination

Kettlebell movements are incredibly dynamic. You will be swinging these pieces of equipment around – above you, to your side, in between your legs as well as side to side.

This will necessitate that you are totally aware of your body. This focus and mind-to-muscle connection will develop so leading you to enhanced proprioception, in other words,  coordination and the sense of movement of your body and its parts.

This is very different than the conventional training with barbells or weight machines because the movements are linear as well as less dynamic.

It’s very important to build your sense of movement (aka proprioception or kinesthetics). This skill will carry over into enhancements in your fitness and life. It’s definitely a very important aspect of athleticism.

These are all incredibly important reasons why athletes train with kettlebells. Athletes require core power to:

  • Explode through opponents,
  • Quickly change or move in a number of different directions without risking injury (twisting, turning, accelerating or decelerating), and
  • Handle loads as well as pressure from one side while staying upright (think a running back suffering a hit on one side throughout a play).

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Kettlebell training offers a dynamic method of accomplishing these important physical capabilities. Want to learn more about kettlebell training? Have a look at what our Kettlebell Course has to offer.

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The Role Of Sports Psychology In Helping Athletes With Performance Anxiety https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-role-of-sports-psychology-in-helping-athletes-with-performance-anxiety/ Wed, 07 Oct 2020 05:05:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20282 The symptoms of performance anxiety can often be seen in athletes. While some athletes become “pumped up” throughout the competition, if you construe the rush of adrenaline as anxiety – and then negative thoughts take over – this can interfere with your ability to perform well during your meet. Performance anxiety in sports, which is...

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The symptoms of performance anxiety can often be seen in athletes. While some athletes become “pumped up” throughout the competition, if you construe the rush of adrenaline as anxiety – and then negative thoughts take over – this can interfere with your ability to perform well during your meet.

Performance anxiety in sports, which is sometimes referred to as “choking”, is described as a decrease in athletic performance due to too much-perceived stress. Perceived stress frequently increases in athletes on game day as:

  • They have an audience, and
  • They have very high expectations of their success.

This type of stress is often based on the way in which the athletes interpret the situation. It is seldom the external situation which causes stress, but instead the way in which the athlete’s self-talk explains the situation which creates feelings of stress, anxiety and fear.

What Is Sports Psychology?

The term ‘sport psychology’ refers to a division of psychology which is aimed at better getting the mind of an athlete ready for competition. Most of the sport psychologists work with athletes in order to help them beat anxiety about performance throughout competitions.

Anxiety before or during athletic competitions could affect with your achievements as an athlete. The synchronised movement required by athletic events becomes more and more difficult when your body is in a stressful state. While a particular level of awareness is helpful, and gets us ready for competition, when the physical indications of anxiety are too great, they may really hamper with your ability to compete.

Negative thought patterns as well as expectations of failure can bring about a self-fulfilling prediction. If there is a significant difference between how you fare during practice, and then how you do during competitions, anxiety could be affecting your performance.

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Pre-Event Solutions To Help With Performance Anxiety

The following are useful, pre-event strategies in order to reduce performance anxiety.

Recognise That Pre-Race Jitters Are Normal

Accept, as opposed to fight, the nervous energy which you are feeling. Don’t misunderstand it by thinking that it is fear. That adrenaline rush which you are feeling is normal. It is part of your body’s natural groundwork for the competition. Pay attention to it however don’t focus on it. Once the race starts, that feeling will abate as it always does.

Prepare Both Mentally As Well As Physically

Arrive at the event with a lot of time so you aren’t rushed. This only increases your stress. Get a thorough warm-up. Do some simple stretching. Know the course. Dress for conditions.

Visualise

In the days leading up to the event, allow a few minutes to practise visualisation. During this time, you mentally rehearse, demonstrating to yourself that you’re doing everything right. Breathe easy, close your eyes and then use mental imagery in order to visualise yourself doing well.

This positive self-talk can alter your attitude. While athletes need to be flexible enough in order to react to the event, you should enter the event with an overall strategy of how you would like to race. Your strategy can be straightforward as maintaining a steady pace or a steady heart rate. It can also be complex. Visualisation is also a great tool to play out different potential scenarios which may take place during the actual event or competition.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover additional information regarding helping athletes to overcome performance anxiety then you should become a sports psychologist with us and our Sports Psychology Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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What Are The Advantages Of Chair Exercises? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-advantages-of-chair-exercises/ Wed, 07 Oct 2020 05:00:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20288 Believe it or not, you can get an effective exercise workout from a chair. Whether this is from your office, the comfort of your own home or in a classroom format, chair exercises are a fantastic, low-impact way that you can incorporate movement into your routine. Most individuals can burn between 120 and 250 calories...

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Believe it or not, you can get an effective exercise workout from a chair. Whether this is from your office, the comfort of your own home or in a classroom format, chair exercises are a fantastic, low-impact way that you can incorporate movement into your routine.

Most individuals can burn between 120 and 250 calories in a 32-minute workout session. With weights or (alternatively) resistance bands, the calorie burn is even more. In addition, most adults should get between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate cardiovascular activity each week. They should be doing strength and flexibility exercises between two and three times a week.

Chair exercises can help you attain this goal. The great thing is that they’re also a tool which you can use in order to alleviate some cramps as well as aches. Busy parents who are struggling in order to find a balance can use chair exercises to get a quick workout in.

Chair exercises have the ability to:

  • Tone muscles,
  • Improve cardiovascular fitness, and
  • Burn calories.

Popular chair exercise programmes are aimed at populations who may not be able to exercise in more traditional ways.

How Can Chair Exercises Help To Improve Health?

Chair exercises offer an exceptional option for seniors – or those with limited ability – to participate in exercise at their own tempo as well as level of exertion. The idea is to begin slowly and then gradually build up the routine as needed.

Increased physical fitness can help with improving:

  • Muscle strength,
  • Coordination, as well as
  • Confidence.

A balanced workout is suggested, which means that it is a good idea to choose at least one exercise which targets each of the major muscle groups.

Muscle groups to concentrate on, include:

  • Legs,
  • Back,
  • Chest,
  • Core,
  • Triceps,
  • Biceps, and
  • Core

By concentrating on each muscle group, it assists with developing good balance and coordination for the entire body.

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Preparations Needed For Chair Exercises

These gentle seated exercises will help with improving your mobility, preventing falls and can even be done at home. Don’t worry if you’ve not done much for a while – these seated exercises are gentle and easy to follow.

For these exercises, select a solid, stable chair that doesn’t have wheels. You should have the ability to sit with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent at right angles. Avoid chairs with arms as these will hamper your movement.

Wear loose and comfortable clothing. In addition, keep some water handy. Build up slowly and then aim to increase the reps of each exercise gradually over time.

 

Chair Exercises Which You Can Do At Home Or At The Office

Leg lift and twist

This exercise works your quadriceps and abdominal muscles.

Sit up straight on the side of your chair with your knees bent. Stretch your right leg out straight with your foot on the floor. Have your arms crossed over your chest. Pull in your abdominal muscles and then rotate your torso to the right as you are lifting your right leg to be level with your left knee. Squeeze your knees together while exhaling. Return to your starting position while inhaling for 20 reps. Repeat the movement on the opposite side.

Seated Bicep Curl

Sit on the edge of a chair. Hold two dumbbells down at your sides and have your palms facing forward. Slowly lift up the dumbbells up just past your chest and then towards your shoulders. At the apex of the exercise, pause for a second in order to squeeze your bicep muscles. Slowly return to your starting position. Repeat for 12 reps.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are super keen to learn more about how exercises can be adapted to suit everyone’s needs then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus Fitness Academy- Personal Trainer

 

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Why Cardio and Strength Training Are Both Equally Important https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-cardio-and-strength-training-are-both-equally-important/ Mon, 05 Oct 2020 05:05:44 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20259 Attempting to find a workout routine which fits snugly into your already-packed schedule may be challenging. When confronted with this dilemma, many of us try to solve the problem by choosing either cardio or strength training. And not without precedent — even from inside the fitness world, you have individuals who swear by cardio and...

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Attempting to find a workout routine which fits snugly into your already-packed schedule may be challenging. When confronted with this dilemma, many of us try to solve the problem by choosing either cardio or strength training. And not without precedent — even from inside the fitness world, you have individuals who swear by cardio and those who absolutely adore pumping weights. The truth is that fitness is all about balance. You require a balanced diet as well as a balanced workout. This is why both types of training are important. In addition, the best workout programmes include a dose of strength in addition to a dose of cardio.

It’s easy to be attracted to one type of exercise as we find it fun or convenient. And then, when we feel like we’re suitably challenged, there’s no need to look beyond, right? Well, no. There’s a place for cardio and strength training in your workout routine.

When It’s Time For Cardio

The best way in order to evaluate if it’s time for a bit of slow, steady cardio work is when you’re feeling the notorious DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). In addition, your fitness watch can help you to programme your workouts and ensure you fully recover between hard cardio or strength sessions.

Learn the best way of listening to the signals that your body is giving you. Then, check what your fitness watch is suggesting. Then, alter the intensity of your workouts accordingly. There’s no point in leaping into a HIIT exercise session post-weights, or even the day after lifting, if your muscles are feeling sore as well as too fatigued. Instead, why not jump on your treadmill and maintain a pace which doesn’t get your heart rate into the orange-red zone (85-100% maximum intensity)?

Your fitness goals are paramount in determining the best time to perform cardio or strength, and the time-lapse between them is important.

What Strength Training Does For You

Most obviously, strength training makes you stronger. This means that you’re better able to lift weights. However, getting stronger also means building strength resources to do better in other sports. For example, strong legs to help you to run up hills. It also means you’ll be stronger in day-to-day life. Chores – such as carrying groceries or raking up leaves – will feel easier.

Our muscle mass reduces with age however the more muscle that you have to begin with, the better off you will be. There’s no such excuse as “too old” to train. Actually, the older you are the more critical it is.) Loss of muscle, which is called sarcopenia, contributes to the probability of falls and fractures. Exercise slows, and can possibly reverse that loss.

Strength training also assists with bone health and joint flexibility. People who perform strength training also tend to have better balance and may have an easier time controlling their weight.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To gain a thorough grounding in both strength and cardiovascular training, we strongly suggest that you do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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How To Become More Flexible? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-become-more-flexible/ Mon, 05 Oct 2020 05:00:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20255 Stretching might not be the most interesting part of working out and exercising, however, doing flexibility work is equally important for a well-rounded fitness routine as strength as well as cardio work. Including some stretching exercises into your exercise schedule will assist you with improving flexibility, reducing tightness and, eventually, make your workouts more efficient...

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Stretching might not be the most interesting part of working out and exercising, however, doing flexibility work is equally important for a well-rounded fitness routine as strength as well as cardio work. Including some stretching exercises into your exercise schedule will assist you with improving flexibility, reducing tightness and, eventually, make your workouts more efficient as well as safe.

Tight muscles may cause unnecessary strain on the neighbouring joints during normal day-to-day function, or they themselves can become injured. As we become older, our muscles become shorter and less elastic. Shortened muscles make it increasingly more difficult to move your joints through their full range of motion. This means that we need to take an active part in maintaining as well as improving the length of our muscles so we are able to continue to enjoy our abilities without pain.

The Benefits Of Being Flexible

Maintaining flexibility – which simply means how much and with how much ease you can move your joints—can assist with:

  • Improving your balance and stability,
  • Preventing aches and pains, and
  • Reducing your risk of injuries such as sprained ankles and pulled muscles.

As loss of flexibility often takes place gradually, you may not notice it until it’s significant. However, one common sign of decreased flexibility is stiffness. This may be particularly noticeable in the morning:

  • When changing position from sitting or lying down to standing, or
  • While doing movements such as reaching for a glass on a very high shelf or turning your neck to look over your shoulder.

You could also experience a rise in minor injuries, such as pulled muscles, or feel less steady overall.

Luckily, improving your flexibility and mobility isn’t difficult. It just takes a little bit of time. Try adding the stretches for flexibility to assist with relieving muscle tension and increasing mobility so that you are able to move through both the gym and life with increasing ease.

Stretches To Help You Become More Flexible

Standing Hamstring Stretch

Stand up tall and have your feet hip-width apart, your knees slightly bent and your arms by your sides. Exhale deeply as you bend forward at the hips. Lower your head towards the floor while keeping your head, neck and as well as shoulders relaxed.

Wrapping your arms across the backs of your legs, hold somewhere from 45 seconds to two minutes. Bend your knees and then roll up when you’re done. The standing hamstring stretch stretches your neck, back, glutes, hamstrings as well as calves.

Back Stretch

Sit in a high-backed chair with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder width apart. Bend over from your hips, attempting to bend as far forward as you can. As you do this, relax your neck and then slide your hands down your legs towards your ankles. Hold for at least half a minute. Straighten up to a sitting position. Repeat between three and five times.

Quad Stretch

Stretching your quads can assist with back pain, knee pain, all-round posture and not to mention improving your performance while working out. This stretch can be done while lying down or standing up, depending upon your preference as well as where you are.

Take hold of one of your ankles and bend your knee till you feel a stretch in the front of your thigh. Ensure you aren’t arching your back. It helps to hold your ab muscles in deliberately and push your hips forward as this will give you an additional hip flexor stretch as well. Maintain the stretch for between two and three seconds before releasing slightly and doing it again. Repeat between 10 and 12 times and then switch legs.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Keen on learning more about flexibility training? If you are then you need to become a  personal trainer with us! Follow this link to find out how you can do this.

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How To Use A Medicine Ball Correctly https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-use-a-medicine-ball-correctly/ Fri, 02 Oct 2020 05:05:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20249 Just like everything else, different kinds of gym equipment come into and out of fashion. However, most of them never cease to be effective tools for improving your fitness. The medicine ball is a great example of something that has been sitting in gyms for more than a century, going between fame and obscurity. However,...

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Just like everything else, different kinds of gym equipment come into and out of fashion. However, most of them never cease to be effective tools for improving your fitness. The medicine ball is a great example of something that has been sitting in gyms for more than a century, going between fame and obscurity.

However, throughout all of this time, it has remained just as useful bit of gym gear. For one, chucking a medicine ball around may lead to stronger joints, particularly the rather injury-prone shoulder joints. In a survey of handball players, which was published in the Journal Of Strength & Conditioning Research, adding six weeks of medicine ball throws to routine training improved isokinetic strength around the rotator cuff in addition to throwing velocity. The players in the study also profited from improved bench-rep scores and upper-body hypertrophy when they incorporated resistance training alongside their throws.

Available in varying sizes as well as weights (some up to 68 kg), these weighted spheres can assist with improving muscular power in addition to sports performance. Medicine balls can be thrown and caught which makes for explosive movements that can improve overall athletic ability.

Most of us know that a stability ball is a phenomenal way to exercise every part of your body, including your:

  • Abs,
  • Hips, as well as
  • Thighs

Utilising a ball – whether you’re doing crunches, push-ups or using it as a weight bench – targets your abs, back and stabiliser muscles for a more dynamic workout. But what about performing these movements with a medicine ball?

How To Use A Medicine Ball

When selecting a weight, pick a ball that’s heavy enough to slow down the motion, slower than if you weren’t utilising any weight at all. Make sure that it’s not so heavy that your control, accuracy, or range of motion (or the person who is exercising next to you!) takes a hit. For each move, aim for between 10 and 15 reps — or as many that you can do with good form.

Like a stability ball, utilising a medicine ball requires a lot of work from your abs and back. This means that you must choose a weight which you can handle, usually between 1 and 4.5kg. The most movements start at the core so without strong muscles, you risk getting injured as well as looking silly in the gym. Making use of a medicine ball can help you train those trunk muscles the way that they work during daily activities and not just at the gym.

The fabulous thing about medicine ball training is that it can be aerobic and anaerobic (tossing the ball backwards and forwards) or you can utilise it as a strength training tool (as in medicine ball crunches).

Often, the most effective way to make sure that things are kept interesting is to change up your workout routine by introducing something different and medicine ball exercises are the ideal way to do this! Just remember that it is so important to balance your training days with rest days in order to ensure that your body recovers properly. This means that if you would like to use medicine balls as a full-body workout, it could mean swapping out one of your scheduled workouts for the week with a medicine ball routine.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Medicine balls are an amazing addition to any workout. Want to learn more about exercises that you can add to your routine? Have a squiz at our Personal Training Diploma. As the gold standard in fitness education, you’ll know all that you need to know about becoming a world-class personal trainer.

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How Restart Your Workout Routine? Learn more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-restart-your-workout-routine-learn-more/ Fri, 02 Oct 2020 05:00:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20244 If you’ve taken some time out from working out – whether it is because of illness or injury or if life just got in the way — you could feel overwhelmed with the prospect of getting back into a fitness routine. After all, it may feel frustrating to get your body and your mind used...

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If you’ve taken some time out from working out – whether it is because of illness or injury or if life just got in the way — you could feel overwhelmed with the prospect of getting back into a fitness routine. After all, it may feel frustrating to get your body and your mind used to the regular workout routine after a long break.

Make sure that you keep at the top of your mind the fact that your level of progression is mainly based on:

  • Your total time off,
  • The cause for the break (surgery, work, children), in addition to
  • Your level of fitness prior to it.

Return to a workout routine in a progressive manner. If you begin by placing too big of a stress on your body, you run the risk of injury and a fast regression backwards. Being so sore the following day, that you are hobbling down the stairs, does not show that you’ve had a great workout.

Start With Flexibility Training

Your initial progressive step forward needs to be incorporating a couple of days of flexibility workouts in order to enhance blood flow as well as circulation while helping with a range of motion in addition to joint mobility.

Flexibility is one of the most neglected protocols of fitness routines. Creating these protocols early on will allow your body to readjust properly to the new demands that you will be placing on it. If you have access to gym or personal trainer, sign up for a flexibility or beginner yoga class.

Take Your Time With Getting Back Into A Workout Routine

Just a short amount of time not training at the gym can undo some of the health gains you’ve made. A study published in 2015 in the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine found that taking a break from physical activity for a mere two weeks could result in a rather substantial reduction of muscle strength and mass. In addition, it could take even longer to gain it back.

It’s about taking a metered approach which starts with just a few minutes a day of cardio and then works up to longer workout routines that incorporate weights. Ultimately, a healthy adult should be working their way toward 150 minutes of exercise a week.

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Add Easy Cardio

Depending on your schedule as well as time commitments, try to incorporate light cardiorespiratory workouts after a couple stretching or yoga sessions. If the weather permits, a brisk 20-minute outdoor walk will help invigorate your mind and get your body moving again.

The treadmill, elliptical, and stationary bike are great indoor alternatives. If you had a well-established fitness base prior to a month-long break, your first week may include light jogging as opposed to walking.

While some individuals are excited at the prospect of going back into the gym, it’s also OK to feel a little overwhelmed. Remember to start slowly and ease into things with easy workout routines.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

The main thing that will be important when getting back to gym is motivation to do so. This is what a personal trainer can help you with. For more information on how to become a personal trainer yourself, please follow this link.

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How To Make Walking More Of An Intense Workout https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-make-walking-more-of-an-intense-workout/ Thu, 01 Oct 2020 05:05:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20204 Walking is a great way to exercise. It can assist with getting your heart rate up, keeping you energised as well as even improving your mood. However, sticking with exactly the same walking routine – day after day – can begin to feel monotonous. Worse still, if your body becomes too familiar with your workout,...

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Walking is a great way to exercise. It can assist with getting your heart rate up, keeping you energised as well as even improving your mood. However, sticking with exactly the same walking routine – day after day – can begin to feel monotonous. Worse still, if your body becomes too familiar with your workout, you’ll begin to see fewer results. Altering your workout can not only help you to challenge yourself further, but it can also avoid boredom and keep you energised as well as excited to get walking and stay walking.

To really get the greatest benefit out of your walking workouts, you’ll want to add a lot more movements to this. Extra movements can assist with making walking workouts more powerful. They can get your entire body working. As a result, your fitness will improve more rapidly. Walking workouts have their place. For individuals whose physical fitness does not allow them to run, walking offers a low-impact workout which can be completed virtually anywhere.

Sadly, walking is restricted in its ability to improve other areas of fitness. To work total fitness, a person must engage in mobility work as well as resistance training.

Be Shrewd With Your Warmup

You may not feel that you should warm up before a walk, however, a warm-up is a fantastic time to prepare your body for your walk as well as any other exercises which you add-in. These warm-ups will allow you the opportunity to demand a little bit more from your body.

A phenomenal way to warm up the body before walking is to perform a couple of core exercises which will help to improve your lower back as well as upper-body mobility. Standing core exercises will assist with improving balance and dynamic stability.

Walk Uphill

Walking uphill has to be one of the simplest ways of adding an incline to your walk. By walking on an incline, you can meaningfully increase the calorie expenditure of every single minute of your walking workout. The higher the incline is, the more you challenge the muscles in your core as well as lower body.

Thus, the higher the incline and the more frequently you walk on an incline, the faster you’ll see results. Not only will incline walking assist with speeding up weight loss, but it will also help with toning and tightening your glutes and core.

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Mix In Resistance Training

Adding resistance training such as utilising dumbbells in order to do strength‐training exercises either during your walking workout or immediately before or after – can speed results in a number of ways.

Strength‐training exercises assist with building and strengthening muscle. The more muscle mass which you have, the higher your metabolism will be. This causes you to burn increased numbers of calories throughout the day.

As well, strengthening muscle assists with toning and tightening areas of the body such as the thighs and core. This practice will help you to lose centimetres. And finally, adding resistance training into your workouts increases the intensity of your exercise routine, which means that you burn increased numbers of calories during the duration of your workout so maximising your weight‐loss efforts.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to discover additional information about how to make exercise work for you then you need to study our Personal Training Diploma. Read more here.

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How Exercise Protects Your Brain? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-exercise-protects-your-brain/ Thu, 01 Oct 2020 05:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=20199 There are a lot of great reasons why you should be physically active and exercise regularly. The big ones include lessening the odds of developing diseases such as heart disease, stroke as well as diabetes. Perhaps you would like to lose weight, reduce your blood pressure, avoid depression, or just look better. Here’s an extra...

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There are a lot of great reasons why you should be physically active and exercise regularly. The big ones include lessening the odds of developing diseases such as heart disease, stroke as well as diabetes.

Perhaps you would like to lose weight, reduce your blood pressure, avoid depression, or just look better. Here’s an extra one, which particularly applies to those of us experiencing decreased memory capacity with comes with age: exercise alters the brain in which that protect memory as well as thinking skills.

How Exercise Benefits Your Brain

There are a lot of different ways in which exercise can improve brain and cognitive health.

Aerobic exercise (which is also known as cardiovascular exercise) increases your heart rate as well as blood flow to your brain. This increased heart rate will be accompanied by harder and faster breathing depending on the intensity of your workout.

As your increased breathing pumps more oxygen into your bloodstream, more oxygen is delivered to your brain. This leads to neurogenesis – or the production of neurons – in certain parts of your brain that control memory and thinking.  Neurogenesis increases brain volume and this cognitive reserve is believed to help buffer against the effects of dementia.

In addition, exercise helps memory as well as thinking through both direct in addition to indirect means. The advantages of exercise come straight from its ability to decrease insulin resistance as well as reduce inflammation. Exercise also helps with stimulating the release of growth factors. These are chemicals in the brain which have an influence on the health of brain cells, the increase in the number of new blood vessels in the brain, and even the richness and survival of new brain cells.

Indirectly, exercise enhances mood and sleep in addition to lessening stress and anxiety. Problems in these areas often cause – or contribute to – cognitive impairment.

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Exercise Lessens Brain Signs Of Ageing

Many significant studies suggest staying active as well as fit throughout life lowers the risk of memory problems as you age.

For instance, a recent project tracked more than 1 000 Swedish women over a period of four decades. It was found that for those judged to have “high” levels of cardiovascular fitness upon entering the study—as evaluated by the maximum workload they could handle on a stationary cycle machine prior to exhaustion—the onset of dementia was delayed, on average, by 9.5 years as compared to those with “medium” levels of fitness.

Moreover, exercise gives hope to individuals with a rare genetic mutation that programs them for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Even though exercise cannot entirely counteract their genetic susceptibility, people who exercised for at least two hours per week had better cognitive outcomes compared to those who did not.

It’s very important to concentrate on the type of exercise that you do if your goal is to maximise your cognitive health. A multi-component routine – which is focused on balance, flexibility as well as aerobic fitness – is better than focusing on merely one type of exercise. For instance, tai chi has been touted as an example of an all-encompassing exercise routine which significantly enhances cognition.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Learning about exercise and how it affects your health is a lifelong journey that everyone needs to be on. Start your journey now by becoming a personal trainer with us and our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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Why Should You Stretch More Often? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-should-you-stretch-more-often/ Mon, 21 Sep 2020 08:49:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19884 You may be thinking that it’s extremely challenging to carve out time in your schedule for exercise, let alone for stretching. However most cardio and strength-training programmes cause your muscles to tighten. That’s why it’s incredibly important to stretch regularly in order to keep your body functioning well. You may see stretching as something which...

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You may be thinking that it’s extremely challenging to carve out time in your schedule for exercise, let alone for stretching. However most cardio and strength-training programmes cause your muscles to tighten. That’s why it’s incredibly important to stretch regularly in order to keep your body functioning well.

You may see stretching as something which is done only by runners or gymnasts. However, we all need to stretch so that our mobility is protected as is our independence. A lot of individuals don’t understand that stretching has to take place on a regular basis. It should be done daily.

Why Stretching Is Important

Stretching may assist you with:

  • Improving your joint range of motion
  • Improving your athletic performance
  • Decreasing your risk of injury

Stretching makes sure that the muscles remain flexible, strong as well as healthy. We need that flexibility in order to keep a range of motion (ROM) in the joints. Without ROM, the muscles shorten and grow to be tight. And then, when you call on the muscles to be active, they are weak and not able to extend all the way. This puts you in danger for joint pain, strains as well as muscle damage.

For instance, sitting in a chair all-day-long results in tight hamstrings on the back of the thigh. That can make it much more difficult to stretch your leg or straighten out your knee all the way. This inhibits walking. Similarly, when tight muscles are abruptly called on for a vigorous activity that stretches them, such as playing tennis, they may become injured from suddenly being stretched. Injured muscles may not be strong enough in order to support the joints, which could lead to joint injury.

Regular stretching maintains muscles in a long, lean and flexible form. This means that exertion will not put too much force on the muscle itself. Healthy muscles also assist a person with balance problems so that falls are avoided.

Don’t Consider A Stretching Warmup

You could injure yourself if you stretch cold muscles so, before stretching, warm up with a stint of light walking, jogging or biking at low intensity for between five and 10 minutes. Better yet, stretch following your workout when your muscles are warm.

Think about avoiding stretching before an intense activity, for example sprinting or track and field activities. Some research makes the suggestion that pre-event stretching may actually decrease performance. In other research, the suggestion was made that stretching immediately before an event weakens the strength of hamstrings.

Also, try doing a dynamic warm-up. This involves doing movements similar to those in your sport or physical activity at a low level and then slowly increasing the speed as well as intensity as you warm up.

Strive For Symmetry

Everyone’s genetics, in terms of flexibility, are a bit different. As opposed to striving for the flexibility of a dancer or gymnast, concentrate on having equal flexibility side to side (particularly if you have a history of an earlier injury). Flexibility which is not equal on both sides could be a risk factor for injury.

Focus on key muscle groups. Concentrate your stretches on key muscle groups such as your calves, thighs, hips, lower back, neck as well as shoulders. Ensure that you stretch both sides. In addition, stretch muscles and joints which you routinely use.

If you have a chronic condition or, alternatively an injury, you could need to adapt your stretching techniques. For instance, if you already possess a strained muscle, stretching it may cause additional harm. Speak to your doctor or physical therapist about the most suitable way to stretch if you have any health concerns. Also keep in mind that stretching doesn’t mean you can’t get injured as  stretching, for instance, won’t prevent an overuse injury.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Our Personal Training Diploma will make you a whizz at all types of training – flexibility training included. For more information, please follow this link.

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What Are The Health Benefits Of Lifting Weights? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-lifting-weights/ Mon, 21 Sep 2020 08:44:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19877 If you want to annihilate fat, get into shape, as well as rock everything that comes your way—both inside and outside of the gym—lifting weights is where it’s at. And experts agree with us: Heavy weightlifting is in! You can’t swing a kettlebell at the moment without hitting some workout guru, exercise programme, or book...

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If you want to annihilate fat, get into shape, as well as rock everything that comes your way—both inside and outside of the gym—lifting weights is where it’s at. And experts agree with us: Heavy weightlifting is in! You can’t swing a kettlebell at the moment without hitting some workout guru, exercise programme, or book advising people not to only lift weights but lift heavier weights.

Gone are the times when lifting weights was only for bodybuilders in addition to pro athletes. In fact, personal training experts make the recommendation that all adults should do at least two full-body strength-training workouts per week.

That’s not as we should all seek to bulging biceps or chiselled abs — despite the fact that weight-lifting can (and will) alter the appearance of your muscles. The recommendation to lift weights comes from the mix of all the benefits, from the physical (as well as very visible) to the emotional and mental (in other words, the not-so-visible).

What Is Strength Training?

Strength training — which is also known as weight or resistance training — is a physical activity that is designed to improve muscular fitness via the process of exercising a specific muscle or muscle group against external resistance. These types of external resistance include:

  • Free-weights,
  • Weight machines, or
  • Your own body weight.

The fundamental principle of strength training is to apply a load and then overload the muscle so that it needs to adapt as well as get stronger. Strength training is an essential part of your overall fitness. In addition, it benefits people of all ages, specifically those with health issues such as obesity, arthritis, or even a heart condition.

It is recommended that children as well as adolescents, who are aged between six and 17 include strength training into their every day 60 minutes of physical activity, three days per week. Adults should aim to do moderate or intense muscle-strengthening workouts that target all muscle groups two days per week.

Lifting Weights Improves Your Balance

Perhaps you would like to finally nail that one-legged yoga pose or climb and descend the stairs without feeling wobbly. No matter your fitness goal is, strength training can function to support your stability.

Many strength-training movements necessitate balance and mobility from your body. As you move in diverse planes of motion – as well as at different angles while strength training – your major muscle groups and the lesser muscles throughout your body become stronger and more stable.

Falls are the primary reason for injury-related death in adults over 65 which means that feeling stable and balanced in your body becomes increasingly important as you age.

Strength Training Is Great For Posture

Being trapped in one position all day — such as sitting at your computer — fatigues the stabiliser muscles in your torso. These play a major role in your posture. Regular strength training will assist you with moving more throughout the week, but it also assists with increasing the endurance of the muscles in your trunk which are responsible for proud posture.

If you have any health challenges, ask your doctor what kind of strength training is best to meet your requirements and abilities. You can also work with a highly skilled personal trainer who will design a strength-training programme that will be safe and efficient for you.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a guru at strength training then you need to become a personal trainer with our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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How To Do The Perfect Pull-Up https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-the-perfect-pull-up/ Fri, 18 Sep 2020 06:00:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19796 One of the most baffling components about the pull-up might be explaining why—why are we caring so much about doing a pull-up in the first place? Why not just concentrate on the lat pull-down? The actual difference between these two exercises isn’t which muscles are worked — as both of these exercises focus on the...

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One of the most baffling components about the pull-up might be explaining why—why are we caring so much about doing a pull-up in the first place? Why not just concentrate on the lat pull-down? The actual difference between these two exercises isn’t which muscles are worked — as both of these exercises focus on the same muscle groups (mainly the upper back, chest, shoulders as well as biceps) — but rather how, in addition to how well, they are worked.

Simply put, a pull-down trains maximal strength (in other words, how much weight you can pull down) while the pull-up enhances relative strength (the ability to shift one’s bodyweight through a plane of motion).

What’s more, the thought of sitting at the lat pull-down machine isn’t nearly as enthralling as achieving cliff-hanger status. (Master ‘pull-uppers’ will not have anything to fear if they find themselves dangling from a ledge!)

Heroic feats aside, one study found that swimmers were able to complete more reps of the pull-down. Pull-ups as well as lat-pulls are not highly related and should not be substituted for one another in a personal training regimen.

The Challenge Of Learning The Pull-Up

Learning this move is a challenge that is worth undertaking, no matter what your fitness goals are. This is because it’s:

  • One of the basic building block exercises that can be found in the gym,
  • Beneficial for CrossFitters, bodybuilders as well as general fitness enthusiasts alike.

This is an exercise which you can do anywhere, from your gym’s pull-up bar to city construction scaffolding, to the solid tree branch in your backyard. It’s also a move which focuses in on a part of your body which you want to train aggressively: Your back. This is because strong back muscles assist with protecting your shoulders from injury. In addition, they help position your body in order to get more out of other exercises (everything from bench presses to biceps curls).

Thing is that pull-ups aren’t easy to learn, for a number of reasons:

  • First, there’s shoulder mobility, which is an area that’s a struggle for many individuals.
  • Second? You’re lifting a significant percentage of your bodyweight, and that’s just not easy.

The move also has a number of schools of thought these days, which makes  it that much more puzzling to understand from the ground up.

Pull-Up Form

Establish Your Grip

Stand under the bar and then grab it with both of your hands. Your palms need to be facing away from you with your hands shoulder-width apart. If you aren’t able to reach the bar, find a boost from a bench, stool or box. Make use of a standard overhand grip. Wrap your thumbs around the bar so that they nearly meet the tips of your fingers.

A True Pull-Up Starts In A Dead Hang                          

At the time you are hanging from the bar, your arms need to be completely extended with your core engaged as well as shoulders back. Build your strength by keeping form in mind as you pull. This will  help you to avoid swinging, kicking, and jumping. As a result, you’ll be using your muscles, not momentum, in order to master the move.

Pull (Up)

Start the actual pull by grasping the bar with your hands while at the same time engaging the muscles of your upper body as well as core. Imagine that you’re pulling your elbows down to your sides as your whole body goes toward the bar. Resist the temptation to strain your neck in an attempt to break the plane of the bar using your chin. Proceed to pull until your chin clears the bar easily. At this point, the upward stage of the pull-up is complete.

Get Down

The technique is to return to the dead-hang gradually. Keep a firm grip on the bar while at the same time letting your arms to straighten as you lower. When you return to the dead-hang, you are able to count your first rep.

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If you would like to discover more about the correct form of exercising then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information please follow this link.

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What Are The Best Exercises To Manage Diabetes And Lower Blood Sugar? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-exercises-to-manage-diabetes-and-lower-blood-sugar/ Thu, 17 Sep 2020 11:31:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19778 Exercise and physical activity are highly beneficial for overall health and wellness. In addition, if you suffer type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or maybe at risk for these conditions, the benefits are even more beneficial. Regular exercise is particularly important for those living with diabetes. It’s also critically important to have a healthy meal...

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Exercise and physical activity are highly beneficial for overall health and wellness. In addition, if you suffer type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or maybe at risk for these conditions, the benefits are even more beneficial. Regular exercise is particularly important for those living with diabetes. It’s also critically important to have a healthy meal plan as well as keep your blood glucose level through the use of medications or insulin if required.

If you remain fit and active across your entire life, you can control your diabetes better and guarantee that your blood glucose level is kept in the right range. Managing your blood glucose level is essential to preventing long-term complications, such as nerve pain and kidney disease.

As well as this, exercise may assist your body with fending off illnesses by increasing immune system activity. Individuals with a chronic disease are at greater risk for developing problems should they develop illnesses. Improving your immunity with exercise, as well as managing your blood sugar, can help you stay healthy.

How Much Exercise Is Enough?

Individuals with diabetes, just like all other American adults, should aim at getting 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. If you’re not exercising now, don’t let this number frighten you. Any exercise outdoes no exercise at all. In addition, you can begin more slowly and ramp-up.

People with type 2 diabetes, or those who are at risk for the condition, should exercise daily. As well, they should never let more than two days go by without physical activity. Most kinds of physical activity can count as exercise, even those low-impact ones such as gardening or – alternatively – walking.

If you are walking, this means that you should walk briskly enough in order to start breaking a sweat or you begin to feel like you need to breathe more rapidly.

If you don’t have an exercise routine already in place, begin with walking because this type of physical activity is easy for people to do. All you require is a good pair of shoes as well as somewhere to go.

Walking is perhaps one of the most recommended activities for people with type 2 diabetes. Brisk walking, which is done at a pace that raises the heart rate, is considered to be a moderate-intensity exercise. Walking at a quicker pace, 30 minutes per day, five days per week will assist you with reaching the recommended goal of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise.

Other types of moderate exercise include:

  • Mowing the lawn
  • Swimming
  • Playing tennis
  • Casual bike riding

For people who have diabetes — or almost any other type of disease, for that matter — the benefits of exercise cannot be overstated. Exercise assists with controlling weight, lowering blood pressure as well as harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, raising healthy HDL cholesterol, strengthening muscles and bones, reducing anxiety and improving your overall well-being. There are added advantages for people with diabetes, for example, exercise lowers blood glucose levels and boosts your body’s sensitivity to insulin, which counters insulin resistance.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Are you passionate about exercise? If so, you may want to become a personal trainer. If you do, then the best way for you to do this is to do a personal training course such as the ones we offer. Read more about these here.

 

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The Best Kettlebell Exercises to Strengthen Your Lower Body https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-best-kettlebell-exercises-to-strengthen-your-lower-body/ Mon, 14 Sep 2020 05:00:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19644 When you walk into the weight room at the gym to crush your legs, do you instantly feel a feeling of dread when you see a barbell or dumbbell? If you do, you might be suffering from a severe case of training monotony. However, this is not a reason to overlook your lower body. At...

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When you walk into the weight room at the gym to crush your legs, do you instantly feel a feeling of dread when you see a barbell or dumbbell? If you do, you might be suffering from a severe case of training monotony.

However, this is not a reason to overlook your lower body. At the end of the day, lower-body strength is a huge part of your athleticism. It may be time to differ your routine by combining lower-body kettlebell movements.

You can swing and move the kettlebell in ways that are difficult, or even impossible, to replicate with dumbbells and barbells. Their unique characteristics open up a wide range of new exercises that can provide the boost you need in order to increase your strength, size and power. Kettlebell exercises can make your workouts fun as well as exciting again.

What Are Your Fitness Goals?

If your overall fitness goals are fat loss, increasing strength, toning your lower body or increasing your ability to move faster or more effectively then kettlebell leg exercises are incredibly important.

Research shows that exercises which are focused on the lower body have more of a carryover to the upper body as opposed to that which upper body exercises do to the lower body.

So, if you have the option, working on your lower body will have a more significant impact on your health in general as opposed to upper body exercises.

Adding Kettlebells To Your Exercise Routine

If you’re eager to add kettlebells to your workout routine, these lower-body kettlebell exercises are a great place to start. While they specifically focus on muscles in your lower half — such as the glutes, hamstrings, and quads — these also recruit other muscle groups across your entire body. In particular, your core has to engage throughout in order to keep your body stable as you perform these compound exercises.

As you do these lower-body kettlebell exercises, constantly keep form top of mind and listen to your body. Prioritise quality over quantity  and only train with weights which enable you to use safe form and technique. If you have a rep which is noticeably slower as opposed to the previous reps – or that doesn’t feel as engaged – end the set. There isn’t a rep or a weight out there which is worth injuring yourself over.

What’s The Correct Form For Kettlebell Squats?

Before you dive into the biomechanics of the fundamental squat, know that your form will look a bit different depending upon the exact type of kettlebell squat that you’re performing. But no matter how you’re squatting, it’s vital to have a solid foundation before you calmly pick up a weight and try a complicated or heavy-loaded exercise.

For a basic kettlebell squat, begin by standing with your feet roughly shoulder-width apart. Note that the precise distance from foot to foot, as well as the angle at which your toes are pointed out, will be different depending on your individual biomechanics.

Once your feet are in their correct place, stand tall in a vertical plank position. Draw your shoulders down as well as away from your ears. Brace your abs and glutes. Tighten your quads and lift your kneecaps.  As you sit down into your squat, stimulating your core will assist with stabilising your spine so that you can efficiently drive into the floor and pop back up to standing. Keeping this “straight spine — or when your lower back has its normal, minor inward curve (the lumbar curve) and the upper back has its natural, minor outward curve (the thoracic curve) — is an essential safety step. “

At the lower end of your range of motion, check in on your knees and ensure that they’re not pushing outward or carving in, which could harm your knees. And then, push through the centre of your foot. Stand straight back up into that vertical plank position.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Kettlebells are a great addition to your workouts. If you want to learn more ways about how to use them, you need to do our Kettlebells Instructor Course. Follow this link for more information.

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What You Should Know About Choosing A Personal Trainer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-you-should-know-about-choosing-a-personal-trainer/ Thu, 10 Sep 2020 05:05:52 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19603 There is a fine line between making a sound investment in your future fitness success, and hiring a personal trainer, as opposed to simply throwing money out the window on something that does not work. The difference? Knowing how to choose the right personal trainer who will help you set the correct fitness goals to...

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There is a fine line between making a sound investment in your future fitness success, and hiring a personal trainer, as opposed to simply throwing money out the window on something that does not work. The difference? Knowing how to choose the right personal trainer who will help you set the correct fitness goals to accomplish your desired results.

This means that it’s crucial to do your due diligence as you go about selecting a personal trainer. All it requires is a bit of legwork in order to determine if someone will be a great fit for your needs. After all, it’s referred to as “personal” training for a good reason – working closely together establishes a bond that will assist you to stay engaged and motivated throughout the process.

Get On The Same Page

First and foremost, know that your diet is 80-90% of the battle.  Hopefully, your personal trainer will also assist you to craft a nutritional strategy in addition to assisting you with building a workout strategy which aligns with your fitness goals.

Start by choosing your goals first and see if the trainer that you’re paired up with is the right fit for you. If a person is a competitive marathon runner, they may not be a great powerlifting coach, and the other way around. So, being with your goals for finding the right personal trainer:

  • Are you trying to lose 50 kg? 5 kg? Get to 10% body fat?
  • Are you trying to become stronger or hold your first handstand?
  • Would you like to become a competitive powerlifter?
  • Are you wanting to get fit enough to run your first 5k?
  • Do you merely want to get in shape, feel better, and enjoy your exercise sessions?

These fitness goals will largely determine the type of trainer you’re looking for.

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Make Sure There’s No Personality Clash

One of the most crucial things to determine when interviewing prospective trainers is if your personalities mesh. A good trainer might know the science behind fitness, but if he can’t connect on a personal level, it probably won’t be a good fit.

A good personal trainer knows how to push a client’s buttons. Equally important is interviewing and asking questions. Find out about the trainer’s history and why he or she became a trainer in the first place.

Mention Any Special Needs

Before you hire a personal trainer you need to be 100% confident that he or she can effectively manage all aspects of your programme. If you mention a chronic health problem a great trainer should show that they are experienced, knowledgeable, and are able to work with it or around it (whatever is most appropriate). In addition, a trainer should be willing to work with your primary care physician or other health providers (physios, chiros, osteos etc.) if needed.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Education for personal trainers almost everywhere in the world is un-regulated. While good resources are out there for trainers, the overall picture is not bright. Anybody can call himself or herself a personal trainer, even without a certification and anybody can create a course and “certify” trainers.

Get yourself a certified Personal Training Diploma and give yourself an instant advantage with your clients and potential employers. For more information, please follow this link.

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How To Thrive At HIIT Workouts On Your Own? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-thrive-at-hiit-workouts-on-your-own-find-out-more/ Thu, 10 Sep 2020 05:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19591 It’s not always easy for everybody to find the time to work out. Social obligations, busy workdays as well as friends and family members can all fill up our schedules. This makes it challenging to get a workout in. That’s why we adore high-intensity interval training, or HIIT workouts. This is because they’re a fast,...

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It’s not always easy for everybody to find the time to work out. Social obligations, busy workdays as well as friends and family members can all fill up our schedules. This makes it challenging to get a workout in. That’s why we adore high-intensity interval training, or HIIT workouts. This is because they’re a fast, effective way to get a great workout in a short period of time.

You are already aware that regular physical activity is good for your overall health and wellness — but it can sometimes be difficult to fit in workouts during busy periods, especially when you’ve got other personal and professional priorities.

It looks too good to be genuine, but studies show that half an hour of interval training, which includes between 10 and 20 minutes of warm-up and cool-down, has exactly the same cardiovascular benefits that 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity has. In addition, over the past several years, studies have connected HIIT exercises with ample health benefits, according to the discoveries published by AARP. These range from:

  • Improving your heart health,
  • Lowering blood pressure,
  • Building muscle
  • Even protecting against mental decline.

What Is A HIIT Workout?

High-intensity interval training workouts (HIIT) requires you to alternate your workout between several seconds of high-intensity work and then multiple seconds of low-intensity work. You only need a handful of minutes to reap the rewards. That makes it a particularly effective exercise option for anyone who is short on time — but whether you have 20 minutes or an hour to work out, HIIT is beneficial for us all.

Interval training helps the development of lean body mass, which is needed for a healthy metabolism. Although HIIT has been around for a very a long time, it’s all the rage recently, with new studios opening up everywhere concentrating primarily on this style of exercise. But the great news is that it is possible for you to accomplish the same activities as well as burn fat in your local gym, too!

How To Design Your Own HIIT Workout

HIIT workouts are efficient, as we’ve said before, but to enjoy their calorie-burning, heart-healthy benefits you’re going to need to push yourself. HIIT is all about rapidly increasing the heart rate and feeling sweaty, out of breath and out of your comfort zone.

So, while you’re pushing yourself just remember that the workout will be over before you know it. All high-intensity sessions, no matter your level of fitness, should last no longer than 30 minutes. This includes warm-up and cool-down.

Anything longer than that, say personal trainers, and you’re sacrificing intensity and power for length. Pushing the length of your workout too long means you aren’t hitting the sweet spot of intensity.

The best part of integrating HIIT into your workout routine really happens after your workout. High-intensity interval training increases your resting metabolic rate anywhere between 24-48 hours after you’re done with your workout. This means that you’ll be burning more fat by just walking around, being you than you would with no HIIT in your workout routine.

This happens because biologically, we are meant to move in two ways: aerobically (travelling long distance on foot) and anaerobically (such as sprinting away from danger). Anaerobic training, for example HIIT, recruits fat for fuel, which leaves us with strong, lean bodies that have healthy hearts, speed, and power.

The best way to remain motivated is through the process of tracking and measuring your progress. Mark your start, which means writing down what you accomplished on day one of your workout programme.

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Want to learn more about HIIT? If you do, then check out our HIIT and Functional Trainer Course. For more information and to register, please follow this link.

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What You’ll Do In A Boxercise Class. Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-youll-do-in-a-boxercise-class-find-out-more/ Wed, 09 Sep 2020 05:05:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19570 Boxing classes just keep trending. Boxing is not only an arm workout. When performed correctly, it is a full-body workout—legs, core, back, shoulders and arms. Boxercise will even give you a superb cardiovascular workout. It’s also a wonderful way to work out some aggression. We now have more stress in our lives as opposed to...

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Boxing classes just keep trending. Boxing is not only an arm workout. When performed correctly, it is a full-body workout—legs, core, back, shoulders and arms. Boxercise will even give you a superb cardiovascular workout. It’s also a wonderful way to work out some aggression. We now have more stress in our lives as opposed to ever before. Use the boxercise class to help you manage your stress and get those endorphins pumping.

Boxercise is founded on the training concepts that boxers usually use to keep fit, which includes:

  • Boxing movements that are typically done in a circuit, and
  • Other types of workouts.

Classes involve a wide range of moves and techniques, such as shadow-boxing, skipping, hitting pads, kicking punchbags, press-ups, shuttle-runs and sit-ups. It is usually accompanied by music and is a safe, fun and challenging way to get a good, all-over workout.

What Is Shadow Boxing?

Shadowboxing is a fitness training method that accompanies the martial arts, particularly boxing. It’s usually used as a warm-up to increase the heart rate gradually and prepare the muscles for training.

In shadowboxing, a contender moves around the ring and throws punches at the air in a manner that mimics fighting or sparring. At first, it might not appear like much more than a simple warm-up. In reality, however, shadowboxing has huge benefits.

Shadowboxing plays a crucial role in your training and overall growth in the ring for contenders of any level and with any type of goal. The art of shadowboxing should not be overlooked.

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What Are Press-Ups?

The press-up (which is also called the push-up) is perhaps the most popular bodyweight move in the world. That’s partly as it can be done anywhere, without the need for much space or any kit. But above all it’s effective as it works your chest, core, triceps and shoulders, if you perform it correctly.

What’s more, this classic move has a large number of variations which will work the muscles in your upper body in new and challenging ways in order to:

  • Encourage new muscle mass growth,
  • Enhance shoulder stability and mobility, and
  • Burn body fat to expose a more defined torso.

What Are Shuttle-Runs?

It may be a throw-back to primary school physical education class, but the shuttle run is a commonly overlooked drill for building speed as well as agility. The standard shuttle run drill is frequently used in order to measure the type of endurance that you need for stop-and-go, high-intensity sports such as soccer, hockey, basketball in addition to tennis.

Testing an athlete’s shuttle run time over the period of a season can assist with measuring training routine success and tracking progress from year to year. As the shuttle run builds explosive power, agility, and endurance, it is also an ideal exercise drill to add to a training routine.

A more advanced format of the shuttle run is the 5-10-5 shuttle run, which is also called the short shuttle run or the pro agility drill. It is make use of by the NFL in the United States for testing and building agility and power in its athletes. It changes up the basic shuttle run by performing lateral movements in the drill.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

We’ve outlined only a few things that you can expect in a boxercise class. Do these interest you? If they do then why not study to become a boxing instructor? For more information, please follow this link.

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What Are The Benefits Of Water Aerobics? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-water-aerobics/ Wed, 09 Sep 2020 05:00:55 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19565 If you’re on the hunt for low-impact, varying in intensity, fun fitness pool workouts then water aerobics is for you! Aerobic exercises are a phenomenal way to get in shape, while enjoying the social aspect of working out in a class. Aqua aerobics classes are a fabulous way to mix up traditional gym workouts with...

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If you’re on the hunt for low-impact, varying in intensity, fun fitness pool workouts then water aerobics is for you! Aerobic exercises are a phenomenal way to get in shape, while enjoying the social aspect of working out in a class.

Aqua aerobics classes are a fabulous way to mix up traditional gym workouts with the wondrous advantages of water. It only takes a few aqua aerobics workouts and you’ll see a big difference in your overall fitness levels. Also known as water aerobics – or sometimes even waterobics – typical classes will include all the exercises that you would expect in a ‘dry’ class. However, there are added bonuses when you exercise in water.

Water Aerobics Enhances Your Balance and Coordination

As you grow older, you could experience reduced coordination as well as balance. Water exercises go a long way towards assisting you to build stability as well as expand your muscle strength for better coordination. Also, the water is a safe environment whereby you’re in control of all physical exercises as opposed to exercising on dry land.

Aqua Aerobics Is A Low-Impact Exercise

Unlike other types of exercises, water exercises offer you a flexible environment for your workouts. You don’t need to worry about falling and hurting yourself when you are in the pool. In addition to this, the water’s buoyancy reduces the impact that exercises have on your joints and muscles.

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Water Aerobics Helps To Build Endurance

Unlike traditional weights exercises, which require the human body to push and pull against the weight – in addition to gravity – water resistance is a more natural resistance which needs the body to strain through the water as opposed to against it.

The more your muscles are challenged, the bigger they get. In addition, the stronger they become. As your muscles get bigger as well as stronger, they can also work out for longer, or in other words, stronger and well-trained muscles directly lead to increased endurance.

Aqua Aerobics Increases Flexibility

As the body is dependent on water resistance during water aerobics exercises – which requires movement in various directions while adapting to the push and pull of water – the joints effortlessly increase their range of motion. A study which was conducted in 2013 found there to be a substantial increase in flexibility after exposing a group of older adults to water aerobics exercises.

The water adds plenty of resistance to any movement which you make as it really pushes and pulls your joints as well as body parts around in directions that they aren’t used to moving. Slowly, over time, they will actually get used to those movements.

Moreover, this resistance also forces you to push back to adjust to the pushing and pulling motions of that are exerted by the water. This continual pulling, pushing, and overall movement causes your joints to grow to be flexible. The water also is keeping your joints in constant motion, thus keeping you mobile and stopping you from getting ‘rusty’. Being moved in directions which you aren’t used to going in increases flexibility. It is almost like a light form of stretching or even yoga.

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Does learning more about aerobics take your fancy? If it does then you should absolutely check out our Aerobics Instructor Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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How Functional Fitness Helps You In Everyday Life https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-functional-fitness-helps-you-in-everyday-life/ Tue, 08 Sep 2020 07:00:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19545 Most of us exercise with a particular motivation in mind. Perhaps you want to get back in shape, build increased levels of muscle or become an improved runner. From aesthetics to disease prevention, there’s always a reason behind breaking a sweat. One of the most practical, but often secondary, reasons to exercise is to improve...

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Most of us exercise with a particular motivation in mind. Perhaps you want to get back in shape, build increased levels of muscle or become an improved runner. From aesthetics to disease prevention, there’s always a reason behind breaking a sweat. One of the most practical, but often secondary, reasons to exercise is to improve your functional fitness level. Upgrading your overall fitness is often just a nice by-product.

Improving your functional fitness is frequently secondary because it tends to develop as a by-product of overall fitness. People may not necessarily set out with the goal of functional fitness improvements however they find that as they continue to exercise activities of daily life become easier and lead to fewer injuries.

What Do Functional Fitness Exercises Do?

Functional fitness exercises are responsible for training your muscles to work together in addition to preparing them for daily tasks. This is achieved through the process of simulating common movements which you might do at home, at work or in sports. While making use of various muscles in the upper and lower body at the same time, functional fitness exercises also emphasise core stability.

Functional fitness exists on a range. Almost all exercise can be functional depending on the situation because, in reality, increasing strength will essentially assist you with becoming more functional in daily life.

While boosting your total strength will help you move better, adding strength training to exercises that mirror the movements of daily activities can provide an even more efficient training regimen. It can also encourage better balance, endurance as well as flexibility.

Ideas for Your Functional Fitness Workouts

There are more fitness programmes out there than you could ever possibly try. Most workout plans skip the primary phase of getting from bedridden or housebound to being able to operate normally. Far too much progress is expected too soon to be realistic as well as viable for people with serious health problems.

So first, have a close-up look at your physical condition at the moment. Is leaving your home a challenge owing to the fact that you have challenges walking or standing? Or are you sufficiently fit to lead a ‘normal’ life but you still have to catch your breath each time you climb the stairs?

Ask yourself which small improvement would make everyday life better. Identify your biggest problem and begin where you are now, even if that means just doing a one-minute ‘workout’ a day.

Include The Squat In Your Functional Fitness Workout

Squatting is a movement which is similar to sitting in a chair, so it’s a must-include in any functional fitness workout. Ensure that you’re moving slowly and in a controlled manner throughout the movement. If you need more of a challenge, take hold of a light dumbbell in each hand.

  • Stand up straight with your feet being shoulder-width apart in addition to your arms hanging down at your sides.
  • Bend your knees and begin to squat down. Push back into your hips, almost like you’re about to sit in a chair. Lift your arms up before you as you go.
  • When your thighs are parallel to the floor, pause and push through your heels, extending your legs and returning to the starting position.
  • Do two sets of 15 reps.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn about more types of training? If you do then you need to study our Personal Training Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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What Are The Benefits Of CrossFit? Find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-crossfit/ Tue, 08 Sep 2020 07:00:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19551 No new fitness programme has had quite the effect that CrossFit has had. Chances are good that you’ve heard about it as well as all the stuff that goes with it. You’ll have heard about the odd vocabulary such as ‘Boxes’ (CrossFit gyms), ‘WODs’ (‘workouts of the day’) and a lot more. You could have...

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No new fitness programme has had quite the effect that CrossFit has had. Chances are good that you’ve heard about it as well as all the stuff that goes with it. You’ll have heard about the odd vocabulary such as ‘Boxes’ (CrossFit gyms), ‘WODs’ (‘workouts of the day’) and a lot more.

You could have friends or colleagues who have taken up CrossFit and even tried new diets or, alternatively, fitness challenges that are run through their ‘Box’. It might sound kind of daunting, or you might think it’s just another fitness fad, however, it has plenty going for it and is certainly here to stay.

CrossFit continues to be one of the world’s most popular fitness trends. It concentrates on varying functional movements in a high-intensity setting. HIIT challenges people to enhance their fitness through the process of building their strength as well as enhancing their conditioning for the duration of an hour-long class. Ever since 2001, men and women around the world have been joining CrossFit gyms in an effort to get, or remain, strong and fit.

CrossFit Build Community

As well as fitness, CrossFit is famous for its focus on constructing a community inside the gym. These gyms are areas where people meet, socialise, build friendship, and support each other along the road to fitness. CrossFit says that its gyms are about the community as well as fitness.

CrossFit is that all-essential “third place.” Just like the libraries and barbershops of old, a third-place is a location away from home and work where folks know your name. It is an accessible as well as accommodating place with community-inclined “regulars” who hold a positive space. In addition, they support and listen to each other.

In the true spirit of CrossFit, camaraderie, as well as competition, are all components of the fun. You’ll never exercise alone, huffing and puffing on a treadmill with a pair of headphones blasting the latest tunes. Although the intensity of your session is your own, it’s typically done as a group.

CrossFit Helps To Build Strength

The high-intensity, multi-joint exercises in CrossFit assists you with gaining muscle strength and stamina. Adding extra weight to your workouts can further boost your muscle gain by increasing the stress on your muscles.

You can also constantly challenge your muscles by taking part in the workout of the day, which will provide your muscles with some variation. The WOD (workout of the day) is a unique element of the CrossFit programme. Every day, a new collection of exercises is posted. The objective is then to finish as many repetitions of each exercise as possible in a set period of time.

CrossFit Helps With Balance

CrossFit workouts often involve functional exercises or exercises which mimic movements that you do in everyday life. Functional movements – such as squats, kettlebell swings, or overhead presses – can help improve agility, balance as well as flexibility. These movements also can reduce your risk for injury and enhance your quality of life as you age.

CrossFit Assists With Improving Cardiovascular Fitness

CrossFit is classified as high-intensity power training (HIPT). This kind of training may assist with increasing VO2 max or the maximum amount of oxygen you can utilise during exercise. More research is required in order to comprehend how it enhances one’s aerobic fitness compared to other formats of exercise.

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If you’re interested in becoming a well-rounded fitness professional then you should really check out our comprehensive course catalogue. With the range that we have available, you’ll certainly find something that suits you!

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What Are The Benefits Of Battle Ropes? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-battle-ropes/ Mon, 07 Sep 2020 05:05:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19522 Battle ropes are rapidly becoming one of the biggest fitness trends. For those who are not acquainted with this piece of equipment, they are thick ropes which are either looped around a pole or anchored with a strap. You can utilise these ropes for individual exercises, as a finisher, or complete an entire battle rope...

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Battle ropes are rapidly becoming one of the biggest fitness trends. For those who are not acquainted with this piece of equipment, they are thick ropes which are either looped around a pole or anchored with a strap. You can utilise these ropes for individual exercises, as a finisher, or complete an entire battle rope training routine.

This method of training was invented by John Brookfield, who is a multiple world record holder in various strength and endurance activities. Brookfield tested battle ropes with professional athletes as well as NFL players, who really struggled to maintain a steady pace after several minutes. He claimed that this was due to them missing a specific kind of endurance that only battle ropes are able to train.

Jumping as well as skipping are classic calorie-burners however they’re not the only exercises that you can perform with a rope. The secret weapon – in terms of torching fat, improving your metabolism and sculpting muscles – is amping up the weight-factor with a battle rope.

Often eyed-up anxiously at the other end of the gym, this thick, heavy length of rope can be incorporated into your training routine with confidence. Utilise them correctly and the benefits of battle ropes are anything but basic.

Get A Full Body Workout With Battle Ropes

One of the most apparent, yet important, benefit of battle ropes is that using them will provide you with a full body workout. Getting a full body workout is something that we could all do within this day and age, where getting to the gym for an hour or two is often difficult.

Some people believe that battle ropes are purely for arm and shoulder workouts, however, that’s not the case. These ropes can be used to target the body as a whole in spite of literally being a piece of rope.  With a range of movements as well as exercises being used in a short space of time, you may attack every part of your body with battle ropes just as well as you can during other full body techniques of training.

Battle Ropes Are Great For Burning Fat

One of the best battle ropes advantages, for those looking to lose weight and get lean, is that they are an amazing method of burning fat. Tired of sweating away on the treadmill for 45 minutes in vain? Battle ropes to the rescue! If you consider it, fat is burned via the process of building muscle. You won’t build a lot of muscle running on the treadmill for extended periods of time. In fact, you might even lose some.

As battle ropes is a strength-centred exercise, as well as being cardiovascular, you’ll burn twice the amount of fat as you would slugging away at long-duration cardio. You’ll also burn this fat in half the time!  The best approach to burning fat would likely be battle ropes HIIT, but that’s not to say that a low-impact exercise won’t assist you to achieve your goals.

If your normal workout routine is becoming increasingly stale, you need to consider using battle ropes. They are fun to use and provide an efficient workout for developing lean muscle mass, burning fat as well as improving your fitness levels.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about how to incorporate battle ropes into a workout then you need to do our Battle Ropes Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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Why HIIT Should Be On The Road To Recovery For Patients With Heart Disease https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-hiit-should-be-on-the-road-to-recovery-for-patients-with-heart-disease/ Mon, 07 Sep 2020 05:00:17 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19517 Everyone knows that working out is good for you. For many people, just getting into the gym or going for a brisk walk is a major accomplishment in itself. However, if you look at the latest studies, it seems less exercise may actually be better for your health if done correctly. High-intensity interval training is...

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Everyone knows that working out is good for you. For many people, just getting into the gym or going for a brisk walk is a major accomplishment in itself. However, if you look at the latest studies, it seems less exercise may actually be better for your health if done correctly.

High-intensity interval training is nothing new to athletes. Often shortened to “HIIT,” this training method helps to build endurance as well as strengthen muscles while delivering a heart-friendly cardio workout in a fraction of the time of traditional training methods.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help heart patients with their recovery and is more effective than moderate-intensity continuous training in the short term. For the past few decades, cardiologists, as well as exercise physiologists, have suggested regular aerobic exercise for anyone with cardiovascular disease in order to improve cardiac function and lower disease risk factors. In more recent times, the recommendation has also included HIIT, which is an approach that includes short periods of intensive anaerobic exercise with less-intense recovery periods.

Why People Can’t Stick To Exercise Routines

The number one reason why individuals say that they are unable to stay with an exercise routine is that they’re far too busy. Here’s where high-intensity interval training, or HIIT for short, comes in. An ever-increasing body of research is demonstrating that bursts of high-intensity activity can get your heart and lungs just as fit, if not fitter, in less time as opposed to the conventional prescription of 30 minutes a day of mild-intensity exercise five days a week.

This sounds great for younger athletes however many older adults worry that this type of intense exercise will result in more health problems than it resolves, by putting their hearts at risk. But research on high-intensity interval training, particularly in older adults, including those who have age-related illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, is positive.

HIIT Training And Cardiac Recovery

Some cardiac rehabilitation programmes are now utilising HIIT training for many of their patients. HIIT training involves brief bursts of high intensity exercise, often more than 90% of a person’s maximum exercise ability. This is broken up by periods of rest or low-intensity exercise.

Some research has shown that HIIT has superior benefits over the more traditional, moderate-intensity continuous exercise. For instance, a study show that exercise intensity is an important factor for:

  • Reversing left ventricular remodelling
  • Increasing aerobic capacity, endothelial function – as well as quality of life – in patients with post-infarction heart failure.

Many individuals have seen vast improvements in their cardiac health when sticking to a HIIT-based exercise programme. While it may depend on your specific health concerns, most people should be able to start a HIIT-based programme. Your doctor can give you tips about the intensity or duration of intervals that you should start with.

If you are undergoing any of these during or after your HIIT exercise, you should stop your HIIT programme and call your doctor:

  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath which does not disappear
  • Nausea
  • Abnormal heartbeats
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Chest pain
  • Swollen legs
  • Trouble walking

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If you want to discover more about HIIT, then you should do our HIIT and Functional Trainer Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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How to use kettlebells for strength and cardio https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-use-kettlebells-for-strength-and-cardio/ Mon, 31 Aug 2020 05:05:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19295 Workout creativity is responsible for keeping people engaged with their programme. A dull workout, or one that you don’t enjoy, quickly reduces motivation and progress. And cardio frequently falls under this category of boring and unpopular workouts. How much fun could it be to walk or run on a treadmill for 30 minutes at a...

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Workout creativity is responsible for keeping people engaged with their programme. A dull workout, or one that you don’t enjoy, quickly reduces motivation and progress. And cardio frequently falls under this category of boring and unpopular workouts. How much fun could it be to walk or run on a treadmill for 30 minutes at a time?

When you’re a newbie to working out, or to strength training as well as cardio in general, there’s something really intimidating about confronting a weight room or even a set of dumbbells (if you can even succeed in finding them right now).

Enter the kettlebell, which is a type of dumbbell that’s round (like a bell) and has a handle. This makes it easy to lift and take around. Because they are straightforward, yet versatile, they are great for beginners and workout veterans alike. And, as an added bonus, they’re comparatively inexpensive and you only need one to get a great, complete-body workout. Kettlebell workouts can even supplant an extra cardio session towards the end of a workout. They provide a way to integrate strength training and cardio training into one.

Getting creative in designing your exercise regimens can help you to keep with your workout. There are several alternative ways to integrate cardio into an exercise programme. Yes, this is possible without using a treadmill, bike or an elliptical machine.

Start slowly

As with any new workout routine, it’s essential to take things slow. Be sure to take a while to comprehend the proper form prior to doing each move. In addition, you have to make doubly sure that you warm up properly before you work out.

One of the greatest mistakes that we see people make is leaping right into more advanced moves – such as swings and snatches – before they’re ready. Make sure that you have the movement patterns mastered before you do anything explosive or with heavy loads.

The ideal blend of strength and cardio training

Hyped as the perfect exercise, kettlebell swings give a full-body workout while burning a massive number of calories. This explosive movement engages almost every muscle, including the glutes, hamstrings, adductors, quads as well as the calves.

At the same time, the kettlebell swing builds core strength and enhances spine stability. Owing to its explosive nature, the kettlebell swing is perfect for both cardio and resistance training. The key is to use the correct form and to avoid common mistakes, such as bending your knees too much.

This exercise targets the posterior-chain muscles, for example your hamstrings and gluteus maximus. It also engages your quads, pecs, traps as well as your delts. In the long run, the kettlebell swing strengthens the muscles around your spine. This leads to a better posture. Your core muscles work hard in order to maintain your balance which means that you get stronger overall.

A kettlebell looks as though it is a cast-iron cannonball with a handle on the top. They come in different weights. You’ll make use of them as you do things like lunges, lifts in addition to shoulder presses.

This type of exercise ensures that you get your heart pumping and utilises up to 20 calories per minute. This is about as much as running a six-minute mile. Kettlebell workouts provide a lot of flexibility. You can also add a few of the moves in your own workout or do a devoted kettlebell workout a number of times a week.

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To learn the best way to do the moves safely, do our Kettlebells Course. It won’t take you a very long period of time to understand why celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Biel, and Katherine Heigl are huge fans of kettlebell workouts.

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How to exercise at home with kettlebells https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-exercise-at-home-with-kettlebells/ Mon, 31 Aug 2020 05:00:12 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=19270 The kettlebell is an incredibly handy piece of training equipment for you to have at home. Kettlebells offer unique training benefits over dumbbells—the uneven weight distribution will challenge you to control the weight as you swing, press, or pull. Plus, kettlebells will add extra challenges when it comes to grip and core stability. It’s a...

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The kettlebell is an incredibly handy piece of training equipment for you to have at home. Kettlebells offer unique training benefits over dumbbells—the uneven weight distribution will challenge you to control the weight as you swing, press, or pull. Plus, kettlebells will add extra challenges when it comes to grip and core stability. It’s a great idea to have your home equipped with a nice set of kettlebells.

You can get a phenomenal workout with a single kettlebell

This is great for any person who has a small space to work out in or isn’t into the concept of stocking their home with a lot of fitness equipment. Once you have a kettlebell and get used to it, you may just want it around long after your normal exercise routine simply as they’re just so useful.

For instance, although – in many exercises – dumbbells and kettlebells are fairly interchangeable, the handle and ball of the kettlebells allow for a swinging motion that dumbbells just can’t beat. When you grip the kettlebell with the ball facing upwards, there’s also a stability as the ball likes to fall one way or the other, and your body needs to work to avoid that movement.

Kettlebells are useful, portable, and taxing on the entire body during most movements and movement patterns. Just the action of holding a heavy bell at the chest is an effective way to strengthen the core, back, arms, and shoulders.

Below you’ll find some of the best kettlebell exercises as well as instructions about how to turn them into a full-body kettlebell workout. These moves are excellent for a beginner kettlebell workouts when done with lighter weights at a slower rate. While intermediate or advanced levels of fitness can turn them into a more challenging training session by choosing to lift a heavier load and picking up the pace.

Curl to Squat and Press

Begin in a squat stance with a kettlebell in each of your hands. Extend your arms toward floor between your feet. Have your palms facing away from your body. Bend your elbows and curl the weights to shoulder level. Then, in one single motion, press through your heels to stand up, lifting the kettlebells overhead, turning the palms to face inward and halting when biceps are by the ears. Reverse the movement to return to your starting position. That’s one rep and complete 15 reps.

Goblet Squat

Begin in a standing position with the heels of your feet shoulder-width away from each other holding a kettlebell with the two of your hands in front of your chest and close to your body (elbows bent). Push your hips back and bend knees to lower into a squat. Reverse the movement to return to start.

Halo

Begin with an upright stance with your feet hip-width apart and holding the handle of a kettlebell with each of your hands in front of your face. Your elbows must be bent and wide at your sides. Maintaining both elbows in a bent position, and the rest of your body still, gradually circle the kettlebell around your head once, maintaining the weight at eye level. That’s one rep. Complete 15 reps in one direction and then 15 in the opposite.

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If you want to learn more regarding how to exercise correctly with kettlebells then you need to do our Kettlebell Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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How to pick the correct dumbbells for strength training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-pick-the-correct-dumbbells-for-strength-training/ Mon, 24 Aug 2020 05:05:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17981 When it comes to weightlifting, the options are endless and can be quite overwhelming. It’s sort of like being a child in a candy store, where do you even start? Strength training is a fabulous way to reduce fat, build lean muscle and boost your self-confidence. As a newbie, it’s important to know where to...

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When it comes to weightlifting, the options are endless and can be quite overwhelming. It’s sort of like being a child in a candy store, where do you even start?

Strength training is a fabulous way to reduce fat, build lean muscle and boost your self-confidence. As a newbie, it’s important to know where to start and how to choose the right weight. We’re here to make the process a whole lot easier.

Tips for choosing your ideal weight

Start simple

Before you grab a set of dumbbells, you need to work on your lifting technique and form to prevent injury. Bodyweight movements are a great way for you to start working out and getting to know your body. It might sound simple, but bodyweight exercises can be quite challenging. For example, ever tried yoga? Well, that’s a bodyweight exercise and it works your entire body.

It’s also important to determine your ideal number of reps. Lower reps increase strength while a high number of reps build muscle and endurance. From here, you’ll determine the number of sets for each exercise. It should be varied to make it challenging.

If you’ve made a move to weights, start light. You can step up the number of reps and sets to increase the difficulty level but never push your body too far.

Go slow

When lifting weights, it’s important to remain mindful of your form and movements. Avoid trying to use a swinging or bouncing motion to lift your weight as this can lead to muscle tears. If you use too much weight, you may end up relying on additional muscle groups to support the movement, reducing the effectiveness of the workout.

It’s trial and error

You won’t know unless you try. Your stronger than you think, so pick a moderate weight that will best support your exercise. If it’s too heavy, pick something lighter and vice versa. You are also not forced to stick to the same weight throughout your routine, feel free to make changes as you deem necessary.

Don’t underestimate yourself

Every day you carry around objects that all have their own weight, which means you already have some muscle built up. Try to lift the weight equivalent of an item that you know forms an important part of your day and work your way up from there. The only difference between daily activities and the gym is the location, so don’t let it overwhelm you. The fact that you’re looking into strength training is already a step in the right direction.

The key takeaway of this piece is to know your body and what it is capable of. There’s no specific starting point to strength training. It differs from individual to individual. Listen to your body throughout your routine and make the necessary adjustments where possible. As you become more experienced, it will become second nature.

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7 Different Types of Strength Training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/7-different-types-of-strength-training/ Mon, 24 Aug 2020 05:00:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17978 Not all strength training is the same, did you know that? Finding the right strength training programme will depend on what you are looking to achieve on focus on meeting that goal. What type of strength is needed to achieve your goal? This is the strength that you will work on developing. So, what kind...

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Not all strength training is the same, did you know that? Finding the right strength training programme will depend on what you are looking to achieve on focus on meeting that goal. What type of strength is needed to achieve your goal? This is the strength that you will work on developing.

So, what kind of strength training will work for you?

7 Types of strength training

Agile strength

This relates to your ability to manoeuvre and control your strength based on your current environment. It’s a multi-directional approach to weightlifting, for example picking up a child or carrying groceries. Building on this strength will help to reduce your risk of injury while improving day to day performance.

Strength endurance

In case the name didn’t give away, this relates to your ability to power through training activities. This usually relates to exercise that requires continuous muscle movement, for example, running. It relies on your body’s ability to transport oxygen and nutrients to the muscles while eliminating metabolic waste. And as an additional bonus, it also improves posture.

Explosive strength

This involves sudden bursts of movement as implied by the name. This movement relies on rapid expansion and contraction of your muscles in order to move through the desired range of motion, for example, jumping or throwing a ball. Working on this strength will improve your reaction time and improve your muscles resiliency.

Maximum strength

If you’re a bodybuilder, you’ll make use of this strength as it involves the maximum level of force your muscles can produce. Often, it’s a group of muscles working together to bring about the desired motion. Squatting or lifting deadlifts are a great example of this strength. An additional bonus of this is that it improves bone density and facilities the release of muscle building hormones.

Starting strength

This relates to your bod’s ability to build up strength or force at any given moment, for instance, at the start of a sprint. This instant reaction comes in handy during dangerous situations or even in motion as simple as quickly sitting down.

Speed strength

Similar to starting strength in that you need to exert a lot of force in a short space of time, for example, hitting a tennis ball. This strength is great for athletes and professional sportspeople.

Relative strength

This strength has to do with your body weight-to-force ratio. This means that even though you’re getting stronger, your bodyweight won’t change, which means that your building on your strength.

The choice is yours. While an all-rounded approach is recommended, your core focus should be on the type of strength exercise that best fits your lifestyle and daily activities. Research your chosen strength group and don’t be afraid to ask a professional for advice on how to achieve your desired goal best. There isn’t a specific workout for building strength because it has to do with your abilities. Try shaking it up to get the best results.

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Want to get into the exciting world of health and fitness? If you do, then you should absolutely check out our exciting range of courses! For more information, please follow this link.

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5 Strength Training Mistakes To Avoid https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-strength-training-mistakes-to-avoid/ Fri, 21 Aug 2020 05:05:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17972 If you’re a fitness junkie, the odds are that strength training forms an important part of your workout routine. If you’re doing it right, you will reap the benefits, but do it wrong and you could be finding yourself in a world of pain. The lucky few will have a personal trainer to guide them...

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If you’re a fitness junkie, the odds are that strength training forms an important part of your workout routine. If you’re doing it right, you will reap the benefits, but do it wrong and you could be finding yourself in a world of pain. The lucky few will have a personal trainer to guide them along the way, but unfortunately, we can’t always afford that luxury and are left to our own devices.

When it comes to strength training, don’t be afraid to seek out advice from a reputable source. Sure, family and friends may be able to help you out, but one wrong move and you’ll end up regretting that. Most often, poor form is the reason for gym-related injuries which could have been avoided.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common strength training mistakes.

Five common strength training mistakes

Know your weight

If you lift weights which too heavy, too soon, you will find yourself overcompensating for the heavy weight. Avoid the temptation to push yourself too far; instead, slowly work your way up to your goal weight. Research recommends that lower weights with higher rep counts are more effective in building endurance and strength in the long term. As soon as your exercises begin to feel too easy, move up a weight class or increase the number of reps.

Poor form

The form is the backbone of any strength exercise and needs to be perfected before taking on any weights. It may sound goofy but practice your form in the mirror. This will help you properly activate your muscles and ensure a fruitful workout. Once your form is correct, you can add weight to your routine to take it up a level. Don’t push yourself too far in the pursuit of gains. For example, squatting with a weight that you cannot properly manage will result in your back curving and can cause injury.

Control your weights

When lifting weights, with it be freestanding or using a machine, you need to control the motion. Avoid jerky, irregular movements. Instead, keep it controlled and fluid. Dropping your weight mid exercise is also not advised as it can result in muscle injury following an unexpected contraction.

Switch it up

Following the same workout routine will not result in the change you’re looking for. Your muscles need to adapt to various changes in the workout to facilitate constant change and improvement. Try changing your weights, reps or even modify existing workouts to get the results you’re looking for.

To rest, or not to rest…

This one is tricky. Resting between sets is advised as it gives your body time to clear lactic acid. However, rest longer than two minutes and you can find all your hard work going down the drain. Not resting at all is just as bad for your workout as your body has no time to recover. It’s all about finding the right balance.

When it comes to avoiding these common mistakes, the best advice is to plan your workouts and know your limits. Properly structuring your workout will give your body the time it needs to adapt to the movements and make the necessary recoveries. Please check with a fitness professional if you are not sure about your current workout routine or if you’re exploring tips to improve your set.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to find out more about the art and science behind strength training? If you do, then you need to have a look at our Personal Training Diploma. For more information and to register, please follow this link.

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Strength training tips for runners https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/strength-training-tips-for-runners/ Fri, 21 Aug 2020 05:00:56 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17969 Contrary to popular belief, runners do a lot more than simply running when training. Supplementing training with strength exercises has a wide array of benefits. However, runners need to perform strength exercise that will best assist them in improving their overall performance. These exercises are often centred around balance as this forms an important part...

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Contrary to popular belief, runners do a lot more than simply running when training. Supplementing training with strength exercises has a wide array of benefits. However, runners need to perform strength exercise that will best assist them in improving their overall performance. These exercises are often centred around balance as this forms an important part in maintaining your stride.

Dean Karnazes said it best: “I run because if I didn’t, I’d be lethargic and depressed and spend far too much time sitting on the couch. I run to breathe the fresh air. I run to explore. I run to escape the ordinary. I run…to savour the journey along the way. Life becomes a little more lively, a little more intense. I like that.”

Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can train to boost your run.

Seven strength exercises for runners

Planking: Lying face down on the ground, slowly prop yourself onto your elbows. Keep the rest of your body straight and properly aligned – don’t hunch! Hold for 45 seconds and then release. Repeat three times. You can increase this time as you progress.

The Scorpion: In a push-up position, lift your left knee towards your right shoulder, rotating your hips as far right as possible. Release and repeat using your right knee on your left side. Repeat this for 30 seconds.

Lower-Body Russian Twist: Lie with your back on the floor and knees bent 90 degrees. Keeping your legs in this bent position, slowly lower your legs to the side of your body, starting with the left and then moving to the right. Your shoulders need to remain on the floor at all times. Repeat 5 – 10 ties.

Kettlebell Squats: Stand with feet hip-width apart and a kettlebell held out in front of your chest with both hands. Gradually lower your body into a squat stance, as if you were sitting on an invisible chair. At the same time, lift the kettlebell above your head, hold for a few seconds and then release, returning to a standing position.

Stability Ball Jack-knife: Begin in a push-up position, but with your feet resting on a stability ball instead of the floor. Gently roll the ball towards your chest by rounding your back and lifting your hips. Release by rolling the ball back into the starting position. Repeat eight times.

Rotational Shoulder Press: Take a pair of dumbbells and hold them on either side of your shoulders with your palms facing inward. Slowly rotate to the left, pushing the dumbbells overhead. Lower the dumbbells and return to the starting position. Repeat on the left side.

Stability Ball Leg Curl: Start by lying on your back. Place your hands alongside your sides and put your feet on a stability ball. Use your arms to keep you balanced. Slowly push you hips upwards so that your body forms a straight line. Roll your ball towards your hips – as close as possible without letting your hips sag. Repeat eight times.

These are just several exercises that can be used to improve your running performance. When getting ready for a race, or even to improve your overall running, strength training can be used to build endurance and assist you in explosive work. This means that you can conquer up-hills and navigate trick terrains and navigate speed intervals with ease.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about strength training? If you do, then you should consider becoming a personal trainer. For additional information about how to make your fitness dreams a reality, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

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How To Change Your Life With Strength Training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-change-your-life-with-strength-training/ Thu, 20 Aug 2020 05:05:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17961 It’s no secret that strength training has the ability to change your life. Implementing strength training into your routine has the power to tone and shape your body while increasing your fitness levels and overall self-confidence. It is more than that. While the obvious perks are visible to anyone that sees you, there are some...

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It’s no secret that strength training has the ability to change your life. Implementing strength training into your routine has the power to tone and shape your body while increasing your fitness levels and overall self-confidence. It is more than that. While the obvious perks are visible to anyone that sees you, there are some hidden benefits that occur beneath the surface. Let’s look at a number of the ways strength training can change your life.

Eight ways strength training will transform your life

You will become less of a health risk

Lifting weights has been found to improve your overall immunity, giving your body the tools needed to beat colds and flu. In addition to this, you can also lower your risk of developing diabetes, cancer and various heart diseases.

Improved self-confidence

Your new, toned physique will have you feeling like a million bucks, and why not? You work hard to reach this point. All those hours in the gym, pushing yourself to reach new goals has paid off.

Improve your stamina

As you lift weights, you begin to build stronger, more powerful muscles. In turn, this will keep you feeling energised throughout the day. It’s important to note that this doesn’t happen overnight; it comes after training long enough for your muscles to develop.

Boost your sex drive

By training, you increase the blood flow throughout your body, which forms an important part of your sexual experience. You’ll also find that your improved body image also helps you in the bedroom.

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Stay focused

The improved blood flow in your body also plays a part in stimulating your brain to function optimally and even promote cell growth. This improves alertness and the ability to focus on the task at hand.

Turn that frown upside down

Exercise has been found to enhance your mood and alleviate stress as it facilitates the release of endorphins, the feel-good hormone in your body.

Become fearless

Let’s face it. The gym can be quite intimidating. But by pushing through that fear, you will open the doors to a whole new world of exercise. And as you challenge yourself to increase your weight capacity, you will find yourself becoming more daring in other aspects of life too.

Live in the moment

Everyday stressors can get in the way of living a happy life. When it comes to weightlifting, you need to focus on the task at hand, which means that at that moment, you are stress-free – unless you’re trying to increase your weight limit of course.

It is simple to tell why so many individuals – not only athletes – turn to strength training. Every exercise brings you closer to a new and improved self. Even though the gyms are still closed, there are a ton of online workouts designed specifically for at-home routines. You can also download fitness apps if you would like to track your journey and access workouts that best suit your individual needs. There’s never been a better moment to set a new goal for yourself and strive to exceed your own expectations.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about strength training? If you do, then you should become a personal trainer. For additional information about our Personal Training Diploma, please follow this link.

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How to build strength at home without buying bulky equipment https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-build-strength-at-home-without-buying-bulky-equipment/ Thu, 20 Aug 2020 05:00:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17958 Summer is fast approaching, and although the gyms are still closed, you can still workout and create the ultimate summer body. Home workouts have become a necessity for every gym-goer in the last few weeks. Home gym equipment sold out in the blink of an eye, leaving many fitness enthusiasts to come up with creatives...

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Summer is fast approaching, and although the gyms are still closed, you can still workout and create the ultimate summer body. Home workouts have become a necessity for every gym-goer in the last few weeks. Home gym equipment sold out in the blink of an eye, leaving many fitness enthusiasts to come up with creatives ways to get their workout in.

The lack of bulky gym equipment in the home may seem like a deal-breaker, but there are so many creative methods to help you get the most out of your at-home workout routine.

Four ways to build your strength at home

Running/Walking

Okay, we’ll admit that this one isn’t that creative. Since lockdown, we have seen many athletes take it upon themselves to train, regardless of being stuck at home. Countless laps around the garden and home have all contributed to them maintaining their training schedule. With lockdown restrictions becoming more lenient, we can now venture outside to get a run in, so why not give it a try?

Bodyweight training

When you’re training at home, you need to use what you have, so why not utilise your body weight? Research has found that bodyweight exercise is effective when it comes to building strength, balance, endurance and flexibility. They’re also a terrific way to strengthen your body to prevent workout-related injuries. Push-ups are a great example of this.

Yoga

Think about it. When you practice yoga, you are lifting your body in various positions. This means that you need to be able to hold your own weight for extended periods of time. Yoga has been found to be a phenomenal all-rounder when it comes to exercise as it improves flexibility, builds endurance and strengthens your muscles.

Improvised weights

As much as the above options are great ways to build strength, we can’t help but long for the feeling of lifting weights and feeling all the more powerful. Luckily, there are a ton of household items that can be used to supplement your workout. For example, need a sandbag? Why not try using a dog food bag? You can also create dumbbells out of empty water bottles. Simply fill them until they’re your desired weight. Anything that you can pick up has the potential to be a weight. A word of caution, please choose objects that are safe to use and of a weight that you are able to carry without buckling. You may be at home, but the same safety measures need to be in place to prevent injury.

So, what makes bodyweight exercises effective? The answer is simple: consistency. You need to put in the effort to reap the rewards. While the incredible benefits have been widely recorded, it’s important to note that these changes do not happen overnight or after one killer session. You need to build onto your workout as you progress. Mastered 20 push-ups? Why not go for 30. You determine your success.

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If you want to learn more about exercise and keeping fit, why not do a Personal Training Diploma with us at Trifocus Fitness Academy? For more information about this – as well as the other fabulous courses that it comes with – please follow this link.

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5 simple stretches you can do in bed for better sleep https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-simple-stretches-you-can-do-in-bed-for-better-sleep/ Fri, 14 Aug 2020 05:05:12 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17899 When it comes to a good night’s rest, we often reach for over the counter medication and herbal teas to try and lull ourselves to sleep. However, this is not the only option. Stretching before bed has been found to have a relaxing effect and can have you in dreamland in no time. So, why...

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When it comes to a good night’s rest, we often reach for over the counter medication and herbal teas to try and lull ourselves to sleep. However, this is not the only option. Stretching before bed has been found to have a relaxing effect and can have you in dreamland in no time.

So, why does stretching have such a positive effect on your sleep pattern? Well, for starters, you focus on your breathing and stretching your body. This promotes mindfulness which in turn promotes better sleep.

In addition to this, there are also the physical benefits that come with stretching. Stretching can relieve muscle tension and reduce cramping while sleeping. It’s important to stick to simple stretches and not intense workouts, as this will have the opposite effect.

Five stretches for a better night’s sleep

We have found a few simple stretches to try before bed. You can alter them to suit the needs of your body or leave them out completely if it causes discomfort. This new bedtime process is aimed at relaxing you and not overexerting yourself by performing strenuous exercises.

Bear Hug: Standing upright, inhale deeply and as you do open your arms out. Exhale and then cross your arms in front of you, as if you’re hugging yourself. Hold for 30 seconds and then release.

Kneeling Lat Stretch:  Kneel in front of your bed or a chair. Slowly bend forward and rest your forearms on the bed or chair, palms facing one another. Hold for 30 seconds and then release. Repeat if necessary.

Child’s Pose: Begin in a kneeling posture with your bum resting on your heels. Slowly bend forward and let your forehead touch the floor. Place your arms out before you and focus on your breathing. Hold for 5 minutes and then release.

Low Lunge: Step forwards with your left leg and as you do bring your right knee to the floor. Keep your arms alongside you with hands touching the floor if possible. Hold for five breaths and then release. Repeat on the opposite side.

Legs-up-the-wall: Sorry, mom, feet will be going on the wall for this one! Position yourself against the wall so that your back is on the ground while your bum and legs are pushed firmly against the wall. Hold for 10 minutes and then release.

You will notice that these stretches are based on holding in a relaxed position for an increased amount of time as opposed to completing reps. This is because your body needs to be calmed and your mind quieted. These stretches act like meditation to still all the stressors keeping you up at night.

When performing these stretches, be sure to find a quiet, open space that gives you the freedom to relax and find a sense of calm. While this is not always possible, it will assist in relaxing you and getting your ready for a good night’s rest.

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Five stretches to do while working from home https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/five-stretches-to-do-while-working-from-home/ Fri, 14 Aug 2020 05:00:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17895 Working from home brings about a sense of freedom that the office doesn’t quite have. However, what your office does have is a proper workspace designed to be ergonomic. Unfortunately, the move to a work from home set up doesn’t always come with the appropriate office equipment for optimal performance. We’re not talking to the...

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Working from home brings about a sense of freedom that the office doesn’t quite have. However, what your office does have is a proper workspace designed to be ergonomic. Unfortunately, the move to a work from home set up doesn’t always come with the appropriate office equipment for optimal performance.

We’re not talking to the actual equipment used to work like your laptop or even the internet – we are not questioning your work performance. We are referring to your ability to keep your body free from aches and pains while doing so. We have gone from being chained to a desk to having the freedom to work anywhere we choose – in bed, on the couch or even at the kitchen table. While they all serve the purpose of giving you a spot to sit and work, they’re not always good for our muscles.

Slouching is the biggest issue that arises when working from home and can take its toll on your neck as well as your back which results in pain and stiffness. Research recommends that we get up every two hours to stretch and move around to get the blood flowing – regardless of whether you are at the office or home. This simple routine will prevent muscle stiffness and boost your productivity.

5 Exercises for the home office

Sit and Reach: Sitting on the floor, stretch your right leg out in front of you. Bend your left knee to the side and place your left foot against your right inner thigh. Hold for 10 breaths before switching sides.

Doorway Stretch: Stand in your doorway with your left arm on the frame next to you. Bend your elbow 90 degrees. Step forward through the doorway – keeping your elbow at 90 degrees. Hold for 10 breaths before switching sides.

Neck Release: Either seated or standing, tilt your head to your left shoulder. Transfer your head to the right and look at your ceiling. Slowly pull your head to you left shoulder using your left hand. Still holding onto your head, slowly turn to look at the floor. Release and repeat on the opposite side.

Seated Figure 4: Start in a seated position. Cross your left ankle over your right knee. Press your left ankle into the right leg and bush back with the right leg. Hold for half a minute and then slowly release. Repeat on the other side.

Half Downward Dog: Stand behind a chair with your hands resting on the back. Take a big step back, keeping your arms stretched out in front of you. Hold for 10 seconds and then release.

When it gets down to working from home or even working in the office, it’s important to make sure that your muscles are correctly stretched out and that your posture is correct. This will go a long way towards verifying that mobility is maintained and preventing unnecessary aches and pains.

While we pride ourselves on doing extensive research while compiling theses pieces, we are not doctors. If you feel any pain, please cease the exercise and seek medical attention if the pain does not subside.

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If you would like to study to become a personal trainer, and learn more about stretches – in addition to other exercise modalities – please follow this link.

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The Most Useful Stretches to Prepare You for the Trail https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-most-useful-stretches-to-prepare-you-for-the-trail/ Thu, 13 Aug 2020 05:05:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17886 It’s no secret that running results intoned, strong legs. Unfortunately, it can result in stiff, sore legs as well. Every time you step down, you engage your hamstrings, quads, calves and hips. With every kilometre or even metre that passes, these muscles may slowly develop tension, scar tissue and even imbalances. In the long term,...

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It’s no secret that running results intoned, strong legs. Unfortunately, it can result in stiff, sore legs as well. Every time you step down, you engage your hamstrings, quads, calves and hips. With every kilometre or even metre that passes, these muscles may slowly develop tension, scar tissue and even imbalances. In the long term, this may slow you down and even result in injury.

Research has found that trail running can increase your overall balance and sense of proprioception as you run over uneven and unbalanced surfaces. Frequent turns and levels of elevation found in trail run also enable the activation of numerous muscle groups which can include your core, leg muscles as well as the muscles responsible for maintaining stability. This variation can reduce the risk of repetitive injuries and provides an ever-changing training route.

However, to prevent injury and reduce recovery time after runs, it’s important to properly train your body and stretch the muscles involved for improved flexibility. Stretching before a run can also assist in making the muscles more pliable for your run and improve your performance.

Stretches to get you trail-ready

Pistol Squats: These are essentially one-legged squats. Lift your left leg upwards and slowly lower yourself down as far as you can go. Repeat five times before switching sides.

Step-ups: Standing before a bench or step, step up with your left leg and lift yourself on to the box. Repeat five times before switching sides.

Barefoot Drills: Find an open area – at least 100 metres long. Perform two sets of high knees, high kicks and B skips.

Alternating Knee Lifts: Stand with feet hip-width apart. Lift your left knee to your chest and grab below the knee with both hands. Hold for 30 seconds and then release. Repeat on the opposite side.

Squat to Hip Flexor: Stand with feet hip-width apart. Lower yourself down into a seated position. Take your left leg back into a lunge position. Hold for several seconds and then release. Repeat on the other side.

Alternating High Kicks: Stand with feet hip-width apart. Lift your left leg forward and swing the opposite arm over your head to touch the top of your foot. It’s okay if you can’t reach. Gradually release and then repeat on the other side.

Torso Twist: Stand with feet hip-width apart. Bend forward and twist your shoulder to touch your left foot with your right hand. Come back to a standing position and then repeat on the other side.

Alternating Quad Stretch: Stand with feet hip-width apart. Bend your left leg back so that your foot touches your butt. Grab the top of your foot and pull it upwards. Hold for a few seconds and then release. Repeat on the other side.

These stretches will prepare your body for the hiking trail. They can also be performed after your hike to prevent muscles stiffness and soreness. Listen to your body while on the trail. Your fitness level will determine the type of trail you should try and it’s important to use this rule throughout your training.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen to discover additional information about other types of training, in addition to flexibility training, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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6 Stretches to Loosen Up Your Tight Glutes https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/6-stretches-to-loosen-up-your-tight-glutes/ Thu, 13 Aug 2020 05:00:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17882 Whether you’ve been sitting in the same position for too long or have just completed an insane glute workout, your butt is bound to feel it. While the exercise-related reasons for tight, stiff glutes are pretty obvious, you wouldn’t expect to have the same effect by simply sitting at your desk. This is because sitting...

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Whether you’ve been sitting in the same position for too long or have just completed an insane glute workout, your butt is bound to feel it. While the exercise-related reasons for tight, stiff glutes are pretty obvious, you wouldn’t expect to have the same effect by simply sitting at your desk.

This is because sitting in the same position for too long can result in nerve compression that can cause pain, numbness and stiffness. The same way your muscles need movement and blood flow to perform, so do the nerves in your body. Spending too much time seated can stiffen your hip muscles and affect your posture as a result. This can result in back pain in the long term.

6 Stretches to loosen your glutes

Glute Bridge: Lie supine with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Slowly roll yourself up until your hips have been lifted. Hold for several seconds and then drop yourself slowly back down. Repeat for 10 reps. This is a great warm-up exercise when it comes to stretching your glutes.

Pigeon Pose: On all fours, slowly bring your left knee forward so that it sits behind your left wrist. Your left ankle should be in front of your hip. Slide your right leg backwards with your heel facing the ceiling. Pull your legs together, breathing in deeply and slowly lifting yourself onto your fingertips. Exhale and release. Repeat on the other side.

Stacked Knee Glute Stretch: In a seated position on the floor, fold your legs over one another into a cross-legged sitting position. Slide one leg under the opposite knee and place the other foot on top of the other knee. Slowly fold your body forward as far as it will deepen the stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and then release. Repeat on the other side.

Standing Figure-Four Stretch: As the name implies, start in a standing positing. Bend your knees slightly and cross your left ankle over your right knee. Press your left ankle into the right leg and bush back with the right leg. Hold for half a minutes and then slowly release. Repeat on the other side.

Lying Figure-Four Stretch: Lie on your back with your knees bent. Cross over your left ankle with your right knee and gently pull the leg towards you. Hold for half a minute and then slowly release. Repeat on the other side.

Foam Rolling: Sitting on the floor with legs bent slightly, place a foam roller under your left glute. Cross your right foot under your left knee and slowly roll back and forth. Work your way up from your thigh to your lower back. Repeat on the other side.

Whether you realise it or not, your glutes contribute to a wide range of movement. They’re the driving force behind walking and running, so when they’re stiff and sore, it’s hard to miss. The easiest way to prevent tight glutes is regular stretching and exercise. Every little bit helps.

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If you want to learn more about exercise then you should really become a personal trainer! For more information about how to do this, please follow this link.

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How to stretch for flexibility https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-stretch-for-flexibility/ Wed, 12 Aug 2020 05:05:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17873 There’s a common misconception that stretching and flexibility are the same thing. However, they’re not. Flexibility is the range of motion associated with a specific joint. The extent of a person’s flexibility can be determined by muscles and connective tissues in the surrounding areas. Stretching, instead, is a type of exercise that aims to improve...

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There’s a common misconception that stretching and flexibility are the same thing. However, they’re not. Flexibility is the range of motion associated with a specific joint. The extent of a person’s flexibility can be determined by muscles and connective tissues in the surrounding areas. Stretching, instead, is a type of exercise that aims to improve flexibility by training the surrounding muscles and connective tissues.

Factors that influence flexibility

Having a limited range of motion can be linked to several factors that include muscle stiffness and joint injury. In the event that your muscle stiffness is related to an injury, it is best to consult an occupational therapist or someone else who is equipped to assist you in increasing your flexibility without resulting in further injury.

Stiff muscles can result in chronic pain, injuries and poor posture, to name but a few.

No two individuals will possess precisely the same degree of flexibility. Forcing yourself to be more flexible than your body allows can result in injury. In the same breath, overstretched muscles can result in over flexibility which can weaken your joints and cause dislocation. This can be counteracted with using resistance training.

Your degree of flexibility will be developed based on the needs of your day-to-day living. If you are a sportsman, your flexibility will relate to the activity you participate in.

Stretching ‘dos’

  • Warm-up before exercising.
  • Always stretch after exercising.
  • Relax and take it easy.
  • Hold each stretch for 30 seconds.
  • Full body stretches work well to improve posture.
  • If it hurts, stop.

Stretching ‘don’ts’

  • If your muscles are cold, don’t stretch them.
  • Don’t force a stretch.
  • A “quick” stretch won’t help much.
  • Don’t focus on one area of the body alone.

4 stretches to get you started

Standing Hamstring Stretch: Stand with your feet hip-width apart with your knees bent and arms by your side. As you bend forward, exhale and lower your head to the floor. Keep your neck, head and shoulders relaxed while doing so. Wrap your arms across your legs and hold for 1 minute. Slowly roll up once you’re done.

Piriformis (Hip) Stretch: Sit on the floor with legs outstretched. Cross your left leg over your right. Place your left hand behind you and place your right hand on your left quad. Press your left leg to the right and twist your body to the left. Hold for a minute before switching sides.

Lunge with Spinal Twist: Stand with your feet together. Step forward into a staggered posture. Bend your left knee and go into a lunge position. Put your right hand on the floor and then twist your body to the left. Raise your left arm to the sky. Hold for a minute before switching sides.

Tricep Stretch: Kneel with your legs hip-width apart and arms reaching upwards. Bend your left arm behind you and try to touch the middle of your back. Grab your elbow with you left hand and push it down. Hold for one minute and then switch sides.

Being flexible – and maintaining it – plays an important part in preventing injury. It’s important to know your limits and listen to your body to prevent overexertion. The golden rule with stretching is to stop if it hurts. When in doubt, please consult a trained, professional personal trainer.

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3 of the Best Shoulder Stretches to Help Relieve Pain & Tightness https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/3-of-the-best-shoulder-stretches-to-help-relieve-pain-tightness/ Wed, 12 Aug 2020 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17868 There’s nothing that can affect your mobility more than a tight, sore shoulder. It may sound underrated, but a weakened shoulder affects a lot more than your ability to wave. Suddenly, your ability to open doors and brush your teeth has diminished and you’re left feeling pretty useless. To add further insult to injury, this...

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There’s nothing that can affect your mobility more than a tight, sore shoulder. It may sound underrated, but a weakened shoulder affects a lot more than your ability to wave. Suddenly, your ability to open doors and brush your teeth has diminished and you’re left feeling pretty useless. To add further insult to injury, this damage more than likely came about from an insignificant movement – like sleeping in a weird position.

Luckily, there are ways to reduce stiffness and pain. Firstly, you need to decide if it is something that you can fix on your own or if you need a professional opinion. The risk with stretching out stiff joints is that you may overexert yourself and do more harm than good. As with any exercise, listen to your body!

We have identified 3 shoulder stretches that you can try to loosen up the joint and alleviate the pain.

Shoulder stretches to relieve pain and tightness.

Across-the-chest stretch: We’ll start with a simple exercise to warm you up. This stretch increases flexibility and improves your range of motion. If you begin to feel pain, lower your arm and try again.

Either sitting or standing, bring your left arm across your chest. You can support it with your right arm if need be. Hold for a minute before switching sides. Repeat as necessary.

Eagle arms spinal rolls: While sitting, hold your arms out to the sides. Cross your elbows before you with your left arm on top. With your elbows bent, place the back of your arms and hands together. Reach your left arm around to press palms together. Hold for about 15 seconds and then switch sides.

Thread the needle: Get down on your hands and knees. Lift your left hand to the ceiling with your palm facing away from you. Lower your arm and bring it under your chest and over to the right side of your body. Activate your left arm and shoulder to keep you upright. Put your right hand on the floor to support your body. You can lift it to the ceiling or place it on your left thigh, whichever is comfortable. Hold for 30 seconds before switching sides.

Alternative ways to relieve pain

If stretching isn’t helping to relieve the pain, you may want to find relief using different methods. The first recommended course of action is RICE. This involves resting, putting ice on the joint and compressing your shoulder. Elevating your shoulder is also a good way to alleviate pain.

An Epsom salt bath or heating pad can also provide some much-needed support. A massage or acupuncture treatment can assist in bringing balance to your body and reducing the side effects of the injury.

Of course, over-the-counter medication can be used in a pinch. Pain killers, menthol rubs, arnica creams and essential oils can also be used.

When it comes to pain relief and injuries, there’s no blanket approach to treating it. Stretching has proven to be most effective in alleviating pain when used correctly. Always do your research and then listen to your body when exercising.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to study to become a personal trainer then you need to contact us at Trifocus Fitness Academy. Have a look at our world-class Personal Training Diploma for additional information.

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What are the Effects of Exercise on Resilience and Mental Health? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-effects-of-exercise-on-resilience-and-mental-health/ Tue, 11 Aug 2020 05:05:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17858 Regular exercise and activity are great for your body and physical health. However, in addition, did you know that it could assist you in dealing with depression, stress, anxiety, and other mental health strains? If you are someone who struggles to find the motivation to exercise, perhaps the knowledge of a mental pick me up...

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Regular exercise and activity are great for your body and physical health. However, in addition, did you know that it could assist you in dealing with depression, stress, anxiety, and other mental health strains? If you are someone who struggles to find the motivation to exercise, perhaps the knowledge of a mental pick me up might help you to be more active. Physical activity is good for your aerobic fitness, balance and stability, muscle strength, and can even help you to live longer! This will definitely make you feel better in general, but it goes further than that as studies show that it can have a definitive and long-lasting effect on your mental health. So how does it work?

Deeper Sleep

Regular exercise helps you to sleep better, while also helping you to have more energy throughout the day. Getting a good night’s sleep has more impact than you might think, and exercise can help you to sleep deeper with fewer interruptions. This means that during the day, you will be less likely to feel tired and uncomfortable, allowing you to feel better in your daily life generally.

Fighting Depression

Studies have shown that general exercise can reduce the risk of depression and can help to reduce symptoms. One such study, from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, showed that regular physical activity (e.g. a 15-minute daily run or 1-hour daily walk) could reduce your risk of depression by up to 26%.

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Chemical Reaction

Exercise promotes brain activity, which allows for neural growth and the development of new patterns that can help to increase feelings of success, well being, and happiness. It will also encourage the release of endorphins that boost your mood as well as helping to reduce pain and stress. Exercise will also release neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which affect your mood. Over time you will begin to associate exercise with the post-exercise feelings of happiness and delight and this will positively affect your mental health!

Stress Reduction

Stress is one of the biggest causes of prolonged mental health problems, and regular exercise can help to reduce the baseline levels of hormones associated with stress in the body. This means that over time you can change your body’s reaction to moments of stress that would normally result in large surges in stress hormone production. With less general stress and a better ability to deal with it, you can avoid the mental strain that stress can have on your daily life.

Aside from the obvious physical health benefits that come with regular exercise, the positive effect that it can have on your mental health is undeniable. Over time you can retrain your brain to react differently to stress and boost your happiness – improving your daily life and mental resistance.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you keen to learn more about becoming a personal trainer? If you are, then you definitely need to have a look at our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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Is Your Blood Sugar Undermining Your Workouts? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/is-your-blood-sugar-undermining-your-workouts/ Tue, 11 Aug 2020 05:00:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17854 It is well understood elevated blood sugar can have negative implications for your overall health. Those with high blood sugar or hyperglycaemia tend to be more overweight and have a greater chance of acquiring cardiovascular disease as well as Type 2 diabetes in the future. It is also suggested that they may experience fewer benefits...

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It is well understood elevated blood sugar can have negative implications for your overall health. Those with high blood sugar or hyperglycaemia tend to be more overweight and have a greater chance of acquiring cardiovascular disease as well as Type 2 diabetes in the future. It is also suggested that they may experience fewer benefits from exercise. However, having low blood sugar can also negatively impact your health and your ability to exercise to your full potential. Low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia can occur as an effect of diabetes, but also can arise in those without underlying problems. Both sides of the scale can affect your ability to exercise and to get the most out of your workouts.

What is the difference between hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia?

Hypoglycaemia (or low blood sugar) occurs when there is not enough glucose in the blood to fuel your organs and muscles properly. This can result in the body releasing epinephrine that causes sweating, shaking, and increased heart rate. It mainly occurs when you do not eat each enough food to provide energy and glucose. Low blood sugar is often a symptom of diabetes, but healthy people can experience episodes of hypoglycaemia during workouts.

Hyperglycaemia (or high blood sugar/glucose levels) occurs when the body either cannot properly use or break down insulin in the body or does not have enough insulin. This causes the body to funnel the glucose in the blood into muscles and organs, which causes a build-up of sugar in the blood. This can occur for a variety of reasons including when you each more food or higher amounts of carbohydrates than normal if you do not take insulin or diabetes medication, when there is a decrease in physical activity, and when you are under a lot of emotional stress.

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What can this mean for workouts?

Hypoglycaemia: low blood sugar can affect your ability to work out properly, as it presents as dizziness, headaches, shaking, sweating, blurred vision, irregular heartbeats, and even loss of coordination. When you work out, you are using glucose as fuel for your body, so with too intense a workout you can use up your body’s store of glucose and your blood sugar levels will drop. This often occurs alongside inadequate nutrition for your workout. While getting a workout in first thing in the morning before any food may seem like a fantastic way to begin the day, without anything else for your body to break down it will turn to the glucose first. This can cause hypoglycaemic attacks and will stop you from being able to perform workouts properly. It is important to eat enough balanced foods and carbohydrates in order to allow your body to perform well.

Hyperglycaemia: high blood sugar can also affect your ability to exercise properly. New studies suggest that those with consistency high blood sugar levels could be getting much less benefit from the workouts than those with normal levels. While exercise is good and important for managing high blood sugar, it needs to be done carefully and with guidance. People with high blood sugar are often eating foods that are processed and high in sugar, which may affect their capacity to control their blood sugar levels. One study showed that within a group of young adults (none of whom had diabetes) those with the highest blood sugar levels consistently showed the lowest endurance and their muscle tissue had high levels of proteins that stop or slow down the ability to improve for better aerobic fitness. It is suggested that high blood sugar may, therefore, be impacting you, not just in the short term while exercising, but in the long term in improving your overall health and fitness.

In conclusion, though many of us may not have to think about our blood sugar levels daily, we should remember that it is an important part of the way that our body functions. When exercising you are putting the body under a lot of stress and when it is not supported by proper nutrition or by a real understanding of how the body works, we may be doing more harm than good. If you think that you could be experiencing problems with your blood sugar levels, it is vital to speak to your doctor about how you can treat the problem.

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Is It Healthier to Drink a Protein Shake Before or After a Workout? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/is-it-healthier-to-drink-a-protein-shake-before-or-after-a-workout/ Fri, 07 Aug 2020 05:05:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17846 You have probably seen people drinking protein shakes for breakfast, adding scoops of powder to their meals, and chugging them before and after workouts in the gym, but you might be wondering when you should really be drinking these shakes. Unfortunately, there is not a simple answer as this question is quite a hot topic...

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You have probably seen people drinking protein shakes for breakfast, adding scoops of powder to their meals, and chugging them before and after workouts in the gym, but you might be wondering when you should really be drinking these shakes.

Unfortunately, there is not a simple answer as this question is quite a hot topic in the fitness community. Some people argue that before is better, while others think that the only way is after. However, it could just come down to how you personally feel about protein shakes and what you want to get from them.

Why Drink The Shake?

First of all, why drink a shake at all? Some people argue that your overall protein intake in a day is far more important than drinking a shake. On average, the suggested daily amount of protein for an adult is about 0.8g per kg of body weight. When you are exercising a lot, or are looking to build muscle, you may be wanting to increase this depending on your goals.

For some people, drinking a protein shake is a good way to increase their daily intake when they are not getting enough protein from their other meals. It can be a smart choice to make sure that you are maintaining your body properly when working out – but be sure to do your research and understand your protein intake before adding them into your diet.

The Argument For Before

When you work out you are placing your body under stress and your muscles become damaged from the exercises that you do. Protein helps to build muscle and aid in muscle recovery, and therefore having protein in your system when working out can aid this process. Therefore, some people like to drink a shake before they workout as it will help their muscles during their workout.

Unlike a meal, a protein shake only takes a short time to break down into the necessary amino acids, and therefore it is a great option. If you are someone who likes to work out in the morning and don’t have time for breakfast, a shake can be a useful way for your body to maintain itself through a workout without you having to eat a full meal beforehand.

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The Argument For After

Some people prefer to drink their shakes after completing a workout. Although, in previous years, there was a belief that there was a small window after working out in which protein needed to be consumed in order to be absorbed, this is now considered to be not necessarily true. However, there are still benefits to be gained from having a protein shake after a workout, as you will help to repair the damage from the workout right away and help your body to recover quickly.

As you can see, both sides of the argument tend to agree on one thing – protein shakes will help you to recover from your workout. However, studies suggest that there is not much difference between having them before or after exercise – it is more a matter of preference. If you prefer to work out on an empty stomach, then save it for afterwards, but if you would like to have something before then do it – either way you will assisting your body to repair and recovery.

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How To Reboot Your Workout Routine https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-reboot-your-workout-routine/ Fri, 07 Aug 2020 05:00:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17840 Have you lost your love of working out? Or has the lockdown lifestyle had you drawn more to the couch than to the weights? It can be challenging to slot back into a workout routine that you actually enjoy without having the feeling like you are forcing yourself to get sweaty and sore. What you...

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Have you lost your love of working out? Or has the lockdown lifestyle had you drawn more to the couch than to the weights? It can be challenging to slot back into a workout routine that you actually enjoy without having the feeling like you are forcing yourself to get sweaty and sore. What you need is a good old-fashioned reboot of the system to get you back to a place where you can feel excited to get working out again.

Here are a few steps that you can try to get that exercise routine going once again:

  1. Reconnect With Why

Take some time before you start your first workout to remember why you love to workout. Is it because you like to feel strong? Is it for those endorphins after you’re done? To lose weight or to gain muscle? Or merely to take a break during the week to do something for yourself? Getting in the right headspace will make a difference in the way that you approach a workout and, if you go in excited, you are more likely to have a better experience.

  1. Start off Slow

Don’t jump back in with the same level of workouts that you used to do and expect to get the same results. This is also true if you are looking to mix up your current routine – don’t be expecting too much from yourself when you start something new as it is better to take time and work towards getting better.

  1. Focus on Proper Form vs Results

Whether you’re restarting or starting anew, try to focus on improving your form during exercises and getting your breathing comfortable. This will lead to better results in the long run and will stop you from getting injured from movements that your body is not used to yet.

  1. Walking is a Workout!

If you are starting up again or wanting to shake up your routine remember that walking is an exercise in itself. Getting aerobic exercise from walking is a great way to get your body used to more movement.

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  1. Set Goals

Establish small and realistic goals for yourself and then build healthy habits by sticking to them. If a workout is too hard, congratulate yourself on doing part of it – because just showing up to the workout is a mental step in the right direction.

  1. Friends Are There to Help

Get a friend who also wants to get more active or find one who already is. You don’t need to work out with them if you don’t feel comfortable yet, but having someone else who you can talk to, complain to, and share workout advice with will help keep you motivated.

  1. Try New Things

If you are getting back into things or starting fresh don’t feel as though you need to stick to one type of exercise. There are so many choices which are available, for example: HIIT workouts, dance workouts, weights, Pilates, yoga, running, walking, swimming, wakeboarding, and more. Do whatever gets you moving and makes you feel good!

Try to keep motivated and keep learning about your body. The most essential thing is to create a routine that you enjoy and that you can realistically stick to. Once you have found the joy in working out it will become easier to keep going and see results.

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What is a hinge joint? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-hinge-joint/ Wed, 05 Aug 2020 05:05:48 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17819 A hinge joint is a kind of synovial joint which exists in the body and helps to allow motion primarily in one plane. The hinge joint is constituted of two or more bones with articular surfaces which are covered by hyaline cartilage as well as being lubricated by synovial fluid. Stabilisation of each hinge joint...

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A hinge joint is a kind of synovial joint which exists in the body and helps to allow motion primarily in one plane. The hinge joint is constituted of two or more bones with articular surfaces which are covered by hyaline cartilage as well as being lubricated by synovial fluid. Stabilisation of each hinge joint is by muscles, ligaments in addition to other connective tissues, such as the joint capsule.

The hinge joints of the body comprise the following:

  • Elbow
  • Knee
  • Interphalangeal (IP) joints of the hand and foot
  • Tibiotalar joint of the ankle.

What is the movement displayed by the hinge joint?

The hinge joint allows for flexion/extension. In addition, it offers ease of movement but only provides movement in one plane (no twisting no side to side). The hinge joint is an essential component of the complex biomechanics of the human body. The knee, elbow and ankle are able to support large amounts of force and help in the performance of work. Interphalangeal joints are smaller and contribute mainly to dexterity. A hinge joint is more stable than a ball and socket joint but offers less mobility.

A great example of a hinge joint is at your elbow. There are two bones in your forearm which interact at the elbow joint. Only the Ulna forms a hinge joint. When you are in an anatomical position, and you bend your elbow as if taking in your palm to your shoulder, this is the movement of the hinge joint.

Exercises involving the hinge joint

The following exercises are great examples of movements which recruit the hinge joint.

Swimming

With the elbow and/or the arm, flexion is moving your forearm and hand toward your body by bending the elbow joint, while elbow extension moves in the opposite direction.

Push-Ups and Pull-Ups

These two exercises involve elbow flexion and extension.

For push-ups, put your hands on the ground about shoulder-width apart and your feet slightly apart on your toes. Tighten your buttocks as you lower your body toward the ground until your chest and hips almost touch the ground. Keep your elbows close to your body. Exhale and push yourself off the ground, keeping your head in alignment with your spine and hip.

While push-ups aren’t difficult, they do need strength and engagement from many different parts of your body. These exercises challenge our pecs, our triceps, the back of the shoulders and also require a good understanding of core and hip stability. A push-up is, after, a moving plank, o your core plays a huge role.

For pull-ups, grab both hands on a pull-up bar or similar apparatus about shoulder-width apart. Exhale, and pull yourself up until your chin clears over the bar. Lower yourself down until your arms are fully extended. For each of the exercises, perform three sets of 10 to 12 reps.

The pull-up is an upper-body as well as a compound exercise. Your back, as well as your arms, pull your body up while your abs stop your lower back from arching. You can emphasise your arms by holding the bar with your palms facing up. These are chin-ups and they’re effective for building bigger arms.

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What is a ball-and-socket joint? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-ball-and-socket-joint/ Wed, 05 Aug 2020 05:00:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17814 In vertebrate anatomy, a ball-and-socket joint, which is also called spheroidal Joint, is a joint in which the rounded face of a bone moves inside a depression on another bone allowing better freedom of movement as opposed to any other kind of joint. Ball-and-socket joints are a unique class of synovial joints that enjoy the...

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In vertebrate anatomy, a ball-and-socket joint, which is also called spheroidal Joint, is a joint in which the rounded face of a bone moves inside a depression on another bone allowing better freedom of movement as opposed to any other kind of joint. Ball-and-socket joints are a unique class of synovial joints that enjoy the greatest freedom of motion in the body thanks to their distinctive structure.

It is most highly developed in the large shoulder and hip joints of mammals, including humans, in which it provides swing for the arms and legs in various directions and also spin of those limbs upon the more stationary bones.

What movement is possible in a ball-and-socket joint?

The following types of movement are possible in a ball-and-socket joint:

  • Flexion / Extension / Adduction
  • Adduction / Internal and External rotation

This Joint allows for freedom of rotation as well as back and forth movement in any other joint.

Some examples of the knowledge application of the Ball and Socket Joint can be demonstrated by doing the following:

  • Free rotation in all directions so we can swing our arms around and behind us to swim or throw a ball,
  • Raise our arms over our heads to do exercises, or
  • Perform the fine back and forth movements to play the violin

Exercises that involve ball-and-socket joints

Knee stirs

This exercise is recuperative and planned to create fluidity in the hip socket and release in the low spine.

To perform this exercise properly, you will require a mat.  Start by lying on your back and hug your knees to your chest.  Put one hand on each knee and gently begin circling the knees to the right.  Let your breathing continue through the movement and feel the ease in your lower back after about five repetitions start circling the leg in the other direction.

Things to think about:

  • This exercise should feel easy as you are circling your thighs you want to be sure that your arms are doing nearly all of the work.

Side-lying leg circles

This exercise works your core as well as your abductors and adductors.

Lie on your right side with your tricep on the floor and your head lying on your right hand. With your knees straight, bend at your hips, so your legs as well as your torso form a slight angle. Raise your left leg about 15 to 20 cm and make eight small forward circles from the hip, raising the leg more with each one.

From the highest point, make eight more small circles in the other direction as you lower the leg to start. That’s one rep. Perform three and then repeat on the other leg and then extend your top leg. Using your core muscles to stabilise your pelvis, perform five forward and five backward leg circles on each leg.

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What is sports biomechanics? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-sports-biomechanics/ Tue, 04 Aug 2020 05:05:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17805 The term ‘sports biomechanics’ is a reference to the science which deals with an athlete’s movement whilst also bearing in mind the internal as well as external forces that are in effect while performing any desired movement. Sport biomechanics analyses the effects of forces on sports performance. By using laws and principles – that are...

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The term ‘sports biomechanics’ is a reference to the science which deals with an athlete’s movement whilst also bearing in mind the internal as well as external forces that are in effect while performing any desired movement.

Sport biomechanics analyses the effects of forces on sports performance. By using laws and principles – that are grounded in physics which apply to human movement – athletes and coaches can make sound decisions in order to develop efficient sports techniques.

When coaches understand how forces work in sports and how athletes can leverage these forces, they have an obvious advantage over those who not have these tools. Coaches with a command of both mental training tools and sports training principles can make amazing things happen on the field.

A detailed knowledge of sports biomechanics helps to minimise injury

Sports biomechanics incorporates a detailed analysis of sport movements to minimise the risk of injury and enhance sports performance.  Biomechanics looks at the best technique for boosting performance as well as safety and injury avoidance.

Form plays a huge role in any exercise. If you’re performing any exercise incorrectly, you could injure yourself. It is necessary for you to train your body to move correctly. When you don’t move properly, you’re moving in a way which is unnatural for the body, which puts additional stress on your joints as well as ligaments. Furthermore, you’re not engaging the muscles which are required to be engaged in order to support the movement.

For instance, not striking right or holding your body correctly during running can not only create inefficiency, affect performance, but this can lead to pain and injuries. Biomechanics – arm swing, foot strike, even trunk leaning – will affect how someone runs.

In sports and exercise, biomechanics also considers the interaction between the performer and their equipment and environment.

Biomechanics and kinesiology, areas of study about human movement, can help coaches:

  • Analyse sport movements
  • Choose the best training exercises
  • Reduce or prevent injuries
  • Design or select the sport equipment that best matches athletes’ personal needs
  • Maximise economy as well as efficiency of movements

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What is kinematics?

Kinematics is the branch of biomechanics that looks at the study of movement:

  • Kinesis (motion)
  • Tics (the study of. Think mathematics, politics as well as pizzatics).

On a more practical level, kinematics is the study of position, velocity, and momentum. On this most practical level, kinematics is the study of what takes place when you toss a ball. Which means that if you can toss a ball, you can learn kinematics.

Kinematics looks at the position, velocity and acceleration of an object:

  • ‘Position’ refers to where an object is or its location.
  • ‘Velocity’ refers to how fast an object is moving as well as in what direction.
  • ‘Acceleration’ refers to how the velocity of the object is changing.

Sports biomechanics is one of the important disciplines in the wider field of sports science. The area includes the detailed analysis of the fundamental movements in sport with the aim of lowering injury risk as well as improving sports performance. Researchers looking at the physical facets of performance make use of sports biomechanics analysis in order to try to understand the link between kinetics as well as physical performance.

Biomechanical analysis can have a massive impact on performance by creating models for optimal movement and load analysis. This is utilised to determine the safest or most efficient way to move or perform a skill as well as to investigate the impact a different environment could have on how the body moves or reacts.

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What is sports kinetics? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-sports-kinetics/ Tue, 04 Aug 2020 05:00:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17800 Generating speed as well as power with accuracy and consistency is key to success in any sport.  Whether this is throwing, kicking, jumping, running, swinging performing at a high level of constantly requires well-tuned coordination in addition to strength. Elite athletes are able to harness an incredible amount of power to execute their respective skills...

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Generating speed as well as power with accuracy and consistency is key to success in any sport.  Whether this is throwing, kicking, jumping, running, swinging performing at a high level of constantly requires well-tuned coordination in addition to strength.

Elite athletes are able to harness an incredible amount of power to execute their respective skills almost the same way every time.  So how are these athletes able to do this while others of comparable size and strength cannot?  The answer: kinetic and kinematic sequence.

Probably the most vital aspect of sports kinetics is stretching as this activity prepares the muscles to better handle as well as facilitate all the types of motion which athletic activity and competitive sports will need.

Stretching is important because it prevents injury in addition to helping the muscles better recuperate from vigorous and demanding activity. When anyone is taking part in an athletic activity, his or her muscles are going to shorten naturally because of the intensity of the activity. If the muscles are allowed to stay that way, movement will be restricted and it will be painful to move.

This is one reason why many individuals have restricted motion after hard workouts: their muscles are tight. Gently stretching after any activity will assist with preventing this from occurring and enable you to not only enjoy a less painful next day but also to continue your activity without problems.

What are linear kinetics?

Kinetics is focused on what causes a body to move. This is momentum, inertia, mass, weight and force:

  • Momentum is calculated as mass times velocity
  • Inertia is the hesitancy of a body to alter whatever it is doing
  • Mass is the amount of matter which a body consists of – not affected by gravity – measured in kilograms (kg)
  • Weight is the force due to gravity -9.81m/s²
  • Force is a pushing or pulling action which causes a change of state (rest/motion) of a body. It is proportional to mass x acceleration and is measured in Newtons (N) where 1N is the force which will generate an acceleration of 1 m/s² in a body of 1 kg

The classification of external or internal forces is dependent on the definition of the ‘system’. In biomechanics, a body is seen as the ‘system’ thus any force which is employed by one part of the system on an alternative part of the ‘system’ is known as an internal force. All other forces are external.

All about kinetic energy and power

The term ‘kinetic energy’ refers to the mechanical energy that is possessed by a moving object. The equation for kinetic energy is ½ x mass x velocity² (joules).

On the other hand, the term ‘power’ is defined as the rate at which energy is utilised or created from other forms. There are a number of equations which can be used for power:

  • energy used ÷ time taken
  • (force x distance) ÷ time taken
  • force x velocity

What is angular kinetics?

The term ‘angular kinetics’ refers to a force that acts through the centre of a body resulting in movement (translation).

An eccentric force’s line of action does not pass through the body’s centre of gravity and it results in movement and rotation. For example, if you push through the centre of an object it will move towards the direction of the force. If you push on one aspect of the object it will move forward and rotate.

Each skill on the sporting field demands a unique kinetic and kinematic sequence.  The thing is that you are notable to see it with the naked eye.  Many sports coaches utilise 2D video analysis and understand the kinematic patterns which lead to a successful execution.

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What is the structure of breathing and respiratory passageways in the lungs? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-structure-of-breathing-and-respiratory-passageways-in-the-lungs/ Mon, 03 Aug 2020 05:05:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17728 Air must have passageways to move in and out of the lungs correctly. These passageways are divided up into two categories: conductive passageways and respiratory passageways. Conductive passageways The conductive passageways in the lungs consist of the structures that oxygen travels through before it enters the respiratory passageway. The structures enable the oxygen to be...

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Air must have passageways to move in and out of the lungs correctly. These passageways are divided up into two categories: conductive passageways and respiratory passageways.

Conductive passageways

The conductive passageways in the lungs consist of the structures that oxygen travels through before it enters the respiratory passageway. The structures enable the oxygen to be purified, humidified and warmed or cooled to meet the body’s temperature. They consist of a:

  • Nasal cavity
  • Oral cavity
  • Pharynx
  • Larynx
  • Trachea
  • Right and left pulmonary bronchi
  • Bronchioles

Respiratory passageways

The respiratory passageways gather the channelled air coming from the conductive passageways. At the bottom of the bronchioles sit the alveoli which consist of clusters of alveolar sacs. This is where oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported in and out of the bloodstream (diffusion).

At birth, humans possess an estimated 24 million alveoli. This number can increase to approximately 300 million at the age of 8 and remains constant through to the age of 30, where it gradually declines.

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What is the cardiorespiratory system/cardiopulmonary system?

The combined cardiovascular system and the respiratory system make up the cardiorespiratory system. Together, they form a vital support system to provide the system with oxygen and then removing waste products so that the body can function correctly.

Oxygen is inhaled through the nose and mouth where it is conducted through the trachea and then down through the bronchi where it eventually meets the lungs and alveolar sacs. Deoxygenated blood is then pumped from the right ventricle of the lungs through to the pulmonary arteries.

Capillaries surround the pulmonary alveolar sacs and, as oxygen fills the sacs, it spreads across the capillary membranes into the blood. Oxygenated blood then goes back to the left atrium of the heart through the pulmonary veins where it is pumped into the left ventricle. It then diffused out of the body.

When the cells of the body are using oxygen, they also produce an oxygen waste product called carbon dioxide. It is transported from the tissue back to the cardiovascular system and back to the lungs in deoxygenated blood. The alveolar sacs transport carbon dioxide into the pulmonary capillaries and release it through respiration.

What is oxygen consumption?

The cardiovascular and respiratory systems work harmoniously to spread oxygen throughout the body and to remove CO2 (carbon dioxide). The body’s ability to use oxygen effectively is solely dependent on the respiratory system’s ability to collect oxygen and the cardiovascular system’s capacity to transport the oxygen. The usage of oxygen in the body is called oxygen consumption or oxygen uptake.

The cardiac cycle defines all the actions of the heart through one full heartbeat—that is, through one contraction as well as relaxation of the two atria and ventricles. A contraction episode (of the atria or ventricles) is described as systole. A relaxation event is described as a diastole. The cardiac cycle comprises an explanation of the systolic and diastolic activities of the atria as well as ventricles, the blood volume and pressure changes within the heart, in addition to the action of the heart valves.

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What is the cardiac cycle? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-cardiac-cycle/ Mon, 03 Aug 2020 05:00:12 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17721 Cardiac sounds and murmurs that arise from turbulence or vibrations within the heart and vascular system may be innocent or as a result of disease. It is vital to understand the timing of events in the cardiac cycle as a precondition for understanding heart murmurs. The cardiac cycle lasts for approximately 0.8 seconds and is...

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Cardiac sounds and murmurs that arise from turbulence or vibrations within the heart and vascular system may be innocent or as a result of disease. It is vital to understand the timing of events in the cardiac cycle as a precondition for understanding heart murmurs. The cardiac cycle lasts for approximately 0.8 seconds and is the period from the end of one contraction to the end of the next.

This cycle has two phases:

  • Systole (period of contraction)
  • Diastole (relaxation)

What is systole?

The term ‘systole’ refers to the time period when the heart is contracting, in other words, the period in particular during which the left ventricle of the heart contracts. The last letter in “systole” is pronounced as a long “e” as in “lee.” The adjective derived from ‘systole’ is systolic.

The systolic pressure is, in particular, the maximum arterial pressure during contraction of the left ventricle of the heart. In a blood pressure read-out, the systolic pressure is normally the first number recorded. For instance, with a blood pressure reading of 120/80 (“120 over 80”), the systolic pressure is 120. “120” means 120 mm Hg (millimetres of mercury).

A systolic murmur refers to a heart murmur that is heard during systole, which is the time that the heart contracts, between the normal first and second heart sounds.

What is diastole?

Diastole will begin with the closure of the aortic and pulmonary valves. Intraventricular pressure drops but there is a very slight rise in ventricular volume (isovolumetric relaxation). As soon as ventricular pressure falls below atrial pressure, the mitral and tricuspid valves open. Ventricular filling then begins.

At first, the pressure gradient between the atria as well as the ventricles is high and ventricular filling is quick (the phase of quick early filling). Under the usual circumstances, about 70% of ventricular filling takes place during this phase. As diastole advances, ventricular pressure rises and the rate of filling slows down (the phase of diastasis).

The last 25% of the filling during ventricular diastole comes from atrial contraction (the phase of atrial systole). When the pressure in the ventricles rises beyond the pressure in the atria, the mitral, as well as tricuspid valves close and diastole, is done. Isovolumetric relaxation, as well as the first part of the rapid early filling, are active, energy-requiring processes.

In a number of disease states, diastolic filling is abnormal. For instance, with mitral stenosis, an elevated proportion of ventricular filling occurs late in diastole. In this case, shortening of diastole – because of tachycardia or loss of atrial systole due to the development of atrial fibrillation – can cause marked hemodynamic compromise.

A related situation occurs when active relaxation is protracted (e.g., owing to myocardial ischemia or left ventricular hypertrophy). On the other hand, in some circumstances (e.g., restrictive cardiomyopathy) a larger proportion of diastolic filling occurs early on in diastole. In this case, cardiac output may be improved with moderate tachycardia.

Each cycle is begun by the spontaneous production of an action potential in the SA-node (sino-atrial node). This action potential is carried throughout the atria to the AV-node; then spread to the Purkinje fibres. These fibres move up to the A-V bundle and into the ventricles. At the apex, the blood travels into the Purkinje fibres.

How many times does a person’s heartbeat?

During an average lifetime, the heart beats approximately 2.5 billion times and pumps out about 300 million litres of blood. The heart is very sensitive to the changing needs of the body and cardiac output can vary from as little as 5,041ml (during rest) per minute to as much as 35 litres of blood per minute in peak exercise.

The cardiac cycle has been defined as a sequence of alternating contractions and relaxations of the atria and ventricles in order to be able to pump blood throughout the body. It begins at the start of one heartbeat and finishes at the beginning of another. The process starts as soon as the fourth gestational week when the heart first starts to contract.

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What is a warm-up? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-warm-up/ Fri, 31 Jul 2020 05:00:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17704 Before you get onto the elliptical machine or hit the running trails, consider doing a short warm-up first. A warm-up may add a few minutes to your exercise routine; however, this might also reduce stress on your heart in addition to your other muscles. Warm-ups generally involve performing your activity at a slower pace as...

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Before you get onto the elliptical machine or hit the running trails, consider doing a short warm-up first. A warm-up may add a few minutes to your exercise routine; however, this might also reduce stress on your heart in addition to your other muscles.

Warm-ups generally involve performing your activity at a slower pace as well as a reduced intensity. Warming up assist with preparing your body for aerobic and resistance training activities. A warm-up gradually revs up your cardiovascular system by increasing your body temperature as well as blood flow to your muscles. In addition, warming up may help with reducing muscle soreness and lessening your risk of injury.

During resistance training, the majority of injuries are caused by inadequate warm-ups and attempting to lift weights that are too heavy.

Warming up lubricates the tissues between the joints and increases the oxygenated blood supply to the muscles. It is essential to warm up properly in order to prepare the joints as well as muscles for the exercise session that is coming.

A good warm-up is an essential part of the exercise routine that should never be skipped.

What are the benefits of warming up?

There are a number of benefits of warming up. Here are some of them:

  • Increased heart rate to prepare the body for the work ahead
  • Increased blood flow through the active tissues, which leads to increased metabolism
  • Reduction in pre-workout muscle stiffness
  • Better use of oxygen in the warmed-up muscles
  • Higher temperatures, which help the transmission and metabolism in muscles
  • Increased mental focus on the training

Specific warm-ups can help with what is called “motor unit requirement” A motor unit consists of a nerve fibre together with all its related muscle fibres. Warming up will boost both the number of motor units brought into play and the rate in which they can contract

How long should a warm-up take?

A warm-up should take no more time than 20 minutes. Ideally, a good warm-up should last between five and 10 minutes and it should work all major muscle groups. For the best outcomes, begin slowly and then pick up the pace.

In addition, when your muscles are very sore from a previous workout, you will need to take more time with your warm-up.

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What a warm-up should look like

A lot of warm-up routines focus heavily on cardio as well as range-of-motion exercises, such as jumping jacks and lunges. If you prefer, you can do a more straightforward warm-up by walking in place while softly swinging your arms, or even dancing to several songs.

After making sure that the blood is flowing to your muscles, it is time to start getting those muscles ready to work. Spend between two to five minutes performing dynamic stretching to warm up your muscles. This type of stretching makes use of motion in order to prepare your muscles for action. Leg swings, knee lifts, torso twists as well as arm circles are all examples of dynamic stretches to incorporate into your warm-up.

Begin your dynamic stretching motions small and increase the range of the motion with every repetition. Perform six to eight repetitions of each motion smoothly. Do not worry so much about the length of time that your dynamic stretching lasts. Rather, make sure you get a comprehensive head-to-toe warm-up which hits on all of the major muscles groups in your body.

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How to monitor exercise stress https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-monitor-exercise-stress/ Fri, 31 Jul 2020 05:00:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17699 At the present time, the most optimal way to stay healthy is to listen to your body. Recognising the early warning signs of overtraining and exercise fatigue, and adapting your training schedule appropriately, can assist with keeping you healthy. What is an exercise stress test? An exercise stress test is made use of in order...

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At the present time, the most optimal way to stay healthy is to listen to your body. Recognising the early warning signs of overtraining and exercise fatigue, and adapting your training schedule appropriately, can assist with keeping you healthy.

What is an exercise stress test?

An exercise stress test is made use of in order to determine how well your heart responds during periods of time when it’s working its hardest. During the test, you’ll be requested to exercise — usually on a treadmill — while you’re attached to an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine. This gives your doctor the ability to monitor your heart rate.

Why perform an exercise stress test?

An exercise stress test is mainly used to assist your doctor with determining if your heart receives sufficient oxygen in addition to proper blood flow when it needs it most, for example, when you are exercising.

This test can be ordered for individuals who have been experiencing chest pains or additional signs of coronary heart disease (which is also known as coronary artery disease). Also, an exercise stress test may be used to assist with determining your level of health, particularly if you are beginning a new exercise programme. This allows your doctor to learn what is the level of exercise you can safely tolerate.

If you smoke and are older the age of 40-year-old, or if you have additional risk factors for heart disease, you ought to speak with your doctor to see if an exercise stress test is a good option for you.

With this in mind, here are some points to ponder – regarding exercise stress – and a few suggestions.

Keep a training log

In addition to keeping a note of workouts, keep a fatigue score (on a scale of  0 to 5). It is anticipated that a hard workout will make you feel tired, so it is even more important to note down the cumulative “feel” during the day.

Granted, the scale is individualised as well as subjective; however, this straightforward tool is very useful. If you notice that your fatigue is gradually increasing over days or weeks, then it is time to include more rest.

The value of a well-constructed training programme

A correctly constructed training programme, that allows for rest and recovery, will help head off problems before they start. Periodisation is a way to attain that goal.

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Record your resting morning heart rate

A gradual increase may tip you off that you are surpassing your ability to recover.

Anticipate added stress in advance

For example, a new job, and adjust your workout schedule correspondingly. A small dose of rest early will prevent a bigger problem from occurring later on.

Heed your body’s early warning signs

Your body will tell you if something is wrong. Don’t ignore these as they will become even bigger problems.

Signs include:

  • Disordered sleep (too much or insomnia)
  • Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
  • Moodiness or depression
  • Excessive muscle soreness
  • Poor concentration.
  • Lack of mental energy
  • Altered appetite
  • Frequent injury or illness
  • Lack of physical energy

We all suffer from stress — at work, at home as well as on the road. At times we can feel especially stressed owing to a bad interaction with a person, too much work, or daily hassles like getting stuck in traffic. Negative stress can prevent you from feeling and performing your best — mentally, physically and emotionally. However, no one’s life is totally stress-free. It’s imperative to learn the best way to manage the stress in your life.

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Theraband Exercises To Work Your Lower Body https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/theraband-exercises-to-work-your-lower-body/ Thu, 30 Jul 2020 05:05:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17684 If you would like to build muscle, as well as improve power and endurance, therabands are one of the best strength training tools that you can use. Unlike dumbbells and kettlebells, therabands put less pressure on the joints and can target small as well as large muscle groups at once. Varying from light to heavy,...

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If you would like to build muscle, as well as improve power and endurance, therabands are one of the best strength training tools that you can use. Unlike dumbbells and kettlebells, therabands put less pressure on the joints and can target small as well as large muscle groups at once. Varying from light to heavy, there are different levels of resistance that you are able to work with.

Therabands are especially useful for working your lower body, together with the legs and glutes, as they compel you to move with better form as well as produce power from the correct muscles. If you are suffering from knee pain, therabands are exceptionally handy for strengthening the muscles around the joint so that they can stand up to a stronger load.

Here are some exercises that you can do with a theraband to work out your lower body.

Bent Knee Forward Walk – Ankles

  • Knot your theraband and place it around both ankles. Make sure that the band is taught when you stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Keep your knees bent and walk forward.
  • Place your forward foot entirely on the ground before lifting your other leg.
  • Repeat your forward walk for between 10 and 12 steps.

Bent Knee Backward Walk – Ankles

  • Knot your theraband and place it around both ankles. Make sure that the band is taught when you stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Keep your knees bent and walk backwards.
  • Place your back foot completely on the ground before lifting your other leg.
  • Repeat the backward walk for between 10 and 12 steps.

Bent Knee Forward Walk – Knees

  • Knot your theraband and place it just above your knees. Make sure that the band is taught when you stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Keep your knees bent and walk forward.
  • Place your forward foot totally on the ground before lifting your other leg.
  • Repeat your forward walk for between 10 and 12 steps.

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Bent Forward Walk Lateral Walk – Knees

  • Knot your theraband and place just above your knees. Make sure that the band is taught when you stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Move to the right, pushing with your left foot while stepping laterally with your right leg.
  • Bring your left foot back to your starting position and continue.
  • Repeat as you move to the left.

Therabands work by adding an external resistance force which can be applied without having to hold extra weight per se. They are flat, sometimes looped bands that vary from thin sizes to thick. Therabands provide resistance at varying degrees of difficulty (light, medium, heavy, extra heavy) when providing the opposite force with your own body weight. When they are fastened in place, it is possible for you to push, pull, curl, etc. against the rubber resistance.

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7 Exercises You Can Do with Just One Single Kettlebell https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/7-exercises-you-can-do-with-just-one-single-kettlebell/ Thu, 23 Jul 2020 05:00:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17579 Kettlebells are the most underrated, versatile powerhouse when it comes to weight training, and while no weight type is better than another, kettlebells put up quite the fight. From HIIT workouts to low-rep, heavyweight movements, they’re sure to get the job done. Designed to meet the need of any fitness level, kettlebells offer a more...

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Kettlebells are the most underrated, versatile powerhouse when it comes to weight training, and while no weight type is better than another, kettlebells put up quite the fight. From HIIT workouts to low-rep, heavyweight movements, they’re sure to get the job done.

Designed to meet the need of any fitness level, kettlebells offer a more holistic approach to workouts. Here are a number of the more simple kettlebell workouts to get you started.

Seven exercises you can do using only one kettlebell

Single-arm kettlebell row:Start in a high plank position. Place a kettlebell next to your left hand, keeping your shoulder blades drawn back to prevent hunching over. Keep your core engaged so that your body forms a straight line. Maintaining this form, take the kettlebell and lift it to your side. Slowly release. Repeat on the right side.

Kettlebell windmill:This exercise is perfect for strengthening your shoulders and core as well as mobility. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the kettlebell with your left hand. Lift the kettlebell straight up overhead. Looking upwards, shift your hips to the left as you bend towards your right side until you touch your foot. Return to an upright standing position and then repeat on the right side.

Figure 8:Holding a kettlebell out in front of you in your left hand. Position yourself into a half squat. Keep your back straight and core engaged. Pass the kettlebell in between your legs in a figure-eight motion. Repeat on the other side.

Single-arm kettlebell floor press: Lying on the ground, hold the kettlebell above your chest with the weight resting on the palm of your left hand. Push the weight upwards and rotate your wrist so that you end with your palm facing your feet. Repeat using the other hand.

Turkish get-up: Lie on you back and hold a kettlebell in your left hand. Push your arm forward and overhead. Bend your left knee and use your foot to ground you. Twist your left shoulder so that your right elbow is holding the weight. Puah yourself up and raise your bum off of the floor. You should be able to stand up. Return to your starting position. Repeat on the right side.

Plank drag:  In a high plank position, place a kettlebell just outside of your left hand. Move under your body with your right arm and pull the kettlebell to the right side. Repeat on the other side. It’s essential to keep your pelvis square to the ground the entire time.

Goblet squat:                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Holding the kettlebell by the “horns”, tuck your elbows in so that your forearms are vertical. Position your feet shoulder-width apart and then lower yourself to a squatting position.

It’s easy to see why the kettlebell is a popular choice when it comes to free-weight training. The workouts are customisable and versatile to suit the needs of anyone performing them. It is possible to increase the intensity as you see fit and take on a full-body workout.

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Could medicine balls and kettlebells improve your game? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/could-medicine-balls-and-kettlebells-improve-your-game/ Thu, 23 Jul 2020 05:00:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17583 We’re always searching for ways to up our game and take our workout to the next level. So could two of the most underrated pieces of equipment be the answer to your needs? Medicine balls and kettlebells are a staple in any gym and are readily available for purchase at any sports-related store, but can...

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We’re always searching for ways to up our game and take our workout to the next level. So could two of the most underrated pieces of equipment be the answer to your needs? Medicine balls and kettlebells are a staple in any gym and are readily available for purchase at any sports-related store, but can they assist you in improving your game?

Reasons to start using a kettlebell

These versatile fitness balls come in a variety of weight options and can result in some rather exciting workout options. They also come in different options that can include handles as well as the option of being filled with sand or air.

So, what are the benefits?

First off, don’t let its looks deceive you. This bad boy is a bodybuilder’s ally as using it in exercising can help you to strengthen and train all muscle groups. Start with a weight level that is comfortable for the exercise you are performing and slowly work your way up.

They’re also great at sculpting killer abs, in addition to strengthening your lower body, as most of the exercises require an engaged core in order to be performed appropriately.

In a more adrenaline-pumping line of workout, these balls can also prepare you for physical blows associated with your sport. From rugby to boxing, these balls can help prepare the body for dangerous strikes in an attempt to reduce the risk of injury. Following the same train of thought, by working on throwing the ball, you can work on gaining power through plyometrics.

And last, but certainly not least, medicine balls can help to improve your coordination and balance. By utilising the medicine ball to throw you off balance, you are able to work deeper muscles and improve your posture.

So, why should you use a kettlebell?

As with any form of weight training, kettlebells are great at building strength and power. You can efficiently complete full-body exercises by using only a kettlebell, which is excellent if you are short on time.

These full-body exercises require core engagement and stability to be correctly executed, which means that you don’t need to focus on ab-specific exercises to get a toned tummy – although they will help you attain your goal a whole lot faster. Tying in with a strong core is good posture, which is vital for keeping form as well as preventing back injuries.

Movements, for example, kettlebell swings, are an excellent way to improve your range of motion while still building strength and endurance. As you become stronger, you will begin to notice increased flexibility and mobility. Don’t force this flexibility as this will result in injury.

It’s easy to see why you should look to incorporating kettlebells and medicine balls into your workout routine. The low maintenance, simple exercises that are associated with these weighted beauties are very underrated as they can target multiple muscle groups without the need to shift between equipment.

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Want to learn more about how to integrate other pieces of equipment into your workout routine? Do you love teaching others how to exercise? If you do, then you should definitely become a personal trainer. Have a look at Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma for additional information on how to achieve your fitness career dreams!

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Does your mood impact your workout? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/does-your-mood-impact-your-workout/ Wed, 22 Jul 2020 05:05:17 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17568 We’re going to get straight down to the point with this one. The simple answer is yes, your mood does impact your workout. The benefits of exercise on our general health and well-being have been stressed time and time again, but how does your well-being impact your workout? Studies have found that our mood drives...

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We’re going to get straight down to the point with this one. The simple answer is yes, your mood does impact your workout.

The benefits of exercise on our general health and well-being have been stressed time and time again, but how does your well-being impact your workout? Studies have found that our mood drives our behaviour and this can translate to our performance while working out. The mindset that you have while exercising will determine the intensity of your workout.

The same way in which exercise can decrease feelings of depression and act as a confidence booster, feelings of depression and a lack of self-esteem can have a negative impact on your workout.

This has further been tested and researchers have found that athletes experiencing strong emotions performed better than usual, with many of them achieving a peak result. For example, after fighting with your spouse, you may find yourself with a lot of pent up frustration. By using this emotion as a motivator, you can get rid of your frustrations while improving your performance.

Leveraging exercise to work through moods and emotions

The benefits of exercise speak for themselves. From leaving people feeling energetic to aiding a more peaceful sleep and just creating an overall sense of positivity in your life, it’s easy to see why so many people have included exercise in their daily routine.

Exercise has even been found to assist in lessening feelings of depression and anxiety while also acting as a great tool in managing ADHD as well as other behavioural disorders.

Having said this, if you are having a particularly horrible day, a quick trip to the gym or run around the block may help you get out of your funk and boost your mood. In the same breath, if you’re in a negative mind space, you may not feel particularly motivated to put on your trainers and get those endorphins flowing. Both approaches are entirely normal.

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Every little bit helps

If you’re looking to channel your rage into a power workout but lack the time, there is a tonne of short workout options available that can help you get your daily fix. A five-minute workout is better than no workout at all. This is important to remember, especially when you are not a fitness fanatic but still want to work on your well-being. Start slow and then progress to a strenuous routine.

Weekend warriors have also become a buzz term as of late. This refers to people who only have time to exercise on weekends and so they make the best of the two days that they have.

Whatever method works for you is great, it’s all about getting your blood pumping and those muscles engaged and moving.

A general rule to remember when it comes to exercising is that your mood will impact your routine – it’s the same as with most things in life. If you’re not feeling great, your less inclined to want to be productive and do things, while a positive mood will have you ready to take on the world. It’s all about balance and understanding how to utilise your emotions to give you a competitive advantage.

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3 Underrated Kettlebell Exercises for Core Strength https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/3-underrated-kettlebell-exercises-for-core-strength/ Wed, 22 Jul 2020 05:00:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17565 We may be “chilling” in the middle of winter, but summer is fast approaching and the need for the ultimate summer body is once again going to pop up. So why not make it a habit now and surprise everyone with your incredibly toned physique with these kettlebell exercises? Summer bodies are made in winter...

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We may be “chilling” in the middle of winter, but summer is fast approaching and the need for the ultimate summer body is once again going to pop up. So why not make it a habit now and surprise everyone with your incredibly toned physique with these kettlebell exercises?

Summer bodies are made in winter

Heard this expression before? Well, it’s 100% true. Research has found that exercise habits formed during the colder months are more likely to stick. So if you are able to stay on track and avoid the temptation of hearty comfort foods and binging on junk food, then this behaviour will translate into the summer months where sundowners after work and weekend braais tend to take their toll.

Studies have also found that exercising when it is cold jumpstarts your metabolism as your body works harder to stay warm while powering through a workout. This means that you burn more calories, which is part of the ultimate end goal.

The epitome of being in shape

While toned arms and legs are an essential part of any workout, there is one area of the body which is notorious for being indicative of your fitness level – your tummy area. Nothing screams fitness freak quite like a toned set of abs. And no, we are by no means saying that you should only focus on this area. On the contrary, most exercises when performed correctly will assist in demolishing that unwanted belly fat.

Three kettlebell exercises for increased core strength and a toned stomach

Single-arm kettlebell row: Starting in a high plank position with a kettlebell placed next to your left hand. Keep your shoulder blades drawn back to prevent hunching over. Engage your core so that your body forms a straight line. Maintaining this form, take the kettlebell and lift it to your side. Slowly release. Repeat on the right side.

Kettlebell push press: Stand with feet hip-width apart and kettlebell resting on your right shoulder, extend your left arm out in a straight line in front of you for counterbalance. Bend your knees slightly and as you extend them, push the kettlebell overhead. Use the “jump” momentum to help lift the weight. Repeat on the left side.

Kettlebell swing: Start by standing with feet hip-width apart and with a kettlebell positioned in between them. Grab hold of the kettlebell with both of your hands. Slowly bend your knees and hinge your hips. Lift the kettlebell upwards and, as you straighten your body, in an explosive motion, let the kettlebell to swing out in front of your body. Remember to keep a strong core while doing so complete 10 reps.

In addition to looking aesthetically pleasing, our core muscles are also essential in bearing excess weight without straining the spine. They also assist in transferring forces between the upper and lower parts of the body. Through the process of strengthening your core, you are able to reduce the risk of back injuries and can improve your overall performance.

These underrated kettlebell exercises will do wonders for your core strength and assist you in preventing unwanted injuries.

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Why Exercise May Help Reduce Your Sleep Apnea Risk https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-exercise-may-help-reduce-your-sleep-apnea-risk/ Fri, 10 Jul 2020 05:05:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17411 Regular exercise is almost always a good thing and will generally help to improve your quality of life. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where sufferers’ airways become blocked while sleeping, causing you to intermittently stop breathing for short periods of time. This disorder can be extremely dangerous if left untreated and must be taken...

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Regular exercise is almost always a good thing and will generally help to improve your quality of life. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where sufferers’ airways become blocked while sleeping, causing you to intermittently stop breathing for short periods of time.

This disorder can be extremely dangerous if left untreated and must be taken seriously. For a long time, it has been asked as to whether exercise can actually help to reduce your sleep apnea risk or symptoms. So what is the answer?

The Link Between Exercise and Risk of Sleep Apnea

A 2020 study from the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine looked at a group of over 155 000 adults and investigated the link between their activity levels and sleep apnea risk. Of the group, 6.9% reported that they had sleep apnea, and when researchers looked into their lifestyle they noticed that that group statistically spent more time sitting or being sedentary that the rest of the group.

Those that were more active, even just with a 20-minute daily walk, showed a much lower risk for sleep apnea. This research shows that staying active plays an important role in reducing your risk of developing sleep apnea – and that this activity does not even need to be vigorous activity to make a difference.

Improving Sleep Quality

The simplest argument for exercise – if you are at risk of developing sleep apnea or improving your symptoms – is that regular exercise is known to improve the quality of your sleep. Several studies have indicated that people who are regularly active rarely report sleep disruptions like insomnia or uneven sleep patterns, while those who rarely exercise are more likely to report frequent sleep problems. Therefore, making sure to stay active may make a difference in improving your quality of sleep in the long run.

Weight Loss and The Impact on Sleep Apnea

For some sufferers of sleep apnea, specifically, those who have OSA (obstructive sleep apnea), exercise’s ability to assist with weight loss can play a large role. There are several types, with different contributing factors, but OSA, in particular, can be caused in part by the weight of a person’s neck that restricts airflow. Therefore, exercise to lose weight and hopefully reduce the neck circumference can contribute to reducing symptoms.

It might not be a perfect solution, but exercise or gentle activity can play a role in improving the symptoms of sleep apnea or reduce your risk of developing it the future. You do not need to go overboard and plunge into vigorous exercise – as studies show, any kind of regular activity is enough to reduce your risk. Take time to find the fun in exercise and make it a part of your daily lifestyle, and help yourself to live a healthier life.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about the benefits of exercise, then you should really consider becoming a personal trainer with our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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Which Should You Buy: Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/which-should-you-buy-smartwatch-or-fitness-tracker/ Thu, 09 Jul 2020 05:05:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17379 If you are wanting to take your fitness journey seriously, you might have considered investing in some kind of tracker that you can wear on your wrist to keep track of your activity and motivate you through the day. However, with so many different options on the market today it can be almost impossible to...

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If you are wanting to take your fitness journey seriously, you might have considered investing in some kind of tracker that you can wear on your wrist to keep track of your activity and motivate you through the day.

However, with so many different options on the market today it can be almost impossible to know which one to pick. Broadly speaking, you can divide most of them into two categories: smartwatches and fitness trackers. Even then it can be hard to tell the difference between them, let alone know which one is worth spending money on. Today we will be breaking down the difference between smart watched and fitness trackers so that you can figure out which one might be right for you!

What Do They Do?

Both of these products do essentially the same thing, in that they can help you to track your daily activity, monitor your fitness progress, and also – in most cases – stay connected with notifications from your phone.

They are both worn on the wrist and therefore are a constant reminder of your activity levels, so they make for great motivation if you are struggling to reach your fitness goals.

What Can You Get From a Smartwatch?

Examples of popular smartwatches include the Apple Watch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch, and the Huawei Watch. Here are some of the features of a smartwatch:

  • They can often be a little bit more expensive than fitness trackers, but it does depend on the brand and what features you are looking to have.
  • A smartwatch is pretty much just a tiny smartphone that you can wear on your wrist, allowing for notifications from your phone to reach you instantly. Most will also allow you to reply to messages and notifications straight from the watch, so you do not even need to take your phone out of your pocket. You will also find that many smartwatches have useful features like the ability to control music apps, cardless payments, and more.
  • Smartwatches often allow for more flexibility when it comes to recording your workout data, as many come with sensors that are designed to pick up your body’s reactions to a variety of workouts, from running and jogging, to dancing, and swimming. These sensors are not just for your body’s reaction, but also often include GPS location tracking services, maps, thermometers, barometers, and more, all of which can assist you if you are serious about improving your fitness.
  • The sensors do not stop there. Most smartwatches also have built-in sensors and monitors for heart rate and sleep quality, allowing you to have a much more detailed overview of your health and fitness.

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What Can You Get From a Fitness Tracker?

Examples of popular fitness trackers include the Huawei Band, the Bellabeat Leaf Urban, and the Fitbit Inspire line of trackers. Here are some of the features of a fitness tracker:

  • Fitness trackers tend to be cheaper than smartwatches, but it depends on the brand and its functionality. Some, like the above-mentioned Bellabeat tracker, are more expensive but are designed to be discreet and not obviously a fitness accessory.
  • Most fitness trackers are not as full of functions as a smartwatch. They are often designed simply to give you a basic overview of your daily step count and activity levels. Some include functions for tracking sleep, calories, and other specialised activities as well.
  • Devices vary when it comes to connecting to other devices, like smartphones. However, if you do not need phone notifications or want your fitness tracker to be connected to other apps, then it may be perfect for you. The lack of connection is also often seen as a positive as it allows you to disconnect from your phone and use it for its main function, tracking fitness.

So, which one should I pick?

This really comes down to what you want out of the device. If you are after detailed feedback with extremely accurate results, particularly if you are focused on improving in a specific sport that the device can track then a smartwatch is probably the way to go. However, if you are looking for a way to simply keep track of your goals without the distraction of multiple features, then a fitness tracker is a much better and cheaper option. It is all up to you!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to help others improve their fitness levels then you should really consider becoming a personal trainer. Our Personal Training Diploma is the gold standard when it comes to personal training education and will be sure to catapult you to fitness success!

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How to exercise to boost your immune system https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-exercise-to-boost-your-immune-system/ Thu, 09 Jul 2020 05:00:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17374 We are all aware that exercise is fantastic for you because it helps you to stay fit, lose weight, and build muscle. However, what we often do not think about is how regular exercise can affect our general health and well-being. Aerobic exercises and cardiovascular workouts may help to improve blood flow and heart health...

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We are all aware that exercise is fantastic for you because it helps you to stay fit, lose weight, and build muscle. However, what we often do not think about is how regular exercise can affect our general health and well-being. Aerobic exercises and cardiovascular workouts may help to improve blood flow and heart health as well as prevent other illnesses, however, can exercise really boost your immune system?

Is there any truth to the idea?

Studies show that being overweight and living a sedentary or inactive lifestyle can contribute to a low-functioning immune system. On the other hand, exercise and a generally active lifestyle showed an improvement in the body’s immune system, particularly in surveillance activity – which is when the immune system actively searches the body for infection. This suggests that those who lead a more active lifestyle are more likely to have a high-functioning immune system that will be more prepared for infections.

So, what kind of exercises should you be doing?

The general consensus on what kind of exercise would improve your immune system seems to be anything that will keep you active. In essence, running, skipping, yoga, or whatever feels right for you. It is all about staying active regularly and performing exercises that your body can handle while increasing your strength and bodily health. In fact, the above-mentioned study showed that even just a 30-minute walk every day could make a difference to your immune system’s function – so do not feel as though you need to push yourself to be extremely active.

In fact, that might be the worst thing that you could do!

Yes, too much exercise might actually be more damaging to your immune system than too little!

Overtraining and overworking your body can actually be detrimental to your health. By straining your body, working out for prolonged periods of time, and not giving yourself adequate time to rest between workouts you could see a decline in your performance and may experience chronic fatigue.

You may also see more injuries and changes to your mood, all of which can affect your immune system’s function. The reason for this is that when you push your body too hard for long periods of time your body can interpret these extended periods of activity as stress. Stress hormones can suppress the immune system, to your detriment, in order for you to escape the apparent threat.

Therefore, it is very important to listen to your body, speak to your doctor, and consult professional fitness specialists about your fitness routine. Too much exercise may be detrimental, but a moderate amount of activity designed for your fitness level could help to boost your immune system and prevent illness in the future!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

 If you want to learn how to teach people the best possible way of exercising then you – without a doubt – need to check out our Personal Training Diploma! For more information, read more here.

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Why skipping needs to be part of your daily workout https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-skipping-needs-to-be-part-of-your-daily-workout/ Wed, 08 Jul 2020 05:05:58 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17364 If you are searching for an easy and affordable workout that will give you effective results, the answer is simple – rope skipping. Many people might overlook this simple workout for other more popular routines, but skipping can be one of the easiest ways to get a full-body workout! Here are a few reasons why...

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If you are searching for an easy and affordable workout that will give you effective results, the answer is simple – rope skipping. Many people might overlook this simple workout for other more popular routines, but skipping can be one of the easiest ways to get a full-body workout!

Here are a few reasons why skipping should be a part of your daily workouts:

  1. Kind to Your Joints

While not entirely low impact skipping is better for your joints than running as it is less jolting.

  1. Once-Off Cost

Once you have bought a skipping rope, which is usually inexpensive to begin with, skipping costs you nothing, making it extremely affordable to take up.

  1. Full-Body Workout

Skipping uses your legs to jump, your shoulders and arms to move the jump rope, and your abdominal muscles to stabilise yourself – making it a great and easy full-body workout.

  1. Heart Healthy

As a cardio aerobic exercise, skipping is great for your heart health as it helps to improve your blood pressure, boost your immune system, and improve your heart rate.

  1. Anyone Can Do It

Skipping is accessible for almost anybody looking for a good workout. You can easily adapt it to suit your fitness level by gradually increasing your reps, changing up your footing and increasing the length of time that you skip for.

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  1. Easy Add On

Skipping is one of the easiest workouts to add onto your existing workouts if you are looking for a way to change up your cardio or add something new into your daily routine.

  1. Tone and Enhance

Skipping is a great way to tone the muscles in your lower body, such as your calves, thighs, and glutes. This also makes it a great warm-up for days when you are focusing on your lower body.

  1. Prevent Don’t Fix

You might have seen a lot of professional athletes using skipping as part of their workout routine and there is a good reason why. Doing it regularly improves your coordination and strengthens your ankles and feet (areas that are easily injured), which will help to prevent injury in the long run.

  1. Burn, Burn, Burn

Lastly, like many great workouts, skipping is fantastic for helping you to burn calories and lose weight. It is thought that, on average, one hour can burn up to 1600 calories, and just ten minutes of skipping can burn about as many calories as you would on a 30-minute run.

As you can see it is an easy exercise with so many benefits – from burning calories and toning muscle, to preventing injury and improving your heart health. So try it today and see how it can benefit you!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

 If you’re passionate about exercise and teaching others how to exercise correctly then you should become a personal trainer with our Personal Training Diploma. Keen to find out more? Follow this link!

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5 Affordable Exercise Machines For Your Home Gym https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-affordable-exercise-machines-for-your-home-gym/ Wed, 08 Jul 2020 05:00:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17360 As working out at home becomes more and more popular, building a home gym is becoming a reality for a lot of people. Nowadays it is easy to find a variety of gym equipment online or at your local store. However, if you are beginning from scratch you might find all the options a little...

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As working out at home becomes more and more popular, building a home gym is becoming a reality for a lot of people. Nowadays it is easy to find a variety of gym equipment online or at your local store. However, if you are beginning from scratch you might find all the options a little daunting. Here is our guide to the five exercise machines that you should have in your home gym that won’t break the bank.

What To Consider When Buying Gym Equipment

When constructing a home gym you should consider the three types of equipment that are necessary for a balanced workout: weight equipment, bodyweight resistance equipment and cardio equipment.

Bodyweight equipment is usually very affordable and is not usually a ‘machine’. We would recommend using these types of equipment, for example resistance bands, to round out your gym and enhance your workouts. For the other two, you will want to consider a few machines that can help you to enhance your exercise routine.

What Machines Should You Look For

  1.  Rowing Machine

A rowing machine is a great machine for any home gym as they can be quite compact, therefore taking up little space. While this machine might be often overlooked, it actually provides a full body workout. Properly performing reps on this machine will target muscle all over your body requiring activation of the core, legs, arms, and back.

  1. Air Bike

A fantastic machine for cardio, the air bike is a great investment piece for any home gym. Unlike other stationary bikes, the air bike’s handles move as you pedal, giving you an upper body workout while you work your legs. The fan also provides resistance, which means that you can get more out of your workout.

  1. Treadmill

This classic piece of gym equipment is an obvious choice for those looking for a machine that will allow them to get a good cardio aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise helps to improve circulation and lower blood pressure. Treadmills are available in many different sizes and types, allowing you to choose what features you want or need.

  1. Elliptical Machine

The Elliptical is another great machine for cardio workouts and aerobic exercise. However, the advantage of this machine over the treadmill is that it places significantly less stress on the joints, which allows you to perform a low-impact workout and avoid the strain that can come from higher-impact cardio exercise such as running.

  1. Pull-Up Bar Machine

The pull-up machine is always a good choice for a home workout space, whether in full machine form or those that can be attached to door frames. Pull-ups are often underestimated as an exercise but can have surprisingly great results. You can use this piece of equipment to work your entire upper body, building strength in the arms, shoulders and back.

Be Flexible

Obviously everyone has different goals when it comes to going to the gym, so this guide may not work specifically for you. Have a look and see how much space you have, how much money you realistically want to spend, and what you need from your equipment. For example, you might not have much space or might own weights already. Therefore, it might make more sense to prioritise a machine that offers a cardio workout over more weight equipment.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn how to help people get the most out of their gym equipment then you need to become a personal trainer! Our Personal Training Diploma is the gold standard in fitness education and will make you the best personal trainer out.

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Is there a peak fat-burning zone? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/is-there-a-peak-fat-burning-zone/ Tue, 07 Jul 2020 05:05:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17343 The fat-burning zone is when you work out at about 55 to 77 percent of you max HR (maximum heart rate). This can be very misleading because limiting the intensity of your workouts won’t result in burning more fat. How your body burns fat Our bodies are constantly turning carbs and fat into energy for...

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The fat-burning zone is when you work out at about 55 to 77 percent of you max HR (maximum heart rate). This can be very misleading because limiting the intensity of your workouts won’t result in burning more fat.

How your body burns fat

Our bodies are constantly turning carbs and fat into energy for our cells to use. Depending on what we are doing the dominant energy source changes. It is also influenced by lifestyle aspects like what we have eaten recently.

The body will, in most cases, use what is immediately available in abundance. In other words, if your last meal before exercising was high in carbs then it is most likely that your body will use those carbs first to produce energy. It won’t matter how intensely you work out. The point remains that when you do a high-intensity workout your body is still going to burn fat. Along with it you will also be burning carbs in higher amounts.

Your body uses more fat than carbohydrates when you work out at 55 to 70 percent of your max HR

Mainly our bodies burn carbohydrates and fat for fuel. Our cells then convert these nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is a usable form of energy. Oxygen is needed for our cells to be able to turn fat into ATP. When we rest and breathe regularly, oxygen is easily available and then our bodies can metabolise fat at a slow and steady pace.

Intense exercise uses carbs for energy

When you exercise at a more intense pace your body needs to turn nutrients into ATP faster. Using carbs for this is more efficient because, unlike fat, carbs don’t always need oxygen to be able to convert it into ATP. Our bodies preserve carb stores for when oxygen is limited but we seriously need the energy.

This means that when exercise intensity increases, the amount of fuel coming from carbs does too, while the portion coming from fat becomes less. This is because when you start breathing harder to keep up with your workout, the oxygen flows to your cells decrease, which means there isn’t enough oxygen to burn fat. In this case, your body then turns carbs into energy. During the process, you are still burning both carbs and fat, but more carbs than fat.

You burn more calories at  high intensity

High-intensity exercise pushes many systems in the human body to work at a harder and faster rate. The heart will have to contract faster to provide enough blood to active muscles and, in addition, our respiratory systems have to work harder and faster so that we can breathe at such an intense pace. When our muscles and organs have to work harder then they need more energy from carbs and calories to do that.

If your goal is to burn fat, then burning more calories overall will be more effective than working at a low intensity to stay in the fat-burning zone. When you work out at a higher intensity you can burn more fat in less time.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

 If you want to learn more about optimal fat-burning zones – as well as other must-know aspects of exercise – then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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How to work out with an online personal trainer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-work-out-with-an-online-personal-trainer/ Tue, 07 Jul 2020 05:00:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17337 Working with a personal trainer and receiving a customised programme, motivation and expert coaching – to name but a few benefits – sounds very attractive. However, everyone can’t afford a personal trainer. More trainers are now offering their services online as this is a much cheaper alternative. But this is the right option for you?...

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Working with a personal trainer and receiving a customised programme, motivation and expert coaching – to name but a few benefits – sounds very attractive. However, everyone can’t afford a personal trainer. More trainers are now offering their services online as this is a much cheaper alternative.

But this is the right option for you? This answer is going to vary from person to person. While some might find online coaching to be effective and time-efficient others prefer the personal touch that comes with being face to face with your personal trainer.

What exactly is an online personal trainer?

An online personal trainer is one of the most flexible and cost-effective ways of reaching your fitness goals. You can work out when and where it is most convenient for you because you don’t have to rely on someone else’s availability and location.

Every personal trainer runs their programmes differently. Most personal trainers provide their clients with workout programmes, ongoing support and nutrition and fitness guidance all tailored according to your own specific fitness goals

Some trainers are email-based and others do in-depth video coaching paired with an app that you can utilise in order to keep track of your progress and report to your personal trainer.

What do you get with online coaching?

There are different kinds of online training, as previously mentioned. No two clients should have the same programme because every client is different and has different needs, and goals.

Nutrition coaching should also be part of the plan. A diet plan can be disempowering because it takes away from the long-term decision-making process that you will need to achieve success. You will need to be able to make your own decisions regarding healthy nutrition for the rest of your life.

Some trainers will use a few different apps like Zoom and Skype for scheduled coaching calls. There are other fitness and nutrition apps that also make things easier and more accessible for both of you without constantly needing to text or email.

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Keeping track of workouts

Trainerize can be used to keep track of progress and you are able to log workouts. Your personal trainer will get a notification when you have completed a workout. They can also upload your workouts onto Trainerize and you can print them as a PDF document if needed. If you are honest about when you have completed workouts then this is a great way for your trainer to keep track and hold you accountable.

Nutrition coaching

There are apps on which you can log the food you consume and this app will also be able to be viewed by your personal trainer. An example of an app like this is MyFitnessPal.

How you are going to work out with an online personal trainer is going to depend on the trainer you choose and what your needs are. But there should definitely be good communication and ways of keeping track of your workouts.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

 If you’d like to get into the online personal trainer business then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What are the different stages in the periodisation cycle? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-different-stages-in-the-periodisation-cycle/ Fri, 03 Jul 2020 05:05:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17298 The different stages in the periodisation cycle are determined by the age of the athlete. They are specifically aimed at developing talent to ensure a high level of performance and results. These three stages are: Training to Train: This is general preparation which consists of general fitness work. Train to Compete: This is specific preparation...

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The different stages in the periodisation cycle are determined by the age of the athlete. They are specifically aimed at developing talent to ensure a high level of performance and results. These three stages are:

  • Training to Train: This is general preparation which consists of general fitness work.
  • Train to Compete: This is specific preparation which is specific fitness work, for example, speed, strength, skills, technique and increased intensity training.
  • Train to Win: This is the pre-competition, competition and peak stage. The Train to Win stage begins at the beginning of the season, goes through to the competition and nationals or championships.

What happens in the Training to Train stage?

During the Training to Train stage, physical changes take place faster in the trainee and training programmes need to be designed to account for these rapid changes as well as the various advantages and disadvantages that they present in trainee development.

During this stage, girls between the ages of 11 and 15, and boys of the ages 12 – 16, reach the onset and completion of the adolescent growth spurt. It is seen as the significant fitness development stage where specifically the aerobic base is built. There is also emphasis placed on the development and consolidation of sport-specific drills during this stage.

As the name implies, more time and effort is dedicated to training the required skills and physical capabilities of the child athlete rather than focusing too much on competition and results—it is geared towards the development of long-term participants and top performers. Towards the end of the stage, emphasis shifts from building an aerobic base to increasing strength and the alactic anaerobic energy system.

What happens during the Train to Compete stage?

This is the sage where competition becomes serious. Formal competition becomes more prominent in annual periodised training, competition and recovery plans and includes major national and international events.

The Train to Compete stage is generally for girls aged between seven and 21 and for boys aged between 16 and 23. It is often seen as the dress rehearsal for the next stage, being the Train to Win stage. In this stage, the athlete should choose one sport to excel in.

The training emphasises the solidifying of sport-specific/position-specific skills and physical attributes. In this stage, the trainee aims to compete in national or international evens where the focus shifts to the outcome and the need to excel in competition.

The volume and intensity increase in order to get the athlete to a higher level of performance. Other factors – like nutrition, sports psychology, recover and injury prevention – become more important to assist in keeping the trainee fit and performing at their best. It is also essential that the formal competitions are scheduled into the training cycles.

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What happens in the Train to Win stage?

This stage is directed towards females over the age of 18 and males over the age of 19. This is the final stage of the trainee’s career cycle and the entire focus is on winning and medals. It is usually professionals or full-time trainees that reach this stage of development. The two previous stages have developed and optimised the skills, tactics and capacities of each trainee and they are now at or near their full genetic potential.

The trainee must now maximise and maintain their performance at the highest level. This requires the use of world-class techniques, the latest innovations in techniques, equipment and facilities to meet this demand. Due to the intense nature of the training, there may be a need for a double, triple or even multiple periodisations to allow for enough training and rest time.

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If you want a career in sports coaching, then you need to enquire about our Sports Coaching Certification! For more information, please follow this link.

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How to use resistance equipment safely https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-use-resistance-equipment-safely/ Thu, 02 Jul 2020 05:05:09 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17290 Using resistance equipment can be dangerous if your technique is not correct. Before beginning any resistance training, make absolutely sure that you have an assessment as well as an exercise programme that is written, by a personal trainer, for your specific needs. Ensure that you follow any medical advice and are shown the exercises by...

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Using resistance equipment can be dangerous if your technique is not correct. Before beginning any resistance training, make absolutely sure that you have an assessment as well as an exercise programme that is written, by a personal trainer, for your specific needs. Ensure that you follow any medical advice and are shown the exercises by a physiotherapist, exercise rehabilitation professional or registered fitness professional.

Here are some useful tips for you to follow that will help you to use resistance equipment safely.

Read the labels

Resistance equipment usually includes a label illustrating what muscles are targeted. A common error is to duplicate or, alternatively, overlap training within the same session. For example, if you make use of the leg press machine working the gluteus maximus, quadriceps and hamstrings, and the gastrocnemius and the soleus of your calves, it is not a requirement to utilise the leg curl machine that targets the hamstrings – and sometimes the calf muscles – or the leg extension machine, which targets the quads, in the same session.

Adjust the machine properly

Some resistance equipment allows you to adjust the back or the height of the seat. Some machines have a pad which goes across the top of your knees. Machines which involve joint flexion may have a pivot point to match with the moving joint. Proper adjustment is vital to avoiding injury. If you aren’t sure about what to do then ask your personal trainer to explain.

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Choose a weight that is right for you

Select a weight at which you can do – at the very least – eight repetitions, but not more than 12, without finding it too difficult. Try to do a minimum of two sets on each and every single piece of equipment and when 12 repetitions become too easy increase the weight or attempt another exercise. Don’t work out on exactly the same machine for more than two weeks, for six consecutive sessions because your muscles will become accustomed to the same moves and it will lose its effect.

Slow and steady

Make use of a slow and controlled motion when working on resistance equipment and go through the full range of motion unless otherwise advised by your physician or personal trainer. Make sure that you control your return and maintain tension by stopping when the weights just barely touch. Don’t let then clank together.

Steering your way through aisles of heavy gym equipment that is marked with knobs, handles, pulleys as well as cables can feel more than a bit intimidating. Those who are “in the know” make strength training on this equipment look effortless. To compound the challenge is that every gym manufacturer and resistance equipment brand makes their equipment a bit different. Chest press machines will function in more or less the same way, however, the knobs handles as well as adjustments won’t be identical. This can put newbie gym-goers at a slight disadvantage. But if you follow the tips which we’ve outlined above, you’ll be sure to work out safely.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to show people how to use resistance equipment safely, as well as other exercise techniques, then you need to become a personal trainer. Check out our Personal Training Diploma and get the premier fitness education that you’ve always dreamed of!

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What is a training session plan? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-training-session-plan/ Thu, 02 Jul 2020 05:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17282 It is always wise to plan a training session with a client so that you can create a coherent and beneficial exercise experience. The goal of a personal trainer is to help his or her client meet their physical fitness goals. These goals could include losing weight, building muscle mass, toning or improving endurance and...

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It is always wise to plan a training session with a client so that you can create a coherent and beneficial exercise experience. The goal of a personal trainer is to help his or her client meet their physical fitness goals. These goals could include losing weight, building muscle mass, toning or improving endurance and stamina. The best way to be successful is to customise exercises that will benefit them the most. There are a number of steps which are involved in developing a customised personal training session for a client.

A training session plan is an organised description of the activities and resources you’ll use to guide a personal training client towards a specific fitness or exercise objective. It details the exercises that you’ll teach, the methods of instruction for each exercise covered and the measures that you’ll use to guide the participants through the various exercises that you need them to complete.

Why use a training session plan

As you plan you visualise each step and timing of the exercise class. This helps you to ensure that you’ve thought about everything that you may need to do and that you present the exercises in a logical order. This will also allow you to prepare for points that people might find difficult to do and make a list of exercises that can be substituted for the beginner or more advanced participant.

After your session, you can utilise your plan in order to work out what went well and what didn’t so that you can adapt it for future lessons.

What must be taken into consideration when planning an exercise programme?

There are several aspects which you need to take into consideration when planning or designing an exercise programme as each participant will have different needs and it is the job of the personal trainer to meet their requirements by providing them with safe and effective exercise programmes and sessions.

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What are the objectives of completing an exercise programme with a client?

  • Define exactly what will be accomplished in a given time period, in other words, the overall outcomes of the plan. The usual time period that an exercise plan lasts is between four and six weeks.
  • Define targets that must be achieved every week (process goals) which will ensure that it is possible to achieve the overall outcome. These might be as straightforward as ‘attend all defined sessions’ or ‘add five minutes to cardio exercises’.
  • Schedule the sessions on days and times that suit the client.
  • Define the FITTT of each workout, in other words, weights or cardio, 30 minutes or 45 minutes, high intensity or low intensity, etc.
  • Define the most likely barriers to completing the exercise plan and what the client would like you to do if the plan is not working, for example, call them and discuss the problem or adapt the programme to suit.
  • Define the tasks that the personal trainer will undertake in order to train, monitor and support the client.
  • Agree to a start date.

Training sessions may seem second nature to the personal trainer but need to be insightful, meaningful and effective for the client as well. Start your planning by thinking about what your clients need to learn in order to be more successful at their fitness goals.  That will ensure that your training session will be practical and applicable.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a personal trainer, then the only way to do this is by studying our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What is the key to fitness? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-key-to-fitness/ Wed, 01 Jul 2020 05:05:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17211 Staying healthy and fit has a lot to do with how you train when you do training. Of course, one of the most important aspects of training is your pure consistency. Consistency is the doorway to fitness success. Workout programmes Building your own workout/training schedule, according to the days on which you need to exercise,...

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Staying healthy and fit has a lot to do with how you train when you do training. Of course, one of the most important aspects of training is your pure consistency. Consistency is the doorway to fitness success.

Workout programmes

Building your own workout/training schedule, according to the days on which you need to exercise, means you are already one step closer to achieving your fitness goals.

Workout programmes are one of the first keys to stay fit. In doing so it is essential to remember not to overwork yourself at the start. For example, heavy lifting or long-distance running will make you feel fatigued and might make you prone to injury.

The importance of consistent training

Applying a great amount of consistency in anything that you do will improve your abilities. This is extremely important when it comes to fitness in any area of training such as muscle gain, weight loss and endurance running. This also counts on the plus side for your mental well-being because when you work out regularly your body releases endorphins that will enhance your mood.

Focus and motivation

Setting your focus on your goal and keeping yourself motivated throughout the process is absolutely crucial. There are many ways to keep your motivation high, for example getting a fitness partner and support from your family and friends. When you stay focused during all of your workouts the results will come a lot easier and you will achieve your goals quickly.

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Staying energised

When you are experiencing feelings of low energy it can make it very difficult for you to get up and exercise, so staying energised is also an important element as feeling energised really helps you get in the gym. Some great ways of boosting your energy is by using a pre-workout supplement, eating the right diet and even listening to your most uplifting soundtracks on your music playlist.

Sleeping patterns

For your body to achieve its fitness goals it needs a very good period of rest. Make sure to get a healthy amount of sleep so that your body and mind may relax to its full potential. Sleeping helps your body to heal after a long hard workout and by doing so you will have more energy during your day, feel more motivated, less fatigue, be in a better mood and stay focused. A good night means getting between six and eight hours of sleep. Believe it or not, too much sleep can make you feel drained for the day so make sure that you balance it outright.

These are five of the most important keys for reaching your own personal fitness goal.

Staying fit is not a walk in the park but everyone can definitely do it with a little bit of hard work as well as motivation in addition to using these five key elements.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

 If you want to learn more about keeping fit and, more importantly, you want to teach others how to keep fit then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

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What are body conditioning exercises? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-body-conditioning-exercises/ Wed, 01 Jul 2020 05:00:17 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17204 Body conditioning workouts combine high-intensity exercises with minimal rest. If you want to improve your performance in an activity or sport, or if you’d just like to gain the benefits of physical exercise, then body conditioning exercises are the perfect way to go. Body conditioning exercises can be any exercise that enhances your body and...

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Body conditioning workouts combine high-intensity exercises with minimal rest. If you want to improve your performance in an activity or sport, or if you’d just like to gain the benefits of physical exercise, then body conditioning exercises are the perfect way to go.

Body conditioning exercises can be any exercise that enhances your body and performance. For example, it could increase your speed, strength and endurance. These exercises include cardio exercise which burns fat and resistance training in order to tone your muscles.

Aerobic Conditioning

It is advised that adults do at least between150 and 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

The cardiovascular and respiratory systems of the body are strengthened by aerobic conditioning. This decreases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and depression, to name a few. Aerobic conditioning is a very important part of weight loss and being able to maintain a healthy weight.

When you engage in a sport or activity, such as soccer or long-distance running, these activities require that you have a higher level of aerobic fitness. The main purpose of aerobic exercise is to make use of large muscle groups, for prolonged periods of time, in order to increase your cardiovascular endurance to help prepare you for your activity or sport you participate in. The time and intensity of your workouts should gradually increase.

Aerobic conditioning activities include running, climbing stairs, swimming or cycling. It can trim your waist line, strengthen your heart and increase stamina.

Anaerobic Conditioning

Anaerobic exercise, sometimes referred to as metabolic conditioning, is about short intense workouts. These workouts use fast-twitch muscle and include activities such as burpees, squat thrusts, jumping jacks and jump rope. Anaerobic exercise can help to increase your muscular endurance.

Strength Conditioning

Strength conditioning exercises strengthen the musculoskeletal system. This can be accomplished by doing bodyweight resistance training or weighted exercise. Lifting weights or doing push-ups, squats, sit-ups and other bodyweight exercises cause minor damage to your muscles. This makes them rebuild stronger than they were previously. Strength conditioning is a form of anaerobic conditioning. Strength workouts just don’t involve fast and intense intervals the way that metabolic training does.

Flexibility

Stretching exercises will help you to improve your range of motion and flexibility. Yoga classes are a great way to improve your flexibility but you can also perform stretching exercises on your own.

Why body conditioning is good for you

Body conditioning exercises work out your whole body. They are a high-energy and high-impact workout session.

These body conditioning workouts can tone your body, improve your physical level of fitness and cardiovascular function. They can also help with relieving of stress and symptoms depression all while burning calories and losing weight.

When deciding to get into any kind of conditioning you need to assess your own personal fitness goals, your current level of fitness and any physical injuries or limitations you might have that could bother you during conditioning workouts. Alternating between aerobic and anaerobic exercise, day by day, is one way to get the best out of body conditioning exercises.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a personal trainer and learn more about exercise and fitness, the best course for you to do is our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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How to make exercise irresistible https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-make-exercise-irresistible/ Tue, 30 Jun 2020 05:05:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17188 There are many ways to make exercise more enjoyable and motivate yourself. There are so many benefits to exercising, such as improved mood, sleep, energy and heart health; weight loss; the reduced risk of chronic illnesses as well as depression, stress and anxiety. Exercise will help you stay healthy for longer. You will age well...

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There are many ways to make exercise more enjoyable and motivate yourself. There are so many benefits to exercising, such as improved mood, sleep, energy and heart health; weight loss; the reduced risk of chronic illnesses as well as depression, stress and anxiety. Exercise will help you stay healthy for longer. You will age well and feel great about your physique and yourself.

To make exercise a habit we need the right mindset. Most of us would already be in shape if it was only about knowing its benefits. There are a few aspects that need to be taken into account when it comes to exercising. A busy schedule and poor health are a few things that can keep us from becoming our best self.

But just like for many things in life, exercise is something that you just need to make time for. The biggest barrier preventing many people from regularly working out is mental. A lack of self-confidence or motivation can easily discourage people from taking positive steps towards improving their fitness levels.

The great news for someone suffering from low motivation that there are a lot of ways that you can follow to make exercise a less intimidating activity and make it more fun.

Breaking the mental barriers

Don’t make working out an all-or-nothing occasion. Don’t spend hours in the gym doing things you hate and are painful for you. A little exercise is better than no exercise at all. Add just a few physical activities into your weekly routine and there will be a positive effect on your mental and emotional health.

Be nice to yourself. Self-compassion is likely to increase the possibility of success. There is no point in beating yourself up about your body, skipping a day at the gym, eating a slice of cake or huffing and puffing when you’re running on the treadmill. Doing this will demotivate you. Forgive your mistakes and learn from them.

Don’t set your expectations too high. You aren’t going to get into peak physical shape after one session at the gym and it’s important to face this reality. Getting into shape is a long-term commitment. High expectations can easily lead to frustration. Don’t be discouraged by the things which you can’t accomplish but rather feel empowered by what you can do. It helps not to obsess over results. Instead, focus on being consistent. Improvements in your mood and energy levels will happen quickly but the physical results will take a while longer to show.

How to make exercise a habit and stay motivated

Set small goals

If your goals are too ambitious you will be more likely to fail and feel demotivated. Start with easy goals that you know you can achieve. As you meet these smaller goals you will build confidence and be able to move on to more ambitious goals.

Triggers

The most consistent exercisers rely on triggers. These are simply reminders that cause an automatic reaction. They are what get you into a routine, so you don’t need to think about it or decide if you want to go exercise. This can be an alarm, setting out your running shoes so they are the first thing you see when you get up in the morning or heading straight to the gym from work.

Reward yourself

You need to reward yourself after exercising, it can be something like a warm bath, your favourite coffee or even watching a movie. Those who have exercised for a long time receive the long-term rewards like improved mood, stress relief, muscle gains and increased energy levels.

There is still no easy way to make exercise irresistible from the start, but by starting and staying consistent it will become a routine that will be very hard to get out of – not that you ever should!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you love exercise, and want to get people to love exercising too, then you should become a personal trainer with our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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How to build muscle without any gym equipment https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-build-muscle-without-any-gym-equipment/ Mon, 29 Jun 2020 05:05:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=17171 For some people, going to the gym might be way too expensive or they may struggle with getting there. There are several explanations why some people are not able to get to a gym. Luckily, there are hundreds of ways to build muscle without needing to go to the gym or buy any sort of...

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For some people, going to the gym might be way too expensive or they may struggle with getting there. There are several explanations why some people are not able to get to a gym. Luckily, there are hundreds of ways to build muscle without needing to go to the gym or buy any sort of gym equipment. Here are some of them.

Bodyweight exercises

This is a great way to exercise. By using an individual’s own weight to provide resistance against gravity, these types of exercises can enhance muscle gain, strength, endurance and flexibility. These are very easy home exercises you can do either inside or outside in the garden.

A few of these kinds of exercises include squats, push-ups, lunges, plank and many more. These exercises are great to make use of when you are in need of a strategy that does not involve gym equipment.

Running

One of the most important exercises known to mankind (and womankind!) is having a run in the morning or even a little jog is great for your muscles and your respiratory system. Running also targets most of the muscles in your body which leads to a more lean and ripped muscle look as opposed to just a massive increase in muscle size.

Pull-ups

An absolute must-do workout for super muscle gain and endurance, pull-ups are difficult in the beginning. This is because it can be challenging to get used to the pull-up method of training so be careful to not overwork yourself at the start.

Grab a high bar or even a strong branch of a tree to lift yourself up from the ground using your arms and upper body strength. This works your biceps, triceps, lats, chest and upper back muscles.

No equipment? No problem

There are various things laying around the house just asking to be used as a weight, for example using a backpack and putting in some clothes, shoes, rocks etc. Then you may use it to perform arm curls or even holding it in your hands when doing lunges.

Another great example is using a step around the house to work your calves. Stand with your feet next to each other with only the front part of your feet on the edge of the step. Raise and lower your heels. This process lets you work your calf muscles.

After you’ve done this exercise, grab a chair and place yourself with your back against the front of the chair. Put your hands on both sides of the chair and stretch your legs out as far as possible and bend at your waist. Push yourself up to work your arm muscles, mainly the triceps. Do this repeatedly.

Training with gym equipment allows you to strengthen various muscles and you will feel the difference a lot sooner than without it. However, it’s not impossible to gain muscle strength without equipment. Pure determination to train without equipment will give you great results as long as you stay motivated and do these exercises regularly.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

 If you want to learn more about correct exercise methods, and even become a personal trainer, check out our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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How to stop low motivation in its tracks https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-stop-low-motivation-in-its-tracks/ Wed, 17 Jun 2020 05:05:12 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16962 In training, there is a time when you arrive at a stage at which working out is no longer fun. This can be called a  ‘grind’ or ‘inconvenience’. This normally happens when you feel too lazy to attend training. In addition, you feel tired and the programme is tedious as well as boring. The important...

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In training, there is a time when you arrive at a stage at which working out is no longer fun. This can be called a  ‘grind’ or ‘inconvenience’. This normally happens when you feel too lazy to attend training. In addition, you feel tired and the programme is tedious as well as boring.

The important thing to realise is that the grind is actually the point which really counts. It separates the successful participant from the one who will not achieve their goal. Truly motivated participants reach the grind and just continue to keep going. Remember that effort equals achieving goals.

It’s always good to have goals but it’s very difficult to actually achieve those goals. You have two options: you can lower the goal to match your effort or you can raise your effort to meet your goal.

What are the signs of low motivation

There are several signs of low motivation:

  • A lack of desire to practise as much as you should
  • Less than 100% effort in training
  • Skipping or shortening training
  • Effort that is inconsistent with your goals

The Three Ds of motivation

Motivation means putting 100% of your time, effort, energy and focus into all aspects of your fitness training. It involves doing everything possible to become the best you can be.

Prime motivation begins with the three Ds:

  • The first D stands for direction. Before you can attain prime motivation, you must first consider the different directions that you can go to fitness. You have three choices: stop participating completely, continue at your current level or strive to be the best that you can be.
  • The second D represents the decision. With these three choices of direction you need to select one direction in which to go. None of these directions are necessarily right or wrong, better or worse. They’re simply your options. Your selection will dictate the amount of time and effort you will put into your training in addition to how good you will ultimately become.
  • The third D represents dedication. As soon as you’ve made your decision you must dedicate yourself to it. If your decision is to become the best you can be, then this last step, dedication, will determine whether you have prime motivation. Your decision to be your best and your dedication to your training must be a top priority. Only by being totally dedicated to your direction and decision will you ensure that you have prime motivation.

What are the components of motivation?

There are three major components to motivation:

  • Activation
  • Persistence
  • Intensity

Activation includes the decision to initiate a behaviour, such as enrolling in a fitness class. Persistence is the ongoing effort toward a goal even though obstacles may exist, such as taking more fitness classes in order to achieve the end goal of entering a competition although it necessitates a significant investment of time, energy and resources.

Whether your personal training clients are trying to lose weight or prepare for an athletic event you can use a few basic techniques to help them stay motivated. Many of these motivational techniques work well for exercisers who are working out on their own as well.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If it’s your life’s goal to become a personal trainer, then you should definitely enrol for our Personal Training Diploma. As the premier fitness qualification in the country, you can’t go wrong! For more information, please follow this link.

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How to programme a resistance training programme https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-programme-a-resistance-training-programme/ Wed, 17 Jun 2020 05:00:22 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16958 For continued results, a resistance training programme should be revised with changes to training variables every six to 10 weeks. However, there are certain principles to follow when making these changes: Do not change more than one or two variables at a time, and After every programme that you complete, change the routine for continued...

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For continued results, a resistance training programme should be revised with changes to training variables every six to 10 weeks. However, there are certain principles to follow when making these changes:

  • Do not change more than one or two variables at a time, and
  • After every programme that you complete, change the routine for continued results.

The average fitness programme lasts for 12 weeks. This can be used to become fit and train for PARE (Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation). Participating in this programme will enhance your ability to meet the PARE requirement but is not a guarantee of success. Results will differ from one participant to another. Other programmes can be developed by a personal trainer in your community to best meet your personal needs.

After completing this 12-week programme discuss with your personal trainer which components may be changed in order to get continued results. During each exercise exhale on effort. For optimal results you should be doing this programme between two and four days a week.

Exercises to add into your 12-week resistance training programme

Here are four exercises that you can add into your 12-week resistance training programme.

Dumbbell swing

The objective of this exercise is power.

Keep your head up (eyes forward), back straight and abs engaged (tight). Hold a dumbbell with both hands and in between your legs to start. Using your legs and your torso keep your arms straight and swing the weight up above your head. Allow the dumbbell to return to the initial position in a controlled manner and repeat the exercise.

You should be doing between two and three sets. In addition, you should be aiming for 10 reps and when you can go over 10 you should be increasing the weight.

One leg split squat with dumbbell

The objective of this exercise is single leg work.

Perform a squat with one foot on the floor and the other on a bench. Maintain your back in a straight position as well as your abs engaged (tight). Your head needs to be in neutral and you need to look forward. Hold a dumbbell in each hand.

Aim for between two and three sets and 10 reps on each side. Increase the weight when you get beyond 10 reps.

Chin-ups medium grip

The objective of the chin-ups medium grip is upper body vertical pull.

Using a suspended bar, pull up your body weight until your chin slightly goes beyond the bar. Keep your abdominal muscles engaged and your trunk rigid during the exercise.

Do between two and three sets. Aim for five reps but if you can do more, go for it! If you need assistance, you can use any one of these methods:

  • Elastic
  • Partner assistance
  • Jumping chin-up
  • A pull-up assistance device like a Gravitron
  • A step-up with a bench and lower yourself in a controlled manner.

Dumbbell bench press

The objective of the dumbbell bench press is an upper-body horizontal push.

Keep your abdominals engaged and your back flat on the bench. Hold the dumbbells and then lower the weight until your elbows reach a 90-degree angle. During the exercise make sure that you keep your forearms perpendicular to the ground. Return to the starting position and repeat.

There are loads more exercises which you can add to your 12-week programme.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn about these, you should hire a personal trainer. If you want to become a personal trainer yourself, we recommend that you do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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How to conduct lifestyle screening https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-conduct-lifestyle-screening/ Fri, 12 Jun 2020 05:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16925 Lifestyle screening has become popular all over the world as a method of being able to monitor a person’s lifestyle and recommend lifestyle change to benefit the person’s overall quality of life and, hopefully, to add to their quality of life. There is, however, one area of debate about health screening. This is that certain...

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Lifestyle screening has become popular all over the world as a method of being able to monitor a person’s lifestyle and recommend lifestyle change to benefit the person’s overall quality of life and, hopefully, to add to their quality of life.

There is, however, one area of debate about health screening. This is that certain types of screenings can lead to ‘false reassurance’. What this means is that a person – who has a screening – may gain the impression that they have a clean bill of health if no risk factors have been uncovered. As a consequence of this, they may choose to pay less attention to their health overall and, in addition, lead a less healthy lifestyle than they would otherwise have done.

Lifestyle screening for men

On average, men die six to eight years earlier than women do – most of the time from preventable health conditions.

Cholesterol

If you are older than 40, it is generally recommended that you have your cholesterol tested annually. If you smoke, suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease is in your family speak to your doctor about regularly monitoring your cholesterol. Unfortunately, we are seeing increasing numbers of young people with obesity. In this case, you must also be testing your cholesterol levels.

Hypertension

Also called high blood pressure, hypertension is a condition which presents without symptoms. High blood pressure is just a number in a machine however it can be an early sign of a number of more serious illnesses which is why you should get it checked regularly.

Colon cancer

If you don’t have a history of colon cancer that is present in your family, you can wait until you turn 50 to being colon cancer screening. However, if you do have a history of colon cancer in the family talk to your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy.

Diabetes

If you have high cholesterol or, alternatively, high blood pressure, you should also be regularly tested for diabetes. This is a simple blood test. Those who have large bellies are at risk for diabetes.

Lifestyle screening for women

Women do usually live longer than men. However, the social demands on women today are far more stressful than they used to be years ago due to the economic climate and having to juggle home life with their careers.

Overweight and obesity

The best method to learn if you are overweight or obese is to get your body mass index (BMI). You can get your BMI by entering your height and weight into a BMI calculator:

  • A BMI from 18.5 to 25 indicates a normal weight
  • A BMI of 30 and above may indicate that you are obese

If you are obese, according to the BMI, talk to your doctor or nutritionist about seeking intensive counselling and help with changing your behaviour to lose weight. Overweight and obesity can lead to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Thyroid (TSH) test

Discuss with your health-care professional if you need to take one of these tests.

Breast cancer

Ask your health-care team if a mammogram is right for you based on your age, family history, overall health and personal concerns.

Cervical cancer

You need to have a pap smear between one and three years if you are between 21 and 65 years old and have been sexually active. If you are older than 65, and your recent pap smears were normal, you do not need a pap smear. In addition, if you have had a hysterectomy for a reason than cancer, you do not need a pap smear.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to find out more about how to perform lifestyle screening? If you do, then check out our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What is the make-up of the triceps? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-make-up-of-the-triceps/ Thu, 11 Jun 2020 05:05:49 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16912 The triceps are made out of three small muscles: the long head of the triceps, the lateral head of the triceps and the short head of the triceps. The triceps brachii muscle (which is Latin for “three-headed arm muscle”) is the large muscle on the back of the upper limb of several vertebrates. It is...

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The triceps are made out of three small muscles: the long head of the triceps, the lateral head of the triceps and the short head of the triceps.

The triceps brachii muscle (which is Latin for “three-headed arm muscle”) is the large muscle on the back of the upper limb of several vertebrates. It is the muscle principally responsible for the extension of the elbow joint (straightening of the arm).

The medial head appears proximally in the humerus and inferior to the indentation of the radial nerve:

  • From the dorsal (back) side of the humerus.
  • From the medial intermuscular septum; as well as
  • Its distal part also develops from the lateral intermuscular septum.

The medial head is mainly protected by the lateral as well as long heads and is just visible distally on the humerus. The lateral head comes from the dorsal surface of the humerus, lateral as well as proximal to the indentation of the radial nerve, from the larger tubercle down to the area of the lateral intermuscular septum.

The important of the triceps

Working out your triceps assists with building upper body strength. These types of exercises are a crucial part of any strength training routine. This is because strong triceps are responsible for stabilising your shoulder joint and are essential for daily activities and sports for example tennis, volleyball as well as basketball.

Exercises to work the triceps

French press

Start by lying prone on a flat bench with the feet placed firmly on the floor, hip-width apart. Hold the barbell at full extension over the chest area.

Movement

Keeping the upper arms stationary, flex the elbows to lower the bar towards the forehead. Pause for a second and then return the barbell up to the starting position. Perform how many reps necessary for the desired results:

  • The exercise can be performed with dumbbells.
  • The exercise can be performed on a decline bench with a barbell or dumbbells.

Trainer safety tips

  • Monitor elbows
  • Keep the abdominals engaged
  • Keep the elbows at the sides
  • Spot at the bar
  • Keep the lower back flush on the bench

Kickbacks with dumbbells

Place the left knee and palm on a flat bench so that the torso is parallel to the floor. While holding onto a dumbbell in the right hand, and keeping the right foot flat on the floor, press the right arm tight against the side of the torso with the upper arm parallel to the floor.

Movement

Extend the elbow until the arm is fully extended behind the body. Flex the triceps for a second at the top of the movement and then return to the starting position. Perform how many reps necessary for the desired results:

  • The same exercise can be performed standing with the knees flexed and the tailbone extended.
  • The same exercise can also be performed on a cable pulley machine.

Trainer safety tips

  • Monitor scapula and elbows
  • Keep abdominals engaged
  • Keep the elbows at the sides
  • Spot at the dumbbell

Improving upper body strength is incredibly important as you age however it’s a good idea to keep your body strong from the time that you’re young. Building muscle strength assists with supporting bone health and strength, which is extremely useful in treating in addition to preventing osteoporosis. It can also help with managing arthritis pain by minimising swelling, pain and bone loss while strengthening and lubricating joints.

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How to work out your abdominals https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-work-out-your-abdominals/ Wed, 10 Jun 2020 05:05:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16884 The abdominals consist of several muscles: the rectus abdominus, the transverse abdominus as well as the external and internal obliques. This group of muscles sits on the front as well as sides of the lower half of the torso. The abdominals originate along the rib cage and attach along the pelvis. The rectus abdominus muscle...

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The abdominals consist of several muscles: the rectus abdominus, the transverse abdominus as well as the external and internal obliques. This group of muscles sits on the front as well as sides of the lower half of the torso. The abdominals originate along the rib cage and attach along the pelvis.

The rectus abdominus muscle is often known as the six-pack muscle of the abdominals. Thin bands of connective tissue lend it that appearance. The transverse abdominus (which is also known as the transversus) is the abdominal area. The fibres of the external, as well as internal obliques, run diagonally on the body, allowing for angled movement.

Athletes need a strong core foundation for powerful movements and abdominal exercises can be a large component of the exercise programme. Here are some of the most valuable exercises for strengthening and firming your abdominal muscles and building core stability.

V-up

Position yourself in the middle of a flat bench with the hands holding onto the edges of the bench or behind the body. Lean backwards until the body is almost straight and parallel to the floor.

Movement

Start with your legs extended and then bring the knees towards the chest while simultaneously bringing the upper body towards your knees to form a ‘V’ shape at the waist. Return the legs back to your starting position. Perform how many reps necessary for the desired results.

The exercise can also be done by holding onto a weight disk at the chest. A BOSU ball can be utilised for increased difficulty.

What to watch out for:

  • Monitor spine and head positioning
  • Cue abdominals
  • Spot mid-back or under the neck
  • Do not strain the neck
  • Keep legs moving in one direction

Reverse crunch

Lie supine on the floor with the hands extended at the sides. Legs and feet must be perpendicular to the floor. Your hips and knees should make a 90-degree angle.

Movement

In a slow and controlled fashion, bring the knees towards the chest. At the same time, lift the hips and glutes off the floor. Attempt to maintain the flexion of the knees throughout the exercise. Go back to your starting position in a controlled fashion. Perform how many reps necessary for the results that you want.

The exercise can be done on a decline bench to increase the challenge. A large ball can be held in between your legs to increase difficulty.

Watchpoints:

  • Monitor spine and head positioning
  • Cue abdominals
  • Do not strain the neck
  • Do not drop leg too far forward
  • Spot the hips

Hip thrust

Lie supine on the floor with the hands extended at the sides and the legs fully extended to the ceiling.

Movement

Raise the hips as well as glutes straight up off the floor by making use of the abdominals. Maintain the position for a second before lowering the hips down to the starting position. Perform as many reps as are necessary for the results that you want.

The exercise can be done on a decline bench in order to increase the level of difficulty. A large ball can also be held in between your legs to increase difficulty.

What to watch out for:

  • Cue abdominals
  • Do not strain the neck
  • Do not drop the legs too far forward
  • Spot the hips
  • Monitor the pelvis and spine

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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3 Stretches to do after your workout https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/3-stretches-to-do-after-your-workout/ Wed, 10 Jun 2020 05:00:49 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16880 To prevent injury and increase flexibility, are you supposed to stretch before or after your workout? That is a very good question! The answer is both. Before running or working out, it is important to warm up muscles and get more oxygen to them. A great warm-up is jumping jacks for a few minutes and...

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To prevent injury and increase flexibility, are you supposed to stretch before or after your workout? That is a very good question! The answer is both. Before running or working out, it is important to warm up muscles and get more oxygen to them. A great warm-up is jumping jacks for a few minutes and then a brief stretch of each of the major muscles.

After running or working out, a good stretching routine will help to remove lactic acid from the muscle. This, in turn, reduces muscle soreness, which promotes better flexibility. You can also perform your stretching exercises while resting between lifts during your strength training.

How to design a flexibility programme

A well-rounded flexibility programme includes at least one exercise for each of the major muscle groups. It is especially important to select exercises that are problem areas. The workout should take roughly 10 – 15 minutes depending on the number of stretches performed.

The stretch should be held for a maximum of 30 seconds without pain and repeated anywhere from three to four times. Flexibility exercises should be performed after a moderate or vigorous physical activity session and are an important part of the warm-up or cool-down phase in an exercise programme or routine.

Here are a number of stretches that you can add in your flexibility programme.

Cross body stretch

This stretch stretches the outside of the deltoid and arm. Repeat three to four times at regular intervals.

Movement

Place the left arm across the chest and with the right hand on the left elbow gently pull it across the body. Maintain the position for 10 seconds. After this, repeat on the other side. Do not stretch until you feel pain.

Overhead shoulder stretch

Repeat this stretch three to five times to get a good stretch around the shoulders and upper back.

Movement

Hold the hands together with the arms elevated above the head, pushing the arms upwards and backwards. When the arms are fully extended, hold the position for 10 seconds. Do not stretch until you feel pain.

Swimmer’s shoulder stretch

This is a stretch to test and challenge shoulder flexibility. Repeat between three and five times for a good stretch. You can also perform this stretch against a wall.

Movement

Lie on the floor on your side and place the arm flush against the floor above the head. Press as close to the floor as possible. Hold for 10 seconds and then release. As with the other stretches, don’t stretch until you feel pain.

Forward neck stretch

The forward neck stretch will help in increasing the flexibility of the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles. This is a great warm-up stretch before performing back exercises.

Movement

Keeping the back straight, slowly lower the chin towards the chest and hold the position for 10 seconds. Then slowly bring the head up to a neutral position. Stop stretching if you feel any pain.

Sideways neck stretch

The sideways neck stretch is a great warm-up or cool-down stretch to perform before or after a workout. Take four to five seconds for each direction of the movement and repeat in each direction five to ten times.

Movement

Stand up straight with the arms relaxed at the sides of the body. Slowly lean the head over to one side and then hold for 10 seconds before bringing the head up to your starting position.

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How to improve your balance with theraband exercises https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-improve-your-balance-with-theraband-exercises/ Tue, 09 Jun 2020 05:05:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16872 Finding balance in all aspects of your life is, without a doubt, the way forward. This takes into account creating balance in your body.  Enhancing balance improves coordination as well as strength, which allows you to move freely as well as steadily. Increasing stability, mobility as well as flexibility makes it simpler for you to...

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Finding balance in all aspects of your life is, without a doubt, the way forward. This takes into account creating balance in your body.  Enhancing balance improves coordination as well as strength, which allows you to move freely as well as steadily. Increasing stability, mobility as well as flexibility makes it simpler for you to perform your day-to-day tasks. It also ups your athletic performance. Concentrating on your balance may also assist you with focusing and clearing your mind.

There are a number of exercises that you can do, with a theraband, in order to increase your balance. Here are some of them.

Exercise 1

Knot the theraband. Put both your feet into it but not through it. In other words, you need to be standing on the theraband. Make sure that the knot which you’ve made in the band it ontop of your feet.

While keeping one of your feet parallel to the flo0r, raise the band until your leg is at a 90-degree angle. Perform 10 – 15 reps and repeat on the other side. If you find that you’re having trouble with balancing, rest your fingers lightly on the back of the chair for support.

Exercise 2

Put your feet in the theraband, just the same way as you did for exercise one. While keeping your foot parallel to the floor, raise your leg to a 90-degree angle.

Keeping your foot parallel, turn your leg out and to the side. Return to your starting position and do between 10 to 15 reps. Repeat on the otherside. Again, if you’re struggling with keeping your balance you’re more than welcome to balance yourself on a wall or something similar. But make sure that you just use this object to balance yourself and don’t use it to support your bodyweight.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - theraband

Exercise 3

Put your knotted theraband over both ankles. Balancing on one foot, push your other leg in a backward motion and hold for between one and two seconds. Release and repeat. Perform between 10 and 15 reps and repeat on the otherside. If you need to, use a chair or wall to help you balance.

What muscles to balance exercises work?

Balancing exercises work the muscles in your core, lower back as well as legs. Lower-body, strength-training exercises can also assist with improving your balance.

While balancing exercises may be challenging at times, the constant effort will make these exercises simpler. Increase the number of repetitions incrementally as the exercises become easier. You may ask someone, like a personal trainer, to supervise or assist you. This is especially true when you’re first getting started.

It is possible for you to modify the exercises in order to increase or decrease the difficulty or, alternatively, to adjust for your needs. Begin on your non-dominant side so that the second side is simpler. You can do the exercises on your non-dominant side twice if you would like to balance out your body between each side. Once you become comfortable with the exercises, try doing them with one or both of your eyes closed.

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How to do the Kettlebell Press https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-the-kettlebell-press/ Fri, 05 Jun 2020 05:05:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16782 The Kettlebell Press, along with the Get Up, is pivotal in teaching core stability and the lockout position for the Snatch. The Press is started by performing a Clean to bring the kettlebell into the racked position. A path/flight line of the centre of the kettlebell should form a slight arc or crescent moon shape....

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The Kettlebell Press, along with the Get Up, is pivotal in teaching core stability and the lockout position for the Snatch. The Press is started by performing a Clean to bring the kettlebell into the racked position. A path/flight line of the centre of the kettlebell should form a slight arc or crescent moon shape.

The Kettlebell Press is a widespread workout technique which is utilised in order to strengthen as well as build muscle in the following areas of your body:

  • Deltoids
  • Upper pectorals
  • Triceps

Every training programme which is well balanced should incorporate an overhead press in some shape or form, and kettlebells are a fantastic piece of equipment to utilise in your workout. The kettlebell allows for single-arm or, alternatively, dual-arm lifts and is much gentler on the wrists as well as elbows. This is as opposed to the standard dumbbells and barbells. When it comes to the correct use of the kettlebell, however, many individuals struggle to find the correct form which allows for maximum strength training as well as safety.

How is the Kettlebell Press biomechanically analysed?

The Kettlebell Press uses the full shoulder girdle to move the kettlebell from the track position to lockout overhead. The Press is a grind movement and can be done with one or two kettlebells.

How to do the Kettlebell Press

Clean the kettlebell into the rack position. Inhale sharply to create tension in the core. It is important to breathe deeply into the chest and not just into the upper chest.

In one motion, drive the hand towards the ceiling keeping the forearm perpendicular to the ground. Don’t try and go straight up but rather externally rotate the arm in a similar motion to that of the Arnold Press. There must be minimal bend in the back to assist the Kettlebell Press.

They should still be in an ‘acked’ position without rising due to the use of the traps. The upper arm should be directly next to the ear or slightly behind. As you lower the kettlebell, actively use the lats to pull the weight back into position. This will help ensure that you are set up properly for the next rep.

Don’t immediately start with the next rep. Make sure that there is a slight pause to reset body tension.

Things to watch out for

Many people experience a ‘sticking point’. Most commonly, this occurs at the point where the upper arm passes its horizontal alignment and is usually caused by a lack of tension, particularly in the lats.

A good drill to improve this is to do the movement from the top down. This trains the mind and muscles how to behave in the opposite direction. It starts the movement with the muscles already loaded so the tension is automatically applied to prevent the weight from falling.

Instead of merely letting gravity do the work it is best to pull the weight down. Imagine a strong elastic was attached between the roof and the kettlebell and you are pulling it down against that force. This will help to increase tension which in turn makes the movement easier.

To increase tension still further, crush the handle of the kettlebell and make a while knuckle fit with the opposite hand.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to increase your knowledge of how to exercise with kettlebells? If you do, then you should really check out our Online Kettlebell Course. For more information as well as to register, please follow this link.

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What type of full-body workout you can do with your foam roller? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-type-of-full-body-workout-you-can-do-with-your-foam-roller/ Thu, 04 Jun 2020 05:05:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16770 The foam roller is an extremely convenient piece of equipment to use for a full-body workout as it is very easy to implement loads of different exercising techniques. This is great for workout junkies. How to do the criss-cross plank with a foam roller Move into your plank position with your foam roller beneath you...

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The foam roller is an extremely convenient piece of equipment to use for a full-body workout as it is very easy to implement loads of different exercising techniques. This is great for workout junkies.

How to do the criss-cross plank with a foam roller

Move into your plank position with your foam roller beneath you in the middle of your chest. Spread your feet wide apart from each other and place both hands on the foam roller. This will be your starting position. Keep your back in a straight plank position and start by moving one hand to your side in line with your shoulder. Put it on the floor and then move the same hand back and place it on the foam roller where your other hand has been waiting. Repeat this movement with your opposite hand.

This exercise puts a lot of workout tension on your core, lower back and your endurance levels.

How to do plyo taps with a foam roller

 Set the foam roller on the ground in front of you so that this piece of equipment can roll forwards and backwards with your movement.

Stand in front of the foam roller and use your toes to tap on the roller by lifting your knees up in a running position. Keep your back straight. Tap the foam roller each time you lift one of your feet, guide the roller by moving it forwards slowly for about 1 metre and drag it backwards to where you started. Tap your toe on the foam roller as you go. Continue the cycle by going back and forth with your toe taps for about 1 to 3 minutes.

How to do the upper back roll with a foam roller

 Place the foam roller underneath the upper part of your back while lying on top of the equipment. Keep your arms crossed before your chest. Bend your knees and raise your lower back. Put your body weight on top of the foam roller and move your body around from mid-back to upper back. This is a really relaxed exercise.

How to do push-ups with a foam roller

 Move into your push-up position with your hands shoulder-width apart. Place the foam roller sideways and parallel to your body. Place one hand on top of the foam roller and remember to stay in line with your shoulder.

With your one hand higher than the other drop down and do a set of push-ups. Swap the foam roller between your hands for different sets.

How to do squats with a foam roller

 Everybody knows that squats are the real deal when it comes to exercise and luckily the foam roller can be used for doing these exercises.

Get yourself into the squat position and focus on checking if you’ll bump anything as you perform the exercise. Have your feet apart and face straight forward. Place the foam roller in your hands above your head and shoulders. Bend down towards the floor with your upper thighs and glutes parallel to the ground. This is one rep. Remember not to lift your heels and to keep your back straight tucked in.

 There are a number of different exercises that can be done with a foam roller – the possibilities are nearly endless. The foam roller does make it very easy to focus on specific muscle groups when used during exercise or even for recovery exercise after an injury. A foam roller can even be utilised to test out your flexibility.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about teaching people how to exercise? If you do, then you should check out our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What is metabolic strength training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-metabolic-strength-training/ Thu, 04 Jun 2020 05:00:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16767 The benefits of metabolic strength training, also known as metabolic conditioning, are endless. Metabolic exercise is a good way to really challenge yourself and lose weight quickly. The effects of metabolic strength training last beyond the gym. It maximises muscle gain and gets rid of excess fat. Metabolic strength training is when you put in...

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The benefits of metabolic strength training, also known as metabolic conditioning, are endless. Metabolic exercise is a good way to really challenge yourself and lose weight quickly. The effects of metabolic strength training last beyond the gym. It maximises muscle gain and gets rid of excess fat.

Metabolic strength training is when you put in the maximum amount of physical effort to accelerate the efficiency of your metabolism. This will help you to lose body fat while you build and keep muscle. It does this by working as much of the muscles as possible during an exercise and by you pushing yourself to maximum effort in a short period of time. This helps your body to burn more calories and fat during your rest periods and after your workout. The term used for this occurrence is scientifically referred to as EPOC or post-exercise oxygen consumption. It is also generally called the “afterburn” effect.

Benefits of metabolic strength training

Metabolic strength training maximises calorie-burn and increases the metabolic work rate. It builds muscle a lot faster than you would when using normal training routines. This includes a great deal of benefits for your cardiovascular system as well.

Lots of professional and non-professional athletes push themselves to do a lot of metabolic training on a regular basis during the week depending on the sport they are invested in.

Types of metabolic training

 Metabolic training is no walk in the park! Jump squats, burpees, planks, pull-ups, sprints, zig-zag runs and push-ups are all metabolic strength training exercises. It is important to work out a large number of muscles during these workouts.

Start by building your circuit. For example, you can first do ten reps of push-ups to work your upper body (remember to expend the maximum amount of effort). Get up soon after and do three 15-metre sprints to get a workout in the lower half of your body. Right after this drop down and do a 30-second plank, take a short rest, repeat again.

As you are making more progress, building more stamina, strength and a greater metabolic endurance you will be able to add new exercises into your routine. More reps, more sets and soon your 10-minute workout will keep you busy for 20 minutes. Keep in mind that there’s always room for you to improve.

 Metabolic strength training is considered to be one of the best training methods you can follow to keep yourself healthy and in shape.  Train as many of your muscles during a session as possible and on a regular basis. It is recommended that you do a metabolic strength training session, two to four times a week and for no less than ten minutes, to be able to complete all your sets.

Don’t overwork your body or certain muscles. Remember that it is important to rest and recover from time to time. Resting is very important for your muscles to repair themselves. Rather avoid the possibility of an injury or an intense sore muscle and take a day off or do a lighter workout on some days.

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What does ‘reps to failure’ mean? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-does-reps-to-failure-mean/ Wed, 03 Jun 2020 05:05:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16752 ‘Reps to failure’ means pushing yourself to your physical strength limit. Lots of body builders and trained fitness professionals use this method of training to gain physical strength and muscle. Explanation of what failure means when it comes to exercise  Failure during exercise is actually a really good thing in some way. When you have...

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‘Reps to failure’ means pushing yourself to your physical strength limit. Lots of body builders and trained fitness professionals use this method of training to gain physical strength and muscle.

Explanation of what failure means when it comes to exercise

 Failure during exercise is actually a really good thing in some way. When you have failed with your last rep it shows that you have pushed your physical strength to its limit. You have worked your muscles extremely hard and simply cannot complete your last rep. Only you would know when your mind and body tells you that you cannot complete another rep of the same exact exercise.

What is ‘reps to failure’?

 Imagine yourself doing an arm curl at the maximum amount of weight that you are comfortable with. If you are pushing your arm and bicep strength to its peak amount of repetitive movements as you are doing more reps, your arm muscles and the weights start to feel a lot heavier until you reach your last rep where you absolutely fail to complete. You have drilled your muscle fibres to its final bit of power putting an immense amount of pressure on that resulting in feeling a little fatigued.

Risks involved when using ‘’reps to failure’’

Stay aware of the risks that involve any exercise so you may protect yourself against any sort of possible damage.

Pushing yourself to the limit could be dangerous especially when you are performing an exercise like the bench press. For example, you may not be capable of placing the bar back on the safe stands of the bench and this is why you need a spotter. A spotter will be anybody who cares about your well-being when training. You could use a friend, family member or a personal trainer.

You may also find yourself in the case of dopamine depletion. Adrenaline requires dopamine to be produced so if you fire yourself with a load of adrenaline you might risk depleting your dopamine levels.

Getting more done in less time

 Many trainers and athletes believe using this method of training is the right way to go to experience a great increase in muscle development in a shorter time. Lots of athletes also become addicted to this type of burn when training because it causes a feeling of success even though you failed the last rep.

Reps to failure means that you will be concentrating all of your energy and strength towards the exercises you are about to perform, not holding back, giving it no less than 100% and transforming yourself into a machine!

Importance of recovery

Remember that you need to give your body time to relax in between sets. You have just pushed yourself to your body’s max limit. To avoid any injuries a good amount of rest is important. After the workout make sure to relax your muscles and take a rest period so your body can regain its energy and heal your muscles.

Reps to failure is pretty useful when you are looking for results sooner rather than later and if you are really looking forward to building your physical strength.

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How regularly should you do cardio to create endurance? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-regularly-should-you-do-cardio-to-create-endurance/ Wed, 03 Jun 2020 05:00:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16749 Cardiovascular exercise is a vital aspect of any workout routine and overall health. Endurance means different things to different people. In sports and exercise, it can refer to the ability to endure extended physical activity for long amounts of time. To build endurance you need to combine cardio and strength training. If you build your...

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Cardiovascular exercise is a vital aspect of any workout routine and overall health. Endurance means different things to different people. In sports and exercise, it can refer to the ability to endure extended physical activity for long amounts of time.

To build endurance you need to combine cardio and strength training. If you build your leg muscles you will be able to propel yourself farther forward with each step you take when running. You will also be able to better absorb the impact when placing added stress on your joints.

How often to do cardio

 Gaining benefits from cardio is easy. A ten-minute run once a week can improve your mood greatly. But in order to experience the full benefits and increase endurance, you should do 150 to 300 minutes of cardio exercise, at moderate intensity, every week.

Combine strength training and cardio exercises

 The increased number of muscles you work at the same time, the more it challenges your heart and cardiovascular system. Cardio-only workouts will prevent you from building endurance. Introduce a few strength training days into your workout to build up your endurance.

More effectively, you can combine your strength training with your cardio exercises to get the best results. You can do a bench press, then jump rope for a minute followed by overhead press and then a few sprints.

Decrease your rest time between sets

 If you are aiming to build up greater endurance your rest times should be much shorter. You should only take a break when you physically feel like you can’t do more. Select a series of exercises to repeat one after the other for at least three rounds. For example, you can do ten squats, ten pushups, ten sit-ups and then jump rope. Repeat this circuit three times.

Fast-moving and high-intensity strength training

When using weights an extremely fast pace will improve your strength and endurance at the same time. This practice can really speed up your metabolism. Only doing endurance training slows down your metabolism so it doesn’t eat away at your muscle tissue.

Focus on more than one joint

 Compound movements are moves which demand that you use more than one joint at a time. A few compound moves are step-ups, pull-ups, squats and push-ups. These moves will increase your endurance levels more than exercises that only focus on one joint at a time. These exercises don’t stimulate a person enough to increase their stamina.

Switch up your workout routine

You need to change your workout to build endurance and stamina. After about two weeks your body gets used to a workout, which results in it not working as well as it used to anymore.

Explosive movements build endurance and stamina

 Explosive movements are moves that use a lot of energy and strength. These moves also use an abundance of endurance and stamina at the same time. You will notice that you can move faster with time as you do more explosive workouts. Explosive exercises include burpees, box jumps and short sprints.

Cardio and strength training should be combined to experience an impressive improvement in your endurance and stamina levels.  Want to learn more about exercise – the same as personal trainers do?

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If so, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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How a personal trainer can help you stay well in stressful situations https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-a-personal-trainer-can-help-you-stay-well-in-stressful-situations/ Tue, 02 Jun 2020 05:00:44 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16699 Just about any kind of exercise will relieve stress. Exercising and being active is not only a great way to stay fit but can also boost endorphins which have a powerful effect on mental health. According to personal trainers, the number of people who approach them, seeking out their support and advice to help them...

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Just about any kind of exercise will relieve stress. Exercising and being active is not only a great way to stay fit but can also boost endorphins which have a powerful effect on mental health. According to personal trainers, the number of people who approach them, seeking out their support and advice to help them with managing their mental health problems, is increasing.

So how can exercise improve mental health and what can a personal trainer do to increase the effect of physical activity on a person’s general well-being?

Exercise meets mental health

 A personal trainer has the potential to change your life for the better. They can help you to develop a healthier mind while assisting you to reach your physical goals through exercise.

Physical and mental health used to be regarded as two separate areas. Now, mental health has seen a positive shift in the way that it is perceived and approached. This makes mental health a more open and frequent subject of discussion. This means that there is greater awareness being placed on how physical activity can improve and preserve mental health.

Exercise causes the release of mood-boosting chemicals, like serotonin, into one’s body. Exercise can also boost self-esteem and reduce anxiety, depression and stress. This improves a person’s quality of life. A personal trainer not only helps you to be healthy and fit but also happier.

Training programmes for each individual

 Mental health is a very complex field of human science. Your personal trainer should know that mental illnesses are different as every person’s mental health is unique to only them.

The benefits and improvement exercise makes on your mental health will take a while to see. It is a long journey and one that you need to approach in a steadfast manner. It is important to stay motivated about the prospect of future results that will slowly start to show.

A personal trainer will design a training programme around what you’re comfortable with and what works for you. The training programme will change occasionally based on whether something is working or not.

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Communicate with your personal trainer

Try to feel comfortable with sharing your worries and anxieties with your personal trainer. This will help them to better support you. A personal trainer can use this information as a positive reinforcement when discussing progress and programmes. In this way, your personal trainer will also know whether the training programme is working or needs to be adjusted.

When keeping your personal trainer updated on the status of your mental health they can show you that you are taking positive action towards achieving your goals. This will give you a greater sense of achievement and support. Exercise may not have been the first thing you tried in order to treat your mental health. Therefore, knowing you’re getting results and having your personal trainer keep track of them will help you to keep going and stay positive.

A personal trainer not only helps you get fit but they also help you along your wellness journey. They focus on mental health just as much as physical health. A personal trainer can make a drastic difference in your life.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about personal training and even become a personal trainer yourself? If you do, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

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6 Ways to work out from home https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/6-ways-to-work-out-from-home/ Thu, 28 May 2020 05:05:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16506 Home workouts are a real treat. Keeping active can create a good and positive feel about yourself as an individual. They can be easy and quick, fitting seamlessly into your busy daily routine. It doesn’t require much gear and is much cheaper than a gym membership. Planks Planks are one of the best core workouts...

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Home workouts are a real treat. Keeping active can create a good and positive feel about yourself as an individual. They can be easy and quick, fitting seamlessly into your busy daily routine. It doesn’t require much gear and is much cheaper than a gym membership.

Planks

Planks are one of the best core workouts out there.

Keep your elbows and toes on the floor and your back straight in a plank position with your eyes facing the floor. Do not let your knees or, alternatively, your stomach touch the floor until you have reached your objective.

Set your starting goal for 40 seconds in the no-motion plank position. Take a 40-second rest and repeat. As you practise this move more, you will be able to hold your plank longer and do more sets.

Jump rope

Hold one end of the jumping rope in each hand. Rotate the rope under and over your body using your wrists. Jump over the rope as soon as it reaches your feet. The rope should touch the floor each time it passes beneath you making a tapping sound.

Skipping is great cardio exercise! Keep this up for at least two minutes. You can repeat again or jump for longer times as you improve.

Push-ups

This is an easy go-to exercise. This exercise mainly focuses on muscle gain in the torso and chest muscles while working out your triceps along with it. Place your hand shoulder-width apart and your toes on the floor. Keep your body in a straight line and bring your chest down – so it almost touches the ground – by bending your elbows. Push yourself back up and repeat this movement. Complete the number of reps and sets you are comfortable with. We recommend that you start with three sets of four reps each and build up from there.

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Squat jumps

Start by standing in an upright position, your feet apart in line with your shoulders. Your feet must face straight forward at all times. It’s very important to maintain your back in a straight position and then bend your waist downwards so that your body reaches towards the floor. Do not let your heels lift from the ground.

Bend almost to a 90-degree angle between your upper thigh and your stomach. Push back up with a little jump and repeat when you land on the ground again. Do not jump forwards or backwards. Stay in the same place.

Sit-ups

This is an exciting core workout! Beginners can start by using a structure to support their balance for example a couch to hook your feet under. Lie down on the mat and then bend your knees at an angle you are comfortable with. Put your hands behind your head or, alternatively, your ears and pull your body towards your knees. Do this regularly until you reach 50 reps and call yourself a pro!

High knees

This is a great garden or living room exercise. Stand with your feet apart and launch each knee towards your chest. Keep this up for about two minutes and take 30 seconds of rest in between. Watch out not to hit your knees into any objects.

Home workouts are great and cost-effective. They can be done with no equipment or with equipment that is not very expensive. Exercise keeps you healthy and in a good mood!

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5 things to know about cardio exercise https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-things-to-know-about-cardio-exercise/ Thu, 28 May 2020 05:00:22 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16498 Health experts advise around 150 minutes of cardio workouts in a week to decrease serious health risks. Exercise mainly benefits your health and heart, in other words, your cardiovascular system. This system is one of the most important organs in your body and it is your responsibility to take care of it. Improving your cardio...

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Health experts advise around 150 minutes of cardio workouts in a week to decrease serious health risks. Exercise mainly benefits your health and heart, in other words, your cardiovascular system. This system is one of the most important organs in your body and it is your responsibility to take care of it.

Improving your cardio work rate when running or jogging

When taking your early morning jog, concentrate on how your body is moving in order to engage in a more strenuous cardio workout. Keep your back straight and lean your shoulders backwards. This movement causes the chest to open up and gives your lungs more space to breathe by stretching out. Any form of running is a great work out for the heart and uses lots of other muscles in your body, which is always a plus!

Benefits of regular cardio exercise

 There are many different methods you can use to increase your heart rate. Some benefits include an increase in lung capacity. This helps you to burn fat and calories and in turn, it results in weight loss. Cardiovascular exercise makes your heart stronger over time so there is less strain on it when pumping blood. Regularly doing some cardio exercise may also reduce anxiety, stress and depression. It will also assist you with sleeping better at night.

Doing a little bit of cardio exercise can really go a long way. It will greatly benefit your physical as well as mental health. You don’t have to do cardio for hours. A quick 15-minute jog will be just as good for your health.

Beginner exercises for your cardio

 Push yourself to get started with very familiar exercises, for example getting on your bicycle, taking a jog, swimming a few laps or contacting a friend to kick around a ball with you at the park and making sure to chase the ball quite a few times. No problem in having some fun at the same time! Try these exciting exercises in the region of 10 – 20 minutes and your cardiovascular system will be very grateful.

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Motivation for cardio exercises

Try to find an exercise you enjoy that will increase your heart rate. This motivates you simply because you’ll find a bit of pleasure in this exercise or something you can tolerate. As you are doing more cardio on a regular basis you will start to build endurance and stamina seeing results along with it.

One of the greatest methods of motivation would be to take along a friend or family members. Staying motivated and taking part in regular exercise can influence your psychological health in the most positive way.

Staying safe during cardio exercise

 It’s very easy to overexert yourself when it comes to training and this may lead to an injury. Try and get to know your limits as soon as possible and with time you will be able to boost your goal to higher levels. It’s not worth pushing yourself very hard in the beginning. Just try to get to know your endurance level, strengths and limits. Give yourself a warm-up session before entering your cardio workout. These tips will help you avoid any unnecessary injuries.

Cardio exercises have so many positive end results which simply cannot be ignored, from physique, mental health and simply trying to have fun when doing this exercise. Jumping into action as soon as possible is the best thing you can do for yourself.

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Want to learn more about different forms of exercise? If you do, then you need to study our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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Why resistance training programmes should be broken down into performance cycles https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-resistance-training-programmes-should-be-broken-down-into-performance-cycles/ Tue, 26 May 2020 05:05:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16429 A resistance training programme should always be broken down into performance cycles that are separated into long- to short-term blocks. Breaking a programme down into cycles is helpful for prioritising your training goals and requirements. The performance cycles can vary greatly in the amount of time that they span. They are designed in order to...

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A resistance training programme should always be broken down into performance cycles that are separated into long- to short-term blocks. Breaking a programme down into cycles is helpful for prioritising your training goals and requirements.

The performance cycles can vary greatly in the amount of time that they span. They are designed in order to apply more focus on certain goals and requirement while placing less attention on others based on established priorities.

What are macrocycles in resistance training?

Macrocycles are long-term performance cycles that may take several months to a year and help to set the priorities and timelines to attain training goals or address specific needs. It is a requirement that macrocycles are broken down into more manageable segments which are termed mesocycles.

What would a mesocycle enable?

Mesocycles would enable an individual to better track their progress, reconsider their goals, design brand-new routines as well as make any needed adjustments (to training, diet, sleep or rest) in order to stay within the timelines of the macrocycle.

Mesocycles can differ widely in length, usually ranging from between three and 12 weeks. A normal six to eight-week mesocycle works well for most people. This enough time to experience significant and measurable results yet not become bored with the recent routines.

This timeframe is also short enough to permit a person to identify as well as correct controllable problems. In addition, this period of time allows for the adjusting of uncontrollable variables that may have surfaced before they can retard further progress. People should reassess and gather as much relevant data as possible between mesocycles in order to assist with designing the new routines appropriately for continued success.

Performance programme phases

The mesocycles are planned in order to focus on certain training priorities however other goals should not be entirely ignored in the process. Competitive athletes usually need to focus on specific training phases such as:

  • Strength,
  • Endurance, and
  • Speed.

However, most benefit from improvements in a number  – if not all – of these areas. If an individual spends six to eight weeks in a mesocycle, only striving for strength, that individual may lose endurance or mobility if training for these aspects is not also reinforced to some degree. Balancing priorities within a mesocycle is just what training phases are intended to do.

Many investigations have shown that it is ineffective to attempt to improve on every bio-motor ability simultaneously during each training routine because there is not enough time in a training session to apply that and adapt to that much diverse muscle stimulus. Therefore, a mesocycle can be split up into training phases, which last between one and three weeks, which focus primarily just a number of neuro-metabolic adaptations. These reduced time periods allow for progress in one aspect without incurring losses in others.

However, training phases must be planned properly throughout the mesocycle in order to ensure that all priorities are addressed. For example, an eight-week mesocycle, focusing primarily on strength, could include a one-week phase of endurance training and a one- or two-week phase of endurance training and a one- or two-week phase of hypertrophy work in order to preserve the conditioning goals as well as body composition that the person may also desire.

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The correct breathing technique to adopt while exercising https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-correct-breathing-technique-to-adopt-while-exercising/ Tue, 26 May 2020 05:00:52 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16422 Breathing is a vital mechanical function requiring the integrated and coordinated action of several muscle groups if you are consciously aware of it or not. Proper breathing, while exercising, is a crucial component of healthy and effective fitness. A mindful effort is needed to ensure that breathing is in rhythm with the movements of the...

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Breathing is a vital mechanical function requiring the integrated and coordinated action of several muscle groups if you are consciously aware of it or not. Proper breathing, while exercising, is a crucial component of healthy and effective fitness. A mindful effort is needed to ensure that breathing is in rhythm with the movements of the body. Proper breathing technique when exercising ensures that you get the most out of your performance in addition to remaining safe.

Breathing while running

Give your breathing a chance to fall into a steady rhythm which corresponds with your strides. Doing so has the effect of optimising the amount of oxygen your body takes in as well as the amount of carbon dioxide it expels.

Try to inhale always on one set of strides while exhaling on another set. An excellent method for tracking your breathing is the 3:2 inhale-to-exhale ratio:

  • Inhale completely on a set of left-right-left strides.
  • Exhale fully on the next set of right-left strides.

For your body to become comfortable with this type of breathing, run first at a pace that comfortably allows you to undertake this breathing exercise.

Breathing while strength training

Breathing correctly during strength training exercises is vital. Any exercise that necessitates lifting, pushing or pulling is very taxing on the body as well as heart rate. Always exhale in the exertion.

A good example is the bench press. As you push the weight up, exhale slowly during the motion. Inhale as you start to bring the weight back down towards your chest. Remember to exhale fully in order to expel all of the carbon dioxide from your lungs.

Continuous breathing

During any exercise, it’s essential that you focus on always moving air in and out of your body efficiently. Some exercises, especially heaving lifting exercises, may seem to be completed more easily if holding the great.

Holding your breath in during exertion can cause your blood pressure to rise. This can also result in decreased flow of blood to the brain. Both can have adverse effects on the body. Constant airflow through your lungs is crucial for healthy, effective exercise. If you can’t perform a strength training exercise without breathing properly, there is a fair chance you’re using too much weight.

Breathing through the nose

When you run at a slow to moderate pace, or when you perform an easy aerobic exercise, attempt inhale through your nose. Slow inhaling through your nose assist with getting you into a rhythm and stabilises the heart rate. This is not possible once you reach certain intensity in an exercise however make a mindful effort to inhale fully through your nose for as long as it’s comfortable to do so and does not affect your performance. Exhale fully through your mouth.

Focus on breathing

Focusing on breathing may be an understandable part of any exercise however it’s very common for runners to engage in the conversation when running with a partner or group. Although many can normally run while talking the breathing rhythm is affected and can be harmful. Talking while exercising can also cause loss of focus as well as concentration, which takes away from the effectiveness of the exercise.

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How to Master Pilates Leg Kicks https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-master-pilates-leg-kicks/ Fri, 22 May 2020 05:00:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16304 Pilates focuses on the entire body and therefore it will come as no surprise that there are plenty of different moves that make up such a workout. One move that you will see show up over and over again is the Pilates leg kick. This is a staple move in this type of exercise and...

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Pilates focuses on the entire body and therefore it will come as no surprise that there are plenty of different moves that make up such a workout. One move that you will see show up over and over again is the Pilates leg kick. This is a staple move in this type of exercise and is one that is definitely worth putting in the time to perfect it so that you can get the most of this simple move.

The Benefits of the Leg Kick

There are two kinds of Pilates leg kicks, the single leg kick and the double leg kick. This move may look simple, but when done correctly it works the hamstrings, glutes, and core, while also strengthening the back and stretching your quads!

How To Perform the Leg Kick

Starting Position

This is a body-weight exercise so you will only need yourself and a mat. Lie on your stomach with your legs extended behind you, feet together. Raise your torso, resting on your forearms. Make sure to keep your elbows directly under your shoulders, and keep your hands either flat on the map or clasped together (whichever feels comfortable for you).

Performing the Move

  1. Hold your head comfortably, either looking forward or slightly down, as to not strain your spine.
  2. Hold in your abdominal muscles, as though you are trying to pull them up and away from the mat while pressing your pelvis into the mat.
  3. Breathe in and point your toes, and then bend your right knee to a 90-degree angle.
  4. As you exhale, pulse your leg twice sending your heels towards your glutes.
  5. Inhale again and slowly lower your leg back to the floor.
  6. Repeat this move with your left leg.

Mastering the Move

While this move is simple it is important to perform it correctly. Like most Pilates moves it is the little details that make the biggest difference – and when you have mastered it you will really see and feel the improvement. Here are a few tips for mastering this move.

  1. Engage your abdominal muscles throughout the workout. Not only will this improve your stability during the exercise but it will also help to strengthen your core muscles.
  2. When you pulse your leg backwards work on exhaling sharply with each pulse. Therefore you should inhale as you lift, exhale twice as you pulse and then inhale again as you return your leg to the floor. Breathwork is a very important part of Pilates and can make the biggest difference in the long run if you pay attention to your breathing.
  3. In the same vein as your breath control, Pilates places a lot of focus on intention and focus on the body. Connecting with your body during every move can really help you to improve your form. Be aware of the muscles being used as you perform the leg kick and make sure that you are not straining other areas of the body unintentionally.

The Pilates leg kick is a move that you will come across many times and it is worth taking the time to master it properly. As you improve you can move on to master the double leg kick as well as other variations!

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The fundamentals of Pilates https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-fundamentals-of-pilates/ Fri, 15 May 2020 06:54:47 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16215 The fundamentals set up the basic structure for all the movements that follow in a Pilates programme. Take as long as you need to master these for the best results. When practised with conscious awareness of the essential connections, these exercises provide an intense, toning workout. How to do the chest lift in Pilates Lie...

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The fundamentals set up the basic structure for all the movements that follow in a Pilates programme. Take as long as you need to master these for the best results. When practised with conscious awareness of the essential connections, these exercises provide an intense, toning workout.

How to do the chest lift in Pilates

  • Lie on your back with your legs bent and your feet hip-width apart and a comfortable distance from your body.
  • Interlace your hands behind your head.
  • Exhale, engage your stabilisers and contract forward.
  • Inhale, hold and then exhale to return to your starting position. Soften your lumbar spine into the floor.
  • Repeat between 12 and 15 times.

You can also perform this exercise with a rolled-up towel placed between your knees. As you perform the chest lift, visualise a well in your stomach wall getting deeper as you curl up

To simplify the chest lift, lower on the inhale to reduce intensity. If you’d like to intensify the exercise, raise one or both legs to the tabletop position (90-degree bend), maintaining a lumbar release and increasing the connection to your stabilisers.

How to do a Pilates pelvic curl

  • Lie on your back with a neutral spine with your legs bent and your heels a comfortable distance from your body. Relax your arms by your sides with your palms open. Your back is long and your lumbar spine is relaxed.
  • Exhale and engage your stabilisers. Maintain this connection as your roll your tailbone towards the ceiling and peel your spine off the floor, one vertebra at a time. Your feet, upper back, neck and head should be all that remains on the floor.
  • Hold this position at the top and inhale, checking that your lumbar spine is relaxed.
  • Exhale and roll down through each portion of your spine.
  • Return to the starting position on your next inhale.
  • Repeat between 12 and 15 times.

Ensure lower limb alignment by placing a rolled-up towel between your knees. This encourages an adductor-pelvic floor connection, toning the inner thighs, glutes, hamstrings and stomach. Visualise your spine hanging from your pelvis at the top of the movement. this exercise should be felt in your glutes and hamstrings.

If you would like to simplify the exercise, place your feet on a wall with your legs in a 90-degree bend. You are less likely to engage your lumbar spine in this position. If you would like to intensify the exercise, at the top of the movement, try a knee fold while maintaining pelvic stability and lumbar release.

The cat stretch to cool down

  • Kneeling on all fours, place your wrists in line with your shoulders and your knees directly beneath your pelvis. Your spine should be flat and long. This is called the four-point kneeling position.
  • Exhale and engage your stabilisers and glutes, widening the hipbones as you flex your spine upward.
  • Inhale as you flatten your spine back to neutral and keep your lumbar spine relaxed throughout.
  • Repeat between 12 and 15 times, deepening the essential connection each time. Aim for gluteal and hamstring activity throughout.

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The correct way to do the leg extension https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-correct-way-to-do-the-leg-extension/ Thu, 14 May 2020 05:05:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16199 It takes a number of exercises in order to be successful in building up the powerhouse muscles which are on the front of your thigh. It’s worth including a mix of compound as well as isolation moves into your routine if you want to develop stronger quads. What is the leg extension? The leg extension...

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It takes a number of exercises in order to be successful in building up the powerhouse muscles which are on the front of your thigh. It’s worth including a mix of compound as well as isolation moves into your routine if you want to develop stronger quads.

What is the leg extension?

The leg extension is a steadfast isolation exercise which puts highlights your quads. It is the perfect complement to the leg curl that isolates the hamstrings. Together this pair of exercises will go a long way to bulking up the back and fronts of your thighs.

The proper form for the leg extension

Adjust the back of the seat as well as the footpad of the leg extension machine with the intention that when you sit in it your knees come to the edge of the bench. In addition, your ankles are just below the footpad rollers. Sit back with your back pushed firmly touching the back pad.

Take hold of the handles of the seat edges behind your hips and keep your upper body stable as your legs extend in a smooth controlled movement until they are fully extended. Contract your quadriceps at the top of the movement and then slowly lower the weight down to your starting position. Do as many reps as necessary for the desired results.

Safety tips for the leg extension

  • Monitor knee flexion
  • Cue your quads
  • Keep your lower back level with the bench
  • Try to get a good range of movement

Biomechanical analysis of the leg extension

The leg extension is a movement of the lower body that takes place in a sagittal/media plane and mainly uses the muscles of the legs. The actions are concerned with using a single joint, namely the knee. During the upward phase of the leg extension, the knee (which is a hinge joint formed from the tibia, femur, rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis and vastus intermedialis muscles) causes extension. The upward movement is a concentric muscle contraction.

During the downward phase, at the knee the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis and vastus intermedialis muscles cause flexion. The downward movement is an eccentric muscle contraction.

The benefits of the leg extension

As previously mentioned, the leg extension targets the quadriceps, which are the big muscles on the front of the thigh. Theoretically, this is an “open chain kinetic” exercise and is different from a “closed chain kinetic exercise,” for example a squat. The variance is that, in the squat, the body part which you are exercising is anchored (feet on the ground) as opposed to in the leg extension, you’re moving the padded bar. This means your legs aren’t stationary as they work so the chain of movement is not closed in the leg extension.

The quads are well-developed during cycling however if your cardio is running or walking you are typically exercising the hamstrings which are located at the back of the thigh. If this is the situation, you may wish to develop the quads to be more in balance. developing your quads may also increase the force of kicking movements, which can be useful in sports such as soccer or, alternatively, martial arts.

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How to do the hack squat https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-the-hack-squat/ Thu, 14 May 2020 05:00:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16195 Hack squats are essentially squats which you perform on a particular machine. This type of squat machine looks like a reverse leg press machine. In order to utilise a leg press machine, sit on a fixed seat and then push your feet against a weighted, moving platform that’s above you. To utilise the hack squat...

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Hack squats are essentially squats which you perform on a particular machine. This type of squat machine looks like a reverse leg press machine. In order to utilise a leg press machine, sit on a fixed seat and then push your feet against a weighted, moving platform that’s above you. To utilise the hack squat machine, stand on a fixed platform (while facing away from the machine) beneath shoulder pads. These pads will bear, however much weight you select.

Usually, the platform is angled so that your toes are somewhat below your heels. Position your body as if you are performing traditional squats with weight plates that are located under your heels because this lessens your requirement to have lots of ankle mobility in order to properly perform the movement.

Set-up for the hack squat

Stand up tall in a hack squat machine with your feet hip-width apart. Make sure that you’re in the middle of the footplate. Unhook the safety stopper and support the weight with your legs.

Slowly squat down until your hips as well as your knees are at, or just below, a 90-degree angle. From there, stand back up via the motion of pressing through your heels to lift the weight up to an upright stance. Come to almost a full extension at the top but don’t lock the knees. Perform how many reps necessary for the desired results.

Safety tips for the hack squat

  • Monitor the spine, pelvic positioning, hip knee as well as ankle motion
  • Cue glutes and quads
  • Spot under the rib cage
  • Keep the lower back flush with the bench

Biomechanical analysis of the hack squat

The hack squat is a movement of the lower body that takes place in a saggital/medial plan and mainly uses the muscles of the legs. The actions are concerned with using multiple joints, namely the:

  • Hip
  • Knee
  • Ankle

During the upward phase of the hack squat, there is extension which is brought about by the gluteus maximus, medius and bicep femoris muscles. The knee is a hinge joint that is formed by the tibia and femur, rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis and vastus intermedialis muscles. These muscles cause extension.

In the ankle, which is a hinge joint that is formed by the tibia and calcaneus, there is plantar flexion that is brought about principally by the action of the gastrocnemius and soleus. The upward movement is a concentric muscle contraction.

During the downward phase, at the hip the gluteus maximum, medius and bicep femoris muscles cause flexion. At the knee, the rectus femoris, vastus medialis vastus lateralis and vastus intermedialis muscles cause flexion. At the ankle, there is dorsi flexion which is principally brought about by the action of the gastrocnemius and soleus. The downward movement is an eccentric muscle contraction.

If you’re a newbie to the weights section at the gym, hack squats are probably safer than barbell squats as it is not required for you to balance free weights. In addition, it isn’t possible for you to fall backwards or forward. In addition, hack squats are a fantastic move if you want to work on your quads because hack squats isolate the quad muscles for optimal growth. In actual fact, hack squats are a go-to for bodybuilders and figure athletes who want to build strong, powerful-looking thighs.

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The best way to do the 45-degree leg press https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-best-way-to-do-the-45-degree-leg-press/ Tue, 12 May 2020 05:05:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16164 Well-defined and robust quadriceps are a tell-tale sign of a conscientious athlete. In the bodybuilding community, large sweeping quads add to an aesthetically pleasing as well as balanced physique. Many of us start our leg workouts with a robust and compound barbell movement such as the back squat, deadlift or, alternatively, clean. As the workout...

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Well-defined and robust quadriceps are a tell-tale sign of a conscientious athlete. In the bodybuilding community, large sweeping quads add to an aesthetically pleasing as well as balanced physique. Many of us start our leg workouts with a robust and compound barbell movement such as the back squat, deadlift or, alternatively, clean. As the workout progresses, so does volume increase. At the same time, the complexity of movements also decreases.

The 45-degree leg press machine is a phenomenal, compound, push exercise which targets the quadriceps in addition to the glutes. This plate-loaded piece of exercise apparatus can be found in even the most hardcore of gyms and utilises a lever or sled apparatus to hold onto the weight.

Technique

Sit in an angled 45-degree leg press machine. Place the feet shoulder-width apart in the centre of the footplate. Unhook the safety stoppers and support the weight with your legs.

Movement

Slowly lower the weight, bringing the knees to the chest but stopping when the knees are at a 90-degree angle. Pause of a moment before pushing through the heels to return the weight to your starting position. Repeat with the left leg. Perform how many reps necessary for the desired results.

Form tips for the 45-degree leg press

Avoid Half Reps

The 45-degree leg press provides a maximum benefit if is performed utilising full range-of-motion reps. Half or quarter reps put increased stress on the knees, supports poor movement patterns in addition to not providing as much stimulus to the target as well as supporting muscle groups.

Switch Up Your Stance

In order to emphasise glute involvement, adopt a wider stance and/or place your feet somewhat higher on the sled or platform. To accentuate quadriceps involvement, choose a narrower position and/or put your feet a bit lower on the sled or platform. Aim to do full range-of-motion reps with your knees pointing the same way as your toes.

Stay on the Padded Support

During the entire movement, don’t let your glutes and back leave the padded support. Coming off the padded support alters the movement pattern, lessens the range of motion of the rep, and does not provide as much stimulus to the target as well as supporting muscle groups.

Safety tips for the 45-degree leg press

  • Monitor the spine, pelvis, hip, ankle and knee motion
  • Cue glutes and quads
  • Spot the footplate
  • Keep the lower back flush with the bench

Biomechanical analysis for the 45-degree leg press

The 45-degree leg press is a movement of the lower body that takes place in a sagittal/media plane and mainly uses the muscles of the legs. The actions are concerned with using  multiple joints, namely:

  • Hip
  • Knee
  • Ankle

During the upward phase of the leg press, the hip (a ball and socket joint which is formed by the femur and hip girdle) there is extension brought about by the gluteus maximus, medius and Bicep Femoris muscles.

The knee, which is a hinge joint – that is formed from the tibia and femur rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis and vastus intermedialis muscles – causes extension.  The ankle is a hinge joint which is formed by the tibia and calcaneus. There is plantar flexion which is brought about principally by the action of the gastrocnemius and soleus. The upward movement is a concentric muscle contraction.

During the downward phase, at the hip, the gluteus maximus and medius, as well as bicep femoris muscles, cause flexion. At the knee, the Rectus Femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis and vastus inermedialis muscle cause flexion. At the ankle, there is dorsiflexion which is brought about principally by the action of the gastrocnemius and soleus. The downward movement is an eccentric muscle contraction.

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How to do the one-arm dumbbell row https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-the-one-arm-dumbbell-row/ Tue, 12 May 2020 05:00:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16160 The one-arm dumbbell row is a fantastic exercise for your back as utilising one arm at a time let you really focus on your lats, traps as well as other back muscles which are targeted by the exercise. Making use of dumbbells – as opposed to a barbell – also stops you from depending only...

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The one-arm dumbbell row is a fantastic exercise for your back as utilising one arm at a time let you really focus on your lats, traps as well as other back muscles which are targeted by the exercise. Making use of dumbbells – as opposed to a barbell – also stops you from depending only on one side of your body to do the majority of the work. In addition, it can highlight any strength imbalances that you need to work on. The one-arm row also has a wider range of motion than the bent-over row as you can row the weight higher as opposed to when using a barbell.

The technique for the one-arm dumbbell row

Place one knee on a flat bench. Keep the other leg extended behind with the foot flat on the floor for balance. Hold the dumbbell in one hand and rest the other hand on the same side of the bent leg on the bench. Keep the chest slightly elevated and extend the arm with the dumbbell towards the floor. Keep the back in an extension by extending the tailbone and keeping the core strong.

Movement

Keeping the torso stable throughout the movement, pull the dumbbell up towards the side, extending the elbows as much as possible. Keeping the torso stable, slowly lower the dumbbell to your starting position. Perform how many reps necessary for the desired results.

Safety tips for the one-arm dumbbell row

  • Monitor your spine, pelvic positioning, scapular and elbow motion.
  • Cue your scapular retractors as well as your posterior deltoids.
  • Make sure that your abdominals are engaged.

Biomechanical analysis of the one-arm dumbbell row

The one-arm dumbbell row is a movement of the upper body that takes place in a sagittal/medial plan and mainly uses the muscles of the upper back. The actions are concerned with three joints:

  • Shoulders
  • Scapula
  • Elbow (multi-joint)

This exercise will work the muscles bilaterally. During the upward phase of the row, the shoulder (a ball and socket joint) is formed by the humerus and shoulder girdle. There is an extension, brought about by the Latissimus Dorsi muscles.

At the scapula, there is retraction caused by the Posterior Deltoid muscles. At the elbow (a hinge joint which is formed by the humerus, ulna and radius) there is flexion brought about principally by the action of the Trapezius, Rhomboids and Biceps Brachii muscles. The upward movement is a concentric muscle contraction.

During the downward phase, at the shoulder, the Latissimus Dorsi and Posterior Deltoid muscles cause flexion. At the scapula, protraction is caused by the Trapezius and Rhomboid muscles. At the elbow, the Biceps Brachii causes extension. The downward movement is an eccentric muscle contraction.

Try to do this exercise in front of a mirror so that you can monitor any change in your back or shoulder position. In addition, doing this exercise in front of a mission will allow you to check for trunk rotation.

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What are the bones of the foot? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-bones-of-the-foot/ Mon, 11 May 2020 05:00:58 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16137 The feet are supple structures of bones, joints, muscles as well as soft tissues which let us stand upright in addition to performing activities such as walking, running and jumping. There are 26 bones in the foot that consist of eight distinct types. These types include: Metatarsals, Phalanges, and Cuneiforms Metatarsals Each foot consists of...

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The feet are supple structures of bones, joints, muscles as well as soft tissues which let us stand upright in addition to performing activities such as walking, running and jumping. There are 26 bones in the foot that consist of eight distinct types. These types include:

  • Metatarsals,
  • Phalanges, and
  • Cuneiforms

Metatarsals

Each foot consists of five metatarsals that are the long bones which lead to the base of each toe. The metatarsals are numbered from one to five beginning on the inside and then going outward (from big toe to smallest). Each metatarsal is a long bone which joins with the mid-foot at its base to create a joint called the tarsal-metatarsal joint or, alternatively, the Lisfranc joint.

On the whole, the first three metatarsals are more firmly held in place as opposed to the last two, although in some people there is increased motion related to the first metatarsal where it joins the mid-foot (at the first tarso-metatarsal joint). This increased motion may cause them to acquire a bunion.

The part of the metatarsal bone, which is long, is called the metatarsal shaft. The thick end of the bone that is near the toes is known as the metatarsal head (the metatarsal neck is between the shaft as well as the head). The head performs two essential functions:

  • First, the heads of the metatarsal are the places at which weight-bearing happens.
  • Second, the phalanges join the foot at the metatarsal heads. This takes place at a joint called the metatarsal-phalangeal joint. These joints are very flexible, which allows the metatarsal heads to constantly sustain the weight of the body as the foot shifts from heel to toe.

Phalanges

The phalanges are the bones of the toes which are connected to the rest of the foot by the metatarsal-phalangeal joint. The first toe, which is also known as the great toe due to its relatively large size, is the only one that consists of just two phalanges. These are called the proximal phalanx (closest to the ankle) in addition to the distal phalanx (farthest from the ankle).

The four ‘lesser’ toes (toes 2 – 5) are all made up of three phalanges. The phalanx that is closest to the ankle is known as the proximal phalanx. This articulates with the middle phalanx. The middle phalanx connects with the distal phalanx at the distal interphalangeal joint. An imbalance in the tendons pulling across these small joints of the toes will lead to deformity of the toe, such as claw toe.

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Cuneiforms

There are three separate cuneiform bones that are in the mid-foot. The one which is located on the inside of the mid-foot is known as the medial cuneiform. The middle cuneiform is located centrally in the mid-foot and to the outside is the lateral cuneiform—all three cuneiform line up in arrow and then articulate with the navicular forming the naviculo-cuneiform joint.

The structure of the cuneiforms is similar to a Roman arch. Each cuneiform connects to the others in order to form a stable unit. These bones, along with the strong plantar as well as dorsal ligaments which connect to them, offer a good deal of stability to the mid-foot.

What is foot pain caused by?

Foot pain is generally caused by incorrect functioning of the foot. Shoes which don’t fit well can worsen and possibly even cause foot problems. Shoes which fit well and offer good support can prevent irritation to the foot joints as well as the skin. There are a lot of types of foot problems which affect the heels, toes, nerves, tendons, ligaments as well as joints of the foot.

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How to do the Kettlebell Clean https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-the-kettlebell-clean/ Fri, 08 May 2020 05:00:49 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16112 The Kettlebell Clean is considered to be a set-up move. It is a pre-cursor to the Press & Jerk. Generally, one would do a Clean & Press or a Clean & Jerk as opposed to just doing a clean on their own. However, the Kettlebell Clean itself is a very powerful movement and teaches many...

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The Kettlebell Clean is considered to be a set-up move. It is a pre-cursor to the Press & Jerk. Generally, one would do a Clean & Press or a Clean & Jerk as opposed to just doing a clean on their own.

However, the Kettlebell Clean itself is a very powerful movement and teaches many tension items that are needed in other kettlebell training. In the Swing, there is no rest or stop position. The kettlebell is continuously in motion. In the clean, the kettlebell ends at shoulder level, resting on the forearm with the wrist kept straight. This is called the racked position.

Biomechanical analysis of the Kettlebell Clean

The Kettlebell Clean starts as a single-arm swing, the biomechanics being identical to the Swing up until the point where the kettlebell reaches hip height. Once the kettlebell passes the hip, the path that it is travelling changes with a slight shrug of the shoulders and flex in the elbows. The kettlebell should then be caught in the rack position resting on the forearm, bicep and chest. The Kettlebell Clean can be performed with either one or two kettlebells.

Steps to performing the Kettlebell Clean

The first step is finding the correct rack position

Pick up the kettlebell and curl it up not the forearm, bicep and chest. The wrist needs to be in a neutral position with the knuckles of the first facing directly to the ceiling and the thumb pointed towards you. The elbow should be pointed straight down and tucked in close to the body. The lats work to stabilise and hold the arms close to the body.

The V created between the forearm and the upper arm serves as a shelf for the bell to rest on. At this point, the kettlebell should be on the forearm, bicep and slightly on the chest. It is essential to keep the bell as close to the centre line of the body without rounding the upper back.

Return the kettlebell to the bottom position by ‘dropping’ it. There should be minimal tension on the arm and the elbow should lockout at the bottom. The shock is then absorbed by the Hip Hinge movement.

The movement has now become a single-arm swing. Allow the kettlebell to pass between the legs and initiate the Swing with a powerful hip thrust.

As the kettlebell passes hip height, curl it towards your body. You should be able to catch it in the rack position. It is important to remember that the curl action is minimal. You only want to slightly alter the path the bell is travelling on, not drastically change the direction. If you use too much force, the kettlebell will land with a heavy impact and throw you off balance.

The kettlebell should land in the rack position with as little impact as possible. As the kettlebell gets more substantial, you must brace your core to absorb the impact in a very similar way to the manner in which a boxer will brace himself to take a punch.

The styles of kettlebell training

If you’re looking to build strength, you’ll probably prefer Hard-Style Kettlebell Training. This is because you’ll be working harder to complete the repetition and your body is loaded to the extreme. If you’re looking to build endurance, perform five reps in the Hard-style will not do the trick. In this case, the Fluid style is for you.

Both of these styles of kettlebell training have a place and a purpose so get the benefit of both worlds. Your training will change from time to time. Even the best, luckiest athletes occasionally fall prey to injuries. If you’re injured and you persist with heavy loads, you are unlikely to health. Switching to lighter, longer rep sets might just keep the muscles working and assist in provided healing.

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How a sports manager should be assessing risks https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-a-sports-manager-should-be-assessing-risks/ Wed, 06 May 2020 05:00:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16075 Although risk assessment may seem like an entirely different concept, it forms an integral part of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) profess within a sporting organisation. As such, this process is a vital part of the sports manager’s role. Assessing the risk correctly assist in the eradication of danger in workplaces, according to its...

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Although risk assessment may seem like an entirely different concept, it forms an integral part of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) profess within a sporting organisation. As such, this process is a vital part of the sports manager’s role. Assessing the risk correctly assist in the eradication of danger in workplaces, according to its level of intensity. Some risks may not be as dangerous as others, although they are all critical.

How a sports manager should be assessing risks

When a sports manager identifies a hazard, they need to do a risk assessment. This type of assessment means that they will need to:

  • Gather information about each known hazard
  • Contemplate the number of people who are exposed to each hazard and the length of the exposure
  • Make use of the information to assess the likelihood as well as a consequence of each hazard
  • Make use of a risk assessment table in order to work out the risk associated with each hazard

A sports manager should consider the ensuing factors during the risk assessment process:

  • The kind of hazard creating the risk
  • Patterns of hazards
  • Types of injuries or illnesses which are foreseeable from exposure
  • The results of duration and exposure to the hazard
  • Workplace and workstation layout
  • Work organisation
  • The introduction of new work processes
  • Skill and experience level of employees
  • Personal characteristics of employees who are exposed to the risk (colour blindness or hearing impairment)
  • Prevailing control measures in place, such as using clothing and personal protection equipment.

What is a risk assessment table?

One method of assessing risk is to use a risk assessment table. Record the risk rating for each and every single hazard you have identified. Record the risk rating for each hazard which you have determined. To construct an assessment matrix, you can:

  • Establish a specialist risk assessment team
  • Get expert or specialist advice
  • Brainstorm within the workplace, especially with employees, health and safety representatives as well as OHS health and safety committee members. They are frequently a valuable source of information and experience.

Before introducing new or changed work practices, substances or plant review your original assessment. It is proper management to do regular reviews.

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How to use a risk assessment table

Assessments of likelihood and consequence can be translated into levels of risk using a risk assessment table. Areas of high risk can be given first priority for elimination or control in the workplace. Consequence or extent of the injury or ill health were it to occur, can be rated in the following way:

  • Fatality
  • Significant or serious injury (severe damage to health which may be irreversible, requiring medical attention and on-going treatment). Such injury is likely to involve considerable time off work.
  • Minor injury (reversible health damage which may require medical attention but limited on-going treatment). This is less likely to involve considerable time off work.
  • Negligible injuries (first aid only with little or no lost time). Unlikely to involve more than one day off work.

The likelihood or the chance of each of the situation or events actually occurring, can be rated in the following way:

  • Very likely (exposed to hazard continuously)
  • Likely (exposed to hazard occasionally)
  • Unlikely (could happen but only rarely)
  • Highly unlikely (could happen but probably never will)
  • This classification would be used very rarely

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Can You Lose Fat by Weight Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-you-lose-fat-by-weight-training/ Mon, 04 May 2020 05:05:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16005 Many people believe that you need to do hours of cardio to lose fat. In fact, cardio isn’t the only exercise form that will help you to fit into the dress that you’ve been eyeing for a while or the perfect pair of pants. Weight training has proven to be even more effective for a...

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Many people believe that you need to do hours of cardio to lose fat. In fact, cardio isn’t the only exercise form that will help you to fit into the dress that you’ve been eyeing for a while or the perfect pair of pants. Weight training has proven to be even more effective for a number of reasons.

How does weight training help with fat loss?

Muscle is without a doubt the most metabolically active tissue in the body. It burns as much as three times more calories as opposed to any other tissue. The more muscle that you build, the more calories you’ll end up burning.

Let’s compare it to cardio. To burn fat during your cardio workout, you need to get into your fat-burning zone by working at 70 – 80% of your maximum heart rate. At this level, your body burns energy by using your glycogen as well as your fat reserves. The higher the intensity, the more calories and fat you burn.

You will burn more calories per one-hour cardio session than you would if you lifted weights for the same amount of time, but you’ll continue to burn calories for longer after you pack away your barbells.

Research has proven that the afterburn that results from regular weight lifting can last up to 38 hours. You would have to do intense cardio for more than two hours per session to get that kind of afterburn, but because extensive cardio also breaks down muscle, this is far from ideal when trying to lose fat.

Muscle weighs more and burns more calories, even when you’re resting. Because it’s heavier, it also takes more energy to move muscle, even when you’re doing ordinary activities such as driving to work This is what makes weight-training ideal for those of us who want to burn fat but don’t have time to spend hours at the gym.

Does this mean that weight-training is the only magic bullet you need to lose fat and keep it off?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Your diet also plays an incredibly important role in your fat loss success.  It’s imperative to follow a calorie-restricted diet to lose fat, but you should never reduce your caloric intake by more than 15%. By consuming too few calories, you will put your body into starvation mode which slows down your metabolism. Also, high-protein diets tend to be very popular amongst weight lifters, but a diet that is too low in carbohydrates can lower the testosterone levels that you need to build muscle.

Don’t overdo it, no matter how tempting the statistics and results are. The key is to lift weights that are appropriate for your body and fitness level. If you try to do too much too soon, you will break down your muscles and increase your risk for injuries. It’s always a fantastic idea to speak to a qualified personal trainer who will do a proper assignment and design a weight training workout that is customised specifically for your body.

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3 Tips to Avoid Failure in the Fitness Industry https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/3-tips-to-avoid-failure-in-the-fitness-industry/ Mon, 04 May 2020 05:00:52 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=16000 People are more health conscious these days than ever before and have turned fitness into a multibillion-rand industry. They have been inspired by the results that celebrities have obtained by following rigorous diet and exercise regimes. Many of them have been inspired to take their love of fitness to the next level and to turn...

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People are more health conscious these days than ever before and have turned fitness into a multibillion-rand industry. They have been inspired by the results that celebrities have obtained by following rigorous diet and exercise regimes.

Many of them have been inspired to take their love of fitness to the next level and to turn it into a career. The growth of “fitness influencers” on social media has also made it look so easy.

However, personal training is about so much more than staying fit. To succeed as a personal trainer, your passion for fitness needs to be backed up by sharp business management skills as well as a genuine interest in people and their well-being.

Here are some of the most common mistakes that personal trainers make that hinder their success.

1. Failure to adapt to market changes

Although many clients still prefer one-on-one training, there is a shift towards online personal training. It’s important to determine whether or not there is a need in your market for one-on-one training.

The current Coronavirus pandemic has also highlighted how important it is to use technology as a back-up plan and retain your client base under extremely challenging circumstances.

Kayla Baker, the founder, owner and personal trainer at Mamavation Pre-and-Post-Natal Fitness, emphasises the importance of using the resources that you have to stay connected with your clients and make sure that they are receiving the correct training. She does this by using apps such as:

  • Skype,
  • Zoom, and
  • Trainerise

Keri Ann Lilienfeld, the owner and personal trainer at Urban Bodyworx, says that her studio now offers classes on YouTube that clients can follow in their own time as well as live classes on Skype and Zoom to keep clients engaged.

“You also need to keep things personal”, says Takita Mestre of Lotus Fitness Coaching. She does this by checking in with her clients daily or weekly and letting them know that she is always available to them for advice. She adds: “Also bear in mind that your clients might not be particularly motivated at this point in time, so don’t make them feel bad about that. Support them”.

2. Lack of financing

Most personal trainers struggle for one to three years before they break even. You’ll have to create a sound business plan and work out your running costs before you approach the banks, the government or business partners to secure the working capital that you need to start off with.

3. Burnout

Being a personal trainer means being an entrepreneur. You need to deliver your service, be available to your clients when they need you and also do your own marketing and all the administrative tasks that come along with running a business. You also have to fit in your own training, because you are your own brand. It can become very overwhelming.

Many personal trainers start their classes as early as 4:30 am, spend most of the day running their business, and then do more classes from the mid-afternoon until late in the evening. It’s vital to ensure that you get enough sleep, manage your schedule ahead of time and delegate wherever possible.

It is also a good idea to mitigate risks by joining an established franchise. “Especially if you can’t afford to open your own gym just yet and you want to start earning an income,” says Kayla. Takita says that franchises give you access to an existing client base and you become part of a team where you will get good help when you need it. You also enjoy the credibility of being associated with an established trustworthy brand.

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Want to learn how to become a personal trainer? If you do then you need to study our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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Can I Skip Cardio and Just Lift Weights? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/can-i-skip-cardio-and-just-lift-weights/ Thu, 30 Apr 2020 05:05:12 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15953 There are a lot of workouts to choose from these days, and each promises better results than the other. Cardio has been all the rage up until quite recently when fitness and other professionals began to educate us about the benefits of weight-lifting. All of this has left us a bit confused as to which...

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There are a lot of workouts to choose from these days, and each promises better results than the other. Cardio has been all the rage up until quite recently when fitness and other professionals began to educate us about the benefits of weight-lifting.

All of this has left us a bit confused as to which workout is best for our weight management goals. The short response to this question is yes. However, they both have their pros and cons, and the real answer is that it depends on how much time you have to work out, how quickly you want to burn fat, and what your overall health and fitness goals are.

Focus on cardio for weight loss

Cardio is the way to go if your focus is on:

  • Losing weight,
  • Improving your heart health,
  • Increasing your lung capacity,
  • Boosting your immune system, and
  • Even losing some muscle if your normal exercise routine has made you a bit too bulky for your liking.

Cardio also burns more calories per session than weight training, which helps to create the calorie deficit that you need to lose weight. For example, if you weigh 73 kg and jog for 30 minutes, you will burn around 250 calories depending on your pace and metabolism, whereas you would only burn between 130 to 200 calories if you lifted weights for the same amount of time. The downside is that too much cardio can break down your muscle.

Building muscle and bone density

On the other hand, weight-training helps you to build more muscle and bone density. Muscle is heavier than fat, which means that the scale will show that you’ve either gained or are maintaining your weight depending on the amount of muscle you gain.

So why is everyone kicking up such a fuss about weight lifting if cardio burns more calories and has so many health benefits? Doesn’t that automatically mean that it burns more fat? No. The real secret to fat loss and to keeping it off lies in the afterburn. Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the rate at which your body burns calories within a 24-hour period when it is resting. Afterburn refers to the number of calories that you burn over a certain time period after working out.

Because it takes more energy to move muscle, the afterburn effects of weight lifting can last anywhere between 15 to 38 hours, whereas they only last an average of 10 hours after a cardio workout.

Combine cardio and weight-lifting

Most personal trainers recommend a combination of both, which depends on your health and weight management goals as well as your lifestyle and personal taste. There are two different approaches, but combining them is easier than you think. For example:

  • You can incorporate cardio into your weight-training sessions by jumping rope between sets or by alternating cardio and weightlifting days.

The downside of choosing one over the other is that your body eventually adapts to your workouts after a while and your progress slows down until you change it, whereas a combination will actually maximise your body’s fat burning processes. It forces you to change your workout more frequently, and every time you do, it jumpstarts your body out of its what it is used to and revs your metabolism.

Lastly, no matter which option you choose, your diet is crucial to your success. You still have to eat healthily as well as watch your calorie intake if you’re serious about fat loss and improving your overall health and fitness. The best way to find the right balance between all of these factors is to speak to a qualified personal trainer who will tailor a healthy eating and exercise plan specifically for you.

Contact  Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you keen to become a personal trainer yourself? If you are then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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13 Facts about Strength Training that You Didn’t Know https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/13-facts-about-strength-training-that-you-didnt-know/ Thu, 30 Apr 2020 05:00:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15947 You’ve heard about all the benefits of strength training, but let’s be honest. There are a few things that may have made you wonder whether or not strength training is the right workout for you. Maybe the cost of a gym membership or hiring a personal trainer has put you off or you have a...

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You’ve heard about all the benefits of strength training, but let’s be honest. There are a few things that may have made you wonder whether or not strength training is the right workout for you. Maybe the cost of a gym membership or hiring a personal trainer has put you off or you have a pre-existing condition that might be aggravated by the extra pressure that strength training can put on your body.

Here are a few facts about weight training that very few people are aware of. Some of them might change your mind, motivate you to incorporate it into your fitness routine and help you to improve your overall health.

1. Women’s muscles recover much faster than men’s after weightlifting

That’s because they replenish their Adenosine Triphosphate levels faster than men do. Adenosine Trisphosphate (or ATP)  is a molecule that is responsible for energy metabolism. It is present in every muscle. When you deplete your ATP levels and continue to work out, your body then breaks down glycogen to obtain more of it. During this process, your body secretes lactic and hydrogen acid which causes muscle cramps. This is why muscle recovery is so important.

Women have a higher fat percentage, and this allows them to use fat as an energy source during exercise and to store it more efficiently than men during rest periods.

2. You don’t need expensive equipment to do strength training

You can use your own body weight by doing exercises such as burpees and push-ups to get the same benefits.

3. It can make you more flexible

Strong muscles support your joints. Some weight lifters struggle with flexibility, but certain weight-lifting exercises include multi-joint movements such as squats and lunges. However, it’s important to make sure that you use your full range of motion when you’re training each muscle section.

4. It helps to alleviate and prevent arthritis

It eases joint pain and stiffness. A Finnish study found that rheumatoid arthritis patients who did strength training twice a week experienced reductions in inflammation, pain and disease progression than those who only did range-of-motion exercises.

5. It helps to improve your balance, coordination and posture

You need strong muscles for good balance. One study showed that older people who did strength training reduced their risk of falling by 40%.

6. It prolongs your life

According to a 2014 UCLA study, the more muscle mass we have, the longer we live.

7. You don’t need to lift weights for hours

A period of between 30 to 60 minutes of strength training per week is all you need to reap the benefits of strength training.

8. It enhances athletic performance

This is why many athletes have incorporated it into their training routines.

9. Mental focus is equally important as the actual weight lifting

The more focussed you are during your weight training, the more muscle fibres you use.

10. Weight lifting is especially beneficial for women

Women are especially susceptible to osteoporosis. This is because their bones are thinner and their oestrogen levels decline during menopause. It’s also because of unhealthy diets and the impact of eating disorders. The constant contracting and extending movements pull on our bones, which enables them to build new cells and so increases bone density.

11. It reduces your risk of injuries

Weight training also strengthens your bones, tendons and ligaments. It increases the production of collagen, which is the most important protein that is involved in building your bones.

12. Stress limits the results of weight lifting, including muscle gains

When your body is under stress, it produces excess cortisol, which breaks down muscle.

13. Heat can help muscle growth.

This is because the shock proteins in your muscles increase when you’re exposed to heat.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about exercise and how to teach others best exercise practice? If you do then you need to study our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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5 Common Misconceptions about Fitness https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/5-common-misconceptions-about-fitness/ Wed, 29 Apr 2020 05:00:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15926 There is a burgeoning interest in healthy living and a wealth of information about the many ways in which we can achieve our fitness goals. However, there are myths and misconceptions about most things in life, and fitness is no exception. They are very misleading and can even be dangerous. Some of them have been...

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There is a burgeoning interest in healthy living and a wealth of information about the many ways in which we can achieve our fitness goals. However, there are myths and misconceptions about most things in life, and fitness is no exception. They are very misleading and can even be dangerous. Some of them have been held for so long that they might really surprise you.

1. Women need different exercises to men

Men and women are built in the same way. They both have the same muscle composition. The only difference is in their hormone chemistry. Men have more testosterone than women. This doesn’t mean that they should train differently.

2. You should always stretch before a workout

We’ve been taught that this helps to prevent injuries, but stretching before a workout actually weakens muscles. It’s much better to warm up your muscles by doing light cardio for a few minutes before you start your training session and to stretch afterwards instead to prevent muscle soreness and stiffness.

3. Weight training turns fat into muscle

Fat and muscle are two very different kinds of tissue. What weight training really does is build muscle in and around fat tissue, which is why your fat percentage decreases as you build more muscle. However, you certainly can’t turn fat into muscle.

4. It is better to work out in the morning on an empty stomach

This is supposedly to create a calorie deficit and accelerate fat loss while your body is in what is called a “fasted state”. However, it’s risky to work out when you haven’t consumed enough nutrients. You could lower your blood sugar levels, which could make you feel dizzy and shaky.

It is also counterproductive in terms of fat burning. When you don’t consume enough calories, your body uses protein for fuel, which leads to muscle loss. This is pointless when you should be doing the opposite by building your muscles to burn fat instead. The best time to work out is when it best suits your schedule.

5. Weight training will make women bulky

Women often confuse weight training with bodybuilding, which is why so many of them are reluctant to incorporate it into their workout plans. The first picture that comes to their minds when somebody mentions weight training to them are photos of tanned and oiled competitive bodybuilders. Weight training and bodybuilding are two different disciplines although they share certain similarities. Their objectives are different:

  • Bodybuilders use weight training to increase their muscle size, shape and symmetry, whereas
  • Weight trainers aim to burn fat and improve their muscle strength.

Secondly, women simply do not have enough testosterone to build up that kind of muscle mass without the help of specific supplements.

Thirdly, bodybuilders also follow a very strict diet that is extremely high in calories to achieve their physique. Women would have to consume around 10 000 calories a day to bulk up to that point.

If you want to tone up, slim down or just boost your mood, you’ve likely taken a stab at modifying your fitness routine. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of workout information out there that won’t help you to meet your goals and could, in actual fact, do more harm than good. Take the above five points into account and you’ll be well on your way to designing a fitness regime that works!

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For more information on the best way to become a personal trainer, please follow this link.

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What is the value of chromium in the human body? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-value-of-chromium-in-the-human-body/ Thu, 23 Apr 2020 05:00:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15852 Have you ever seen those old-fashioned cars that have shiny rims and bumpers that are chrome-plated? Did you know that the human body contains a similar element called chromium that plays a very important role in the correct functioning of your bodily organs and systems? What is chromium? Chromium is an element that works together...

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Have you ever seen those old-fashioned cars that have shiny rims and bumpers that are chrome-plated? Did you know that the human body contains a similar element called chromium that plays a very important role in the correct functioning of your bodily organs and systems?

What is chromium?

Chromium is an element that works together with insulin in the body. It plays a huge role in the control of your blood sugar. It is important that your body keeps your blood sugar nice and controlled because if it drops you will feel pretty bad. Some of the things that you may feel are:

  • Sweaty,
  • Dizzy, and
  • Tired

You may even feel like vomiting. Your body will tell you that you are hungry and that you need to eat as soon as possible. When you have eaten, you will almost instantaneously feel better. Chromium did all of this for you.

When you exercise very hard or experience injuries, your body will lose more chromium. The same thing happens if you take in a lot of sugary-foods (like sweets and fizzy cold drinks) instead of starchy or complex foods (like rice, pasta, or bread).

How can I get chromium in my diet?

Food sources that are high in chromium include brewer’s yeast, oysters, liver and potatoes. One cup of cooked broccoli contains 22 μg of chromium! That is why your mom always nagged you to eat your vegetables… Seafood, whole grains, cheese, chicken, meat and bran contain OK levels of chromium.

From what you see above, it makes sense that chromium plays an even bigger role in the diet for people who have diabetes mellitus since it will assist with their blood sugar control.

Most people are unlikely to develop a deficiency in chromium if they follow a balanced diet.  However, supplementation of chromium may be helpful in athletes that perform endurance training, since chromium gets lost during exercise. Some research has shown that taking chromium picolinate can increase characteristics of physical fitness, for example, strength, body composition and endurance however this is a controversial topic and needs more research.

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Who is susceptible to chromium deficiencies?

People who use antacids, cortisone, beta blockers or proton pump inhibitors may be more susceptible to chromium deficiency since these medications affect the absorption of chromium in the body.

Chromium supplementation may be useful to decrease carbohydrate cravings in people struggling with depression. It is recommended that if you are looking at a multivitamin-mineral supplement try getting one that contains about 21 to 35 μg of chromium and look for a supplement that contains chromium picolinate, which absorbs better.

Try not to exceed intake of more than 120μg a day in supplements, since a continuous high intake of chromium can cause skin lesions. Do not use dichromate or chromic acid, since these are toxic and can cause kidney or liver failure, and even death.

As you’ll find with many things in life, balance is important. This means that you should aim for a varied diet which includes food sources of chromium and avoid over-supplementing with one isolated substance. Add in foods from all food groups in your diet, including starches, dairy, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and meats. Limit intake of refined sugar and fatty food, as well as alcohol.

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Want to learn more about nutrition? If you do then you need to do our Specialised Nutrition Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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What Is The Pec Deck Machine at the Gym? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-pec-deck-machine-at-the-gym/ Wed, 22 Apr 2020 05:21:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15832 If you are wanting to build up your chest muscles there is no better piece of equipment to look for than the Pec Deck machine at the gym. However, if you are a bit of novice in the gym, machines can be intimidating to try out if you are not sure how to use them....

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If you are wanting to build up your chest muscles there is no better piece of equipment to look for than the Pec Deck machine at the gym. However, if you are a bit of novice in the gym, machines can be intimidating to try out if you are not sure how to use them.

Oftentimes the pec deck machine is overlooked because there are many other ways to exercise the chest, but it can be a great way to change things up and add variety to your routines. In this article, we will be breaking down what exactly the pec deck machine is and how to use it.

What are the benefits of a Pec Deck Machine?

The pec deck machine is designed to help you strengthen your chest muscles, mainly the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and the serratus anterior. Working on these muscles using this machine will also help to balance your shoulders and engage your core, amongst other supporting muscles. Because you stay seated for the duration of the exercise it is a suitable machine for beginners that does not put too much stress on your body. You can also gradually increase the weights over time as your fitness levels increase.

How to correctly use the Pec Deck Machine.

  1. Firstly, adjust the equipment to make sure that it will be comfortable and safe for you to use. Your feet should be comfortably on the floor with your back straight but not strained. When you extend your arms to the handles your elbows should be in line with your shoulders.
  2. Next, adjust the weights to your preference. If you’re just starting out make sure not to being with too heavy a weight. Rather start off lighter and then work your way up.
  3. Sit in the seat comfortably, relaxing your neck and shoulders. Make sure that your back is firmly against the seat and your feet are flat on the floor. Hold onto the handles with your arms at a 90-degree angle, with your elbows level with your chest.
  4. Pull your arms towards you, bringing the handles in front of your chest. Maintain this position for a number of seconds before carefully returning the handles to the original position.

What mistakes are you making?

As with most exercises and exercises machines, it is easy to do more damage than good if you do not know what you are doing. Here a few common mistakes that people make when using the pec deck machine so that you can try to avoid them.

Incorrect Breathing

Most of the time our breathing is involuntary and when using this machine, it can be easy to hold your breath the whole time. To avoid injury, make sure to release your breath with each repetition.

 Body Position

As you are sitting down it can be tempting to use your feet to brace yourself during the exercise in order to have more control. You might also find yourself arching your back to complete the exercise. To avoid injury, try to maintain good posture and reduce the weights if you find yourself straining yourself.

 Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

There are loads more exercises to learn about how to exercise your chest. For a thorough grounding in these and other exercises, you need to study our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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Why is it important to regularly exercise ? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-it-important-to-regularly-exercise/ Wed, 22 Apr 2020 05:00:58 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15835 Any activity that makes the muscles move and burns calories is defined as exercise. Our bodies are made to move and be active. We can develop problems if we sit in front of the TV or our desks most of the day. That is why exercise is important in our daily lives. Benefits of regular...

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Any activity that makes the muscles move and burns calories is defined as exercise. Our bodies are made to move and be active. We can develop problems if we sit in front of the TV or our desks most of the day. That is why exercise is important in our daily lives.

Benefits of regular exercise

There are numerous physical and mental benefits to be gained from exercise.

Improves mental health

It has been proven that exercise helps to improve your mood. Exercise causes the brain to release serotonin and norepinephrine which regulates and decreases feelings of anxiety, depression and stress.

Exercise also increases the brain’s production of endorphins. This reduces the feeling of pain and helps to produce positive emotions.

Your mental health benefits from exercise regardless of the intensity.

Helps with weight loss

Exercise helps you to control and manage your weight. It burns calories, which helps you to lose weight. Strict and constant exercise will burn more calories. Simple exercises will burn less but still impact your weight loss positively. Combining aerobic exercises and resistance training maximises fat loss.

Increase in energy levels 

Exercising regularly is a great energy booster. It helps oxygen flow better through your body giving you a rush of energy. It also helps your stay energised by increasing your stamina levels and decreasing feelings of fatigue.

Brain health and memory 

Exercise increases heart rate, which improves blood and oxygen flow to the brain. This helps increase brain function, memory and thinking ability.

The growth of brain cells can also be enhanced by the production of hormones which exercise helps create.

It is important for older adults to exercise regularly to prevent chronic diseases that can affect the brain and its functioning.

Exercise reduces changes in the brain that can cause Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia.

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Helps build and maintain strong muscles and bones

Paired with sufficient protein absorption, exercise – such as weight-lifting – can encourage muscle-building.

Exercise promotes the release of hormones that helps muscles to absorb amino acids which assist muscles grow and keeps them from breaking down.

To reduce the loss of muscle and maintain strength as you get older it is important to exercise regularly. Ageing causes muscles to lose mass and function. This can lead to disabilities and injuries.

At a younger age exercise helps to build bone density and helps to counter osteoporosis when you get older.

Physical Fitness

Exercise doesn’t just assist you with weight loss, it helps to keep you healthy. Your overall level of fitness increases with regular exercise. An increased level of fitness helps to boost your immune system and helps you with fighting off illnesses such as the common cold or flu.

There are many benefits to reap from regular exercise. It can enhance a number of aspects of your life. Besides the immediate benefits that are gained, over the long term, it can help to prevent diseases such as heart disease as well as diabetes. Any activity which gets your heart rate up and sweating a bit will be good for your health!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you love teaching people how to exercise and want to become a personal trainer, you need to do our Personal Training Diploma! For more information, please follow this link.

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What is the Correct Form to Adopt for Lateral Raises with Dumbbells? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-correct-form-to-adopt-for-lateral-raises-with-dumbbells/ Tue, 21 Apr 2020 05:58:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15806 Lateral raises are an isolation movement that are a great way to build strength in your shoulders. It is also an easy one to add into an existing workout routine as it is a very simple exercise in itself that is suitable for all, no matter your fitness level. However, though it seems like just...

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Lateral raises are an isolation movement that are a great way to build strength in your shoulders. It is also an easy one to add into an existing workout routine as it is a very simple exercise in itself that is suitable for all, no matter your fitness level. However, though it seems like just lifting your arms up and down, the lateral raise requires technique and form in order to achieve the best results. They are also deceiving in their ability to make your muscles burn with only a few reps.

How to Do Dumbbell Lateral Raises

  1. Stand firmly with your hips shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and dumbbells held comfortably at your sides. Make sure that your palms are facing inwards (this exercise can also be performed seated).
  2. Raise your arms up and straight out until they are level with your shoulders. Do not bend your arms too much while you complete the movement. You should try to keep a small bend in the elbow but not more.
  3. In a slow fashion, lower the dumbbells back down again to your sides.

Correcting Your Form

As with most exercises, it is the details that take lateral raises from a simple exercise to a shoulder burner:

  • Remember to engage your core as you lift the dumbbells.
  • Do not raise your arms higher than your shoulders, or ‘throw’ the dumbbells too quickly up and down.
  • Instead of dropping your arms back down to your sides, lower the dumbbells slowly and with control.
  • Before lowering your arms pause with the dumbbells for a second or two, as this will help with muscle enhancement.
  • Engage your core and your glutes in order to stabilise your body and avoid slouching or injury.

Lateral raises are a very simple exercises that are easy to add into your workout routine. There are several variations that you can employ as well, but even the simple lateral raise alone will help in defining your arms and growing your shoulder muscles. Try adding them into your routine as a shoulder workout after you have warmed up properly, and you will soon see the results that this exercise has to offer.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Want to learn more about exercise? If you do, then you need to study our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What is the Proper Way to do a Chin Up? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-proper-way-to-do-a-chin-up/ Tue, 21 Apr 2020 05:44:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15811 Chin ups are a great exercise to add into your workout routine for a variety of reasons. They engage all of your upper body muscles, from your back and abs to your core when done correctly. Chin ups are also a good exercise for improving your overall posture and building up your grip strength. Also,...

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Chin ups are a great exercise to add into your workout routine for a variety of reasons. They engage all of your upper body muscles, from your back and abs to your core when done correctly. Chin ups are also a good exercise for improving your overall posture and building up your grip strength. Also, in terms in practicality chin ups can be performed in a small space with little equipment. However, much like every exercise, it is important to perform these movements correctly in order to achieve optimal results and avoid injury.

What is a Chin Up?

You may have heard the terms ‘chin up’ and ‘pull up’ being used before, often interchangeably, but the two are quite different. Both exercises use the same muscle groups but the two use different grips and this changes the way in which the muscles are affected:

  • Pull ups involve gripping the pull up bar with the palms facing downwards (hands facing away from you) and engages both your back and your biceps.
  • Chin ups differ in that your palms face upwards (hands facing towards you) and, though your back muscles will be engaged, there is more emphasis on the biceps.

Therefore, chin ups are often used by those who wish to grow their arms as you are using your arms to lift your entire body weight.

How to Do a Chin Up

  1. First, grab hold of the pull up bar and grip it firmly. Your grip should be shoulder-width apart and comfortable.
  2. Carefully lift your feet from the floor and hang from the bar with your arms held straight.
  3. Pull yourself up until your chin is past the bar, by pulling your elbows towards the ground.
  4. Slowly lower yourself towards the ground again, until your arms are once again straight.

Maintaining Proper Form

In order to get the most out of your chin ups, it is important to maintain the correct form throughout every rep. Make sure to remember these three important rules:

  1. Always perform a full rep. Many people do not pull themselves high enough or do not allow themselves to drop low enough. For the best results make sure to make every rep a full one.
  2. Fully engage your shoulders at the beginning of the exercise to avoid straining your joints.
  3. Do not put yourself at risk of injury by overworking yourself. Though there are many variations of pull ups and chin ups, involving different grip widths, weights, and more, you do not need to do them all if you are not ready for them. Focus on form rather than looking impressive!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

The chin up is just one of the exercises that personal trainers use with their clients. To learn more about these movements, and possibly even become a personal trainer yourself, you need to do our Personal Training Diploma! For more information, please follow this link.

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How To Work With Cable Attachments in the Gym https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-work-with-cable-attachments-in-the-gym/ Mon, 20 Apr 2020 05:05:21 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15775 For many novice gym-goers, the cable machine can often be an intimidating piece of equipment that looks like you might need a degree to understand. However, this strange-looking equipment can be a very useful machine to introduce into your workouts. The cable machine, in essence, serves to provide resistance for you to work your muscles...

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For many novice gym-goers, the cable machine can often be an intimidating piece of equipment that looks like you might need a degree to understand. However, this strange-looking equipment can be a very useful machine to introduce into your workouts.

The cable machine, in essence, serves to provide resistance for you to work your muscles against. To train with the machine it is as simple as moving the cables around, usually by making use of the various attachments available for it. As the cables can pulled in many different directions, there are several exercises that you can perform all with this one machine. If all the attachments seem a little overwhelming, here is a useful guide for what they are and how you can make use of them.

Long Bar

The long bar, or lat pulldown bar, attachment is simply what the name say, a long metal bar which can be attached to the machine. This is often used for back exercises, and other exercises where you would like to have a wide grip, such as wise-grip tricep press-downs and wide-grip upright rows.

Straight Bar

This attachment can come in a variety of lengths, so experiment and choose the length that works for you. This bar can be utilised for exercises for which you prefer a narrower grip (in contrast to the long bar), for example, bicep curls, tricep curls, as well as back exercises such as the seated cable row.

V Bar

This attachment is a bar shaped in a downward-facing V, and is often utilised for tricep and bicep exercises.

Rope Attachment

The cable rope is a common attachment for a cable machine. It is often a thick rope with two rubber-end stoppers that you can utilise as handles. This attachment can best be utilized for exercises such as rope curls, overhead extensions, and tricep pressdowns.

As with many of the attachments on the cable machine it is a versatile piece of equipment which can be utilised for a variety of exercises, depending on what muscles you are focusing on in your workout.

Horseshoe Handle

This attachment, also known as the single grip handle or the stirrup handle, functions much like a dumbbell. It can be utilised for a variety of workouts but limits the exercise to one hand. This is a useful ability for those who would like to focus on one side of the body more than the other, or to target specific muscles individually.

Double D Handle

Also known as the close-grip bar, this attachment allows for a narrow and tight grip which allows you to target muscle groups with more accuracy. It is often used for back exercises but can help target biceps and triceps as well.

There are many other attachments for cable machines, but these are just a few of the most popular or likely to be at your local gym. Do not avoid this useful machine just because it looks intimidating. Make sure to experiment with the different attachments and find out what works for you!

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Do you love exercising and teaching your friends how to exercise correctly? If you do, then you should probably become a personal trainer with our Personal Training Diploma! For more information, please follow this link.

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How Do You Do A Flat Fly with Dumbbell https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-you-do-a-flat-fly-with-dumbbell/ Mon, 20 Apr 2020 05:00:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15772 If you are looking to strengthen and build your chest and shoulders, look no further than an exercise known as the Dumbbell Flat Fly. Sometimes referred to as a Dumbbell Fly or Dumbbell Chest Fly, this simple exercise targets your pectoral muscles and the fibres attached to your sternum, which can help you to create...

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If you are looking to strengthen and build your chest and shoulders, look no further than an exercise known as the Dumbbell Flat Fly. Sometimes referred to as a Dumbbell Fly or Dumbbell Chest Fly, this simple exercise targets your pectoral muscles and the fibres attached to your sternum, which can help you to create a more defined chest.

There are also many advantages to adding dumbbell-assisted workouts into your routine, as they are versatile objects that allow for a variety of moves that target many muscle groups. The Flat Fly is just one way to use these workout accessories in your routine. In this piece, we will be dissecting the best way to properly and safely execute this exercise.

Equipment

Two dumbbells (weight dependent on your current fitness level)

Flat bench (optional)

Execution

  1. Begin by lying flat on your back or on a flat bench. Keep your feet flat on the floor and your head and shoulders firmly supported by the floor or bench.

 

  1. Hold the dumbbells firmly, but comfortably, above you with your palms facing inwards and your elbows slightly bent. Do not lock your elbows.

 

  1. Keep the slight bend in your elbows and slowly lower your arms out to the sides, until you feel a slight stretch in your chest. Do not lower the dumbbells below the level of your shoulders as this can result in hyperextension or other injury.

 

  1. Use your pectoral muscles to assist in lifting the dumbbells back to the original position. Be careful not to arch your back, concentrating on keeping it flat along the floor or bench.

Variations

There are several variations on the Dumbbell Flat Fly that can be used to target more specific areas of the pectoral and shoulder muscles, depending on what level of fitness you are at or what your personal fitness goals are.

Incline Bench Dumbbell Fly

This variation targets the top of the pectoral muscles more than the classic version. It involves adjusting your flat bench to a slight incline (approximately 30º).

Gym Ball Dumbbell Fly

You can also replace the bench with a gym ball if you would like to add another level to this exercise. By supporting yourself on a gym ball you will be improving your balance and engaging your core in addition to getting a chest and shoulder workout.

Takeaway

The Dumbbell Flat Fly is a simple exercise that can be utilised in a variety of ways to build up strength in the chest and shoulder muscles. It can be easily incorporated into a workout routine, alongside other chest exercises such as chest presses and pushups. Lastly, this exercise is very versatile and allows for you to build on it as you improve, by increasing the weight of the dumbbells as your strength increases and incorporating variations.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn about other exercises that you can teach others? If you do then you should really study our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What is cardiovascular disease and how can exercise help to prevent it? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-cardiovascular-disease-and-how-can-exercise-help-to-prevent-it/ Thu, 16 Apr 2020 05:05:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15748 The term ‘cardiovascular disease’ refers to many different conditions that could affect an individual’s heart. These conditions include heart disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia and heart valve problems.  Many of these can be treated with medication and surgery, but if you really want to get better there are lifestyle changes that you can...

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The term ‘cardiovascular disease’ refers to many different conditions that could affect an individual’s heart. These conditions include heart disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia and heart valve problems.  Many of these can be treated with medication and surgery, but if you really want to get better there are lifestyle changes that you can make.

Ways that exercise can help reduce your risk of contracting cardiovascular disease

Exercise is good for the heart. A lack of exercise is one of the leading risk factors for developing heart disease. Others include diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and family history.

In some individual, high blood pressure can be reduced or even prevented by doing a simple bit of exercise. Being active and doing some exercise often motivates people to make positive and healthier lifestyle choices. This is why people who exercise usually follow a healthier diet.

Cardiovascular exercise can help to reduce an individual’s risk of developing blockages in the arteries or blood clots because it improves blood circulation.

The negative effects of stress

Stress can really damage the whole body, but it is especially strenuous on the heart. Exercise helps to manage stress better and it has been proven that people who exercise regularly are less depressed as well as have a more positive outlook on life.

The heart is a muscle and just like any other in our body it requires consistent exercise to keep it fit and strong. A stronger heart will lower your heart rate. It will be able to pump the same amount of blood required with fewer pumps because it is stronger.

It has been confirmed that smokers who are fit are less at risk of getting heart disease than non-smokers who are unfit. As a smoker exercise is definitely still beneficial for your health and people who exercise tend not to smoke because they become very aware of their health and lifestyle.

Exercise and good cholesterol 

Exercise can raise the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. Higher levels of HDL have been associated with a lower risk of contracting heart disease.

A huge risk factor for heart disease is diabetes. Exercise can help you lose weight and reduce the chance of developing this affliction.

Combine exercise with a healthy diet and it can significantly help with weight control. Obesity has been connected with many diseases, for example diabetes. Regularly burning calories through exercise helps people to maintain a good and healthy weight.

Strengthening your muscles and improving your body’s mobility by exercising will make these activities become easier over time. The easier the activities get, the more likely you are to keep going. This just means that it will get simpler to stay healthy.

Exercise and a good and healthy diet could quite literally save lives. It is important to be active and keep healthy throughout your life to avoid the very serious possibilities of heart disease later in life.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you love exercising and want to teach others how to perform exercises correctly then you need to seriously consider becoming a personal trainer. For more information on how to do this, please follow this link.

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What is a dangerous heart rate? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-dangerous-heart-rate/ Thu, 16 Apr 2020 05:00:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15743 Heart rates are different for each individual person. This is measured in beats per minute(bpm). Your heart rate increases when doing cardio exercises such as running or biking. When your pace or amount of effort increases your heart rate also increases. Fast heart rate Tachycardia is defined as when your heart rate is too fast....

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Heart rates are different for each individual person. This is measured in beats per minute(bpm). Your heart rate increases when doing cardio exercises such as running or biking.

When your pace or amount of effort increases your heart rate also increases.

Fast heart rate

Tachycardia is defined as when your heart rate is too fast. One hundred beats per minute are considered as a fast heart rate for adults.

Your overall health and age also determines what might be considered as too-fast-a-heart-rate for any individual.

Different types of Tachycardia

The different types of tachycardia depend on what is causing it and the section of the heart it is affecting. Tachycardia can, in many cases, be temporary.

A few possible sources for Tachycardia can be:

  • Anxiety,
  • Stress,
  • Fatigue,
  • Fever,
  • Intense exercise,
  • Physical activity,
  • Smoking of cigarettes, as well as
  • Certain drug use like cocaine.

Tachycardia can also be caused by consuming caffeine or alcohol or an electrolyte imbalance in the body. Other possible causes are an underlying health condition or it could be side effects from medication.

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Slow heart rate 

Bradycardia is defined as when your heart rate is too slow. This would be a heart rate that is less than 60 beats per minute.

For individuals who are active and exercise regularly, a heart rate that is under 60 beats per minute is normal and usually not a health concern. 

Possible causes of Bradycardia

A few possible causes for Bradycardia can be side effects from medicine or an underlying health condition. Electrolyte imbalance can also cause Bradycardia or obstructive sleep apnea.

When it is serious?

Tachycardia and bradycardia can both be warnings of possible hidden health conditions.

Underlying health conditions that could cause tachycardia are anaemia, hyperthyroidism or congenital heart disease. Other possibilities are that you could have heart disease and it is affecting the blood flow or there might be injury to the heart that could have been caused by a heart attack.

Underlying health conditions that could cause bradycardia are congenital heart disease, hypothyroidism or inflammatory disease like rheumatic fever or lupus. Among these hidden conditions are damage to the heart that could be caused by:

  • Ageing,
  • Heart disease,
  • A heart attack, or
  • Myocarditis

Tachycardia and bradycardia risks

A heart rate that is either too low or too high could lead to many different health problems. These health challenges could possibly be very serious. It could cause unexpected cardiac arrest, repeated fainting bouts, blood clots or even heart failure.

When to visit your GP

Visit your medical practitioner if your heart rate is frequently above a 100 beats per minute or below 60 beats per minute. Watch out for symptoms such as being lightheaded or dizzy, fainting and being short of breath. A fluttering feeling or palpitations and pain or discomfort in your chest is also a reason to see your doctor.

Resting heart rates vary for all individuals but now you know what to look out for. If you are consistently experiencing a heart rate that is not considered normal you should make an appointment to visit your doctor. Tachycardia and bradycardia could both be possible indicators of hidden health conditions.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about exercise and how to teach others to exercise correctly? If you do then you need to study our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What are 5 benefits of flexibility? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-5-benefits-of-flexibility/ Wed, 15 Apr 2020 05:05:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15719 Flexibility is defined as the ability your joints and limbs have to complete their full range of motion. You lose flexibility with age, so it is important to include flexibility activities in your workout regimen. The benefits of flexibility Flexibility is an important aspect of health. Tight muscles can cause problems all over your body....

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Flexibility is defined as the ability your joints and limbs have to complete their full range of motion. You lose flexibility with age, so it is important to include flexibility activities in your workout regimen.

The benefits of flexibility

Flexibility is an important aspect of health. Tight muscles can cause problems all over your body. As you become older your muscles will lose strength and size and become stiff and less agile. Stretching at least two to three days per week will help you become more flexible.

There are many physical benefits to be gained from becoming more flexible and agile.

Prevents injuries

Well-developed strength and flexibility will make you capable of withstanding more physical stress. You will be more susceptible to injuries to your tendons, muscles and ligaments if you are less flexible. Not stretching as well as keeping your muscles flexible will cause the tendons around your muscles to stiffen. This causes a reduced range of motion, which makes it easier to go past what you can comfortably do. This could cause strains, sprains or possibly even ruptures. Increased flexibility will reduce the risk of injuring your muscles, ligaments and tendons because of the increase in your range of movement.

Less pain 

Performing some flexibility exercises will lengthen and open your muscles. This will already make you feel better. You will experience fewer pains and aches because your muscles are looser and more relaxed. This will also cause your body to have fewer muscle cramps.

You can experience pain in your back due to tight muscles in the back and lower body. If you improve your flexibility it will help treat and prevent that pain. Tight hamstrings can cause back pain because they pull down the pelvis and this creates pressure for the lower back.

If you find it hard to twist your upper body from side to side, it is probably time to stretch your lower body muscles.

Increased range of motion improves posture and balance

Increasing your muscles’ flexibility will most likely improve your posture. It will also allow for you to be properly aligned and correct imbalances that you might have. An increased range of motion will make it easier to sit as well as stand in particular ways.

Improved posture and a wider range of motion are not the only benefits that flexibility offers. It can make everyday tasks easier such as reaching over heading for something or bending to pick something. It will also make exercising easier.

Increased strength 

Improving your strength when you become more flexible is important. Your muscles should be able to sustain a reasonable amount of strain to be strong and stable enough to support your body and its movements. This allows you to physically be more fit.

Greater physical performance

You will perform better physically when your flexibility has increased and allows for a larger range of motion. This is because your muscles will be working more effectively due to the flexibility training.

Flexibility training is a key part of any workout regime in addition to daily life. It has many benefits that will simply make doing daily tasks much more comfortable.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about other methods of training, besides flexibility training? If you do then you should study our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What are the main muscle types in your body? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-main-muscle-types-in-your-body/ Wed, 15 Apr 2020 05:00:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15715 Half of your body weight consists of muscle and there are about 600 muscles in the human body. Movement is the result of muscles contracting and relaxing. These movements are sometimes made without us consciously being aware of it and at other times we are very aware of the movement. Our muscles are sustained by...

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Half of your body weight consists of muscle and there are about 600 muscles in the human body. Movement is the result of muscles contracting and relaxing. These movements are sometimes made without us consciously being aware of it and at other times we are very aware of the movement.

Our muscles are sustained by glucose which is absorbed from the carbohydrates we eat in our diets. Specific minerals, electrolytes and other nourishing substances like potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium are also needed by our muscle tissues so that they can work well.

Glucose from carbohydrates in our diet fuels our muscles. To work properly, muscle tissue also needs particular minerals, electrolytes and other dietary substances such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium.

Myopathy is defined as the range of problems that could possibly affect our muscles. This condition is a muscle disorder that can cause pain, weakness and in some cases paralysis.

Different types of muscles

The three main types of muscle are skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle.

Skeletal muscle

Skeletal muscle is attached to our bones and allows us to perform movements. The musculoskeletal system consists of our muscles and bones. The biceps and triceps on the back and front of our arms are examples of how our skeletal muscles are grouped as opposing pairs. These are muscles which we are able to consciously control. The muscles look striped when they are seen underneath a microscope and are therefore also known as striated or voluntary muscles.

Skeletal muscle has four different main shapes:

  • Spindle which is wide in the mid-section and more pointed at both ends. An example is the bicep.
  • Flat skeletal muscle is like a sheet. An example is the diaphragm that splits from the chest into our abdominal cavity.
  • The triangular shape is pointed at the top and wider towards the bottom. The deltoid muscle in the shoulder is an example.
  • A circular ring-shaped muscle is a muscle such as our mouth and pupil. This shape of muscle is known as sphincters.

Cardiac muscle

Cardiac muscles are only to be found in the heart. We do not consciously control these muscles. Our heart beats without us constantly being aware of it and having to control the movement.

Smooth muscle

Smooth muscle is another muscle type that we are not consciously aware moving. It is also known as involuntary muscle because of this fact. It can be found in the internal structures of our bodies. Examples of smooth muscle includes our blood vessels, arteries, digestive tract and uterus. This type of muscle tissue contracts and relaxes in what seems like waves along the length of the muscle.

Composition of muscles

The three main muscles share the same elemental composition and yet have very distinct functions. Thousands of elastic fibres are tightly bundled together to form a muscle. Each of these bundles is covered in a thin translucent membrane which is referred to as a perimysium.

Muscle tissue makes up a large part of our body. They perform a lot of extremely important tasks that are very important for our health and for our bodies to function properly.

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The best exercises to improve balance https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-best-exercises-to-improve-balance/ Thu, 09 Apr 2020 05:00:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15658 Balance disorders are amongst the most common reasons why people over the age of 65 consult their health-care professionals. A loss of balance also increases the risk of falls. This is a serious and even life-threatening complications. Falls are the leading cause of injuries – including fatal injuries – for people who are older than...

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Balance disorders are amongst the most common reasons why people over the age of 65 consult their health-care professionals. A loss of balance also increases the risk of falls. This is a serious and even life-threatening complications. Falls are the leading cause of injuries – including fatal injuries – for people who are older than 65.

Balance disorders are severe owing to the risk of falls. However, occasionally balance problems may warn of another health condition such as a heart disorder or a problem in the brain or, alternatively, other parts of the nervous system.

As a result of all the possible causes as well as overlapping symptoms, balance problems can be quite tricky to diagnose. For these reasons, it is important to see a health-care professional so that the source of your balance problem can be properly and promptly identified. Treatments, when needed, are usually simple and effective.

The most common types of balance problems

The most common symptoms of balance problems are:

  • Vertigo which is a sensation that everything around you is spinning or moving or that you yourself are spinning around.
  • Light headedness or ‘near-fainting’ (presyncope). This is a feeling of weakness or dizziness.
  • This presents as a feeling of imbalance and disorientation. Occasionally, a loss of your feeling of time or place may be felt.

Balance problems may be related to:

  • Inner ear problems (which are the most common sources of vertigo)
  • Headache (as well as migraines)
  • Anxiety or panic
  • Ringing in your ears
  • Allergies or, alternatively, infections
  • Getting up quickly from sitting lying position
  • A growth on the auditory nerve (such as an acoustic neuroma)
  • Problems with the nerves in your legs and feet
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dehydration

Exercises for balance

A programme that includes exercises for balance should contain movements that:

  • Increase flexibility in the neck and torso,
  • Strengthen the lower body, ankle complex, quadriceps, arms, back and abdominals,
  • Force you to weight-shift,
  • Gradually decrease your base of support and go from a table surface to an unstable surface.

These balance exercises should be adjusted to suit each specific population group.

A balance programme should progress from a two-legged stance that minimally challenges stability to a more complex stance. The progression evolves in this manner:

  • Two-legged exercise with minimal challenge to stability
  • Staggered stance
  • Single-leg base of support
  • Two-legged exercise, unstable surface
  • Single-leg exercise, unstable surface

The arm progression goes as follows:

  • Two arms
  • Alternate arms
  • One arm
  • One arm with movement

After a client assessment and medial clearance, a programme might contain some of the following exercises and stances:

  • Warm-up
  • Walking forward and backward
  • Side to side/carioca
  • Walking forward and backward on heels/toes
  • Squats to single-leg balance
  • Step-ups, front/side

Head turns and warm movements can be added when the client is ready.

During the resistance work the client should begin with easy exercises and gradually progress to more challenging ones. Here, the easiest exercises are listed first followed by more challenging ones:

  • Standing on one leg, eyes open; standing on one leg, eyes closed
  • Two-legged wall ball squat; single-leg squat with reach
  • Prone dumbbell row on stability ball; single-leg cable row
  • Seated PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) on stability ball; seated PNF on ball with side reach
  • Cable triceps extension on stability ball, single-leg triceps kickback

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn about other exercises that you can teach people? If you do then you need to study our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What is the impact of diet and bodyweight on arthritis? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-impact-of-diet-and-bodyweight-on-arthritis/ Wed, 08 Apr 2020 05:05:12 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15641 Experts say that consuming a well-balanced diet is incredibly important when you suffer from arthritis. You will be receiving critical nutrients and you will also be maintaining or arriving more quickly at a healthy bodyweight. If you weigh more than you should you will be adding extra pressure on weight-bearing joints. Many arthritis patients have...

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Experts say that consuming a well-balanced diet is incredibly important when you suffer from arthritis. You will be receiving critical nutrients and you will also be maintaining or arriving more quickly at a healthy bodyweight. If you weigh more than you should you will be adding extra pressure on weight-bearing joints. Many arthritis patients have found that losing just a few kilograms makes a substantial change to their quality of life.

Doctors, as well as nutritionists, are more frequently advising arthritis patients to keep sugar and/or fatty foods – such as red meat, cream and cheese – to a minimum. You should make sure that you are eating plenty of fruit and vegetables as well as whole-grains. It is thought that omega-3 essential fatty acids relieve, to some extent, the symptoms of arthritis. A very common source of Omega-3 fatty acids is oily fish, for example, sardines, herring, trout and salmon.

Many of us tend to put large portions on our plate. If you decrease the size of the portions you may lose weight more effectively. Ensure that the vegetables and fruit that you eat make up a large part of your portion.

How to exercise when you have arthritis

People with arthritis should choose the type of exercise, which they do, carefully. Be guided by your doctor or a health professional such as a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist. An exercise physiologist is someone who is an allied health professional who helps people with their physical activity and lifestyle habits to prevent as well as manage injuries or conditions which are chronic.

An inflamed, hot or painful joint requires rest however too little exercise may lead to muscle weakness, pain in addition to stiffness. People who suffer from arthritis should do some form of physical activity each and every single day.

The exercise that you choose should ideally help with the following:

  • Mobility: To stretch and maintain or improve the joint’s range of motion and flexibility.
  • Strength: To build muscle strength, provide stability to the joint as well as improve your ability to perform day-to-day tasks.
  • Cardiovascular fitness: To improve the condition of your heart, lungs as well as circulation, to provide your body with blood and to improve the ability of your muscles to use the oxygen.

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Many types of exercise can help with mobility, strength and cardiovascular fitness at the same time, including:

  • Swimming or water exercise classes
  • Tai chi
  • Walking or Nordic walking *walking with Nordic poles)
  • Chair exercises
  • Low-impact aerobics
  • Strength training
  • Dance.

In accordance with a statement released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 72% of Americans are overweight or, alternatively, obese. The agency also is reporting that almost 23% of overweight – and 31% of obese – Americans suffer from doctor-diagnosed arthritis. This number adds up to a lot of individuals whose joints could feel better by shedding extra kilograms.

Weight loss is a tricky endeavor, but if you are overweight, no particular action can provide as many positive effects on the body. Not only does losing weight lower your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea as well as certain types of cancer, but it helps your arthritis as well.

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Want to learn more about training people with arthritis? If you do then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What exercise to do if you have high blood pressure https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-exercise-to-do-if-you-have-high-blood-pressure/ Wed, 08 Apr 2020 05:00:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15634 Regular physical activity results in your heart being stronger. A heart which is stronger is able to pump more blood with reduced effort. If your heart can work less in order to pump, the force on your arteries decreases so reducing your blood pressure. Developing more active routines can lower your systolic blood pressure, which is...

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Regular physical activity results in your heart being stronger. A heart which is stronger is able to pump more blood with reduced effort. If your heart can work less in order to pump, the force on your arteries decreases so reducing your blood pressure.

Developing more active routines can lower your systolic blood pressure, which is the top figure in a blood pressure reading, on average by of 4 to 9 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). That is as good as a number of blood pressure medicines. For some people, getting some physical activity is enough to lessen the requirement for blood pressure medication.

If your blood pressure is at the desired level – less than 120/88 mm Hg – exercise can help keep it from rising as you age. Regular exercise also helps you to maintain a healthy weight, which is another important way to regulate blood pressure.

However, to keep your blood pressure at a low level, you need to keep exercising. It takes about one-three months for regular exercise to have an effect on your blood pressure. The benefits last just as long as you continue to exercise.

How much exercise to do

Flexibility and strengthening exercises – such as lifting weights – are an important part of an overall fitness plan. However, it takes aerobic activity to control high blood pressure. And you don’t need to spend hours in the gym every day to benefit. Just adding normal physical activities to your day-to-day routine will assist.

Any physical activity that increases your heart as well as breathing rates is considered to be aerobic exercise. Examples are:

  • Household chose, such as mowing the lawn, raking up leaves or (alternatively) scrubbing the floor,
  • Active sports such as basketball or tennis
  • Climbing stairs
  • Walking
  • Jogging
  • Bicycling
  • Swimming

The American Heart Association has published the recommendation that you get at least 150 minutes of modest exercise, 75 minutes of intense exercise or a combination of both each week. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of aerobic activity for most of the days of the week.

If you are not able to set aside that much time at once, remember that shorter bursts of activity also count. It is possible for you to split up your training into three 10-minute session of aerobic exercise. With this routine, you’ll get the same benefit as one 30-minute session.

Keep your exercise safe

In order to lessen the risk of injury while exercising, begin slowly. Don’t forget to warm up ahead of you exercise and cool down afterwards. Increase the intensity of your workouts gradually. Stop exercising and then seek immediate medical care if you experience any warning signs during exercise, including:

  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Dizziness or faintness
  • Pain in an arm or your jaw
  • Severe shortness of breath
  • An irregular heartbeat
  • Excessive fatigue

The only way to notice high blood pressure is to monitor your blood pressure readings. Have your blood pressure verified at each doctor’s visit or make use of a home blood pressure monitor.

Whether you already suffer from high blood pressure, monitoring at home can let you know if your fitness routine is assisting to lower your blood pressure and may make it so you don’t need to visit the doctor to have your blood pressure checked as often. If you choose to check your blood pressure at home you’ll get the most exact readings if you monitor your blood pressure before you exercise or at least one hour after exercising.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn other aspects about teaching people how to exercise? If you do, then you DEFINITELY need to study our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What are the effects of anabolic steroid use? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-effects-of-anabolic-steroid-use/ Tue, 07 Apr 2020 05:00:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15610 Most serious-minded athletes will inform you that the drive to win is intense. In addition to the pride of personal accomplishment, athletes frequently chase the dream of winning a medal for their country or getting a spot on a professional team. In such an environment, the usage of performance-enhancing drugs has become more and more...

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Most serious-minded athletes will inform you that the drive to win is intense. In addition to the pride of personal accomplishment, athletes frequently chase the dream of winning a medal for their country or getting a spot on a professional team. In such an environment, the usage of performance-enhancing drugs has become more and more common.

However, making use of performance-enhancing drugs has its risks. This means that you need to take the time to learn about the possible benefits, the health risks as well as the many unknowns regarding so-called performance-enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids.

How do anabolic steroids work?

Anabolic steroids function by mimicking the characteristics of naturally occurring hormones:

  • Receptors which are present on muscle cells respond to a number of different types of hormones. Anabolic steroids possess a similar chemical composition to testosterone and are thus able to activate testosterone receptors.
  • As soon as the receptors are stimulated, a domino reaction of metabolic responses takes place as the drug directs the body to increase the production of muscle

Most steroid users inject amounts of anabolic steroids which are safe in the short term. This means that there is an extremely small risk of overdose. However, in the short term, there are still some significant side effects of steroid use. As anabolic steroids are a synthetic version of testosterone, adding them to a workout regime leads to many of the same symptoms as adding more dangerous testosterone injections. For example:

  • Men who take anabolic steroids may turn out to be bald.
  • Women who take anabolic steroids may end up growing facial hair. In addition, their voice may develop deeper tones.

These effects are usually ignored or downplayed by steroid users who are more likely to be focused on improving their physical performance as well as appearance.

What are the long-term dangers of anabolic steroid use?

There are a number of long-term dangers of anabolic steroids that exceed the immediate dangers of using these drugs. People who use anabolic steroids often can eventually succumb to liver failure. In addition, higher rates of cancer have also been seen in steroid users.

The psychological effects of steroids are being researched and there are also some indications that regular steroid use can cause a series of mental health problems. Suicide is a major problem among steroid users as is belligerence and violence. Steroid users may also be more prone to experiment with other drugs, particularly stimulants such as cocaine. This can lead to heath, coma, stroke or heart attack.  Depending on the type and among of steroids which are taken, other long-term effects may be possible.

What are catabolic steroids?

Catabolic steroids, which are also called glucocorticoids, are part of the body’s reaction to stress. The term ‘catabolic’ comes from the Greek word which means to “throw down” so these steroids help to break down larger chemicals into smaller ones. For instance, cortisol assists glycogen (a large molecule which is stored in the liver) to metabolise into glucose. This is a small molecule that can be utilised for energy by the body.

The adrenal glands make cortisol naturally and this is required for many of the basic functions of the body, including:

  • Glucose metabolism,
  • The immune reaction to infection, as well as
  • Protein, fat in addition to carbohydrate metabolism.

Prescription medications, for example, prednisone (Deltasone, Liquid Pred), hydrocortisone (Westcort) as well as dexamethasone (Decadron [discontinued], DexPak) are examples of steroids which are utilised to reduce inflammation as well as treat a variety of illnesses from asthma as well as COPD to rheumatoid arthritis in addition to allergic reactions. Small doses of hydrocortisone are the active ingredient in creams which help to treat the inflammation from insect bites, poison ivy, eczema as well as additional local skin irritations.

Knowing about the effects of anabolic steroid use is one of the things that a personal trainer needs to know.

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How to put together an endurance programme https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-put-together-an-endurance-programme/ Thu, 02 Apr 2020 05:05:56 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15550 If you’re an endurance athlete, should the over-all-strengthening period of your training really come prior to special and specific strengthening? Should you be working on your VO2 max first and then your lactate tolerance – or the other way round? Is it best to follow best practice and build up an enormous reservoir of distance...

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If you’re an endurance athlete, should the over-all-strengthening period of your training really come prior to special and specific strengthening? Should you be working on your VO2 max first and then your lactate tolerance – or the other way round? Is it best to follow best practice and build up an enormous reservoir of distance work before undertaking speed training, or is it better to develop strength as well as speed first and then begin increasing the volume?

These are the types of questions which must be answered correctly if you want to put together the best possible training programme. However, there is little scientific research to guide you to the correct answers. The quite lengthy scientific investigations needed to respond adequately to these queries would need to include quite large numbers of endurance athletes who could closely follow the guidelines of the research (in other words train precisely as the researchers specified, without throwing in their own favoured workouts) for protracted periods of time – while remaining injury-free.

The application of endurance training differs from sport to sport depending on the demands of the sport or exercise. However, the main principles remain the same as the need to increase the mental and physical strength of the participant.

How to apply endurance training

Determine limiting factors

The personal trainer or coach must first determine what the limiting factors are that are based around the causes of fatigue. Fatigue is caused by both physical and psychological factors. These two factors can be overcome by applying an endurance programme that is worked out and adapted to fit the needs of the participant.

Work the programme out

The coach or personal trainer must then work out an endurance training programme that is suitable for the participant, taking into account the need to build strength as well as improve psychological outlook by motivating and encouraging the participants.

Decide on the type of endurance training

The personal trainer or coach must decide which is the most suitable form of endurance training. For example, aerobic, anaerobic, speed or strength endurance training.

Agree of goals and review progress

The coach or personal trainer and the participant must agree on an attainable goal and how they are going to reach it. A plan must be put in place which sets out how the physical and mental goals will be worked on. The end goal must be reviewed from time to time and adjusted accordingly. Following suitable training, the body becomes better able to produce ATP via aerobic metabolism. The adaptations that occur improve oxygen delivery and oxygen utilisation, increase the rate of aerobic energy and the utilisation of fat fuel and reduce disturbances in the acid-base balance.

Whether you’re training for a Warrior Race, marathon, local 5km run, or if you’ve started with a league sport, running or else cycling, there are some essential nutrients as well as fitness components that you should be paying attention to if you want to achieve success. Preparation is key!  So in order to optimise your performance, proper hydration, nutrition, strength training as well as warm-ups all need to be taken into account. Top that off with the correct supplementation and you’re ready to start your endurance training programme off correctly.

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Why fitness professionals NEED to know about social media https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-fitness-professionals-need-to-know-about-social-media/ Wed, 01 Apr 2020 05:00:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15528 In this age where people are avoiding gyms and contact with fitness professional, in order to survive these individuals need to take advantage of social media. One significant attribute for personal trainers to note is our desire to engage in relationships, even if they are becoming increasingly virtual. Consumers do not want loud messages which...

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In this age where people are avoiding gyms and contact with fitness professional, in order to survive these individuals need to take advantage of social media. One significant attribute for personal trainers to note is our desire to engage in relationships, even if they are becoming increasingly virtual. Consumers do not want loud messages which shout through the noise. It only serves to annoy them. Fitness clients have learned to ignore, block or delete interruption advertising because it is just that – an interruption.

What does it require to be an engaged user of a service?

It means to actually use the social platform as a social platform, through posting, liking, replying to others, and most importantly, spending time. More engaged users, quite simply, bring in more money for the platform. Every fitness professional can breathe a sigh of relief because they can encourage these deeper connections and improve their social media engagement – they don’t have to be huge conglomerates.

What motivates engagement?

There are psychological reasons why people share and engage on social media. So, it is in your best interest as a fitness professional to understand this and tailor your message and your content to your target audience so that they are motivated to share and engage in your content.

Here are some findings on why people share content:

  • To bring value as well as entertaining content to others
  • To define ourselves to others
  • To grow and nourish our relationships
  • Self-fulfilment
  • To spread the word about causes or, alternatively, brands

If your readers are sharing content that they know, like, and trust, then one of the most important aspects of your content has to be the sheer value that it offers your readers.

Why fitness professionals need a social media marketing strategy

You would be surprised how many businesses are still trying to market on social media without a documented strategy. It’s easy to get disheartened during the early stages of your social media campaigns. Things are slow at the beginning and it can feel like you’re running in circles a lot of the time. The most important thing to remember is to keep focused.

Here are some critical elements to planning your long-term strategy on social media:

Have a long-term plan

Companies have gotten bogged down with implementing quick and easy tactics as opposed to building strategies and plans which are long-lasting and sustainable. In order to truly build a long-lasting and sustainable fitness business, you need to start by thinking about the future and not just what will generate short-term buzz and traffic. A digital strategy that can sustain itself into the future needs to be built on a foundation that isn’t any different from a strategy that was built on traditional principles.

Consistency

An effective fitness brand consists of a highly interconnected set of identity attributes which include things such as your distinct selling points as well as your core brand values. Conflicting messages will confuse your customers in addition to harming your brand. That is why it is important to keep the content you share on social media channels consistent.

User engagement

The name itself is “social”, meaning it’s a two-way street, encouraging people on social media to be social. Your fitness business must make a commitment to communicating on the platforms the way they were intended: giving and receiving communication.

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How a personal trainer can help their clients set S.M.A.R.T fitness goals https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-a-personal-trainer-can-help-their-clients-set-s-m-a-r-t-fitness-goals/ Tue, 31 Mar 2020 05:05:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15513 The acronym ‘S.M.A.R.T’ describes the various attributes that a fitness goal should have to ensure the greatest possible probability of success. The actual adjectives which the acronym stands for differ based on the circumstances: Specific: Goals must be clear as well as unambiguous. Vagaries in addition to platitudes have no place in goal setting. Measurable:...

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The acronym ‘S.M.A.R.T’ describes the various attributes that a fitness goal should have to ensure the greatest possible probability of success. The actual adjectives which the acronym stands for differ based on the circumstances:

  • Specific: Goals must be clear as well as unambiguous. Vagaries in addition to platitudes have no place in goal setting.
  • Measurable: What good is a goal which you can’t measure? Measuring the goals ensures that they have milestones to indicate e their progress.
  • Attainable: Goals must be realistic, agreed upon and attainable and not too extreme and out of bounds.
  • Relevant: Goals must be relevant, realistic, result orientated to what they want tot to be achieved.
  • Time-bound: Goals must have a starting point ending point and a fixed duration.

Whether your client’s goal is to lose weight, gain muscle or just be fit setting S.M.A.R.T goals will give them an edge by keeping them focused and motivated throughout their endeavour. The following is an example of setting fitness goals.

Be specific about your fitness goal

Your client may start with a reasonable goal like ‘I want to lose weight’ but if you actually stop to think about it that goal is not quite specific enough. What amount of weight do they want to lose? When do they want to lose this by?

Make your goal measurable

Measuring your client’s progress of frequent intervals is as important as setting the goal in the first place. This serves a two-fold purpose:

  • Firstly the client known pretty quickly whether what they are doing is working or not you guide the client to take corrective action to keep themselves on track.
  • However, the greater advantage is the motivation that initial success will give your client: nothing will boost their confidence and morale more than seeing their body change for the better in the mirror every day.

Set attainable goals

Creating reasonable and attainable goals for your clients will propel them to success and keep that motivation factor alive as well. set small, attainable targets and they will be alright because it’s the attaining of small goals that boost their morale and help them aim higher.

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Be realistic

Be realistic and ask your client what the chances are that they will stick to any drastic change in behaviour.

Stick to timely goals

Finally, no goal has meaning unless you attach a timeframe to it. By limiting the time your client has to achieve a goal you have a fixed timetable to work with as well as the sense of urgency that will spur you and your client to keep on track.

By using making use of S.M.A.R.T technique of goal setting to your fitness regimen you will notice slow but steady incremental benefits that are bound to raise your moral which will, in turn, enable you to raise your own expectations even higher.

Once you and your client have set S.M.A.R.T goals it is important to set dates t measure and reassess the progress of these goals. This makes the client and personal trainer accountable for the progress and achievement of the goal.

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Four unsafe exercise habits https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/four-unsafe-exercise-habits/ Tue, 31 Mar 2020 05:00:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15507 Exercises, as well as exercise routines, don’t fall into straightforward categories such as “good” or “bad”. However, many people – especially when they are first starting an exercise regime – have some fairly bad exercise habits that, over time, could lead to an injury. Everyone has a completely different level of tolerance and fitness, so while...

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Exercises, as well as exercise routines, don’t fall into straightforward categories such as “good” or “bad”. However, many people – especially when they are first starting an exercise regime – have some fairly bad exercise habits that, over time, could lead to an injury.

Everyone has a completely different level of tolerance and fitness, so while training it is essential to keep in mind that what is safe for one individual might cause an injury in another. Generally, high-risk exercises necessitate more fitness and skill in order to be done safely. Plyometric exercises, for example, are fabulous for building explosive power however these types of exercises only work well for a highly trained person who is using perfect form. When performed by a beginner with restricted skill or fitness, plyometrics can result in a number of injuries.

While it’s best to learn about safety with respect to exercise from a certified personal trainer, it is also essential to use common sense and steer clear of exercises that aren’t right for your fitness level. Listen to the message that your body is giving you. When in doubt, back off. You will always be able to increase your intensity during your next workout.

Here are four common exercise mistakes that you should avoid.

  1. Working through pain

Pain is your body’s way of informing you that something is wrong. Disregarding this message and pushing on is the quickest way to get a severe or chronic injury. Although it seems clear to stop if you feel pain many athletes continue to exercise with pain. Don’t. if you feel pain cease what you are doing and rest.

  1. Forgoing rest days

Any exercise routine which lacks rest days is potentially dangerous. A significant number of sports injuries are the consequence of overuse. These injuries occur from merely performing too much exercise. To dodge overuse injuries balance rest days with sessions of exercise in order to allow the body to cover from the stress of training.

  1. Doing only one type of exercise

Performing the same exercise day after day may help you to become very skills at a sport but it is an additional way to end up with an overuse injury. Stressing the same muscle groups as well as doing the same movement patterns frequently can put a huge amount of strain on muscles, tendons as well as ligaments so causing irritation, inflammation and even stress fractures. Even if you effectively avoid an overuse injury you may end up with muscle imbalance, weakness, tightness in addition to alignment problems. To avoid these problems vary your exercise training routine. Perform a variety of different types of exercises and cross-train.

  1. Performing uncontrolled or sloppy movements

Sloppy or uncontrolled movements occur for a variety of reasons including fatigue lack of appropriate skill, going too fast or a lack of attention when you are exercising it’s essential to be in control l f your body. Sloppy execution or poor control is a set-up for injury. Even the safest exercise can become unsafe when done in an uncontrolled manner.

Are you putting in tonnes of effort but are not seeing the results you want? You may be making some of these prevalent gym mistakes. Take a good look at your workout routine and fix this fitness faux-pas to ensure you’re getting the most out of your workout.

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What makes up the elbow? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-makes-up-the-elbow/ Mon, 30 Mar 2020 05:05:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15484 The elbow joint is a ginglymus or hinge joint. It is the joint which connects the upper arm to the forearm. The elbow is one of the main joints in the body. In conjunction with the shoulder joint and wrist, the elbow gives the arm much of its versatility, as well as structure and durability....

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The elbow joint is a ginglymus or hinge joint. It is the joint which connects the upper arm to the forearm. The elbow is one of the main joints in the body. In conjunction with the shoulder joint and wrist, the elbow gives the arm much of its versatility, as well as structure and durability.

The trochlea of the humerus is inserted into the semilunar notch of the ulna. In addition, the capitulum of the humerus forms a joint with the fovea on the head of the radius. The articular surfaces are joined together by a capsule which is medially and laterally and, to a lesser degree, in front and behind.

These thickened portions are typically described as distinct ligaments under the following names:

  • The Anterior
  • The Posterior
  • The Ulnar Collateral
  • The Radial Collateral

How does the elbow move?

The elbow joint consists of three different portions:

  • The joint between the ulna and the humerus,
  • That between the head of the radius as well as the humerus, and
  • The proximal radioulnar articular.

All these articular surfaces are enclosed by a common synovial membrane and the movements of the whole joint should be studied collectively. The combination of the movements of flexion as well as extension of the forearm, with those of pronation as well as supination of the hand, which is ensured by the two being performed at the same join, is essential for the accuracy of several tiny movements of the hand.

The portion of the joint in the middle of the ulna and the humerus is a simple hinge joint and allows movements of flexion and extension only. Owing to the angle of the trochlea of the humerus this movement does not happen in the antero-posterior level of the body of the humerus. When the forearm is extended and supinated the axes of the arm and forearm are not in exactly the identical line. The arm forms an obtuse angle along with the forearm, the hand as well as the forearm

During flexion, however, the forearm, as well as the hand, have a tendency to approach the middle line of the body and thus allow the hand to be carried to the face easily. The precise adaptation of the trochlea of the humerus, with its prominences as well as depressions, to the semilunar notch of the ulna stops any lateral movement. Flexion is created by the action of the biceps brachii and triceps brachii and anconeus helped by the wrist extensors, the extensor digitorum communis in addition to the extensor digiti quinti proprius.

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What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is a kind of tendinitis – swelling of the tendons – which causes pain in the elbow as well as the arm. These tendons are bands of strong tissue which connect the muscles of your lower arm to the bone.

Notwithstanding its name, you can still contract tennis elbow even if you’ve not ever been near a tennis court. Rather, any monotonous gripping activities, particularly if they use the thumb and first two fingers, can contribute to tennis elbow. Tennis elbow is the most common explanation of why people consult their doctors for elbow pain. It can pop up in individuals of any age however it’s most common at about age 40.

What causes tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow typically develops over time. Monotonous motions – such as gripping a racket in the course of a swing – can strain the muscles as well as put too much stress on the tendons. This continual tugging can ultimately cause microscopic tears in the tissue.

Tennis elbow might stem from:

  • Tennis
  • Racquetball
  • Squash
  • Fencing
  • Weightlifting

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What is a good beginner’s weight for kettlebells? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-good-beginners-weight-for-kettlebells/ Thu, 26 Mar 2020 05:05:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15365 When it comes to picking a kettlebell size a few factors have to be taken into account. Kettlebell movements fall into one of two categories: Ballistic lifts: These are explosive lifts like swings, juggling, snatches, cleans and tossing. The grinds category involves windmills, Turkish get-ups, bent and overhead presses. When kettlebell workouts are performed properly...

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When it comes to picking a kettlebell size a few factors have to be taken into account. Kettlebell movements fall into one of two categories:

  • Ballistic lifts: These are explosive lifts like swings, juggling, snatches, cleans and tossing.
  • The grinds category involves windmills, Turkish get-ups, bent and overhead presses.

When kettlebell workouts are performed properly these will give you functional results, improve your body control and shorten your workout time. Kettlebell exercises are generally full-body motions. This means you use more muscle which leads to burning more calories.

Guidelines on Choosing the Best Kettlebell Starter Weight

Use a heavier kettlebell weight for ballistic lifts. Grinds are usually slower movements so for these you will require a smaller kettlebell. Windmills and get-ups and movements must be carefully executed throughout the whole range of motion. Therefore they require a lighter bell. Two different sizes of kettlebells are going to be needed when learning how to use kettlebells and training with them.

Other factors to consider are age, fitness level, weight and previous experience with lifting weights and strength training.

Kettlebell sizes for women

For ballistic movements like snatches, kettlebell swings and cleans it is recommended that inactive women who are out of shape should start with a weight between six to eight kilograms. A kettlebell weight between eight and twelve kilograms for ballistic movements is the recommended starting weight for an average active woman. An athletic woman should start with a weight between twelve to sixteen kilograms.

Choose a kettlebell which you can almost effortlessly press overhead about 8 to ten times for controlled grinding movements like windmills and Turkish get-ups. It is recommended that an inactive woman starts with a bell between four and six kilograms. For an average active woman, the weight should be between six to eight kilograms. An athletic woman can start with a kettlebell weighing between eight and twelve kilograms.

Kettlebell sizes for men 

Many men tend to start out with a kettlebell that is too big and heavy for them. It is important to choose a kettlebell size that is reasonable to start working out with because kettlebell lifting is technical and requires attention to detail.

For ballistic movements like snatches, kettlebell swings and cleans it is recommended that an average active man starts with a sixteen-kilogram kettlebell or a twenty-kilogram one. An athletic man can start with a weight between sixteen and twenty-four kilograms. If you do not feel like you are in good enough shape you can start with a twelve-kilogram kettlebell.

Choose a kettlebell which you can almost effortlessly press overhead about eight to ten times for controlled grinding movements like windmills and Turkish get-ups.  It is recommended that an inactive, out-of-shape man starts with a bell between that is eight kilograms. For an average active man, the weight should be between eight and twelve kilograms. An athletic woman can start with a kettlebell weighing between twelve and twenty kilograms.

You are going to need two kettlebells that are different weights for ballistic lifts and grinds. Kettlebell workouts can be extremely beneficial when used right. They can create inconceivable power output, incredible strength and stamina when used to its full capacity.

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Getting started with kettlebells: The hip hinge https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/getting-started-with-kettlebells-the-hip-hinge/ Thu, 26 Mar 2020 05:00:37 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15357 The hip hinge is a fundamental movement around which the majority of kettlebell movements are based. This includes the swing, clean and snatch. What are the biomechanics of the hip hinge? The hip hinge is a posterior weight shift at the hips. Unlike in a squat, where there is maximal flexion at the knees and...

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The hip hinge is a fundamental movement around which the majority of kettlebell movements are based. This includes the swing, clean and snatch.

What are the biomechanics of the hip hinge?

The hip hinge is a posterior weight shift at the hips. Unlike in a squat, where there is maximal flexion at the knees and minimal flexion at the hips. The hinge has maximal flexion in the hips and minimal flexion in the knees. This can present a learning curve that people will struggle to adapt to if they have poor proprioception – in other words body movement awareness.

The hip hinge starts with a break in the hips with them shifting to the posterior while maintaining a neutral spine. The knees will break a little to allow for counterbalance from the torso. As the hips shift to the back there will be a natural forward lean from the torso in order to keep the centre of balance over the mid-foot which is the ideal position.

Once the initial movement is completed the person will return to the starting position by contracting the hamstrings, glutes and lower back while maintaining a neutral spine position. At the end of the movement, there is a powerful contraction of the glutes but not a hyperextension of the lower back and hips. The neck should maintain a neutral or slightly extended position during the entire movement. By extending the neck slightly you can better activate the muscles of the posterior chain which will transfer into the upcoming ballistic movements.

How to teach the hip hinge

The two easiest methods of teaching the hip hinge are the wall touch and the dowel rod method:

  • The wall touch involves having your client stand between 5 and 10 cm from a wall. Then, by breaking at the hips you ask them to touch their glutes to the wall. Only the glutes can touch – there must be no contact with their back on the wall. Once they have the basic movement, you can move them further away from the wall in small increments until they reach an almost parallel position.
  • The dowel rod method helps to ensure that your client maintains proper spine alignment during the movement. From a standing position have the client hold a dowel rod against their backs. There should be a combined total of three points of contact: the back of the head, mid-back (in between the scapula) and just above the coccyx.

Have the client initiate the hip hinge movement while maintaining contact with all three points:

  • If the rod loses contact at any given point then there is a flaw in the movement that needs to be corrected.
  • If the rod loses contact with the head then there could be flexion in the spin resulting in the shoulders rounding over and the chest collapsing.
  • If the rod loses contact between the scapulae if could be a sign of hyperextension in the neck or thoracic spine forcing the rod to lift.
  • If the rod loses contact with the coccyx then it could be a result of flexion in the spine or tightness in the hamstrings causing posterior lift.

If you feel back pain during any part of this movement, stop what you’re doing and check your form. You may need to modify or decrease how far you hinge at the hips. If the pain continues, discontinue the exercise and talk with your doctor or a physical therapist before trying it again.

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What do kettlebells do for your body? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-do-kettlebells-do-for-your-body/ Wed, 25 Mar 2020 05:00:05 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15344 Kettlebell training offers many benefits. It is an all-round tool that can replace most of the equipment used for a workout. Dynamic kettlebell workouts combine both strength and cardio training aspects. The unique shape of the kettlebell allows the body to perform many different ballistic and grind exercises in a natural, liquid motion. Owing to...

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Kettlebell training offers many benefits. It is an all-round tool that can replace most of the equipment used for a workout. Dynamic kettlebell workouts combine both strength and cardio training aspects.

The unique shape of the kettlebell allows the body to perform many different ballistic and grind exercises in a natural, liquid motion.

Owing to the handle, the kettlebell becomes a kind of like an extension of the arm. The handle allows for it to be held loosely. This allows it to float and swing outward owing to hip thrust. This provides more momentum for upward and downward swings.

The kettlebell handle also makes it easy to pass between hands. This keeps an exercise set going for longer periods of time and provides an intense cardio workout. Muscles are forced to stabilise owing to the offset weight of the ball. This makes it possible for the body to take each exercise through a longer range of motion. Increased range of motion improves flexibility and improves the strength of deeper stabilising muscles.

Full-body movements that use more muscles 

Kettlebell training targets full-body movement patterns that use about 600 muscles at once.

The kettlebell swing targets nearly every muscle in a person’s body in one fluid motion.

If you condition more muscles at once the number of calories you burn is increased. This means your workouts can be shorter. Quicker workouts lead to more attention that you can focus on skill, strategy, recovery and rest. A quick and effective workout is ideal considering how busy people get.

Bridging the gap between strength training and cardio 

Kettlebells allow the person using them to easily flow from one movement into the next. This makes it easy to go from one exercise to the next.

Most kettlebell workouts easily progress from one exercise to the next without needing to put down the kettlebell or change the weight of it.

Huge amounts of energy are used to do flowing circuits like these which requires the heart and lungs to work hard. This results in a strength-based workout with a cardio workout included.

Amplifies power output and develops explosive movement skills

Power endurance is the ability to sustain fast muscular contractions over an extended period of time. It is a great way of training to lose fat and do some conditioning.

Kettlebell exercise will also help build your explosive movement skills. Many kettlebell exercises use the hips to create the movement of the kettlebell. This is where the majority of power is generated for many sports.

Never miss a workout

There is a large variety of exercises that can be performed with a single kettlebell. This makes a kettlebell workout extremely affordable.

It eliminates the need for large training facilities. They don’t take up much floor space and don’t need to be placed on racks that will also add to costs. They can be stored underneath other equipment, under a bed or in a corner. You also don’t need much space to work out with a kettlebell considering you don’t tend to move more than one step forward or back.

Once you can effortlessly flow from one movement to the next and understand the basic movements flowing from one exercise to another working out with kettlebells becomes natural and fun.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to become a kettlebell instructor? If you do then you should check out our Kettlebell Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

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The make-up of the knee https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-make-up-of-the-knee/ Mon, 23 Mar 2020 05:05:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15322 Our knee is the most complicated and largest joint in our body. It’s also the most vulnerable because it bear enormous weight and pressure loads while providing flexible movement. When we walk our knees support one and a half times our body weight. With climbing stairs, our knees support between three and four times our...

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Our knee is the most complicated and largest joint in our body. It’s also the most vulnerable because it bear enormous weight and pressure loads while providing flexible movement. When we walk our knees support one and a half times our body weight. With climbing stairs, our knees support between three and four times our body weight. With squatting our knees support eight times our body weight.

The knee joint connects the femur and thigh bone to the tibia. There are two joints in the knee:

  • The tibiofemoral joint, which joins the tibia to the femur, and
  • The patellofemoral joint which joins the kneecap to the femur

These two joints work together to form a modified hinge joint that not only allows the knee to bend as well as straighten but also to rotate slightly in addition to from side to side.

The knee joint carries the majority of a person’s body weight. When we’re sitting the tibia and femur hardly touch. Standing they lock together in order to form a stable unit. Let’s look at a normal knee joint in order to understand how the parts (anatomy) work together.

The anatomy of the knee

Anatomical terms allow us to explain the body clearly and precisely using planes, areas and lines. Instead of your doctor saying “his knee hurts” they can say  “his knee hurts in the anterolateral region” and another doctor will know exactly what is meant.

Below are some anatomical that orthopaedic surgeons use that apply to the knee:

  • Anterior: facing the knee this is the front of the knee
  • Posterior: facing the knee this is the back of the joint and is also used to describe the back of the kneecap, in other words, the side of the kneecap that is next to the femur
  • Medial: the side of the knee that is closest to the other knee so if you put your knees together the medial side of each would touch
  • Lateral: the side of the knee that is farthest from the other knee (opposite of the medial side)

Structures of the body often have their anatomical reference as part of their name.

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Structure of the knee

The main parts of the knee joints are:

  • Bones,
  • Ligaments,
  • Tendons,
  • Cartilage, and
  • A joint capsule.

Collagen is a fibrous tissue that is present throughout our body. As we age, collagen breaks down.

The adult skeleton is mainly made up of bone and a little cartilage in places. Bone and cartilage are both connective tissues with specialised cells called chondrocytes embedded in a gel-like matrix of collagen and elastin fibres. Cartilage can be hyaline, fibrocartilage and elastic, and differs based on the proportions of collagen and elastin.

In addition, cartilage is a stiff but flexible tissue that is good with weight-bearing which is why it is found in our joints. This substance has almost no blood vessels and is very bad at repairing itself. Bone is full of blood vessels and is very good at self-repair. It is the high water content that makes cartilage flexible.

The knee is a complicated structure as well as one of the most stressed joints which are present in the body. It is the biggest joint, essential for movement, and vulnerable to injury. Keeping strong, flexible leg muscles and getting prompt medical attention for all knee injuries is essential to assure an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment of the injury. In addition, keeping the supporting leg muscles strong and practising injury prevention will help keep the knee healthy during a person’s lifespan.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to know more regarding the anatomy of other parts of your body? If so then you need to do our Exercise Science Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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The ins and outs of developing a fitness business https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-ins-and-outs-of-developing-a-fitness-business/ Mon, 23 Mar 2020 05:00:56 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15319 Fitness entrepreneurship is more than just training clients and reaping the rewards. Successfully owning and funning a fitness business is about identifying, valuing and capturing opportunities. An entrepreneurial mindset is crucial for all organisations, be they small or large, new or old, for-profit or not-for-profit. Understanding and formulating a business plan for your very own...

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Fitness entrepreneurship is more than just training clients and reaping the rewards. Successfully owning and funning a fitness business is about identifying, valuing and capturing opportunities. An entrepreneurial mindset is crucial for all organisations, be they small or large, new or old, for-profit or not-for-profit.

Understanding and formulating a business plan for your very own fitness business is essential because it helps you to focus, plan and decide on how each aspect of your business will operate. More specifically, this type of plan can help you to decide on, for example:

  • Goals and objectives
  • What makes your business special
  • How to finance your business and start-up expenses
  • A legal form of ownership
  • Your target market
  • A marketing plan
  • A sales forecast for the first year of business
  • An operational plan
  • A financial plan

There are so many other items that can be added to your fitness business plan. Every business plan is unique and is formulated according to the specifications of your business.

The definition of a fitness business plan

A business plan is a formal declaration of a set of business goals, the reasons they are believed to be achievable as well as the plan for reaching those goals. It may also contain background information about the organisation or team which is attempting to reach those goals.

Most potential investors and stakeholders will want to see a business plan before they consider backing your fitness business. Although many businesses are drawn to use their business plans just for this purpose a good plan should make provision for long-term goals.

A business plan helps you to make decisions. There is no fixed content for such a plan. The content, as well as the format of the business plan, is determined by the goals and stakeholders. The roadmap for a business incorporates all the phases and facets of the business, the planning process, stating a vision and strategy along with plans to cover marketing, finance, operations, HR as well as a legal plan when needed.

What is are the functions of a business plan?

A business plan describes the fitness business that you intend to start up. It has three main uses:

  1. Action plan

A business plan is a plan of action. Your ideas are formulated into a plan that will help you to put together all the pieces of beginning a business and examine each piece individually. So rather than one large problem you have a sequence of smaller questions which you can solve one by one. A business plan breaks the difficult task of starting a business up into many smaller, less daunting tasks.

  1. Road map

A business plan operates as a road map. It is a valuable tool to help keep you on track, focused and moving in the direction that you want to go. It is very easy to forget things or get distracted and lose sight of your objectives and a business plan can also serve to help others to understand your vision, including suppliers, customers, employees, friends and family.

  1. Sales tool

A business plan can assist as a sales tool should you need outside financing to start your business. The plan is the tool you need in order to convince investors to help finance your business. You may want to negotiate deals with suppliers and a business plan can help you to do this.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to start your own fitness business but haven’t a clue on how to do this? Check out our Entrepreneurship Course where you’ll learn everything that you need to know! For more information, please follow this link.

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What is entrepreneurship in the fitness industry? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-entrepreneurship-in-the-fitness-industry/ Fri, 20 Mar 2020 05:05:40 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15312 For every ten people who would like to start their own fitness business, only one finally does. There are an awful lot of dreamers who, while liking the idea of starting their own business in the fitness industry, never get around to taking action. Are you a fitness entrepreneur? If you’re a personal trainer, Yoga...

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For every ten people who would like to start their own fitness business, only one finally does. There are an awful lot of dreamers who, while liking the idea of starting their own business in the fitness industry, never get around to taking action.

Are you a fitness entrepreneur?

If you’re a personal trainer, Yoga instructor or kettlebell teacher – and you want to get out from under the thumb of your boss – before you decide on whether or not you want to start your own business see if you fit into any one of the following categories:

  • Nature

If one of your parents or siblings run their own business, successfully or otherwise, you are highly likely to start up your own fitness business. It also goes a long way if you are a risk-taker who is at ease with uncertainty.

  • Nurture

For every fitness entrepreneur whose parent or siblings have a business, there are two who don’t. If you can locate a business idea that excited you, as well as has the possibility of providing personal satisfaction and wealth, then you can gather all of the skills and resources need to succeed in your own business.

You need to acquire good planning and organisational skills and develop a well-rounded knowledge of basic finance, people management, operational systems, business law, marketing and selling or get help an d advice from people who already have that knowledge.

Risk-taker

If you crave certainty in everything that you do then running your own fitness business may be something of a culture shock. By the time that the demand for a product or service in an absolutely sure-fire thing there might already be too many other businesses in the market to leave much room for you. Don’t confuse risk taking with a pure gamble. You need to be able to weight matters up and make your risk a calculated one.

Jack of all trades

You have to be prepared to do any business task at any time. The buck definitely stops with you when you run your own fitness business. If one of your employees slips up on a specific task you need to step in and to it yourself so that you keep that client on board.

The pros and cons of becoming a fitness entrepreneur

Fitness entrepreneurs enjoy the freedom of making their own business decision and becoming their own boss. In addition, they also gain the stability and control that could never be achieved as a regular employee.

However, if you have been dreaming of becoming a fitness entrepreneur you should find out the pros and cons of taking on this role.

Pros

Advantages of an entrepreneurial lifestyle include:

  • Excitement
  • Salary potential
  • Flexibility
  • Independence
  • A chance to make a difference
  • An opportunity to pursue own interests.

Cons

Behind the glamorous view of the entrepreneurial lifestyle hides an often overlooked reality. Being a fitness entrepreneur requires long stressful hours of work, the ability to make difficult decisions, the ability to deal with risks and facing the uncertainly of the economic climate.

If you have your heart set on becoming a fitness entrepreneur, don’t let us dissuade you! We just wanted you to have all of the facts at your fingertips before you made the decision.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If want to start your own fitness business then you need to do our Entrepreneurship Course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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Why athletes need to engage in strength training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-athletes-need-to-engage-in-strength-training/ Thu, 19 Mar 2020 05:05:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15300 It is an athlete’s goal to be the best that they can be at their particular sporting discipline. In order to achieve this endpoint they need to make sure that their bodies are at their peak condition. This means that they need to eat right and do the correct forms of exercise both on and...

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It is an athlete’s goal to be the best that they can be at their particular sporting discipline. In order to achieve this endpoint they need to make sure that their bodies are at their peak condition. This means that they need to eat right and do the correct forms of exercise both on and off the field. Strength training is in an athlete’s best interest because it prevents injuries and increases performance greatly.

How does strength training prevent injury?

Strength training helps to reduce the chance of getting injured as well as the severity of it. An injured athlete cannot perform at their best. If an athlete falls prey to injuries less, the longer their career can last.

In sporting competitions and workouts, injuries cannot be avoided. The constant training eventually stacks up and takes its toll on an athlete’s body. A good strength training programme that is well structured, comprehensive and properly provided all-year-round results in muscle-tendon units. These are stronger and can better manage the constant stress and forces athletic activities and training puts them through

Strength training increases muscle and connective tissue strength and flexibility. This means muscles and connective tissue will mend better and faster when injuries occur.

The role of strength training in flexibility

Full-range strength training focuses on movements that complete the raising and lowering phases of the select area. This will have an enhanced effect on flexibility and mobility of that structure. When one compartment of a joint is contracted, the opposite compartment is lengthened because muscles work in pairs. Strength training will have a positive effect on improving your long-term flexibility.

Athletes will find that they exhibit more speed, power, agility and athleticism due to strength training. This type of training will not make you clumsy or stiff.

What is ‘power’ in terms of exercise?

Muscle force and movement speed equals power. Combining strength training as well as other physical activity related to the sport you are training for has a positive impact on both movement speed and muscle force.

Muscle force has a higher rate and level of production when muscle fibres are larger and stronger. When combining strength training and the physical activity related to the sport, the result can be a highly efficient, explosive athlete.

Increased resting metabolism

Muscle is an active tissue. Between 30 and 40 calories a day are burnt for every kilogram of new muscle while your body rests. This benefits you because it burns more calories even when you are resting and not working out with weights. This helps keep your body fat in check and assist you with achieving your goal weight.

Increased bone mineral density

When properly administered the type of stress placed on the body by strength training can be extremely beneficial. Progressive strength training increases protein and mineral content in the bone material. After a few months of this type of workout routine, there can be significant improvements to bone density. This means stronger bones that are not as prone to injury.

Improved glucose metabolism

Diabetes is associated with poor glucose metabolism which can effectively be improved by performing strength training. Glucose uptake can increase up to 25% after a few months of regular exercise.

The goal of strength training is to prevent injuries and improve performance. A strength training program has to be specially designed for you. If not there may be adaptations that could be detrimental to your sports performance.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about other types of exercise and what their benefits are then you should really do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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A sport’s manager’s guide to maintaining a safe working environment https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/a-sports-managers-guide-to-maintaining-a-safe-working-environment/ Thu, 19 Mar 2020 05:00:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15296 While on duty as a sports manager you should be aware at all times of security issues such as what to do if there is theft or a break-in or even a suspected criminal on your sporting organisation’s premises. When individuals are away from home they need to have space of mind regarding themselves and...

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While on duty as a sports manager you should be aware at all times of security issues such as what to do if there is theft or a break-in or even a suspected criminal on your sporting organisation’s premises. When individuals are away from home they need to have space of mind regarding themselves and their belongings.

The sporting organisation needs to provide good security so that guests can relax and not have to be concerned about their safety or the safety of their belongings. Once the guests start to worry they will not be able to enjoy themselves while watching matches at your club. Therefore they will either leave immediately or will cut their visit short.

It’s not just the security of your guests that you have to worry about – you also need to take into account the safety and security of your employees. If your staff members feel threatened they will not come to work which will leave you unable to serve your guests. This means that making sure that you maintain a secure working environment means that you have to make sure that all the areas in your organisation are safe from any unwanted intruders.

Practical tips to maintain a safe working environment for a sports manager

Seeing a security guard walking around the premises and patrolling the areas where your guests part, as well as the entrances, will certainly act as a deterrent to any person with criminal intentions. The guard will also act as a sign of security to the guests that not only they but their belongings are also safe.

Security companies put up panic buttons in various places in the sports club so if the situation does call for the security company to be called in, without the perpetrators knowing it. Security companies guarantee a response time of five minutes or less, which is on part with industry standards. Other than employing external security staff, larger sports clubs have internal security departments whose main focus is on the monitoring and maintenance of all security aspects.

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How to maintain a safe and secure sporting environment

Something else that sports managers also need to know, about maintaining a safe environment in their clubs, is that a hazard is anything that could possibly cause damage, harm or injury to people or to property in the workplace.

Staff are therefore always responsible for taking note of and reporting any incident or anything that they see which may pose a danger to themselves, guests, colleague and any other visitors who may be around.

This means that it is necessary to always be observant and take note of items or situations which may be hazardous. These include the following:

  • Wet paint
  • Wet floors
  • Maintenance workers
  • Electrical writing that is not secured and out of the way
  • Problems with electrical equipment
  • People loitering on or around the sports club who do not seem to have any particular business there.

If staff notice any of the above situations it is their responsibility to act by first informing the sports manager and bringing the hazard to their attention thereby taking the necessary action by placing signage and contacting security and maintenance.

Maintain the health and safety of the sports club is an integral role of the sports manager because if they don’t, and someone becomes injured, this will result in serious consequences.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about what is entailed in becoming a sports manager? If you do then you need to study our Sports Management Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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What does ‘sequence’ mean in terms of exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-does-sequence-mean-in-terms-of-exercise/ Wed, 18 Mar 2020 05:05:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15283 The sequence in which you perform your workout is one of the main factors that will determine how effective it will be. In this article, we’ll discuss what the sequence you should perform your exercises in during your workout regimens. Strength or Cardio first? This depends on what your goal is. For strength training it is...

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The sequence in which you perform your workout is one of the main factors that will determine how effective it will be. In this article, we’ll discuss what the sequence you should perform your exercises in during your workout regimens.

Strength or Cardio first?

This depends on what your goal is. For strength training it is not recommended to do more than five to 12 minutes of low- or moderate-intensity cardio just to warm up. More than that may tire your muscles too much before you’ve even started.

If you do want to incorporate cardio into your workout do it last. First warm-up, do your strength training and end with some cardio.

When training for a marathon or if you want to build up your cardio endurance, you should start with cardio and then be careful with weight training after or do weight training on days when you aren’t doing cardio or want to do cardio last.

Plyometrics

It is recommended that you do plyometric movements only once or twice a week. Do them directly after warming up and before any other activity.

Plyometrics is a definitive way to accomplish getting firmer and faster, but they should not be performed when you are tired. They should be done with good form and effort. Performing them at the end of a workout will make them ineffective because they won’t be as explosive as when they are done at the beginning of your exercise session.

If you seriously want to finish your workout with a cardiovascular activity consider squat jumps, burpees or something similar and stop when you can no longer maintain good form. Plyometric activities that are single-legged should not be considered because you could get seriously injured if you are already tired from your training.

Multi-joint before single-joint

If strength training is priority multi-joint exercises should be prioritised over single-joint exercises. Multi-joint exercises, which are also known as compound exercises, are motions that work multiple joints and muscle groups all at the same time, for example, the deadlift, push press and back squat. These exercises improve coordination, balance and full body strength as well as increase the heart rate quickly.

When doing compound exercises you want to be as fresh as possible because they require more technique than an exercise that only works one muscle group.

Do high-energy bodyweight moves first

Bodyweight movements also need to be done in order when working out as the risk of injury can be high for a newbie at the gym.

For an experienced exerciser, the risk of injury when doing bodyweight movements is low, therefore the order of exercise doesn’t matter that much. If you are just learning to do full-body exercises – like air-squats and push-ups – it is best to do them at the start of a workout so you can maintain your form and gain all of the muscle-building benefits.

Circuits

A circuit allows you to perform a variety of moves in succession. If you are able to perform up to 15 – 20 reps safely, then order doesn’t matter. Some circuits include free weights, such as in HIIT classes, so if you need to perform up to 15-20 reps, pick a weight you can safely perform that many reps with.

Alternate

Muscle groups should be mixed up during each workout. The different movement patterns help to increase muscle growth and reduce the risk of injury. More reps of the first exercise can be performed during a workout, therefore alternate what you do first at each workout.

End with abs

Core exercise should be saved for the end of a workout. Compound and full-body movements already work your core, therefore save abs for last or you will get exhausted when doing those compound movements.

Spend some extra time planning your workout routine to get the most out of your time at the gym. This additional thought will go a long way towards ensuring that you meet your fitness goals!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’re the person who your friends go to for exercise advice, because you spend all of your time in the gym, perhaps you would like to turn your passion for fitness into a career and become a personal trainer? If you do, then you should really consider studying our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What are dynamic warm-up exercises? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-dynamic-warm-up-exercises/ Wed, 18 Mar 2020 05:00:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15278 Dynamic stretching is all about taking your muscles and joints through a full range of active motions that will make them work at full flexibility. This helps to warm up your body before a workout or sporting activity. The difference between dynamic and static stretching Dynamic stretches and static stretches are different. Dynamic stretches are...

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Dynamic stretching is all about taking your muscles and joints through a full range of active motions that will make them work at full flexibility. This helps to warm up your body before a workout or sporting activity.

The difference between dynamic and static stretching

Dynamic stretches and static stretches are different.

  • Dynamic stretches are about getting your muscles and joints moving and not holding a stretch for an extended period of time. Dynamic stretches include activities such as lunges, arm swings, shoulder rotations, jumping jacks, hip circles and push-ups.
  • Static stretches are those where we extend the muscles and hold them there for a specific period of time in order to elongate them. Examples of these are the butterfly stretch, triceps stretch and toe touches.

The importance of warming up before exercise

A proper dynamic warm-up is important. Warming up before exercise or any activity – such as running, weight lifting or soccer – improves your performance in addition to reducing your risk of injury. Your range of movement as well as blood and oxygen flow to your muscles, tendons and ligaments increases when doing a good dynamic warm-up. It can also help to activate your central nervous system. Dynamic stretches should be functional and similar to the movements of the activity you will be performing. A good dynamic warm-up should last up to 10 minutes.

Dynamic stretches for warming up

Leg swings

This movement will open up your hips and hamstrings. Hold on to a stable surface for balance support. Swing one leg back and forth a total of 10 times. Switch to the other leg and repeat.

Inchworm

This stretch targets the back of your body and helps to open up many muscles that get stiff from sitting for long periods of time. Start in a downward dog position with your hands and feet on the ground. Slowly walk your feet forward as much as possible while keeping your legs straight and hands on the floor. Now walk your hands out, until your body is extended in a push-up position. Lower towards the floor. Next arch your back so that your head and shoulders face the sky. Return into the downward dog position and repeat five times.

Fire Hydrant Circles

This stretches the hips and lower body. Get on your hands and knees and brace your core so nothing moves except for the working leg. Keep your working leg bent at a 90-degree angle. Take it out to the side then move it in a circular motion. Move your leg five times clockwise and then another five anti-clockwise. Repeat with the opposite leg.

Twisting Reverse Lunge

Your hip flexors and abdominal muscles will open up with this stretch. It will also challenge your balance.

In an upright stance take a big step back with your left foot. Lower down into a lunge, and then twist your body and extend your arms, over your right leg. Go back to your beginning position and then do it again on the opposite side. Do the exercise on each side ten times in turn.

Dynamic stretches should be used to warm up before exercising or sporting activities. Static stretches can be used to cool down after exercising.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about exercise and stretching then you need to become a personal trainer. For more information regarding how to do this, please follow this link.

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What is VO2 max and how can personal trainers use it? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-vo2-max-and-how-can-personal-trainers-use-it/ Tue, 17 Mar 2020 05:05:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15268 VO2 max testing measures your athletic abilities. If you want to burn fat or improve your fitness VO2 max is something you should be considering. How do you carry out VO2 Max testing? VO2 Max testing can also be referred to as: Maximal oxygen intake, Peak oxygen uptake, or Maximum aerobic capacity. VO2 max testing...

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VO2 max testing measures your athletic abilities. If you want to burn fat or improve your fitness VO2 max is something you should be considering.

How do you carry out VO2 Max testing?

VO2 Max testing can also be referred to as:

  • Maximal oxygen intake,
  • Peak oxygen uptake, or
  • Maximum aerobic capacity.

VO2 max testing measures your cardiovascular systems capability to perform under stress by measuring how much oxygen your body utilises when you are exercising. This capability is the body’s maximum capability to inhale, transport and use oxygen during exercise. The more oxygen the body consumes the better the athletic performance will be.

How does VO2 Max testing work?

VO2 max should only be performed in a laboratory or fitness centre under the guidance of a personal trainer. You will be on a stationary bike or treadmill with a mask on your face. The mask will measure how much oxygen you’re inhaling and the amount of carbon dioxide that you’re exhaling while you work out. This allows the personal trainer to measure your cardiovascular capacities.

Your cardiovascular system has to be worked to its max. What this means is that you should be completely exhausted by the end. As a result, the exercise you’re doing will increase in intensity at specific periods of time or, in fitness speak, intervals. The heart rate is also monitored during this test.

To give you an idea of your overall fitness level, your VO2 max will be combined with your heart rate. VO2 max is measured in millilitres of O2 per minute per kg of your bodyweight. The highest rate of oxygen consumed is your VO2 max.

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How personal trainers can use VO2 Max

A personal trainer needs to know more or less what your baseline strength is before developing a workout regimen for you. This helps the trainer to set realistic goals and a workout plan based on your immediate capabilities. If you take part in a programme in which your athletic performance is required to increase constantly it is important to do a VO2 max test.

Knowing your VO2 max allows your personal trainer to create training programmes that can increase your VO2 max. This will lead to increased athletic abilities and fitness.

How to increase your VO2 max

  • HIIT exercises combine aerobic and bodyweight exercises that will work out your body and cardiovascular system.
  • Repetition-based HIIT consists of a few short exercises that are repeated several times, or for a certain amount of time.
  • Time-based HIIT is about performing certain exercises for a specific amount of time and then moving on to the next one.

All of these methods can increase your VO2 max. If one method isn’t working try the other on your client. Other ways to increase your VO2 max is by doing sprints on a regular basis, biking and running. Mix different cardiovascular exercises to increase your VO2 max efficiently.

VO2 max is an interesting way to measure your physical fitness but it is not something you need to focus on improving. Just engage in some good workouts to keep you healthy.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If it’s your heart’s desire to become a personal trainer then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma – it’s the best in the business! For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

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What is the principle of individual difference and how does it relate to exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-principle-of-individual-difference-and-how-does-it-relate-to-exercise/ Tue, 17 Mar 2020 05:00:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15263 The principle of individual difference states that each person is unique and therefore everyone’s response that they experience toward exercise is different. Training programmes should be uniquely developed for each individual person. An athlete’s genetics, fitness, skills, adaptability and experience have to be considered when determining the length of a session and the resting time...

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The principle of individual difference states that each person is unique and therefore everyone’s response that they experience toward exercise is different. Training programmes should be uniquely developed for each individual person.

An athlete’s genetics, fitness, skills, adaptability and experience have to be considered when determining the length of a session and the resting time in between multiple sessions.

What does the term ‘inter-individual differences’ mean? 

Inter-individual differences are differences from person to person. These are the most common genetic differences. For example, some people have a genetic predisposition towards stronger muscles in addition to a quicker recovery.

Lifestyle also factors insignificantly. In other words, someone who lives a healthy lifestyle will be able to recover faster and be more energetic. They will be able to handle more intensive training on a regular basis.

Fast-twitch fibres will help an athlete to be more successful at powerlifting which makes them better at the sport however they can’t necessarily do more work. This is because these fibres take longer to recover and are bigger than slow-twitch fibres. People with better developed fast-twitch fibres will be phenomenal powerlifters but won’t be able to often tolerate high training volumes like the individuals with more developed slow-twitch fibres will.

What does the term ‘intra-individual differences’ mean? 

Intra-individual differences are differences within the same athlete at different points in a training year or different points in their training career. At different points in the year, an athlete’s MRV and other factors will change based on their lifestyle. They might be focusing more on their diets at some point during the year, use different supplements throughout the period, have higher stress levels than usual at some point due to relationships, work as well as studies.

Age also needs to be considered. Improvement and longer training sessions mean they will have a higher special work capacity and be able to handle the stress working out inflicts on your body better.

Intra-individual differences change throughout the year owing to many factors. This is as compared to inter-individual differences which are genetics-based and remain the same.

What does the term ‘maximum recoverable volume’ (MRV) mean?

MRV is how much training an athlete can effectively recover from. When an athlete trains for increased periods of time their special work capacity increases and they will be able to perform more work than they could previously.

What does the term ‘fatigue and fitness decay times’ mean?

The term ‘fatigue and fitness decay times’ refers to how quickly can an athlete recover from fatigue during training sessions and how long can they are able to sustain their level of fitness during periods when they don’t train. More experienced athletes can tire more. Although they won’t be able to overload and train as frequently they will maintain their fitness level better than a lesser experienced athlete.

Lifters at different points in their career will have different needs. Less experienced lifters lack muscle mass and will need to do more hypertrophy training. Consider which muscle groups the athlete is lacking and this will determine which exercises to select and goals to work toward.

Many factors have to be considered when it comes to the principle of individual difference and creating a training programme for a specific individual. It helps to develop the athlete and pushes them to their full potential.

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Why rest and recovery after exercise is important https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-rest-and-recovery-after-exercise-is-important/ Mon, 16 Mar 2020 05:05:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15256 Most athletes know that getting sufficient rest after exercise is essential to high-level performance. However many still over train and feel guilty when they’ve taken a day off. The body repairs, as well as bolster itself in the time between workouts so continuous training, can effectively weaken the strongest athletes. Rest days are crucial to...

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Most athletes know that getting sufficient rest after exercise is essential to high-level performance. However many still over train and feel guilty when they’ve taken a day off. The body repairs, as well as bolster itself in the time between workouts so continuous training, can effectively weaken the strongest athletes.

Rest days are crucial to sports performance for a number of reasons. Some are physiological while some are psychological. Rest is physically necessary for muscles to repair, rebuild and strengthen. For recreational athletes, building in rest cards can help keep a better balance between home, work and fitness goals. In the worst-case scenario is too little rest and recovery days can be leading to overtraining syndrome which is a challenging condition to recover from.

What happens during recovery?

Building recovery time into any training programme is essential because this is the time that the body takes to adapt to the stress of exercise. It is here that the real training effect takes place.

Recovery also enables the body to replenish energy stores as well as repair damaged tissues. Exercise, or any other physical work, causes alterations in the body such as muscle tissue breakdown, exhaustion of energy stores (muscle glycogen) and fluid loss.

Recovery time enables these stores to be replenished and allows tissue repair to take place. Without enough time to repair and replenish the body will continue to breakdown from intensive exercise. Symptoms of overtraining frequently occur from a lack of recovery time. Signs of overtraining include a feeling of overall malaise, staleness, depression, decreased sports performance as well as increase risk of injury among others.

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Short- and Long-Term Recovery

Remember that there are two categories of recovery:

  • There is immediate, or short term, recovery from a particularly intense training session or event.
  • There is long-term recover that needs to be built into a year-round training schedule. Both are important for optimal sports performance.

Short-term recovery, which is sometimes called active recovery, occurs in the hours immediately after intense exercise. Active recover refers to taking part in low-intensity exercise after workouts both during the cool-down phase immediately following a hard effort or workout as well as during the days following the workouts.

These two types of active recovery are connected to performance benefits.

Another major highlight of recovery immediately after exercise has to do with topping up energy stores and fluids which are lost during exercise and optimising protein synthesis which is the process of increasing the protein content of the muscles cells in order to prevent muscle breakdown and increasing muscle size. Protein synthesis is facilitated by eating the right foods in a post-exercise meal. This is also a time for soft tissue (in other words muscles, tendons and ligaments) to repair and remove chemicals that build up as a result of cell activity during the exercise.

Long-term recovery techniques are those that are built into a seasonal training programme. Most well-designed training schedules will incorporate recovery days and/or weeks that are built into an annual training schedule. This is also the reason why athletes and coaches change their training programmes throughout the year, add cross-training, modify workout types and make changes in intensity, time, distance and all other types of training variables.

It is this change of adaptation and recovery that takes the athlete to a new level of fitness. High-level athletes need to realise that the higher the training intensity and effort are, the greater is the need for planned recovery. Keeping tabs on your workouts with a training log, as well as paying attention to how your body feels in addition to how motivated you are, is extremely helpful in determining your recovery needs as well as modifying your workout programmes.

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The psychological factors which can affect athletic performance https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-psychological-factors-which-can-affect-athletic-performance/ Mon, 16 Mar 2020 05:00:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15252 The term ‘psychology’ refers to the study of the nature and function of the mind with particular emphasis put on the relationship between thought and physical action. Psychology has become increasingly important in sports and exercise, particularly with respect to the improvement and maintenance of fitness performance. Sports psychology is an aspect of sports training...

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The term ‘psychology’ refers to the study of the nature and function of the mind with particular emphasis put on the relationship between thought and physical action. Psychology has become increasingly important in sports and exercise, particularly with respect to the improvement and maintenance of fitness performance. Sports psychology is an aspect of sports training and preparation. This science is primarily directed at assisting individuals and teams to maintain the best balance between mind as well as body both in terms of the physical execution of the technical aspects of the sport in addition to the related functions of emotion and mood.

There is no one approach to sports psychology. Team sports, as well as the dynamics of group interaction, are entirely different as opposed to the pursuits an individual competition. The nature of fitness and athletic training itself will play a significant role in how the participant may be assisted. Certain sports or fitness routines, by their nature, are likely to attract certain types of personalities. While individuals in their sport may require variety psychological approaches the science of sports psychology is founded on a number of constants. Sports psychology will invariably include work in three general areas:

  • Goal setting
  • Imagery
  • Simulation

Goal setting

This is a planning process that occurs as part of an assessment of the overall needs and abilities of the participant. Goals must ultimately be realistic, . setting objectives that are unattainable for an individual is guaranteed to lead to failure.

Goal setting includes the determination of such issues as the individual’s ability to self-motivate and the personal measure of self-confidence. The sports psychologist, along with the individual and the coaches, can play a role in the prioritising g of events with this the training year. Efficient coaches will create a schedule that is often referred to as a periodisation of training when the year is split into constituent parts of the competitive season, offseason and preseason.

Sports psychology principles are of particular application in the individual’s development of a feedback loop where the constant analysis, re-evaluation and refusing of training and competitive direction occurs regarding performance.

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Imagery 

This type of training and techniques form the second branch of sports psychology. Although commonly treated as a single entity, imagery and simulation are two distinct psychological approaches to sports training and preparation.

The physical training undertaken by any individual requires the development of an individual’s train and the pathways of the nervous system, specifically those of the peripheral systems that extends to the musculoskeletal structure which is directed and powered in order to achieve movement. The more specific as well as focused the nerve impulses initiated by the brain, in respect of the intended physical movement of the training, the more effective the individuals will be in the execution of the requirement movements of the training.

Imagery is a psychological technique in which the athlete is conditioned to prepared for training through the use of the mind. This includes the development of set through patters which are composed of often of abstract words or images that the individual finds helpful in reinforcing the focus on the activity. Images are developed between the individual and the sports psychologist to trigger certain types of emotions that the individual may wish to harness at appropriate times. The common emotions that are tied to the individual may be at a lower level of intensity than is desired. Alternatively, images may be used to heighten the ability to lock out all extraneous activity or distraction.

The images may be personal to the individual experience or they may be created to spur on a particular reaction. Once taught, the imagery is a self-motivation tool that is portable in that the images and their keys are carried in the individual’s mind.

Simulation

Simulations a mental training process that is a direct linkage between mental control and the training, simple simulations include the meatal rehearsal of training-specific techniques such as the mental review of all aspects.

A critical component of effective simulation is the application of all the senses that the individual would expect to engage when the actual event being simulated. Simulation seeks to build the entire act as well as its surrounding physical circumstances in the mind to better equip the individual to deal with those related sensations during training.

High-performing athletes make the claim that 90% of their success comes from mental training and ability. In professional sports, there aren’t enormous differences between athletes in terms of potential, training, or physical ability. The determinants of success, thus, lie in the psychological realm.

Over the years, we’ve seen a growing interest in the psychological side of sports. This heightened interest prompted psychology as well as sports professionals to ask this question: what psychological variables decide sports performance? People practising any physical sport, whether they be professionals or amateurs, can benefit from developing certain psychological tools. The tools will help to increase their capacity and sports performance.

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What is female triad syndrome? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-female-triad-syndrome/ Fri, 13 Mar 2020 05:00:28 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15237 The female athlete triad is a syndrome which contains three related conditions which are generally seen in teens or adult female athletes who aren’t meeting their energy requirements. This ultimately leaves them undernourished. The female triad syndrome, though more common in the athletic population, can also occur in non-athletes. The three components of the female...

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The female athlete triad is a syndrome which contains three related conditions which are generally seen in teens or adult female athletes who aren’t meeting their energy requirements. This ultimately leaves them undernourished. The female triad syndrome, though more common in the athletic population, can also occur in non-athletes.

The three components of the female athlete triad include the following:

  1. Energy deficits or disordered eating
  2. Menstrual irregularities or amenorrhea
  3. Decreased bone density or osteoporosis

Who is at risk for developing the female athlete triad syndrome?

Those at highest risk for developing the triad include female athletes participating in sports that promote or emphasize being thin and lean. Long-distance runners, cyclists, gymnasts, figure skaters and dancers are often susceptible to the perceived and sometimes blatant pressure to lose weight.

The most common risk factors for female triad syndrome include:

  • Participating in sports that require weigh-ins
  • Social isolation during sports
  • Perfectionism in the athlete
  • Excessive training and exercise – particularly endurance exercise
  • Hearing negative comments about the athlete’s weight, weight gain or body shape
  • Controlling parents or coaches who emphasize winning

Common indications and symptoms of the female athlete triad syndrome

The warning signs and symptoms of the triad should be recognised as warning signs that something is wrong and should not be ignored. The most common of these include:

  • Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Insomnia and sleep disturbance
  • Recurrent stress fractures
  • Frequent or recurring injuries or illness
  • Routinely restricting calories
  • Obsession with thinness and body image
  • Cold hands and feet

Often difficult to recognise the female athlete tri-ad can have a significant impact on morbidity and even mortality in a fairly young segment of the population. In fact, the full impact of this syndrome may not be realised until these women get to menopause when bone loss is accelerated.

Considerable research of the triad has been constant and emergent data may increase the female athlete triad to a tetrad. This additional research has been looking at the relationship of the triad to endothelial dysfunction in addition to the possible increased cardiac risk.

Complications of the female athlete triad

Athletes who strive to reduce body fat by using excessive exercise or calorie restriction often think that being thin will help their sports performance. Infect, too little body fat in an athlete significantly reduces sports performance. However, more significantly, too little body fat increases the risk of developing serious and severe health complications.

Nutritional deficiencies, along with fluid and electrolyte imbalances, set up a cascade of effects that involve nearly every system of the body:

  • Cardiovascular
  • Endocrine
  • Reproductive
  • Skeletal
  • Gastrointestinal
  • Renal
  • Central nervous system

Inadequate calorie intake leads to a loss of body fat, an irregular or lack of menses (amenorrhea) and a reduction in oestrogen levels that eventually leads to bone loss. Decreased bone density then results in increased risk of stress fractures and even osteoporosis, as we’ve alluded to before.

The most serious complications of the triad include irreversible bone loss, starvation, decreased oestrogen production and sudden death. Research points to energy deficiency as the cause of the cascade of problems. A woman with this triad doesn’t eat enough to meet her energy demands which put a tremendous strain on every system of the body.

Although an eating disorder is often an underlying component of the triad some athletes experience energy deficits even without consciously restricting calories. For this reason, it’s important to monitor calories needs and to watch for warning signs of a calorie deficit.

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What is correct kettlebell swing technique? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-correct-kettlebell-swing-technique/ Thu, 12 Mar 2020 05:05:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15229 Improving your timing in addition to your technique allows for safe, high-repetition kettlebell swing sets that will increase work capacity, functional explosiveness as well as muscular endurance. The kettlebell swing is also a gateway into a number of other ballistic kettlebell exercises. These movements have even more benefits for your strength, conditioning as well as...

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Improving your timing in addition to your technique allows for safe, high-repetition kettlebell swing sets that will increase work capacity, functional explosiveness as well as muscular endurance. The kettlebell swing is also a gateway into a number of other ballistic kettlebell exercises. These movements have even more benefits for your strength, conditioning as well as agility.

The benefits of the kettlebell swing

You can make use of Kettlebell Swings in order to train towards several different goals such as increasing your vertical jump, getting faster and burning fat. However, this exercise is more complicated than just swinging a kettlebell up and down.

There are a number of key points to this deceptively technical exercise which will assist with performing it using the proper form. Even if you’ve been taught by a kettlebell instructor who knows what they’re doing, it’s still very easy to stray from the path when you’ve been doing kettlebell swings for a while.

The first steps towards a kettlebell swing

If you want to know a how to add information about how to do a kettlebell swing properly, the primary thing that you need to know is that you probably shouldn’t emulate the people you see doing this exercise in the gym.

Why?

This is because most individuals are doing the kettlebell swing poorly. As a result, they could injure themselves. In every gym that we’ve been to, the kettlebell swing technique seems to be different. It is possible for you to see some dreadful demonstrations.

The most common mistake that you will see is excessive knee bend in addition to no hip drive. You also see far too much arm involvement. If this happens, it becomes a front raise. Preferably, your forearm should remain connected to your body until you drive your hips.

Perfect kettlebell swing form

Here’s how to adopt the perfect kettlebell swing form:

Step 1: Stand up tall and have your feet shoulder-width apart. Ensure that the kettlebell is approximately a foot in front of you and is on the ground. Bend at your waist. Grasp the kettlebell handle with both of your hands. At this point, your palms should be facing your body. In addition, your torso should be almost parallel to the floor.

Step 2: Pull your shoulders down as well as back. Brace your core before beginning the exercise. Ensure that you maintain these form cues during the entire set.

Step 3: Lift the kettlebell off the floor. Allow it to swing in the space between your legs. Your knees should be bending slightly during this movement. Maintain your back in a flat position. Keep your neck straight.

Step 4: In a forceful manner, drive your hips forward so that you propel the kettlebell into the air. Regulate the kettlebell with your arms however, don’t pull it up. The kettlebell should not travel beyond your shoulders.

Step 5: Let the kettlebell swing down as well as back through your legs. Regulate the descent by maintaining your core engaged. As the kettlebell drops, move directly as well as fluidly into the next rep.

Step 6: On your last rep, allow the kettlebell to swing back through your legs. After this, place it a foot in front of you on the floor.

As you practise, incorporate these key points to ensure that you maintain good form. These may seem strange at first however as soon as you begin performing reps, you’ll see how relevant they are in terms of maintaining proper form.

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What are the different muscles in the legs? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-different-muscles-in-the-legs/ Tue, 10 Mar 2020 05:05:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15202 There are a number of muscle groups in the upper leg anatomy, each of which contain separate muscles. The muscle groups can function independently for specific movements. However, many of the leg muscles here function together with other leg muscles. This means that they work together in order to carry out larger, more natural movements....

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There are a number of muscle groups in the upper leg anatomy, each of which contain separate muscles. The muscle groups can function independently for specific movements. However, many of the leg muscles here function together with other leg muscles. This means that they work together in order to carry out larger, more natural movements. This is why there is much duplication in terms of muscle groups worked between the various compound leg exercises.

What is the function of the various leg muscles?

The following list contains a description of some of the possible functions of the muscles in the leg anatomy. We’ll explain each movement by describing it in more universal terms instead of simply listing an exercise which may be ambiguous or altogether unfamiliar to come.

Hip Abduction

With a straight hip joint, move your leg away from the centre-line of your body outward and upward.

Hip Extension

Move your leg towards the centre-line of your body.

Internal and External Hip Rotation

Rotate your upper leg and pelvis to the inside or outside of your body’s centre line.

Internal and External Knee Rotation

Rotate your lower leg towards the inside or outside from a bent-leg position.

Knee Extension

The knee extension constitutes the movement from a bent-knee position to a straight leg position.

Knee Flexion

Knee flexion involves curling your leg backwards by raising the heel of your foot towards the ceiling.

Transverse Hip Adduction

Move your leg towards the centre-line of your body on a horizontal plane and with your hip joint bent.

What are the quadriceps muscles?

The quadriceps muscles are the large muscles that make up the front of the thighs:

  • Rectus femoris
  • Vastus lateralis
  • Vastus intermedius
  • Vastus medialis

The roles of the quadriceps include the following:

  • Knee extension (main function)
  • Hip flexion

What are the hamstrings?

The hamstring muscles are located towards the back of your thighs. These include the following:

  • Biceps femoris (long head)
  • Biceps femoris (short head)
  • Semitendinosus
  • Semimembranosus

The overall hamstring functions include the following:

  • Knee flexion (main function)
  • Internal knee rotation
  • External rotation
  • Hip extension

What are the gluteal muscles?

The term ‘gluteal muscles’ refers to the individual muscles of the glutes. These are located on your bottom. The individual names of the gluteal muscles are the following:

  • Gluteus maximum
  • Gluteus minimus
  • Gluteus medius

The major roles of the gluteus are to perform the following:

  • Hip extension (main function)
  • Hip abduction

There are several exercises which can be performed to work out the legs. Here is how to do one – the leg extension.

Adjust the seat back as well as the footpad of a leg extension machine so that when you sit in it, your knees are at the edge of the bench and that your ankles are just below the footpad rollers. Sit back with your back, pressed tightly against the back pad.

Grasp the handles of the seat edges behind the hips and keep the upper boy stable as the legs extend in a smooth, controlled movement until fully extended. Contract the quadriceps at the top of the movement and then slowly lower the weight down to the starting position. Perform as many reps as necessary for the desired results.

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What are ballistic stretches? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-ballistic-stretches/ Tue, 10 Mar 2020 05:00:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15198 Ballistic stretching is a warm-up stretch which involves fast and sudden movements in order to increase flexibility. It is chiefly used by athletes to increase muscle power and range of motion. This type of stretching makes use of the momentum of a moving body or a limb in an effort to force it beyond its...

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Ballistic stretching is a warm-up stretch which involves fast and sudden movements in order to increase flexibility. It is chiefly used by athletes to increase muscle power and range of motion.

This type of stretching makes use of the momentum of a moving body or a limb in an effort to force it beyond its normal range of motion. Ballistic stretching involves stretching by bouncing into (or out of) a stretched position by making use of the stretched muscles as a spring that pulls you out of the stretched position, for example bouncing down repeatedly to touch your toes.

As ballistic stretches necessitate additional force, these extend the muscles as well as tendons through a greater range of movement. Muscles have internal sensors which can tell how far or hard they’re being stretched. So if a sensor feels that there is too much tension, it will send a signal for the muscle to pull back in order to protect the joints from injury. The pure force of movement during a ballistic stretch bypasses these sensors. In addition, it allows the muscles to stretch more than they normally would.

Is ballistic stretching safe for everyone?

This type of stretching is not considered useful by many and can lead to injury if not done correctly. It does not allow your muscles to adjust to and relax in, the stretched position. It may instead cause them to tighten up by repeatedly activating the stretch reflex.

While this manner of stretching may be useful for athletes, it holds the risk of injury. Ballistic stretching is generally not recommended for non-athletes people who merely want to stay in shape or improve flexibility. This is because ballistic stretching carries a risk of straining or otherwise pulling a muscle. Stretching movements which are too forceful can result in damage to the soft tissues around the joints, such as ligaments as well as tendons. This can lead to tendonitis.

Static stretching stretches muscles in a gentler fashion. This type of stretching is done at the end of your workout. It involves stretches which you hold in place for a period of time without any movement. This allows your muscles the opportunity to loosen up while increasing flexibility as well as a range of motion.

What are examples of ballistic stretching?

Should you wish to try ballistic stretching out, here are some stretches for you:

  • Lower back/hamstrings

Stand up tall with your legs straight. Bend over at your hips. Repeatedly reach down and relax.

  • Hamstrings

Stand up tall and put each leg on elevation towards the front. Keep your legs straight. With your back straight bend over and repeatedly reach towards the front and relax.

  • Chest

Stand up tall. Extend your arms out to your sides. Let your palms face up and keep your elbows slightly flexed. Repeatedly flex your back and shoulders in order to move your arms behind you.

Ballistic stretching may be useful for some people, as long as it’s done properly. A study found that ballistic stretching was better, as opposed to static stretching, at improving the flexibility of hamstring muscles in sportsmen and women with tight hamstrings. Tight hamstrings are a common cause of sports or exercise injuries.

However, before trying this stretching technique on your own, speak to your doctor about the risk versus benefits for your individual needs. Remember that while you should be able to feel a stretch, it should never be painful.

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How to design cardiorespiratory workouts https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-design-cardiorespiratory-workouts/ Mon, 09 Mar 2020 05:05:22 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15176 As a personal trainer, once you’ve assessed your client’s cardiorespiratory fitness status, you are then responsible for setting a programme that is suitable for their needs, abilities and fitness goals. You must always take into account that some individuals are training for a different reason: some train to improve their fitness levels and others train...

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As a personal trainer, once you’ve assessed your client’s cardiorespiratory fitness status, you are then responsible for setting a programme that is suitable for their needs, abilities and fitness goals. You must always take into account that some individuals are training for a different reason: some train to improve their fitness levels and others train to simply improve on their health status.

Each phase of a cardiorespiratory workout should include the following:

  • Warm-up of between five and 10 minutes.
  • Endurance activity of between 20 and 60 minutes.
  • Cool-down of between five and 10 minutes.
  • Stretching of +/- 10 minutes.

What is the purpose of a warm-up in a cardiorespiratory workout?

The purpose of a warm-up is to increase the blood flow to the heart and muscles. This phase will decrease the chance of muscle and joint injury. In addition, it will lessen the chance of abnormal cardiac rhythms during the workout. The tempo of the warm-up will gradually increase to prepare the body for a higher intensity in the endurance activity phase.

During the endurance activity phase of the workout, the exercises are performed according to the FITT principle:

  • Frequency: how often you exercise
  • Intensity: how hard your work during the exercise
  • Time: how long your exercise
  • Type: what type of activity you’re doing

These are the different aspects of your programme that you can manipulate to change your workouts, which is something you need to do regularly to avoid plateaus and boredom. For example, if you start out walking three mines a week for 30 minutes at a moderate pace, you may lose weight and increase your endurance. After a few weeks of the same workouts, though, your body will adapt to those walking workouts which could lead to a plateau. At that point you could add another day of waling (so changing your exercise frequency), walk faster or add some running (so changing the intensity), walk for longer periods of time (changing the time) or trying something different like swimming or cycling (changing the type).

This phase of the workout is usually 20 – 60 minutes long depending on the intensity of the exercise.

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Why is the cool-down phase needed?

The cool-down phase immediately after endurance exercise is needed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications caused by stopping the exercise suddenly. During this phase, the individual continues to exercise for about five to 10 minutes of lower intensity of the exercise that they were doing in the conditioning activity. It allows the heart rate and blood pressure to return to a hear baseline level and prevents the pooling of blood in the extremities. This reduces the risk of dizziness and fainting.

What’s involved in the stretching phase?

The stretching phase usually lasts up to 10 minutes and is performed after a warm-up or a cool-down phase. Usually, static stretching is performed, which helps to reduce the change of muscle cramps and muscle soreness.

Each level will have to prepare your personal training client for the next level forward. One thing to remember is that you always need to use the minimum effective dose. That means just giving them enough to get the results you want. More important is the consistency that they apply to exercise and their general health. Tweak where needed, but believe in the process to get your clients to that “next level.”

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Want to become a personal trainer? If you do, then you need to check out our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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Is using an exercise bike better than outdoor cycling? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/is-using-an-exercise-bike-better-than-outdoor-cycling/ Mon, 09 Mar 2020 05:05:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15181 For anyone who prefers a more controlled environment, an indoor exercise bike offers simulated hills and flats. It also allows you to monitor your own heart rate during the cycle. Making use of an indoor exercise bike requires little coordination, and there is less strain on your joints. However, if you enjoy being outdoors and...

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For anyone who prefers a more controlled environment, an indoor exercise bike offers simulated hills and flats. It also allows you to monitor your own heart rate during the cycle. Making use of an indoor exercise bike requires little coordination, and there is less strain on your joints. However, if you enjoy being outdoors and are well-coordinated, then cycling outdoors is a great physical workout and stimulates your mind as well!

Both types of cycling have their plus sides. Which format you choose just depends on your preference. But no matter whether you choose indoor or outdoor cycling, you need to warm up before you get onto the bike and cool down once you’ve finished your workout.

Here are some stretches that you can incorporate into both your warm-ups and cool-downs.

Stretches you can do on an exercise bike

Here are a number of stretches that you can do on an exercise bike.

Calf

Stand on the pedals with the cranks in a vertical position. Keep the leg as well as the heel, which is lowest on the pedals, straight. Lower your heel of the stretching leg past the pedal platform. Maintain this position and then change legs.

Quadriceps

Put your left hand in the middle of the handlebars. With your right hand, grab your right foot. Gently pull your leg to touch your buttocks. Held and then repeat the exercise with your left arm and left leg.

Hamstrings

Stand on the pedals with the crank placed horizontally. Keep both legs straight, and the front leg will receive the stretch. Move forwards over the handlebars and tilt your pelvis. Lower the shoulders until you feel the stretch in your hamstrings. Hold and then change the position of the pedals. Repeat with the other leg.

Here are a number of stretches that you can do if you choose indoor or outdoor cycling (or any other workout, for that matter) as you don’t need to be on your bike when you do these.

Neck

Keeping your shoulders level, bend your head to one side. Maintain this position and then repeat to the other side. Remember not to rotate your head.

Legs and lower back

Lie down on the ground. Keep your lower back flat to the ground. Hold one leg below the knee and pull it towards your chest. Hold and then change legs.

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Hamstrings

Lift a leg to around waist height by resting in on a bench, fence or table. Keep the leg straight. Bend your body towards the leg. Bend from the waist and keep your back straight. You can then bend your supporting leg if necessary. Hold and then change legs.

Groin

Sit on the ground with your feet together in front of you with your legs bent at the knees. Keep your back straight and gently push your knees down with your elbows. Hold and repeat.

Calf

Lean against an object such as a tree or a wall. Have one foot slightly forward of the other. Gently push forward from your hips. Hold and repeat.

Quadriceps

Kneel on your right leg and keep your left leg and pelvis pointing forwards. Clasp your right ankle with your left hand and keep your back straight. Pull your right foot towards your bottom. Hold and change legs.

You’re going to get a fantastic workout, whether you do indoor or outdoor cycling. If you’re don’t like riding outdoors and have to cope with lots of traffic, riding a stationary bike is probably a better choice. If you’re committed to become a “technical” cyclist and have lots of open roads, outdoor cycling will probably get you better results.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn the best way to train people in workouts such as cycling, then you need to check out our Personal Training Diploma. For more information about this as well as our other fitness courses, please follow this link.

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What life coaches have to teach about verbal communication in the workplace https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-life-coaches-have-to-teach-about-verbal-communication-in-the-workplace/ Fri, 06 Mar 2020 05:05:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15163 Speaking often is not as easy as it seems. There are many other things that you should do to ensure that your verbal messages are understood time and time again. The fantastic news is that if you don’t know what these essential skills are, a life coach is more than able to help you to...

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Speaking often is not as easy as it seems. There are many other things that you should do to ensure that your verbal messages are understood time and time again. The fantastic news is that if you don’t know what these essential skills are, a life coach is more than able to help you to learn these.

A checklist of things to keep in mind in order to make your verbal communication crystal clear:

  • Keep the message clear and defined
  • Be prepared
  • Keep the message simple
  • Be vivid when delivering the message
  • Be natural
  • Keep the message concise

Preparation is underrated – every single life coach out there will tell you this! Actually, it is one of the most vital factors that determine your communication successes. When possible, set meeting times, speaking as well as presentation times well in advances. This will allow yourself the time you need to prepare your messages. By paying close attention to the preparation process you ensure your communication will be more effective as well as better understood.

Obviously, not all communications can be planned. In this case, the preparation may involve having a good, thorough understanding of what is going on in your workplace and the general workplace environment. This will enable you to communicate with the knowledge that you need to be effective both through verbal and written communications.

The important underlying factors of preparation for verbal communication

One of the most important aspects which go into preparation is a set of simple questions. Ask yourself the following:

  • Who are your speaking to? What are their interests, presuppositions as well as values? What do they have in common with others? How are they unique?
  • What do you wish to communicate? One way of responding to this question is to ask yourself about the success criteria. How do you know if as well as when you have correctly communicated what you want to?
  • How can you best convey your message? Language is important here as are the non-verbal cues. Choose your words and your non-verbal cues with your audience in mind. Plan a beginning, middle in addition to an end. If time and place allow examine and prepare audio-visual aids.

Timing is also important. Work out a sense of timing so that your contributions are seen as well as heard as relevant to the issue or question at hand. There is a time to speak in addition to a time to be silent.

In order to convert hearers into listeners, you need to know why they are listening to you and tell them if necessary. As yourself what disposes them to listen? That implies you know yourself why you are seeking to communicate the value or worth of what you’re trying to say.

Be concise. Be brief. Use short words and sentences. Where appropriate support these with short, easy-to-understand examples which help to demonstrate your message.

Verbal communication is an act of sharing information among individuals through the use of speech. Any interaction which uses spoken words is considered to be verbal communication. It has been a crucial part of the business world. Oral communication used within an organisation and includes personal discussions, staff meetings, telephone discourse, formal and informal conversations and presentations.

Superb verbal communications skills are necessary in the corporate world. If you want to have a thriving career, as any life coach worth their salt will tell you, you need to improve your verbal communication skills.

A life coach will teach you a lot more skills than just verbal communication ones. In fact, they’ll teach you everything that you need to know about how to deal with life and everything else!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to help others learn these then you need to do our Life Coaching Certification. For more information, please follow this link.

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What a beginner to boxercise needs to know https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-a-beginner-to-boxercise-needs-to-know/ Thu, 05 Mar 2020 05:05:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=15137 Boxing is a fantastic workout. If you’re new to boxing or thinking about starting boxing classes soon, you’re going to need to know a few basics. The Stance The boxing stance is important because it gives you the ability to be on both the offence and defence so that you can punch and block. It...

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Boxing is a fantastic workout. If you’re new to boxing or thinking about starting boxing classes soon, you’re going to need to know a few basics.

The Stance

The boxing stance is important because it gives you the ability to be on both the offence and defence so that you can punch and block. It also provides balance. The foot opposite your dominant hand will be in front. This means that you can throw your dominant hand with more force. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart. The back foot’s toe should line up with the front foot’s heel and your knees should be slightly bent. This helps with agility. Your hands must be kept up near your cheekbones, underneath your eyes. Your chin should be lowered a bit to protect your face. Face your opponent at a 45-degree angle and keep your elbows tucked against your sides. In a real match, this makes you a smaller target to hit. After every move, return to this boxing stance.

Jab

This is the most commonly used punch in boxing. It is probably the first one that will be taught to you in class. It is used to set up for bigger attacks by keeping your opponent at a distance.

You start in boxer stance with your back heel slightly lifted from the floor. Punch your hand closest to your opponent straight out while keeping your hips in place. Aim your back knuckles at the opponent’s chin and as you punch twist your hand so your fingers are facing toward the ground. Return to boxer stance.

Move your front foot forward at the same time as your punch and keep your opposite hand high in front of your face ready to block.

Cross

This punch is called number two. It is the most powerful punch because you can throw your body into it.

Start in boxer stance with most of your weight leaning onto your front foot. Punch your rear hand straight forward and twist your back foot while rotating your hips and shoulders forward to put as much power as possible into the punch. Once the punch impacts your palm should be facing towards the ground. If there is space, step into the punch with your front foot. Return to boxer stance.

Hook

The front hook is referred to as three and the back as four. This punch can be executed with either hand, but it is best to focus on the more powerful hand. It is not a straight punch but rather aims to hit your opponent from the side.

Once again you will start in boxer stance with the heel of your rear foot slightly lifted off the ground. Pivot your knee toward the inside to roll your hips into the punch. Bend your elbow at an angle of  90-degrees so it is parallel with the floor. Your fist should be at the same height as your shoulder and your palm facing towards the floor. Twist both your feet so your front heel is lifted when the punch lands and your back heel when pulling back. Don’t let this punch go past your face. Return to boxer stance.

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Upper Cut

Combination number five is your front hand uppercut and six the rear. This hit is intended to land underneath the opponent’s chin and its power comes from your hips and legs.

Start in boxer stance with your back heel lifted off from the ground with most of your weight in your front foot and keep your knees slightly bent. You are going to twist on the toes of the same side from which your punch is coming from to turn your hips and knee forward. Bring the punch up from your hip and connect it underneath your opponent’s chin. Return to boxer stance.

A boxer should be able to use both hands and not only their dominant one. A non-dominant handed attack can be just as powerful.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about boxing, and perhaps even become a boxing instructor yourself, then you need to do our boxing instructor course. For more information, please follow this link.

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How do you measure body composition? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-you-measure-body-composition/ Tue, 03 Mar 2020 05:00:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14985 A client’s beginning body fat percentage is very important information for the personal trainer to know. This is because fat reduction is most often the client’s primary goal and the analysis of their body composition can be useful when discussing progressing progress with your client. Body fat testing can be done in a number of...

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A client’s beginning body fat percentage is very important information for the personal trainer to know. This is because fat reduction is most often the client’s primary goal and the analysis of their body composition can be useful when discussing progressing progress with your client.

Body fat testing can be done in a number of different ways.

Skinfold calliper measurements

Using this method a personal trainer is able to measure a client’s subcutaneous fat by calculating the size of the skinfolds. Most health and fitness professionals do not have a laboratory at their disposal so skinfold calliper body fat testing is the favoured and most common method of testing the body fat percentage of their clientele.

When conducting this test, the professional must be absolutely consistent with the exact areas of the skinfold measured as well as the conditions of administering the test. For example, if the test is done after the client works out, the timing must remain consistent when carrying out any future tests with the client. The Durnin-Womersley Test is used when calculating the client’s body fat which states that all tests must be taken on the right-hand side of the body.

To calculate body fat, the equation is as follows:

  • For men: (0.1051 x the sum of the calliper measurements) + 2.585
  • For women: (0.1545 x the sum of the calliper measurements) + 3.580

The four sites, at which you conduct the test, are as follows:

  • Biceps: A vertical fold on the front of the arm over the biceps, midway between the shoulder and the elbow.
  • Triceps: A vertical fold on the backside of the upper portion of the arm. The arm must be relaxed and held easily on the side of the body. The test must be taken halfway between the shoulder and the elbow.
  • Subscapular: A 45-degree fold of between one and two centimetres between the inferior angles of the subscapular.
  • Illiac crest: A 45-degree angle fold taken just above the iliac crest media to the axillary line.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - body composition

Bioelectric impedance measurements

An electrical current is delivered through the body in order to measure fat. It is founded on the hypotheses that tissue which is high in water content conducts electrical currents with less resistance than those with less water.

Underwater weighing

This method determines the portion of fat to lean tissue. Lean tissue is denser than fat so that leaner the person is the more he/she will weight underwater.

Circumference measurements

Circumference measurements can be an additional way of feedback for clients wanting to change their body composition. Being stable with this test on a monthly/weekly basis is important. When taking measurements make sure that the tape measure is taut and level around the measured areas.

Areas that are usually measured are:

  • Chest: Across the nipple line
  • Waist: The narrowest part of the waist just above the hip bones
  • Hips: Feet must be together and the tape must be placed at the widest part of the buttocks
  • Thigh: 25cm on top of the knee
  • Calves: The largest circumference between the ankle and the knee
  • Biceps: Arms must be straight with the palms facing forwards and the largest part of the bicep must be measured

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover more about helping people to reduce the amount of fat in their bodies then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What do ‘workload’ and ‘variation’ mean in terms of exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-do-workload-and-variation-mean-in-terms-of-exercise/ Mon, 02 Mar 2020 05:05:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14970 Exercise variation is precisely what it sounds like. It means you do a lot of different kinds of exercises. Exercise variation can be in reference to a single workout, or your week of workouts, or your entire training programme. If you constantly do a different exercise, then you have a lot of exercise variation in...

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Exercise variation is precisely what it sounds like. It means you do a lot of different kinds of exercises. Exercise variation can be in reference to a single workout, or your week of workouts, or your entire training programme. If you constantly do a different exercise, then you have a lot of exercise variation in your workouts.

Exercise scientists refer to the blend of volume as well as the intensity in training as “workload”. Most runners track volume only in their training logs. However, it’s a great idea to monitor your workload as well because it gives you a more accurate picture of how hard you’re really training.

Generally, if the intensity of an exercise is ramped up, duration, frequency or both may be required to decrease. In a similar fashion, if frequency or duration increases intensity may need to decrease as well. For most individuals who take part in weight training, the amount of weight lifted should persist in increasing as they get stronger whereas duration and frequency typically remain constant once a certain level is reached.

What happens if the exercise workload is too low

Exercise which involves too low a workload offers fewer rewards, although exercising harder (increased exercise intensity) with a lighter load can be as useful as exercising with less intensity as well as a heavier load.

Physical exercise that involves too high a workload is responsible for increasing the risk of improper technique and thus injury. Additionally, people should vary the way that they train their muscles over time as the body becomes used to the routine so that doing the same exercise in the same way over time becomes less efficient in building strength, muscle in addition to cardiovascular fitness. Therefore, people who take part in resistance exercises should alter their routines every few weeks and aerobic exercises should alternate among the different forms of aerobic exercise available

Exercising at very high intensities

People who exercise at very high-intensity levels should consider incorporating breaks from training into their fitness planning to allow for sufficient recovery. One example would be one week off every three months perhaps coordinate with holidays or vacations. Signs that suggest a prolonged rest period (between one and two weeks) is needed include:

  • Muscles feel heavy when not exercising
  • Exercise performance is reduced
  • Development of joint and tendon pains
  • Increased heart rate while at rest
  • Less desire to exercise

Exercising without proper safety precautions in place often leads to injury. Muscle overuse, as well as repetitive strain injuries, may be avoided by:

  • Scheduling strength training workouts 48 hours apart to allow muscles the opportunity to recover
  • Keeping workouts diverse in regard to exercise method as well as equipment selections

People should refrain from exercising immediately if they feel pain other than the usual mid burning sensation in the muscle that is caused by lactate-build-up.

Muscle discomfort felt after exercise

There are two types of muscle discomfort which may be felt after exercise. The desirable or expected type, which is called delayed-onset muscle soreness, does not begin until several hours after exercising intensely. It usually peaks within 48 hours and goes away within 72 hours. It feels better after the warm-up for the next workout. The undesirable type, in which pain indicates an injury, is usually felt soon after the injury occurs. It may not disappear within 72 hours and may become much more severe over time if a person continues to exercise.

Variation is all-important for constant gains, both owing to physiological and psychological reasons. Nothing works forever os without enough variety the body will get to the plateau sooner or later. During plateau, your body is so used to the current training load that necessary adaptation won’t take place. The weight in the bar stays the same just as your muscle mass does. You may even train like a maniac, but that just makes matters worse. So there might be a lot of pain, however no gain.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about work routines and other forms of physical exercise? If you do, then you need to check out our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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6 types of weight machines https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/6-types-of-weight-machines/ Mon, 02 Mar 2020 05:00:56 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14966 Weight machines are normally safer than free weights and, in addition, are easier to utilise. This makes them advantageous for beginners who are learning a specific movement. Some of the weight machines are more efficient as opposed to free weights at isolating a particular muscle or muscle group. This is essential when you’re strengthening a...

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Weight machines are normally safer than free weights and, in addition, are easier to utilise. This makes them advantageous for beginners who are learning a specific movement. Some of the weight machines are more efficient as opposed to free weights at isolating a particular muscle or muscle group. This is essential when you’re strengthening a specific body part or rehabilitating an injury.

Weight machines guarantee the correct movements for a lift, assists with preventing cheating when muscle fatigue sets in. In addition, weight machine workouts can take less time because you can move easily from machine to machine and changing the resistance is easy.

So with the numerous benefits of weight machines, let’s learn a bit more about them.

Types of weight machines

There are two main types of weight machines. These are:

  • Plate loaded, as well as
  • Pin loaded.

The machines which are pin-loaded (or stack machines) have stacks of rectangular weights with a hole in them for the pin. The lower down you insert the on the more weights which are lifted. The advantage of these types of machines is that you do not need to load weights on and off between sets.

With plate-loaded machines, there are no weights attached to the machine. You need to put the weight plates on the machine yourself. May plate-loaded machines offer a higher range of motion than stack-loaded machines.

Cable machines

These machines come in a number of different shapes and sizes. However, almost always these are stack loaded. Cable machines will have a handle that is attached to the end of a cable and this is then pushed or pulled in various directions depending on the particular exercise. These can be great for assistance exercise to your barbell or dumbbell lifts as unlike other weight machines these still allow free range of movement.

Pull-Up Bar

You would be surprised how many gyms do not have a good pull-up bar. There are several places to look if you don’t see a freestanding pull-up bar right away: at the top of the cable machine, power rack or (alternatively) the smith machine. Some offer a number of grip options without offering a straight bar. The two primary grip options, which are the most useful, are a straight bar and a neutral grip. The latter is where your palms are facing each other.

Dip station

At times dip stations are freestanding while others are affixed to the cable machine or power rack. Handles which are adjustable are nice for those of us who are smaller while a wider dip station puts our bodies in a poor position.

Assisted pull-up station

This is a stack-loaded machine. You select a weight and then stand on a platform that offers a specific amount of help on your pull-up or dip. These can be helpful if you can’t do a pull-up or dip yet though we recommend the use of bands instead.

Bench

There are a number of types of benches:

  • Standard flat benches, and
  • Adjustable ones.

The adjustable benches allow you to exercise at an incline or decline. These are one of the most frequently used pieces of equipment in the weight room. This means that it’s always good if there are at least three or four.

Bench press

Some gyms (especially smaller gyms and CrossFits) just use a squat stand or squat racks for the bench press. Most commercial gyms have benches that are specially made for the bench press (with a stand attached).

There are several other types of resistance training equipment such as collars and clips. The purpose of this equipment is simply to hold the weight securely on the bar.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about weight training in addition to other forms of exercises? If you do, then you need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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How to perform the push-up fitness assessment https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-perform-the-push-up-fitness-assessment/ Fri, 28 Feb 2020 05:05:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14958 The push-up fitness assessment (which is also called the press-up test) is a basic fitness test which is used by coaches, personal trainers, and athletes in order to assess upper body fitness as well as to monitor progress during the course of strength and fitness training. This simple fitness assessment helps you to compare your...

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The push-up fitness assessment (which is also called the press-up test) is a basic fitness test which is used by coaches, personal trainers, and athletes in order to assess upper body fitness as well as to monitor progress during the course of strength and fitness training. This simple fitness assessment helps you to compare your own upper body muscular endurance to others of your age and gender. In addition, the push-up fitness assessment assists you with tracking your fitness programme over time.

There are several variations of the push-up test, with differences being seen in:

  • The placement of the hands,
  • How far to dip,
  • The duration of the test, as well as
  • The method of counting the number of completed push-ups.

The possible equipment required during the push-up test include a:

  • Floor mat,
  • Metronome (or audio recording, clapping, drums),
  • Stopwatch,
  • Wall, and
  • Chairs

The equipment that you use will depend on the test protocol that you use.

The procedure for a push-up test

A standard push-up beings with the hands and toes touching the floor. The fitness participant’s body and legs must be in a straight line with their feet slightly apart and their arms shoulder-width apart. The shoulders must be extended and at right angles to the body.

Keeping the back and knees straight, the fitness participant will lower his or her body to:

  • A predetermined point,
  • Touch some other object, or
  • A point where there is a 90-degree angle at the elbows.

The next movement will be returning back to the starting point with the arms extended.

This action continues. The test is repeated until exhaustion or until the fitness participant can do no more in rhythm or has reached the target number of push-ups.

How to do a modified push-up test

The fitness participant needs to begin by getting down on their hands and knees with their hands just outside shoulder width as well as slightly forward of their shoulders. The fitness participant’s knees should be directly aligned with their hips. They need to keep their abdomen tight and their spine in a neutral position.

Inhale and bend the elbows. Lower the chest to 90 degrees at the elbows. Exhale and push up so that the arms are straight. Make sure that the elbows aren’t completely locked. Attempt doing two sets of between 10 and 12 repetitions.

If the fitness participant can’t go to 90 degrees at the elbow, tell them that they need to just go to a comfortable position until they can work up to 90 degrees.

The push-up works the chest, triceps and shoulders.

Here is a list of other variations:

  • The Hand Release Push-up is a new USA army push-up fitness assessment. During this test, the hands are lifted up off the ground while the fitness participant is in the down position.
  • The Cadence Push-Up Test is used in the President’s Challenge.
  • The Beep Push-Up Test also falls under the umbrella of cadence fitness tests but it is performed at a faster rate.
  • The Chair Push-Up test is an easier version for the young or unfit.
  • Home Push-Up is a simple fitness assessment that can be done at home.
  • During the Isometric Push-Up, the starting ‘up’ position is held for as long as possible.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about fitness and exercise? If you do and want to make this your career, then you should really become a personal trainer. To find out the best method of doing this, you need to check out our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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How to exercise safely https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-exercise-safely/ Fri, 28 Feb 2020 05:00:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14954 Exercise safety is vital for avoiding injury and maintaining good health. As a personal trainer, it’s important that you make sure that your client knows how to avoid injuries by making use of the correct equipment, protecting themselves in hot weather, warming up and stretching properly. You also need to teach them the importance of...

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Exercise safety is vital for avoiding injury and maintaining good health. As a personal trainer, it’s important that you make sure that your client knows how to avoid injuries by making use of the correct equipment, protecting themselves in hot weather, warming up and stretching properly. You also need to teach them the importance of drinking water when they exercise.

Regular physical activity is imperative for good health. While there is a chance of injury with any sort of physical activity, the benefits of staying active far outweigh the risks.

The risk of exercise injury can be reduced by:

  • Wearing the right shoes, gear and equipment,
  • Drinking lots of water, and
  • Warming up and stretching properly.

Advice for keeping safe during exercise

The personal trainer can obtain information and advice about exercise safety from a doctor, physiotherapist or exercise physiologist. Alternatively, they can consult a sporting association regarding the correct sporting technique as well as equipment.

Some guidelines for general exercise safety include the following:

  • Consider the technique used and the load in addition to the individual’s condition, for example, injury history and fitness level.
  • If a participant has a previous injury or medical condition make sure that they consult a health practitioner who specialises in sports medicine or another similarly qualified individual.
  • Ensure that the participant is fit enough before increasing the speed of any exercise as making someone perform an exercise that he or she is not fit enough to do can increase the risk of injury.
  • Should a particular exercise cause a participant pain or discomfort they must avoid it. Do not allow participants to ignore their body’s signals of fatigue, discomfort and pain.
  • Make sure that the fitness participant cross-trains with other sports and exercises to reduce the risk of overtraining.
  • Make sure that the participant has at least one recovery day (preferably two) every week.
  • Injuries need rest and trying to work through the pain will cause more damage to soft muscle tissue and delay healing.

Don’t bounce while you stretch

It is mistakenly believed that bouncing as you stretch (ballistic stretching) helps muscles to stretch further. Sudden overstretching stimulates the stretch reflex so causing the muscles to contract even tighter in an attempt to avoid injury. Bouncing is counterproductive as it can cause minute tears to the muscle tissue which are experienced as muscle soreness or tenderness. This is quite the opposite of the microscopic tears that are caused to muscles during training and cause the muscle to rebuild stronger!

Suggestions to avoid bouncing during stretching include:

  • Concentrate on slow, sustained stretches.
  • Maintain the stretch for approximately 10 to 20 seconds.
  • Once the muscle feels comfortable slowly increase the stretch and then hold again.

Avoid standing toe-touches entirely. Bending down to touch your toes with straight legs can overstretch your lower back muscles and hamstrings. This will also stress your vertebral discs. Adding in a twisting movement to the toe-touch can result in damage to your joints.

As an alternative, stretch your hamstrings as well as lower back muscles by putting one foot on a little bench or chair with both of your legs slightly bend so as not to stretch the knee joints as well as keeping your back straight, gently reach forward with your arms.

You can also stretch your hamstrings by lying on your back with both of your knees bent. Straighten one leg by raising it towards the ceiling. Keep your knee slightly bent. Support this leg by putting both hands behind your knee. Hold and repeat for the other leg. You should sense the stretch on the back of the thigh on your straight leg.

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What are the risks associated with exercise for the elderly? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-risks-associated-with-exercise-for-the-elderly/ Thu, 27 Feb 2020 05:05:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14943 The risk of a cardiac emergency is heightened considerably when a person is actually exercising. Some physicians have argued that older people who intend to exercise should undergo exhaustive preliminary screening, which includes an exercise electrocardiogram. This course of action may be desirable if the elderly person intends to embark on a very strenuous competitive...

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The risk of a cardiac emergency is heightened considerably when a person is actually exercising. Some physicians have argued that older people who intend to exercise should undergo exhaustive preliminary screening, which includes an exercise electrocardiogram. This course of action may be desirable if the elderly person intends to embark on a very strenuous competitive training schedule but it is unwanted if an older individual simply wishes to make a small increase in their regular daily physical activity.

The person who begins an exercise programme is at a lower overall risk of sudden death as opposed to a sedentary peer. Perhaps owing to a less ambitious attitude toward exercise, the relative risks of physical activity (deaths during exercise versus deaths when sedentary) decrease as opposed to increasing as a person becomes older.

Certain precautions can enhance the safety of exercise for the older individual. The suggested amount of exercise should do no more than leave the participant pleasantly tired the next day. Recovery processes should follow slowly and vigorous training should thus be done on alternate days. In people who have a pre-existing articular disease, walking should be substituted for jogging or running as fast walking offers a sufficient training stimulus with less risk of slipping and much smaller impact stress on the knees.

The benefits of weight-supported activities

Weight-supported activities, such as swimming as well as aquatics, are mainly helpful for those elderly adults who suffer from joint problems. Vision, hearing and balance are all poorer as opposed to in a younger person. Therefore, seniors should avoid sports where there is a risk of collision with opponents or, alternatively, stationary objects. If there is a past history of falls, special attention needs to be paid when pursuing activities which require a good sense of balance (whether climbing, skiing, cycling or just walking on a pool deck which is slippery).

In older people who are taking hypotensive medication, there is a danger of an abrupt loss of consciousness when standing at the completion of an exercise session. This is especially if the room is hot or if the person’s veins are relaxed as a result of being in a pool for a period of time. Environmental extremes are not tolerated well. If the weather is remarkably hot or cold physical activity should be done inside an air-conditioned facility.

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How to create a training programme for the elderly

To create quality training programmes for older adults you must understand more than just the physical aspects of ageing and physical activity. Evidence has suggested that beliefs, assumptions and expectations can contribute to illness as well as to healing. Thus a person’s perception of health can powerfully affect physical and psychological symptoms, health choices, behaviours and ultimately the outcomes.

Perceptions of oneself and perceptions of how one is viewed by others significantly includes one’s overall motivation to change. Expectations, attitudes and subjective norms, as well as perceived behavioural control all, affect perceptions of ageing and physical activity. These are intertwined with perceptions of oneself and offer insight into some of the motives and barriers to physical activity.

Older adults are advised to do 150 minutes of exercise per week. There are a number of ways that the elderly can accumulate this total per week:

  • The term ‘accumulation’ refers to meeting the goal of 150 minutes per week through performing activities in several shorter bouts of at least 10 minutes each which are spread throughout the week and then adding together the time spent during each of these bouts, for example, 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity five times per week.

These recommendations are relevant to all older adults regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or income level.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about becoming a personal trainer for the elderly? If you feel that this is something that you want to do then you need to do our Exercise and Elderly Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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How to perform youth fitness tests and screening https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-perform-youth-fitness-tests-and-screening/ Thu, 27 Feb 2020 05:00:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14938 For most children and youth, physical activity provides an opportunity to have fun. In addition, exercise promotes the basis for good health and an enhanced quality of life for the future. However, there are a small number of children and youth who may be at risk when participating in an exercise programme. It is therefore...

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For most children and youth, physical activity provides an opportunity to have fun. In addition, exercise promotes the basis for good health and an enhanced quality of life for the future. However, there are a small number of children and youth who may be at risk when participating in an exercise programme. It is therefore important for the personal trainer to do fitness tests and get the youth, guardian or parent to complete a screening form as part of a fitness test.

Children and youth fitness assessments provide a wealth of information for personal trainers. With the objective data which is collected from these assessments, you can identify young clients’ strengths and weaknesses and set realistic, attainable goals. It makes it easier to create appropriate and individualised exercise programme which are based on actual results. Youth fitness assessments also serve to regulate the level of risk prior to exercise participation. It focuses on establishing a baseline against which to compare the child’s progress.

The data can be used to educate the youth about their present fitness status as compared with well-known norms for others of the same age as well as gender. Physical education teachers and school personnel can use the data to evaluate and design their own physical education programmes. On Occasion, test results can even be used to motivate kids to embrace a physically active lifestyle in order to improve their fitness and health as adults.

The nitty-gritty of fitness testing for children

Fitness testing for children focuses on establishing a baseline on which to start the training.

Tools which personal trainers will require for fitness testing include:

  • Scale
  • Stadiometer
  • Skinfold calliper or other body composition tool
  • Spring-loaded Gulick (anthropometric) tape
  • Stethoscope and blood pressure cuff
  • Stopwatch
  • Metronome
  • Cones or a marked course
  • Treadmill track
  • Step or cycle ergometer
  • Sit-and-reach box or yardstick or roll of tape
  • Exercise mats

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Regarding your studio space, it is vital to consider the overall testing environment, particularly when it comes to minimising anxiety. To help children relax, try hanging up posters or pictures of cartoon characters or athletes who are exercising in a comparable setting. If time permits, show your young charges each piece of equipment in advance as well as demonstrate how they will utilise it.

During the proper assessment, it is best to take all measurements while standing at the child’s side as opposed to bending down to the child’s level because measurement error may occur when the tester is cramped or crouched.

An alternative is asking the child to stand on a steady platform or box so that he or she is at your level. Have a parent or co-worker present in the room when taking measurements on a child in order to avoid any situation which could be considered as being inappropriate. Having a parent nearby can also reduce the child’s apprehension during testing which will improve the validity of the test results.

Once the child or youth’s fitness levels have been ascertained then the appropriate exercise programme can be worked out for the participant. The programme must appeal to the participant on many levels, in other words exciting, easy to do, offer achievable goals, challenge different ability levels and most importantly it needs to be fun.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’re a qualified personal trainer and want to diversify your business to start training children, then we really recommend that you do our Exercise and Children Course. For more information, please follow this link.

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What does the endocrine system do? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-does-the-endocrine-system-do/ Wed, 26 Feb 2020 05:05:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14926 Once a hormone is secreted, it goes from the endocrine gland through the bloodstream to target cells which are designed to receive its message. Along the way to the target cells, specific proteins bind to some of the hormones. These distinct proteins act as carriers which control the amount of hormone which is available to...

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Once a hormone is secreted, it goes from the endocrine gland through the bloodstream to target cells which are designed to receive its message. Along the way to the target cells, specific proteins bind to some of the hormones. These distinct proteins act as carriers which control the amount of hormone which is available to interact with as well as affect the target cells.

In addition, the target cells have receptors which latch onto only specified hormones. Each hormone has its unique own receptor so that this hormone will communicate only with specific target cells which have receptors that match the hormone. When the hormone gets to its target cell it locks onto the cell’s unique receptors. These hormone-receptor groupings transmit chemical instructions to the inner mechanisms of the cell.

When hormone levels reach a specified normal or necessary amount, additional secretion is controlled by vital body mechanisms to sustain that level of hormone in the blood. This regulation of hormone production may involve the hormone itself or a different substance in the blood which is related to the hormone.

For instance, if the thyroid gland has secreted sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones into the blood the pituitary gland sees the normal levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream and adjusts its release of thyrotropin, which is the pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones.

Another example is parathyroid hormone which raises the level of calcium in the blood. When the level of blood calcium rises the parathyroid glands sense the change and decreases their secretion of the parathyroid hormone. This turnoff procedure is called a negative feedback system.

Challenges with the endocrine system

Incorrect levels of hormones can be harmful to the body. For example, if the pituitary gland secretes more  growth hormone than is necessary a child may grow disproportionately tall. If it does not produce enough a child may be unusually short. Regulating the production of or replacing specific hormones can treat many endocrine disorders in children and adolescents. Some of these may include the following:

Adrenal insufficiency

This condition is characterised by decreased function of the adrenal cortex as well as the resulting underproduction of adrenal corticosteroid hormones. The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency may include the following: weakness, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, dehydration as well as skin changes. Doctors treat adrenal insufficiency by administering alternate corticosteroid hormones.

Cushing syndrome

Unnecessary amounts of glucocorticoid hormones in the body can lead to Cushing syndrome. In children, it most frequently results when a child takes large doses of synthetic corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone in order to treat autoimmune diseases such as lupus. If the condition is due to a tumour in the pituitary gland that produces an excessive amount of corticotropin as well as stimulates the adrenals to overproduce corticosteroids it’s termed Cushing disease. Symptoms may take years to develop. These include obesity, growth failure, muscle weakness, simple bruising of the skin, acne, high blood pressure as well as psychological changes. Depending on the particular cause, doctors may treat this condition with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or drugs which block the creation of hormones.

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Type 1 diabetes

When the pancreas does not manufacture enough insulin, type 1 diabetes occurs. Symptoms include an excessive thirst, hunger, urination as well as  weight loss.

In children as well as teens the condition is typically an autoimmune disorder in which specific immune system cells and antibodies, which are produced by the immune system, attach to and destroy the cells of the pancreas which secrete insulin.

The disease can result in long-term complications including kidney problems, never damage, blindness, early-onset coronary heart disease as well as stroke. To regulate their blood sugar levels in addition to reducing the risk of developing diabetes complications, children with this condition require regular injections of insulin.

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How to design an exercise programme for children https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-design-an-exercise-programme-for-children/ Wed, 26 Feb 2020 05:00:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14921 The goal of a children’s fitness and exercise programme is to promote the idea that exercise and physical fitness is not only fun but important to their health and well-being as well as to instil a lifelong love of physical activity. Research has shown that children and the youth who incorporate physical activity into their...

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The goal of a children’s fitness and exercise programme is to promote the idea that exercise and physical fitness is not only fun but important to their health and well-being as well as to instil a lifelong love of physical activity.

Research has shown that children and the youth who incorporate physical activity into their lifestyle are more inclined to adopt other behaviours to complement their healthy lifestyle. Fitness professional and personal trainers working with children should know the differences in their cardiovascular, respiratory as well as musculoskeletal systems in order to develop safe and effective programmes.

Children’s cardiovascular system

Children have a lower and submaximal cardiac output, stroke volume, blood pressure, blood volume and haemoglobin owing to their smaller body size and heart volume.

A child’s heart is only about 30% of the size of an adult heart. Thus in order to compensate children have increased average heart rates. The average resting heart rates in beats per minute are as follows:

  • 6 – 10 years: 96 BPM
  • 10 – 14 years: 85 BPM
  • 14 – 18 years: 82 BPM

A child’s phosphagen energy system is similar to that of an adult and they are well suited to intermittent activity with sort rest periods. Activities which necessitate short, intense bursts of energy (and are followed by a brief rest, for example, games and relay races) are well suited to children. A child’s ability to work in the glycogen system is somewhat compromised due to a lower contraction and utilisation of glucose and glycogen.

The respiratory system of a child

Children have smaller, immature lungs. In children aged between five and eight, the lungs are just 20% developed. This results in an enhanced ventilation oxygen cost owing to the increased rate of breathing.

Children have a decreased absolute VO2 Max as opposed to adults. They also have an elevated submaximal oxygen demand in activities such as walking and running due to the increased oxygen cost of breathing. Owing to their immature lungs,  improvements to the aerobic system are somewhat limited because of their immature cardiovascular system. Prior to puberty, boys and girls are both capable of performing and often girls outperform boys. This changes after puberty, however.

Musculoskeletal system

The bones of children are smaller in addition to more fragile Epipheses or growth plates are active as well as susceptible to injury. The growth plates which are located at the distal radius and ulna – as well as at the femur, tibia and fibula – do not close for males until they are between 18 and 20. For females, this age is between 17 and 19. Fains in muscle strength are possible in children however strength training is ineffective at producing hypertrophy as until adolescence there is not enough muscle.

For more children, physical activity provides an opportunity to have fun and promote the basis for good health as well as an enhanced quality of life for the future. However, there are a small number of children or youth who may be at risk when participating in any exercise or physical activity programme. It is therefore important for the personal trainer to do fitness tests and get the young person, guardian or parent to complete a screening form.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about exercise and the youth? If you do them check out our Exercise and Children Course.

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What is a fixator muscle? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-fixator-muscle/ Tue, 25 Feb 2020 05:00:22 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14904 Muscles must work in harmony to produce different bodily movements and a particular muscle’s role may change depending on the movement. The most important aspect of understanding how muscles function to produce a joint movement is synergy. ‘Synergy’ means that two or more things work together to produce a result that is greater than any...

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Muscles must work in harmony to produce different bodily movements and a particular muscle’s role may change depending on the movement. The most important aspect of understanding how muscles function to produce a joint movement is synergy.

‘Synergy’ means that two or more things work together to produce a result that is greater than any of those things could do along. This means that the whole result is greater than the some of the individual effects of the agents which are involved. Even the simplest joint movement necessitates muscles working in unison in this synergistic or cooperative fashion. When a group of muscles works together to optimally perform a given motor task this is known as muscle synergy.

A fixator muscle is a stabiliser which acts to eliminate the unnecessary movement of an agonist’s, or prime mover’s, origin. A lot of muscles are affixed to more than one bone. When this takes place the muscles are said to be multi-articulate or multi-joints muscles. At the time that these muscles contract they tend to move both bones to which they are attached. This would, of course, make everyday movements completely impossible.

For example, consider elbow flexion by the biceps brachii. When you perform a curl the biceps act to flex the elbow. However, the biceps are attached at two places, proximally as well as distally. Its distal attachment is to the radius and we want to move the radius bone when we curl a dumbbell or barbell.

One of its proximal attachments though is to the scapula. The scapula is an incredibly mobile bone. In fact, it has no really bony attachments of its own. When the biceps contract the muscle will tend to draw on the radius and the scapula together. The movement of the scapula must not take place. This is accomplished by the action of fixators. Specifically, the trapezius, as well as rhomboids, work isometrically to make sure that the scapula does not move on the torso.

What is a neutraliser muscle?

Neutralisers, like fixators, act to prevent unwanted movements. However instead of acting to prevent the unwanted movement of a body part these muscles act to pull against as well as cancel out a line of pull (that is not needed) from the agonist or prime mover. Several muscles can produce a pulling force in many directions so that an undesired joint action may occur simultaneously with the desired one. Neturalisers prevent this.

For example, the biceps brachii can perform more actions than flexing the elbow. It can also twist the forearm so that the palm faces up. In order for the biceps action to flex the elbow with the forearm also being supinated an additional muscle must cancel out the supination torque which the biceps also produce. The pronator teres, as the principal forearm pronator, is responsible for doing this.

Test out the action of the pronator teres for yourself. It is possible for you to easily palpate the pronator teres by flexing your elbow as well as making a fist as if you are holding a hammer in your hand. This is a neutral forearm position and the pronator teres will start to contract. You can feel the muscle with your opposite fingers inside the middle of your forearm.

Relax your forearm. Lift your hand up towards the ceiling. You will feel that the pronator teres is relaxing as well as lengthening. At first, it was contracting to offer a pronating force against the biceps supinating force. This is while the elbow is flexed when you supinated your forearm. It then relaxed to allow this action to take place. On the other hand, if forearm supination was desired without elbow flexion the triceps would act isometrically to resist the flexion so making it a neutraliser.

A detailed analysis of movement is a complex activity requiring sophisticated equipment. However, the basic analysis of movement can be done virtually and should involve, for example, the following: a description of the precise movements which occur at the joints recruited, the plane(s) in which the movement occurs as well as the muscles producing the movent.

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Want to learn more about human movement and how to properly teach people exercises? If you do then you should do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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How fitness entrepreneurs should be keeping records and information https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-fitness-entrepreneurs-should-be-keeping-records-and-information/ Mon, 24 Feb 2020 05:00:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14888 Keeping records and information has got to be the least popular part of starting and running your own fitness business. Owners of fitness businesses are seldom trained accountants so this area of the company is often neglected. So, before you start panicking and putting out your CV for the personal training jobs, let’s start with...

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Keeping records and information has got to be the least popular part of starting and running your own fitness business. Owners of fitness businesses are seldom trained accountants so this area of the company is often neglected. So, before you start panicking and putting out your CV for the personal training jobs, let’s start with some basic guidelines.

What is a sole proprietor?

The simplest form of fitness business start-up is what is referred to as a sole proprietor. This is nothing more than a person who trades using his/her own name. there are no formal registration requirements and you can simply begin trading.

However, once you start trading as a fitness business you will need to do the following:

  • Open a bank account that is registered in your own name if you don’t own one,
  • Register on the South African Revenue Service website for income tax purposes, and
  • Register with the South African Revenue Service for VAT however if your turnover is low this may not be necessary.

If you are going to be employing people you will then also need to register for:

  • UIF (Unemployment Insurance),
  • PAYE (as an employer),
  • Workmens Compensation (which is now called COID), and
  • Skills Development Levy.

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Keep records of what’s happening in your fitness business

Invoices

As a fitness entrepreneur, when your business provides a service or sells a product (such as a nutritional supplement or something similar) you will generally be required to issue your customer with an invoice. This is simply a document that is addressed to your customer in addition to containing your company information, for instance, name, address, contact numbers, registration number and VAT number as well as information about the sale such as quantity description of foods or services, price and the amount of VAT

If you are providing goods or services on account, you can make use of an invoice as a delivery note. This means that your customer signs the invoice when the goods or services are delivered and it becomes proof that these were delivered. Your invoices must follow a numerical sequence. To staff off you can buy invoice books from your local stationery shop otherwise most account software packages will put together invoices automatically for you.

Statement

If you are going to allow your customers to buy on account then you will need to give them a monthly statement which is simply a document with your copay details on it that provides information on the most recent month’s transactions with the customer.

Others

Each company should also have order or purchase forms, goods received notes, good returned notes and possibly delivery notes however these are not essential for very small businesses as much of the work is done verbally or (alternatively) on the invoice.

Returns

Every month it is necessary that you fill out and submit the following forms if you are an employer:

  • PAYE
  • UIF
  • SDL

SARS has recently made this task a bit easier by permitting all three of the above forms to be completed on their EMP201 form. This needs to be completed as well as paid for by the 7th of each month. As an employer it is also necessary that you provide your employees with wage or salary slips which explain exaxtly what you are paying and what any deductions are for.

Regarding  UIF you will also need to advise the Department of Employment and Labour about any changes in the details of your employees. Examples are pay rates, registration and new employees. Every alternative month you’ll also need to submit your VAT return and pay across the VAT due if you are VAT registered.

Accounts

Every month you should also try and work out your income statement, balance sheet, cash flow, debtors ageing and creditors ageing. These can be done with most simple accounting packages or manually. These calculations will help you to understand how well or badly your fitness business is performing.

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How to do a bench press correctly https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-do-a-bench-press-correctly/ Fri, 21 Feb 2020 05:05:35 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14880 The bench press is one of the more popular upper body exercises at the gym but also one of the most dangerous. If you don’t bench press properly you could risk hurting yourself and not only that if your form is wrong you won’t see results as fast as you should. Variations of the bench...

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The bench press is one of the more popular upper body exercises at the gym but also one of the most dangerous. If you don’t bench press properly you could risk hurting yourself and not only that if your form is wrong you won’t see results as fast as you should.

Variations of the bench press

There are a few distinct variations of the bench press but these are the three major ones that are regulated by the angle of the bench:

  • Incline Bench Press which attacks your shoulders as well as your upper chest muscles
  • Flat bench press which is done in a neutral position
  • Decline bench press which lets you to lift more weight as opposed to the other two positions.

What you must keep in mind to do when performing the bench press?

Safety is very important when doing the bench press because of the weight of the bar in addition to its position directly over your chest. Keep these pointers in mind and you’ll lower your risk of injury.

  1. Use a spotter

The bench press is an exercise that you always want to use a spotter for. In your later reps you might stall the weights on your chest and need help to get it up to the rack.

  1. Keep your thumbs wrapped about the bar

If you grip the barbell using a thumb-less grip you run the risk of the bar slipping while you are pressing the weight. If you do these chances are it will fall onto your chest which will cause you injury.

  1. Stay at a comfortable weight

Start with a reasonable weight until you get comfortable with your form. Then increase it in small increments.

The perfect form for the bench press

Keeping the proper form is key to any exercise but it’s paramount during the bench press:

  • Tight upper back, big chest:

Squeeze your shoulder blades together while keeping them down. This will make a stable platform for your shoulders on the bench. Push your chest up as much as possible and keep it that way throughout the set. If you lose your upper back tightness and your chest goes flat then lower the weight.

  • Proper bench press grip

Get a handle on the bar so that your forearms are at right angles to the floor when the bar reaches your chest. Keep the bar close to your wrist and in the palm of your hand.

  • Feet

Keep your feet planted on the ground.

  • Head position

Don’t push your head into the bench. Try to keep it less than an inch off the bench.

Bench presses are an exercise which can be used to tone the muscles of your upper body. These include the pectorals, arms and shoulders. Depending on your fitness goals, as we’ve seen earlier in this article there are a number of different variations of bench presses that work slightly different muscles such as a narrower grip bench press which also works the triceps as well as forearms.

Other plus factors of including bench presses in your weight-training regimen include enhancing upper body strength, increasing muscular endurance, and even training your upper body to do movements like push-ups. With so many benefits of doing the bench press, there’s never been a better time to start!

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Want to know more about other exercises that you can do to train your body? If you do, then our Personal Training Diploma is the perfect course for you. For more information, please follow this link.

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How to develop strength https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-develop-strength/ Fri, 21 Feb 2020 05:00:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14876 There are many ways to develop strength. The trick is to exercise your muscles effectively for strength, endurance and/or size while avoiding injury. The following can be used as guidelines for achieving these goals. Selection It is important that a person has at least one strength exercise for each major muscle group to ensure balance...

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There are many ways to develop strength. The trick is to exercise your muscles effectively for strength, endurance and/or size while avoiding injury. The following can be used as guidelines for achieving these goals.

Selection

It is important that a person has at least one strength exercise for each major muscle group to ensure balance in strength gains and decrease the change of injury. The major muscle groups include the following:

  • Quadriceps (thighs or the front of the upper leg)
  • Hamstrings (back of the upper leg)
  • Hip adductors (inner thighs)
  • Hip abductors (outer hips and thighs)
  • Lower back
  • Abdominals
  • Pectoralis major (chest)
  • Latissimus dorsi (upper back)
  • Deltoids (shoulders),
  • Biceps (front of the upper arm),
  • Triceps (back of the upper arm),
  • Neck flexors, and
  • Extensors (neck).

Other groups of muscles which should be trained regularly include:

  • Gluteus (butt),
  • Obliques (side of the stomach),
  • Gastrocnemius (calves),
  • Anterior tibialis (front lower leg),
  • Forearm flexors, and
  • Extensors (forearm).

Sequence

When performing strength-training exercises a person should always work from the larger muscles of the legs to the smaller muscles. This allows a person to perform the most demanding exercise of the large muscles when fatigue is at its lowest point.

Speed

Speed plays a major part in strength training. Performing each exercise movement in a slow and rhythmical movement is important. A person should not jerk or go at a fast pace when exercising. Concentrate on slowing and completing each movement correctly. Slower movements put more stress on the muscle which gives more resistance and force throughout a full range of motion. Controlled movements translate into greater strength and size gains. Always emphasise the lowering movement called the negative or eccentric phase of the exercise. For example, when lowering a barbell during a biceps curl go slower. A pace of about three seconds is recommended.

Sets

A set is defined as a number of successive repetitions performed without resting. The number of sets performed is a personal preference although beginners should try to stick to one or two sets of lighter resistance in the beginning.

A person should do a set until there is momentary muscle failure which is lifting to the point where a person cannot lift anymore without failing, jerking or doing the exercise incorrectly. Those who do multiple set training should rest or recover for between one to three minutes between sets.

Resistance and repetitions

When a person is exercising for strength purposes the trick is to exercise to the point of momentary muscle failure. Most people can complete about six repetitions at 85%  maximum resistance, eight repetitions at about 80%, 10 repetitions at about 75% and 12 repetitions at about 70% before reaching momentary muscle failure. This is a general guideline because everyone is different. Maximum resistance is measured by how much resistance a person can lift in one repetition. Beginners should not ensure maximum one repetition resistance as this can be dangerous and lead to injury. A professional personal trainer helps a person to find their maximum resistance.

Because training at 85% or above increases the risk of injury it is recommended that a person training at eight to 12 repetitions which beginners working with higher repetitions at a lower weight. This makes strength training safe and effective. Some people who are advanced may benefit from using higher weights at lower than eight reps but keep in mind that this kind of training requires more recovery time before exercising the same muscle group again.

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Strength Differences Between Men and Women: Explained https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/strength-differences-between-men-and-women-explained/ Thu, 20 Feb 2020 05:05:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14866 Women naturally have less muscle mass than found in men which accounts for a lot of strength differences. They also tend to be physically small than men. In addition, women usually have high levels of oestrogen in their bodies which is a hormone that limits the capacity to build lots of new muscle tissue. Conversely,...

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Women naturally have less muscle mass than found in men which accounts for a lot of strength differences. They also tend to be physically small than men. In addition, women usually have high levels of oestrogen in their bodies which is a hormone that limits the capacity to build lots of new muscle tissue.

Conversely, men usually have high levels of testosterone in their bodies which is a hormone that stimulates muscle growth and protein production. When men perform strength training exercises, testosterone also stimulates the release of a substance called growth hormone which helps the body burn fat and create sufficient energy for muscle growth.

Genetic differences between men and women

Despite their general tendencies for limited muscle growth, not all women respond to muscle-building exercises the same way. A main underlying reason for this fact is the natural variation in female body types.

Mesomorphic women, who are usually muscular, tend to build muscle mass relatively quickly when they work out and can experience marked exercise-related changed in their physical appearance.

Endomorphic women, who usually have higher amounts of body fat typically need to shed some of that fat before they can build muscle mass or shape.

Ectomorphic women, who are lean and thin, usually have trouble building muscle size but can easily make gains in muscle strength. Most women are endomorphs.

Relative improvements can be made

Like men, most women who regularly perform strength-training exercises for a few months will improve their muscular strength by between 20 and 40%. In addition, women who don’t gain muscle size while working out can see significant improvements in the muscle tone and their ability to use their muscles repeatedly during everyday events and activities. Additional known benefits of strength training for women, as well as men, include improvements in bone strength, balance, circulation and coordination.

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Things that need to be considered

Both men and women can typically improve their short-term muscle strength by performing their workouts with low repetitions and heavyweights. Conversely, they can build their longer-term muscle endurance by performing their workouts with higher repetitions and light weights. Women seeking to gain muscle size or strength will usually benefit from an exercise routine that fits their specific body type.

Muscular strength differences in women as compared to men

It is widely known that, on average, men are stronger than women. A big part of the difference lies in the amounts of muscle that each gender has in their bodies. That is, mean are stronger simply because they are typically larger. Much of the reason for greater strength is larger muscles. Kilogram for kilogram, there is a much smaller difference between men and women than most would assume.

Women usually produce about two-thirds the amount of total strength and applied force which men produce. Men are also physically built so that they generally carry two-thirds as much muscle mass as women. This provides that there is, in fact, a difference in strength that men are typically stronger and that most of the difference is based on body size and muscle cross-sectional area alone.

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What is optimal hydration during training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-optimal-hydration-during-training/ Wed, 19 Feb 2020 05:05:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14853 Remaining hydrated is very important during exercise. Acceptable fluid intake is crucial to comfort, performance as well as safety. The longer and more intensely it is that you exercise the more important it is to drink the correct type of fluids. What are athletes’ hydration needs? As there is a broad variation in the sweat...

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Remaining hydrated is very important during exercise. Acceptable fluid intake is crucial to comfort, performance as well as safety. The longer and more intensely it is that you exercise the more important it is to drink the correct type of fluids.

What are athletes’ hydration needs?

As there is a broad variation in the sweat rates, losses as well as hydration levels of individuals, it is virtually impossible to provide specific recommendations or guidelines regarding the type or amount of fluids that athletes should consume.

Finding out what the correct amount of fluid to drink depends on a variety of individual factors which includes the length and intensity of exercise in addition to other individual differences. There are, however, two easy methods of estimating sufficient hydration:

  1. Monitoring urine volume output and colour. A large amount of light-coloured, diluted urine probably means you are hydrated. Dark-coloured, concentrated urine probably means that you are suffering from dehydration.
  2. Weighing yourself before as well as after exercise. Any weight which is lost is likely from fluid so try to drink enough to replenish those losses. Any weight gain could mean that you are drinking more than you should.

How athletes lose water

There are a number of ways in which athletes can lose water. Here are some of them:

  • High altitudes. Exercising at high altitudes is responsible for increasing your fluid losses and therefore increases your fluid needs.
  • Exercising during the heat of the day increases your fluid losses through sweating. Exercising in the cold can impair your ability to recognise fluid losses. It can also increase fluid that is lost via respiration. In both instances, it is crucial that the athlete hydrates.
  • A number of athletes sweat more as opposed to others. If you sweat more than usual, you are at an increased risk for dehydration. We need to reiterate that you should weigh yourself before and after exercise to judge sweat loss.
  • Exercise duration and intensity. Exercising for hours (as is the case with endurance sports) means that you need to drink more and more frequently to avoid dehydration.

Is the jury still out on sports drinks?

Sports drinks can be helpful for athletes who are exercising at a high intensity for 60 minutes or more. Fluids supplying 60 to 100 calories per eight ounces assist with providing the calories needed for uninterrupted performance.

It’s not necessary to replenish losses of sodium, potassium as well as other electrolytes during exercise. This is because you’re unlikely to deplete your body’s stores of these minerals during regular training. If, however, you find yourself exercising in extremely hot or cold conditions over three or five hours, you may likely want to add to your hydration schedule that a complex sports drink with electrolytes.

Is it conceivable for athletes to drink too much water?

While rare, athletes can drink too much water and suffer from hyponatremia (which is otherwise called water intoxication). Consuming excessive amounts of water can be the cause of a low concentration of sodium in the blood which is a severe medical emergency.

Drinking adequate fluids during an endurance event not only makes the difference between finishing and not finishing. It can also make the difference between becoming seriously ill or not and between living and dying. The body is between 55 and 75% water and exercising uses the body’s water at a faster rate than when sedentary. If it’s not replaced, performance and health suffer.

As a personal trainer, a good number of your clients will be athletes who come to you in order to help them to increase their performance.

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What is cross-training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-cross-training/ Tue, 18 Feb 2020 05:05:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14830 ‘Cross-training’ is typically defined as an exercise regimen that uses several modes of training to develop a specific component of fitness. Instead of jogging three days a week to get an aerobic workout, you alternate jogging with swimming, biking as well as tennis. Rather than using the same weight machines every time you go to...

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‘Cross-training’ is typically defined as an exercise regimen that uses several modes of training to develop a specific component of fitness. Instead of jogging three days a week to get an aerobic workout, you alternate jogging with swimming, biking as well as tennis. Rather than using the same weight machines every time you go to the gym, you vary it with some free weight exercises or attending a class where you work on strength conditioning.

Cross-training is a great way to put together a balanced fitness programme. Varying your workout routines engages different muscle groups. This not only enhances your overall fitness but it helps to prevent overuse injuries that are more common in single-sport activities.

Benefits of Cross-training

The following are loads of benefits which cross-training offers:

  • Reduced risk of injury. By spreading the growing level of orthopaedic stress over additional muscles and joints, individuals can exercise more frequently as well as for longer durations without excessively overloading particularly vulnerable areas of the body such as knees, hips, back, shoulders, elbows in addition to feet. People who are particularly susceptible to lower-leg problems from running long distances should consider incorporating low-impact activities such as the elliptical machine.
  • Enhanced weight loss. People who want to lose weight and body fat should engage in an exercise programme that enables them to burn a significant number of calories safely. Research has indicated that such a goal, in most instances, is best accomplished when individuals exercise for relatively long durations, in other worlds more than 30 minutes at a moderate level of intensity, in other words, 60% to 85% of maximal heart rate. People who are overweight can effectively achieve a reduction in body weight as well as fat stores by putting together two or more physical activities in a cross-training exercise plan. They can, for instance, exercise on an elliptical trainer for between 20 and 30 minutes, and then cycle for an extra 20 to 30 minutes.

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  • Improved total fitness. Cross-training can include activities that develop muscular fitness as well as aerobic conditioning while a person’s muscular fitness gains will usually be less than if he or she concentrates only on strength training the additional benefits of improving muscular strength as well as endurance can allow the person to reap substantial dividends. For example, research has indicated that resistance training can help individuals prevent injury, regulate body weight as well as increase functional capacity.
  • Enhanced exercise adherence. Research regarding exercise adherence indicates that many individuals drop out of exercise programmes because they come bored or, alternatively, injured. Cross-training is a safe and relatively easy way to add variety to an exercise programme. In the process, it can be a positive role in promoting long-term exercise adherence through the process of reducing the incidence of injury as well as eliminating or diminishing the potential for boredom.

Before beginning a new exercise programme, talk to your doctor and make sure that it is safe for you to participate in. Some activities are not suitable for people with certain physical limitations.

Effective fitness programme

All effective fitness programmes have three components:

  • Aerobic exercises (for example, stair climbing, walking, skating) which improve cardiovascular capabilities.
  • Strength training (for example weight lifting, push-ups)helps to develop muscle strength and tone
  • Flexibility exercises (such as stretches and Yoga) help to keep muscles limber.

To reap the most benefit from physical activity, you should do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days. You can split the 30 minutes of activity into shorter periods as long as it adds up during the course of the day.

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What are the different types of Olympic lifting? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-different-types-of-olympic-lifting/ Mon, 17 Feb 2020 05:05:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14809 Olympic lifting has become a lot more than a sport. Many people are starting to incorporate Olympic lifts into their workout routine for the strength, stability and power it improves. This is especially helpful for athletes who play sports, like rugby. There are six different types of Olympic weightlifting techniques that you can incorporate into...

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Olympic lifting has become a lot more than a sport. Many people are starting to incorporate Olympic lifts into their workout routine for the strength, stability and power it improves. This is especially helpful for athletes who play sports, like rugby.

There are six different types of Olympic weightlifting techniques that you can incorporate into your workout:

  1. Power Clean

Standing over the barbell with your feet hip-width apart, squat down and grip the bar just outside your feet. Your shoulders should be over the bar.

Keeping the bar as close to your body as possible, drive it up with your legs. Once the bar passes your knees, extend your hips in an explosive movement and use the momentum to carry the bar up.

When your hips are fully extended, quickly drive your body under and catch the bar in the front rack position (with your elbows as high as possible). You should be in a partial quarter squat at this point.

Then, slowly lower the bar to your hips. Absorb the bar with your bent knees and hips and lower to the ground.

  1. Front Squat

Starting with the bar in the front rack position, place your feet hip-width apart. Then slowly sit back into a squat, ensuring not to fold your knees in.

Squat until you can’t maintain an upright posture, keeping your elbows high and chest pressed forward.

Then press through your glutes and drive back up to a standing position.

  1. Squat Clean

Start the same as you would for Power Clean. Once you have fully extended your hips like with a Power Clean, immediately drive the bar above your waist. Drive under the bar into a full squat.

In an explosive movement, drive the bar up to your shoulders. Then slowly lower it back down, absorbing with your knees bent and hips.

  1. Push Jerk

Holding the bar over your shoulder while standing with feet hip-width apart, slightly dip and drive the barbell up off your shoulders with your legs in an explosive movement. Keep your posture upright and elbows under the bar.

Before it reaches the full height and slows down, quickly dip under the bar and catch it with your arms extended in an overhead position. Your arms should be locked out and your hips and knees should be extended to stabilise the barbell.

Slowly lower the barbell back to your shoulders.

  1. Power Snatch

Standing over the barbell with your feet hip-width apart, squat down and grip the bar in a very wide overhead grip. Your shoulder should be over the bar.

Drive the bar up with your legs, keeping it close to your body. Once it passes your knees, extend your hips in an explosive movement and use the momentum to carry the bar up.

Once your hips are fully extended, quickly drive your body under the barbell and catch it in an overhead position.

Slowly lower it back to your hips while absorbing it with your knees bent and hips before lowering to the ground.

  1. Squat Snatch

Starting in the same position as you would for Power Snatch, however, after extending your hips and driving the barbell above your waist, immediately drive under the barbell into a full squat.

Drive it up over your head with your arms extended.

Then slowly lower the barbell to your hips and absorb with your knees bent and hips before lowering to the ground.

These six Olympic lifts are a great way to add strength, endurance, speed and power to your performance. By combining them with your workouts, you get the benefits of Olympic weightlifting without the competition.

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Why it’s never too late to start with Olympic lifting https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-its-never-too-late-to-start-with-olympic-lifting/ Fri, 14 Feb 2020 05:05:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14796 Olympic weightlifting takes years of training and practice to master. Even if you are in your 30s, 40s or even older, it’s not too late to start Olympic lifting. It does, however, mean that you need to start from a different point than younger lifters. No matter how old you are, though, the benefits of...

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Olympic weightlifting takes years of training and practice to master. Even if you are in your 30s, 40s or even older, it’s not too late to start Olympic lifting. It does, however, mean that you need to start from a different point than younger lifters.

No matter how old you are, though, the benefits of Olympic weightlifting still apply.

Strength

When you reach your middle ages, your physiological system starts to decline. Your muscle gains also slow down. In men, it also means that your testosterone starts to decrease.

Olympic weightlifting builds muscle and increases the density of your bone tissue. It can also help to remedy years of poor posture and immobility. For men, it also stimulates the production of testosterone and growth hormones.

Its anaerobic quality requires very short durations of energy. It engages more muscles and enables you to recruit muscles for stability rapidly.

This is beneficial because, as you get older without exercising, your body becomes week and prone to falling.

Speed

As you get older, along with other muscle mass, your ‘fast-twitch’ muscle fibres also disappear more rapidly. This makes it more challenging to train reactive speed.

You can still develop these ‘fast-twitch’ muscle fibres at an older age. You will, however, need to start light and with partial movements.

Experts recommend starting with building mobility and strength and then working into reactive speed training. This can be done by placing the bar at the top of your thighs in power positions and starting clean pulls from there as you progress toward the floor.

If you can’t catch the weight from there, options like an explosive pull onto the balls of your feet with a strong shrug can also work.

Lifting heavy

It will be a lot harder to get to the point of lifting heavy weights as you get older. The risk of injury will also increase, as your bones become too frail to support the weights it would have at a younger age. However, you don’t have to exceed 75% or 85% of your max with Olympic lifting. There are categories where you can lift at a comfortable weight and still get recognition.

Flexibility

As you grow older, your joints and body become a lot less agile and flexible. But flexibility can be improved at any age. The trick is to stretch frequently, regularly and consistently. You can do this by adding overhead squats, behind the neck presses, push presses and front squats to your workout programme.

It is no secret that as you get older, your body becomes a lot less reliable, especially when you want to get into Olympic weightlifting. You often think it’s too late because of the weakness age brings but it isn’t. With the right exercises, caution and training you can build back your body’s strength, speed in addition flexibility over time until you can start lifting heavier weights.

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How to achieve your athletic goals https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-achieve-your-athletic-goals/ Thu, 13 Feb 2020 05:00:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14780 As an athlete, it is tremendously essential that you set goals for what you would like to meet. Achieving these goals can be a lot harder than setting them. It is crucial to set yourself a clear plan to achieve them. Give it 100% You won’t achieve your goals if you don’t apply yourself to...

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As an athlete, it is tremendously essential that you set goals for what you would like to meet. Achieving these goals can be a lot harder than setting them. It is crucial to set yourself a clear plan to achieve them.

Give it 100%

You won’t achieve your goals if you don’t apply yourself to what you’re doing with 100% effort. Yes, it’s as simple as that. Give it your all.

Commitment

Committing to your goal means that, even if you know that it will be hard to achieve it, you will still put in everything you have to get to where you want.

When you are committed, you see sacrifice as necessary rather than an option. This means that you sometimes have to sacrifice your social life to put the time in to achieve your goal or sacrifice your eating habits to follow a nutritional diet.

Self-discipline

When you have set a long-term goal, you need to see it through with self-discipline. This means you need to have a certain level of control over your own actions.

With self-discipline, you condition yourself to handle hard situations with what it takes to succeed.

Attitude

Having a negative attitude towards what it takes to achieve your goal can set you back. It demotivates you. This is why it’s essential to have the right attitude and focus yourself.

Having the right attitude means you need to be serious about achieving your goal, accept the responsibility, and do it with enthusiasm.

Dedication

When you are dedicated, you allocate every bit of energy and effort you have into your goal. This means you are highly motivated.

Being able to handle the bad situations in addition to enjoying the good ones will assist with giving you the drive and determination to dedicate yourself 100% to your fitness levels.

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Persistence

It is impossible to achieve all the fitness and exercise goals you set for yourself immediately. But it’s vital that, when you fail, you don’t stop trying to make them.

Composure

Along with persistence comes poise. When you fail, compose yourself, take a step back and look at the problem realistically. Make changes to your goals to keep persisting with them.

Maintenance

It’s important to keep continuous track of your progress and goals at regular intervals. This means reading over your goals and seeing what you are achieving. If you are making good progress, you will be more motivated to continue. It also gives you the opportunity to look at where you’re lacking.

Support

Surround yourself with people who are supportive as you try to reach your goals. They should be motivating you instead of distracting you from your goals.

Cut out the people who are taking time away from your efforts to achieve your goals.

You can’t reach your fitness and exercise goals if you don’t put in the effort that is necessary. This means you need to be determined, persistent, composed, dedicated and have self-discipline, the right attitude and the proper support.

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Why you need to stop avoiding kettlebell workouts https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-you-need-to-stop-avoiding-kettlebell-workouts/ Wed, 12 Feb 2020 05:05:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14766 Many people avoid kettlebell workouts because of the awkwardness of the cast iron ball with a handle. They tend to stick to the more traditional weights, which are a lot easier to use. As experts have shown though, the harder the exercise, the more effective. So why should you stop avoiding kettlebell workouts? All-in-one conditioning...

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Many people avoid kettlebell workouts because of the awkwardness of the cast iron ball with a handle. They tend to stick to the more traditional weights, which are a lot easier to use. As experts have shown though, the harder the exercise, the more effective.

So why should you stop avoiding kettlebell workouts?

All-in-one conditioning

Kettlebells can improve your strength, endurance, flexibility and balance. The convenience of being able to improve all four aspects of training with one piece of equipment also saves you a significant workout time.

More power output

With normal weights, your movements are slow and methodical. But with kettlebells, the exercises often require you to jerk the kettlebells in a quick, decisive movement. This develops power-endurance, which is your ability to produce movements over an extended period of time. It also enables fast muscular contractions over an extended period of time.

This means that you are able to put out more power when performing activities.

Improves balance

Kettlebell exercises force your body to contend with a constantly changing centre of gravity. As you throw the kettlebell around, your weight is displaced accordingly. This improves your balance.

The constant movement of kettlebells in a workout requires you to control the movement path, which improves your stabiliser muscles. When you pair this with a strong core, your balance increases.

Strong forearms and grip

Kettlebells have a thicker handle which makes it more taxing to hold onto. This improves the strength of your grip and forearms. And since the kettlebell’s centre of gravity is constantly moving, the muscles you use to grip it become more agile.

Improves cardio

Any form of exercise improves your cardio health. Kettlebell workouts are no different. Since they take place with your arms of over your head, your respiratory muscles are engaged. When the respiratory muscles are engaged, they are unable to focus on your breathing. This forces other respiratory muscles to play an even larger role in your cardiovascular fitness.

Improves core strength and stability

Many kettlebell exercises are a form of ballistic training. This improves your explosive power by increasing your acceleration and decreasing your deceleration. These explosive movements stimulate your core.

Kettlebell exercises also work your abs from all directions. This builds well-rounded core strength.

With some exercises, you will only be using one kettlebell on one side. This improves your core’s stability and strength at the same time.

Improves coordination

Because of the dynamic movements that come with kettlebell workouts, you will constantly be aware of your body. This is because, as the kettlebell comes over your head, and moves from side to side and swings in between your legs, you need to avoid losing control and getting hurt. This focus will improve your mind to muscle connection, which will, in turn, improve your coordination.

Kettlebells can be very awkward and unconventional, but they are very beneficial for your overall body health. Not only do they provide all four aspects of a workout – strength, endurance, flexibility and balance – in a single session, they also improve your power output. This should be reason enough to stop avoiding kettlebell workouts.

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Why kettlebells are the ultimate for calorie-burning https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-kettlebells-are-the-ultimate-for-calorie-burning/ Tue, 11 Feb 2020 05:05:48 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14745 When you are looking to lose weight however, strength, endurance, balance and flexibility exercises are not necessarily things you are focusing on. You want to burn calories. Kettlebell workouts are great for all of the above! One of the great things about kettlebell workouts is that it only takes half an hour to exercise your...

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When you are looking to lose weight however, strength, endurance, balance and flexibility exercises are not necessarily things you are focusing on. You want to burn calories. Kettlebell workouts are great for all of the above!

One of the great things about kettlebell workouts is that it only takes half an hour to exercise your entire body. This improves calorie burning.

Experts have shown that in just 20 minutes you can burn more than 400 calories with a kettlebell workout. This means that you burn more than 20 calories per minute and is equivalent to running 9km in six minutes.

Resistance

Kettlebells, like other weights, add resistance to your workout. This added resistance enables your body to burn more calories.

Different planes of movement

Instead of just moving up and down as you would with traditional weights, kettlebell workouts make you move from side to side, as well as in and out. It’s a lot more functional and realistic.

Because of this, you use more stabilising muscles, which increases the number of calories you burn.

Different weight, different calorie-burning

If you lift a kettlebell like you would traditional weights, you will burn the same calories. However, if you use the kettlebells to exercise into all the different planes of movement, you will burn more calories. This is because you are recruiting a lot more muscles than you would with traditional weight lifting exercises.

Recruits more muscles

Because kettlebell workouts are based around movement patterns rather than focusing on exercising a specific muscle, you use your entire body to perform the workout. When your entire body is engaged, it uses a lot more muscles to complete the movements. This means you use more energy and, in turn, burn more calories.

Improved Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption

Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) is your body’s ability to keep burning calories even after you have stopped exercising.

Kettlebell workouts create a large imbalance in homeostasis throughout your body. After your workout, your body needs to restore this imbalance, which burns more calories.

More weight

When you are starting out it is recommended to use a lighter kettlebell. As you get used to the exercises, you can increase the weight of the kettlebell. As you increase the weight of the kettlebell, you increase the number of calories you are burning.

Fluency

Kettlebell workouts are generally a series of movements if you perform these movements fluently and all at once, you will burn more calories than when you spread them out.

Intensity

The intensity of the kettlebell workout can also have an influence on the number of calories you are burning. The more intense, the more calories you burn.

Because of the explosive, dynamic movements required with kettlebells, your workout is more likely to be intense.

Kettlebell workouts require your entire body to support the change of gravity when you are shifting from one movement to the other. This increased engagement from your body, requires more muscles to work, which burns more calories. The resistance that the weight of the kettlebell provides also acts as a means to burn calories.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To find out more about exercising with kettlebells, you really need to do our kettlebell course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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What benefits will you get from TRX suspension training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-benefits-will-you-get-from-trx-suspension-training/ Mon, 10 Feb 2020 05:05:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14729 Suspension training looks a lot more daunting than it actually is. If performed correctly, it can actually improve your workout. Part of what makes suspension training so daunting is the TRX system, which stands for ‘total body resistance exercise’. This equipment uses to use gravity as resistance to your body weight. How does it work?...

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Suspension training looks a lot more daunting than it actually is. If performed correctly, it can actually improve your workout.

Part of what makes suspension training so daunting is the TRX system, which stands for ‘total body resistance exercise’. This equipment uses to use gravity as resistance to your body weight.

How does it work?

Suspension training challenges your body in unstable conditions. This forces you to consistently engage your core in order to be able to perform the exercises. In this case, gravity acts as resistance. This method helps you to build strength.

People are often wary about trying suspension training. Why add confusing equipment to normal exercises you can just do at home? Here is why:

Suitable for all levels

Whether you are just beginning to exercise or a veteran, suspension training is equally as beneficial and accessible. By simply changing your body position you can increase or decrease the intensity of the exercise. Making it suitable for anyone’s capabilities.

A fast, full-body workout

By using your body weight, TRX suspension training allows you to perform various exercises, that engage your entire body, in order to stabilise yourself. And because you are using your own body weight and one training tool, you are able to adjust your weight and position to increase the intensity of your workout and decrease the time of your exercise.

Builds a strong core

The TRX suspension trainer requires that you brace and stabilise your body with your abs, obliques and lower back. This makes leveraging your body weight as resistance easier and more effective. This constant engagement of your core strengthens it.

Strong posture

By engaging your core and relying on your arms a lot, suspension training can improve your posture. Controlling your stability and suspension with your arms works on your shoulders. Together with a strong core that supports your back and spine, strong shoulders can improve and strengthen your posture.

Strong joints

The pivoting motions that come with suspension training, along with the suspension itself, can improve the mobility of your joints. It also improves the strength of the muscles around and in your joints, which makes them more durable and increases their range of motion.

Portable

One of the concerns people have about TRX suspension training is that it’s easier to just do a simple workout from home. But what they don’t know is that the TRX suspension trainer is portable. You can hook it onto an elevated beam or door in order to use it.

Versatile

TRX suspension training also enables you to do more than 300 variations of exercises you didn’t even know could be performed in different ways. You can easily change your body’s position to change the exercise without putting yourself at too much risk.

Changeable

When you are using TRX suspension training as a way to improve a sport or specific part of your body, it is easy to change the point of instability on the trainer to focus the exercise on a specific place. When you are a tennis player, your body is moving but the ground isn’t, so the instability is coming from the top. If you are an ice hockey player, the instability is coming from the ground. You can change this point of instability by placing your hands or feet in the bars or straps.

The benefits of TRX suspension training are great! It is accessible to any calibre of trainees, the range of exercises you are able to do with it is very versatile, it is portable and it is changeable. All these things allow for a very personalised and effective workout that builds strength, flexibility and stability.

Applied to exercises

When you take normal exercises and compare them with their suspension training version, you can clearly see the strength benefits:

  • Press-ups (inclined): The work your chest, triceps as well as the front of your shoulders, but the instability of holding rings forces your core muscles and your shoulders’ stabilising muscles to be fully engaged to keep your body stable. This means you’ll be able to lift heavier weights.
  • Triceps dip: The instability of the rings forces you to focus on your form and slow, good-quality reps. This forces your triceps muscles to work harder and more efficiently. It also engages your abs, lower back and glutes to keep your torso upright and prevent your legs from swinging.
  • Abs roll-out: Using rings recruits more muscles to keep you balanced when doing abs roll-out.

Suspension training can be just as, if not more, effective as traditional strength training. By forcing your entire body, especially your abs, to engage during the workout in order to keep you balanced and stable, suspension training helps you to build more strength.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover more about suspension training, we recommend that you do our suspension training course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

 

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How to train for fat loss using kettlebells https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-train-for-fat-loss-using-kettlebells/ Mon, 10 Feb 2020 05:00:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14721 Experts have shown that kettlebell exercises are a lot more effective than cardio for calorie burning. And everyone knows that the more calories you burn, the more fat you lose. In addition, the more lean muscle you develop, through strength training, the more fat you’ll burn. Kettlebell exercises recruit more muscles over your entire body...

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Experts have shown that kettlebell exercises are a lot more effective than cardio for calorie burning. And everyone knows that the more calories you burn, the more fat you lose. In addition, the more lean muscle you develop, through strength training, the more fat you’ll burn. Kettlebell exercises recruit more muscles over your entire body than your usual cardio workouts.

Kettlebell exercises also take up a lot less time than traditional cardio workouts. You also burn a lot more calories after the workout. For these reasons, it is beneficial to include kettlebell exercises into your fat loss workout.

Swings

Standing with your feet marginally wider than shoulder-width apart and having your knees bent, lean forward and grab the kettlebell with both hands.

Keeping your back flat, swing the weight between your legs. Then drive your hips forward and, with an explosive movement, pull the kettlebell up to shoulder level. Your arms should be extended straight in front of you.

Return the kettlebell between your legs and repeat the movement without pausing.

Goblet Squat

Standing with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, clasp a kettlebell in each hand in front of your chest and have your palms facing each other.

Bend your knees and lower yourself into a squat. Keeping your back straight, return to a standing position and repeat.

Renegade Row

In a push-up position, place two kettlebells below your shoulders and hold onto their handles with your hands. Widen your legs for more support, keep your arms straight and maintain your body in a straight line.

Retracting your shoulder blade, pull your arm up to your side with the kettlebell in your hand. Lower it back down to the ground. Repeat while alternating sides.

Deadlift

Stand with your feet being hip-width apart. Place the kettlebell on the mat between your feet. Bend your knees slightly while you hinge forward at your hips to pick up the kettlebell. Keep your spine neutral and your hips pushed back.

Grab the handle of the kettlebell and stand up using your glutes. Make sure you keep your core engaged and the kettlebell close to your body.

Return the kettlebell to the floor with an equal amount of control and repeat.

Russian Twist

Sit on the floor with bending your knees. Hold a kettlebell with both hands in front of your chest. Raise your feet off the floor so your lower legs are parallel to the floor.

Making sure that your core is kept engaged and your spine is straight, rotate your upper body to the side. Reverse the movement to the centre and rotate to the other side. Repeat.

Lunge and Press

Standing up with a kettlebell in one hand, pull the kettlebell into your shoulder. Step the opposite leg forward into a lunge, ensuring your legs are at a 90-degree angle. Keep your back straight as straight as possible and push back up into a standing position. At the same time, push your arm with the kettlebell above your head. Alternate and repeat.

These exercises work your entire body, especially your core. They recruit almost all the muscles in your body, which improves the number of calories you burn during and after the workout. The more calories you burn, especially after the workout, the more weight you lose. This is why kettlebell workouts are great for losing weight.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about exercising with kettlebells? If you do then you need to do our kettlebell course. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

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How to increase athletic performance with Olympic lifting https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-increase-athletic-performance-with-olympic-lifting/ Fri, 07 Feb 2020 05:05:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14710 Some athletes incorporate Olympic lifts into their strength training routines in order to boost their athletic performance. This is because it offers benefits such as increased strength, speed and power, which athletes need to play sports. Improved power Power is a vital aspect of performance for many sports. An athlete’s strength, high-load speed-strength, low-load speed...

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Some athletes incorporate Olympic lifts into their strength training routines in order to boost their athletic performance. This is because it offers benefits such as increased strength, speed and power, which athletes need to play sports.

Improved power

Power is a vital aspect of performance for many sports. An athlete’s strength, high-load speed-strength, low-load speed strength, rate of force development, reactive strength, power endurance and skill performance all have an effect on their power output.

Olympic lifts build strength with fast, precise movements. These movements improve all seven aspects of power output.

Whole-body compound movements

The term ‘compound exercises’ refers to multi-joint movements that involve several muscles. Olympic lifts involve the entire kinetic chain of movements as they require a variety of actions.

Power clean lifts develop your leg, hip, core strength and stability. During the upward movement of the lift, back and shoulder strength is developed. During the catch phase of the lift, the ability to absorb load is developed.

This improves an athlete’s power output during performance.

Replicate movement patterns

During athletic training, exercises that replicate sports performance help to prepare athletes.

Olympic lifts make use of the same natural movements as running, jumping, diving, tackling and throwing. This is because the ankle, knee and hip all extend at the same time during lower limb movements like running and jumping. It also replicates the core strength an athlete’s body needs to stabilise itself when catching something.

High motor recruitment

During sports, the faster athletes can recruit several motor groups at once. This means that their sped will be greater.

Olympic lifts develop quick neuromuscular recruitment to coordinate the sequence of movements during lifts. This explosive feature helps athletes to react quicker.

Improved posture and range of motion

Bad posture can cause an athlete’s force transfer to become inefficient. An athlete who has a limited range of motion can’t reach the position that will maximise their power and speed.

Olympic lifts improve posture by strengthening postural muscles that support the spine and pelvis. It also improves range of motion in an athlete’s hips.

Improves back strength

In sports, neck and spinal injuries are very common. Jolting tackles or falling incorrectly can be fatal for an athlete’s sports career when it injures the neck or spine.

Olympic lifts build muscles like the traps and lumbar muscles that support the neck and spine. They place a lot of strain on these muscles and help them develop. This makes them more capable of protecting your neck and spine.

Olympic lifting and athletic sports can be combined to increase athletic performance. Athletes can use Olympic lifting to develop their power output, strength, high motor recruitment, posture and range of motion. All these aspects are crucial when doing sports and can benefit the athlete’s performance.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about Olympic lifting, you need to do our Olympic lifting course. For more information, please follow this link.

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How to incorporate kettlebells into your workout routine https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-incorporate-kettlebells-into-your-workout-routine/ Fri, 07 Feb 2020 05:00:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14704 Kettlebells can add enormous value to your workout. Not only do these improve your strength, endurance, balance and flexibility, working out with this equipment also burns a lot more calories during a workout. Kettlebells are also portable, which means you aren’t confined to the gym to do your workouts. This makes it easy to include...

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Kettlebells can add enormous value to your workout. Not only do these improve your strength, endurance, balance and flexibility, working out with this equipment also burns a lot more calories during a workout.

Kettlebells are also portable, which means you aren’t confined to the gym to do your workouts. This makes it easy to include them into your workout routine wherever you go.

Here’s how you can effectively incorporate kettlebells into your workout routine:

Replace exercises from your current routine

If you are already using traditional weights such as barbells or dumbbells in your routine, you can easily replace these with kettlebells.

There are different ways you can go about this:

  • Replace similar movements: If you are doing a dumbbell overhead press, simply replace it with a kettlebell overhead press.
  • Upper body: You can replace upper body exercises with kettlebell exercises, like presses and rows, and keep using barbells for lower body exercises.
  • High rep exercises: Try using kettlebells for high rep exercises like snatches and swings, and use barbells for the low rep heavy exercises.
  • Single leg exercises: Replace exercises where you use one leg and weights, like pistol squats, with kettlebells.

Warm-ups

If you are not ready to incorporate kettlebells into your entire workout, try replacing warm-up exercises with kettlebell exercises.

Some exercises:

  • Turkish Get-Ups
  • Windmills
  • Halos
  • Slingshots
  • Good Mornings
  • Single-Leg Deadlifts
  • Bottoms Up Clean

Conditionings

Kettlebell workouts include many ballistic exercises which are great for conditioning. These exercises can challenge your cardio both aerobically and anaerobically.

These conditioning exercises usually come at the end of your workout as a way to improve your cardio or burn additional fat.

Some exercises are:

  • Swings
  • Snatches
  • Thrusters
  • High Pulls
  • Clean and Presses

Two days a week

If you have a very strict sport, running or martial arts regime then it can be difficult to include kettlebells in your workout. However, you can add two days of kettlebell training to your week.

You can adjust these workouts to your goals and as a way to enhance your performance in existing workout regimes.

Try replacing these with a kettlebell exercise

  • Dumbbell Shoulder Press with Kettlebell Military Press
  • One-Arm Dumbbell Row with One-Arm Kettlebell Row
  • Seated Cable Row with Double Bent-Over Kettlebell Row
  • Standing Barbell Press with Kettlebell Clean and Press
  • Barbell Front Squat with Kettlebell Front Squat
  • Incline Bench Press with Incline Kettlebell Press on Stability Ball
  • Dumbbell Alternating Curl with Kettlebell Alternating Curl
  • Barbell Stiff-Legged Deadlift with Kettlebell One-Legged Stiff-Legged Deadlift

If you want to incorporate kettlebell workouts into your normal workout routine, try switching out exercises you normally perform with dumbbells and barbells with kettlebell exercises. You can gradually integrate them into your workout routine by including them in your warm-ups, as conditioning after an exercise, or even twice a week.

Contact Trifocus FitnessAcademy

To learn more about kettlebells and how you can incorporate them into your workout, or into the workouts of your clients, we really recommend that you do our kettlebell course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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How to avoid some of the biggest suspension training mistakes https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-avoid-some-of-the-biggest-suspension-training-mistakes/ Thu, 06 Feb 2020 06:24:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14690 Understanding suspension training equipment can be tasking and using it even more so. From gripping gymnastic rings incorrectly to getting entangled in the suspension straps, any number of things can go wrong. This can result in some serious injuries. To avoid getting seriously hurt or embarrassed, you need to look at what you might be...

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Understanding suspension training equipment can be tasking and using it even more so. From gripping gymnastic rings incorrectly to getting entangled in the suspension straps, any number of things can go wrong. This can result in some serious injuries.

To avoid getting seriously hurt or embarrassed, you need to look at what you might be doing wrong and fix it. Here are some of the biggest suspension training mistakes and how to avoid them:

Feet placement

Where, as well as how, you place your feet plays a big role in suspension training. It not only increases the effectiveness of your workout, but it also reduces the risk of injury.

For this reason, it is incredibly vital to have a good understanding of how – in addition to where – you need to place your feet.

Core engagement

It is also important to keep your core engaged throughout the suspension training workout. If you don’t, you can risk injuring your back.

Joint positioning

It is very important to remain aware of where you place your joints as well as the correct way to do so. Flaring elbows, incorrect pelvic tilts and roaming knees can cause serious injuries.

Equal balance

With suspension training, your limbs will often have to act independently. This can easily lead to unequal pressures on the equipment. Not only does this make the exercise useless, but it will also leave you spluttering all over the place so increasing your risk of injury.

Make sure that the straps, rings or bars are parallel and that you are applying equal pressure onto each.

Standing too far

People tend to start too far in towards the anchor point of the exercise. This throws your body’s positioning off. Try to stand closer to the end range of the motion.

Gripping too hard

Don’t clasp the equipment as if you are hanging on for dear life. This can tense certain parts of your body, like your neck and shoulders, which can easily cause injury.

Try to stay relaxed through the shoulders and neck, and keep a light grip on the equipment.

Resting straps on your arms

Simply put: DON’T!

Never let the straps rest on your arms or rub against your shoulders. This can result in some severe strap burns (like rope burns).

No slack

There shouldn’t be any slack on the straps, no matter what exercise you are performing. When slack happens, your body disengages from the exercise.

Stay in control

You should be in control of the exercise throughout the entire movement. If you use your momentum to swing through the exercises, you lose all effectiveness. If you are not in control, the equipment could escape from you and you could end up injuring yourself.

Rely on your own bodyweight

Many individuals to rely on the equipment for support when the exercise is getting too difficult or intense. This is wrong.

The whole point of the workout is to use your own bodyweight. When relying on the equipment, you lose control of your body and can cause injury.

Try to simply use the equipment as an assist or extension of the exercise rather than a relief.

Suspension training is already straining enough on your joints and muscles. If you are performing the exercises incorrectly, you can make this strain even worse and increase the chances of getting injured. To avoid these injuries, you need to understand the most common mistakes, review your own routine and apply fixes as needed.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about suspension training as well as how to incorporate this technique into your workouts as well as the workouts of your clients? If you do, then we have two amazing courses that you can do to become a master at this exercise modality. For more information, follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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How to develop upper body mass using kettlebells https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-develop-upper-body-mass-using-kettlebells/ Thu, 06 Feb 2020 05:00:37 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14694 People who cycle, run and use their legs for sports are often looking for a way to balance the strength in their legs with their upper body strength. A very efficient way to do this is to incorporate workouts using kettlebells into their routine to build their upper-body mass. Because of their shape, kettlebells are...

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People who cycle, run and use their legs for sports are often looking for a way to balance the strength in their legs with their upper body strength. A very efficient way to do this is to incorporate workouts using kettlebells into their routine to build their upper-body mass.

Because of their shape, kettlebells are a great way to work your arms, shoulders, back and core. Here are some exercises which you can include in your workout in order to reap the benefits of kettlebells:

Warming up – Slingshot

Kettlebell slingshots warm up your shoulders, forearms and upper body. It also helps you get used to the kettlebell weight before going into a more intense workout.

Keeping your chest up and hips still, rotate the kettlebell around your body. Your arms should be kept straight to avoid overloading your biceps.

Change direction every 10 reps and do about 50 reps in each direction.

Windmill

Kettlebell windmills challenge your shoulder stability and work your core muscles.

With a kettlebell firmly gripped in your right hand, raise your right arm over your head. Keep your arm locked and your wrist straight.

Make sure that you take a step, with your left foot, out to the side of your body so that it is slightly ahead of your right foot. Your rear leg should be straight and take most of the weight.

Reach down with your left hand towards the front foot, while keeping it straight.

Alternate sides and repeat about 15 reps on each side.

Regular Row

Kettlebell regular rows build muscle and strength in your back and core.

Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent, lean your upper body forward.

Make sure you lean far enough forward so that you are not rowing upwards and not too far forward that you place too much strain on your lower back. Keep your mid-back muscles activated and your weight back on your heels so you feel the tension in your hamstrings and glutes. Ensure that your shoulders stay away from your ears and down towards your hips.

With a kettlebell in hand and your arms hanging straight down, pull your arm back and up as if your elbow is being pulled towards the ceiling. The kettlebell should end up tucked in between your thigh and hip.

Return the kettlebell to your starting position and repeat 15 times. Alternate and do another 15 reps.

Half-Kneeling Press

The kettlebell half-kneeling press exercise develop your shoulders, triceps and core muscles.

In a half-kneeling position with your butt tight, upper body upright and abs engaged, bring your right hand with the kettlebell to shoulder level. Keep your elbow close to your body. Then push the kettlebell overhead.

Lower the kettlebell back to your starting position and repeat 15 reps. Alternate and do another 15 reps.

These four kettlebell exercises are guaranteed to assist with building your upper body strength by engaging your arms, shoulders, back and core. Work them into your normal routine to balance the strength of your upper and lower body. This will help stabilise your entire body.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To find out more about exercising with kettlebells, you really need to do our kettlebell course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

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What does a low-impact bootcamp workout look like? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-does-a-low-impact-bootcamp-workout-look-like/ Wed, 05 Feb 2020 05:37:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14672 When you think of bootcamp exercises, you tend to think about the high-intensity, military-style training. This can scare anyone off. However, there are a series of bootcamp exercises you can do to create a low-impact workout. Low-impact bootcamp workouts usually combine cardio with strength training in a way that doesn’t place too much stress on...

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When you think of bootcamp exercises, you tend to think about the high-intensity, military-style training. This can scare anyone off. However, there are a series of bootcamp exercises you can do to create a low-impact workout.

Low-impact bootcamp workouts usually combine cardio with strength training in a way that doesn’t place too much stress on your joints.

Here are a number of examples of exercises which you can find in a low-impact bootcamp workout:

 Alternating Knee Tuck Plank

The Alternating Knee Tuck Plank works your shoulders, back, legs, glutes, core and obliques.

Beginning in a plank position and with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart, engage your core, glutes and quads and keep your elbows under your shoulders.

Lift your right leg while bending at the knee. Rotate your core in order to drive your knee in towards your left elbow.

Bring the knee back and return to the starting position.

Do the same with your left knee and keep alternating for about 45 seconds.

Jogging in Place

Standing up straight, place your feet hip-width apart and jog in place. Engage your core and pump your arms as you move.

You can make it even more low-impact by simply marching in place.

Do this for about 45 seconds.

Back Flye

The Back Flye helps to improve your posture by pulling your shoulders back, lifting your chest and working on the upper back muscles.

Standing with your feet hip-width apart. Enure that your knees are bent slightly. Grab a lightweight in each hand and bend your elbows to 90 degrees. Hinge forward at your hips while, at the same time, keeping your back flat.

Lift your arms up as well as out to your sides while keeping your elbows slightly bent. Squeeze your shoulder blades together.

Slowly lower your back down to where you started and repeat.

Do this for about 45 seconds.

Sumo Squat with Alternating Cross Punch

The Sumo Squat with Alternating Cross Punch works your shoulders, upper arms, legs, core and obliques. It also raises your heart rate.

Stand up tall and have your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes turned out 45 degrees. Lower your butt and hips into a squat. Stop halfway. Ball your fists and bring them to chin level.

Without breaking your squat, punch your right arm out across your body. Return it to chin level and do the same with your left arm.

Keep alternating for about 45 seconds.

Cross Torso Knee Repeat

The Cross Torso Knee Repeat helps to improve your balance and stability. It also works your obliques.

Standing up tall and have your feet shoulder-width apart. Raise your arms above your head, angling them slightly to the right.

Lift your left leg up, bending at the knee, and kick it out across your body. Simultaneously bring your arms down and across your body to meet it.

Return to starting position and alternate between legs for about 45 seconds on each side.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

It can be challenging in order to get into the high-intensity exercises as you start working out or if you have a heart condition. This is why low-impact workouts are a good way to get your muscles used to regular exercise. It also makes it easier to transition into higher-impact workouts that are normally associated with bootcamps.

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What are the types of suspension training equipment? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-types-of-suspension-training-equipment/ Wed, 05 Feb 2020 05:30:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14667 You’d be forgiven if you thought that suspension training equipment looks like a medieval torture device. But in actual fact, suspension training is a great way to use your own bodyweight with a combination of straps, cords, rings, ropes, or chains to exercise your muscles. Understanding the different types of suspension training equipment can make...

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You’d be forgiven if you thought that suspension training equipment looks like a medieval torture device. But in actual fact, suspension training is a great way to use your own bodyweight with a combination of straps, cords, rings, ropes, or chains to exercise your muscles. Understanding the different types of suspension training equipment can make the process a lot less daunting.

Swings

Yes, just like the ones which you find in playgrounds! While they are not as effective as some of the other suspension training equipment, swings are more accessible. Swings are also a great way to get into suspension training if you are unsure about it.

Swings can promote knee and hip hinge movements during exercise. They can be used for standing exercises, where you grab onto the chains, or you can place your legs on the seat of the swing to perform elevated exercises.

Yoke Bar

The Yoke Bar has a single overhead attachment joint that is affixed to a horizontal bar. Two separate chains hang vertically from this bar. This provides a three-axis rotation that can twist, move forward and backwards, as well as move side to side.

This adds instability, which engages more muscle groups such as your hips, abdominals, back and shoulders.

The Yoke Bar increases muscle stamina, improves strength and flexibility and enhances your core stability.

Gymnastics Rings

Gymnastics Rings have two separate attachment joints. This allows your joints to work independently. It is also possible for you to adjust the distance and height of the rings. This enables you to do different variations of exercises – with your feet on or off the ground, with your hands through the rings or even with your feet through the rings (although a lot more difficult).

Gymnastic Rings can improve your stability, upper body strength muscles and mobility. They are also mobile, but it does require a lot of effort and takes up a lot of space.

Suspension Straps

Suspension Straps have a single anchor point. They are very lightweight and portable. You can hang it from doors, jungle gyms, trees or any other suspended beams.

They are very limiting due to their single anchor points but can be just as beneficial and a lot less daunting than some of the other suspension training equipment.

Resistance Bands

While it doesn’t seem like they are part of the suspension training regime, they do require you to use your own body weight in order to achieve the result that you want for your body. Owing to the fact they come in various resistances and are extremely portable, these bands are a phenomenal way for you to keep up with your exercise routine when you’re on the road.

Once you understand the different components that makeup suspension training equipment you can choose one that seems the least scary for you. Suspension training equipment is not only good for building muscle and strength, but it also improves your balance, stability and flexibility. It is a fantastic way to engage your entire body.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

At Trifocus Fitness Academy, we focus on developing fitness instructors who will train you in the exercise modality that you prefer. From our suite of accredited personal training qualifications to suspension training courses, Yoga and Pilates training courses, if you want to become a fitness guru, you need to talk to us! Check out this link to find out more about our fitness courses.

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The best ab exercises as suggested by bootcamp trainers https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-best-ab-exercises-as-suggested-by-bootcamp-trainers/ Tue, 04 Feb 2020 05:05:36 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14652 Have you ever seen bootcamp training on TV and wondered if you could do that without actually having to venture into the outdoors with a bunch of strangers? And no, we don’t mean military bootcamps! We mean the group physical training programmes that are designed to build strength and fitness through various types of exercises....

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Have you ever seen bootcamp training on TV and wondered if you could do that without actually having to venture into the outdoors with a bunch of strangers? And no, we don’t mean military bootcamps!

We mean the group physical training programmes that are designed to build strength and fitness through various types of exercises.

Here are a number of ab exercises which you can do at home that have been suggested by bootcamp trainers:

Side Bend Slide

The Side Bend Slide is great for improving your posture and targets your obliques.

Standing up, hold a lightweight above your head. Then, looking up at the weight, slide your body down towards the opposite foot. Try to do this without twisting your torso.

Return to the starting position and repeat.

Side Plank to Elbow Touch

The Side Plank to Elbow Touch targets your upper and lower abs, as well as your obliques.

Start in a side plank position (on your hand or on your elbow) with your feet stacked on top of each other. Your body must be in a straight line from the top of your head to your heels. Your hips should be elevated. Place your free hand behind your head with your elbow bent.

Bend your top leg and bring the knee toward your elbow on the same side. Lower it back to the side plank position and repeat.

Oblique Twist

The Oblique Twist improves your balance and targets your obliques and lower abs.

Stand up tall with your feet hip-width apart and squat while holding a medicine ball or heavyweight in front of your chest. Make sure that your elbows are out to your sides as well as lifted in line with the ball.

Standing up, twist your elbow to the opposite knee, bringing the knee up to your chest. Alternate between elbows and knees and repeat.

Knee to Opposite Elbow

The Knee to Opposite Elbow targets your upper and lower abs, as well as your obliques.

Starting in high plank position, bring your right knee to your left elbow while dropping your right hip. Keep your hip and leg off the ground. Hold the position for a few seconds, switch sides and repeat.

Bear Crawl Mountain Climber

The Bear Crawl Mountain Climber targets your lower abs.

Starting on all fours and ensure that your back is flat, lift your knees off the mat so that you come into the position where you are balancing on your hands and toes.

Bring your right knee to your right elbow and quickly switch to the other side. Keep alternating as if jogging on all fours.

Moving Boat Pose

The Moving Boat Pose, which is a combination of the V Hold and Toe Touch, targets your lower abs.

Balancing on your tailbone, extend your legs straight out in front of you. Lift your arms out so that they are at your sides in a “V” shape. Lift your legs the same way. Hold for a few seconds.

Then touch your arm to the opposite toes and continue to alternate sides.

The Moving Boat Pose, Bear Crawl Mountain Climber and many more bootcamp-like exercises give you the intense workout that a bootcamp normally offers in the comfort of your own home. These exercises are a great way to get those killer abs you desire!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you like the sound of these types of exercises, and you enjoy exercising with your friends outdoors, then you should really consider becoming a bootcamp instructor. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

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How to choose the best fitness bootcamp for you https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-choose-the-best-fitness-bootcamp-for-you/ Mon, 03 Feb 2020 05:05:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14632 It can be difficult to pick the right fitness bootcamp for you. You can step into a realistic military-style bootcamp and push yourself past its capabilities, or you can end up in a low-impact bootcamp that doesn’t quite meet the goals you have set for yourself. There are so many different kinds of fitness bootcamps...

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It can be difficult to pick the right fitness bootcamp for you. You can step into a realistic military-style bootcamp and push yourself past its capabilities, or you can end up in a low-impact bootcamp that doesn’t quite meet the goals you have set for yourself.

There are so many different kinds of fitness bootcamps that you can choose from so to make this decision easier here is a guide to selecting the best one for you:

What are your expectations?

The very first step in identifying the right fitness bootcamp is to know what you expect to come from it. Interrogate what you want, your goals and what you are capable of. Do you want to lose a lot of weight in a short period of time? Do you want to build muscles? Do you have the time and willingness? Are you ready to sacrifice aspects of your life that come in the way of you achieving this goal?

Who else is going?

Fitness bootcamps usually involve you working out or together with a group of people. That’s why it’s important to make sure the people in your group are like-minded.

Find out what the culture of your group is like by investigating the level of fitness, how much interaction there is between members and even the type of music they play during the workout. Make sure that what you find complements your personality.

Look at reviews

On every bootcamp’s website should be a testimonials section where people who have already taken the class review their experience of it. You can compare these reviews with your own expectations.

Use your own discretion to decide whether the reviews are staged or from real people.

Check the instructors’ qualifications

It is really vital to make sure that the instructor is qualified and knows what they’re doing. If they know what they’re doing they are better able to prevent you from getting injured and can make sure you get the most out of each session.

Is it a balanced workout?

As with any workout programme, bootcamps need to have a good mix of stretching and warm-up exercises along with their high-intensity exercises. Not only does this go towards maximising the effectiveness of the workout but it also reduces the chances of injuring your muscles.

Are they motivated?

It can be difficult to get into a regular workout routine, especially when it comes to something as tough as bootcamps. It is important that the instructors and team are motivated and provide motivation. That way you are more likely to enjoy it and come back for more. If the instructors are only there to make money, with no personal involvement in their class, you will become demotivated very quickly.

There are a great many things that you need to consider before choosing a fitness bootcamp. To choose the right one for you, you need to do a lot of introspection as well as investigate the practices of the various camps you are looking at. You need to make sure that the camp you are considering is in line with what you want and expect.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To find out how you can get on the path to being an instructor for these types of classes, follow this link.

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How to become bootcamp fit https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-become-bootcamp-fit/ Mon, 03 Feb 2020 05:00:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14627 If you are looking for a more intense and high-impact workout than you normally get at the gym, try bootcamp workouts. It not only works your entire body with cardio, lower body, upper body and core exercises, but this type of exercise also gets your adrenaline and blood pumping. Here are some exercises you can...

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If you are looking for a more intense and high-impact workout than you normally get at the gym, try bootcamp workouts. It not only works your entire body with cardio, lower body, upper body and core exercises, but this type of exercise also gets your adrenaline and blood pumping.

Here are some exercises you can do to get yourself bootcamp fit:

Burpee

Begin in a squat position with your knees pressed against your chest and your hands on the floor. After this, jump your feet back into a push-up. The following movement is jumping your feet back into the squat position and leaping into the air with your arms straight above your head. Repeat this in one motion.

Front and Rear Lunges

Standing up tall with your hands on your hips, step forward with one leg into a lunge. Your legs must be bent at a 90-degree angle in the lunge. With the same leg, reverse the movement and step back into another lunge. You should be balancing on your back leg’s toes. Press off your toes back into starting position. Alternate between legs and repeat.

Triceps Dips

Place your hands on the front of a chair with your elbows slightly bent and pointing backwards.  Balancing on your hands, take a seating position in the air with your hips close to your hands. Bend your elbows to lower your body closer to the floor. Don’t let your bum touch the floor. Push yourself up using your arms back into the starting position and repeat.

Squat with Kicks

Starting in a squatting position with your knees hip-width apart and your fists at chin level, push yourself up while kicking one leg straight out in front of you. Return to your starting position. After this repeat all movements in one motion.

Pulsing Chair Squats

Standing in front of a chair, bend your knees and slowly squat towards the chair. Your arms should be stretched out straight in front of you. As soon as you touch the chair, pulse a couple of times by coming up halfway. Return to the starting position and repeat.

Ski Abs

Begin in the plank position and have your hands under your shoulders and your body in a straight line. Keeping them together, jump your feet in towards your right shoulder. Land with your feet behind your right hand and knees bent. Jump back to the starting position and alternate sides.

Plyo Jacks

Standing with your feet together and knees bent, bring your torso forward slightly. Hang your arms down in line with your shoulders. Engage your arms and jump your legs out to the sides into a squatting position. In the same movement, bring your hands together in line with your chest with your elbows pushed out to the sides in a straight line.

These exercises are great for getting yourself bootcamp fit. Their high intensity is great for working out your entire body while getting your heart pumping. Just like the military trainees, you should be ready to take on any physical challenge when you master this bootcamp workout.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about bootcamp classes and possibly even become a bootcamp instructor yourself? If you do then you need to study our Comprehensive Bootcamp Certification. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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7 exercises and one nutrition tip to target arm fat https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/7-exercises-and-one-nutrition-tip-to-target-arm-fat/ Fri, 24 Jan 2020 05:00:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14523 Unwanted arm fat can make it difficult to wear strappy tops and t-shirts. Not only does it not look great but it also makes shirts very tight and uncomfortable around your arms. It also reduces your mobility around your arms. Here are seven exercises you can do and one nutrition tip you can use to...

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Unwanted arm fat can make it difficult to wear strappy tops and t-shirts. Not only does it not look great but it also makes shirts very tight and uncomfortable around your arms. It also reduces your mobility around your arms.

Here are seven exercises you can do and one nutrition tip you can use to get rid of that unwanted arm fat:

  1. Dips with straight legs

Place your hands on an elevated surface like a chair. Your arms should be extended and your shoulders directly above your wrists. Your legs should be stretched out in front of you with your heels on the floor.

Bend your elbows to lower your hips to the floor. Stop before your butt touches the floor or when your arms can’t bend down anymore.

Straighten your arms and press your body back up to the starting position.

  1. Triceps extensions

Facing a wall with your arms straight ahead, place your hands at chin-level, shoulder-width apart.

Lower your elbows until your forearms touch the wall. Then straighten your arms while pushing your body back to the starting position.

  1. Towel curls

Sit on a chair with a towel looped under the middle of one foot. Hold the towel ends in each hand. Press your arms tightly to your sides at a 90-degree angle and apply resistance with your leg.

Bend your arms while pulling your hands up to your shoulders. Then lower them back down to the starting position.

  1. Inverted plank

Sitting on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you and your heels on the floor, place your hands under your shoulders.

Lean back onto your hands and raise your hips off the floor until your body is in a straight line. Hold the position.

  1. Overhead triceps extension

Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Hold your dumbbells behind your head with your elbows bent and tight to your ears.

Straighten your arms to lift the dumbbells into the air. Squeeze your triceps as your arms straighten and hold for a second. Lower your hands back to your back slowly.

  1. Standing bicep curl

Stand with a weight in each hand and your arms at your sides. Rotate your forearms until your palms face forward. At the same time, bend your elbows to lift the weights toward your shoulders. Squeeze your biceps at the top for a second and lower back to starting position.

  1. Triceps push up

Place your hands under your shoulders and balance on your toes. Your feet should be hip-width apart. Keep your elbows pointed back and pinched to your sides. Your body should be aligned and parallel to the floor.

Push up through your arms until your body at an angle to the floor. Your arms shouldn’t be straight and your body should remain aligned. Hold for a second and return to starting position.

Nutrition tip: Increase your fibre intake

Adding extra fibre to your diet can jumpstart weight loss and help you lose excess body fat.

Fibre takes longer to move through your digestive system, which means it takes longer to empty your stomach. This makes you feel fuller for longer.

Try including more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes into your diet.

One of the best ways to ensure arm fat loss is to exercise your entire body. However, the exercises discussed in this article will help you to focus on your arms. Along with the right exercises, you need to ensure that you are eating the right foods and getting the right vitamins and minerals.

Your personal trainer will teach you about other exercises that you can do to tone your entire body.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a personal trainer, check out our list of accredited personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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Build personal training client loyalty with wearable technology https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/build-personal-training-client-loyalty-with-wearable-technology/ Mon, 20 Jan 2020 06:10:44 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14450 Technology is revolutionising the way we work and play. From business to communication to transport, technology has taken over. So why should client loyalty and relationships be any different? Wearable technology is a trend that is quickly climbing the fitness-trend-ladder. What is wearable technology? Wearable technology includes devices such as fitness trackers and smartwatches that...

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Technology is revolutionising the way we work and play. From business to communication to transport, technology has taken over. So why should client loyalty and relationships be any different?

Wearable technology is a trend that is quickly climbing the fitness-trend-ladder.

What is wearable technology?

Wearable technology includes devices such as fitness trackers and smartwatches that you are able to wear throughout the day.

With fitness trackers, people are able to track their exercise progress and habits.

It records a person’s daily physical activity, along with other data relating to their fitness and health, like heart rate and calories burned.

Why it is beneficial for clients?

 Clients and customers are more results-driven and impatient than ever before. Fitness clients get especially frustrated when they look in the mirror and they can’t see the physical results of their exercise.

With wearable technology, clients are able to keep track of their progress and success. It enables them to take responsibility for their own fitness goals and progress. By being able to set their own goals and be constantly accountable for reaching them, clients are more motivated.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - client loyalty

 Why it is beneficial for trainers?

By equipping clients with wearable technology, personal trainers are able to track, adjust and customise each client’s experience based on their physical activity data. It arms trainers with the digital tools that are necessary to impact their clients’ lives in a greater, more personalised way.

Instead of following a pre-set workout, trainers can personalise each clients’ workout to their specific needs. They are also able to give personal feedback when clients are doing something wrong and adjust the workout if they see a client is struggling. This can make the client feel special and well looked after.

How it builds client loyalty

By creating a personalised experience for each client through their wearable technology, you build a very personal and trusting relationship with that client.

You make them feel capable enough to manage their own progress and success, while still providing them with the necessary insight and tips to achieve their goals. This way, you are working with them to reach their goals instead of instructing them to do so. No one likes to be told what they need to do!

However, clients do sometimes need an extra push. This is where wearable technology data and software programmes are beneficial. They enable the trainer to customise and manage a client’s push notifications based on their activity level. It also improves the client and trainer’s ability to schedule appointments with each other.

Trainers are also able to monitor when clients are getting discouraged and wanting to leave. They can reach out to their clients by sharing motivational training tips, offering discounts, free consultations and more to get them back onto track.

When clients feel that their trainers are invested in helping them reach their goals, they are more willing to build a lasting relationship. Helping them create healthy habits by monitoring their progress and providing feedback based on their personal data can create loyalty. By holding them accountable for their success, trainers are also motivating them to keep on working out.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover out how to become a personal trainer, you really need to do one of our personal training courses. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

 

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Personal training moves you can do behind your desk https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/personal-training-moves-you-can-do-behind-your-desk/ Thu, 09 Jan 2020 06:00:19 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14322 With the economy as it is today, we’re all working harder and harder. No longer do we work eight hours a day – we’re working over weekends, in the evenings and on public holidays just so that we can make ends meet. The detrimental effect of this is that we don’t get a lot of...

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With the economy as it is today, we’re all working harder and harder. No longer do we work eight hours a day – we’re working over weekends, in the evenings and on public holidays just so that we can make ends meet.

The detrimental effect of this is that we don’t get a lot of time to exercise. This lack of physical activity doesn’t just affect your health and physical appearance; it can have a direct impact on your work performance and employee engagement:

  • 60% of employees said their time management skills, mental performance, and ability to meet deadlines improved on days they exercised
  • 27% of employees reported higher levels of “dealing calmly with stress” on days they exercised
  • 41% of employees reported higher rates of “feeling motivated to work” on exercise days

The benefits of regular exercise are clear. However, with us being chained to a computer more often than not, how do we balance needing to work long and arduous hours with still remaining fit and healthy?

Office workouts decoded

If you are experiencing trouble with remaining fit as well as healthy at work, there are office exercises which you can do that are a great way to help you keep your body moving while you’re at your desk. These exercises involve stretching as well as strengthening your body. The best part about these moves is that you can do them from the comfort of your office chair. The series of exercises doesn’t replace traditional strength training, but it offers you a way to assist you with keeping your body moving if you are unable to get away from your desk.

Short bursts of aerobics, strength exercises as well as stretching in between conference calls or whatever else you’re doing can assist you with improving your fitness levels in addition to the health of your heart. These types of exercises may just improve strength and – best of all – burn a few extra calories to boot.

So, what we’ve done is put together a list of personal training moves that you can do from behind your desk. Let’s get desk exercising!

Neck opener

The neck opener stretch may assist with counteracting the tension that frequently comes with being seated in front of a computer screen all-day-long.

To do this stretch, sit on your desk chair. Make sure that your spine is straight as well as that your feet are flat on the floor. Tilt your right ear in the direction of your right shoulder. Reach your left fingers toward the floor and then look down towards your right shoulder. Keep the tilt of your head and hold for one second. After this, turn to look up at the high left diagonal. Repeat five times and then do this on the other side.

Side sparkler

If you’re sitting for the majority of your workday, the chances are very good that your intercostals (the muscles which help your ribs expand as well as  contract when you’re breathing) in addition to your obliques may need a dynamic.

To perform the side sparkler, stand up tall with your feet hip-distance apart. Have a gentle bend in your knees and make fists with both of your hands. Bend your elbows into your waist and lean your torso to your right as you reach your left arm overhead and your right arm towards the floor.

As you reach, open your fists and spread your fingers wide. Close your fists and bend your elbows as you come upright to pass through centre. Reverse and repeat. Breathe into your ribs and palms for about 20 reps.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more personal training moves? If so then you really need to do our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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The problem with many personal training certifications https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-problem-with-many-personal-training-certifications/ Wed, 08 Jan 2020 05:05:29 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14310 Perhaps you’re in this situation: You’ve just finished school and your parents are pressuring you to choose something to study, OR You’ve been in a job for a couple of years and are tearing your hair out because you don’t like what you’re doing anymore. If one of the above two statements describes you to...

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Perhaps you’re in this situation:

  • You’ve just finished school and your parents are pressuring you to choose something to study, OR
  • You’ve been in a job for a couple of years and are tearing your hair out because you don’t like what you’re doing anymore.

If one of the above two statements describes you to a T and you’re passionate about keeping fit and healthy – so much so that your friends and family come to you and ask for advice about how they can do the same for themselves – then you should really consider becoming a personal trainer.

Now, there are tonnes of personal training certifications out there. So, how do you choose which one to go for?

Overpromising and underdelivering 

Some of the fitness colleges that offer these certifications will promise you the moon and the stars – for a fraction of the price – however, when you get down to your studies, the material that is offered doesn’t really say much. In actual fact, you’ll find that what you’re taught you can easily find on the Internet with some basic searches on Google.

A proper personal training certification will cover everything that you need to know about being a personal trainer. It will teach you about anatomy, physiology, exercise programme design right down to how to market yourself as a personal trainer using digital mediums such as social media. Because being a personal trainer is not just about teaching someone how to exercise properly – it’s also about knowing how to run a successful business.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - personal training certifications

Not worth the paper that it’s printed on

Another big problem with many personal training certifications is that they are not endorsed by any well-recognised fitness institutions. This means that when you go to a potential employer or a prospective client, looking for work, they’ll have a look at your qualification and will ask: “So, why does this certification qualify you to be a trainer?” In fact, they probably won’t give you a second thought.

So, if you’re serious about becoming a personal trainer that everyone wants to go to, you need to get a certification that is backed by a body such as CATHSSETA. This shows people that you know what you’re talking about and that they can trust the instruction that you give them.

No international ties

The beauty about being a personal trainer is that it’s a very portable qualification. This means that if it’s your heart’s desire to travel the world, you can find jobs as a personal trainer while you see these amazing foreign cities.

A lot of personal training certifications out there aren’t internationally recognised which means that you will probably be able to only work in South Africa. This means that when you choose your course you need to find one that people from around the world know about and trust so that you’ll land that job which you’re destined to have.

Why you should do a personal training certification with us

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

We, at Trifocus Fitness Academy, offer a range of personal training certifications which tick all the boxes. These are super comprehensive, are SETA accredited and are internationally recognised. This means that if you want to become a personal trainer, you definitely need to do so with us!

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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Fat-burning moves from a personal trainer https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/fat-burning-moves-from-a-personal-trainer/ Wed, 08 Jan 2020 05:00:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14304 One of the most common motivations for heading off to the gym and exercising your heart out is to burn fat. However, if you don’t absolutely adore exercising, chances are exceptionally good that you won’t want to spend any more time on the treadmill or on the bike than you certainly have to in order...

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One of the most common motivations for heading off to the gym and exercising your heart out is to burn fat. However, if you don’t absolutely adore exercising, chances are exceptionally good that you won’t want to spend any more time on the treadmill or on the bike than you certainly have to in order to get rid of a few of those excess kilograms. If you fall into this category you probably want to clue yourself up on the most effective fat-burning moves and exercises.

If you’ve just started on your fitness journey, and fat loss is your ultimate goal, it’s extremely easy to get tricked into eating too little in addition to training too hard to try and tone up. However, sweating it out at the gym five days a week could put the brakes on, as opposed to increasing, your progress.

Why too much exercise is bad for you

A recent study observed 3 175 men and women over 25 years of age. It looked into the relationship between working out and atherosclerosis. (This disease refers to  the fat which accumulates in arteries that can lead to heart attacks.)

This investigation showed that white men who surpassed three times the suggested guidelines of exercise were at an increased risk of fat building up in their arteries by the time that they reached middle-age.

In addition to this, there is a stress reaction which is seen towards long distance as well as long-duration exercise. This is because your levels of cortisol are elevated for a long time. Reduce your cortisol levels after a long work out by practising stress-reducing meditation or yoga.

2 fat-burning moves recommended by personal trainers

Here are two fat-burning moves that are recommended by personal trainers.

Jumping squats (wide stance)

Feel the greatest burn by performing wide jumping squats. This movement targets the following muscles:

  • Glutes,
  • Calves,
  • Lower back, as well as
  • Hamstrings.

By being using a wide stance, your glutes are activated straight away and are pushed more than as opposed to a narrow squat.

How to perform the jumping squat:

  • Put your feet apart at a wider stance than your shoulders.
  • Make sure that all of your weight is targeted on your heels.
  • During the exercise make sure that the knees do not travel past your toes and squat down. As you rise up, jump as high as you possibly can.
  • After the jump, ensure that you land back in the starting position for the wide squat. Do the jump again.

The jumping squat is great for burning fat as the wide-stance nature of the squat is responsible for working a larger number of muscles as opposed to the more traditional narrow squat.

Jumping jacks

Jumping jacks is a classic exercise however it is likely to be a welcomed change in your exercise routine. This type of exercise brings with it a host of benefits, which include an increased calorie burn, owing to their aerobic total-body workout magic.

How to perform the jumping jack:

  • Start by standing with your feet pressed together with your knees slightly bent. Ensure that your arms are at your sides.
  • Jump while raising your arms above your head as well as separating your legs in a wide fashion.
  • Land deliberately on the ground with your feet wide as well as your arms overhead.
  • Repeat the jump. Bring your feet together as well as lowering your hands.
  • Land in a slight squat and then repeat.

Simple but effective, these old-school classic exercises are an effectual addition to any workout. The reason why these moves are effective fat burners because they’re an aerobic form of exercise which will up your heart rate, burn calories as well as shed fat.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Want to learn more about exercising? If you do then you need to check out our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link to find out more.

 

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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How hiring a personal trainer can assist you with beating depression https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-hiring-a-personal-trainer-can-assist-you-with-beating-depression/ Tue, 07 Jan 2020 05:05:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14293 One in six people in South Africa suffer from anxiety and depression. These figures demonstrate that there is a real public health problem. This is especially true when we learn that depression is closely linked to illness as well as even death owing to cardiovascular disease. However, the good news is that we are also...

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One in six people in South Africa suffer from anxiety and depression. These figures demonstrate that there is a real public health problem. This is especially true when we learn that depression is closely linked to illness as well as even death owing to cardiovascular disease.

However, the good news is that we are also aware that sports, as well as physical activity, have been proven to have positive effects on mental as well as physical well-being. Thus, hiring a personal trainer can help with a great many different chronic conditions.

The proof is in the research

Studies which have been conducted show that regular exercise can assist with:

  • Relieving stress,
  • Reducing depression, and
  • Improving cognitive function.

This functions to enhance a person’s ability to better be able to take life in their stride. A recent survey which was conducted in the United States found that over one-third of adults (which translates into 37 percent) reported that they took part in exercise less than once a week, or not at all.

Behind the scenes look at the effects of exercise on the brain

Physical activity is responsible for stimulating brain chemistry in a number of different areas which control mood. Studies show that working out assists the brain with releasing endorphins and producing serotonin, which generates the feeling of well-being in addition to happiness.

Every single day, there are increasing amounts of evidence to support the fact that exercise has an incredibly beneficial effect on depression and anxiety. There are excellent placebo control studies which compared the effects of antidepressants as well as exercise on the mood of a patient. It was found that the effect on mood is the same for both forms of treatment.

Science has demonstrated that exercise can be responsible for alleviating symptoms of depression. In fact, a large new study found exercising anywhere between two to six hours a week seems to reap the most mental health benefits.

In another study which was carried out by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, it was found that 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise, which was done five days a week was responsible for reducing symptoms of depression by almost half after 12 weeks.

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Depression’s roadblock against exercise

However, although exercise is often suggested for depression, for patients suffering from this disease finding the energy to work out can be a serious struggle. Depression can make dealing with day-to-day responsibilities energy-zapping, so it’s not surprising that self-care routines like exercise are often not feasible.

If you’re suffering from depression and want to exercise, but don’t know how to get started, here are some ideas regarding how you can get the motivation to make this happen.

Start small

If you’ve been sensing like your energy levels are low, it’s probably a good idea to revamp your exercise routine with something simple to avoid getting too overwhelmed. Try starting with a 20-minute stroll, and work up to a longer walk, or jog if that’s your preferred type of exercise. In addition, don’t underestimate the power of a simple stretching routine to help you stay active. This will assist you with getting back into the swing of exercising.

Exercise at home

If you’re finding it to be particularly difficult to get dressed and to leave your house to exercise, try not to push yourself past your limit. Luckily, you don’t need a gym to break a sweat: Download a free exercise app or browse Instagram to find a routine you can commit to — without leaving the comfort of your home.

Phone a friend

Depression can make you feel isolated as well as alone. The best way to combat that is by reaching out to your support system. Finding a friend that can be your workout buddy could be super beneficial, especially when you are feeling depressed. Research shows that exercising in groups can help you stay motivated and holds you accountable. It also releases more endorphins than solo workouts do. This means that you’ll get more mood-boosting hormones that can help improve your mental health if you commit to working out with a buddy.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about the benefits of exercising? If you do, then you should definitely contemplate doing a personal trainer course such as the ones that we offer. For more information, please follow this link.

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Exercises to increase your elbow strength https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-to-increase-your-elbow-strength/ Mon, 06 Jan 2020 05:00:28 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14257 Your elbows are responsible for making your lower arms move. They also take on a lot of weight when you are lifting something. This is why your elbows need to be strong enough to handle your day to day activities. Your elbow joint uses flexion and extension, and pronation and supination movements to be able...

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Your elbows are responsible for making your lower arms move. They also take on a lot of weight when you are lifting something. This is why your elbows need to be strong enough to handle your day to day activities.

Your elbow joint uses flexion and extension, and pronation and supination movements to be able to move. Flexion and extension enable your elbows to bend and straighten. Pronation and supination enable you to turn your palms up and down.

To make your elbows stronger, you need to work the joint through its full range of motion using the different equipment when exercising.

Exercise bands

Exercise bands provide resistance when exercising. It can be especially helpful when you have limited range of motion in your elbow. Some exercises include:

  1. Elbow curls

Standing up, step out with one foot in front of the other. Place one end of the exercise band under the back foot and hold the other end with your hand. Pull the band up with your hand, curling your arm toward your shoulder.

Dumbbells

Dumbbells engage both the supporting and stabilising muscles of your elbow. Using dumbbells to exercise increases your elbows’ ability to carry handle more weight. Some exercises include:

  1. Supination

Sitting in a chair, hold a dumbbell vertically in your hand. Rest your elbow on your knee. Turning your palm up, let the weight of the dumbbell help rotate your arm outward. Using the same technique, turn your palm down. Try to keep your upper arm and elbow still.

Barbells

Barbells also engage the supporting and stabilising muscles of your elbow in order to build strength. However, it doesn’t recruit as much work from these muscles as the dumbbells. Some exercises include:

  1. Triceps extensions

Standing up, hold the barbell in such a manner that your palms face forward. Your hands should be a little closer than shoulder-distance apart and your feet should be shoulder-distance apart. After this, lift the barbell above your head until your arms are completely extended. Keep your elbows in and your upper arms close to your head. Lower the resistance by allowing your forearms to bend down, to your biceps, behind your head. Your upper arms should stay still while your forearms move. Bring the barbell back to above your head.

Body-weight

Using your own body-weight can also work as a means to strengthen your elbows. Some body-weight exercises target your gripping muscles in your forearms and your elbow flexing muscles. These exercises include:

  1. Push-ups

Starting in a planking position, place your hands under your shoulders. Bend your elbows at a 45-degree angle starting from your ribs. Lower your chest to the floor. Stop just before you touch the floor. Extend your arms again into the high plank position.

You can make your elbows stronger by including exercise bands, dumbbells, barbells and your own body-weight into your workout. These exercises work different parts of your arms that work together with your elbows to pick up weight.

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Want to learn more about other exercises to strengthen the other parts of your body? If you do then our Personal Training Diploma is the best course for you to study in order to achieve this goal. For more information, please follow this link.

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What is aerobic exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-aerobic-exercise/ Fri, 03 Jan 2020 05:05:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14252 The term ‘aerobic exercise’ involves low-to-moderate intensity rhythmic movement of large muscle groups for an extended period of time. This type of exercise includes walking, cycling and swimming. This is the best form of exercise to do if you want to improve cardiorespiratory fitness. This form of exercise should be encouraged on most days of...

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The term ‘aerobic exercise’ involves low-to-moderate intensity rhythmic movement of large muscle groups for an extended period of time. This type of exercise includes walking, cycling and swimming. This is the best form of exercise to do if you want to improve cardiorespiratory fitness.

This form of exercise should be encouraged on most days of the week. When choosing to do this manner of exercising, consider the following:

  • If you are likely to suffer from ischaemia, reduce the intensity and duration of exercise or reduce the physiological demand, which is the muscle mass utilised at any given time. Your exercise heart rate should be at least between five and 10 beats per minute below the ischaemic threshold.
  • The symptoms which may limit your tolerance for aerobic exercise may vary according to the modality of exercise. For example, a rowing machine, which employs a large volume of muscle mass simultaneously, is likely to cause dyspnoea as the limiting symptoms. A stationary bicycle, which isolates the lower limb musculature, is more likely to include localised muscle fatigue

What is dyspnoea?

The expression ‘dyspnoea’ refers to a sudden as well as:

  • A dire shortness of breath, or
  • Difficulty experienced in breathing.

It is one of the widespread causes of visits to the emergency room. Breathlessness may be typical after exercise or, alternatively, exertion. Nevertheless, this typically resolves after rest and is not severe.

Breathlessness which comes on suddenly as well as unexpectedly may be a signal of an underlying medical condition. The problem may be in the heart or in the lungs.

Tailor the exercise to the individual

As a personal trainer, you should always tailor any type of exercise to the individual doing it. Orthopaedic limitations may dictate the type, frequency and duration of the aerobic exercise in order to prevent exacerbating the symptoms related to this type of injury.

Chose a mode of aerobic exercise that you enjoy and tolerate without pain or residual fatigue. The regularity of physical activity is a significant part of attaining cardiovascular benefits.

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How often should you do aerobic exercise?

Evidence-based guidelines promote regular, moderate aerobic exercise for approximately 30 minutes at least five days a week. Begin with exercise between three and four days a week (in order words ever second day) and progress to most days of the week.

If you’re a personal trainer, you should encourage your clients to exercise on the days that they don’t see you. This is so that they have a mix of supervised and unsupervised sessions.

The frequency of aerobic exercise will be guided by how well your client is, how motivated they are as well as how committed they are to exercising and improving their health and wellness. People with a very limited tolerance for exercise may require multiple bouts of exercise – which are of short duration – in order to build themselves up.

What are the benefits of aerobic exercise?

There are several benefits of regularly doing aerobic exercise. Here are some of them:

  • Increasing your stamina and endurance
  • Reducing stress as it activates endorphins which causes a natural high and sense of well-being
  • Reducing your risk of heart disease as well as stroke
  • Strengthening your immune system
  • Strengthening your bones and joints
  • Increasing the number of calories you burn
  • Strengthening your heart as well as your lungs so that they will work more efficiently
  • Decreasing a woman’s risk of breast cancer
  • Decreasing your blood pressure and cholesterol

Aerobic exercise is chock-full of benefits, and you don’t need to spend a lot of time doing it to reap the rewards. There is no time such as the present to get started with aerobic exercise. Go ahead and set that weekly plan right now, and then get down to it!

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To learn more about other types of exercise, check out our Personal Training Diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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Best strength training exercises from personal trainers https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/best-strength-training-exercises-from-personal-trainers/ Fri, 03 Jan 2020 05:00:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14248 Regardless of your motivation happens to be for revising weight-room as well as strength-training basics, this is a phenomenal decision. No matter what your experience (or levels of inexperience) is or, alternatively, how strong (or, not so strong) you are, no exercise regimen should be lacking in specific time-honoured foundational exercises which function to optimise...

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Regardless of your motivation happens to be for revising weight-room as well as strength-training basics, this is a phenomenal decision. No matter what your experience (or levels of inexperience) is or, alternatively, how strong (or, not so strong) you are, no exercise regimen should be lacking in specific time-honoured foundational exercises which function to optimise the movements of your body.

The greatest strength-training exercises are responsible for working your more overlooked muscles. In addition, these exercises also compel your body to work in unison. The result is that you’ll become stronger in a way which you’ll find helpful in your daily life.

Strength training essentially comes down to two aspects:

  • “Movement of any weight as opposed to the “resistance”(that includes your body weight). Put another way, strength training involves performing ANY exercise that is responsible for pushing your muscles beyond their comfort zone. In addition, these muscles must be forced to rebuild stronger in preparation for another challenge.
  • Progressive overload involves doing a bit extra than last time. In other words, lifting weights which are a bit heavier or performing one more rep. It is necessary that you apply the principle of progression consistently as your muscles will need to repetitively adapt as well as rebuild themselves in a stronger fashion.

Strength training hacks from the professionals

Personal trainers are jam-packed with tips regarding strength training. Here are five of them.

  1. As was stated in the paragraph above, the most important aspect to strength training is how intensive the load is. This means that the goal is to safely move the maximum amount of weight that you can.
  2. Aim to take breaks which are between three and five minutes long. This break will allow for satisfactory recovery of the phosphagen system (which is the main energy pathway that is used in strength training) without resulting in the workouts being unbearably long.
  3. In each of the strength phases, what should be happening is that you should be resisting the urge to add too much variety. Only do a limited number of lifts in each strength training set. Save the variety for assistance movements or, alternatively, subsequent training phases.
  4. In terms of your primary movement(s) think about adding more sets with less reps.
  5. Strength, as well as resistance training, can be very tough on the central nervous system (CNS). This means that it can take up to five times longer in order to recover. This is as opposed to the skeletal-muscular system. Allow for proper rest as well as recovery between sessions.

Strength training exercises recommended by personal trainers

We asked around among our expert personal trainers to find out what strength training exercises they recommend that their clients do. Here are some of the best.

Squat

The squat utilises all the major muscles in the following areas of the body:

  • Lower leg,
  • Thighs, and
  • Hips

When performed correctly the squat uses a number of muscles in the upper body in order to assist with protecting the spine when a load is rested on the upper back or shoulders.  Owing to the fact that this exercise uses lots of muscle it is great as a calorie burner in order to assist with weight loss as well as toning.

Lunges

Utilising the exact same muscles as the squat does, the lunge imitates a primary movement pattern. This movement can be seen whenever you:

  • Walk up and down stairs,
  • Up and down hills, or
  • Simply walk.

There is a version of the lunge which is suitable for most clients. For example, there is one with limited depth supported lunges for beginners as well as full-depth lunges loaded with dumbbells or barbells for more clients who are more advanced.  Lunges can be utilised in order to help with burning calories as well as firming or toning muscles. Lunges are also a great exercise to build strength as well as size in the lower body.

Deadlifts

The deadlift, in fact, combines two primary movement patterns:

  • The squat, and
  • The pull.

This is because a weight is pulled into the body and lowered at the same time.

When properly loaded, the deadlift makes use of more muscles as opposed to any other resistance exercise.  As such, it is a great movement for burning calories, firming, toning and developing muscles, building strength and size as well as losing weight.

The deadlift is definitely more complex as opposed to the squat. Given this, it may make it not suitable for beginners. However, nevertheless, the deadlift can be modified in order to suit different clients.

Don’t be scared of doing anything incorrectly. There are always personal trainers and fitness consultants on the gym floor who are more than happy to help you and put you on the right path.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about becoming a personal trainer yourself? Check out our Personal Training Diploma to find out how you can do this.

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What is anaerobic exercise? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-anaerobic-exercise/ Thu, 02 Jan 2020 05:05:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14239 The term ‘anaerobic’ literally means ‘without air’. This means that anaerobic exercise is an intense exercise and requires the body to use other sources of energy, other than oxygen, to fuel the muscles. Some circumstances require the body to produce energy quicker than oxygen delivery can happen. In these circumstances, other energy sources must be...

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The term ‘anaerobic’ literally means ‘without air’. This means that anaerobic exercise is an intense exercise and requires the body to use other sources of energy, other than oxygen, to fuel the muscles. Some circumstances require the body to produce energy quicker than oxygen delivery can happen. In these circumstances, other energy sources must be made use of.

Anaerobic exercise is used by energy who compete in short duration, yet high intensity, sports such as sprints or weight lifting. It promotes strength, speed, as well as and muscle mass. This type of exercise leads to enhanced performance for a short duration. It is suitable for extremely intense activities that only last between fractions of a second to two minutes. After this time, oxygen tends to take over as the primary source of fuel.

Anaerobic exercise won’t suit everyone

If you take part in activities or sports which require pacing as well as endurance then anaerobic exercise is not suitable for you. However, if you need training for a sport which necessitates you to have a short burst of intense energy for a very short period training using anaerobic exercise will be beneficial

Sports such as these include the 500- or 100-metre dash or clean-and-jerk weight lifting. It also may be suitable for sports such as football, soccer, hockey as well as basketball. While these sports general requires endurance and aerobic fitness conditioning, these also require short bursts of intense energy at times. This makes anaerobic conditioning appropriate.

Types of anaerobic exercise

Examples of anaerobic exercise include sprinting short distances; doing sit-ups, push-ups or chin-ups in very rapid succession for a short time; or engaging in intense weight lifting.

Benefits of anaerobic exercise

Helps to prevent health problems

Strength training – which is a form of anaerobic exercise – helps to prevent cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and lower back pain. Even if you are already afflicted with one of these illnesses, strength training can help to alleviate the ailment. Besides strength training strengthens your immune system.

Builds as well as maintains lean muscle mass

Losing lean muscle mass can start as early as your mid-20s. This causes a loss of strength, a slower metabolism as well as decreased functional fitness. Losing lean muscle mass is not the typical result of ageing – it’s mainly the result of a lifestyle which is sedentary. If you don’t make use of your muscles, they become weaker. Strength training is the most efficient way to build as well as maintain lean muscle mass. This type of training allows you to stay healthy as well as functionally fit.

Increases bone strength as well as density

Millions of people globally have osteoporosis. Eating dairy products as well as taking calcium supplements to improve bone strength and mass is not enough. Bones need to be challenged by weight-bearing exercises, or they will become soft and brittle. Strength training will increase the strength and density of your bone s more than any exercise

Increases metabolism

The slower that your metabolism is, the easier it is to gain body fat and the harder it is to lose it. Strength training boosts metabolism because it builds and maintains lean muscle mass. This type of muscle mass is metabolically active tissue so the more lean muscle mass you have, the faster your metabolism will be.

Reshapes the body as well as improving the appearance

No other type of exercise can reshape your body and improve your appearance like strength training can. This type of training will give you a healthy, toned and athletic-looking body.

Anaerobic exercises push your body and lungs to rely on energy sources which are stored in your muscles. Individuals may avoid anaerobic training as it is difficult. However, by practising simple anaerobic exercises, you can reap the benefits of this powerful workout.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

To learn more about exercise, we recommend that you do our Personal Training Course. Follow this link to learn more.

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A personal trainer clarifies why you SHOULD always prioritise weight training over cardio https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/a-personal-trainer-clarifies-why-you-should-always-prioritise-weight-training-over-cardio/ Thu, 02 Jan 2020 05:00:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14234 You’ll probably see many gym-goers out there who, before they head off for their weight-training sessions,  hop onto the elliptical or stationary bike before they start with their strength training. It makes sense as it assists you with getting your muscles warmed up. In addition to this, cardio boosts your heart rate, thus burning fat,...

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You’ll probably see many gym-goers out there who, before they head off for their weight-training sessions,  hop onto the elliptical or stationary bike before they start with their strength training. It makes sense as it assists you with getting your muscles warmed up. In addition to this, cardio boosts your heart rate, thus burning fat, before you go over to several of the more muscle-toning weight exercises. However, according to an expert personal trainer, this is not necessary.

And don’t think that this is just one lone voice in the world of fitness and personal training who’s saying this. Other, well-established trainers are reporting this as well. They say that it’s a massive mistake to do your cardio first, and exhaust yourself before you do your weight-training. Also, they say that if you want the weight session to be ultimately productive, it is vital that you remain fresh.

Depletion of glycogen stores

Cardiovascular exercise will reduce the amount of glycogen that is stored in your muscles. This compound is essentially your energy that is stored and which you use for explosive activity. This means that if you do your cardio before your strength and weight training, these will be far less effective. When it comes to weight lifting and resistance training, the form that you adopt is the most critical aspect that you need to master. So, if you’re tired even before you even start a weight session, you’ll feel your workout routine in all the wrong places. This makes injury more likely.

Personal trainers who are pro cardio warm-ups

Those personal trainers who are pro-cardio warm-ups say that warming up your muscles by doing a cardiovascular exercise stint before you work out to assist your muscles with adjusting to the physical movements which you’ll be doing, and it’s a great way to increase your heart rate slowly.

A cardiovascular warm-up could include activities such as:

  • Taking a brisk walk,
  • Going on a bike ride,
  • Marching or jogging on the spot, or
  • Doing some jumping jacks for between one and three minutes.

A proper total body warm-up for a period of between 5 and 10 minutes before doing any exercising is vital to prevent injuries as well as getting the body prepared for the workout.

A total-body warm-up can assist by increasing your body elasticity by 20% in addition to getting your synovial fluid going in your joints.  A good indication of when you’re adequately warmed up, as well as ready for stretching and exercising, is when you see sweat appearing on your forehead, at the back of your hands or under your nose.

100% cardio: good or bad?

The personal trainers who advocate switching your cardio and weight training say that long, steady-state cardio is one of the most terrible ways in which to transform your physique. Cardio – in order words, aerobic exercise – is fantastic for health reasons. This is because you will burn calories while you’re performing this action. However, your biggest concern when you’re attempting to lose weight is losing muscle.

If you lose fat – as well as muscle along with it – it becomes more challenging to ensure that you keep the weight off in the long run. This is because the more lean muscle you have, the higher your metabolic rate is.

Fat-loss efforts that give results

If you want to get tangible results in the way that you look, it’s put forward that training with weights is the only way ahead as this activity is a far more effective way to sculpt your body. Anaerobic exercises, for example, weight training, as well as sprinting, are most efficient at building lean muscle mass. This will increase your metabolism and lessen your fat stores.

So, are you pro cardio first or pro weights first during your workouts? Whatever you decide to do, make sure that it’s in keeping with what your body can handle and that you take it slowly because the faster that you perform an exercise, the easier it will be to cause yourself serious injury.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about exercise, have a look at our Personal Training Diploma.

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What is repetition training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-repetition-training/ Tue, 31 Dec 2019 05:05:28 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14229 Repetition training is when you break training distances into smaller, more manageable parts and repeat these parts. This is, for example, when you sprint over a set distance several times. It improves your speed-endurance. An essential part of repetition training is the recovery time in between reps. In repetition training, when you include more recovery...

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Repetition training is when you break training distances into smaller, more manageable parts and repeat these parts. This is, for example, when you sprint over a set distance several times. It improves your speed-endurance.

An essential part of repetition training is the recovery time in between reps. In repetition training, when you include more recovery intervals, your speed is improved. When you reduce the number of recovery intervals, your endurance is improved.

How does repetition training work?

When you put it into action, repetition training means you need to run your reps faster than you will in the race that you are training for. Your reps will consist of a short distance, a rest interval and repeat several times over.

This training means that when you are running the race, you will be able to take off quickly as the gun goes off while increasing your pace as the competition progresses.

What distance should these reps be?

This depends on two things:

  1. If you feel like your pace isn’t changing during the race, even if you want to go faster, you need to do short, sharp repetitions. This could be anywhere between 80 and 300-metre sprints.
  2. If you feel like you’re getting slower during the race, you need to do longer repetitions. This could be anything up to 3,000 metres.

If you want the right balance between these two, you can include both short and long repetition training sessions per week into your workout programme.

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How long should the rest intervals be?

This, once again, depends on two things: speed and endurance. You can use your heart rate as an indication of how long your recovery time needs to be.

  1. If you want to improve your speed, you need longer recovery intervals. This means you can run each repetition harder and faster. The recovery interval is just as long as it took to run the repetition. Your heart rate needs to drop to about 60% of your maximum heart rate before continuing with your reps.
  2. If you want to improve your endurance, you need shorter recovery intervals. This means you learn to run harder and faster while you are tired. The recovery interval is only half as long as it took to run the repetition. Your heart rate needs to drop to about 75% of your maximum heart rate before continuing with your reps.

Repetition training can also be referred to as interval training. This is because repetition training depends on the number of recovery intervals between reps and the time of these intervals. It also depends on the length and amount of reps you will be exercising. The distance, time and recovery intervals are determined using the end-goal: speed or endurance. Speed means short, sharp repetitions and longer recovery times. Endurance means longer repetitions and quicker recovery times.

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The different ways bones can break https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-different-ways-bones-can-break/ Tue, 31 Dec 2019 05:00:55 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14222 Bones usually have no problem resisting the force that is applied to them during daily activities and exercise. However, now and then bones are put under more stress than they can handle. When this happens, the bone breaks. This is also known as fracturing. There are three main types of fractures: Stress fractures When unnecessary...

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Bones usually have no problem resisting the force that is applied to them during daily activities and exercise. However, now and then bones are put under more stress than they can handle. When this happens, the bone breaks. This is also known as fracturing.

There are three main types of fractures:

Stress fractures

When unnecessary amounts of stress are placed on the same bone over extended periods of time, it can fracture. This is because the pressure that is continuously or regularly applied weakens the bone until it starts to crack. The cracks start small but, like a broken window, will grow over time if the same pressure is still being applied.

Impact fractures

Impact fractures happen when bones experience a sudden, hard force that it can’t handle. This fracture can occur in a matter of seconds. It’s like snapping a twig. This usually happens when you fall or in a car crash.

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Sick bones

Aging and diseases can make your bones grow weaker over time, making them more prone to fracturing. This means that the bones can’t cope with the same amount of stress and force as a healthy person’s bones.

Fracture shapes

These fractures can also be categorised based on the shape of the break. Doctors will usually identify whether a fracture is simple or compound before look at the form of the break.

A simple fracture is the most common type of fracture. This is when the broken bone doesn’t break through your skin. It is also known as a closed fracture.

A compound fracture is usually what you see in movies. This is when the broken bone is sticking out of your skin. It is also known as an open fracture.

The different shapes in which a bone is fractured can be categorised as follows:

  1. Transverse fractures are straight across the bone
  2. Oblique fractures are diagonal across the bone
  3. Spiral fractures are when one or both halves of the bone are twisted
  4. Comminuted fractures are when the bone is broken into more than two pieces
  5. Avulsion fractures are when fragments of the bone have been pulled apart
  6. Impacted fractures are when a part of the bone has been pushed into another piece of bone
  7. Fissure fractures are cracks in the bone
  8. Greenstick fractures are when the bones bend and break partially.
  9. Hairline fractures are limited fractures of the bone
  10. Fracture dislocations are when joints become dislocated and get fractured
  11. Compression fractures are when the front of a vertebra in the spine collapses
  12. Intraarticular fractures are when breaks extend into the surface of a joint
  13. Longitudinal fractures are along the length of the bone
  14. Torus fractures are when the bone deforms but does not crack

You can break your bones in different ways. It can be because of too much stress, sudden impact or diseases and aging. These breaks can take different shapes. They can also break through the skin sometimes. Sometimes fractures can even be as simple as a bent bone or a dislocated joint.

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What physiological responses are there to endurance training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-physiological-responses-are-there-to-endurance-training/ Mon, 30 Dec 2019 05:05:52 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14184 Endurance training is when you exercise to increase the amount of time your cardiovascular system and muscles can work without getting tired. Endurance exercises, or aerobic exercises, are meant to increase your breathing and heart rate. This includes activities like walking, jogging, swimming and cycling. There are two types of endurance training: Cardiovascular training Cardiovascular...

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Endurance training is when you exercise to increase the amount of time your cardiovascular system and muscles can work without getting tired.

Endurance exercises, or aerobic exercises, are meant to increase your breathing and heart rate. This includes activities like walking, jogging, swimming and cycling.

There are two types of endurance training:

  1. Cardiovascular training

Cardiovascular training is when you do aerobic exercises for a long period of time at a specific level. This improves your lung capacity.

  1. Strength training

Strength training is when you do resistance exercises with higher reps. This trains your slow-twitch muscles. These fibres in your muscles allow them to perform higher amounts of physical exertion for longer periods of time.

These types of endurance exercises can evoke different physiological responses:

Cardiac output

The central cardiovascular responses during endurance training include a lower heart rate and an increased stroke volume of the heart. It also increases blood plasma, which is responsible for carrying cells and proteins through your body, without rapidly changing your red blood cell count. This reduces the measure of your blood’s resistance to deformation, which increases your cardio output.

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Mitochondrial volume

Endurance training also increases total mitochondrial volume in your muscle fibres. The mitochondria increase both in number and size.

Capillarisation

Capillarisation is an increase in the surface area of your capillaries. This helps increase heat dissipation when you are performing endurance exercises.

Oxygen uptake

During endurance training, your oxygen uptake is increased. This improves the mass of your exercising muscle, metabolic efficiency and exercise intensity.

Blood circulation

The blood flow to your active muscles is increased when you are doing endurance exercises. It also improves the blood flow to your other organ systems, making them work more efficiently.

Catabolism

During endurance training, your metabolic pathways that break down molecules into smaller units to be oxidised or broken down for other anabolic reactions, are improved. These are called your catabolism.

This improves your body’s ability to revert fat and glycogen into energy.

Blood pressure

During endurance training, systolic blood pressure is increased. This type of blood pressure measures the pressure exerted against the arterial walls as the blood is forcefully pumped through the veins as they contract.

Your diastolic blood pressure is also decreased. This measures the pressure exerted against the arterial walls when no blood is being pumped through the veins.

During endurance training, your cardiovascular system and muscles are exercised to work harder for longer. This is achieved through strength and cardiovascular training methods. It improves your blood pressure, blood circulation, catabolism, oxygen uptake, cardiac output, capillarisation and mitochondrial volume.

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Exercises to increase your neck strength https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-to-increase-your-neck-strength/ Mon, 30 Dec 2019 05:05:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14181 Your neck is responsible for keeping your head upright on your shoulders. It is an extension of your back, with vertebrae making up the skeleton. Like your back, your neck is made up of muscles to support these vertebrae. Your neck is very vulnerable. From something as simple as turning your head to whiplash can...

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Your neck is responsible for keeping your head upright on your shoulders. It is an extension of your back, with vertebrae making up the skeleton. Like your back, your neck is made up of muscles to support these vertebrae.

Your neck is very vulnerable. From something as simple as turning your head to whiplash can cause serious injury to your neck. You can, however, exercise the muscles and neck to be stronger and less vulnerable to injury.

Chin tuck

When trying this exercise for the first time, it is recommended that you stand with your spine against a door jamb and place your feet about seven centimetres from it. Keeping your spine against the door jamb, pull your upper back and head back until it touches this part of the door. Keep your chin down so that your head is pulled straight back. Hold your head against the door jamb for a few seconds and return to starting position.

Once you are comfortable doing the exercise with the door jamb, you can try to do the chin tuck without the door jamb for support.

Prone cobra

Lie face down on the floor. Put your forehead on a rolled-up hand towel. Put your arms at your side with your palms on the floor. Putting your tongue on the roof of your mouth will help to stabilise the muscles in the front of your neck. Pinch your shoulder blades together and lift your hands off the floor. Roll your elbows in, palms out and your thumbs up. Lift your forehead off the towel, keeping your head straight to the floor. Hold the position for a few seconds and return to the starting position.

Back burn

Stand with your back against a flat wall. Place your feet about eight centimetres out from the wall. Put your head against the wall as you would with the chin tuck and try to flatten your lower back against the wall. Put your elbows, forearms and the back of your hands on the wall with your wrists at shoulder level. Keeping the rest of your body in position, bring your hands up above your head and down again.

Rotational resistance

Put one hand on the side of your head. Try to rotate your head towards your shoulder. Press your head with your hand to resist the move. Try to bring your shoulder in line with your chin. When you have reached your shoulder with your chin, hold the position for a few seconds while still providing resistance. Return to your beginning position and, after you’ve done this, repeat the exercise on the other side.

You can try different exercises to make your neck stronger. A stronger neck not only means that your head is supported better, but reduces the risks of injuring your neck. You can try something as simple as turning your head from side to side to start with and build up to more complicated exercises.

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How do you calculate lung volume? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-you-calculate-lung-volume/ Fri, 27 Dec 2019 05:05:28 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14175 Your genetics, gender and height all determine the size of your lungs. The air in your lungs can be measured with lung volumes and lung capacities. Your lung volume is the amount of air your lungs can inhale and exhale. Your lung capacity is how much you can inhale after exhaling. The volume in your...

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Your genetics, gender and height all determine the size of your lungs.

The air in your lungs can be measured with lung volumes and lung capacities. Your lung volume is the amount of air your lungs can inhale and exhale. Your lung capacity is how much you can inhale after exhaling.

The volume in your lungs can be divided into four units:

Tidal volume

Tidal volume measures how much air is breathed in and expired when you take a breath. This is normally half a litre.

Expiratory reserve volume

The term ‘expiratory reserve volume’ refers to the extra air that can be exhaled after you have already exhaled. It acts as a reserve for when you need to exhale more than you normally would.

Inspiratory reserve volume

Inspiratory reserve volume is the extra air that can be inhaled after you have already inhaled. It acts as a reserve for when you need to inhale more than you normally would.

Residual volume

Your lungs are never completely empty. Residual volume is the excess air left in your lungs after you have exhaled.

It is impossible to measure the residual volume of your lungs as you can’t empty the lung completely. It can only be calculated.

The capacity of your lungs can also be divided into four units:

Vital capacity

When you add expiratory reserve volume, tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume, you get vital capacity. This measures the maximum amount of air you can breathe in and out during a single respiratory cycle.

Inspiratory capacity

When you add tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume, you get inspiratory capacity. This measures the amount of air you can breathe in after breathing out.

Functional residual capacity

When you add the expiratory reserve volume and the residual volume, you get functional residual capacity. This measures the extra air that you can exhale after exhaling.

Total lung capacity

When you add together all four units of volume, you get your total lung capacity. This speaks for itself. It is the total amount of air that your lungs are able to hold.

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Spirometry

Your lung volumes can be measured using the following methods:

Spirometry

During spirometry, forced expiratory volume is measured. Forced expiratory volume measures how much air can be forced out of your lungs over a specific period of time. This period of time is usually a second.

Forced vital capacity is also measured during spirometry. Forced vital capacity measures how much air can be forcibly exhaled.

Body Plethysmography

Body plethysmography measures functional residual capacity using Boyle’s law.  During this type of test, you are seated in an airtight box, wherein changes in pressure and volume can be measured.

Nitrogen Washout

When you breathe 100% oxygen, all the nitrogen in your lungs is washed out. The nitrogen concentration in your exhaled volume is measured. The difference between the nitrogen volume in the initial exhale and the final exhale is used to measure functional residual capacity.

Your lungs are responsible for your breathing. You can measure the amount of air the can inhale and exhale using volume and capacity. Volume and capacity are measured using spirometry, body plethysmography and nitrogen washout techniques.

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Exercises to increase your hip and pelvis strength https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-to-increase-your-hip-and-pelvis-strength/ Fri, 27 Dec 2019 05:00:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14171 The primary role of your pelvis is to support the weight of your upper body when you are sitting. It needs to transfer this weight to your lower limbs when you are standing. Sitting and standing can place a lot of stress on your pelvis and hips. This strain can also put a lot of...

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The primary role of your pelvis is to support the weight of your upper body when you are sitting. It needs to transfer this weight to your lower limbs when you are standing. Sitting and standing can place a lot of stress on your pelvis and hips. This strain can also put a lot of stress on your lower back and upper thighs.

It is important to exercise your pelvis and hips so that it is able to sustain weight for a longer period of time. It also helps to reduce the stress that is transferred to your lower back and thighs.  Here are some exercises to help you to increase hip and pelvic strength.

Half-kneeling hip flexor stretch

Place one leg out in front of your body and bend down into a lunge until the knee is at a 90-degree angle. The opposite knee is resting on the ground. Tighten your glutes and abdominal muscles, and bring your pelvis forward. Lean forward from the leg with its knee on the ground. Maintain this position for a number of seconds and repeat. Then switch legs and repeat.

Bridge

Lie down flat on your back. Bend your legs and place your arms by your side. Place your feet flat on the floor about hip-distance apart. Drive your heels into the floor and, after this, lift your pelvis into the air until your upper body and thighs are aligned. Maintain for a few seconds and, after this, return to starting position.

Kneeling leg lift with back stretch

Get onto your hands and knees on a mat. Place your hands shoulder-distance apart and align your knees with your hips. Check that your back is parallel to the floor so your pelvis is in a neutral position. Pull your stomach in to your spine and arch your back. Hold the position for a few seconds and return to the starting position. Then, extend one leg back. Lift the leg until it is in line with your body. Hold this position for a few seconds and repeat, alternating between legs.

Squat

Stand up tall with your feet shoulder-distance apart and your toes pointing forward. Lower yourself to a sitting position until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Make sure your knees don’t go over your toes. Drive yourself back to a standing position and then push your pelvis slightly forward. It is important not to flatten or arch your back too much.

Double-banded pull through

Tie a long resistance band close to the ground behind you. Stand at the front of the band with your back facing where you tied it. Place your feet shoulder-distance apart. Loop another small resistance band just above your knees.

Push your legs apart slightly. Lean forward at your hips and push your butt back. Bend your knees to reach down and take the long band between your legs. Keeping your chest lifted and your back flat, stand up again.

Exercising to make your hips and pelvis stronger will make it easier for you to sit, stand, walk and run. It can also make lifting heavy objects easier. Having a strong pelvis also improves your posture.

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What impact does gymnastics have on your joints and bones? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-impact-does-gymnastics-have-on-your-joints-and-bones/ Tue, 24 Dec 2019 05:05:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14166 Gymnastic exercises develop your physical agility and coordination. These can improve your bone, muscle and cognitive health. In addition, these types of exercises target all muscle groups for total-body strength and flexibility. Gymnastics also fights metabolic and immune disorders by lowering blood pressure and releasing antioxidant enzymes in your body. Gymnasts perform acrobatic leaps, flips,...

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Gymnastic exercises develop your physical agility and coordination. These can improve your bone, muscle and cognitive health. In addition, these types of exercises target all muscle groups for total-body strength and flexibility. Gymnastics also fights metabolic and immune disorders by lowering blood pressure and releasing antioxidant enzymes in your body.

Gymnasts perform acrobatic leaps, flips, turns, balances and more on a special piece of equipment.

The equipment usually includes uneven bars, balancing beams, horizontal and parallel bars, rings, and vaulting or pommel horses.

Gymnastics can be very beneficial for your overall fitness and health.

Improved flexibility

Gymnasts are more flexible than your average person. Their ligaments, tendons, muscles and joints are stronger. This is because the bends and twists they do alleviate muscle and joint stiffness.

Improved bone health

Gymnastic exercises can improve your bone health and strength. Gymnasts have increased lumbar support, bone mineral density and tissue mass because of the intense physical training gymnastics requires.

While gymnastics can improve your bone health and the flexibility of your joints, it also comes with a lot of risks of getting injured. Some injuries include:

Wrist Sprains

Your wrists are subjected to extreme forces when doing gymnastics. This is why it is easy for your wrists to get injured. It can be because of too much weight, or when your form is incorrect when landing on your wrists.

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Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury

While tumbling, dismounting or vaulting during gymnastic exercises, landing without the right form can result in ACL injuries. When landing, you hear or feel a “pop” of your knee. This is usually because the knee joint has dislocated out of its socket. It is usually followed by severe pain and swelling.

Knee injuries can be the make or break any gymnast’s career. You often hear of athletes having to retire because of knee injuries. So it’s very important that, once you’ve dislocated your knee, you take the correct amount of time to recover.

Achilles tendon injury

Your Achilles is one of the most vulnerable tendons in your body. It is responsible for your body’s propulsion and power when jumping and running. It also has to support your entire body’s weight while protecting your ankles.

Jumping activities during gymnastics can place a lot of stress on your Achilles tendon. Whether it is too much stress or simply landing wrong after a jump, your Achilles can be easily injured.

Foot and ankle injuries

Your ankles are one of the smallest joints in your body, yet it is responsible for supporting your entire body’s weight. Landing wrong after a jump can cause you to sprain your ankles.

Serious sprains can cause swelling, bruising and tenderness. Minor sprains usually include tenderness and a little bit of swelling.

Like your knee, it is very important to give your ankle the right amount of time to recover after an injury.

While gymnastic exercises can be beneficial for your joints’ flexibility and your bones’ health, the high-impact exercises that make up gymnastics can place a lot of stress on your joints and bones. It only takes one wrong landing to dislocate or sprain joints as well as one wrong fall to instantly break a bone.

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Exercises to maintain good posture https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-to-maintain-good-posture/ Tue, 24 Dec 2019 05:00:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14163 While a good posture can shave off a few kilos and make you look confident, it also helps to improve your body’s strength and balance. Bad posture often means that some joints, muscles and bones take on a lot more stress because they have to compensate for your imbalance. Not only are you left looking...

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While a good posture can shave off a few kilos and make you look confident, it also helps to improve your body’s strength and balance. Bad posture often means that some joints, muscles and bones take on a lot more stress because they have to compensate for your imbalance. Not only are you left looking like the Hunchback of Notre Dame, but you will experience severe pains and possible injuries.

Here are a number of exercises which you can try in order to fix bad posture or to maintain a good one.

Child’s pose

The child’s pose is usually included in a stretching or yoga workout programme. It stretches and lengthens your spine, glutes and hamstring. It also releases tension in your lower back and neck.

To do the child’s pose, start by sitting on your shinbones with your knees together. Your big toes should be in contact with one another and your heels should fall to the side.

Bend forward from your hips and walk your hands out in front of you. Then sink your hips back down toward your feet.

Put your forehead on the floor while keeping your arms extended. Hold for a few seconds while breathing into the back of your ribs and waist.

Rowing

Sit with your spine extended and your legs stretched out in front of you. Bring your elbows into your sides and make blades with your hands.

Reach your arms upward diagonally while inhaling. Then press your palms down toward the floor while exhaling and further extending your spine.

Inhale again and lift your arms up to your ears. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your chest wide. Then exhale and open your arms to the side, further extending your spine.

Return to the starting position and repeat.

Forward fold

Another stretching or yoga exercise is the forward fold. This exercise releases tension in your spine, hamstrings and glutes. It also stretches your hips and legs.

Stand with your big toes touching as well as your heels slightly apart. Bring your hands to your hips. Bend forward from your hips in addition to bringing your hands toward the floor.

If your hands don’t touch the ground, you can use an object to rest them on. Reduce the size of the object once you’re getting comfortable until you can reach the floor with your hands.

Bend your knees slightly while softening your hip joints. Allow your spine to extend and stretch.

Bring your chin into your chest and let your head fall to the floor. Hold this pose for a few seconds and return to the standing position.

Leg pull-up

Sitting with your spine extended and legs together, bring your palms into the mat next to you. Roll your shoulders back and down. Keep your chest open, arms straight and your toes pointing down to the mat.

Slowly lift your hips up. Kick one of your legs up as high as you are able however keep your waist still. Bring the leg back to the floor and kick up the other leg.

It can be hard to maintain a good posture when you are sitting at a desk for most of the day. However, including spine-stretching exercises into your workout programme can help to improve your posture.

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What is muscle imbalance? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-muscle-imbalance/ Mon, 23 Dec 2019 05:05:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14153 Normally, muscles use a combination of contraction and relaxation to enable body movement. When muscular imbalances occur, two or more muscles don’t contract and relax as they should. For example, when the biceps muscle on the front of the upper arm contracts and the triceps muscle on the back of the arm relaxes it enables...

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Normally, muscles use a combination of contraction and relaxation to enable body movement. When muscular imbalances occur, two or more muscles don’t contract and relax as they should.

For example, when the biceps muscle on the front of the upper arm contracts and the triceps muscle on the back of the arm relaxes it enables your elbow to move.

When there are muscular imbalances, the biceps remains contracted and the triceps remains relaxed.

Muscular imbalances are often due to brain or spinal cord injury. People who suffer from cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or even strokes often have muscular imbalances.

Abnormal inhibition and facilitation

Abnormal inhibition is when a muscle is lengthened. When inhibition occurs, it causes the opposite muscle to become too tight. This is known as abnormal facilitation.

Abnormal facilitation often occurs as the body tries to compensate for abnormal inhibition. The tightened muscle becomes uncomfortable and painful. It can restrict movement and flexibility.

While you might try to fix this imbalance by stretching, you could risk weakening the muscle that is already over-stretched.

Abnormal inhibition and facilitation can affect your joints, tendons, ligaments, bones and other muscles. It can also impact your pelvis, spine, and head.

These imbalances can cause bad posture and an irregular gait.

Types of muscular imbalances

There are two different types of muscle imbalances that can occur:

  1. Neuromuscular imbalance, which is usually caused by the brain, spinal cord or muscle itself.
  2. Exercise imbalance, which is usually caused by training one muscle more than another.

Causes of muscular imbalances

Muscular imbalances can be caused by a number of things:

  1. Poor muscle development

Poor muscle development is usually caused by exercise imbalance. This is when you have chronic exercise imbalances from training one muscle harder than the other, poor running gait, or overtraining muscles.

  1. Poor lifestyle habits

Muscular imbalances, owing to the way you perform everyday tasks, are a thing! Lifting something without using the right set of muscles, being overweight or underweight, or even using the right hand more than your left.

Things that go even less unnoticed are regularly wearing the wrong shoes, sitting for too long or even typing repetitively.

All these things, while they seem petty, are very important for muscle balance.

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  1. Injuries

Injuries ranging from a twisted ankle to whiplash during a car accident can also cause muscular imbalances.

  1. Chronic and acute illness

Diabetes, sarcopenia, chronic inflammation, arthritis, obesity, and more illnesses can cause muscular imbalances. This is because some of these illnesses reduce neuromuscular function or muscle mass owing to ageing. In addition, it results in less physical activity.

  1. Neurological disorders

Coming in under neuromuscular imbalances are Parkinson’s disease, strokes, birth trauma, head trauma, and spinal cord trauma. These can all cause muscular imbalances.

  1. Nutrition

Another thing we are hardly ever aware of is how our diets influence the way our muscles develop. Low protein diets, dehydration, anaemia, low blood sugar and general malnutrition have an impact on your muscles.

  1. Stress

Falling under both neuromuscular and exercise imbalances is stress. This is the most common cause of muscle imbalances, whether it is physical, chemical or mental.

Our muscles are perhaps one of the most important parts to make the body function and need extra special attention. The slightest form of stress, injury, illness or even the most uninformed way of doing things can cause muscular imbalances. These not only cause an uncomfortable lifestyle but can lead to severe injuries.

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Exercises to increase back strength https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/exercises-to-increase-back-strength/ Mon, 23 Dec 2019 05:00:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14150 Your spine is responsible for supporting your entire body. Whenever you lift something, your back needs to make sure you don’t fall over from the weight. To support your spine, there are about 140 muscles. These muscles can be trained to make sure your spine doesn’t get hurt. Here are some examples of exercises you...

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Your spine is responsible for supporting your entire body. Whenever you lift something, your back needs to make sure you don’t fall over from the weight. To support your spine, there are about 140 muscles. These muscles can be trained to make sure your spine doesn’t get hurt.

Here are some examples of exercises you can try to strengthen your spine.

Renegade rows

Position yourself in a high plank with your hands shoulder-distance apart. Keep your hips square and your core engaged. Then lift your right hand off the ground with your right elbow tucked close to your ribs. Bring it back to the starting position and repeat with your left arm.

Bent-over reverse flys

Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hinge forward at your hips. Place your arms at your sides with your palms facing in. Engage your back and shoulder muscles. Keep your chest up. Raise your arms so they are parallel to the floor with your elbows slightly bent. Bring your arms back to the starting position and repeat.

Scapular push-ups

Position yourself in a high plank with your hands shoulder-distance apart. Keep your body in a straight line with your head in a neutral position. Pinch your shoulder blades together and slowly lower your body halfway to the floor. Raise your body back up and repeat.

Superman

Lie with your face down on an exercise mat and your forehead on the floor. Keep your toes pointed down. Bring your arms straight out in front of you with your palms on the floor. Engage your back, glutes and hamstrings, and lift your hands and feet a few centimetres off the ground. Bring it back to the floor and repeat.

Swimmers

You start this exercise the same as the superman exercise. Instead of lifting your arms and legs together, though, you will be lifting your right arm and left leg off the ground at the same time. Bring them back to the starting position and do the same with your left arm and right leg. Keep alternating.

Kneeling extension

Start on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Tightening your core muscles, lift your right arm and extend it forward. Then lift your left leg and extend it straight back. Keep your toes pointed down. Hold the position for about 10 seconds and return to starting position. Repeat with your left arm and right leg.

Exercising your back muscles will reduce the stress placed on your spine. When your muscles are strengthened, they are able to provide better support to your spine. You can also exercise your core muscles, which also supports your spine. By regularly exercising, you also increase the density of the vertebrae in your spine. This makes the bones less fragile and reduces the chances of getting injured.

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How to use cardio equipment safely https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-use-cardio-equipment-safely/ Wed, 18 Dec 2019 05:05:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14125 If you’re part of a gym or fitness club or, alternatively make use of home gym equipment, it’s important you know how to use these properly so that you won’t sustain any injuries. Overuse and misuse of cardio equipment are the causes of a high percentage of injuries that happen in the gym. So here...

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If you’re part of a gym or fitness club or, alternatively make use of home gym equipment, it’s important you know how to use these properly so that you won’t sustain any injuries. Overuse and misuse of cardio equipment are the causes of a high percentage of injuries that happen in the gym. So here are some tips on what to look for and how to use the equipment safely.

Step #1 with cardio equipment

Begin with a warm-up. If you prefer to do your entire cardio workout as soon as you arrive at the gym, after your strength-training, or a little before in addition to a little, after it’s advised that you always warm up for at least five minutes prior to performing any resistance training. Treadmills in addition to stationary bikes are great for a quick warm-up because you don’t need to really increase your heart rate at this stage.

Step #2 with cardio equipment

Jump on and start. With the exclusion of the treadmill, most cardio machines need you to start peddling or stepping before a read-out comes up which tells you that you’re the steps to get started.

When looking at the treadmill, start it up while you have your feet on the runners on both sides. Start the machine at a slow speed and hold the handle when you first start walking even if you are experienced. Increase the speed as well as incline as your progress.

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Step #3 with cardio equipment

Always make sure that you maintain proper form. In the case of the treadmill, that means standing upright with your abdominals muscles contracted. Make sure that your shoulders remain neutral and don’t let them round. Don’t allow your head to just flop forward. Your neck, back as well as pelvis should be aligned. Make use of the hand rails for support if you need to but don’t lean your weight on them. Warm up as well as cool down for about five minutes each. A lot of the cardio machines will go into these modes automatically.

The truth is that when it comes down to cardiovascular machines, it is not a matter of which one is best, which will burn the most number of calories, which offers the most comfort, which gives a good total workout, which mimics real activity, or which is less tiring. What matters is finding the best match for each unique individual and finding the perfect exercise which will keep people coming back.

Cardiovascular exercise is essential when it comes to maintaining general health and wellness. If you’re then a person who all your friends turn to for exercise advice and if you really enjoy interacting with others about exercise then you DEFINITELY need to become a personal trainer.

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How many reps do I need to do in weight training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-many-reps-do-i-need-to-do-in-weight-training/ Wed, 18 Dec 2019 05:00:18 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14120 As muscles can be developed, strengthened and toned for a variety of different purposes, there are a number of different ways to exercise when you train with weights. usually, you’ll want to choose from the following three choices for each and every weight training exercise which you use in your workout routine. Muscle size and...

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As muscles can be developed, strengthened and toned for a variety of different purposes, there are a number of different ways to exercise when you train with weights. usually, you’ll want to choose from the following three choices for each and every weight training exercise which you use in your workout routine.

Muscle size and power

As the term implies, the muscle power goal objective can be pursued if you feel that you want to achieve the maximum size in your muscles or, alternatively, if you want them to be explosively strong. (What this means is that you want in other words very powerful for short burst at a time.

In order to grow muscles in this way, you’ll want to make use of no more than three sets in which no more than eight reps are used. Muscle size, as well as power, is often used for muscles that are prominently displayed on the human figure such as pectorals or the biceps and triceps.

Muscle strength

The muscle strength objective is followed when you want your muscles to be effective when you do a high number of repetitions or, in other words, when you want your muscles to be strong for a prolonged time period.

You’ll want to use approximately four sets from which between 10 and 12 reps are done. The muscle strength goal is often used for muscles that are located in your back and your abdominals.

Muscle endurance

The muscle endurance objective is followed when you want your muscles to be able to do the same motions over a prolonged period of time or, in other words, if you want your muscles to be strong and not tire rapidly.

You’ll want to use at least four sets from which at least 16 reps are done. The muscle endurance goal is often used for muscles in your lower body such as those which are located in your legs or buttocks.

With time, you’ll come to an understanding of your personal strength curve as well as the relationship of weight to reps for every exercise that you perform. Writing your numbers down in a logbook will assist you with keeping a note of your reps and weights used. This is important as once you get stronger, you’ll want to lift increased weight in the exact same rep range. When building muscle, once you are able to do more than approximately 12 reps on a core lift, it’s time that you increase the resistance by about between 5 and 10 percent.

The weight you select along your strength curve should be in keeping with the number of reps you want to do. This will match your training goals. This means that your workouts should never be random and just decide to work out with any old weight. There is the best weight as well as an optimal number of reps that you should be doing. It is just dependent on which goal you want to prioritise!

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What makes up the nervous system? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-makes-up-the-nervous-system/ Tue, 17 Dec 2019 05:05:25 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14116 Your nervous system is made up of a complex network of nerves and cells that coordinates its actions and sensory information by transmitting signals to and from different parts of your body. These sensory signals alert your nerves to changes in your environment. In working together with your endocrine system, your nervous system then reacts...

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Your nervous system is made up of a complex network of nerves and cells that coordinates its actions and sensory information by transmitting signals to and from different parts of your body.

These sensory signals alert your nerves to changes in your environment. In working together with your endocrine system, your nervous system then reacts to these changes.

Your nervous system consists of:

  1. The central nervous system, which is made up of your brain and spinal cord
  2. The peripheral nervous system, which is made up of the somatic and autonomic nervous system

Neurons are specialised conductor cells that receive and transmit electrochemical nerve impulses.

The central nervous system

Your brain is made up of the brain stem, cerebrum, cerebellum and diencephalon. Neurons and neuroglia are nerve cells that can be found in your brain. You will also find grey matter and white matter in your brain.

Neurons and neuroglia are found in the grey matter, which receives and stores impulses. White matter carries impulses to and from grey matter and consist of nerve fibres.

You can also find conduction pathways in the midbrain and pons. These pathways allow signals to be sent from one part of your brain to the other.

Your brain stem can be found between the pons and your spinal cord. It is only an inch long.

Your cerebrum is situated on the brain stem and, taking up most of your brain, the cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres. The left hemisphere controls the activities on the right side of your body. The right hemisphere controls the activities on the left side of your body.

You can find the cerebellum behind and below the cerebrum.

The diencephalon is located in front of the brain stem. It consists of the thalamus and the hypothalamus. The thalamus is where your senses and impulses come together. The hypothalamus is responsible for releasing hormones.

Your spinal cord extends from your brain. It is made up of a series of 31 segments, each with a pair of spinal nerves. Your motor and sensory nerves are found in your spinal cord.

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The peripheral nervous system

Your somatic nervous system is made up of peripheral nerve fibres that pick up sensory signals from organs situated away from your brain, like your limbs. They then carry the signals to the central nervous system.

Motor nerve fibres in the peripheral nervous system come out of your brain and take the signals for movement and necessary action to your skeletal muscles.

Your autonomic nervous system is made up of the sympathetic nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system and enteric nervous system. It controls the nerves of your inner organs, like your heartbeat, digestion and breathing.

Neurons and nerve fibres send sensory signals through your organs, brain and spinal cord to allow your body to react when the environment around it changes. This is called the nervous system. It is made up of the central and peripheral nervous systems, which are responsible for transmitting signals from outside and around the inside of your body.

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How should you exercise safely in hot weather? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-should-you-exercise-safely-in-hot-weather/ Tue, 17 Dec 2019 05:00:03 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14112 Exercising in hot weather puts added strain on your body. This is because heat-related illnesses – such as heat stroke as well as sunstroke – take place when your body is unable to keep itself cool. On its own, sweating isn’t enough to cool your body. What are the symptoms of heat-related illnesses? If you...

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Exercising in hot weather puts added strain on your body. This is because heat-related illnesses – such as heat stroke as well as sunstroke – take place when your body is unable to keep itself cool. On its own, sweating isn’t enough to cool your body.

What are the symptoms of heat-related illnesses?

If you are of the suspicion that you may be suffering from a heat-related illness, check out this list. If you’re exhibiting one of these symptoms then you’re probably suffering from such an illness:

  • Irritability
  • General discomfort
  • Weakness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Cramps

Suggestions to avoid illnesses from exercising in hot weather

Don’t think that just because it’s hot you must avoid doing any exercise as you’re afraid that you’ll contract a heat-related illness. Follow these tips to make sure that you keep fit AND healthy:

  • Drink plenty of water before, during as well as after exercise

It is possible for you to lose around one and a half litres of fluid for every hour of exercise. One of the main indications of dehydration is fatigue which causes a significant drop in performance.

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To ensure that you take in enough water during your exercise sessions, we suggest that you do the following:

  • Avoid starting exercise when you are dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids for a number of hours before exercise.
  • Drink at least 500 ml (two cups) an hour before you exercise.
  • Consume at least 150 ml at every 15-minute interval during exercise.
  • During exercise, take advantage of all breaks to drink up.
  • After exercise, drink more water to ensure that you are fully rehydrated.
  • Wear light-weight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing clothing such as long-sleeved tops, full-length trousers, a hat and sunglasses as well as a large umbrella.
  • Exercise during the parts of the day which are cooler, preferably before dawn or after sunset.
  • Reduce your exercise intensity. Take frequent breaks as well as drink water or, alternatively, other fluids every 15 to 20 minutes even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you have clear as well as pale urine you are probably drinking a sufficient amount of fluids.
  • Don’t drink alcohol, tea or coffee prior to or after exercising because these drinks promote the loss of fluids.
  • If you have travelled to a climate that is hotter than the one that you are used to, remember that it may take about 10 days of exercising before you fully acclimatise.

Many people head outside in their droves when the weather warms up to jog, play netball or do work in the garden. However, when the temperature rises, “easy” exercise is turned into a huge physical undertaking. Intense exercise can turn out to be deadly. So, if your body’s temperature regulation system is overtaxed, you’re at risk of developing a heat-related illness.

Knowing how to exercise properly is one of the fundamental parts of keeping fit and healthy.

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What makes up the endocrine system? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-makes-up-the-endocrine-system/ Fri, 13 Dec 2019 06:20:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14095 Glands that produce and secrete hormones make up the endocrine system. These hormones are responsible for your body’s growth, metabolism, and sexual function and development. They are released into the bloodstream and affect the organs in your body. The glands that make up the endocrine system are the: Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Thyroid, Parathyroids, Adrenals, Pineal gland,...

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Glands that produce and secrete hormones make up the endocrine system. These hormones are responsible for your body’s growth, metabolism, and sexual function and development. They are released into the bloodstream and affect the organs in your body.

The glands that make up the endocrine system are the:

  • Hypothalamus,
  • Pituitary,
  • Thyroid,
  • Parathyroids,
  • Adrenals,
  • Pineal gland,
  • Reproductive organs, and
  • Pancreas.

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus regulates your hunger, metabolism and body temperature. It can be found in the lower central part of your brain.

The hormones secreted by the hypothalamus stimulate or suppress the release of hormones in the pituitary gland.

It also secretes somatostatin, which is a hormone that causes the pituitary gland to stop the release of growth hormones.

Pituitary gland

The pituitary gland is located at a position below the hypothalamus in the brain. It produces hormones that control many of the other endocrine glands’ functions.

It is possible to divide the pituitary gland can be divided into two lobes: the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe.

The anterior lobe produces hormones that are regulated by the hypothalamus:

  1. Growth hormone, which stimulates bone and tissue growth.
  2. Thyroid-stimulating hormone, which is responsible for stimulating the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones
  3. Adrenocorticotropin hormone, which stimulates the adrenal gland to produce various steroid hormones
  4. Luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, which control sexual function and the production of oestrogen as well as progesterone or testosterone
  5. Prolactin, which stimulates milk production in women

The posterior lobe produces hormones that are not regulated by the hypothalamus. These hormones are produced in the brain and carried to the pituitary gland through nerves.

  1. Antidiuretic hormone, which controls your kidneys’ water loss
  2. Oxytocin, which contracts the uterus when you are giving birth and stimulates milk production

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Thyroid gland

The thyroid gland makes hormones that are responsible for regulating your body’s metabolism. It is situated in the lower front part of your neck. It also contributes to bone growth and the development of the brain as well as the nervous system in children. Thyroid hormones also help maintain blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, muscle tone and some reproductive functions.

Parathyroid glands

The parathyroid glands release hormones that regulate calcium levels in the blood and bone metabolism. It is embedded in the surface of the thyroid gland.

Adrenal glands

The adrenal glands consist of two parts:

  1. The outer part (adrenal cortex), which produces hormones called corticosteroids. These hormones regulate your metabolism, salt and water balance, immune system and sexual function.
  2. The inner part (adrenal medulla) produces hormones called catecholamines. These hormones help you cope with physical and emotional stress by increasing your heart rate and blood pressure.

Pineal gland

The pineal gland produces melatonin. This hormone regulates the body’s sleeping cycle. It is located in the middle portion of the brain.

Reproductive glands

The reproductive glands are the most familiar in the endocrine system. They are responsible for releasing sex hormones.

In men, their testes produce androgens, like testosterone. These hormones are responsible for men’s sexual development, the growth of facial and pubic hair, as well as sperm production.

In women, the ovaries produce oestrogen and progesterone, as well as ova. These hormones are responsible for the development of women’s breasts. They are also involved in women’s reproductive functions, like menstruation and pregnancy.

Pancreas

The pancreas can be divided into two parts:

  1. The exocrine pancreas, which secretes digestive enzymes
  2. The endocrine pancreas, which secretes insulin as well as glucagon. These hormones are responsible for regulating the level of glucose in your blood.

The pancreas is an organ situated at the back of your abdomen, behind your stomach.

Together, the various glands that make up the endocrine system release hormones that allow your body to function as it is supposed to. From reproductive functions to stress control to digestion – your endocrine system regulates it all.

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What is the Krebs Cycle? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-krebs-cycle/ Fri, 13 Dec 2019 05:55:12 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14091 The Krebs cycle is responsible for cellular respiration. When glucose is broken down to pyruvate and then oxidised, acetyl CoA forms. The Krebs cycle then uses a series of redox reactions to harvest the acetyl CoA energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide with hydrogen (NADH) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FADH2)....

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The Krebs cycle is responsible for cellular respiration. When glucose is broken down to pyruvate and then oxidised, acetyl CoA forms. The Krebs cycle then uses a series of redox reactions to harvest the acetyl CoA energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide with hydrogen (NADH) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FADH2). This reaction takes place in the mitochondria.

The Krebs cycle consists of eight major steps:

Step one

In the first step of the Krebs cycle, acetyl CoA joins with oxaloacetate (a four-carbon molecule). Citrate (a six-carbon molecule) is formed.

Step two

In the second step, the citrate is converted into isocitrate. This happens when a water molecule is removed and then added.

Step three

In the third step, isocitrate is oxidised. This releases a molecule of carbon dioxide and leaves behind α-ketoglutarate (a five-carbon molecule). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is reduced to form NADH.

Step four

In the fourth step, α-ketoglutarate is oxidised. Similar to step three, NAD is reduced to form NADH. A carbon dioxide molecule is released in the process, forming a four-carbon molecule. This four-carbon molecule picks up coenzyme A and creates succinyl CoA.

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Step five

In the fifth step, CoA is replaced by phosphate. This is then transferred to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to make ATP. In some cells guanosine diphosphate (GDP) is used instead of ADP to form guanosine triphosphate (GTP). This is called succinate (a four-carbon molecule).

Step six

In the sixth step, succinate is oxidised and forms fumarate (another four-carbon molecule). Two hydrogen atoms are then transferred to FAD with their electrons. This produces FADH2.

Step seven

In the seventh step, water is added to the fumarate, converting it into malate (yet another four-carbon molecule).

Step eight

In the final step, malate is oxidised and regenerates oxaloacetate. NAD is reduced to NADH in the process.

The results

As a result of these steps, two carbons enter from acetyl CoA and two carbon dioxide molecules are released. Three NADH molecules and one FADH2 molecule are generated. One ATP molecule or GTP molecule is produced.

If we want to calculate the results per glucose yield, we need to multiply these numbers by 2 as a single glucose produces two acetyl CoA molecules.

Although the Krebs cycle doesn’t produce much ATP directly, it can make a lot of ATP indirectly using NADH and FADH2. NADH and FADH2 connect with the last portion of cellular respiration and deposits the electrons they carry into the next phase of the system, the electron transport chain. This phase drives the synthesis of ATP molecules using oxidative phosphorylation.

In short, the Krebs cycle uses a series of reactions to transform glucose into ATP or GTP energy molecules. The Krebs cycle kicks in when someone starts exercising, to make up for the additional energy that is used by producing synthesising ATP molecules.

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What is the benefit of flexibility training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-benefit-of-flexibility-training/ Thu, 12 Dec 2019 06:26:48 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14082 Flexibility training is when you work to increase your body and joints’ range of motion. Flexibility exercises can range from stretching before and after workouts to more intense stretches and poses (like with Yoga). It makes movement easier while building strength and stability at the same time. It also increases your range of motion and...

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Flexibility training is when you work to increase your body and joints’ range of motion.

Flexibility exercises can range from stretching before and after workouts to more intense stretches and poses (like with Yoga).

It makes movement easier while building strength and stability at the same time. It also increases your range of motion and improves your balance.

There are many more benefits to becoming flexible through flexibility training:

Prevent injury

Flexibility training improves your body’s ability to withstand stress from other exercises and daily activities. It can also get rid of muscle imbalances and tightness. This reduces the risk of falling and muscle tears.

It also improves your range of motion. This means that your body requires less energy to make some movements.

By improving the flexibility of your joints you are less likely to injure them during exercise from overextension and stress from too much weight.

Less pain

Flexibility training lengthens and opens your muscles. By loosening your muscles, they are less tense when performing exercises, which reduces the risk of muscle cramps and pain.

Loosening your muscles can also enable them to train for longer without becoming stiff or fatigued.

Improves posture and balance

Flexibility training corrects muscle imbalances. It does this by using muscles with the flexibility to compensate for muscles with poor flexibility.

By correcting these muscle imbalances, flexibility training works to properly align your body. This means improved posture and balance.

Reduces lower back pain

Flexibility training helps your muscles relax. This can reduce back pain.

Your lower back muscles take a lot of strain throughout the day as they NEVER stop working. They become stressed.

By improving the flexibility of your hamstrings, hip flexors and quadriceps, you take away some of the stress on your lower back.

When you have muscle imbalances, your back also takes up a lot more stress to compensate for where other muscles are lacking. By correcting these muscle imbalances, flexibility training reduces the stress on your lower back.

Increases blood flow

Flexibility training increases the blood supply to muscle tissues. Your body uses blood to deliver water, oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. This not only improves muscle performance but increases synovial fluid in the joints, which lubricates them. This improves your range of motion, lessens joint pain and reduces the risks of joint degeneration.

Improves muscle coordination

Flexibility training increases neuromuscular coordination. Nerve-impulse velocity, which is the time it takes an impulse to travel to the brain and back) is improved with flexibility. This helps opposing muscle groups work in a more coordinated function.

Flexibility training is one of the key components of your body’s mobility and functionality. It can improve your blood flow, enhance muscle mobility and coordination, reduce back pain and significantly decrease the risks of getting injured because of things like overextension.

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What typical movement can be seen in the knee joint? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-typical-movement-can-be-seen-in-the-knee-joint/ Wed, 11 Dec 2019 05:05:28 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14062 The knee joint is a hinge-type synovial joint that allows your lower leg to move relative to your thigh while supporting your body’s weight. This means that it is able to bend, straighten and slightly rotate. This movement is what enables you to walk, run, sit and stand. There are four main movements that can...

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The knee joint is a hinge-type synovial joint that allows your lower leg to move relative to your thigh while supporting your body’s weight. This means that it is able to bend, straighten and slightly rotate. This movement is what enables you to walk, run, sit and stand.

There are four main movements that can be seen in the knee joint:

  1. Flexion – your hamstrings (back thigh muscles), gracilis (groin muscle), sartorius (anterior thigh muscle) and popliteus (small knee joint muscle) work together to flex your knee.
  2. Extension – your quadriceps (front thigh muscles) and tibial tuberosity (the flat, elevated surface where your tibia and knee joint meets) work together to extend the knee.
  3. Lateral rotation – the biceps femoris (back thigh muscles which form part of hamstrings) enable the lateral rotation of your knee.
  4. Medial rotation – semimembranosus (flat, long, back thigh muscle), semitendinosus (long, superficial, back thigh muscle), gracilis, sartorius and popliteus enable the medial rotation of your knee.

These movements depend on the four bones that make up the knee:

  1. Femur (thighbone)
  2. Patella (kneecap)
  3. Tibia (shinbone)
  4. Fibula (calf bone)

How movement occurs

The muscles in your thigh (quadriceps and hamstrings) enable your knee to move. They are assisted by tendons, which connect them to muscles.

When you straighten your leg, your quadriceps (front thigh muscles) contract and pull on their quadriceps tendon. The quadriceps tendon then pulls on the patella using the patellar tendon. This extends the knee.

When your hamstrings contract and pull on their tendons, which in turn pulls the femur, flexion occurs.

 Extension and flexion

Extension is one of the main movements of your knees that takes place above the menisci (which is a piece of cartilage that serves as a cushion between your thighbone and shinbone).

Extension takes place around the transverse (side to side) axis of the knee joint, which isn’t fixed. The axis moves forward and upward.

Flexion is the other main movement of your knee. Like extension, it also takes place above the menisci around the transverse axis of the knee joint. During flexion, however, the axis moves in the reverse direction than extension.

Rotation

Rotation in the knee takes place around a vertical axis. This movement happens below the menisci and is controlled by the twisted cruciate ligaments (ligaments arranged in an x shape).

Locking and unlocking

The locking mechanism allows your knee to remain fully extended without relying on your muscles too much. This is a result of medial rotation of the thighbone.

The knee joint can only be flexed after it has been unlocked. This is a result of lateral rotation of the femur.

Your knee joints are the largest and most fragile joints in your body. They are made up of the tibia, fibula, femur and patella bones that enable them to extend, flex and rotate both laterally and medially. Your knees can also lock to hold you in position and unlock when its time to move again. This movement enables you to walk, run, sit, stand and many more daily tasks.

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What muscles support the spine? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-muscles-support-the-spine/ Wed, 11 Dec 2019 05:00:17 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14057 You often don’t think about how important your spine is until you start having back pain, which renders you useless to perform simple tasks like lifting something. Your spine supports your entire skeletal system. Hurt it in the wrong place and you could lose control over some parts of your body, like your arms and...

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You often don’t think about how important your spine is until you start having back pain, which renders you useless to perform simple tasks like lifting something.

Your spine supports your entire skeletal system. Hurt it in the wrong place and you could lose control over some parts of your body, like your arms and legs.

In order to support your skeleton, the spine is supported by 140 overlapping and interconnected muscle groups.

There are three types of back muscles.

  1. Extensor muscles

These muscles are attached to the back of the spine and enable standing and lifting objects.

  1. Flexor muscles

These muscles are attached to the front of the spine and enable flexing, bending forward, lifting, as well as arching your lower back.

  1. Oblique muscles

These muscles are attached to the sides of the spine and help you rotate the spine and maintain a good posture.

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These three categories are made up of various other muscles that control specific functions of the spine.

Intertransverse muscles

Intertransverse muscles help you bend from side to side.

Interspinal muscles

Interspinal muscles help you bend forward and backwards. They are the deepest level of your muscle layers.

Rotator muscles

Rotator muscles help you turn your bottom.

Erector spinae

These are two big muscles that lie over the three muscle groups. They run down the sides of your spine and keep you from falling forward. They keep you upright and also take on most of the stress your spine experiences daily.

Latissimus dorsi

These muscles enable you to move your arms and work with the erector spinae to support your spine. The latissimus dorsi is a large, wing-like muscle on either side of your back. They help to stabilise your back and enable you to do pull-ups.

Trapezius

The trapezius helps to move your neck and lift your shoulder blades. They extend from your neck to your shoulders.

Abdominals

Abdominal muscles support the lower regions of your spine.

Transversus abdominis

These muscles wrap around your body like a corset and help you bend and twist. These form a chevron-like pattern along the back of your spine.

Iliopsoas muscles

These are hip and thigh flexor muscles. They lift the thighs as you walk or climb.

Psoas

These muscles help to stabilise you when you are sitting in an upright position. They extend from your lower back, across the front of each hip to the inside-top of the thigh bone.

Rhomboids

These muscles are situated between your shoulder blades and help to realign your vertebrae.

 All of these muscles overlap and connect to each other in layers. These layers ensure that the muscles provide the most protection for the spine. They also enable the most sufficient operations. Each muscle has a specific function, whether it is to make your back bend forward, backwards or sideways, to rotate it or to support it when lifting something heavy.

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What makes up the shoulder girdle and the shoulder joint? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-makes-up-the-shoulder-girdle-and-the-shoulder-joint/ Tue, 10 Dec 2019 05:05:25 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14047 The shoulder girdle, also known as the pectoral girdle, connects your arms to the bones and muscles along the axis of your body. You have two shoulder girdles that are responsible for supporting the shoulder regions on both sides of your body and enabling movement. Your shoulder girdle is made up of two bones: your...

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The shoulder girdle, also known as the pectoral girdle, connects your arms to the bones and muscles along the axis of your body. You have two shoulder girdles that are responsible for supporting the shoulder regions on both sides of your body and enabling movement.

Your shoulder girdle is made up of two bones: your collarbone (clavicle) and your shoulder blade (scapula).

Clavicle bone

Your clavicle an S-shaped bone. It is situated at the front of your body in a horizontal position. It helps to protect the nerves and blood vessels that pass between your trunk and arms. It is the only direct connection between your shoulder girdle and axial skeleton.

The clavicle bone consists of three sections:

  1. Medial end

The medial end is triangular. It attaches to the sternum, forming the sternoclavicular joint.

  1. Lateral end

The lateral end is a flat piece that connects to the scapula. It forms the acromioclavicular joint.

  1. Shaft

The shaft is the body of the clavicle, which connects the lateral and medial end.

Scapula bone

The scapula is a triangular bone situated at the back of your shoulder. It connects your humerus (upper arm) with your clavicle. It is also an attachment point for various muscles in your shoulder, upper arm, neck and back.

Your scapula consists of three borders:

  1. Medial border

The medial border, also known as the vertebral border, runs parallel to the thoracic vertebrae (12 bones that make up the upper part of your spine).

  1. Lateral border

The lateral border is also known as the axillary border.

  1. Superior border

The superior border is the thinnest as well as the shortest of the three borders. The scapula also has two angles: the lateral angle and the inferior angle.

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Shoulder joints

Your shoulder joint consists of four main joints:

  1. Sternoclavicular joint

The sternoclavicular joint is where your clavicle and sternum meet. It allows your clavicle to move in three different planes.

  1. Scapulothoracic joint

The scapulothoracic joint, or scapulocostal joint, is where the scapula bone meets the ribs at the back of your chest. It relies on the muscles, which surround it, for control.

  1. Acromioclavicular joint

Your clavicle and acromion of the scapula come together at the acromioclavicular joint. It also enables movement in three planes.

  1. Glenohumeral joint

The glenohumeral joint, or shoulder joint, is the ball-and-socket connection between the humerus and scapula.

When we think about how the arm and shoulder are connected, this is usually the joint we picture.

Your shoulder girdle is the most agile and also the most vulnerable joint in the body. You have two of these joints. It is made up of the clavicle and scapula bones and four joints: sternoclavicular joint, scapulothoracic joint, acromioclavicular joint and glenohumeral joint. This series of bones and joints is responsible for connecting your arm and shoulder. It enables you to move your arm.

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How can you create a successful strength training programme? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-you-create-a-successful-strength-training-programme/ Tue, 10 Dec 2019 05:00:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14043 If you want to create a successful strength training programme, you need to know what makes a good programme of this sort. Based on these criteria, you then have to choose which strength training programme works best for you or if you need to create a programme that is right for you which ticks all...

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If you want to create a successful strength training programme, you need to know what makes a good programme of this sort. Based on these criteria, you then have to choose which strength training programme works best for you or if you need to create a programme that is right for you which ticks all the boxes.

What makes a good strength training programme?

Progressive tension overload

Progressive overload is the most powerful stimulus for muscle growth and to gain strength. It is an essential factor in any good strength training programme. Without it, you might as well be doing a normal workout routine.

Progressive overload is when you add weight to your workouts over time. If you have been using exactly the same weight for a period of three months, the chances that you are gaining muscle and strength are slim to none.

Volume control

Instead of focusing on gaining as much strength as possible on lifts that you’re good at, try to include equal amounts of volume in order to grow all your muscles.

If you just stick to building volume in one place, you might look like you’ve “missed a leg day”. By spreading your focus to other parts of your body, you will get a well-rounded physique.

Getting the right frequency and enough rest

Once you have your volume split equally, you can work on getting the right frequency.

Because progressive overload is so essential, your recovery time is also important! A good strength training programme gives your muscles enough time to rest and repair their strength.

Try training each muscle group at least twice a week, and include at least one day of rest between training each muscle group.

Studies have shown that people who rest longer between sets are able to gain more strength and muscle as opposed to those who rest less. This is because when taking short breaks you tend to use lighter weights or lower your frequency of sets. This will stunt your progress over time.

How long is enough? As long as you need.

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It’s not a prison sentence – have fun!

Just because you choose one training programme doesn’t mean you have to stick with it. If you aren’t having fun while doing it, try something different.

It is more likely that you will follow through with the training programme if you are enjoying it as opposed to when you dread doing it.

What is the best strength training programme for you?

Now that you know what makes up a good strength training programme, you have to decide which one will work best for you.

Try sticking with one programme for at least three months before deciding that you want to try something else. This way, you are able to see the results of the programme.

To create a successful strength training programme, you need to ensure you have the right balance of progressive overload, volume, frequency and fun. You need to build different muscle groups equally so make sure you get enough rests between sets. In addition, ensure that you enjoy what you are doing.

Strength training is an integral part of maintaining overall health and fitness.

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What are the benefits of a cardiovascular fitness programme? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-cardiovascular-fitness-programme/ Mon, 09 Dec 2019 08:35:20 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14036 Almost every well-balanced fitness programme has some kind of cardiovascular exercise (cardio) worked into it. The reality is, cardio is essential for your physical health. What is cardio? Cardio is when you do rhythmic exercises that raise your heart rate to where you burn the most fat and calories. Cardio can include biking, swimming and...

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Almost every well-balanced fitness programme has some kind of cardiovascular exercise (cardio) worked into it. The reality is, cardio is essential for your physical health.

What is cardio?

Cardio is when you do rhythmic exercises that raise your heart rate to where you burn the most fat and calories.

Cardio can include biking, swimming and running.

This elevation of heart rate and your cardiovascular system has many physical benefits:

Improves your heart

Your heart is just like any other muscle in your body. When you make it work harder than it normally would, you are training it. And, just like other muscles, training your heart makes it stronger and more efficient.

By increasing your heart’s efficiency, it doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood through your body. It also pumps more blood and oxygen to your muscles and organs, which increases your physical performance.

Cardio also prevents cholesterol build-up. Cholesterol can cause strokes and heart attacks. It also combats arterial and other heart diseases.

Healthy lungs

Cardio also helps to maintain a healthy respiratory system. Your lungs are also muscles. By training them, you can also make them stronger and more efficient.

By training your lungs, they create more alveoli, which absorb oxygen. Your lungs are able to process oxygen, put it in your body, and send it around your body faster. More oxygen makes it easier for your body to perform physical exercises.

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Increases mental health

Cardio helps to reduce depression, stress and anxiety.

This type of exercise stimulates your brain to produce more neurochemicals like dopamine, endocannabinoids and serotonin. These chemicals work together to produce sensations of happiness, elation, relaxation and pain relief.

Increased metabolism

Cardio can increase the efficiency of your metabolism and helps you burn calories. Your body breaks down calories into energy to fuel your exercise. When your calories are burned, your body will turn to your fat reserves for energy. This is what makes you lose weight.

By increasing the efficiency of your metabolism, you are able to burn more calories and fat. It also helps your body to continue burning calories long after you have finished exercising.

Improves cognitive function

Cardio also increases the amount of blood flow, oxygen and nutrients that get delivered to your brain. This causes the brain to create more neurons.

Neurons are cells that send and receive sensory signals that dictate how you react to changing environments, as well as your thought process. The increased number of neurons creates more electrical impulses, which means you can react, process thought and solve problems faster.

Cardio can also help improve your memory and fights off memory-related conditions like Alzheimer’s. The conditions’ effects on your memory can be slowed down with exercise.

By doing cardiovascular exercises, you are increasing your body’s cardiovascular system functionality. It is able to pump more blood, oxygen and nutrients through your body, which increases the rest of your body’s performance. From physical health to mental health to immune health and bone health, the right cardiovascular exercise programme is basically a miracle cure.

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Three examples of range of motion exercises https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/three-examples-of-range-of-motion-exercises/ Mon, 09 Dec 2019 08:04:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14032 The term ‘range of motion’ refers to how much movement you can make around a specific joint or body part. When a joint is injured, a physical therapist will advise a series of range of motion exercises to alleviate the stress of the injured joint. Here are three types of range of motion exercises: Passive...

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The term ‘range of motion’ refers to how much movement you can make around a specific joint or body part. When a joint is injured, a physical therapist will advise a series of range of motion exercises to alleviate the stress of the injured joint.

Here are three types of range of motion exercises:

Passive

Passive range of motion exercises are performed by a physical therapist on clients who are unable to mobilise a specific joint.

These exercises usually involve stretching the surrounding muscles of a joint to increase flexibility.

Some exercises to try:

  1. Doorway chest stretch, your therapist will assist your arms through the motion

Bend your elbow to 90 degrees. Line up your forearm in an upright position against a hallway or doorway opening. Lunge your torso forward so you are creating a stretch with your chest opening up.

  1. Rotation stretch

Sitting down with your nose toward your armpit, your therapist will push the back of your head downward.

  1. Piriformis stretch

Lie down on the floor. Your therapist will provide resistance by moving your leg through the passive range of motion.

Active-assistive

With an active-assistive range of motion exercises, the client will move the specific joint with the therapist’s assistance. They can also use a strap or band for assistance.

Some exercises to try:

  1. Shoulder flexion and extension

With your arm bent at your side, reach your arm forward and return your elbow back to your side. Your therapist will make sure you keep your body still and isolate the movement in your arm.

  1. Elbow flexion and extension

With your arm straight at your side, bend your elbow, bringing your hand toward your shoulder. Then straighten your elbow.

  1. Internal and external arm rotations

With your arm bent and with your elbow at your side, rotate your hand and forearm out to the side and then return it to your side.

Active

Active range of motion exercises are performed by the client independently. The physical therapist will provide verbal assistance, but the client is responsible for moving the joints on their own.

Some exercises to try:

  1. Neck exercises

Facing forward in either a sitting or standing position, your shoulders should be straight and relaxed.

Alternate between bowing your head forward to your chest and tilting your head back as far as possible.

Then, alternate between tilting your head from one side to the other, bringing your ear toward your shoulder.

Lastly, alternate between turning your head to look over each should and tilting your chin down towards your shoulder.

  1. Arm and wrist exercises

Sit down and bend your elbow with your forearm resting on a flat surface. Hang your wrists loosely over the side.

Alternate between bending your hand back toward your wrist and down toward your arm.

Alternate between moving your hand from one side to the other and rolling your hand in circles in one direction, then the other.

With your elbow fixed to your side, alternate between turning your palm to face up and down.

  1. Hip and knee exercises

Lie flat with your legs flat and straight. Point your toes and slowly bend your knee up as close to your chest as possible, then straighten. Alternate.

Lift your leg so your foot is 15 to 31 centimetres in the air. Hold it in the air for a number of seconds and lower it. Alternate.

Roll your leg towards the middle so your big toe touches the bed. Then roll it out so your small toe touches the bed. Alternate.

When you’ve injured a joint in your body, it is important to do the right exercises in order to avoid any further damages or injury to the joint. A physical therapist will tell you to perform a passive, active or active-assistive range of motion exercises depending on the severity of the injury. DO NOT TRY TO DO IT ALONE!

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Why do you need a spotter during weight lifting? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-do-you-need-a-spotter-during-weight-lifting/ Fri, 06 Dec 2019 06:49:12 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14022 When you are lifting weights, it can be easy to overestimate how heavy you can lift and how many reps you can do. When fatigue sets in, your spotter should be there to save you from a falling weight. But a spotter isn’t only there for your safety. There are other benefits to having a...

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When you are lifting weights, it can be easy to overestimate how heavy you can lift and how many reps you can do. When fatigue sets in, your spotter should be there to save you from a falling weight. But a spotter isn’t only there for your safety. There are other benefits to having a spotter!

Motivation                                                                        

Unless you’re an introvert, doing things alone isn’t a lot of fun. With a spotter, you are less likely to skip your gym day. They are also great for cheering you on to give you that extra energy to do the last rep. A spotter can also challenge you which makes you try harder.

Confidence

Through motivation, a spotter can also boost your confidence. Constant reassurance and praise from them is a great way to build your confidence and, in turn, make you work harder and better.

Improvement

When lifting weights, it is important to maintain the right form and to control your movements. It’s easy to get sloppy with your form and movements as you get tired.

A spotter can tell you what you are doing wrong and help you fix it. In this way, you get the most out of your workout and avoid getting injured.

Placebo effect

When you are struggling to get through a rep, a spotter can do something as simple as putting his finger under the weight. This tricks your brain into thinking that you have some assistance and makes the weight feel lighter so that you can carry on.

Keeps you honest

It’s easy to start counting short when you get tired. This is unless you have a spotter. With a spotter there, they can help you push through the exhaustion and push you to that next level of your workout.

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Exercises that require a spotter

In general, a spotter should be around when you are under the weight and using free weights like barbells, dumbbells and weight plates. A spotter is not needed as much when you are using machine weights. Here are some exercises you need a spotter for:

  • Bench press
  • Barbell pack squat
  • Military press
  • Skull crusher
  • Upright row
  • Dumbbell bench press
  • Dumbbell flies
  • Dumbbell shoulder

There are some exercises that require a spotter to stand clear, as it could put both of you at risk:

  • Deadlifts
  • Crunches
  • Power cleans
  • Hyperextensions
  • High pulls
  • Push press

What makes a good spotter?

A spotter should take a wide stance with one foot forward and one foot back. Their hands should be ready in a position relevant to the workout. They should be stable, balanced and alert. It’s their responsibility to let you know if you are doing something wrong so they should have the knowledge to be able to correct you.

Their attention should never stray from you. If they get distracted, you could end up getting hurt.  The most crucial thing is to be able to communicate and to understand each other. You need to be able to plan and execute the right strategies for the workout.

Lastly, a spotter should only step in when it’s absolutely necessary. The goal is not to make your workout easier; its to catch the weight when you have been pushed past your limit.

Having a spotter is not only good for your safety but helps to motivate you, improve your form and movement and helps you to get to the next level of your workout. It is important for a spotter to know what they are doing, how they need to stand and react when its time for them to step in. It is also important to know which exercises they can and cannot help with. Its all about staying safe and preventing injury.

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What are the types of endurance training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-types-of-endurance-training/ Fri, 06 Dec 2019 06:25:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14017 Endurance is the ability to do physical activity that increases your heart rate by 50% for as long as you can without getting tired. There are two types of endurance: Specific endurance Specific endurance is when you fight against fatigue in sport-specific conditions. For example, if you run 1 500m you would use a specific...

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Endurance is the ability to do physical activity that increases your heart rate by 50% for as long as you can without getting tired.

There are two types of endurance:

  1. Specific endurance

Specific endurance is when you fight against fatigue in sport-specific conditions. For example, if you run 1 500m you would use a specific combination of endurance training to excel in your 1 500m race. You might not be able to push yourself to do a 10 000m race if you have specifically focused on 1 500m.

  1. General endurance

General endurance is when you fight against fatigue when doing different kinds of exercises. For example, if you run 1 500m, you can also run a 10 000m race without becoming fatigued. But if you compete against 10 000m runners who have done specific training for that distance, they would be able to outperform you.

Endurance training is a combination of different training methods.

Basic endurance

Basic endurance is when you increase your heart rate by between 60 and 70%. This means that when you run, for example, you would still be able to talk with your fellow runner.

Basic endurance trains your cardiac output and heart muscle. It strengthens your immune system and reduces your cholesterol levels as well as blood pressure. It also improves your metabolism and, in turn, fat-burning abilities.

Tempo endurance

Tempo endurance is when you increase your heart rate by 75 – 85%. This means that when you run, for example, you would still be able to talk with your fellow runner, one sentence at a time.

Tempo endurance improves your workload or speed at the anaerobic threshold. It burns carbohydrates and body fat for energy.

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Maximal endurance

Maximal endurance is when you increase your heart rate by between 90 and 95%. This means that you can only speak, one word at a time, with your companion when running.

Maximal endurance usually has three- to six-minute breaks between sets.  It helps to develop your oxygen consumption. It burns mostly carbohydrates for energy and very little body fat.

Lactic speed endurance

Lactic speed endurance is when you increase your heart rate to its complete maximum. This means that you are unable to talk with your companion.

Lactic speed endurance usually has six- to 10-minute breaks between sets.  It improves your ability to continue with high-intensity training when your muscles are already stiff. It also means you can increase your speed during long, high-intensity sets.

Alactic speed endurance

Alactic speed endurance improves your ability to sprint shorter distances. You need more time to recover before doing your next set.

Endurance training is when you exercise your heart and muscles’ ability to last longer during exercises without becoming fatigued. There are two main types of endurance training: specific endurance and general endurance. Specific endurance means that you focus on improving one particular exercise whereas general endurance means that you improve your overall performance with different types of exercises. In order to achieve these two endurance types, you need to combine different endurance exercises.

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What is the structure of skeletal muscle? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-structure-of-skeletal-muscle/ Thu, 05 Dec 2019 05:05:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14007 Skeletal muscle is a specialised contractile tissue connected to the skeleton which enables you to move your body. The skeletal muscle consists of muscle tissue, connective tissue, nerve tissue and vascular tissue. These muscle fibres are surrounded by protective membranes. The combination of muscle fibres and membranes allows the skeletal muscle to contract and release...

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Skeletal muscle is a specialised contractile tissue connected to the skeleton which enables you to move your body. The skeletal muscle consists of muscle tissue, connective tissue, nerve tissue and vascular tissue. These muscle fibres are surrounded by protective membranes.

The combination of muscle fibres and membranes allows the skeletal muscle to contract and release quickly.

The layers of connective tissue covering muscle fibres support, protect and allow the cells to withstand contraction. They also create pathways for blood vessels and nerves.

What skeletal muscle is made up of

Epimysium

Epimysium is a connective tissue sheath that surrounds the hundreds, sometimes thousands, of muscle fibres that are bundled together to make the skeletal muscle. It protects the skeletal muscle from friction against other muscles and bones.

Fascia

Fascia is connective tissue outside the epimysium that surrounds and separates the muscles. Fascia contains closely packed bundles of collagen fibres in a wavy pattern parallel to the direction the muscle pulls. It is flexible and able to resist great tension forces from different directions until the wavy pattern of the collagen has straightened out.

Fascicles

Portions of epimysium project inward to divide the muscle into compartments. Each of these compartments contains a bundle of fibres. This is called a fascicle (fasciculus).

Perimysium

Perimysium is the layer of connective tissue that surrounds the fasciculus with resistance to traction.

It consists of three different layers of collagen fibres:

  1. Superficial: straight fibres that have a smaller diameter and spread out without a definite direction.
  2. Intermediate: larger-diameter fibres, flattened and curved that intersect.
  3. Deep: soft lamina that is in direct contact with endomysium.

Endomysium

In the fasciculus, each muscle fibre is surrounded by connective tissue called the endomysium. The endomysium contains minute blood vessels (capillaries) and nerves.

It is the deepest and smallest component of muscle connectivity tissue. It provides an appropriate chemical environment for calcium, sodium and potassium to be exchanged. This makes the muscles contract.

Aponeurosis and tendons

When epimysium, perimysium and endomysium extend beyond the muscle fibres it creates a tough band of connective tissue that connects muscle to bone to withstand tension (tendons) or a sheet of tissue that takes the place of a tendon in flat muscles that have a wide area of attachment (aponeurosis.

The tendon and aponeurosis form indirect attachments from muscles to a dense layer of vascular connective tissue that envelopes the bones (periosteum). Alternatively, this indirect attachment is formed to the connective tissue of other muscles.

Blood vessels and nerves

Skeletal muscles have lots of blood vessels and nerves. This is because, before the muscle can contract, the nerve has to send out an impulse.

An artery and at least one vein accompany each nerve that penetrates the epimysium of the skeletal muscle. These nerves and blood vessels follow the connective tissue of the muscle, along with a few capillaries.

The skeletal muscle is a special type of contractile tissue that allows you to move the skeleton. It is made up of various muscle components, including epimysium, fascia, fascicles, perimysium, endomysium, aponeurosis, tendons, blood vessels and nerves.

What are contractile elements of skeletal muscle fibres?

A single muscle cell is known as a muscle fibre. Under a microscope a distinct series of light and dark bands can be seen. Muscle fibres are enclosed by a membrane known as the sarcolemma. It contains typical cell components such as plasma that is called sarcoplasm which is a composed of glycogen, fats, minerals and oxygen-binding myoglobin.

Nuclei mitochondria transform energy into food. They are unlike other cells because they have structures made up of myofibrils. These contain myofilaments which are the contractile components of muscle tissue. Myofilaments are also known as actin and myosin which are thin and think filaments which form repeating sections within a myofibril.

Each one of these sections are known as a sarcomere. A sarcomere is the functional unit of the muscle that produces muscular contraction and consists of repeating sections of actin and myosin.

Tropomyosin and troponin are the two other protein structures that are important for the muscle contraction. Tropomyosin is found in the actin filament and blocks the myosin-binding sites located on the actin filament so prohibiting myosin from attaching to actin while the muscle is in a relaxed state. Troponin, also located on the actin filament, plays a role in muscle contraction by providing binding sites for both calcium and tropomyosin when the muscle needs to contract.

How to generate muscle force?

A muscle generates force in a variety of different methods such as neural activation.

Neural activation

Neural activation is made possible by the communication between the nervous system and the muscular system. It makes muscle contraction and stabilisation possible. Where a connection is made with a motor neuron and the muscle fibres this is called the motor unit. The point where a single neuron meets a single fibre is called the neuromuscular junction. Impulses travel down from the central nervous system into the axon on the neuron. When the impulses reach the end of the axon, chemicals called neurotransmitters are released.

Neurotransmitters send messages between the neurons, nerves and muscle fibres. They fall into receptor sites on the muscle fibre. The neurotransmitter that is required by the neuromuscular system is called acetylcholine (Ach). Ach stimulates the muscle fibres to go through the necessary steps to produce a muscle contraction.

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What is muscle hypertrophy? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-muscle-hypertrophy/ Thu, 05 Dec 2019 05:00:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=14003 Hypertrophy is when the cells in an organ or tissue enlarge in size. Both cardiac and skeletal muscles can adapt to a regular, increasing workload that exceeds their capacity. With cardiac muscles, the heart pumps blood more effectively. Skeletal muscles become more efficient at transmitting forces through tendinous attachments to bones. How does hypertrophy happen?...

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Hypertrophy is when the cells in an organ or tissue enlarge in size.

Both cardiac and skeletal muscles can adapt to a regular, increasing workload that exceeds their capacity. With cardiac muscles, the heart pumps blood more effectively. Skeletal muscles become more efficient at transmitting forces through tendinous attachments to bones.

How does hypertrophy happen?

When you start exercising a muscle, there is an increase in the nerve impulses that cause muscle contractions. These contractions alone can place enough stress on the muscle for it to gain strength without any noticeable changes in the size of the muscle.

As you continue to exercise these nerve impulses become more complex. This can result in an increase in protein synthesis over months and the muscle cells begin to grow noticeably bigger and stronger.

In order for hypertrophy to happen, there are two essential things that need to take place:

  1. Stimulation

Stimulation occurs when you are exercising the muscle. Each time the muscle is exercised, contraction occurs and muscle fibres are broken down.

  1. Repair

Once the muscle fibres have been broken down, dormant satellite cells are activated. Your immune system then responds with inflammation.

A hormonal response is also triggered, which causes the release of growth factor. This is made up of cortisol and testosterone. These hormones help regulate cell activity. Growth factors help to stimulate muscle hypertrophy while testosterone increases protein synthesis.

In response, the satellite cells multiply and their daughter cells move to the damaged muscle. They fuse with the muscle and donate nuclei, which helps the muscle thicken and grow.

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Types of hypertrophy

There are three types of hypertrophy:

  1. Sarcoplasmic hypertrophy

Sarcoplasmic hypertrophy concentrates on increasing the amount of the non-contractile fluid found in your muscle (sarcoplasm). This helps build the overall size of the muscle.

  1. Myofibril hypertrophy

Myofibril hypertrophy focuses on strengthening the contractile part of the muscle (myofibril). This strengthens the muscle fibre and makes the muscle very dense and strong.

  1. Transient hypertrophy

Transient hypertrophy is a temporary increase in muscle size that happens during, and immediately after, weight training owing to fluid accumulation in the space inside the cells.

Hypertrophy is different for everyone

Even though the process of hypertrophy is the same for everyone, the results may differ depending on the genetic make-up of your muscles. For some people, it happens faster and to a much larger degree. For others, it can test patience and resilience.

Sometimes, your muscle’s appearance may vary because of something as simple as the length of your tendon. People with shorter muscle tendons tend to develop bigger muscles, whereas someone with longer muscle tendons may see less growth and shaping even if they are doing the same exercises.

Hypertrophy is most commonly found when doing weight training exercise programmes. Through the stimulation and repair process that muscles endure, muscle fibres are broken down and multiply in order to repair the damage. This makes the muscle grow bigger and stronger. This is known as hypertrophy.

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What are the different types of biomechanical movement? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-different-types-of-biomechanical-movement/ Wed, 04 Dec 2019 05:05:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13991 Biomechanics is the science of how the living body moves. Using a combination of engineering mechanics, biology and physiology we can understand how muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments work together to create movement. It also includes the mechanics of blood circulation, renal function and other bodily functions. This process is called biomechanical movement. There are...

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Biomechanics is the science of how the living body moves. Using a combination of engineering mechanics, biology and physiology we can understand how muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments work together to create movement. It also includes the mechanics of blood circulation, renal function and other bodily functions. This process is called biomechanical movement.

There are different types of biomechanical movement:

Linear movement

Linear movement is one-dimensional momentum in a straight line. It is the most basic form of all motion. This is when your body’s systems are equal and constant. No forces are changing the course of your moving body.

Example:

When someone is swimming in a straight line, it is called linear motion. Forces like waves and tides can change the swimmer’s direction. These forces can cause the swimmer to no longer move linearly.

Angular movement

Angular movement is when you change the angle between the bones of a joint.

There are different types of angular movements:

Flexion

Flexion, or bending, is when the angle between your bones decreases.

For example: when you move your forearm up towards the elbow or your hand towards your forearm.

Extension

This is when the angle between your bones increases.

For example: when you straighten your arms after flexion.

Hyperextension

This is when you stretch your bones beyond its normal position.

For example: when you move your neck back to look up or when you bend your wrist so that your hand moves away from your forearm.

Rotational movement

Rotational movement is when a bone rotates around its longitudinal axis. It can be towards the midline of your body (also known as medial rotation) or away from the midline of your body (also known as lateral rotation).

Example:

In tennis, players have to rotate their wrists to be able to perform certain types of strokes. Moving your head from side to side is also an example of rotational movement.

Gliding movement

When relatively flat bone surfaces move past each other, instead of rotating around each other, this is known as gliding movement.

Examples of these are the joints of the carpal and tarsal bones.

Static movement

Static movement, or balance, is the ability to control your body while it is stationary. This is when you can maintain your posture stability and orientation, while your centre of gravity is over your body’s base of support, and your body is at rest.

Dynamic movement

This is the ability to control your body while it is in motion. It is the ability to transfer vertical projection of your centre of gravity around your body’s base of support. This is when you can maintain your posture stability and orientation, while your gravitational centre is over your body’s base of support and your body is in motion.

When you are performing your daily tasks, you are often unaware of the different types of movement that your body has to produce. Biomechanics helps us understand how our muscles, bones, ligaments and other systems in our body work together to create different types of movement.

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What are the effects of strength training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-effects-of-strength-training/ Wed, 04 Dec 2019 05:05:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13995 Strength training is designed to improve your muscular fitness by exercising specific muscles against external resistance. It is also known as weight or resistance training. This type of training is usually performed with some kind of weight. The goal is for your muscles to adapt and get stronger to counter the load of the weight....

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Strength training is designed to improve your muscular fitness by exercising specific muscles against external resistance. It is also known as weight or resistance training.

This type of training is usually performed with some kind of weight. The goal is for your muscles to adapt and get stronger to counter the load of the weight. Through the stimulation and repair process of breaking down and healing muscle fibres, your muscles grow stronger and bigger over time.

While bodybuilders might use strength training to gain muscle mass quickly, regular strength training helps prevent natural lean muscle mass loss that comes with ageing. This type of training also plays a very significant role in your overall fitness.

Besides the benefits of adding muscle strength, toning and definition to your muscles, strength training can improve your overall health.

Help keep the weight off

Strength training helps increase the rate at which your body burns calories when you’re not exercising (resting metabolism). The faster your resting metabolism rate is, the more weight you lose and the less likely it is for the weight to come back.

Better body mechanics

Strength training helps to improve your balance, coordination and posture. This is because your balance and posture depend on the strength of your muscles. The stronger that these muscles are, the better the control is that you have over your body.

Helps manage chronic diseases

Studies have shown that strength training helps people with arthritis. The stronger your muscles are, the more control you have over your body. People with arthritis who do regular strength training exercises make their muscles and joints stronger. This gives them better functionality.

Strength training also improves the lifestyles of people with these chronic diseases:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Parkinson’s
  • Down Syndrome
  • Lymphedema
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Clinical depression

It can also help people who have recently had a stroke or a spinal cord injury. Strength training is also effective for cancer survivors who want to regain their strength after chemotherapy.

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More endorphins

Strength training elevates your level of endorphins. These are natural opiates produced by the brain which improves your energy levels and mood.

Cardiovascular health benefits

Strength training improves blood pressure. This helps to reduce hypertension and lowers the risk of heart diseases.

Controls blood sugar levels

In your muscles, there are transporters that take glucose from the blood to the muscle cells. Strength training improves their function so they can transport a lot more glucose. This decreases your blood sugar levels.

Increases bone density

Strength training improves your bone mineral density, which reflects the strength of your bones. If you have a low bone mineral density, your bones have a greater risk of being fractured or broken.

Strength training improves your life significantly! This is because it builds a stronger heart, reduces blood pressure, improves blood flow, stops muscle loss, lowers cholesterol levels and improves your balance and coordination. The immediate and long-term effects of strength training are endless!

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Do you know what the long-term benefits of muscular strength and endurance are? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/do-you-know-what-the-long-term-benefits-of-muscular-strength-and-endurance-are/ Tue, 03 Dec 2019 05:05:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13934 Muscular strength and endurance are two important parts of your body’s ability to move, lift things and do day-to-day activities. When you do resistance exercises in order to build strength as well as endurance, you’ll find that your health will improve. In addition, you may even assist with fending off some dangerous illnesses. Increasing the...

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Muscular strength and endurance are two important parts of your body’s ability to move, lift things and do day-to-day activities. When you do resistance exercises in order to build strength as well as endurance, you’ll find that your health will improve. In addition, you may even assist with fending off some dangerous illnesses. Increasing the amount of lean muscle mass in your body will also help you perform better in your favourite sports as well as exercise activities. In addition this will help you age better without injury.

What is muscular endurance?

Muscular endurance is your body’s ability to work for an extended period of time.

Endurance training usually means exercising a muscle for a long time without breaks. During these exercises, you improve the slow-twitch fibres in your muscles, which are responsible for endurance. It improves your muscles’ ability to use oxygen, which makes it perform longer.

When you have muscular endurance, you are able to go about your daily life and workouts without fatigue setting in as quickly. In addition, you will be able to withstand more while using less energy.

What, exactly, is muscular strength?

While muscular endurance is all about how the length of time that a muscle can perform, muscle strength is how hard it can perform. It is the measure of the greatest amount of force that muscles produce during a single maximal effort.

What is the difference?

When training your muscle endurance, you will opt for lighter weights and try to do more reps without a break. Whereas muscle strength training requires you try and lift the heaviest weight you can for much fewer reps.

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Benefits of muscular strength and endurance

Muscle strength and endurance help you perform daily tasks without using too much energy and getting tired too quickly. It is also beneficial for your physical and mental health.

Reduces the risk of injury

With strong muscles that are able to endure continuous strain, you are less likely to get injured when performing strenuous tasks. Strong muscles also support your body and reduce back pain.

The support strong muscles provide also helps with balance. This means that older people are less prone to falling and fracturing their knees or hips.

Strong muscles also support the integrity of your joints. This reduces the chances of dislocating your shoulders and knees.

Increase your capability

With strength comes self-sufficiency. Strong muscles enable you to lift heavier things, which makes it easier for you to perform your daily tasks without having to ask for help.

This is especially effective for older people. As you get older, you lose muscular strength. With regular muscle strength training, older people can remain independent for a much longer period of time.

Healthier body

When you increase your muscle mass, you lower your percentage of body fat. Less body fat reduces the risk of chronic conditions like high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides and cholesterol and increases in blood sugar levels.

Muscular strength and endurance also protect your bone health. As you train your muscles during exercise, your bones also become stronger. This makes it less likely for you to break or fracture bones. It also wards off age-related diseases that affect your bones, like arthritis and osteoporosis.

A healthy balance of muscle strength and endurance is essential for our daily lives and health. It provides the support your body needs to avoid injury while enabling you to perform hard tasks for longer periods of time. It also helps ward off diseases associated with weak bones.

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What are isotonic exercises? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-isotonic-exercises/ Tue, 03 Dec 2019 05:05:00 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13930 What are isotonic exercises? Isotonic exercise are exercises that you’ll do when you are looking to condition a muscle group by lifting weighted objects. Unlike isometric exercises, which is a means of strength training with a focus on a specific muscle group, isotonic exercises improve your overall fitness and help you lose weight. Isotonic exercises...

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What are isotonic exercises?

Isotonic exercise are exercises that you’ll do when you are looking to condition a muscle group by lifting weighted objects. Unlike isometric exercises, which is a means of strength training with a focus on a specific muscle group, isotonic exercises improve your overall fitness and help you lose weight.

Isotonic exercises have two types of contractions:

  1. Concentric: when your muscle shortens as you overcome the force of a weight
  2. Eccentric: when your muscle lengthens while being opposed by the force of a weight

For instance, when you are performing a bicep curl as you lift the weight up towards your shoulder your biceps perform a concentric contraction. When your bring the weight down, the contraction becomes eccentric. Your muscles are resisting the load of the weight throughout the whole range of motion.

The benefits of isotonic exercises

Isotonic exercises are not meant to make you bulk up like a bodybuilder. Instead, they help you to get into shape and to maintain a level of fitness. It is, however, possible to gain mass from constant isotonic exercises over a longer period of time.

Other benefits include:

  • Enhanced muscle strength as well as size
  • Improving strength throughout the full range of motion (ROM)
  • Enhanced muscle endurance
  • Increasing mass by making use of heavy weights as well as increasing resistance over time
  • Enhanced range of motion in functional movements
  • Training your body in movements need for daily activities
  • Improved bone density
  • Increasing cardiovascular health
  • Lowering body fat
  • Increasing fat-free mass
  • Assisting with maintaining your metabolism as you age

Examples of isotonic exercises

  1. Squats

Stand up tall with a dumbbell in each of your hands. Stick your bum out behind you while bending your knees. Lower yourself down as far as you can while, at the same time, keeping your chest at the same angle as your shins. Push up through your heels as well as squeeze your glutes to come back up.

  1. Straight-leg deadlifts

Stand straight while you hold a dumbbell in each of your hands in front of your thighs. Lean forward, stick your butt out behind you and contract your core in order to keep your back flat. Lower yourself down as far as possible. Don’t bend your knees. Squeeze your glutes to come back up.

  1. Push-ups

Starting on your hands and knees (or toes) in a plank position, slowly lower down as far as you can go. Bend your elbows out to the sides. Push back up at the same pace. You can put a weight plate on your back to increase the intensity.

Isotonic exercises are great for maintaining your overall fitness. These usually performed using weights and is the action of your muscles resisting the load of the weight which makes these exercise so effective. The benefits of isotonic exercises include reduced body fat and enhanced muscle endurance.

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What are ligaments and what do they do? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-ligaments-and-what-do-they-do/ Mon, 02 Dec 2019 08:39:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13915 Ligaments are bands of tough elastic connective tissue, that contain strong collagen fibres, around your joints. They connect bones together, give your joints support and limit your movement. This ensures that the bones in your joints don’t twist too much or move too far apart and become dislocated. The ligaments around your bones and joints...

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Ligaments are bands of tough elastic connective tissue, that contain strong collagen fibres, around your joints. They connect bones together, give your joints support and limit your movement. This ensures that the bones in your joints don’t twist too much or move too far apart and become dislocated.

The ligaments around your bones and joints aren’t the only ligaments in your body. There are also ligaments which keep your internal organs in place.

People often confuse ligaments with tendons, which connect muscle to bone.

The most common ligaments found in your body are:

Knee ligaments

There are four important ligaments connecting your upper leg (thigh bone or femur) and your lower leg (shin bone or tibia):

  1. Anterior cruciate ligament

The anterior cruciate ligament is located towards the front of your knee. It controls the forward movement and the rotation of your shinbone.

  1. Posterior cruciate ligament

The posterior cruciate ligament is situated towards the back of your knee. It controls the backward movement of your shinbone.

  1. Medial cruciate ligament

The medial cruciate ligament is situated inside your knee. It gives the interior of your knee stability.

  1. Lateral collateral ligament

The lateral collateral ligament is situated outside your knee. It gives the outside of your knee stability.

Elbow ligaments

  1. Ulnar collateral ligament

The ulnar collateral ligament connects the bone in your upper arm (humerus) to the bone on the ulnar side of your forearm. When your palms are facing the sky, the ulna side is the inside of your forearm.

  1. Radial collateral ligament

The radial collateral ligament also connects the bone in your humerus to the outer forearm bone (radius) and extends to the ulna for additional support.

  1. The annular ligament

The annular ligament circles the top of your radius and holds it against the ulna.

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Shoulder ligaments

The ligaments in your shoulder connect your humerus to your shoulder blade (scapula) and the collarbone to the top of your scapula.

Ankle ligaments

  1. Anterior talofibular ligament

The anterior talofibular ligament connects the thin bone on the outside of your shinbone (fibula) and the bone between your heel and shinbone (talus).

  1. Posterior talofibular ligament

The posterior talofibular ligament also connects your fibula and talus but runs along the back of your ankle.

  1. Calcaneofibular ligament

The calcaneofibular ligament connects the fibula to your heel bone.

  1. Deltoid ligament

The deltoid ligament complex is situated on the inside part of your ankle. It connects the tibia to the talus on the inside of your foot along with the navicular bone for additional support.

Your ligaments are maintain stability in your body by connecting your bones, supporting your joints and keeping your internal organs in place. Each ligament has a particular function in enabling and limiting certain movements. If you push the ligament’s limits, it can get hurt and your body’s movement will be impaired for quite some time.

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To learn more about how the body works internally, we really recommend that you do an accredited exercise science course such as the one that we offer. Follow this link for more information.

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What are isometric exercises? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-isometric-exercises/ Mon, 02 Dec 2019 05:00:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13843 When you are performing isometric exercises, the length of the muscle you are exercising and the angle of the affected joint does not change. Because isometric exercises are done in one fixed position, they’ll only improve strength in that particular position. If you want to improve your entire body’s strength, you would have to do...

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When you are performing isometric exercises, the length of the muscle you are exercising and the angle of the affected joint does not change.

Because isometric exercises are done in one fixed position, they’ll only improve strength in that particular position. If you want to improve your entire body’s strength, you would have to do various different isometric exercises. They also don’t improve speed or athletic performance.

There are three types of isometric exercises:

  1. Presses
  2. Pulls
  3. Holds

When are isometric exercises efficient?

Some people might think that going to the gym would be a more efficient use of their exercise time because you can do exercises that work out various different muscles at the same time. But, in some cases, isometric exercises are the better option.

Here’s why.

  1. Injury

When you have an injury, say for instance your rotator cuff is injured, isometric exercises can be recommended to help you stabilise your shoulder to maintain strength while you are recovering.

  1. Arthritis

Someone who has arthritis might also turn to isometric training. Using their muscles to move a joint through its full range of motion can aggravate arthritis. As they perform isometric exercises, however, their strength can improve and they can move on to try other types of strength training. This could help reduce pain and improve their physical functioning.

  1. Blood pressure

Isometric exercises can also help lower your blood pressure. It is important to exercise at a lower level of intensity, though, as high levels of intensity can cause dramatic increases in your blood pressure.

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The benefits of isometric exercises

Health problems or not, isometric exercises can still contribute to your health. Here’s how:

  1. Age-related muscle loss

As you grow older, you will lose muscle mass as well as mobility and flexibility. Your body isn’t able to digest amino acids as quickly as it used to, which can also slow down the time it takes for your muscles to recover. This makes physical exercises much more difficult.

Because isometric exercises build muscle strength and endurance it is a great way to keep or regain your muscle strength, endurance and mobility as you age.

  1. Muscle activation

Isometric exercises provide you with the highest amount of muscle activation. This is when your muscle recruits motor units. The more motor units you can recruit, the stronger your muscles will be.

Studies have shown that intense isometric exercises utilise about 95% of your muscles. Over time, your muscle will permanently used as much of its mass as possible when engaged in physical activity.

  1. Muscle rehab

Isometric exercises can drastically reduce the recovery time of muscles. For your muscles to grow back bigger and stronger you need to train them back to health after injury. It is a great way to rehabilitate your muscles without placing too much strain on them.

Isometric exercises improve your body’s ability to apply power from a static position to maintain a position for a period of time and to prepare your body to perform immediately after power movements.

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How yoga can help you to sleep better https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-yoga-can-help-you-to-sleep-better/ Fri, 29 Nov 2019 05:00:23 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13748 Being deprived of sleep deprivation as well as stress can lead to a downward spiral. Often, we have trouble falling asleep as we’re worried or anxious. Because we didn’t get enough sleep this makes us stressed the following day. According to a study which was carried out recently, sleep deprivation is a major source of...

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Being deprived of sleep deprivation as well as stress can lead to a downward spiral. Often, we have trouble falling asleep as we’re worried or anxious. Because we didn’t get enough sleep this makes us stressed the following day. According to a study which was carried out recently, sleep deprivation is a major source of stress among adults.

We live in such a fast-paced world. In addition, our senses are constantly being stimulated. This has an adverse effect on our nervous system. The yoga technique of honing on your breath can be useful as the exhalation functions to stimulate the nervous system to relax. Other than this the asanas also help us relieve tension from the physical body.

The restorative properties of yoga

Yoga is gentle. This makes this exercise modality a restorative way to wind down your day and get to sleep easily. A survey found that more than 55% of people who practise yoga report that it assist them to get better sleep. In the same study, over 85% said that yoga helped them to reduce stress.

Through the process of lowering stress levels, calming the mind as well as relieving tension in the body, the soothing practice of yoga can be a powerful natural sleep remedy. Certain resting as well as inversion poses can be very helpful for combating restlessness as well as insomnia. This is especially when practised in the evening or in bed before going to sleep.

Yoga poses to help you to sleep better

There are a number of Yoga poses which will help you to sleep better. Here are some of them.

Balasana (Child’s Pose)

Balasana, or Child’s Pose, gently stretches your hips, thighs and ankles, it calms your brain and helps to relieve stress as well as fatigue. In addition, this pose helps to relieve back and neck pain when it’s done with the head and torso supported.

Technique:

  • Kneel on the floor. Put your big toes together. Sit on your heels. After you’ve done this separate your knees as wide as your hips are.
  • Lie your torso between your thighs. Widen your sacrum across the posterior of your pelvis. Narrow your hip points in the direction of your navel so that they nestle down onto your inner things.
  • Lengthen your tailbone away from the posterior part of your pelvis at the same time that you lift the base of your skull away from the posterior part of your neck.
  • Put your hands on the floor on either side of your torso with your palms up and release the fronts of your shoulders towards the floor. Feel how the weight of the front of your shoulders pulls your shoulder blades wide across your back.

Uttasana (Standing Forward Bend)

This asana stretches your hamstrings, calves and spine. It relieves stomach aches, improves digestion and tones the liver, spleen and kidneys. It alleviates depression, anxiety and an overactive mind. In addition to relieving insomnia, it also helps to combat headaches, assisting with asthma, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and sinusitis.

Technique:

  • Stand up straight, exhales and bend your upper body forward. Fold at your hips and draw your tailbone upward. Concentrate on lengthening the front of your torso as you move more fully into the position.
  • Pull your shoulders away from your ears.
  • Places your hands flat on the floor and lengthen your lower back and neck.
  • Inhale and lengthen through to the crown of your head. Exhale and draw your trunk closer to your legs.
  • Hold the pose for a period of between 30 seconds and two minutes. Breathe. Lengthen your breath on inhalations and folding more on exhalations.
  • To come up, relax your arms, bend your knees slightly and tuck your tailbone down and into your pelvis. Come up slowly on an inhalation with a long front torso.

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Why recovery days are so important in your training programme https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-recovery-days-are-so-important-in-your-training-programme/ Thu, 28 Nov 2019 05:05:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13692 In quite a lot of training and exercise programmes, one of the most important components is often left out or neglected. This component is rest and recovery. It is important to plan or schedule recovery days in between training. This is because not planning recovery days in between your workout routine you can actually limit...

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In quite a lot of training and exercise programmes, one of the most important components is often left out or neglected. This component is rest and recovery. It is important to plan or schedule recovery days in between training. This is because not planning recovery days in between your workout routine you can actually limit your ability to train. As your body becomes stronger after the stress of exercise stress so you need to allow downtime for rebuilding muscle tissue.

Protein for rebuilding muscle

Protein is a vital macronutrient which assists in building muscle, repairing tissue as well as making enzymes in addition to hormones. Protein powder is a nutritional supplement which many people do take. Making use of protein powder may also help with weight loss and assist people with toning their muscles. There are a lot of different types of protein powder. These include dairy-based and plant-based powders. Health benefits of protein powder

Why an effective training programme has regular periods of rest

An effective training programme will have regular periods of rest and recovery. This also allows adaptions to the exercise. When you come back to the exercise you will return bigger, stronger as well as faster. Rest also allows you to recover mentally and emotionally as well as to avoid exercise burnout.

The body repairs as well as strengthens itself during in the time between workouts. Unfortunately, continuous training can actually result in the strongest fitness participants being weakened.

Rest days are critical to fitness performance for a number of reasons. Some are physiological and, in addition, some are psychological in nature. Rest is physically required  so that the muscles can repair, rebuild and strengthen. For recreational fitness participants, building in rest days can help to keep a better balance between home, work as well as fitness goals.

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The consequence of training too much

In the worst-case circumstance, too few rest as well as recovery days may lead to overtraining syndrome. This is a difficult condition to recover from. Overtraining syndrome occurs in fitness participants who are training for a specific goal and train beyond the body’s ability to recover. When training harder and longer to reach a goal, without adequate rest in order recover the training programme backfires and actually decreases performance.

Conditioning necessitates a balance between overload as well as recovery. Too much overload, in addition to too little recovery, can result in both physiological and psychological symptoms of overtraining.

The necessity to balance exercise with rest and recovery

It is this alternation of adaptation and recovery that takes the fitness participant to a higher level of fitness. High-level fitness participants need to realise that the greater the training intensity as well as effort, the greater the need for planned recovery. Monitoring your workouts with a training log or, better yet with the help of a personal trainer, paying attention  to how your body feels as well as how motivated you are is extremely helpful in determining your recovery needs and modifying your training programme accordingly.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about the principles of exercise and possibly even become a personal trainer yourself? If you do, then you need to become a personal trainer. For more information on how to do this, please follow this link.

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What is Tabata? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-tabata/ Wed, 27 Nov 2019 05:00:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13651 If you’re up to speed about all things fitness (as we know you are!) you’ll have heard the word ‘Tabata’ bandied about. Although it’s quite popular in the States, not much is known about it in South Africa. So, in this article, we thought that we’d take a look at what Tabata training is and...

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If you’re up to speed about all things fitness (as we know you are!) you’ll have heard the word ‘Tabata’ bandied about. Although it’s quite popular in the States, not much is known about it in South Africa. So, in this article, we thought that we’d take a look at what Tabata training is and how this can help you in your workouts.

The Tabata style of training is probably one of the more popular forms of high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This type of training is made up of eight rounds of ultra-high-intensity exercises. These moves are conducted in a particular 20-seconds-on, 10-seconds-off interval. It is possible for a Tabata workout to take four minutes however, those four minutes may well be responsible for pushing your body to its absolute limit.

Tabata is nothing new

The Tabata style of exercising was actually designed decades ago by the now world-famous scientist, professor Izumi Tabata. It was originally designed as a method of training for Olympic speed skaters.

Today, you are probably familiar with a version of this type of training method, in other words HIIT. Tabata takes HIIT one step further. Intervals with Tabata are shorter (which means shorter rests, as well) in addition to more intense workouts than the ones which you’re used to.

Tabata is intense in order to deliver results. Over the past 20 years, study after study have confirmed that this type of exercise has the ability to improve cardiovascular fitness, boost metabolism (research shows that Tabata burns over 13 calories per minute) as well as change body composition.

Is HIIT or Tabata better for maintain fitness?

Both choices are great for fat-burning in addition to building muscle. Your results are shaped according to the exercises which are mixed into your circuits as well as the effort which you put in. So, for example, if your fitness goal is to build and develop arm muscle, add in strengthening moves such as tricep dips. However, if you’re attempting to lose weight, increase your  cardio. What’s very important is to build in recovery days is crucial. Don’t HIIT as well as Tabata workouts on consecutive days.

Tabata is a great stepping stone. If you’re don’t have enough time, or maybe are just getting into an exercise routine, four minutes is all you need to get a great workout. Then as you get stronger, you can advance to lengthier HIITs as well as do more rounds with more complex moves in order to really challenge yourself.

What would a Tabata workout look like?

You can do almost any exercise you that you want in a Tabata workout. For example, you can perform squats, push-ups, burpees or, alternatively, any other exercise which works your large muscle groups. Kettlebell exercises are great as well.

One example of a Tabata workout would look like this:

  • Push-ups (four minutes),
  • Bodyweight Squats (four minutes),
  • Burpees (four minutes), and
  • Mountain Climbers (four minutes).

Begin with push-ups. Do these for 20 seconds at a high-intensity. Take a rest for 10 seconds and then return to doing push-ups for 20 seconds. As soon as you complete eight sets of push-ups, take a break for one minute.

Next, go on to squats. Repeat sequences of 20 seconds on, with 10 seconds off. As soon as you complete eight sets of squats, take a break for one minute. Then move onto burpees. After you’re done with burpees, complete the workout with mountain climbers.

Tabata is fantastic in order to get in a quick workout if you’re in a hurry. Alternatively, use this exercise modality if you need to change up your routine or, alternatively, if you want improve endurance as well as speed. Include this type of workout into your fitness routine to produce results.

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Want to learn more regarding the different types of exercise? If so, then you need to become a personal trainer.  For more information, please follow this link.

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Why only a personal training diploma isn’t enough https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-only-a-personal-training-diploma-isnt-enough/ Tue, 26 Nov 2019 05:05:54 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13627 Being a personal trainer is about so much more than just teaching clients how to work out in the gym. Sure, the first step to becoming a highly sought-after personal trainer is indeed knowing the difference between a bicep curl and a hammer curl, as well as the best way in which to perform these...

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Being a personal trainer is about so much more than just teaching clients how to work out in the gym. Sure, the first step to becoming a highly sought-after personal trainer is indeed knowing the difference between a bicep curl and a hammer curl, as well as the best way in which to perform these exercises. However, to be a truly exceptional personal trainer, you’ll need to go that much further.

Here’s why.

The fitness industry is continuously changing

As the world today changes, so does how people prefer to exercise. Take spinning, for example. These classes are a mainstay of most commercial health clubs and even smaller gyms, so you’d expect that this form of exercise to have been around for decades.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

Spinning as a form of exercise was developed in the early 1980s by South African-born Johnny G. Take CrossFit as another example. This exercise modality was started in the United States in 2000.

This means that, as a personal trainer, you need to be up to date with what is happening in the fitness industry and must be able to offer your clients the opportunity to try these forms of exercise out.

This is why we’ve structured our Platinum Personal Training Package to include a group instructor course and online Bootcamp course so that you can offer your clients the very best in holistic personal training.

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A personal trainer is also a therapist

When you train someone, it’s impossible for you not to talk to your clients. Sometimes, they’ll speak to you about the weather and what to eat for dinner. However, sometimes they’ll chat with you about things that are on their mind. In other words, genuinely personal issues that they’re having a hard time grappling with.

You can’t just brush off their concerns because you feel that you’re not qualified to handle these. (If you do, there’s an extremely good chance that you’ll lose them as a client because they’ll end up feeling that you don’t understand what they need.) You need to be able to discuss their concerns constructively and give positive feedback.

We know this all too well. This is why we want to equip personal trainers to be able to deal with these types of situations. Thus, as part of our Platinum Package students will get our Life Coaching Certification which is accredited by COMENSA.

You can’t have training without nutrition

You can’t expect to get the results that you’re looking for, from your training, if you don’t eat cleanly. Think about your body as a car. The higher octane of petrol that you put into the car (assuming you drive a car that runs on petrol!) the better it will perform. The same is true for your body.

The more junk food that you eat, the more sluggish you will feel and the less likely it is that you’ll feel like exercising. However, if you eat wholesome food that is rich in nutrients, you’ll feel better, more energised and happier to put on your cross-trainers and do a heavy workout session.

People who take part in sports need a specific type of nutrition. It’s for this reason that we’ve put our Sports Nutrition Diploma into our Platinum Personal Training Package.

Although it may seem quite daunting, don’t be scared! Being a personal trainer is an incredibly rewarding career option. The reason why we’ve put all of these additional courses into the Platinum Personal Training Package is so that you can be the best personal trainer you can.

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And this week, we’ve made it even easier for you to become a personal trainer. As our Black Friday promotion, you’ll get a whopping 50% off when you purchase our platinum package if you pay upfront and not on instalments. So what are you waiting for? Purchase yours today!

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How to Utilise Plyometrics to Target the Core Muscles https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-utilise-plyometrics-to-target-the-core-muscles/ Tue, 26 Nov 2019 05:00:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13622 In days gone by, plyometrics was called “jump training.” This type of exercise is a technique which you can make use of in various ways. For instance, it is possible for you to do plyometrics in order to assist with training for basketball, volleyball, tennis or, alternatively, any other physical activity which uses explosive movements....

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In days gone by, plyometrics was called “jump training.” This type of exercise is a technique which you can make use of in various ways. For instance, it is possible for you to do plyometrics in order to assist with training for basketball, volleyball, tennis or, alternatively, any other physical activity which uses explosive movements.

During plyometrics, you’ll perform a series of jumps as well as hops. Good examples of these types of movements are jump squats or one-leg hops. In a plyometric routine, you might jump up and onto a box or bench. Alternatively, your personal trainer may get you to  jump over cones. Some moves will be quicker as opposed to others.

Every time that you land from a jump, your muscles are stretched. This gives your next jump an even greater feeling of power. A combination of stretching as well as contracting your muscles gets them into shape in the most effective manner possible.

You won’t perform plyometric exercises every day. This is because your muscles will require a break from everything. If you’re not active at the moment, you may need to start work on your basic fitness first. Later, have a personal trainer show you how to do the plyometric moves so that you don’t get injured.

Plyometrics and the core

When it boils down to conditioning the body’s core muscles, many people have the tendency to focus on the process of isolating muscles by using a high number of repetitions. This is an inefficient manner to engage the core muscles. In addition, this could potentially lead to a muscle imbalance or an injury.

Your core is made up of a number of different muscles. These include your:

  • Rectus abdominis (this is what you think of when you think of “abs”),
  • Transverse abdominis (which is the deepest internal core muscle which wraps around your sides and spine),
  • Erector spinae (which is a set of muscles in your lower back), and
  • Internal as well as external obliques (which are the muscles on the sides of your abdomen).

As  a number of different combinations of these muscles are engaged in so many different exercises, you don’t have to be performing things which target one particular area, such as sit-ups, in order to challenge these muscles. In actual fact, some of the best as well as most efficient core exercises are those which work the entire muscle group at once. (This also helps keep the muscles balanced, which is important for improving performance and avoiding injury.)

Best practice for plyometrics

Perform every single exercise for the specified number of reps. Engage your core muscles before you begin the exercise. Focus on making sure that you keep your abdominal muscles tight in the entire movement. Your core muscles will assist with keeping your back safe as well as your posture in the right position while you’re through the exercises.

Here are two plyometric exercises which will work your core beautifully:

Star Jump

  • Start with your feet hip-distance apart.
  • Prepare for your lift-off by “winding up” the body. What we mean by this is bending the knees as well as bringing your hands into your midline.
  • As you explode up, make sure that you drive both legs out to your sides and, while you’re doing this, bring your hands up. This is so that your body can make a giant “X.” (Your head will be the fifth point of the “star.”)
  • Control the movement for a soft landing. Repeat immediately.
  • Complete between eight and 12 reps.

Curtsy Lunge With Pause

  • Stand on your one leg and step onto your opposite foot behind you. This is so your knee lands on the opposite side of your standing ankle.
  • Return to a standing position. Bring the same knee into a hip flexion (in other words, you knee must be in line with your hips).
  • Keep your knee, ankle and toe up.
  • Pause at the top. Repeat.
  • Finish between 10 and 12 reps on the first leg, before switching to the other for 10 to 12 more.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about plyometrics in addition to other forms of exercise? If you do, then our Personal Training Diploma is the ideal course for you. For more information, please follow this link.

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Why the elliptical machine is a super fat-burner https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-the-elliptical-machine-is-a-super-fat-burner/ Mon, 25 Nov 2019 05:10:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13543 You put in a fortune of time as well as effort into your health and fitness routine. You get to the gym and, in addition, you pride yourself in taking no shortcuts towards achieving your goals. So why is the scale not showing your efforts? Chances are that poor exercise form or, alternatively, bad workout...

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You put in a fortune of time as well as effort into your health and fitness routine. You get to the gym and, in addition, you pride yourself in taking no shortcuts towards achieving your goals. So why is the scale not showing your efforts? Chances are that poor exercise form or, alternatively, bad workout habits are costing you precious calories. Fitness experts as well as personal trainers reveal that the most popular ways that people cheat with their workouts – without even realising it. We’ve spoken to them and they offer ways that you can to kick those bad habits to the curb.

The elliptical machine – a cardio machine to be reckoned with

The elliptical machine is certainly one of the most coveted cardio machines at the gym. It’s also one of the top choices for home exercise equipment.  So what is it around this low-impact machine which makes them so popular?

The people who have had success with losing weight with these machines swear by them and will tell you that the elliptical is the single best machine for cardio workouts if you’re looking to lose weight as well as to tone your body.

The elliptical machine works out the entire and it’s a low-impact machine so it’s relatively easy for most people to use despite of any injuries or difficulties that they may have.

The most important thing to remember with these it to switch up the routine a lot by changing the settings to make it more challenging. This is the only way that you’ll lose a lot of weight on these machines. If you don’t do this, you’ll just have a nice, easy workout but you won’t get that maximum weight loss that you’re going for.

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How to use an elliptical machine

The elliptical machine consists of two pedals that you pedal in an ellipses. This is the same movement that you do when walking, running or jogging. Because your feet never leave the pedals, you do not experience the impact involved when you run. It generally is less taxing on your joints. Ellipticals also allow you to alter the incline height and difficulty of the pedal stroke.

Benefits of working out with an elliptical machine

One of the benefits of an elliptical is that it helps to increase your aerobic capacity by improving your heart rate as well as causing you to break a sweat. Merely 20 to 30 minutes three or more days a week is sufficient to increase your aerobic fitness.

There are many  individuals who suffer from bone as well as joint conditions, such as ligament tears, osteoporosis as well as arthritis. Those who are suffering from such ailments can benefit from elliptical training because it does not place a lot of impact on the joints. Being that your feet stay still on the gliding platforms, there is no impact. This makes the elliptical a safer exercise option for a variety of people including those who are elderly, recuperating from knee surgery, have varicose veins or are obese.

When you make use of the elliptical, you can work your upper as well as your lower body simultaneously. With the elliptical machine you can work  the legs, chest, shoulders, back as well as arms. With this machine, you can finish a full-body workout in as little as 20 minutes.

There are loads of other cardiovascular machines at the gym that you can try out however, for them to be efficient you need to know how to use them properly.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to gain this knowledge, and to even become a gym instructor (who assists gym-goers with their form with these machines), why not check out our Gym Instructor Course? For more information, please follow this link

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Resistance training equipment to supercharge your workout https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/resistance-training-equipment-to-supercharge-your-workout/ Mon, 25 Nov 2019 05:00:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13538 There are a myriad of benefits to resistance training. Some of these are, for example, improved muscle strength and tone which protect your joints from injury; maintaining flexibility and balance, which can help you remain independent as you age; and weight management as well as increased muscle-to-fat ratio  as you gain muscle, your body burns...

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There are a myriad of benefits to resistance training. Some of these are, for example, improved muscle strength and tone which protect your joints from injury; maintaining flexibility and balance, which can help you remain independent as you age; and weight management as well as increased muscle-to-fat ratio  as you gain muscle, your body burns more kilojoules when at rest.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg!

So, with so many benefits of performing resistance training you’ll need to know what the various pieces of equipment are, in the gym, which can help you to perform this extremely valuable exercise modality.

Olympic bar

This is the standard training barbell (Olympic men’s barbell). This bar is 2.2 m long and will weigh 20 kg. The Olympic bar has bearings that make it spin nicely to help with assisting the Olympic lifts such as the snatch as well as the clean and jerk.

Fixed weight bars

These are shorter bars with weights already attached. They are usually located all together near the dumbbells and are used primarily for assistance exercises.

Dumbbells

Most gyms will have dumbbells even if these don’t have barbells. While there are a few different styles, you can still use all of these for the purposes that you want.

EZ Curl bars

These are the most common speciality bars which are shorter and in a bent ‘w’ shape. Unfortunately, the only thing that these bars are really good for is curls and other accessory movements.

Trap bar

Also known as the ‘hex bar’ because this bar is hexagonal which allows the user to stand in the middle and pick up the bar using a neutral grip. It is primarily used for deadlifts as well as shrugs but definitely not necessary. (An Olympic bar is standard.)

Squat stands

These are two pieces that stand next to each other to hold up your barbell. These are great for portable workouts but for inside a gym they don’t hold as much weights, aren’t as sturdy and lack safety features.

Squat racks

Squat racks come in many shapes and sizes. However, most typically they are two vertical uprights connected with a horizontal pole. Some have safeties build in and some do not. The ones that don’t aren’t much better than the individual squat stands although these are a little more stable. If you have the choice, a swat rack with adjustable safeties is your best bet.

Power rack

One step above the squat rack is the power rack. These look like big metal rectangles with holes every two inches or so up and down each vertical side. Power racks have safety pins across each side and J-hooks to hold the barbell. One of the great things about your gym having a power rack is that it’s versatile. You can use it to bench press overhead press and squat.

Smith machine

The smith machine is a type of plate-loaded machine that looks a lot like a squat rack. The only difference is that there are rod that guide the path of the bar.

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If you want to learn more about the exercises that you can do on this equipment, you should really consider doing a personal trainer course. Or, if you want to become a personal trainer yourself, you DEFINITELY need to check out our Personal Training Diploma.

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What is the biomechanical analysis of cycling? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-biomechanical-analysis-of-cycling/ Fri, 22 Nov 2019 06:05:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13533 Cycling is an excellent form of low-impact aerobic exercise that burns up calories. Calorie burn ranges from 150 calories per hour for a small person travelling at 8kph to over 800 calories per hour for a larger person travelling uphill or over 32kph. Cycling technique If the saddle on your bike is too low, it...

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Cycling is an excellent form of low-impact aerobic exercise that burns up calories. Calorie burn ranges from 150 calories per hour for a small person travelling at 8kph to over 800 calories per hour for a larger person travelling uphill or over 32kph.

Cycling technique

If the saddle on your bike is too low, it won’t be possible for you to be able to utilise the power which is present in your legs. If the saddle is set too high, you will probably feel your hips roll from side to side as your legs are stretched too far from the bottom of each pedal stroke.

To get the saddle the correct height, sit on the bike with one of the pedals pushed at 90 degrees towards the ground. Your knee should still have a small flexion. To adjust the fore and aft position of the saddle, put one of the crank arms at 3 o’clock. The front aspect of your knee should be in a vertical line with the axel of the pedal.

If the saddle is extremely far back or, alternatively, too far forward, you will put pressure on your knees and risk injury. If the handlebars are too low you will strain your entire back. So, make sure that the bars are not much lower than your hips.

The distance between the saddle and the bar is also important. Ensure that you are able to reach the bars with your elbows still slightly flexed. If they are too close your back will not be in a neutral position. If they are too far away you will be working your core muscles too much. And this may result in lower back pain.

 

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Maintain relaxation in your neck and shoulders

Check constantly that your neck and shoulders are relaxed to prevent aches and pains. To get the most effective pedal stroke, attempt to pedal in a circular shape rather than a square shape. In other words, use the whole of the pedal stroke to generate power rather than just pushing down from the top to the bottom.

Pulling the pedal back up on the recovery part of the pedal stroke will give your hamstrings a good workout. As you come to the bottom of the pedal stroke, push your heels down to get the full range of movement and to make use of all your leg muscles. The optimum pedal stroke rate is around 90-100rpm, which keeps you on top of the resistance and helps you to get the oxygen supply that is essential for your legs to work optimally.

Make sure that your upper body is kept as relaxed as possible. Apart from pulling on the bars when you are going up a steep hill try to conserve the energy and have a more comfortable ride by working your legs and keeping your grip as well as your neck and shoulders as relaxed as possible.

Biomechanical analysis of cycling

Cycling is a movement of the lower body that takes place in a sagittal plane about a transverse axis transverse plane and mainly uses the muscles of the legs. The actions are concerned with using multiple joints, namely the hip, knee and ankle.

Many a keen cyclist can be seen dressed in Lance Armstrong look-a-like bike apparel with tight-fitting Lycra cycling shorts, a slim-fitting breathable nylon top and matching helmet and gloves. Whilst this look might be standard issue for enthusiastic road cyclists, mountain bike clothes are a closer match for what the average cyclist might wear for a comfortable day in the saddle.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about exercise and fitness, and perhaps even become a personal trainer yourself? If this is you then you should really consider becoming a personal trainer. For more information about the personal training courses that we offer, please follow this link.

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Stabilisation and positioning in weight training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/stabilisation-and-positioning-in-weight-training/ Fri, 22 Nov 2019 05:00:09 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13528 Weight training builds muscle but it may also assist with preventing disease, improving mood and aiding in losing weight. Other benefits of this type of training include increased overall strength, managing weight, building up bone density, helping the heart and better sleeping. However, to completely reap these benefits you need to adopt the correct form....

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Weight training builds muscle but it may also assist with preventing disease, improving mood and aiding in losing weight. Other benefits of this type of training include increased overall strength, managing weight, building up bone density, helping the heart and better sleeping. However, to completely reap these benefits you need to adopt the correct form. Part of this looks at stabilisation as well as positioning.

Stabilisation in weight training

Stabilisation of any joint can be described as a static (still) demand or dynamic (moving) demand to control all movements of the body in the response to the environment and changes of the centre of gravity.

Balance relies on the activation of specialised reflex actions that vary from a small shifting demand or a large multipoint, and demand to stabilise and balance the body for optimal functioning. Although certain life or exercise movements may require combinations of both types of reflexes, most movements are dominated by one reflex type over another.

Without stabilisation all segments of technique would be compromised. Stabilisation requires an integration of all three systems involved in movement:

  • Passive (skeletal) system relies on the active (muscular) system for holding positions.
  • The active system is reliant on the independent relationship with the control (sensorimotor) system for the reflex actions.

Stabilisation begins with the spine and is first initiated with local spinal stabilisation known as the core. Core muscles are essential for optimal stabilisation and are stimulated at any time stability and balance are challenged. Core and trunk muscles involvement in stabilisation in an exercise is dependent on use of overall technique and specific breathing methods.

Positioning in weight training

When performing resistance exercises it is important to consider every joint of the body from the ground up. The most critical segments are the pelvis and the spine.

The spine is the most primary component of the axial skeleton and, along with the attached ribcage, the pelvis, provides the main support of the central nervous system and is the key communication line from the brain to the rest of the body, including the organs and the glands.

The spine provides not only support but also mobility through all planes of motion. These combined roles make the spine an important consideration in resistance training exercises.

What is the optimal posture in resistance training?

Other than exercises for targeting the outer trunk musculature and movements designed specifically for improving spinal motion, all other resistance training exercises will position the spine in what is called optimal posture.

When the spine is positioned in optimal posture, it appears to be straight, but actually, it maintains all degrees of its natural curvatures. Optimal posture provides for optimal structural and functional efficiency of the entire kinetic chain.

As the spine moves, length-tension relationships between agonists and antagonists change, which further reduce their ability to stabilise or produce force. All loaded spinal movements also decrease the vertebral space and increases disk compression.

This does not mean that all movement or disc compression is bad because, in reality, compression of the vertebral discs and movement of the spine provide nutrients. However, it is important to remember that spinal movement – particularly passive movement under load or at high speeds – often results in exponentially increased degrees of compressive forces on the affected discs, which can dramatically increase the level of risk of the exercise and should be evaluated and compared to the relative benefits of the training exercise in relation to the training goals. Spinal positioning must also be accompanied by pelvic positioning.

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Want to learn more about exercise and fitness, and possibly even become a personal trainer yourself? If you, we recommend that you have a look at our personal training diploma. For more information, please follow this link.

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What are the basic principles of resistance training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-basic-principles-of-resistance-training/ Thu, 21 Nov 2019 05:55:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13519 The term strength training often used interchangeably with resistance training and weight training. But, they are not synonymous: Resistance training – any form of exercise that causes the muscle to contract against an external resistance. Weights are just one tool but, there are many different methods of resistance you can use. Strength training – any...

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The term strength training often used interchangeably with resistance training and weight training. But, they are not synonymous:

  • Resistance training – any form of exercise that causes the muscle to contract against an external resistance. Weights are just one tool but, there are many different methods of resistance you can use.
  • Strength training – any form of resistance training engaged in to enhance muscle strength.
  • Weight training – any form of resistance training where weights are used to provide resistance and challenge strength.

The difference between bodybuilding and strength training

Bodybuilding differs from strength training in that the primary goals are the maximise muscle mass (promote hypertrophy) while reducing body fat, so sculpting the physique. It is a cosmetic activity where any strength gain is an after-thought.

On the positive side, bodybuilding has no doubt inspired a good number of people to get involved in strength training as well as to think about improving their fitness levels. The sport provides some spectacular visuals especially at the highest competitive levels.

Resistance training for life

The average person wants to look better increase small amounts of muscle mass and reduce body fat levels. Most people want to train to help them cope better with the increased demands of daily life and to continue to do this into their later years.  Resistance training can help achieve these goals.

Strength training for sport

Athletes need to engage in strength training to enhance their sport performance. Sport-specific conditioning may include aspects of general training (including those with a biomechanical-specific slant), weight training, powerlifting, and even bodybuilding where it would enhance their specific sport.

The development of resistance exercises

Many resistance exercise techniques today were developed in the gym through simple trial and error. These were approached through predetermined goals, such as the desire to gain more strength or muscle mass. Little study of the functional anatomy and biomechanics were taken into consideration.

Today, resistance training is far more functional and stress is put on correcting biomechanical techniques when training. The human body is composed of highly integrated systems. The body is not constructed simply for aesthetic appeal or merely strength. It is designed to produce a highly variability of movement, specifically movement within the environment of this planet. Technique is the key for receiving the greatest amount of benefit while also reducing the risk associated with any resistance exercise selected.

Establishing fitness goals

When you’re establishing goals with one of personal training clients, you will first establish whether the goal is an aesthetic based goal or a performance-based goal, as you would use an entirely different thought process when selecting exercises and allocating technique options for the different goals:

  • Performance-based goals – the focus is on increasing neuromuscular control and you would logically select movements according to their movement pattern it produces. Isolated joint exercises selected are done to address specific muscle weakness or correct imbalances. Most exercises are performed in asymmetrical positions as it increases proprioception activity and requires more neural demand.
  • Aesthetic-based goals – the focus is on muscle hypertrophy and balancing the body parts aesthetically. These types of exercises offer high amounts of external support and use bilateral movement patterns. So, with less demand on the neural system for providing stability, there is a greater ability to provide for maximal motor recruitment of the working muscles. This is ideal for isolating specific muscles for loading and achieving higher amounts of volume in order to gain hypertrophy.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Do you want to learn more about exercise and fitness? Perhaps, are you keen to learn how to teach others how to exercise correctly? If you do, then you’ll almost certainly want to become a personal trainer and do a personal training course. For more information about our world-class personal training diploma, follow this link.

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How is running biomechanically analysed? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-is-running-biomechanically-analysed/ Thu, 21 Nov 2019 05:54:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13515 Running is one of the top forms of cardiovascular activity as it doesn’t require any expensive equipment. In addition, you can run almost anywhere. People have different reasons for running. Some run for weight loss and others run as a sport to take part in races. It is imperative to have a good running technique...

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Running is one of the top forms of cardiovascular activity as it doesn’t require any expensive equipment. In addition, you can run almost anywhere. People have different reasons for running. Some run for weight loss and others run as a sport to take part in races.

It is imperative to have a good running technique to avoid injuries:

  • As your foot hits the ground it should be in line with your hips.
  • Your knees should have some flexion to combat the impact.
  • Your hips and abdominals should be stable and strong to support your trunk.

The biomechanical analysis of running

After your foot hits the ground let your leg stretch fully behind you and, at the same time, your front leg must drive forward to make contact with the ground. Throughout the process of running your arms must be flexed at a 90-degree angle at your elbow.

Stride length and stride speed are both important. Generally, stride length will make you faster, but this is not always the best way to gain speed. Do not try to lengthen your stride until your pace is sufficient.

Most people make the mistake of overstriding. The most efficient stride is approximately 90 strides per minute. When running uphill try keeping your stride rate high. Shorten your stride to avoid injury and early fatigue. Use your arms more.

When running downhill try to keep your stride short and fast to avoid injury. This is because a greater stride length creates more impact. To complete the technique correct breathing is essential.

There are a number of ways to breathe when running. Most runners use a 2:2 technique, that is, two strides on every leg (a total of four strides) to every time you breathe in, and two strides for every breath you breathe out. You can use a 3:3 or even a 4:4.

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Warm-up technique for runners

You may be eager to get on with actual running exercise routine but it is vital that you combine running with a correct warm-up combining of walking as well as flexibility training in order to minimise any injuries.

Here’s a sample warm-up routine that you should do before your next run:

  • Two minutes walking,
  • Five minutes of jogging, or
  • Five minutes fast walking.

Pair this with some flexibility exercises.

For a number of years coaches and athletes have performed an old-style warm-up before all sporting events. This warm-up has involved light aerobic activity followed up by static stretching. However, in recent years, research has been provided stating that this type of old-style warm-up is not effective.

A warm-up is necessary to prepare athletes for training or competition both physically and mentally. An old-style warm-up would comprise 5-15 minutes of steady cardiovascular work such as jogging followed by stretching.

The stretching component means that athletes would be sitting around stretching and usually conversing so by the time the session would start they are cold both physically and mentally. Using the old-style warm-up technique athletes are nowhere near prepared for the dynamic exercise that they are about to undertake.

The notion of the “new” warm-up is that this activity should be a much more dynamic and focused routine which is particular to your sport. The many drills employed need to warm up your muscles specifically for the movements that will be needed of them in the exercises to follow.  Thus, this allows nerves as well as muscles to be switched on in addition to the functional range of movement being developed.

It will be a challenge to get athletes and sports coaches alike to buy into the concept of dynamic warm-ups.  However, it will make the athlete’s performance more streamlined and powerful.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are keen to learn more about sports coaching, and perhaps even want to become a sports coach yourself, have a look at our sports coaching science certification. For more information, please follow this link.

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How to bring the fun back into fitness https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-bring-the-fun-back-into-fitness/ Wed, 20 Nov 2019 05:47:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13502 If working out has grown to be too similar to work or if just thinking about exercising makes you want to have a nap, then you seriously need to rethink your workout routine. You know that you need to move in order to burn calories as well as get fit. However, but marshalling the motivation...

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If working out has grown to be too similar to work or if just thinking about exercising makes you want to have a nap, then you seriously need to rethink your workout routine. You know that you need to move in order to burn calories as well as get fit. However, but marshalling the motivation to do so is another matter entirely. And if you don’t feel motivated to work out, the odds are it’s as you’re not having any fun during their training sessions.

The main excuse for not exercising

The No. 1 reason why people say that they don’t get regular physical exercise is the lack of time. However, we’ll find time to do what’s we like doing. The great news here is that it is possible for you to get fit by playing, “Forget about ‘This kind of exercise does that’, and ‘That kind of exercise does this’.

It’s not difficult to see the loss of perspective on health, vitality as well as fitness which started in the fitness in addition to  sporting fields as early as the 1920s. Look at pictures of old-time gymnasiums. The focus switched from rings, monkey bars, vaulting as well as the odd implements such as Indian clubs and kettlebells towards benches and fixed weights in addition to various cardio machines.

In the world of sports, as athletes and organisers looked for better and better performances, we have seen demise of the amateur spirit of Olympic competition. While professionalism at sport has seen performances enhanced, growing standards have seen greater and greater specialisation necessary to succeed at the elite level.

Stir up your passion for fitness

Make play the workout

Remember imploring your mother to allow you to remain outside for five more minutes? Whatever you were doing it was too much fun to stop. The clue to fitting more activity into your life is remembering that joy of moving.

If you have kids, play backyard games like tag, hopscotch, and capture the flag. However, you don’t need children to play. Play basketball. Have a swim. Play tennis, volleyball, badminton, croquet or – alternatively – golf.

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Get up and dance

Don’t care much for sport? Don’t worry! Dancing is a fantastic way of getting in shape. With the wide variety of dances out there, there’s a style to appeal to everyone:

  • Ballroom,
  • Country and Western,
  • Salsa,
  • African,
  • Folk dancing, as well as
  • Square dancing.

If you don’t have a partner, don’t worry. Try belly dancing, hula, clogging or – alternatively – tap dancing.

One of the most recent (and most strenuous) physical fitness trends is Capoeira. This is a blend of dancing as well as martial arts. Capoeira was designed by slaves in Brazil who weren’t allowed to hold martial arts or weapons. This means that they created martial art which came from a part of Africa that’s now Angola. Capoeira looks as if it’s dancing and it’s all performed to music. They turn on their backs and heads making use of moves which could either be dancing or kickboxing.

Try out geocaching

Take the entire family (or a group of friends) on a geocaching escapade. Geocaching is a new adventure which involves using a handheld global positioning system (GPS) in order to discover a hidden cache of trinkets as well as  a logbook.

Staying fit and healthy doesn’t have to be boring. It’s all about doing what you enjoy and ensuring that your heart rate is elevated so that you maintain your cardiorespiratory fitness. Do you want to be a fitness guide for people and teach them new and innovative ways of becoming fit?

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If so then you should really become a personal trainer. In order to make this dream a reality, you need to do a personal training course. Follow this link to find out about the great personal training courses that we offer.

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How to check your heart rate using your pulse https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-check-your-heart-rate-using-your-pulse/ Tue, 19 Nov 2019 06:05:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13480 It is possible to check your pulse by counting the number of heartbeats you feel during the course of a minute. Your pulse is the frequency at which your heart is beating. This is measured by using the number of beats in a minute. Your heart rate can differ depending on the activity that you’re...

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It is possible to check your pulse by counting the number of heartbeats you feel during the course of a minute. Your pulse is the frequency at which your heart is beating. This is measured by using the number of beats in a minute.

Your heart rate can differ depending on the activity that you’re performing.  For example, your heart rate will be slower if you’re sleeping. It will be faster if you’re exercising.

How to find your pulse

It is possible to find your pulse in places that an artery passes close to your skin, for example your wrist or, alternatively, your neck. To find your pulse in your wrist:

  • Hold out one of your hands. Have your palm facing upwards with your elbow slightly bent.
  • Put the index and middle finger of the other hand onto the inside of your wrist. Place these at the bottom of your thumb.
  • Press your skin lightly until the point where you can feel your pulse. If you are unable to feel anything, it may be necessary to press a little harder or, alternatively, move your fingers around.

To find the pulse in your neck:

  • Push the same two fingers onto the side of your neck in the soft hollow area just beside your Adam’s apple.

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How to  check your pulse

When you find your pulse:

  • Count the amount of beats you feel for one full minute, or
  • Count the number of beats for 30 seconds and multiply by two

The figure you get is the number of times a minute your heart is beating. It’s known as your resting heart rate, as long as you’ve been resting for at least 10 minutes before checking your pulse. It is also possible to check if your pulse is regular or irregular by feeling its rhythm for about 20-30 seconds.

Occasional irregular heartbeats, such as missed beats, are very common. However, if your pulse is irregular for a continued length of time, it can be a sign of atrial fibrillation (a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate). This more commonly affects people who are 55 or over.  If you’re concerned about your pulse, see your GP.

What’s a normal heart rate?

For adults, 95% of normal people have a resting heart rate of between 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). The fitter that you are, the lower your resting heart rate will probably be. For instance, athletes may have a resting heart rate of between 40 and 60 bpm or lower.

You should contact your GP if you feel that your heart rate is always above 120 bpm or below 40 bpm. However, this could just be normal for you.

Exercise and your pulse

If you monitor your pulse while you’re exercising, or immediately afterwards, it may give you an suggestion of your fitness level. In addition, a heart rate monitor is a useful tool for recording your heart rate when resting as well as during exercise. Aerobic activities – such as walking, running and swimming – are good types of exercise as these increase your heart and breathing rates.

How to check someone else’s pulse

You can usually check a person’s pulse by placing two fingers on:

  • A vein in the wrist (just underneath the thumb bone), or
  • An artery in the neck (just underneath the jaw).

Hold the individual’s arm so that it’s straight with the underside facing up. Feel around their wrist, by using your index (first) and middle finger of one hand, until you find their pulse. Alternatively, press the same two fingers to one side of their neck, just beneath their jaw. If you’re counting a person’s pulse, make use of a watch with a second hand. Cautiously count how many beats you feel in a full minute. A normal resting heart rate for an adult is 60 – 100 beats per minute.

A person’s heart rate plays a vital part in exercise and it needs to be monitored very carefully. A personal trainer will be able to tell you more.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a personal trainer yourself, you need to do a personal trainer course such as the one which we have on offer. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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What is motivation in the fitness industry? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-motivation-in-the-fitness-industry/ Tue, 19 Nov 2019 05:54:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13487 “Motivation” is usually defined as the forces which account for the arousal, selection, direction as well as continuation of behaviour. Nevertheless, many personal trainers in the fitness industry have at least two main misconceptions about motivation which prevent them from using this concept with maximum effectiveness. One misconception is that some clients are unmotivated. Strictly...

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“Motivation” is usually defined as the forces which account for the arousal, selection, direction as well as continuation of behaviour. Nevertheless, many personal trainers in the fitness industry have at least two main misconceptions about motivation which prevent them from using this concept with maximum effectiveness.

  • One misconception is that some clients are unmotivated. Strictly speaking, that is not an correct statement. As long as a client chooses goals and spends a certain amount of effort to achieve them, he is, by definition, motivated. What personal trainers really mean is that clients are not motivated to behave in the way trainer would like them to behave.
  • The second misconception is that one individual can directly motivate another person. This view is inaccurate as motivation comes from within a person.

What you – as a personal trainer – can do, with the assistance of various motivational theories is to create the circumstances that influence clients to do what you want them to do.

Cognitive views of motivation

Cognitive views emphasise that human behaviour is inspired by the way people think about themselves and their environment. The direction that behaviour takes can be described by four influences:

  • The innate need to construct an organised as well as logically consistent knowledge base,
  • One’s expectations for completing a task successfully,
  • The factors which one believes that account for success in addition to failure, and
  • One’s beliefs regarding the nature of cognitive ability.

Exercise adherence

One of the biggest challenges exercise professionals face is the challenge of convincing individuals to start exercising and get them to make a lifelong commitment to a physically active lifestyle.

More than 50% of adults in South Africa do not get the recommended amount of physical activity they need. Of these individuals, 50% starting an exercise programme will drop out within the first year.

As an exercise specialist in the fitness industry it is important to help the client develop a positive attitude towards physical activity so that they make a firm commitment to the exercise programme. Clients are likely to appreciate and stick to their programmes if feedback is accurate and fair. These tips are advice the personal trainer can share with their client to keep them on the right track:

Complete at least one action per day

Actions which are consistent will propel you in the direction of your goal. Even selecting a small task will make a reduction in your to-do list and may motivate you to do even more.

Set up a support system

Who or, alternatively, what can offer you with encouragement, advice, healthy feedback or a ready ear?

Reward yourself

Don’t wait until you reach your goal, particularly if it’s a long-term one. Reward yourself as you get to certain milestones. Something as basic as scheduling time for yourself or possibly a special treat that you’ve felt guilty about indulging in can maintain the  motivation to keep going

Discuss each client’s fitness goals individually

During the one-on-one motivational meeting at the beginning of the first training session identify fitness and exercise beliefs that your clients may have which could limit or hinder their ability to succeed in leading a more physically active life.

This helps you focus and individualise the fitness education and training that you provide each client in a way that will best help that specific client meet her short-and long-term fitness goals.

 Sign a written contract with your personal training clients

A signed contract is a powerful motivational tool that provides accountability and gives your fitness clients measurable goals. Make sure the contract lists each client’s fitness goals and responsibilities, including items such as overall weight loss goals and number of weekly hours spent exercising.

Don’t forget to let your client see that you’re keeping yourself accountable by including a section that lists your responsibilities toward your client, as well. Goals must be recognised in order to be effective Ensure that your client knows what’s expected of him/her and that he/she willingly accepts the challenge posed. Enthusiastically participate in the goal-setting process.

Motivating your clients to succeed with respect to their fitness goals is a key aspect of the job of any personal trainer.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover more about becoming a personal trainer, we strongly recommend that you do a personal training course. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

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2020 Fitness Trends to Get Excited About https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/2020-fitness-trends-to-get-excited-about/ Tue, 19 Nov 2019 05:51:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13490 With 2020 just around the corner, fitness enthusiasts and personal trainers all over the world are already looking at how the new year will bring innovative, fresh approaches to working out. With the pace of life ever-geared towards speeding up, technology taking up a little bit more of our world and the emergence of a...

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With 2020 just around the corner, fitness enthusiasts and personal trainers all over the world are already looking at how the new year will bring innovative, fresh approaches to working out.

With the pace of life ever-geared towards speeding up, technology taking up a little bit more of our world and the emergence of a slew of new ways of looking at exercise; next year is promising to be an exciting one for those looking for innovative, effective and fun new ways of working out.

So what will 2020 bring to the world of fitness?

Let’s take a look at some of the most impressive coming trends:

Technology Will Play a Larger Role in Fitness

While we see technology edging closer to being a critical part of working out each year, 2020 is looking to be the year where technology, particularly wearable tech, becomes a pivotal part of fitness.

We are looking at the introduction of more sophisticated tech for measuring performance, keeping up with schedules and even assisting with motivation.

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) will also be something to keep an eye on, as it permeates almost all fields of life.

2020 will be the year that AI is used extensively to help people uncover their exact needs when it comes to reaching their health goals, and providing a roadmap for getting there.

Expanding on Age Groups

Fitness isn’t just for the young and competitive.

Even right now, consistent research is pointing to a link between working out and increasing longevity and improving quality of life.

We are starting to see a wave of understanding of the importance of staying physically fit at all points of life, which means we will start seeing an expansion of interest across all walks of life and age groups.

This means that there will be a call for qualified health professionals who are specifically trained to work with different age-groups, whether they be younger athletes, or the elderly.

Scientifically Sound Approaches to Fitness

People are becoming more and more aware of the importance of not just engaging in frequent exercise, but performing routines correctly to get the best benefits out of them, while reducing the chance of injury.

The average person, however, doesn’t have the right understanding of exercise and physiology to ensure that they can do this.

Because of this, more and more people looking to enhance their health through fitness, will be looking for the assistance of coaches and trainers, who have the skills and understanding to take a scientific approach to exercise.

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Out of the Gym & Into the Open

You hear it more and more each day, people are getting tired of the drabm ‘go-to-gym’ routine. People are looking for more enjoyable, rewarding and exciting ways of working out, which means that different approaches to fitness are being developed by the industry all the time.

We are seeing a lot of movements towards outdoor Bootcamps, people attending group sessions or Cross-Fit training to meet their goals.

A Reliance on Professional Trainers

All of the above points mean that people are taking more specific approaches to fitness training, and are looking to get the most out of them through the assistance of professionals in the industry who can help their clients meet their goals more effectively.

Because of this, the demand for personal trainers is likely to rise in the following year, making not the right time for those looking to become personal trainers, to get the appropriate accreditation.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to know more about becoming a personal trainer, be sure to take a look at the assortment of fitness courses offered by us here at the Trifocus Fitness Academy. We offer internationally accredited, online courses that will give you the best possible head-start in the industry. So get into contact with one of our representatives today, or visit our website for details on each of our courses, and how to enrol in them.

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What are the stages of progression? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-stages-of-progression/ Mon, 18 Nov 2019 08:08:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13476 The principle of progression says that you must gradually increase the workload in your exercise routine for improvement to continue. Most stages of progression include initial conditioning, improvement and maintenance stages. What is the initial conditioning stage of progression? This stage typically lasts for about the first six weeks of training and it serves to...

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The principle of progression says that you must gradually increase the workload in your exercise routine for improvement to continue. Most stages of progression include initial conditioning, improvement and maintenance stages.

What is the initial conditioning stage of progression?

This stage typically lasts for about the first six weeks of training and it serves to familiarise the client with exercise training. During this phase stretching exercises, low-intensity aerobic and light resistance exercises should be prescribed.

Have your clients improve their duration of the exercise first and then the intensity. (The initial stage of the exercise programme may be skipped at first for some clients provided that their initial fitness level is good enough that they are used to the different modes that are prescribed for their exercise programme.)

What is the improvement stage of progression?

This stage usually lasts for the next four to eight months of the exercise programme and the rate of progression is more rapid than the initial conditioning stage. During this stage the frequency, intensity and duration are systematically and slowly advanced one element at a time until the client’s fitness goals are reached.

What is the maintenance stage of progression?

This stage is designed to preserve the level that is achieved in the improvement stage. The maintenance stage should be continued on a regular, long-term basis. The amount of exercise required to maintain the client’s physical fitness level is less than what is needed to improve specific fitness components.

This means that the frequency used to develop a specific model of fitness can be decreased and the mode replaced with other types of physical activity, for example at the end of an improvement stage, a client may be jogging five days a week. For the maintenance stage the client jogging may be reduced to two to three days per week and different types of cardio used to supplement the other days.

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Appropriate exercises for each stage of progression

Different exercises benefit different people, depending on their fitness levels and injuries. For example, a large muscular person will benefit more from rowing in which there is little impact on the joints and they can employ large amounts of muscle mass. Running, however, involves constant impact and is more likely to cause injury.

When to train

Everybody has a preferred time of the day to train. If you train first thing in the morning before eating, you will burn straight into your fat stores as your glycogen stores – which you usually use in the first 15 minutes of exercise – will have depleted overnight.

If you’re training to increase your energy level, you may want to train during the afternoon. And to have a good night’s rest you may want to train later in the day towards the evening.

Cardio-respiratory programmes

If you intend to run a marathon, take part in a triathlon or simply improve your general health and fitness to deal with everyday demands, cardiovascular training has the added advantage of promoting well-being.

Cardiovascular exercise has a beneficial effect on the body as it promotes weight loss and enables the heart and lungs to work more effectively and become stronger. It will help to increase bone density, reduce stress and decrease the risk of heart disease and some cancers.

Regular cardiovascular exercise relieves depression, increases levels of confidence, improves sleep patterns and gives one more energy in order to be able to combat challenges at home as well as at work. It also can lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

For athletic performance, the more cardiovascular exercise one does, the faster the heart will recover and metabolise glucose to give the muscles the energy that they need. One of the most crucial components of physical fitness is cardiorespiratory endurance which is the ability to perform dynamic exercise that involves large muscle groups at moderate to high intensity for a prolonged period of time. Every physical fitness evaluation should include cardiorespiratory assessments.

It is vital for every personal trainer out there to know about the various stages of progression and how to get a handle on this for the benefits of their clients.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

If you want to learn more about becoming a personal trainer, you really need to do an accredited personal trainer course such as the ones that we offer. For more information, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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What are the basic elements of exercise programme design? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-basic-elements-of-exercise-programme-design/ Mon, 18 Nov 2019 08:00:46 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13472 Although exercise programmes are individualised for each client, there are basic and fundamental elements to all exercise programme design. These fundamental elements include mode, intensity, duration, frequency and progression. Mode To encourage physiological changes in the body – such as body composition and bone strength – many expert personal trainers recommend using more than one...

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Although exercise programmes are individualised for each client, there are basic and fundamental elements to all exercise programme design. These fundamental elements include mode, intensity, duration, frequency and progression.

Mode

To encourage physiological changes in the body – such as body composition and bone strength – many expert personal trainers recommend using more than one type of exercise as a training mode. For body composition, one should prescribe a combination of aerobic and resistance training as both of these training modalities are effective for building bone mass.

 Intensity

Like exercise mode, exercise intensity encourages specific physiological and metabolic changes in the body during training. The initial exercise intensity in the exercise programme depends on the client’s goals, age, capabilities, preferences and fitness level.

Duration

Duration and intensity during exercise are closely related. The higher the intensity, the shorter in duration a routine will be. Exercise duration depends not only on the client’s health status or initial fitness level and functional capabilities but also on the programme goals.

As a client adapts to their training, the duration of a programme may slowly be increased about every two or three weeks. For most clients the duration of an aerobic, resistance or flexibility exercise workout should not exceed more than 60 minutes. This will lessen the chance of injury or “burn out” in a client.

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Frequency

‘Frequency’ refers to the total number of exercise sessions performed on a weekly basis. Research shows that exercising three times per week on alternate days is sufficient to improve various components of physical fitness.

However, fitness is related to duration and intensity of exercise and varies based on the clients, needs, abilities and goals. It is critical to vary the mode of exercise in a programme to minimise the risk of injury and overuse of the bones and joints.

Progression of the exercise

Throughout the exercise programme, physiological and metabolic changes allow the individual to perform more work. For continued improvements, the heart, muscles and skeletal system must be progressively overloaded though subtle changes in frequency, intensity and duration of the exercise.

When applying the principle of progression to exercise programmes you should increase the frequency, intensity, and duration gradually and one element at a time. Increasing elements together may over lax the individuals physiological system thereby increasing the risk of injury and “burnout”. For older and less fit clients, it is better to increase the exercise duration instead of the intensity, especially during the initial stages of the exercise programme.

Once you hit on a comprehensive fitness programme which you like, ensure that you change it up periodically in order to prevent boredom as well as encourage progress. Explore a variety of modalities in order to determine which activities you like the most. If you actually enjoy the activity that you are doing, it is more probable that you will commit to, and remain consistent in, a regular exercise programme. Irrespective of your current fitness level, each program can be adapted to your current wants and needs. If you are not of where to begin, hire a certified personal trainer. This will ensure that you learn proper form and technique.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to find out how to become a personal trainer yourself? If so, then we recommend that you do a personal training course such as the ones that we offer. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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Why is it vital to stay fit for longevity? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-is-it-vital-to-stay-fit-for-longevity/ Fri, 15 Nov 2019 06:28:09 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13461 Have you ever heard the saying “You are what you eat”? In other words, if you don’t eat healthily and cleanly you won’t end up being healthy. The same holds true for exercise as well as fitness. The more you do exercises, the fitter it is that you’ll end up being. Staying fit as you...

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Have you ever heard the saying “You are what you eat”? In other words, if you don’t eat healthily and cleanly you won’t end up being healthy. The same holds true for exercise as well as fitness. The more you do exercises, the fitter it is that you’ll end up being.

Staying fit as you get older assist you with your longevity as fitness ultimately helps you to live a healthier life for a longer period of time. Before you think that we’ve discovered the fountain of youth, there are scientifically-backed studies that show maintaining your fitness levels as you get older will contribute, in a positive manner, towards your longevity. Here’s why we say this.

Remaining fit helps to keep your organs functioning well

It is a proven fact that if you remain fit as well as healthy, your internal organs will work well. This will make sure that you keep healthy well into your golden years.

Take, for example, performing regular cardiovascular exercise for example running on the treadmill or – alternatively – taking part in a spin class. This kind of exercise ensure that your heart as well as lungs, among other parts of your body, function as they are supposed to.

As a consequence, these two body organs will become fitter. This means that doing regular cardio exercise will make you less susceptible to heart diseases such as coronary artery disease or – alternatively – congestive heart failure. Thus, ensuring that you maintain your levels of cardio fitness will certainly help to make sure that you have increased longevity!

 Maintaining fitness levels enhances muscle tone

Regularly doing strength as well as resistance training helps to maintain your muscle tone. This kind of training doesn’t just include lifting weights or, alternatively, working out using weight machines. Exercise formats – such as Pilates – also fall in the category of resistance training because you make use of your own body weight to resist against. This is as opposed to weight training where you use the weights as a type of resistance.

The more muscle tone that you have – especially as you get older – the younger-looking you will be. This is because your skin will be firmer as well as more supple. Although your birth certificate says that you’re getting older, you won’t look like it!

Resistance training assists with maintaining bone density

Performing resistance training will assist you with maintaining your levels of bone density. This means that if you have high bone density levels you will be less likely to suffer from crippling diseases when you get older. An example of such a disease is osteoporosis. Thus doing resistance training – as well as maintaining your fitness levels – most definitely helps to promote your longevity!

Exercise assists with reducing stress

 Today, we are all susceptible to stress – whether it be at work, at home or in our communities that we live in. The impacts of stress can be completely debilitating. These impact can also cause us to suffer, more often, from diseases such as the common cold to – at the other end of the spectrum – a heart attack.

When we go through our exercise routine, endorphins are discharged. These assist us with calming down and relaxing – and so doing away with the negative effects of stress. These could ultimately end up causing you to die. Thankfully, exercise’s stress-busting properties could literally help you to live longer.

 Exercise will assist you to sleep better

 It’s been proven that exercise will help you to sleep better. This means that you’ll wake up feeling more refreshed as well as better able to undertake the challenges that the day has for you.

You can easily identify people who don’t sleep properly. They have deep black rings under their eyes, their skin appears puffy and, in addition, their concentration wanders constantly. As they don’t get a good night’s sleep, it is more likely that they’ll move throughout the day not being focused. This lack of focus as well as concentration could eventually lead to them being the cause of a fatal car accident and being killed as a consequence.

How much exercise should I perform in order to improve my longevity?

 It is not required that you become a professional athlete or, alternatively, a bodybuilder in order to reap the longevity consequences of being fit. A very modest amount of physical activity – such as a placid walk around the grounds of your office park at lunchtime or using the stairs as opposed to  the lift – will assist you with maintaining your fitness levels. The trick is to keep to a steady level of exercise as if you don’t work out for a while and then begin to exercise vigorously, it is more likely that you’ll do serious harm to your body.

Keeping up your fitness levels will assist you with living a longer and more productive life. Choosing a form of exercise which you enjoy will assist you with sticking with it. Want to learn more about the benefits of being fit and healthy?

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If so, then you need to become a personal trainer. Follow this link for more information on how to do this.

 Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

 

 

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What fitness trends can be seen among millennials? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-fitness-trends-can-be-seen-among-millennials/ Fri, 15 Nov 2019 06:17:49 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13458 The world moves faster than ever before. Trends are shifting at a faster rate than they did five years ago. Fitness trends are not different. ‘Millennials’ – according to data from Oxford Living Dictionaries – are those individuals who became adults in the early 21st century. This means that someone who turned 21 in 2003,...

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The world moves faster than ever before. Trends are shifting at a faster rate than they did five years ago. Fitness trends are not different.

‘Millennials’ – according to data from Oxford Living Dictionaries – are those individuals who became adults in the early 21st century. This means that someone who turned 21 in 2003, for example, would be categorised as a millennial.

However, this is only a guideline as individuals from all generations can show millennial features. For example, one typical millennial fitness trend is people keeping tabs on their fitness using devices like FitBits or apps on their phones. Nevertheless, many a baby boomer can be seen sporting a FitBit as they can see the benefit of using this tool to keep an eye on their fitness.

There several trends in fitness which can be seen among millennials. Here are a couple of these.

Tracking fitness using fitness trackers

 Fitness trackers are devices which you wear in order to monitor your health as well as fitness information, such as your heart rate in addition to levels of physical activity. These wearable fitness devices are connected to the Internet and use the world wide web to feed this data to a dashboard where it is analysed. You can then draw insights from this data which  will help you to  help you in achieving your fitness goals.

A good example of how this fitness data is used can be seen with Discovery. If you wear a fitness tracker during your exercise routine, the medical aid reads the quantity of activity that you do – for example the steps you take or the number of times that you go to the gym – and the medical aid rewards you based on this. This means that the more active you are the higher are your reward levels.

The fitness tracker trend is becoming so popular that many app developers – both for Android and Apple – have begun to develop fitness apps which function in the same way that a wearable fitness tracker does. Thus, it becomes much more affordable for millennials to monitor their fitness.

Trend for veganism

There’s been a growing trend among millennials to take on a vegan lifestyle. While vegetarians stay away from meat as well as fish, but are allowed to  eat eggs in addition to dairy, vegans don’t eat what originates from animals. They also don’t wear fabrics such as leather or, alternatively, wool.

Numerous millennials are embracing the vegan lifestyle because it:

  • Lowers their carbon footprint and is more sustainable,
  • Lowers many health risks which come with unrestricted eating, for example regularly eating fatty means can cause coronary artery disease, and
  • Removes the necessity for killing animals.

Although not purely a fitness trend, but as nutrition is an integral component of fitness the trend towards veganism can be seen as a part of this movement. Chains of grocery stores have begun to manufacture ranges of food products that are vegan-friendly.

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Mind-body exercise is very popular among millennials

Millennials are very aware of achieving a work-life balance. They don’t care about working themselves to death as their parents did. They are looking to achieve satisfaction in what they do and integrating their work into their life unlike the other way round.

Millennials are not just using this theory to their working lives. They are looking to achieve a balance in the manner in which that they see fitness.

Yes, you’ll still see people doing weight lifting  and sculpting various parts of their bodies to achieve particular fitness goals. However, increasingly mind-body exercises – such as Yoga – have become popular among millennials and are not the exclusive domain of the Yogis.

Because Yoga has many useful teachings and teaches students to be present during the class, millennials are using this type of exercise to not only keep their bodies fit but to also calm as well as focus their minds.

There are a lot of fitness trends which are out there and millennials are in the forefront of trying these out. However, these trends must not be viewed as the exclusive domain of this generation of people. Anyone can elect to take part in these movements if they enjoy them as well as if they feel that these will help them in order to reach their fitness goals quickly and easily.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about fitness? Check out our wide range of fitness courses here.

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Where Can I find South Africa’s Top Personal Training Course? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/where-can-i-find-south-africas-top-personal-training-course/ Thu, 14 Nov 2019 07:34:28 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13451 While you may have the pick of the batch when it comes to your choice in personal training courses, giving yourself the best possible start to your career means finding the one that offers you the most in terms of skills, an understanding of the qualities of the fitness industry and of course, accreditation. With...

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While you may have the pick of the batch when it comes to your choice in personal training courses, giving yourself the best possible start to your career means finding the one that offers you the most in terms of skills, an understanding of the qualities of the fitness industry and of course, accreditation.

With the right qualification behind you, you could pursue a fitness career working with high-profile clients both here and abroad, and will have everything you need to ensure that your fitness business is a success.

So which course gives you the best shot at success?

Our personal training diploma and platinum package is arguable the best one available in the South African market.

Personal Training Diploma: The Platinum Package

The platinum personal training package offered by the Trifocus Fitness Academy gives budding fitness professionals a complete set of skills necessary to be an effective trainer, and to run their own businesses with the best chance of success. Complete with international accreditation from REPSSA, CATHSSETA and SAQA, no field of professional fitness will be out of your reach when you hold this qualification.

So let’s take a closer look at what this course offers:

A Personal Training Diploma & National Certificate of Fitness

The platinum package personal trainers course offers an encompassing set of modules that are essential to an understanding of professional fitness and includes topics covering anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, conducting physical assessments and health screening, motivation, and wellness concepts.

This course also covers essentials for managing yourself as a fitness professional, such as entrepreneurship, designing exercise programmes, as well as coaching for special needs and population groups such as the elderly or disabled.

Beyond this, the platinum course also covers a range of specialist skills that allow you to focus on particular segments of fitness; including a group instructors course, an online Bootcamp course, a sports psychology course, life coaching, a specialised course in nutrition and a course on social media marketing for the fitness industry.

Let’s take a closer look at how this enhances the quality of your qualification when doing the platinum course:

Trifocus Fitness Academy - personal training course

Group Instructor Course

A group instructor course will allow you to specialise in workshops and sessions that train groups of people. These group instructor courses include specifics on Yoga, boxing instruction, kettlebell courses and more.

Online Bootcamp Course

The comprehensive Bootcamp course includes drills, how to set a Bootcamp up, offers information on the nuances of group instruction and offers practical instruction on how to facilitate effective and profitable outdoor Bootcamps; an excellent addition to the repertoire of any personal trainer.

Sports Psychology Course

The Sports Psychology course offers specialised information for mental skills training and what a coach’s role is in this regard.

It imparts knowledge on how to work with and motivate groups, teams and individuals, how to deal with sports industries, and how to combat discrimination on the fitness industry.

Life Coaching Certificate

The life coaching segment of the platinum course includes information on how to assess the needs of your clients, will give you the tools needed to conduct career coaching,  offers an understanding of the principles of wellness coaching, relationship coaching, establishing a beneficial client/coach relationship, time management principles and matching skills to ideal tasks or jobs.

UK Sports Nutrition Diploma

This segment of the platinum personal training course will outfit you with specific knowledge for understanding the relationship between proper nutrition and performance in exercise. It gives you a complete overview of how nutrition relates to wellness and sports, and how to assess and design specialised nutrition plans.

Social Media Management Course

The platinum course also outfits you with the tools and knowledge to conduct effective social advertising for your business or fitness brand.

This segment of the package includes modules relating to content creation for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube to draw in clients and create interest around your fitness business.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Are you looking for the best possible personal training course in South Africa to kick-start your career in fitness?

Contact a representative from the Trifocus Fitness Academy today, or visit our website for further details on all of our online fitness courses.

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What is the mind-muscle connection? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-mind-muscle-connection/ Wed, 13 Nov 2019 06:40:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13427 While weight-lifting is seen by many individuals to be strictly physical training, there are many important psychological aspects to it.  In years gone by, many bodybuilders supported the value of implementing a “mind-muscle connection” while performing strength and resistance training. Remaining focused in the gym isn’t always easy as some may make it look. This...

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While weight-lifting is seen by many individuals to be strictly physical training, there are many important psychological aspects to it.  In years gone by, many bodybuilders supported the value of implementing a “mind-muscle connection” while performing strength and resistance training.

Remaining focused in the gym isn’t always easy as some may make it look. This is especially if you’re pulling a late-night workout just before your health club closes or, alternatively, if you’ve had a stressful day at the office.

Have you ever felt like you’re merely going through the motions of your workout? Perhaps your mind starts to wander and your thoughts float to your work or an item that you’ve read in the news. You probably don’t realise it but while your mind is elsewhere you’re missing out on one of the most important secrets to success with your training routine: the mind-muscle connection.

The mind-muscle connection: defined

Making use of a mind-muscle connection refers to concentrating on the muscle that is working throughout a set of strength-training exercises. The mind-muscle connection is the distinction between just going through the movements as opposed to creating a connection with your muscles. Legendary bodybuilder, Arnold Schwartzenegger, brought the concept into the limelight in the classic documentary entitled ‘Pumping Iron’.

Practically speaking, while performing an exercise you need to have a laser focus on your working muscle. Having a terrific mind-muscle connection will assist you with getting an incredible pump and shredding your muscles.

While this area of personal training may not seem like an apparent area for researchers to investigate, the impact of where we focus our attention during the course of physical activities has held great importance for scientists.

This wider body of literature, in addition to some recent studies into attentional focus during strength training, allows us the opportunity in order to assess if  making use of the mind-muscle connection could help or hamper us on our quest to achieve greater muscle growth.

Ways to improve your mind-muscle connection

As you can gather from the above-mentioned points, developing a good mind-muscle connection during your strength-training workouts will put you in good stead in terms of increasing your muscle mass. Here are some ideas of how you can improve this connection

Apply the Brakes to the movement

Many weight lifters make the terrible mistake of speeding through their reps. Getting through the motions just for the sake of it isn’t going to provide you any benefit. It is possible for you to significantly improve your mind-muscle connection by reducing the speed at which you do the reps.

Warm-up before you train

Some individuals jump into their workouts as soon as they get to the gym. Give your body sufficient time to warm up and become ready for the exercises. One of the greatest ways to warm up before resistance training is to stretch out your muscles as well as warm up the joints.

Make use of isolation exercises

It can be more difficult to establish a mind-muscle connection when you’re doing compound movements as opposed to isolation exercises. If you don’t feel a pump when you’re doing a compound (multi-joint) movement, try to do isolation (single joint) lifts. For example, rather than performing the barbell bench press, do the hammer strength press or a chest press machine.

Training hard is crucial and, of course, every single weight lifter out there wants to lift heavy weights. Leaving your ego at the door of the gym can be a difficult thing to do. However, if you want to make serious gains it’s something that you definitely have to do. There’s no point in working yourself to exhaustion if you’re not working your muscles efficiently.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about personal training and perhaps even become a personal trainer yourself? If you do then you should unquestionably consider doing a personal training course. Follow this link to get more information about the ones that we offer.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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Proper squat techniques as taught by personal trainers https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/proper-squat-techniques-as-taught-by-personal-trainers/ Tue, 12 Nov 2019 05:56:04 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13416 One of the greatest exercises for you, whether you’re trying to build muscle or lose weight (or both) HAS to be the squat. However, it’s also an exercise which we see nearly EVERYBODY does incorrectly. Squats are one of the staple exercises that everyone out there should be able to perform. Nevertheless, even though squats...

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One of the greatest exercises for you, whether you’re trying to build muscle or lose weight (or both) HAS to be the squat. However, it’s also an exercise which we see nearly EVERYBODY does incorrectly. Squats are one of the staple exercises that everyone out there should be able to perform.

Nevertheless, even though squats may seem simple enough at times even the most basic movements are the trickiest to execute with perfect technique. From the outside a squat, it looks very easy. However, performing a squat correctly and – ensuring that you’re engaging the correct muscles as well as moving your body as you should – is in fact exceptionally complex.

What some people don’t get quite right with squats

There are several things which people don’t get quite right when it comes to squatting. We chatted to an expert personal trainer who gave us the low-down:

Letting Your Knees Fall In

A mixture of wide hips as well as weak inner and outer thighs makes this squat mistake pretty common among women. Unfortunately, if your knees move in towards each other for the duration of a squat, this can put too much pressure on your knees and result in injury.

However, correcting this mistake isn’t as easy as willing your knees to remain in place. It is necessary to strengthen your inner and (particularly) your outer thighs. Lateral theraband walks are a great way to do just that.  Here’s how to perform this exercise:

  1. Put a theraband around your lower legs. The resistance can be used closer to your knees if you want to make the movement easier. Alternatively, you can put the theraband around your ankles or feet if you want to carry out a more advanced movement.
  2. With the theraband in place, stand in an athletic standing position. Have your knees and hips slightly bent with your feet shoulder-width apart as well as the head and chest up. This will be the position in which you begin.
  3. Remaining low, take a slow, lateral step. Make sure that your toes point forward and remain low. After finishing the step, follow with your opposite leg. Step slowly and resist the band. Keep the feet at least shoulder-width apart so as to maintain band tension.
  4. Continue to laterally step in this manner in order to complete the set for the desired number of repetitions before you switch to walk in the opposite direction.

Not Lowering Your Body to 90 Degrees

If you don’t finish the exercise through its full range of motion – in other words, all the way down until the point that your thighbone is parallel to the floor – you won’t engage your glutes and the upper part of your hamstrings fully.

With the squat, you want to get a shapely butt and if you don’t lower your body to 90 degrees you won’t achieve this aim. To train your body in order to complete the entire move, try practising some squats facing a knee-high box or, alternatively, a step. Lower your body until your bum just barely touches the box, and then push back up.

Arching Your Back

Your back naturally has a slight “S” to it. However, if you don’t have enough lower back strength —and many people don’t have this –  it’s easy to add some extra arch when you perform your squats. The problem is that this movement dumps the weight into your lower back and means you risk injury. To increase your lower-back strength, try performing the dumbbell straight-leg deadlift:

  • Take hold of a pair of dumbbells. Make sure that you do this with an overhand grip and hold them at arm’s length at the front part of your thighs.
  • Stand with your feet being hip-width apart as well as your knees slightly bent.
  • Brace your core throughout the movement.
  • Without altering the bend of your knees, bend at your hips until your torso is almost parallel to the floor.
  • Pause and then shoot your hips forward. Squeeze your glutes tightly to return to the starting position.

A squat is a compound, full-body exercise. This exercise works mainly the muscles of the thighs, hips and buttocks, quads, hamstrings in addition to strengthening the bones, ligaments and insertion of the tendons in the lower body.

The fabulous thing about squats is that these movements are more than just a way to exercise. These are a foundation for your overall strength and are fundamental to your ability to function well in daily life.  Make sure that you maintain proper form when performing a squat and listen to your body because if you feel any pain, do not proceed.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about personal training, check out a personal training course such as the one that we offer. Read more here.

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What a personal trainer can explain about plyometric training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-a-personal-trainer-can-explain-about-plyometric-training/ Mon, 11 Nov 2019 06:39:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13399 The term ‘plyometric movements’ refers to movements that are quick and explosive. These exercises start with a muscle-lengthening (eccentric) act which is immediately followed up with a muscle-shortening (concentric) act. Plyometric training includes the usage of these plyometric movements in order to increase your speed and strength, in other words power. Personal trainers use these...

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The term ‘plyometric movements’ refers to movements that are quick and explosive. These exercises start with a muscle-lengthening (eccentric) act which is immediately followed up with a muscle-shortening (concentric) act. Plyometric training includes the usage of these plyometric movements in order to increase your speed and strength, in other words power. Personal trainers use these movements quite regularly in their training with clients.

The history of plyometric training

Plyometrics first came onto the fitness scene in the early 1980s. This type of training was introduced by a Russian scientist with the name of Yuri Verkhoshansky.

In its early form, plyometrics involved athletes dropping down from a height and then directly jumping upwards. The shock of the landing would compel an eccentric, muscle-lengthening action on the athlete’s body. The jump upwards introduced the immediate muscle-shortening action. The blend of stretching and contracting their muscles fine-tuned them. Modern-day plyometric exercises have evolved this ‘shock training’ into a much less intense ‘jump training’ with a greater variety in height as well as execution time.

Examples of plyometric training

If you are fit and looking to supercharge your workouts, then you may enjoy the challenge of performing plyometric training. It’s a fantastic way to train if you are involved in high-impact sports that require a lot of running or jumping, such as tennis, skiing or – alternatively – basketball.

Here are a couple of plyometric exercises that you can include in your workout routines.

Lateral Skater Jumps

The majority of the movements that you perform in the gym are linear. This means that you move straight forward and backwards. Movements such as running, squatting as well as lunging are examples of linear movements.

Lateral movements are vital to make use of in your routine as these build a set of muscles you’re probably ignoring. To work on your side-to-side dexterity, try out lateral skater jumps. As you make improvements, it will become easier for you to jump further. In addition, with these types of movements you can also focus on jumping higher in order to make it more difficult.

As lateral skater jumps are lateral and performed off one leg, it is not possible to jump very high, which minimising any potential harmful impact. It’s also easy to regulate how far you go in each jump.

Movement:

  • Make use of a small hurdle to jump over or lines on the ground which are 2-or 3-feet apart.
  • Raise your leg which is inside and push off the outside leg.
  • Jump up and over. Land on the opposite leg.
  • As you land, remember that you need to bend your knee and stick your hips back as this will soften the blow.

Skipping

While it’s not a super-complicated manoeuvre, skipping is an excellent plyometric exercise for developing foot speed as well as calf-muscle strength.

Movement:

  • Start by skipping with your feet together.
  • Then, go on to hopping on one foot as this places more stress on your ankle and calf muscle.
  • As soon as you’re comfortable with that, alternate feet on each skip. Essentially, you’ll be jogging in one spot.

Precautions to take in plyometric exercises

There are several of precautions that you need to take during plyometric training. Here are some of them.

Not for beginner exercisers

If you’re just getting started with exercising, or you haven’t done this kind of training before, it’s important to ease into plyometrics. A personal trainer is a phenomenal resource for helping you set up a plyometric training programme that fits your fitness level and goals.

It can lead to overtraining

Plyometrics isn’t something you want to do on a daily basis unless you’re a professional athlete. Attempting some plyometric training in two or three workouts per week, with rest days in between, is probably enough for the average exerciser. More than that and you risk burnout. When you’re getting started, work with an experienced personal trainer who can show you how to safely jump and land.

Start slow and low. Mix a few plyometric moves into your regular workout, for instance. Because plyometrics is high-impact and intense exercise, check with your doctor or personal trainer first if you aren’t active now or have any health problems.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to discover more about personal training or even become a personal trainer yourself? If so, then you should really consider doing a personal training course such as the ones we offer. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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How personal trainers teach proper lunge form https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-personal-trainers-teach-proper-lunge-form/ Fri, 08 Nov 2019 06:02:02 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13385 Lunges are a classic exercise. It is possible to do lunges anywhere and the positive effects of these exercises can be seen quickly in the form of shapely, toned legs and backside. If you’re planning on incorporating lunges into your fitness routine ensure that you’re not doing more harm than good. The world of fitness...

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Lunges are a classic exercise. It is possible to do lunges anywhere and the positive effects of these exercises can be seen quickly in the form of shapely, toned legs and backside. If you’re planning on incorporating lunges into your fitness routine ensure that you’re not doing more harm than good.

The world of fitness and exercise has long been peppered with fitness myths, misconceptions, misperceptions as well as biased information. While much data is sound and well-intentioned, some of these fitness misnomers is designed to attract us to buying things, whether these are good for us or not. Together, sound information blends with the “fluff” to result in a convoluted mass of confusion as well as contradictions. Alternatively it turns into a believable viewpoint, which is responsible for grossly oversimplifying a complex subject.

As if that’s not enough, in the world of fitness a version of the “telephone game” is often thrown into the mix. Information about health and wellness passes from person to person, often changing along the way. The original intent and rationale become lost in translation. Owing to this, a person may blindly follow what they hear without ever inquiring about objective reasoning.

We are taught fitness and health guidelines. These are interpreted as rules. Whatever or whomever we learned them from first is often perceived as “right”. We have the tendency to listen to and follow the masses because “if everyone is doing it this way, it must be right….Right?” The same principle is often followed with lunges which leads to many people injuring themselves as they adopt the incorrect form.

The proper method for performing a forward lunge

The forward lunge is one of the extremely common variations of the squats. Here is how to do this:

  1. Stand up tall and make sure that your feet are hip-width apart. Engage your core.
  2. Take a wide step forward with your right leg. Start to move your weight forward so that your heel hits the floor first.
  3. Lower your body until the point where your right thigh is parallel to the floor and your right shin is vertical. It’s fine if your knee shifts forward a little so long as it doesn’t go past your right toe. If you are able to lightly tap your left knee to the floor while keeping your weight in your right heel.
  4. Put your weights into your right heel in order to drive back up to your starting position.
  5. Repeat on the other side.

There are a number of distinctions to the lunge. Here are some of them:

Wall sits

Wall sits can be done almost anywhere with the only equipment needed is a wall. Ideally, you will do a wall sit in a position where your whole spine is flat on the surface of the wall. Your knees must be in a direct line with your hips as well as in line over your ankles. Ensure that your knees don’t go past your toes. If you have knee discomfort, begin higher up so that your knees are not forming a 90-degree angle from the hips until they work up to this particular level.

Lunges while holding a bar or suspension training bands

Another lunge variation that uses minimal equipment is making use of a stable surface such as a bar or suspension straps. You will minimise your range of motion (ROM) and difficulty regarding the degree of balance while working on static lunges.

Hold the bar and line your front knee up over the ankle and make sure that your back foot follows the width of your hip as you move into the lunge. The spine should be straight with your shoulders lined up over the hips.

The lunge is a resistance exercise which can be used in order to assist with strengthening your lower body. Muscles worked include:

  • quadriceps
  • hamstrings
  • glutes
  • calves

When practised from different angles, lunges are also a functional movement. Functional movements can help you work muscles in ways that benefit everyday movements you do outside of exercising. For example, side lunges help strengthen the muscles your body uses to move and change direction.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about exercise, you should really consider becoming a personal trainer. To find out more how to do this, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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The Different Facets of Sports Conditioning https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-different-facets-of-sports-conditioning/ Thu, 07 Nov 2019 07:55:27 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13369 Sports conditioning coaches are some of the most valuable professionals in the world of fitness. They are responsible for a lot of the achievements of professional athletes. But beyond that, they also see to their safety, performance and nutrition, just to name a few. Many athletes entrust not only their performance potential to conditioning coaches,...

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Sports conditioning coaches are some of the most valuable professionals in the world of fitness. They are responsible for a lot of the achievements of professional athletes. But beyond that, they also see to their safety, performance and nutrition, just to name a few.

Many athletes entrust not only their performance potential to conditioning coaches, but their very lives and wellbeing as well.

Are you looking to become a sports conditioning coach? Here’s what a correlating course can show you about doing it with success:

Anatomy & Biomechanics in Sport

Anatomy and biomechanics describe the way a body moves and consumes energy when doing so. For day to day tasks this amounts to little more than just interesting information, but when looked at from the perspective of sports conditioning, the way that the body moves during exercise or advanced performance, can bring about some profound implications and findings.

This means that a coach should be able to analyse the way sports people move from a biomechanical point of view; looking at each movement scientifically to perfect them, so that exercises can be adapted and performance can be streamlined in athletes.

Nutrition in Sports

Nutrition plays a central role in the performance and health of athletes, and because of this sports conditioning coaches need to be able to impart this understanding on to their clients, and work with them to devise beneficial eating plans.

They also need to have a sound understanding of the way supplements and performance enhancing drugs affect an athlete, their ability to perform, and of course, to pursue a successful career in whichever sport is in question.

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Injury & Illness Prevention

Injuries, illnesses and exercise often go hand-in-hand, but when properly managed by a sports conditioning coach, they shouldn’t.

Because of this, coaches need to understand what kind of movements put sports people at risk of injury, and of course, how such injuries can affect their performance and careers at a later stage.

On top of this, conditioning coaches also need to be able to understand the risks associated to exercise when performed by people with communicable diseases, or when to avoid exercise as a result of an ailment altogether.

This is where sports conditioning is directly related to the health and wellbeing of an athlete.

Periodizing Training Throughout the Year

Sports conditioning coaches understand the importance of adaptability, strategizing, and working with routines that develop and evolve over time to help a sports person reach their maximum potential.

This is generally done by periodizing training and adjusting it throughout the year, to ensure that the principle of progression is met effectively, so that the athlete can continually improve on their performance and physique.

To do this effectively, conditioning coaches need to understand the benefits and drawbacks of certain types of training when used under specific circumstances, or when trying to reach particular fitness goals.

Physiology & Exercise

Another very important aspect to sports conditioning is the concept of how sport and exercise relate to human physiology.

Knowing how the body responds to certain types of resistance, flexibility, speed and power training allows the conditioning coach to develop routines that meet the exact needs and goals of their client.

This information and understanding is also essential for maintaining and managing all of the other facets of conditioning, including: anatomy and biomechanics, ensuring that the correct nutrition is taken in, avoiding injuries and illness, and devising effective training programmes.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers specialised online and internationally accredited sports conditioning courses that have been designed to outfit professionals with all of the skills and knowledge needed to find success as a professional conditioning coach.

If you would like to know more about our courses, feel free to visit our website today.

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What is the best type of fitness programme for people suffering from type 2 diabetes https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-best-type-of-fitness-programme-for-people-suffering-from-type-2-diabetes/ Thu, 07 Nov 2019 07:12:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13365 Studies demonstrate that as few as 39% of people with type 2 diabetes participate in regular physical activity. This is as compared with 58% of other people who’re lucky enough not to suffer from this debilitating disease. While it’s vital for everyone to engage in physical activity, it’s even more important for people who suffer...

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Studies demonstrate that as few as 39% of people with type 2 diabetes participate in regular physical activity. This is as compared with 58% of other people who’re lucky enough not to suffer from this debilitating disease. While it’s vital for everyone to engage in physical activity, it’s even more important for people who suffer from type 2 diabetes to exercise as this can help to increase insulin action and maintain blood sugar levels in check.

Exercise also assists you with losing weight and improving balance. This is significant because many people with type 2 diabetes are at risk for obesity and falls. Anyone over 40 who is afflicted with diabetes should include balance training as a part of their weekly routine, at least two to three days per week. These methods of exercises can be as simple as practising balancing on one leg at a time, or, alternatively, more complex such as tai chi. Lower body as well as core resistance exercises also double as balance training.

When you happen to suffer from the affliction of type 2 diabetes, physical activity is a vital part of your treatment plan.  It is also vital to have a healthy meal plan as well as maintain your blood glucose level through medications or insulin, if required. If you remain fit as well as active during your life, it will be possible for you to better manage your diabetes and maintain your blood glucose level in the correct range. Regulating your blood glucose level is crucial in order to prevent long-term complications, such as nerve pain and kidney disease.

Before you start with your exercise programme…

Before you start with your diabetes-friendly workout routine, there are a number of things that you should be doing. Here are some of them:

  1. Make a list of physical activities that you enjoy doing

There are loads of options when it comes to exercising which means that you don’t have to go to a gym in order to get a  great workout. Think about an activity that you’ve always wanted to try or an activity that you enjoyed in the past. Some ideas are sports, dancing, yoga, walking as well as swimming. Anything activity that raises your heart rate counts.

  1. Get your doctor’s sign-off

Let your doctor know about what you want to do. This professional can ensure you’re ready for it. Your medical practitioner will also check to see if it is necessary for you to change your meals, insulin, or diabetes medicines. Your doctor can also tell you if the time of day that you exercise matters.

  1. Check your blood sugar levels

Ask your local medical practitioner if you should check your blood sugar levels before you exercise. If you are planning to work out for a period of more than an hour, check your blood sugar levels at regular intervals during your workout so that you’ll know if you require a snack. Verify what your blood sugar levels are after every workout so that it is possible for you to adjust your blood sugar levels if needed.

With increasing levels of fitness, you can gradually increase the intensity and volume of your exercise programme. This is best done under the management of a qualified personal trainer. Here are a number of tips on how to do that.

  • Increase the intensity of your aerobic workouts by increasing your heart rate – from 50 to 70% – to closer to 70% or slightly above this mark. At this transitional pace, you should be able to talk less with ease, although you should not be labouring for breath.
  • Increase the period of time of your workout routine from 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Incorporate intervals in your walking or running. Do this by striding out at a very rapid pace for a one-minute interval, every five minutes for the duration of the session.
  • Slowly increase the weight load you lift in your weight-training programme as you become stronger. You should be struggling to perform that last lift of the third set. Don’t intensify the number of sets or repetitions. Only up the weight you lift as you become stronger. It is possible to vary the exercises but remember that you need to exercise all major muscle groups.
  • Include a third weight training session to your weekly programme. Do this preferably on one of the aerobics days so that it is possible for you to maintain at least one day of complete rest.
  • Be aware of niggling injuries in your joints, muscles as well as tendons. Don’t train if you’re in acute painor persistent sub-acute pain. Consult your doctor. When training with weights, be especially aware of shoulder impingement pain or, alternatively, discomfort in the rotator cuff. This can be an issue in older adult who train. Go easy on doing shoulder exercises if you feel a rotator cuff injury coming on.
  • Every month, take three consecutive days off to allow the body to recover and rebuild.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Are you passionate about exercise? If so, you may want to become a personal trainer. If you do, then the best way for you to do this is to do a personal training course such as the ones we offer. Read more about these here.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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What a personal trainer can explain about pain management https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-a-personal-trainer-can-explain-about-pain-management/ Wed, 06 Nov 2019 06:13:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13355 In days gone by, medical experts used to prescribe bed rest for back pain in addition to other chronic pain conditions. However, studies have made the finding that people who exercise and stay flexible are able to manage their pain much better as opposed to those who don’t. Exercise is responsible for improving your pain...

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In days gone by, medical experts used to prescribe bed rest for back pain in addition to other chronic pain conditions. However, studies have made the finding that people who exercise and stay flexible are able to manage their pain much better as opposed to those who don’t.

Exercise is responsible for improving your pain threshold. With pain that you experience on a chronic basis, your pain threshold drops. This means that it takes less pain in order to make you feel more uncomfortable. With cardiovascular, strengthening as well as flexibility exercise, it is possible to improve that pain threshold.

The personal trainer’s wisdom about pain management

Lower back pain is one of these chronic types of pain. Unfortunately, it is a type of chronic pain that is experienced by all kinds of people – and it’s more common than you think. People such as athletes and fitness fanatics to people who don’t do any physical activity – whatsoever – are all prone to lower-back pain.

Most adults will have to deal with this kind of pain at some point in their lives. So, this begs the question: when you experience this type of pain, when should you head on off to the gym and when should you rather skip the gym and go straight to the physio or medical specialist?

Exercises for lower back pain, stretches, foam rolling as well as a few other simple strategies may be all you need to do in order to have less pain. Get your personal trainer to teach you how to do the following exercises – with good form – so that you can manage chronic pain.

Exercises to help alleviate lower back pain

Pelvic tilts

The pelvic tilt exercise can relieve tight back muscles and make sure that these remain flexible. Here’s how to perform this lower back exercise which enhances flexibility in this part of your body:

  • Lie with your back on the floor. Bend your knees bent and keep your feet flat. Make sure that your arms remain by your sides.
  • Gently arch your lower back and push your stomach out.
  • Hold for five seconds and then relax.
  • Flatten your back and pull in your belly button towards the floor.
  • Hold for five seconds and then relax.
  • Increase the number of repetitions daily and build up to 30.

Lying lateral leg lifts

These exercises work your hip abductors which support your pelvis. In addition, these muscles can help to reduce strain on your back. Making sure that these muscles are kept strong is essential as these help you to maintain your balance. If these muscles are weak, this can affect mobility.

To do lying lateral leg lifts:

  • Lie on one of your sides with your legs together.
  • Keep your lower leg slightly bent.
  • Draw your belly button into your spine in order to engage your core muscles.
  • Raise your top leg about 18 inches off your lower leg. Keep it straight as well as extended.
  • Hold the position for two seconds.
  • Perform this exercise 10 times.
  • Turn onto your other side and repeat by lifting your other leg.
  • Perform three sets on each side.

Superman

A person requires back extensors which are strong in order to maintain good posture. These muscles are along either side of your spine. If you back extensors are weak, this can reduce spinal and pelvic support. However, performing an exercise called a “Superman” can assist.

To perform a Superman:

  • Lie face down on the floor. Extend both of your arms to the front of your body. Keep your legs stretched as well as flat on the floor.
  • Lift both of your hands as well as your feet. Aim to create a gap of about six inches between them as well as the floor.
  • Attempt to pull in your belly button. Lift it off the floor to engage your core muscles.
  • Keep the head straight and look at the floor to avoid neck injury.
  • Extend your hands and feet outward as far as you can.
  • Maintain the position for two seconds.
  • Return to your starting position.
  • Repeat a total of 10 times.

Executing these exercises in order to work the core muscles can assist with preventing injury, increasing stability as well as improving flexibility. People who suffer from lower back pain should also pay attention to their general posture as well as the manner in which they carry heavy objects in order to identify movements that may be responsible. Anyone who experiences severe lower back pain or if this discomfort does not go away with gentle stretches and exercise should make an appointment with a physio.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to discover more about combatting pain – like a personal trainer – you really need to do a personal training course like the ones on offer at our fitness college. Follow this link for more information.

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Variations on the deadlift for you to try https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/variations-on-the-deadlift-for-you-to-try/ Tue, 05 Nov 2019 11:33:47 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13345 The deadlift is a weight-training exercise. During this movement, a loaded barbell or – alternatively – a bar is lifted off the floor to alongside the hips and torso. When the bar or barbell is level with the chest, it is perpendicular to the floor. After this, it is placed back on the floor. The...

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The deadlift is a weight-training exercise. During this movement, a loaded barbell or – alternatively – a bar is lifted off the floor to alongside the hips and torso. When the bar or barbell is level with the chest, it is perpendicular to the floor. After this, it is placed back on the floor. The deadlift is one of the three powerlifting exercises. Others include the squat as well as the bench press.

The term ‘deadlift’ refers to the lifting of dead weight – in other words, weight without momentum – such as weights lying on the floor. Deadlifts are one of the few regular weight-training exercises where all repetitions start with dead weight.

With most other lifts that you’ll do in your weight-training routine either by yourself or with your personal trainer, there is an eccentric (which refers to the lowering of the weight) phase. This phase is followed by the concentric phase, which refers to the lifting of the load. Throughout these exercises, a tiny amount of energy is stored in the muscles which are stretched in addition to the tendons in the eccentric phase if the weight-lifter is not flexible beyond his or her specific range of motion.

Benefits of the deadlift

The deadlift works the following muscles in your body:

  • Glutes,
  • Hamstrings,
  • Quadriceps,
  • Abdominal muscles, in addition to your
  • Lower back muscles.

Deadlifts also make use of back muscles such as the latissimus dorsi, which are commonly known as the lats. This exercise is also responsible for engaging your forearm muscles as you have to hold onto the bar in order to prevent it from slipping out of your hands and falling on your feet.

There are a number of joints as well as muscles that work simultaneously during the deadlift. This is why it’s called a compound movement. As there are a lot of muscles that are incorporated in the deadlift, it is possible for you to lift more weight as opposed to many other exercises. This characteristic makes the deadlift ideal for building muscle in addition to strength.

Compound movements, such as the deadlift, can result in your workout being more efficient. As opposed to doing a separate exercise for your legs and back, you can do the deadlift and it is possible to work them all at the same time. This gives you extra time in your workout to train other muscles.

Deadlift variations to include in your workout routine

If you’re bored with doing traditional deadlifts, don’t worry! There are a number of alternatives that you can practise so you can still get the benefit of this great exercise.

  1. Sumo Deadlift

As with the sumo squat, the sumo deadlift requires you to place your feet in a wider stance. Your hands must be on the inside of the feet. The sumo deadlift can be done with an emphasis on the quads or, alternatively, your hips. This variation of the deadlift offers a range of motion which permits you to lift heavier loads. However, remember to practise your technique in order to get this perfect. To help you in your practice, start with lower weights.

  1. Hex or Trap Bar Deadlifts

A hex or trap bar deadlift is done using a specialised bar which is called a hex or trap bar. With the hex bar, it is possible for you to alter the mechanics behind the deadlift and lift while distributing your weight in an even fashion.

  1. Snatch Grip Deadlift

In this type of deadlift, your hands adopt a wider grip. The snatch deadlift is an Olympic lifting technique which mainly works out the hamstrings. The snatch deadlift acts in order to strengthen the pull of the snatch.

  1. Romanian Deadlift

The Romanian deadlift – which is also called the straight-legged deadlift – focuses on making use of the hamstrings. This is in contrast to other deadlift techniques which focus on your lower back. When performing the straight-legged deadlift, your back should remain straight. All your bending should be coming from the torso. This means that instead of bending your knees your legs should be stiff throughout the lowering and lifting phases of the movement.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to discover more about exercise and perhaps even become a personal trainer? Have a look at our wide range of personal trainer courses. Read more here.

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Your Choice Between Personal Trainer Courses at Trifocus https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/your-choice-between-personal-trainer-courses-at-trifocus/ Tue, 05 Nov 2019 07:28:09 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13333 There are a number of approaches to studying an online personal trainer course with Trifocus, and the one you select will depend on you. How much are you willing to invest, how much time do you have to study and how much do you want to specialise? These are just a few of the considerations...

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There are a number of approaches to studying an online personal trainer course with Trifocus, and the one you select will depend on you. How much are you willing to invest, how much time do you have to study and how much do you want to specialise?

These are just a few of the considerations that will help you determine which course is the best fit for you.

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers a range of detailed courses, prom our Platinum package that is all encompassing right through to our Silver package which can be completed at the least cost to you, and in the least amount of time.

The Trifocus Platinum Personal Training Course

The Platinum Trifocus personal trainer course is the most detailed one in South Africa, covering all aspects of running a fitness business.

This course takes between 8 and 12 months to complete, and costs just R14 700.

Here’s what the Platinum package includes:

A National Certificate of Fitness and Personal Training Diploma

The Platinum package will get you a National Certificate in Fitness worth 136 credits, as well as a National Diploma in Fitness worth 110 points, and consists of fundamental modules relating to personal training.

Additional Modules Included in the Platinum Personal Trainer Package

Aside from this, the Platinum package also includes a comprehensive group instructor course, an online Bootcamp course, a course in sports psychology, a life coaching course, a UK diploma in Nutrition, as well as a course that covers social media marketing for your fitness business.

The Trifocus Gold Personal Training Course

The Gold package Trifocus personal trainer course can be completed in 8-12 months and will cover the essentials for personal trainers to find success in the industry. Its also offers specialisations in a few related fields of fitness, and the cost of enrolment is just R8750.

National Certificate of Fitness

The Gold package will allow you to obtain a National Certificate in Fitness worth 136 credits and will outfit you with the essential professional tools to run a successful fitness business, or work in gyms around the world.

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Additional Courses Included in the Gold Personal Trainer Package

The Gold Trifocus personal trainer course package will also include modules related to running and managing a Bootcamp, includes a course on sports psychology, and will also give you a free 5 year membership to REPSSA.

The Trifocus Silver Personal Training Course

The Silver package for Trifocus personal training courses provides an overview of the essential skills needed to become a successful personal trainer. It can be completed in just 3-6 months, and will only cost R7000.

Online Group Exercise Course

Through learning the essential skills required for success as a personal trainer, enrollees will obtain a NQF5 Occupation Skills Certificate upon completing the course which will allow them to advance their careers as personal trainers.

This certification will mark you as an expert in anatomical and biomechanical principles, physiology, nutrition, assessments and health screening, motivational techniques, working with special needs clients, designing exercise programmes and more.

REPSSA Membership

In addition to obtaining an Occupational Skills Certificate, students enrolled in the Silver Package personal trainer courses will also receive a 5-year membership to REPSSA for free.

Deciding which course is the best fit for you will depend entirely on your unique situation and your professional goals as an aspiring personal trainer, which makes selecting the most appropriate course an important decision for our students.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

If you would like further details on all of our fitness courses, please feel free to get into contact with a representative from the Trifocus Fitness Academy today, or browse through our selection of courses on our website for further information on each course.

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How personal trainers can create a culture of wellness among their clients https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-personal-trainers-can-create-a-culture-of-wellness-among-their-clients/ Mon, 04 Nov 2019 06:34:14 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13266 Today, the world has become far more stressful which has a significant impact on people’s wellness and health. These are more than a concept or a series of isolated events. Wellness is a lifestyle and a culture. The terms “wellness and health” themselves can seem vague and obscure and ultimately hard to define. In fact,...

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Today, the world has become far more stressful which has a significant impact on people’s wellness and health. These are more than a concept or a series of isolated events. Wellness is a lifestyle and a culture. The terms “wellness and health” themselves can seem vague and obscure and ultimately hard to define. In fact, there are as many definitions of “wellness” as there are organisations committed to its existence.

What does ‘wellness’ mean?

The University of California defines ‘wellness’  as the active process of developing an awareness of – as well as – making choices towards a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is about so much more than being free from illness. Wellness is a dynamic process of change in addition to growth.

In other to add to this definition, the World Health Organization says that the state of wellness refers to a state of comprehensive physical, mental as well as social well-being and not just the absence of disease or, alternatively, infirmity. Along the same lines, the National Wellness Institute says that ‘wellness’ is a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential.

This means that in order to attain a state of wellness, among others you need to be physically active and adopt good nutrition practices. This is where the personal trainer comes in as he or she can advise you on the correct exercises that you can do for your body type and what you need to be eating in order for you to be able to sustain this physical activity.

What is a personal trainer?

The dictionary definition of a ‘personal trainer’ is someone who works with a particular client – on an individual basis – on their fitness routine. Before they start working with the specific client, they will engage in a thorough planning process with the client to get to know the following information:

  • What type of exercises work for the client,
  • What the client’s current fitness levels are, and
  • What client’s specific fitness goals are.

Based on this data, the personal trainer can develop a personal training routine for the particular client that will help them achieve what they want to.

After this has taken place, the personal trainer will start to train their client and help them to develop their wellness goals. What we propose by saying ‘train’ is that the personal trainer will instruct the client about how to perform the various exercises correctly.

In addition, he or she will scrutinise how the client performs the specific exercise as if the client does not perform the exercise correctly, the result will be that they will not get the intended benefit of the specific movement. We call this ‘evaluating a client’s form’. If the personal trainer feels that the client is not doing the exercise correctly, they will correct them.

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What is nutrition?

The term ‘nutrition’ refers to the manner in which food affects the health of the body and, as a result, a person’s wellness. Food is essential to our continued health and wellness. This is as it offers  key nutrients for survival, assists the body with functioning well and remaining healthy.

Food is consists of macronutrients including protein, carbohydrate and fats. These macronutrients not only offer calories to fuel the body but, in addition, give it energy and play specific roles in maintenance of health. Food also provides micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and phytochemicals. These don’t provide calories but serve a variety of critical functions to ensure the body operates optimally.

Proper nutrition – in addition to the correct amount of physical activity – are key elements of good health as well as physical fitness. For everyone, the proper consumption of nutrients provides the most important benefit for making muscle gains as well as other important wellness gains.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To find out more about how you can learn more about becoming a personal trainer, please follow this link.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

 

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What is the correct technique to adopt during endurance training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-correct-technique-to-adopt-during-endurance-training/ Fri, 01 Nov 2019 12:02:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13188 The term ‘endurance training’ refers to a particular manner of exercising, the goal of which is to improve endurance. The expression ‘endurance training’ usually refers to the training of the aerobic system as opposed to the anaerobic system of the human body. The requirement for endurance in sports is often based on the need for...

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The term ‘endurance training’ refers to a particular manner of exercising, the goal of which is to improve endurance. The expression ‘endurance training’ usually refers to the training of the aerobic system as opposed to the anaerobic system of the human body. The requirement for endurance in sports is often based on the need for cardiovascular as well as pure muscular endurance. However, the issue of endurance is far more complicated than what is popularly thought.

The two categories of endurance training

Endurance exercises can be divided into two categories:

  • General endurance, as well as
  • Specific endurance.

‘General endurance’ characterises the ability of your entire body to withstand endurance exercises while fatigue is being diminished. The better your general endurance is, the better you can stand longer efforts at various sporting disciplines. For example, if you are one 500m runner and have high level of general endurance, you can perform at a relatively high level at 10 000 m as well, but you can’t compete against 10 000 m runners who have been developing their distance-specific endurance.

The term ‘specific endurance’ refers to the ability of an athlete to stand against fatigue in sport-specific conditions. The better your sport-specific endurance, the better you can perform at this specific sport. Specific endurance can be characterised as a combination of various types of endurance that you need to maximise your ability to achieve success in your discipline. In other words, everybody aims to achieve specific endurance in their sports. For example, if you’re one 500m runner, you make use of a combination of endurance training methods to perform better at your specific distance.

The correct endurance training technique

Warm-up

The warm-up should function to up your heart rate and blood pressure, increase your oxygen consumption, dilate the blood vessels, improve elasticity of the active muscles as well as increase the heat produced by the muscle groups to be used during exercise.

A proper warm-up consists of two phases:

  1. A graduated aerobic warm-up activity: This is a warm-up to get the blood flowing into the muscles and to heat the muscles to make them less prone to injury. Any aerobic exercise done at very low intensities can serve to warm up the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
  2. Stretching or flexibility: This is to be applied to the muscle groups you would be exercising during your cardiovascular activity. An example would be a quadriceps stretch before bicycling.

The warm-up phase should last anywhere from between five and 10 minutes. For most activities, five minutes may be good enough. Stretching should always follow the low-intensity aerobic warm-up exercise as it is easier to stretch the muscle groups when they are warm. An example of a proper warm-up will be five minutes of walking followed by three minutes of light stretching. Attempt to hold your stretch for at least 20 seconds during the warm-up.

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Cool down

The aim of a cool down is to decrease the cardiovascular work and overall metabolism slowly, which were elevated during the cardiovascular exercise. A cool down is made up of slowing down the intensity level of the cardiovascular activity that you are performing slowly. Stopping exercise suddenly can be dangerous. A cool down is crucial for people who are in the beginning stages of an exercise programme.

A proper cool-down should last about between five and 10 minutes for every 30 minutes of exercise. If the cardiovascular activity is performed for more extended periods or is of a higher intensity the cool down phase should last for longer.

Knowing how to perform endurance training correctly is not just a case of performing the exercises. You need to know how to carry out the workout routine in its entirety. If you are still unsure of how to do endurance training properly, you should think about hiring a personal trainer. Even better, why not do a personal training course such as the ones that we offer.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

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High-Intensity Interval Training Exercises You Can do in the Pool https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/high-intensity-interval-training-exercises-you-can-do-in-the-pool/ Thu, 31 Oct 2019 08:39:53 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13166 High-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercise regiments have become gradually popular with fitness enthusiasts in the last couple of years. These types of cardiovascular workouts involve periods of very activity which is very intense (working portion) which are followed by a recovery period. This is  then repeated. At times – when people hear the word “HIIT”...

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High-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercise regiments have become gradually popular with fitness enthusiasts in the last couple of years. These types of cardiovascular workouts involve periods of very activity which is very intense (working portion) which are followed by a recovery period. This is  then repeated. At times – when people hear the word “HIIT” – sprinting or cycling comes to mind. An aqua HIIT exercise plan may seem like an unexpected selection at first, however when you take your workout off land and into the pool, you’ll exercise benefits that you never thought possible:

  • When we perform exercises in the water, we actually add resistance to the moves that we are performing. This makes them increasingly more difficult.
  • Another addition to water-based HIIT workouts is that exercising in the water is low impact. This makes performing HIIT underwater (as opposed to on land) a much more beneficial choice for those who may be have any joint issues.

The key, when all is said and done, is to find exercises in the pool that – when performed – require near maximal exertion for the working portion. For people whose fitness levels are more advanced, stepping up resistance even further may be required for the working portion of the routine. Swimming weight vests or, alternatively, water weights are both excellent options for increasing resistance.

All workouts in the water are great for those who don’t want a high-impact workout, as we’ve mentioned before in this article. The benefit of working out in the water is that you have the resistance of the water surrounding your entire body which adds an additional element of intensity.  Just the same as any other pool workout, the key is to ensure you’re moving and moving hard in order to get your heart racing.

An example of a HIIT workout in the pool

Swimming lengths in the gym pool are great HIIT workouts on their own. However, if swimming isn’t really your thing try these alternative HIIT workouts in the pool in order to get the maximum benefit of working out in water.

Warm Up

  • Start with standing in the shallow end of the pool. Jog in place for between two and three minutes.
  • Run around the perimeter of the shallow area of the pool. Make sure that your knees are high. Do this between two and three minutes. With each step that you take, drive your knees upwards and towards your chest.
  • Perform flutter kicks for between two and three minutes. Hold onto the sides of the pool with your arms in a fully extended position. Kick your legs.

The Workout

  • Carry out each exercise in the shallow end of the pool for a period of 45 seconds. Follow this up with a 15-second rest. The key is to make use of near maximal exertion and to do as many repetitions as possible for the 45-second period.
  • Once you finish an exercise, move on to the next one. Finish the total circuit of moves twice.

Exercise 1: Jump Lunges

  • Start in a lunge position with your back knee nearly touching the ground.
  • Jump, with your arms swinging as you switch leg position to land with the opposite leg in front.
  • Ensure that you are landing in full lunge position. Make sure that your front knee is bent and the back knee is nearly touching the ground.
  • Repeat the movement. Swing your arms as you switch leg position to land with opposite leg in front.

 Exercise 2: Jump Squats

  • Start by standing with your feet hip-width apart and in a full squat position.
  • Jump explosively – into the air – as high as you can.
  • Land fully into a squat position.
  • Repeat

Exercise 3: Knee Tuck Jumps

  • Start by standing with your knees slightly bent and your arms extended at the level of your chest, with your palms positioned towards the ground.
  • Lower your body swiftly into a squat position. Jump as high as you possibly can while driving your knees towards your palms. Land in a standing position. Repeat.

Exercise 4: Single Leg Lateral Hops

  • Begin by standing on one leg. Bend your knee slightly.
  • Jump to your left, as far as you possibly can. Land on the jumping leg.
  • Immediately jump – as far as possible – to your right side. Land on the jumping leg. Repeat. In the first circuit, carry out your repetitions making use of the left leg. In the second circuit, carry out your repetitions using your right leg.

Exercise 5: Broad Jumps

  • Begin by adopting a standing position along with your feet a bit less than shoulder-width apart.
  • Bring your arms back as well las behind you.
  • Lower yourself into a quarter-squat position. Jump forward as far as your possibly can. Drive your hips and arms. Land in a soft, athletic position. Repeat.

It’s important to note that it is essential to have a bottle of water at the side pool so that you stay hydrated. You will still be sweating even though the exercises are being performed in the water.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about exercising and possibly even become a personal trainer? Check out our Personal Training Diploma to see how you can make your passion for exercise a career.

 Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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How to prevent shin splints https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-prevent-shin-splints/ Thu, 31 Oct 2019 08:15:24 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13164 Shin splints are one of the most common-place running injuries. The pain you’ll feel if you have shin splints is typically on the front side of your shin (if you’re suffering from anterior shin splints) or on the back inside of the shin (if, on the other hand, you’re suffering from posterior medial shin splints)....

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Shin splints are one of the most common-place running injuries. The pain you’ll feel if you have shin splints is typically on the front side of your shin (if you’re suffering from anterior shin splints) or on the back inside of the shin (if, on the other hand, you’re suffering from posterior medial shin splints).

Shin splints are very common among beginner runners. This is because they may do too much running too soon when they are trying to build up their time on the road. Beginners are most susceptible to suffering from shin splints because they are using leg muscles that haven’t been stressed – in the same manner – beforehand. By the same token, runners who are returning to running from injury are also susceptible, because they often increase their mileage too quickly.

While shin splints are normally caused by calf muscles which are tight – in addition to weak shin muscles – other factors may aggravate the injury, for example:

  • Running on hard surfaces can put additional strain on your front leg muscles.
  • It is also possible that you may overpronate (ankles roll in) or supinate (feet roll toward the outside edge) when you run. This will cause your front leg muscles to work harder in order to keep your feet stabilised. This biomechanical challenge may be made worse if you’re wearing a shoe that gives you poor support.
  • Another common cause of shin splints is simply overtraining.
  • Sometimes you can get shin splits owing to the fact that your shins pick up the slack for other body parts that are weak.

Exercises to help alleviate shin splints

Although shin splints are incredibly painful, the good news is that you can do a number of exercises in order to alleviate the these symptoms:

  1. Toe Curl

  • Begin with your feet hip-width apart. Make sure that your right foot is stable and on a towel.
  • With the toes of your right foot, scrunch up the towel and – in a slow manner – pull it towards you.
  • Return to your starting position.
  • Complete between 10 and 15 reps. Then repeat with your other foot.
  1. Monster Walk

  • Begin by standing with your feet with a shoulder-width distance between them.
  • Place a theraband around your thighs. Use one long resistance band that is tied in a loop or, alternatively, a smaller circular band.
  • Keep you feet far enough apart so as to keep tension on your band.
  • Step forward using your left foot and then swop to your right foot.
  • After this, step to the left with your left foot. Swop to your right foot.
  • Step backward with your left foot and then swop to your the right foot.
  • Step to your right with your right foot and then your left foot.
  • Repeat and going in the opposite direction.
  1. Heel Drop

  • Stand with your feet on slightly apart on a step with your right toes on the edge of the step.
  • Shift your weight to your right leg. Bend your left knee to lower your right heel down below the step.
  • Return to your starting position.
  • Complete between 10 to 15 reps. Repeat with your left leg.

  1. Single-Legged Bridge

  • Lie supine on a mat and have your arms resting at your sides. Ensure that your knees are bent, and make sure that your feet are flat on the floor.
  • Extend your right leg straight out so that your knees are in line.
  • Squeeze your glutes and engage your left hamstring in order to lift your hips up off the floor.
  • Complete between 10 and 15 reps. Repeat on other side.
  1. Point and Flex

  • Stand with your hands on your hips. Move your weight to your left leg as you lift your right leg straight out in front of you.
  • Flex your toes towards your shin and then point your toes away from your shin.
  • Complete between 10 and 15 reps then repeat the set on other leg.
  1. Toe Walk

  • Begin in a standing position. Have your feet together and your arms at your sides.
  • Rise up onto toes.
  • Step with your right foot and land heel first. Roll onto your midfoot and then through to your toes. Lift back up onto your toes as you step with left foot. Continue to take between 10 and 15 “rolling” steps. After this, turn around and repeat until you are back at your starting position.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about fitness and health, have a look at our bespoke range of SETA-accredited courses. For more information, follow this link.

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Starting a Career in Personal Training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/starting-a-career-in-personal-training/ Thu, 31 Oct 2019 07:50:51 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13161 If your passion is fitness and health and you are self motivated, consider a career in the exciting world of personal training. It’s easy with the right personal trainer course behind you. Steering athletes and sportsmen to meet their fitness goals or helping others enhance their quality of life is very rewarding. The flexibility and...

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If your passion is fitness and health and you are self motivated, consider a career in the exciting world of personal training. It’s easy with the right personal trainer course behind you.

Steering athletes and sportsmen to meet their fitness goals or helping others enhance their quality of life is very rewarding. The flexibility and working environment personal training offers is a definite perk of the position.

You get to shape and mould the body and see the client blossom with success. Furthermore, inspiring people to live vibrant, healthy lives and appreciate the importance of good health.

Take your enthusiasm to the next level

So you love physical exercise and enjoy the gym. You are the confidant when someone wants advice on health. Perhaps it’s time to consider a personal training course so you are able to turn your hobby into a career.

Obtain expert knowledge and understand the human body and all its complexities through a fitness course. There are a number of excellent courses to start you out.

Online studies are definitely encouraged as you can start immediately and will find they are more cost effective and easier to fit into your daily schedule. There are a number of packages to choose from or you could opt for individual certificates that appeal to you.

Striving towards your goal

A great way to start out is with the Occupational skills Certificate NQF5. The course includes a group instructor course and a REPSSA Membership and allows you local and international opportunities as a personal trainer of fitness instructor. This three month course enables you to work on cruise ships, open a training business or work in a commercial gym. You learn everything required to be a first-class personal trainer.

The Personal Training Certificate or National Certificate of Fitness is the standard course you are expected to complete when working in South Africa and gives you the full qualifications required for Personal training.

This package provides additional courses such as Group Instructor Course, the online Bootcamp course, a Sports Psychology course which you may complete at your own pace.

This in-depth course will take between eight to twelve months to complete and will open doors to all gyms, local and International, private training facilities, group training facilities, rehabilitation facilities and cruise liners.

Receive advanced knowledge with the additional courses added and they internationally endorsed.

The most advanced Personal trainer package is the Trifocus Platinum Package which is the most advanced currently available in South Africa. Become a master personal trainer with the added courses in the package.

You will receive a Personal Training Certificate and a Personal Training Diploma. Included in this package is the Group Instructor Course, the online Bootcamp Course, the Sports Psychology course, a Life Coaching Certificate, a Sports Nutrition Diploma (UK) as well as a Social Media Management course which can be completed at your own pace.

Enjoy the Extra Courses Included in each Package from Trifocus Fitness Academy

Life coaching has become popular throughout the world to help us cope with our demanding lives. It enables you to understand your client’s goals and how to achieve them. You could start your own successful Life Coaching business.

The online Bootcamp course is a popular outdoor fitness course and is backed by science. You learn high-quality personal training which guarantees you and excellent basic foundation.

The Sports Psychology course which does not permit one to identify and treat psychological disorders but helps you to deal with personal issues involved.

The purpose of this course is to improve the athlete’s performance by understanding what drives them as well as assisting them to overcome any mental barrier they may have.

This is a highly recommended course for those who decide to work with professional sports teams as well as high schools and amateur leagues.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

If you are interested in becoming a personal trainer, take a look at the wide assortment of specialised, fully accredited, online personal trainer courses offered by us here at the Trifocus Fitness Academy. Contact one of our representatives today for more details, or visit our website for information on our offers.

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Make your Dream Job a Reality! https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/make-your-dream-job-a-reality/ Wed, 30 Oct 2019 07:13:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13153 If you have thought of working at a fitness center as a self-employed personal trainer you are in good company. Many young school leavers dream of one day working as a Pilate’s instructor or general fitness instructor but the ultimate would be to train as a skilled coach. You need to acquire the knowledge of...

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If you have thought of working at a fitness center as a self-employed personal trainer you are in good company.

Many young school leavers dream of one day working as a Pilate’s instructor or general fitness instructor but the ultimate would be to train as a skilled coach.

You need to acquire the knowledge of how to understand an individual’s needs and motivations, to encourage healthy exercise and eating habits and especially to assist your clients in achieving their goals.

If you prefer to be employed you could apply for positions with health clubs owned by large chains and enjoy their fitness facilities or work at resorts or on cruise ships.

It is advisable to gain experience from others in a large business before becoming a self-employed trainer.

Opportunities for Skilled Trainers

The opportunities are endless for skilled trainers who have completed a personal trainer course. You have a choice of starting with a simple course and becoming a group instructor until you are able to study further and improve your expertise.

A three-month course will allow you to step into the popular business of fitness. It’s full of information about the anatomy and recommended exercises at a reasonable cost and with easy to follow instructions.

The more intensive course (National Certificate in Fitness) will allow you to start working as a personal trainer in South Africa.

The group Instructor Course, the online Bootcamp Course and the Sports Psychology Course are all included in this package and may be studied at your own pace.

It is an internationally recognized course so you are able to apply at health centers throughout the world including rehabilitation facilities, private training facilities and even cruise liners.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - dream job

Enjoy Working with Others

This is a good opportunity to network and build up your clientele. Getting to know your colleagues and forming friendships is part working in a gym.

The huge advantage is having new, state of the art equipment for customers to work out on with no financial responsibilities of buying your own.

Furthermore, the free membership is superb and gives you reason to be extra buff.

You can give further thought to the most appropriate courses you need to enhance your career whilst working in the industry you love.

The experience you gain starting your career at a fitness centre is immeasurable. You are able to learn much from the more experienced staff about clients and the workings of the industry.

Fitness is more than a Certificate.  It’s about experiencing and motivating people with different needs. Understanding their moods and how to deal with difficult clients is part of what we learn from our more experienced trainers who are committed to excellence.

Clients expect the best possible attention and good results from each trainer. The fitness industry is still growing and so are the expectations of clients as they become more informed.

Earn your Diplomas and Certificates while you Work

With the excellent packages offered by Trifocus Fitness Academy you are able to begin slowly by working as a group instructor and then move on to further studies.

Should you decided to get all your knowledge before starting work, a gym will offer you better opportunities where you gain experience working with people.

Choose from any of the three packages we have to offer and you will include the qualifications to apply for the job you enjoy. Incorporating life coaching and sports nutrition will furnish you with a well-rounded education when dealing with clients on a personal level.

The Social Media Management course will definitely encourage successful business.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Contact us today or visit our website for further details on our courses.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

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How To Take Your Hiking to the Next Level With These Workouts https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-take-your-hiking-to-the-next-level-with-these-workouts/ Wed, 30 Oct 2019 05:45:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13145 Hiking isn’t just walking in the Drakensberg or a similar setting. It necessitates strength as well as balance. If you think that you can get off the couch after a long period of inactivity, put on your hiking boots, and hit the trail, you’ve got another thing coming. You’ll find that most trails are uneven...

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Hiking isn’t just walking in the Drakensberg or a similar setting. It necessitates strength as well as balance. If you think that you can get off the couch after a long period of inactivity, put on your hiking boots, and hit the trail, you’ve got another thing coming. You’ll find that most trails are uneven and go up at some sort of angle. This means that even the simplest hiking requires balance as well as strength in order to avoid getting injured. However, the good news is that getting back into the swing of things isn’t as difficult as you may think.

In the same breath, you might be asking yourself the question, “Don’t you just get fit for hiking by going on several hikes?” This is definitely something that you should be doing, however if you’re just getting into hiking – or you want to do longer hikes – then doing some training beforehand can be a huge help.

A cheat sheet to developing hiking fitness

Getting fit so that you can embark on your dreamed-of long-distance hike is within your reach! Here’s an overview of how you can do this:

  • Increase strength in the major muscles that hikers rely upon. Stronger legs as well as core muscles will better support the load in your backpack and assist you with hiking harder, longer.
  • Build up endurance in those self-same muscle groups in addition to the shoulders and lower back. This is as hiking can be an all-day activity.
  • Improve your balance. This is so you can have a more stable base that will allow you to take uneven terrain in your stride.
  • Don’t forget about your cardio. Complement this exercise routine with activities such as trail running, mountain biking or another aerobic exercise that you enjoy.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - hiking

Walking is a fantastic way to exercise

Walking can assist with getting your heart rate up and making sure that you keep energised. The action can even improve your mood, as is the case with all exercise as the activity of exercising increases the release of serotonin which is the feel-good hormone in the body.

However, to make the most of your walking workouts, you’ll want to add a little additional variety to make these workouts more challenging. Other movements can assist with intensifying walking workouts. These can get your whole body working as well as improve your fitness in a quicker fashion.

Walking workouts definitely have their place in an individual’s overall fitness regimen. For those whose physical fitness does not permit them to run, the action of walking offers them a low-impact workout that can be completed virtually anywhere. Unfortunately, walking is limited in its ability to improve other areas of fitness. To work overall fitness, a person must engage in mobility work and resistance training.

Improve your balance for optimal hiking performance

As hiking trails are often very rocky, you’ll need to have a superb sense of balance in order to make sure that you don’t fall and injure yourself or – worse – slip and fall off a cliff face. Here are several tips that we got from expert hikers, to assist you with improving your balance before you hit the trails.

  • Practise a flamingo stance on stable ground (aim for 30 seconds) before progressing to a more dynamic surface like a Bosu ball. Begin with your lifted leg bent at 45 degrees (picture the Karate Kid). To up the difficulty levels, straighten it out to the front, back, or side of the weight-bearing leg.
  • After four weeks of stabilisation training, vary your balance workout by stepping out of a lunge by straightening your front leg and bringing your back leg forward to 90 degrees. Ensure that your foot is off the ground, make your thigh level with your hips. Add a weighted pack or try more powerful movements, like single-leg squats, to increase levels of difficulty.

Hiking is a super form of exercise that will increase your cardiorespiratory fitness among others.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to really supercharge your knowledge of exercise, you need to do a personal training course such as our Personal Training Diploma. Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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How to Use Watts to Keep Yourself Motivated and Engaged https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-use-watts-to-keep-yourself-motivated-and-engaged/ Wed, 30 Oct 2019 05:42:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13141 Watts are responsible for measuring the rate at which energy is converted. The watt measurement is defined as one joule per second. In the case of cardio workouts, watts are defined as the power that you are producing when you’re doing your cardio workouts. The more energy that you are creating, the tougher the rate...

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Watts are responsible for measuring the rate at which energy is converted. The watt measurement is defined as one joule per second. In the case of cardio workouts, watts are defined as the power that you are producing when you’re doing your cardio workouts. The more energy that you are creating, the tougher the rate is at which you are exercising.

The greatest way to describe this power is in calories:

  • When you are generating power, you are consuming more calories. This is an essential way to design your exercise programme as well as progressions if you are trying to shed a few extra calories.
  • Much like strength training, it is necessary for you to slowly overload your muscles and have a recovery period before overloading them again. Over a period of time, you will produce increased levels of power.

For athletes, watts are a vital cog in their efforts to become better at their sports. This is because the more power that you can generate, the faster you can accelerate in a play. Also, the more weight you can push for in a rugby tackle or scrum or, alternatively, the higher you can jump in lineup. Training your cardiovascular energy system to create this power is very important in achieving your results throughout the game.

How to keep yourself motivated in your cardio workouts

Cardio can be incredibly dull however it’s a fundamental necessity for maintaining your cardiorespiratory health and wellness. Here are several ways to help keep you motivated during your cardio workouts.

  1. Have a Reason for Doing Cardio

Have a goal in mind for why you want to do cardio in the first place and get your heart rate pumping. Give yourself a chance to be able to stick to your cardio regimen by deciding why you want to get – as well as remain – active.

  1. Schedule a Workout Prior to You Having to be Somewhere

Are you in a hurry to be somewhere? This could be optimal time to fit in a cardio workout. Plan a workout in the half-an-hour before you have to be somewhere because you know you’ll have to get it in quickly and be done with it.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - watts

  1. Listen to Music to Keep Your Momentum Going

Music motivates us to get up and keep moving during our cardio workouts. If you’re seriously not a fan of cardio workouts, music can help to distract you from thinking that you want to throw in the towel and press the emergency stop on the treadmill. You’ll be so busy enjoying your tunes that you’ll forget where you are!

Another way to motivate yourself during your cardio workouts is by using watts. For example, if you are using an indoor bike, you will most probably ride the bike for a certain amount of time as well as focus on little more than the distance that you cover or the time it takes you to complete the workout.

A more innovative approach would be to give yourself a target wattage to obtain and/or maintain for a specific amount of time. For example, your workouts might look like the following:

  • Three minutes at 100 watts,
  • Three minutes at 125 watts,
  • Three minutes at 150 watts,
  • Three minutes at 170+ watts, and
  • Three minutes at 125 watts.

Here’s an example of a treadmill workout which makes use of this formula:

  • After a suitable warm-up, run at what you consider a fast pace for two minutes. Determine the wattage and utilise that as a baseline.
  • Based on wattage, walk or run:
  • Three minutes at 50% of baseline,
  • Three minutes at 60% of baseline,
  • Two minutes at 70% of baseline,
  • One minute at 80% of baseline,
  • One minute at 60% of baseline,
  • One minute at 90% of baseline,
  • Two minutes at 70% of baseline,
  • One minute at 90% of baseline, and
  • Three minutes at 60% of baseline.

These types of workouts create a higher level of engagement and demonstrate a higher value for you. They also motivate you to push harder than you usually would, which helps you to burn more calories, work harder and achieve a higher level of overall fitness.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To learn more about fitness and exercise, consider doing a personal training course. Have a look at our wide variety of options here.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

 

 

 

 

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How to choose the Profession that Suits you Best https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-choose-the-profession-that-suits-you-best/ Tue, 29 Oct 2019 10:00:38 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13133 Not everyone has a highly satisfying job and it’s usually the result of not understanding what motivates you. Choosing the wrong profession will frustrate you and ruin your personal life too. Make sure you seek advice and guidance before making this lifelong decision. You need to know your strengths and weaknesses and what you are...

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Not everyone has a highly satisfying job and it’s usually the result of not understanding what motivates you. Choosing the wrong profession will frustrate you and ruin your personal life too.

Make sure you seek advice and guidance before making this lifelong decision.

You need to know your strengths and weaknesses and what you are really good at.

Do you find it easy to be involved in fitness or do you prefer office work? Look for the things you are passionate about and good at doing.

List your skills and choose the one you feel is your strongest. Friends and family may also be able to assist.

Taking a personality test will aid confirming whether you are introvert or extrovert and this will help to know what type of environment will suit you best.

A job test which can be found on the net will probably be able to give you two or three options to consider. Job paths are easier to pursue once you recognize which industry suits your skills, passions and dreams.

The experience of working part-time at your chosen profession is an excellent opportunity to decide whether you are making the right choice of environment and type of people.

Furthermore, gaining experience for your resume is great, whether paid or unpaid.

Once you are certain that Personal Training is for you

Very often young people realize that being fit is part of who they really want to be so a job involving daily health routines is a perfect fit.

The fitness world is vast and offers myriad different positions for all tastes. From sales and management to the physical teaching and coaching, your choices are endless.

There is a definite increased interest in the health and fitness industry and it’s still one of the fastest growing industries around, even during economic downturns.

Education and opportunities in this industry are improving daily with specialized training, life coaching and personal trainer courses available online at cost effective prices.

The earning potential, flexible hours and international opportunities make this industry highly sought after. This profession could be the best career decision of your life.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - profession

Choosing the perfect work environment

Once you’ve decided on your profession it’s time to choose the setting that suits you best. Internationally, cruise liners are offering health and wellness with hi-tech facilities and sports facilities for their guests.

These include excellent workouts, jogging tacks, aqua parks, tennis courts, basketball courts, yoga and more. This will guarantee you fun and excitement along with great earning potential.

Meet hundreds of new people and see the world.

Whilst travelling you could become a health blogger, generating and extra income.

Combine your travels with your passion for fitness. Once you have the credentials, many opportunities await you.

Train with a reputable academic institution that is trusted in the industry

Now you are inspired with all the options in health and fitness, it’s time to decide on an institution that will carry you through to your goal.

The personal trainer courses and packages offered by the Trifocus Fitness Academy will set you well on your way to dream job.

They have three packages to get you started depending on how long you wish to study and how many extra courses you choose to add.

So why wait another moment

If you are interested in becoming a personal trainer or fitness professional, you can get the best head start to your career by completing a specialised, fully accredited course with us.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy or read through the courses listed in detail on our website, to find out what they have to offer online, so that you can start your exciting new career right now, by learning everything you can about the fitness industry.

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How to eat and train for a mesomorph body https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-eat-and-train-for-a-mesomorph-body/ Tue, 29 Oct 2019 06:36:39 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13123 People who have a mesomorph body type usually have a medium-sized frame. They may develop muscles effortlessly and have more muscle – as opposed to fat – on their bodies. Mesomorphs are typically strong and solid. They are not overweight or underweight. Their bodies may be defined as rectangular in shape with a posture that...

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People who have a mesomorph body type usually have a medium-sized frame. They may develop muscles effortlessly and have more muscle – as opposed to fat – on their bodies. Mesomorphs are typically strong and solid. They are not overweight or underweight. Their bodies may be defined as rectangular in shape with a posture that is upright.

Other characteristics of people who have mesomorph body types include:

  • Square-shaped head,
  • Muscular chest as well as shoulders,
  • Large heart,
  • Muscular arms as well as legs, and
  • Even distribution of weight.

Mesomorphs may experience no difficulty with eating what they want to eat. This is because they may lose weight easily. Conversely, they may gain weight just as easily. Those who are attempting to remain trim may consider this characteristic a disadvantage.

How mesomorphs should eat

As body types have a lot to do with your skeletal frame size in addition to your natural propensity to be more muscular – or store more fat – it is not possible for you to change your body type by following a certain diet. However, it is possible for you to tweak your eating habits to make the most of your body type as well as to support a healthy weight.

As stated previously, mesomorphs may gain and lose weight easily. However, as they have a higher muscle mass, they may need to consume more calories as opposed to other body types. This being said, it’s a delicate balance.

Mesomorphs may fare better on higher-protein diets with less of an emphasis on carbohydrates. If you’ve got this body type, consider dividing your plate into thirds and focusing on these food groups:

  • Protein (which takes up one-third of the plate) provides fuel to muscles. In addition, this can assist with muscle repair. Good protein choices include eggs, white meats, fish, beans, lentils as well as high-protein dairy, like Greek yoghurt.
  • Fruits and vegetables (which take up one-third of the plate) are part of a healthy eating plan for all body types. Select whole fruits and vegetables with their skins on instead of processed varieties which contain added sugar or salt. Non-canned fruit and vegetables contain fibre, antioxidants, and phytochemicals which help to support a healthy immune system as well as muscle repair.
  • Whole grains and fats (which should take up one-third of the plate) – for example quinoa, brown rice, and oatmeal – assist with filling the stomach and rounding out meals. Fats are just as vital but choosing the correct ones is important. Good fat choices include coconut or olive oils, avocado, as well as nuts and seeds.

To work out your caloric needs, make an appointment with a nutritionist. Alternatively, try making use of a detailed online calculator that factors in body fat percentage and somatotype. As mesomorphs have more muscle means they need more calories to fuel those muscles. And if you’re working out on a regular basis, you’ll need to time your meals in such a way that you optimise your energy as well as recovery. Eating small snacks before as well as after activity can assist.

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How to train

Weight training

There is no cookie cutter workout for each body type. However, mesomorphs have a natural edge when it comes to muscle mass. As such, they may do well with weight training to build muscle and should cap this these sessions at five days per week.

Select three or four weight-training exercises on your own. Alternatively, seek out the assistance of a personal trainer your gym. Do three sets of each exercise making use of moderate to heavy weights with between 8 and 12 repetitions in each set. Rest for 30 to 90 seconds between each set.

Cardio

Cardiovascular exercise may assist mesomorphs who want to get leaner. Think about adding between 30 to 45 minutes of cardio, three to five times a week, into your programme.

Together with steady exercises – such as running, swimming or cycling – try out high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for the most fat-blasting power. HIIT involves bursts of intense training followed by lighter intervals, repeating throughout the workout session.

Mesomorphs who already have less body fat may decrease their cardio sessions to as few as two a week, depending on their goals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

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Are wireless earphones worth the investment for training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/are-wireless-earphones-worth-the-investment-for-training/ Tue, 29 Oct 2019 06:35:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13115 Visit any gym and chances are very good that they are using some type of earphones that are connected to their smartphones. Wireless earbuds are one of the greatest ways to jam to your tunes on the go. This is if you’re commuting, sweating it out on the treadmill, or relaxing poolside on a sunny...

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Visit any gym and chances are very good that they are using some type of earphones that are connected to their smartphones. Wireless earbuds are one of the greatest ways to jam to your tunes on the go. This is if you’re commuting, sweating it out on the treadmill, or relaxing poolside on a sunny day.

If there’s one movement that we’ve seen explode in the past couple of years, it’s the shift towards wireless earbuds. The marketplace is booming with what feels like millions of models on offer that you can use during your training sessions.  One big appeal of these types of earphones is the freedom. With no cable running between headphones and phone, wireless earbuds won’t restrict your movement one bit. That’s great for training and physical exercise, but this type of capability is also pretty handy for commuting and general day-to-day life.

Some wireless earbuds are true wireless designs too. These don’t even have a cable or neckband connecting the buds together. This means that they look just like earplugs. Other additions include noise-cancelling tech, a carry case which can double as a portable charger as well as a heart rate monitor (the ear is a good place to measure your pulse).

What’s the difference between ‘wireless’ and ‘true wireless’?

Wireless earbuds have been in existence for a while now – approximately since Bluetooth was invented. As we stated in the previous paragraph, although these types of earbuds are battery-powered and not actually connected to your phone, they have a cord which connects both buds – and sometimes a band around the neck as well.

True wireless earbuds have no cord of any kind. While wireless allows users to wear headphones a good few centimetres away from our music players, True Wireless literally ‘cuts the cord’ between the earbuds and gives us true freedom.

The next generation of Bluetooth wireless headphones

In days gone by, Bluetooth earphones didn’t produce as great sound as their wired counterparts did. This is because these types of earphones suffered from connectivity issues and, in addition, they became known for having battery lives which were very short.

Luckily for us, times have evolved thanks to improvements in wireless transmission standards, for example aptX and innovations in battery technology. This means that Bluetooth earbuds are fast becoming the most popular way to listen to music as well as many phones are preferring to have only one jack for charging and connecting headphones. Many of the best earbuds have wireless connectivity.

When one speaks of wireless earphones, the big question is: which brands have emerged as the best when it comes to big Bluetooth improvements and are leading the charge in terms of the future of audio innovation? Audio companies such as Jaybird, Plantronics, Nuforce, RHA as well as Jabra are all are great options. This is owing to the fact that they’ve all committed a great deal of time and money to refining audio quality without sacrificing battery life. There are some good options from big players like Sony, Apple and Bose as well.

 

Some of the wireless earbuds available in South Africa

Polaroid Wireless Earbuds

Enjoy improved mobility with the Polaroid True Wireless Earbuds. These earbuds have a cable-free design that won’t end up getting tangled or hold you back. The Polaroid Wireless Earbuds boast superior sound quality for music as well as calls. In addition, they have advanced wireless connectivity to ensure true performance. As these earbuds have a built-in microphone, by using these earbuds you can experience hands-free calling and enjoy between two and three hours of talk time.

Remember that for these earbuds to work the Bluetooth on your phone needs to be switched off before you pair the two together. First switch the left and right earbud on. After this, they will pair together. Then you switch your Bluetooth on and it will pair both Left and right units to your mobile phone.

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Skullcandy Indy True Wireless In-Ear Earphones

These earbuds offer the following technology:

  • Bluetooth Wireless Technology
  • Approximately 16 hours of total battery life
  • IP55 Sweat Water as well as Dust Resistant
  • Call Track and Volume via Touch Controls
  • Noise Reduction for Calls
  • Removable Ear Gels for Secure Fit
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Two-year warranty

Why not try out one of these versions of wireless earbuds to enhance your training?

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to take your experience of personal training to the next level, check out one of our personal training courses here.

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So, you have Decided to Become a Health and Fitness Trainer… https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/so-you-have-decided-to-become-a-health-and-fitness-trainer/ Mon, 28 Oct 2019 12:20:45 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13109 It can be very difficult to know where to start once you have decided on a profession. You have a passion for health and fitness and would love to coach others but what do you need to consider before applying for a position? Have you chosen a direction from the variety of jobs on offer?...

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It can be very difficult to know where to start once you have decided on a profession. You have a passion for health and fitness and would love to coach others but what do you need to consider before applying for a position?

Have you chosen a direction from the variety of jobs on offer? The excitement of inspiring others and making them happier and healthier whilst working in an environment you enjoy.

Firstly, you need Goals

Perhaps you would like to transform your healthy lifestyle into a career or you really enjoy motivating others to embrace a healthier way of life. Clients will look to you for guidance and encouragement to push the limits, physically and mentally. Furthermore, you may want to travel and teach internationally so choose a course that allows you to work throughout the world.

A great idea would be to attend a gym and watch the training techniques to understand what you need to advance your skills or ask the advice of the staff on which jobs are more interesting in the industry and what they feel may suit your personality.

Educational Requirements for the Industry

Once you have decided on the best path to follow, you need some sort of Certification. Depending on how much time you have to dedicate to your studies and how skilled you want become, there are wonderful online courses on offer.

There are many options for you to look at to allow you to get ahead quickly in the industry. You can start your fitness career with a few quick courses or choose from the number of packages on offer that include some very interesting extras. This part of the process is exciting and very simple to do. Online courses are definitely the convenient way to study.

In no time you will have completed a course that allows you opportunities locally and internationally, and teaches you everything you need to know about becoming a world class fitness professional.

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Marketing Yourself is Important

Once you have your certificate, go ahead and market yourself. Prepare a resume and consider all the different ways you can market your name or brand name. It is most important that you highlight your skills and objectives.

Local gyms are a good place to start when you need the experience so impress them with your enthusiasm and let them know you can be a positive addition to their team.

Working in a gym enables you to network and engage with future clients and develop friendships with co-workers.

You can decide whether to do more courses and become a Personal Trainer or choose from other opportunities on offer. You may prefer to specialize as a strength trainer, a sports specialist, children’s specialist, or group exercises and sports management.

Friendships and Networking

Once you are part of the industry it is necessary to build relationships with your clients and expand your clientele. As they recognize your enthusiasm, you will gradually grow to become an experienced expert. Your clients will very often provide your best referrals so always consider them first and encourage healthy habits and a good routine.

Your clients will expect the best exercises to assist them achieving their goals. A happy client will further your career making it be both personally and financially rewarding.

No Need to Delay the Start of Your New Career

If you would love to teach others to enjoy and appreciate good health as much as you do, start your new profession today.

Make a living by showing others how to change and improve their lives and enjoy the results with them.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Trifocus Fitness Academy has online courses to start you off with all the knowledge your will need and more, should you choose further studies. Take a look at their online courses and find one that suites you.

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What is basic nutrition? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-basic-nutrition/ Mon, 28 Oct 2019 06:55:31 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13097 The term ‘nutrition’ refers to how food affects the health of the body. Food is vital to our ongoing health and wellness. This is because it provides key nutrients for survival, assists the body with functioning well and remaining healthy. Food is consists of macronutrients including protein, carbohydrate and fats. These macronutrients not only offer...

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The term ‘nutrition’ refers to how food affects the health of the body. Food is vital to our ongoing health and wellness. This is because it provides key nutrients for survival, assists the body with functioning well and remaining healthy.

Food is consists of macronutrients including protein, carbohydrate and fats. These macronutrients not only offer calories to fuel the body but, in addition, give it energy and play specific roles in maintenance of health. Food also provides micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and phytochemicals. These don’t provide calories but serve a variety of critical functions to ensure the body operates optimally.

Proper nutrition is a key element for good heath as well as physical fitness. For weight trainers, proper consumption of nutrients provides the most important benefit for making muscle gains.

Why weightlifters and athletes need to up their consumption of protein

Protein is important in terms of building muscle mass. However, eating more protein is not necessarily good for you as this action alone does not equate to a toned body. So when you’re calculating protein requirements for athletes, examine the athlete’s overall diet:

  • Athletes who have nutrition plans which are adequate in carbohydrate and fats end up using less protein for energy as opposed to those who consume a diet which is higher in protein.
  • This means that protein can go towards building and maintaining lean body mass because it’s not being used for energy purposes. Thus, athletes must ensure that they are meeting their bodies’ needs for carbohydrates, fats and protein.

Muscle growth occurs only when exercise and diet happen side by side. For example, research has demonstrated that scheduling of protein consumption plays a role in muscle growth. Consuming high-quality protein (such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy or soy) within two hours of exercise — either by itself or together with a carb — enhances muscle repair and growth.

The duration as well as intensity of the activity also play a role when it comes to protein needs. Because power athletes are building muscle, they need to eat a higher level of protein as opposed to endurance athletes.

As mentioned previously, while athletes’ and weightlifters’ protein requirements are greater than that of non-athletes, these are not as high as the man in the street commonly perceives. Nutrition and sports experts recommend that athletes and eat, on a daily basis, between 1.2 to 2.0 g of protein for each kg of body weight. This figure obviously depends on their training routine. The amount of protein that an athlete east should be spaced throughout the day and after workouts.

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A balanced diet

A suitable assortment of foods from each one of the four food groups can give all of the basic nutrients which are required for the body to work at optimal levels. As we alluded to above, food satisfies three basic bodily needs:

  • The need for energy,
  • The requirement for new tissue growth as well as repair, and
  • The need for energy to be regulated for metabolic functions.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about nutrition and how to assist your clients with maintaining good nutrition principles? If so, then check out our Specialised Nutrition Course for more information.

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What Makes Online Fitness Courses an Excellent Choice for Anyone Looking to be a Personal Trainer? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-makes-online-fitness-courses-an-excellent-choice-for-anyone-looking-to-be-a-personal-trainer/ Fri, 25 Oct 2019 11:04:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13082 The internet has made studying online a popular option to furthering your skills and improving your career. Online studies are more affordable with the convenience of not having to travel or fight the traffic to attend physical class sessions. The best advantage is being able to plan study time around your day and your family....

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The internet has made studying online a popular option to furthering your skills and improving your career. Online studies are more affordable with the convenience of not having to travel or fight the traffic to attend physical class sessions.

The best advantage is being able to plan study time around your day and your family. Students can complete courses while still working or raising a family and furthermore, it shows great ambition and the desire to be equipped for new challenges.

Who Should Consider an Online Fitness Course?

Fitness enthusiasts who consider starting a career in wellness and health are unsure of where to begin their journey.  It usually starts with living a healthy lifestyle and going to the gym which is how most students start out.

Once the love of exercising and eating healthy shows results, the bug has bitten.

Taking control of your own health shows you how you can potentially improve the lives of others. Imagine the satisfaction of being able to encourage and motivate those who need support with their fitness and earning money doing what you love.

The Question is: Where to start?

If you are passionate about health and fitness and would consider making it a career, studying online is a definite option to achieving your goal.

There are numerous options to follow in the industry. Consider personal training, mind and body courses, group exercise, sports coaching, sports management, fitness business courses, exercise and children or exercise and the elderly and so much more.

Including a course on nutrition with fitness training will present you with a well-rounded programme and increase your effectiveness as a trainer.

A variety of certificates earned will improve your credibility with potential clients and with online courses you can add subjects as you grow.

There is no one way to becoming a successful trainer. You need to decide which path suites you best and include the courses to benefit your career or start off slowly with whichever course interests you most.

Once you have the basic certification you can expand your knowledge to improve your skills or specialise in a particular field.

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It’s Never Too Late to Improve on Your Portfolio

For the fortunate trainers already in the fitness industry, consider a course to add to your skills. Constant updating assures your clients of your passion and enthusiasm for their wellbeing.

Business management is beneficial at any stage of your career to gain more clients or manage a gym. The better your knowledge on running your business, the more people you attract and the more successful your business will be.

Including a life coach certificate course is an excellent option to motivating your clients and being able to understand their desires and goals. Constant learning and personal development will ensure the success of your business and there is always more to learn.

Become an expert in the fitness industry, the possibilities are endless.

To all Future Fitness Coaches – Now is the Time!

No matter what your career is you can become a part of the fitness boom.  You just need the energy and the interest in health and exercise to start on the path.

Get a certificate, start motivating friends and family on exercise and nutrition and keep moving forward.  Don’t forget to include business training and commit to constantly improving your knowledge.

Trifocus Fitness Academy is South Africa’s ideal fitness educational academy to deal with when considering related courses.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Start your journey with a course that is locally and internationally accredited and choose from the numerous personal training courses, fitness, and sport and health qualifications at excellent prices as well as with easy payment options.

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Core Moves To Improve Your Running Form https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/core-moves-to-improve-your-running-form/ Fri, 25 Oct 2019 06:23:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13074 Lots of things — such as poor running mechanics, muscle imbalances as well as niggling injuries —can appear owing to a weak core. That’s because a powerful base is one of the most fundamental parts of a solid “kinetic chain”. This chain is the interconnection of muscles as well as joints from your lower legs...

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Lots of things — such as poor running mechanics, muscle imbalances as well as niggling injuries —can appear owing to a weak core. That’s because a powerful base is one of the most fundamental parts of a solid “kinetic chain”. This chain is the interconnection of muscles as well as joints from your lower legs right up through your core and up to your shoulders. When one part of that chain is faulty or weak while you’re running, the rest will crumble.

However, if you focus on keeping that foundation in your core strong, you’re setting yourself up for great benefits in your running, such as  staying upright when fatigue sets in (or form falters) and staying injury-free over the long haul.

Poor posture = poor running form

Much of the population has the tendency to slump our heads forward as well as round our shoulders. When we stand — and run—we have even more challenges:

  • People who run often have strong quadriceps as well as weaker hamstrings and glutes. This imbalance can have the result of pulling the pelvis forward which creates a “butt-out” look.

If your posture is incorrect, your running style suffers. Healthy posture, whether you’re standing or running a marathon, maximises the power in large muscle groups such as the gluteals and obliques. As a consequence, this allows your organs to function better. This includes your lungs as being more upright opens your diaphragm and facilitates breathing.

One reason why people have  a bad posture is that they have a lack of core strength. Just targeting just your abs — or even only your abs, hips, and glutes — isn’t sufficient. All the muscles in your trunk make up your core. By addressing the muscles in your lower body — such as weak hamstrings as well as tight hip flexors, for instance — and upper-body muscles, like a tight chest and weak midback, it is possible for you to train to have better posture.

Glute Exercises for Runners

The glute muscles produce the force that makes it possible for  you to run. If they are not working correctly, other muscles help out. However, those muscles which are compensating can become overloaded, exhausted and, at the end of the day, injured.

Before you start running:

  • Lift one of your legs out to the side.
  • ‘Draw’ circles, which are football sized, with that leg. Make sure that you feel your glutes work.
  • Perform 10 circles in either direction with each of your legs.

When you finish running:

To release the tension in your glutes, cross one ankle over the opposite knee. Sit your hips back and down until you feel a release occurring. Hold this for 10 seconds and after this switch sides. When you sink into this glute stretch you are promoting balance, but hold on to something if you’re feeling shaky or if your balance is not 100%.

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Hips

Good running posture is less about a spine which is straight and more about the position of your pelvis. When you engage in the activity of running, your pelvis should be in a neutral position – in other words, not tilted – so that it doesn’t interfere with the functionality of the muscles which are attached to it.

Before you start to run:

Switch between lifting your chest and tailbone as well as rounding your back and dropping your pelvis. A neutral point between these is the pelvis position you want.

When you finish running:

A strong core assists with maintaining a neutral pelvis. Lie supine on your back and lift your legs. Lower these towards the ground in line with your pelvis. Bring your legs back up. Repeat 10 times.

Many athletes are involved in the sport of running. To be the best that they can be, they will need a sports coach who can guide them in perfecting their form and make them into the best possible runner than they can be. They will also need a personal trainer to assist them with making sure that their muscles are honed so that they are able to carry out their activities.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

For more information about becoming a personal trainer or sports coach, please visit our website.

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Reap the Benefits of Rowing With Fast and Efficient Workouts https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/reap-the-benefits-of-rowing-with-fast-and-efficient-workouts/ Fri, 25 Oct 2019 06:22:15 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13070 Owing to the fact that rowing recruits multiple muscle groups and – in addition – can provide a total-body cardiovascular and muscle-building workout you should consider adding this type of exercise to your weekly exercise routine. Rowing is also free of impact on your joins and is non-weight-bearing. This makes it even more appealing because...

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Owing to the fact that rowing recruits multiple muscle groups and – in addition – can provide a total-body cardiovascular and muscle-building workout you should consider adding this type of exercise to your weekly exercise routine. Rowing is also free of impact on your joins and is non-weight-bearing. This makes it even more appealing because you can work intensely without putting added stress on your joints.

Rowing will necessitate a fair amount of time in order to tone your body when your muscles are not in good shape. This means you need to slowly increase your strength as well as endurance before upping the intensity of your rowing machine workouts. The exact time to achieve the tone that you desire will vary greatly from one person to another.

Beginning the quest for greater tone as well as muscle definition – with a good baseline from regular workouts before incorporating the rowing machine – can accelerate the results. Having the muscle mass as well as the flexibility to jump right into rowing will certainly assist you with pushing harder in workouts as soon as you start.

Beginner rowers, particularly those without prior conditioning in other strength training programmes, must start off slowly. This is because this type of exercise places strain on the lower back which means that proper form is critical.

Beginner rowing workouts

Start off with short, light rowing workouts. Focus on back posture and flexing in your upper back to build the necessary back, leg and abdomen strength that is necessary in order to row properly.

After your muscles gain strength as well as stamina on the rowing machine, it is possible for you to gradually increase the intensity of your exercise and tone your body in a rapid manner. That initial building period will also assist with tone and definition as your muscles gain new strength and fat is rapidly burned.

The benefits of rowing

The best way to get fitter as well as healthier is to work on particular weaknesses in your body. For most people this means that you need to spend more time on the rowing machine once you’ve mastered the correct form of the exercise.

There are tremendous cross-over benefits with other fitness activities. To improve with weightlifting, for example, it is necessary for you to have a good triple extension of the ankle, knee as well as hip joints. You’ll gain this in every single stroke when you use the rowing machine.

Using the rowing machine can also means a massive improvement to your aerobic fitness and will help you to build endurance in addition to your anaerobic fitness for increased levels of speed. Owing to the fact that up to 85% of your muscles are recruited when rowing, it is also possible for you to build muscle size, strength as well as power with this activity.

Our preferred thing about the rowing machine is the constant performance feedback you receive with every stroke. The rowing machine’s display shows all the data that you require in order to ensure that your planned session is getting you to where you want to go. In this way, you know that you’re constantly moving closer to your fitness objective.

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Rowing workout to increase speed

The following rowing workout is designed to increase your speed. These are sprint intervals which means that your split times need to be around 1:50 or lower. Your stroke rate should be between 28 to 32 however not over 32. If it is, your form starts to break down.

  • 100m row, 30 seconds of rest, repeat five times
  • 150m row, 45 seconds of rest, repeat five times
  • 200m row, 60 seconds of rest, repeat five times
  • 2 minutes of rest
  • 200m row, 60 seconds of rest, repeat five times
  • 150m row, 45 seconds of rest, repeat five times
  • 100m row, 30 seconds of rest, repeat five times

 

Rowing workout for increased endurance

For this type of workout, your stroke rate should be between 25 and 28. You should be pushing hard but not very fast. Your split time should hover around two minutes and should become lower towards the end of each push:

  • One-minute row, 30-second rest: Hold drive position (a.k.a. seat at back of machine with legs straight) and do arm strokes while resting
  • Two-minute row, 60-second rest (30 seconds true rest; 30 seconds holding drive position at back of machine doing arm strokes while resting)
  • Three-minute row, 90-second rest (30 seconds true rest; 30 seconds holding drive position at back of machine doing arm strokes while resting; 30 seconds of just leg strokes: arms stay straight, straighten and bend legs)
  • Four-minute row, 2-minute rest (60 seconds true rest; 30 seconds holding drive position at back of machine doing arm strokes while resting; 30 seconds of just leg strokes: arms stay straight, straighten and bend legs)
  • Five-minute row

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about becoming a world-class personal trainer? Follow this link for more information.

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How a Personal Trainer Course can Upskill You. Find out more https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-a-personal-trainer-course-can-upskill-you/ Wed, 23 Oct 2019 09:23:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13041 Professional growth is an important concern for practitioners in any industry, and the world of fitness is no different. There are hundreds of specialisations that fitness experts could look towards focusing on when building their career, each characterised by collections of specialised knowledge. Whether you are new to the professional world of fitness or have...

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Professional growth is an important concern for practitioners in any industry, and the world of fitness is no different. There are hundreds of specialisations that fitness experts could look towards focusing on when building their career, each characterised by collections of specialised knowledge.

Whether you are new to the professional world of fitness or have been looking to break into it for the first time, completing a specialised personal trainer course is an excellent way to build on to your skillset.

But what exactly can you gain from such a course?

Well, besides the international accreditation necessary to build a successful career in fitness, you will also gather a collection of precise information that has been generated through years of extensive research in the industry.

Anatomy & Biomechanics in Exercise

Personal trainers need to understand the way that the various mechanisms in the human body work when applied to exercise. This allows trainers to adopt approaches to training that are specific to the desired outcomes held by their clients.

Biomechanics itself concerns itself with human movement, and in the context of fitness, is concerned with how such movements affect exercise.

An instructor with a sound understanding of this relationship between movement and sport can use it to improve performance by identifying the best possible techniques, while also working to reduce the risk of exercise during performance.

Anatomy & Physiology in Fitness

A sound knowledge base of anatomy is essential for personal trainers or professionals in the fitness industry, making this a key part of any fitness course. It outfits trainers with the tools they need to develop result-inspiring fitness programmes that consider the way muscles function during challenging physical activity.

An understanding of anatomy gives a trainer a holistic understanding of the way the body moves, allows them to develop programs to build muscle memory, ensures that their developed routines take an approach that generates effective results, and a know-how of fostering movements during routines that eliminate the risks of injury.

 The Fundamentals of Nutrition

It’s no secret that nutrition plays a vital role in fitness, which makes an understanding of this topic essential for any fitness instructor.

The right personal trainer course will therefore outfit trainers with this knowledge in a way that can be incorporated into the routines developed for their clients, to help them reach their fitness potential more effectively.

Health Assessments & Screening

Being able to assess the health, fitness levels and progress of clients requires specialised skills related to health screenings.

This is essential at the start of a relationship with a client since it allows personal trainers to develop routines that match their abilities and goals. However, they also need to be conducted on a continual basis to gauge how the client is progressing towards their goals.

Techniques for Motivation in Fitness

Motivation and fitness are closely interwoven, and personal trainers understand the importance that the correct motivation techniques play when helping clients reach their goals.

Because of this, the right course should outline several approaches to exercise motivation in detail.

Working with Special-Needs Clients

Many personal trainers work with special population groups such as the disabled, those looking to rehabilitate from injuries, pregnant women, children and the elderly. These groups have specific needs and need an adapted approach to fitness.

The right personal trainer course will outline the best approaches to helping these groups reach their potential.

Fitness Business Fundamentals

At the end of the day, being a personal trainer means running a business, which means that instructors need to have a solid understanding of what running a fitness business entails.

This will include an understanding of how to market and grow your own business, how to maintain your facility and equipment, and how to manage risks in a fitness environment.

Become a Personal Trainer with the Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you looking to grow your skills or become an accredited personal trainer? Be sure to visit the Trifocus Fitness Academy website today to find out more about our range of online courses.

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How your thoughts affect your health https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-your-thoughts-affect-your-health/ Wed, 23 Oct 2019 06:21:22 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13035 Your thoughts and emotions can have a big impact on your health. Emotions which are easily experienced as well as expressed – with no judgment or attachment – tend to flow fluidly without having an impact on our health. Conversely, emotions that are repressed (especially fearful or negative ones) can deplete our mental energy, which...

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Your thoughts and emotions can have a big impact on your health. Emotions which are easily experienced as well as expressed – with no judgment or attachment – tend to flow fluidly without having an impact on our health. Conversely, emotions that are repressed (especially fearful or negative ones) can deplete our mental energy, which negatively affects the body.  This could result in health problems. It’s important that we recognise our thoughts and emotions. In addition, we need to be aware of the effect they have – not only on other thoughts that we may have also on our bodies, behaviour as well as relationships.

Individuals who have good emotional health are conscious of their thoughts, feelings as well as behaviours. They have learned ways which are healthy in order to cope with the stress as well as problems that are a part of everyday life. They feel good about themselves and have strong relationships.

What can cause stress?

A lot of things which happen in your life have the possibility of disrupting your emotional health. These things can lead to powerful feelings of sadness, stress or – alternatively – anxiety.  Good or wanted changes can be as traumatic as unwanted changes. These stress-causing changes include:

  • Being retrenched,
  • Having a child leave or come back home,
  • Grappling with the death of a loved one,
  • Getting divorced or married,
  • Suffering an illness or an injury,
  • Achieving a job promotion,
  • Experiencing money problems,
  • Moving to a new home, and
  • Having a baby or adopting one.

Your body reacts to the way you think, feel as well as act. This is a kind of “mind/body connection”. At a time when you are stressed, anxious or – alternatively  – upset, your body reacts in a way that may tell you that something isn’t right. For example, it is possible that you may develop high blood pressure or a stomach ulcer after a particularly stressful event, such as the death of a loved one.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - health

The mind/body connection explained

The mind-body connection can happen on a physical as well as a chemical level. The brain is the hardware that permits you to experience mental states. These states are labelled the “mind” and encompasses mental states including thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and emotions.

It is possible for different mental states to positively or negatively affect biological functioning. This occurs as the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems have a common chemical language. This permits constant communication between the mind and body through messengers such as hormones as well as neurotransmitters. For example:

  • Neurological pathways link parts of the brain – which process emotions – with the spinal cord, muscles, cardiovascular system as well as digestive tract. This connection allows major life events, stressors, or emotions to activate physical symptoms.

Exercise and thoughts

Exercise is heavily affected by our thoughts, feelings as well as beliefs. Research promotes exercise as a way of reducing your risk of disease and living a longer as well as healthier life. One study looked into if your beliefs about how much you exercise impact longevity. The researchers found that those who perceived themselves as less active were 71% more likely to die in the 21-year follow-up period than their peers, even after they adjusted for the actual amount of physical activity each person performed.

In an era of exercise concerns, where many people struggle to get a sufficient amount of exercise, this study offers a helpful proposition: By changing your mindset to become less critical, more inclusive and more positive, you may have the power to improve your health. Nevertheless, if you’re one of those people who absolutely LOVE exercising and can’t get enough of it, you should really consider becoming a personal trainer.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Follow this link to learn more about our accredited personal training courses.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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Branding Yourself as a Fitness Professional https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/branding-yourself-as-a-fitness-professional/ Tue, 22 Oct 2019 10:07:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13025 The first step is to decide what you want the business to achieve.  Ask yourself what services you intend providing? Will you be offering nutritional and personal training? Will you be including supplements?  Are you providing for a sector of the population or fitness in general? Who is the target audience and how far are...

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The first step is to decide what you want the business to achieve.  Ask yourself what services you intend providing?

Will you be offering nutritional and personal training? Will you be including supplements?  Are you providing for a sector of the population or fitness in general? Who is the target audience and how far are you willing to travel?

A certain amount of market research is required.  What already exists in this field? How can I compliment these existing companies?  What sets me apart? And what are the competitor’s rates?

This process is important to seal before you consider any marketing.  Have you considered premises or employing other trainers to work for you?  These costs need to be checked and rechecked before you can allocate a budget to fitness branding.

Then there are the values you wish to portray to clients throughout your marketing efforts.

Give your business a personality and decide whether you intend to have a professional, conventional and clinical approach; or a friendly, fresh and playful persona.

Consider how your clients will see your business and how this will make them feel about you as a fitness professional.

What’s in a Name for branding purposes?

You should now have a picture of your business in your mind, so go ahead and give it a name.

List your options and conduct a survey amongst friends and family. Check online forums for ideas on names that resonate with both your fitness brand and the industry.

Carry this thinking through to the logo but get the assistance of a professional if you are not sure.

Now, how can you make the greatest impact?

Become Recognizable brand in the Industry

Major companies have statements and logos that are recognizable without seeing their name.

You need to strive to be memorable and flesh about what you intend the company to do.

A striking logo or dazzling phrase will ring the bell.

Dynamic Online Marketing

Social Media can be a great way to market yourself as well as your fitness business.

Design an eye-catching website with bold statements and striking images. Include your company’s personality and values by showing off the logo and stating clearly the aim of the business and what makes it unique.

Don’t forget to include business cards, contact details and any credentials and talents you may have. Take this opportunity to communicate what makes your fitness brand unique; to tell your prospective clients what it is you can give them, that your competitors can’t.

Have fun creating a Facebook page to include a complete picture of your business. Make it exciting and include your logo, your business statement and any cool pictures that are associated with your company.

Once set up, you will need to regularly update your page with motivational and inspirational incidents and stories or share stories about the progress of your existing or past clients.

Twitter enables you to follow others with the same interests by quick searches for popular hashtags in the industry.

The idea is to re-tweet their tweets or reply to positive tweets to make yourself more present in the industry.

Google Ads offers a platform which enables you to market your business ad to appear above the average search results on Google. It is a “pay per click” policy.

Referrals are an excellent way to generate lucrative clients. Recommendations by existing clients suggest that you offer a wonderful service. You could offer incentives for referring friends. Online reviews are also excellent for fitness professionals, so try to encourage your clients to leave some for you on social media and on Google.

Business Administration procedures

Seek out information on how to structure a business, a business plan, registering your business, opening a bank account, permits, insurance and whether there are legalities you need to be aware of.

Learn to Market Yourself as a Fitness Professional at the Trifocus Fitness Academy

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers excellent fitness and entrepreneurial courses to set you on the way to becoming a successful fitness professional. Visit our website today for details on our online courses.Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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Movements to Improve Bone and Joint Health https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/movements-to-improve-bone-and-joint-health/ Tue, 22 Oct 2019 07:20:09 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13017 Exercise is helpful to more than just your heart, lungs and muscles. Physical activity is one of the best ways to keep your bones healthy, no matter what age you are. Just as muscle is, bone is living tissue which responds to exercise by developing strength. Young women as well as men who make regular...

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Exercise is helpful to more than just your heart, lungs and muscles. Physical activity is one of the best ways to keep your bones healthy, no matter what age you are. Just as muscle is, bone is living tissue which responds to exercise by developing strength. Young women as well as men who make regular exercise a habit generally attain greater peak bone mass (in other words, maximum bone density and strength) as opposed to those who do not.

Why do you want peak bone mass?

“The amount of bone tissue which is found in the skeleton,” says Marc Schneider: chief operations officer at Trifocus Fitness Academy, “is known as bone mass. It can keep growing until a person is in their the late 20s. At this point in time, bones have reached their maximum strength as well as density. This is known as ‘peak bone mass’.”

Women have a tendency to experience a slight change in total bone mass between 30 and menopause. However, in the first couple of years after menopause many women go through quick bone loss which is a “withdrawal” from the bone bank account. This withdrawal then slows however it continues throughout the postmenopausal years which could lead to osteoporosis.

For a lot of people, bone mass spikes during the third decade of life – in other words, during their 30s. After this point, as mentioned previously, it is possible that we can begin to lose bone. Women, as well as men who are older than 20, can help avoid bone loss with regularly exercising as this can also help people maintain muscle strength, coordination as well as balance. This, in turn, helps to prevent falls in addition to related fractures. Preventing this from occurring is especially important for older adults and individuals who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.

Exercises to improve bone health

Weight-bearing exercises can help to improve bone health. These types of exercises include actions that make you push against gravity while remaining upright. Weight-bearing exercises can be classified as ‘high-impact’ or ‘low-impact”:

High-impact weight-bearing exercises assist with building bones and keeping them strong.

Examples of high-impact weight-bearing exercises are the following:

  • Dancing,
  • High-impact aerobics,
  • Hiking,
  • Jogging/running,
  • Tennis,
  • Skipping, and
  • Climbing stairs.

Trifocus Fitness Academy - movements

Low-impact weight-bearing exercises can also assist you with keeping your bones strong. In addition, they are a safe alternative if you are not able to do high-impact exercises.

Examples of low-impact weight-bearing exercises are the following:

  • Utilising elliptical training machines,
  • Low-impact aerobics,
  • Making use of stair-step machines, and
  • Walking quickly on a treadmill or outside.

Muscle-strengthening exercises can also help you to increase bone density. These exercises include movements where you move your body, a weight or – alternatively – some other resistance against gravity. They are also known by the name ‘resistance exercises’.

Examples include:

  • Weight-lifting,
  • Using therabands,
  • Weight machines,
  • Lifting your own body weight, and
  • Functional movements, such as standing as well as rising up on your toes

Yoga, as well as Pilates, can also improve strength, balance in addition to flexibility. However, certain postures may not be safe for people with osteoporosis or those who have an increased risk of broken bones. For example, movements which have you bending forward may increase the chance of breaking a bone in the spine.

Movements to improve joint health

Range of motion (R.O.M) exercises are particularly useful for improving joint health. Active R.O.M exercises assist with improving joint function and help keep your joints flexible, reduce pain, and improve balance as well as strength.

Here are some R.O.M exercise that work your neck. Begin seated or standing. Face forward and make sure that your shoulders are straight as well as relaxed.

  • Forward and backwards head tilts: Gently bow your head and attempt to touch your chin to your chest. Raise your chin back to your starting position. Tilt your head back, as far as you can, so that you are looking up at the ceiling. Return your head to your starting position.
  • Side-to-side head tilts: Tilt your head to the side and bring your ear toward your shoulder. Do not raise your shoulder to your ear. Keep your shoulder still. Return your head to the starting position.
  • Head turns: Turn your head to look over your shoulder. Tilt your chin down and try to touch it to your shoulder. Do not raise your shoulder to your chin. Face forward again.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

To discover how you can learn more about other exercises to improve joint and bone health, please follow this link.

 

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Best Exercises for Exercisers Who Are Starting Out https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/best-exercises-for-exercisers-who-are-starting-out/ Tue, 22 Oct 2019 06:48:09 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13013 Exercising on a regular basis is one of the greatest favours that you can do for your health and wellness.  Very quickly after you begin exercising, you’ll start to see –  as well as feel – the benefits that physical activity can for your body and health. Unfortunately, working exercise into your weekly routine requires...

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Exercising on a regular basis is one of the greatest favours that you can do for your health and wellness.  Very quickly after you begin exercising, you’ll start to see –  as well as feel – the benefits that physical activity can for your body and health. Unfortunately, working exercise into your weekly routine requires a lot of determination. Adhering to it, in the long term, requires you to have bucket loads of determination!

Benefits of regular exercise

It has been shown that exercising has been shown to significantly improve your health. Regular exercise’s greatest benefits include:

  • Assisting you with achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight,
  • Maintaining muscle mass, and
  • Reducing your risk of chronic disease.

In addition, research has shown that exercise can lift your mood, boost your mental health, help you sleep better as well as help you to maintain good energy levels.

Fitness assessment

The first step in any workout routine is to assess how fit you are for your selected physical activity. When you start an exercise programme, it’s wise to consult a medical practitioner. Anyone who has major health risks, men aged 45 and older, and women aged 55 and older should get medical clearance. However, no matter what your medical condition is it is always possible to work out in some way.

After assessing your fitness, it helps to set workout goals. For example:

  • Do you want to prepare to run a 5K?
  • Hit the gym five times a week?
  • Or just walk around the block without getting winded?

When setting these goals, make sure that these are S.M.A.R.T, which stands for:

  • Specific,
  • Measurable,
  • Achievable,
  • Realistic, and
  • Time-bound.

If the fitness goals that you set have these characteristics, you’ll be more likely to achieve these.

Your First Cardiovascular Workout

Here’s a great cardio workout to start out with.

Select any cardio machine, set it on a manual mode and find your warm-up pace. For most of the workout, change the settings (incline, speed, resistance, etc.) every few minutes to work at a moderate level. End with a cooldown. Throughout your workout, use the perceived exertion scale. This scale gauges the intensity at which you’re exercising on a scale from 1 to 10.

  • Five minutes: Warm up at an easy-moderate pace. Perceived Exertion Level (PE): 4
  • Five minutes: Up your speed, incline, and/or resistance so that you’re just out of your comfort zone but still can talk. This is your baseline. PE: 5
  • Two minutes: Up your speed, incline, and/or resistance until you’re working a little harder than your baseline effort. PE: 6
  • Three minutes: Reduce your speed, incline, and/or resistance back to your baseline. PE: 5
  • One minute: Increase your speed, incline, and/or resistance until you’re working a little harder than baseline. PE: 6
  • Four minutes: Reduce speed, incline, and/or resistance back to a moderate level. PE: 4

Trifocus Fitness Academy - exercises

Getting Started With Weight Lifting

Before you get started with lifting weights, there are a number of things that you need to know:

  • Always bring a towel with you and be kind enough to wipe off the machines, benches and equipment that you make use of.
  • Re rack all the weight and put all the dumbbells or barbells, that you use, where you found them.
  • Don’t rest for long periods of time on a machine that another person is waiting for. If it is possible, work in with them between sets. Most gym goers are more than willing to share a machine when they are asked nicely.

Here are some common mistakes that quite a lot of people make when starting out with weight lifting. If you know about these, you can easily avoid them:

  • Using too much weight, too soon. Always start lower than your anticipated ability and work your way up in your first workout. If your form is suffering, you are swinging the weight, or using momentum, this shows that you may be utilising too much weight. Greater momentum will likely increase the potential for injury and, in addition, reduces the effectiveness of the exercise to the muscle group you are targeting.
  • Not making use of enough weight. Always play it safe, however if you can perform 30 reps with a certain weight, it’s possibly time to increase it a bit but do so no more than about 5% at a time.
  • Moving through repetitions too quickly, going too fast. There is not a thing to be gained by lifting weights quickly. Some of the benefits of lifting weights in a slow and controlled manner, include more total muscle tension and force produced, more muscle-fiber activation both slow and fast-twitch fibres as well as less tissue trauma. Remember, a joint is only as strong as the muscles that cross it so if you haven’t lifted in a long time, or ever, be careful what you ask of your joints.
  • Not resting long enough, or resting far too long. The recommended period that you should be resting is between 30 and 90 seconds.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about exercises which are good for beginners? Why not do a personal training course? Follow this link for more information.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

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What exercise burns the most belly fat? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-exercise-burns-the-most-belly-fat/ Mon, 21 Oct 2019 09:39:32 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=13005 If sculpting a six-pack was simple, nearly everyone would have a sexy set of abs. It’s not just the actual effort that’s difficult but it’s also knowing “how” to burn stomach fat correctly which is a challenge. Beyond the vanity characteristics, a more chiselled abdominal section makes you stronger and less prone to injury because...

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If sculpting a six-pack was simple, nearly everyone would have a sexy set of abs. It’s not just the actual effort that’s difficult but it’s also knowing “how” to burn stomach fat correctly which is a challenge. Beyond the vanity characteristics, a more chiselled abdominal section makes you stronger and less prone to injury because the dozens of muscles between your shoulders as well as your hips are involved in every movement that you do.

Even though fat can be seen in almost any portion of your body, the kind of fat that connects itself to your middle can be the most challenging to shed.  Unfortunately, as women age their midsections see increasing fatty deposits. When a woman gets to her 40s, it is highly likely that additional fat will accumulate around the abdomen. This belly fat is frequently just a reallocation of fat to the abdomen as opposed to a gain in total fat.

So if you’re staring 40 in the face, don’t get discouraged and feel that you’re doomed to life with a big belly! Here are a number of exercises which are guaranteed to incinerate that belly fat!

Burpees

The burpee works your core. In addition to this set of muscles, burpees work your chest, shoulders, lats, triceps and quads. As burpees involve explosive plyometric movements, these exercises will get your heart pumping as well:

  • Stand upright with your feet shoulder-distance apart.
  • Send your hips back as you bring your body towards the ground in a low squat.
  • Then, put your hands right outside of your feet.
  • Hop your feet back while permitting your chest to touch the floor.
  • Push your hands against the floor in order to lift your body up into a plank position.
  • Jump your feet slightly outside of your hands.
  • With your weight in your heels, jump powerfully into the air with your arms overhead.

Elliptical trainer

Elliptical trainers give an intense, low-impact cardio workout. Moreover, a 145-lb. individual can burn about 300 calories in 30 minutes using an elliptical trainer. That’s just about as many calories as running burns however without the joint wear-and-tear.

Mountain Climbers

Mountain climbers, which is also called a moving plank exercise, works your core, as well as to a slew of other muscles in your body:

  • Get into a high-plank position and have your wrists right under your shoulders.
  • Make sure that your core remains tight and draw your belly button in towards your spine.
  • Bring your right knee into your chest. After this, bring it back into a plank position.
  • After this, drive your left knee toward your chest and bring it back.
  • Continue to alternate sides.

Exercise ball crunch

Crunches on an exercise ball require a lot of stabilisation and this engages more muscles:

  • Lie on the exercise ball so that your lower back is supported and your feet are firmly planted on the ground.
  • Put your hands on your chest or, alternatively, behind your head.
  • Contract your abs and lift your torso up and forward.
  • Lower back down to your starting position.
  • Keep the exercise ball stable during each crunch.
  • Exhale when you crunch and inhale when you lower back down.
  • Do between one and three sets with 12 to 16 repetitions

Bicycle

Even if there is no bicycle nearby, it is still possible for you to do this exercise:

  • Lie supine a mat or on the floor. Keep your hands behind your head or by your side.
  • Lift both your legs off the ground into tabletop position.
  • Bring your right knee close to your chest and keep your left leg out.
  • Take your right leg out and bring the left leg close to your chest.
  • Switch bending the knees as if you are using a bicycle.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to know more about exercising? Check out our Personal Training Diploma for more information.

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How long do you Study to Become a Personal Trainer? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-long-do-you-study-to-become-a-personal-trainer/ Fri, 18 Oct 2019 13:18:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12990 Becoming a personal trainer is effortless, especially with all the online choices for courses to complete. The question is: how qualified would you like to be or are you just after a basic course? There are several packages to choose from depending on your aim. The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers a Silver Package which includes...

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Becoming a personal trainer is effortless, especially with all the online choices for courses to complete. The question is: how qualified would you like to be or are you just after a basic course?

There are several packages to choose from depending on your aim.

The Trifocus Fitness Academy offers a Silver Package which includes personal training and group instructor course at a reasonable rate.

More courses could be added at a later stage. You will receive an Occupational Skills Certificate, and the study duration is three to six months to complete.

The second package, the Gold package, offers the Personal Training Certificate and includes a group instructor course, an online Bootcamp course and a Sports Psychology course. Here you will receive a National Certificate in Fitness and will take approximately eight to twelve months to complete.

Then there is the incredible Platinum Package which is a Personal Training Diploma; it includes a Group Instructor course, an online Bootcamp course, a Sports Psychology course, a Life Coaching Certificate, a Sports Nutrition Diploma and a Social Media Management course.

Here you will receive a National Certificate in Fitness which can be completed within eight to twelve months, which includes the National Diploma in Fitness, and will take another eight to twelve months to complete.

Which Package will Suit your Future Plans?

Before enrolling in a course, you need to decide on costs, skills required and how long you want to study for.

The Silver Package

Our Silver Package can be completed in three to six months and it’s a fully accredited personal trainer entry course for local and international work.

The Package includes an online group exercise course, a free REPSSA membership and a free Trifocus manual and branded merchandise package.

Once you have completed your studies you will receive an Occupational Skills Certificate NQF5. This is the start of your personal trainer aspirations as a personal trainer or fitness instructor.

There is no limit to the opportunities this provides, both locally and abroad, after acquiring all the information necessary to be a world-class trainer.

With this three-month course there is no reason to hesitate in getting started.

The Gold Package

Our Gold Package, which is only available through the Trifocus Fitness Academy, offers a National Certificate in Fitness and is vital for working as a Personal Trainer in South Africa.

It includes the Group Instructor Course, the online Bootcamp Course and the Sports Psychology Course which can be studied at your own pace.

The career opportunities it provides are numerous, with the ability to work on cruise liners, in rehabilitation facilities, group training facilities, private training facilities and in local and international gyms.

The benefits of this course are that it’s the most recognized personal trainer qualification in South Africa, and it’s internationally endorsed.

You will also enjoy the additional courses added onto this qualification.

The Platinum Package

The Platinum Package offers a diploma and is the most advanced personal trainer package available in South Africa. It qualifies you as a Master trainer with the additional courses in the package.

These courses include the Group Instructor course, the online Bootcamp course, the Sports Psychology course, a Life Coaching Certificate, the Sports Nutrition Diploma (UK) and a Social Media Management course; and again, they can be completed at your own pace.

This package is also unique to the Trifocus Fitness Academy and offers an intense examination of the science of fitness.

You will be able to specialize as a personal trainer with the added courses which will provide an added advantage in the market.

This diploma will give you the opportunity of working in local and international gyms, cruise liners, private practice and functional fitness facilities in your future career and will afford you the most career benefits of all the packages.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy Today!

Are you looking for the best possible head-start on your career as fitness professional? Visit the Trifocus Fitness Academy website today for details on our fully accredited, online personal trainer courses and enrol today.

Trifocus fitness academy personal training course registration

 

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What shoes should you wear to gym? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-shoes-should-you-wear-to-gym/ Fri, 18 Oct 2019 06:12:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12981 There are A LOT of types of gym shoes out there. In fact, walking into your nearest Totalsports – or a similar sporting goods shop – can be quite intimidating because of all the different types of shoes on offer. It can be quite challenging to know where to start! If you’ve ever done some...

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There are A LOT of types of gym shoes out there. In fact, walking into your nearest Totalsports – or a similar sporting goods shop – can be quite intimidating because of all the different types of shoes on offer. It can be quite challenging to know where to start!

If you’ve ever done some hectic training  miles on the treadmill and been in pain or developed shin splints, you might’ve wondered if  your shoes were cut out for the job. Reliable shoes are definitely better than others for various types of exercises such as weight-lifting, plyometrics and machine cardio. There are three main types of shoes gym-goers should be aware of and consider wearing. These are:

  • Cross-training shoes,
  • Weight-lifting shoes, and
  • Running shoes.

What are cross training shoes?

Cross training shoes are an amalgamation of a number of different types of athletic footwear. These types of shoes may have the:

  • Heel cushioning of a running shoe,
  • Lateral stability of a tennis shoe or a shoe used for basketball, and
  • Forefoot cushioning of a shoe used for volleyball.

These shoes may be made of all leather-type materials. Alternatively, they be made of flexible materials – like a running shoe – around the toe or sides. The plus factors of a cross-training shoe is that the shoe is versatile enough to be used for various activities and by those who participate in different activities but do not specialise in one.

What are weight-lifting shoes?

Weight-lifting shoes provide the competitive weight-lifter, at any competition level, with added performance in order to assist them be the best they can be.

Weight lifting shoes offer key benefits over running shoes or cross-trainers. As ensuring your footing is stable – and will not slip – is one of the most important things that a weight lifter can do in order to raise the bar.

Weight lifting shoes are made with stability in mind. Usually they use a weight-distribution plate to ensure you keep your balance. Weight lifting shoes should offer secure lock down that keeps the shoe tightly against your foot. A design with increased heel support is ideal when it comes to choosing weight-lifting shoes.

In addition to traditional weight lifting shoes, the minimalist, or barefoot, design training shoes are another option for weight lifters looking to maximise the effects of using the body’s natural ability to support itself.

The sock-like fit of natural weight lifting shoes helps to strengthen feet and legs by using the natural movement from heel to toe by allowing your muscles to move naturally. As with any performance shoe, choosing a design with breathability and moisture management materials is a good choice when it comes to weight-lifting shoes.

What are running shoes?

Running shoes are made to copy with the shock of 2.5 times your body weight which is created by the impact every time your foot strikes the road. While you’re running, you need to have excellent cushioning in both the heel and forefoot of the shoe to handle this impact.

As each runner is different in how much they train, as well as what their running style is, there is no “perfect” running shoe across the board. The best running shoe for you is dependent entirely on:

  • The shape of your foot,
  • Your bio-mechanics, and
  • The amount of running you do.

Running shoes are made in order to protect your feet from the road, provide traction on different surfaces, cushion the landing shock as well as support your feet. If you experiment with picking the right running shoe, you’re not alone. Selecting the correct shoes for running is more of an art as opposed to a science. Many runners experiment with various brands as well as models of shoes until they find just the right fit, feel in addition to functionality.

Whatever you do at gym – be it weight-lifting, running on the treadmill or spinning – you need to wear a closed shoe as this will protect your feet. Don’t be afraid of shelling out a bit of money on getting the right shoes for you as you’re going to be putting these shoes through their paces so they need to last and be of good quality. Getting the right shoes for your chosen exercise is the first step. The next to get to the gym and start practising it!

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The Average Personal Trainers Day https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-average-personal-trainers-day/ Thu, 17 Oct 2019 07:15:43 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12963 Personal trainers work off a different schedule to most professionals from other industries. One of the major reasons for this is that they have to work around the needs and schedules of their clients, who, for the most part, already have tightly packed routines. They have careers to work on, families to look after; their...

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Personal trainers work off a different schedule to most professionals from other industries.

One of the major reasons for this is that they have to work around the needs and schedules of their clients, who, for the most part, already have tightly packed routines.

They have careers to work on, families to look after; their own set of commitments that trainers need to work around.

Because of this, those looking to become fitness professionals need to embrace flexibility with regards to their schedules, and also need to be prepared to work longer hours each day, than is expected from other professions.

To give you a clearer view of the daily expectations placed on trainers, let’s take a walk through the average instructor’s day. This should help you get a better idea of whether or not completing a personal trainer course is something you might be interested in.

Personal Trainers are Early Starters

First and foremost, to be a personal trainer, you need to be able to start your day earlier than most other people.

As a trainer, you will need to accommodate clients who have little time to train throughout the day.

This might be because they have busy work schedules, need to commute to work on time, or have commitments to family members such as dropping their kids off at school.

Because of this, your average morning will have you out of bed and on the move by about 5:30am.

In fact, by the time 8:00am arrives, you will likely have seen your first handful of clients already.

The Mid-Morning Rush

Gyms are typically at their fullest between mid-morning and afternoon, which means that this is the time where personal trainers will be at their busiest, particularly if they conduct sessions or classes at a gym.

These clients are generally parents who have already dropped their kids off at school, or any others that, because of a flexible schedule, can take time to get a good start to the morning with vigorous physical activity.

On average, this stream of clients will start to die down at about lunch-time each day; so, by lunch, it is time for you to take a break.

But at a trainer, your breaks don’t exactly equate to downtime; there is a lot to do each day.

The Active Lunch Break

During lunch-time, you should take some time to refuel, either with a wholesome meal or a protein shake. Once that’s done, there are a few things you will need to take care of during this time, when there aren’t many clients to work with.

For starters, trainers should take some time to work on their own routines. As a personal trainer, you need to keep yourself fit, this will help keep your clients motivated and will help you market yourself, since you are wearing your results.

This means making time each day to exercise; and the post-lunch-time slot is the best time for it.

Following that, you will also need to plan workout schedules for your clients, perhaps do some research into motivational and teaching techniques. You will be taking this time, each day to upskill yourself and refine the services you offer to your clients.

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Afternoons & Evenings

After about 4pm, the gyms will start to fill out with clients again, particularly those who prefer to work out after a day at work. For many, this is the only time when they can steal away to the gym for some much-needed exercise.

For many personal trainers, these early evening sessions are best use for more structured classes, and this will generally carry on until about 7pm.

However, when you finish up at the gym in the evening and ready yourself to head home, your day will not be over just yet.

Evening Admin

Once you have gotten home, it is almost time to get some rest; but first, the best personal trainers take this time to ponder over the day’s events to see where they can improve, or to see how the previous day’s challenges can be better met in the future.

This is also a good time to take care of important administrative tasks like checking your mails, reviewing training schedules, following up on payments and thinking about marketing.

Getting that Much Needed Rest

Since your next day will be starting early, and will be full of vigorous physical and mental activity, trainers need to be a little strict on themselves when it comes to getting a good, early night’s sleep; every single night.

Interested in Becoming a Personal Trainer?

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you interested in the life of a trainer? Feel free to visit the Trifocus Fitness Academy website to take a look at our offers on fully accredited, online personal training courses.

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What are prime mover exercises? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-prime-mover-exercises/ Thu, 17 Oct 2019 06:03:06 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12955 In relation to health and fitness, the term ‘prime mover’ refers to a muscle, or group of muscles, that is most in charge of a particular motion of a joint. For a number of joints, there are just a pair of prime mover muscles. However, other joints can have several prime movers and this depends...

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In relation to health and fitness, the term ‘prime mover’ refers to a muscle, or group of muscles, that is most in charge of a particular motion of a joint. For a number of joints, there are just a pair of prime mover muscles. However, other joints can have several prime movers and this depends on the motion. In fitness, the concept of prime mover muscles is important as, when performing an exercise, it is vital to know what the prime mover muscle of that exercise are. This is  as it will be the one getting the most powerful workout.

Which joints have the most prime mover muscles?

Joints that include rotation as part of their capabilities tend to have a greater number of prime mover muscles as opposed to those with a lot less forms of articulation. For instance:

  • In the knee, which bends in one direction, there are only two prime movers. The quadriceps function as the prime mover of the knee extension while the hamstring is responsible for knee flexion.
  • Exercises – in which the motion depends mainly on the bending of the knee – will make use of one of these two muscle groups as its primary mover muscle group. That muscle group will therefore benefit the greatest from these exercise.

What does ‘agonist’ mean in terms of exercising?

‘Agonist’, in relation to muscles, refers to a movement in which the muscle(s) provides the major force to complete the movement.  In the bicep curl, which produces flexion at the elbow, the biceps muscle is the agonist.  In every exercise, the agonist is not the muscle that is shortening (contracting concentrically).  In a bicep curl the bicep is the agonist on the way up when it contracts concentrically as well as on the way down when it contracts eccentrically.  This is because it is the prime mover in both cases.

The converse of agonist, ‘antagonist’ refers to a movement in which the muscles oppose the agonist.  During elbow flexion, where the bicep takes the role of the agonist, the tricep muscle is the antagonist.  While the agonist contracts and causes the movement to occur, the antagonist typically relaxes in order not to impede the agonist.

The antagonist doesn’t always relax and another function of this muscle type can be to slow down or stop a movement.  This could be seen if the weight used in the bicep curl was very heavy. In this instance, when the weight was being lowered from the top position the antagonist tricep muscle would produce a sufficient amount of tension to assist with controlling the movement as the weight is lowered down. This assist with ensuring that gravity doesn’t accelerate the movement so causing damage to the elbow joint at the bottom of the movement.  The tricep becomes the agonist and the bicep the antagonist when the elbow extends against gravity for example in a push up, a bench press or a tricep pushdown.

The correct form for prime mover exercises

There are a number of prime mover exercises that we do every time we hit the gym. To help you get the most of your workout, we thought that we’d give you some hints and tips about how to do the tricep pulldown correctly.

  • Fasten a rope attachment to a high pulley. Grip the ropes with a neutral grip and your palms facing each other.
  • Stand upright with your torso straight lean slightly forward. Bring your upper arms close to your body and perpendicular to the ground. Your forearms should be pointing up towards the pulley while your hold the rope with your palms facing each other.
  • Utilising your triceps, bring the rope downwards as you bring each section of the rope to the side of your thighs. At the end of the movement, your arms will be fully extended and perpendicular to the ground. Your upper arms should always remain stationary on either side of your torso. Only your forearms should move. Breathe out as you perform this movement.
  • After maintaining the contracted position for a second, bring the rope slowly up to your starting point. Inhale as you perform this step.
  • Repeat for as many repetitions as indicated.

There are several variations to this exercise such as using an E-Z bar attachment as well as a V-angled bar or straight bar.

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What is the cardiorespiratory system? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-cardiorespiratory-system/ Thu, 17 Oct 2019 06:01:49 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12949 The job of the respiratory system is transporting oxygen from the air we breathe, through a system of tubes, into our lungs. This is then diffused into the bloodstream, whilst carbon dioxide makes the opposite journey and exits our body. The cardiorespiratory system is consists of the heart and blood vessels. These work in tandem...

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The job of the respiratory system is transporting oxygen from the air we breathe, through a system of tubes, into our lungs. This is then diffused into the bloodstream, whilst carbon dioxide makes the opposite journey and exits our body.

The cardiorespiratory system is consists of the heart and blood vessels. These work in tandem with the respiratory system, which consist of the lungs as well as airways. These two body systems transport oxygen to the muscles and organs of the body. In addition, they remove waste products, such as carbon dioxide, a fact that we mentioned in the first paragraph.

What is the circulatory system, exactly?

The job of the circulatory system is to carry blood, nutrients as well as waste throughout the body.

The circulatory system consists of three autonomous systems which function together:

  • The heart (cardiovascular),
  • Lungs (pulmonary), and
  • Arteries, veins, coronary as well as portal vessels (systemic).

This system is responsible for the flow of blood, nutrients, oxygen, other gases in addition to
hormones to and from cells.

In the circulatory system, the heart is functions as a pump. To be specific, the heart is a double pump. What we mean by this is that blood which requires oxygen comes into the heart and is pumped by the    first pump into the lungs. The second pump of the heart pushes the oxygen-rich blood to all the other sections of the body. This gives the heart its usual, “lub-dub” sound.

The lungs work together with the circulatory system in order to pump oxygen-rich blood to all of the cells in your body. After this, the blood collects carbon dioxide – as well as other waste products – and transports these back to the lungs. Here, these are pumped out of the body when we breathe out.

We require oxygen in order to sustain itself. After approximately five minutes without oxygen, brain cells begin dying. This can lead to brain damage and ultimately death. In human beings, the average breathing, or respiratory rate, is mostly dependant on age:

  • A newborn’s normal breathing rate is approximately 40 to 60 times every minute. This may slow down to 30 to 40 times per minute when the infant is sleeping,
  • The usual resting respiratory rate for adults is between 12 and 16 breaths per minute. This will increase up to 40 to 60 breaths per minute during exercise.

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What is your pulse?

The number of times that the heart pumps, or beats, is measured in a minute. This is known as a person’s pulse rate and this is affected by their current activity level:

  • If you are sleeping, or doing no physical activity at all, your heart is pumping at a resting heart rate.
  • When you’re active, you are making use of all your body systems which need fuel in the form of calories (which are found in food) and oxygen (which you breathe).

The more physical activity you do, the more fuel your muscles require. For this reason, your breathing rate – as well as your heart rate – increase when you take part in exercise. Having the knowledge of how to take your own heart rate can assist you with exercising properly as well as safely.

It is possible to take your own heart  rate by finding two major blood vessels, or arteries, on your body. These two blood vessels are described as ‘radial’ and ‘carotid’:

  • The radial artery is located on the inside of your wrist near the side of your thumb.
  • The carotid artery is found on your neck between your windpipe and neck muscles, as well as just under your lower jawbone.

Locate your pulse using both your index and middle fingers. Count the pulses, or beats, for 10 seconds.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Having a good knowledge of the cardiorespiratory system is essential knowledge for any personal trainer. To learn how to become the best trainer in the business, follow this link.

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Ways to become a Pilates guru https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/ways-to-become-a-pilates-guru/ Wed, 16 Oct 2019 07:56:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12926 If you adore Pilates classes – just as we do – you may possibly want to take your practice of Pilates further and become a Pilates guru. There are several methodologies that you can adopt in order to make this dream a reality. Here are several of them. Try out different forms of Pilates To...

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If you adore Pilates classes – just as we do – you may possibly want to take your practice of Pilates further and become a Pilates guru. There are several methodologies that you can adopt in order to make this dream a reality. Here are several of them.

Try out different forms of Pilates

To pursue your dream of becoming a Pilates guru, it is necessary for you to have as much experience as is possible in the exercise discipline. You also need to be totally au fair with the various pieces of equipment which are used in the practice of Pilates.

If you go to Pilates at your local gym, they probably won’t have as many pieces of equipment available that are used specialised Pilates studios. They will possibly only have mats, exercise balls and therabands. However, as we mentioned previously, a specialised Pilates studio will be able to offer you all the bells and whistles! These studio owners will have – on hand – reformers, barrels, chairs as well as cadillacs.

If you are able to get to such a specialised studio, we recommend that you go to a couple of the classes so that you can decide what Pilates exercises you like. A better alternative, for getting personalised care, you should really try and hire a private Pilates instructor. As the instructor’s attention is concentrated only on you, you’ll be able to get the best imaginable instruction that is tailor made for your needs.

Learn, learn and learn some more!

We’re not saying that your gathering knowledge of Pilates needs to stop when your session is over or when you class is done. If you would like to become knowledgeable about this form of exercise then you need to read up – as much as you possibly can – on the fundamentals of this discipline.

There are limitless resources on the Internet which will answer most questions that you may need answered about the discipline of Pilates. If these resources don’t give you the answers which you’re looking for, keep these in mind for the next time that you’re in class. This is so that you can ask your instructor. Alternatively, if he or she doesn’t know the answer, they will find it out for you. If they won’t do this, find another instructor who will!

Become a Pilates instructor

The best possible way for you to develop into a Pilates guru is to become a Pilates instructor. Be warned that there are hundreds upon thousands of fitness colleges out there who will swear that they will make you into the next Joseph Pilates.  This means that you need to do your homework very carefully about the fitness college you should choose. Ask questions such as the following:

  • What is covered in the Pilates course?
  • Where have past graduates gotten jobs?
  • Is the qualification accredited by a recognised Pilates body?

We can’t emphasise the last point enough. It’s absolutely essential to do a Pilates course that is backed by a reputable fitness body. This stamp of approval shows potential employers as well as clients that you are knowledgeable about the discipline. In addition, you’re showing them that clients will get quality Pilates training when they come to you. Our Pilates Certification Course falls into this category.

Becoming a Pilates guru is not a feat that happens overnight. It’s a lifetime journey that you will go on. In addition, it will teach you many things about others and, most importantly, yourself. The life of a Pilates instructor is not for everyone but – if you love doing and learning about Pilates – you won’t find a more satisfying career path!

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How spinning will assist you to keep fit https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-spinning-will-assist-you-to-keep-fit/ Wed, 16 Oct 2019 07:09:44 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12918 Established by South African-born Johnny G, spinning (or indoor cycling) has been going since the 80s. Nevertheless, as opposed to other fitness fads it has remained in existence for the last 30-odd years.  The biggest explanation for this is its incredible capability to keep you cardiovascularly fit. What are the forms of fitness? Despite what...

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Established by South African-born Johnny G, spinning (or indoor cycling) has been going since the 80s. Nevertheless, as opposed to other fitness fads it has remained in existence for the last 30-odd years.  The biggest explanation for this is its incredible capability to keep you cardiovascularly fit.

What are the forms of fitness?

Despite what you may think, being ‘fit’ doesn’t only mean that you aren’t out of breath when you run up the stairs. There are four types of fitness. It is possible for your to be physically fit in one areas however extremely unfit in another. The fitness types are:

  • Cardiovascular fitness,
  • Anaerobic fitness,
  • Flexibility, and
  • Muscle strength and endurance

Spinning works on enhancing your cardiovascular (or cardiorespiratory) fitness.  When your cardiovascular system is fit, your heart come to be more efficient at delivering oxygen to your muscles. As a result, this permits you to expend increased amounts of energy during your spinning session.

If you happen to be anaerobically fit, you can put out short bursts of energy – in one sitting – during your favoured sport or exercise. For example, sprinters need to be extremely anaerobically fit as they need to cover a particular distance in the shortest time possible.

If a person is flexible they can exercise a wide range of motion with their joints. For example, flexible person will be more likely to be able to touch their toes. A person who isn’t flexible will likely not get very far. Exercise modalities – for example Yoga and Pilates – allow one to enhance flexibility.

Muscular strength and endurance are developed with strength (resistance) activities. The greater the weight that is made use of, a muscle has to exert increased amounts of energy in order to lift it. As a result of this, the more well-defined it becomes. Weight training can be carried out using free weights as well as weight machines. Pilates is also a method of resistance training as, instead of using external weights as a form of resistance, the person uses their own body weight. Plyometric exercises, such as push-ups, work on the same principle.

It’s not only men who will profit from gaining muscular strength as well as endurance. Women will also benefits as training with weights helps to build lean muscle mass (which is responsible for burning fat and calories even while you’re at rest). In addition, lean muscle mass improves bone health as well as density.

It’s inaccurate that women will develop bulky muscles when doing weight training. There is the potential for women to bulk up in the same manner that men do, however they will have to work steadily at this. However, with moderate weight training, this won’t happen.

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Spinning is good for developing abdominal strength

People often have the impression that spinning is just about sitting on a stationary bike and pedalling furiously when the instructor issues the ‘command’ and slowing down when he lets you have a rest. However, when you stand up when you are pedalling, what assists with keeping your posture are your abdominal muscles. By the same token, this will help to keep your back flat as well as relieve any pressure that may be caused.

When you do a standing climb on your bike you’ll be developing a lot of strength in your upper body as you’ll be using your arms to balance you. However, ensure that you don’t apply more pressure than you should on your upper body. This is because if you do, your trapezius muscles (in other words, those muscles that you find rising up to your ears when you get stressed!) will take the brunt of it. As a result, you’ll find yourself going to the physio to relieve the tension.

Spinning is a fantastic and very effective exercise for you to develop cardiovascular fitness. However, don’t neglect other exercises because these will assist you with developing other aspects of fitness in your lifestyle. There are so many exercises that you can select from so if you don’t enjoy one type of exercise, don’t worry. There are many others out there to choose from.

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Why the Fitness Industry needs Qualified Personal Trainers https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-the-fitness-industry-needs-qualified-personal-trainers/ Wed, 16 Oct 2019 05:56:48 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12831 There is no question that having a trainer provides enormous benefits to your exercise routine. Incorrect exercise will never increase the effectiveness of your fitness routine, nor will it get you to your goals. Depending on what your goal is, whether its weight loss, or training for a marathon, weight training to improve your muscles...

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There is no question that having a trainer provides enormous benefits to your exercise routine. Incorrect exercise will never increase the effectiveness of your fitness routine, nor will it get you to your goals.

Depending on what your goal is, whether its weight loss, or training for a marathon, weight training to improve your muscles or just trying to get into shape, a personal trainer will educate you on which exercises suit you best.

Furthermore, they make you aware of the risk of injuries that can impact your health for a long time and can also set you back in terms of progress towards your goals.

Your trainer will correct your posture and technique to ensure your workouts are efficient and suitable for your abilities and requirements. They accommodate old injuries and improve mobility without setting unrealistic goals and causing unnecessary stress.

Mental and Physical Motivation

Personal trainers are wonderful motivators and will encourage you to carry out and stay with your goals.

Appointments that are agreed to are not easily broken, as opposed to skipping your session at the gym. Often members of a gym lose interest and need to enlist in the services of a personal trainer to keep them motivated.

More than Just Training

Nutrition is vital when training for a specific goal.

Your trainer will advise and educate you on the correct diet for your needs and overall well being. They become aware of your stress levels and how motivated you are at each session.

Moreover, they are concerned with unhealthy eating while you are dealing with outside problems. In a way, you have a therapist and a trainer; mental and physical care.

They are there to keep you enthusiastic while working towards your fitness goals. The trainer will adapt your session to suit your mood ensuring you benefit from each visit.

For those who do not relish going to the gym, there are trainers who will accommodate you in your home or a location of your choice.

You have the option of working out wherever and whenever it suits you. In addition, they challenge your abilities and constantly encourage improvement by taking you to the next level.

A personal trainer is your therapist, nutritionist, motivator and life-coach all in one. Your targets will be so much more difficult to achieve without their sound advice and presence.

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Join the Fitness Explosion

The fitness industry now includes more and more regulars every year.  Why not consider being a personal trainer yourself and becoming a part of a growing trend.

There are numerous options available to the enthusiast.

Gyms and fitness clubs have a wide selection of apparatus that you can use yourself or for your clients. They have a budget to renew their equipment regularly which benefits you in keeping up with the new trends.

Being part of a gym, you come into contact with a good source of new client referrals. Working near group fitness instructors helps build up relationships and give you the edge when networking.

Trifocus Fitness Academy  offers courses on managing Boot Camps, aerobics classes, yoga, weight training, sports coaching, and personal training, just to name a few.

If you are a self-starter and motivated, your earning potential is limitless. You can enjoy flexible hours and be totally independent to coach the clients you want. Feel the satisfaction of improving someone else’s self-esteem with your encouragement and knowledge.

It’s total job satisfaction to see clients achieve their objectives.

Become the expert fitness professional in your community or at your gym. Several trainers have become national experts and are in the media due to their immense commitment to the industry. There are many benefits to becoming a fitness trainer, but the main focus is helping people and having a passion for fitness.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Visit the Trifocus Fitness Academy website today to find out more about our variety of fitness and personal training courses.

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How Can You Get Fitter Now? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-can-you-get-fitter-now/ Tue, 15 Oct 2019 05:54:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12812 We all understand that being fit and healthy is the most effective path to longevity and staying agile. It reduces the risk of developing diseases such as type two diabetes, cancer or cardiovascular disease, but do we know how to get fitter? The positive side of starting a fitness regime is that you experience immediate...

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We all understand that being fit and healthy is the most effective path to longevity and staying agile. It reduces the risk of developing diseases such as type two diabetes, cancer or cardiovascular disease, but do we know how to get fitter?

The positive side of starting a fitness regime is that you experience immediate and long-term health benefits.  A good way to begin is to consult the experts who have the skill to advise you on the best approach to exercise; how much you need, and the best workouts for the most noticeable results.

Whether you are training for a marathon or a major competition, trying to lose weight or improve your shape, it’s advisable to have a trainer show you the correct technique to realize your fitness goals.

The other option is to gain the knowledge yourself, so you are able approach fitness from an informed place. Being fit and healthy involves an understanding of nutrition, safety precautions, physiology and, depending on which sport or training routine you prefer, there are a variety of specialised qualifications to choose from.

Motives to get You Moving

Exercising improves your mood and increases euphoria, which alone should be an excellent reason to encourage a sturdy fitness routine.

It causes changes to the brain that regulate stress and anxiety and increases sensitivity to the hormone, serotonin; relieving feelings of depression.

Exercise increases your metabolic rate, and combined with a refinement of calorie intake, encourages weight loss. Doing both aerobic exercise and resistance training can increase fat loss while maintaining muscle mass.

Physical activity stimulates muscle building and improves bone density to prevent injuries as we age. Another excellent reason to stay motivated and fit is to reduce the feeling of fatigue and to increase energy levels. Furthermore exercise lessens the effect of oxidative stress in the body which improves the appearance of the skin.

The health of the brain and memory also rely on regular exercise to increase the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain.

This has been shown to reduce changes in the brain that may cause Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia.

Sleep quality is also improved by regular exercise.  It stimulates the recuperative process during sleep, encouraging deeper and longer sleep, giving you more energy the following day.

So, with all of these incredible benefits that improve every facet of your health, there is absolutely no doubt that increasing your knowledge on the subject can benefit you for life.

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Find Encouragement from the Experts

Perhaps it’s time to take your fitness seriously and make it a career.

As a trainer you can gain access to facilities to work out in, and will have the technical know-how to make the most of it.

Continued education will enable you to gain insight into the latest trends in exercise science which will improve your workouts and encourage you to become a fitness expert.

Being independent with flexible programs, you could be a self-sufficient trainer, which could lead to great opportunities in the industry.

With good knowledge and motivation, your office could be a gym.

The Trifocus Fitness Academy has carefully constructed fitness courses to assist with your enthusiasm to advance your wellbeing. These courses are accredited by CATHSSETA and endorsed by REPSSA, allowing you to work at all gyms and health facilities locally and abroad.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Check out the Personal Trainer Course packages – these are also hyper relevant to any fitness professional.There is no better way to open yourself up to the world of health than by training as a fitness professional.

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Why it is crucial to have the correct form during weight training https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-it-is-crucial-to-have-the-correct-form-during-weight-training/ Mon, 14 Oct 2019 08:34:42 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12808 Weight training has lots of benefits. For example, this activity can assist with strengthening bones and, in so doing, help you ward off age-related diseases such as osteoporosis. However, if you don’t implement the correct form when doing weight training exercises you could do a lot of damage to yourself and could also slow down...

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Weight training has lots of benefits. For example, this activity can assist with strengthening bones and, in so doing, help you ward off age-related diseases such as osteoporosis. However, if you don’t implement the correct form when doing weight training exercises you could do a lot of damage to yourself and could also slow down your fitness regime immensely.

What is ‘correct form’?

When personal trainers speak of ‘correct form’ they’re talking about the correct way in which exercises must be done. Exercises are designed to work a specific set of muscles and if one does not do the movements in the way in which these are supposed to be done, you could end up exercising a part of your body that you weren’t supposed to and may end up harming it.

A good example of a movement that many people do incorrectly is the kettlebell swing. Here’s the correct form you should be adopting when performing this exercise:

  • Stand up straight and keep your feet shoulder-width apart. Have the kettlebell approximately 20cm in front of you.
  • Hinge down – at your hips – towards the kettlebell and take hold of it with both hands.
  • Start the movement by quickly pulling the kettlebell between your legs. Load tension onto your glutes, hamstrings as well as your lower back.
  • With a strong contraction of your glutes, thrust your hips forward to force the kettlebell to swing forwards on a natural pendulum which you create with your arms.
  • Once the kettlebell has reached the height of your shoulders, let gravity to pull it back down. The kettlebell should go between your legs at or above the height of your knees.
  • Let the downward swing of the kettlebell load tension on your posterior chain and repeat the exercise.

What many individuals do is that when they swing the kettlebell forward, rather than contracting their glutes they put all the tension onto their lower back. The result of this is that when they swing the kettlebell up they place a lot of pressure on their lower backs and, as such, hurt the muscles in this area of their bodies.

Another cause of lower back strain during this particular exercise is people using kettlebells that are too heavy for them. If they do this, they are concentrating on merely getting the kettlebell up – with any muscles that they can – versus using the right muscles to get the kettlebell up to shoulder height.

How do you make sure that you maintain correct form?

You’ve seen from the above that adopting the correct form when exercising – particularly when working out with weights – is incredibly important.  However, how do you make sure that you always maintain the correct form so that you don’t risk injury?

The simple response to this is to hire a personal trainer. Owing to the fact that they are highly trained as well as skilled fitness professionals, they are the best people to scrutinise their clients’ form while training and to ensure that they always maintain the proper posture as well as technique. They monitor their clients with eagle-like eyes so that zero gets by them.

They also ensure that the weights which they get their clients to utilise are appropriate for their strength and fitness levels. Although a new client may come to them and say that their goal is to develop muscle bulk, a trainer won’t start them off on an exceptionally heavy weight. They’ll being the training routine with a moderate weight and will build them up to heavier ones once their fitness and strength levels improve.

Adopting the correct form when weight lifting is essential as it helps to prevent injury from doing the exercises incorrectly. It’s not worth it to sacrifice good form as you’ll end up paying a dear price for this: you’ll end up putting a halt to your training or, even worse, you could end up under the surgeon’s knife. So make sure that you always lift weights according to best practices.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’re unsure about how to start a weight training programme, Trifocus Fitness Academy has a variety of personal training courses that can help to set you on the right track. For more information, visit our website.

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How weight training increases bone density https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-weight-training-increases-bone-density/ Mon, 14 Oct 2019 08:00:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12804 As we get on in life, we lose bone density. If this happens, we become more vulnerable to ailments such as osteoporosis. Nevertheless, the good news is that weight training can assist with increasing bone density. Why is this? Have a read-through of this article to learn more. What is ‘bone density’? The term ‘bone...

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As we get on in life, we lose bone density. If this happens, we become more vulnerable to ailments such as osteoporosis. Nevertheless, the good news is that weight training can assist with increasing bone density. Why is this? Have a read-through of this article to learn more.

What is ‘bone density’?

The term ‘bone density’ refers to how strong your bones are. Collagen is the main constituent of bone together with calcium. Throughout our childhood as well as teenage years, our bones are being fortified to make them stronger. Old bone is not eliminated as much as new bone is created. Medical expert say that, in these years, our bones are the strongest.

After 30, there is not that much new bone which is being formed. This being said, old bone is taken way and – if the rate at which the old bone is eliminated is faster than the rate at which new bone is formed – you’ll be more susceptible for osteoporosis as well as bone fractures.

How weight training assist with increasing bone density

You can do something right now to assist with increasing bone density – and that is through exercise. Expert personal trainers have uncovered three biological factors, in exercise, that help to enhance bone density. These are the following:

  • The degree of the muscle strain that an exercise exerts,
  • The degree to which this muscle strain occurs, and
  • The rate at which this muscle strain takes place.

One of the best exercises to assist with enhancing bone density is weight training as it combines all of the above three factors. In particular, the force employed on the muscle helps to stimulate bone growth.

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What weight training exercises are the best answer to increasing bone density

Some of the best exercises to encourage the increase of bone density are push-ups as well as squats. Add in a free weight, for example a pair of dumbbells or barbells, in order to make this exercise more challenging.

There are a couple of dos as well as don’ts when it comes to performing the squat properly. For example, when most individuals try to squat, their knees project far too much over their toes. Their rear goes straight down and their heels raise up off the floor. This occurs because proper squat technique requires some hip flexibility, proper balance in addition to a hip hinge.

Every time you squat, hinge your hips so that your glutes move backwards during the downward phase of the squat. Your knees will no longer protrude over your toes however, if you are tall, this may happen but ensure that it does not put pressure on your knees. Finally, the pressure of the squat will be on your heels as opposed to your toes and you will be able to get more depth to your squat.

In addition, another major error that people make when they do squats is rounding their necks or looking down at the floor. By doing this your spinal alignment is automatically thrown off which makes the squat a very hazardous exercise particularly if you are utilising a lot of weight.

A crucial theme with the squat is to ensure that your spine is in a proper alignment. By keeping your shoulders back as well as your chest out your lower back will probably have the correct natural curve. If you round your shoulders back and keep your chest out, your lower back will most likely have the correct natural curve. If you round your shoulders and drop your chest in, your spinal alignment will be incorrect.

Hyperextension of your lower back by arching too, much or rounding your back, can put significant pressure on the intervertebral discs. These are soft, gel-like cushions which protect each vertebra. If the disc ruptures owing of too much pressure, a section  of the spinal disc pushes outside its normal boundary. This is referred to as a herniated disc and may possibly require surgery.

In this article, we’ve given a number of pointers about how to do the squat, which is an excellent exercise for improving bone density. There are loads more exercises out there that you can do in order to help you with improving your bone health. You just need to find one which you enjoy and works for you!

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about other exercises to help improve your bone density, find out more here.

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What is the Best Form of Fitness for You? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-best-form-of-fitness-for-you/ Mon, 14 Oct 2019 05:46:10 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12794 While there are a number of excellent approaches to improving your fitness, there is no single approach that can be called the best. The route you take will depend on a number of factors that are unique to you; starting with your goals and abilities, how you prefer to exercise, the type of environment you...

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While there are a number of excellent approaches to improving your fitness, there is no single approach that can be called the best.

The route you take will depend on a number of factors that are unique to you; starting with your goals and abilities, how you prefer to exercise, the type of environment you are working out in, and your schedule. To name a few.

Here we will work through a few of the things that you should consider when looking for your ideal workout plan, to ensure that you find the approach that best suits you.

Determine Your Workout Goals

Before you get started, you first need to envision what you want the end-result of your hard work to be. The fitness goal you work towards will have a huge impact on the type of plan you go for, and of course the intensity at which you work on it.

Building Mass

If you are looking for a routine that will ensure that you bulk, you will take on a routine that is mainly made up of resistance training exercises, since these are the ones that increase muscle mass.

You won’t necessarily concentrate solely on resistance routines such as weight-lifting and will likely see improved results if you mix resistance with anaerobic exercises as well. – it is always advisable to employ the use of a qualified personal trainer if you are just starting out on a weight training routine.

Weight Loss

If weight loss is your primary fitness goal, then you will focus on exercises that keep your heart-rate elevated.

Aerobic exercises such as cycling, jogging and swimming would be your best bet in such a case, especially if combined with a healthy diet.

Improved Endurance

If your goal is to improve endurance, one of the most effective approaches to doing so is through HIIT workouts.

High intensity interval training includes exercises that require bursts of high-level activity with very short rest intervals in between.

These offer a combination of both fat-burning and improving muscle capacity through highly targeted workouts.

Range of Motion

If your goal is to improve range of motion, then exercises such as Yoga are excellent. Pilates is also effective at improving range of motion with the added benefit of offering aerobic fitness, improved balance and core-group muscle strength.

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How Do You Prefer to Exercise?

The next thing to figure out is how you prefer to exercise. Each way has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the way you choose to do it will rely on your own preference:

Alone

Some people prefer to workout alone because it can be done with fewer arrangements and more quickly. It can be difficult to continuously hold yourself accountable to your goals when doing a solo act, however; so, if you aren’t the type to challenge yourself, doing it by yourself may not be the way to go.

With a Friend

Most people prefer to work out with a friend for the obvious benefit of making it more enjoyable. Aside from that, having a workout buddy makes it easier to push yourself to your limits, and adds a competitive edge to your routine that holds you accountable to your goals.

In a Group

Working out in groups is also an excellent way to foster a competitive fitness environment by taking a communal approach to working out. This is also great for accountability, and also opens up a space for your to enter competitions.

Consider Your Schedule

Your schedule, it should go without saying, will have a lot to do with how dedicated you stay to your routine. So, it is important to first take a look at your time-constraints when designing a workout schedule.

Not having enough time is often an excuse for missing training sessions, but often we have more time than we actually think we do. Still, if you are trying to fit an unrealistic number of weekly hours in, your routine will likely not be sustainable.

So be sure to pick a routine that works with your calendar.

Contact the Trifocus Fitness Academy 

If you would like to know more about our specialised, online fitness courses, be sure to get in touch with a representative from the Trifocus Fitness Academy today, or visit our website for details on our offers.

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How you know that you’re overtraining https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-you-know-that-youre-overtraining/ Fri, 11 Oct 2019 07:20:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12784 When it comes to volume of exercise, there is a “dose-response relationship”. This means that the more time you spend training, the increased benefits you will achieve. However, there is a tipping point outside which the amount of physical activity which performs can do more harm as opposed to good. This point can be gotten...

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When it comes to volume of exercise, there is a “dose-response relationship”. This means that the more time you spend training, the increased benefits you will achieve. However, there is a tipping point outside which the amount of physical activity which performs can do more harm as opposed to good. This point can be gotten to by one or both of the following two ways:

  • Too much exercise without enough recovery, or
  • Chronic under fuelling.

This tipping point is known as overtraining syndrome (OTS) and, in short, leads to a decrease in fitness level and possibly injury. Whether you happen to be a man or a woman, you are equally at risk for OTS. This means that recognising the early signs and combating these can prevent harmful fitness and health outcomes.

What is ‘overtraining syndrome’?

Burnout, or overtraining syndrome (OTS), is a condition in which an athlete suffers from fatigue as well as sports performance that is declining. This is despite continuing or increased training. OTS can cause mood alterations, decreased levels of motivation, numerous injuries and even infections.  Burnout is seen to be as a result of the physical in addition to emotional stress of training.

OTS occurs when an athlete does not recover properly from training as well as competition. The symptoms of this syndrome are owing to a combination of alterations in hormones, suppression of the immune system (which causes a decrease in the athlete’s ability to fight infection), physical fatigue as well as psychological changes. Risk factors for the athlete include specialising in a single sport, sudden surges in training, involvement in endurance sports, low self-esteem in addition to parental and coaching pressure to perform.

Warning Signs of OTS

Warning signs of OTS and burnout include:

  • The young athlete is no longer enjoying performing in the sport.
  • The sport is dominating the life of the family.
  • The only topic of conversation is the sport being performed by the child.
  • Rewards are founded on performance in the sport.
  • The young athlete has missed 10% of season but has not consulted a doctor.
  • The female athlete is older than 16 years of age and still not menstruating. Alternative, she is dieting just to become a better athlete.

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Symptoms of OTS

Symptoms of burnout and OTS include:

  • Chronic muscle and joint pain
  • Weight loss and loss of appetite
  • Increased heart rate at rest
  • Decreased sports performance
  • Fatigue
  • Prolonged recovery time
  • Lack of enthusiasm
  • Frequent illnesses
  • Difficulty completing usual routines
  • Reduced school performance
  • Personality or mood changes
  • Increased anger or irritability
  • Sleep disturbances (trouble sleeping or sleeping without feeling refreshed)

What can you do to prevent OTS?

There are loads of methods that you can adopt to safeguard yourself against overdoing it at the gym. This process starts by putting together a training program that works in recovery days. Everyone should have one day completely off from exercise. If you want to exercise, you can go for a light walk. What’s more important than pumping iron seven days a week is to remember that we get our results from our recovery.

If your schedule compels you to train intensively on consecutive days, ideally there should never be more than two hard workout days in a row. Every four to six weeks of exercise should be followed up by a “de-loading phase”. During this phase you should lift half what you usually do or slow your pace and pointedly decrease your typical mileage. These de-loading phases are active recovery weeks in your overall training.

What is active recovery time?

The term ‘active recovery’ refers to the performance of low-intensity exercise after you complete a heavy workout or athletic event. As absurd as it may seem, the best way to recuperate from a marathon or other sporting competition is to exercise at a lower intensity as opposed to remaining still.

Out of the structure of your training, it’s vital to get the most out of your recovery time in between tough workouts. This means stretching, foam rolling, icing, eating protein-rich meals to rebuild muscle tissue, and even meditating to reduce stress.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about avoiding the pitfalls of overtraining and also become a personal trainer yourself, you should consider going on a personal trainer course. Follow this link for more information.

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How to train an ectomorph body type https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-to-train-an-ectomorph-body-type/ Fri, 11 Oct 2019 06:54:16 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12780 Models who are on the covers – and in pages – of most fashion magazine incline towards having an ectomorph body type. As well as being tall, ectomorph individuals have a thin build, long limbs, small joints as well as fragile bones. Many ectomorphs are flat-chested and, although they appear to be skinny, they can...

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Models who are on the covers – and in pages – of most fashion magazine incline towards having an ectomorph body type. As well as being tall, ectomorph individuals have a thin build, long limbs, small joints as well as fragile bones. Many ectomorphs are flat-chested and, although they appear to be skinny, they can have higher body fat percentage than one might believe.

Ectomorphs have a challenging time of putting on muscle mass as their metabolism is inclined to run at a higher rate than that of other body types. In the world of health and fitness, we would refer to ectomorphs them as “hard gainers.” Celebrity female ectomorphs include Kate Moss, Natalie Portman, Taylor Swift, Kate Middleton as well as Cameron Diaz. Celebrity male ectomorphs include Matthew McConaughey, Bradley Cooper as well as Toby McGuire.

The best type of training for an ectomorph

The basis of an ectomorph’s training should aim to increase testosterone (which is your muscle-building hormone) production. This is because this is likely to assist you with maximising your gains made from each workout that you do. Research in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research made the finding that making us of compound multi-jointed exercises (for example squats, deadlifts and bench presses) in a workout – which lasts no more than 55 minutes – is the best strategy for maximising testosterone and muscle-building.

The proper deadlift form

The “dead” in ‘deadlift’ stands for ‘dead weight’. This means that every rep must start on the floor, from a dead stop. You don’t perform deadlifts from the top-down such as in a Squat or Bench Press. Start at the bottom, pull the weight up and then return it to the floor. Here are the five steps to performing deadlifts with the proper form:

  • Walk up to the bar. Stand and have your mid-foot under the bar and your shins shouldn’t touch the bar as yet. Place your heels hip-width apart, in a narrower stance than if you were doing squats. Point your toes out at 15°.
  • Grab hold of the bar. Bend over and don’t bend your legs. Take hold of the bar in a narrow grip, about shoulder-width apart as if you were doing an overhead press. Ensure that your arms are vertical when looking at it from the front.
  • Bend your knees. Drop into position through the process of bending your knees until your shins are touching the bar. Whatever you do, do NOT let the bar move away from your mid-foot. If this happens, start from scratch with step one.
  • Lift your chest. Straighten your back and raise your torso. Do not alter your position. Keep the bar over your mid-foot with your shins against the bar and keep your hips where they are.
  • Take a big breath and hold it. Stand up straight with the weight. Make sure that the bar remains in contact with your legs as you pull. Don’t shrug or lean back when you’re at the top. Lock your hips as well as your knees.
  • Return the weight to the floor through the process of first unlocking your hips and knees. At this point, lower the bar by moving your hips back. Keep your legs almost straight. At the point when the bar is past your knees, bend your legs further. When you do this the bar will land over your mid-foot and will be ready for your next rep.
  • Rest a for a second between reps. Remain in the set-up position with your hands on the bar. Take a big breath, prepare, and pull again. Each rep must begin from a dead stop. Don’t bounce the weight off the floor. If you do this, you’ll pull with bad form.

The best diet for an ectomorph

Ectomorphs have a metabolism which works exceptionally quickly. A high metabolism renders it easier to get lean and, as such, it can seem as if ectomorphs can eat anything that they want and not gain weight. However, as they get older their metabolisms will slow down. This is because they don’t have much muscle mass which can cause an unhealthy gain in body fat.

The best eating plan for an ectomorph is higher in carbohydrates as well as calories. Roughly between 50 and 60% of the calories that they consume should come from carbs. A total of 25% should come from protein and 25% from fat.

Here are some other nutrition tips for ectomorphs:

  • Eat between two and four hours.
  • Complement your eating plan with at least 500 calories if you want to gain weight or muscle.
  • Select warm foods as opposed cold foods as this is better for digestion.
  • Best starchy carbohydrates which you can eat include oats, brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes as well as potatoes.
  • The best fruit choices for ectomorphs include bananas, mangoes, pineapple, papaya, avocado as well as peaches.
  • Ectomorphs should choose between these vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, beetroot and carrots
  • Nutrient-dense snacks include nuts and seeds, as well as nut butters.

The key is to consume a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in nutrients. Because you have an ectomorph body type, this doesn’t mean you should use that as an excuse to eat everything, including junk food.

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Want to go on a personal trainer course and learn how to train all body types – including ectomorphs? Follow this link to read more.

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How Fitness is Linked to Longevity https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-fitness-is-linked-to-longevity/ Fri, 11 Oct 2019 06:20:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12775 It has long been understood that there is a relationship between fitness and longevity. Since an active lifestyle ensures reduced risks of mortality in a number of ways, even mild to moderate forms of exercise have been shown to be advantageous to people regardless of age, gender, health-conditions or lifestyle. The greatest killers in Western...

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It has long been understood that there is a relationship between fitness and longevity. Since an active lifestyle ensures reduced risks of mortality in a number of ways, even mild to moderate forms of exercise have been shown to be advantageous to people regardless of age, gender, health-conditions or lifestyle.

The greatest killers in Western civilization come from cardiovascular related diseases. In South Africa alone, one in every six deaths is caused by heart disease, and that is not the only health risk reduced by maintaining an active lifestyle.

So, how much of a role does activity play in longevity, and how much exercise do you need to do to make a difference?

Let’s explore these questions in a bit more depth:

How Maintaining Fitness Reduces the Risk of Mortality

The relationship between fitness and mortality can largely be attributed to the way in which it reduces the number of mortality risk factors; particularly those associated with age and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Aerobic activity has been shown to be the most beneficial, particularly in subjects over the age of 70.

It does this is by significantly reducing the risk of factors such as type 2 diabetes, arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, and strokes. Each of these above-mentioned factors, which exercise is known to help avoid, are responsible for a significant lowering of the average life-expectancy.

In addition to this, an active lifestyle significantly improves a person’s quality of life, which is true for all ages. So, while longevity is extended, the enjoyment of those extra years is also enhanced. Once again, this is particularly evident in subjects in their senior years.

How Studies Were Conducted

In one study, over 120 000 individuals of mixed age, gender and endurance levels, participated in a treadmill test that took place over a period of 14 years.

After an initial stress-test, the participants were classified according to 5 groups with regards to their active ability: elite, high, above-average, below-average and low.

Each of these categories of participants were then analysed according to their ages. In each case, the benefits of an active lifestyle were evident across all age-groups. However, the greatest benefits of consistently maintaining high levels of fitness were most evident in participants over the age of 70.

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How Much Does Exercise Raise Life Expectancy By?

Studies have shown that even low to moderate amounts of exercise can extend the average lifespan of individuals regardless of their previous fitness levels, health conditions or body-mass-index.

One study showed that moderate weekly exercise could increase the average life expectancy by between 0.4 years and 6.7 years.

In Obese Participants

In obese participants, it has been shown that around 150 minutes of exercise a week can result in an extension of the average lifespan by between 2.5 and 3.5 years. This is when compared to obese people who do not exercise.

In Overweight Participants

In participants who were considered overweight, but not obese, it was found that 150 minutes of weekly exercise could extend the average person’s lifespan by just under 4 years when compared to people of the same weight ratio who did little to no exercise.

Average Weight Participants

For those participants who were described as having an average weight, 150 minutes of weekly exercise resulted in an average lifespan of almost 5 years longer when compared to those who do not maintain their fitness levels through regular exercise.

The Highest Measured Levels of Intensity

The highest levels of intensity measured by one study, in those deemed to have high fitness levels, has shown that 450 minutes of vigorous exercise per week resulting in an increase of the average life expectancy by about 4.5 years.

Learn More at the Trifocus Fitness Academy

As you can see there are several great benefits to be had from maintaining an active lifestyle and helping others to do it too; with longevity being one of the biggest.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to know more about the professional world of fitness, take a look at our extensive offers on specialised fitness courses at the Trifocus Fitness Academy.

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Why a personal trainer needs to know about anatomy https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-a-personal-trainer-needs-to-know-about-anatomy/ Thu, 10 Oct 2019 07:32:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12753 Most trainee personal trainers study anatomy because they have to rather than because they want to. This means that once the exams are over, the book gets closed, and anatomy becomes a distant memory. However, having a thorough understanding of anatomy can go a long way towards helping a personal trainer to design the ideal...

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Most trainee personal trainers study anatomy because they have to rather than because they want to. This means that once the exams are over, the book gets closed, and anatomy becomes a distant memory. However, having a thorough understanding of anatomy can go a long way towards helping a personal trainer to design the ideal training programme for a client, correcting their posture or, even, assisting a friend or family member push past a chronic pain that has been bothering them for years.

With the correct education as well as motivation to have a good understanding of the human body, personal trainer can form a unique skill that allows them to think visually when providing rehabilitation services. This ability assists them with increasing a client’s range of motion and with instructing their clients on an exercise that targets the area that they want to work on.

Anatomy is not just about the exercises

When we train at the gym, or in a sports facility, we are not just performing a series of exercises. We have selected these exercises for a reason. This reason is anatomy and physiology:

  • The term ‘anatomy’ refers to the branch of science that is concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals as well as other living organisms. You’re able to get a closer look at an organism’s anatomy by dissecting it and separating its parts.
  • When we speak about ‘physiology’ we’re referring to the branch of biology which deals with the normal functions of living organisms as well as their parts. Put another way, ‘anatomy’ refers to the way in which a living organism – or bodily part – functions.

Put in personal training terms, when you do a bicep curl you are not simply doing a bicep curl. Yes, you’re performing this exercise however while you’re doing this you’re adapting your muscle fibres, energy systems, and nervous system in order to be able to lift the weight.

Future qualifications

Every stratum of the fitness industry builds on the previous one. To truly excel in this industry, having a qualification on paper is not enough. You also need to have the underpinning knowledge to make the next level achievable.

When you’re starting out in the personal training industry, find a seasoned trainer who knows their way around the gym or health club. In addition, he or she must be willing to show you the ropes. As you get started, don’t be afraid to have more than one mentor or to change mentors throughout your personal training career. A mentor shines in an area where you feel weak. This means that as you progress you will most probably need someone who has a different knowledge base or, alternatively, another set of skills.

A mentoring relationship can take a range of forms, such as a shadowing experience, regular check-in conversations, or occasional advice when a problem presents itself. Good mentors will offer encouragement and motivation to help you build your skills as a personal trainer

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What you should look for in a fitness mentor

Your fitness mentor is the person who you will be working closely with. You have to be compatible with this person. If you are not, the relationship can feel strained or forced. Finding the right fitness mentor does take a bit of time so don’t discount a relationship too quickly. However, pay attention to any cues that could indicate long-term conflict. Don’t be scared of voicing your concerns or ending the relationship. Chances are, you and your mentor are both feeling the same way.

What does a fitness mentor do?

A fitness mentor helps you to step outside your comfort zone. You don’t want a clone of yourself or your best friend as a mentor. You need diversity to make sure you’re getting a true different perspective on things.

It’s not about finding a mentor with the most years of experience or the fanciest title. It’s about finding a mentor with the knowledge and expertise that will help  you on your journey. You want a mentor with enough experience to assist you to navigate any challenges that you’re facing however this doesn’t always mean that this person needs to have the most years of work on their CV.

As you will be telling your mentor things in confidence trust is of utmost importance. This trust should go both ways because the relationship will be the most successful when they trust you as well. Build on this mutual trust to get the most out of your relationship.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are considering embarking into the world of fitness, then contact Trifocus Fitness Academy for all your Personal Trainer Course needs.

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What exactly is strength and conditioning training? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-exactly-is-strength-and-conditioning-training/ Thu, 10 Oct 2019 05:26:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12744 The term ‘strength and conditioning training’ refers to the format of exercise which highlights building the strength, size as well as endurance of skeletal muscles. To undertake strength and conditioning training, you need to utilise resistance to muscular contraction so that you can achieve the desired results. There are several different ways of doing these...

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The term ‘strength and conditioning training’ refers to the format of exercise which highlights building the strength, size as well as endurance of skeletal muscles. To undertake strength and conditioning training, you need to utilise resistance to muscular contraction so that you can achieve the desired results. There are several different ways of doing these particular exercises, the most well-known of which is using elastic or hydraulic forces to counter opposing muscular contractions.

Benefits of strength and conditioning training

Also, strength and conditioning training is hugely beneficial as it helps in enhancing the overall health and well-being of an individual. This type of training improves the strength and toughness of bones, tendons, muscles as well as ligaments.

With this type of training, the joints of the body function better and there are decreased chances of one becoming injured. Strength and conditioning offer improved cardiac functioning, enhanced bone density, and elevated levels of HDL cholesterol which is good cholesterol. Therefore, with so many benefits, strength and conditioning training finds many takers, especially those involved in sports like powerlifting, bodybuilding, and weightlifting.

What are the benefits of increased bone density?

Your bones are changing continuously. New bone is made while old bone is broken down. When you’re at a younger age, your body builds new bone quicker than it breaks down old bone. This means that your bone mass improves. Most individuals reach their pinnacle bone mass around the time that they are 30. After that, bone remodelling continues; however, you lose a little more bone mass than you get.

How probable it is that you are to develop osteoporosis — which is a condition that triggers bones into becoming weak and brittle — differs depending on how much bone mass you amass by the time get to 30 as well as how rapidly you lose it subsequently. The higher your peak bone mass is measured at, the more bone you will have “in the bank”. This means that it is less probable that you will develop osteoporosis as you age.

Why are elevated levels of HDL cholesterol proper?

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is recognised as the “good” cholesterol. This is because it helps to remove other forms of bad cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are linked to a lower risk of heart disease.

What are examples of strength and conditioning training?

If you talk about a ‘strength exercise’, you’re speaking about any activity that makes your muscles work harder than they usually do. Strength training increases your muscles’ strength, size, power as well as endurance and involves making use of your body weight or working against a resistance.

You should try to do two sessions or more of muscle-strengthening exercises a week which target all major muscle groups so that you don’t develop a weakness in one particular muscle group.

Here are a couple of examples of muscle-strengthening activities:

  • Lifting weights,
  • Working with resistance bands (which are also called therabands),
  • Heavy gardening, such as digging and shovelling,
  • Climbing stairs,
  • Hillwalking,
  • Cycling,
  • Dance,
  • Push-ups, sit-ups, and squats, and
  • Yoga.

Here is the correct way to do a push-up:

  • Position your body with your arms straight under your shoulders. Ensure that your abs are tight and hold your body in a plank position.
  • Position your hands and arms slightly below your shoulders. Ensure that your fingers are pointed forwards. Push your shoulders away from your ears.
  • Lower your body till your chest is centimetre or two above the floor. Pull your elbows back at approximately a 45-degree angle.
  • Drove your torso away from the ground until your arms lock. Repeat the exercise as many times as it takes to attain your desired results.

What are conditioning workouts?

If you are looking to enhance your performance in a sport or activity, or want to get the benefits of physical activity, body conditioning exercises strengthen as well as improve your body and performance. Body conditioning usually includes aerobic exercise, strength training, and stretching as well as flexibility exercises. Aerobic conditioning improves the cardiovascular and respiratory systems of the body and assists in reducing the risk of ailments such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and depression. Aerobic conditioning is also a critical component in achieving weight loss as well as maintaining a healthy weight.

If you don’t have time to figure out what strength and conditioning exercises are right for you, then you should hire a personal trainer to help you.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to become a trainer yourself, there are loads of personal trainer courses out there to help you achieve this dream. Follow this link for more information.

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What are the best heart rate trackers? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-the-best-heart-rate-trackers/ Wed, 09 Oct 2019 05:58:13 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12721 Wearable technology has made it so much simpler to track vital statistics like our steps, calories as well as even sleep. A heart rate monitor, which comes standard with this type of technology, allows you to assess your fitness and spot any irregularities that your doctor should be aware of. Why do you need to...

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Wearable technology has made it so much simpler to track vital statistics like our steps, calories as well as even sleep. A heart rate monitor, which comes standard with this type of technology, allows you to assess your fitness and spot any irregularities that your doctor should be aware of.

Why do you need to monitor your heart rate?

Your heart rate is a good signal of the amount of effort that you’re putting into a workout. Focusing on various heart rate zones permits you to concentrate on burning fat or increasing your stamina. By monitoring your heart rate, it is possible for you to avoid falling into the training traps of over- and under-exerting. This means that if you perform the correct amount of exertion you’ll be well on your way to achieving your fitness goals. Maintaining a good watch on your heart rate should, therefore, form part of any exercise regime which is why monitoring your heart rate is always a good idea every time that you do any form of exercise.

Endurance athletes accurately rely on their training pulse as a measurement of their fitness levels. Workouts at varying intensities are vital to progress in this area. Interval training, which refers to short periods of moderate effort in the aerobic zone which alternate with short periods above the anaerobic threshold, is a great way to become faster as well as develop stamina. The same is true for muscular-endurance training techniques such as HIIT.

What is HIIT?

HIIT’ – which stands for ‘High-Intensity Interval Training’ – refers to short, extreme, unsustainable surges of physical activity that are paired with periods of quick rests.  This kind of intense training causes a type of metabolic disturbance which can cause the body to burn calories at an increased rate up to 48-72 hours after your workout session.

HIIT training can also boost metabolism, lower insulin resistance, enhance cardiac function, cause faster gains in endurance levels as opposed to steady-state cardio training. Also, HIIT can be an effective way to recruit or build type 2 fast-twitch muscle fibres.  Slow-twitch muscles assist with enabling long-endurance feats such as distance running, while fast-twitch muscles fatigue quicker but are used in intense bursts of movements such as sprinting.

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Wearable Heart Rate Monitors

There are several wearable heart rate monitors that are available currently on the South African market. Here are some of them.

Fitbit

Fitbit was one of the original wearable technology companies to offer step counts, badges and calorie-burn information. A decade after the company started, it’s still going strong as the brand has stayed current with what customers want in addition to bringing the latest health tech trends to the market. However, Fitbit has also remained true to its simple, easy-to-use and accurate roots. Today, Fitbit has a wide range of products that will suit most lifestyles and are in keeping with most budgets.

Polar

Polar is top of mind when it comes to consumer heart rate monitors. The latest, high-end chest strap monitor to come out of this stable – the Polar H10 – boasts the following features:

  • Built-in memory so that it is possible for you to capture your workout without having to use a smartphone,
  • Extensive compatibility with third-party apps,
  • The extended estimated battery life of 400 hours,
  • A new easy-to-remove battery cover, as well as
  • A new, more secure chest strap.

Garmin

Garmin’s HRM-Dual heart rate monitor has dual transmission which makes it pretty simple record precise heart rate data on devices released by Garmin, compatible gym equipment as well as third-party training apps. Some of these devices include:

  • Garmin Edge 1000,
  • Garmin Forerunner 920 XT triathlon watch,
  • Wahoo Kickr trainer
  • Wahoo Headwind,
  • Wahoo Fitness app,
  • Zwift app, and
  • Apple iPhone X.

It is simple to pair the HRM-Dual to Garmin devices, Wahoo Headwind fan, Apple iPhone X and third-party apps. Pair as you would do with any other sensor and ensure that you are within 3 m of the device. The HR monitor picks up quickly and then consistently reads the same heart rate no matter what device or app is being used.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

A heart rate monitor is an incredibly valuable tool that is used in a personal training relationship between the trainer and the client. If you’re keen doing a personal trainer or fitness course, why not have a look at our comprehensive list of courses?

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What is a gym instructor? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-gym-instructor/ Tue, 08 Oct 2019 05:58:52 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12655 A gym instructor’s job involves assisting people to improve their health and fitness. They will do this by leading and organising group exercise programmes that cater to multiple participants. A gym instructor will lead a range of activities or specialise in a particular area such as keep fit and weight training. Those working as gym...

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A gym instructor’s job involves assisting people to improve their health and fitness. They will do this by leading and organising group exercise programmes that cater to multiple participants. A gym instructor will lead a range of activities or specialise in a particular area such as keep fit and weight training.

Those working as gym instructors aren’t able to work with specific members of the public – to assist them with achieving their health and fitness goals – as well as with clients with certain medical problems. This is because the training for a gym instructor doesn’t provide enough knowledge for successful graduates to be able to train these groups in an efficient way.

This means that many of the people who opt to become gym instructors will spend more of their ‘working the floor’ at the gym that they are employed at. They’ll tend to:

  • Talk to members of the public,
  • Offer advice and assistance, and
  • Show people how to utilise certain pieces of equipment.

This assistance and advice is covered in a person’s monthly gym membership fee. This means that gym instructors cannot charge for giving this assistance as they are employed by the gym to do so.

If they are suitably qualified gym instructors may also take group exercise classes such as:

However, as we said previously, a fitness instructor cannot work one-on-one with members of the public or provide specialised workout routines for them.

In addition to this, a gym instructor’s job may also involve carrying out basic administrative duties as well as cleaning equipment within the gym. Administrative duties in a gym include:

  • Monitoring staff and providing staff training, as well as
  • Coordinating schedules and resources.

What are the benefits of becoming a gym instructor?

If you teach in a gym, you have the opportunity to take classes as well as make use of the facility for free. However, remember that the time you spend taking classes is not the time for your own workouts. You’re there to coach, assess as well as motivate.

Being a group fitness instructor allows you the opportunity to network with people who assist you with growing your business. Being well-informed and personable will make it easier for members to refer you to prospective new clients. You’ll be amazed how often you’ll get approached to do random things like teach a yoga class for a bridal party, lead an onsite fitness class at a church or present a workshop for a local company when you’re a group fitness instructor.

Many all-inclusive holiday offer daily group fitness classes which means that as a group fitness instructor, you’ll be able to offer your services to this resort and take classes in return. The time that you’re not teaching is time for you to relax and enjoy a holiday!

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How do you become a gym instructor?

So if you feel that you want to reap the rewards to becoming a gym instructor, the next thing that you need to do is to find a course that will teach how exactly you can become a group fitness instructor.

When you’re reviewing the list of possible options, make that to check if the course covers the following:

Anatomy as well as physiology

  • Identifying the anatomy of the human body.
  • Explaining how joints, bones and muscles work.
  • Describing how common exercises function.

Leading an exercise session

  • Assisting fitness participants with working out to music in a group exercise class.
  • Leading fitness participants safely and effectively through a choreographed class.
  • Demonstrating the communication skills needed to effectively teach a group exercise class

Looking after a fitness facility

  • Explaining what a ‘health-related’ multi-disciplinary team is.
  • Describing how a fitness facility operates.
  • Describing legal and ethical business practices.

Recommending an exercise programme for an individual

  • Assisting clients with developing their training regime.
  • Coaching clients through the programme you’ve developed for them.
  • Demonstrating verbal and non-verbal communication skills as well as great teaching methods.

Launching a career in the fitness industry is worthwhile especially for those who have a passion for exercise. You should really look at becoming a gym instructor if you would like to help others to become more physically active and have healthier lifestyles.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to become a gym instructor? Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Gym Instructor Course today!

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What is a bootcamp class? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-a-bootcamp-class/ Tue, 08 Oct 2019 05:56:44 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12650 A bootcamp class is a group exercise programme that may be conducted by gyms, personal trainers, gym instructors or, alternatively, other organisations. Bootcamp classes are planned with the aim of building strength and fitness with the use of a variety of types of exercise. The activities in a bootcamp class may be loosely modelled on...

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A bootcamp class is a group exercise programme that may be conducted by gyms, personal trainers, gym instructors or, alternatively, other organisations. Bootcamp classes are planned with the aim of building strength and fitness with the use of a variety of types of exercise. The activities in a bootcamp class may be loosely modelled on aspects of fitness training which are used in the military. In some cases, the personal trainers themselves may have been part of the military previously.

Indoor as well as outdoor bootcamp workouts became common, in the United States, in the latter half of the 1990s. (Although, in South Africa, it is more common to see bootcamp classes being done outdoors.) As the popularity of outdoor group fitness classes grew, so did bootcamp classes. This happened in the 2000s in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom as well as Canada.

Bootcamp classes link strength training with cardio exercises in order to achieve a full-body workout. These types of workouts get your heart pumping, make you sweat, and challenge your muscles. Bootcamp workouts can vary based on where you do them and who takes the class. These types of sessions generally include quite an intense mixture of the following types of workouts:

  • Aerobic,
  • Strength training, as well as
  • Speed elements.

One bootcamp training session may focus on plyometrics while another emphasises military-style drills.

In many of the bootcamp classes, you can anticipate doing:

  • Plyometrics, such as pull-ups, push-ups, lunges and crunches, as well as
  • Drills and sprints.

A bootcamp class is basically a kind of interval training. This is as it unites bursts of intense activity alternated with lighter activity.

The benefits of a bootcamp workout?

Bootcamp weight-loss classes offer a dynamic as well as efficient workout. As we mentioned previously, these classes make use of a wide range of exercise types that help you to develop both muscular and cardiovascular fitness. As well, these exercise types promote safe as well as effective weight-loss.

People who take part in a bootcamp weight-loss classes find that the atmosphere as well as the variety of exercise types help them to become more motivated  and combat boredom. Bootcamp classes permit participants to become more mentally, physically as well as energetically involved in their workouts. Bootcamp classes increase the probability of them continuing with their workouts in the long haul.

The mix of a team atmosphere, intense full-body cardiovascular in addition to strength workouts and fitness education make bootcamp weight-loss classes very effective for helping people lose weight, improving cardiovascular endurance, adding to lean muscle mass as well as improving coordination and balance.

Is bootcamp for you?

Before you think that you won’t possibly manage to get through an entire bootcamp class, you’ll be pleased to know that these types of workouts are suitable for newbie exercisers and fitness enthusiasts as people taking part in a bootcamp class can work at the level and intensity that suits them. Some sessions are also explicitly designed to introduce people to the bootcamp concept.

If you really like extreme styles of exercising, then the form and passion that a bootcamp class offers will attract to you. However, ensure that you pay watchful attention to the skill level of the instructor as well as the amount of time they commit to assisting each individual member of their group as instructors who tend to have a hands-off approach won’t be good for newbies and help them with their form.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you a personal trainer and want to start offering bootcamp classes? Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Online Bootcamp Course for more information.

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Is Being a Personal Trainer Your Destiny? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/is-being-a-personal-trainer-your-destiny/ Mon, 07 Oct 2019 08:44:30 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12623 Selecting the ideal career path for yourself is tricky. When we finish school, our parents put a lot of pressure on us to choose ‘something to do’ be this studying towards a particular profession, taking a gap year or finding a job.  Not many of us, at 18, know what we want to do for...

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Selecting the ideal career path for yourself is tricky. When we finish school, our parents put a lot of pressure on us to choose ‘something to do’ be this studying towards a particular profession, taking a gap year or finding a job.  Not many of us, at 18, know what we want to do for the rest of our lives. Is what you study in your early 20s the career that you want to be in when you’re 40? Maybe yes, maybe no.

Being a personal trainer is not a career path that you can go to at 9am and leave at 5pm and forget about it over weekends and in the evenings. If you want to become a personal trainer, you have to want to follow this career path with your mind, body and soul. If it is just an intellectual decision, you’ll probably hang up your training shoes after a year or so because you won’t feel the drive and passion to carry on.

So how do you know if becoming a personal trainer is part of your destiny? Here are a number of pointers to guide you.

A passion for fitness

It goes without saying that if you want to become a personal trainer you need to have a love and passion for fitness. Getting up at 4am to go and train must not feel like a chore for you. Alternatively, after a long and tiring day at the office, you must be stoked to get to the gym get yourself pumped for a difficult workout – even if you’re utterly exhausted.

Fitness is a way of life. You must be ready to commit to it 100%. This commitment cannot fail. Not ever. That cannot waiver. If you feel that you are this type of person, congratulations! You’re one step closer to possibly becoming a personal trainer.

A thirst for knowledge

Being a personal trainer is an exciting and dynamic career. You will study the art and science of personal training when you first qualify. However, you’ll need to carry on with your learning well after you’ve studied. This is because there are always new exercise techniques that are being developed and, as such, you’ll need to learn how to teach these to your personal training clients in order to keep your business current.

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A can-do attitude

One of the main goals that people, who sign up for personal training sessions, want to accomplish is losing weight. Some of these are quite overweight and need to spend a lot of time in the gym in order to shed the excess weight that they are carrying.

Losing weight doesn’t happen overnight. Even when you’re combining exercise and the right nutrition plan, depending on how much weight needs to be lost, and how dedicated the client is to their weight-loss plan, losing weight can take months and possibly even years.

A big part of a personal trainer’s job is motivating and encouraging their clients to keep on pushing with their fitness routines. Even if the client gets into a negative rut, it’s the personal trainer’s task to gently coax them out of the funk that they’re experiencing and get them back onto the path of health and fitness.

Being a personal trainer is a calling. It’s not a quick way of becoming rich and famous. If you work hard you will be lucky enough to earn a good living. Being a personal trainer is an extremely rewarding career path as you’re helping people change their lives and mental outlook. Just be sure that it’s meant for you.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’re prepared to take the leap towards becoming a personal trainer, check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma today!

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How do I get fit? Read this article to find out more. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-i-get-fit-read-this-article-to-find-out-more/ Mon, 07 Oct 2019 08:24:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12619 Sadly, there’s no single response to this. There are various types of fitness – cardiovascular, muscle strength and endurance in addition to flexibility – and you get to develop fitness in these three areas by doing different forms of exercises. In this article, we’ll give you some suggestions about how you can get fit. Get...

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Sadly, there’s no single response to this. There are various types of fitness – cardiovascular, muscle strength and endurance in addition to flexibility – and you get to develop fitness in these three areas by doing different forms of exercises. In this article, we’ll give you some suggestions about how you can get fit.

Get your running shoes on!

The phrase ‘cardiovascular fitness’ refers to a situation where your heart is able to cope with pumping more oxygenated blood around your body. The more fit that you are, the more able you will be perform increased levels of cardiovascular exercise without getting tired quickly. If you are not fit it is probable that you’ll not be able to exercise for a very long period of time.

Common examples of cardiovascular exercise are:

  • Swimming,
  • Cycling, as well as
  • Running

Lift ‘em weights!

Weightlifting permits you to increase your levels of muscular strength and endurance. The stronger that your muscles are, the more able you will be to endure extended bouts of weightlifting exercises. Examples of weightlifting exercises include:

  • Bicep curls,
  • Leg extensions,
  • Pull-downs.

We often hear women saying that they refuse to lift weights because they think that they will bulk up and look like bodybuilders. Yes, it is possible for women to get ripped muscles and develop large shoulders and biceps. However, they have to work consistently on this and take various sports nutrition supplements.

Weightlifting in the ‘usual’ ranges won’t make women bulky at all. In fact, it will help them to tone up and look sleeker. This is because lifting weights results in the development of lean muscle mass. This type  of muscle is responsible for burning more fat, when a person is at rest, than if they didn’t have any lean muscle mass. In addition, weightlifting is also responsible for improving bone density. This helps in the prevention of diseases such as osteoporosis.

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Let me see you do that Yoga!

If you are flexible, your joints have increased range of motion than someone who is not flexible at all. Being flexible helps you later in life with assisting with preventing age-related diseases such as arthritis.

Yoga is an ancient exercise form that was developed by monks to ease their cramping limbs after they had spent hours and hours, in one position, in meditation. The physical practice of Yoga is based on certain positions called asanas. During a class, the instructor will take you through various sequences of the poses. If you are not able to perform them as indicated, tell the instructor and they will give you a work-around so that you can develop your familiarity with the pose.

The other main component of Yoga is meditation. This practice calms a person’s mind, frees them from the worries that plague them on a daily basis and allows the practitioner to focus on what their bodies are saying. Meditation is a well-known practice for eliminating stress because this practice eliminates anxiety-provoking thoughts. As such, it eliminates the source of stress.

You don’t have to spend hours and hours, sitting cross legged with your eyes closed, in order to reap the benefits of meditation. You can even meditate when you’re walking or sitting and staring at the ocean. The main thing is to empty your mind.

Contact Trifocus fitness Academy

There are so many ways to get fit. What you should to is aim at attaining all-round fitness. If you’re unsure of how to do this, speak to a personal trainer – who has a Personal Training Diploma from Trifocus Fitness Academy – and they’ll be able to assist.

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What a personal trainer needs to understand about athletic nutrition https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-a-personal-trainer-needs-to-understand-about-athletic-nutrition/ Fri, 04 Oct 2019 06:37:41 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12557 Athletic prowess on the sports field involves a lot of facets. Not only do athletic and fit people have to be the best at their game, they need to spend hours upon hours at the gym to make sure that their muscles are balanced so that they can deliver the best sporting performance out. To...

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Athletic prowess on the sports field involves a lot of facets. Not only do athletic and fit people have to be the best at their game, they need to spend hours upon hours at the gym to make sure that their muscles are balanced so that they can deliver the best sporting performance out.

To help them along their fitness journey, an athlete will turn to a personal trainer. As the trainer is functions as an expert to guide people along the path of fitness and health, they are the perfect person to help the athlete achieve their fitness goals.

As an athlete performs a lot more physical activity than your usual office worker, they will need to have a vastly different eating plan. In the article which follows on from this, we look at what a personal trainer needs to understand about athletic nutrition and why this is.

What is athletic nutrition?

‘Athletic nutrition’ – or ‘sports nutrition’ as the discipline is called in various parts of the world – is the study as well as practice of nutrition and diet in relation to improving any athlete’s performance.

Having the correct nutrition is a significant part of many sports training regimes. Athletic nutrition is prevalent in:

  • Strength sports (such as weightlifting and bodybuilding), and
  • Endurance sports (for example cycling, running, swimming and rowing).

Athletic nutrition focuses on the type, as well as the quantity, of fluids and food that is consumed by an athlete. In addition, athletic nutrition deals with the consumption of healthy nutrients such as vitamins, a variety of minerals, supplements and organic substances such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Athletes have different nutritional needs from the rest of us as their physical activity level is that much greater than a person who sits and works behind a desk all day.

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy in anyone’s diet. It’s been stated that carbohydrates should make up the majority of your diet, however, as athletes need more energy than most they will need to consume more carbohydrates than your average human being.

Protein’s main function is in building and repairing muscles. So, athletes such as bodybuilders and weightlifters will need to consume more protein as their sports require them to have a higher muscle mass than others.

A sports conditioning coach’s main job is to ensure that his/her athlete performs at the best of their ability. Part of this includes keeping a close eye on what they eat so that their eating does not negatively affect their performance and only enhances it.

Important nutrients for athletes

The five food groups

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates give us energy, calcium and B vitamins. Wholegrain carbohydrates – such as whole-wheat bread and bran cereal – help to keep our digestive systems healthy.

Protein

Protein is known for its ability to help repair muscles. Colloquially, they are known as the building blocks of the human body.

Milk and dairy products

Milk and dairy products keep our bones and teeth healthy. They are responsible for providing us with – among others – essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin A and vitamin D

Fruit and vegetables

Fruit and vegetables are responsible for giving us umpteen minerals such as antioxidants which keep our bodies healthy. These foods keep your digestive system functioning well and studies have shown that the minerals in fruit and vegetables may even function in helping to prevent certain cancers.

Fats and sugars

All fasts are not bad for you. Good fats – such as Omega 3s found in oily fish such as salmon and mackerel – have a lot of benefits.

What are sports supplements?

Sports supplements are a multi-million dollar industry. Active adults and athletes are often tempted by efficient supplement marketing. The assurances of improved performance, among other claims, are factors which motivate them to purchase these supplements in order to achieve results. Every day, professional athletes are exposed to intensive physical strain. In order to deliver on the energy demands, the athletes take in various food supplements.

As athletes exercise regularly, they need a bit more protein than those of us who are sedentary. There are many excellent sources of protein with each of these sources having their own specific pros and cons.

One of the most wide-spread sources of protein is whey protein. Athletes and bodybuilders use whey protein for building muscle, losing weight and increasing immunity:

  • Whey makes up 20% of the protein in milk.
  • This substance consists of several complex peptides.
  • It contains all the essential amino acids.
  • Whey is especially rich in essential amino acids, BCAAs, leucine and cysteine.

Whey protein is rapidly digested owing to the fact that protein is water soluble at a low pH. If you do decide to take this protein, consume between 10 and 30 g at least 30 minutes before your workout. Take another 10 – 30 g at least 30 minutes after your workout. However, as whey is a by-product of milk this type of protein isn’t suitable for people who are lactose intolerant.

Another type of protein powder on the market is casein protein which is considered to be a protein which is long lasting.  What many people don’t realise is that casein is the principal protein which is found in cow’s milk. Casein contains all the essential amino acids. In addition, it is especially rich in tyrosine and proline.

It is digested at a very slow rate owing to the formation of micelles (which are clusters of casein molecules) in the stomach at a low pH. We don’t advise that you take casein before a workout as it stays in the stomach for longer. Take casein one hour after a workout (10 – 30g).

Nutrition is important for athletes as it provides a source of energy that is required to perform the activity. Not only is the type of food important for sports nutrition but the times that they eat throughout the day also have an impact on their performance levels and their bodies’ ability to recover after exercising.

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If you are interested in knowing more about nutrition or becoming a Personal Trainer, consider enrolling yourself for Trifocus Fitness Academy Personal Trainer Course. – Contact us for more information.

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How Many Times Per Week Should I Practise Yoga? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-many-times-per-week-should-i-practise-yoga/ Fri, 04 Oct 2019 06:33:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12563 Many new yogis have asked us how often they should practise yoga. There is actually no short answer to this query. This is because if you’re interested in becoming stronger, gaining increased flexibility or losing a couple of kilograms, there isn’t a quick yoga fix. Yoga is not just another workout This is according to...

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Many new yogis have asked us how often they should practise yoga. There is actually no short answer to this query. This is because if you’re interested in becoming stronger, gaining increased flexibility or losing a couple of kilograms, there isn’t a quick yoga fix.

Yoga is not just another workout

This is according to many yogis. There are reams upon reams of ancient texts that explore yoga’s many aspects. The physical elements make up a relatively minute part of the discussion. In addition to this, scientific studies have increasingly shown yoga’s positive role in keeping a person’s mental and physical health in tip top shape.

Yoga is a practice which is all-encompassing

It cultivates a connection between the body and mind. It’s not easy to break Yoga into limited fitness objectives and goals. Rather, there’s some fine print to accompany the prescription of how many times, per week, you should be practising Yoga, should you be interested in doing so.

So how many times a week should you practise yoga?

When people begin their practice of yoga, there’s often a phase – at the beginning – where they’re practising between three and five times per week. This is because they are in love with the newness of yoga as well as the new feeling of lightness in their body. In addition, maybe they are even experiencing some weight loss.

Unfortunately, after a period of time, they may shift into a new routine where they are practising yoga less. So this leads to the question: How often should one practise yoga for it to have a beneficial impact on your mental as well as physical well-being?

It depends on what your goals are, the style of yoga that you’re practising, your diet, other types of exercise that you might be doing and any history of injury:

  • What are your goals for your practice of yoga? Goals could be desirable outcomes such as increasing flexibility, enhancing posture, improving strength, decreasing stress, losing weight or any combination of these items.
  • Improving flexibility is a direct function of how often you attend Yoga class as well as what you do when you’re off the mat. You could go to yoga every day you’re re sitting behind a desk for eight hours a day, running five times a week as well as weight training, it’s really difficult to remain flexible. This means that to increase flexibility, more Yoga practice is usually better.
  • Losing weight is a function of not just how often you practise Yoga but also what you’re eating and how cardiovascular your practice is. (Another option is to supplement your practice with another activity that’s purely cardiovascular, such as running). While all yoga styles emphasise deep breathing and have a relaxing effect on the nervous system, practising meditation and regular restorative yoga classes is a wonderful way to focus on minimising stress.

Should You Perform Yoga Every Day?

Many yoga teachers tell you that you must practise every single day. However, you shouldn’t perform the same set of poses every single day. This is because anything that you do repeatedly, over long periods of time, can lead to a repetitive stress injury (RSI). This is not just the case with running or cycling. You can suffer from an RSI even with yoga.

The most common culprits for RSIs in Yoga are some of the common poses in a typical vinyasa class. We’re not saying that you should avoid these poses altogether but doing dozens of them every day is bad. To strive for balance in your body, it is necessary to perform a variety of movements that target all your major muscle groups.

So the ultimate answer to how many times per week you should be practising yoga depends on your body. Remember that the ultimate goal of this mind-body exercise form is for you to find peace within your mind and to translate this sense of peace to your body. If your body is not comfortable with what it’s doing, your mind won’t be easy. This means that you need to choose a yoga practice that suits both your mind and body.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy 

Want to learn more about Yoga? Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Yoga Certification Course here.

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Why men lose fat faster than women do https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-men-lose-fat-faster-than-women-do/ Thu, 03 Oct 2019 07:40:01 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12512 If you’ve ever embarked on a diet with your husband or boyfriend, you’ll know all too well that – even though you are eating the same (if not less) than he is – the fat just melts off him. The reason for this is not just because men are just lucky enough to have this...

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If you’ve ever embarked on a diet with your husband or boyfriend, you’ll know all too well that – even though you are eating the same (if not less) than he is – the fat just melts off him. The reason for this is not just because men are just lucky enough to have this happen. In actual fact, there is scientific proof to back it up.

More muscle mass

It’s a physiological fact that men have more muscle mass than women do. The more lean muscle mass that a person has, the more calories they burn while at rest. This means that men have a double fat-burning advantage over women because they’ll burn fat while exercising and, at the same time, when they are sitting behind their computers.

Higher metabolic rates

We all have fat stores in our body. These perform particular functions such as protecting the vital organs in our bodies such as our intestines. Men possess more visceral fat than women do. This is found around their midsections. When they lose this fat, their metabolic rate – in other words their ability to burn fat and calories – increases.

Conversely, women have more subcutaneous fat. This is situated around their hips, thighs and rear ends. Subcutaneous fat assists a women’s body during the process of child-bearing as it ultimately helps to protect the growing baby during pregnancy. Unfortunately, losing this type of fat doesn’t make a difference to your fat-burning capabilities as subcutaneous fat is not metabolically active. In other words, processes associated with your metabolism don’t happen in subcutaneous fat.

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All is not lost, ladies!

Yes, unfortunately, owing to scientific reasons men to indeed lose fat faster than women do. However, this doesn’t mean that women need to throw in the towel and resign themselves to the fact that they can’t lose weight as fast as men do, which means that they won’t even try. Women just need to put in a bit more work to shape up and sign up to become a personal training client.

The best way to stimulate the weight-loss process is to visit a personal trainer in conjunction with advice from your dietitian or nutritionist. Doing resistance activities – such as lifting weights and Pilates – will help you to develop the lean muscle mass that you need in order to increase your metabolic rate and start burning fat and calories at rest. Don’t believe us? One pound of muscle – which is about 45 grams – burns about 6.5 calories per hour. So when you start adding on the pounds of muscle, you’ll be turning your body into a calorie-burning machine!

To further stimulate muscle development, eat a protein-rich mean after every meal. There are fabulous supplements on the market – such as whey protein – which allow you to get all the protein you require in a great-tasting shake. If you want to be a bit more traditional, cook up some hard boiled eggs to eat after your workout. At 13g of protein in 100g of hard boiled eggs, these pack a mean protein punch!

Developing lean muscle won’t make you bulk up

We’ve heard the line from some women which goes something like this: “But if I lift weights, won’t I bulk up? I don’t want this. All I want is a well-toned body!”

Yes, there are some female bodybuilders out there who do have muscle definition very much like that which men do. However, they’ve consciously gone about developing this type of look for themselves and have taken specific supplements to help them look this way. They ‘ve also put in many, many hours at the gym to help them develop this type of physique.

Adopting a moderate weight-training programme won’t make you bulk up. As we’ve said previously, men and women’s bodies are designed in a fundamentally different way. A male body is designed to have bulky muscle while a woman’s isn’t. So banish any fears you may have of weight training developing bulky muscle. Unless you specifically set out to make this happen, it won’t.

Unfortunately, men do lose fat faster than women do. However there are ways for ladies to shed those unwanted centimetres. They just need to go about it in a way to suit their physiological make-up. As we’ve said, the good news is that women can lose weight too by adopting a number of weight-loss principles.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you want to learn more about this, or become a personal trainer yourself, check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s bespoke range of personal training courses.

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What is fitness? Find out more in this article. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-fitness-find-out-more-in-this-article/ Thu, 03 Oct 2019 07:15:50 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12508 Former US President, John F Kennedy, believed the following about fitness: “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” Fitness is so much more than having a body in pique physical condition. It’s also about ensuring that your...

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Former US President, John F Kennedy, believed the following about fitness: “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” Fitness is so much more than having a body in pique physical condition. It’s also about ensuring that your mind is healthy and strong.

Physical fitness

When people speak about ‘fitness’, the first thing that comes to mind is outward appearances. A person who is perceived as being physically fit is seen to have a lean and toned body or, otherwise, well-defined muscles.

However, what happens if these aspects can’t be seen? What if the person is carrying slightly more fat than they should? Should you discount that person as being unhealthy and not caring about their fitness levels?

Before we delve into what physical appearance is, we need to highlight that there are a number of types of physical fitness. These are:

  • Aerobic
  • Anaerobic
  • Flexibility
  • Muscular endurance and strength.

You can perform fantastically well in one area of fitness but perform dismally in one area. For example, if you’re a cyclist you’ll be incredibly aerobically fit. However, if you don’t train with weights regularly or you aren’t a personal training client you won’t have much strength or muscular endurance.

By the same token, if you’re an avid weight lifter, you’ll be incredibly fit from a muscular endurance and strength point of view. But if you don’t regularly do cardiovascular exercise – such as rowing, running on the treadmill or cycling – your cardiovascular fitness levels won’t be good.

Mental fitness

When we speak of ‘mental fitness’ we’re talking about your mind being in top condition. Your brain is a muscle and needs to be exercised just as muscles in other parts of your body do. The more that your exercise your brain, the fitter it will get.

As you can’t send your brain to go and work up a sweat on the treadmill, there are several ways that you can remain mentally fit.

Take up Yoga

In today’s world of the Internet of Things and Big Data, where we are being bombarded constantly with data that we need to draw useful information from, our minds are constantly flitting from one thought to another.

We never take the time to check in with ourselves and to listen to our bodies. Are we feeling tired and stressed out? Do we feel a cold coming on? Do we need to take a break to rejuvenate? We’re always pushing ourselves because of outside stimuli – pressures, deadlines and the like. We ignore our bodies trying to tell us that  it needs some attention as well. And because we ignore these signs, we become less mentally fit and become less able to think creatively and out of the box.

Classified as a mind-body exercise, Yoga centres us. It focuses our minds on the hear and now and forces us to listen to our bodies. It does this by requiring us to focus on its slow and steady positions because if we don’t concentrate on what we’re doing, we could very easily lose our balance and hurt ourselves.

Start exercising outdoors

Exercising in the gym is great. However, being outdoors and in nature when you are exercising provides you an extra added benefit for your mental health and fitness. When you’re outdoors, you can feel the wind and sun on your face. You can breathe in fresh air. You’re not distracted by the music playing in the gym or the television screens. The natural elements help to focus your attention on what’s going on within you and allow you the headspace to come up with answers to questions that you’ve been grappling with and, in so doing, allows you the mental freedom to start tackling other things.

Fitness has a lot of different meanings. Many people interpret the notion of being fit very differently. However, at the end of the day,  you need to be happy with how you look and how you feel fitness wise. People can tell you exactly what they think that you should be doing in terms of fitness, but this is what they feel. It’s not you. You need to decide how you want to approach your fitness journey because, if it comes from you, you’ll stick to it.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’re want to learn more about fitness, or want to become a personal trainer, Trifocus Fitness Academy has a wide range of personal training courses that will suit where you want to go. For more information, please follow this link.

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The Fundamentals of the Glycemic Index that every personal trainer needs to know https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-fundamentals-of-the-glycemic-index-that-every-personal-trainer-needs-to-know/ Wed, 02 Oct 2019 07:40:52 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12495 Some foods can cause your blood sugar spike very quickly. This happens because carbohydrates – such as refined sugars and bread – are easier for your body to change into glucose. (Glucose is the sugar that your body uses for energy). Your body finds more slowly digested carbs – such as those in vegetables and...

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Some foods can cause your blood sugar spike very quickly. This happens because carbohydrates – such as refined sugars and bread – are easier for your body to change into glucose. (Glucose is the sugar that your body uses for energy). Your body finds more slowly digested carbs – such as those in vegetables and wholegrains – a bit more challenging to turn into glucose. If you eat a lot of those easy carbohydrates you’ll have a difficult time in controlling your blood sugar. The glycemic index (or GI) gives you a way to tell slower-acting “good carbs” from the faster “bad carbs.” You can use it to fine-tune your carb-counting and help keep your blood sugar steadier.

If you eat too many refined carbohydrates, you’ll be constantly eating more and more of these because you’ll find that your energy levels are constantly low. In order for personal trainers to help keep their clients’ energy levels up, and so assist them with getting the most out of their exercise routine, a personal trainer needs to know what types of food are low GI so that they can recommend  how their clients should change their diets.

What Is the Glycemic Index?

The GI is a ranking scale of carbohydrates in foods in accordance with how these affect blood glucose levels. As we said earlier in this article, carbohydrates with a low GI value (in other words, 55 or less) are more slowly digested, absorbed as well as metabolised. This means that they cause a lower and slower rise in blood glucose in addition to insulin levels.

There are three groupings of GI:

Individual food portion:

  • Low: 55 or less
  • Mid: 56 – 69
  • High: 70+

There is a very pressing need to define the difference between a low GI diet and/or meal as opposed to a low GI food. As a low GI food is regarded as 55 or less, the entire population has made the reasonable assumption that a diet which averages 55 or less is a low GI diet. The what the average Australian and American eats already has a GI of between 55 and 60 as we eat fruits as well as dairy products. These foods are naturally low GI.

However, in order to reduce our risks of chronic disease, we should be aiming to lower the number of high GI foods that we eat. A GI level of 45 is a better cut-off point:

  • Low: 45 or less
  • Mid: 46-59
  • High: 60+

Why Do We Say 45?

It is known, from numerous global observational cohort studies, that the daily average GI of the diet of people in the lowest 20% of the population is between 40 and 50. An average GI of 45 has been proven to have substantial health benefits in people with existing diabetes and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

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Which Foods Are Where on the GI?

Below are examples of foods and where they are on the Glycemic Index:

Low-GI foods                          Medium-GI foods                       High-GI foods

rolled/steel-cut oats               brown/basmati rice                    russet potatoes

barley, bulgur                         couscous                                      white bread

butter beans and peas           wholemeal bread                        cookies

non-starchy vegetables          rye bread                                     breakfast cereals

milk                                        quick oats                                    instant pasta

sweet potatoes                       honey                                           short-grain white rice

most fruits

The foods that we looked at above are a good place to start if you’re interested in following a low-GI diet. However when you follow this type of diet, remember that high-GI foods are not banned – you should just eat them in moderation.

If you follow a low-GI diet you can also enjoy foods which do not contain carbohydrates, for example:

  • meat
  • eggs
  • fish
  • seafood
  • olive oil
  • butter
  • herbs
  • spices
  • nuts

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you are interested in knowing more about the GI index or Perhaps doing a Personal Trainer Course. Please contact Trifocus Fitness Academy for more information.

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What are Realistic Personal Training Goals? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-are-realistic-personal-training-goals/ Wed, 02 Oct 2019 06:32:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12490 With so much super-specific advice out there on the different styles of personal training and areas of fitness, it’s so easy for the bigger picture to get a bit blurry. Everyone has different fitness goals. These range from generally trying to stay active to viewing fitness as a lifestyle. It seems today well-intended people are...

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With so much super-specific advice out there on the different styles of personal training and areas of fitness, it’s so easy for the bigger picture to get a bit blurry. Everyone has different fitness goals. These range from generally trying to stay active to viewing fitness as a lifestyle.

It seems today well-intended people are going down the wrong path to achieving their fitness goals. They fall prey to exceptional marketing techniques that have a proven ‘scientific’ base that is actually a load of rubbish.

In this article, we’ll let you know what realistic personal training goals are and how you can achieve these.

Try one new workout per month

Luckily there are a lot of different kinds of workouts that are available. These include modalities such as boxing, Yoga, rock climbing and trampoline classes. So why not vary it a little? Set yourself the goal of trying one new, different type of exercise per month. This is to keep your fitness regimen fresh. Challenge your body in unique ways. You may even make the discovery that you have a passion for something new and different.

Work out for 30 minutes between three and five times a week

Find a way of fitting in any type of workout more regularly than usual. It’s so easy to say you don’t have time to exercise. However, ultimately you can even wake up 30 minutes earlier if that is what you need to do. It’s much easier to think about working out for 20 minutes more times per week. Spread the time out over more days if that helps you find the time.

Do Yoga at least once a week

Stretching or doing yoga after you exercise, even if it’s just for five to 10 minutes, is so beneficial for you in the long run. Doing Yoga is one of the most incredibly important things you can slot into your workout routine. This is because it keeps the muscles, spine, and joints open and flexible. In addition, it prevents injury, releases stress and tension in addition to leading to a more balanced body as well as mind.

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Hold the plank position for three minutes

Three minutes seems like a lifetime when you’re holding a plank. However, starting slowly is the trick. Begin with a 20- to 30-second plank each day. Every week increase the time period by 20 to 30 seconds. This means that by week six, you should be able to hold a three-minute plank.

Build your strength

Becoming stronger doesn’t have to mean just going to gym and doing weight training. It can be as easy as:

  • Carrying your shopping in a bag instead of using the shopping trolley,
  • Playing with your children by lifting them, or
  • Riding your bicycle instead of driving to work.

Watch out for ways to become stronger. You may find interesting ideas in fitness magazines. Opt for those options as often as you can and integrate them into your daily life.

Setting personal training goals can help you to achieve a great deal of things. It can be a way to drive yourself towards a certain end-point. It is only natural to want to draw up a list of things you want to change about yourself . The key to setting goals that are realistic is to set ones which are practical, measurable and achievable. This applies to all goals – fitness ones included.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about fitness and health – and perhaps even become a personal trainer? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma is the perfect qualification to help you to do this. For more information, please follow this link.

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How a personal trainer can benefit from Olympic lifting https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-a-personal-trainer-can-benefit-from-olympic-lifting/ Tue, 01 Oct 2019 05:08:26 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12401 Not so long ago, it was unusual to see cleans, clean and jerks, and snatches being done at the average gym. However, with the rise of CrossFit and sports performance-focused training, more and more people are now performing these Olympic lifts. Perhaps your personal training clients have begun to ask you about these Olympic lifting...

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Not so long ago, it was unusual to see cleans, clean and jerks, and snatches being done at the average gym. However, with the rise of CrossFit and sports performance-focused training, more and more people are now performing these Olympic lifts.

Perhaps your personal training clients have begun to ask you about these Olympic lifting moves. Maybe they want to learn some Olympic lifting for themselves. While it’s a good thing that your personal training client is showing interest in these powerful movements are cleans, snatches, and clean and jerks actually a good idea for your clients, especially if they don’t have ambitions to compete in Olympic lifting competitions and just want to be fit and healthy?

Benefits of Olympic lifting

There are a number of benefits that your personal training clients can reap from Olympic lifting. Here are some of them:

  1. Increases Power

Power is scientifically clearly as:

  • The quantity of force, which is applied,
  • Multiplied by the distance travelled,
  • Divided by the time it takes.

This equation is simply broken down as power being the capability to display strength in conjunction with speed.

The Olympic-style exercises are great for enhancing this power. Compound movements such as, for example, squats and deadlifts are important foundational exercises that can assist with building towards a person’s power output. The reason why you want to build power as this force makes you more efficient and strengthen fast-twitch muscle fibres.

  1. Increased Jumping Ability

Jumping strengthens fast-twitch muscle fibres that help you perform explosive movements. If you perform a jump slowly it is unlikely that you will leave the ground. Olympic lifts assist by mimicking the fast contractions that our bodies need to make in order to rapidly move ourselves and other weight against gravity.

  1. Increased Speed

Increased jumping ability as well as increased power are referred to as starting strength which enables us to make use our muscles and bodies in order to create enough force or power to push off a surface so propelling our bodies quickly and effectively.  As people get older, they see an age-related decline in lean muscle mass and also quickly see a reduction in power production. Therefore they see a reduction in starting strength. So if you want to be able to get out of a chair in your later life without using your hands and arms for help it’s time to consider exercises for power and speed to increase your starting strength.

  1. Improved Body Composition

Olympic lifts are becoming extremely important exercises in many high-intensity workouts. This is because the exercises are really effective at assisting the exercisers to burn fat and build lean muscle simultaneously. Olympic lifts involve using a variety of different muscle groups. This type of exercise also engages a lot of large muscle groups in a short space of time. It thus assisting with yielding the best caloric expenditure.

  1. Improves Core Strength/Stability

Just as with the more basic compound movements, Olympic-style movements consist of a lot of core stability as well as strength. It is well known that the core powerhouse is the foundation that all of the strength – in the entire human body – is built on. In addition, the core helps to keep the body upright and assists with keeping the body balanced.

Strength and balance are both are tested and trained when you perform Olympic lifts. The reason for this is the complex, powerful movements that this sport requires in addition to the angles and placement of the bar (weight). Your core powerhouse is so much more than just the strength in your abdominals. Your glutes, lower back, and obliques all are sources of core strength and stability. Olympic lifts engage your entire body because these require strict form and sequence in order to optimise power production.

Don’t feel pressured to get into Olympic lifting. If you are on the fence when it comes to this type of exercise modality find an exercise that truly tickles your fancy because if you enjoy doing it you’ll stick to it.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to learn more about Trifocus Fitness Academy’s online fitness courses? Follow this link to find out more.

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How a personal trainer can benefit from foam rolling https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-a-personal-trainer-can-benefit-from-foam-rolling/ Mon, 30 Sep 2019 09:48:57 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12329 Are you a personal trainer who is great at assisting your clients with bulking up through increasing the intensity of their training? Are you seeing many of your clients returning to you with complaints and persistent pains in places where these shouldn’t be?  Are these cramps and pains being meddlesome with your personal training client’s...

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Are you a personal trainer who is great at assisting your clients with bulking up through increasing the intensity of their training? Are you seeing many of your clients returning to you with complaints and persistent pains in places where these shouldn’t be?  Are these cramps and pains being meddlesome with your personal training client’s ability to squat just a bit deeper or, alternatively, run just a bit longer and faster?

A smart personal trainer doesn’t just work to improve the stamina and strength of their client.  Proper personal training goes far beyond watching clients perform repetitions, or bench pressing until they can’t do it anymore.  Personal trainers should also want to increase client’s range of motion while also minimising, or eliminating, any pain while they’re doing so.

What is foam rolling, exactly?

Foam rolling, which is also called self-myofascial release, has changed from a once-mysterious technique that was used only by professional athletes, coaches as well as therapists to a common-place practice for people at all fitness levels. Recent data, technology and products which are affordable have introduced an increasing array of personal training and recovery methodologies to the average person.

Foam rolling is a way that people can release muscle tightness or trigger points. This methodology can be done with a foam roller, lacrosse ball, Theracane or your hands. By putting pressure on particular points on your body you are able to aid in muscle recovery help to return them to normal functioning, in other words that your bodies muscles are subtle, healthy, and ready to perform at a moment’s notice.

How do you use a foam roller?

There are several body parts which you can use a foam roller on in order to relieve tension. These are the following:

  1. Thighs (front)

For a fabulous release for your quadriceps, lie on your stomach and position the foam roller under your thighs and make sure that your toes are on the floor. Press your hands into the floor. Shift your body forward and backward. Let the foam roller massage your quads.

  1. Thighs and Calves (back)

Position the foam roller under your thighs or calves while you’re lying on your back. Straighten your legs but keep your heels off the floor. Force your hands into the floor and slightly raise your glutes. Shift your body forwards and backwards while you let the foam roller massage the backs of your thighs or calves.

  1. Thigh (side)

If you need to release tension on the sides of your thighs, position the foam roller under the outside of one of your thighs. Straighten your leg and point your toes. Drive your hands into the floor and shift your body forwards and backwards. Do this while you’re rolling the roller along the side of your upper leg. Feel the release and then switch sides.

  1. Upper Back

Position the foam roller under the upper part of your back. Bend your legs and straighten your arms. Force your feet and hands into the ground. Lift your glutes off the floor and come up into a Bridge Pose. Move your body forwards and backwards while the roller massages the upper portion of your back.

  1. Lower Back

Put the foam roller under the lower portion of your back. Bend your arms and legs. Drive your feet and elbows into the ground. Raise your buttocks off the ground. Move your body forwards and backwards while you roll the roller along your lower back.

  1. Buttocks

To release any tension felt in your glutes, put the foam roller under your buttocks. Bend your legs. Put your feet flat on the floor. Shift your body forwards and backwards while you roll the roller across your buttocks.

It appears that foam rolling makes muscles more receptive to stretching as well as moving. It’s the best thing that we’ve found to make people feel better immediately after a tough workout at the gym.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you would like to learn more about foam rolling or perhaps become a Personal Trainer. Look no further than Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Trainer Course.

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Why are online personal training courses so popular? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-are-online-personal-training-courses-so-popular/ Mon, 30 Sep 2019 08:11:59 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12303 Online learning has exploded in a big way. According to Forbes, by 2025 the global online learning market is set to reach US$325 billion (about R4 trillion). Online personal training courses have not escaped this wave of enthusiasm and are just as popular as any other course out there. But why is this? Why are...

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Online learning has exploded in a big way. According to Forbes, by 2025 the global online learning market is set to reach US$325 billion (about R4 trillion). Online personal training courses have not escaped this wave of enthusiasm and are just as popular as any other course out there. But why is this? Why are online personal training courses so popular?

The fitness industry is incredibly popular

Over the past number of years, the fitness industry has been going from strength to strength. This means that personal trainers are hot commodities in this arena. And people who are passionate about the fitness industry – and helping people live the fitness lifestyle – are increasingly turning to personal training as their preferred career. Why is this so? Because people need the help of skilled fitness professionals to help them to achieve their health and fitness goals.

Wanna-be personal trainers need flexibility

Very often, people choose to become personal trainers after having pursued another career and deciding that this isn’t for them. At this stage of their lives, they have responsibilities and financial commitments that they need to take care of every month.

This means that they can’t afford to give up work and study personal training full time. They need to earn an income, to support their families, while pursuing their dreams of becoming part and parcel of the fitness industry.

Enter online learning. Especially for personal training courses, online learning – or e-learning – is particularly powerful because it offers the student the freedom of learning when they want, where they want. All that the prospective personal training student needs is a stable Internet connection. This offers the part-time student the flexibility of following their passion for fitness while at the same time maintaining their financial responsibilities.

Cutting-edge education

As the personal training course is online, it becomes extremely easy to make amendments to your course material as and when new information becomes available. In a classroom-based learning environment, the costs of having new material printed and distributed is extremely high which means management is not keen to do this on a regular basis. With the ease of uploading information that online learning presents, it provides the student with information that is extremely current.

Online personal training courses are affordable

Very often, a classroom-based personal training course is much more expensive than an online learning one. This is because besides the teaching and learning material that is offered, the student also has to pay for the lecturer’s time, the venue’s water and electricity, as well as many other costs which all go to keeping a physical building up and running.

With an online personal course, all you’re paying for is the course itself. What you spend on your Internet connection is up to you. You could even go to your local coffee shop and study using their Wi-Fi. So all you would end up doing is paying for your cup of coffee. If you have any questions or concerns, online student support is available and will help you with anything that you need. It’s like having a lecturer – only much cheaper!

Online personal training courses are the way of the future. With the fitness industry set to carry on its upward trajectory over the next 10 to 15 years, personal trainers will be increasingly in demand to cater for the population’s need for quality fitness education. As online learning is so scalable, it makes it a perfect way to get the maximum number of people qualified as personal trainers in the most efficient way possible.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Trifocus Fitness Academy is ahead of this curve and has a suite of online personal training courses. Follow this link for more information.

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How do you maintain clients as a personal trainer? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-do-you-maintain-clients-as-a-personal-trainer/ Mon, 30 Sep 2019 07:30:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12292 “You have between a 60 to 70% probability of selling to existing clients,” says Marc Schneider: operations director of Trifocus Fitness Academy. “This means that if you target new clients, you have between a five to 20% chance of selling to them.” These statistics show that it is vital for you to maintain existing clients...

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“You have between a 60 to 70% probability of selling to existing clients,” says Marc Schneider: operations director of Trifocus Fitness Academy. “This means that if you target new clients, you have between a five to 20% chance of selling to them.”

These statistics show that it is vital for you to maintain existing clients as they are a reliable source of income. This is all-the-more-true for professionals such as personal trainers. However, the question is how do you keep these clients coming back?

All this means is that you’ve got to work that much harder to make potential clients realise that you are the person that they need to entrust their well-being to. In addition, you’ve got to make sure that when people think of hiring a personal trainer your name is the one that they think of first.

We encourage you to set new standards in personal training by making sure that your clients remain loyal as well as by offering them with progressively better, more personalised service as your business relationship progresses and develops.

Provide the best service that you can

“As a personal trainer,” says Lisa Schneider: fitness guru and managing director of Trifocus Fitness Academy, “your aim is to ensure that your clients maintain the best physiques that they can. This means that you need to constantly be delivering results. If you can’t get this right, you’ll find that your clients will begin to look elsewhere.”

Thus, the first step towards maintaining your clients – as a personal trainer – is to ensure that you deliver the best possible service that you can. Don’t give your clients an excuse to look to your competitors for personal training services. Ensure that your clients are super satisfied with what you offer so that you’ll hold onto them for a long time.

Discover what your clients want the most

Through the process of observing as well as communicating with your existing clients or, alternatively those who are your ideal clients – you can get all the information that you need in order to find out what your clients actually want such as customer support, an easy way to access workouts in addition to nutrition advice.

Make clients feel special

One of the basic needs of human beings is to know that they belong as well as that they matter. Translated into customer service, this need means that to retain your customers you need to ensure make that they feel they matter to you. For example, send them personalised eating plans or send them motivations that are designed specifically for them.

Always be groundbreaking

As a personal trainer, one of your most significant challenges is to motivate your clientele so that they keep on exercising. Around 1 January, you’ll probably find that there are loads of people who want to start with personal training. However, they will probably lose interest by February or March. The task for personal trainers is finding out how you keep them coming back.

A possible solution is to carry on being innovative with your routines. Challenge your clients’ comfort zones. Keep them guessing. Don’t let them become used to a hum drum workout routine from you so that they may adopt the belief that they can do what you do themselves. Keep yourself essential and ensure that they see the value of your innovative routines every time they have a session with you.

Create value for your clients

Clients will remain with you if they still can see value in what you offer. Reinvesting time as well as  resources into the services you provide to your current customer base will increase the likelihood that they will remain with you. So if the cost of obtaining new clients is five times the cost of maintaining current ones, a bare minimum of 20 percent of the time and budget for marketing should be focused on your current clients.

Be flexible with your clients

If money or time becomes a challenge for a client, you’ll be faced with the choice of keeping a part of the client’s business or none of it. To counter this, have alternative training services such as fewer sessions per week, exercise programme design, a hybrid of the two, online training or group classes. It is not ideal, or not as near profitable, but it will keep the customer within the fold. This means that they will be more likely to move back to higher-income services when and if his or her situation changes.

How do you get new personal training clients?

Apart from maintaining your existing personal training clients, you need to be always getting new clients. Don’t be discourage if you don’t get tonnes of them. This doesn’t mean anything. What makes a different is that you make a concentrated effort to get new people that you can sell your existing and new services to.

One of the best ways that personal trainers can make use of in order to get more clients is social media. These platforms have revolutionised the way that we market and communicate. The great thing about this is that social media is almost free to use. The only money that you would have to invest in it initially is your time. This means that for the personal trainer who’s starting up his/her own, social media is a great way to get started.

There are a whole host of other ways that you can use to get started  with respect to maintaining your clients as a personal trainer. You need to look at all the options and figure out what works for you. Only once you’ve done this can you make a call as to what marketing and customer retention strategy you need to adopt.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Interested in learning more regarding becoming a personal trainer? Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma will show you this! For more information, please follow this link.

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How a personal trainer may help you with your fitness goals https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/how-a-personal-trainer-may-help-you-with-your-fitness-goals/ Fri, 27 Sep 2019 05:27:09 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12217 A personal trainer is the bees knees in terms of fitness professionals. These guys have studied for years and years. They have been mentored by the best personal trainers in the business. This means that they’re the finest people out there to assist you with meeting your fitness goals. There are specific methodologies that are...

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A personal trainer is the bees knees in terms of fitness professionals. These guys have studied for years and years. They have been mentored by the best personal trainers in the business. This means that they’re the finest people out there to assist you with meeting your fitness goals.

There are specific methodologies that are approved by personal trainers to assist you with achieving your fitness goals. Here are a couple of them.

Evaluate where you’re at

When you make the decision to engage the services of a personal trainer, the first thing that he or she will do is to evaluate your current levels of fitness. They do this so that they are able to determine where you’re at in terms of your fitness as well as if the fitness goals that you want to achieve are reachable given the timelines that you’ve set in order to achieve your particular goals.

Speaking about fitness goals, a personal trainer will assist you with determining if your fitness aims can actually be achieved. To do this, the personal trainer will evaluate your goals are in line with the S.M.A.R.T acronym. The fitness professional will look at:

  • If your goals are detailed,
  • If what you want to achieve is quantifiable,
  • If you have you set out goals which are achievable,
  • If your goals are realistic, and
  • If you’ve set a specific period of time in which your goals will be achieved.

Plan a training routine

After your personal trainer has assessed where you are in terms of your current fitness levels, they will devise a training routine that will assist you in meeting your fitness goals. When looking at what routine is best for you, your personal trainer will look at several aspects such as:

  • What are your physical capabilities?
  • What exercises do you enjoy doing?
  • How much time can spend exercising?

With the responses to these questions in mind, your personal trainer will be able to put together a fitness plan that works for you. If you don’t feel that the programme – which has been designed for you – works, tell your personal trainer! They are not a mind reader. It’s your call to tell them if the exercise programme that they’ve devised is actually working for you.

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Observance

Your personal trainer will regularly monitor you during your exercise routine. This is to see if you’re managing with the weights that they’ve set for you in addition to keeping pace with the routines. If they see that you’re not coping, they’ll change up the sequence.

Your personal trainer will also be looking at if you’re embracing the proper form when performing the exercises that they’ve set out for you. This is because if you have the incorrect form or are lifting weights which are too heavy for you, it will be more likely that you’ll injure yourself.

Motivation

To achieve your health as well as fitness goals, it is necessary that you are consistent in your exercise programme. You can’t do a frantic gym session once a month and then believe that you’re going to look like a supermodel. Your personal trainer is vital to helping you sustain your levels of consistency in exercise. He or she is there in order to motivate you to keep pushing. This means that when you decide on a personal trainer, you need to make sure that their particular brand of motivation fits in with you. You also need to ensure that it will help to keep you on track!

Advice on Nutrition

In addition to giving you the best exercise advice out, your personal trainer will look at what you’re eating. This is so that they can see if something that you’re taking in is preventing you from attaining  your health as well as fitness goals. Exercise and diet work symbiotically thus it’s impossible to reach your fitness goals just through exercise. You can’t be fit as well as healthy merely by manipulating your diet.

As we’ve said before, a personal trainer is a highly qualified as well as skilled fitness professional. They’ve gone to college for years upon years in order to ensure that they can help their clients achieve their fitness goals.

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

So if you’re taking strain with achieving your own fitness goals, why not hiring personal trainer? With their own unique brand of motivation and fitness know-how, you’ll be well on your way to getting where you want to be! Want to hire the best personal trainer out? Have a look at personal trainers who’ve qualified with Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma.

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Who Would Make The Ideal Aerobics Instructor? Read this article to find out. https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/who-would-make-the-ideal-aerobics-instructor/ Thu, 26 Sep 2019 05:51:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12195 An aerobics instructor is responsible for choreographing exercise moves, as well as  leading classes, that are focused on aerobic exercise.  As well as teaching group fitness class participants the moves to an aerobics workout, aerobics instructors deliver the music and conclude certain job requirements that are specified by the fitness centre in which they teach....

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An aerobics instructor is responsible for choreographing exercise moves, as well as  leading classes, that are focused on aerobic exercise.  As well as teaching group fitness class participants the moves to an aerobics workout, aerobics instructors deliver the music and conclude certain job requirements that are specified by the fitness centre in which they teach. Examples of such responsibilities include logging hours.

The exercise modality of aerobics was initially developed by Dr Kenneth H. Cooper who is an exercise physiologist. He developed exercises in order to prevent coronary artery sickness and the exercises in an aerobics class were initially meant for those enrolled in the military.  However, Dr Cooper ultimately decided that the general public would also benefit from the exercises that he developed.. In 1968, he published a book entitled “Aerobics”.

Aerobics was later popularised by Jackie Sorenson. She developed aerobic-style dance routines that we now associate with an aerobics-style class. Judi Shepherd Missett started out life as a dance instructor however she decided to aim her classes more towards fitness with less emphasis on the proper dance techniques. This lead to the development of Jazzercise in the 1970’s.

In 1989, Gin Miller – who was a professional gymnast – developed step aerobics. This idea was developed after she suffered a knee injury and a doctor advised her to step up and down on a milk crate in order to help strengthen the muscles around the knee. This led her to develop the concept of step aerobics.

An Aerobics Instructor Needs to Know About First Aid

Aerobics instructors are trained in how to provide basic first aid, should an emergency occur during class.  Even with the utmost care taken in developing your aerobics session, the people who take your class could still suffer from unforeseen illnesses as well as injuries when putting their body through unexpected moves.

This means that holding a first aid qualification, which equips you with the knowledge to deal with these illnesses and injuries, can only improve your career and provide that added peace of mind for your class participants as well as your employer. This type of qualification could be the difference between gaining a new class to teach or losing them to another gym.

Where Does an Aerobics Instructor Work?

While some aerobics instructors are able to get full-time positions with a gym, many aerobics instructors teach individual classes on a part-time basis. Sometimes they teach classes at a number of gyms.

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What Skills Does An Aerobics Instructor Need?

Being an aerobics instructor requires you to have a wide range of skills. These include the following:

  • Personal Drive to Keep Fit as well as the Ability to Motivate Others

People choose to attend aerobics classes as they want to make a change in their lives and reach their fitness goals. This means that you need to be able to motivate people, in class, to keep on trying to get the moves right. In addition, you need to keep fit and healthy yourself. If you’re huffing and puffing, and are struggling to keep up with the moves, how do you expect that they’ll be able to do the class themselves?

  • Patience as Well as The Ability to Explain Things Clearly

Attending an aerobics class and performing the moves properly – first time – is something that doesn’t come naturally to most people, especially at first. This means that you need to be patient with your class participants and meticulously explain to them how to do the exercise and correct their form if necessary.

  • Understanding of Lifestyle, Diet and the Human Body

As an aerobics instructor, you need to be aware of how people’s lifestyle choices affect how their bodies look at function. So if someone in your class says that they suffer from a particular ailment, you will know how they should be adapting the moves to suit them.

  • Awareness of Safety and Good Working Practices

As we mentioned previously, an aerobics instructor needs to have a good understanding of first aid so that they can assist a someone who may suffer from an ailment during their class. They must also do all that they can in order make sure that their classes are safe for everyone who is taking them.

Become an Aerobics Instructor with Trifocus Fitness Academy

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to become an aerobics instructor? Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Aerobics Instructor Course. For more information about this and our other online fitness courses, please follow this link.

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What Makes Kettlebells a Fabulous Workout? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-makes-kettlebells-a-fabulous-workout/ Thu, 26 Sep 2019 05:50:08 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12189 A kettlebell resembles a cast-iron cannonball with a handle at the top of it. This exercise equipment comes in various weights. You’ll utilise them as you do movements such as lunges, lifts as well as shoulder presses. A kettlebell workout gets your heart pumping which makes it a fabulous exercise! Training with kettlebells uses up...

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A kettlebell resembles a cast-iron cannonball with a handle at the top of it. This exercise equipment comes in various weights. You’ll utilise them as you do movements such as lunges, lifts as well as shoulder presses.

A kettlebell workout gets your heart pumping which makes it a fabulous exercise! Training with kettlebells uses up to 20 calories per minute. This is equivalent to running about one and a half kilometres in six minutes.

What Are The Benefits of Working Out With Kettlebells?

Kettlebell workouts give a lot of flexibility when it comes to designing your routine. You can incorporate a few of the moves into your own workout. Alternatively, you can do a dedicated kettlebell workout a few times a week.

There are tonnes of other amazing benefits that come from performing kettlebell exercises. Kettlebells are widely recognised for improving overall strength, core power, balance, flexibility, as well as coordination. In addition, a kettlebell workout will also incinerate fat and sculpt healthy and lean muscles.

As a kettle bell has an off-set centre of gravity, usually about 15 to 20 cm away from your grip on the handle, it is more difficult to control. This means that any kettlebell exercises are going to need strict and controlled form.

Here are a number of other benefits of including kettlebell exercises into your fitness routine:

  • Combines Strength and Cardio – Do ballistic exercises that combine strength, cardio and flexibility training.
  • Improves Functional Strength – Affects a number of muscle groups which assist with everyday tasks and daily life.
  • Compact and Portable – You only need one or two kettlebells to train you entire body and these are easy to store away.
  • Fun and Versatile Workouts – Kettlebell exercises offer a wide variety of movements that target every muscle group for a total body workout.

How to do a Lunge With Kettlebells

Lunges are an exceptional functional exercise which is responsible for building muscle as well as  power in your lower body. In addition, this type of exercise can enhance your mobility as well as range of motion.

If you’re looking to supercharge the intensity level of your lunges, try adding some weight with kettlebells! You can truly challenge your lower body, in a number of ways, by simply changing where and how you hold the weight(s) during your lunges.

Dead Lunge

A dead lunge is a stationary lunge variation. In this exercise you don’t move your legs forward or backward. However, you bend and straighten at the knee in order to move your body up and down.

  • Begin with your right leg in front and your left leg behind. Your legs should have a tiny space between them. This is so that your feet aren’t in the same line.
  • Hold one kettlebell by the handle in your left hand. Make sure that your arm is straight down.
  • Engage your lat muscles so that you can keep the weight stable and to assist you with promoting a straight and tall spine as well as upper body.
  • Let your right arm float outward to your sides in order to assist with balance. Inhale as you bend at both knees. While you’re doing this, keep your upper body tall.
  • Engage your abs in order to assist you with keeping your balance.
  • Sink down. Stop when the kettlebell reaches close to, or touches, the floor.
  • Exhale as you power up. Engage your quad and glute muscles as you do this.
  • Repeat between eight and 10 times per side.

Racked Reverse Lunge

The racked reverse lunge is undoubtedly one of the kettlebell lunge variations that challenges your balance the most. This exercise requires you to balance while you hold the kettlebell at chest-height. At the same time, you’ll move one foot back and forth at a time.

  • Grab two kettlebells. Bring them up to the rack position. Put your feet next to each other about hip-width apart.
  • Tighten your abdominals. Keep them tight as well as engaged during the entire motion.
  • Inhale and step your right foot back. Sink down towards the ground in one swift movement.
  • Keep your upper body tall and straight. Ensure that you keep your lat muscles engaged so that you can hold the kettlebells tight in the rack position.
  • Squeeze your glutes and quads. As you exhale to come up, bring your right foot back to the position it started in.
  • Repeat the movement on the opposite side. Alternate back and forth for between six and eight reps per side, per set.

Become a Kettlebells Master with Trifocus Fitness Academy

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Are you keen to learn how to incorporate kettlebells in your clients’ routines? Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Kettlebell Course to find out how you can do this! Read more here.

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What is the endocrine system? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-the-endocrine-system/ Wed, 25 Sep 2019 07:36:07 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12171 Although we rarely think about them, the gland of the endocrine system and – the hormones that they release – influence almost every cell, organ and function in the human body. The endocrine system is key in regulating mood, growth and development, tissue functioning and metabolism among many other functions. Generally speaking, the endocrine system...

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Although we rarely think about them, the gland of the endocrine system and – the hormones that they release – influence almost every cell, organ and function in the human body. The endocrine system is key in regulating mood, growth and development, tissue functioning and metabolism among many other functions.

Generally speaking, the endocrine system is in charge of body processes that happen slowly, for example cell growth. Faster processes – such as breathing and body movement – are regulated by the nervous system. However, even though the nervous system and endocrine system are separate they often work together to help the body function properly.

About The Endocrine System

The foundations of the endocrine system are hormones as well as glands. As they are the body’s chemical messengers, hormones transfer information and instructions from one set of cells to another. Although many different hormones circulate throughout the bloodstream each one only affects the cells that re genetically programmed to received as well as provide a response to its message. Levels of hormone can be influenced by factors such as stress, infection and changes in the balanced of fluid as well as minerals in blood.

A gland is a collection of cells which produces and secretes (or give off) chemicals. A gland selects and takes out materials from the blood. It then processes these materials and secretes the finished chemical product that will be used somewhere else in the body.

A number of types of glands release their secretions in specific areas. For instance, exocrine glands, such as salivary and sweat glands, are responsible for releasing secretions in the skin or inside of the mouth. Endocrine glands, conversely, release more than 20 major hormones directly into the bloodstream. Using this medium they can be transported to cells in other parts of the body.

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Parts of the Endocrine System

The main glands that constitute the human endocrine system are the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, pineal body and the reproductive glands. In men, the reproductive glands are the testes and in women the reproductive glands are the ovaries. The pancreas also forms a part of this hormone-secreting system. This is even though it is also associated with the digestive system as it also produces as well as secretes digestive enzymes.

Even though the endocrine glands are the body’s main hormone producers some non-endocrine organs -such as the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, thymus and skin – also produce and release hormones.

In a personal trainer course, you’ll learn about the endocrine system as well as various other essential systems of your body. This is so that you know how  a client’s anatomy will respond to the different exercises that you will have them do.

Study a Personal Trainer Course with Trifocus Fitness Academy

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

On all of Trifocus Fitness Academy’s accredited personal trainer courses, you’ll get an in-depth look at human anatomy. In addition to this, you’ll be taught everything that there is to know about what is takes to become a world-class personal trainer. For more information about this as well as our other online fitness courses, please visit our website.

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Why Studying A Personal Trainer Course Is A Smart Move https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/why-studying-a-personal-trainer-course-is-a-smart-move/ Wed, 25 Sep 2019 07:25:34 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12173 Health and fitness is a growing global industry which means that personal trainers will always be in hot demand. This is because the number of people dying from all sorts of diseases – such as heart attacks and the like – is growing exponentially. The good news is that it’s very easy for these types...

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Health and fitness is a growing global industry which means that personal trainers will always be in hot demand. This is because the number of people dying from all sorts of diseases – such as heart attacks and the like – is growing exponentially. The good news is that it’s very easy for these types of diseases to be prevented by you keeping fit and healthy.

Why Does Exercise Keep You Healthy?

Expert medical practitioners have empirical data to show that all causes of death are lowered by exercise. If you perform more physical activity, you’ll have less of a chance of suffering from heart disease, diabetes and cancer. In addition, people who exercise have fewer accidents and die less often from infections.

Here’s how regular exercise helps to stave off specific diseases:

Heart Disease

Regularly exercising assists with:

  • Lowering blood pressure,
  • Maintaining a healthy weight, and
  • Reducing cholesterol.

All that is required is moderate physical activity in order to get the results that you want. Researchers have found that walking after you’ve eaten a high-fat can meal actually can help to reverse any damage that has occurred to blood vessels. This means that you should try walking just one and a half kilometres, in less than 30 minutes, on most days of the week.

Arthritis

Surveys have shown that exercise is safe as well as effective in:

  • Alleviating pain and stiffness,
  • Improving range of motion, and
  • Enhancing overall strength in people who suffer from arthritis.

In addition, the physical activity will assist the arthritis-sufferer with losing weight which lessens pressure on their joints. Unfortunately, not exercising enough can quicken the disease. Try out water aerobics if your joints are painful. Exercises such as gentle stretching, Yoga and tai chi can assist with increasing flexibility.

Cancer

Regular exercise (in addition to quitting smoking if you’re a smoker) may decrease your risk of many cancers. Research indicates that exercising can cut the risk of reappearance of cancer, or death owing to this colorectal cancer, by as much as 50%.

Exercise may also assist with lowering the recurrence rate – for those suffering from breast cancer – as it assists with regulating hormone levels. For virtually all cancer patients, physical activity can lessen some side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, such as nausea and fatigue.

Diabetes

Obesity is one of the main causes of type 2 diabetes. In a recent piece of research, it was found that a weight loss of 5% to 7% decreased the incidence of the disease by 58%. Fitness can also play a huge role in regulating normal blood-glucose levels and lowering or postponing long-term cardiovascular complications.

So, you’ve seen that exercise plays a huge role in helping to prevent all sorts of diseases. As a client’s guide to fitness, a personal trainer plays a huge role in making sure that they don’t fall prey to one of these illnesses. However, to be an adequate guide any wanna-be personal trainer needs to have studied an accredited personal trainer course.

Study a Personal Trainer Course with Trifocus Fitness Academy

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you’re looking to study an accredited personal trainer course, look no further than Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma. It’s the  platinum standard when it comes to personal training qualifications and will make you into the best personal trainer out there!

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What is social media management for fitness professionals? https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/what-is-social-media-management-for-fitness-professionals/ Mon, 23 Sep 2019 07:11:33 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12157 The process of ‘social media management’ involves creating, scheduling, analysing as well as engaging with content that is posted on social media platforms, like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Social media management is about reaching new customers online or improving as well as maintaining their reputation. We’re not saying that a personal trainer – or any...

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The process of ‘social media management’ involves creating, scheduling, analysing as well as engaging with content that is posted on social media platforms, like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Social media management is about reaching new customers online or improving as well as maintaining their reputation.

We’re not saying that a personal trainer – or any other fitness professional, for that matter – must become an expert social media manager. However, what we are saying is that fitness professionals cannot afford to neglect social media marketing for their businesses as this marketing channel brings in the most customers, for business, at the lowest possible cost. In this article, we’ll have a look at what social media marketing principles fitness professionals need to know.

Must-have social media skills for fitness professionals

As the social media network that has the largest number of people on it, starting off your social media presence on Facebook is a good first step. And the great news is that you don’t have to start out by spending a cent. You can set up your social media presence on Facebook for free.

Create a personal business presence by utilising a fan page

One of the main strengths of social media marketing is its power to create relationships between businesses as well as their audiences. The person-to-person communication that can happen on social media makes potential personal training clients feel that they have encountered a personal trainer in a meaningful way and that they now have a special connection with that company.

Maintain a robust brand presence

While it’s true that your Facebook posts most likely won’t appear in your audience’s news feeds you  unless you are paying for this privilege, that doesn’t mean that you should refrain from posting on your page.  Today, people often use Facebook as a search engine in order to find out more about a company. This means that a robust, active page that’s full of regular posts and lots of audience engagement is a great way to showcase the fact that your customers are satisfied and enthusiastic.

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Join Facebook groups

Facebook groups offer a networking opportunity for professionals. There are any number of Facebook groups which are dedicated to various industries, professions as well as interests. Use your personal account in order to join groups of colleagues in addition to groups where your target audience is likely to be found.

Create your own group

If you can’t find a Facebook group that really fits what you’re looking for then you should create your own group:

  • Add members,
  • Publish articles that you feel will be of interest to them,
  • Carry on meaningful discussions, and
  • Meet quite a few prospects.

Because you own the group and control the conversations, this automatically grants you industry leadership status in the eyes of your members. This can only help when they realise that they need the product or service you provide.

List your events

If you’re hosting a webinar or speaking somewhere you can create an event page and invite friends and people in the groups you’re in to attend. You can even see the number of RSVPs you’ve received and get feedback from attendees.

Syndicate your blog

If you know that you will forget or won’t be able to find the time. to share your latest blog posts on your Facebook page or profile each week, automate the task. There are many different online tools which you can use in order to do this, from simple plugins for WordPress to suites of digital marketing software, that will automatically post each new blog post to your Facebook page for you. More Exposure = More Traffic = More Leads.

Stream live video with Facebook Live

The intimacy and immediacy of making live videos on Facebook creates the sense, for your viewers, that they are getting a behind-the-scenes peek at the real you. This will also entice them to stick around to watch much longer than they would for a regular video owing to the unpredictability of live video.

Create a community

Perhaps Facebook’s biggest benefit is that it lets you create a community. It provides you a group of people who are constantly connected to you. In addition, they are open to hearing your message. Engage with people authentically, this means writing on their walls, responding to their comments on your own, conversing in groups, or introducing people to each other. Before you know it, you’ll have created a community of friends who look favourably on you and your personal training business.

Study Social Media Management For Fitness Professionals at Trifocus Fitness Academy

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

Want to delve in depth into how you can leverage social media for your fitness business? Check out Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Social Media Management for Fitness Professionals.

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The Power of a Personal Trainer Course https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/personal-fitness-training-blog/the-power-of-a-personal-trainer-course/ Fri, 20 Sep 2019 07:27:11 +0000 https://trifocusfitnessacademy.co.za/?p=12140 “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” Jim Ryan: Olympic Athlete Anyone can exercise. Walking up a flight of stairs, gardening and walking down to the post box to pick up your mail are all forms of exercise. However, if you want to perfectly sculpt your body and make sure...

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“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”

Jim Ryan: Olympic Athlete

Anyone can exercise. Walking up a flight of stairs, gardening and walking down to the post box to pick up your mail are all forms of exercise. However, if you want to perfectly sculpt your body and make sure that it is a finely tuned machine you need something different. You need to hire a personal trainer.

Why do we say this?

Because a personal trainer is well trained and expertly skilled in making sure that their clients do all that they are able to in order to get the best bodies that they can. This is by developing an exercise plan that it right for them and ticks all the boxes in terms of being right for their body types.

In addition, a personal trainer is well trained in nutrition. He or she knows that the quality of food that a person eats has a direct relationship with their health and wellness. The wise saying “You Are What You Eat” is extremely valid – it’s not just an old wives tale.

Think about it: if you constantly fill your body with junk food – such as greasy chips and hamburgers – it is very likely that you’ll put on weight: a lot of it. Although you won’t start looking like a hamburger (at least we hope!) your health will suffer.

So what is the next step?

Well, there are a number of options. Here are some of them.

Expert tutelage

Yes, granted, there is reams upon reams of information available out there which is available on the Internet. However, who do you trust? Done incorrectly, exercise has the potential to hurt you very badly. If you have an exceptionally serious injury, you may even require surgery.

Think about if you started offering personal training services to clients, without the proper qualifications, and only having the backing of information that you found on the World Wide Web. You may have found extremely detailed diagrams and tutorials about how to perform these exercises but how do you know that you’re doing them right?

One of the number one values that a personal trainer course adds is the expert tutelage that is given to students. Experienced personal trainers lead these classes and keep a close eye on all students. This is so that they can check how they instruct people to do various exercises and, if they do mess up a bit, they can be corrected. You don’t get this from the Internet!

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An accredited qualification

A personal trainer course – at least one that is worth its salt – is accredited. What this means is that it’s backed by registered and well-respected fitness bodies. Why is this important? Well, because if a personal trainer course is accredited it has a stamp of approval which shows everyone, who knows that you have successfully passed this course, that you know what you’re talking about. This is a great marketing tool as both potential employers and prospective clients will have faith in the training that you will give and will know that you will give the best possible service out.

International opportunities

A personal trainer course that is internationally recognised as well will give you the opportunity to work overseas. So if you want to travel the world and take in the sights, you have a recognised and sought-after qualification that will help you to fund your travels.

Hire a personal trainer

In order to make sure that you remain fit and healthy and, most importantly, that you keep on with your personal training routine, a very good idea is to hire a personal trainer.

Yes, you could start an exercise routine yourself – and there are fitness consultants already at the gym who you can ask questions of in terms of how to do certain exercises. However, they are not available to walk you through your exercise routine and put you on the right track if you’re not doing a particular exercise correctly.

Think of your personal trainer as your exercise guide. They are there to make sure that you display proper form throughout your exercise and workout routine. When you feel that you want to give up, your personal trainer is there to motivate you and to help you keep on going.

So now that we’ve convinced you of the necessity of hiring a personal trainer, how do you choose the best one for you?

First of all, you need to look for a personal trainer who has successfully passed an accredited personal trainer course. Why do we say this? Because if the personal training course, that a trainer has passed, is accredited it has the industry stamp of recognised fitness bodies. They feel that the material that this personal trainer course offers is so good that they want to recommend this to the community at large.

The next thing for you to do is, once you’ve selected which trainer you want to go for, try them out. Quite a lot of gyms offer packages of three trial sessions that you can use to try a trainer out. This is done so that you can decide if the personal trainer is the right fit for you. Sometimes, a person may have all the right qualifications on paper but unless you gel, the relationship won’t go anywhere.

Do a Personal Trainer Course at Trifocus Fitness Academy

Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy

If you feel that you want to dive headfirst into the world of personal training yourself, look no further than Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Personal Training Diploma. It is, without a doubt, the crème-de-la-crème  of personal training courses. When you walk in with one of these, every client will fight to train with you. For more info, please follow this link.

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